{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"MO\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/31/smith-delivers-rural-health-funding-for-missouri-communities/", "Smith Delivers Rural Health Funding for Missouri Communities", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a $216,276,818 grant to the state of Missouri to expand access to health care in rural communities from the Rural Health Transformation Program that was created as part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill that Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) co-authored. Since passage of the Bill, Congressman Smith (MO-08) personally contacted both HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz to ensure rural communities in Missouri receive desperately needed funding, particularly in southeast and south-central Missouri.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cAccess to care is the biggest issue facing working families in Missouri, which is why I made funding rural health care such a top priority in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The Rural Health Transformation Program is a foundational piece of a broader Republican effort to prioritize working families in rural communities across the country. Sixty million Americans \u2014 roughly 20 percent of our nation\u2019s population \u2014 live in rural communities that lack sufficient access to quality, affordable health care. This funding will help fund greatly expanded health care access, better training and retention for health professionals, and new innovations to fight the chronic disease epidemic. This effort will dramatically improve the delivery of health care in rural communities that currently suffer from a disproportionate level of mortality when compared to their urban counterparts \u2014 including heightened cancer and maternal mortality rates, alongside the closure of hospitals like the twelve that have shut down in Missouri over the past decade. I applaud the Trump Administration for recognizing this once in a generation opportunity to strengthen the health and well-being of America\u2019s rural communities. Now I will work hand-in-hand with our state\u2019s leaders to ensure this funding is used to create sustainable, long-lasting changes that improve the quality of life for Missouri residents through improved health access.\u201d\n\nCongressman Smith, alongside members of the Missouri delegation, sent a letter to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the importance of the RHTP program to Missouri\u2019s rural communities and asking officials to incorporate key policies in their application.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eric-burlison-outlines-legislative-wins-and-next-priorities-oan", "Rep. Eric Burlison Outlines Legislative Wins and Next Priorities on OAN", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) appeared on One America News Network to reflect on the 2025 session and preview the policy priorities Republicans must advance in the second half of the 119th Congress.\n\nWatch the full interview here.\n\nBurlison highlighted key outcomes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, noting that Congress enacted meaningful spending reductions, including defunding NPR and PBS. He also pointed to a significant Second Amendment tax relief provision, permanent extensions of major tax reforms, the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, and the codification of more than three dozen Trump administration executive actions focused on deregulation and domestic energy production.\n\nBurlison noted that these reforms are beginning to show positive economic effects, while emphasizing that additional work remains.\n\nLooking ahead, Burlison stressed the need for another reconciliation bill to address unresolved priorities, particularly healthcare and election integrity. He explained that rejecting a temporary extension of enhanced COVID-era Obamacare subsidies was an important step toward creating the leverage necessary for meaningful reform.\n\nBurlison outlined clear expectations for any reconciliation legislation, including significant healthcare reform that expands patient choice, increases transparency, and lowers costs without adding to the national debt. He emphasized giving individuals greater control over insurance options, provider networks, and alternative care models such as direct primary care.\n\n\u201cWe have to set the marker early and be clear about our expectations,\u201d Burlison said. \u201cReconciliation must deliver real reform, not more spending layered onto a broken system.\u201d\n\nBurlison also addressed recent comments from Democrats suggesting another government shutdown, noting that many Democrats remember the consequences of the last shutdown, which brought the country within days of crippling TSA operations and airport travel. He emphasized that continuing to advance appropriations bills would reduce the impact of any shutdown effort and remove it as a political weapon.\n\nThe interview concluded with Burlison reaffirming his commitment to fiscal responsibility, healthcare reform, and restoring accountability as Congress enters the next phase of the legislative session.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-issues-statement-chiefs-move-kansas", "Rep. Burlison Issues Statement on Chiefs' Move to Kansas", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Eric Burlison issued the following statement regarding the Kansas City Chiefs' decision to relocate operations to Kansas:\n\n\"The Kansas City Chiefs have built a proud and lasting legacy in Missouri, anchored by Arrowhead Stadium and generations of loyal fans.\n\nThis is a sad day for Missouri and for free-market capitalism.\n\nCronyism has won the day. It should be illegal to tax citizens and use their money to subsidize privately-owned businesses. NFL owners use leverage aggressively, and the reality is that Kansans will now be forced to foot the bill for a stadium that benefits a multibillion-dollar franchise.\n\nIn the process, many Missouri-based fans are being taken for granted. It is also worth noting that Missouri\u2019s largest cities continue to dwindle under long-standing Democratic control and have repeatedly lost major professional sports franchises.\n\nThat record deserves serious reflection.\n\nThe way forward for Missouri is simple: keep taxes low for all, cut regulations, grow the economy and population\u2014and then the teams will come knocking.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-nominations-us-military-service-academies", "Graves Announces Nominations to U.S. Military Service Academies", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KANSAS CITY, MO \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced United States Military Service Academy nominations for students in Missouri\u2019s Sixth Congressional District. Each year, Members of Congress are tasked with selecting qualified students from their respective districts to attend one of America\u2019s prestigious military academies.\n\n\u201cOne of the greatest honors I have as the Congressman for North Missouri is nominating highly qualified students to our nation\u2019s military service academies,\u201d said Rep. Graves, who notified each student by phone of their nomination. \u201cThese young men and women are among the best and brightest. They\u2019ve gone above and beyond in their academics and have already demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school and communities. They will undoubtedly make North Missouri proud.\u201d\n\nThe following students from across North Missouri received nominations from Congressman Graves:\n\nBeau Blomme \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Park Hill High School)\n\nJarett Brooner \u2013 U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Savannah High School)\n\nZechariah Compton \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy (Savannah High School)\n\nLeona Dalakishvili \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy (Park Hill South High School)\n\nLandon Frazier - U.S. Military Academy (Smithville High School)\n\nGable Gross \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy (St. Pius X Catholic High School)\n\nLauren Haley-Clark - U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Mark Twain High School)\n\nAvery Janiak - U.S. Naval Academy (Kearney High School)\n\nBenjamin Jaster \u2013 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Maryville High School)\n\nMadison Laffey \u2013 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kearney High School)\n\nAndrew Lager \u2013 U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Jefferson C-123 in Conception Junction)\n\nJaxon Limle \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy (St. Joseph Central High School)\n\nAshton Lovegreen - U.S. Naval Academy (Palmyra R-1 High School)\n\nKaleb Miller - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Liberty High School)\n\nNoah Rees - U.S. Air Force Academy (West Platte High School)\n\nJackson Rotterman - U.S. Air Force Academy (St. Pius X Catholic High School)\n\nWyatt Tuley - U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy (Marion County R-II High School)\n\nKirstin Young - U.S. Air Force Academy (Kirksville High School)\n\nThe nomination system is a very competitive process. Various military service academies hold extremely selective admission standards. To help in the nomination process, Rep. Graves created an Academy Nominations Review Board. The board, made up of military service academy graduates, veterans and citizens of the Sixth District, interviewed and reviewed all applicants before making final recommendations to Rep. Graves.\n\nStudents interested in being appointed to a military service academy in the future are encouraged to learn more, particularly early in their high school career, by contacting Graves\u2019 district office in Kansas City or by visiting graves.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-onder-applauds-trump-administrations-announcement-sex-rejecting", "Congressman Onder Applauds Trump Administration\u2019s Announcement on Sex-Rejecting Procedures", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bob Onder, M.D. (MO-03) attended a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcement of regulatory actions to end the practice of providing irreversible transgender surgeries and prescriptions to children. These actions were directed by President Trump\u2019s January 28, 2025, Executive Order 14187, \u201cProtecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.\u201d\n\nThe executive order also required HHS to review and publish all available clinical evidence through a Gender Dysphoria Report, which exposed the alarming lack of clinical evidence to support these interventions, and documented serious risks and harms. Additionally, the order directed the Department of Justice to transmit legislation to Congress to permanently prohibit these procedures. Rep. Onder introduced that legislation\u2014H.R. 5483, the Chloe Cole Act\u2014with Senator Marsha Blackburn introducing the Senate companion.\n\n\u201cThe dark days of subjecting children like Chloe Cole to irreversible harm that they cannot consent to are over. Secretary Kennedy\u2019s announcement today will protect children, their families, and the majority of doctors who want to uphold their promise to \u2018do no harm\u2019. I thank President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for their leadership on this crucial issue. The Administration is banning all hospitals, clinics, and providers that accept federal funding from performing these experimental and dangerous procedures on children. This will effectively end the practice of chemical and surgical mutilation in the United States,\u201d Congressman Onder said.\n\nBackground Information\n\nAccording to Secretary Kennedy\u2019s announcement, HHS intends to:\n\nProhibit hospitals from providing transgender surgeries or prescriptions to minors\n\nPrevent taxpayer dollars from supporting transgender medical interventions on minors by prohibiting Medicaid and the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from funding these procedures on minors\n\nWarn sellers and manufacturers of breast binders they must immediately end the illegal marketing of these products to minors\n\nAllow medical providers who do not want to participate in transgender surgeries or prescriptions the option to decline to participate by reversing the Biden administration\u2019s attempt to include gender dysphoria within the definition of a disability\n\nIssue a public health message to inform health care providers, families, and policymakers that current evidence does not support claims that puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries are safe and effective treatments for pediatric gender dysphoria.\n\nWhen used long term in healthy children, puberty blockers can cause splintered bones and osteoporosis. When cross-sex hormones follow puberty blockers, the child can be left permanently infertile and can be more likely to experience cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. We know that these procedures cause serious, permanent damage and provide little psychological benefit. Political pressures have infiltrated medical society leadership, who have chosen to disregard evidence-based medicine and stifle concerns from physician members. Both the Endocrine Society and American Academy of Pediatrics adopted so-called \u201cGender Affirming Care\u201d without allowing debate or a vote by their membership. In fact, physician members of both organizations have petitioned their leadership for the opportunity to discuss their concerns, but both have refused to allow such debate. Whistleblower doctors and nurses have shared that parents and children are usually uninformed of the long-term health risks, and that many gender clinics intentionally refuse to track negative outcomes or provide support to children who are unhappy with the outcomes of their hormone intervention.", 1, "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-passes-rotor-act-strengthen-aviation-safety", "The Senate Passes ROTOR Act to Strengthen Aviation Safety", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nDecember 18, 2025\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) is leading the House companion to the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, which has just passed the United States Senate. Working alongside Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the legislation strengthens aviation safety and oversight. Rep. Onder, a licensed pilot, serves on the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\n\nThe ROTOR Act will eliminate a loophole that allows military aircraft to operate without Automatic Dependent Surveillance \u2013 Broadcast (ADS-B) Out transmitting \u2013 a technology that broadcasts an aircraft\u2019s precise location. It requires all aircraft operating in high-risk and high-volume airspace to use ADS-B In to enhance pilots\u2019 visualization. In addition, the bill requires safety reviews at all major and mid-sized airports, strengthens coordination and information sharing between the FAA and the Department of Defense, and calls for The Army Inspector General to audit Army aviation operations, particularly around the National Capital Region.\n\n\u201cThe collision that occurred in January over the skies of our nation\u2019s capital was a horrific tragedy. Sixty-seven lives were lost, with no survivors. My heart goes out to every family who lost a loved one, and to the first responders who confronted unimaginable devastation,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cThat tragedy made clear that serious gaps exist in our aviation oversight\u2014gaps that demand action. I\u2019m encouraged and grateful that the Senate has now passed Senator Cruz\u2019s ROTOR Act, which takes an important step forward by closing loopholes that allow government and military aircraft to operate without broadcasting their location and by requiring modern, reliable tracking technology on all aircraft.\n\n\u201cThis is commonsense, responsible legislation, and it reflects our obligation to protect the American people. I\u2019m thrilled to see this bill advance in the Senate, and I\u2019m proud to be leading the fight in the House to get it across the finish line.\u201d\n\nUpon passage, Sen. Cruz said, \u201cThis bill will be a fitting way to honor the lives of those lost nearly one year ago over the Potomac River. The goal of the victims\u2019 families is to ensure no one else endures a similar avoidable, completely unnecessary, tragedy. The ROTOR Act will save lives.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nBackground Information\n\nOn January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when air traffic controllers asked the pilots if they could redirect to land on a shorter runway. The pilots confirmed they could.\n\nNearby, an Army Black Hawk helicopter was conducting its annual proficiency training. Less than 30 seconds before the two aircraft collided, a controller radioed the Black Hawk to ask whether it had the incoming flight in sight. Moments later, the collision occurred and there were no survivors.\n\nOne of the passengers on board was from the St. Louis region - a woman named Asra Hussain. The entire St. Louis community stands with her family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. We mourn with them, and we honor Asra, a Missourian, a newlywed, a daughter, and a friend.\n\nAt a three-day hearing in July, the National Transportation Safety Board revealed a critical detail: the Army Black Hawk had not broadcast its location via ADS-B for 730 days prior to the crash. Without this tracking data, the helicopter was effectively invisible to other aircraft, leaving both flight crews without situational awareness.\n\nThe ADS-B system provides more accurate and continuous information than traditional radar, transmitting an aircraft\u2019s location, speed, altitude, and other critical data in real time.\n\nThe ROTOR Act is H.R. 6222 in the House of Representatives and S. 2503 in the Senate.", 1, "2026-06-27T06:16:17Z", "2026-06-27T06:17:30Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onders-self-insurance-protection-act-passes-house", "Rep. Onder\u2019s Self-Insurance Protection Act Passes the House", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan (Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Tonight, the House passed H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, which includes Congressman Bob Onder\u2019s bill, H.R. 2571, the Self-Insurance Protection Act. This legislation ensures that employers who choose to self-insure retain access to a critical financial tool\u2014stop-loss insurance.\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve autonomy in their health coverage decisions, and small businesses should have the flexibility to choose a health plan that best meets the needs of their employees. As a physician, I\u2019ve seen firsthand how greater competition and choice can drive down costs. The Self-Insurance Protection Act ensures that businesses, large and small, can provide the right health care coverage for their workers without unnecessary government interference,\u201d said Congressman Onder.\n\n\u201cAt a time when health care costs are on the rise, we need to give businesses more tools to control their costs, not fewer. Unfortunately, Democrat-led states are intent on saddling self-insured health plans that use reinsurance to insulate themselves from unexpected high claims with more regulations by subjecting them to state health insurance law. This legislation confirms the obvious \u2013 reinsurance is different from health insurance and should not be regulated as such. Millions of Americans depend on self-insured employer-sponsored health plans. The Self-Insurance Protection Act will defend their access to high quality and affordable health care,\u201d said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman, Rep. Walberg.\n\n-30-\n\nLink to the full bill text for H.R. 2571 HERE\n\nLink to the full bill text for H.R.6703 HERE\n\nBackground Information\n\nMany employers choose to self-insure by covering their employees\u2019 medical costs directly\u2014either by paying providers or reimbursing employees as claims arise. In many cases, self-insured employers work with third-party administrators to manage provider networks and claims processing.\n\nTo manage financial risk, many self-insured employers rely on stop-loss insurance, which provides protection against unexpectedly high or catastrophic medical claims. Stop-loss coverage is a critical tool that enables employers, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, to offer health benefits while maintaining financial stability.\n\nDespite its importance, stop-loss insurance has faced increasing scrutiny at the state level. New York currently prohibits stop-loss coverage for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and other states have considered similar restrictions. While stop-loss insurance has traditionally been regulated by states and not at the federal level, the Obama administration signaled interest in redefining certain stop-loss policies as traditional health insurance. In 2014, the Department of Labor issued guidance stating that state laws regulating stop-loss insurance would not be preempted by ERISA, opening the door for states to restrict or prohibit its use.\n\nH.R. 2571, the Self-Insurance Protection Act, amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to:\n\nClarify that federal regulators may not classify stop-loss insurance as traditional health insurance; and\n\nAffirm that ERISA preempts state laws that attempt to block self-insurance by regulating or prohibiting stop-loss coverage.\n\nThis legislation ensures that businesses, especially small employers, retain the flexibility to offer health coverage without unnecessary government interference.", 1, "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-advances-onders-churchill-museum-legislation", "Senate Advances Onder\u2019s Churchill Museum Legislation", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan (Washington, D.C.) \u2013The Senate unanimously passed the National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025, which included Senator Josh Hawley\u2019s (R-MO) companion to Rep. Onder\u2019s H.R. 1945, the America\u2019s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act. This bill formally designates America\u2019s National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its exceptional historical significance.\n\n\u201cSir Winston Churchill inspired generations of leaders through his resilience, determination, and resolve. I am proud to lead America\u2019s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act in the House, which designates America\u2019s National Churchill Museum at Westminster College as a National Historic Landmark. With the Senate\u2019s passage of this legislation, we are taking important steps to ensure Churchill\u2019s legacy continues to inspire future leaders right here in Missouri,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cMissouri is home of Winston Churchill\u2019s \u2018Iron Curtain\u2019 speech that marked the beginning of the Cold War,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have shepherded this legislation through the Senate to rightfully commemorate Missouri\u2019s friendship with one of the greatest leaders in world history.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nBackground Information\n\nLocated on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, the National Churchill Museum holds a unique place in world history. On March 5, 1946, it was there that Sir Winston Churchill delivered his famous \u201cSinews of Peace\u201d address\u2014known to history as the Iron Curtain speech\u2014declaring, \u201cFrom Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.\u201d\n\nAt this site, standing alongside President Harry Truman, Churchill warned of the growing division across Europe, a moment many historians mark as the beginning of the Cold War and a defining chapter of the 20th century.\n\nTo honor the legacy of Churchill\u2019s visit, Westminster College undertook a remarkable effort in the 1960s to relocate the 17th-century Church of St. Mary Aldermanbury from London to Fulton, stone by stone. Reconstruction was completed in 1969, and the church now serves as the home of America\u2019s National Churchill Museum.\n\nNearly 80 years later, this historic site continues to educate visitors about leadership, freedom, and the importance of understanding our nation\u2019s history.\n\nThe America\u2019s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act:\n\n\u25cf Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate America\u2019s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its exceptional historical significance.\n\n\u25cf Requires the National Park Service to conduct a Special Resource Study to evaluate future designation opportunities for the site.\n\nThis legislation ensures that some of the most consequential moments in modern history are preserved, honored, and shared with generations to come.", 1, "2026-05-21T06:28:16Z", "2026-05-21T06:29:43Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-lee-reintroduce-legislation-protect-vehicle-data-and-personal-privacy", "Burlison, Lee Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Vehicle Data and Personal Privacy", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) reintroduced the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act, legislation to stop the unchecked collection, sale, and exploitation of personal data generated by modern vehicles. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nAs vehicles become increasingly connected, manufacturers now collect detailed and highly sensitive information, including location data, driving behavior, and biometric identifiers. Much of this data is gathered and monetized without clear disclosure or meaningful consent, leaving Americans exposed to surveillance, data brokers, and foreign adversaries.\n\nThe Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act establishes firm protections to ensure vehicle owners control their personal data and decide how it is used, shared, or deleted.\n\n\u201cAuto manufacturers have quietly turned cars into data-harvesting machines,\u201d Burlison said. \u201cDrivers are being tracked, and their personal information is monetized with little transparency or consent. Your data should never be treated as a corporate asset or an open target for bad actors.\u201d\n\n\u201cCarmakers are collecting and selling personal data from millions of American drivers,\u201d said Senator Lee. \u201cYour morning drive to work, your GPS location, and your driving habits could be sold to insurance companies, or even to international adversaries like China. Drivers deserve ownership of their data, so the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act will enable them to see, delete, and opt out of having their privacy violated in the drive-through line.\u201d\n\nKey provisions include:\n\nData ownership and consent: Prohibits manufacturers from accessing or selling vehicle data without explicit, written consent from the owner.\n\nLimits on data sharing: Restricts disclosure to narrow circumstances such as emergencies or valid court orders.\n\nNational security protections: Bars data transfers to entities tied to foreign adversaries\n\nConsumer access and deletion: Requires manufacturers to provide owners free access to their vehicle data and the ability to delete it.\n\nA 2023 Mozilla Foundation study found that 92 percent of car brands give drivers little or no control over their personal data. Industry projections estimate vehicle data monetization could reach as much as $750 billion by 2030, creating powerful incentives for invasive data practices that undermine privacy.\n\n\u201cThis bill draws a clear line,\u201d Burlison said. \u201cPersonal data belongs to the individual. Not to automakers. Not to data brokers. Not to foreign governments.\u201d\n\nBill Text Attached.\n\nOrganizational Support:\n\nRichard Ward, Executive Director of AVOA\n\n\"We are excited about the reintroduction of the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy (ADPA) Act, legislation aimed at ensuring that vehicle data remains with the vehicle owner, not the manufacturers. Motor vehicle fleet owners and operators provide a wide range of essential mobility services. Yet manufacturers are increasingly limiting access to vehicle-generated data, undermining the property rights of consumers and fleet operators alike. Vehicle owners must have access to and control over their vehicle-generated data, which is critical for privacy, safety, innovation, and fair market competition. This legislation represents a significant win for privacy, competition, and consumer choice. We look forward to working with Congress to protect American drivers.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onders-bill-increase-transparency-higher-education-costs-passes-committee", "Rep. Onder\u2019s Bill to Increase Transparency in Higher Education Costs Passes Committee", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) joined Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) in sponsoring H.R. 6498, the Student Financial Clarity Act. The bipartisan legislation passed out of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on December 11, 2025, and now awaits consideration on the House floor.\n\nH.R. 6498 will increase price transparency for American students as they navigate higher education opportunities, improve the Universal Net Price Calculator, and bolster the College Scorecard to provide additional information about specific programs of study.\n\n\u201cI am proud to join Congressman Guthrie in leading the Student Financial Clarity Act. With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, it is crucial that we help students thrive by creating transparency around institutions, programs, and costs. This is exactly what the Student Financial Clarity Act will accomplish. By creating an accurate Universal Net Price Calculator, this bill will empower students to compare universities and programs to help identify the best option not only for their educational future but also for their financial future,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cToday, America\u2019s young people face the daunting task of navigating an increasingly complex higher education landscape. As a result of the skyrocketing cost of education, Americans now owe nearly $1.8 trillion in student loans,\u201d said Congressman Guthrie. \u201cMy Student Financial Clarity Act would allow students to easily access information about the costs and outcomes at institutions and individual programs so they can evaluate the program that is best suited for their academic interests and financial means. This bill will bring much-needed clarity for the American student.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many college degree programs overpromise and underdeliver. In a time of declining trust in postsecondary education, now more than ever students deserve transparency so they know whether a program is worth the investment of their time and money. This bill is another strong step toward promoting sensible borrowing, driving down costs, and ending the hidden expenses that mire borrowers in student loan debt,\u201d said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI).\n\n\u201cFamilies deserve clear, accessible information when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives,\u201d said Congresswoman Trahan. \u201cThe Student Financial Clarity Act builds on years of work to strengthen Net Price Calculators and expands those reforms through a modernized College Scorecard with transparency on costs, aid, and student outcomes broken down by institution and program. This bill delivers on the simple idea that every student should know what they are paying for and what they can expect in return. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help students and parents navigate the path to higher education with confidence.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nLink to the bill text can be found HERE\n\nLink to the Markup:Markup of H.R. 6392, H.R. 6472, H.R. 6498, and H.R. 6502\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Student Financial Clarity Act builds upon Guthrie\u2019s Net Price Calculator Improvement Act, which he introduced in the last three sessions of Congress to establish a Universal Net Price Calculator.\n\nSince 2008, Congress has required institutions of higher education to provide Net Price Calculator tools on their websites as a part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. However, this tool has been implemented inconsistently, resulting in students experiencing difficulty in accessing important information when making the most crucial decisions of their academic careers.\n\nIf enacted, the Student Financial Clarity Act would:", 1, "2026-04-16T05:48:36Z", "2026-04-16T05:50:08Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senate-unanimously-passes-hawley-bill-to-make-missouri-churchill-museum-a-national-historic-landmark/", "Senate Unanimously Passes Hawley Bill to Make Missouri Churchill Museum a National Historic Landmark", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, the United States Senate unanimously passed Senator Josh Hawley\u2019s (R-Mo). legislation to designate America\u2019s National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark.\n\n\u201cMissouri is home of Winston Churchill\u2019s \u2018Iron Curtain\u2019 speech that marked the beginning of the Cold War,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have shepherded this legislation through the Senate to rightfully commemorate Missouri\u2019s friendship with one of the greatest leaders in world history.\u201d\n\nThe museum is located on the Westminster College campus in Fulton, Missouri. On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill joined President Harry S. Truman to speak at the Missouri college. It was at this site that Churchill famously described the state of foreign affairs in Europe by saying, \u201cFrom Stettin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.\u201d In the 1960s to honor the 20th anniversary of Churchill\u2019s visit, Westminster College imported a 17th-century church from London to Fulton. The church of St. Mary Aldermanbury was moved stone-by-stone to Westminster\u2019s campus. Reconstruction was completed in 1969 and is today\u2019s location of the museum.\n\nThe legislation will:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/15/smith-works-to-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-program-fights-for-rural-county-schools/", "Smith Works to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program, Fights for Rural County Schools", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement celebrating the passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to renew critical funding for rural counties in southeast Missouri and school districts across the country.