{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"PA\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-announces-town-hall-residents-chester-county", "REP. COSTELLO ANNOUNCES TOWN HALL FOR RESIDENTS OF CHESTER COUNTY", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "West Chester, PARep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today announced that as part of his public schedule for the upcoming week, he will host a town hall at the Downingtown West High School on Thursday, January 4, 2018. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for check-in. Constituents from Chester County will be given the first opportunity to reserve tickets for the session. Everyone who wants to attend this town hall must registerhereor by calling Rep. Costellos West Chester Office at 610-696-2982 by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2.Confirmation will be issued by Wednesday, January 3.\nDetails:\nWhat:Town Hall with Rep. Ryan Costello\nWhen:Thursday, Jan. 4; doors open at 5:30 p.m. and event will begin at 6:30 p.m.\nWhere:Downingtown West High School Auditorium  \n\t 445 Manor Avenue  \n\t  Downingtown PA 19335", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-ryan-costello-talks-taxes-immigration-and-infrastructure-video", "Congressman Ryan Costello talks taxes, immigration and infrastructure (VIDEO)", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "READING, PA -- U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello talked about the politics and policy of recently passed tax reform, a pathway to citizenship and improving U.S. infrastructure during a meeting Wednesday with the Reading Eagle editorial board.\n\tThe Chester County Republican, who represents part of Berks County, is confident the new tax code will not lead to a deeper deficit. He believes the changes will stimulate enough growth over 10 years to offset the loss of tax dollars in the nation's coffers.\n\tCostello had expected the tax bill, which passed with no Democratic votes, to receive bipartisan support.\n\t\"There are those on the left that will say Republicans never let us in the room,\" Costello said. \"There are those on the right who would say Democrats never made any good-faith effort to engage on tax reform.\n\t\"Three weeks before the tax bill was even introduced, the Democratic Congressional Committee, the super PAC related to (House) Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, was in my district polling, figuring out what the two or three best attacks against the tax bill were, even though the bill had not even been introduced yet.\n\t\"Obviously, the Democrats want to win back the House. I think the Democrats have decided they are not interested in consensus-building.\"\n\tIndividual mandate's demise\n\tCostello said he supported the tax reform law's repeal of the individual mandate - a tax penalty in President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act that sought to force young and healthy Americans to purchase health insurance by imposing a tax penalty for failing to do so.\n\tAbout 80 percent of those who paid the minimum $695 penalty for not having insurance in 2017 earn less than $50,000 a year, Costello said.\n\t\"To me that is a tax on low-income Americans,\" he said Wednesday.\n\tMany Republicans thought the mandate was unconstitutional when the act was enacted.\n\t\"The reason was, you were taxing someone who chose not to purchase something,\" Costello said. \"The Supreme Court held that the reason the mandate was constitutional is because it was a tax.\"\n\tEliminating the mandate doesn't mean you can't purchase insurance, Costello said. It just drops the penalty for not doing so, he said.\n\tThe mandate's supporters say dropping it will drive premiums up, since insurers will lose the revenue once generated by those who now elect not to have coverage and who face no penalty for it.\n\tCHIP's survival\n\tCostello expects the Children's Health Insurance Program - which provides free and low-lost health insurance to 178,000 children in Pennsylvania - to be reauthorized in January for five years. The Pennsylvania CHIP office's website says that without federal funding, it will have to make plans to end the program.\n\tBefore leaving for its Christmas break, Congress passed a $3 billion short-term fix as some states were beginning to halt enrollment in the program.\n\t\"I think there are some politics being played on this,\" Costello said, adding that he believes the Republican funding proposal is a reasonable and responsible way to secure the program over the long term.\n\t\"Democrats in the House disputed the funding mechanism for it,\" he said. \"There is a fund created from the Affordable Care Act intended to be used for something such as CHIP. We were going to pay for it out of that, as well as - if you are a Medicare beneficiary who makes more than $500,000 a year, the premium would have gone up for you approximately $130 a month.\"\n\tBut Democrats expressed worry that the approach would undermine Medicare.\n\tCostello said that he believes Democrats' decision to oppose the House reauthorization plan sunk it.\n\t\"When you get a lot of Democrats in the House voting for something, that is a sign you are going get to Senate Democrats, too,\" he said, but that didn't happen.\n\tAnd the result is not good for anyone, he said.\n\t\"It undermines the authority of our government, when we can't reauthorize things that everybody agrees should be authorized,\" Costello said.\n\tImmigration reform\n\tCongress's ability to resolve the status of undocumented immigrants who came out of the shadows in response to Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program might depend on what the president says, Costello said.\n\t\"I think he has the ability to bring in a lot of conservative Republicans\" who might oppose legislation helping people stay in the only home they have known since childhood unless it's paired with border security, Costello said.\"I think he's a wildcard,\" he said of Trump after noting that including border security might sink a reform bill by losing the votes of liberal Democratic supporters.\n\t\"And then there are people like me, the middle-of-the-roaders,\" Costello said. \"Can we bring in enough votes? And is it a standalone bill or does it get thrown into another bill?\" Costello said that legislation is needed not just because Trump set a March deadline for Obama's program, but because he believes the courts were likely to strike down the DACA program.\n\tCostello is cosponsor of a bill introduced earlier this year, the Recognizing America's Children Act, which would make a program similar to Obama's DACA the law of the land. It would allow children who were brought to the U.S. as minors to move from temporary lawful status to lawful status within five years.\n\t\"It gets rid of that question mark of you lawfully being in the United States,\" Costello said, adding that he understands people being terrified that Congress will not resolve their legal status by March.\n\t\"If it doesn't get done, it is a real failure,\" he said. \"If it does get done permanently and it looks similar to DACA, then we will be better off as a country for years to come because it will have been done constitutionally and legislatively.\"\n\tInfrastructure optimism\n\tAs politically charged as the 2018 election year is expected to be, Costello believes an infrastructure package that includes passenger rail, rural broadband, modernizing the electrical grid, roads, bridges, highways, ports and airports could gain bipartisan support.\n\t\"Every congressional district in the county has at least five of those,\" he said.\n\tSome of the infrastructure projects Costello would like to see in his district include improvements to Route 222; making Route 422 safer from Lebanon through Norristown and beyond; improvements at Philadelphia International Airport and to Interstate 95; and upgrades to existing passenger railways and the power grid.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/muhlenberg-township-veteran-receives-medals-66-years-after-service-marine", "Muhlenberg Township veteran receives medals 66 years after service as Marine", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sixty-six years ago, Earl Swartz, a Marine Corps reservist from Reading called to active duty during the Korean War, returned to Pennsylvania by train from the West Coast, where a troublesome appendix kept him from going overseas.\n\tAfter a year at Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he had waited to be shipped to Asia, he arrived at the train station in Harrisburg in 1951, greeted by his parents and wife-to-be, believing that he had earned medals for his service.\n\tHe never got them.\n\tYears went by and Swartz got married, got a job, bought a house in Muhlenberg Township and raised a family - children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. He told them stories about his time in the military, including the medals that he never received.\n\tBut though the war was long over, Swartz's family was determined to get him the medals that he was due. With help from the staff at U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello's office, they obtained them, then staged a surprise ceremony to give Swartz, now 88, the recognition he had earned decades ago.\n\tOn Wednesday, Swartz was led into Costello's Wyomissing office on the pretense that he had to tend to a health insurance issue. When the doors opened, he was surprised by relatives, several local Marines home on leave and Costello, who awarded Swartz the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal six decades after he served his country.\n\tHow did it feel to finally get his medals?\n\t\"I tell you, don't ask me or I'll start to cry about it,\" Swartz said, holding them after posing for photos with family. \"This is unbelievable.\"\n\tWearing a Marine Corps cap that's part of his casual attire, Swartz climbed out of a son's vehicle and was greeted at Costello's door by two saluting Marines from Recruiting Sub-Station Reading. He returned their salute.\n\tInside, more Marines stood with Swartz's family, and Swartz, short and gregarious, told them stories about his boot camp training at Parris Island, S.C. Costello presented the medals, and afterward Swartz was treated to dinner by his family.\n\t\"He'll talk about this the rest of his life,\" said a son, Stephen Swartz of Muhlenberg Township.\n\tA 1948 graduate of Reading High School, Swartz joined the Marine Corps Reserves while in school, knowing that he could be called to active duty, he said. He, served from October 1950 to October 1951.