{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\" and state = \"PA\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smuckers-bipartisan-claiming-age-clarity-act-heads-presidents-desk", "Smucker\u2019s Bipartisan Claiming Age Clarity Act Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) announced that his bipartisan Claiming Age Clarity Act, H.R. 5284, has passed the Senate and is headed to the President\u2019s desk for signature.\n\nSmucker introduced the legislation with Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) to help Americans better understand how the timing of their decision to claim Social Security affects their monthly retirement benefit. The bill previously passed the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cAmericans who have worked their entire lives and earned Social Security benefits deserve clear, straightforward information as they make important decisions about their retirement,\u201d said Rep. Lloyd Smucker. \u201cThe Claiming Age Clarity Act replaces confusing government terminology with language that better explains how the age at which someone claims Social Security affects their monthly benefit. I\u2019m grateful that Republicans and Democrats came together to advance this commonsense reform, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cPassage of this bill is a victory for seniors and older workers, who will now be able to make more informed decisions about their retirement benefits,\u201d said Rep. Don Beyer. \u201cThe need for clarity on these issues gets more salient every year as Americans live longer and financial choices become more complex. I thank Rep. Smucker for his leadership on this legislation, and all those who supported the Claiming Age Clarity Act.\u201d\n\nThe Claiming Age Clarity Act would modernize terminology used by the Social Security Administration to better reflect how claiming age affects an individual\u2019s monthly benefit:\n\n\u201cEarly Eligibility Age\u201d would become \u201cMinimum Benefit Age\u201d \u2014 age 62, the earliest age at which an individual can begin receiving retirement benefits, with permanently lower monthly benefits than those received at standard benefit age.\n\n\u201cFull Retirement Age\u201d and \u201cNormal Retirement Age\u201d would become \u201cStandard Benefit Age\u201d \u2014 generally age 66 or 67, depending on an individual\u2019s birth year.\n\n\u201cDelayed Retirement Age\u201d would become \u201cMaximum Benefit Age\u201d \u2014 age 70, the latest age someone can begin receiving benefits. Electing to delay receiving benefits by a year increases an individual's benefits, up to a maximum of 24% more than the standard benefit.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation is supported by AARP, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and AMAC Action.\n\nSens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-celebrates-transformational-3-billion-investment-in-carnegie-mellon-university/", "Senator McCormick Celebrates Transformational $3 Billion Investment in Carnegie Mellon University", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) celebrated a historic gift to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) from Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, including a transformational $1 billion investment in CMU\u2019s Pittsburgh campus and $2 billion to launch Carnegie Mellon University Miami.\n\n\u201cThis extraordinary investment from my great friend Ken Griffin is a tremendous vote of confidence in CMU, in Pittsburgh, and in the innovation that will continue to define America\u2019s future,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cPittsburgh has always been a city that reinvents itself. Andrew Carnegie helped build the Steel City into an industrial powerhouse, and today, the university that bears his name is helping lead America into the next era of innovation. I\u2019m so proud of President Farnam Jahanian and his team for helping make Carnegie Mellon one of the finest research institutions in the world, a global leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, computer science, and so much more.\u201d\n\nSenator McCormick previously served on Carnegie Mellon\u2019s Board of Trustees and has long viewed the university as central to Pittsburgh\u2019s transformation from the Steel City into a global hub for technology and innovation. CMU\u2019s world-class leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, and engineering has helped put Pittsburgh at the forefront of the technologies shaping America\u2019s future. That leadership made CMU the natural home for Senator McCormick\u2019s inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, showcasing the Commonwealth\u2019s unique strengths in AI, energy, and advanced technology and catalyzing $92 billion in investment in Pennsylvania\u2019s future.\n\nThis historic investment announced today builds on that momentum. The $1 billion commitment to support CMU\u2019s Pittsburgh campus will strengthen CMU\u2019s research and academic leadership, attract the best minds, and fuel innovation and discovery in western Pennsylvania. The $2 billion investment in the launch of CMU Miami will expand the reach of an institution built in Pittsburgh and bring CMU\u2019s culture of innovation and excellence to a new generation of leaders.\n\nAt a moment of intense global competition, America must continue to invest in the people and institutions that allow us to invent, build, and lead. More than a century after Andrew Carnegie invested in Pittsburgh, that same spirit of ambition, discovery, and innovation remains alive and well in Western Pennsylvania.", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-gallego-cornyn-fetterman-introduce-bill-to-keep-chinese-transceivers-out-of-u-s-national-security-systems/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK, GALLEGO, CORNYN, FETTERMAN INTRODUCE BILL TO KEEP CHINESE TRANSCEIVERS OUT OF U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEMS", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), and John Fetterman (D-PA) today introduced the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent Chinese-made optical transceivers from being used in the federal government\u2019s most sensitive national security systems.\n\nChinese manufacturers have become major suppliers of optical transceivers, creating U.S. alliance on these critical components which move data through high-speed fiber-optic networks, including the networks powering artificial intelligence. Because advanced transceivers can contain reprogrammable firmware, their use in national security networks can create potential supply-chain and security risks. In June, the Department of War added major Chinese manufacturer InnoLight to its Section 1260H list of Chinese military companies, but current law does not impose a government-wide prohibition on adversary-linked optical transceivers in the systems carrying some of America\u2019s most sensitive information.\n\nThe bill extends an existing federal procurement restriction for semiconductors to covered optical transceivers used in critical systems. It gives suppliers five years to develop compliant sources and provides waivers where necessary to protect supply and national security.\n\n\u201cWe shouldn\u2019t rely on China for technologies that are essential to our national security,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cThis bipartisan bill will help secure our networks and give American manufacturers\u2014including the incredible companies and workers we have right here in Pennsylvania\u2014 the opportunity to step up, build more of this technology at home, and compete.\u201d\n\n\u201cOptical transceivers are a critical part of America\u2019s modern communications infrastructure, and we need to make sure that infrastructure is secure,\u201d said Senator Gallego. \u201cOur reliance on China to produce these transceivers creates a serious national security vulnerability. This legislation protects our most sensitive systems and invests in Arizona manufacturers, who are already helping build a secure supply chain here at home.\u201d\n\n\u201cCritical government communication and information systems must be safe, reliable, and free of any foreign interference, but the use of Chinese technology undermines that mission,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cI am proud to cosponsor Senator McCormick\u2019s Securing National Security Systemsfrom Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, which will extend the commonsense procurement restrictions I worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA and support American jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cFiber-optic networks are the digital highways that make our economy run at the speed of light,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cJust like we use American-made steel to build federal highways and bridges, we should also be using American-made equipment in our fiber-optic networks wherever possible. I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure our critical information networks do not rely on Chinese-made optical transceivers.\u201d\n\nThe Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would close that gap by extending safeguards Congress has already established for Chinese semiconductors to optical transceivers used in national security systems. The legislation would:\n\nProhibit federal procurement of covered optical transceivers for national security systems, building on the existing federal framework restricting certain Chinese semiconductors.\n\nCover InnoLight, Eoptolink, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as additional adversary-linked companies designated by the Secretary of War or Secretary of Commerce, including covered transceivers that incorporate their firmware, software, or components.\n\nProvide a five-year transition period before the prohibition takes effect, allowing trusted American and allied manufacturers time to expand production while minimizing disruptions to federal supply chains.\n\nDirect the Department of Commerce to assess U.S. and allied production capacity and develop a strategy to strengthen trusted optical transceiver supply chains.\n\nPermit limited, renewable waivers when no trusted alternative is available, with each waiver reported to Congress.\n\nThe Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act is supported by the following stakeholders:\n\nScott Paul, President, Alliance for American Manufacturing:\n\n\u201cFor too long, China has pursued dominance in strategically important industries while benefiting from access to markets that reinforce that position. Federal taxpayer dollars should not be used to deepen America\u2019s dependence on Chinese manufacturers for critical technologies. Senator McCormick\u2019s legislation sends an important signal that the United States is serious about securing strategic supply chains, rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity, and strengthening the industrial base needed to compete and lead in the technologies of the future.\u201d\n\nAlexandria Paolozzi Moore, Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action:\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s national security systems are increasingly dependent on high-speed optical networking. Yet our reliance on adversary-controlled components in systems that underpin national defense creates serious security vulnerabilities. FDD Action endorses the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act of 2026 because it closes a gap in existing semiconductor security law. That gap allows CCP-linked suppliers to operate at a critical point where our data flows. We support this legislation and urge its expeditious consideration.\u201d\n\nDaniel Kishi, Senior Policy Advisor, American Compass:\n\n\u201cChina\u2019s dominance of the optical transceiver market has exposed a major vulnerability at the heart of America\u2019s technological infrastructure. The Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would keep Chinese optical transceivers out of the federal government\u2019s critical systems and safeguard sensitive government networks from the risks they pose.\u201d\n\nCoalition for a Prosperous America:\n\n\u201cThe Defense Department has already named InnoLight \u2014 the world\u2019s largest optical transceiver maker \u2014 a Chinese military company, yet its hardware still sits inside America\u2019s data centers and national security systems. That\u2019s indefensible. Chinese firms control roughly 70 percent of the global optical module market because the CCP targeted this technology for domination, and Beijing won\u2019t let a single American-made transceiver into its own data centers. Senator McCormick\u2019s bill sends a clear demand signal to the American manufacturers already investing in domestic capacity and ensures only trusted hardware runs our national security systems. CPA is proud to support it and urges Congress to pass it without delay.\u201d\n\nNew American Industrial Alliance:\n\n\u201cAs China continues its efforts to infiltrate cutting-edge American technologies, it\u2019s more important than ever for Congress to take action to protect America\u2019s technological superiority. By extending the federal ban on Chinese-linked chips to optical transceivers in national security systems, the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would close a potential backdoor into our most sensitive networks while giving industry time to build a trusted supply. NAIA thanks Senator McCormick for his tireless work to ensure American security and technological superiority.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-colleagues-introduce-national-hazing-awareness-week-resolution", "Thompson, Colleagues\u00a0Introduce National Hazing Awareness Week Resolution", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) introduced a resolution to recognize September 21-25, 2026, as \u201cNational Hazing Awareness Week.\u201d The resolution recognizes the hundreds of students who have died or suffered severe, life-altering injuries as a result of collegiate hazing and promotes efforts to prevent hazing.\n\nUnited States Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the Senate companion resolution.\n\n\u201cHazing has left countless students with life-altering injuries, and too many families have had to endure the loss of a loved one. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution to bring awareness, accountability, and transparency to campuses in an effort to help protect students from hazing,\u201d Rep. Thompson said.\n\n\u201cI have been honored to work with families and advocates to pass legislation to end campus hazing. I know what it's like to lose a loved one, and no parent should ever have to bury their child,\u201d Rep. McBath said. \u201cI\u2019m glad to lead efforts once again to spread awareness about the pain of these incidents and am grateful to my colleagues for their continued commitment to protecting our students.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen parents send their kids away to college, they expect they will get a good education and make new friends. They don\u2019t expect them to be harassed and hazed. Hazing is a dangerous \u2014 and at times deadly \u2014 reality that students are confronted with,\u201d Sen. Klobuchar said. \u201cWith this resolution, we honor the students who have died or been severely injured due to hazing and promote preventive efforts. This goes hand in hand with our bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, which is improving hazing reporting and prevention on college campuses.\u201d\n\n\u201cStudents should not have to fear getting physically or emotionally harmed while they are simply trying to find community at college,\u201d Dr. Cassidy said. \u201cThanks to the tireless work of the Gruver family and other advocates, we passed the Stop Campus Hazing Act last Congress to increase accountability and ensure hazing is never ignored.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act was signed into law to combat hazing and dangerous practices towards students on college campuses by ensuring transparency and setting parameters for preventative action.\n\nThe law includes many anti-hazing provisions long championed by Rep. Thompson and Evelyn and Jim Piazza, whose son, Tim Piazza, tragically passed away in February 2017 at Penn State as a direct result of a hazing ritual at his fraternity. Today, September 25, would have been Tim's 29th birthday.\n\nThe Piazza's advocacy led to the establishment of the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform at Penn State, whose research helped shape the Stop Campus Hazing Act and led to the enactment of some of the strongest anti-hazing laws anywhere in the country in Pennsylvania.\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-28T11:29:07Z", "2026-09-28T11:30:58Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-hosts-rsc-podcast-tackling-americas-40-trillion-national-debt", "Smucker Hosts RSC Podcast on Tackling America\u2019s $40 Trillion National Debt", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chairman of the House Budget Committee, hosted the latest episode of the Republican Study Committee\u2019s Right to the Point podcast featuring Americans for Prosperity Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy Kurt Couchman for a discussion on America\u2019s $40 trillion national debt and efforts to put the nation on a more sustainable fiscal trajectory. Click here to watch the podcast. Click here to listen to the podcast.\n\nCLICK TO WATCH: Smucker: America\u2019s debt problem is still solvable\n\n\u201cIf we look back to what happened after World War Two, it took quite some time to work out of that high debt to GDP ratio-- about 30 years. The point is: this is solvable. [The national debt] is a big problem. It's a threat, certainly to our economic well-being, even potentially a threat to the future of the country if we don't change course. But if we begin to make decisions today, we begin to make changes today. We can still solve it.\u201d\n\nCLICK TO WATCH: Smucker on goal to cut deficits to 3% of GDP\n\n\u201cToday, we take in roughly $5 trillion and spend $7 trillion every year. [\u2026] Our deficits are about 6% of our total economy 6% of GDP [\u2026] It is absolutely critical that we begin to reduce our deficits and move down to about half of what the deficit is today as a percent of GDP [\u2026] I think it's really important to make that statement.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-low-interest-sba-loans-help-business-owners", "Thompson Announces Low-Interest SBA Loans to Help Business Owners, Nonprofits, Homeowners Recover from Severe Storms", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (Pa.-15) announced that eligible businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms and flooding occurring on July 28, 2026, in Pennsylvania.\n\nThe following counties in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District are eligible for physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Indiana, and Jefferson.\n\nThe filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is October 19. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 19, 2027. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.\n\n\u201cSevere storms throughout the region caused devastating property damage this past July. As a result, the Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans for those affected. I encourage eligible applicants to contact my office, which is available to support anyone who needs more information or guidance,\u201d Rep. Thompson said.\n\nBusinesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.\n\nHomeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.\n\nApplicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind-rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.\n\nInterest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant\u2019s financial condition.\n\nTo apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA\u2019s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-announces-200000-local-head-start-programs", "Bresnahan Announces $200,000 for Local Head Start Programs", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "EAST STROUDSBURG, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced over $200,000 in federal funding for Head Start programs in Monroe and Lackawanna Counties. The grants will help provide early childhood education, healthcare, nutrition, and family support services to children and families across the region.\n\n\u201cEvery child deserves the chance to walk into the classroom ready to learn and succeed,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cHead Start helps make that possible by giving young children and their families the support they need during some of the most important years of their lives. These grants will help strengthen that foundation for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.\u201d\n\nThe grant awards include $217,747 for Pocono Services for Families and Children and $30,500 for the Agency for Community EmPOWERment (ACE) of NEPA.\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful for this $217,747 supplemental investment in Pocono Services for Families and Children and our Head Start program,\u201d said Kristi Hammond, MSW, Executive Director of Pocono Services for Families and Children. \u201cThese funds will allow us to make meaningful improvements to the environments and systems that support our children, families, and staff every day\u2014from resurfacing the playground at the Eugenia S. Eden Early Learning Center in East Stroudsburg and the parking lot at our Ramsey Center in Stroudsburg, to strengthening our technology, cybersecurity, and financial management systems. Head Start is about much more than preparing children for kindergarten; it is about providing children and families with the comprehensive support and strong foundation they need to succeed. Investments like this help ensure that PSFC can continue providing safe, high-quality services to children and families throughout Monroe County. We appreciate the continued federal investment in Head Start and the recognition of how important these programs are to our local community.\u201d\n\n\u201cACE of NEPA appreciates Congressman Bresnahan's continued support for Head Start and the children and families we serve,\u201d said Jim Wansacz, Executive Director of ACE of NEPA. \u201cThis $30,500 supplemental nutrition award will support breastfeeding pods, parent nutrition education, and healthy-eating initiatives throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.\"\n\nRep. Bresnahan has been a consistent supporter of Head Start. This year, he signed a Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations letter calling for robust federal funding to keep these programs strong.\n\n\u201cEducation is one of the best ways we can open doors for the next generation,\u201d continued Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cWe need to make sure families, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the resources that help their children learn, grow, and reach their full potential. I\u2019ll continue working to bring those opportunities back home to Northeastern Pennsylvania.\u201d\n\nHead Start provides critical services for children from birth to age five, focusing on families with the greatest need. The program supports school readiness and gives children access to health screenings, meals, and family support services.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-walkinshaw-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognize-our", "Thompson, Walkinshaw Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize our POW/MIA Servicemembers", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating Friday, September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This resolution pays tribute to American servicemembers who were prisoners of war or still missing while fighting in combat.\n\n\"As the father of a Purple Heart wounded warrior, my thoughts and prayers are with the families who are missing a loved one,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"More than 80,000 service members remain unaccounted for, and their families deserve a unified effort to help bring them home. This bipartisan resolution is a commitment to our men and women in uniform and serves as a reminder of the work needed to help reunite our military families.\"\n\n\u201cOn National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who endured captivity, those who have been accounted for, and those who remain missing. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Thompson and reaffirm our nation\u2019s enduring commitment to bring every servicemember home,\" Rep. Walkinshaw said.\n\n\"Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) proudly supports recognizing September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. For VVA, this day is more than a ceremony. It is a reminder of a promise our nation has not yet fully kept. Our founding principle, \u2018Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another,\u2019 is not a slogan. It is a sacred obligation. We will keep the POW/MIA flag flying, keep the candle burning, and keep faith with every family still waiting for answers. VVA believes one of the most meaningful ways to honor our POWs and MIAs is to provide the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency with $250 million to complete its mission. Recognition must be more than words. It must be backed by the resources, people, and commitment necessary to bring home every missing American who can still be found. We owe that to them. We owe it to their families. And we owe it to the promise our nation made when we sent them to serve,\u201d said Tom Burke, Vietnam Veterans of America President.\n\n\u201cWe have a sacred obligation to honor those whose service to their nation came at the cost of their freedom, and were never afforded the chance to return home. Recognizing the third Friday of September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day underscores that the 80,000 U.S. service members missing in action will never be forgotten, and reaffirms the gratitude of the American people for their sacrifices. With Honor Action, with solemn gratitude, is proud to endorse this resolution, and we thank Reps. G.T. Thompson and James Walkinshaw for ensuring the memory of our service members' lives on,\" said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor.\n\n\u201cEANGUS proudly endorses this resolution recognizing the third Friday of September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Our nation has a solemn obligation to remember those who never returned, continue the fullest possible accounting of our missing, and stand beside the families who have carried the burden of uncertainty and loss. Their service and sacrifice must never be forgotten,\u201d saidCSM John D. Gipe, USA Retired Executive Director, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.\n\n\u201cThe Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) endorses House Res. 1566, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, introduced by Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson and James Walkinshaw, and thanks them for their leadership. Recognizing and honoring the brave Americans who endured the unimaginable as prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action is vital to ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. JWV continues to strongly support the No Veteran Left Behind mission and to provide support to the families of POW/MIA servicemen and women who deserve closure. When JWV displays the POW/MIA flag and holds the Missing Man Table ceremony, we demonstrate our solidarity with families still awaiting answers. May the memory of our prisoners of war and those missing in action remain a constant source of blessing and a reminder of the true cost of our freedom,\u201d said National Commander Selina Kanowitz, MSgt. USAFR (Ret.).\n\nThis resolution is also endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America.\n\nBackground:\n\nEach year, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is honored on the third Friday of September. According to the Department of War\u2019s POW/MIA Accounting Agency, there are still 80,000 service members missing in action. Pennsylvania has the third most unaccounted for POW/MIAs with 5,375 servicemembers yet to be brought home. Since 2023, four POW/MIA\u2019s have been identified and returned home to Congressman Thompson\u2019s district.\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-announceswinners-of-america250-pennsylvania-youth-essay-contest/", "SENATOR MCCORMICK ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF AMERICA250 PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Last week, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced the winners of his America250 Pennsylvania Youth Essay Contest, which invited high school students across the Commonwealth to reflect on Pennsylvania\u2019s central role in the American story as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.\n\nThe winners are Brady Sirochman, a 10th grade student at Laurel Highlands High School in Uniontown, and Ronit Luthra, an 11th grade student at Downingtown High School East in Downingtown. The contest drew dozens of submissions from students across Pennsylvania.\n\n\u201cPennsylvania was there at America\u2019s founding and has been there at every turning point since. Brady and Ronit captured that in their essays \u2014 and in the process showed me that the Commonwealth is still producing the kind of people who will lead this country through its next 250 years. They inspire me. Their work belongs in the Congressional Record,\u201d said Senator McCormick.\n\nBoth winning essays were be entered into the Congressional Record, and both students met with Senator McCormick in Washington, D.C. where they were presented with American flags that flew over the Capitol on July 4th. Top runners-up received a signed letter of recognition from the Senator.\n\nEntries were blindly reviewed by a panel made up of Senator McCormick, a Pennsylvania High School History teacher, and members of Senator McCormick\u2019s staff. Senator McCormick chose the winning essays. Submissions were divided into two divisions: Division I: grades 9-10; Division II: grades 11-12.\n\nDivision I Winner \u2014 Brady Sirochman, Laurel Highlands High School, 10th Grade, Uniontown\n\nSirochman wrote on General George C. Marshall, the Uniontown native who organized the Allied victory in World War II and later authored the Marshall Plan. He opens at the intersection where Marshall\u2019s statue sits across from a bronze soldier, and closes on what that pairing represents:\n\n\u201cThrough his military career spanning service from the Philippines to Europe, and later his organization of the armed forces in World War II, we see his life as a personification of America\u2019s willingness to defend liberty aggressively. However, through his career post-war in the fields of diplomacy and government aid, we see his life as a personification of America\u2019s willingness to defend liberty peacefully. George C. Marshall is a unification of these two necessities, as at America\u2019s best, we understand the need for a soldier, as well as the need for a diplomat.\u201d\n\nRead Brady Sirochman\u2019s full essay here.\n\nDivision II Winner \u2014 Ronit Luthra, Downingtown High School East, 11th Grade, Downingtown\n\nLuthra wrote on George Westinghouse, the Pittsburgh inventor and industrialist whose bet on alternating current electrified the modern world \u2014 and who, Luthra argues, deserves a larger place in national memory than he holds:\n\n\u201cHere was a nation that let a self-taught veteran with no advantages rise on the strength of his ideas alone, then rewarded him for backing an immigrant genius whom nearly everyone else had written off. The country asked no permission of any ministry or court before a private citizen remade the daily life of the entire world.\u201d\n\nRead Ronit Luthra\u2019s full essay here.\n\nLearn more about Senator McCormick\u2019s America 250 initiative by clicking here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-commends-president-trump-extending-most-favored-nation-drug-pricing-all", "Meuser Commends President Trump for Extending Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing to All State Medicaid Programs", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement commending President Donald Trump, Secretary of Health Robert Kennedy Jr., and Administrator Mehmet Oz on rolling out Most Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing to Medicaid beneficiaries in all 50 states.\n\nLast May, President Trump signed an executive order requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer their products in the United States at the same low price offered in other nations. Since then, the Trump Administration has secured agreements with 26 major pharmaceutical companies to offer nearly 90% of branded pharmaceutical products on the market at MFN pricing. The deals cover a variety of drugs and deliver significant cost reductions, including an 88% decrease in the cost of multiple sclerosis medication, a 90% decrease in the cost of Hepatitis C medication, and an 81% decrease in the cost of diabetes medicines.\n\nSo far, MFN pricing has been accessible to consumers via TrumpRx, which connects consumers directly to pharmaceutical companies to purchase prescription drugs at MFN pricing. Today\u2019s announcement expands MFN pricing to Medicaid beneficiaries in all 50 states through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation GENEROUS Model, which requires manufacturers to provide supplemental rebates to states to align Medicaid drug prices with what other countries pay. The Council of Economic Advisors estimates that today\u2019s announcement will save Medicaid a total of $64.3 billion over the next decade. The federal government would save $36.6 billion, while the states would save the remaining $27.6 billion.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement marks an important milestone in expanding Most Favored Nation drug pricing to Americans nationwide,\u201d said Congressman Meuser. \u201cPennsylvanians who are on Medicaid will now see a substantial reduction in their drug pricing due to the policies of the Trump Administration. We can continue to build on this success by passing my Most Favored Patient Act, which would lock in MFN savings for years to come and ensure that all Americans can purchase drugs at lower prices.\u201d\n\nCongressman Meuser\u2019s Work on Lower Drug Prices:\n\nCongressman Meuser has led the effort in Congress to codify the MFN drug pricing deals that the Trump Administration has secured through the Most Favored Patient Act. This legislation would codify the 26 existing MFN drug pricing deals and establish a permanent framework to codify and enforce future cost-saving healthcare agreements as they are reached. This legislation would lock in at least $600 billion in savings for the American people.\n\nDuring last year\u2019s State of the Union Address, President Trump called on Congress to codify the existing MFN and included it in his Great Healthcare Plan, which would lower drug prices and premiums for all Americans.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/9/fitzpatrick-introduces-bipartisan-measure-to-bar-members-of-congress-from-profiting-off-earmarks", "Fitzpatrick Introduces Bipartisan Measure to Bar Members of Congress from Profiting Off Earmarks", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), alongside Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Jared Golden (ME-02), introduced the bipartisan Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution, which would strengthen House ethics rules governing Community Project Funding and prohibit Members of Congress from using taxpayer-funded projects to create direct or indirect financial benefits for themselves, their families, or entities in which they hold a financial interest.\n\nUnder Rule XXIII, clause 17 of the House Rules, Members requesting Community Project Funding, commonly known as earmarks, must certify that they and their spouses have no financial interest in the request. Current rules, however, do not explicitly address certain indirect financial benefits\u2014including circumstances in which a federally funded project could increase the value of a nearby business or other asset in which a Member or their family has a financial interest.\n\nThe Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution would close that gap by requiring Members to certify that neither they, their spouse, their immediate family members, nor any entity in which they hold a material financial interest would benefit financially\u2014directly or indirectly\u2014from an earmark they request.\n\n\u201cPublic service is a public trust, and there can be no ambiguity about whose interests we are here to serve,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick. \u201cTaxpayer dollars should never be used to create a private financial benefit for the people entrusted with spending them. If a Member of Congress requests federal funding, the public deserves confidence that the decision is being made in the public interest\u2014not for the Member\u2019s own financial gain. I have spent years working across the aisle to eliminate conflicts of interest and strengthen accountability in Congress. This resolution continues that work by establishing a clearer standard and stronger safeguards around the use of public funds.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen politicians are busy lining their own pockets, how can they ever understand or focus on the pocketbook issues Americans face every single day? Californians are struggling to afford groceries, gas, healthcare, and housing while paying some of the highest taxes in the nation. The least they deserve is representation focused on making their lives better,\u201d said Congresswoman Kim. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this commonsense resolution with Congressmen Jared Golden and Brian Fitzpatrick to hold Members of Congress to a stronger standard when bringing federal dollars back home. Members of Congress should be concerned with building a better future for Americans, not filling their own coffers.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve certainty that when a member of Congress secures funding for their district, it\u2019s for the good of their constituents\u2014not themselves, their families or any entity in which they have a financial interest,\u201d said Congressman Golden. \u201cThis resolution will strengthen the anti-corruption guardrails around Community Project Funds to ensure federal dollars are used responsibly. I\u2019m proud to co-sponsor this commonsense change to preserve the integrity of the House.\u201d\n\nFitzpatrick\u2019s Continued Work on Congressional Ethics and Accountability\n\nThe Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution builds on Fitzpatrick\u2019s previous bipartisan proposals addressing financial conflicts of interest, congressional ethics, and accountability in public office, including:\n\nThe Restore Trust in Congress Act \u2013 A bipartisan proposal prohibiting Members of Congress, their spouses, dependent children, and trustees from owning or trading individual stocks and other covered financial assets, with enforcement provisions and penalties for violations.\n\nThe Public Service Accountability Act \u2013 Bipartisan legislation extending financial-conflict restrictions across all three branches of the federal government by prohibiting covered senior officials from trading individual stocks or participating in prediction markets while in federal service.\n\nThe Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act \u2013 Fitzpatrick\u2019s earlier bipartisan legislation prohibiting Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependents from owning or trading individual stocks.\n\nFitzpatrick\u2019s Congressional Reform Package \u2013 A broader package of proposals addressing congressional accountability and institutional reform, including congressional term limits, a balanced budget requirement, single-subject legislation, and withholding Member pay during government shutdowns.\n\nTogether, these proposals center on a consistent standard: decisions made through public office should be separated from private financial interests and subject to clear rules, transparency, and enforceable safeguards.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-backs-ratepayer-protection-act-calls-data-center-companies-pay-their-own", "Kelly backs Ratepayer Protection Act, calls for data center companies to pay for their own electricity", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation which codifies a Trump administration executive action requiring that the companies building data centers are the ones paying for the electricity needed to power them, instead of hardworking American families.\n\n\"Pennsylvania families shouldn't be footing the bill to power data centers,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"This legislation puts local families first and reestablishes commonsense energy policy in the United States.\"\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nU.S. leadership in the race to artificial intelligence (AI) dominance is critical to our economic and national security, but right now states and communities are concerned about the pace at which AI data centers are being developed and the effect they could have on residents\u2019 electric bills.\n\nThe growth in data center development is coinciding with the exposure of systemic challenges to deploying reliable and affordable electricity resulting from harmful Biden-era policies, namely the premature retirement of baseload power and the overreliance on intermittent sources, like wind and solar.\n\nWithout fail, blue states that have led the charge to shut down fossil power plants and mandate renewable generation quotas are now home to the highest electricity rates in the country. A dual-pronged approach would ensure that facilities such as data centers pay their costs, alongside broader electricity policy reforms that prioritize reliable baseload power.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act:\n\nH.R. 9340 would protect consumers from rate increases resulting from data center construction by having state utility commissions consider large-load standards for data centers drawing more than 100 MW of power, which would ensure they pay for the full incremental costs to serve their loads.\n\nBy drawing on existing Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act authorities (Sec. 111(d)), this light touch approach provides a federal recommendation while preserving state power to regulate electricity markets, drawing on what 24 states are already doing to protect residential homes and small businesses.\n\nBy establishing large-load standards, states can ensure that American families are not left footing the bill for AI data center growth.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-co-sponsors-resolution-recognize-september-17-national-teach-ag-day", "Kelly co-sponsors resolution to recognize September 17 as \"National Teach Ag Day\"", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) co-sponsored a resolution to recognize Thursday, September 17, 2026 as \"National Teach Ag Day.\" The resolution supports teaching agriculture programs in schools to train and educate young Americans about the importance of agriculture and to jumpstart education for students who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.\n\n\"Farmers and farm families are the backbone of the United States. Here in Pennsylvania, it remains one of the top industries and supports nearly 50,000 jobs. This resolution recognizes the importance of agriculture in our community, and it encourage local students to learn more about these jobs,\" said Rep. Kelly.\n\nPennsylvania's 49,053 farm families operate 7.3 million acres of farmland across the Commonwealth. They produce $7.8 billion in cash receipts annually, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.\n\nIn March, Kelly toured Moniteau High School's Vo-Ag program where he met with students and educators and to learn more about the school's Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/mackenzie-introduces-bipartisan-bill-increase-transparency-prescription-drug", "Mackenzie Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Market", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Mackenzie", "M001230", "mackenzie.house.gov", "mackenzie", "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 This week, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, alongside Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12), Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-01), and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06), introduced the bipartisan Net Effective Cost Transparency and Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2026, legislation to increase transparency and competition in the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) market and help lower prescription drug costs.