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cCommunities across southeast Missouri have felt the strain since the Secure Rural Schools program expired in September 2023, leaving our counties and schools without the financial certainty they rely on. When so much of our land is federally owned, rural areas can\u2019t depend on a traditional tax base to fund classrooms, maintain roads, or support first responders. Reauthorizing this program restores the stability our communities deserve and ensures that our students and families aren\u2019t left behind because of federal land ownership. This is a major win for our schools, our infrastructure, and the long-term strength of our rural counties.\u201d\n\nThe Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program was created in 2000 to help rural counties offset lost revenue from declining timber harvests on federal land. Historically, counties containing national forest land received a portion of timber receipts to fund essential services like public education, road maintenance, emergency response, and law enforcement. As timber revenue dropped, many communities struggled to maintain these services. SRS provides stable, annual payments to ensure rural counties can continue supporting students, teachers, and first responders. Reauthorizing the program ensures predictable funding so rural communities can plan budgets, maintain infrastructure, and provide critical services without interruption.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/capital-markets-chair-wagner-chairman-hill-applaud-trump", "Capital Markets Chair Wagner, Chairman Hill Applaud Trump Administration\u2019s Move to Increase Transparency and Accountability in Proxy Advisory Process", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, House Committee on Financial Services Chairman Rep. French Hill (AR-02) and Subcommittee on Capital Markets Chair Ann Wagner (MO-02) released the following statement supporting the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to advance reforms that strengthen transparency and accountability in the proxy advisory process.\n\nChairman Hill and Subcommittee Chair Wagner: \u201cFor too long, a small number of firms have held disproportionate influence over corporate governance decisions that impact millions of investors. These reforms will help ensure shareholder voting is fair, well-informed, and focused on maximizing value for all investors. Strengthening oversight of proxy advisers and reinforcing fiduciary accountability in proxy voting will enhance the integrity of our capital markets and increase investor confidence. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration and regulators to ensure these reforms are implemented effectively, protect investors, and promote transparent corporate governance.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-secures-major-win-house-passes-permit-act", "Burlison Secures Major Win as House Passes PERMIT Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, a major permitting reform package that includes Congressman Eric Burlison\u2019s (MO-07) Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act.\n\nThe Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act establishes a firm 60-day deadline to file legal challenges against permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. By preventing lawsuits from being filed months or even years after a project has already begun, the reform brings much-needed certainty to builders, local governments, energy producers, and agriculture.\n\n\u201cFor too long, environmental activists have weaponized the courts to delay critical projects and drive up costs for our communities,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cMy reform puts a stop to these last-minute lawsuits. With a clear 60-day deadline, we can finally give project sponsors the confidence to build, grow, and move America forward. I\u2019m proud to deliver this win as part of the PERMIT Act.\u201d\n\nSection 404 permits are essential for infrastructure, pipelines, agriculture, mining, and construction projects that require placement of fill material into waters of the United States. The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act ensures that any legal challenges to those permits must be filed promptly, reducing costly delays and allowing projects to stay on schedule.\n\nThe PERMIT Act now moves to the Senate for further consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagners-bipartisan-capital-formation-package-passes-house", "Wagner's Bipartisan Capital Formation Package Passes House", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation (INVEST) Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives by 302 to 123. Led by Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (R-MO), House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), the INVEST Act will cut red tape in Washington, empower entrepreneurs and small businesses, and provide Americans with the opportunity to more freely invest.\n\nChair Wagner said, \u201cI work every day to ensure that Americans across the nation, especially in our heartland, can better save for their future, build, and innovate. As Chair of the Capital Markets Subcommittee, I have worked with all of my colleagues to craft vital policies that strengthen our markets so they can continue to be the strongest in the world and support Main Street investors who are saving for important goals like home ownership, a child\u2019s education, or their own retirement. The INVEST Act will supercharge our economy, provide stability for investors, and help small business owners grow and create jobs in communities around the nation. For too long, capital has been concentrated largely in the coastal regions, leaving out critical regions like the great Midwest. The INVEST Act will alleviate that imbalance and support growth in our neighborhoods in Missouri and beyond. It will invest in our community, in our jobs, and in our future. I thank my colleagues for their strong support of my legislation and look forward to the Senate quickly taking action.\u201d\n\nChairman Hill said, \u201cToday, we ensured the American Dream remains within reach for every family and community across our nation. I applaud the House\u2019s passage of the INVEST Act, which will keep our economy the envy of the world and secure a brighter future for generations to come. Through this bipartisan package, we expanded access to investment capital for new and expanding businesses; provided new investment options for investors and retirement plans; and lowered the costs for companies seeking to go public. I commend Subcommittee Chair Ann Wagner for her tremendous work in leading this legislation that will benefit all Americans in a profound way and am eager for INVEST to be signed into law.\u201d\n\nRep. Meeks said, \u201cAcross our country, hardworking families are invested in the stock market to build a future. These are the everyday Americans who rely on strong, fair, and accessible markets. Today, with the House\u2019s passage of this bipartisan INVEST Act, we took a major step forward. This bill strengthens our markets, expands opportunities for small businesses, and gives millions of Americans a greater chance to grow their retirement savings and achieve real financial security. At a time when families feel the squeeze of rising costs, this legislation is an opportunity to strengthen the financial future of every American household. I look forward to the INVEST Act becoming law so we can see real progress in closing the financial wealth gap in this country.\u201d\n\nRep. Gottheimer added, \u201cThe bipartisan INVEST Act takes vital steps to give Jersey small businesses and start-ups the resources they need to grow and thrive, which is becoming increasingly important as costs continue to surge. This bill also includes my bipartisan legislation, the Senior Security Act, to protect our vulnerable seniors from fraudsters who seek to take financial advantage of them. Millions of seniors across the country, including my own mother, have been the victims of financial scams, and this bipartisan legislation will help protect our seniors from having their hard-earned retirement savings stolen right out from under them.\"\n\nClick here for the Rules Committee Print of the INVEST Act.\n\nClick here for a one-pager.\n\nClick here for a section-by-section.\n\nClick here for a three-pager.\n\nClick here to read Chairman Hill\u2019s letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal.\n\nFurther Background on the Committee\u2019s work on capital formation legislation:", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-opens-hearing-technology-lowering-cost-healthcare", "Burlison Opens Hearing on Technology Lowering the Cost of Healthcare", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at today\u2019s joint subcommittee hearing on \u201cLowering the Cost of Healthcare: Technology\u2019s Role in Driving Affordability.\u201d In his remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison noted how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Biden administration\u2019s regulatory agenda have made health care more unaffordable for Americans and highlighted how different technologies, like 3D printing and telehealth, have already improved the efficiency of healthcare.\n\nWATCH: Subcommittee Chairman Burlison's opening remarks\n\nWelcome to this joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services.\n\nToday we are here to explore how innovative technology in the health care sector can help lower Americans\u2019 health care costs.\n\nHealth care costs in the United States have long been on the rise, but recent Democrat policies and the radical Biden Administration\u2019s regulatory agenda have made health care costs in America even worse.\n\nThe Inflation Reduction Act or IRA, signed into law by the Biden Administration in 2022, was passed under the guise of lowering health care costs for working Americans.\n\nThese two subcommittees recently held a joint hearing on the ballooning costs and market-distorting policies included in the IRA.\n\nToday, we have another opportunity to take a hard look at the consequences of policies that not only fail to accomplish their intended goals but place an undue regulatory burden on Americans.\n\nBusiness owners in our country put their livelihoods on the line to develop breakthrough technologies to reinvent the healthcare industry, but are forced constantly to navigate the regulatory obstacles put in place by Democrat administrations.\n\nThe money spent on legal fees and administrative procedures could be reinvested to further improve technologies that doctors and other medical providers can use to improve patient experiences, save lives, and bring families together.\n\nCongress must give private sector innovators the space and resources they need to develop these technologies.\n\nWe have already begun to see the tremendous capabilities of artificial intelligence to help lower costs in our everyday lives.\n\nIf that power were harnessed in the health care sector, resources could be more effectively deployed to help patients get better.\n\nIn addition, lower costs would save the federal government and taxpayers a lot of money in federal health care programs.\n\nFor example, patients can use wearable technology to monitor their health.\n\nThese devices assist doctors and researchers with realistic data on their patient\u2019s day to day in real-time.\n\n3D printing can create personalized medical devices for individual patients.\n\nInvestment in this printing technology has led to the development of customized prosthetics, implants, and surgical tools.\n\nTelehealth improves the efficiency of health care by allowing medical providers to serve patients on a live virtual call.\n\nTelehealth saves time and helps patients connect to their doctors, especially in rural areas with few medical facilities.\n\nThese kinds of technologies are revolutionary, but if innovators cannot afford to develop more of them because of expensive barriers put in place by the Biden Administration and the Inflation Reduction Act, the American people will miss out on cutting-edge medical care that could improve patient outcomes.\n\nEarlier this year, President Trump signed the One Big, Beautiful Bill into law. That bill gives over $50 billion to rural hospitals to ensure their continued operation and development of medical technology.\n\nSince entering office, President Trump has taken decisive action aimed at reversing innovation-stifling, Biden-era policies in artificial intelligence, promoting transparent drug pricing, and eliminating the \u201cBiden Pill Penalty.\u201d\n\nOur expert panel of witnesses, including a fellow Missourian and medical technology business owner, will provide testimony on this important issue.\n\nI thank all the witnesses for being here today, and I look forward to our discussion.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-co-leads-legislation-provide-permanent-federal-tuition-assistance-drill", "Graves Co-Leads Legislation to Provide Permanent Federal Tuition Assistance for Drill Status Guard Members of the Air National Guard", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "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), Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Eric Sorenson (IL-17), introduced the Air Guard Standardizing Tuition Assistance to Unify the Services (STATUS) Act, bipartisan legislation that requires the Secretary of the Air Force to provide a permanent federal tuition assistance program for drill status guard (DSG) members of the Air National Guard (ANG).\n\nThis tuition assistance program would be consistent with the program already available to the Army National Guard. The legislation is supported by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).\n\n\"The Air GuardSTATUS Act is about finally closing a gap that should\u2019ve never existed. It gives Air National Guard members the same federal tuition assistance the Army National Guard already receives, helping recruit, retain, and take care of the Airmen who keep our communities and our country safe. We value their service and investing in their education is one of the clearest ways to show it,\u201d said Rep. Graves.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join Reps. Sorensen and Graves in introducing the Air Guard STATUS Act, which will deliver much needed educational assistance to the brave men and women serving in the Air National Guard and create parity with the benefits afforded to the Army National Guard. This legislation will ensure deserved benefits and recognition reach all DSG members of the National Guard who have answered the call to serve our great nation,\u201d said Rep. Finstad.\n\n\u201cOur Airmen proudly serve our communities and our country, and they should have equal access to education benefits no matter where they live,\u201d said Congressman Sorensen. \u201cI am proud to stand alongside Reps. Finstad and Graves to make sure we invest in our Air National Guard members across the country.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-30T06:05:15Z", "2026-04-30T06:07:09Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-delivers-wins-north-missouri-defense-bill", "Graves Delivers Wins for North Missouri in Defense Bill", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nDecember 10, 2025\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, delivered important wins for North Missouri in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House today. The bill supports our troops at home and abroad, their families, and their mission in keeping our country safe.\n\n\u201cWe have to ensure our military remains the most lethal, most effective fighting force in the world,\u201d said Graves. \u201cTo do that, we have to give our troops the tools they need to fight and win\u2014while supporting them and their families at home and abroad. I\u2019m proud to have worked in the House Armed Services Committee to ensure this year\u2019s defense bill does just that, while also supporting the vital mission of the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph and good-paying skilled jobs at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence.\u201d\n\nWins for North Missouri:\n\n$200 million for procuring 2 C-130Js for Air National Guard\n\nExtends C-130 fleet protections through FY28, including the minimum inventory requirement and the prohibition on reducing Air National Guard C-130 aircraft.\n\nRequires annual reports through FY28 on Air Force C-130 inventory, planned retirements, modernization and recapitalization efforts, and basing plans for fielding C-130Js for Air National Guard\n\nFosters development of a Domestic Operations Tactics Training Center for C-130J aircrews at Rosecrans, building on the 139th Airlift Wing\u2019s expertise in responding to domestic disasters and training crews in advanced airlift tactics.\n\nEncourages the expansion of C-130J simulator training, including training at the 139th Airlift Wing.\n\nHighlights the strategic warfighting training done at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Center at Rosecrans.\n\n$15.5 million to partner with the private sector and academic institutions like the University of Missouri \u2013 Kansas City to develop and demonstrate technologies needed for the domestic production of critical materials from domestic mineral sources.\n\nNearly $700 million for small arms ammunition produced or will be produced at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant\n\nAnother $1 billion for small arms facilities modernization, including Lake City Army Ammunition Plant\n\nWins for Missouri:\n\nProhibits the Air Force from reducing the A-10 fleet below 93 primary mission aircraft in FY26, and requires a briefing on plans to fully divest the A-10 before FY29.\n\nEnsures there\u2019s a plan to recapitalize the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base\n\nProtect Fort Leonard Wood\u2019s Military Treatment Facility (MTF) by extending the freeze on cutting medical billets to 10 years and requiring a full-year notice with stricter oversight before DoD can reduce or change any MTF services.\n\n$2.59 billion for procurement of B-21 long-range bombers, which will be based at Whiteman Air Force Base\n\n$407 million to manufacture MQ-25 Stingrays in St. Louis\n\n$576 million to modernize and sustain F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs in St. Louis\n\n$50.6 million to produce the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in St. Louis\n\n$33 million for military construction at Whiteman Air Force Base to support the B-21 bomber\n\n$132.6 million for the Joint Assault Bridge, made in Bridgeton\n\nWins for Our Troops:\n\nDelivers a hard-earned 3.8 percent pay raise for our servicemembers and expands military bonuses and special pay.\n\nIncreases the Family Separation Allowance for deployed servicemembers\n\nAuthorizes $1.5 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing.\n\nMandates a plan to meet the government\u2019s unfulfilled legal obligations on health, safety, and environmental hazards in military housing.\n\nRequires an independent evaluation of military housing conditions\n\nThe FY2026 NDAA now heads to the Senate for final passage before it can be signed into law by President Trump.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-strengthen-national-security-support-missouri-defense", "Wagner Votes to Strengthen National Security, Support Missouri Defense Priorities", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "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 she voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\u201cOur adversaries have made it clear they intend to exert their own reckless influence around the globe at the expense of our nation\u2019s safety and security. The stability of our world and the safety of Americans here at home and worldwide depends on our military being an effective deterrent to dictators who seek to expand their power at all costs. I voted in support of today\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act to support our military at a critical time in history and bolster our national security, deter destructive nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and ensure America\u2019s military remains the strongest in the world.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s NDAA will bring significant investments to the major St. Louis-area programs to the tune of $4 billion, including $2.6 billion for the F-47 fighter jet, $460 million for MQ-25 Stingray refueling drone procurement, $400 million for F-18 modifications and sustainment, $372 million for F-15 procurement, and $187 million for JDAM procurement.\n\n\u201cThis bill also increases much-needed resources for our troops, including a pay raise for all service members and new barracks and family housing to support the family members who sacrifice when their spouse and parents are away fighting for our freedoms. The NDAA also expands access to sexual assault forensic kits and programs to prevent and punish sexual misconduct.\n\n\u201cThis vote authorizes $2.7 billion to bolster our defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to prevent China from growing its already dangerously expansive influence. We also fought to include important funding to support our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, in the form of $70 million in anti-drone initiatives and full funding for joint U.S.-Israel defense programs like the Iron Dome and David\u2019s Sling. And in another win for our area and the Bosnian-American community, I\u2019m happy to say this bill codifies important sanctions to promote peace in the Western Balkans, language I have championed through my bill to protect Bosnia\u2019s Dayton Peace Agreement.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-bill-to-protect-children-from-ai-chatbots-gains-new-cosponsors/", "Hawley Bill to Protect Children from AI Chatbots Gains New Cosponsors", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced additional cosponsors for the GUARD Act, his bipartisan legislation that would protect children from predatory AI chatbots. In addition to the GUARD Act\u2019s original cosponsors Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), Senator Hawley secured additional support for the GUARD Act from Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R- Utah) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).\n\nSenator Hawley\u2019s GUARD Act would ban AI companions for minors, mandate that AI chatbots disclose its non-human status, and create new crimes for companies that make AI for minors that solicit or produce sexual content. The legislation is gaining traction in the Senate as a bipartisan coalition works to protect the most vulnerable.\n\n\u201cAI chatbots are killing our kids. I\u2019m thankful to see this issue gaining bipartisan momentum in the Senate,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201cWe must unite to ensure our children are protected from predatory AI chatbots.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s too easy for our children to gain access to AI bots that produce horrific content,\u201d said Senator Cotton. \u201cOur bill will require companies to use proper age verification to ensure minors don\u2019t have access to AI-generated explicit content.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI chatbots with no safeguards pose real harm to our children. Parents should not have to wonder whether a digital tool in their home is manipulating or endangering their kids,\u201d said Senator Lankford. \u201cThe GUARD Act sets firm safety standards and prevents companies from giving minors access to unsafe AI systems. Families deserve that level of protection.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI chatbots can act like online predators, luring our kids into mental health issues and exploitation,\u201d said Senator Lee. \u201cParents want better tools and fewer threats to their families, and kids deserve protection from AI-perpetrated harm. The GUARD Act would criminalize targeting minors with fake AI companions and hold big tech accountable for lying to our children.\u201d\n\n\u201cNearly three-quarters of all young people in our country are now turning to unregulated AI chatbots, with alarming consequences\u2014in some cases, even encouraging kids to engage in behavior that can hurt themselves and others. And Big Tech isn\u2019t doing enough to address it,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cThe safety of our children must always come first. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will hold Big Tech accountable and protect kids across the country from predatory chatbots.\u201d\n\nIn October, Senator Hawley hosted a press conference highlighting the tragic stories of children who received guidance from AI chatbots on how to harm themselves or end their life. Hawley was joined by the GUARD Act\u2019s initial cosponsors: Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).\n\nThe GUARD Act has also received broad support from advocacy organizations, including the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, the National Parents Union, the Family Research Council, and more.\n\nThe GUARD Act would:\n\nBan AI companies from providing AI companions to minors.\n\nMandate that AI companions disclose their non-human status and lack of professional credentials for all users\n\nCreate new crimes for companies which knowingly make available to minors AI companions that solicit or produce sexual content", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-demands-answers-from-fda-following-reports-agency-delayed-review-of-mifepristone/", "Hawley Demands Answers from FDA Following Reports Agency Delayed Review of Mifepristone", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary following reports that he ordered the agency to delay a review of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, \u201cSix months ago, you told me you were \u201ccommitted to conducting a review of mifepristone,\u201d the chemical abortion drug. You repeated this commitment to state attorneys general and other members of Congress. Yet according to news reports yesterday, you have ordered this promised safety review delayed until after the midterms. Indeed, it is unclear whether you are conducting an independent safety review at all.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is totally unacceptable. I cannot emphasize enough the danger of playing politics with women\u2019s health. In President Trump\u2019s first term, HHS required an in-person visit with a licensed physician before dispensing the chemical abortion drug. The safety rules also required in-person dispensing of the drug in a clinical setting. But Joe Biden removed those guardrails,\u201d Senator Hawley continued. \u201cThe safety regulations from President Trump\u2019s first term should be reinstated. But you have not done so. And news reports indicate you are attempting to sideline any review of mifepristone safety.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley first sent a letter to Commissioner Makary after he stated the FDA had \u201cno plans to take action\u201d on mifepristone. In his response, Makary assured Senator Hawley that he was \u201ccommitted to conducting a review of mifepristone.\u201d Months later, the FDA inexplicably approved a new generic abortion drug. Senator Hawley sent Commissioner Makary another letter in October, questioning the timing of that decision after Makary committed to conducting a full review of the chemical abortion drug.\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nDr. Marty Makary\n\nCommissioner\n\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration\n\n10903 New Hampshire Avenue\n\nSilver Spring, MD 20993\n\nCommissioner Makary:\n\nSix months ago, you told me you were \u201ccommitted to conducting a review of mifepristone,\u201d the chemical abortion drug. You repeated this commitment to state attorneys general and other members of Congress. Yet according to news reports yesterday, you have ordered this promised safety review delayed until after the midterms. Indeed, it is unclear whether you are conducting an independent safety review at all.\n\nThis is totally unacceptable. I cannot emphasize enough the danger of playing politics with women\u2019s health. In President Trump\u2019s first term, HHS required an in-person visit with a licensed physician before dispensing the chemical abortion drug. The safety rules also required in-person dispensing of the drug in a clinical setting. But Joe Biden removed those guardrails. Now, new studies from more than 865,000 insurance claims report that nearly 11% of women using mifepristone suffer a serious adverse health event\u2014like sepsis or hemorrhaging\u2014within 45 days. That is 22 times the likelihood of risk currently listed on mifepristone\u2019s \u201cblack box\u201d warning. The safety regulations from President Trump\u2019s first term should be reinstated.\n\nBut you have not done so. And news reports indicate you are attempting to sideline any review of mifepristone safety. In fact, you have repeatedly wavered in public on whether you are conducting a safety review at all. On April 24, you told an interviewer you had \u201cno plans to take action\u201d on mifepristone. You wrote to me on June 2, however, that you were \u201ccommitted to conducting a review of mifepristone.\u201d Then, a few months later, you reversed course again and inexplicably approved a new generic abortion drug, with no meaningful safety guardrails or conditions. Despite your claims to the contrary, that approval was in no way compelled by law.\n\nYesterday, in response to the latest reports, you said, \u201cThere has been an ongoing review of mifepristone. It\u2019s actually required as part of a policy called REMS.\u201d But that is not what you promised. You promised a new and comprehensive study taking account of all available safety data, not the standard monitoring FDA already performs for countless drugs.\n\nThere are more abortions in America now than when Roe was still law. And this is largely because of the chemical abortion drug and its generics, like the one you approved. Chemical abortions account for almost 70 percent of all abortions nationwide. The science is clear. The chemical abortion drug is not safe.\n\nIt is time for direct answers about what, precisely, FDA is doing. Please answer the following questions by no later than Monday, December 15, 2025:\n\nIs the FDA conducting a comprehensive safety review of mifepristone separate from the REMS process?\n\na. When did it begin?\n\nb. Please provide a specific timeline for its completion.\n\nIf you are conducting a comprehensive safety review, did you order it to be delayed?\n\na. Why?\n\nb. Until when?\n\nDoes the FDA have any plans to update the Mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to restore basic safety guardrails from President Trump\u2019s first term, such as in-person dispensing?\n\nI await your responses.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-secures-funding-sullivan-county-memorial-hospital", "Graves Secures Funding for Sullivan County Memorial Hospital", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "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) announced that he secured $4,000,000 for the Sullivan County Memorial Hospital building project in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture appropriations bill signed into law last month.\n\n\u201cOur rural hospitals are critical to North Missouri,\u201d Rep. Sam Graves said. \u201cSullivan County Memorial Hospital plays a vital role in ensuring that there is quick access to life-saving care when folks need it most. This new hospital facility will go a long way towards ensuring there is access to quality care in the area for many years to come. I\u2019m thrilled to secure this funding to help move this rural hospital project forward.\u201d\n\nSullivan County Memorial Hospital CEO Martha Gragg said, \u201cOn behalf of the Board of Trustees and entire staff of Sullivan County Memorial Hospital, we are grateful and thank the leadership of Congressman Sam Graves and his staff in attaining this funding for our new critical access hospital and rural health clinic. This commitment marks a pivotal moment, helping to ensure the future of essential primary and specialty healthcare in Sullivan County and continue to be a key economic driver that has contributed to the county for the past 72 years.\u201d\n\nThe Sullivan County Memorial Hospital project will construct a new 16-bed critical access hospital and rural health clinic to replace the current 72-year-old facility.", 1, "2026-04-23T05:48:52Z", "2026-04-23T05:50:10Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/08/smith-commends-president-trumps-aid-package-for-farmers-highlights-agriculture-wins-secured-in-the-working-families-tax-cuts/", "Smith Commends President Trump\u2019s Aid Package for Farmers, Highlights Agriculture Wins Secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement regarding President Trump\u2019s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would make $12 billion available in one-time bridge payments to American farmers to help struggling farm families.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cAfter four years of being ignored by the Biden administration, I commend President Trump for taking action to help Missouri\u2019s farm families who are hurting. This aid package will provide much-needed relief to row crop producers ahead of next year\u2019s planting season, and be a critical lifeline for farmers who were at a critical juncture for their ability to continue with their livelihood.\n\n\u201cFarmers are still struggling beyond what this package alone can address, however. Low crop prices, export drops, and high input costs continue to weigh heavily on producers in the Missouri Delta\u2014which is why the agriculture investments secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts were so essential.\n\n\u201cThe Working Families Tax Cuts provided the largest investment in American Farmers in a generation: $56 billion for Title I farm programs, $6 billion for Title XI crop insurance, and doubling the funding for MAP and FMD to strengthen exports and restore a true agricultural trade surplus. These investments clearly show our farmers are the backbone of rural America and the foundation of our nation\u2019s food supply. As these measures move forward, I will continue fighting to ensure our producers get the resources they need to thrive for generations to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-31T05:33:41Z", "2026-03-31T05:34:51Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-and-grothman-announce-hearing-technology-lowering-cost-healthcare", "Burlison and Grothman Announce Hearing on Technology Lowering the Cost of Healthcare", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) and Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services Chairman Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) today announced a hearing titled \u201cLowering the Cost of Healthcare: Technology\u2019s Role in Driving Affordability.