\n\tOne night at Camp Pendleton, waiting to be sent to Korea, he became sick with dry heaves and went to a military doctor, who diagnosed appendicitis and sent him to a hospital. He spent a week in the hospital, missing his first opportunity to go to Asia. Though his appendix was not removed then, it was once his service ended and he returned to civilian life, he said.\n\tHe missed another opportunity to go to Korea when the military changed its criteria: He didn't have enough time in training to go to war, the Marine Corps decided.\n\tHe's always been proud to be a Marine. Sometimes, when he wears his Marine Corps cap to the grocery store or on other errands, a fellow Marine will greet him, or a civilian will thank him for his service.\n\t\"I think it shows this country isn't all bad,\" Swartz said.\n\tCostello, a Republican who has represented Pennsylvania's 6th District since 2015, has presented long-overdue medals to veterans about 10 times a year and has enjoyed it.\n\t\"In this day, when there's so much divisiveness, any time you can find somebody who reattaches the fiber of patriotism, it's good for us all,\" he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/local-veteran-receives-purple-heart", "Local veteran receives Purple Heart", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) --\nA local veteran who bears the scars of his heroism now proudly wears a different reminder. The Action Cam was in West Chester Wednesday as Congressman Ryan Costello pinned the Purple Heart on Private First Class Justin Radbill. The Army veteran was wounded when his patrol came under attack in Baghdad back in 2003. Despite being struck by shrapnel and suffering significant injuries, PFC Radbill jumped into action, taking aim at the enemy to save his fellow soldiers. Radbill stayed in a turret until every wounded soldier was attended to. Though he earned the Purple Heart 14 years ago, he never formally received it until now.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/costello-lauds-passage-firefighter-grant-legislation", "Costello lauds passage of firefighter grant legislation", "2017-12-26", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "West Chester >> U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6 of West Goshen, applauded House passage of H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act, which passed this week on a bipartisan, unanimous basis.\nThe legislation reauthorizes grant programs for six years, including the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The legislation also provides for better oversight of the grants and training for grant administration.\nThese programs provide critical support for firefighter and emergency response companies. Both of these grants are awarded through a competitive process to career and volunteer fire departments, and both grants are intended to help meet equipment, training, and staffing needs.\nIn Pennsylvanias 6th Congressional District, firefighters and first responders have used these grants for self-loading stretchers for ambulances, coats, portable radios, boots, and gloves, among other resources.\nCommunities in Southeastern Pennsylvania and across the country rely on brave first responders, and firefighters and emergency response officials need the appropriate equipment to safely and effectively do their work, said Costello. I have been proud to support federal grants that help provide vital resources to our local fire departments.\nSince coming to Congress, Costello has signed onto funding requests for the AFG program and the SAFER Grant program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-issues-statement-after-attack-on-police-in-harrisburg", "Barletta Issues Statement After Attack on Police in Harrisburg", "2017-12-23", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HAZLETON  Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) issued the following statement after a gunman attacked Pennsylvania law enforcement officers outside the Statehouse in Harrisburg, PA:\nThe heroic actions of Pennsylvanias law enforcement averted a sure tragedy. I am very proud the swift and effective response from those on the ground who neutralized the suspect before any lives were taken.\nThis demonstrates the immense bravery of Pennsylvania law enforcement. They protect our schools and neighborhoods, keeping all our families safe, while risking their own lives every day. In the face of violence and destruction, we must always back the blue.\nAs a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I will continue to monitor the situation for potential links to terrorism.\nMary Grace and I will continue to pray for the speedy recovery of the officer who was injured, and for the continued safety for Pennsylvanias law enforcement.\nRead more on the attack HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-wishes-all-a-merry-christmas", "Barletta Wishes All a Merry Christmas", "2017-12-23", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HAZLETON  Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) released the following statement:\nMary Grace and I would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas!\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/breaking-fitzpatrick-spend-christmas-day-us-troops-afghanistan", "BREAKING: Fitzpatrick to Spend Christmas Day with U.S. Troops in Afghanistan", "2017-12-23", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AFGHANISTANTen years ago, on Christmas Day 2007, then-FBI Special Agent Brian Fitzpatrick was deployed to Iraq as an Al-Qaeda Interrogator as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A decade later to the day, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) is returning to the region to spend Christmas Day with United States troops serving in Afghanistan, ground zero in the global fight against terrorism.\nFitzpatrick, a member of the House Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees, says the bipartisan trip not only provides an opportunity to thank these brave women and men in our military who will be missing their families on this holiday, but will also serve as an important examination of our counter-terrorism efforts, force posture and threat dynamics in the region.\nAs families across our district enjoy another holidays season safe at home, it is often easy to forget that there are thousands of women and men serving our country in battlefields and barracks across the globe  including combat zones like Afghanistan. We owe a debt of gratitude to these brave servicemembers who stand ready to protect our freedom, even when it means being deployed overseas during this special season,said Fitzpatrick. This trip provides the opportunity to not only say thank you to these heroes, but to speak directly with our troops, military generals and governmental and diplomatic officials about the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and throughout the region. As we enter a new phase in the War on Terror, it is crucial that Congress continue to work with our military and civilian partners to keep our homeland safe and to defeat the threat of terrorism; this mission will play an important part in shaping this strategy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-anti-fentanyl-bill-passes-senate-heads-white-house", "Fitzpatrick Anti-Fentanyl Bill Passes Senate, Heads to White House", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Bipartisan legislation authored by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA) aimed at combating the opioid epidemic passed the Senate Thursday night and now heads to the White House to be signed into law.\nThe International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology (INTERDICT) Act [H.R. 2142] provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The measure passed the House in October by a vote of 412-3. Companion Senate legislation was introduced by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).\nAs communities across my district and across our nation continue to deal with the crisis of opioid abuse and addiction its hard to imagine a synthetic drug up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, said Fitzpatrick. The INTERDICT Act is bipartisan legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) access to the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids before they can cause more harm. I am pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, first in the House and now the Senate, have voted to advance this important measure. I urge the president to quickly sign my INTERDICT Act into law so we can keep this poison off our streets.\nFentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Although pharmaceutical fentanyl can be misused, most fentanyl deaths are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl and illicit versions of chemically similar compounds known as fentanyl analogs. Between 2014 and 2015, deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl rose 72 percent, amounting to 9,500 deaths. The primary source of fentanyl is outside of the United States, in Mexico or China. The drug is smuggled in across the U.S. border or delivered via mail or express consignment couriers. Fentanyl can also be ordered online. Because of its potency, fentanyl typically comes in small amounts, making it more difficult for authorities to detect.\nSpecifically, the INTERDICT Act:\n Ensures that CBP will have additional portable chemical screening devices available at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities, and additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories.\n\tProvides CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities  including scientists available during all operational hours  to interpret screening test results from the field.\n\tAuthorizes  based on CBP guidance  the appropriation of $15 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for support during all operational hours.\n The Senates passage of the legislation comes shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report showing \"Life expectancy declined in the U.S. for the second consecutive year in 2016\" from 78.7 years to 78.6 years. This drop can be partially attributed to the rise in fatal drug overdoses which rose to 63,000 in 2016  two-thirds of those deaths of people between 25 and 54 years old. Pennsylvania has seen a 20.1% jump in drug overdose rates since 2014-2015.\nThe INTERDICT Act was included in the Bipartisan Heroin Task Forces legislative agenda as well as mentioned in the Presidents Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis interim report.