\n\nPBMs serve as middlemen between health plans, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers and play a major role in determining prescription drug costs. However, rebates, discounts, fees, and other payments can make it difficult for health plans to determine what they are actually paying for prescription drugs.\n\nThe legislation introduced this week would require greater transparency around the \u201cnet effective cost\u201d of prescription drugs \u2014 essentially, what drugs actually cost after rebates, discounts, fees, and other price concessions are taken into account. By allowing PBM bids to be compared on a more consistent basis, the bill would promote greater competition and accountability across Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and employer-sponsored health plans.\n\n\u201cFamilies and seniors in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve real transparency when it comes to what they pay for prescription drugs,\u201d said Congressman Mackenzie. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation will make it easier to understand the true cost after rebates, discounts, and fees are taken into account. By increasing transparency and competition among PBMs, we can help lower costs and ensure patients and health plans are getting a better deal.\u201d\n\n\u201cHealthcare is too complicated and drug pricing is the most complicated of all. This legislation pours sunlight into the inner workings of bids & prices, so that lower prices, not higher rebates, is what wins,\u201d said Congressman Auchincloss.\n\n\u201cThe Net Effective Cost Transparency and Prescription Drug Affordability Act is a continuation of our work to hold PBMs accountable and increase drug price transparency for America\u2019s families and seniors. Unfortunately, overly expensive prescription drugs are often a direct result of harmful PBM practices. This bipartisan effort will help address the rising cost of prescription drugs and provide relief for patients who have faced this financial burden for far too long,\u201d said Congressman Rick W. Allen.\n\n\u201cPatients should not have to navigate a maze of rebates, fees, and hidden costs to understand what they are paying for their prescriptions. The Net Effective Cost Transparency and Prescription Drug Affordability Act brings much-needed transparency to the PBM market and helps ensure that competition is driven by lower costs, not complicated pricing arrangements. I am proud to support this bipartisan effort to give patients and health plans greater clarity and help make prescription drugs more affordable for West Virginians,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller.\n\n\u201cFamilies in Georgia and across this country are struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs. Convoluted PBM bidding practices have continued far too long without the safeguards in place to protect patients,\u201d said Congresswoman McBath. \u201cThis bill would help to simplify a complicated process and allow Americans access to health plans that work for them, not a PBM\u2019s bottom line.\u201d\n\nThe legislation builds on Mackenzie and Auchincloss\u2019 bipartisan work to increase transparency and accountability in the PBM industry. In 2025, the lawmakers introduced the bipartisan, bicameral PBM FAIR Act, which would require PBMs serving employer-sponsored health plans to act in the best interests of employees and plan participants.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nRead the bill summaryHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-honoring", "Thompson, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Honoring Connie Clery", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to honor the life of Connie Clery during National Campus Safety Awareness Month. After her 19-year-old daughter, Jeanne, was senselessly raped and murdered on a Pennsylvania college campus in 1986, Connie Clery\u2019s advocacy led to the passing of the Clery Act, which requires colleges to disclose their campus safety policies and information about crimes that occur on and near their campuses. Connie Clery passed away on June 23, 2026.\n\nUnited States Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the Senate companion resolution.\n\n\u201cConnie Clery took her family\u2019s tragedy and transformed it into a national movement to make college campuses safer,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cThanks to her advocacy, numerous state and federal laws were passed to improve student safety. Connie\u2019s vision and legacy will live on through the work of the Clery Center, and I am grateful to her unwavering commitment to this cause.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this resolution in Connie Clery\u2019s name alongside my colleagues. After the horrific assault and murder of their daughter Jeanne, Connie and Howard turned their grief into action and passed the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 into law, which was renamed the 'Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act' through the passage of our bill, the 'Stop Campus Hazing Act',\u201d Rep. McBath said. \u201cJust as I have been for my son Jordan, Connie was committed to honoring her late daughter\u2019s legacy and fighting to make sure that no other families have to go through the pain of losing a loved one. May Connie\u2019s memory serve as proof that there is no force on Earth stronger than a mom.\u201d\n\n\u201cParents everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to Connie Clery,\u201d Dr. Cassidy said. \u201cFollowing the senseless murder of her daughter at Lehigh University, Connie dedicated her life to improving campus safety. Her advocacy led to the foundational Clery Act and my Stop Campus Hazing Act, protecting students\u2019 lives and giving parents peace of mind as they drop their children off at college.\u201d\n\n\u201cFollowing the tragic loss of her daughter Jeanne, Connie Clery led a national movement to make campuses safer for students. Her tireless advocacy led to the first federal law requiring colleges to disclose crimes that occur on their campuses, a legacy that to this day provides students and families with transparency about the safety of the campuses they call home,\u201d Sen. Klobuchar said. \u201cDuring the first National Campus Safety Awareness Month since her passing, we are introducing this bipartisan resolution to honor her life and dedication to improving campus safety and protecting victims of crime across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Clery Center, we are deeply grateful to the United States Senate for honoring Connie Clery\u2019s extraordinary life and enduring legacy through this resolution. Connie dedicated her life to making campuses safer for all students, transforming unimaginable loss into advocacy, action, and lasting change. I was blessed to have Connie in my life\u2014as a friend, mentor, and fellow mom with whom I shared a very special bond. We were brought together by the unimaginable loss of our children\u2014Jeanne and Gary Jr.\u2014and by the failures in campus safety that contributed to their deaths. Through our shared loss, we found purpose in advocating for safer campuses and working to ensure that other families would not have to experience what we did. Connie and Howard reminded us, \u2018The best education in the world is useless if a student doesn\u2019t survive with a healthy mind and body.\u2019 Those words capture so much of what Connie stood for and why her work mattered so deeply. As we honor Connie, we must carry that work forward\u2014moving from awareness to action, from action to accountability, and from accountability to prevention. Her legacy is not simply one to remember; it is a responsibility to continue. For Connie. For Jeanne. For the Clery family. And for every student whose story is still being written, we must remain committed to creating safer campuses where students can learn, grow, and thrive. On behalf of Clery Center, I thank the United States Senate for recognizing Connie\u2019s remarkable life and unwavering commitment to students and for helping ensure that her legacy continues to inspire generations to come,\u201d said Julie G. DeVercelly, Chair, Clery Center Board of Directors.\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/9/fitzpatrick-helps-secures-final-passage-of-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia-and-iran-act", "Fitzpatrick Helps Secure Final Passage of Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Bipartisan legislation targets the financial and energy networks sustaining Putin\u2019s war and strengthens the path toward a just and lasting peace\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, helped secure final House passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, clearing the legislation through Congress and sending it to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nClick here to watch his Floor Speech.\n\nNamed in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation represents the culmination of more than a year of bipartisan work to cut off the resources sustaining Vladimir Putin\u2019s war against Ukraine, hold accountable those enabling his aggression, and strengthen the economic and diplomatic leverage necessary to bring the war to an end.\n\n\u201cPeace becomes possible when aggression carries a cost greater than its reward. For too long, Putin has relied on energy revenues, financial networks, and willing enablers to sustain his war against Ukraine.\n\nThis legislation goes directly at those lifelines. It uses America\u2019s economic strength to raise the cost of continued aggression, increase the pressure on Moscow, and strengthen the prospects for a just and lasting peace\u2014one that preserves a free and sovereign Ukraine.\n\nWith this bill headed to the President\u2019s desk, we are making clear to allies and adversaries alike that America will not treat aggression as consequence-free\u2014and that our strength will remain firmly behind the pursuit of a just peace.\n\nThat is ultimately what this effort is about: standing against aggression, defending the principle of sovereignty, and using American strength to help create the conditions for peace. Lindsey was an extraordinary partner in that work, and I was honored to build this effort alongside him and help see it through,\u201d said Fitzpatrick.\n\nThe legislation establishes a comprehensive sanctions framework targeting the political, financial, energy, and commercial networks sustaining Russia\u2019s war. Among its provisions, the bill:\n\nTargets Russia\u2019s political and economic power structure, including senior Russian officials, oligarchs, entities supporting Russia\u2019s defense industrial base, and foreign actors materially assisting Moscow\u2019s military operations;\n\nStrikes at Russia\u2019s financial system, including sanctions against major Russian financial institutions and certain foreign financial institutions conducting significant transactions with sanctioned Russian banks;\n\nDisrupts Russia\u2019s shadow fleet and sanctions-evasion networks by targeting vessels moving Russian oil and other sanctioned goods, along with the owners, operators, insurers, ports, and other actors facilitating those operations;\n\nRestricts Russia\u2019s access to capital and energy investment, including new U.S. investment in Russia, investment in its energy sector, purchases of Russian sovereign debt, and financial services used to circumvent sanctions;\n\nIncreases pressure on Russia\u2019s energy revenues, including authority for additional duties on Russian goods and targeted duties on countries among the largest purchasers of Russian-origin energy or leading facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion; and\n\nPreserves critical sanctions authorities against Iran by extending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031.\n\nThe legislation also establishes conditions for permanently terminating Russia-related sanctions. Under the bill, the President may terminate those sanctions after certifying to Congress that Russia has signed a peace agreement accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine and has ceased military hostilities and efforts to overthrow, dismantle, or subvert the Ukrainian government. The termination is subject to congressional review.\n\nThe Senate previously approved the legislation 86\u201311 on August 7.\n\nThe Administration formally supported passage of the legislation, citing its ability to increase pressure on Russia, strengthen the tools available to pursue a negotiated resolution, and preserve critical sanctions authorities against Iran. The President\u2019s advisers have said they would recommend he sign the measure into law.\n\nBackground\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Fitzpatrick has helped lead bipartisan efforts to hold Russia accountable and advance a Ukraine policy rooted in peace through strength: sustaining Ukraine\u2019s ability to defend itself, increasing pressure on Putin and those enabling his war, and ensuring that any path to peace protects Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty and is accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine.\n\nFitzpatrick\u2019s work has been informed by his firsthand visits to Ukraine and meetings with Ukrainian leaders, servicemembers, and civilians confronting Russia\u2019s aggression. His efforts have included the Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act, the Countering Russia\u2019s War on Faith Act, the Ukraine Support Act, and bipartisan initiatives addressing Russia\u2019s attacks on civilians and the abduction of Ukrainian children.\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act carries that strategy forward by targeting the financial and energy networks sustaining Putin\u2019s war machine, imposing consequences on those enabling his aggression, and strengthening Ukraine\u2019s position in pursuit of a just and lasting peace.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-backed-digital-asset-tax-certainty-act-passes-ways-means-committee", "Kelly-backed \"Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act\" passes Ways & Means Committee, advances to full U.S. House vote", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Ways & Means Committee passed the bipartisan H.R. 10357, the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act, legislation co-led by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Tax Subcommittee, which provides a comprehensive framework for the tax treatment of digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.\n\nThe legislation, which passed 38-5, modernizes the federal tax code for digital assets by simplifying rules for ordinary crypto users while establishing clearer tax reporting and compliance requirements for investors, businesses, and digital-asset brokers, among others.\n\nThe Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act also includes Kelly's legislation, the Charitable Deductions for Digital Asset Donations Act, legislation that would allow for widely traded digital assets to be eligible for charitable contributions.\n\n\"Digital assets are an increasingly important part of our economy, and the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act allows our tax code to keep pace with innovation,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"This legislation provides a clear roadmap for Americans who use digital assets, and it establishes rules of the road for taxation and enforcement without granting special treatment.\"\n\nYou can WATCH and DOWNLOAD Rep. Kelly's remarks during Wednesday's markup here.\n\nThe legislation:\n\nCreates a tax exemption for network + transaction fees of $10 or less.\n\nSimplifies tax accounting for certain digital assets\n\nProvides simplified accounting for gain and loss on widely traded digital assets\n\nMakes it easier for individuals to donate their digital assets to charity\n\nProvides a treatment of U.S. Dollar Stablecoin transactions while also clarifying taxation of mining and staking\n\nStrengthens digital-asset tax reporting and compliance.\n\nThe legislation, introduced by Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\n\nIn addition to Rep. Kelly, co-sponsors of the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act include Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Mike Carey (R-OH), Steven Horsford (D-NV), David Kustoff (R-TN), Max Miller (R-OH), and Rudy Yakym (R-IN).", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-applauds-president-trump-rescinding-obama-era-rain-tax-executive-order", "Meuser Applauds President Trump for Rescinding Obama-era \"Rain Tax\" Executive Order", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after President Trump rescinded an Obama-era Executive Order that has been used to impose costly stormwater management fees, otherwise known as the \"rain tax,\" on residents and businesses in Luzerne County.\n\n\u201cSince coming to Congress in 2019, I have worked to find a solution to the burdensome rain tax imposed on families and businesses in Luzerne County. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration was unwilling to consider any changes. President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin listened to our concerns and took action. Congressman Rob Bresnahan has been a strong advocate in this effort and made the difference in moving this issue forward,\" said Congressman Meuser. \"Today\u2019s action is a major step toward finally providing relief to the people of Luzerne County. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection must now acknowledge the termination of this Obama-era executive order and abide by the President\u2019s action by adjusting the stormwater requirements that have driven these costly fees.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-backs-bill-protect-ratepayers-data-center-energy-costs", "Smucker Backs Bill to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center Energy Costs", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) voted in favor of the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, H.R. 9340, legislation to protect families and small businesses from being forced to shoulder the infrastructure costs created by new data center development. The legislation was adopted by a bipartisan vote of 417-3.\n\n\u201cAmerica should lead the world in artificial intelligence, but we must ensure hardworking families and small businesses are not asked to subsidize the enormous energy demands of data centers,\u201d said Rep. Smucker. \u201cThe principle is simple: data centers should be located in communities that choose to host them, those communities should share in the economic benefits they bring, and the data centers should pay their own way. The Ratepayer Protection Act will help ensure the companies driving the need for costly new energy infrastructure bear those costs, not existing ratepayers.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would require state utility commissions to consider standards ensuring data centers drawing more than 100 megawatts of power cover the full incremental costs of generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades needed to serve them.\n\nThe approach preserves states\u2019 authority over their electricity markets and protects families and small businesses.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-statement-federal-reserves-decision-raise-interest-rates", "Smucker Statement on Federal Reserve's Decision to Raise Interest Rates", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after the Federal Reserve announced its decision to raise interest rates by one quarter point:\n\n\"Chairman Warsh recently noted the strength and resilience of the American economy while acknowledging that inflation remains too high. I appreciate the Federal Reserve\u2019s continued focus on restoring price stability while supporting a strong economy.\n\n\"But today\u2019s decision also underscores a challenge monetary policy cannot solve on its own: our nation\u2019s unsustainable fiscal trajectory. At more than $40 trillion, our national debt puts upward pressure on interest rates and increases borrowing costs throughout the economy. Those higher rates, in turn, make it more expensive for the federal government to service its debt, adding to deficits and requiring still more borrowing.\n\n\u201cCongress must do its part to break that cycle. Getting our fiscal house in order will help reduce pressure on interest rates, strengthen our economy and ensure more taxpayer dollars are available for our nation\u2019s priorities rather than simply paying interest on past borrowing.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-0", "Thompson, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Medicare Payments for Community Health Centers", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), Troy Carter (D-La.), Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) and Lori Trahan (D-MA) introduced the bipartisan Community Health Center Reforms Enabling Better Access for Seniors and Elders Act, or the CHC REBASE Act.\n\nThis legislation will modernize how Medicare pays for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and ensures seniors and underserved patients can continue accessing the care they need close to home.\n\n\u201cPrimary care today often includes telehealth visits, remote patient monitoring, and other advancements in healthcare that did not exist 12 years ago when this policy was last reviewed,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cI am proud to support this bipartisan legislation that accounts for these updates, establishes Medicare payment parity for Federally Qualified Health Centers, and updates health centers\u2019 payment methodology. Seniors in rural areas should have access to comprehensive primary care regardless of where they reside.\u201d\n\n\"Community health centers are the backbone of rural healthcare in Ohio's 6th District,\" Rep. Rulli said. \"In communities across Eastern Ohio, they are often the only option families and seniors have. The federal government should be making it easier to keep those doors open, not harder. This bill brings the payment system into the real world and establishes telehealth parity for services that our rural communities depend on. It is commonsense legislation that puts patients first.\"\n\n\"Community Health Centers are an invaluable resource for Medicare patients, providing low-cost and accessible primary care in underserved locations. This bipartisan bill will fill a growing gap in the Medicare reimbursement process to keep these centers both affordable and efficient. I believe every American has a right to quality healthcare, and this bill pushes us closer to that goal,\" Rep. Dingell said.\n\n\u201cLA-02\u2019s 18 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve around 250,000 patients,\" Rep. Carter said. \u201cAs more seniors turn to Federally Qualified Health Centers for primary care, we must ensure that these centers are modernized, accessible, and do not face unnecessary burdens to providing care. This bill would take critical steps to strengthen and update the financial infrastructure of our FQHCs - which has not been updated in years - and provide these critical safety net providers with the support and resources they need to keep their doors open and continue connecting communities and seniors to care.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunity Health Centers (CHCs) provide comprehensive primary care that improves outcomes and saves taxpayer dollars, serving over 4 million seniors in 2025 alone. Yet Medicare's reimbursement policy for CHCs has not kept pace with new innovations in care delivery. This makes it difficult for CHCs to serve the patients who rely on them, especially in rural areas where Medicare is an important payor. The CHC REBASE Act would modernize CHCs' Medicare reimbursement, reduce red tape so seniors can choose Medicare Advantage coverage while keeping their trusted CHC provider, and protect seniors' access to telehealth by providing payment parity. The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) thanks Representatives Rulli, Dingell, and other bipartisan leaders for championing this important legislation,\" said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC.\n\n\"Our community health center members see every day how outdated Medicare payment policies make it harder for community health centers to meet the needs of a growing population of older adults,\u201d said Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO of Advocates for Community Health. \u201cThe CHC REBASE Act addresses the real challenges health centers face by modernizing Medicare reimbursement, protecting telehealth access and improving the Medicare Advantage wraparound payment process. These practical reforms will help our members continue providing seniors, especially those in rural and underserved communities, with the comprehensive, high-quality care they deserve.\u201d\n\nFederally Qualified Health Centers are often the first and only point of care for millions of Americans, including seniors, rural residents, and low-income families. Yet the Medicare payment system that reimburses these centers has not kept pace with the real cost of delivering care. The CHC REBASE Act fixes that by outlining a process to update the Protective Payment System bundle of services, establishing telehealth parity, and closing gaps in Medicare Advantage coverage for patients at FQHCs.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-and-president-trump-deliver-promise-reverse-obama-era-rain-tax", "Bresnahan and President Trump Deliver on Promise to Reverse Obama-Era \u201cRain Tax\u201d Mandate", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined President Donald J. Trump as he signed an executive order reversing the Obama-era executive order that created the \u201cRain Tax,\u201d the unfunded federal stormwater mandate that has forced tens of thousands of homeowners and small business owners across Luzerne County to pay quarterly fees tied to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts. The Chesapeake Bay is more than 200 miles from Northeastern Pennsylvania.\n\nThis Executive Order removes the mandate established by Executive Order 13508, issued by President Obama, that threatened Northeastern Pennsylvania communities with fines if they did not comply. The Executive Order can be found here, and the fact sheet can be found here.\n\n\u201cFor too long, families in Luzerne County have opened their mailbox to find a bill for the rain that falls on their own roofs and driveways, all to fund a faraway cleanup effort that has fallen dramatically short of its goals after four decades and tens of billions of dollars,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cToday\u2019s reversal is proof of what happens when you fight for solutions instead of just talking about it. I want to thank President Trump for listening to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania and taking real action to end this unfunded mandate.\u201d\n\nDelivering relief on the \u201cRain Tax\u201d has been a top priority for Rep. Bresnahan since before he was sworn into office. He fought to keep this issue front and center for the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and worked alongside both toward today's executive order.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Rain Tax is the product of the Chesapeake Bay cleanup program, a more than 40-year-old effort that Washington and Harrisburg have steadily ramped up without a plan to pay for it, ultimately passing the bill onto local communities and property owners.\n\nIn 2009, President Obama signed Executive Order 13508, directing federal agencies to accelerate enforcement for Bay cleanup. In December 2010, the EPA followed this with the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), a \u201cpollution diet,\u201d that the EPA itself described as \u201ca keystone commitment of a federal strategy to meet President Obama's Executive Order 13508.\u201d The agency was clear about its enforcement plan, promising it would \u201chold jurisdictions accountable for results along the way.\u201d\n\nPennsylvania has been a willing partner with the federal government. First signing the original Chesapeake Bay Agreement in 1983, the Commonwealth has committed, over and over, to plans to cut pollution. The Commonwealth kept committing even after acknowledging its 2019 Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan had an annual funding gap of $324 million. It most recently adopted the latest version of the revised Watershed Agreement in 2025 and Governor Shapiro chairs the Chesapeake Executive Council.\n\nWith these stricter requirements being forced on local municipalities, 32 municipalities in Luzerne County banded together through the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority to comply with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements. However, without federal or state funding to cover the cost of compliance, a stormwater fee, which became known as the Rain Tax, was established. The WVSA saved small towns from fines totaling up to $10,000 a day due to their action.\n\nThe policy has been met with resistance and become a fight in Luzerne County, with many, including residents, acknowledging the benefits are limited while the cost is not.\n\nResidents wrote a letter to the Luzerne County Council to end the Rain Tax\n\nAn \"End the Rain Tax\" group formed in 2019 in opposition to the new stormwater runoff fee\n\nIn 2020, President Trump vowed to end the Rain Tax\n\nThe issue has also threatened to spread outside of Luzerne County. In June 2025, the Scranton Times-Tribune reported Lackawanna County was working to enlist all 40 of its municipalities to back an application for a state grant to study the possibility of creating a countywide stormwater management plan, which has been met with local resistance.\n\nThe fight has extended to Congress, where Rep. Bresnahan has been working with EPA officials to eliminate the Rain Tax Federal Mandate in PA-08.\n\nIn March 2025, Rep. Bresnahan organized and hosted an environmental roundtable in Swiftwater, PA, bringing EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to the Eighth District to hear directly from local officials about the Rain Tax burden. At that roundtable, Bresnahan said the effort was \u201can important step in unleashing energy dominance and eliminating the Rain Tax in PA-08.\u201d\n\nOn August 26, 2025, EPA's Region 3 office confirmed in writing to Rep. Bresnahan's office, which had been advocating to the EPA on the issue, that stormwater fees are not required by federal or state law, even as municipalities remain bound by strict pollution-reduction targets under threat of fines.\n\nAfter more than 40 years of effort and tens of billions of dollars in cumulative spending across state and federal partners, the results of the Chesapeake Bay cleanup have fallen short of its goals while regulation costs and pressure on individuals have intensified.\n\nThe 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement promised a 40 percent reduction in nutrient pollution by 2000. The Chesapeake 2000 Agreement promised restored Bay water quality by 2010. The 2010 pollution diet set a midpoint of 60 percent of the necessary reductions by 2017 and a final deadline of full implementation by 2025. These were all missed. Pennsylvania has achieved only 29% of its nitrogen reduction goal. The Chesapeake Bay Program has now extended its deadlines to 2040.\n\nWater Infrastructure and Affordability\n\nRep. Bresnahan has secured funding and worked to advance bipartisan legislation to modernize the local water and wastewater systems Northeastern Pennsylvania families depend on, and to keep costs down on their monthly bills, including:\n\nFunding secured in FY26:\n\n$1,000,000 for Dallas Area Municipal Authority Wastewater Infrastructure Expansion (Interior/Environment) \u2014 This funding will be used to repair, construct, and expand wastewater infrastructure of three municipal authorities: Harvey\u2019s Lake, Dallas Area, and Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authorities.\n\n$1,250,000 for Eastern Pike County Sewer Extension (Interior/Environment) \u2014 This funding will be used to extend wastewater treatment from the Westfall Municipal Authority to connect the commercial and residential districts in both Matamoras Borough and Milford Borough.\n\n$1,250,000 for Monroe County Wastewater Treatment Project (Interior/Environment) \u2014 This funding will be used for wastewater treatment, demolition, of the existing wastewater plant at the end of its operational life, and construction of a new facility outside a flood zone.\n\nFunding requested in FY27:\n\n$1,700,000 for Honesdale Borough Stormwater Management Updates (Interior/Environment) \u2014 This funding will go to a project to install 30 new inlet boxes and the extension of culvert piping to effectively capture and redirect stormwater from areas currently experiencing uncontrolled runoff.\n\nLegislation Introduced:\n\nH.R. 6075 - Water Infrastructure Modernization Act\u2014 This bipartisan bill would give communities the flexibility to use new technology including real-time monitoring, leak detection, and predictive maintenance, to upgrade aging water systems\n\nLegislation Cosponsored:\n\nH.R. 4733 - Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment (LIHWAP) Act\u2014 This bipartisan bill would permanently reestablish LIHWAP, a program that assisted 1.5 million low-income households with water bills before expiring.\n\nH.R. 5661 - Water Preservation and Affordability Act \u2014 This bipartisan bill would update the Clean Water Act so federally funded water projects prioritize resource preservation techniques, including water reuse, energy efficiency, and stormwater mitigation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/9/fitzpatrick-led-effort-to-shield-ratepayers-from-data-center-costs-passes-house", "Fitzpatrick-Led Effort to Shield Ratepayers from Data Center Costs Passes House", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act Passes 417\u20133, advancing Fitzpatrick\u2019s broader push to make data center growth accountable to families and communities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 After months of pushing for stronger protections around rapidly expanding data center development, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) marked a major bipartisan breakthrough in that effort as the House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340) by an overwhelming 417\u20133 vote.\n\nThe legislation, cosponsored by Fitzpatrick, would help ensure that the extraordinary energy infrastructure costs driven by large-scale data center development are borne by the companies creating that demand\u2014not shifted onto families and small businesses through higher utility bills.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act would require state public utility commissions to consider standards ensuring large-load data centers cover the incremental costs of the generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure needed to serve them, while preserving states\u2019 authority over their electricity markets.\n\n\u201cFor months, I\u2019ve been working with residents, local leaders, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put communities back at the center of this conversation,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cFamilies across Bucks and Montgomery Counties should not be asked to pay higher electric bills to cover the massive infrastructure costs created by some of the largest companies in the world. Today\u2019s vote moves us closer to putting that principle into practice. America can lead in innovation without shifting the cost of that growth onto working families, seniors, and small businesses. Growth should strengthen our communities, not come at their expense. Protect our families, respect our communities, and make sure development happens responsibly\u2014that is the standard we are fighting for.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nHouse passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act advances Fitzpatrick\u2019s broader bipartisan effort to establish clear rules for responsible data center growth\u2014protecting families and small businesses, preserving local control, and strengthening transparency and accountability.\n\nAs development accelerates across Pennsylvania and the country, Fitzpatrick has worked with residents and local leaders across Bucks and Montgomery Counties to address concerns surrounding utility costs, grid reliability, water and energy use, infrastructure, environmental impacts, and quality of life.\n\nThat effort is grounded in three principles: local control, state guardrails, and federal accountability. Communities should have a meaningful voice over what is built and where. States should maintain strong consumer and environmental protections. And the federal government should address challenges that cross local boundaries, including grid reliability, energy markets, ratepayer protections, and national transparency standards.\n\nFitzpatrick is advancing that framework on several fronts. The Ratepayer Protection Act addresses who pays, helping ensure families and small businesses are not forced to subsidize the extraordinary infrastructure demands of large-scale data centers. The bipartisan Data Center Transparency Act (H.R. 6984) would bring greater scrutiny to energy and water use, environmental impacts, and effects on utility systems and household costs. And the Data Center Bill of Rights (H.Res. 1471) would strengthen local authority, expand transparency, and give communities a meaningful voice before major projects move forward.\n\nFitzpatrick is also pressing developers to meet clear standards on labor, worker safety, environmental protection, resource use, infrastructure demands, and project costs\u2014so communities have the information and protections they need from the outset.\n\nTaken together, these efforts are aimed at ensuring innovation moves forward without asking families and communities to bear the costs or surrender their voice in the process.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mackenzie-applauds-passage-ratepayer-protection-act", "Congressman Mackenzie Applauds Passage of Ratepayer Protection Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Mackenzie", "M001230", "mackenzie.house.gov", "mackenzie", "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, applauded the passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act on Tuesday evening. This bipartisan legislation, which the Congressman has co-sponsored, requires data centers and other large energy consumers to pay their fair share for the cost of the new energy infrastructure they necessitate.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers currently account for roughly 4.4% of U.S. electricity consumption, a figure projected to increase to between 6.7% and 12% by 2028 as AI computing capacity continues to grow. Many new AI data centers require 100 megawatts (MW) or more of electricity, enough to power tens of thousands of homes, and often necessitate costly investments in new generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act maintains local control and would require new large electricity customers with a peak demand of at least 100 megawatts to pay the full cost of any generation, transmission, or distribution upgrades needed to serve their facilities, rather than shifting those costs to existing ratepayers. It also requires these customers to provide financial assurances before utilities begin construction, ensuring the utility can recover its investment even if the customer later ends service.\n\n\u201cCommunities in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos should not be footing the energy bill for data centers they never asked for,\u201d said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. \u201cWhen companies want to build facilities that require major upgrades to energy infrastructure, they should be the ones who pay. The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which I\u2019ve co-sponsored, will help to ensure that data centers and similar facilities pay their fair share of the costs they produce instead of passing them on to local residents.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/what-theyre-saying-support-patients-first-act", "What They're Saying: Support for the Patients First Act", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a legislative hearing titled Examining Legislative Proposals to Reform Medicare Provider Payment and Bolster Health Care Cybersecurity. The hearing will examine Congressman John Joyce, M.D.\u2019s Patients First Act of 2026 (H.R. 9693).\n\nIntroduced in July alongside Reps. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), the bipartisan legislation is necessary to keep patients healthy, preserve competition, and deliver affordability.\n\nThe comprehensive, solution-focused Patients First Act has received support from health care organizations across the country. Here\u2019s what they\u2019re saying about the legislation:\n\nAmerican College of Physicians: \u201cACP strongly supports this critical legislation, which would strengthen Medicare beneficiaries\u2019 access to care and help independent physician practices remain financially viable. These objectives are especially important in rural and underserved communities, where the number of independent physician practices has declined significantly over the last several decades. The continued loss of independent physician practices can further limit access to care, requiring patients to travel longer distances or wait longer to see a physician.\u201d\n\nAmerican Osteopathic Association: \u201cThe American Osteopathic Association, alongside the 62 undersigned osteopathic specialty colleges and divisional societies \u2013 collectively representing more than 207,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students across the United States \u2013 share an unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. Our organizations strongly support the introduction of the Patients First Act, which would bring Medicare physician payment into the 21st century while strengthening access to care for patients across the country. We urge you to pass this bipartisan legislation to ensure your constituents have access to the care they need.\u201d\n\nAmerican Society of Anesthesiology: \"This legislation represents a serious and constructive effort to address longstanding weaknesses in the Medicare physician payment system. Most importantly, it would replace inadequate and unpredictable payment updates with annual updates tied to the Medicare Economic Index, helping physician practices keep pace with the rising costs of delivering high-quality care to Medicare patients.\"\n\nAmerican Urological Association: \u201cThese reforms will help preserve patient access to specialty care while providing physicians with the stability necessary to invest in their practices, workforce, and the delivery of high-quality care. The legislation also strengthens the long-term transition to value-based care by establishing a more sustainable foundation for physician participation in innovative payment models.\u201d\n\nNational Association of Accountable Care Organizations: \u201cThese policies address long-standing challenges that have threatened access to high-quality care for America\u2019s seniors. Clinicians cannot take a pay cut, and their pay must reflect the ongoing investment required to provide care.\u201d\n\nUnited States of Care: \u201cThe Patients First Act is the product of serious, sustained bipartisan collaboration, and is a critical first step in prioritizing whole-person, patient-first primary care. By advancing a demonstration program that supports independent primary care practices, moving us away from a broken payment model, and allowing participating primary care providers to prioritize keeping people healthy, this bill puts people at the center of care in a way that is long overdue. Critically, this bill also eliminates cost-sharing for patients for certain primary care services in the demonstration program, removing a major affordability barrier for people covered by Medicare. We thank Representatives Joyce, Schrier, Murphy, and the bipartisan coalition of cosponsors for their leadership, and we look forward to continued collaboration on these efforts as the legislative process moves forward.