\u201d During the hearing, members will examine the main causes of rising healthcare costs in the United States, including burdensome regulations from the Biden administration, and analyze how medical technology innovations can help alleviate this problem.\n\n\u201cOverbearing regulations and exorbitant costs should not get in the way of Americans accessing essential healthcare for themselves and their families. Private sector technological innovation can help lower the cost of healthcare and alleviate the burdens many Americans face by implementing automated systems that improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance preventative care. We look forward to hearing from experts about new breakthroughs in medical technology and explore the ways that Congress can help lower healthcare costs for Americans across the country,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nWHAT: Hearing titled \u201cLowering the Cost of Healthcare: Technology\u2019s Role in Driving Affordability\u201d\n\nDATE: Wednesday, December 10, 2025\n\nTIME: 9:00 A.M. CT\n\nLOCATION: HVC-210, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center\n\nWITNESSES:\n\nMr. Brian Whorley, Chief Executive Officer, Paytient Technologies, Inc.\n\nDr. Darius Lakdawalla, Quintiles Chair in Pharmaceutical Development and Regulatory Innovation, University of Southern California\n\nDr. Ziad Obermeyer, Blue Cross of California Distinguished Associate Professor, Health Policy and Management, University of California-Berkeley\n\nMr. Chris Jacobs, Founder, Juniper Research Group", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/05/congressman-jason-smith-highlights-southeast-missouri-residents-heartbreaking-story-pledges-to-hold-organ-procurement-organizations-accountable/", "Congressman Jason Smith Highlights Southeast Missouri Resident\u2019s Heartbreaking Story, Pledges to Hold Organ Procurement Organizations Accountable", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, held an Oversight subcommittee hearing on organ procurement organizations (OPOs) this week and called Heather Knuckles from Southeast Missouri to share her heartbreaking story that shows why these organizations are in desperate need of reform. During the hearing, Heather spoke about how she watched her mother die shortly after receiving a liver that was infected with cancer while a former OPO employee pulled back the curtain on an instance where an OPO tried to procure organs from a patient who regained consciousness.\n\nThe hearing comes amidst a months-long Committee investigation led by Congressman Smith into questionable practices by tax-exempt OPOs that has revealed troubling clinical practices, misuse of taxpayer dollars, and questionable financial practices. In addition to life-threatening failures, investigations have unveiled instances of waste, fraud, and abuse by OPOs across the country. Worse, the Committee\u2019s investigation found that 18 of the 21 most profitable OPOs fall in the lowest-performing tiers, as established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The hearing took place one day before the deadline the Committee set for another OPO, the New Jersey Sharing Network, to produce key documents and schedule transcribed interviews.\n\nMissouri Woman: My Mother Received a Cancer-Ridden Liver That Shortened Her Life\n\nHeather Knuckles from Southeast Missouri shared the tragic story of her mother\u2019s kidney and liver transplant. Because of a mistake during donor screening, her mother received a liver with advanced cancer and a kidney with a cyst. Her mother\u2019s quick decline and eventual passing three months later was a source of tragedy for her family. Sadly, other families have experienced similar tragedies during the organ donation process that put the patient\u2019s life in danger.\n\nHeather Knuckles, daughter of organ recipient: \u201cOn October 30, 2022, my mother underwent the liver and kidney transplant at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis with organs procured by Mid-America Transplant\u2026On November 3, transplant surgeons informed us that the donor liver contained high-grade metastatic cancer that was not reported on the donor records from UNOS [United Network for Organ Sharing], but was discovered by the transplant hospital\u2026Our dreams were shattered. Fear and sadness washed over my mother\u2019s face. She was re-listed for transplant. Surgeons decided to not replace the donor kidney, even though its condition was questionable due to a large cyst at the time of transplant. My mother underwent a second liver transplant on November 8, 2022. She was extremely fragile. Afterwards, she hallucinated for days and suffered delirium. Occasionally, her wrists were restrained for safety. This was heartbreaking. By late November, she was transferred to the St. Louis Rehab Institute, and she remained unable to walk and was jaundiced\u2026\n\n\u201cThe transplant surgeon informed my father and I that based on the appearance of a CT scan and fluid testing the liver was cancerous. This confirmed the doctor\u2019s earlier suspicion that the cancer was transplanted from the first liver\u2026Following the passing of my mother, we suffered nearly three years as this horrific ordeal was ignored.\u201d\n\nFormer OPO Employee Calls for Congress to Build Public Trust in Organ Procurement System\n\nRecent misdeeds by OPOs have damaged public trust in a vital system that thousands of families rely on each year. As a result, organ donors are removing their names from donation lists, potentially denying Americans the organs they desperately need. A former OPO employee highlighted the need for Congress to improve transparency, accountability, and informed consent for donors as means to restore public trust.\n\nRep. Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee: \u201cWhat sort of reforms would further improve OPOs so folks are willing to donate and participate freely in the system?\u201d\n\nNyckolleta Martin, former Kentucky OPO employee: \u201c\u2026I think this has to start from regaining public trust, and the only way to do that is to have transparency and accountability, and for Congress to continue working with other legislative bodies and law enforcement specifically to make sure that these people are held accountability for what they\u2019ve done, so that it doesn\u2019t happen in the future. Then, we can show the public that we see the problems, and we\u2019re working on them. The public should have more informed consent. They should truly understand what they\u2019re signing up for when they sign up to be an organ donor, because organ donation is so important, and we need it so badly. Thousands of people are dying, but also thousands of people are taking their name off the organ donation registry, so we have to fix that.\u201d\n\nExpert: Reports Show Some OPOs Have Wrongfully Interfered with Determination of Death\n\nFederal investigations have uncovered evidence of certain OPOs interfering with the determination of death for organ donors, even though hospitals hold that responsibility. An incorrect determination contributes to the wrongful recovery of organs, as shown in a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) report.\n\nRep. David Schweikert (AZ-01): \u201cIn the hierarchy of a decision if someone has passed away\u2026it is the hospital that makes that decision, correct?\u201d\n\nJennifer Erickson, organ donation policy expert: \u201cIt is the hospital that declares death. One of the things that has come out through the HRSA\u2019s detailed report about Network for Hope and KODA [Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates] in Kentucky is that often OPO staff get involved in that decision-making process in ways that they should not.\u201d\n\nFormer OPO Employee: Stories of Organ Harvesting on People Who Have Regained Consciousness Indicates National Pattern\n\nSome of the most shocking stories from OPOs are attempts at organ recovery even when potential donors regain consciousness. The Committee\u2019s investigation into the New Jersey Sharing Network revealed an instance of the OPO proceeding with organ recovery from a patient who reanimated during the recovery process. A former OPO employee from Kentucky shared a similar story of her former employer proceeding with the organ recovery process even though the patient met the OPO\u2019s own criteria for showing signs of life.\n\nNyckolleta Martin, former Kentucky OPO employee: \u201cIn 2021, T.J. Hoover was brought to the hospital in cardiac arrest\u2026T.J. had remained unresponsive for several days, regaining consciousness during his cardiac catheterization. Immediately upon waking, he was paralyzed and sedated. Hospital staff described the situation as inhumane and akin to human euthanasia. The cardiologist present advised T.J. should have never been given a grave prognosis with no meaningful recovery, given his reflexes present. Despite being alert to these concerns, the OPO staff returned T.J. to the ICU without performing the required neurological exam that should have been repeated. Even more alarming, and to the best of my knowledge, the family was never informed that T.J. had regained consciousness and had shown meaningful emotion and purposeful movement. Under my former employer\u2019s own protocol at that time, the case should have been halted immediately once neurological function improved. The failure to do so represents a profound breach of medical standards and ethical responsibility\u2026\n\n\u201cThis experience resonated when I read this committee\u2019s letter to the New Jersey Sharing Network. The parallels between those whistleblower allegations and my own are unmistakable patterns of concerning organ recovery practices, document destruction, and retaliation against those reporting legitimate concerns, highlighting systemic failures that demand urgent accountability and reform.\u201d\n\nTaxpayers Are on the Hook for Botched Organ Procurements\n\nThe Ways and Means Committee has highlighted instances of OPOs overbilling Medicare for costs that do not qualify for reimbursement such as executive compensation, lobbying, meals, and entertainment. Medicare reimbursements to OPOs, including those with documented issues or whistleblower complaints, means taxpayers indirectly pay for unethical or life-threatening behavior.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/05/smith-praises-cms-approval-of-rural-emergency-hospital-status-for-pemiscot-memorial-hospital/", "Smith Praises CMS Approval of Rural Emergency Hospital Status for Pemiscot Memorial Hospital", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Pemiscot Memorial Hospital for Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) status and confirmed that the facility will receive approximately two million dollars in backpay:\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cThousands of families in rural communities in both Pemiscot and Dunklin counties rely on Pemiscot Memorial Hospital for emergency care, primary care, and for the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is nearby when they need it most. I applaud Administrator Mehmet Oz and CMS for officially granting the hospital REH status and approving nearly two million dollars in backpay. Throughout this process, my staff and I have continued to engage directly with CMS to advocate for Pemiscot Memorial Hospital and preserve the last remaining source of emergency medicine in Missouri\u2019s Bootheel. REH status is a lifeline for rural hospitals like Pemiscot Memorial that have struggled for years to keep their doors open, and this decision ensures the facility will be able to serve the people of southeast Missouri for years to come.\n\n\u201cI will continue to support rural hospitals in southeast Missouri and ensure that federal agencies understand the unique challenges faced by our rural communities. This approval is a major win for every family who depends on this hospital.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation is a federal classification for rural facilities created by Congress in 2020 to preserve access to essential health care in rural communities like Pemiscot County that are at risk of losing their local hospital. Unlike most hospitals, REHs receive sustained Medicare investment so that they can provide 24/7 emergency care, observation services, and outpatient treatment. This designation will ensure that Pemiscot Memorial Hospital can continue to deliver critical, life-saving care to patients locally without them having to travel long distances to receive it.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eric-burlison-announces-new-healthcare-plan-solve-affordability-crisis", "Rep. Eric Burlison Announces New Healthcare Plan to Solve Affordability Crisis", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) today announced his vision for a new, patient-centered healthcare framework, MAHA, a two-part plan designed to lower costs, expand choice, and return control to American families.\n\n\u201cFor too long, families have been stuck with a system that is too expensive, too regulated, and too unresponsive to patient needs,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cMAHA is a straightforward approach to make healthcare affordable again by empowering patients\u2014not bureaucracies.\u201d\n\nThe MAHA framework consists of two components:\n\nMAHA Insurance promotes competition, flexibility, and true price transparency in the insurance market.\n\nMAHA Accounts strengthen patient control and purchasing power.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-secures-40-5-million-in-additional-funding-for-cleanup-of-coldwater-creek/", "Hawley Secures $40.5 Million in Additional Funding for Cleanup of Coldwater Creek", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced that the Army Corps of Engineers has committed to provide $40.5 million in additional funding devoted to the cleanup of Coldwater Creek and related sites in the St. Louis region. The funds will be used for remediation activities under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) to clean up radioactive waste dating from the Manhattan Project.\n\nSenator Hawley has consistently advocated on behalf of the Coldwater Creek community. In March, Senator Hawley secured a pledge from EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, to clean up radioactive waste during Administrator Zeldin\u2019s visit to St. Louis. In April, Senator Hawley applauded the EPA for expediting their plan to clean up the West Lake Landfill and Coldwater Creek. And in July, President Trump signed Senator Hawley\u2019s expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) into law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bill-combat-chinas-aggression-support-independent-taiwan-signed", "Wagner Bill to Combat China\u2019s Aggression, Support an Independent Taiwan Signed into Law", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "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 President Donald Trump signed into law her Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act:\n\n\u201cThe world is on fire, and the People\u2019s Republic of China has made it clear they have their sights set on exerting even more power over Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. The United States stands with Taiwan, and we will not allow China to destabilize the world even more than they already have. My Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act asserts American superiority at a critical time in history and is a strong step forward in our unwavering support for Taiwan as they push back against the CCP aggression and influence campaigns. This law strengthens our own national security and will help us prevent China from expanding their dangerous foothold in the region and globally.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act would require the Department of State to conduct periodic reviews of its guidelines for U.S. engagement with Taiwan. These regular reviews and updates must:", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-announces-no-taxes-on-healthcare-legislation-to-lower-costs/", "Hawley Announces \u2018No Taxes on Healthcare\u2019 Legislation to Lower Costs", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced the No Taxes on Healthcare Act to provide relief for American families from out-of-control medical costs that have skyrocketed in recent years.\n\nStudies estimate that nearly 41 percent of adults in the United States have some form of debt stemming from medical expenses. In the last year alone, a recent Gallup report found that 31 million Americans borrowed money to pay for healthcare. But under the current tax system, only itemizing taxpayers\u2014those who do not take the standard deduction\u2014can use medical costs to reduce their tax burden, and only then for expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of income. That means 90 percent of American families get zero tax relief for healthcare costs. This tax deduction should be reformed and expanded.\n\nSenator Hawley\u2019s new proposal offers a straightforward solution to begin addressing the rising cost of healthcare: no taxes on healthcare costs. Using a similar mechanism as President Trump\u2019s \u201cno tax on tips\u201d and \u201cno tax on overtime\u201d policies, this legislation can wipe out federal income taxes for families who experience high health costs.\n\nThe No Taxes on Healthcare Act would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/capital-markets-subcommittee-chairman-wagner-chairman-hill-and-reps", "Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Wagner, Chairman Hill, and Reps. Meeks and Gottheimer Unveil Bipartisan Capital Formation Package", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) unveiled the INVEST Act.\n\nNext week, the House of Representatives will consider the INVEST Act. This bill includes more than 20 bipartisan bills that advanced out of the Committee. The INVEST Act will cut Washington red tape, empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, and give Americans more freedom to invest.\n\nChairman Wagner said, \u201cThe House Financial Services Committee gets things done \u2013 full stop \u2013 and this package is a direct result of my mission in the Committee to advance policies that help American capital formation. The package of bills introduced today is the result of many months and years of my work with colleagues, engaging with stakeholders, holding hearings, and negotiating provisions to support Main Street investors and their families. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, I have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle who understand our public markets are the best in the world. I have made it my legislative priority to maintain that number one status, and ensure American financial markets grow stronger year over year so Main Street investors can continue to grow their portfolios and save for the future. The bills in the package introduced today support that priority, create even more opportunities for investors, and provide small businesses greater access to capital so they can keep building. Thank you to Chairman Hill for all of his work with us to make sure we get this package to the House Floor and across the finish line.\u201d\n\nChairman Hill said, \u201cThe INVEST Act is about renewing the promise of American opportunity. For too long, outdated regulations have stood between our entrepreneurs and the capital they need to innovate and grow. Our bill puts the full power of America\u2019s capital markets back to work for the people by modernizing rules, expanding access, and eliminating unnecessary burdens on small businesses. I commend Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner on her outstanding leadership on this bill that will positively impact all Americans and look forward to our package moving to the House Floor for a vote.\u201d\n\nRep. Meeks said, \u201cToday, more than half of American households have exposure to the stock market, not as day-traders or large-scale market players, but as teachers, firefighters, nurses, and workers saving for the future through mutual funds, pensions, and retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs. Strengthening our capital markets is about improving the financial security of millions of Americans who rely on these investments for long-term stability. This capital formation package expands opportunities for entrepreneurs, and for workers to grow their retirement savings and build real economic resilience. I appreciate the bipartisan collaboration that made this package possible, and I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of the American people. At a time when families are feeling the pressures of rising costs, these reforms are a meaningful step toward addressing the affordability crisis and empowering people to secure their financial futures.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-wagners-trafficking-survivors-relief-act", "House Passes Wagner\u2019s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "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 the U.S. House of Representatives passed her bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, legislation co-led by Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). This bill provides federal criminal record relief to survivors of human trafficking who committed non-violent offenses as a direct result of their exploitation.\n\n\u201cVictims of human trafficking are often revictimized by their traffickers who coerce them into committing crimes against their will, making it that much harder to escape from their abuse,\u201d said Congresswoman Wagner. \u201cThis can leave them with a criminal record that follows them for the rest of their lives. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would help survivors break that cycle of exploitation so they can reenter the working world and access critical support services. Survivors of trafficking need every tool we can give them as they seek to find justice and hold the perpetrators accountable. I\u2019ve been proud to champion the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act over multiple Congresses, and I look forward to the Senate taking up this bill so we can send it to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to see the House pass my bill, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which delivers relief to trafficking survivors and their families,\u201d said Congressman Fry. \u201cVictims of human trafficking are often forced into criminal activity, leaving them with federal records that follow them for life. That means they can\u2019t get a job, secure housing, or meet basic needs\u2014all because of crimes they were coerced into committing. This legislation breaks that cycle and gives survivors the chance to move forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cSurvivors of human trafficking deserve justice and compassion, not criminalization,\u201d said Congressman Lieu. \u201cFor too long, survivors have faced criminal charges because of crimes they were forced to commit while being trafficked, making it harder for them to obtain housing, jobs, and the chance to rebuild their lives. I am pleased that the House passed our bipartisan legislation to provide much-needed relief to trafficking survivors. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this bill.\u201d\n\n\"The American Hotel & Lodging Association applauds the passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act,\u201d said President and CEO of AHLA Rosanna Maietta. \u201cThe hotel industry stands firmly behind Representative Fry's efforts to ensure that our nation's response to human trafficking includes meaningful support for those who have endured unimaginable harm. Through the work of the AHLA Foundation, we have long been committed to elevating the visibility of this issue and uplifting survivors through investments in support to help them move forward. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a vital step which allows survivors to truly heal and build independent lives.\"\n\nBackground\n\nHuman trafficking remains a widespread crisis across our country. Traffickers often force or coerce their victims into committing crimes such as financial fraud, drug-related offenses, and identity theft. As a result, many trafficking survivors face arrest, conviction, and incarceration\u2014often without recognition of their victim status.\n\nAt the outset of a prosecution, this legislation establishes an affirmative defense to provide survivors with the opportunity to defend against only those charges that arose directly from their trafficking victimization. It also provides critical relief for survivors who have already been convicted as a result of their trafficking victimization through vacatur, expungement, and sentencing mitigation.\n\nSpecifically, for a court to grant a motion to vacate a conviction or expunge an arrest, a defendant must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the offense was committed as a direct result of having been a victim of trafficking. Additionally, the defendant must establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking at the time the offense was committed.\n\nThe bill only allows for non-violent offenses that were committed as a direct result of trafficking to be eligible for vacatur and expungement. Additionally, this bill clarifies that any crimes eligible for expungement are crimes that do not involve a child as a victim.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-bill-to-mandate-vetting-of-all-afghan-evacuees-after-deadly-attack-on-dc-national-guard/", "Hawley Introduces Bill to Mandate Vetting of All Afghan Evacuees after Deadly Attack on DC National Guard", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) reintroduced the Afghanistan Vetting and Accountability Act, a bill to strengthen vetting procedures for Afghans who were evacuated to the United States following Joe Biden\u2019s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. In the wake of the deadly attack on the National Guard by one of these evacuees, Senator Hawley\u2019s bill would require in-person interviews and vetting of all Afghan evacuees.\n\n\u201cJoe Biden didn\u2019t just botch our withdrawal from Afghanistan, he put Americans at risk by allowing tens of thousands of refugees into our country without proper vetting,\u201d Senator Hawley said. \u201cMy bill is going to codify into law what President Trump started: we\u2019re going to protect our heroes and ensure anyone allowed into our country is not a threat to our own citizens.\u201d\n\nPresident Trump has rightly taken steps to correct the egregious failures of his predecessor. Building on its earlier actions to limit the entry of Afghan nationals, the Trump Administration recently moved to strengthen vetting standards for nationals from Afghanistan and other high-risk countries. Senator Hawley\u2019s Afghanistan Vetting and Accountability Act, which he first introduced after the fall of Kabul, supports the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts by codifying a requirement for comprehensive vetting of all Afghan evacuees.\n\nThe Afghanistan Vetting and Accountability Act would:\n\nRequire the Department of Homeland Security to verify the personal and biometric information of individuals evacuated from Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul in 2021 and require in-person vetting interviews.\n\nDirect the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a vetting certification and quarterly report to Congress on the list of evacuees. This quarterly report will include any known criminal records and the current vetting status of Afghan evacuees.\n\nProhibit Afghan evacuees who have not been properly vetted from receiving any federal benefits.\n\nAs early as 2021, Senator Hawley exposed how the Biden Administration failed to vet ten of thousands of Afghan refugees after the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. He first introduced legislation to mandate full vetting of Afghan refugees in 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-legislation-support-small-businesses-and-entrepreneurs", "Wagner Legislation to Support Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Overwhelmingly Passes House", "2025-12-01", "2025", "2025-12", "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), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed her Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders (DEAL) Act:\n\n\u201cMy bipartisan DEAL Act will ensure the United States remains the most entrepreneurial country in the world, where the next great companies are founded and funded. Small businesses are the engine of our American economy, and the entrepreneurs leading these companies are building something new, taking real risks, and driving growth in communities across the nation. Too often, they can\u2019t get a fair shot at investment due to an extreme geographic imbalance in our capital markets that funnels money to just a handful of coastal cities, bypassing entire regions that are home to aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs.\n\n\u201cI introduced the DEAL Act as a targeted, forward-looking effort to modernize outdated rules and channel investment to where it is needed most, especially our local economies right here in the greater St. Louis region and across the Midwest and South. This vital legislation ensures our policies are helping capital move efficiently and effectively\u2014not just to the coasts, but to brilliant businessmen and women across America, empowering those taking risks to build something new and helping good ideas grow into great companies.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-dol-decision-drop-fiduciary-case-following-her-years", "Wagner Applauds DOL Decision to Drop Fiduciary Case Following Her Years of Advocacy", "2025-11-26", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after the Department of Labor moved to dismiss its appeal in the Fifth Circuit Court that was defending the Biden Labor Department\u2019s 2023 Fiduciary Rule:\n\n\u201cThis is great news for Main Street investors and families looking to save for retirement! I have been proud to lead the charge against this completely reckless rulemaking since I first came to Congress. The so-called Fiduciary Rule was overly burdensome and reduced economic choices for consumers at a time when Missourians need and deserve greater options as they save for important moments in their lives.\n\n\u201cThis has been a long and arduous fight, but we have finally achieved victory for the American people. Over the years, and as Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, I have made it my mission to rally my colleagues in Congress and stand up to President Obama and President Biden as they decreed that their Labor Departments know better than you. This rule was a misguided, big-government attempt to dictate your personal financial choices, and I am glad this comes immediately after I filed an Amicus Brief with the Court asking them to strike down this rule. Make no mistake, this is a victory for American families across the country.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nCongresswoman Wagner has been the leader in Congress fighting against this Fiduciary Rule. These efforts include multiple public statements over the years beginning in the Obama Administration as well as the below actions challenging this misguided rule.\n\nAmicus Brief challenging the Biden Fiduciary rule\n\nLetter to Department of Labor detailing major concerns\n\nHolding DOL Deputy Secretary Julie Su to task\n\nSupporting Trump Administration Regulation Best Interest Rule\n\nInclusion of language stopping the Fiduciary Rule from being implemented in FY18 Appropriations legislation\n\nIntroduction and Committee passage of the PASS Act\n\nIntroduction and passage of H.J. Res. 88, Protecting Access to Affordable Retirement Advice\n\nLetter to DOL Secretary Tom Perez", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-leads-amicus-brief-challenging-biden-department-labors-harmful", "Wagner Leads Amicus Brief Challenging the Biden Department of Labor\u2019s Harmful Fiduciary Rule", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "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 Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after she submitted an amicus brief supporting the American Council of Life Insurers, the Financial Services Institute, and the Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice in their case before the Fifth Circuit Court challenging the Biden Department of Labor\u2019s 2023 Fiduciary Rule:\n\n\u201cAs Chair of the Capital Markets Subcommittee, I have made it a priority to ensure families and workers have greater access to quality investment advice so they can responsibly save for their retirement and secure their future. As part of these efforts, I have fought the Biden Labor Department\u2019s misguided Fiduciary Rule that severely limits access to financial advice for millions of Americans. If implemented, this irresponsible rule would usurp Congress\u2019s authority and undermine the important work we have done over the past five years to support Main Street investors and their families. People deserve to have robust choices when they are looking to save for retirement, not an artificially constrained market due to an overbearing federal government. Critically, this rule lacks the clear congressional authorization it needs for a regulatory change of this magnitude, and the Fifth Circuit should recognize that fact in their ruling.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/11/24/congressman-jason-smith-provides-strong-endorsement-of-missouris-rural-health-fund-application/", "Congressman Jason Smith Provides Strong Endorsement of Missouri\u2019s Rural Health Fund Application", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, expressed his wholehearted support for Missouri\u2019s application for Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding in a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz.\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program is a historic $50 billion investment in rural health included in Republicans\u2019 working families tax cuts, which Congressman Smith coauthored and ushered through Congress earlier this year. The fund is designed to supercharge access to health care infrastructure and delivery in rural communities, incentivizing states to create real solutions for their rural communities and ensure they are sustainable for future generations.\n\nCongressman Smith wrote, \u201cMissouri is the definitive example of the rural setting my Republican colleagues and I had in mind when we crafted the RHTP, with 40 percent of Missourians living in rural areas, many of those in the southeast Missouri communities I represent. In its application for RHTP funds, Missouri proposes to fight chronic disease and coordinate patient care through an innovative model which will foster sustainable investments in rural care delivery, deploy cutting-edge technology to improve care coordination, provide broader telehealth access, and hold providers accountable for better managing patients\u2019 health. This model has already proven successful as a pilot project in my own congressional district, and I write today to strongly endorse Missouri\u2019s application and ask that you give it full consideration.