\n What Theyre Saying About the INTERDICT Act: \n \n\t\tBucks Co. District Attorney Matt Weintraub: Heroin and other opiates are killing our citizens. When misused or abused, fentanyl is much deadlier than heroin. We must take an all-out approach in stemming the tide of illegal drugs available for abuse. Law enforcement will continue to play a critical role in this battle against the drug scourge and the criminals who peddle this poison. We are grateful to Representatives Fitzpatrick and Tsongas for the introduction of the INTERDICT Act. I am personally aware of Representative Fitzpatricks tireless commitment to his citizens and to empowering law enforcement in its fight against the drug scourge. INTERDICT will give law enforcement many additional tools and resources it needs to detect this deadly drug before traffickers can put it into the stream of commerce. Just as sure as heroin and fentanyl kill; the INTERDICT Act will save lives.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tBeverly Haberle - Executive Director, Council of Southeast Pennsylvania: Addiction is a complicated problem which requires multi-pronged approaches. The introduction of fentanyl increases the death rate associated with opioid overdose.This bill strengthens one important prong in effectively intervening with this devastating problem that affects us all.\n\t\n\tChief Frederick Ryan, Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI) Board of Directors Co-Chair: Now is the time to act. This holiday season too many seats at too many tables are empty due to the unrelenting flow of fentanyl into the United States. We must give our law enforcement personnel the tools necessary to stop this flow. We can do that, in part, by getting the INTERDICT Act to the Presidents desk this year. That is why PAARI strongly supports this important legislation which will give U.S. Customs and Border Protection the additional resources it needs to fight the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States.\n\tRep. Nikki Tsongas (D-MA)  original sponsor: Whenever I meet with local public safety officials, they explain the urgent need for resources and support to combat drugs like fentanyl. The INTERDICT Act responds to the needs of these first responders and recognizes that the 21st century threat of synthetic opioids requires the latest tools to stop them. Providing CBP with more modern equipment and resources will improve their ability to keep these harmful substances out of our country. This bill is a powerful tool for eliminating synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, from the equation. I thank Rep. Fitzpatrick for his partnership and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure this important bill is signed into law.\n\tRep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ)  Bipartisan Heroin Task Force Co-Chair: Across the United States, synthetic opioids are flowing into our neighborhoods and destroying the lives of so many loved ones. Customs and Border Protection is our first line of defense in detecting and intercepting these illicit substances from getting into our county. This bipartisan bill ensures they have the resources needed to protect our streets from powerful drugs like fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Im grateful members of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force and other Representatives from both parties were able to work together and pass this critical legislation.\n\tRep. Annie Kuster (D-NH)  Bipartisan Heroin Task Force Co-Chair: The opioid epidemic that is devastating communities around New Hampshire and across the country requires a comprehensive response that addresses all aspects of this crisis. The INTERDICT Act will help US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reduce the flow of fentanyl and synthetic opioids from outside the country by giving CBP the necessary tools to detect and intercept these dangerous substances.\n\tRep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ)  Bipartisan Heroin Task Force Vice Chair The disease of addiction is a national emergency and we must act fast, remove barriers and help those suffering. Those at the forefront of this fight need resources to protect our communities from powerful synthetic opioids and I am glad this bill passed the House to help keep our neighborhoods safe. This one piece of legislation is a step in the right direction, but we need to do more. We need Congress and the Administration to advance the whole suite of bills supported by our bipartisan task force.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-sends-annual-christmas-message-constituents", "Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents                                           \n              Dec 21, 2017      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n        \n            \n        \n      \n    \n    \n    \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-03) released the enclosed video today as his annual Christmas greeting to the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania.\nRep. Kelly: It is truly the most special time of the year. Now I want to wish all of you and your families the merriest Christmas of all and the happiest of holidays, and thank you so much for allowing me to represent you in Washington, D.C.. So God bless, and merry Christmas to everyone!\nThe full video message can be viewed via YouTube here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398616", "Congressman Perry Opposes Federal Spending Plan", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Scott Perry", "P000605", "perry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Scott Perry opposed the stop gap funding measure, the Continuing Resolution (CR), which would keep the government funded through January 19, 2018, citing deep concerns about the last minute inclusion of certain controversial provisions. The final bill was a conglomeration of bills which incorporated a carte blanche extension of surveillance powers for the National Security Agency (NSA).This is an appalling violation of every Americans Fourth Amendment rights. We must keep the homeland safe, but we cant do it at the expense of our constitutionally guaranteed privacy from the government. You have the right to be secure and the NSA continues to flout that right, with little to no oversight, leaving every American without protection from faceless government bureaucrats, said Perry. Our citizens ought to be outraged that this is happening, especially under the guise of national security. Even worse, this surveillance hasnt been responsible for stopping a single act of terrorism but has caused Americans to sacrifice our liberty in untold ways. This provision should never have been included in this spending package and Im disappointed with the Leadership in both Chambers for refusing to correct it. Perry went on to discuss the need for the Senate to establish a long-term spending plan for the federal government.  As Ive said before, the House has gone through the process of appropriating funds to meet the needs of our military and every other government program through the normal appropriations process. The Senate's actively chosen not to engage in this process and insists on moving the Country from short-term crisis to short-term crisis. Its unacceptable. Ive repeatedly called for the Senate to get to work on either the House proposal or one of their own; I've even gone as far as requesting that both Chambers spend the August District Work Period in Washington to get the job done. The Senate will not budge and its unfair to the American People, said Perry. In September 2017, the House passed the Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, which Perry supported. The bill contained funding for all 12 appropriations bills and was considered through the regular legislative procedure in the House. The Senate failed to take up the proposal for nearly 100 days. Passing a proposal of this nature averts the need to authorize a short-term CR.  The latest CR also included a 5-year reauthorization of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a program Perry has adamantly supported for years. It also funded community health centers for two years, which Perry also supports.  With my support, the House passed a long-term CHIP reauthorization on November 3, 2017, as a standalone proposal - the way it should be done. Once again, the Senate used kids as a bargaining CHIP instead of getting to work on the proposal we sent them almost two months ago. No family should be put in the uncertain position the Senate is leaving them in, said Perry. Early this year, the President also signed a law to ensure the Department of Health and Human Services may shift administrative funds into the CHIP program as a temporary stopgap for states that are running out of money. Pennsylvania isnt expected to run out of funds before February 2018, but Perry said We cant wait any longer. Had this been a standalone proposal, I would have supported it without question. The CR ultimately cleared the House without Perrys support. It passed the Senate late on Thursday. CR must be signed into law to avert a shutdown on December 22, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2077", "Senator Toomey Statement on Keeping the Government Open", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that funds the government through January 19, 2018:\n\"This continuing resolution keeps the government open through the new year while continuing authorization for a vital foreign intelligence program and providing additional funds for national defense needs. The resolution also ensures the Children's Health Insurance Program is funded and available for the immediate future.\n\"That said, it is a terrible shame that the Senate shirks the appropriations process in favor of waiting until the 11th hour, with a potential government shutdown looming overhead, to pass stop-gap measures like these. The Senate could have-and should have-approved essential federal funding through the proper appropriations process months ago.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2079", "In Boost for Residents and Economy, Local Businesses Will Soon Again be Permitted to Travel Through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and U.S. Congressman Tom Marino (R-Pa.) announced today that Congress has passed legislation that will allow local businesses to resume using Route 209 through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in both Monroe County and Pike County. The bill now awaits President Trump's approval.