\"\n\nRead the Section by SectionHERE.\n\nRead the full bill textHERE.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-statement-foiled-alleged-terror-plot-butler-county", "Kelly statement on foiled alleged terror plot in Butler County", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released a statement after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrest of a Valencia man on a terrorism-related charge after the FBI believed he was planning an attack in support of ISIS.\n\n\"I want to commend the diligent work of the FBI and law enforcement officials for apprehending this individual before he could potentially follow through with this alleged attack. Their work has made our community safer. This disgusting, hate-filled extremism has no place in our nation,\" said Rep. Kelly.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-releases-statement-on-the-clarity-act/", "SENATOR MCCORMICK RELEASES STATEMENT ON THE CLARITY ACT", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act after a procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes needed (49-50). Following the vote, Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cToday, Senate Democrats blocked the vote to advance the CLARITY Act. I\u2019m deeply disappointed at this outcome. For more than a year, Republicans and Democrats worked together in good faith to develop a clear, responsible regulatory framework for digital assets. The legislation before the Senate today incorporated substantive changes requested by Democrats, real concessions designed to address concerns from both sides of the aisle and build a durable bipartisan framework. The status quo leaves consumers and investors worse off and cedes U.S. financial leadership overseas. At a time when our global competitors are racing ahead, American entrepreneurs, investors, consumers, and financial institutions in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. deserve clear rules of the road that protect consumers while allowing innovation to flourish here at home. This issue isn\u2019t going away, and neither is my commitment to getting it done. Community banks and entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania are worse off without CLARITY. I\u2019ll continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver the certainty America needs to remain the global leader in financial innovation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-and-fetterman-press-hhs-on-canceled-health-research-grants/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK AND FETTERMAN PRESS HHS ON CANCELED HEALTH RESEARCH GRANTS", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Pennsylvania senators seek answers on AHRQ grant cancellations affecting researchers at CHOP and the University of Pittsburgh\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Recently, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to share their concerns regarding the recent cancellation of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) grants and the impact this will have on Pennsylvania research institutions.\n\nOn July 15, more than 150 AHRQ grantees, including researchers at the Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pittsburgh, were notified that funding for ongoing, multi-year research projects would be canceled. Many of the affected projects had already undergone peer review and received federal funding in prior years.\n\n\u201cWhile we greatly appreciate the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 commitment to ensuring federally funded research invests in scientific innovation and delivers meaningful value for taxpayers, we believe these objectives should be balanced with consideration of projects that have already undergone peer review and received federal funding,\u201d said Senators McCormick and Fetterman.\n\nThe senators cautioned that abruptly ending multi-year projects after substantial federal investment could waste taxpayer resources, disrupt ongoing research, eliminate jobs, and delay innovations aimed at improving patient care. They also raised concerns that uncertainty surrounding continued federal research support could make it harder for institutions to plan long-term projects and retain experienced researchers.\n\nMcCormick and Fetterman requested that HHS provide their offices with a briefing by September 25, 2026, detailing:\n\nThe criteria used to determine which AHRQ grants were canceled, and which will continue;\n\nHow a prior federal investment, project progress, and potential disruption to researchers and personnel factor into funding decisions;\n\nWhether affected institutions have opportunities to seek reconsideration or otherwise mitigate the impact of terminated funding;\n\nWhether HHS plans to reallocate funds that otherwise would have supported the canceled grants; and\n\nThe Department\u2019s long-term plan for AHRQ and its role in supporting safe, effective, and affordable health care research for the American people.\n\nThe letter follows previous efforts by Senators McCormick and Fetterman to protect Pennsylvania\u2019s research enterprise. In May, the senators urged the National Institutes of Health to move quickly to obligate congressionally appropriated FY2026 grant funding, citing the importance of federal research investments to Pennsylvania jobs, scientific breakthroughs, and U.S. leadership in biomedical research.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe are writing to express our concern regarding the recent cancelation of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) grants and the impact on Pennsylvania\u2019s research institutions and their efforts to improve health care outcomes for the patients they serve.\n\nOn July 15, 2026, more than 150 AHRQ grantees, including researchers at the Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pittsburgh, were notified of the cancelation of funding for ongoing, multi-year research projects. These cancelations are affecting awards that have undergone peer review and have received prior-year funding. Abruptly ending these multi-year projects, after substantial federal investment, risks wasting taxpayer resources while disrupting research, eliminating jobs, and delaying innovations to improve patient care.\n\nWhile we appreciate the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) commitment to ensuring federally funded research promotes scientific rigor and delivers meaningful value for taxpayers, we believe these objectives should be balanced with consideration of projects that have already undergone review and received federal funding. Careful stewardship of federal research spending is important to maintaining public trust in our nation\u2019s research enterprise.\n\nAs the Department implements these reforms, it is imperative that changes are carried out in a manner that preserves the value of existing federal investments. To that end, the recent decision to end continuation funding for ongoing AHRQ grants may create uncertainty around federal research support, making it harder for institutions to plan long-term projects, retain experienced researchers, and pursue future scientific breakthroughs. Over time, this instability risks weakening our nation\u2019s leadership in scientific research.\n\nTo better understand the Department\u2019s perspective, planning, and prioritization, we respectfully request that HHS provide a briefing on the Department\u2019s approach to these funding decisions no later than September 25, 2026, with topics to include:\n\nThe criteria utilized by the Department to determine which AHRQ grants were canceled and which will continue;\n\nHow the Department considers prior federal investment, project progress, and potential disruptions to research and personnel when making these decisions;\n\nWhether affected institutions have opportunities to seek reconsideration or otherwise mitigate the impact of terminated funding;\n\nDepartment plans to reallocate funds that otherwise would have supported the affected grants; and\n\nThe Department\u2019s long-term plan for AHRQ and the role it plays in supporting research that promotes safe, effective, and affordable health care for the American people.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and we look forward to hearing from the Department and working together to ensure our nation\u2019s research enterprise remains strong and effective.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDavid H. McCormick\n\nUnited States Senator", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-visits-shanksville-issues-statement-25th-anniversary-september-11", "Kelly visits Shanksville, issues statement on 25th anniversary of September 11 attacks", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released the following statement:\n\n\"Today, as we mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, I encourage everyone to take a moment to pause, honor, and reflect on the events and lives lost on that day in 2001. Now, a quarter century later, it is incumbent upon the American people to once again condemn the hate-filled acts of that day orchestrated by radical Islamic terrorists who sought to cause harm to the greatest, freest, and most generous country the world has ever known. In our nation\u2019s darkest hours, the American people always find a light and overcome their biggest challenges. It\u2019s who we are, and who we will continue to be. May God Bless America. We will never forget,\" said Rep. Kelly.\n\nTo commemorate the 25th anniversary, Rep. Kelly visited the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. on Friday.", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-introduces-legislation-expand-housing-assistance-homeless-veterans", "Meuser Introduces Legislation to Expand Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) recently announced the introduction of H.R. 10168, the Veterans Housing Opportunity Act, legislation that would increase the availability of housing assistance to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would establish a five-year pilot program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to identify underutilized HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) rental assistance funding and relocate it to areas where it can better serve veterans. By redirecting unused housing assistance to areas with greater demand, the legislation will help more veterans access stable housing using existing federal resources.\n\nThe HUD-VASH program combines HUD rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services to help veterans experiencing homelessness obtain and maintain stable housing. While the program serves tens of thousands of veterans every year, its effectiveness is limited because HUD cannot reallocate unused vouchers to towns and cities with greater concentrations of homeless veterans. The Veterans Housing Opportunity Act addresses this issue by allowing HUD to redirect underutilized vouchers to communities where the need for veteran housing assistance is greatest.\n\nCongressman Meuser worked with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in drafting this legislation. Tunnel to Towers is a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide more housing opportunities to veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and families of fallen first responders with young children.\n\nIn addition to collaborating with HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on the HUD-VASH program, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation also operates the Veterans Villages program, which aims to create comprehensive residential communities to house veterans and eradicate veteran homelessness. Earlier this week, Congressman Meuser attended the Tunnel to Towers Steel Across America Event at the White House, where steel from the devastation at Ground Zero was displayed.\n\n\u201cNo veteran who has proudly served our country should be without a safe and stable home,\u201d said Congressman Meuser. \u201cThe Veterans Housing Opportunity Act will help ensure that HUD has the flexibility and ability to direct housing assistance and supportive services to the communities across the country where veterans need it most.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/mccormick-hickenlooper-announce-formation-of-senate-bipartisan-science-and-innovation-caucus/", "McCormick, Hickenlooper Announce Formation of Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) announced the formation of the U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus to highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. Caucus members will work together with industry leaders and the research community to develop policies that promote U.S. leadership in science.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s economic strength and national security have always been powered by our ability to innovate, and that begins with world-class scientific research,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cAs we compete to maintain America\u2019s position as the world\u2019s leading superpower, this bipartisan caucus will help unleash the ingenuity of our scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to drive economic growth, create opportunity, and strengthen our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cScience propels our economy, saves lives, and solves the problems that once seemed unsolvable,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cThis caucus exists for one reason: to make sure Congress is fighting as hard for American innovation as our scientists and researchers are. The stakes are too high for anything less.\u201d\n\nThe United States has been a global economic leader for the past 50 years because of our dedication to science, technology, and innovation. Federally-funded research led to the invention of optical fibers, microchips, personal computers, mobile phones, robotics, cutting-edge medicine, and more.\n\nJobs in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine make up 34% of the U.S. workforce.\n\nEconomic activity from these fields generates 39% of U.S. GDP \u2013 over $10 trillion dollars.\n\nThe United States spends only 3% of its GDP on research and development (R&D) and innovation.\n\nFederally funded R&D dollars are doubled in returns: every $1 invested generates nearly $2 in economic output. This is substantially higher than the returns on other forms of federal investment.\n\nChina is overtaking the United States in R&D funding, graduating more PhDs in STEM programs, filing more international patents than the U.S., and narrowing the gap on venture capital investment.\n\nThe Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus plans to host briefings, engage in roundtables and other conversations about existing and new policies, and provide a venue for discourse about new legislation to boost American scientific research and our STEM workforce.\n\nA kickoff event celebrating the caucus will be held on Monday, September 14th at the United States Capitol.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/mccormick-hickenlooper-announce-formation-of-senate-bipartisan-science-and-innovation-caucus-2/", "McCormick, Hickenlooper Announce Formation of Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) announced the formation of the U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus to highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. Caucus members will work together with industry leaders and the research community to develop policies that promote U.S. leadership in science.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s economic strength and national security have always been powered by our ability to innovate, and that begins with world-class scientific research,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cAs we compete to maintain America\u2019s position as the world\u2019s leading superpower, this bipartisan caucus will help unleash the ingenuity of our scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to drive economic growth, create opportunity, and strengthen our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cScience propels our economy, saves lives, and solves the problems that once seemed unsolvable,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cThis caucus exists for one reason: to make sure Congress is fighting as hard for American innovation as our scientists and researchers are. The stakes are too high for anything less.\u201d\n\nThe United States has been a global economic leader for the past 50 years because of our dedication to science, technology, and innovation. Federally-funded research led to the invention of optical fibers, microchips, personal computers, mobile phones, robotics, cutting-edge medicine, and more.\n\nJobs in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine make up 34% of the U.S. workforce.\n\nEconomic activity from these fields generates 39% of U.S. GDP \u2013 over $10 trillion dollars.\n\nThe United States spends only 3% of its GDP on research and development (R&D) and innovation.\n\nFederally funded R&D dollars are doubled in returns: every $1 invested generates nearly $2 in economic output. This is substantially higher than the returns on other forms of federal investment.\n\nChina is overtaking the United States in R&D funding, graduating more PhDs in STEM programs, filing more international patents than the U.S., and narrowing the gap on venture capital investment.\n\nThe Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus plans to host briefings, engage in roundtables and other conversations about existing and new policies, and provide a venue for discourse about new legislation to boost American scientific research and our STEM workforce.\n\nA kickoff event celebrating the caucus will be held on Monday, September 14th at the United States Capitol.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-announces-475k-luzerne-county-community-college-nursing-program", "Bresnahan Announces $475K for Luzerne County Community College Nursing Program", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "NANTICOKE, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced that Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) has been awarded a $475,175 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand its nursing program.\n\nThis grant comes through the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention \u2013 Workforce Expansion Program, a federal initiative focused on training more nurses to meet the nation\u2019s growing healthcare workforce needs.\n\n\u201cLuzerne County Community College is preparing the nurses our hospitals and healthcare providers need right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cThis funding will help more students get the training they need, fill good-paying nursing jobs, and strengthen the healthcare workforce our communities rely on every day. I\u2019m proud to support LCCC and the students who will go on to serve families across our region.\u201d\n\nLCCC will use the funding to increase enrollment, upgrade training equipment, and provide students with the training and support they need to enter the workforce in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-applauds-doj-scam-center-strike-force-operation-against-chinese-run", "Meuser Applauds DOJ Scam Center Strike Force Operation Against Chinese-Run Scammer Marketplace", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement commending U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and the Scam Center Strike Force for their recent actions against Southeast Asian cryptocurrency-related fraud and scams and Chinese organized crime operations in Madagascar.\n\nThe Scam Center Strike Force announced major action against Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language illicit marketplace operating through Telegram and based in Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. Xinbi provided scam centers with services including fake investment websites, money laundering, and the recruitment of trafficking victims for Southeast Asian scam compounds. These overseas operations are estimated to extract roughly $12 billion annually from American victims, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. The Strike Force and Treasury restrained more than $52 million in cryptocurrency connected to Xinbi\u2014bringing total restrained funds to approximately $938 million\u2014and authorities also seized Xinbi\u2019s Telegram channels and cryptocurrency wallets.\n\nPirro also announced expanded international operations, including a two-week deployment to Madagascar that assisted local authorities in dismantling 13 scam centers and led to nearly 400 arrests. The operation also helped identify and target the Chinese organized crime leaders behind these compounds, with approximately 30 alleged leaders arrested.\n\n\u201cFinancial fraud and scams are a direct threat to American consumers and taxpayers, and this Administration has made clear that combating these schemes is a top priority,\u201d said Subcommittee Chair Meuser. \u201cIn Congress, I have made combating fraud and scams a priority by convening roundtables with federal and local law enforcement, financial institutions, technology companies, and other stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities and develop solutions. The crackdown announced today, including the seizure of illicit funds and arrests of those operating scam centers, is exactly the kind of action needed to disrupt these criminal networks and protect Americans. I commend the Scam Center Strike Force and our federal, state, and international partners for their continued efforts to hold these criminals accountable and ensure that fraudsters have nowhere to hide.\u201d\n\nCongressman Meuser\u2019s Work on Combatting Consumer Fraud and Scams:\n\nCongressman Meuser has spearheaded Congress\u2019 work on combating consumer fraud and scams. Most recently, the Congressman participated in a roundtable discussion with Vice President JD Vance and his Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, outlining legislative solutions to reduce fraud. He also introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct (SCAM) Act, which would combat predatory online scam advertisements and require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent fraudulent and deceptive ads.\n\nFurther, under the leadership of Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, Congressman Meuser and his Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation held multiple hearings and roundtables investigating consumer fraud and scams against the American people. The product of this important work was a staff report entitled Fighting Back: A Policy Framework for Combating the Rise of Financial Fraud & Scams, which was published following an exhaustive investigation into the growing threat of financial fraud. The investigation included roundtables with banks, social media firms, telecom companies, the DOJ, FBI, Attorneys General, the Fed, and other federal agencies to discuss the scope of the problem and identify policy solutions to address scams.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-thompson-and-panetta-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-commemorate", "Reps. Thompson and Panetta Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Commemorate Celebrate Community Week", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Service Organization Caucus, introduced a resolution to designate the week of September 6 through September 12 as Celebrate Community Week and recognize the efforts of local service organizations across the country.\n\nThe resolution specifically applauds Kiwanis International, Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International for encouraging and promoting community service and humanitarian assistance through their local chapters.\n\n\u201cVolunteerism is fundamental to healthy communities and an important aspect of our country\u2019s shared values,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cI am grateful for community service organizations; the work they do provides opportunities to support our neighbors in need.\u201d\n\n\"Local service organizations bring people together to serve working families, strengthen communities, and make a meaningful difference in CA-19 and across the country,\u201d Rep. Panetta said. \u201cOur bipartisan resolution recognizing Celebrate Community Week honors the countless volunteers who roll up their sleeves, give their time and talents, and step up in service to others. Their commitment to civic engagement, civic responsibility, and community service reflects the very best of our country.\u201d\n\n\"Kiwanis International and its fellow service organizations are dedicated to supporting communities in the United States and around the world,\u201d said Kiwanis International President Michael Mulhaul. \u201cWe are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on the Celebrate Community initiative and create meaningful change.\u201d\n\n\u201cVolunteering with service organizations like Rotary gives people the chance to make a bigger impact by working with others, while also growing personally,\u201d said Rotary International President Yinka Babalola. \u201cCelebrate Community Week is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the contributions service organizations make both locally and globally, and the friendships people build along the way as they work toward common goals.\u201d\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-champions-bipartisan-legislation-give-controllers-pilots-eye-view", "Bresnahan Champions Bipartisan Legislation to Give Controllers a Pilot\u2019s-Eye View", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: On Friday, September 4, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined Reps. Nellie Pou (NJ-09) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) to introduce the bipartisan Flight Logistics Initiative to Gain Heightened Travel Data and Enhance Communication Knowledge or FLIGHT DECK Act.\n\nThe legislation would permanently establish a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) training program that allows air traffic controllers to observe pilots during actual flights, giving controllers better firsthand experience with the demands pilots face in the air as they interact and coordinate with air traffic controllers on the ground.\n\n\u201cPilots and air traffic controllers work together every day to keep our skies safe, but very few see their partner\u2019s side of the job,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cAs a pilot, I\u2019ve spent hundreds of hours talking to controllers over the radio, but touring a control tower gave me a whole new perspective on the work they do. The FLIGHT DECK Act gives controllers that same opportunity in the cockpit, helping pilots and controllers better understand each other\u2019s responsibilities, challenges, and workload. When both sides can see the full picture, our entire aviation system is safer, including the people who rely on it.\u201d\n\nThe FAA would develop the training program in consultation with air traffic controllers, pilots, and flight crews with participating airlines. After the program\u2019s first year, the FAA would report to Congress on participation and any barriers preventing controllers or aircraft operators from participating.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport\u2019s (AVP) chapter of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).\n\n\u201cWe strongly support Flight Deck Training and the opportunity it provides air traffic controllers to experience firsthand what happens on the other side of the headset,\u201d said Lenny Ameika, AVP NATCA President. \u201cEvery transmission between a controller and a pilot involves responsibilities and tasks that the other side may never see. Giving controllers the opportunity to spend time on the flight deck helps us better understand those demands, strengthens communication, and ultimately makes us better at working together. This was a valuable program before COVID, and restoring it would provide real benefits to controllers, pilots, and the National Airspace System as a whole.\u201d\n\n\u201cAir traffic controllers and pilots depend on each other every minute of every flight. Giving controllers firsthand flight deck experience can help both sides better understand the challenges the other faces and so ultimately make our skies safer,\u201d said Rep. Pou. \u201cWe ask an enormous amount of our air traffic controllers while our aviation system faces serious staffing and broader infrastructure challenges. Our bipartisan FLIGHT DECK bill will give controllers another tool to do their jobs and represents a practical way to strengthen communication between the people most responsible for keeping American skies the safest on earth.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-recaps-80-stops-across-region-during-packed-august-district-work-period", "Kelly recaps 80+ stops across the region during packed August District Work Period", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) is recapping a busy August District Work Period, which included more than 80 stops in all six counties covering Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.\n\nHighlights include Kelly's annual Veteran Resource Fair, tours of local businesses, and constituent meetings in his three district offices.\n\n\"The August District Work Period allows us to take a little more time to have meaningful conversations with our constituents face-to-face. It's always great to meet directly with folks around the region to hear how we can best serve them in Washington. Thank you to everyone who hosted us over the last few weeks,\" said Rep. Kelly.\n\nBelow, you can find some of Kelly's stops around the region during the August District Work Period.\n\n50+ organizations join the Veteran Resource Fair in Meadville\n\nOn August 6, Rep. Kelly hosted his annual Veteran Resource Fair at the Downtown Mall in Meadville.\n\nThe Fair, which is hosted together with Crawford County Veterans Services, connected veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with more than 50 organizations offering important services, resources, and support.\n\nDid you know: More than 42,000 civilian veterans reside in PA-16, according to Census data.\n\nSeeking answers about the future of the\n\nSouth Erie Post Office\n\nThroughout August, Rep. Kelly met with Erie residents who remain concerned that the South Erie Post Office has been closed for nearly a year.\n\nSoon after his initial meeting, he sent a letter with U.S. Senator John Fetterman to the Postmaster General urging the U.S. Postal Service to reopen the South Erie Post Office to properly serve Erie residents who rely on this facility for essential services.\n\nThe South Erie Post Office, located on Poplar Street, suspended operations in October 2025 for repairs and remains closed as of August 2026. USPS officials have informed the lawmakers that the facility is expected to reopen in November 2026.\n\nWATCH: Rep. Kelly spoke with Erie News Now about the ongoing efforts to reopen the facility.\n\nFederal funding for Butler County first responders\n\nOn Friday, Aug. 28, Rep. Kelly joined the Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company in Butler County for a groundbreaking ceremony at their new department headquarters. Kelly secured $2 million in federal funding for the project in 2024.\n\nREAD MORE: Rep. Kelly spoke with the Butler Eagle about the funding process and the future of the project.\n\nMeeting with businesses & organizations around the region\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly tours JM Eagle in Cochranton.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly joins the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Ducks Unlimited as they dedicated new, restored wetlands in Grove City.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly joined North American Forgemasters in New Castle to discuss their efforts to strengthen America\u2019s industrial base and to support our nation\u2019s defense needs.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly joins the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for a tour of its Erie County facilities.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly meets with Venango County officials to discuss important projects and priorities across the county, including the critical public safety radio improvements included in his latest Community Project Funding requests.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly presents Butler County Community College with a Congressional Commendation to mark their 60th anniversary. BC3 has served generations of students, and they continue to develop the workforce that serves our region.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/9/fitzpatrick-takes-edgely-fight-to-congress-with-bipartisan-community-protection-bill", "Fitzpatrick Takes Edgely Fight to Congress with Bipartisan Community Protection Bill", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Legislation born from Fitzpatrick\u2019s work alongside PA-1 residents would strengthen property protections, transparency, and community voice in major federal infrastructure decisions\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), joined by Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), introduced the bipartisan Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act, legislation shaped directly by the concerns and experiences of residents in Bristol Township\u2019s historic Edgely riverfront community.\n\nThe bill would strengthen transparency and accountability in the federal environmental review process when major infrastructure projects could result in the acquisition of homes or other residential property.\n\nFor months, Fitzpatrick has led a sustained effort alongside Edgely residents and Bristol Township leaders to protect the community as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and New Jersey Turnpike Authority plan the future of the Delaware River Turnpike Bridge. After residents raised serious concerns about the potential consequences for their homes, property rights, and neighborhood, Fitzpatrick moved quickly to bring those concerns directly to the agencies responsible, convene with residents and local leaders, assess potential impacts, and press for every feasible alternative capable of avoiding or minimizing harm to the community to be fully examined.\n\nThat work exposed a clear gap in federal law. Agencies can weigh multiple alternatives for a major infrastructure project without being specifically required to tell residents, in plain terms, how each option could affect their homes and property.\n\nThe Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act would close that gap\u2014turning what Edgely residents uncovered through this fight into a stronger federal standard for transparency, property rights, and community voice nationwide.\n\n\u201cThis legislation belongs first and foremost to the people of Edgely. Their willingness to speak up, stay engaged, and fight for the neighborhood they love is what brought us to this moment,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cWhen residents first came to me, I understood immediately that this was about far more than an infrastructure proposal. It was about whether families could remain in their homes, whether private property rights would be respected, and whether a historic community would have a real say in its own future. So we went to work. We brought Edgely\u2019s case directly to the agencies making these decisions, challenged them to consider every viable path forward, and kept pressing for answers wherever the process fell short. In doing so, we found something Congress has the power\u2014and responsibility\u2014to fix: communities facing the potential loss of residential property are not guaranteed a clear comparison of how the alternatives before the government would affect them. This bill changes that. We should never accept a false choice between building the infrastructure our communities need and protecting the communities themselves. We can do both and must do both. I\u2019m grateful to Congressman Don Davis for joining me in this bipartisan effort and helping turn a fight that began in Edgely into meaningful protection for communities nationwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamilies and landowners across eastern North Carolina deserve clear information when federal projects could affect their property or livelihoods. The Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act would provide greater transparency around potential property acquisitions and ensure affected communities have an opportunity to be heard before federal agencies move forward. No one should be kept in the dark about decisions that could affect their homes, farms, businesses, and way of life,\u201d said Davis.\n\n\u201cBristol Township Council is grateful to Congressman Fitzpatrick for listening to our residents and taking their concerns directly to Washington,\u201d said Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen. \u201cThe families of Edgely deserve to know that every reasonable alternative has been fully considered before decisions are made that could forever change their neighborhood or force residents from their homes. This community has stood together, asked important questions, and made it clear that progress should never come at the expense of transparency or a meaningful public voice. The Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act takes what our residents have experienced here in Bristol Township and turns it into stronger protections for communities across the country. We appreciate Congressman Fitzpatrick\u2019s continued partnership and his commitment to making sure the people of Edgely are heard throughout this process.\u201d\n\nThe Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act would:\n\nRequire agencies to identify and compare anticipated property-acquisition impacts of a proposed federal action and every alternative analyzed.\n\nRequire an agency that selects a preferred alternative to state whether that option minimizes property acquisition compared with the other alternatives.\n\nRequire agencies to explain how public comments regarding property acquisition were considered when choosing a preferred alternative.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and New Jersey Turnpike Authority, with guidance from the Federal Highway Administration, are evaluating the future of the Delaware River Bridge. Nine replacement alternatives were initially considered before two\u2014the North Partial Impact Alternative and North Staged Alternative\u2014were advanced for further evaluation. In June 2026, the agencies announced the North Partial Impact Alternative as their preferred option while continuing to evaluate the North Staged Alternative.\n\nReviews found that the preferred alternative could impact multiple residential properties. Under current law, however, agencies are not specifically required to disclose and compare the property-acquisition impacts associated with every alternative analyzed in an Environmental Impact Statement\u2014a gap the Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act is designed to address.\n\nThe agencies are expected to publish a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement examining the engineering and transportation needs and the social, economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of the remaining alternatives. Following public comment and completion of the Final SEIS, the Federal Highway Administration will issue the final Record of Decision\n\nThe legislation marks the latest step in Fitzpatrick\u2019s ongoing work with Edgely residents to protect their homes and property rights, demand transparency and accountability from the agencies involved, and ensure the community has a meaningful voice throughout the process.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kelly-and-chu-introduce-resolution-designate-september-3-national", "Reps. Kelly and Chu Introduce Resolution to Designate September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced a resolution to designate September 3, 2026, as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, recognizing the children and families affected by neuroblastoma and the clinicians and researchers working to develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure.\n\nThe resolution was inspired by Mikaela Hong, a La Ca\u00f1ada High School student, neuroblastoma patient and survivor, and founder of the Pediatric Hope Project, who has turned her own experience with neuroblastoma into advocacy for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Hong received Rep. Chu\u2019s 2026 Youth of the Year Award in recognition for her advocacy.\n\n\u201cEstablishing an official Neuroblastoma Awareness Day resolution gives lawmakers and communities the opportunity to help elevate public understanding, foster early detection, and offer meaningful support to families navigating this difficult diagnosis,\u201d said Rep. Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus. \u201cIt is critical to spur the development of safer, more effective treatments and ultimately giving young patients a better chance at a healthy future. As a Co-Chair of both the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and the House Cancer Caucus, I\u2019m proud to support efforts in Congress that advance lifesaving pediatric cancer research and help ensure doctors and researchers have the tools they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find cures.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kelly-and-chu-introduce-resolution-designate-september-3-national-0", "Reps. Kelly and Chu Introduce Resolution to Designate September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced a resolution to designate September 3, 2026, as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, recognizing the children and families affected by neuroblastoma and the clinicians and researchers working to develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure.\n\nThe resolution was inspired by Mikaela Hong, a La Ca\u00f1ada High School student, neuroblastoma patient and survivor, and founder of the Pediatric Hope Project, who has turned her own experience with neuroblastoma into advocacy for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Hong received Rep. Chu\u2019s 2026 Youth of the Year Award in recognition for her advocacy.\n\n\u201cEstablishing an official Neuroblastoma Awareness Day resolution gives lawmakers and communities the opportunity to help elevate public understanding, foster early detection, and offer meaningful support to families navigating this difficult diagnosis,\u201d said Rep. Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus. \u201cIt is critical to spur the development of safer, more effective treatments and ultimately giving young patients a better chance at a healthy future. As a Co-Chair of both the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and the House Cancer Caucus, I\u2019m proud to support efforts in Congress that advance lifesaving pediatric cancer research and help ensure doctors and researchers have the tools they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find cures.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/mccormick-fetterman-celebrate-96-million-rail-vehicle-replacement-program-investment-in-prt-septa/", "MCCORMICK, FETTERMAN CELEBRATE $96 MILLION RAIL VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM INVESTMENT IN PRT, SEPTA", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "FREDERICKSBURG, PA \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced a combined $96 million in grant awards for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)\u2019s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. These awards will support the replacement of PRT\u2019s aging Light Rail (\u201cT\u201d) fleet and SEPTA\u2019s 50-year-old Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars.\n\n\u201cThis $96 million investment is a major win for Pennsylvania transit riders. It will help PRT and SEPTA replace aging vehicles with modern fleets that increase capacity, improve reliability, and deliver better service for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on public transportation every day,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cI was proud to advocate for this funding and appreciate the Federal Transit Administration\u2019s support for these critical transportation systems.\u201d\n\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians across our commonwealth rely on public transit to get where they need to go every day. Investments like these matter,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cThese grants will make service on the T in Pittsburgh and across the Regional Rail system in Philly safer and more reliable for riders. I\u2019m proud to have fought for this critical funding.