\u201d\n\n\u201cMissouri\u2019s RHTP application is focused on coordinated care, harnessing technology, and reducing chronic disease, all goals that are in lockstep with the priorities you and President Trump have emphasized through the program, and goals that will serve rural Missouri. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of southeast Missourians I represent and the millions of rural Missourians statewide, I wholeheartedly endorse Missouri\u2019s RHTP application and look forward to its implementation,\u201d the letter continues.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:22Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-department-educations-misguided-announcement-classify", "Wagner Statement on the Department of Education\u2019s Misguided Announcement to Classify Graduate Nursing Degrees on a Lower Level", "2025-11-23", "2025", "2025-11", "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 Department of Education announced it will be classifying graduate nursing degrees on a lower level than other medical degrees in the federal student loan system:\n\n\u201cNurses are the backbone of our healthcare system and we rely on them to help provide quality patient care at a time when many are at their most vulnerable. I strongly disagree with the Department of Education\u2019s recent changes classifying graduate nursing degrees on a lower footing than other medical degrees and will be making it clear to the Administration that these changes are unacceptable and should be immediately reversed.\n\n\u201cEducation costs are through the roof. We all agree that loan caps for many graduate degrees are a vital method to reform the federal student loan system and rein in inflated tuitions, but they should be appropriately implemented for specific graduate degrees that make sense. Nurses should be on level footing with other medical degrees, not on a lower level.\n\n\u201cNurses are often the first point of contact for patients in need of care, and they keep our medical system running day in and day out. We should be recognizing the absolutely critical role nurses play in the medical field and incentivizing them to pursue opportunities to advance their careers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-31T05:33:41Z", "2026-03-31T05:34:51Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-hosts-postmaster-general-meeting-accountability-transparency", "Wagner Hosts Postmaster General for Meeting on Accountability, Transparency on Mail Delivery Issues", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "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 brought in U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner to speak to a Missouri and Illinois-area Congressional delegation on recent delivery issues in our community:\n\n\u201cI have long been committed to holding the United States Postal Service (USPS) accountable for the appalling mail delivery issues that have affected so many families, businesses, and communities in Missouri's 2nd District and our greater St. Louis area.\n\n\u201cMissourians need and deserve a functional Postal Service. But for the last several years\u2014dating back to at least 2022\u2014severe dysfunction has plagued service in our area, due to systemic problems, inefficiencies, and major adverse events like mercury spills and the bankruptcy of a major contractor. USPS\u2019s failure to quickly address these problems and restore timely, accurate, and efficient service in the Saint Louis area has harmed our community. From missing wedding invitations and family gifts to critical items like utility bills, Social Security checks, prescription medications, and, most importantly, absentee ballots that ensure your vote is counted, these failures have gone on far too long.\n\n\u201cI first sent a letter to former-Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, in February 2024, highlighting a local veteran, who missed a medical appointment due to late mail and demanding a remedy to staffing shortages. I then followed up with a September 2024 letter, joined by my Missouri colleagues, raising concerns over late absentee ballots in the August primary. Together, we led the call for the USPS Office of Inspector General to conduct an audit of our region\u2019s postal operations to determine the cause of unsustainably inconsistent mail delivery. Then again in April 2025, my Missouri colleagues and I sent yet another letter to ensure a proper audit of the St. Louis region was carried out. This work led to yesterday\u2019s long overdue meeting with Postmaster General Steiner that was bipartisan and included my colleagues from throughout Missouri and Illinois.\n\n\u201cWe presented a united front to tackle the systemic issues directly affecting our constituents\u2014from everyday mail delays disrupting lives to election failures undermining democracy. The meeting included a robust question-and-answer session where we pressed for specifics on audit findings and future reforms.\n\n\u201cDuring the discussion, the Postmaster General was forthright, acknowledging \u2018embarrassing\u2019 service failures, particularly in the middle of the country. I was pleased to hear that he monitors service standards reports regularly and has noticed unacceptably bad performance in our region. It was encouraging to hear there have been vast improvements in average delivery times, but work is still ongoing to resolve the remaining severe delays.\n\n\u201cMomentum is building toward real change. Service is stabilizing, but I am not satisfied yet. I will continue to work to ensure your mail is delivered on time and that the United States Postal Service is transparent and accountable to our community.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe August 2025 OIG audit exposed deep-rooted inefficiencies, including:\n\nA record backlog of over 2.5 million delayed mail pieces\u2014the largest in USPS audit history\u2014worsened by management instructing employees to hide delays in data systems.\n\nChronic staffing vacancies, unchecked truancy, and inadequate supervision, leading to operational breakdowns.\n\nIncomplete maintenance and poor compliance, causing 40% of outbound trucks to be late or canceled due to shortages and congestion.\n\nA complete failure of management to identify issues or enforce procedures, risking security for items like registered mail.\n\nThese failures culminated during Franklin County's April 2025 municipal election, where 350 absentee ballots arrived too late to be counted\u2014some as late as August 20\u2014disenfranchising Missourians who relied on the USPS to uphold their Constitutional right to vote.\n\nIn response, Rep. Wagner led a bipartisan, bicameral letter, in September 2025 demanding a meeting with new Postmaster General Steiner to discuss action plans for OIG recommendations, delay resolutions, election integrity, community impacts, leadership reforms, transparency, and personnel accountability.\n\nMeeting Takeaways\n\nKey improvements discussed include:\n\nOctober metrics showing 86% of First-Class Mail being delivered on time.\n\nEnhanced customer service protocols.\n\nBest practices for absentee ballots to improve tracking and coordination.\n\nPersonnel and leadership changes, including new positions filled by proven managers from around the country.\n\nFull staffing at facilities with pending Inspector General verification.\n\nInfrastructure upgrades for two core facilities over 3-5 years and expanding another facility by 60% to handle 400,000 packages daily, as well as the installation of a new scanning machine to cut manual sorting in half.\n\nRelieving congestion in the St. Louis area by diverting cross-country mail from St. Louis to a new, larger Olathe, Kansas facility (near Kansas City) as of November 15, shifting mail to air transport, and redirecting major customers temporarily.\n\nThe Postmaster General reported that service metrics are improving, with a focus on making the system more resilient. And we secured a pledge from the Postmaster General to provide a written update after the holiday peak season, including an honest assessment of progress and remaining needs.\n\nCongresswoman Wagner\u2019s office will continue monitoring progress intently, especially during the holidays, and push for full accountability to prevent future disruptions. This includes regular follow-ups with the USPS, working closely with the Missouri delegation on oversight, and advocating for sustained implementation of the OIG recommendations. We will schedule additional meetings as needed and ensure transparency remains a priority to rebuild public trust.\n\nFor real-time updates on service performance, you can visit the USPS public-facing transparency portal, where you can check your mail metrics by ZIP code and mail type.\n\nConstituents experiencing issues should contact Rep. Wagner\u2019s Ballwin office at (636) 779-5449 or on her website Wagner.House.Gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-introduces-house-companion-sen-cruzs-rotor-act", "Rep. Onder Introduces House Companion to Sen. Cruz\u2019s ROTOR Act", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) joins Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to introduce the House companion of the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act to strengthen aviation safety. Rep. Onder is a pilot serving on the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\n\nThe ROTOR Act eliminates a loophole that allowed most military aircraft to operate without Automatic Dependent Surveillance \u2013 Broadcast (ADS-B) Out transmitting \u2013 a technology that broadcasts an aircraft\u2019s precise location. It requires all aircraft operating in high-risk and high-volume airspace to use ADS-B In to enhance pilots' visualization. In addition, the bill requires safety reviews at all major and mid-sized airports, strengthens coordination and information sharing between the FAA and the Department of Defense, and calls for The Army Inspector General to audit Army aviation operations, particularly around the National Capital Region.\n\n\u201cThe collision that occurred in January over the skies of our nation's capital was a horrific tragedy. Sixty-seven lives were taken, with no survivors. My heart goes out to every family who lost a loved one, and to the first responders who confronted unimaginable devastation,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder\n\n\u201cThis tragedy made it clear that serious gaps exist in our aviation oversight - gaps that demand action. Senator Cruz\u2019s ROTOR Act takes a critical step forward by closing loopholes that allow government and military aircraft to operate without broadcasting their location, and by requiring modern, reliable tracking technology on all aircraft.\n\n\u201cThis is commonsense, responsible legislation, and it reflects our duty to protect the American people. The ROTOR Act is necessary, and I am proud to be leading this fight in the House.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am grateful to Rep. Onder for working to make this bipartisan legislation also bicameral. ROTOR takes commonsense steps to implement lessons learned from this year\u2019s fatal DCA, protect innocent lives in American skies, and improve aviation safety,\u201d said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Transportation and Science \"As Pentagon data shows a dramatic increase in US military aviation mishaps, this legislation \u2013 which eliminates a loophole that allowed most military aircraft to operate without location broadcasting \u2013 is more urgent than ever. We must honor the victims of the DCA crash by taking steps to prevent future tragedies.\u201d\n\nTransport Workers Union of America International President John Samuelsen: \u201cWhat happened in DC is a terrible tragedy. Ending the loophole that enabled military aircraft to fly without having their location transmitted and requiring all aircraft to install location transmission technology by 2031 is a commonsense, bipartisan, bicameral solution.\"\n\nEric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association -\u201cThe Aerospace Industries Association applauds Representative Onder for taking decisive action to strengthen safety in America\u2019s skies by introducing the ROTOR Act in the House of Representatives. AIA supports the bill's objectives and looks forward to working with the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to further strengthen key provisions championed by Senators Cruz and Cantwell as the legislation advances. AIA remains committed to collaborating with Congress, the FAA, and industry partners to move reforms like these forward and deliver a safer airspace for all.\"\n\nAmerican Airlines - \u201cWe continue to mourn the lives lost in the tragic accident involving Flight 5342 and we are grateful for Representatives Onder and Beyer, Senators Cruz and Cantwell, Secretary Duffy, Members of Congress, and everyone involved for their work to make aviation and our national airspace even safer. American Airlines stands in strong support of the bipartisan ROTOR Act.\"\n\nDr. Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation - \"The Foundation applauds your leadership on this issue and the bipartisan approach to this important aviation safety legislation. Aviation\u2019s safety record is remarkable, but as traffic grows and operations become more complex, we must continue reducing risk with proven technologies, rigorous oversight, and effective civil-military coordination. The ROTOR Act does exactly that. The Foundation also recognizes the families affected by the Flight 5342 tragedy near DCA and shares their resolve to learn every lesson that can be drawn from that accident and implement the fixes that prevent recurrence. As we mark our 80th year of advancing global aviation safety, Flight Safety Foundation stands ready to support Congress and all stakeholders to ensure that aviation remains the safest form of travel. Thank you for your leadership and for the opportunity to support this important legislation.\"\n\nThe Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is an official endorser of the ROTOR Act.\n\n-30-\n\nLink to the full text of the bill: ONDER_023_xml.pdf\n\nBackground Information\n\nOn January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when air traffic controllers asked the pilots if they could redirect to land on a shorter runway. The pilots confirmed they could.\n\nNearby, an Army Black Hawk helicopter was conducting its annual proficiency training. Less than 30 seconds before the two aircraft collided, a controller radioed the Black Hawk to ask whether it had the incoming flight in sight. Moments later, the collision occurred and there were no survivors.\n\nOne of the passengers on board was from the St. Louis region - a woman named Asra Hussain. The entire St. Louis community stands with her family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. We mourn with them, and we honor Asra, a Missourian, a newlywed, a daughter, and a friend.\n\nAt a three-day hearing in July, the National Transportation Safety Board revealed a critical detail: the Army Black Hawk had not broadcast its location via ADS-B for 730 days prior to the crash. Without this tracking data, the helicopter was effectively invisible to other aircraft, leaving both flight crews without situational awareness.\n\nThe ADS-B system provides more accurate and continuous information than traditional radar, transmitting an aircraft\u2019s location, speed, altitude, and other critical data in real time.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bob-onder-introduces-endorsement-transparency-act", "Congressman Bob Onder Introduces the Endorsement Transparency Act", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03) introduced the Endorsement Transparency Act, which bans labor unions from endorsing a presidential candidate unless the union polls its members. The Endorsement Transparency Act ensures that union leaders can\u2019t make unilateral endorsement decisions that counter the will of their members.\n\n\u201cThe Endorsement Transparency Act is an important first step towards restoring accountability amongst union leaders\u201d, said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cIn the 2024 presidential election, the Teamsters withheld an endorsement for either candidate after internal polling showed that 60 percent of their members supported President Trump over Vice President Harris. At the same time, the United Auto Workers endorsed Vice President Harris despite a significant portion of their rank-and-file backing President Trump.\n\n\u201cThis is unacceptable. Labor unions exist to serve their members, not to serve the political interests of their leadership.\n\n\u201cThis is part of a broader pattern within today\u2019s Democrat Party - leadership that is more focused on advancing political agendas and personal interest over the well-being of the people they claim to represent.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nLink to the full text of the bill: Endorsement Transparency Act_ONDER.pdf\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe International Brotherhood of Teamsters has long been aligned with Democrat candidates, endorsing figures such as Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. Sean O\u2019Brien was elected General President of the 1.3-million-member union in November 2021, ushering in a new chapter of leadership marked by both internal debate and heightened national attention.\n\nIn the 2024 presidential cycle, the union broke from decades of precedent by declining to endorse either major party candidate. Internal polling released by the Teamsters showed overwhelming rank-and-file support for former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. An electronic survey recorded Trump leading 59.6% to 34%, while a phone poll showed a similar margin of 58% to 31%.\n\nO\u2019Brien characterized the union\u2019s endorsement review as \u201cthe most inclusive, democratic, and transparent Presidential endorsement process in the history of our 121-year-old organization,\u201d emphasizing that any decision would be guided by the membership. Ultimately, the union chose not to issue an endorsement, while openly acknowledging the strong pro-Trump sentiment among its members.\n\nDuring this same period, O\u2019Brien alleged that Vice President Harris personally pressured the union for an endorsement, recounting a tense meeting in which she urged the Teamsters to \u201cget on board.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-leads-regional-delegation-meeting-us-postmaster-general", "Wagner Leads Regional Delegation Meeting with U.S. Postmaster General", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "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 hosted U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner in Washington, D.C. to address the recent audit of St. Louis-area Postal Services facilities and get answers to the numerous severe breakdowns in the local mail system:\n\n\u201cMissouri has been plagued with missing mail, slow delivery, and an abject failure by the United States Postal Service to address the ongoing questions from my constituents about the Postal Service\u2019s incompetency. Families rely on efficient and effective mail service to access lifesaving medications, Social Security checks, election ballots, or even a letter from a loved one. The lack of answers over the years has been unacceptable, and that\u2019s why it was so important to have this conversation with Postmaster General Steiner today to understand his plan to address these challenges, fix the unprecedented mail delays, and help us build the public\u2019s trust in this essential service.\n\n\u201cI have to reiterate, the problems our community has had with the Postal Service are major, lifechanging issues. Seniors rely on the timely, consistent delivery of their medications, and voters deserve to have confidence their ballots won\u2019t get lost. Just this year in Franklin County, hundreds of ballots were delivered after the election due to the processing delays. This is beyond unacceptable and disenfranchises voters who are trying to make their voices heard.\n\n\u201cI worked with my colleagues over the past two years to engage with local officials and get to the root causes of these issues so we can get the USPS back on track and ensure Missouri families can trust their service. Throughout these efforts, I learned the Post Office had tried to avoid any accountability for their actions and blamed outside individuals for their own missteps, a complete dereliction of their duty to the public. Make no mistake, that stops now, and those responsible will be held accountable.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s my hope that today\u2019s meeting will be a critical milestone in our efforts and will represent a change for the better. The longstanding issues in the St. Louis area must finally be addressed, and transparency and accountability must be at the core of any future reforms.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-release-epstein-files-support-victims-trafficking", "Wagner Votes to Release Epstein Files, Support Victims of Trafficking", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "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 to release files associated with Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s horrific crimes:\n\n\u201cJeffrey Epstein was an evil man, full stop, and I hope he is rotting in Hell for what he did to all those girls. I have said from day one I support releasing any files related to Jeffrey Epstein as part of our efforts to hold him and any his associates accountable for their horrific crimes, as long as the privacy of the victims is protected. Over the past several months, my colleagues on the Oversight Committee have carefully released tens of thousands of files, and today\u2019s vote will support those ongoing efforts to hold accountable the criminal associates of Jeffrey Epstein, bring light to the evil deeds of the powerful men and women involved, and help the innocent victims find the justice they deserve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-applauds-trump-administrations-action-provide-clarity-waters-united", "Graves Applauds Trump Administration\u2019s Action to Provide Clarity on Waters of the United States", "2025-11-17", "2025", "2025-11", "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), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today commended the Trump Administration for its proposed rule to define Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) in a manner that will provide much needed clarity and regulatory certainty for farmers, businesses, infrastructure builders, and communities throughout the United States.\n\nThe Administration\u2019s WOTUS rule, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, aligns with the Supreme Court\u2019s 2023 Sackett decision, which appropriately recognized that there are reasonable limits to the federal government\u2019s regulatory authority under the CWA. Today\u2019s announcement follows previous efforts by the Biden Administration to dramatically expand federal regulatory power under the law, and it provides much-needed durability to defining what waters are and are not subject to federal regulation under the CWA.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-14T05:46:13Z", "2026-04-14T05:48:07Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-urges-ncaa-approve-missouri-state-postseason-waiver-1", "Rep. Burlison Urges NCAA to Approve Missouri State Postseason Waiver", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Missouri State University\u2019s football program has already earned six wins in its first FBS season, meeting the standard for postseason eligibility. Rep. Eric Burlison is urging the NCAA to grant the Bears a waiver so these student-athletes can compete in a bowl game they have earned. Read the full letter below.\n\nNovember 14, 2025\n\nDear President Baker and Members of the NCAA Board of Governors,\n\nI write in strong support of Missouri State University\u2019s request for a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) postseason waiver.\n\nMissouri State University\u2019s football program has earned six wins in its first FBS season, fulfilled all academic and competition standards, and proven it belongs at the FBS level. Under standard NCAA rules, this record would secure postseason eligibility.\n\nThe only obstacle to Missouri State University\u2019s eligibility is a transition policy that no longer reflects the realities of modern college athletics. Today\u2019s landscape of widespread realignment and growing competition makes this restriction outdated. Missouri State University has already satisfied every core FBS requirement, including scheduling, scholarships, and facilities. Rapid program growth is evident: Football revenue has doubled, and game attendance has risen nearly 40 percent compared to last year.\n\nThe NCAA has a clear precedent of allowing transitioning teams to participate in bowls when there are open slots. With 82 postseason slots available this season, Missouri State University deserves equal consideration. These student-athletes have earned their opportunity on the field and should not be sidelined by an outdated rule alone.\n\nI respectfully urge the NCAA to approve Missouri State University\u2019s petition and allow these athletes to compete in the postseason they have rightfully earned.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nEric Burlison\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-statement-government-reopening", "Rep. Onder Statement on the Government Reopening", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03) released the following statement after voting to pass the clean, Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government and end the longest government shutdown in American history.\n\n\"I'm Congressman Bob Onder, representing Missouri's Third Congressional District. The longest government shutdown in our nation's history has finally come to an end. Thanks to strong Republican leadership, the Senate voted to reopen the government and put America First.\n\nThe American people deserve accountability and leadership, and that takes decisive action to protect their livelihoods. 750,000 Americans went without paychecks. Our TSA agents worked without pay. Families faced uncertainty about their SNAP benefits. It was long past time to act, to pass this funding bill, and to end the shutdown.\n\nI'm grateful to be back in Washington, fighting for Missourians; to strengthen our economy, secure our nation's borders, protect women's sports, and honor our first responders.\n\nAs your Congressman, I voted to fund the government on September 19th, and I voted again tonight to do the same. I would have voted every single day since this shutdown began if given the opportunity, just as my Republican colleagues in the Senate did repeatedly. Today, I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues to put America First.\n\nAs Speaker Johnson stated, there will be \"long days and long nights\" ahead on Capitol Hill, and he's right. Thank you, and may God bless you, and may God bless the great state of Missouri.\"\n\nWatch Congressman Bob Onder's recorded statement below.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-statement-ending-schumers-shutdown", "Graves Statement on Ending Schumer's Shutdown", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "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 Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) statement on the House\u2019s approval of legislation to end the federal government shutdown:", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-end-government-shutdown", "Wagner Statement on the End of the Government Shutdown", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "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 end of the government shutdown:\n\n\u201cI just voted to reopen the government, a vote that includes full-year funding for veteran\u2019s healthcare and the VA. It includes billions of dollars for SNAP, billions of dollars for food stamps and the National School Lunch Program, and billions of dollars for the Women, Infants, and Children program. It\u2019s sad that so many Democrats couldn\u2019t bring themselves to vote for such a good, simple bill that keeps families fed and safe.\n\n\u201cSenate Democrats never should have put the American people through this reckless government shutdown in the first place. This was all political. They wanted to use the suffering of the American people as leverage, but thank God it\u2019s now coming to an end so Missouri families and workers across the country can finally have certainty and stability in their lives.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-warner-to-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-revealing-number-of-jobs-lost-to-ai/", "Hawley, Warner to Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Revealing Number of Jobs Lost to AI", "2025-11-05", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) announced they will introduce the AI-Related Job Impacts Clarity Act. This legislation would require major companies and federal agencies to report AI related layoffs to the Department of Labor to be compiled into a publicly available report.\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence is already replacing American workers, and experts project AI could drive unemployment up to 10-20% in the next five years,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201cThe American people need to have an accurate understanding of how AI is affecting our workforce, so we can ensure that AI works for the people, not the other way around.\u201d\n\n\u201cGood policy starts with good data. This bipartisan legislation will finally give us a clear picture of AI\u2019s impact on the workforce \u2013 what jobs are being eliminated, which workers are being retrained, and where new opportunities are emerging. Armed with this information, we can make sure AI drives opportunity instead of leaving workers behind, \u201d said Senator Warner.\n\nThe AI-Related Job Impacts Clarity Act would:\n\nRequire major companies and federal agencies to quarterly report AI-related job effects \u2013including layoffs and job displacement \u2013 to the Department of Labor (DOL).\n\nRequire the DOL to compile data on AI-related job effects and publish a report to Congress and the public.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-urges-boeing-to-negotiate-with-missouri-workers-on-strike/", "Hawley Urges Boeing to Negotiate with Missouri Workers on Strike", "2025-11-04", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Boeing\u2019s President and CEO Kelly Ortberg, urging him to negotiate in good faith with Boeing\u2019s 3,300 machinists currently on strike in St. Louis.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, \u201cAs you know, these nearly 3,300 machinists have been on strike for fourteen weeks. That\u2019s fourteen weeks without a paycheck and access to healthcare. A few weeks ago, I heard from Joshua Arnold\u2014a decade-plus Boeing Defense shop steward, Army veteran, and father\u2014when he testified before a Senate committee. He reported that, because of Boeing\u2019s refusal to offer the machinists a contract that mirrors their value to the company, he and his fellow machinists have been without a paycheck for over three months. Further, some of the out-of-work machinists, who cannot readily obtain health insurance through a spouse\u2019s plan, are forced to pay insurance rates in the thousands per month. This is unacceptable.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, \u201cJust last year, Boeing and machinists in Seattle agreed to a beneficial contract after those machinists were on strike for 53 days. It is my understanding that Boeing\u2019s offers to the St. Louis machinists have not contained similar terms. There exists a precedent for offering a better deal, and I urge you to finalize a reasonable agreement as soon as possible. These workers help produce our Nation\u2019s most crucial, most advanced, and most expensive defense tools. And since your company receives billions in government contracts, it is incumbent upon you to do the right thing.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nNovember 4, 2025\n\nKelly Ortberg\n\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\n\nBoeing\n\n929 Long Bridge Drive\n\nArlington, VA 22202\n\nDear Mr. Ortberg:\n\nI write to request that Boeing negotiate in good faith with the nearly 3,300 Boeing Defense machinists currently on strike in the St. Louis, Missouri area. I also urge you, as President of Boeing, to quickly reach an agreement that the IAM 837 machinists can afford to accept.\n\nAs you know, these nearly 3,300 machinists have been on strike for fourteen weeks. That\u2019s fourteen weeks without a paycheck and access to healthcare. A few weeks ago, I heard from Joshua Arnold\u2014a decade-plus Boeing Defense shop steward, Army veteran, and father\u2014when he testified before a Senate committee. He reported that, because of Boeing\u2019s refusal to offer the machinists a contract that mirrors their value to the company, he and his fellow machinists have been without a paycheck for over three months. Further, some of the out-of-work machinists, who cannot readily obtain health insurance through a spouse\u2019s plan, are forced to pay insurance rates in the thousands per month. This is unacceptable.\n\nJust last year, Boeing and machinists in Seattle agreed to a beneficial contract after those machinists were on strike for 53 days. It is my understanding that Boeing\u2019s offers to the St. Louis machinists have not contained similar terms. There exists a precedent for offering a better deal, and I urge you to finalize a reasonable agreement as soon as possible. These workers help produce our Nation\u2019s most crucial, most advanced, and most expensive defense tools. And since your company receives billions in government contracts, it is incumbent upon you to do the right thing.\n\nIt is time to get a deal done. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/10/29/smith-calls-on-trump-administration-to-reverse-plan-to-expand-argentine-beef-imports/", "Smith Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Plan to Expand Argentine Beef Imports", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, joined Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17) and other Republican Members of the Committee in writing to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer expressing concern over a recently announced plan to expand imports of Argentine beef into the United States.