\nIn September 2015, a more than 30 year old exemption expired that had permitted local commercial traffic to travel on Route 209 through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is owned and operated by the National Park Service (NPS). The absence of this exemption left commercial traffic serving the area with limited or no acceptable alternative routes. Senator Toomey and Congressman Marino worked with local stakeholders to re-instate this exemption through September 2021.\n\"Ensuring that local business vehicles are able to travel on Route 209 through Monroe and Pike Counties is essential to providing services to residents and for local economic growth,\" said Senator Toomey. \"Congressman Marino has been a terrific partner in this effort and I certainly appreciate the role of local stakeholders in supporting the re-instatement of this exemption.\"\n\"When a stretch of Route 209 closed to commercial vehicles in Pike and Monroe Counties, many of my constituents were left in a state of uncertainty, said Congressman Marino. \"Business owners were fearful of having to close their doors and with jobs being threatened, homeowners were trying to figure out how to keep food on the table. When the House passed my bill to reopen this stretch of Route 209 last January, I was optimistic that we would see it clear the Senate by years end. Today I am happy to see that after much hard work we are sending this bill to the President's desk. I would like to thank Senator Toomey for working closely with me and being such a strong advocate for its passage in the Senate. I would also like to thank all of the local stakeholders who helped shape this bill. I am confident that this bill will provide the much needed relief to this area the residents have been waiting for.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-secures-major-disaster-recovery-reform", "Barletta Secures Major Disaster Recovery Reform", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4667, which makes further supplemental appropriations for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as wildfire damage in the 2017 calendar year, by a bipartisan vote of 251 to 169. Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of this legislation, which includes $81 billion in disaster funding for the historic storms striking Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico earlier this year.\nBarletta was able to secure major reforms in the bill to improve how America approaches and recovers from future disasters. Language from his bill, H.R. 4460, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, was incorporated into the package that ultimately passed the House. The language marks one of the largest overhauls to disaster mitigation in generations. \nIn 2017, eight percent of the U.S. population was affected by at least one disaster, Barletta said. This startling statistic highlights the importance of investing in mitigation techniques before catastrophe strikes. Studies have repeatedly shown that for every $1 invested on the front end, we can save between $4 and $8 on the back end in avoided disaster recovery costs. My bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, would allow the U.S. to realize those savings by revolutionizing how we approach disaster spending. We will now place a premium on saving lives and taxpayer dollars by investing in resilient infrastructure on the front end to protect our neighborhoods, schools, religious institutions, and businesses. \nWhether it was fighting for flood recovery funding for my district in 2011, or fighting for major reforms to disaster spending as chairman of the transportation subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA, I have been on the front lines of our nations disaster response and recovery process, and recognize serious improvements are needed. I envision a much brighter future for our communities with the passage of this bill, and will continue to work to improve our nations disaster recovery response.\nIn 2017, more than 4.7 million Americans registered for disaster aid, requiring over $50 billion in additional federal disaster recovery funding. Barlettas bill seeks to find a new structure to the disaster relief system by ensuring dollars go towards mitigation investment before and immediately after disaster strikes, which will save taxpayer dollars, and most importantly, lives.\nBarlettas language makes critical reforms to FEMAs disaster response and recovery programs that will help our communities better prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disasters of all kinds. \nIn particular, the language increases the federal emphasis on pre-disaster planning and mitigation, which will reduce the future loss of life and the rising costs of disasters throughout America. Furthermore, the language incentivizes building and rebuilding better and smarter to facilitate speedy recovery efforts whenever and wherever disaster does strike.\nMitigation can encompass a wide variety of activities, including proactive preparation and planning, elevating or moving structures prone to flooding, and hardening structures to mitigate effects of hurricanes or earthquakes.\nMore information about Barlettas Disaster Recovery Reform Act can be found online HERE and HERE. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-supports-legislation-to-keep-government-open", "Barletta Supports Legislation to Keep Government Open", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a package (House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1370) to keep the government open through January 19, 2018. Federal programs would be funded at current levels, but additional funding would be provided for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Veterans Choice Program. The measure also temporarily extends government surveillance programs. Rep. Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of this legislation, which passed by a vote of 231 to 188. \nCongress has a responsibility to ensure our government remains open, Barletta said following the vote. Despite historic obstruction, we followed through on our responsibility to the American people to keep the lights on and fund national defense, critical health care programs for our children and communities, and anti-terror programs. When we return next year, I hope, and expect, the Senators who have stood on a platform of obstruction to return with a new years resolution which stands behind the American people. Blindly fighting President Trump because of personal vendettas does nothing for our constituents. No matter who is in the White House, I will always work past personalities for my constituents.\nSpecifically, the measure would provide $4.49 billion in emergency funding requested by the president on November 6, 2018, for missile defense and defeat enhancements primarily targeting North Korea. The emergency funding would also include $673.5 million to cover the cost of repairing damage to two Navy ships, USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald.\nThe bill would also provide $2.85 billion for CHIP since funding for the program expired on September 30, 2017. In early November, House Republicans passed a bill to provide five years of funding for CHIP, but Senate Democrats refused to take up the measure, leaving millions of American children, including 290,000 in Pennsylvania, vulnerable to funding shortfalls. Community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, theSpecial Diabetes Program, and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians also receive additional funding to ensure continued operation. \nFinally, the legislation would provide $2.1 billion in mandatory funding to extend the Veterans Choice Program, which allows eligible veterans to seek medical services outside of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department. Veterans can qualify for outside care if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility, have to wait more than 30 days for an appointment, or cant travel to the nearest facility without a travel burden.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-reauthorize-chip-now", "Fitzpatrick: Reauthorize CHIP Now", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) took to the House floor Thursday and urged Congress to take action to extend federal funding of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP).\nFitzpatricks complete remarks are below. You can watch or download HERE.\nMr. Speaker, I rise this morning to once again implore this Congress to take bipartisan action to extend federal funding of the Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.\nIn my home state of Pennsylvania, more than 176,000 children have gained access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage through CHIP - providing them with age appropriate medical and developmental care. Since the program became law, the percentage of uninsured children nationwide has decreased by more than half, from 13.9 percent in 1997 to 6.6 percent in 2016. As a result of its reliability and effectiveness, CHIP has consistently enjoyed strong bipartisan support.\nIn September, I joined a bipartisan group from across Pennsylvania in urging leaders of both parties to take action to ensure that children have access to high-quality health insurance coverage during their formative years  a move we know yields an abundance of positive outcomes: fewer hospitalizations, increased earning power and better health outcomes as an adult.\nWhile this chamber has already taken action  passing legislation last month to fund CHIP  the Senate has yet to act. \nIt is crucial we provide certainty and security for children, parents, and providers and move to sign into law CHIP extension legislation as soon as possible.\nThe time is now to act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/another-day-another-delay-house-votes-another-short-term-government", "Another Day, Another Delay: House Votes for Another Short-term Government Funding Bill", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today I supported the short-term government funding bill, and I am glad to see the Childrens Health Insurance Program extended into the coming year, said Congressman Rothfus. However, continuing resolutions  like the bill we passed today  disenfranchise voters and deprive their representatives the ability to make tough choices about our spending priorities and make necessary changes to important government programs. For example, earlier this year the House passed a much needed military appropriations package that sufficiently provides military resources vital to improving and restoring the readiness of our Armed Forces. By not passing the Houses militarys spending package, the Senate continues to fail our brave men and women in uniform.