\u201d\n\nPRT\u2019s $82,774,074 award will support the replacement of its aging light rail fleet. Much of PRT\u2019s existing fleet has exceeded its intended service life, which has caused growing maintenance challenges, significant reliability concerns, and increased operating costs on the T. Senator McCormick penned a letter of support of PRT\u2019s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister in July. Senator Fetterman also wrote a letter of support for the project.\n\nSEPTA\u2019s $13,263,248 award will support the replacement of its Silverliner IV fleet with new Silverliner VI rail cars. Dating back to the mid-1970s, the Silverliner IVs are among the oldest operating passenger rail cars in the country, and they represent two-thirds of SEPTA\u2019s Regional Rail fleet. A new Silverliner VI fleet will provide safer and more accessible service for passengers, while reducing the maintenance costs necessary to keep the Silverliner IVs in service.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled we\u2019ve brought this substantial investment in rail cars home to Allegheny County and thank you to our federal partners who helped secure these important funds for PRT,\u201d said County Executive Sara Innamorato. \u201cStrategic investments in our fleet help ensure reliability and improve accessibility for our riders. Modernizing the PRT system for today\u2019s riders and future generations is a legacy we can all be proud of.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible,\u201d said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. \u201cThis investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable experience for decades to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis grant will help SEPTA jump-start the purchase of new Regional Rail cars to replace our current fleet, which dates back more than 50 years. We are grateful for the efforts of our Congressional Delegation to fund this program and support our application,\u201d said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. \u201cSEPTA has established a robust maintenance program to keep the current fleet operating safely and reliably, and we look forward to delivering these new vehicles for our customers.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-introduces-bill-cap-insulin-costs-working-families", "Bresnahan Introduces Bill to Cap Insulin Costs for Working Families", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced the INSULIN Act, bipartisan legislation to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35, or 25% of the list price per month, for all Americans with diabetes. Rep. Bresnahan introduced the legislation alongside Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Diana DeGette (CO-01), and Angie Craig (MN-02).\n\n\u201cDiabetes stole the lives of 100,000 Americans last year. Tens of millions of Americans are living with diabetes, and for many, insulin is a matter of life and death,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cNo American should have to choose between paying the bills and getting the insulin they need, or risk their life rationing the doses they have left. This legislation isn\u2019t just a Band-Aid on the problem. It delivers immediate relief for patients and reforms that will increase competition and drive down prices over the long term. Lowering the cost of insulin puts money back where it belongs: in the pockets of working families who need every dollar they earn. Middlemen and big corporations shouldn\u2019t be making extra cash off the backs of working people who rely on insulin to survive.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a doctor, I have spent my career fighting for patients, and I've watched too many of them ration a hundred-year-old medicine because the price tag made it impossible to afford,\u201d said Rep. Miller-Meeks. \u201cThat's not right, and it never should have taken this long to fix. I'm proud to lead this effort in the House, and I won't stop until every American with diabetes can afford the insulin that keeps them alive.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a doctor with Type 1 diabetes who depends on insulin, I understand the immediate need to bring down the cost of insulin \u2013 especially at a time when so many Americans are already struggling with high costs,\u201d said Rep. Schrier. \u201cI am proud to introduce this groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will cap the price of insulin for all Americans and make a meaningful difference in the lives and the health of everyone in our districts.\"\n\n\u201cInsulin insecurity is not a partisan issue. It\u2019s a life-or-death issue,\u201d said Rep. DeGette. \u201cI have fought for years to lower the price of insulin for the over 40 million Americans living with diabetes. I have met with too many Coloradans who have shared their painful experience of rationing their insulin so they could afford groceries. No one in America should be forced to choose between their life-saving medication or feeding their families.\u201d\n\nCurrently, insulin costs are capped at $35 per month for people on Medicare, and nearly 30 states have separate price caps for state-regulated and private plans. The INSULIN Act would limit out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 or 25% of list price per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.\n\nThe bipartisan bill would also:\n\nRequire a study report on uninsured Americans who use insulin, including where they live, why they\u2019re uninsured, and demographic and income data.\n\nCreate a new expedited FDA approval pathway to get biosimilar insulin to market more quickly.\n\nEstablish an insulin resource center and hotline to connect uninsured diabetes patients with diabetes resources and programs.\n\nThe INSULIN ACT is endorsed by American Diabetes Association, Breakthrough T1D, Endocrine Society, National Kidney Foundation, The DiaTribe Foundation, Time in Range Coalition, Diabetes Advocacy Alliance, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Council, Diabetes Leadership Council, You\u2019re Just My Type, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, and AARP.\n\n\u201cThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) appreciates and applauds the House\u2019s bipartisan introduction of the INSULIN Act, which would limit out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients at $35 a month,\u201d said Lisa Murdock, American Diabetes Association Chief Advocacy Officer. \u201cA recent survey, commissioned by ADA, showed that 40% of insulin users currently pay $150 each month, and there is widespread bipartisan support across the U.S. for making insulin affordable. The INSULIN Act would ensure no one has to choose between paying for insulin and other necessities. This bill puts people first and is a commonsense way to lower health care costs for Americans depending on insulin to live.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the millions of Americans who rely on insulin every day, no one should have to choose between paying for their medication and meeting other basic needs,\u201d said Robert Lash, MD, Endocrine Society Chief Medical Officer. \u201cThe Endocrine Society applauds Representatives DeGette, Schrier, Miller-Meeks, and Bresnahan for introducing the INSULIN Act, which would help make insulin more affordable for people with private insurance while connecting uninsured patients to resources that can help them access this lifesaving medication. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward ensuring that all people who need insulin can obtain it and stay healthy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) and Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) applaud and thank Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, and Bresnahan for introducing the INSULIN Act of 2026,\u201d said George Huntley, DLC and DPAC Chief Executive Officer. \u201cThis legislation will greatly improve access to affordable insulins for people living with diabetes, and it is time that the $35 monthly insulin co-pay cap apply to everyone as it does to Medicare beneficiaries today. We look forward to working to get this legislation across the finish line before the end of the 119th Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the more than 1.5 million Americans with type one diabetes (T1D), insulin access is life-or-death,\u201d said Lynn Starr, Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer. \u201cBy capping out-of-pocket cost at $35, the INSULIN Act ensures that people have dependable, affordable access to the insulin they require to live. We applaud Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, Bresnahan, and Craig for introducing the House INSULIN Act and urge their colleagues to stand with them on the side of all those living with T1D. While there is still more work to be done, we are hopeful that, together with the Senate, we will finally have the access to affordable insulin the entire T1D community deserves and depends on.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-highlights-importance-securing-critical-minerals-and-supply-chains", "Kelly highlights importance of securing critical minerals and supply chains to combat China", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, during a full Ways & Means Committee hearing, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, reinforced the need for the United States to establish strategic partnerships to secure critical minerals and other natural resources to combat China. Kelly also emphasized the need to incentivize domestic mining capacity.\n\n\"The United States is in a race to secure critical minerals, which are essential for economic competitiveness both for today and for years to come,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"It is imperative that China not have a monopoly on critical minerals. Strong partnerships with our allies will create a stronger and safer America.\"\n\nYou can WATCH and DOWNLOAD Rep. Kelly's statements during today's hearing here.\n\nBACKGROUND", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-introduces-legislation-protect-americas-farmland-eminent", "Thompson Introduces Legislation to Protect America's Farmland From Eminent Domain", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, United States Representative Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA) introduced the Not In My Barnyard Act to protect American producers\u2019 property rights. This legislation would prohibit the federal government from initiating eminent domain proceedings on any agricultural land when a feasible alternative site exists, ensuring the United States has enough productive farmland to feed and fuel the country.\n\n\u201cThe loss of productive agricultural land when other viable sites exist directly threatens our nation\u2019s food security and rural communities,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cThe Not In My Barnyard Act protects America\u2019s producers and ensures our working land is dedicated to feeding the country.\"\n\n\u201cIn the rush to increase energy supplies we cannot afford to ignore one of the very few things in life that are absolutely necessary to sustain life; our food,\u201d said Pennsylvania State Senator Cris Dush. \u201cWhen farms that were started before this nation became a nation, and have been handed down generation to generation, are seized by government we do not only lose the ground from production but too often the generations of knowledge of how to produce the food that was grown there because the family cannot find equally suitable land upon which to apply their wisdom to continue to get that food to our table. Anyone who takes time to reflect on that will see the common sense of this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe look forward to the introduction of Congressman Thompson\u2019s Not In My Barnyard Act, which would increase protections for American farmers against seizure of their productive farmland through eminent domain when a non-agricultural alternative is available,\u201d said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Tommy Nagle. \u201cKeeping prime farmland in production agriculture is of the utmost importance to maintain our nation\u2019s food security while keeping supply chains strong around the globe. We look forward to working with Congressman Thompson and the rest of our Congressional delegation to get this legislation signed into law.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-moves-name-matamoras-post-office-after-wwii-veteran-edward-kuhn", "Bresnahan Moves to Name Matamoras Post Office After WWII Veteran Edward Kuhn", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced legislation to name the Matamoras, Pennsylvania Post Office after Private First Class Edward Kuhn, a World War II veteran, photographer, mailman, and longtime Matamoras resident who passed away in 2025 at the age of 102.\n\n\u201cWhen his country called during WWII, Private First Class Edward Kuhn answered,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cAs a member of the Greatest Generation, he risked his life for our freedom and the freedom of millions around the world, earning a Purple Heart for his brave service. But his story did not end on the battlefield. Pfc. Kuhn came home to Matamoras and spent the rest of his life serving the community he loved as a photographer, mailman, family man, and active community member. With a camera in hand and an eye for capturing life\u2019s most meaningful moments, he preserved the community\u2019s history one photograph at a time.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would rename the U.S. Postal Service office located at 6 Pennsylvania Avenue, Matamoras, Pennsylvania, as the \u201cPFC Edward Kuhn Memorial Post Office.\u201d It is cosponsored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), John Joyce (PA-13), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Glenn Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).\n\n\u201cOur father Edward G Kuhn was a hero, one of the last members of the Greatest Generation which he fittingly belonged to for many reasons, first as a WWII veteran who was seriously wounded in battle,\u201d said Paul Kuhn, son of Pfc. Kuhn.\u201cHe truly knew the meaning of selfless sacrifice as a defender of our country, faith and freedom, as a loving dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and as a member of the community. Everyone knew, loved and respected him for this and his humble, loving and kind demeanor. He served the community by being involved with education, by being a well-known and very talented professional in his career as a photographer creating lifelong memories for the community, individuals and newlyweds often at a significant reduced price so they could afford to have them, by working in the Milford Post Office after his photography career, by being an active member of the Christian faith and unbeknownst to himself, a community advocate and leader. Naming the Matamoras PA Post Office in his name would mean so much to this community as it would remind and reaffirm everything he and his generation did for it and our country at a time when it is so needed. We cannot forget these values.\u201d\n\n\u201cNaming the Matamoras Post Office to in our father's name is a wonderful way to memorialize not only a man of the Greatest Generation\u2014but someone who captured smiles, weddings and celebrations through the lens of his camera,\u201d said Melissa Moffett, daughter of Pfc. Kuhn. \u201cSo many people in our community have lasting memories of milestones in their lives because of his artistic ability to capture love and joy. Ed, like so many others, returned from the chaos of protecting our nation; still humble and caring. Through resilience and hard work, he created a world of beautiful memories for others. Not to mention he did work for the Milford Post Office after his retirement. Ed was a representation of service, honor, respect and patriotism to his community.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe impact Edward Kuhn made on our community was evident all over Matamoras, and we\u2019re proud to honor him and his family,\u201d said Matamoras Mayor Cory Homer. \u201cHaving spent his life here, Ed understood what it meant to be a Matamoras resident, and his life is directly associated with our town's history. His community involvement, military service, and goodwill to everyone he met will always live on in our hearts and is a reminder to all of us to treat others with respect and to love our town.\u201d\n\n\u201cHis legacy extends beyond his military service, photography, and community involvement, as he later worked as a mailman in nearby Milford Borough,\u201d continued Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cFor that reason, naming the Matamoras post office in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the community he called home.\u201d\n\nBorn in 1923 in Port Jervis, New York, Pfc. Kuhn grew up going to school across the river in Matamoras, PA, and joined the U.S. Army in 1943 at 20 years old. He first served with the 157th Engineer Combat Battalion and later with the 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion of the 3rd Armored Division. While on the move against the German Reich in Belgium, Pfc. Kuhn\u2019s platoon was attacked and he was hit with an explosive device, causing him to lose his leg in service to a greater purpose. Pfc. Kuhn\u2019s sacrifice earned him the Purple Heart and reflected a level of courage that defined his generation.\n\nLike many veterans, Pfc. Kuhn came home and built something lasting. He enrolled at Fairleigh Dickinson Junior College, studying photography and graduating in 1948. He founded Ed Kuhn Photos in Matamoras, documenting weddings, school picture days, and community milestones. In addition to his photography business, Pfc. Kuhn spent part of his life delivering mail and newspapers for the community.\n\nIn 2023, that same community came together to celebrate his 100th birthday, a testament to a life well lived and widely respected. Pfc. Kuhn passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 102, leaving behind a legacy of service and a life that reflected the very best of Northeastern Pennsylvania.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-votes-avoid-government-shutdown", "Dr. Joyce Votes to Avoid a Government Shutdown", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "September 1, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D., (PA-13) joined his colleagues to proactively pass legislation to keep the government open and funded through December 11, 2026.\n\n\"Nobody wants a repeat of last year, when Democrats deliberately dragged out the government shutdown to a record-breaking 43 days, the longest in American history,\u201d said Congressman Joyce. \u201cRepublicans refused to let that happen again. We acted early and decisively to prevent another shutdown and spare the country of its entirely avoidable consequences. Today\u2019s vote ensures the government stays open to serve the American people, while we continue our work in Congress to pass full-year appropriations legislation.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nIn the 119th Congress (2025-2026), Congressman Joyce helped introduce legislation (H.J. Res. 128) that would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation, including retroactive pay once the government has reopened, during a government shutdown.\n\nIn addition, Congressman Joyce is a cosponsor of comprehensive bipartisan legislation (H.R. 5870) that would prevent future government shutdowns by requiring Congress to remain in Washington until funding legislation is passed while providing the necessary funding to keep government agencies open and serving the American taxpayers until Congress\u2019 work is done.\n\nIssues:Congress", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-votes-continuing-resolution-keep-government-open-0", "Kelly votes for continuing resolution to keep government open", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of H.R. 6500, Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, legislation to keep the federal government open through December 11, 2026. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives, previously passed the U.S. Senate, and now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans have once again taken responsible action to keep the government open, protect essential services, and provide certainty for the American people,\u201d Rep. Kelly said. \u201cThis straightforward funding extension prevents a government shutdown while allowing Congress to continue its work on full-year appropriations bills. The American people expect Congress to govern responsibly, and this legislation delivers stability as the budget process continues.\"\n\nThe legislation removes the threat of a September 30 funding lapse while preserving the House\u2019s progress toward completing all 12 full-year appropriations bills. It maintains funding for essential programs and national security priorities and prevents disruptions to services relied upon by millions of Americans.\n\nBy preventing a shutdown, the legislation protects federal workers, contractors, disaster-response operations, and the broader economy from unnecessary disruption and potentially billions of dollars in avoidable costs.\n\nThis latest continuing resolution, first passed by the House in July, also prevents a lapse in new veterans' benefits.\n\nIn 2025, Senate Democrats blocked House GOP-passed continuing resolutions a total of 14 times, which led to a six-week government shutdown.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chobanis-1-2-billion-investment-in-lehigh-valley-plant-is-a-vote-of-confidence-in-pennsylvania-workers-farms-and-manufacturing/", "CHOBANI\u2019S $1.2 BILLION INVESTMENT IN LEHIGH VALLEY PLANT IS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN PENNSYLVANIA WORKERS, FARMS, AND MANUFACTURING", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "$1.2 billion investment will create 900 full-time jobs and represent the largest increase in demand for Pennsylvania dairy in state history\n\nLEHIGH VALLEY, PA \u2014 Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) today welcomed Chobani\u2019s $1.2 billion investment in a 1.5 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Upper Macungie Township. The plant will bring 900 full-time jobs to the Lehigh Valley over the next five years and open new markets for more than 4,000 Pennsylvania dairy farmers.\n\nThis investment announced today is expected to create the largest increase in demand for Pennsylvania dairy in the Commonwealth\u2019s history. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to process more than three billion pounds of Pennsylvania milk annually, which represents about 30 percent of all milk currently produced in the state.\n\nSenator McCormick has known Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya for years, and has long admired his vision, his commitment to doing well by doing good, and his willingness to invest for the long term. That relationship, paired with months of work by the Governor\u2019s team alongside Chobani\u2019s leadership, helped move this project from early interest to a finished deal in Pennsylvania.\n\n\u201cWhen an innovative company like Chobani chooses to invest in Pennsylvania, it\u2019s a vote of confidence in our workers, our farms, and our manufacturing strength,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cI\u2019ve known Hamdi Ulukaya and Chobani President and COO Kevin Burns for decades, and both are exceptional business leaders. I was proud to work alongside Chobani\u2019s leadership and the Governor\u2019s team to help bring this investment home. It will mean good jobs, new opportunities for our dairy farmers, and more economic growth in the Lehigh Valley.\u201d\n\nThis Upper Macungie Township facility will add to the Lehigh Valley\u2019s manufacturing base with production, maintenance, and logistics jobs, plus construction work as the plant comes online. Those paychecks, in turn, will support the restaurants, suppliers, and small businesses around them.\n\n\u201cPennsylvania has the workers, the farms, and the know-how to support an investment of this scale,\u201d Senator McCormick continued. \u201cThis investment will create real opportunity for thousands of dairy farm families, processors, haulers, and communities across the Commonwealth and I\u2019m proud of the work our team did to help bring this investment to Pennsylvania.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-hold-telephone-town-hall-support-pennsylvania-veterans", "Kelly to hold telephone town hall to support Pennsylvania veterans", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced he will hold a live telephone town hall to support military veterans and military families on Wednesday, September 2. Kelly is scheduled to be joined by local county Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) and other veterans' organizations to help answer questions from constituents.\n\nMore than 42,000 civilian veterans call Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District home, according to U.S. Census data.\n\n\"Pennsylvanians who serve in our Armed Forces have sacrificed to protect and defend our great nation. This town hall will provide them with more information to make sure they receive the benefits and assistance they have earned,\" Rep. Kelly said.\n\nIn 2025, more than 30,000 constituents joined Rep. Kelly's telephone town halls. 30,000 constituents would fill the Erie Insurance Arena for a hockey game more than 4 times.\n\nDETAILS", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/8/fitzpatrick-introduces-bipartisan-american-mariner-tax-fairness-act-to-strengthen-u-s-maritime-workforce", "Fitzpatrick Introduces Bipartisan American Mariner Tax Fairness Act to Strengthen U.S. Maritime Workforce", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Targeted tax relief would help address mariner recruitment and retention challenges and strengthen national readiness\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), joined by Representatives Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Brendan Boyle (PA-2), introduced the bipartisan American Mariner Tax Fairness Act, legislation to strengthen America\u2019s merchant mariner workforce by providing targeted tax relief to qualifying U.S. mariners serving aboard U.S.-flag vessels in international trade.\n\nAmerica\u2019s U.S.-flag deep-sea fleet has declined from roughly 1,100 oceangoing vessels in 1950 to fewer than 200 today, shrinking with it the pool of credentialed mariners available to crew commercial vessels and sustain the sealift capacity our nation depends on. Federal maritime readiness reviews have consistently identified recruitment and retention as a central challenge to maintaining that capability.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s maritime strength depends first on the men and women who crew our ships,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cOur merchant mariners spend months away from their families doing demanding, essential work that keeps commerce moving and preserves a capability our nation cannot afford to lose. Yet the workforce we depend on is shrinking, and recruitment and retention remain a serious challenge. Good governing means identifying the pressure point and delivering a practical solution. This bill brings greater fairness to the tax code, reflects the realities of service at sea, and helps make these careers more sustainable. If we are serious about strengthening our economy, national security, and America\u2019s maritime future, we have to start with the men and women who make that mission possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s economic and national security depend on a strong maritime industry with skilled mariners to crew our ships. This bipartisan bill recognizes the sacrifices mariners make in entering such a demanding profession by providing targeted tax relief through extending the foreign earned income exclusion to members of this essential workforce. My district is home to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, so I know firsthand how vital our mariners are to America\u2019s economy and global security. I\u2019m proud to support the men, women, and legislation that keep our commerce moving,\u201d said Suozzi.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to help lead this effort for mariners in Philadelphia and across the country. America\u2019s merchant mariners are essential to our economy and our national security, and our tax code should recognize the critical role they play. This commonsense legislation will help recruit and retain the next generation of mariners,\u201d said Boyle.\n\n\"AMC thanks Congressman Fitzpatrick for his leadership in supporting U.S. Merchant Mariners - the unheralded backbone of American sea power. By offering targeted tax relief for international service, this bipartisan legislation combats our mariner shortage, strengthens the U.S.-flag fleet, and bolsters national security,\u201d said Elizabeth O\u2019Connor, Executive Director of American Maritime Congress.\n\n\u201cRecruiting and retaining mariners is one of the most pressing national security vulnerabilities facing the maritime industry today, and this bill addresses it head-on. The American Mariner Tax Fairness Act simply extends the same treatment already given to other Americans working abroad to mariners sailing in international waters, bringing us in line with how every other major maritime nation treats its seafarers. I want to thank Representatives Fitzpatrick and Suozzi for their bipartisan work in advancing this legislation and delivering on a key objective of a strong U.S. maritime policy,\u201d said Adam Vokac, President, Marine Engineers\u2019 Beneficial Association (MEBA).\n\nThe American Mariner Tax Fairness Act would extend the existing foreign earned income exclusion to qualifying U.S. merchant mariners who spend at least 90 days during a 12-month period working aboard qualifying U.S.-flag vessels engaged in foreign trade. The exclusion would apply only to income earned during qualifying periods of service, providing targeted tax relief that better reflects the international nature and unique demands of maritime work while helping address the recruitment and retention challenges facing America\u2019s maritime workforce.", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-secretary-duffy-push-infrastructure-improvements-nanticoke-bridge", "Bresnahan, Secretary Duffy Push for Infrastructure Improvements at Nanticoke Bridge", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to Northeastern Pennsylvania for a tour of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) and visit to the Nanticoke Bridge.\n\n\u201cBridges don\u2019t care if you are a Republican or a Democrat, everyone needs to get from point A to point B,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cSince the Nanticoke Bridge closed, businesses have been cut off, commuters and families are stuck in traffic, and emergency response times have nearly doubled. But this is not an isolated incident; nearly one in four bridges in NEPA have been deemed structurally deficient. That\u2019s why I\u2019m fighting to put more federal infrastructure dollars directly in the hands of local communities. I thank Secretary Duffy for coming to NEPA and seeing firsthand why these investments matter, and I look forward to continuing the fight to keep Pennsylvania moving.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration is excited about all the ways transportation infrastructure is being strengthened here in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area,\u201d said Secretary Duffy. \u201cFrom investing nearly $18 million into the air traffic control system and $3 million into family-friendly infrastructure at AVP to meeting with local leaders on the Nanticoke bridge, we\u2019re making sure Pennsylvanians have the state-of-the-art transportation they deserve. Thanks to local leaders like Rep. Bresnahan, the needs of northeast Pennsylvania will not be overlooked.\u201d\n\nThe Nanticoke Bridge, which closed to traffic in March 2025, connects the communities of West Nanticoke and Plymouth Township to Nanticoke. While it has the funding necessary to build, the bridge stands empty, awaiting the proper permitting that can take years to be approved.\n\nNearly 700,000 passengers traveled through AVP last year. While on a tour of the airport, Rep. Bresnahan and Secretary Duffy highlighted the $12.5 billion in air traffic control modernization passed through the Working Families Tax Cuts and the significant technology upgrades coming to AVP.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-fetterman-urge-postmaster-general-reopen-south-erie-post-office", "Kelly, Fetterman Urge Postmaster General to Reopen South Erie Post Office", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner urging the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to reopen the South Erie Post Office.\n\nThe South Erie Post Office, located on Poplar Street, suspended operations in October 2025 for repairs and remains closed as of August 2026. USPS officials have informed the lawmakers that the facility is expected to reopen in November 2026.\n\n\u201cErie residents who do not drive struggle to access alternative post offices, while others report long waits at retail counters to retrieve their rerouted mail,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cIn addition, we are concerned about dangerous conditions at the South Erie Post Office, including missing windows, holes in the pavement, and unhoused individuals sleeping on the premises. Unless the South Erie Post Office reopens soon, residents worry that they will face another holiday season without their local post office.\u201d\n\nKelly and Fetterman also raised concerns about USPS\u2019s lack of communication with Erie residents and the current condition of the facility.\n\n\u201cOur offices learned that the South Erie Post Office is set to reopen in November 2026, but USPS has not communicated this with the community, and the current condition of the building leaves that timeline in doubt,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cThe Erie community relies on this post office for essential services, and it deserves answers about when services will be restored.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, Rep. Kelly met with concerned residents to discuss the impact of the Post Office closure during a meeting at Kelly's Erie office.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-applauds-trump-administrations-announcement-35-million-new-rural-health", "Kelly applauds Trump administration's announcement of $35 million in new rural health care funding for Pennsylvania", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, applauded the Trump administration that $35 million, made possible through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), is being put to work to improve health outcomes among rural Pennsylvanians by updating to new, more modern screening technology, buying equipment to bring additional operating rooms online, and expanding transportation options.\n\nThis initiative will provide up to $1 million in funding to healthcare providers and hospitals per eligible location, with a total of $35 million available through this funding opportunity.\n\n\u201cRural providers and hospitals are the backbone of our local health care communities. This funding will help to improve care for both patients and providers alike. I want to thank the Trump Administration for investing in Pennsylvania. This funding is a game changer for patients throughout the Commonwealth,\u201d said Rep. Kelly.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,\u201d said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. \u201cWe are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Pennsylvania,\u201d said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. \u201cThis is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.\u201d\n\nThis investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act\u2014 passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats \u2014 delivering a historic $50 billion, five-year national investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.\n\nPennsylvania has already committed $42 million to support 66 qualified projects across the state, including projects in Kelly's district. This is only one part of the larger overall funding amount being awarded to Pennsylvania for fiscal year 2026.\n\nKey investments include:\n\nPromoting sustainable access to care by strengthening the integration and delivery of services, leveraging technology, and supporting the rural health workforce.\n\nSupporting renovations, structural improvements, equipment purchases, and essential supplies for hospitals, healthcare providers, and other qualified rural health facilities.\n\nStrengthening access to critical services and infrastructure, including emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, behavioral and maternal healthcare, medical technology for essential screenings and services, and critical structural repairs.\n\nThe Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize technology to promote health and wellbeing for rural communities.\n\nLed by CMS, the RHT Program is partnering with Pennsylvania and states nationwide to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and give rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-statement-us-debt-reaching-40-trillion", "Smucker Statement on US Debt Reaching $40 Trillion", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement:\n\n\u201cIt is difficult to comprehend the scale of a $40 trillion national debt. What should be easy to understand is that we cannot continue down this path. The cost of servicing our debt is already consuming resources that could be used to grow our economy, strengthen our national security, and improve Americans\u2019 lives.\n\nGenerations of leaders from both parties share responsibility for the debt we have accumulated, and all must share responsibility for the solution. That means controlling spending, pursuing policies that grow our economy, and addressing the long-term drivers of our debt.\n\nThe scale of this challenge is immense, but it is not beyond our ability to solve. America is a land of possibility, and we still have the opportunity to put our finances on a stronger foundation. If we make responsible choices today, we can strengthen our economy, expand opportunity, and leave future generations a more prosperous nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-joins-local-pharmacists-push-pbm-reform", "Bresnahan Joins Local Pharmacists to Push for PBM Reform", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined local pharmacists to call for continued reforms to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), arguing the middlemen have too much control over prescription drug pricing and are hurting both working families and independent pharmacies.\n\n\u201cWhen a family walks into a pharmacy and finds out their prescription costs twice as much as they expected, they don\u2019t care which company is responsible for the problem. They just know they can\u2019t afford their medicine,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cWe need to put patients first, give our local pharmacists a fair shot, and make sure the savings that are negotiated on behalf of patients actually reach the people standing at the pharmacy counter.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rep. Bresnahan, Eric Pusey, local pharmacist and owner of Better Health Pharmacy & Wellness and David Weissman, Director of Congressional Affairs for the National Community Pharmacists Association also spoke at the event.\n\nPBMs were originally created to negotiate lower prescription drug prices on behalf of patients and insurers. However, their growing size and market power have created a system that can make it harder for patients to afford their medications and harder for independent pharmacies to compete. The issue is particularly important for independent pharmacies that serve as trusted healthcare providers in their communities.\n\nDuring the press conference, Rep. Bresnahan highlighted significant PBM reforms enacted in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 in February this year. The reforms increase transparency around PBM practices, require certain negotiated rebates and other payments to be fully passed through to commercial health plans, and establish new limits on how PBMs can be compensated under Medicare Part D. The law also strengthens protections related to pharmacy networks and access.\n\n\u201cI was proud to support these reforms because Washington finally took a major step toward holding PBMs accountable,\u201d continued Bresnahan. \u201cBut we cannot stop there. We need to keep pushing until patients actually see the savings and local pharmacies are no forced to fight an unfair system just to serve their neighbors.\u201d\n\nRep. Bresnahan is also a cosponsor of the PBM Reform Act of 2025, which would strengthen transparency and address abusive pricing practices, including spread pricing in Medicaid.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-renews-push-dalilahs-law-strengthen-highway-safety-close-loopholes", "Kelly renews push for 'Dalilah's Law' to strengthen highway safety, close loopholes", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) renewed his support for Dalilah\u2019s Law, legislation that would strengthen Commercial Driver\u2019s License (CDL) requirements and help prevent unqualified drivers from operating commercial vehicles on American roadways.\n\nThe renewed push comes ahead of the first anniversary of an August 18, 2025, crash on the Florida Turnpike that killed three people. The driver, an illegal immigrant who had received a CDL in California, made an unlawful U-turn despite clearly marked signs prohibiting the maneuver.\n\nIn February, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) finalized a rule to stop unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses to drive commercial trucks and buses citing public safety threats. Previously, a nationwide audit by the U.S. DOT exposed Pennsylvania as one of six states with systemic non-compliance in issuing non-domiciled CDLs.\n\n\u201cFrom top to bottom, this is commonsense legislation that will secure our roads, protect American citizens, and enforce our immigration laws,\u201d said Rep. Kelly. \u201cIf you\u2019re in this country illegally, you shouldn\u2019t be given the keys to the largest, most powerful vehicles on the road. Plain and simple.\u201d\n\nDalilah\u2019s Law is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, who was five years old when she was struck by an 18-wheel tractor-trailer driven by an illegal immigrant. The crash left Dalilah with a traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, a broken femur, and other serious injuries.\n\nIn his State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump announced his support for Dalilah's Law.\n\nThe legislation would strengthen CDL standards by:\n\nRequire that states limit commercial driver\u2019s licenses to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain temporary work visa holders as a condition of receiving Department of Transportation funding.\n\nMandate English-only CDL testing to ensure that all commercial drivers possess the language skills necessary for safe operation on U.S. roads.\n\nRequire states to revoke CDLs issued to undocumented immigrants or individuals without qualifying legal status, even if they previously had work authorization.\n\nStrengthen verification processes and recertification requirements to ensure ongoing compliance with eligibility and safety standards.\n\nThe House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved Dalilah\u2019s Law in March. The legislation now awaits consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nBACKGROUND", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-announces-1-million-early-childhood-education-kingston", "Bresnahan Announces $1 Million for Early Childhood Education in Kingston", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "KINGSTON, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined local community leaders for a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding he secured for the Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennsylvania on behalf of the Friedman Jewish Community Center (JCC). The investment will go towards the expansion of the Illumination Early Learning Center to accommodate more children while fostering partnerships with local educational institutions to train new instructors.