\n\nCongressman Smith stated, \u201cWhile I agree with the president that, despite lower inflation, the cost of food is still too high for many working families, I strongly disagree with the idea that purchasing beef from Argentina will have a meaningful impact on prices at the store. In recent days, I have heard from countless cattle farmers in Missouri who have expressed concerns that they are being unfairly blamed for the high cost of beef when the Biden administration\u2019s disastrous economic policies are still having huge impacts on their operations. I completely agree with them. I commend the Trump Administration for its work to open new markets for American cattle farmers. Just this weekend President Trump announced deals with several critical trading partners in Southeast Asia. These countries have historically maintained high tariffs on U.S. beef and thanks to President Trump\u2019s efforts, US ranchers now have access to their markets. These deals only reenforce my opposition to any plans to purchase beef from foreign countries tariff free \u2013 particularly when those same nations do not give our own farmers equal access. America First means American Beef.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, Congressman Smith and the lawmakers write, \u201cWhile we share the Administration\u2019s goal of lowering costs for consumers, we are concerned that granting additional market access to Argentina \u2013 already one of our largest beef suppliers \u2013 will undermine American cattle producers, weaken our position in ongoing trade negotiations, and reintroduce avoidable animal-health risks. On average, Argentina exports over $200 million of beef annually to the U.S. while purchasing less than $2 million of U.S. beef in return. This persistent imbalance, combined with Argentina\u2019s continued tariffs on U.S. beef and its documented history of foot-and-mouth disease, raises serious questions about reciprocity, safety, and long-term fairness.\u201d\n\nWhile acknowledging concern with the importation of Argentine beef, the letter also highlights the Trump Administration\u2019s continued leadership in supporting America\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers, stating, \u201cThe Administration\u2019s efforts to expand small and medium size processing capacity, open additional grazing lands, enforce country of origin rules for usage of \u2018Product of USA\u2019 labels, and strengthen the USDA\u2019s remote grading program represent meaningful progress toward ensuring that the United States remains the world\u2019s leading supplier of safe, high-quality beef. These actions have reinforced confidence in rural America and underscored the Trump Administration\u2019s commitment to revitalizing domestic agriculture.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:14Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-bipartisan-bill-protecting-children-from-ai-chatbots-with-parents-colleagues/", "Hawley Introduces Bipartisan Bill Protecting Children from AI Chatbots with Parents, Colleagues", "2025-10-28", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) held a press conference introducing bipartisan legislation to protect children from AI chatbots, the GUARD Act. He was joined by cosponsors of the bill, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mark Warner (D-Vir.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) as they made the case for the GUARD Act. This legislation would ban AI companions for minors, mandate AI chatbots disclose its non-human status, and create new crimes for companies who make AI for minors that solicits or produces sexual content.\n\nIn attendance at the press conference were parents whose children tragically committed suicide or self-harm at the direct prompting of AI chatbots, as well as supporting advocates and organizations.\n\n\u201cAI chatbots pose a serious threat to our kids. More than seventy percent of American children are now using these AI products. Chatbots develop relationships with kids using fake empathy and are encouraging suicide. We in Congress have a moral duty to enact bright-line rules to prevent further harm from this new technology,\u201d Senator Hawley said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with tremendous support from parents and survivors that will ensure our kids are protected online.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn their race to the bottom, AI companies are pushing treacherous chatbots at kids and looking away when their products cause sexual abuse, or coerce them into self-harm or suicide. Our legislation imposes strict safeguards against exploitative or manipulative AI, backed by tough enforcement with criminal and civil penalties. Big Tech has betrayed any claim that we should trust companies to do the right thing on their own when they consistently put profit first ahead of child safety,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cIn recent months, we have seen multiple alarming incidents involving chatbots\u2014from encouraging suicide to engaging in sensual conversations with minors\u2014that should give every American pause. It is our job in Congress to do everything we can to protect our children as we navigate the new reality of living in a world where AI is increasingly integrated into our lives. This legislation is a critical first step toward doing just that,\u201d said Senator Britt.\n\nSenator Murphy said, \u201cYou can\u2019t overstate the harm these AI companion chatbots pose to our kids. Nearly 70 percent of teenagers are turning to chatbots as a substitute for friendship, making them more isolated and disconnected, but what\u2019s even scarier are the stories of chatbots encouraging young people to hurt themselves or others. Big Tech companies are fighting regulation because they want to maximize their profits by addicting our kids to their technology, no matter the cost. Our bill forces these greedy AI companies to take responsibility and implement common sense protections to keep kids from accessing these dangerous chatbots and holds those companies criminally accountable when their product pushes minors to self-harm.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s alarming to see AI chatbots contributing to incidents of self-harm among young people,\u201d said Senator Warner. \u201cCongress and the tech industry can\u2019t afford to wait until more kids are hurt or more lives are lost. This bipartisan legislation will make sure clear guardrails are in place to protect kids from manipulative or dangerous chatbot interactions.\u201d\n\nVP of Public Policy at Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Stefan Turkheimer shared, \u201cRight now, children are allowed, and even encouraged, by tech companies to engage with AI chatbots that are mimicking affection, manipulating them, and making them vulnerable to predators on and offline. The GUARD Act will finally ensure tech companies prioritize kids\u2019 safety instead of profits.\u201d\n\nThe GUARD Act would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-op-ed-no-american-should-go-to-bed-hungry/", "Hawley Op-Ed: No American Should Go to Bed Hungry", "2025-10-28", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) penned the following op-ed on his legislation to fund food benefits that are set to run out on November 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown. Read the full op-ed here or below.\n\nThe federal government has been shut down for 28 days and counting. That\u2019s 28 days too long and already the second-longest federal shutdown ever. Saturday will be another grim milestone. That is the day about 42 million Americans will lose federal food assistance.\n\nCongress must not let that happen. America is a great and wealthy nation, and our most important wealth is our generosity of spirit. We help those in need. We provide for the widow and the orphan. Love of neighbor is part of who we are. The Scripture\u2019s injunction to \u201cremember the poor\u201d is a principle Americans have lived by. It\u2019s time Congress does the same.\n\nThe government shutdown has already touched countless lives, and not for the better. Key services have been curtailed and hundreds of thousands of federal employees \u2014 from air traffic controllers to Capitol Police officers \u2014 are working without pay. But letting federal food assistance lapse would introduce an entirely new stage of suffering. The best solution would be to pass a clean funding bill to reopen the government in its entirety, but if that can\u2019t be done, Congress at the very least needs to pass my bill to ensure food assistance continues uninterrupted.\n\nMillions of Americans rely on food assistance just to get by. The program often known as food stamps \u2014 officially it\u2019s now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP \u2014 is a lifeline that permits the needy to purchase basic food items at the grocery store. Last year, SNAP enrollees hit about 42 million. That\u2019s over 12 percent of the American population.\n\nWe\u2019re not talking about high earners who don\u2019t really need the assistance. SNAP broadly limits assistance to those who make 130 percent of the poverty line and below. These days, that\u2019s folks who earn about $42,000 or less for a family of four. For these good people, food assistance is not an optional extra. They need it to feed their children.\n\nThe millions of Americans who receive food assistance include young parents raising children, men and women with disabilities, families suffering from temporary job loss and workers who have fallen on hard times. Among SNAP\u2019s many beneficiaries are veterans. Approximately 1.2 million of our warriors receive food assistance.\n\nSurely it is not hard to understand why SNAP is so essential to so many. The American economy has not been kind to working people in recent years. What cost $100 five years ago costs $125 today. So if you\u2019re not earning 25 percent more than you were five years ago, you\u2019re getting poorer. That\u2019s most families in America. And nowhere do they feel it more than at the grocery store.\n\nBut nobody in America, this richest of nations, should go to bed hungry, and certainly no child. We have a proud tradition of helping those in need. The federal government stood up the first food stamp program in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. In 1960, while touring impoverished West Virginia, then-Senator John F. Kennedy promised, \u201cWe will see to it that every American is fed and fed right.\u201d A year after his assassination, Congress wrote the Food Stamp Act into law.\n\nFederal food benefits, distributed in partnership with the states, have grown to be one of our most vital forms of aid. My constituents in Missouri will tell you. A few days ago, a retired teacher from southwest Missouri wrote me about her four grandchildren. They rely on SNAP to buy groceries. Upon hearing that assistance may soon be unavailable, one of the children asked her: \u201cGrandma, what will we do? How will we eat?\u201d\n\nAnother Missourian relayed a similar story. She had to take time off from work for medical reasons, and now she and her husband, who is disabled, rely on SNAP for groceries. She wrote me: \u201cI understand getting rid of the SNAP program for those who are doing fraud or giving it to illegal aliens. But what about those who need it? Why is the government hurting the honest SNAP people?\u201d A third letter, from a wife in mid-Missouri whose husband has suffered brain damage, said simply of food stamps, \u201cWe would not eat without them.\u201d\n\nThere is no reason any of these residents of my state \u2014 or any other American who qualifies for food assistance \u2014 should go hungry. We can afford to provide the help. Preventing debilitating poverty through the food program costs only about a tenth of our annual defense budget. Of course, aid should be limited to those who truly need it. But there is no cause, and no excuse, to deny aid to the poor entirely.\n\nCongress can still pass legislation during a shutdown, and it should pass my bill to keep SNAP benefits going. Last I checked, members of Congress are still getting paid. Republicans blame Democrats, and Democrats blame Republicans, but all these people have food to spare. One suspects that if senators couldn\u2019t buy groceries, the government would never close down again.\n\nBut this isn\u2019t about politics at all in the end. It\u2019s about who we are. The character of a nation is revealed not in quarterly profits or C.E.O. pay, but in how it treats the small and forgotten \u2014 the last, the least, the lost. America is a great nation precisely because we have loved our neighbors as ourselves. Congress should live up to that legacy now.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/new-hawley-bill-to-protect-snap-benefits-during-shutdown-gains-cosponsors/", "New Hawley Bill to Protect SNAP Benefits During Shutdown Gains Cosponsors", "2025-10-24", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) filed legislation this week to ensure food stamps will continue to be funded despite the ongoing government shutdown. Today, he has secured support from Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska.) for his Keep SNAP Funded Act. The legislation is circulating in the Senate as several states report pending shortfalls in the SNAP program due to the shutdown.\n\n\u201cNeedy families in Missouri should not be going hungry because a bunch of politicians in DC can\u2019t figure out how to open the government,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201c650,000 people in Missouri depend on help when it comes to the price of food and groceries. I don\u2019t want to see these folks go without food. I hope everybody will support this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration has tried to shield the American people from the harmful effects of this Democrat shutdown. But as the shutdown drags on, the reality is the only way to guarantee paychecks for federal employees, keep America\u2019s skies safe for travelers, and ensure critical safety-net programs remain available for Oklahomans in need is to reopen the government. Under President Biden, this same type of clean continuing resolution passed on a bipartisan basis thirteen times. Now, under President Trump, it\u2019s exceptionally disappointing to see Democrats choosing politics over paychecks and the most vulnerable,\u201d Senator Lankford said.\n\n\u201cRoughly one in 10 Tennesseans receive SNAP benefits for food assistance, and they shouldn\u2019t have to worry about where their next meal will come from because the Democrats are holding government funding hostage to appease their far-left base,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cOur Keep SNAP Funded Act would ensure Tennesseans do not miss a meal during the Democrats\u2019 shutdown.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo American should face hunger because of partisan brinkmanship in Washington. SNAP is a lifeline for more than 170,000 Mainers, including 50,000 children and 73,000 older adults, who rely on this critical nutrition assistance,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cAs Congress works to resolve the needless and reckless government shutdown, passing this legislation to ensure that SNAP payments continue without interruption is a top priority.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-blasts-schumer-using-air-traffic-controllers-political-pawns-government", "Graves Blasts Schumer for Using Air Traffic Controllers as Political Pawns in Government Shutdown", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nOctober 23, 2025\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) joined Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy today at a press conference to discuss the impacts of the government shutdown on our aviation system and the more than 13,000 air traffic controllers currently working without pay.\n\nImage\n\nChairman Graves took the opportunity to praise air traffic controllers for continuing to do their job despite the uncertainty surrounding their next paycheck: \u201cThey\u2019re showing up for work, they\u2019re doing the job, and they\u2019re making sure that our skies stay safe.\u201d Speaking about the shutdown and Senator Chuck Schumer, Graves said, \u201cIt\u2019s unfortunate that he\u2019s weaponizing the air traffic controllers,\u201d and stressed that neither controllers nor their families should be used as political bargaining chips.\n\nChairman Graves\u2019 full remarks from today\u2019s press conference are available here.\n\nImage\n\nSpeaker Mike Johnson addressed reports that air traffic controllers are taking on second jobs to make ends meet during the government shutdown: \u201cAir traffic controllers, some people call the policemen of our skies, they have been showing up at work without pay. And, news reports have suggested that these men and women are seeking outside employment just to keep their families afloat.\u201d\n\nSecretary Duffy assured the public that it is still safe to fly and that the Administration\u2019s efforts to modernize the air traffic control system, for which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee provided a down payment of $12.5 billion in H.R. 1, is still progressing during the shutdown. However, he noted that the shutdown has the potential to negatively impact the recruitment of new air traffic controllers, as recruits are witnessing controllers go without pay. Hiring new air traffic controllers has been a priority for the Trump Administration as they work to address the current controller shortage. Secretary Duffy spoke about effects of the shutdown on new recruits saying, \u201cThey\u2019re thinking about leaving the [FAA] Academy, smart young men and women, because they don\u2019t want to work for a system that won\u2019t pay them.\u201d\n\nChairman Graves joined Secretary Duffy and House Republican Leadership in urging liberals in the Senate to pass a clear continuing resolution \u2013 which the House did weeks ago \u2013 and vote to reopen the government.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-to-introduce-legislation-to-guarantee-direct-payments-for-farmers-ranchers-using-tariff-funds/", "Hawley to Introduce Legislation to Guarantee Direct Payments for Farmers & Ranchers Using Tariff Funds", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Senator Josh Hawley announced he will introduce legislation, the Support Our Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025, to deliver direct payments for farmers and ranchers using revenue collected from President Trump\u2019s tariffs.\n\nThe program will use billions in tariff money to provide congressional authorization for the Trump Administration\u2019s plans to deliver relief for farmers and ranchers after several years of high input costs and low profitability margins. During his first term, President Trump provided tens of billions in a relief program to account for market conditions. Senator Hawley\u2019s Support Our Farmers and Ranchers Act would permit the Trump Administration to immediately proceed with a similar relief program for this year.\n\nThe Support Our Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025 would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-legislation-to-fund-food-stamps-and-farm-programs-during-government-shutdown/", "Hawley Introduces Legislation to Fund Food Stamps and Farm Programs During Government Shutdown", "2025-10-22", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced two bills to reinstate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and critical farm programs during the government shutdown.\n\n\u201cSince the Democrats refuse to fund the government, I\u2019m introducing legislation to reinstate food stamps and farm programs immediately,\u201d said Senator Hawley.\u201cMissourians shouldn\u2019t go hungry because of the Left\u2019s incompetence. Our kids deserve to eat.\u201d\n\nMore than 650,000 Missourians stand to lose their access to food benefits next month because Democrats refuse to fund the government. The vast majority of those Missourians are families with children.\n\nThe Keep SNAP Funded Act would ensure full funding for the SNAP program during the government shutdown. Under the bill, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.\n\nThe Fund Farm Programs Act would reopen all Farm Service Agency (FSA) Offices and ensure resumed services for all FSA programs that farmers rely on. The USDA will be appropriated the necessary funding to provide resumed services for farmers through FSA offices, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.\n\nRead the full bill text for the Keep SNAP Funded Act here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-doubles-down-on-surging-data-center-concerns-in-response-to-state-legislator/", "Hawley Doubles Down on Data Center Concerns in Response to State Legislator", "2025-10-17", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) responded to Cindy O\u2019Laughlin, President Pro Tempore of the Missouri State Senate, after she wrote aletter to Senator Hawley calling his concerns for Missourians\u2019 rising utility costs \u201cmisleading.\u201d\n\nHe shot back at O\u2019Laughlin, saying she \u201ctold me to stop asking questions about data centers and higher electricity rates. Not a chance.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-bill-banning-abortion-and-gender-transitions-for-minors-on-the-healthcare-exchanges/", "Hawley Introduces Bill Banning Abortion and Gender-Transitions for Minors on the Healthcare Exchanges", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Prohibiting Abortion & Transgender Procedures on the Exchanges Act, which would prohibit Exchanges from offering health plans that provide coverage of abortion or gender transition procedures or drugs for minor children.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to ban abortion and gender-transition procedures for minors on the healthcare exchanges. No more loopholes,\u201d said Senator Hawley.\n\nThe Prohibiting Abortion & Transgender Procedures on the Exchanges Act would:\n\nWrite Hyde language directly into the federal coverage terms of health plans, and prohibit Exchanges from offering any health plans that provide coverage of abortion, except for in cases of rape or incest, or if the mother\u2019s life is at risk.\n\nProhibit Exchanges from offering any health plans that provide coverage of gender transition procedures or drugs for minor children.\n\nThis bill is supported by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-sends-letter-to-ameren-demanding-answers-on-utility-bill-increases-data-center-deals-and-power-shut-offs/", "Hawley Sends Letter to Ameren Demanding Answers on Utility Bill Increases, Data Center Deals, and Power Shut-offs", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Ameren Corporation President and CEO Martin Lyons calling out Ameren for reportedly pursuing expensive corporate projects while thousands of Missourians experience rate hikes and power shut-offs.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, \u201cFamilies across Missouri are struggling to pay their bills. But I am concerned Ameren is seeking dramatic rate increases in order to supply massive data centers and industrial users. Recent reporting indicates that Ameren cut electricity to thousands of Missouri households in September while simultaneously pursuing lucrative arrangements with corporate users.\u201d\n\nHe continued, \u201c\u200bMissourians deserve affordable and reliable electricity. They should not be forced to subsidize corporate projects while struggling to keep their lights on.\u201d\n\nHawley requested communications regarding Ameren\u2019s rate increases, power disconnections, data-center expansion, as well as cost allocation and prioritization.\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nMr. Martin J. Lyons\n\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\n\nAmeren Corporation\n\n1901 Chouteau Avenue\n\nSt. Louis, MO 63103\n\nDear Mr. Lyons,\n\n\u200bFamilies across Missouri are struggling to pay their bills. But I am concerned Ameren is seeking dramatic rate increases in order to supply massive data centers and industrial users. Recent reporting indicates that Ameren cut electricity to thousands of Missouri households in September while simultaneously pursuing lucrative arrangements with corporate users.\n\n\u200bI am writing to ask for answers:\n\nRate Increases. Ameren\u2019s current request before the Missouri Public Service Commission would raise electric bills for residential customers by roughly fifteen percent\u2014a staggering increase for families already squeezed by inflation. Please explain in detail the justification for this increase, including how Ameren has calculated its projected revenue requirement and profit margin. Is any of this requested increase due to the considerable power demands from new data centers?\n\nDisconnections. According to public filings, Ameren disconnected power to tens of thousands of households this year for nonpayment. How does Ameren evaluate the impact of these shutoffs on vulnerable customers, and what steps, if any, has the company taken to prevent disconnections in extreme weather conditions?\n\nData-Center Expansion. Ameren\u2019s recent agreements to provide hundreds of megawatts of power to new data centers raise serious concerns about cross-subsidization. Has Ameren analyzed how these industrial contracts will affect residential prices? If so, please produce that analysis.\n\nCost Allocation and Prioritization. What measures has Ameren adopted to ensure that the cost of new infrastructure for large industrial users will not be passed on to residential ratepayers? Has Ameren considered prioritizing rate stability for households before approving discounted contracts for data-center clients?\n\nMissourians deserve affordable and reliable electricity. They should not be forced to subsidize corporate projects while struggling to keep their lights on. I look forward to your responses by October 29, 2025. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-hostage-release", "Wagner Statement on Hostage Release", "2025-10-13", "2025", "2025-10", "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), Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement on the release of hostages from Gaza:\n\n\u201cIt has been two long years since these hostages were ripped away from their families in the midst of the brutal Hamas terror attack. That\u2019s two years of not knowing when, or if, they would ever see their loved ones again. I am so incredibly grateful to see these innocents going home today, and my heart goes out to the families of the hostages who were killed in captivity in the furtherance of Hamas\u2019s depraved anti-Semitic ideology.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m hopeful today marks a turning point towards a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Middle East. Thank you to President Trump and his Administration for their strength and unparalleled diplomacy that made this miraculous day a reality.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-secures-wins-for-missouri-in-senate-defense-bill/", "Hawley Secures Wins for Missouri in Senate Defense Bill", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) issued the following statement on the passage of the Senate\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026 NDAA):\n\n\u201cTonight the Senate has adopted my legislation protecting Ft. Leonard Wood\u2019s vital hospital from being downgraded or closed. This is a huge win for Missouri. The defense bill passed tonight also enacts President Trump\u2019s national security priorities, gives our troops a 3.8% pay raise, and makes needed defense investments across Missouri,\u201d said Senator Hawley.\n\nWins for Missouri in the FY2026 NDAA include:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-historic-middle-east-peace-deal", "Wagner Applauds Historic Middle East Peace Deal", "2025-10-08", "2025", "2025-10", "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), Co-Chair of the House Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement on the historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas:\n\n\u201cThank you to President Trump and Secretary Rubio for this incredible achievement that is the first step towards peace in the Middle East! This is a huge victory that will pave the way towards lasting stability and prosperity in the region. After months of hard work and tough diplomacy, innocent hostages will at last return to their families and countless lives will be saved.\n\n\u201cThe past two years of war were a direct result of Hamas\u2019s unprovoked, brutal attack on Israel. The Hamas terrorist network has been utterly eviscerated, a necessary action that has opened the door to lasting peace. A deradicalized Gaza is necessary for this war to end, and I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Abraham Accords Caucus to help lay the groundwork and fully implement the President\u2019s peace plan so that Israel can look forward to a future of sustained peace, prosperity, and friendship with its Arab neighbors.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-secures-commitment-from-trump-doj-to-investigate-biden-fbi-spying-on-him-calls-for-special-prosecutor/", "Hawley Secures Commitment from Trump DOJ to Investigate Biden FBI Spying on Him, Calls for Special Prosecutor", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, in a Senate Judiciary hearing, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) secured a commitment from Attorney General Pam Bondi that her Department of Justice (DOJ) would fully investigate how Joe Biden weaponized his DOJ to track Senator Hawley\u2019s personal communications and access his confidential phone records. Biden\u2019s special prosecutor Jack Smith also spied on seven other Republican members of Congress.\n\nSenator Hawley lamented Biden\u2019s weaponization of government against conservatives and what it means for the country, saying, \u201cI\u2019ve heard over and over from my Democrat colleagues, concerns about targeting political enemies, and they\u2019ve accused you of all manner of things, and the current president\u2026 I\u2019ve heard them say that \u2018Joe Biden never targeted his political enemies. Joe Biden never directed his attorney general to target his political opponents.\u2019 That\u2019s interesting, because I could have sworn that yesterday we learned that the FBI tapped my phone\u2026 tapped Lindsey Graham\u2019s phone, tapped Marsha Blackburn\u2019s phone, tapped five other phones of United States senators.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley asked Attorney General Bondi, \u201cWhat was going on here? Who ordered this? Who ordered the tapping of the phones of United States Senators?\u201d\n\n\u201cWe will be looking at all aspects of this, and I have talked to Director Patel at length about this,\u201d Attorney General Bondi answered.\n\nSenator Hawley also reminded Attorney General Bondi of the litany of abuses that Biden\u2019s DOJ committed against everyday Americans, including pro-lifers, parents at school board meetings, and 92 conservative advocacy organizations like Charlie Kirk\u2019s Turning Point USA.\n\n\u201cSo here you have an administration that is activating the FBI against its political opponents and tapping the phones of United States senators\u2026. This is what was happening under Joe Biden\u2026 the political opponents of the president at the time, targeted, prosecuted. Pro-lifers, targeted, prosecuted. Catholics, targeted, prosecuted. 92 conservative organizations put under surveillance, targeted for potential prosecution. Gee, I don\u2019t know. Would you call that an example of weaponization, Attorney General Bondi?\u201d\n\nBondi replied, \u201cSenator Hawley, that is the ultimate weaponization, and weaponization under Donald Trump has ended\u2026 No longer will parents be targeted. No longer will parents who care about whether their elementary school children have to read a transgender book be targeted\u2026 People can worship freely, whether they\u2019re Catholics, at synagogues, or Muslims, everyone can worship freely. That was the ultimate weaponization. They were targeting Catholics \u2013 no longer. They have been targeting so many American citizens throughout this country. And Senator Hawley, you have been a champion of this, and thank you for being a champion of that. But under Donald Trump\u2019s watch, it has ended.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley called for congressional hearings, full-scale investigations, and prosecutions, saying, \u201cMadam Attorney General, I think we need a special prosecutor to be appointed whose sole responsibility will be to get to the bottom of what has happened in every instance that I have just named. I think we need to know exactly who approved the wiretaps on United States Senators. Who knew about it, what agents were involved at DOJ or the FBI? I think we need to know exactly who signed off on the Catholic memo, the spying memo, who was involved with it\u2026 who terrorized pro-lifers and tried to intimidate them. I think we need to know. And this committee needs to do oversight hearings. We need to have thorough hearings into what has happened these last four years and this abuse that has now just been uncovered, because we have to ensure that it stops.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/abuse-of-power-beyond-watergate-hawley-reacts-to-new-reporting-that-biden-fbi-spied-on-him-other-republican-lawmakers/", "\u2018Abuse of Power Beyond Watergate\u2019: Hawley Reacts to New Reporting that Biden FBI Spied on Him, Other Republican Lawmakers", "2025-10-06", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statement following explosive new reporting, revealing that President Joe Biden\u2019s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spied on Republican senators and a representative\u2014going so far as to tap the lawmakers\u2019 private communications and phone calls.\n\nThe organized spying campaign was part of the Biden-era \u201cArctic Frost\u201d investigation.\n\nThe FBI targeted the following Members of Congress:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-urges-fda-to-explain-concerning-approval-of-abortion-drug/", "Hawley Urges FDA to Explain Concerning Approval of Abortion Drug", "2025-10-03", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary following his agency\u2019s alarming approval of a new generic version of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, \u201cI write with grave concern regarding your agency\u2019s surprise approval of a new generic abortion drug. This decision appears to ignore the science while advancing a highly questionable ideological agenda. And I fear this decision may render moot your promise to conduct a safety review of mifepristone. I request your immediate assistance in explaining your agency\u2019s decision.