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2075", "Toomey, Casey Applaud Nomination of Three Candidates to U.S. District Courts of Pennsylvania", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Following the announcement of President Trump's intent to nominate Judge Susan P. Baxter and Judge Marilyn J. Horan to the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Judge Chad Kenney to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released the following statements:\n\"I am pleased that President Trump will nominate Judge Susan P. Baxter, Judge Marilyn J. Horan, and Judge Chad Kenney to serve on the federal district court in Pennsylvania,\" said Senator Toomey. \"Along with a wealth of legal experience from their work in both the public and private sectors, these nominees possess the acumen needed to excel as federal judges. Today's announcement is especially welcome news for Erie, as Judge Baxter will finally fill the city's judicial seat, which has been vacant for far too long.\"\n\"I applaud the White House for announcing the nominations of Judges Baxter, Horan and Kenney for the federal bench in Pennsylvania,\" said Senator Casey. \"These are critically important federal seats that have been vacant for far too long, and I am thankful that these three distinguished jurists are willing to serve the people of Pennsylvania in a new role. Judges Horan and Kenney are highly experienced legal professionals, and I am confident that they will continue to serve as District Judges with the fairness and honor these positions require. I am also particularly pleased to hear that Judge Baxter has been nominated to the Western District seat in Erie that has been vacant since 2013. In her two decades as a Federal Magistrate Judge, Susan Baxter has demonstrated an admirable commitment to justice, integrity and public service, a record and reputation that will serve her well as she is elevated to become a Federal District Judge.\" Since Senator Toomey joined the Senate in 2011, Senators Toomey and Casey have worked together, in a bipartisan fashion, to fill vacancies on the federal bench in Pennsylvania. Together, they have vetted, recommended, and confirmed 14 Federal District Court Judges and two Circuit Court Judges for Pennsylvania. Only two states - California and New York - have had more judges confirmed to their federal benches during this time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2076", "Senator Toomey Statement on Keeping the Government Open", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that funds the government through January 19, 2018:\n\"This continuing resolution keeps the government open through the new year while continuing authorization for a vital foreign intelligence program and providing additional funds for national defense needs. The resolution also ensures the Children's Health Insurance Program is funded and available for the immediate future.\n\"That said, it is a terrible shame that the Senate shirks the appropriations process in favor of waiting until the 11th hour, with a potential government shutdown looming overhead, to pass stop-gap measures like these. The Senate could have-and should have-approved essential federal funding through the proper appropriations process months ago.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-continues-to-push-rare-earth-element-opportunities-for", "Barletta Continues to Push Rare Earth Element Opportunities for Pennsylvania", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order to boost production of domestically sourced critical minerals. This announcement comes after the Department of Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey released a report yesterday which found that in 2016, the U.S. was partially or fully reliant on imports for 23 mineral commodities. The report states that the U.S. is most reliant on China, where at least 20 critical minerals are exclusively sourced to the nation. \nI am very excited with the presidents executive order to boost our domestic production of critical minerals, Barletta said in response to the presidents announcement. I have been actively working to promote extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) right here at home, and earlier this year, helped secure grant funding for a pilot program to extract REEsfrom anthracite coal mined in Northeastern PA. My hope is that the Department of Interior will include REEs as critical minerals so we can stop relying on the Chinese for these vital elements that are in everything from cell phones to the weapons used by our troops. Domestic production of REEs will strengthen national security and bring good paying jobs and economic growth to Pennsylvania, and I hope the administration will take a seriously look at including them in the scope of this executive order.\nBarletta has been a strong proponent of REE development in Pennsylvania. On January 17, 2017, Barletta sent a letter to then Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, in support of an application jointly submitted by Penn State University, Texas Mineral Resources Corporation, and Indenture Renewables/K Technologies to receive financial assistance through the Department of Energys (DOE) Production of Salable Rare Earth Element Materials from Coal and Coal By-Products funding opportunity. Following the letter, DOE awarded the $1 million grant to the consortium. In September, Barletta brought Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry, to see the important work happening at the REE extraction site in Ebervale, PA.\nRead the USGS survey HERE\nRead the executive order HERE \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-backed-anti-harassment-language-included-tax-measure", "Fitzpatrick-Backed Anti-Harassment Language Included in Tax Measure", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Historic tax reform legislation passed by the House and Senate this week includes language advocated for by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) to prohibit the deductibility of legal settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment as business expenses. The measure mirrors H.R. 4495, the Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act (STOP Act), which Fitzpatrick originally sponsored.\nWhether its Hollywood, Congress or a corporate boardroom, there is no place for sexual abuse or harassment in the workplace. Just as Im committed to protecting taxpayer dollars from being misused in Washington to cover up sexual misconduct allegations, Im also committed to preventing private sector businesses from using tax breaks to sweep these heinous acts under the rug, said Fitzpatrick at the time. This Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title.\nUnder previous tax law, companies could deduct as ordinary and necessary business expenses any legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. In allowing businesses to write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct. The language included in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act would prohibit deduction of these expenses in cases where the allegations are public or in cases involving a non-disclosure agreement.\nFitzpatrick has been a leader on efforts to end the culture of corruption in D.C., including:\n Cosponsoring the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act [HR 4494] - bipartisan legislation seeks to prevent sexual harassment/assault within the Congress, empower survivors, and eliminate the congressional hush fund that is currently being used to settle such claims with taxpayer money. To those ends, this legislation will:\n\t\tprohibit the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims;\n\t\t\tdisclose all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed);\n\t\t\trequire perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest;\n\t\t\tprohibit nondisclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims; and\n\t\t\tpermit victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed nondisclosure agreement.\n\t\t\n\tLeading a bipartisan letter from the Freshman class to the Ethics Committee calling for a complete investigation into the misuse of taxpayer dollars for sexual misconduct settlements, including releasing the names of those members involved. Read the letter HERE\n\tCalling for an Ethics investigation into Congressional Sexual Assault Settlements\n\tCosponsoring theME TOO Congress Act[H.R. 4396]  legislation which would set definitive criteria to address sexual harassment in all national legislative branch offices.The bipartisan bill would reform theCongressional Accountability Act of 1995procedures for investigating and resolving allegations that legislative branch employing offices violated the rights and protections provided to their employees, including protections against sexual harassment. The bill would ensure that such protected rights are extended to interns, fellows and whistleblowers in Congress.\n\tCosponsoring the CongressionalEducation About Sexual Harassment Eradication Resolution [H.Res. 604] legislation that would require Members of the House, congressional staff, and other employees of the House to complete sexual harassment prevention and response training every year, and then file a certification of completion with the House Committee on Ethics.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=879", "House Passes Historic Tax Reform", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Bill Shuster", "S001154", "shuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The House of Representatives voted 227-203 to pass the conference report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. U.S. Representative Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) voted in favor.  For too long, a complicated and broken tax code has held back American workers and families. That changes today, said Congressman Bill Shuster. Thanks to President Trumps leadership, middle-class America will notice immediate relief next year, and a modernized rate for American businesses will increase stagnant wages for American workers and create jobs nationwide.  When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) becomes law, Americans at every income level will see tax relief. The Tax Foundation found in its analysis of the TCJA a reduction in tax liability in 2018 for every scenario we estimated, with some of the largest changes in after-tax income accruing to moderate-income families with children.  