\n\n\u201cWe need to make it easier for parents to provide for their families. We also need to make sure our communities have the workforce they need to grow,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cWhen parents can find reliable childcare, they can get to work. When we train more childcare professionals, we can open more classrooms and serve more families. By expanding the Illumination Early Learning Center to serve more children and creating a facility to train the next generation of early childhood educators, this investment addresses both sides of that problem.\u201d\n\nRep. Bresnahan was joined by JCC Past President Greg Fellerman, JCC Board President Jane Messinger, JCC Board Member William Grant, JCC Chief Operating Officer Jim Gillespie, Sandra Lee Weaver Charney with State Rep. Brenda Pugh\u2019s office, and Mark Grochocki with State Sen. Lisa Baker\u2019s office.\n\nThis project is one of 13 that Rep. Bresnahan secured federal funding for in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, including investments in wastewater infrastructure, roads, bridges, housing, and law enforcement.\n\n\u201cI want to thank the Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennsylvania and everyone who worked to bring this project to the finish line,\u201d continued Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cOur office is proud to help deliver this $1 million investment to Kingston, and I look forward to seeing the new facility take share, and most importantly, seeing more children and families benefit from it.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-delivers-125-million-investment-monroe-county-wastewater-facility", "Bresnahan Delivers $1.25 Million Investment for Monroe County Wastewater Facility", "2026-08-11", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "STROUDSBURG, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined local elected officials in Monroe County to announce $1.25 million in federal funding he secured for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility for the area.\n\n\u201cGood infrastructure is about more than meeting today\u2019s needs. It\u2019s about doing our part to leave our communities stronger for the people who come after us,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cThis expansion is an investment in the future, making sure Monroe County has a wastewater system it can rely on for decades to come. I\u2019m proud we were able to work together to bring federal dollars back to Northeastern Pennsylvania for a project that will make a real difference for this community.\u201d\n\nRep. Bresnahan was joined by Monroe County Commissioners John Christy, Chairman, David Parker, Vice Chairman, and Sharon Laverdure.\n\nThis project is one of 13 that Rep. Bresnahan secured federal funding for in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, including other projects to improve wastewater infrastructure, as well as investments in roads, bridges, housing, education, and law enforcement. He also supported the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which expands access to federal water resources programs and helps communities improve wastewater systems, reduce flood risks, and invest in long-term resilience.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/8/fitzpatrick-leads-bipartisan-sanctions-effort-to-cut-off-the-lifelines-sustaining-putin-s-war", "Fitzpatrick, Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs, McCaul Lead Bipartisan Sanctions Effort to Cut Off the Lifelines Sustaining Putin\u2019s War", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act targets Russia\u2019s banks, energy revenues, shadow fleet, and global enablers while strengthening the path to a just and lasting peace\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and a longtime leader in Congress on Ukraine and confronting Russian aggression, introduced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a comprehensive sanctions package designed to strike at the financial architecture sustaining Vladimir Putin\u2019s war against Ukraine, hold accountable the governments and institutions enabling his aggression, and strengthen the leverage necessary to secure a just and lasting peace.\n\nNamed in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation carries forward more than a year of bipartisan work to deprive Putin of the resources necessary to sustain his war and increase the economic and strategic pressure required to bring it to an end.\n\nAdditional co-sponsors include House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) fellow Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), House Baltic Caucus Co-Chair Don Bacon (R-NE), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Mike Turner (R-OH), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Andy Barr (R-KY), Ed Case (D-HI), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).\n\n\u201cSenator Graham believed, as I do, that American strength remains the surest guardian of peace,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cThat conviction guided our work together on this legislation. Putin\u2019s war machine runs on oil, money, and the willingness of others to look the other way\u2014and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 attacks all three. It isolates Russia\u2019s banks, shuts down the networks financing its aggression, and forces every government and company enabling this war to make a choice. By increasing the cost of Putin\u2019s war and reducing his ability to sustain it, this legislation strengthens the path to a just and lasting peace\u2014one determined by Ukraine, not imposed by Moscow. The most fitting tribute Congress can offer Lindsey is to finish the work he began, carry forward the cause of freedom he championed, and make clear that America will not reward aggression, subsidize it through indifference, or abandon those defending their sovereign right to live free.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to pass companion legislation, by a vote of 86-11, led by Sens. Darline Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho). The text of the House bill is identical to the text that passed the Senate.\n\n\u201cThis legislation was deeply important to my brother, Lindsey, and I\u2019m grateful that it has achieved such a wide coalition of support. Lindsey was committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to this war, and I\u2019m confident that these sanctions will pave the way,\u201d said Sen. Darline Graham. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Rep. McCaul for leading this effort in the House. The Senate came together in a strong, bipartisan fashion to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, and I hope the House of Representatives will do the same. Russia has waged war against Ukraine for far too long, and this bill assists President Trump in his noble efforts to bring it to a close.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresentatives McCaul, Hoyer, Wilson, Kaptur, and Fitzpatrick are longtime champions of Ukraine\u2019s cause and I am glad to have them leading our legislation in the House of Representatives. After a massive bipartisan vote in the Senate, we are eager to turn to the House as we fight to get this legislation across the finish line. There is immense urgency in getting this done \u2013 July set a record for Russia\u2019s use of ballistic missiles, killing and wounding dozens of Ukrainians, including many children. Cutting off the source of funding \u2013 profits from oil and gas \u2013 for these deadly weapons and Russia\u2019s war machine is essential to ending the bloodshed,\u201d said Sen. Blumenthal.\n\nThe legislation establishes a broad sanctions framework aimed at the principal sources of political, financial, and commercial support sustaining Russia\u2019s war. Among its provisions, the bill would:\n\nTarget Russia\u2019s political and economic power structure, including senior Russian officials, oligarchs, entities supporting Russia\u2019s defense industrial base, and foreign actors materially assisting Moscow\u2019s military operations or efforts to undermine Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic institutions, and critical infrastructure.\n\nStrike at Russia\u2019s financial system, including sanctions against major Russian financial institutions and certain foreign financial institutions conducting significant transactions with sanctioned Russian banks.\n\nDisrupt Russia\u2019s shadow fleet and sanctions-evasion networks by targeting vessels used to move Russian oil and other sanctioned goods, as well as owners, operators, insurers, ports, and other actors knowingly facilitating those operations.\n\nRestrict Russia\u2019s access to capital and energy investment by prohibiting new U.S. investment in Russia, limiting investment in Russia\u2019s energy sector, prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt, and targeting financial messaging services used to circumvent sanctions.\n\nIncrease pressure on Russia\u2019s energy revenues by authorizing duties of up to 500 percent on goods imported from Russia and targeted duties of up to 100 percent on goods from countries that rank among the largest purchasers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas or the leading facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.\n\nPreserve critical sanctions authorities against Iran by extending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031.\n\nImportantly, the legislation also establishes a clear standard for lifting Russia-related sanctions. Under the bill, the President may terminate those sanctions only after certifying to Congress that Russia has signed a peace agreement accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine and has ceased military hostilities and activities aimed at overthrowing, dismantling, or subverting the Ukrainian government.\n\n\u201cSenator Graham was a national security giant, a statesman of unmatched conviction, and a personal friend and mentor. We shared a fundamental worldview: America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad. That\u2019s why he fought so hard for this bill, which I promised him months ago I would introduce in the House,\u201d said McCaul. \u201cAs President Zelensky told me last month when I visited Ukraine, he is ready for a ceasefire \u2014 ready to negotiate, as he has been for years. Putin, on the other hand, consistently defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table. I can think of no better way to honor Senator Graham\u2019s life and legacy than by passing these tough sanctions, which will help force Putin into negotiations and bring us closer to securing Lindsey\u2019s vision of enduring peace in two critical regions of the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cDemocracy is presently under threat from despotism, and Congress must act to defend democracy and help Ukraine defeat Vladimir Putin\u2019s effort to extinguish its liberty and sovereignty. Our legislation goes after multiple sources of Russian war funding, including its oil and gas sectors, shadow fleet, and financial institutions. I\u2019m encouraged that the Senate passed the companion legislation last week with overwhelming support, and I thank former Chairman McCaul for partnering with me to facilitate action by the House. This action has been delayed too long and will, hopefully, accelerate Ukraine\u2019s success and the ending of this war, one that was initiated illegally by Putin and that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths of Russians and Ukrainians. I hope that we can secure bipartisan consensus in the House and enact a sanctions package that will stem the flow of money to Russia\u2019s war machine and contribute to a Ukrainian victory,\" said Hoyer.\n\n\"Senator Lindsey Graham and I shared the belief that opposing dictators in defense of freedom and liberty is always the right thing to do. War criminal Putin is losing his invasion of sovereign Ukraine and the threat to humanity posed by the Iranian regime is dire. It is time for Congress to give President Trump the strongest tools available to choke off Russia's war machine for the good of mankind and cripple the ability of Tehran to continue sowing chaos in the region and beyond. My friend and colleague worked tirelessly in championing these critical initiatives, and I am grateful to help advance them across the finish line in the House,\u201d said Wilson.\n\n\u201cDictator Vladimir Putin\u2019s illegal invasion of Ukraine is failing\u2014Ukraine is battering Russian war infrastructure and the Kremlin is losing tens of thousands of troops each month. Now is the time to intensify pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions while surging support for our Ukrainian allies,\u201d said Kaptur. \u201cPutin will not make peace until he is forced to. I have been a supporter of every bipartisan sanctions bill on the table to pressure Russia to end its illegal full-scale invasion, and I am confident that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 will accomplish that mission. Designed to protect our allies who aid Ukraine while squeezing Putin and the countries that enable his invasion, the sweeping sanctions and targeted tariffs in this bill are the best chance we have to get bipartisan legislation signed into law to hold Russia accountable and achieve peace.\u201d\n\n\u201cPutin\u2019s illegal war is failing, but he will not choose peace until the cost becomes too high for Russia and those helping fund his brutality,\u201d said Bacon. \u201cSenator Lindsey Graham was one of Congress\u2019s clearest voices for Ukraine, understood that Putin only responds to strength, and worked until his final days to advance the toughest sanctions package yet against Russia\u2019s war machine. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act would impose crippling pressure on Russia and those enabling Putin\u2019s aggression, honor Sen. Graham\u2019s commitment to Ukraine\u2019s fight for freedom, and make clear that America stands with Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince 2022, I have called on both Biden and Trump to empower Ukraine to win this war through both strikes and sanctions on Russian oil infrastructure. The strikes are finally happening, and with this bill the sanctions are coming,\u201d said Auchincloss.\n\n\"I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to sanction Vladimir Putin and his thugs as well as the Iran and its terrorist regime,\u201d said Rogers. \u201cEvery dollar denied to Vladimir Putin weakens his war machine. By choking off the oil and gas revenue fueling Russia's aggression, this legislation gives President Trump powerful leverage to force Putin into serious negotiations that deliver a truly lasting peace. Including additional sanctions on Iran is equally critical given the terrorist regime\u2019s continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its role in enabling Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine. This legislation strengthens America\u2019s hand against adversaries who threaten American security, our allies, and global stability.\u201d\n\n\"Vladimir Putin and the regime in Tehran are two of the gravest threats to America and our allies. For far too long, they've bankrolled their aggression by selling oil and gas to whoever will buy it,\u201d said Gottheimer. \"This bipartisan legislation cuts off those funding streams: holding accountable anyone who fills Putin's war chest as he wages his brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, and choking off the money that fuels Iran's weapons programs and its terror proxies. I was proud to see the Senate pass this bill with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now it's on the House to finish the job. I can think of no better tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham \u2014 a national security champion \u2014 than enacting the tough sanctions he fought so hard for. Standing up to tyrants isn't a Democratic or Republican issue; it's an American one.\"\n\n\u201cBy targeting the energy revenues and financial networks that fuel Putin\u2019s war machine and enable the Iranian regime\u2019s terrorist activities, this bipartisan legislation strengthens America\u2019s ability to impose real economic consequences on our adversaries,\u201d said Barr. \u201cSenator Graham understood that harnessing America\u2019s full strength from our financial system to our military is essential to deterring aggression, defending our allies, and advancing peace. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to help carry forward that legacy.\u201d\n\n\u201cSupporting a strong, free Ukraine is imperative for the national security of our communities here at home. Sanctioning Russia and Putin sends a direct message to the world: the United States will not sit by while brutal regimes bankroll aggression against democratic nations,\u201d said Vindman. \u201cI am proud to be a co-sponsor of this essential legislation. We must continue to escalate the economic pressure on the Kremlin and strengthen our resolve for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom, sovereignty, and security.\u201d\n\n\"Russia is perpetrating a war of aggression, and we must keep the pressure on Vladimir Putin. This action is long overdue, but we are finally moving forward with the resolve this moment demands. These sanctions will erode Russia's war machine by cutting off the revenue that funds it. We must hold those who are fueling this war accountable. These sanctions focus on Russia but will also target dangerous Chinese entities which support the Russian defense industrial base. Peace is the goal, and these mechanisms give the President the tools to achieve that goal,\u201d said Moran.\n\n\u201cTo end Russia\u2019s unprovoked and deadly invasion of Ukraine, we must enact maximum financial pain on Vladimir Putin and his cronies. I will not stand idly by while countless people are killed due to Putin\u2019s doomed quest to reconstitute the Soviet Union. I am beyond proud to join my colleagues in introducing this sweeping sanctions legislation that will enact severe financial penalties against Putin, his allies, and those who choose to do business with him. The largest war in Europe since World War II must come to an end, and I am confident these measures will accelerate that process. I am also pleased this bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act to ensure all available measures are available to cripple the terrorist Iranian regime. These necessary sanctions are a fitting legacy to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a friend and colleague who continually fought for freedom, democracy, and against tyrannical regimes like Russia and Iran,\u201d said Wagner.\n\n\u201cFor more than four years, Ukrainians have courageously defended their freedom against Putin\u2019s brutal invasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would increase pressure on the Kremlin, hold those supporting its war accountable, and strengthen Ukraine\u2019s position in pursuit of a just peace,\" said Houlahan. \u201cThe bill also extends longstanding sanctions against Iran. Sanctions cannot replace a clear strategy or the President\u2019s obligation to seek congressional authorization for war, but they remain an important diplomatic tool. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation.\u201d\n\nClick here to read full text of the legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nToday\u2019s introduction builds on Fitzpatrick\u2019s broader work to advance a Ukraine policy rooted in peace through strength: sustaining Ukraine\u2019s ability to defend itself, increasing pressure on Putin and those enabling his war, and ensuring that any path to peace protects Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty and is accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Fitzpatrick has helped lead bipartisan efforts to hold Russia accountable, informed by his firsthand visits to Ukraine and meetings with the leaders, servicemembers, and civilians confronting Putin\u2019s aggression. From the Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act and the Countering Russia\u2019s War on Faith Act to efforts addressing Russia\u2019s attacks on civilians and abducted Ukrainian children, his work has followed a consistent principle. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act advances that same strategy by targeting the financial and energy networks sustaining Putin\u2019s war machine and strengthening Ukraine\u2019s position to secure a just and lasting peace.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-celebrates-wright-centers-fqhc-designation-after-15-year-effort", "Bresnahan Celebrates The Wright Center\u2019s FQHC Designation After 15-Year Effort", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "SCRANTON, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined leadership of The Wright Center for Community Health to announce that The Wright Center has officially been designated a Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHC) by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is a big win for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cAfter 15 years of hard work, The Wright Center\u2019s new FQHC designation means more resources to bring affordable, quality care to the people who need it most. I\u2019m proud we were able to work with HRSA and The Wright Center to help get this across the finish line, and I look forward to continuing to expand access to quality care close to home.\u201d\n\nThe designation is awarded through HRSA\u2019s highly competitive New Access Point (NAP) Program and transitions The Wright Center from a FQHC Look-Alike to a fully funded FQHC. This will expand access to affordable, high-quality primary and preventive healthcare across Northeastern Pennsylvania and supports the opening of a new community health center in Blakeslee, Monroe County, later this fall.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful and honored to receive The Wright Center for Community Health\u2019s full Federally Qualified Health Center designation by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration,\u201d said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. \u201cThis most welcomed achievement is truly a blessing and the humbling culmination of my 25 years of service as a primary care physician and medial educator at The Wright Center.\n\n\u201cWe are especially grateful to Congressman Rob Bresnahan for his tireless advocacy for and service to Northeastern Pennsylvania,\u201d continued Dr. Thomas-Hemak. \u201cWe appreciate his championing expanded access to essential health services and uniting fellow Congressional leaders to support strengthening and expanding our nation\u2019s community health center program. His notably effective leadership in organizing a bipartisan congressional letter to House Appropriations Committee leaders urging HRSA to prioritize funding for new primary care access points in underserved communities and to recognize the readiness of FQHC Look-Alikes like The Wright Center to strengthen our nation\u2019s healthcare safety net and rapidly expand access to care made our long-term FQHC designation possible. The resulting immediate and long-term public health benefit impact for our region cannot be overstated.\u201d\n\nRep. Bresnahan worked closely with HRSA and led bipartisan efforts in Congress to support expanded opportunities for high-performing FQHC Look-Alikes to receive full FQHC designation, helping advance this milestone for Northeastern Pennsylvania.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/wright-center-designated-federally-qualified-health-center-plans-new-clinic", "Wright Center designated a Federally Qualified Health Center, plans new clinic in Monroe County", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "The Wright Center for Community Health has been designated a Federally Qualified Health Center by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration and will open a new community health center in Monroe County later this year. Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan joined Wright Center officials Monday at the organization\u2019s facility on South Washington Avenue in Scranton to celebrate the designation, \u201ca transformational milestone that will significantly broaden access to affordable, high-quality whole-person primary and preventive health services\u201d throughout the region, the Wright Center said in a press release. It specifically credits the first-term GOP congressman\u2019s \u201csteadfast advocacy,\u201d noting his \u201cleadership and ongoing engagement with HRSA helped secure approval to establish a community health center in Blakeslee, Monroe County.\u201d That clinic is expected to open at 5251 Route 115 in the late fall and serve more than 2,000 patients annually, per the release, which notes broad bipartisan support from other elected officials and government leaders also bolstered the successful application. The designation, meanwhile, transitions the Wright Center from what\u2019s known as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike to a FQHC eligible for federal operational grants under Section 330 of the Public Health Services Act, according to the release. Wright Center officials also praised Bresnahan, R-8, Dallas Twp., for helping achieve that milestone. In his own press release, Bresnahan said the Wright Center\u2019s new designation \u201cmeans more resources to bring affordable, quality care to the people who need it most.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-secures-more-15-million-grants-pennsylvanias-timber-industry", "Thompson Secures More than $1.5 Million in Grants for Pennsylvania\u2019s Timber Industry", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "BELLEFONTE, Pa. \u2013 This week, U.S. Representative Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (PA-15) announced $1,552,631 in funding for forestry businesses in Pennsylvania\u2019s 15th Congressional District to support forest management, increase production capabilities, improve processing equipment and technologies, and support our rural economy.\n\n\"Pennsylvania has one of the largest hardwood timber industries in the nation, and our forest products generate tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars across the state annually,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cI am proud to secure this funding to ensure these local businesses have the tools they need to help expand and strengthen our timber markets.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe greatest threat to forest landowners and those who use forests is the lack of critical markets in today\u2019s timber and wood products industries,\u201d said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. \u201cThere are significant gaps where low-value wood, small diameter trees and restoration byproducts lack viable buyers. To close these gaps, we are investing in companies and organizations that are developing technologies, products, business models and training to expand and strengthen markets directly connected to forest restoration. Over time, this will help create new uses for underused materials, strengthen rural economies, improve forest health, and make forest management more financially sustainable.\u201d\n\nWood Innovation Grants were awarded to the following businesses:\n\nBrownlee Lumber, Inc. of Brookville, Pa. Funding will upgrade sawmill production capabilities to improve operational efficiencies and support active forest management of the Allegheny National Forest.\n\nEmporium Hardwoods Operating Company, LLC of Emporium, Pa. Funding will install sawmill processing technologies to increase production capacity and efficiencies.\n\nForcey Lumber Company, Inc. of Woodland, Pa. Funding will upgrade veneer processing capabilities to retain rural jobs and produce over 3 million board feet annually.\n\nGutchess Lumber Co., Inc. of Brookville, Pa. Funding will install sawmill processing technologies to increase production capacity by 1.4 million board feet annually.\n\nNorthwest Hardwoods of Marienville, Pa. Funding will upgrade sawmill processing equipment to increase timber markets by 10% annually supporting the Allegheny National Forest.\n\nWheeland Lumber Co., Inc. of Liberty, Pa. Funding will upgrade sawmill processing equipment to expand lumber production by 2 million board feet annually while supporting rural jobs in Pennsylvania.\n\nThis funding from the U.S. Forest Service is a part of the Wood Innovation Grant Program, which is awarded to projects that support active management of national forests and grasslands, promote wood and energy infrastructure by increasing manufacturing capacity and operational efficiencies, and support rural economic prosperity and jobs.", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-and-coonsintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-nih-mentorship-and-support-next-generation-of-biomedical-researchers/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK AND COONS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO STRENGTHEN NIH MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT NEXT GENERATION OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCHERS", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) today introduced the NIH Mentorship Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen America\u2019s scientific workforce pipeline by formalizing consistent, evidence-based mentorship standards across National Institutes of Health (NIH) career development and research training programs.\n\nThe biomedical research enterprise depends on a steady pipeline of talent, but too many early-stage investigators leave the field for the private sector before they ever reach an R01 grant, the traditional marker of an independent research career. This attrition point, the gap between early career development awards and R01-level funding, is one of the most vulnerable stages in a researcher\u2019s career and a critical juncture where the nation risks losing its most promising scientific talent. Strong mentorship has been shown to help early-career researchers navigate this gap, stay in the research pipeline, and go on to lead their own research programs.\n\nThe legislation formalizes mentorship as a standard part of NIH-funded career development and training programs, giving young, accomplished researchers the structured support they need to remain in research rather than exit the industry. It builds on existing mentorship practices, preserves flexibility for research institutions, and minimizes unnecessary administrative burden by relying on NIH\u2019s existing reporting requirements.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s leadership in biomedical research depends on developing the next generation of scientific talent,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cStrong mentorship helps young researchers succeed, drives innovation, and ensures taxpayer investments in medical research deliver lasting results. As the fourth-largest recipient of NIH funding in the nation, Pennsylvania has a strong stake in maintaining a world-class biomedical research workforce. This bipartisan legislation strengthens that pipeline while giving institutions the flexibility they need to build on what already works.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe next generation of scientists will contain the next generation of disease outbreaks and cure the next generation of illnesses, but first those scientists must be properly prepared for their careers,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cMentorship is a powerful way of ensuring we have capable and qualified researchers to keep our nation healthy.\u201d\n\nStudies consistently show that researchers with engaged mentors are more likely to remain in research careers, secure independent grant funding, publish impactful research, advance professionally, and report greater career satisfaction.\n\nThe National Institutes of Health supports thousands of early-career researchers through career development and research training awards. While many of these programs include mentored research experiences, mentorship expectations vary considerably across institutions.\n\nPennsylvania, which ranks fourth in the nation in NIH funding, is uniquely positioned to benefit from a stronger biomedical research workforce. In Fiscal Year 2024, NIH grants supported 21,740 Pennsylvania jobs and generated $5.31 billion in economic activity statewide. NIH-driven commercialization has also contributed to the creation of 3,710 Pennsylvania businesses and 97,374 jobs in the biopharmaceutical industry.\n\nAcross the country, NIH awarded $36.94 billion in research funding in Fiscal Year 2024, supporting 407,782 jobs and generating $94.58 billion in economic activity nationwide. Every $1 invested in NIH-funded research generates approximately $2.56 in economic activity, underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong pipeline of talented biomedical researchers.\n\nThe NIH Mentorship Modernization Act would:\n\nEstablish minimum, evidence-based mentorship standards for designated NIH career development, institutional training, fellowship, research education, and other research training awards.\n\nBuild on existing institutional mentorship programs by minimizing duplicative requirements and allowing comparable programs to satisfy NIH standards.\n\nRequire institutions to certify compliance with NIH mentorship standards while encouraging the dissemination of evidence-based mentorship practices across the biomedical research enterprise.\n\nAuthorize NIH to provide supplemental funding or other institutional support to help institutions implement the mentorship standards.\n\nRequire NIH to periodically review and update mentorship standards to reflect evolving evidence-based practices and applies the new framework prospectively, with a two-year implementation period and voluntary early adoption for existing award.\n\n\u201cLast year, the NIH invested more than $2.6 billion across more than 3,700 research projects in Pennsylvania. These investments support early-stage discovery, clinical research, workforce development, and the commercialization of lifesaving treatment,\u201d said Christopher P. Molineaux, President & CEO of Life Sciences Pennsylvania. \u201cThis legislation acknowledges the critical importance of training and mentorship in building the next generation of life sciences leaders and will help ensure Pennsylvania scientists, researchers and business leaders have the support and guidance necessary to advance groundbreaking research and innovation for patients.\u201d\n\n\u201cMentorship is foundational to developing the next generation of biomedical researchers. By supporting mentor training and establishing clear standards, this legislation recognizes the critical role mentorship plays in helping trainees and early-career investigators and builds on the important work already underway across academic medicine to elevate mentorship as a core component of research training. Investing in mentorship is an investment in the future of biomedical discovery and patient care,\u201d said Emma A. Meagher, MD, Senior Vice Dean, Clinical & Translational Research, Perelman School of Medicine and Vice President, University of Pennsylvania Health System.\n\nReview the full text of the bill for more information.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-hickenlooper-hoeven-curtis-and-cortez-masto-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-for-rural-and-municipal-utilities/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK, HICKENLOOPER, HOEVEN, CURTIS, AND CORTEZ MASTO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN CYBERSECURITY FOR RURAL AND MUNICIPAL UTILITIES", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Curtis (R-UT), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a critical federal grant program that helps rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities strengthen their cybersecurity defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.\n\nThe legislation reauthorizes the Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity (RMUC) Grant and Technical Assistance Program at the Department of Energy, which provides rural electric cooperatives and publicly owned utilities with the resources, technical assistance, and support they need to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks. The bill serves as the Senate companion to bipartisan legislation which unanimously passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s electric grid is a critical piece of our national security, and every utility\u2014regardless of size or location\u2014must have the resources to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cRural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities serve millions of Americans, including communities across Pennsylvania, but often operate with fewer cybersecurity resources than larger utilities. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure they have the support they need to protect our energy infrastructure and keep the lights on.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica needs clean, reliable, affordable, and secure energy,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cAs cybersecurity threats continue to rise, our bill enables rural cooperatives and utilities to defend against sophisticated attacks, protect consumers, and keep energy affordable.\u201d\n\n\u201cMalicious actors and foreign adversaries are targeting America\u2019s infrastructure, and that is why we introduced legislation to support electric cooperatives and utility providers as they work to harden critical energy infrastructure against cyberattacks. Doing so will help ensure the resilience of the electrical grid, supporting both our economic and national security while ensuring important services remain available in an era of increasing cyber threats,\u201d said Senator Hoeven.\n\n\u201cOur rural and municipal utilities are increasingly on the front lines of protecting the electric grid from cyber threats,\u201d said Senator Curtis. \u201cThis bipartisan bill makes a smart investment in safeguarding critical infrastructure, supporting local utilities, and keeping the lights on for communities across America.\u201d\n\n\u201cI was proud to help establish this grant program in the bipartisan infrastructure law to help rural utilities protect themselves from cybersecurity threats,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cThis program has proven incredibly successful and there is bipartisan support to reauthorize it. As new cyber threats continue to emerge, I\u2019ll keep working to ensure our rural communities have what they need to adapt.\u201d\n\nCyberattacks targeting America\u2019s energy infrastructure have become more frequent and more sophisticated in recent years. Rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities often face unique resource constraints that make federal cybersecurity assistance especially valuable. The RMUC Grant Program helps eligible utilities improve cybersecurity preparedness through grants, technical assistance, and workforce development, helping strengthen the resilience of the nation\u2019s electric grid.\n\nThe Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act would:\n\nReauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity (RMUC) Grant and Technical Assistance Program through 2031.\n\nContinue providing grants and technical assistance to rural electric cooperatives and municipally-owned utilities to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities.\n\nHelp eligible utilities prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats.\n\nSupport cybersecurity planning, workforce development, vulnerability assessments, and other activities that improve the resilience of the electric grid.\n\nStrengthen partnerships between the federal government and locally owned utilities to protect America\u2019s critical energy infrastructure.\n\nAuthorize $250 million over five years to support these efforts.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nThe legislation is supported by utility organizations representing electric cooperatives and public power providers across Pennsylvania and the country.\n\n\u201cPennsylvania\u2019s electric cooperatives thank Senator Dave McCormick for introducing the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act. Cyber threats don\u2019t distinguish between a large investor-owned utility and an electric cooperative serving rural communities, but the resources to defend against them are far from equal. By reauthorizing this program, Senator McCormick is making sure the cooperatives that keep the lights on across rural Pennsylvania have the tools and the federal partnership they need to protect the grid our members and our country depend on.\u201d \u2013 Steve Brame, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association and Allegheny Electric Cooperative\n\n\u201cPennsylvania\u2019s municipal electric utilities are on the front lines of protecting our communities\u2019 power supply \u2014 and cybersecurity threats don\u2019t distinguish between large investor-owned utilities and the small, locally-owned systems that serve our boroughs. The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act reauthorizes a critical program that gives public power utilities access to the technical assistance and funding they need to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. PMEA supports Senator McCormick\u2019s proposal and urges Congress to advance this bipartisan legislation. Alongside our national partner, the American Public Power Association, we believe that securing our grid starts at the local level \u2014 and that no utility should face these evolving threats alone or without resources.\u201d \u2013 Jeffrey Stonehill, President, Pennsylvania Municipal Electric Association\n\n\u201cThe American Public Power Association applauds Senator McCormick for moving to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity (RMUC) Grant Program. This is a proven, practical investment that helps not-for-profit public power utilities strengthen their cyber defenses in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats. With RMUC support, APPA has launched the Cyber Accelerator Program to help utilities assess their readiness and take concrete steps to improve their security posture. We urge Congress to act quickly to extend this program and ensure every community has access to the tools needed to protect our nation\u2019s energy infrastructure.\u201d \u2013 Scott Corwin, President & CEO, American Public Power Association\n\n\u201cCyber threats to America\u2019s electric grid are growing more sophisticated by the day, and rural utilities depend on their partnerships with the government to help keep the grid secure. The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Program is closing the resource gap and equipping electric cooperatives with the tools they need to protect the electrical infrastructure on which millions of Americans depend. We\u2019re grateful for the leadership of Senators McCormick, Curtis, Hickenlooper, Hoeven, and Cortez Masto in introducing this reauthorization.\u201d \u2013 Jim Matheson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404505", "Perry Joins White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Scott Perry", "P000605", "perry.house.gov", "perry", "https://perry.house.gov/news", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), joined Vice President JD Vance and other officials this week at the White House for a roundtable with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, whose mission is to restore the integrity of Taxpayer-funded programs. Since its establishment, the Task Force it has identified $230 billion in fraud, and has halted $56 billion in fraudulent payments.\n\nAccording to Vice President Vance, the Trump Administration uncovered hundreds of billions of dollars in potential fraud and \u201csecured an additional estimated $55 billion in indictments, settlements and civil penalties.\u201d Recent wins by the Task Force include eliminating hundreds of fraudulent hospice and home healthcare providers, cracking down on over $20 billion in fraudulent covid-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and the prosecution of hundreds of fraudsters.