\u201d\n\nHe continued, \u201cAs you know, recent data shows that nearly 11% of women who use the chemical abortion drug, mifepristone, experience a serious adverse health event\u2014like sepsis or hemorrhaging\u2014within 45 days. That is an adverse-event rate at least 22 times greater than currently disclosed on the FDA-approved drug label. In light of this data, your agency has committed to a thorough safety review of mifepristone and existing regulations\u2026 But this week, before any such review has been completed, your Food and Drug Administration approved a new generic abortion drug developed by Evita Solutions, LLC. This is a company with highly ideological, even extreme, views on gender and abortion.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, \u201cThe timing of your agency\u2019s approval raises further questions. FDA is supposed to be conducting a review of the safety regulations around mifepristone. But because this new generic has been approved before any changes to those safety protocols, this drug may be exempted from any new safety standards imposed on mifepristone in the future. That would render your safety review toothless and irrelevant. I invite you to explain your decision.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley asked FDA Commissioner Makary to answer the following questions by no later than October 10, 2025:\n\nWere you personally involved in the approval process of ANDA 216616? What was the nature of your involvement?\n\nPlease describe the timeline of ANDA 216616 submission and approval.\n\nPlease describe the scope and nature of the FDA\u2019s therapeutic equivalence evaluation for ANDA 216616, including whether your bioequivalence review evaluated the risk of increased adverse events.\n\nPlease explain how the FDA considered the aforementioned new data on mifepristone safety in its approval.\n\nDid your agency consider Evita Solutions\u2019s stated goals and mission in its approval?\n\nBecause this approval preceded the safety review and any updated Mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), will the new generic now be allowed to remain on the market without immediately complying with any new safety standards?\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nDr. Marty Makary\n\nCommissioner\n\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration\n\n10903 New Hampshire Avenue\n\nSilver Spring, MD 20993\n\nCommissioner Makary:\n\nI write with grave concern regarding your agency\u2019s surprise approval of a new generic abortion drug. This decision appears to ignore the science while advancing a highly questionable ideological agenda. And I fear this decision may render moot your promise to conduct a safety review of mifepristone. I request your immediate assistance in explaining your agency\u2019s decision.\n\nAs you know, recent data shows that nearly 11% of women who use the chemical abortion drug, mifepristone, experience a serious adverse health event\u2014like sepsis or hemorrhaging\u2014within 45 days. That is an adverse-event rate at least 22 times greater than currently disclosed on the FDA-approved drug label.[1] In light of this data, your agency has committed to a thorough safety review of mifepristone and existing regulations. In your letter to me of June 2, 2025, you stated that you were \u201ccommitted to conducting a review of mifepristone.\u201d\n\nBut this week, before any such review has been completed, your Food and Drug Administration approved a new generic abortion drug developed by Evita Solutions, LLC. This is a company with highly ideological, even extreme, views on gender and abortion. The company\u2019s website declares its mission is to \u201cnormalize abortion.\u201d The company decries regulations protecting life and maternal safety as \u201cunnecessary restrictions.\u201d Moreover, the company appears not to recognize distinctions between men and women. Its website states: \u201cEvita Solutions believes all people should have access to . . . abortion care, regardless of their race, sex, gender, age, sexuality, income, or where they live\u201d (emphasis added). The company conspicuously refuses to use the word \u201cwoman\u201d on its website. This is a woke corporation that clearly seeks to promote a woke ideological agenda.\n\nThe timing of your agency\u2019s approval raises further questions. FDA is supposed to be conducting a review of the safety regulations around mifepristone. But because this new generic has been approved before any changes to those safety protocols, this drug may be exempted from any new safety standards imposed on mifepristone in the future. That would render your safety review toothless and irrelevant.\n\nI invite you to explain your decision. Please answer the following questions by no later than October 10, 2025:\n\n1. Were you personally involved in the approval process of ANDA 216616? What was the nature of your involvement?\n\n2. Please describe the timeline of ANDA 216616 submission and approval.\n\n3. Please describe the scope and nature of the FDA\u2019s therapeutic equivalence evaluation for ANDA 216616, including whether your bioequivalence review evaluated the risk of increased adverse events.\n\n4. Please explain how the FDA considered the aforementioned new data on mifepristone safety in its approval.\n\n5. Did your agency consider Evita Solutions\u2019s stated goals and mission in its approval?\n\n6. Because this approval preceded the safety review and any updated Mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), will the new generic now be allowed to remain on the market without immediately complying with any new safety standards?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-offices-remain-open-serve-constituents-during-government-shutdown", "Rep. Burlison: Offices Remain Open to Serve Constituents During Government Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following the shutdown of the federal government due to Senate Democrats\u2019 refusal to negotiate responsibly, Representative Eric Burlison (MO-07) reminded constituents that his offices will remain fully operational to provide assistance.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans passed a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cDemocrats refused to negotiate in good faith and demanded $1.4 trillion in spending that includes benefits for illegal aliens, subsidies for abortion, and rolling back the taxpayer savings from rescissions we achieved this year. Their actions put partisan politics above our troops and everyday Americans, and they\u2019re deliberately trying to undo the conservative wins we\u2019ve fought for under President Trump.\u201d\n\nDespite the shutdown, many essential services continue, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the most up-to-date information.\n\n\u201cMy offices in Washington, Springfield, and Joplin will remain open to help constituents with any federal services or questions during this period,\u201d Burlison said.\n\nConstituent Office Locations:\n\nWashington, D.C. Office\n\n1108 Longworth House Office Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nPhone: (202) 225-6536\n\nSpringfield District Office\n\n3232 E. Ridgeview St.\n\nSpringfield, MO 65804\n\nPhone: (417) 889-1800\n\nJoplin District Office\n\n2727 E. 32nd Street, Suite 2\n\nJoplin, MO 64804\n\nPhone: (417) 781-1041\n\nConstituents are encouraged to contact any of these offices directly for assistance during the government shutdown.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-condemns-schumers-government-shutdown", "Graves Condemns Schumer\u2019s Government Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cIt\u2019s critical we keep the government open and continue paying our troops, air traffic controllers, Border Patrol agents, and other essential government employees who work to keep us safe every day,\u201c said Graves. \u201cChuck Schumer and his pals need to stop playing games and start doing what\u2019s right for the American people. I can\u2019t believe they can sit there with a straight face and demand things like \u2018free\u2019 healthcare for illegal immigrants\u2014paid for with your hard-earned tax dollars\u2014in exchange for keeping the government open. This needs to end today.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-slams-democrats-shutting-down-government", "Wagner Slams Democrats for Shutting Down Government", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "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 Democrats shut down the U.S. Government:\n\n\u201cA government shutdown is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars, it is bad governance, and it hurts our economy and workers. Yet Democrats just voted to block a clean government funding bill because they want to spend $1.5 trillion more of your money. This is a shocking dereliction of duty by the Democrats, who supported thirteen clean temporary funding bills under the previous Administration.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans did our job and passed a clean bill that pays our troops, Border Patrol, Air Traffic Controllers, and so many more federal workers, with absolutely zero partisan policies attached. We voted to continue food inspections, continue processing new applications for Social Security and Medicare, and other critical services, but Democrats are holding the federal government hostage for their radically liberal pet projects.\n\n\u201cThe American people do not support shutting down the government for $1.5 trillion of out-of-touch liberal policies like free healthcare for illegal immigrants. Senator Chuck Schumer needs to stop trying to appease his far-left, radical base, support the clean bill, and reopen the government.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/icymi-hawley-accuses-airline-execs-of-using-predatory-fees-harassing-passengers-to-increase-profits/", "ICYMI: Hawley Accuses Airline Execs of Using Predatory Fees, Harassing Passengers to Increase Profits", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) confronted airline executives for implementing predatory fees to increase profit margins by extracting every last penny from travelers.\n\nSenator Hawley accused Frontier Airlines CEO, Barry Biffle, of paying his employees to harass customers over the carry-on bag policy saying, \u201cAbout nine months ago, your chief commercial officer testified to me that Frontier pays its gate agents bounties to stop paying customers from carrying bags onto the plane. Is this still happening?\u201d\n\nMr. Biffle replied, \u201cNot at the rate it was . . . We do offer incentives and commissions, to stop people who didn\u2019t pay.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley responded, \u201cYou\u2019re still paying them money to harass customers from bringing bags onto the airline by saying it was too big or doesn\u2019t fit in a little box, or whatever the case may be, you\u2019re still doing it . . . This has gotta be the only business in the world I have heard of that pays your people to harass your own customers.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley turned to Allegiant Airlines CEO, Greg Anderson, to ask if his company charges families with children under the age of 13 fees to sit together saying, \u201cYour airline apparently, is charging additional fees. I just want to know, are you still doing that?\u201d\n\n\u201cYou\u2019re not wrong,\u201d Mr. Anderson replied. \u201cThere are some technology issues that we\u2019re working through. We transformed our system, but we will look into this.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley continued to question the airline executives about how they are implementing AI to increase profit margins and the unfair practice of dynamic seat pricing.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-durbin-introduce-legislation-empowering-americans-to-bring-liability-claims-against-ai-companies/", "Hawley, Durbin Introduce Legislation Empowering Americans to Bring Liability Claims Against AI Companies", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in introducing the Aligning Incentives for Leadership, Excellence, and Advancement in Development (AI LEAD) Act. This legislation would classify AI systems as products, allowing for liability claims when an AI system causes harm.\n\n\u201cWhen a defective toy car breaks and injures a child, parents can sue the maker. Why should AI be treated any differently? This bipartisan legislation would apply products liability law to Big Tech\u2019s AI, so parents\u2014and any consumer\u2014can sue when AI products harm them or their children,\u201d Senator Hawley said.\n\n\u201cDemocrats and Republicans don\u2019t agree on much these days, but we\u2019ve struck a remarkable bipartisan note in protecting children online. Big Tech\u2019s time to police itself is over. Kids and adults across the country are turning to AI chatbots for advice and information, but greedy tech companies have designed these products to protect their own bottom line\u2014not users\u2019 safety,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cBy opening the courtroom and allowing victims to sue, our bill will force AI companies to develop their products with safety in mind. Our message to AI companies is clear: keep innovating, but do it responsibly. I thank Senator Hawley for joining me in introducing this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to passing it into law.\u201d\n\nThe AI Lead Act would:\n\nClassify AI systems as products, allowing for product liability claims to be brought against companies if their AI system causes harm.\n\nIncentivize AI companies to design their systems safely rather than rushing AI systems to market.\n\nHold AI companies accountable without stifling innovation by allowing for the continued development of beneficial AI systems.\n\nSenators Hawley and Durbin continue to work to hold Big Tech accountable. In June, they advanced their STOP CSAM Act unanimously through a Senate Judiciary Committee markup. The STOP CSAM Act would crack down on the proliferation of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by allowing victims to sue companies that host it.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-requests-information-on-missouri-tornado-relief-after-reported-delays/", "Hawley Requests Information on Missouri Tornado Relief After Reported Delays", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Disaster Management, sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Acting Administrator David Richardson following reports of delays in FEMA\u2019s response to the May 16, 2025 Missouri tornadoes.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, \u201cI write regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s response to the May 16, 2025 tornadoes in Missouri. St. Louis city officials have reported delays in the distribution of federal assistance. As you know, the President approved a major disaster declaration for the St. Louis region on June 9. Some reports indicate that various aspects of the approved aid, however, have yet to arrive.\u201d\n\nHe continued, \u201cAs Chair of the Subcommittee on Disaster Management, I request your help in gathering relevant information. You will agree, I know, that residents of disaster areas should receive approved federal assistance in a timely manner to ensure a swift recovery.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley concluded the letter by requesting specific information on FEMA\u2019s response to the St. Louis tornadoes.\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nSeptember 29, 2025\n\nDavid Richardson\n\nActing Administrator\n\nFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)\n\n500 C St., S.W.\n\nWashington, DC 20472\n\nDear Acting Administrator Richardson:\n\nI write regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s response to the May 16, 2025 tornadoes in Missouri. St. Louis city officials have reported delays in the distribution of federal assistance. As you know, the President approved a major disaster declaration for the St. Louis region on June 9. Some reports indicate that various aspects of the approved aid, however, have yet to arrive.\n\nAs Chair of the Subcommittee on Disaster Management, I request your help in gathering relevant information. You will agree, I know, that residents of disaster areas should receive approved federal assistance in a timely manner to ensure a swift recovery. Please provide the following information to the Subcommittee no later than October 6, 2025:\n\nHow much FEMA aid has been provided to St. Louis to date pursuant to the June 2025 disaster declaration? How much aid remains to be provided? Please break down this information by specific recovery program.\n\nHow many FEMA personnel were deployed to assist with recovery efforts in St. Louis? What were their specific roles?\n\nHas FEMA provided door-to-door services to help affected St. Louis residents apply for assistance? If not, why not?\n\nHas FEMA closed disaster-recovery facilities in St. Louis at which residents can apply for financial assistance? How long were these facilities operational?\n\nHow is FEMA working to expedite deployment of federal resources to disaster areas, both in Missouri and in other affected regions?\n\nI look forward to hearing from you.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/watch-hawley-grills-former-biden-advisor-over-defund-the-police-advocacy-and-gender-lunacy/", "WATCH: Hawley Grills Former Biden Advisor Over Defund the Police Advocacy and Gender Lunacy", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "This morning, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Gregory Jackson, Jr.\u2014former President Joe Biden\u2019s Deputy Director of Gun Violence Prevention\u2014for advocating to defund the police and invest in \u201csafe-spaces\u201d for \u201ctwo-spirit\u201d individuals.\n\n\u201cMr. Jackson, Do you renounce the report that you authored as executive director?\u201d Senator Hawley asked. \u201cThis is your report, \u2018A Policymaker\u2019s Playbook To Reduce Gun Violence Without Policing Communities\u2019 Community Justice Action Fund, copyright 2023, when you were executive director. Now you say you don\u2019t know anything about it\u2026 just like the Democrats who all of a sudden say, \u2018Oh, we\u2019re all for the police.\u2019 They\u2019ve been advocating defunding them for years,\u201d Senator Hawley said.\n\nGregory Jackson replied, \u201cYou\u2019ve never seen me advocate for that directly. What you\u2019ve see me advocate for is a comprehensive approach to reducing violence and we\u2019ve recognized that law enforcement is a part of the ecosystem the entire time.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is so typical of what the Democrats do now. After your policies have transparently failed\u2026 now, you say you\u2019ve never heard of defunding the police.\u201d Senator Hawley responded, \u201cLet me ask about something else you say\u2026 \u2018Instead of funding the police, here\u2019s what we ought to invest in. We need to invest in programs that acknowledge the need for safe-space initiatives led by lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, trans and gender non-conforming people.\u2019 What\u2019s two-spirit?\u201d\n\nGregory Jackson replied, \u201cWell, look I don\u2019t know exactly. You guys are pulling some interesting quotes here.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, \u201cThe answer is, you don\u2019t have any solutions. You want to invest in gobbledygook and take away money from police officers who actually keep our community safe and when you\u2019re called on the record, you deny it. It\u2019s all there in black and white\u2026 you are leading this committee astray and frankly, sir, your policies are absurd.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-blumenthal-introduce-bipartisan-ai-evaluation-legislation-to-put-americans-first/", "Hawley, Blumenthal Introduce Bipartisan AI Evaluation Legislation to Put Americans First", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Ill.) introduced bipartisan legislation to create a risk evaluation program within the Department of Energy (DOE) dedicated to tracking AI safety concerns related to Americans\u2019 national security, civil liberties, and labor protections. The program would ensure real transparency by requiring developers of advanced AI systems to submit product information to the DOE before deploying their new technology.\n\n\u201cAs Big Tech companies continue to develop new generations of artificial intelligence, the wide-ranging risks of their technology continue to grow unchecked and underreported. Simply stated, Congress must not allow our national security, civil liberties, and labor protections to take a back seat to AI. This bipartisan legislation would guarantee common-sense testing and oversight of the most advanced AI systems, so Congress and the American people can be better informed about potential risks,\u201d said Senator Hawley.\n\n\u201cAI companies have rushed to market with products that are unsafe for the public and often lack basic due diligence and testing. Our legislation would ensure that a federal entity is on the lookout, scrutinizing these AI models for threats to infrastructure, labor markets, and civil liberties\u2014conducting vital research and providing the public with the information necessary to benefit from AI promises, while avoiding many of its pitfalls,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\nThe Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act would:\n\nEstablish an \u201cAdvanced Artificial Intelligence Evaluation Program\u201d within the DOE to evaluate advanced AI systems and collect data on the likelihood of adverse AI incidents, such as loss-of-control scenarios and weaponization by adversaries.\n\nRequire developers of advanced AI systems to participate in the program, including a duty to provide information regarding the AI system upon request.\n\nProhibit an advanced AI system from being deployed until the developer has complied with program requirements.\n\nRequire the Secretary of Energy to annually report to Congress with a recommended plan for federal oversight of advanced AI systems based on the program\u2019s results.\n\nIn July, Senators Hawley and Blumenthal introduced bipartisan legislation to protect consumers\u2019 data rights and hold Big Tech companies accountable for illegally pirating creators\u2019 copyrighted works to train their AI models.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-statement-indictment-former-fbi-director-james-comey", "Burlison Statement on Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey", "2025-09-25", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts: making false statements within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstruction of a congressional proceeding.\n\nThe indictment alleges that Comey obstructed a congressional investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information, in violation of 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1505. It further alleges that Comey made a false statement when he testified that he did not authorize someone at the FBI to serve as an anonymous source\u2014an assertion the indictment states was untrue.\n\nComey is expected to surrender on Friday, September 26, with an arraignment scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 9 in Courtroom 600 of the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, before Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-missouri-lawmakers-champion-rural-health-unlocking-access-quality-care", "Graves, Missouri Lawmakers Champion Rural Health, Unlocking Access to Quality Care for Rural Communities", "2025-09-23", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressional Republicans and President Trump recently delivered critical resources to rural communities in Missouri and across the United States that have long struggled to establish access to basic health care services. Under the new tax cuts for working families law, a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created to help expand access to care in rural communities. States can apply for funding to help improve and sustain access to quality health care services and care delivery systems for such communities while recruiting and retaining a rural clinical workforce.\n\nIn a letter sent to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the RHTP program as a critical lifeline for rural Missouri and calling on officials to incorporate key policies in their application for RHTP resources, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) and members of the Missouri congressional delegation detail the immense health care challenges facing such communities:\n\n\u201cFor the 20 percent of Americans \u2013 60 million in total \u2013 that live in rural communities, insufficient access to health care is a daily crisis and contributes to worse health outcomes. These patients are often forced to drive an hour or more for basic medical services and face critical barriers when trying to receive specialized services such as oncology or maternity and obstetric care. The inability to directly and efficiently access care is devastating to rural communities across the country. It is unsurprising that rural patient cancer mortality is 13 percent higher than that of urban patients; that rural maternal mortality is twice as high as urban maternal mortality; and that rural mortality overall is 43 percent higher than urban mortality across natural causes. Access challenges are worsened when rural communities lose these critical service lines, or worse, their entire hospital facilities. Missouri has had 12 rural hospitals close in the past decade, reducing access to care for thousands of Missourians. Nationwide, nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed in that timeframe, while more than 100 rural hospitals have stopped providing maternity services in just the last five years. Nearly 400 rural hospitals have stopped providing chemotherapy services since 2014. We are committed to identifying the root causes of rural America\u2019s health care access problem and engaging in meaningful solutions, such as the RHTP, to improve health care for the 60 million American families that need it most.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter from members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional delegation here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-lawmakers-champion-rural-health-unlocking-access-quality-care", "Missouri Lawmakers Champion Rural Health, Unlocking Access to Quality Care for Rural Communities", "2025-09-23", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressional Republicans and President Trump recently delivered critical resources to rural communities in Missouri and across the United States that have long struggled to establish access to basic health care services. Under the new tax cuts for working families law, a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created to help expand access to care in rural communities. States can apply for funding to help improve and sustain access to quality health care services and care delivery systems for such communities while recruiting and retaining a rural clinical workforce.\n\nIn a letter sent to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the RHTP program as a critical lifeline for rural Missouri and calling on officials to incorporate key policies in their application for RHTP resources, Congresswoman Ann Wagner and members of the Missouri congressional delegation detail the immense health care challenges facing such communities:\n\n\u201cThe [OBBB\u2019s Rural Health Transformation Program] RHTP makes a critical, timely investment in America\u2019s rural communities, like those in Missouri. Under this program, rural health providers will see $50 billion in investments over the next five years, with half of this funding allotted to states directly and half to be awarded to states that submit a comprehensive application to make improvements in rural health through meaningful investments such as: promoting sustainable access to high quality rural health care services, recruiting and retaining rural clinical workforce, and rightsizing health care delivery systems to meet the needs of each community. Congress intentionally drafted this program to provide a federal-state partnership that ensures every dollar benefits the rural communities that need it most. Accordingly, we are sharing the following principles that will best improve access to rural health care in rural Missouri and demonstrate responsiveness to CMS\u2019 Notice of Funding Opportunity, and we request you to incorporate them in your forthcoming RHTP application. We stand ready to work with you on the application process to guarantee the most success, support, and resources for Missourians.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/09/23/missouri-lawmakers-champion-rural-health-unlocking-access-to-quality-care-for-rural-communities/", "Missouri Lawmakers Champion Rural Health, Unlocking Access to Quality Care for Rural Communities", "2025-09-23", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressional Republicans and President Trump recently delivered critical resources to rural communities in Missouri and across the United States that have long struggled to establish access to basic health care services. Under the new tax cuts for working families law, a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created to help expand access to care in rural communities. States can apply for funding to help improve and sustain access to quality health care services and care delivery systems for such communities while recruiting and retaining a rural clinical workforce.\n\nIn a letter sent to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the RHTP program as a critical lifeline for rural Missouri and calling on officials to incorporate key policies in their application for RHTP resources, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) and members of the Missouri congressional delegation detail the immense health care challenges facing such communities:\n\n\u201cFor the 20 percent of Americans \u2013 60 million in total \u2013 that live in rural communities, insufficient access to health care is a daily crisis and contributes to worse health outcomes. These patients are often forced to drive an hour or more for basic medical services and face critical barriers when trying to receive specialized services such as oncology or maternity and obstetric care. The inability to directly and efficiently access care is devastating to rural communities across the country. It is unsurprising that rural patient cancer mortality is 13 percent higher than that of urban patients; that rural maternal mortality is twice as high as urban maternal mortality; and that rural mortality overall is 43 percent higher than urban mortality across natural causes. Access challenges are worsened when rural communities lose these critical service lines, or worse, their entire hospital facilities. Missouri has had 12 rural hospitals close in the past decade, reducing access to care for thousands of Missourians. Nationwide, nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed in that timeframe, while more than 100 rural hospitals have stopped providing maternity services in just the last five years. Nearly 400 rural hospitals have stopped providing chemotherapy services since 2014. We are committed to identifying the root causes of rural America\u2019s health care access problem and engaging in meaningful solutions, such as the RHTP, to improve health care for the 60 million American families that need it most.\u201d\n\nThe letter from members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional delegation follows a letter sent by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Smith to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz calling on the Trump Administration to ensure that RHTP funding goes toward truly rural communities and to monitor the use of these critical resources to serve the needs of those populations most deserving and most in need of support.\n\nRead the full letter from members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional delegation here.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:09Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-graves-welcomes-kcpd-chief-graves-t-i-roundtable-improving-safety-us", "Chairman Graves Welcomes KCPD Chief Graves to T & I Roundtable on Improving Safety on U.S. Transit Systems", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Republican Conference, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) joined in calling for improving the safety of America\u2019s public transportation systems, following a roundtable meeting on the issue today held by T&I\u2019s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.\n\nGraves invited Kansas City Chief of Police Stacey Graves to participate in today\u2019s bipartisan closed-door roundtable discussion with transit and law enforcement officials and stakeholders.\n\nGraves continued, \u201cThe next surface transportation reauthorization bill that our committee is currently developing will seek to make federal transit programs work for the traveling public, transit system workers, and taxpayers who expect their tax dollars to be spent wisely for the public good. Fortunately, the Trump Administration, Secretary Duffy, and FTA Administrator Molinaro are also making safety on our transit systems a top priority of the Federal Transit Administration\u2019s. I look forward to working with them, my committee colleagues, the stakeholders at today\u2019s roundtable, and others to bolster the safety of our publicly funded transit systems. I also want to thank Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves for participating in today\u2019s roundtable and providing the Committee with an invaluable law enforcement perspective on this important public safety issue.\u201d\n\nCongressman David Rouzer (R-NC), Chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, led the discussion on the need to identify actionable solutions to improve safety on publicly funded transportation systems and restore the public\u2019s trust in transit.\n\n\u201cThe recent deadly stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte\u2019s light rail is a stark reminder safety must be at the center of our national transit conversation,\u201d said Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC). \u201cWhile law enforcement and the justice system have their obligations to keep the public safe and ensure that justice prevails, Congress has an obligation to address any shortcomings that threaten public safety and implement appropriate measures of deterrence and prevention. This roundtable was an essential step in ensuring every rider can feel safe when they step onto public transit. By bringing together transit leaders and law enforcement, we\u2019re focused on real, actionable solutions to protect riders, strengthen community confidence, and uphold the fundamental promise of safe, accessible public transportation systems for all Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt was impossible not to think of the safety of my own daughter when watching the video of Iryna Zarutka\u2019s brutal murder,\u201d said House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI). \u201cNo parent should have to fear for their child\u2019s safety on a city bus or train. I stand with Chairman Graves, Chairman Rouzer, and the Trump Administration as they move fast to crack down on crime, secure our transit systems, and restore law and order so American families can travel without fear.