A typical family of four with the median household income will see a tax cut of more than $2,000, nearly a 58 percent reduction in their tax bill. A single parent with one child, earning $41,000 a year will see a tax cut of more than $1,300, a reduction of nearly 73 percent in their tax burden.  The 47,750 taxpayers in Pennsylvanias 9th Congressional District who claim the child tax credit will see the credits doubled, from $1,000 to $2,000, with $1,400 being refundable.  Currently, more than 55,000 taxpayers in the 9th Congressional District itemize their taxes. Under the TCJA, many taxpayers will have their annual taxes simplified to postcard filing, as a result of the nearly doubling the standard deduction, from $6,500 to $12,000 for individuals, and from $13,000 to $24,000 for married couples.  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce found the TCJA will create 975,000 jobs nationwide and nearly 40,000 jobs in Pennsylvania.  A summary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found here, and the bill text can be found here.  The Senate will be voting on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act later this evening.  # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-votes-for-historic-tax-reform", "Barletta Votes for Historic Tax Reform", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Its been 31 years since the last significant reform to the U.S. tax code was undertaken. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the conference committee report on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, by a vote of 227 to 203, cementing a once in a generation win for the American people. Barletta voted in favor of the legislation. \nToday Congress gave millions of American families a renewed and revitalized shot at prosperity, Barletta said. For a generation, Americans have seen good paying jobs leave our shores and their wages stagnate, while the government continued to take more and more money out of their paychecks. Washington forgot the American family and worker. Instead of fighting for Americans, Washington has been fighting to fill the coffers of faceless, nameless bureaucrats. Today, we made clear to Washington the old way of doing business is over. This is a new era of American prosperity. The plan will bring higher wages, create more employment opportunities, and deliver a tax cut to every income group. This tax plan is a much needed Christmas gift every American family. I am very excited to have been part of such a historic event. \nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides significant relief for the workers and middle income families of Pennsylvania by simplifying and lowering rates for individuals, making America the global jobs magnate, and cutting red tape and taxes on small businesses, the backbone of our countrys economy. According to estimates provided by the Tax Foundation, this legislation will lead to a 1.7 percent increase in GDP over the long term, 1.5 percent higher wages, and an additional 339,000 full-time equivalent jobs.\nSpecifically, this legislation provides significant relief to American families by doubling the standard deduction to $12,000 for single filers, and $24,000 for joint filers. The expansion of the standard deduction will dramatically lower the tax liability for the average American taxpayer. This is a significant change for the Commonwealth as 70.8 percent of Pennsylvanians use the standard deduction. \nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act maintains seven income brackets; however, it reduces rates and allows Americans to take home more of their paychecks. Estimates have shown this structured reduction for all income groups will provide the average family of four with an income of $73,000 a tax cut of $2,059. The State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT), which is most commonly used by those with an income of more than $100,000, will be capped at $10,000. \nFurthermore, this legislation provides much needed support for families and single parents by increasing the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, and increasing the refundable portion from $1,000 to $1,400. It also includes a $500 non-refundable credit for those individuals taking care of a sick grandparent or disabled adult. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also preserves the medical expense deduction. \nBarletta pushed for multiple preservations of certain deductions many Pennsylvanians rely on, which were maintained by the conference committee. These signed letters included calls to preserve the $2,500 student loan interest deduction, the tax exempt status for graduate tuition waivers, the full repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax, and tax preferred status of private activity bonds. \nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reforms certain education related tax provisions. The bill will streamline and enhance the American Opportunity Tax Credit, providing individuals with a tax credit of up to $2,500 for tuition and expenses. In addition, this legislation makes targeted changes to preserve and enhance the 529 Education Contribution Accounts to help families afford rising school costs by expanding the coverage of up to $10,000 for qualified elementary and high school expenses and allowing contributions to be used for apprenticeship programs. \nFinally, the bill addresses the United States uncompetitive corporate tax rate, the highest in the developed world, and shifts to a territorial tax system. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers the corporate rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, which will eliminate an Obama Administration policy that rewards companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-statement-supporting-tax-relief-middle-income", "Rep. Costello Statement on Supporting Tax Relief for Middle Income Pennsylvanians", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today issued the following statement regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\nAmerican workers are the lynchpin of a healthy economy. Employers provide the capital and take the risk to create value in services and products. Families are the backbone of our society. For all of them, we need an economy that invests in people and rewards hard work. To start, and to be clear, this tax bill cuts taxes for low income Americans, and it does so by doubling the standard deduction. Middle income families will benefit from lower rates and doubling the child tax credit to name just a few policies. And for those itemizing on their tax return, up to $10,000 is still able to be deducted from property and income taxes, along with the mortgage interest deduction; when you combine this with lower income tax brackets and higher income thresholds, the overwhelming majority of my constituents will get a tax cut. This means hard earned money back in your wallet to be saved, invested, and spent at businesses in Southeastern Pennsylvania. I believe hardworking taxpayers deserve a tax cut and that is why Im proud to support this tax relief bill.\nOn the business side, small businesses will have more capital to invest  in their workers  through higher wages and with more job creation  and in their equipment and machinery, which will also have a positive economic impact. This bill will create jobs. And a tighter labor market means companies compete for workers and wages rise. We are losing jobs and investment to other countries. Today, the U.S. corporate tax rate remains at 35 percent while the worldwide average corporate tax rate is 22.5 percent. Did you know that the average rate among U.S. trading partners, the vast majority of which have converted to territorial tax systems, is 24.6 percent? This tax bill makes us competitive for future investment and growth in the global economy.\nThere are so many myths that persist, and I would like to clear up a few of them. The teacher supplies deduction remains. The child tax credit has been expanded. The charitable deduction continues and expands. We have maintained the earned income tax credit. We have improved savings accounts for education. Tuition waivers for graduate students will remain untaxed. We have preserved the medical expense deduction and even expanded it for two years. We have lowered individual tax rates across the board to zero, ten, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37 percent respectively, which benefits all Americans. A typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. The average single mom in America makes around $41,000. Under this legislation, she will receive a tax cut of over $1,300.\nI have listened to everyone. Everyone who has called, emailed, and written. Ive heard from families, and Ive spent time with small business owners, who have told me over and over that this will put more money back in the pockets of their workers, stimulate more jobs, and help them improve and grow their businesses. My voice and my vote reflects what my constituents need and feel  more money in their paychecks, a healthier economy that helps everyone, and better positioning for American companies to grow and compete in the global economy. This bill will lift wages, create jobs, and enhance economic growth. And that is why Ive decided to vote yes on the tax bill.\nVideo is available here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dent.house.gov/2017/12/dent-tax-reform-will-benefit-the-people-of-the-15th-district", "Dent: \"Tax Reform Will Benefit the People of the 15th District\"", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Charlie Dent", "D000604", "dent.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) voted for the first major rewrite of the Federal Tax code in 31 years.\r\nThis legislation provides much needed tax relief for millions of American families and will make American businesses, large and small, more competitive so that they can grow and create more jobs in the United States, said Dent.\r\nDent cited a key provision in the reform bill and its impact on his constituents as a major factor in his decision. Tax data show that nearly 70 percent of the taxpayers in the 15th Congressional district of Pennsylvania do not itemize on their federal tax returns. That makes the near doubling of the standard deduction ($12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples), tied to lower income tax rates, a great benefit to the overwhelming majority of them, noted Dent.\r\nUnder this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. He also applauded the doubling of the Child Tax Credit and the provision that raised the fully refundable portion of the credit to $1,400.