\n\nThe Task Force Roundtable was extremely timely, following the U.S. Department of Justice charging 19 defendants in Philadelphia in an alleged $4 million Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme involving home health care services that involved home health aides allegedly billing Medicaid for services while incarcerated, hospitalized, employed elsewhere, traveling overseas, or otherwise unable to provide care. Investigators identified widespread, impossible billing patterns, with one aide allegedly submitting more than 64,000 hours of work and billing over 24 hours a day more than 1,000 times - resulting in more than $1.2 million in fraudulent Medicaid payments. Prosecutors also highlighted cases where beneficiaries allegedly participated in schemes, including one case involving more than $400,000 in false claims by aides and Medicaid recipients. More than 96% of Pennsylvania personal care claims are coded as \u201cillness unspecified,\u201d which limits fraud detection efforts. Pennsylvania\u2019s home care program has grown rapidly in recent years, with spending increasing from $120 million in 2018, to $8 billion in 2025.", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-bresnahan-joins-vice-president-vance-white-house-anti-fraud-task-force", "ICYMI: Bresnahan Joins Vice President Vance at White House Anti-Fraud Task Force Roundtable", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08), a member of the Anti-Fraud Task Force, joined Vice President JD Vance, senior Trump Administration officials, and fellow Members of Congress at the White House for a roundtable focused on strengthening efforts to combat fraud, eliminate wasteful government spending, and protect taxpayer dollars. The discussion highlighted the Administration\u2019s ongoing actions to crack down on fraud across federal programs and ensure taxpayer resources are spent responsibly. Since the Task Force was established, it has identified roughly $230 billion in fraud across federal programs and stopped $56 billion in fraudulent payments before they went out the door.\n\n\u201cThe American people expect their tax dollars to be spent wisely, not lost to fraud, waste, or abuse,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cProtecting taxpayer dollars shouldn\u2019t be a partisan issue; it\u2019s our responsibility. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to strengthen oversight, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure federal programs serve the people they\u2019re intended to help.\u201d\n\nEarly in the week, the Department of Justice\u2019s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 19 defendants accused of billing Pennsylvania\u2019s Medicaid program for home care that was never provided. According to prosecutors, the schemes involved more than $5.7 million in fraudulent billings, including aides who submitted timesheets while they were incarcerated, working other jobs, or on vacation.\n\n\u201cThese disturbing allegations show this is not some abstract problem. It is happening in our own backyard,\u201d continued Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cI am proud to serve on this Task Force because every dollar stolen from Medicaid is a dollar that should have gone to a senior in Scranton, a veteran in Wilkes-Barre, or a family in Wayne County that plays by the rules.\u201d\n\nIn the House, Rep. Bresnahan and lawmakers have advanced legislation to strengthen oversight of taxpayer-funded programs, improve accountability, increase penalties for fraud, modernize fraud detection tools, and enhance coordination between federal agencies and law enforcement. He introduced H.R. 9502, the Protect Seniors and Veterans from Health Care Fraud Act of 2026, to tighten safeguards in the programs seniors and veterans count on, and he voted for H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026, to hold accountable those who come here illegally and exploit federal benefit programs. These efforts are aimed at ensuring government programs operate with greater accountability while preserving resources for the Americans who rely on them.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/bresnahan-joins-vice-president-vance-white-house-anti-fraud-task-force-roundtable", "Bresnahan joins Vice President Vance at White House Anti-Fraud Task Force Roundtable", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 On Wednesday, August 5, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08), a member of the Anti-Fraud Task Force, joined Vice President JD Vance, senior Trump Administration officials, and fellow Members of Congress at the White House for a roundtable focused on strengthening efforts to combat fraud, eliminate wasteful government spending, and protect taxpayer dollars. The discussion highlighted the Administration\u2019s ongoing actions to crack down on fraud across federal programs and ensure taxpayer resources are spent responsibly. Since the task force was established, it has identified roughly $230 billion in fraud across federal programs and stopped $56 billion in fraudulent payments before they went out the door, according to Bresnahan's office.\n\n\u201cThe American people expect their tax dollars to be spent wisely, not lost to fraud, waste, or abuse,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cProtecting taxpayer dollars shouldn\u2019t be a partisan issue; it\u2019s our responsibility. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to strengthen oversight, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure federal programs serve the people they\u2019re intended to help.\u201d\n\nEarly in the week, the Department of Justice\u2019s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 19 defendants accused of billing Pennsylvania\u2019s Medicaid program for home care that was never provided. According to prosecutors, the schemes involved more than $5.7 million in fraudulent billings, including aides who submitted timesheets while they were incarcerated, working other jobs, or on vacation.\n\n\u201cThese disturbing allegations show this is not some abstract problem. It is happening in our own backyard,\u201d continued Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cI am proud to serve on this task force because every dollar stolen from Medicaid is a dollar that should have gone to a senior in Scranton, a veteran in Wilkes-Barre, or a family in Wayne County that plays by the rules.\u201d\n\nIn the House, Rep. Bresnahan and lawmakers have advanced legislation to strengthen oversight of taxpayer-funded programs, improve accountability, increase penalties for fraud, modernize fraud detection tools, and enhance coordination between federal agencies and law enforcement. He introduced H.R. 9502, the Protect Seniors and Veterans from Health Care Fraud Act of 2026, to tighten safeguards in the programs seniors and veterans count on, and he voted for H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026, to hold accountable those who come here illegally and exploit federal benefit programs. These efforts are aimed at ensuring government programs operate with greater accountability while preserving resources for the Americans who rely on them.", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-participates-vice-presidents-fraud-task-force-roundtable", "Meuser Participates in Vice President\u2019s Fraud Task Force Roundtable", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), joined Vice President JD Vance for a roundtable discussion with his Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Created on March 16, 2026, by Executive Order 14395, the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud is tasked with restoring the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs. Since its establishment, the Task Force has identified $230 billion in fraud and has already halted $56 billion in fraudulent payments. As Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Meuser has been a leading voice in Congress advocating for identifying and eliminating both taxpayer fraud and consumer fraud.\n\nCongressman Meuser has used his position in Congress to advocate for legislation and support initiatives that strengthen protections against both taxpayer fraud and consumer fraud. This includes cosponsoring the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, legislation that would permanently allow the Social Security Administration to share its Death Master File with the Treasury Department\u2019s \u201cDo Not Pay\u201d system to stop payments to deceased individuals. Congressman Meuser also introduced the Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct (SCAM) Actto combat predatory online scam advertisements and require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent fraudulent and deceptive ads.\n\nAs Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Meuser has held multiple hearings and roundtables investigating fraud and scams against the American people. On July 22, the Subcommittee released its staff report on fraud and scams, an exhaustive investigation into the growing threat of financial fraud facing the American public.\n\nThe roundtable was extremely timely following the U.S. Department of Justice charging 19 defendants in Philadelphia in an alleged $4 million Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme involving home health care services. The scheme involved home health aides allegedly billing Medicaid for services while they were incarcerated, hospitalized, working other jobs, traveling overseas, or otherwise unable to provide care. Investigators identified widespread impossible billing patterns, with one aide allegedly submitting more than 64,000 hours of work and billed over 24 hours a day more than 1,000 times, resulting in more than $1.2 million in fraudulent Medicaid payments. Prosecutors also highlighted cases where beneficiaries allegedly participated in schemes, including one case involving more than $400,000 in alleged false claims by aides and Medicaid recipients. More than 96% of Pennsylvania personal care claims are coded as \u201cillness unspecified,\u201d limiting fraud detection efforts. Pennsylvania\u2019s home care program has grown rapidly in recent years, with spending increasing from $120 million in 2018 to $8 billion in 2025.\n\n\u201cFraud across federal programs is costing taxpayers enormous sums thanks in part to a lack of safeguarding government programs that many Americans depend upon,\u201d said Congressman Meuser. \u201cThe money lost to Pennsylvania SNAP payment errors alone could revitalize communities throughout the Commonwealth and eliminate blight. I have spent the last two years working to eliminate taxpayer and consumer fraud as Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. I\u2019m glad to continue that work alongside Vice President Vance and Republicans in Congress to root out and eliminate taxpayer fraud as well.\u201d\n\nAt the roundtable, Congressman Meuser outlined legislative solutions to reduce fraud against taxpayers, including:\n\nStricter criminal penalties for fraudsters\n\nRequire phone providers to notify customers when a call originates outside the U.S.\n\nCreation of an Overpayment Czar to coordinate efforts to combat payments and fraud\n\nGrants for state Attorneys General to fight fraud", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-kaine-ricketts-and-hassan-introduce-bipartisan-campus-lifeline-act-to-strengthen-student-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK, KAINE, RICKETTS AND HASSAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN CAMPUS LIFELINE ACT TO STRENGTHEN STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Legislation Expands Student-Led Mental Health Programs and Increases Awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today introduced the bipartisan Campus Lifeline Act, legislation to strengthen student mental health and suicide prevention efforts by expanding student-led outreach on college campuses and increasing awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.\n\nSuicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young Americans, with nearly one in five high school students reporting suicidal thoughts. Congress has supported youth suicide prevention through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act (GLSMA), which provides grants to colleges and universities to improve mental health and substance use disorder services, suicide prevention programming, and student outreach. Research shows peer-to-peer engagement can play an important role in identifying students in crisis and connecting them with appropriate support.\n\nThe launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has also expanded access to immediate behavioral health support, but awareness of the resource among college students remains inconsistent. The Campus Lifeline Act builds on existing federal efforts by strengthening peer-led outreach and helping colleges connect students with lifesaving mental health resources before a crisis escalates.\n\n\u201cNo family should have to experience the heartbreak of losing a child, classmate, relative, or friend to suicide,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cStudents are often the first to recognize when someone is struggling. The Campus Lifeline Act strengthens peer-led mental health efforts, expands awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and gives colleges additional tools to connect students with support before a crisis becomes a tragedy.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe can and must do more about the alarming spike in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation that we\u2019ve seen among young people across the country over the last 15 years,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cThat includes encouraging schools to take commonsense steps to ensure that students know that help is out there, including through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that is free and available 24/7. This bipartisan legislation would help do that, and I encourage all of my colleagues to join us in pushing to get it signed into law as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides critical support for those struggling with their mental health. As Governor, I was proud to lead the effort to make this resource available to every Nebraskan. The Campus Lifeline Act would increase awareness of this resource and others available to students nationwide. Every student deserves to know that they are not alone, and help is there if they need it,\u201d said Senator Ricketts.\n\n\u201cYoung people in crisis need to know where to turn for help. This bipartisan bill would encourage colleges to put information about 988, the suicide and crisis hotline, on student IDs to increase awareness about this lifesaving resource. In addition, it would encourage colleges to develop plans for peer outreach about the 988 hotline, making it easier for people to get the support that they need,\u201d said Senator Hassan.\n\nSpecifically, the Campus Lifeline Act would:\n\n\u2022 Expand eligible Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act campus mental health grants to support student organizations promoting peer mental health awareness, suicide prevention, substance use disorder education, and campus awareness campaigns.\n\n\u2022 Expand peer education programs to help students recognize and appropriately respond to warning signs of mental health and substance use disorders.\n\n\u2022 Require grant applicants to seek student input and ensure outreach and behavioral health resources are accessible to students enrolled in online, hybrid, and distance-learning programs.\n\n\u2022 Expand technical assistance to both grant recipients and unsuccessful applicants implementing evidence-based campus mental health programs.\n\n\u2022 Encourage states and colleges to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through student ID cards and campus awareness campaigns.\n\nThis bill has bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House. Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN), Lori Trahan (D-MA), David Valado (R-CA), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) are sponsoring companion legislation, H.R. 8657, in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe Campus Lifeline Act has received support from over 35 organizations including: Active Minds, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Group Psychotherapy Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services, American School Counselor Association, Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare (AABH), Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action, EDGE Partners, Inseparable, Institute for Educational Leadership, International OCD Foundation, International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mental Health America, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National Board for Certified Counselors, National Council on Problem Gambling, National Eating Disorders Association, National Federation of Families, National League for Nursing, National Register of Health Service Psychologists, Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), REDC Consortium, Sandy Hook Promise, The Kennedy Forum, The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health, The Trevor Project, Vibrant Emotional Health, Youth Villages.\n\n\u201cAt Active Minds, we believe that every student deserves access to mental health support before they reach a crisis. We are grateful to the U.S. Senators for coming together across party lines to champion this effort, which recognizes that supporting young people\u2019s mental health is not a partisan issue, it should be a national priority. By strengthening campus mental health resources and expanding access to evidence-based supports, this legislation will help ensure more youth and young adults can get the care they need, when they need it,\u201d said Anika Rahman, Director of Policy, Active Minds.\n\n\u201cAt SAVE, through our The Green Bandana Project program, we work with high school and college students across the country and see firsthand how important connection and accessible support are,\u201d said Erich Mische, CEO of SAVE, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. \u201cThe Campus Lifeline Act will help remove barriers by including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on newly issued student ID cards and investing in youth-informed mental health strategies on college campuses. SAVE strongly endorses this legislation and looks forward to working with Senator McCormick and members of both parties to make it law.\u201d\n\nThe full bill text may be read here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mackenzie-highlights-reform-legislation-white-house-anti-fraud", "Congressman Mackenzie Highlights Reform Legislation at White House Anti-Fraud Roundtable", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Mackenzie", "M001230", "mackenzie.house.gov", "mackenzie", "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, joined Vice President JD Vance and other officials from the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud this morning for a roundtable discussion. During the roundtable, which featured an update about ongoing Administration efforts to crack down on fraud in national benefits programs, Congressman Mackenzie detailed his recently-passed legislation, H.R. 8823, the Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Act. This legislation amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) to permanently allow the Department of Labor (DOL) to suspend payments to medical providers who have been convicted of fraud.\n\n\u201cAs we\u2019ve seen thanks to the efforts of Vice President Vance and others in the Administration, fraud in federal benefit programs is a serious problem, both in terms of scale and impact,\u201d said Congressman Mackenzie. \u201cNot only has this epidemic of fraud robbed taxpayers and eroded public trust, it weakens critical programs and strips resources from some of the most vulnerable in our country. That\u2019s why, as Chairman of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, I held a hearing examining the billions of dollars which have been stolen from federal workers by fraudulent providers, and why I\u2019ve introduced legislation which cracks down on these schemes. Thank you to the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud for giving us the opportunity to discuss these important reforms and our broader efforts to root out fraud.\u201d\n\nAccording to Vice President Vance, the Administration has uncovered hundreds of billions of dollars in potential fraud and \u201csecured an additional estimated $55 billion in indictments, settlements and civil penalties.\u201d Recent wins by the Task Force include eliminating hundreds of fraudulent hospice and home healthcare providers, cracking down on over $20 billion in fraudulent covid-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and the prosecution of hundreds of fraudsters.\n\nCongressman Mackenzie\u2019s recently-passed legislation will help to safeguard FECA, which provides workers\u2019 compensation benefits for federal workers. At a Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing chaired by Congressman Mackenzie earlier in the year, witnesses testified about over $1.7 billion in medical provider fraud targeting the program. Congressman Mackenzie\u2019s legislation permanently codifies DOL\u2019s authority to protect FECA from scammers.\n\nLearn more about Congressman Mackenzie\u2019s anti-fraud legislation HERE\n\nWatch the introduction of the roundtable HERE", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-fetterman-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-addiction-treatment-workforce/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK, FETTERMAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO STRENGTHEN ADDICTION TREATMENT WORKFORCE", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) today introduced the Workforce Recovery and Resilience Act, bipartisan legislation to help communities hit hardest by the opioid and fentanyl crisis by recruiting, training, and strengthening the workforce needed to support addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery.\n\nThe legislation modernizes the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, giving state and local workforce boards new tools to respond to the workforce impacts of substance use disorders, with opioids at the center of the crisis in Pennsylvania.\n\n\u201cIn Pennsylvania, we\u2019ve seen firsthand the devastating toll fentanyl and opioids have taken on our families and communities,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cIf we\u2019re going to help more people recover, we need enough skilled workers to provide that care. This bipartisan bill gives communities more tools to train that workforce so more people can get the help they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cCountless families have been torn apart as a result of the rampant opioid crisis, which especially impacts our workforce right here in PA. The need for treatment, recovery, and other support services is real,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my friend Senator McCormick in introducing the Workforce Recovery and Resilience Act to open up federal workforce development investments to help workers and families fight back against this epidemic.\u201d\n\nPennsylvania has made significant progress against the opioid and fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl killed approximately 4,000 Pennsylvanians each year from 2020 through 2023, and preliminary data indicate that figure fell to approximately 1,500 in 2025, the lowest level in a decade. Sustaining that progress will require a strong workforce capable of delivering prevention, treatment, recovery, and other behavioral health services. The Workforce Recovery and Resilience Act gives communities the workforce tools needed to meet that demand.\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).\n\nThe Workforce Recovery and Resilience Act would:\n\nDirect the Department of Labor to evaluate and annually share promising, evidence-based workforce strategies for communities responding to substance use disorder.\n\nExpand the use of National Dislocated Worker Grants to support employment and training activities related to addiction prevention, treatment, mental health care, and pain management in communities where demand exceeds available state and local resources.\n\nBroaden eligibility for these grants to include dislocated workers, long-term unemployed individuals, individuals who are unemployed or significantly underemployed as a result of widespread substance use in their area, and individuals employed or seeking employment in health care professions involved in substance use disorder prevention and treatment.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-46-million-grant-penn-state-advances-discovery-new", "Thompson Announces $4.6 Million Grant for Penn State, Advances Discovery of New Materials", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "BELLEFONTE, Pa. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (PA-15) announced a $4.6 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for Penn State University to increase access to high-tech tools and laboratories for materials discovery and innovation.\n\nThe funding will develop Penn State\u2019s NSF 2D Crystal Consortium Materials Innovation Platform (2DCC-MIP) into a self-sustaining model to expand its work with U.S. industry.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to announce that Penn State will receive $4.6 million to continue developing semiconductors and quantum technologies,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cThis funding reaffirms the university\u2019s commitment to excellence and will drive cutting edge technologies forward.\"\n\n\"Penn State appreciates Congressman Thompson's continued leadership in supporting groundbreaking research that delivers meaningful benefits to Pennsylvania and beyond,\" said Josh Robinson, director of Penn State's Materials Research Institute. \"This funding recognizes the exceptional team led by Joan Redwing, whose years of expertise in two-dimensional materials have positioned the 2D Crystal Consortium for this important next phase. Investments like this from the federal government will help establish the 2D Crystal Consortium as a sustainable national resource, accelerating semiconductor research and advancing U.S. priorities in 2D materials and next-generation technologies.\u201d\n\nThe grant will be awarded over four years, transitioning the facility to rely on user fees to ensure it remains a national resource for many years to come.\n\nPenn State\u2019s 2DCC is one of only four MIPs in the United States, and has received funding from the NSF since its inception 10 years ago.", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-kicks-national-night-out-week-372415-federal-funding-wilkes-barre", "Bresnahan Kicks Off National Night Out Week with $372,415 in Federal Funding for Wilkes-Barre Police Department", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WILKES-BARRE, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined local elected officials and community leaders for a press conference announcing nearly $400,000 in federal funding he secured for the City of Wilkes-Barre to acquire new police vehicles and upgrade law enforcement equipment.\n\n\u201cToday is about making sure the men and women who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively safely,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cThe nearly $400,000 in federal funding we secured for the City of Wilkes-Barre will allow the City to purchase new police vehicles and upgrade critical law enforcement equipment, ensuring officers have the tools and resources they need to continue protecting our communities. Investments like this help local departments keep pace with changing demands while continuing to the level of service residents expect.\u201d\n\nRep. Bresnahan was joined by Mayor of Wilkes-Barre George Brown, Wilkes-Barre Chief of Police Mike Boyle, Wilkes-Barre City Council President Jessica McClay, Wilkes-Barre City Councilperson Tony Brooks, Wilkes-Barre City Councilperson Stan Mirin, and Wilkes-Barre City Controller Tony Thomas.\n\nThis project is one of 13 that Rep. Bresnahan secured federal funding for in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, including other projects to fund law enforcement, as well as investments in roads, bridges, housing, education, and wastewater infrastructure. Rep. Bresnahan also secured $500,000 for the Scranton Police Department, which he announced at a roundtable with Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday in February.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/city-wilkes-barre-gets-nearly-400000-new-police-vehicles", "City of Wilkes-Barre gets nearly $400,000 for new police vehicles", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "The City of Wilkes-Barre has been awarded close to $400,000 in federal funding for the purchase of five new police vehicles.\n\nU.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-8, Dallas Twp., joined local elected officials and community leaders Monday outside police headquarters to a ceremonial check presentation to celebrate the award.\n\n\u201cToday is about making sure the men and women who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, safely,\u201d Bresnahan said in a news release.\n\n\u201cThe nearly $400,000 in federal funding we secured for the City of Wilkes-Barre will allow the City to purchase new police vehicles and upgrade critical law enforcement equipment, ensuring officers have the tools and resources they need to continue protecting our communities. Investments like this help local departments keep pace with changing demands while continuing to the level of service residents expect,\u201d Bresnahan said.\n\nMayor George C. Brown, police Chief Mike Boyle, city council President Jessica McClay, councilmen Tony Brooks and Stan Mirin and city Controller Tony Thomas joined Bresnahan for the announcement.\n\n\u201cThank you, Congressman Bresnahan, for your support of the City of Wilkes-Barre and our police department. With this funding, the City will purchase five new 2027 all-wheel-drive police SUVs, including a full upfit package for each vehicle,\u201d Brown said.\n\nThe new vehicles will significantly assist police officers who utilize community policing strategies to target quality of life crimes, to reduce crimes \u2014 strategies Brown said build trust and legitimacy with the community.\n\n\u201cTools such as crime mapping and evidence-based policing strategies are used to deploy officers in saturation patrols throughout the City of Wilkes-Barre. Having vehicles to rapidly respond to service calls throughout the city is essential for community policing strategies to work effectively and for public safety,\u201d Brown said.", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/wilkes-barre-police-get-372k-grant-five-new-cars", "Wilkes-Barre Police to get $372K grant for five new cars", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "The Wilkes-Barre City Police Department is set to receive more than $372,000 in federal grant funding. The money will pay for five new police vehicles, including the technology and equipment installed inside them. Officials announced the funding Monday morning and discussed how the new vehicles will be used.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s the vehicles and the upfit of those respective vehicles. So, the light package, the striping, the stuff that goes on in the interior, the tech,\u201d said Wilkes-Barre City Police Chief Michael Boyle.\n\nThe funding was obtained by United States Representative Rob Bresnahan. He says the new cruisers will be equipped with technology that can alert officers to potential threats near their vehicles.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s actually a proximity sensor. So, in the event an officer is doing paperwork, they can actually detect if somebody is running up alongside in the blindspot to possibly do something they shouldn\u2019t be able to do and it alerts the police officer, automatically rolls up the windows and locks the doors,\u201d said Representative Bresnahan.\n\nThe federal funding comes just four months after the city received state money for five additional police vehicles.\n\nMayor George Brown says the upgrades will help officers keep up with the demands of a department that handles tens of thousands of calls each year.\n\n\u201cAlmost 50,000 calls a year. The vehicles are constantly going, three shifts, seven days a week. So, they\u2019re always in need of new vehicles. So, this is going to help us,\u201d said Mayor Brown.\n\nThis funding is part of a larger push to bring federal dollars back to Northeastern Pennsylvania for public safety and infrastructure projects.", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/wilkes-barre-police-awarded-nearly-400k-federal-funding", "Wilkes-Barre Police awarded nearly $400K in Federal Funding", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) \u2014 The Wilkes-Barre City Police Department is getting a major boost to its current fleet of vehicles with nearly $400,000 in federal funding to help improve operations across the Diamond City.\n\nCity officials, alongside Congressman Rob Bresnahan, gathered for a press conference outside of the Police Headquarters on Monday morning to announce the federal funding the City of Wilkes-Barre received to acquire five new police vehicles and upgrade law enforcement equipment inside of those vehicles, from the radio, the light package, and other technology to fight crime.\n\n\u201cInvestments like this help local departments keep pace with changing demands, while continuing to provide the level of service residents can expect,\" Rep. Bresnahan said.\n\nThe check for more than $372,000 will allow Chief Mike Boyle and the City Police Department to rotate vehicles, instead of keeping all 26 of their current vehicles out on the road at all times.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ll be able to take vehicles out of service instead of running them 24/7 to kind of number one, mitigate the mileage, wear and tear on the vehicles and just essentially give them a break,\" Chief Boyle said.\n\nCongressman Bresnahan took an up-close and personal look at one of the new 2027 Ford SUVs and all the technologically advanced features in and out of the vehicle.\n\nBresnahan also praised the work of federal, state and local government officials who helped secure this funding to ensure the brave men and women of the Wilkes-Barre PD have all they need to keep their neighbors protected.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why there needs to be partnerships between the federal, state and local government to make sure that our law enforcement officers have the tools they need to do their jobs to keep our community safe,\" Rep. Bresnahan said.", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-duckworth-introduce-bill-to-expand-low-cost-financing-for-transportation-infrastructure/", "SENATORS\u00a0MCCORMICK, DUCKWORTH INTRODUCE BILL TO EXPAND LOW-COST FINANCING FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced the Transit for Urban Renewal and Business Opportunities Act (TURBO Act), legislation that would expand and modernize a key federal financing tool used by state and local governments to deliver critical transportation infrastructure through public-private partnerships.\n\nPrivate Activity Bonds (PABs) are tax-exempt bonds that state and local governments issue on behalf of private entities to finance projects that serve a public purpose. Administered by the Build America Bureau within the U.S. Department of Transportation, PABs are a critical tool for attracting private-sector investment in highways, transit, and freight infrastructure. But the national volume cap for qualified highway and surface freight transfer facilities has been exhausted, with the current $30 billion cap fully allocated.\n\nBeyond the cap, outdated rules also prevent communities from using these bonds for many of today\u2019s transportation needs. Current law generally allows the bonds to finance the construction of rail and bus infrastructure, but not the purchase of rolling stock. It also limits eligibility for passenger rail projects to those capable of reaching 150 miles per hour, leaving many modern rail projects that operate on shared freight corridors ineligible for this low-cost financing.\n\nThe TURBO Act would:\n\nRaise the national volume cap for qualified highway and surface freight transfer facilities from $30 billion to $45 billion, ensuring that critical transportation projects can continue to access low-cost financing through public-private partnerships.\n\nExpand the eligibility of mass commuting facility bonds to explicitly cover the acquisition of rolling stock \u2014 such as buses, railcars, and ferries \u2014 lowering the cost of modernizing transit fleets and letting local communities determine their own infrastructure needs.\n\nLower the speed threshold for high-speed intercity rail facilities from 150 miles per hour to 110 miles per hour, opening PAB financing to a far wider range of passenger rail investments, including projects that operate on shared rights-of-way with freight railroads.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s transportation needs are growing, and we should be making it easier, not harder, for states and communities to finance the projects that keep goods and people moving,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cThe TURBO Act modernizes a proven, low-cost financing tool critical so highway, transit, and rail projects in Pennsylvania can move forward. By expanding capacity and cutting outdated red tape, we can unlock more private investment in Pennsylvania and across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cFar too often, roads that need repaving and transportation facilities that need revamping are left unfixed because states and towns don\u2019t have the funding they need,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cOur bipartisan bill would help state and local governments supercharge their infrastructure financing\u2014enabling them to deliver faster on projects, replace old buses, improve inter-city passenger rail and more. It\u2019s critical we build on the incredible progress of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and this commonsense legislation would help us do just that.\u201d\n\nCongress created this financing category in the 2005 Surface Transportation Authorization (SAFETEA-LU), which set the national cap at $15 billion, and doubled it to $30 billion on a bipartisan basis in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). With nearly all of that expanded capacity now committed, communities risk losing access to affordable financing for major projects at a time when infrastructure demands continue to grow.\n\nThe TURBO Act is supported by the following stakeholders:\n\n\u201cPennsylvania\u2019s public transportation systems need reliable, flexible financing tools to modernize fleets, improve infrastructure, and continue providing safe, dependable service,\u201d said Kim Whetsell, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association (PPTA). \u201cThe Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association applauds Senators McCormick and Duckworth for introducing the TURBO Act, which would expand financing opportunities and help transit agencies make strategic, long-term investments. This legislation is an important step toward strengthening public transportation across the Commonwealth, and we encourage Congress to advance it. We thank Senators McCormick and Duckworth for their leadership and commitment to the future of public transit.\u201d\n\n\u201cSEPTA operates the oldest rail vehicle fleet in the nation, and replacing four major rail fleets at once is an unprecedented financial challenge that our current capital funding cannot fully support,\u201d said SEPTA General Manager, Scott A. Sauer. \u201cWhile there is no substitute for dedicated federal investment in the nation\u2019s critical transit infrastructure, the financing modernization provisions in the TURBO Act could give SEPTA access to additional financing options to deliver much needed investments for our customers and the Greater Philadelphia region.\u201d\n\n\u201cModern, reliable public transportation depends on having the tools to invest in the future,\u201dsaid Katherine Kelleman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit. \u201cPittsburgh Regional Transit applauds Senators McCormick and Duckworth for introducing the TURBO Act,which will expand financing options for transit agencies as they replace aging fleets, upgrade infrastructure and improve service. This legislation will give agencies greater flexibility to make smart, long-term investments that benefit riders and the communities they serve. PRT encourages Congress to advance this critical legislation, and we thank Senators McCormick and Duckworth for their leadership on this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe TURBO Act is a smart, forward-thinking solution to expand access to low-cost financing for critical infrastructure and transportation projects,\u201d said Jeff Nobers, Executive Director, Pittsburgh Works Together. \u201cBy raising the cap on these bonds and making more passenger rail projects eligible, this bill empowers local communities and encourages public-private partnerships to modernize infrastructure across the country creating thousands of jobs and making it easier for people to access good paying careers.\u201d\n\n\u201cReliable infrastructure is essential to the competitiveness of American manufacturers\u201d said Jezree Friend, Vice President, Manufacturer & Business Association. \u201cThe Manufacturer & Business Association applauds Senator McCormick for introducing theTURBO Act, which expands access to financing tools that will strengthen supply chains, encourage private-sector investment, and modernize our transportation infrastructure. This legislation will help keep Pennsylvania businesses competitive and our economy moving forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe at the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership are well aware of the difficulties of financing infrastructure investment in the Erie region, the Commonwealth, and across the nation. The TURBO Act, by raising the limits for Private Activity Bonds, helps solve the problem of infrastructure investment costs and financing. We at the Erie Regional Chamber commend Senators McCormick and Duckworth for this bipartisan solution.\u201d \u2013 Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership\n\nRead the full bill text here.", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-secures-1000000-dallas-area-wastewater-infrastructure-expansion", "Bresnahan Secures $1,000,000 For Dallas Area Wastewater Infrastructure Expansion", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "DALLAS AREA, PA: Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined Dallas Area Municipal Authority (DAMA) leaders to announce $1,000,000 in federal funding for the authority to upgrade its current wastewater infrastructure.\n\n\u201cWhen infrastructure, especially water and wastewater infrastructure, is left behind, everyone is affected,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cReliable sewer systems protect public health, safeguard our environment, support economic growth, and ensure our communities can continue to thrive. This investment into the Dallas Area Municipal Authority\u2019s wastewater infrastructure will ensure we stay ahead of challenges instead of waiting for emergencies.\n\nThe project is the first step in a larger regional effort to strengthen the area\u2019s wastewater infrastructure. It will begin building a backup wastewater pipeline beneath the Susquehanna River, creating a second route to keep wastewater flowing if the primary line is damaged or taken out of service. By adding this safeguard, the project will improve reliability, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and better protect surrounding communities and the environment.\n\nRep. Bresnahan was joined by State Representative Brenda Pugh, DAMA Executive Director Jim Reino, and Mark Grochocki with State Senator Lisa Baker\u2019s office.\n\n\u201cThis is what local, state, and federal agencies working together toward a common goal looks like,\u201d said State Representative Brenda Pugh. \u201cI want to thank Congressman Bresnahan for keeping it local and bringing funding that our communities need back home.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is one of the first times in a long time that we've gotten the federal government to take a look at our entire sewer system and the challenges we face,\u201d DAMA Executive Director Jim Reino. \u201cCongressman Bresnahan has been the first person on the federal side to come to our aid and say, 'I want to listen. Tell me what we can do.'\"\n\nThis project is one of 13 that Rep. Bresnahan secured federal funding for in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, including other projects to improve wastewater infrastructure, as well as investments in roads, bridges, housing, education, and law enforcement. He also supported the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which expands access to federal water resources programs and helps communities improve wastewater systems, reduce flood risks, and invest in long-term resilience.