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs President Trump and Secretary Duffy have made clear, the safety of American families, including those relying on our transit systems to provide for their families, pursue an education, and make those important medical appointments, is a top priority for this Administration. FTA will continue to hold our transit partners and their leaders accountable until we see significant progress in the experience our commuters and transit workers are living through in our major cities. We\u2019ve been given a mandate to clean up our buses and subways and we will deliver for the moms, dads, and children relying on these public services,\u201d said Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Marcus Molinaro, who participated in today\u2019s roundtable.\n\nAccording to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), crime on public transportation systems has been generally worse since the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the five years prior to the pandemic, the average number of homicides on transit systems more than doubled in the five-year period between 2020 and 2024. Over the same period, assaults on transit systems increased by 80 percent. Recently, on August 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska was murdered on the light rail system in Charlotte.\n\nThe T&I Committee and the Highways and Transit Subcommittee are in the ongoing process of developing a major bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill for this Congress; this bill will provide funding authorizations and policy changes for federal highways, transit, and other surface transportation programs. The current surface transportation authorization expires on September 30, 2026. One of the chairmen\u2019s goals for the transit portion of the reauthorization bill will be to make transit work for communities of all sizes by ensuring that transit services are safe and reliable. Criminal activity on transit systems can undermine public confidence, decrease ridership, and damage the effectiveness and sustainability of those systems.\n\nTransit and law enforcement officials and stakeholders who participated in today\u2019s roundtable:\n\nFederal Transit Administration Administrator Marcus Molinaro\n\nAmerican Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and Chief Executive Officer Paul P. Skoutelas\n\nWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke\n\nKansas City, Missouri Police Chief Stacey Graves\n\nTransportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO President Greg Regan", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/hearing-wrap-expanded-school-choice-boosts-american-students-academic-0", "Hearing Wrap Up: Expanded School Choice Boosts American Students\u2019 Academic Performance", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on \u201cOpening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.\u201d During the hearing, members examined the benefits of expanded school choice programs and students\u2019 academic performances. Members also assessed the current state of post-secondary education institutions that fail to produce college graduates who are prepared to meet the U.S. economy\u2019s needs.\n\nKey Takeaways:\n\nAmerican K-12 education had been declining for decades before the expansion of school choice programs among U.S. states, which have improved student academic performance and lifetime outcomes, all while lowering costs for taxpayers.\n\nShaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, testified that \u201c[The] evidence is clear school choice improves outcomes for students who participate and for those who remain in traditional public schools. In fact, 27 out of 30 studies have shown positive or neutral effects on the achievement of students who stay in their local public schools. Perhaps the most striking data comes from Ohio\u2019s Ed Choice program. Students in that program were not just more likely to graduate high school, they were 32 percent more likely to enroll in college and 60 percent more likely to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree than their peers. For the lowest income students, the effect was even greater. They were 175 percent more likely to graduate from college. These aren\u2019t incremental gains. These are life changing outcomes. And behind every statistic is a student.\u201d\n\nRachel Greszler, Fellow at the Economic Policy Innovation Center at The Heritage Foundation, testified that \u201cFlorida and Arizona have led the way in demonstrating school choice success. And now, as more states are following suit. We\u2019re seeing increasing numbers: Half of U.S. students are eligible for some form of private choice program. Also, over just the past two years, a majority of states have passed laws limiting cell phone use in schools. When students aren\u2019t glued to screens, they learn better, they feel safer, and they can become more conscientious. In Alabama, the West Alabama Partnership brings schools and employers together. Ninth graders are required to attend a Worlds of Work career expo, and seniors can attend these expos and leave with a guaranteed job after graduation.\u201d\n\nPost-secondary education institutions are failing to produce college graduates who meet the U.S. economy\u2019s needs, instead creating millions of young Americans with decades of student debt many of whom are in jobs which do not require a bachelor\u2019s degree. Alternative secondary and higher education programs provide early career learning, income, and futures absent of student debt. The employment needs of the dynamic U.S. economy are simply not being met by mass adherence to four-year degrees.\n\nDr. Cody Hirschi, Superintendent of the Reeds Spring School District, testified that \u201c[In the Reeds Spring School District], students build homes, repair cars, and serve in nursing homes and on ambulances, among several other real world learning opportunities. Each program is guided by an advisory team of experts working in our community in those related fields. Not only do our students gain incredible experience, but they are also earning industry recognized credentials, growing from 28 earned when I arrived to 226 earned last year, 88 percent of our students who attend table rock career center and are in an internship have a positive placement in a career path in the related field or post-secondary institution offered to them through our portrait of a graduate framework. We emphasize durable skills such as communication, critical thinking, adaptability, integrity, perseverance, and emotional resilience. We are implementing student pathways, strength-based assessments, and competency-based learning, giving students voice and agency in their education.\u201d\n\nTodd Dillender, Chief Operating Officer of Caliber Collision, testified that \u201cTech Forest estimates we need nearly 100,000 new technicians between 2024 and 2028. And the reality is, our traditional pipelines, high school and trade school graduates simply aren\u2019t producing enough people to keep up. This shortage ripples across the economy. When repairs are delayed, costs rise. Insurers feel it, consumers feel it, and road safety is at risk. And the challenge is only growing. Vehicles are more complex than ever, with advanced safety systems that must be calibrated and tested before they go back on the road.\u201d\n\nMs. Greszler testified that \u201cWashington has poured hundreds of billions of dollars into federal higher education subsidies. They\u2019ve created a near monopoly on student lending. But instead of better outcomes for students, they face higher tuition, ballooning debt, and too many degrees that don\u2019t pay off. More than a third of undergraduate programs today have a negative return on investment, and only 60 percent of students who enter a college graduate with a degree within six years. Meanwhile, red tape is holding back proven alternatives like apprenticeships. A Harvard study found that we could be using apprenticeships to fill three times as many occupations, and eight times as many job openings.\u201d\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill creates new investment in students across the U.S. and boosts academic opportunities for students across economic backgrounds.\n\nMs. Greszler testified that \u201cWe need more of these bridges from education to work. Congress has already taken significant steps in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, expanding 529 accounts, creating workforce Pell grants, limiting federal subsidies for low value degrees, and imposing work requirements in SNAP and Medicaid. But more can be done. Policymakers should expand apprenticeships, phase down federal subsidies that fuel higher tuition, replace failed federal job training programs with employer led initiatives, and make welfare more work oriented.\u201d\n\nMember Highlights:\n\nSubcommittee Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) asked about students\u2019 lack of preparedness for careers post-college.\n\nSubcommittee Chairman Burlison: \u201cThe research that was quoted earlier suggests that one out of every two college graduates in the United States is working, is employed, in a job that does not require a degree. With that, is it fair to say that the post-education, you know, post-secondary education system is not meeting students\u2019 needs?\u201d\n\nMs. Greszler: \u201cI think in many instances it is not. And that\u2019s due to this massive amount of subsidies that are pushing too many people into college, four-year degrees, and also graduate degrees, but also a lack of awareness about what is the outcome of those degrees. And that\u2019s why I think it\u2019s been a good thing that congress has instituted those restrictions, so that funding [is] not going to go to programs that don\u2019t produce an outcome of earnings that are higher than a high school graduate. And that\u2019s exactly what we need more of, is more of these market-based solutions. But we\u2019re lacking that with the enormous amount of federal money that is in higher education.\u201d\n\nRep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) inquired about the success rates of students if the U.S. increased options for alternative pathways in education and careers.\n\nRep. Higgins: \u201cWe got so wise at the federal level and so unionized throughout our education system that we decided \u2018that\u2019s it, you have to have a four-year degree.\u2019 It\u2019s going to cost more and more and more. Now we\u2019re crippling young Americans with debt for degrees that they don\u2019t use. And in many cases, when they do get their degree, they come out of school after interviewing for a job with somebody that never went to college because that\u2019s going to be their supervisor. So, we have to address this. We have to train our young people. Mr. Mitchell, if we shifted back to the way we did things before, what would happen for young Americans in our country?\u201d\n\nMr. Mitchell: \u201cThank you, Congressman, for the question and for, you know, the information about what our education system used to set our children up for. And I think you are right to acknowledge that we have become too fixated on four-year college degrees today. One of the things that I believe school choice actually helps with, is showing families that there\u2019s a menu of options for their students, because what we know, and I know this as a parent of three girls, there is range diversity. Even among the daughters in my own household, they have different have different affinities and talents and skills. It would be crazy to think that the exact same path is going to work for each one of them. So we\u2019ve got to have an environment where we are allowing families to access a pathway that best meets the needs of their unique children. For some kids, that\u2019s going to be college. For some, it can be career. Maybe getting into the trades of some of the other witnesses up here have discussed graduating high school with, um, certifications that allow you to get right into the workforce is a tremendous thing, and [it] means that you don\u2019t have to go into debt pursuing a degree that you may not be interested in in the first place. And choice really opens up the aperture widens the aperture so that families have options.\u201d\n\nRep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) asked if graduates of four-year college programs are more focused on pushing political agendas than they are developing real world skills.\n\nRep. Boebert: \u201cMr. Mitchell, would you say that today\u2019s four-year colleges are more focused on, pushing political agendas than preparing our students for real world, marketable skills?\u201d\n\nMr. Mitchell: \u201cI think, unfortunately, what you see across the educational spectrum is that much of education, whether or not that\u2019s K-12 or even at the higher [education] level, it\u2019s not yielding the results for students that they need to be productive citizens, right? So, the [National Assessment of Education Progress] scores that were just released show that our graduating seniors are performing academically at the lowest levels in history. Now, many of those are matriculating still into colleges. And we\u2019ve got to ask the question, \u2018where did all of that money get used?\u2019 Because the dollars have been, you know, have increased over time. The academic results are decreasing over time. And as we\u2019ve heard from other members of this panel today, kids are leaving with more debt than they are opportunity. And so, we\u2019ve got to ask some really hard questions, I think, about the entire education system and how we give families and kids more options.\u201d\n\nRep. Boebert: \u201cYes. And would you say that many of today\u2019s college graduates are more ideologically rigid than they are job ready after leaving?\u201d\n\nMr. Mitchell: \u201cYeah. One of the things that is really interesting, some research [that] comes out of the University of Arkansas shows that students who participate in choice programs when they are in K-12 are actually more civically engaged, right? They have greater exposure to civil discourse, for instance, which we are in dire need of, especially on campus. And so, I\u2019m hopeful that as we increase choice among K-12 students, that those young adults will be more prepared to engage with the world, to engage even with others who have different views from themselves in a civil manner.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eric-burlison-host-manufacturing-tour-joplin", "Rep. Eric Burlison to Host Manufacturing Tour\u00a0in Joplin", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JOPLIN, MO \u2013 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) will host a Manufacturing Tour and Debriefing on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Missouri Southern State University\u2019s Ron Richard Athletic Center (Building 42). Members of the media are invited to attend a lunch and debriefing session, followed by media availability for interviews.\n\nThe event will highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote pro-growth policies, and gather insights from industry leaders and stakeholders across Missouri\u2019s 7th Congressional District.\n\nMEDIA DETAILS\n\nDate: Friday, September 26, 2025\n\nLocation: Ron Richard Athletic Center (Building 42), Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO 64801 (Located directly north of Fred G. Hughes Stadium at the intersection of Newman & Duquesne Roads)\n\nSCHEDULE\n\n12:00 \u2013 12:45 PM | Lunch & Debriefing\n\n12:45 \u2013 1:15 PM | Rep. Burlison Media Availability\n\nMEDIA CONTACT\n\nNate Lucas (nate.lucas@mail.house.gov)\n\nNoah Snelson (noah.snelson@mail.house.gov)\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bob-onder-introduced-chloe-cole-act-which-was-transmitted-congress", "Congressman Bob Onder introduced the Chloe Cole Act, which was transmitted to Congress by the Department of Justice.", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nSeptember 18, 2025\n\nContact: Tom Mitchell\n\nWashington \u2014 Today, Congressman Bob Onder introduced the Chloe Cole Act, which was transmitted to Congress by the Department of Justice. Congressman Onder will serve as the House sponsor of this legislation, which was commissioned by President Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14187.\n\nTennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn will serve as the sponsor in the United States Senate.\n\n\"As a member of Congress, a doctor, a parent, and an American, I am committed to protecting our nation\u2019s children. That\u2019s why I am proud to introduce the Chloe Cole Act, a landmark bill that will put a permanent stop to one of the most dangerous and barbaric medical procedures in modern history,\" said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Justice has heard from far too many families who have been devastated by mutilative medical procedures that fly in the face of basic biology,\u201d said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. \u201cWhile we continue our ongoing legal battle to protect children, we appreciate Senator Marsha Blackburn and Congressman Bob Onder who are working diligently alongside us to end these abusive procedures once and for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cPuberty blockers, cross sex hormones, and surgical procedures left me with lasting damage when I was still a child. The damage done to my body is in many ways irreparable, and seeking restoration has been nearly impossible. Physicians who engage in chemical or surgical mutilation of children must face consequences. I\u2019m proud to lend my name to this bill and help others whose lives have been forever altered due to these barbaric treatments,\u201d said Chloe Cole.\n\n\u201cNo child should be pushed into irreversible chemical and surgical mutilation under the guise of so-called \u2018gender-affirming care,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Chloe Cole Act would put a stop to this barbaric abuse of children and give those who have suffered the consequences of these harmful procedures the chance to fight back.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American College of Pediatricians has been sounding the alarm on the harms of puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries for minors who have gender dysphoria. We applaud the Chloe Cole Act and are pleased to see legislation that will prevent this irreversible damage. This Act will protect American youth from being gaslit into a lifetime of chronic illness and painful regret. Children deserve the best evidence-based medical care, not interventions driven by ideology,\u201d said Dr. Jill Simons, Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians.\n\nThe practice of medicine shouldn\u2019t be politicized. Providing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and sex-trait surgeries to children on a mass scale is a practice that is not rooted in science or supported by peer-reviewed research. That is why European countries \u2013 including Sweden, Finland, and England \u2013 banned this practice as soon as it was discovered that it was causing more harm than good.\n\nThe claim that these procedures decrease suicidality or gender dysphoria is based on one faulty study that has never been able to be replicated. To achieve the desired outcome, the study dropped subjects who experienced unsuccessful results, including one that passed away. A 2022 follow up study of the participants found that 44% of females and 35% of males regretted losing their fertility, and 20% reported a change in their gender identity over time.\n\nWhen used long term in healthy children, puberty blockers can cause splintered bones and osteoporosis. When cross-sex hormones follow puberty blockers, the child can be left permanently infertile and can be more likely to experience cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. We know that these procedures cause serious, permanent damage and provide little psychological benefit.\n\nPolitical pressures have infiltrated medical society leadership, who have chosen to disregard evidence-based medicine and stifle concerns from physician members. Both the Endocrine Society and American Academy of Pediatrics adopted so-called \u201cGender Affirming Care\u201d without allowing debate or a vote by their membership. In fact, physician members of both organizations have petitioned their leadership for the opportunity to discuss their concerns, but both have refused to allow such debate.\n\nWhistleblower doctors and nurses have shared that parents and children are usually uninformed of the long-term health risks, and that many gender clinics intentionally refuse to track negative outcomes or provide support to children who are unhappy with the outcomes of their hormone intervention.\n\nAcross the country, radical ideologies have crept into our healthcare system, preying on vulnerable children and pressuring families into life-altering, irreversible procedures that mutilate healthy bodies under the false banner of \"gender-affirming care.\" These practices aren\u2019t medicine, they\u2019re exploitation. They are rooted in political ideology, not science.\n\nThey are driven by profit and the bottom line of the transgender industrial complex, not compassion.\n\nThis legislation was inspired by courageous young women like Chloe Cole, who underwent a double mastectomy at just 15 years old \u2014 only to regret it deeply by 16. Chloe is one of thousands of children misled by dangerous medical experimentation disguised as care. These children are sterilized, scarred, and left to carry the emotional and physical burden for a lifetime, while activists and practitioners get rich.\n\nBetween 2019 and 2023 alone, over 14,000 children were prescribed puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones\u2014and more than 5,700 were subjected to surgical procedures like mastectomies or genital reassignment. This is state-sanctioned child abuse, and it must end now.\n\nIn January, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14187, directing our government to stand up for these victims and to give them legal recourse.\n\nThis bill would:\n\nProhibit physicians, clinics, and hospitals from participating in chemical or surgical mutilation of minors;\n\nDefine sex as a biological reality, not a political label;\n\nEstablish a private right of action, allowing victims and their families to seek civil damages against those who harmed them;\n\nAnd extend the statute of limitations to ensure that survivors have ample time to pursue justice, even decades later.\n\nNo parent should be told they must choose between \u201caffirming\u201d dangerous treatments or losing custody. And no doctor should escape accountability for permanently mutilating a healthy child.\n\nThis bill is simple: protect children, punish abusers, and ensure that victims can seek justice.\n\nThe Chloe Cole Act will end these horrific experiments on children and hold those profiting from the transgender industrial complex accountable. I call on my colleagues in Congress, regardless of party, to stand with our children and with the truth. Let\u2019s put an end to this nightmare and restore sanity and safety to American healthcare.\n\nOriginal House co-sponsors include:\n\nRepresentatives Buddy Carter (GA-01), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Randy Weber (TX-14), Barry Moore (AL-01), Jim Baird (IN-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), John Rose (TN-06), Riley Moore (WV-02), Dave Taylor (OH-02), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Andy Harris (MD-01), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Mike Collins (GA-10)", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-expands-investigation-demands-documents-from-big-tech-on-ai-chatbot-policies-after-hearing/", "Hawley Expands Investigation, Demands Documents from Big Tech on AI Chatbot Policies after Hearing", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Following an explosive Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing that exposed the harm AI chatbots have caused to children, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) issued document requests to Character.AI, Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Snap Inc. demanding they turn over all communications related to their AI chatbot policies.\n\nIn the letters, Senator Hawley, who chairs the committee, noted the testimony of several parents who lost their children to suicide at the hands of AI chatbots.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, \u201cThere is increasing evidence that AI chatbots pose a grave harm to children. And your company\u2019s products are responsible. More than seventy percent of American children are now using AI chatbots, which exposes minors to a host of concerning material and mental health risks. In many cases, it appears that proper safeguards or parental controls are either nonexistent or unworkable. Last month, the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism initiated an investigation into these harms concerning Meta products. Recent testimony has expanded the investigation\u2019s scope, and the Subcommittee expects your full cooperation.\u201d\n\nHe continued, \u201cThree parents testified before the Subcommittee on harms experienced by their children who used chatbot products. Their testimony offered a visceral picture into a disturbing new reality: AI chatbots that mock a child\u2019s faith, urge them to cut their own bodies, expose them to sex abuse material, and even groom them to suicide. This is no accident. These harms are the predictable result of the same playbook that many tech corporations used with respect to social media: maximize engagement at the expense of child safety.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, \u201cPlease produce all documents and information specified in the annex no later than October 17, 2025. If you believe any materials contain proprietary or confidential information, you may confer with Subcommittee staff on an appropriate confidentiality agreement. But let me be clear: children are dead. Families are broken. Congress will not look the other way.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley launched an investigation into Meta last month after disturbing reports exposed the company\u2019s AI chatbots for engaging children in \u201cromantic\u201d and \u201csensual\u201d online exchanges. Senator Hawley probed how Meta\u2014as well as other tech companies across the generative AI space, including OpenAI\u2019s ChatGPT\u2014have been misleading Congress and parents on the policies behind their chatbots.\n\nMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg turned down the opportunity to testify, and his response to Senator Hawley\u2019s original demand for Meta\u2019s communications and AI chatbot policies is due Friday, September 19. Senator Hawley has introduced legislation that would crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims to sue companies that host it.\n\nRead the full letter below.\n\nSeptember 18, 2025\n\nThere is increasing evidence that AI chatbots pose a grave harm to children. And your company\u2019s products are responsible. More than seventy percent of American children are now using AI chatbots, which exposes minors to a host of concerning material and mental health risks. In many cases, it appears that proper safeguards or parental controls are either nonexistent or unworkable. Last month, the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism initiated an investigation into these harms concerning Meta products. Recent testimony has expanded the investigation\u2019s scope, and the Subcommittee expects your full cooperation.\n\nThis week, three parents testified before the Subcommittee on harms experienced by their children who used chatbot products. Their testimony offered a visceral picture into a disturbing new reality: AI chatbots that mock a child\u2019s faith, urge them to cut their own bodies, expose them to sex abuse material, and even groom them to suicide. This is no accident. These harms are the predictable result of the same playbook that many tech corporations used with respect to social media: maximize engagement at the expense of child safety.\n\nExpert testimony at the hearing confirmed what these parents already knew: this is a widespread and systemic problem. Chatbots are engineered to keep children engaged at all costs, simulating friendship, sycophantically validating children\u2019s darkest thoughts, isolating them from friends and families, all to draw kids deeper into addiction. The result is predictable: systems that isolate children, encourage self-harm, and even encourage suicides. This appears to be a business model that sacrifices children for engagement.\n\nThe hearing was a critical stage in the Subcommittee\u2019s investigation. It confirmed the urgency of the threat and clarified what specific evidence is necessary for Congress to take appropriate remedial action. Accordingly, since your company has deployed chatbot products broadly available to children, I am attaching an annex containing comprehensive data requests.\n\nPlease produce all documents and information specified in the annex no later than October 17, 2025. If you believe any materials contain proprietary or confidential information, you may confer with Subcommittee staff on an appropriate confidentiality agreement. But let me be clear: children are dead. Families are broken. Congress will not look the other way.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-opens-hearing-school-choice-expansion", "Rep. Burlison Opens Hearing on School Choice Expansion", "2025-09-17", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at today\u2019s hearing on \u201cOpening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.\u201d In his opening remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison noted the decline in American education prior to the expansion of school choice programs and the failure of post-secondary education institutions to prepare college graduates for meeting the needs of the U.S. economy. Subcommittee Chairman Burlison also highlighted the benefits of school choice programs on academic success and how school choice provided through the One Big Beautiful Bill saves American taxpayers money.\n\nWATCH: Rep. Burlison's Opening Remarks\n\nBelow are Subcommittee Chairman Burlison\u2019s prepared remarks:\n\nPlato once said, \u201cThe direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.\u201d\n\nThat is a truth that echoes across the millennia for men and women today: education is the foundation of a flourishing society and individual. And yet, in America today, our educational foundation has seen cracks and has been crumbling for years.\n\nThat jeopardizes American prosperity.\n\nFor 25 years, reading and math proficiency have flatlined. Our children are not flourishing\u2014they are falling behind.\n\nMeanwhile, the bureaucratic behemoth of traditional K-12 education has only grown larger, measuring its success less by learning outcomes and overall flourishment and more by one narrow metric: college admissions.\n\nFor many decades, college has been thought of as the key to success in America\u2014college degrees guaranteed high paying, comfortable jobs.\n\nBut the promise of college as a guaranteed path to prosperity is now waning. Half of the undergraduate class of 2023 now works in jobs that don\u2019t even require a degree.\n\nEntry-level white-collar positions are disappearing as our economy changes and the use of artificial intelligence rises. The U.S. faces an unprecedented surplus of college graduates\u2014many buried in debt for decades, many holding degrees of little value in the marketplace.\n\nAt the same time, our economy is starved for what higher education refuses to supply: manufacturing technicians, skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen, engineers, and workers who can build and maintain the backbone of America.\n\nIt\u2019s time we reevaluate our education system.\n\nFortunately, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have made considerable efforts to challenge the traditional model.\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law earlier this year incentivizes the funding of scholarships and offers an opportunity for parents to send their children to the best schools.\n\nSchool choice is not a theory. It is freedom. It is competition. It is accountability. It is vital to the economic future of our country. It should be as American as apple pie and baseball.\n\nAnd alternative choices are not just needed at the K-12 level. They are also needed at the post-secondary level.\n\nRecent reporting from the Department of Labor highlights that, in the trades, the average salary after completion of an apprenticeship is $11,000 more than that of recent college graduates.\n\nCareers in the trades, as we will hear from our witnesses today, are vital, offer high paying jobs, and provide ample opportunities across our nation.\n\nEducation and training programs are vital to prepare young people to take advantage of these opportunities. They pass on critical learning that upholds and strengthens businesses and local economies.\n\nAmerica needs more post-secondary educational alternatives to prepare young people for these rewarding careers\u2014alternatives that offer clear-cut and viable opportunities compared to underperforming 4-year college programs.\n\nAmerica\u2019s youth and families deserve\u2014and America\u2019s economy demands\u2014educational and career training choices that better fit students\u2019, families\u2019 and communities\u2019 needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/icymi-chairman-hawley-exposes-ai-chatbots-for-harming-children/", "ICYMI: Chairman Hawley Exposes AI Chatbots for Harming Children", "2025-09-17", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "\u2018Every Parent\u2019s Worst Nightmare\u2019\n\nU.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, held a hearing to expose the growing harms to children posed by online chatbots like Character.AI, OpenAI\u2019s ChatGPT and Meta.\n\nThe hearing featured new testimony from parents of chatbot victims as well as AI safety experts and psychologists\u2014one of whom recently issued a health advisory for AI chatbots.\n\nOne mother testifying under the alias \u2018Jane Doe\u2019 stated during her opening testimony, \u201cCharacter.AI was marketed in the Apple Store as \u2018fun and safe\u2019 with an age rating of 12 plus. My son downloaded the app, and within months, he went from being happy, social teenager to somebody I didn\u2019t even recognize\u2026 My son developed abuse-like behaviors and paranoia, daily panic attacks, isolation, self harm and homicidal thoughts. He stopped eating and bathing. He lost 20 pounds. He withdrew from our family\u2026 And one day he cut his arm open with a knife in front of his siblings and me. I had no idea the psychological harm an AI chatbot could do until I saw it in my son and I saw his light turn dark.