\r\nRepresentative Dent also pointed to the business tax provisions in the bill and the benefits that would accrue to Americans workers and business owners.\r\nThis bill provides the key element necessary for economic growth and for curtailing corporate inversions  a competitive, stable corporate tax rate, said Dent. Our previous corporate tax rate of 35% was not competitive and it resulted in the creation of tens of thousands of pages of loopholes used by companies to reduce their effective rate, he said. Id rather see American businesses invest their time and capital in Research and Development, new equipment, new factories and hiring American workers and not on tax attorneys and compliance costs, he observed.\r\nFor these reasons, I support this important legislation and look forward to the Senates prompt approval and the Presidents signature, Dent concluded.\r\nPolicy Highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) include:\r\n \r\nLowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%.\r\nIncreases the standard deduction to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively.\r\nExpands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000.\r\nPreserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.\r\nPreserves the mortgage interest deduction for homes up to $750,000.\r\nLowers the corporate tax rate to 21% beginning January 1, 2018.\r\nModernizes our international tax system.\r\n \r\n###\r\nCONTACT: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fitzpatrick-s-bipartisan-ukraine-cybersecurity-bill-advances-full-house", "Fitzpatricks bipartisan Ukraine cybersecurity bill advances to full House vote", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) that supports cybersecurity cooperation between the United States and the Ukraine on Dec. 14 unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee.\nThe bill, which has 25 cosponsors, awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives.\nCybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation, Fitzpatrick said, and the United States must play an important role in this fight.\nThe Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, H.R. 1997, was introduced Apr. 6 by U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) and Fitzpatrick following an increased number of cyberattacks in the country.\nFor years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyberattacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society, said Fitzpatrick, who serves on the Congressional Ukraine Caucus.\nIn December 2015, for example, cyberattacks resulted in unscheduled power outages at Ukrainian power companies that impacted many customers across the country. And during the 2014 presidential election in the Ukraine a failed cyberattack attempted to disrupt the countrys election system software.\nThe United States, which established diplomatic relations with the country in 1992, subsequently sent interagency teams to the Ukraine to check the countrys infrastructure safety and to help with investigations. Since that time, both countries have cooperated on mitigating future attacks.\nStanding strong with our time-tested allies in freedoms cause is libertys best defense, Fitzpatrick said.\nBy not adequately responding and adapting to these cyberthreats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally, as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself, he added.\nSpecifically, H.R. 1997 encourages U.S.-Ukraine cybersecurity information sharing and would require the U.S. State Department to report to Congress on the two nations cyber cooperation and cyberattack prevention strategies.\nThe State Department also would help the Ukraine reduce its reliance on Russian technology; increase advanced security protections for its government computers; build capacity; and cooperate in international response efforts.\nHelping Ukraine buttress its cyber defenses will also help the United States in developing new and more effective technologies and strategies in dealing with cybersecurity on the modern battlefield, said Rep. Boyle.\nOur cooperation towards this goal will send a strong, important signal of Western support for Ukraine at a time when it is literally fighting to protect its democratic identity from [Russian leader] Putin, Boyle added.\nAdditionally, the bill reiterates that the United States would continue to provide financial, economic and technical assistance to help the countrys government make progress on reforms and anticorruption initiatives, according to text of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-statement-tax-reform-1", "Fitzpatrick Statement on Tax Reform", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Small Business Committee, released the following statement Tuesday regarding the passage of historic tax reform legislation:\nA 21st century economy requires a 21st century tax code, making tax reform a crucial part of any pro-growth governing strategy. With todays vote, our nation has taken a historic step to invest in American families and support American businesses and workers. More than just allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, this legislation maintains important parts of existing policy like deductions for student loan interest payments, strengthens and expands provisions like the Child Tax Credit, and takes new action to increase economic competitiveness at home and abroad. While this is an important piece of the puzzle, we cannot stop here. It is time Democrats and Republicans work together to take meaningful action on a wide range of priorities, from infrastructure to ending the culture of corruption in Washington.\n POLICY HIGHLIGHTS: \n For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: \n \n\t\tLowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSignificantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes  from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively\n\t\n\tContinues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes  up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income  or sales  taxes to best fit their unique circumstances\n\tTakes action to support more American families by:\n\t\tExpanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for families making over $400,000. Parents must provide a childs valid Social Security Number in order to receive this credit\n\t\t\tPreserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support.\n\t\t\tPreserving the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child.\n\t\t\n\tPreserves the mortgage interest deduction  providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners.\n\t\tFor all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction.\n\t\t\tFor homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000.\n\t\t\n\tProvides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10 percent beginning in 2019.\n\tContinues and expands the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization\n\tContinues student loan interest deduction (**Fitzpatrick joined letter supporting continuation of deduction**)\n\tContinues Lifetime Learning Credit (**Fitzpatrick joined letter supporting continuation of deduction**)\n\tMaintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves.\n\tImproves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education.\n\tProvides support for graduate loans by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. (**Fitzpatrick joined letter supporting continuation of exemption**)\n\tRetains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future.\n\tIncreases the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to reduce the complexity and tax burden for millions of Americans.\n\tProvides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation.\n  For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: \n \n\t\tLowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018)  down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world  the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nations history.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tDelivers significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by:\n\t\tOffering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. For Main Street job creators with income above this level, the bill generally provides a deduction for up to 20% on business profits  reducing their effective marginal tax rate to no more than 29.6%.\n\t\t\tEstablishing strong safeguards so that wage income does not receive the lower marginal effective tax rates on business income  helping to ensure that Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.\n\t\t\n\tAllows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers  unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks.\n\tProtects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans, helping these Main Street entrepreneurs start or expand a business, hire workers, and increase paychecks.\n\tPreserves important elements of the existing business tax system, including\n\t\tRetaining the low-income housing tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals, and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home.\n\t\t\tPreserving the Research & Development Tax Credit that encourages our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services.\n\t\t\tRetaining the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds that are used to finance valuable infrastructure projects.\n\t\t\n\tEliminates the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, thereby lowering taxes and eliminating confusion and uncertainty so American job creators can focus on growing their business and hiring more workers, rather than on burdensome paperwork.\n\tContinues the successful Federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) with slight modifications (**Fitzpatrick joined letter supporting continuation of this credit**)\n\tModernizes our international tax system so Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators.\n\tMakes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities.\n\tPrevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-votes-final-passage-tax-cuts-jobs-act", "Rep. Kelly Votes for Final Passage of Tax Cuts & Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Historic tax reform bill on its way to White House \nWATCH HERE\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)  a member of the House Ways and Means Committee  voted this afternoon in support of the House-Senate Conference Committee Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 227-203. The U.S. Senate is expected to consider the legislation this evening. Once passed, the bill will advance to the White House to be signed into law by President Donald J. Trump.