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/bresnahan-secures-1m-dallas-area-wastewater-infrastructure-expansion", "Bresnahan secures $1M for Dallas area wastewater infrastructure expansion", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr., R-Dallas Township, this week said when infrastructure \u2014 especially water and wastewater infrastructure \u2014 is left behind, everyone is affected.\n\nBresnahan joined Dallas Area Municipal Authority (DAMA) leaders to announce $1,000,000 in federal funding to upgrade DAMA\u2019s wastewater infrastructure.\n\n\u201cReliable sewer systems protect public health, safeguard our environment, support economic growth, and ensure our communities can continue to thrive,\u201d Bresnahan said. \u201cThis investment into the Dallas Area Municipal Authority\u2019s wastewater infrastructure will ensure we stay ahead of challenges instead of waiting for emergencies.\u201d\n\nThe project is the first step in a larger regional effort to strengthen the area\u2019s wastewater infrastructure. It will begin building a backup wastewater pipeline beneath the Susquehanna River, creating a second route to keep wastewater flowing if the primary line is damaged or taken out of service. By adding this safeguard, the project will improve reliability, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and better protect surrounding communities and the environment.\n\nBresnahan was joined by State Representative Brenda Pugh, DAMA Executive Director Jim Reino, and Mark Grochocki of State Sen. Lisa Baker\u2019s office.\n\n\u201cThis is what local, state, and federal agencies working together toward a common goal looks like,\u201d Pugh, R-Dallas Township, said. \u201cI want to thank Congressman Bresnahan for keeping it local and bringing funding that our communities need back home.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is one of the first times in a long time that we\u2019ve gotten the federal government to take a look at our entire sewer system and the challenges we face,\u201d Reino said. \u201cCongressman Bresnahan has been the first person on the federal side to come to our aid and say, \u2018I want to listen. Tell me what we can do.\u2019\u201d\n\nThis project is one of 13 that Bresnahan said he has secured federal funding for in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, including other projects to improve wastewater infrastructure, as well as investments in roads, bridges, housing, education, and law enforcement.\n\nHe said he also supported the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which expands access to federal water resources programs and helps communities improve wastewater systems, reduce flood risks, and invest in long-term resilience.\n\n\u201cI want to thank the Dallas Area Municipal Authority for their work and advocacy for this project,\u201d Bresnahan said. \u201cTheir work often happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to the quality of life people enjoy every day. I\u2019ll continue working with them and in Washington to make sure all our communities have the infrastructure they need to succeed.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-kelly-crawford-county-veterans-services-team-host-veteran-resource-fair", "Rep. Kelly, Crawford County Veterans Services team up to host Veteran Resource Fair on Aug. 6", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MEADVILLE, PA -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced he will join officials from Crawford County Veterans Services to co-host their annual Veteran Resource Fair on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Downtown Mall in Meadville. All veterans, active-duty service members, and their families are encouraged to attend.\n\nThe Veteran Resource Fair is held in partnership with Crawford County Veterans Services. Over 50 organizations and agencies from Pennsylvania\u2019s 16th Congressional District are scheduled to attend. They will be available to answer questions, provide information, and connect attendees with important services and resources.\n\n\u201cOur veterans and service members have sacrificed so much to protect our country, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the support they have earned,\u201d Rep. Kelly said. \u201cThis annual resource fair brings trusted organizations together in one convenient location to help veterans and their families find answers, access services, and make valuable connections. I want to thank Tony Digiacomo and his team for their incredible work organizing this event every year. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Meadville.\u201d\n\nAnyone with questions about the event may call Rep. Kelly\u2019s Hermitage District Office at 724-342-7170 or Crawford County Veterans Services at 814-333-7300.\n\nDETAILS\n\nWho: U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, Crawford County Veterans Services, and veterans\u2019 agencies\n\nWhat: Crawford County Veteran Resource Fair\n\nWhen: Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. ET\n\nWhere: Downtown Mall\n\n900 Water St.\n\nMeadville, PA 16335", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/mackenzie-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-medicares-61st", "Mackenzie Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Medicare's 61st Anniversary", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Mackenzie", "M001230", "mackenzie.house.gov", "mackenzie", "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 61st anniversary of Medicare's enactment and honoring the program's enduring role in providing health coverage to older Americans and individuals with disabilities.\n\nThe resolution is led by Congressman Ryan Mackenzie and Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07). It is joined by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Dina Titus (NV-01), Don Davis (NC-01), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Michael Lawler (NY-17).\n\nSigned into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965, Medicare has provided health insurance coverage to millions of Americans for more than six decades. Today, the program serves nearly 70 million seniors and individuals with disabilities.\n\n\"For 61 years, Medicare has provided millions of Americans with access to quality health care and greater financial security,\" said Congressman Mackenzie. \"This bipartisan resolution recognizes Medicare's lasting impact while honoring the healthcare providers, caregivers, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services personnel who work every day to ensure beneficiaries receive the care they depend on. Congress must continue to support, protect, and strengthen Medicare for current beneficiaries and future generations.\u201d\n\n\"For 61 years, Medicare has represented a simple promise to Virginians: every person 65 and older or with disabilities deserves access to high quality, affordable health care,\" said Congressman Vindman. \"As we mark Medicare's anniversary, we also reaffirm our commitment to protecting and strengthening this vital program for both those using it today and future generations. Health care is not a privilege reserved for a few \u2014 it's a promise we must keep for every eligible American across the country.\"\n\n\"Today, millions of Americans, including seniors and Americans with disabilities right here in the Hudson Valley, rely on Medicare every day, and we have a responsibility to protect it. As we mark Medicare\u2019s 61st anniversary, I want to thank the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and healthcare workers who make this program possible. I will continue working to protect the benefits our seniors have earned and strengthen Medicare for generations to come,\" said Congressman Mike Lawler.\n\n\u201cAcross eastern North Carolina, seniors and people with disabilities rely on Medicare for access to doctors, hospitals, prescription drugs, and the quality care they have earned,\u201d said Congressman Don Davis. \u201cFor 61 years, Medicare has provided families with greater health and financial security while supporting the health care professionals and caregivers who serve our communities. We must continue working across the aisle to protect and strengthen this vital program for current beneficiaries and generations to come.\u201d\n\n\"Over 600,000 Nevadans are enrolled in Medicare and rely on its services to stay healthy. I am proud to recognize the 61st anniversary of this critical program with my colleagues, committing to support and protect Medicare for those who currently receive benefits and for future generations,\u201d said Congresswoman Titus.\n\nThe bipartisan resolution:\n\nCommemorates the 61st anniversary of Medicare's enactment.\n\nRecognizes Medicare's role in expanding access to health care, improving health outcomes, and strengthening the financial security of millions of American families.\n\nHonors the healthcare providers, caregivers, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services personnel whose work sustains the Medicare program and its beneficiaries nationwide.\n\nThe resolution reflects broad bipartisan support for recognizing Medicare's historic significance and the vital role it has played in the lives of millions of Americans since becoming law on July 30, 1965.\n\nRead the resolution HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-participates-main-street-rx-roundtable-discussion", "Dr. Joyce Participates in Main Street Rx Roundtable Discussion", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "July 30, 2026\n\nPenn State Altoona Hosts New Education and Healthcare Initiative\n\nALTOONA, Pa. \u2013 Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D., engaged in a dialogue with regional stakeholders that explored how growth in education and healthcare impacts the everyday economic life of Pennsylvania communities.\n\n\u201cOur communities benefit when we think about healthcare as more than just care delivery,\u201d said Congressman Joyce. \u201cHealthcare is also education, workforce development, research, innovation, and economic opportunity. Access to clinical research and clinical trial opportunities is another important part of a strong healthcare ecosystem, which starts with a strong workforce. The challenge and opportunity before us is ensuring that each community\u2019s assets are used strategically to strengthen both health outcomes and economic opportunity for future generations.\u201d\n\n\"Today's roundtable brought together higher education, healthcare, research, and small business, all of whom carry a deep sense of pride that drives the collaboration behind their thriving life science ecosystem,\u201d said Marie Conley, In-State Advisor, Main Street Rx.\u201cAs a physician who practiced medicine in this region for decades, Congressman Joyce understands firsthand what innovation means for patients, and he has channeled that understanding into real support for the investments that make it possible. As he put it, life science investment doesn't create a ripple effect for small businesses. It creates a tsunami, one that reaches healthcare workers today and the therapies and cures they deliver tomorrow. This is why Main Street Rx exists: to amplify the small businesses that anchor life science ecosystems in communities like Altoona. We applaud Congressman Joyce's leadership and his commitment to the institutions, businesses, healthcare workers, and patients who came together today, and we stand ready to work alongside him to keep Pennsylvania, and all of America, at the forefront of innovation and economic growth.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe roundtable discussion at Penn State Altoona was organized by Main Street Rx, a new community and economic storytelling initiative that brings together small business owners, workforce leaders, healthcare professionals, and leaders in other sectors. Ultimately, the goal of the initiative is to gain an understanding of how business owners on Main Street U.S.A. are impacted by the growth and development in education and healthcare. As part of a pilot program, today\u2019s roundtable will help shape how Main Street Rx engages with and learns from stakeholders in communities across the country that share a similar foundation in education and healthcare. From higher education and medical care to housing and small business interests, the roundtable emphasized the dynamic that exists between all sectors of society.\n\nMain Street Rx Roundtable Participants\n\nSheilah Borne, Associate Vice President, Government Relations, Penn State Health\n\nLisa Claycomb, CRCP, Clinical Research Administrator, Altoona Clinical Research Center\n\nShelly Clinich, Dealer Relationship Manager, Santander Consumer USA; Councilwoman, City of Altoona\n\nBernadette Comfort, Novak Strategic Advisors\n\nMarie Conley, Main Street Rx\n\nDr. Ron Darbeau, Chancellor, Penn State Altoona\n\nNikki Davis, PT, DPT, Ph.D, CCS, GCS, Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Saint Francis University\n\nAshlyn Dugan, Owner, Coffee on 3rd\n\nBrian Durbin, Partner, Durbin Companies\n\nKelly Fedeli, Constituent Outreach Specialist, Office of PA Senator Judy Ward\n\nRichard Fiore JR., Executive Vice President, Secretary, Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.\n\nRobin Fitzpatrick, President, Adams Economic Alliance Team\n\nJamie Foust, Main Street Director, City of Altoona\n\nMatt Fox, CEcD, Director of Business Expansion, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation\n\nJohn Hrivnak, Owner, JJ Hadleys Restaurant & Railroad City Brewing Co\n\nSarah Hurley, Main Street Rx\n\nCongressman John Joyce, M.D., FACP, Member of Congress\n\nCarrie Nace, Novak Strategic Advisors\n\nSamantha Pope, Owner, The Academy Preschool\n\nTravis Seymore, Owner, Alto Markets\n\nMaria Strohm, Legislative Staffer, Office of PA Representative Andrea Verobish\n\nSenator Judy Ward, PA Senate (R-30)\n\nAnn Wedel, District Office Manager, Office of PA Representative Scott Barger\n\nKitty Zelnosky, Regional Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, UPMC Altoona", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mackenzie-introduce-new-congressional-stock-reform-legislation", "Congressman Mackenzie to Introduce New Congressional Stock Reform Legislation", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Mackenzie", "M001230", "mackenzie.house.gov", "mackenzie", "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, will introduce legislation this week aimed at cracking down further on congressional stock trading. The Candidate Investment Transparency and Ethics (CITE) Act of 2026 will require candidates for all federal elected offices \u2014 including the U.S. House, Senate, and Presidency \u2014 to divest from individual stocks and other securities or place them in a blind trust.\n\n\u201cThe best way to stop members of Congress from trading stocks is to prevent them from ever starting,\u201d said Congressman Mackenzie. \u201cIt\u2019s not enough for candidates to make promises on this issue; they need to put their money where their mouth is. That\u2019s why the CITE Act requires candidates for federal office to divest from individual stocks \u2014 or put them in a blind trust \u2014 before they even get to Election Day. Now more than ever, lawmakers need to earn the trust of the American people by rooting out profiteering and personal self-interest from the halls of Congress.\u201d\n\nCongressman Mackenzie has been a leader in the fight against congressional stock trading. Since taking office in January of 2025, the Congressman has co-sponsored three bipartisan bills aimed at cracking down on the practice of members abusing their access in order to profit off of securities. Last week, a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House passed the Stop Insider Trading Act, of which Congressman Mackenzie is an original co-sponsor. That legislation includes a range of measures, including a ban on stock purchases by members of Congress, strict reporting requirements for sales of stock, and tough new penalties for violations.\n\nStock trading by members of Congress has come under growing scrutiny in recent years. In 2025 alone, 14,451 trades were made by members totaling over $700 million in volume.\n\nThe Cite Act of 2026 requires divestment from individual stocks and calls for investments to be moved to other generally accepted investments or for assets to be moved to a blind trust managed by an independent trustee. Commonsense exceptions are permitted for \u201cwidely diversified mutual funds\u201d and other funds that track a \u201cbroad market index,\u201d like the Dow Jones or the S&P 500. Under the Cite Act, candidates for federal office would be required to take these actions within 90 days of filing for office. The prohibition on acquisition of covered securities extends until an individual is no longer a candidate or member.\n\nRead the legislation HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-unveils-vision-for-american-ai-leadership-in-major-address-at-manhattan-institute/", "Senator McCormick Unveils Vision for American AI Leadership in Major Address at Manhattan Institute", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cAmerica is in an existential race with Communist China for the technologies that will power the future. Even amid uncertainty, we must act with clarity, facts, and a sober recognition that we cannot afford to lose.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) today delivered a major policy address at the Manhattan Institute outlining his vision for ensuring the United States leads the artificial intelligence revolution while protecting American workers, strengthening national security, safeguarding children, and building the energy and infrastructure needed to outcompete Communist China.\n\nSenator McCormick emphasized that AI represents one of the most transformative developments in human history and called for a balanced approach that embraces innovation while addressing its most significant changes. He outlined five priorities for policymakers: supporting American workers, expanding economic opportunity, protecting children, strengthening national security, and accelerating the infrastructure needed to power AI leadership.\n\nWatch Senator McCormick\u2019s full speech and Q&A here.\n\nSenator McCormick\u2019s remarks below (as prepared):\n\n\u201cThank you, Reihan, and thank you to the Manhattan Institute for hosting me. From George Kelling and James Q. Wilson on broken-windows policing to Ed Glaeser\u2019s insights in City Journal, this institution has helped answer the most pressing questions facing our country. It continues to do so under your great leadership.\n\n\u201cIt is therefore fitting that we meet under the Manhattan Institute\u2019s banner to discuss one of the most consequential questions of our time: how should America navigate the artificial intelligence revolution?\n\n\u201cThe stakes could not be higher, and the answers are not simple. So please bear with me as I lay out a framework for meeting this moment.\n\nTHE MOMENT\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence may be the most transformative development in human history \u2014 bigger than the printing press, larger than the Industrial Revolution, more consequential than the race to the moon.\n\n\u201cIt is rewiring how we work, how we learn, how we fight, and how we live together.\n\n\u201cI am often asked whether I\u2019m optimistic or pessimistic about this change. I am neither.\n\n\u201cIn fact, I am skeptical of both the doomers who predict mass unemployment\u2014and sometimes seem to root against America\u2014and the utopians who promise effortless abundance and resist any guardrails.\n\n\u201cThe AI revolution is happening. Our task is to harness it for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America. Whether we succeed depends on what we do now.\n\n\u201cTo be clear, this moment demands humility. I spend more time on AI than many of my Senate colleagues, yet I still do not understand it as well as I should. No one in elected office is fully prepared. Humility must loom large in our minds.\n\n\u201cBut humility does not mean inaction. America is in an existential race with Communist China for the technologies that will power the future.\n\n\u201cEven amid uncertainty, we must act with clarity, facts, and a sober recognition that we cannot afford to lose.\n\nTHE PROMISES AND RISKS OF AI\n\n\u201cAI is already delivering remarkable benefits: advancing treatments for diseases like pancreatic cancer, making dangerous work safer, and offering a supercomputer to every small business owner and entrepreneur across America.\n\n\u201cIt is also transforming warfare. Today\u2019s battlefields look nothing like what I saw in the Gulf War, when I served in the 82nd Airborne.\n\n\u201cBut the risks of the AI revolution are equally profound.\n\n\u201cI grew up in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, where the Magee carpet mill employed 2,000 people. It was the biggest employer in town, and many of my friends expected to work there, just as their parents did.\n\n\u201cThen globalization came. The mills slashed jobs. Storefronts emptied. And our town suffered.\n\n\u201cThe people I grew up with know what it means to have their future rewritten by big forces beyond their control. Their fear of the AI revolution is rooted in memory.\n\n\u201cWe cannot ignore them. We cannot shrug when workers lose their livelihoods. We cannot dismiss parents\u2019 fears that chatbots will exploit their children. We cannot allow the wealthy to capture all the gains, corporations to steamroll communities, or Communist China to grow stronger on stolen American technology.\n\n\u201cThese are real issues. They demand our urgent attention, and I would like to spend a few minutes on each.\n\nFIVE CONSIDERATIONS\n\n\u201cThe first consideration is the American worker.\n\n\u201cDespite predictions of mass unemployment, early evidence suggests companies investing most heavily in AI are expanding their payrolls. Meanwhile there is so much demand for skilled trades and workers to build energy and AI infrastructure that trade schools can\u2019t keep up.\n\n\u201cStill, AI will eliminate jobs even as it creates others, just as the internet did. Without taking proactive measures, too many workers will be left behind.\n\n\u201cExpanding short-term Pell Grants via the Working Families Tax Cuts was a strong start, but Congress must go further. Employers must also equip workers to thrive alongside AI. We cannot repeat the mistakes of globalization.\n\n\u201cThe second consideration is whether the unprecedented wealth creation of the AI revolution reaches the many or remains with the few.\n\n\u201cCapitalism is history\u2019s greatest engine of prosperity. And few have benefited more or will defend it more strongly than I.\n\n\u201cBut capitalism has a problem: the top 1% owns nearly a third of America\u2019s wealth, up from less than a quarter in 1989, while the bottom half owns just 2.5%. We should expect AI to widen that divide by delivering extraordinary returns to those who own the models, compute, and equity.\n\n\u201cIn response, Bernie Sanders proposes seizing half the industry\u2019s equity. Such a move would cripple the engine of American prosperity. The better answer is to give more Americans an ownership stake in the AI revolution.\n\n\u201cInvest America accounts and school-choice tax credits offer promising models of voluntary investments in fellow Americans, but the scale of this challenge demands more. I challenge serious thinkers\u2014including those at this institution\u2014to help preserve capitalism by increasing access to its benefits.\n\n\u201cThe third question is how we protect our children in the AI age.\n\n\u201cTechnology that exploits a child\u2019s vulnerability or identity has no place in the American marketplace.\n\n\u201cCongress and the Administration should establish national safeguards. We should bar social media for children under sixteen, and we should abolish AI models that groom, sexualize, deceive, or prey on minors. I am proud to support legislation that does just that.\n\n\u201cThe fourth consideration is national security. If Communist China wins the AI race, it will gain military, economic, and technological supremacy. We must out-innovate China while denying it our most advanced tools. Congress should pass my Remote Access Security Act to block Chinese access to advanced chips through the cloud, and the Administration should continue cracking down on IP theft and industrial-scale distillation.\n\n\u201cAt home, innovation\u2014including open-source and open-weight development\u2014must remain the default. President Trump deserves enormous credit for accelerating innovation through the AI action plan. Any regulatory review should be swift and light, except for models posing credible biological, cyber, or nuclear risks, which demand extraordinary scrutiny.\n\n\u201cThe Administration should continue its good work with industry to establish clear standards, potentially through a FINRA-style framework encompassing frontier labs, open-source developers, startups, investors, workers, and users.\n\n\u201cThe fifth and final consideration is whether we will build the infrastructure American AI leadership requires. I want to spend more time here, because it is so contentious and so important, and because Pennsylvania is on the front lines.\n\nDATA CENTERS\n\n\u201cTo win the AI race, we must build more compute. That means more energy to power data centers, more chips to fill them, and more workers to support the boom already underway.\n\n\u201cBuilding at that scale requires permitting reform. Today, $1.5 trillion in infrastructure investment is stuck in permitting limbo. My Unlock American Energy and Jobs Act would unleash that capital and create new construction and jobs.\n\n\u201cHowever, we must also reckon with the growing opposition to data centers on both sides of the aisle.\n\n\u201cTwo weeks ago, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the nation\u2019s first statewide moratorium on hyperscale data centers. Senator Sanders and Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez have proposed a national one. More than 300 local bans have passed, and 74 percent of Pennsylvania voters say they would oppose building an AI data center in their community.\n\n\u201cI understand the concerns. No American should face higher power or water bills or have a hulking facility dropped into his backyard.\n\n\u201cBut the choice is not between a moratorium and a runaway buildout that steamrolls communities. That false choice threatens America\u2019s future.\n\n\u201cOur adversaries understand the stakes. Chinese and Russian outlets warn Americans that data centers will raise bills and drain water even as Beijing cuts power costs for its own AI facilities.\n\n\u201cWhen an adversary urges you to stop building what he is racing to build, pay attention.\n\n\u201cBut in business, when things go wrong, you can\u2019t only point fingers. You must look hard at what you\u2019ve done. And, ladies and gentlemen, the industry has failed that test.\n\n\u201cHyperscalers and developers have bought land through shell companies, arrived at hearings with lawyers instead of answers, and hidden basic details about power, water, and land use. Communities are saying no because industry has not earned their trust.\n\n\u201cThere is a better path.\u201cTo begin with, local officials should learn the risks and opportunities for themselves. A group of Pennsylvania township supervisors recently visited data centers in Loudoun County, Virginia. Most arrived skeptical; nearly all returned more open to them.\n\n\u201cArmed with the facts, communities and companies should strike a covenant built on four pillars.\n\n\u201cFirst, protect ratepayers. Developers should pay for their own power and transmission needs and stop seeking tax abatements and special treatment. The President\u2019s Ratepayer Protection Pledge is a strong start.\n\n\u201cSecond, protect land and water through efficient cooling, responsible siting, and strict compliance with permits. My bipartisan Liquid Cooling for AI Act would promote more energy- and water-efficient standards.\n\n\u201cThird, benefit the community. Hire locally. Buy American. Support local schools and businesses. Invest beyond tax payments.\n\n\u201cFourth, be transparent. Put power, water, land, timelines, and tax treatment on the table early, in plain language, while communities can still shape the agreement. If you want me with you on the landing, include me on the takeoff.\n\n\u201cI have seen this work across Pennsylvania. At Homer City and Shippingport, new gas-fired power plants will power data centers and put a gigawatt each of new power on the grid. Elsewhere, developers such as Blackstone and QTS are engaging neighbors early and investing in infrastructure, workers, and long-term tax-base growth.\n\n\u201cDevelopers who honor this covenant will find willing partners across Pennsylvania and the nation. But local leaders who reflexively reject data centers risk forfeiting incredible opportunities for investment and job creation in their communities.\n\nFREEDOM\u2019S FORGE\n\n\u201cThese are the five big considerations before us today: our jobs, our wealth, our children, our national security, and our infrastructure.\n\n\u201cWe don\u2019t need a comprehensive rulebook for AI in order to address these questions.\n\n\u201cIn fact, it would be a fool\u2019s errand to write one. Too much is changing. Too much remains unknown. Too much is at stake.\n\n\u201cWhat we need, however, is a level of coordination between government and industry that has been sadly missing for some time.\n\n\u201cAmerica has faced existential tests before. In the lead-up to World War II, the federal government set the objective, opened the order books, convened industry, and let builders build. The result was the greatest industrial mobilization in history, with Pennsylvania leading the Arsenal of Democracy.\n\n\u201cGovernment, industry, and workers formed Freedom\u2019s Forge.\n\n\u201cWe need a similar alliance today\u2014uniting federal, state, and local government, business, capital, and labor behind a safer, more prosperous America and holding the builders and beneficiaries of that future accountable.\n\n\u201cWe saw a glimpse of it last year at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, which Dina and I hosted in Pittsburgh. President Trump, Governor Shapiro, and leaders from energy, AI, finance, labor, and our universities announced $92 billion in new investment and tens of thousands of jobs.\n\n\u201cOur task is to build on examples like this. Embrace the future without leaving workers behind, protect our children without freezing innovation, broaden prosperity without abandoning capitalism, and beat China without sacrificing the liberties that distinguish us.\n\n\u201cThis moment demands leadership and alignment across all levels of society. If we meet the AI revolution with humility, clarity, and faith in the American worker, it can usher in the next great American century.\n\n\u201cThe future is up to us. We are the masters of our fate.\n\n\u201cThank you.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-colleagues-introduce-legislation-support-young-farmers", "Thompson, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Young Farmers", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "BELLEFONTE, Pa. \u2013 This week, United States Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) introduced the Young Farmer Success Act. This bipartisan legislation would help America\u2019s young farmers and ranchers manage their student loan debt by making them eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, preserving America\u2019s agriculture economy and easing financial concerns for young farmers.\n\n\"In recent years, the average age of the American farmer has steadily increased, making it imperative to support the next generation in order to secure our food supply. The Young Farmers Success Act will offer incentives to young people entering the agricultural workforce, and invests in our future and national security,\u201d Rep. Thompson said.\n\n\u201cNow more than ever, we need to support the next generation of farmers. The number of small farms nationwide is declining, the average age of American farmers is rising, and the agriculture industry is being hit hard by high costs,\u201d Rep.Courtney said. \u201cFor young farmers entering the profession, student loan debt can hold them back from being able to make needed investments in farming equipment. Farmers keep us fed and take care of our land. That\u2019s true public service that should be recognized with eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Thank you to Congressman Thompson for again partnering with me in this effort to support young farmers and to the strong grassroots advocates, including eastern Connecticut\u2019s Susan Mitchell of Cloverleigh Farm in Columbia, who have been a driving force behind the Young Farmer Success Act.\u201d\n\n\"Investing in the next generation of farmers is essential to sustaining the future of our food security. Only 9% of U.S. farmers are under the age of 35. By giving young farmers access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Young Farmer Success Act, we can provide more young men and women with the opportunity to pursue farming,\" Rep. De La Cruz said.\n\n\"Agriculture is the No. 1 economic engine in Illinois, but we need to make sure the next generation is set up for success,\" Rep. Budzinski said. \"Too many young people who want to farm or work in agriculture are held back by the cost of student loans. That's why this legislation is a commonsense way to help more young people build careers in agriculture, strengthen family farms, and keep our rural communities strong. I'm proud to co-lead this bill and ensure we are investing in the people who will grow our food and keep this industry moving forward.\"\n\n\"As a first-generation farmer, I can relate to the struggles our prospective young farmers and ranchers face when looking to pursue a career in agriculture,\u201d said Tommy Nagle, President of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. \u201cThe USDA's Agriculture Census showed a nationwide average age of 58 years old for producers, with the average age in Pennsylvania being a little bit higher than the national average. Agriculture is the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy, so it is crucial that we support legislation that promotes reducing barriers for younger generations in the industry. We recognize one of the most prominent financial burdens for young farmers and ranchers is their outstanding student loans because the agriculture industry's salaries are not the highest paying, yet their jobs are critical for food and national security. Having a robust agricultural workforce for years to come is imperative because American families depend on our producers to supply their food, fiber, and fuel. For these reasons, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is proud to support the Young Farmer Success Act.\"\n\n\u201cWe applaud Chairman \"GT\" Thompson and Representative Joe Courtney for leading this bipartisan effort to support the next generation of farmers,\u201d said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. \u201cThe Young Farmer Success Act is a commonsense investment in rural America that will help young producers manage the financial challenges of starting and growing a farm. By expanding access to student loan repayment assistance, this legislation strengthens the future of agriculture and helps ensure dedicated farmers can continue producing nutritious food for families here at home and around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cYoung farmers across the country are passionately growing food for their communities and working the land. At the same time, they are struggling to find secure access to land, persisting through increasingly severe climate change impacts, and balancing rising farm input costs, inflation, market disruptions, and student loan debt,\u201d said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, Policy Campaigns Director of National Young Farmers Coalition. \u201cFor many farmers getting started, their student loan debt burden is keeping them from realizing their farming ambitions. National Young Farmers Coalition supports efforts to secure a long overdue update to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that would extend the program's benefits to the next generation of farmers and reduce their financial burden to stay and enter the agriculture workforce.\"\n\n\"The next generation of American family agriculture needs more support now than ever before. As the average age of the family farmer continues to rise, it is crucial that we remove as many barriers as possible to incentivize young producers to stay in the field. We commend Chairman Thompson and Representatives Budzinski, Courtney, and De La Cruz for introducing this bill to provide a pathway of support for the next generation of farmers and ranchers,\" said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union.\n\nRead the full bill text here.", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-introduces-legislation-strengthen-rural-hospitals", "Thompson\u00a0Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Rural Hospitals' Cybersecurity Infrastructure", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, United States Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) introduced the bipartisan Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act to strengthen rural hospitals\u2019 protections against cyber threats.\n\n\"In our complex world, it is imperative that we safeguard sensitive personal information and medical records from cybercriminals,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act aims to protect patient information by helping develop, promote, and expand the rural hospital cybersecurity workforce, particularly through education and training programs tailored to the needs of rural hospitals, such as those in Pennsylvania.\"\n\n\u201cAs a doctor and a patient, I know we must protect hospitals from cyberattacks,\" Rep. Schrier, M.D. said. \u201cRural hospitals in particular often lack the funding and workforce necessary to prevent cyberattacks and some in Washington have already been impacted. This bill will give rural hospitals the tools they need to keep patients safe, protect personal data, and secure medical systems.\"\n\n\"Rural hospitals are often operating with limited staff and resources, yet they're expected to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks,\" Rep. Houchin said. \"When a rural hospital is forced offline, patient care is put at risk. This bipartisan bill is a practical step toward giving rural providers the workforce, training, and tools they need to strengthen their cybersecurity and continue serving their communities.\"\n\n\"For rural hospitals, a cyberattack isn't just a disruption to technology, it can become a disruption to care,\u201d Rep. Tokuda said. \u201cThis legislation helps ensure rural providers can continue delivering lifesaving care by having the resources, training, and workforce support they need to protect patient data, respond to threats, and continue serving their communities.\"\n\n\"Rural hospitals in Indiana's Sixth District are often the only option for Hoosier families who need care close to home,\u201d Rep. Shreve said. \u201cThese hospitals don\u2019t have the resources to hire a cybersecurity team, but they still need to keep their patients\u2019 private information secure. This bill gives them the training and tools they need to do that. I'm glad to join Rep. Houchin on this important legislation.\"\n\n\u201cIn our rapidly changing digital age, cybersecurity threats continue to grow. Rural hospitals and health clinics often lack the resources and personnel to defend against these threats,\u201d Rep. McClellan said. \u201cThe Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act develops a comprehensive workforce training program to protect our rural communities from attacks that could exploit vulnerabilities in our health care system and undermine access to care. I am pleased to work on a bipartisan basis with Congresswoman Houchin to bolster our security measures to help maintain a strong care network.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act is supported by the American Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, National Rural Health Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Alliance for Quality Medical Device Servicing.\n\nThe Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to:\n\nDevelop a comprehensive rural hospital cybersecurity workforce development strategy that considers public-private partnerships, cybersecurity curricula, workforce training, and policy recommendations;\n\nMake instructional materials available to help rural hospitals train staff on fundamental cybersecurity practices; and\n\nProvide annual updates to Congress on the implementation of the strategy and any related workforce development initiatives.", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/12m-federal-funding-secured-support-extension-eastern-pike-county-sewer", "$1.2M in federal funding secured to support the extension of the Eastern Pike County Sewer", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "At a press conference with local officials and community leaders, Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08), announced that he has secured $1.25 million in federal funding for the extension of the Eastern Pike County Sewer, which will extend wastewater service to Matamoras and Milford Boroughs.\n\n\u201cReliable water and wastewater infrastructure isn\u2019t something people think about every day, but it\u2019s one of the most important investments we can make,\u201d said Bresnahan. \u201cAs Pike County continues to grow, our infrastructure must keep up the pace. Today\u2019s federal funding is going exactly where it should, to the people. This investment with improve public infrastructure while creating opportunities for future economic development.\u201d\n\nThe Eastern Pike County Sewer Extension will expand wastewater infrastructure in Matamoras Borough, Milford Borough, and Westfall Township.\n\nRep. Bresnahan was joined by State Representative Jeff Olsommer, Westfall Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Rob Llewellyn, Pike County Commissioner Matt Osterberg, Matamoras Mayor Cory Homer, Paul Fischer with Westfall Township, Frank Tarquinio with Milford Water Authority, and Chris Lordi, Chad Stewart, Kim Pearce, and Mark Spatz with Westfall Municipal Authority.", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/7/fitzpatrick-quigley-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-stop-sweeping-rollback-of-endangered-species-protections", "Fitzpatrick, Quigley Lead Bipartisan Effort to Stop Sweeping Rollback of Endangered Species Protections", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The Safeguarding Endangered Species Act would overturn the Administration\u2019s rule eliminating longstanding protections against habitat destruction that kills or injures imperiled wildlife\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1 and Mike Quigley (D-IL-5), ), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, introduced the Safeguarding Endangered Species Act, bipartisan legislation to nullify the Administration\u2019s recently finalized rule weakening the Endangered Species Act\u2019s protections against destructive habitat loss.\n\nFor more than five decades, the Endangered Species Act has prohibited the unlawful \u201ctake\u201d of threatened and endangered wildlife. Since 1975, federal regulations have recognized that \u201charm\u201d can include significant habitat destruction or degradation that actually kills or injures wildlife by disrupting essential activities such as breeding, feeding, and sheltering.\n\nThe Administration\u2019s final rule rescinds that definition, narrowing how \u201charm\u201d will be interpreted and weakening the law\u2019s ability to address habitat destruction that results in the actual injury or death of threatened and endangered wildlife.\n\nThe Fitzpatrick-Quigley legislation would nullify the rule and preserve the longstanding, science-based principle that protecting an imperiled species requires protecting the habitat essential to its survival and recovery.