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley concluded the hearing by saying, \u201cIf we\u2019ve learned anything today it\u2019s that these companies cannot be trusted with this power. They cannot be trusted with this profit. They cannot be trusted to do the right thing. They\u2019re not doing the right thing. They are literally taking the lives of our kids. There is nothing they will not do for profit and for power\u2026 I\u2019ve introduced legislation that would allow every victim and every parent of a victim to be able to go to court and sue these companies, because it is my firm belief that until they are subject to a jury, they are not going to change their ways. And it is past time that they changed their ways. We cannot go on like this.\u201d\n\nFollowing testimony, Senator Hawley doubled down on his invitation to Zuckerberg, daring him to answer to the witnesses\u2019 damning accusations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-legislation-protect-seniors-financial-exploitation-unanimously", "Wagner Legislation to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation Unanimously Approved by House Financial Services Committee", "2025-09-16", "2025", "2025-09", "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), Chair of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after her Financial Exploitation Prevention Act was unanimously approved by the Financial Services Committee:\n\n\u201cWe are facing a growing crisis that is often hidden in plain sight: the financial exploitation of our most vulnerable citizens. This issue affects millions, robbing them of their life savings and sense of security. For too long, the financial industry has been limited in its ability to combat this insidious crime. My Financial Exploitation Prevention Act empowers the people who are in the best position to intervene and stop financial abuse before it\u2019s too late. Crucially, it allows financial institutions to temporarily delay a transaction if they have a reasonable belief that it is the result of financial exploitation. Tools like this will help better protect those who are 65 or older, as well as those with mental or physical impairments who are unable to protect their own interests. I am grateful the full Committee passed this legislation today, and I look forward to the House as a whole taking this up.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Financial Exploitation Prevention Act would give the financial industry better tools to address suspected financial exploitation and abuse of seniors and those with mental and physical disabilities. First, the bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to report to Congress on recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes on how to combat financial exploitation of seniors and vulnerable adults. Second, the bill permits a registered open-end investment company or transfer agent for that company, including mutual funds, to better protect seniors by delaying the redemption period of any redeemable security if it was reasonably believed that such redemption was requested through the financial exploitation of a security holder who is a senior or an individual unable to protect their own interests.\n\nSeniors aged 65 and over will make up 18% of the U.S. population by 2030. As more investors age into retirement, their risk of exploitation increases. According to a 2023 AARP report, Americans age 60 and older lose an estimated $28.3 billion annually due to financial exploitation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-secures-commitment-from-fbi-director-patel-to-investigate-anti-christian-violence-ai-chatbots/", "Hawley Secures Commitment from FBI Director Patel to Investigate Anti-Christian Violence & AI Chatbots", "2025-09-16", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) secured a commitment from FBI Director Kash Patel to further investigate the harms of AI chatbots and anti-Christian violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk\u2019s assassination.\n\n\u201cI want to start by talking to you about the tide of violence that we have seen, ideological violence against people of faith, particularly Christians,\u201d Senator Hawley said. \u201cIs the FBI investigating the Kirk assassination as part of this broader pattern of anti-religious, anti-Christian violence?\u201d\n\nFBI Director Patel responded, \u201cWe are investigating Charlie\u2019s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence, and we\u2019re producing results\u2026 Unfortunately, it has been leaked that there was a Discord chat, and for those unfamiliar with it, it\u2019s a gaming chat room online that the suspect participated in\u2026 and we\u2019re also going to be investigating anyone and everyone involved in that Discord chat.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley then asked, \u201cI see the public reports that the Discord thread had as many as 20 additional users. It sounds like you\u2019re trying to run down all of that to see if that\u2019s accurate, who else may have been on that thread, is that fair to say?\u201d\n\nDirector Patel revealed, \u201cIt\u2019s a lot more than that and we\u2019re running them all down.\u201d\n\nTurning to the broader question of anti-religious violence, Senator Hawley asked,\u201cWhat is the FBI doing to take on this rising tide of violence that seems to be motivated by anti-religious hatred?\u201d\n\nDirector Patel replied, \u201cPublicly, I can tell you we have five hate crime investigations with anti-Catholic bias ongoing currently\u2026 any ideologically based attack against any faith, as a man of faith myself, will not be tolerated and the full resource the FBI are committed to all of it.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley also asked about anti-religious investigations at the FBI under the previous administration saying, \u201cSadly, as you know, the FBI, when it comes to anti-religious animus, has been part of the problem before you got to this agency\u2026 How is it that the Federal Bureau of Investigation came to be recruiting informants in Christian churches in this country?\u201d\n\nDirector Patel responded, \u201cWe made adjustments and permanent fixes to ensure that sources are not put into houses of worship unless there is an actual ongoing criminal or international terrorism threat\u2026 There have been terminations related to this, and resignations.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley went on to question Director Patel on the threat AI chatbots pose to minors saying, \u201cAre you investigating any cases of AI generated child sex abuse material?\u201d\n\nFBI Director Patel responded, \u201cWe are investigating dozens of those matters because let me just say this, as far as the FBI is concerned, generative AI that produces CSAM, Child Sexual Abuse material, under our investigative authorities is treated as equally as if it were actual Child Sexual Abuse material. There\u2019s no difference for me or the FBI on this.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, will expand on Patel\u2019s comment regarding AI chatbots during his hearing to examine the growing harms online chatbots have posed to users, specifically children, across Big Tech platforms. The hearing will feature new testimony from parents of chatbot victims as well as AI safety experts and psychologists\u2014one of whom recently issued a health advisory for AI chatbots.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-proposes-fort-leonard-wood-as-potential-ice-agent-training-facility/", "Hawley Proposes Fort Leonard Wood As Potential ICE Agent Training Facility", "2025-09-15", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, promoting Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri as a potential training spot for new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, \u201cMy state is grateful for your efforts to reverse the lawless open borders policy of the previous administration. A central part of these efforts has been the recruitment of thousands of additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. To facilitate the swift and effective training of these officers, I wanted to note the potential benefits of utilizing Fort Leonard Wood, a major Army installation in my state.\u201d\n\nHe continued, \u201cFort Leonard Wood is currently a critical hub for military law enforcement training\u2014housing both the U.S. Army Military Police School (USAMPS) and the Marine Corps Police Academy (MCPA)\u2014and has a long history of supporting other federal law enforcement training efforts. The installation is able to accommodate sudden surges in its on-base population, and it currently has extra capacity to host additional missions due to the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI).\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, \u201cPut simply, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri has the infrastructure, experience, and space to support the rapid expansion of ICE\u2019s critical immigration enforcement workforce.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nSeptember 12, 2025\n\nHonorable Kristi Noem\n\nSecretary of Homeland Security\n\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security\n\n2707 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE\n\nWashington, D.C. 20528\n\nActing Director Todd Lyons\n\nU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\n\n500 12th St. SW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20536\n\nSecretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons,\n\nThank you for your tireless work to secure America\u2019s borders and enforce our immigration laws. My state is grateful for your efforts to reverse the lawless open borders policy of the previous administration.\n\nA central part of these efforts has been the recruitment of thousands of additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. To facilitate the swift and effective training of these officers, I wanted to note the potential benefits of utilizing Fort Leonard Wood, a major Army installation in my state. Fort Leonard Wood is currently a critical hub for military law enforcement training\u2014housing both the U.S. Army Military Police School (USAMPS) and the Marine Corps Police Academy (MCPA)\u2014and has a long history of supporting other federal law enforcement training efforts. The installation is able to accommodate sudden surges in its on-base population, and it currently has extra capacity to host additional missions due to the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI).\n\nPut simply, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri has the infrastructure, experience, and space to support the rapid expansion of ICE\u2019s critical immigration enforcement workforce. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nJosh Hawley\n\nUnited States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-announces-hearing-reversing-decline-american-education-system", "Rep. Burlison Announces Hearing on Reversing the Decline of the American Education System", "2025-09-12", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013\u2013Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) today announced a hearing titled \u201cOpening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.\u201d American K-12 education had been declining for decades before the expansion of school choice programs that increased students\u2019 performance and outcomes and lowered costs for taxpayers. During the hearing, members will examine the benefits of expanded school choice programs and assess the current state of post-secondary education institutions that fail to produce college graduates prepared to fill the United States economy\u2019s needs. Members will also examine new educational opportunities created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\n\u201cK-12 school choice programs have yielded significant improvements to students\u2019 quality of life, academic performance, and life outcomes when compared to traditional educational model counterparts. The expansion of school choice programs through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement have given American students more opportunities to pursue alternative track programs that can help meet employment deficits in the economy. I look forward to hearing from experts on how Congress can facilitate the expansion of school choice programs that provide alternatives to failing post-secondary education institutions and have been saving American taxpayers money,\u201d said Subcommittee Chairman Burlison.\n\nWHAT: Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs hearing titled \u201cOpening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees\u201d\n\nDATE: Wednesday, September 17, 2025\n\nTIME: 10:00 a.m. ET\n\nLOCATION: 2247 Rayburn House Office Building\n\nWITNESSES:\n\nRachel Greszler, Economic Policy Innovation Center, The Heritage Foundation\n\nRebecca Friedrichs, founder, For Kids & Country\n\nNicole (Nicky) Neily, Parents Defending Education\n\nDr. Cody Hirschi, Superintendent, Reeds Spring School District", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/icymi-chairman-hawley-sounds-the-alarm-on-americas-fire-truck-crisis/", "ICYMI: Chairman Hawley Sounds the Alarm on America\u2019s Fire Truck Crisis", "2025-09-12", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Chairman Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Andy Kim (D-N.J.) held a hearing in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management that revealed private equity\u2019s role in the growing equipment crisis facing fire departments across the country. The hearing featured fire chiefs, union presidents, and industry leaders alike.\n\nFor the better part of 20 years, private-equity firms have made a business out of buying up independent firetruck manufacturers\u2014to the point where just three major companies command 70-80 percent of the entire fire apparatus market.\n\n\u201cYour profits have grown five times over the last five years to 250 million dollars, but nobody can get their equipment,\u201d the Senator said to an executive of the REV Group, a company formed by a private-equity firm in 2006.\n\n\u201cBefore, a new fire engine order took between six months and a year, standard, to get delivered. Today, those orders take two years on the low end, four years on the high end,\u201d Senator Hawley explained, pointing to corporate manufacturers\u2019 anticompetitive practices as reason for the egregious delivery delays over the past five years.\n\nKansas City\u2019s Fire Chief Dennis Rubin testified that his department was forced to improvise for months in Chevy Suburbans with firefighting equipment tossed in the trunks due to fire engine delivery delays.\n\n\u201cI just want to say to our corporate friends, you know, you don\u2019t have to wait for prosecution, or for a study, or for anything else to do the right thing,\u201d Senator Hawley urged industry witnesses. \u201d . . . In the meantime, I hope that we\u2019ll see some action on the part of this body and the FTC and anybody else who has a piece of it to make sure that this industry begins to function again for the people of this country and the firefighters who keep it safe,\u201d he concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-mourns-tragic-assassination-charlie-kirk", "Rep. Burlison Mourns the Tragic Assassination of Charlie Kirk", "2025-09-11", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Charlie Kirk, 31, was tragically shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event.\n\nRep. Burlison issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cCharlie Kirk was instrumental in leading the conservative youth movement across our country. He led the charge across college campuses, defending individual liberties and teaching a generation of young people how to think for themselves. Charlie was the man in the arena, fighting back against the deranged indoctrination in education that has corrupted so many of our institutions. We are praying for Charlie, his wife, and his two children. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the evil that exists in our world. This kind of violence must never be tolerated.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/onders-bill-hr-3424-shared-property-agency-collaboration-and-engagement-space", "Onder\u2019s Bill, H.R. 3424 - the Shared Property Agency Collaboration and Engagement (SPACE) Act of 2025 - Passes the House", "2025-09-10", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Bob Onder's bill, H.R. 3424, the Shared Property Agency and Collaboration and Engagement Act of 2025 (SPACE) Act has passed out of the House of Representatives. The SPACE Act requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to collaborate with tenants of federally leased spaces to identify and overcome concerns among the different federal agencies around shared-space arrangements.\n\nThe SPACE Act will:\n\nFacilitate the expanded use of space-sharing or collocating between different Federal Agencies that are located in the same general area.\n\nIdentify how special-use spaces can be used to improve space-sharing or collocating.\n\nEstablish measurable objectives to quantify the success of shared-space arrangements among Federal agencies.\n\nCongressman Onder said, \u201cThis will ensure government efficiency and save taxpayers\u2019 hard-earned money. When I came to D.C. I was shocked to learn that many federal buildings throughout our country are nowhere near full or are sitting empty. Agencies often fail to share space and have large vacancies, even though they are only blocks from each other. The SPACE Act will require GSA to work with our Federal Agencies to address concerns about shared-space arrangements. In the long-term, this will save Americans money by consolidating the number of buildings our government owns, maintains, and pays for. Streamlining our government and saving taxpayer dollars are two of the major reasons I came to Washington, so I\u2019m proud to champion this important reform.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Onder\u2019s SPACE Act will help save taxpayer dollars by helping identify opportunities for federal agencies to increase the use of shared-space arrangements, building upon the public building reforms this committee continues to push for. I want to thank Dr. Onder for his leadership on this important bill that will help ensure the federal real estate portfolio is right-sized,\u201d said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-restore-peace-through-strength-bolster-national-security", "Wagner Votes to Restore Peace Through Strength, Bolster National Security, Secure Our Border", "2025-09-10", "2025", "2025-09", "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) released the following statement after she voted in support of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\u201cThis week's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) advances my commitment to President Trump\u2019s peace through strength agenda and restores American superiority worldwide. The new Axis of Evil that is China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea continues to threaten global stability and American lives, and these adversaries must be deterred. My vote on this legislation does just that by rebuilding a lethal fighting force that can better confront these bad actors and protect our national security. The NDAA secures our border by supporting the fight against drug trafficking to the tune of $900 million, including $398 million for DoD support of Counter Narcotics operations. This legislation supports our servicemen and women and their families with a much-needed raise that honors our commitment to their patriotism and many sacrifices in on behalf of our nation. It also requires a sexual assault nurse examiner at all military medical facilities.\n\n\u201cWe also fought to include critical funding for initiatives that will protect American communities from the threat of enemy attack, such as the cutting-edge Golden Dome missile defense system. Also included is funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative that will further our military posture in the Indo-Pacific and blunt China\u2019s ongoing aggression, and unprecedented support to help Israel address ongoing terrorist threats like Hezbollah and Hamas while stopping Iran from gaining a larger foothold in the Middle East.\n\n\u201cOur St. Louis region is well-represented in the NDAA, and I fought to include critical programs from our area such as 21 F-15EX tactical fighter aircraft, 14 T-7A trainer aircraft, and full funding for the Air Force\u2019s F-47 and Navy\u2019s F/A-XX 6th Generation Aircraft programs as well as for the Navy\u2019s MQ-25 unmanned carrier-launched aircraft. Also authorized is over $15 billion to restore our munitions stockpile, including JDAMs made here in Missouri.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-legislation-to-display-national-motto-in-god-we-trust-on-all-federal-buildings/", "Hawley Introduces Legislation to Display National Motto \u2018In God We Trust\u2019 on All Federal Buildings", "2025-09-09", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the In God We Trust Act, which would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to display the national motto on all federal buildings in the United States. The legislation comes alongside the launch of President Trump\u2019s \u2018America Prays\u2019 initiative.\n\n\u201cOur national motto goes all the way back to the days of President Lincoln. Congress adopted \u2018In God We Trust\u2019 as our national motto in 1956 during the rise of atheist communism, and it remains our national motto today,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201cThe In God We Trust Act will ensure that the federal government\u2014as well as the American people for whom it works\u2014never forgets the ultimate source of the liberty and prosperity this country enjoys. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, this bill would restore faith to its rightful place in the halls of government.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley previously offered this idea in his 2024 National Conservatism Conference speech, when he declared it was time to \u201ctake the trans flags down from our public buildings and inscribe instead, on every building owned or operated by the federal government, our national motto: In God We Trust.\u201d\n\nIf passed, the legislation would give GSA one year to inscribe or display in a place of prominence the national motto of the United States in all federal buildings.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-hawley-applauds-confirmation-of-four-outstanding-missouri-judges/", "Senator Hawley Applauds Confirmation of Four Outstanding Missouri Judges", "2025-09-09", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) applauded the confirmation of Missouri\u2019s four district court nominees to the federal bench.\n\n\u201cToday is a big day for Missouri as we confirm the last of our four outstanding district court judges to the federal bench,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201cThese incredible individuals will uphold the Constitution and the rule of law in Missouri. Missourians are grateful to President Trump for putting constitutionalist judges on the bench.\u201d\n\nThe Senate confirmed the following nominees:\n\nJoshua M. Divine, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri;\n\nMaria A. Lanahan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri;\n\nZachary M. Bluestone, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri; and\n\nCristian M. Stevens, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-calls-for-investigation-into-unsafe-unsanitary-conditions-reported-by-missouri-tenants/", "Hawley Calls for Investigation into Unsafe, Unsanitary Conditions Reported by Missouri Tenants", "2025-09-08", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, calling for an investigation into the unsafe and unsanitary conditions reported by tenants living at the Villas of Autumn Bend (the \u201cVillas\u201d) in Blue Springs, Mo.\n\n\u201c[Tenants] cited sewage overflows, mold, and dirty ventilation systems, among other conditions. Upon invitation by tenants, my staff visited the Villas and confirmed that many units had visible mold infestations, unsanitary ventilation systems, broken plumbing, and sewage backups,\u201d Senator Hawley wrote.\n\n\u201cThe tenants of the Villas of Autumn Bend deserve to live in conditions that meet the basic standards guaranteed by federal law,\u201d the Senator insisted.\n\nSenator Hawley has previously introduced legislation that would coordinate actions of federal and local housing authorities to crack down on landlords who fail to uphold basic living standards for their tenants.\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nSeptember 8, 2025\n\nScott Turner\n\nSecretary of Housing and Urban Development\n\n451 Seventh Street SW\n\nWashington, DC 20410\n\nBruce Ladd\n\nDeputy Regional Administrator\n\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development\n\n400 State Avenue\n\nRoom 200\n\nKansas City, KS 66101\n\nSecretary Turner:\n\nI write to raise concerns about clear and ongoing noncompliance with HUD regulations at the Villas of Autumn Bend (the \u201cVillas\u201d) in Blue Springs, Missouri\u2014a HUD-subsidized property managed by Dalmark Group.\n\nTenants from this property have contacted my Kansas City office multiple times with reports of unsafe and unsanitary conditions in and around their units. They cited sewage overflows, mold, and dirty ventilation systems, among other conditions. Upon invitation by tenants, my staff visited the Villas and confirmed that many units had visible mold infestations, unsanitary ventilation systems, broken plumbing, and sewage backups. One tenant had an independent firm perform a mold inspection, which indicated the presence of mold on unit surfaces and in the air.\n\nGiven the volume and credibility of these reports, as well as my staff\u2019s observations, I am seriously concerned that the Villas is violating federal requirements for safe and sanitary HUD housing. See 24 C.F.R. \u00a7 5.703 (National standards for the condition of HUD housing). I request that your agency promptly investigate this property, review its compliance status, and take appropriate enforcement actions if violations are confirmed. Please provide my office with an update on what actions have been taken regarding the unsafe conditions at the Villas by October 8, 2025.\n\nThe tenants of the Villas of Autumn Bend deserve to live in conditions that meet the basic standards guaranteed by federal law. I appreciate your commitment to safe and sanitary housing for Americans, and I look forward to continuing to work with you on this issue.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.hawley.senate.gov/icymi-senator-hawley-warns-ai-threatens-the-working-man-at-natcon5/", "ICYMI: Senator Hawley Warns \u2018AI Threatens the Working Man\u2019 at NatCon5", "2025-09-08", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Josh Hawley", "H001089", "www.hawley.senate.gov", "hawley", "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered a speech at the National Conservatism Conference addressing the threat posed by transhumanism. Rather than using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to \u2018transcend\u2019 the human condition, subvert traditional values, and concentrate power among a small elite\u2014as the transhumanist ideology seeks to do\u2014Senator Hawley laid out a vision that centers on the interests of working Americans.\n\nSenator Hawley stated, \u201cAmerica is a nation founded on the idea of the common man. The American republic is premised on his worth and his liberty. But the transhumanist ideal rejects the common man\u2019s worth. And artificial intelligence threatens the common man\u2019s liberty. To state it in the clearest terms, then: Americanism and the transhumanist revolution cannot coexist. And it is our job to see that Americanism wins.\u201d\n\nHe continued, \u201cAnd the problem with the AI \u2018revolution\u2019 as it\u2019s currently going is that it only entrenches the power of the people \u2026 who are already the most powerful in the world. Imagine a future\u2014a not too-distant future\u2014where AI is deployed across the economy, across the country. We are well on the way to this future now. And we are told by AI boosters of the remarkable efficiencies it will bring. The papers written in seconds. The contracts drafted instantly. The algorithms that write themselves. Productivity like we\u2019ve never seen. But here\u2019s the flip side: millions of Americans out of work. That\u2019s not any conspiracy theory, by the way. That\u2019s what the tech titans openly tell us. One CEO recently predicted half of entry-level, white-collar jobs could be gone in the next five years. Half.\u201d\n\nHe added, \u201cUltimately, when it comes to guardrails, protecting our children should be our lodestar. You may have seen recently how Meta green-lit its own chatbots to have sensual conversations with children\u2014yes, you heard me right. Meta\u2019s own internal documents permitted lurid conversations that no parent would ever contemplate. And most tragically, ChatGPT recently encouraged a troubled teenager to commit suicide\u2014even providing detailed instructions on how to do it. We absolutely must require and enforce rigorous technical standards to bar inappropriate or harmful interactions with minors. And we should think seriously about age verification for chatbots and agents. We don\u2019t let kids drive or drink or do a thousand other harmful things. The same standards should apply to AI.\u201d\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, \u201cWe are, when all is said and done, creatures\u2014not gods. And that is a good thing. Our frailties teach us humility. Our shortcomings instruct us in perseverance. Our suffering gives us compassion for those who suffer. Our limits make us something better than powerful. They make us good. And they keep us free. Because there is only one God, we allow no man or class of men to rule over us. We rule ourselves, together, as equals. That is\u2014and always has been\u2014the American way.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-train-crew-choice-act-block-fras-union-driven-mandate", "Rep. Burlison Introduces Train Crew Choice Act to Block FRA\u2019s Union-Driven Mandate", "2025-09-05", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) introduced the Train Crew Choice Act, legislation to nullify the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rule requiring all freight trains to operate with at least two crew members on board at all times.\n\n\u201cThis bill is about stopping union bosses from using Washington to get what they can\u2019t win at the bargaining table,\u201d said Congressman Burlison. \u201cPreviously, in 2019, the FRA concluded that \u2018accident/incident data does not support a train crew staffing regulation.\u2019 Yet the Biden-Harris administration went ahead with this mandate, which burdens small railroads with increased costs with no benefit except inflating union membership.\u201d\n\nThe Train Crew Choice Act repeals the FRA\u2019s two-person crew rule and restores flexibility for railroads to make staffing decisions based on safety, technology, and efficiency.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-uap-disclosure-act-2025-amendment-ndaa", "Rep. Burlison Introduces UAP Disclosure Act of 2025 as Amendment to NDAA", "2025-08-29", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) announced today that he has submitted the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Disclosure Act of 2025 as amendment to the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to increase transparency on government records related to UAP.\n\n\u201cFor too long, Americans have been left in the dark about UAP,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cThis amendment ensures these records are preserved, reviewed, and responsibly released to the public. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the American people deserve the truth.\u201d\n\nIf adopted, the amendment will:\n\nProhibit the destruction or alteration of UAP records.\n\nCreate a UAP Records Collection at the National Archives to preserve and make available all relevant government records.\n\nEstablish an independent UAP Records Review Board to oversee the review and declassification process.\n\nRequire public disclosure of UAP records within 25 years unless the President certifies a clear national security reason for delay.\n\nProvide ongoing congressional oversight to ensure accountability.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-presents-service-medals-wwii-veterans-family", "Graves Presents Service Medals to WWII Veteran's Family", "2025-08-28", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KANSAS CITY, MO \u2014 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) presented military service medals that he was able to recover to the family of a Northwest Missouri veteran. Graves presented medals to the family of William Edgar Taul for his role in WWII. Mr. Taul served in the US Army, beginning in 1944. His military service records were lost in a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis in 1973. However, Graves was able to obtain several medals for his service.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful for all of our veterans in North Missouri,\" said Graves. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to be able to present these medals to Mr. Taul\u2019s family so they can always remember his service to our nation.\"", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 369, "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": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 369, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MO&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 186, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2025&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 183, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2025&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "MO", "label": "MO", "count": 369, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 369, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-08-28,https~3A~2F~2Fgraves~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fgraves-presents-service-medals-wwii-veterans-family", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2025&_next=2025-08-28%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fgraves~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fgraves-presents-service-medals-wwii-veterans-family&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 183.2528728991747, "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"}