\n\n\u201cCongress enacted the Endangered Species Act to prevent extinction\u2014not to document it after the damage has already been done,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cFor more than fifty years, our nation\u2019s protections have reflected a basic legal, scientific, and commonsense truth: when habitat destruction actually kills or injures protected wildlife, that destruction is harm. The Administration\u2019s rule would erase that longstanding safeguard through regulatory action and leave vulnerable species exposed at the precise moment the law is intended to protect them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am leading this bipartisan effort to stop that rollback and draw a clear line: no Administration\u2014Republican or Democratic\u2014should be permitted to hollow out a landmark law enacted by Congress,\u201d Fitzpatrick continued. \u201cWe must, and will, act to preserve the full force of the Endangered Species Act, protect the habitats wildlife need to survive, and uphold our responsibility to the generations that will inherit America\u2019s natural legacy.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join Congressman Fitzpatrick in leading the bipartisan Safeguarding Endangered Species Act. This essential legislation will reverse the Trump administration\u2019s recent rule eliminating habitat protections outlined in the 1975 Endangered Species Act,\u201d said Quigley. \u201cAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I\u2019m honored to continue fighting for our wildlife and the endangered species around us.\u201d\n\nSupport for the Legislation\n\n\u201cWe cannot effectively protect vulnerable species without considering one of the top reasons these animals are disappearing\u2014habitat degradation. Yet that is the reality of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\u2019s attempt to abandon a definition of \u2018harm\u2019 that has stood for decades. In a time of increasing biodiversity loss, we should not be intentionally weakening our strongest tool to combat this growing crisis. We urge Congress to pass this bill ensuring safeguards remain in place for wildlife and their habitats,\u201d said Sara Amundson, President, Humane World Action Fund.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no way around it: Taking away an animal\u2019s home or source of food is causing harm. Habitat loss and degradation are the top threats to wildlife,\" said Stephanie Wein, Clean Water & Conservation Advocate for PennEnvironment. \u201cPreventing the Endangered Species Act from protecting a species\u2019 habitat eliminates our most valuable tool to conserve America\u2019s wildlife for generations to come. That betrays the entire reason for having an Endangered Species Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe attempt to strip habitat destruction from the Endangered Species Act\u2019s definition of \u2018harm\u2019 is one of the most reckless rollbacks of wildlife protections in decades,\" said Susan Holmes, Executive Director, Endangered Species Coalition. \"We are grateful to Representatives Fitzpatrick and Quigley for introducing a life-saving correction that restores the law\u2019s longstanding safeguards. When nesting beaches disappear, sea turtles are harmed. When rivers are degraded, sturgeon are harmed. When habitat is destroyed, species like Monarch butterflies, manatees, and countless others are harmed. This bill recognizes that reality and puts endangered species protections back on solid scientific footing.\u201d\n\n\u201cDefenders of Wildlife applauds this quick action by Reps. Fitzpatrick and Quigley to reverse this blatant attack on our nation\u2019s cherished wildlife by the Trump administration,\u201d said Mary Beth Beetham, Director of Legislative Affairs, Defenders of Wildlife. \u201cThis important legislation to overturn the administration\u2019s elimination of habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act rightly recognizes that, to save imperiled wildlife and address the extinction crisis, we must protect the places where they live.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo protect at-risk wildlife, you must protect their homes,\u201d said Oceana Campaign Manager Julia Singer. \u201cFollowing the Trump administration\u2019s attempt to fast-track extinctions by removing protections for habitat that endangered species need to survive, this bill would reverse this horrendous habitat decision. The Endangered Species Act is one of the nation's most effective conservation laws, saving 99% of species under its care. Oceana applauds Representative Fitzpatrick and Representative Quigley for their bipartisan leadership in upholding and defending this landmark law and urges other members of Congress to follow suit.\u201d\n\n\"Save the Manatee Club strongly supports this important bill. Imperiled manatees' greatest long-term threat is habitat loss, particularly loss of warm-water and seagrass habitats that manatees require to survive. Restoring the 40-year-old regulatory definition of 'harm' will ensure that unwarranted and unsustainable habitat destruction will remain prohibited by the Endangered Species Act, consistent with the letter of the law and the drafters' original intent,\u201d said Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist and Certified Public Manager, Executive Director, Save the Manatee Club.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-announces-over-95-million-funding-upgrades-hospitals-across-9th", "Meuser Announces Over $9.5 Million in Funding for Upgrades to Hospitals Across the 9th District", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), announced more than $9.5 million in federal funding for hospital upgrades throughout Pennsylvania\u2019s 9th Congressional District. This funding stems from $193 million the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded to Pennsylvania earlier this year from the Rural Health Transformation Fund created by Congressional Republicans in the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nThe money allocated for this initial group of projects supports technology and infrastructure improvements, upgrades for rural hospitals, emergency medicine, and health care providers.\n\nCongressional Republicans created the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund through the Working Families Tax Cut. This funding, which represents the largest direct federal investment in rural healthcare in American history, will be distributed over the next five years to help states improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities.\n\n\u201cWhen Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, we made an explicit choice to create the Rural Health Transformation Program to confront the challenges unique to rural communities like those in Pennsylvania\u2019s 9th District,\u201d said Congressman Meuser. \u201cThis investment will expand access to quality healthcare across our district and reverse years of decline in rural communities. The Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering historic results for the American people by strengthening rural healthcare, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring that communities across Pennsylvania have access to the quality care they deserve.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Fund is a $50 billion federal grant program that distributes funding to states from 2026-2030 to strengthen health care access across rural America. The funding advances preventive care, expands sustainable access to rural health services, strengthens the health care workforce, promotes innovative value-based care models, and invests in technology to improve care delivery, coordination, and system resilience.\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Fund allocates $9,601,779 in federal support that will flow to 11 hospitals across Pennsylvania\u2019s 9th Congressional District:", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-secures-20-million-grant-penn-state-advances-manufacturing-and", "Thompson Secures $20 Million Grant for Penn State, Advances Manufacturing and Workforce", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, United States Representative Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (PA-15) announced a $20 million National Science Foundation grant for Penn State University to develop new semiconductor and quantum materials.\n\nThe funding will establish a new facility that merges physical automated research tools with artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen domestic technology manufacturing and our workforce.\n\n\u201cI am proud to announce that Penn State will receive $20 million to further develop emerging technologies that will power America\u2019s future,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cPenn State is a world-class institution, leader in research, and this funding will help develop a national model for training the next generation.\u201d\n\n\"Penn State is grateful to Congressman Thompson for his continued leadership and support of the impactful research taking place at Penn State,\u201d said Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Penn State. \u201cThis investment is an encouraging sign that the federal government remains committed to sustained investments in America\u2019s research universities, whose work is essential to preparing our nation for the challenges ahead.\u201d\n\nThe $20 million grant will support the creation of the Layered and Thin Film Technologies with Intelligent Cloud Experimentation (LATTICE) Programmable Cloud Laboratory, which will focus on:\n\nAdvancing materials needed for computing, sensing, and quantum technologies by using AI and cloud technologies.\n\nExpanding access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure for scientists and students across the country, government laboratories, and industry.\n\nProviding hands-on and remote workforce training in semiconductor manufacturing, AI-driven research, and advanced science.", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-secures-1250000-eastern-pike-county-sewer-extension", "Bresnahan Secures $1,250,000 For Eastern Pike County Sewer Extension", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "MATAMORAS, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined local elected officials and community leaders for a press conference announcing $1.25 million in federal funding he secured for the extension of the Eastern Pike County Sewer, which will extend wastewater service to Matamoras and Milford Boroughs.\n\n\u201cReliable water and wastewater infrastructure isn\u2019t something people think about every day, but it\u2019s one of the most important investments we can make,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cAs Pike County continues to grow, our infrastructure must keep up the pace. Today\u2019s federal funding is going exactly where it should, to the people. This investment with improve public infrastructure while creating opportunities for future economic development.\u201d\n\nThe Eastern Pike County Sewer Extension will strengthen economic growth and protect public health by expanding wastewater infrastructure in Matamoras Borough, Milford Borough, and Westfall Township. The project will support existing businesses, encourage new commercial investment, and provide long-term solutions for residential properties with failing septic systems and inadequate wastewater capacity.\n\nRep. Bresnahan was joined by State Representative Jeff Olsommer, Westfall Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Rob Llewellyn, Pike County Commissioner Matt Osterberg, Matamoras Mayor Cory Homer, Paul Fischer with Westfall Township, Frank Tarquinio with Milford Water Authority, and Chris Lordi, Chad Stewart, Kim Pearce, and Mark Spatz with Westfall Municipal Authority.\n\n\u201cI want to thank our local officials and community partners for their leadership and commitment to getting this project across the finish line,\u201d continued Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cI\u2019ll continue fighting to bring federal resources back to Northeastern Pennsylvania for projects that improve our communities and support economic growth.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-moran-introduce-shipbuilding-investment-and-workforce-act-strengthen-us", "Kelly, Moran introduce Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act to strengthen U.S. maritime manufacturing", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) introduced the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act, legislation which aims to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing by encouraging long-term private investment through the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones (MPZs).\n\nThe legislation follows recent plans to build a modern, large-scale shipbuilding project along Erie's bayfront to support the U.S. Navy. A new shipyard in Erie is projected to create 1,000 jobs, plus an additional 2.67 jobs in other parts of the local economy for every shipyard job.\n\nKelly's legislation also supports the Trump administration's goalsto expand commercial shipbuilding capacity in the United States. Currently, the U.S. accounts for less than 1% of global commercial shipbuilding market share while China accounts for more than 53%, according to the 2025 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.\n\n\"Expanding America's shipbuilding production is vital for economic growth and national security. Currently, China, not the United States, has the world's largest maritime fleet. The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act takes a major step toward making America the dominant ship producer in our hemisphere, if not the world,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"Erie's maritime past, its skilled manufacturing workforce, and geographic location make our region a perfect place to construct a new U.S. naval shipyard. I want to thank the Trump administration for their bold vision that made Maritime Prosperity Zones possible.\"\n\n\u201cU.S. strength abroad depends on the revitalization of American shipyards. China embarked on a decades-long strategy to dominate an industry critical to both commerce and national defense. Now is the time for America to compete for the workforce and investments that build ships in the first place,\" said Rep. Moran. \"The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act gives American investment a reason to bet on American shipyards again, and that's how we rebuild an industry China has spent years trying to monopolize.\"\n\nYou can find bill text here and a one-pager here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe establishment of new Maritime Prosperity Zones (MPZs), modeled after President Trump\u2019s highly successful 2017 Opportunity Zones (OZs) initiative, will incentivize and leverage domestic private capital and allied investment in America\u2019s maritime industries and waterfront communities. Rep. Kelly has led OZ legislation in Congress -- both in the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and in the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nThe United States faces gaps in the supply of, and demand for the capabilities and capacity of its maritime industry. Now is a critical time in America\u2019s maritime history, as decades of industrial decline has significantly eroded shipbuilding capacity, the U.S.-flagged fleet, and the health of the maritime industrial base.\n\nEstablishing Maritime Prosperity Zones would incentivize and align new domestic and allied investment in U.S. maritime industries and waterfront communities; address myriad supply and demand issues; and reduce dependence on unreliable suppliers through heightened cooperation with allies and partners.\n\nEarlier this month, Kelly wrote an op-ed in the Erie Times-News highlighting the importance of building a shipyard in Erie. A new shipyard in Erie is projected to create 1,000 jobs, plus an additional 2.67 jobs in other parts of the local economy for every shipyard job.\n\n\"Beyond the shores of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, there is a larger geopolitical puzzle that is coming together. A 2024 analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed China \u2014 not the United States \u2014 now possesses the world\u2019s largest maritime force with 234 warships to the U.S. Navy\u2019s 219. Moreover, a 2025 CSIS report indicates China is quickly evolving from a coastal navy into a \u201cblue-water navy\u201d with ambitions to project its power globally,\" Kelly wrote.\n\nThis week, Kelly also co-led Moran's new legislation, the American Shipyard Investment Act.\n\nWHAT THEY'RE SAYING\n\n\"The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act is about putting America, and cities like Erie, PA back at the center of maritime innovation and production. By creating maritime prosperity zones and unlocking investment in shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, we\u2019re laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and national security,\" said A.J. Lewis, CEO and Founder of SBD, Inc. in Erie, Pa. \"Erie and the broader NW PA region have the properties, capacity, talent, and rich maritime history to lead this resurgence. With strong local leadership aligned through Erie\u2019s Maritime Initiative and buildshipsfaster.com campaign, this effort ensures our community is not just part of the conversation, yet at the forefront of rebuilding America\u2019s maritime strength.\"\n\n\"Shipbuilding is part of Erie's identity and a cornerstone of our future. Erie has the skilled workforce, industrial heritage, and strategic location to help meet our nation's growing shipbuilding needs. By investing in this industry, we're creating family sustaining careers, strengthening our local economy, and positioning Erie County as a key partner in supporting America's maritime readiness,\" said Christina Vogel, Erie County (Pa.) Executive. \"Every investment in shipbuilding supports local businesses, creates opportunities for our residents, and reinforces our nation's maritime strength. We're proud to continue Erie's long tradition of answering the nation's call while building a stronger future for generations to come.\"\n\n\"The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act presents a forward-looking approach to strengthening U.S. shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing by encouraging long-term private investment through the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones. We believe the legislation creates much needed incentives to attract capital, modernize facilities, and support sustained industrial growth,\" said Joshua H. Juel, President and CEO of Chamber of Marine Commerce.\n\n\u201cThe Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act is firm step in the correct direction for revitalizing American shipbuilding. The U.S. Great Lakes maritime industry stands ready to execute with robust shipyards, a strong industrial base, and the workforce needed to compete with foreign shipyards,\u201d stated Jim Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers\u2019 Association.\n\n\u201cSMA applauds introduction of the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act, led by steel champion Rep. Mike Kelly. A revitalized maritime industrial base is critical for U.S. economic prosperity and national security, and policies that expand domestic shipbuilding capacity support the men and women who make steel in America,\" said Brandon Farris, Executive Vice President of the Steel Manufacturers Association. \"This legislation builds on recommendations in the Maritime Action Plan to align federal tax policy with this important goal. Steel manufacturers are ready to supply the steel for the next great chapter in American shipbuilding.\u201d\n\n\u201cAISI thanks Rep. Kelly for his leadership in supporting the revival of American shipbuilding. Creating Maritime Prosperity Zones will help ensure that communities throughout the United States can contribute to rebuilding the supply chains necessary to sustain American shipbuilding. Renewed American shipbuilding will enhance opportunities for domestic steel to continue to support America\u2019s maritime leadership,\" said Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).\n\nOrganizations supporting the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act also include the American Shipbuilders Suppliers Association.", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-fiscal-sponsorship-transparency-act-advances-through-ways-and-means", "Smucker Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act Advances Through Ways and Means Committee", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 Legislation introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, was approved during today\u2019s committee markup.\n\nThe Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act was approved by a vote of 23-15.\n\nRep. Smucker\u2019s legislation cracks down on bad actors who exploit charitable organizations to collect tax-deductible donations without public accountability.\n\nFiscal sponsorship is a longstanding practice that allows established charities to accept tax-deductible donations on behalf of projects or organizations that have not yet obtained their own tax-exempt status. While most fiscal sponsorship arrangements serve legitimate charitable purposes, there are currently no uniform public reporting requirements for these arrangements, making it difficult to identify abuse.\n\nThat lack of transparency has already been exploited. One recent example involved Samidoun, an organization sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for supporting the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Samidoun was able to receive charitable donations through a fiscal sponsorship arrangement while operating under the umbrella of a U.S. tax-exempt organization.\n\nThe Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act would shine a light on these agreements by requiring public disclosure of fiscal sponsorship arrangements, preventing abusive conduit arrangements, and establishing penalties for organizations that improperly funnel charitable donations to non-exempt entities.\n\n\u201cFiscal sponsorship arrangements play an important role in America\u2019s charitable sector, and the vast majority are operated responsibly and in good faith. Congress should strengthen public confidence in these arrangements by ensuring greater transparency and accountability whenever taxpayers provide generous tax benefits for charitable giving. Tax-exempt status is a public trust, and taxpayers deserve confidence that charitable dollars are being administered consistent with charitable purposes,\u201d said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.\n\n\u201cThis bill protects legitimate charities by promoting transparency, reinforcing responsible stewardship, and ensuring that bad actors cannot undermine public confidence in the non-profit sector,\u201d Smucker continued.\n\n\u201cThe fact that tax-exempt organizations can funnel massive sums of money to an untold number of other entities, without disclosing the recipients, creates significant blind spots in our oversight efforts,\u201d said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). \u201cThanks to Representative Smucker\u2019s leadership, we have an opportunity to inject much-needed accountability and transparency into the financial relationships that exist between sponsoring organizations and their projects. I appreciate his advocacy on behalf of American taxpayers as we work to go after bad actors that are hiding behind tax-exempt status.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/mackenzie-applauds-house-passage-stop-insider-trading-act", "Mackenzie Applauds House Passage of Stop Insider Trading Act", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Mackenzie", "M001230", "mackenzie.house.gov", "mackenzie", "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, applauded the passage in the U.S. House this week of bipartisan legislation to crack down on stock trading by members of Congress.\n\nThe Stop Insider Trading Act, of which the Congressman was an original cosponsor, prohibits members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing individual stocks while serving in office. Additionally, the legislation requires advance public disclosure before any sales of covered securities and establishes significant financial penalties for violations.\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress are sent to Washington to serve their constituents, not themselves,\u201d said Congressman Mackenzie. \u201cThe American people deserve confidence that their elected officials are making decisions based on what\u2019s best for their country \u2014 not their own financial interests. The epidemic of lawmakers leveraging insider information for personal profits has degraded trust and accountability, which is why I\u2019ve co-sponsored several pieces of legislation aimed at cracking down on this practice. Much more work remains in the fight to reform Washington, but passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act marks an important step toward providing a government which prioritizes the needs of the American people.\u201d\n\nSince taking office, Congressman Mackenzie has consistently supported efforts to strengthen ethics and increase transparency in Congress. In addition to co-sponsoring the Stop Insider Trading Act, he has also co-sponsored two similar pieces of bipartisan legislation. The Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust (TRUST) in Congress Act requires members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to place certain financial assets into qualified blind trusts. The Restore Trust in Congress Act prohibits Members, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading individual stocks and other covered financial assets while serving in office.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/7/fitzpatrick-statement-on-h-r-9770-and-h-con-res-113", "Fitzpatrick Statement on H.R. 9770, H. Con. Res. 113,  and H. Con. Res. 89", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "End the war. Pay our troops. Fund our government. Oppose any and all pay raises for elected officials. This should be the unequivocal position of every elected official in America.\n\nI will continue to follow the law and will vote to enforce the War Powers Act of 1973, and I will support any clean resolutions following the statutory 60-day time period.\n\nI will vote to continue to pay our troops, provide them with protective and defensive equipment, and ensure that our national defense inventory remains at safe levels.\n\nI will continue to fund our government, oppose any and all government shutdowns, and ensure that all of our federal workers are always paid.\n\nAnd I will always oppose any and all pay raises for elected officials. No exceptions.\n\nEvery single vote that I cast will reflect these basic, incontrovertible truths. And I call on all elected officials to do the same.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-votes-continuing-resolution-keep-government-open", "Kelly Votes for Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Last night, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in support of H.R. 9770, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027, legislation to keep the federal government open through December 4, 2026. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans took responsible action to keep the government open, protect essential services, and provide certainty for the American people,\u201d Rep. Kelly said. \u201cThis straightforward funding extension prevents a costly government shutdown while allowing Congress to continue its work on full-year appropriations bills. The American people expect Congress to govern responsibly, and this legislation delivers stability without partisan poison pills.\u201d\n\nThe legislation removes the threat of a September 30 funding lapse while preserving the House\u2019s progress toward completing all 12 full-year appropriations bills. It maintains funding for essential programs and national security priorities and prevents disruptions to services relied upon by millions of Americans.\n\nH.R. 9770 also continues funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief, wildfire suppression efforts, the National Flood Insurance Program, and other critical priorities.\n\nBy preventing a shutdown, the legislation protects federal workers, contractors, disaster-response operations, and the broader economy from unnecessary disruption and potentially billions of dollars in avoidable costs.\n\nIn 2025, Senate Democrats blocked House GOP-passed continuing resolutions a total of 14 times, which led to a six-week government shutdown.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-votes-fy2027-national-defense-authorization-act-votes-service-member-pay", "Kelly votes for FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act, votes for service member pay raise", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nJuly 22, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a comprehensive package of legislation to support the U.S. military and its service members.\n\n\"President Trump and congressional Republicans have promised to restore greatness to America's military, and this year's NDAA does just that,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"This year's legislation supports pay raises for our service members, reinforces the President's commitment to peace through strength, and ensures our service members will have the tools needed to defend our great nation.\"\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe FY2027 NDAA:\n\nRevitalizes the Defense Industrial Base\n\nThe FY27 NDAA expands U.S. production capacity, unleashes private sector investment, opens the door to new and innovative entrants, reduces needless regulations, and creates thousands of skilled jobs for Americans.\n\nImplements President Trump's Agenda\n\nThe FY27 NDAA carries out the President\u2019s commitment to build a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force by advancing over 65 of his Executive Orders and Legislative Proposals and by fully authorizing his top defense priorities.\n\nImproves Servicemembers' Quality of Life\n\nThe FY27 NDAA supports the President\u2019s request to raise all servicemembers\u2019 pay by 5% to 7% and improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families.\n\nRestores Lethal Capabilities\n\nThe FY27 NDAA rebuilds depleted stockpiles by providing the authorities and resources required to expedite the production and acquisition of munitions and key warfighting capabilities. It accelerates the fielding of game changing technologies like quantum computing, hypersonics, and autonomous systems.\n\nStrengthens American Deterrence\n\nThe FY27 NDAA prioritizes investment in the forces and capabilities needed to maintain a strong U.S. posture. It strengthens nuclear deterrence, expands missile defense, and targets resources and authorities to counter adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.\n\nEliminates Waste, Fraud, and Abuse\n\nThe FY27 NDAA builds on progress made in FY26 to streamline DoW operations and cut nearly $30 billion in wasteful programs. It stands up a new task force and provides new authorities to eliminate fraudulent payments and achieve a full and clean audit within 24 months.\n\nLearn more about the legislation here.\n\nIssues:Veterans & Defense", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-meuser-releases-staff-oversight-and-investigations-subcommittee", "Chairman Meuser Releases Staff Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Report on Fraud and Scams, Holds Fireside Chat with Chairman Hill", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, released a final staff report on financial fraud and scams facing the American public. The report, entitled Fighting Back: A Policy Framework for Combating the Rise of Financial Fraud & Scams, represents the culmination of an exhaustive investigation into the growing threat of financial fraud, convening roundtables with banks, social media firms, telecom companies, the DOJ, FBI, Attorneys General, the Fed, and other federal agencies to discuss the scope of the problem and identify policy solutions to address scams.\n\nThe report outlines the findings of this yearlong investigation, identifies the biggest threats to consumers, highlights emerging strategies and technologies fraudsters are using, and provides recommendations to strengthen protections by improving coordination between law enforcement, regulators, and the private sector.\n\n\u201cFinancial fraud and scams affect everyone. From veterans and small businesses to seniors and young people, everyone is vulnerable to financial fraud and scams,\u201d said Subcommittee Chair Meuser. \u201cAs Chair of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, I\u2019ve made it a top priority to address the threat of financial fraud and scams and provide the public the tools they need to secure their finances. However, as schemes become more elaborate and are increasingly perpetrated by transnational criminal organizations, our committee and other stakeholders must remain vigilant and address threats as they evolve. Over the past several months, I have convened roundtables with stakeholders, including banks, social media firms, telecom companies, the DOJ, FBI, Attorneys General, the Fed, State Department, FTC, and FCC to identify problems and determine solutions. This report highlights the need for an all-of-ecosystem approach to include a coordinated government response. I want to thank Chairman Hill for letting the Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee spearhead this Committee-wide initiative and look forward to advocating for implementation of the report\u2019s recommendations.\u201d\n\n\u201cFinancial fraud is one of the fastest-growing threats facing Americans, costing consumers and financial institutions billions of dollars each year,\u201d said Financial Services Committee Chairman Hill. \u201cAs fraudsters become more sophisticated, we must ensure law enforcement, regulators, and financial institutions have the tools they need to stay ahead of these evolving threats. I thank Subcommittee Chairman Meuser for his leadership on this issue and his work to develop a framework that strengthens fraud prevention, improves coordination among law enforcement, regulators, and the private sector, and better protects Americans\u2019 hard-earned money.\u201d\n\nFollowing the release of the report, Chairman Meuser and Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (AR-02) held a Fireside chat detailing the Subcommittee\u2019s findings and recommendations for combating the rise of financial fraud and scams. The fireside chat was moderated by Leigh Ann Caldwell of Puck News. Watch the fireside chat here.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Scale of the Threat\n\nFinancial fraud is now the largest category of property crime in America by dollar value. In 2025, Americans reported nearly $15.9 billion in losses to fraud and scams \u2014 and because most victims never come forward, the true cost is estimated at roughly $196 billion. An estimated 15 million Americans were scammed last year alone, a 24% increase over 2024. The harm reaches every generation: losses among seniors have quadrupled since 2020, from $600 million to $2.4 billion, with the average senior victim losing roughly $83,000 \u2014 yet younger Americans are twice as likely to be scammed as the elderly.\n\nA Year-Long Investigation\n\nThis report is the culmination of a year-long inquiry led by the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. The Committee convened four hearings across its subcommittees and three roundtables \u2014 bringing industry, law enforcement, and financial regulators to the same table \u2014 to examine how modern scams operate and what it will take to stop them. The same priorities surfaced again and again: stronger consumer education, deliberate friction to slow suspicious transactions, greater cross-industry data sharing, more aggressive prosecution, and a coordinated, cross-agency response.\n\nA Whole-of-Ecosystem Response\n\nThe report documents a fight now underway on every front. Across the private sector, banks, payment networks, social media platforms, and telecom carriers are deploying new detection tools, filtering billions of scam calls and texts, dismantling fraudulent networks, and expanding financial-literacy campaigns. Federal regulators like Secretary Bessent, Vice Chair Bowman, Chairman Ferguson of the FTC, and Chairman Carr of the FCC are answering with sanctions and financial monitoring, reforms to modernize outdated payment rules, oversea call screening, and simpler ways for victims to report. In coordination with international partners, U.S. authorities have disrupted overseas scam compounds and secured arrests abroad.\n\nThe Trump Administration has mobilized the federal government behind the effort. A series of executive orders has moved to close information silos, screen federal payments for fraud, modernize outdated payment systems, and directly target the transnational criminal organizations behind these schemes. Vice President J.D. Vance chairs the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government initiative to root out fraud across federal benefit programs. And the Department of Justice\u2019s Scam Center Strike Force, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, has carried the fight overseas \u2014 dismantling Southeast Asian scam operations and recovering more than $800 million in stolen funds for victims.\n\nYet despite this progress, the threat keeps growing \u2014 the central reason the report calls for a unified, all-of-ecosystem strategy that brings these efforts together.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-advocates-increasing-access-capital-main-street-businesses", "Meuser Advocates for Increasing Access to Capital for Main Street Businesses", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) spoke on the House floor ahead of passage of H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act, legislation that would reduce regulations on community banks to make it easier for these institutions to lend to families and small businesses. The legislation would encourage the creation of new banks by tailoring regulations based on a bank\u2019s size and risk profile to help community banks remain competitive.\n\nThe Main Street Capital Access Act, led by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (AR-02) and Financial Institutions Subcommittee Chairman Andy Barr (KY-06),addresses concerns that current regulations place disproportionate burdens on community banks and credit unions. Despite significant differences in the size of smaller financial institutions, many are still beholden to the same regulations as large financial institutions. This bill seeks to establish a more tailored regulatory framework for community banks and credit unions while preserving the strength of banking sector regulations, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. By establishing new standards designed for community banks, this legislation will allow smaller operations to compete with the country\u2019s largest financial institutions, improving competition in the financial sector.\n\n\u201cTwenty years ago, community banks financed the majority of America\u2019s home loans. Today, it is less than a third. This bill helps reverse that trend; it lowers capital hurdles so new community banks can form and tailors bank regulations so small and mid-size banks are regulated fairly,\u201d said Congressman Meuser. \u201cThese changes will allow community banks and credit unions to extend more mortgages, be more competitive with their small business loans, and improve access to capital for all Americans. This is a housing bill, a small business bill, an affordability bill, and an access to capital bill. This legislation supports community banks and protects Main Streets across the country.\u201d\n\n\"As a former community banker, I've seen firsthand how community banks drive Main Street's growth,\u201d said Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill. \u201cFor decades, Washington has forced these institutions to operate under rules built for the largest, most systemically important banks, stifling local lending and accelerating industry consolidation. This bill fixes that. It spurs the formation of new banks, restores common-sense tailoring to bank regulation, and removes barriers that have limited lending in communities across the country. Expanding access to capital means entrepreneurs can invest, businesses can grow, and families can build wealth. I want to thank Subcommittee Chairman Andy Barr for his partnership on this bill, and I look forward to the Senate taking up this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\"Community banks are at the heart of Kentucky's economy. They finance our small businesses, stand by our farmers, and help hardworking families buy homes, start businesses, and build a better future,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cHouse Republicans are delivering on our commitment to strengthen Main Street by cutting red tape, expanding access to capital, and creating an environment where community banks can thrive. I'm grateful to Chairman French Hill for his leadership, and I'm proud the House is advancing this legislation to support the local financial institutions that keep our communities strong.\"\n\nThe Main Street Capital Access Act will establish a three-year phase-in period for capital requirements, allowing new banks time to grow before meeting full regulatory standards. It will also require regulators to provide clear guidelines for new banks, increasing transparency in the chartering and supervisory process.\n\nThis legislation will streamline reporting requirements for community and regional banks, reduce compliance costs, allow banks more flexibility to focus on lending, and standardize the bank examination process by promoting more consistent supervisory standards.\n\nThe Main Street Capital Access Act passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 270 \u2013 155.\n\nCongressman Meuser spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation. Watch his full remarks here.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404500", "Perry Votes to Stop Congressional Insider Trading", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Scott Perry", "P000605", "perry.house.gov", "perry", "https://perry.house.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA) voted to stop congressional insider trading of stocks. Perry, an original cosponsor of the \u201cStop Insider Trading Act,\u201d has been a longtime advocate for holding Members of Congress accountable for their personal financial transactions, and for the past decade has repeatedly cosponsored bipartisan legislation to stop this unethical practice.\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress need to make decisions for the public good, not their own financial gain. For far too long, too many Members have profited from having inside information,\u201d said Congressman Perry. \u201cThink about it: one vote can impact government contracts worth billions, and a Member of Congress may know how that contract is impacted days before a bill is even drafted. It\u2019s unfair and unethical to use that information to make personal financial decisions. Let\u2019s call it what it is: insider trading.\u201d\n\nThe Stop Insider Trading Act:\n\nbans Members of Congress and their immediate families from purchasing securities issued by a publicly traded company;\n\nrequires Members to file a public notice with the House Clerk / Senate Secretary in advance for any intended stock sale; and\n\nfines violators $2,000 or 10% of the value of the transaction (whichever is greater), and any net gain realized from the transaction.\n\n\"Over the past several congresses, I\u2019ve crossed the aisle to partner on bipartisan bills to end the abuse that enables Members of Congress to buy and sell individual stocks. Has that made me popular amongst my colleagues? No. But I feel strongly that servant leaders shouldn\u2019t have a special pathway to wealth,\u201d said Perry.\n\nScott Perry has never owned stocks. He\u2019s adamant about not having even the slightest perception of impropriety or conflict of interest in how he represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 10th Congressional District.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 12286, "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 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "PA"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 12286, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 12038, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 248, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA", "results": [{"value": "PA", "label": "PA", "count": 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