\nStatement by Rep. Kelly following House vote:\nI think I cast the most important vote Ive ever cast while representing you, Pennsylvanias Third Congressional District: I just voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs bill. It is an incredible piece of legislation that means more take-home pay for everyday working people. It also makes us competitive globally so jobs dont leave the countrythey come back home and they stay home. What a great day for America, what a great day for every one of us!.\nNOTE: The full text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be read here.\nRep. Kellys floor speech in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report\nRep. Kelly discusses the bills benefits on Fox Business Network\nRep. Kellys full statement on the bills initial House passage\nRep. Kellys full statement after the bills approval by the Ways & Means Committee\nRep. Kellys full statement on the bills introduction\nICYMI: A full compilation of Rep. Kellys recent national TV appearances in support of pro-growth tax reform can be found here.\nFor individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money.\n Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes  from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively.\n Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income  or sales  taxes to best fit their unique circumstances.\n Takes action to support more American families by:\no Expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for families making over $400,000. Parents must provide a childs valid Social Security Number in order to receive this credit.\no Preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support.\no Preserving the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child.\n Preserves the mortgage interest deduction  providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners.\no For all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction.\no For homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000.\n Provides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10 percent beginning in 2019.\n Continues and expands the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization.\n Eliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax  providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the health care thats right for them if they choose.\n Maintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves.\n Improves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education.\n Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes.\n Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future.\n Increases the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to reduce the complexity and tax burden for millions of Americans.\n Provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation.\nFor job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018)  down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world  the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nations history.\n Delivers significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by:\no Offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. For Main Street job creators with income above this level, the bill generally provides a deduction for up to 20% on business profits  reducing their effective marginal tax rate to no more than 29.6%.\no Establishing strong safeguards so that wage income does not receive the lower marginal effective tax rates on business income  helping to ensure that Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.\n Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers  unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks.\n Protects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans, helping these Main Street entrepreneurs start or expand a business, hire workers, and increase paychecks.\n Preserves important elements of the existing business tax system, including:\no Retaining the low-income housing tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals, and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home.\no Preserving the Research & Development Tax Credit that encourages our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services.\no Retaining the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds that are used to finance valuable infrastructure projects.\n Eliminates the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, thereby lowering taxes and eliminating confusion and uncertainty so American job creators can focus on growing their business and hiring more workers, rather than on burdensome paperwork.\n Modernizes our international tax system so Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators.\n Makes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities.\n Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad.\nFor greater American energy security and economic growth, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Establishes an environmentally responsible oil and gas program in the non-wilderness 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Congress specifically set aside the 1.57-million acre 1002 Area for potential future development. Two lease sales will be held over the next decade and surface development will be limited to 2,000 federal acres  just one ten-thousandth of all of ANWR.\n Significantly boosts American energy production. Responsible development in the 1002 Area will raise tens of billions of dollars for deficit reduction in the decades to come, while creating thousands of new jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and helping to keep energy affordable for American families and businesses.\n Provides a temporary increase in offshore revenue sharing for the Gulf Coast in 2020 and 2021, allowing those states to invest in priorities such as coastal restoration and hurricane protection.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meehan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-middle-class-tax-relief", "House Approves Middle-Class Tax Relief", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Pat Meehan", "M001181", "meehan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The House of Representatives this afternoon approved the House-Senate Conference Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement after the vote:\nThis bill brings needed tax relief to middle-class families, said Congressman Meehan. It doubles the standard deduction, meaning the first $24,000 a married couple earns will be tax free. It lowers rates overall and it doubles the size of the child tax credit. The end result will be a lower tax bill for the vast majority of middle-class taxpayers.\nImportantly, the compromise reached between the House and Senate preserves deductions for state and local property or income taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Im particularly pleased that this bill preserves and makes more generous the deduction for medical expenses  so important to many Pennsylvania seniors with expensive medical bills. It also repeals Obamacares harmful individual mandate tax, which disproportionally hits working families. In Pennsylvania, 83% of taxpayers hit by the individual mandate penalty earned less than $50,000 a year.\nThis legislation doesnt just mean more money in the pockets of middle class families. It means more jobs, too. Its the most significant revamp of our broken business tax code in decades, and it will bring thousands of jobs back to our shores from overseas. It also gives small businesses a tax cut. One study, by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, indicates the bill will generate more than 13,000 jobs in Pennsylvania.\nAn analysis of the legislation released this morning by the left-leaning Tax Policy Center found that more than 80% of tax filers will receive a tax cut next year  a cut, on average, of almost $1,600.\nOur tax code today is broken. Pennsylvania taxpayers spend too much time and money each year struggling to comply with a tax code that doesnt work for them. Taxpayers will be able to decide how to spend more of what they earn instead of sending it to Washington. Their tax bill will be lower and for many, paying it will be far simpler. Its a good deal for working families across Pennsylvania, Meehan said.\nThe Senate is expected to vote on the measure tonight.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398613", "Perry Supports Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Scott Perry", "P000605", "perry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Scott Perry voted in favor of the final conference report on the House GOP Tax Plan, the Tax CutsandJobs Act. The version of the bill was an agreed-to compromise of House and Senate leaders who spent weeks reconciling the difference between each chambers Tax Plans. Tax reform is critical to growing our economy and breaking free of the lackluster economic conditions weve endured - slow-growth, stagnant wages and jobs fleeing overseas. Our Tax Code was last updated more than 30 years ago; our world and our economy have changed drastically since then, while the Code has grown increasingly outdated. This bill helps us keep more of what we earn  especially for working families and small businesses - and modernizes our Code to help American companies compete abroad, create jobs here at home and help bring back companies from overseas  thats why I supported this bill, said Congressman Perry. The proposal is expected to be taken up by the Senate later this week. If it passes without changes, it goes to President Trump for his signature, after which it will become law. The Plan:  \r\n\r\n \r\n    doubles the standard deduction for both individuals and married couples, which means that the first $12,000 or $24,000 dollars of earnedincomeistax-free for these groups, respectively;\r\n    expands the Child Tax Credit up to $2,000 per child;\r\n    preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child;\r\n    leaves in place existing benefits for grad students;\r\n    expands the medical expense deduction;\r\n    leaves in place the Mortgage Interest Deduction for homes that cost under $750,000; and,\r\n    repeals the individual mandate established in the Affordable Care Act. \r\n    \r\n \r\nNo one should ever be forced by the Government to purchase a product or service; that directly contradicts the fundamental notion of American liberty enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, Perry said regarding the individual mandate. We need to stop forcing people to buy something they dont want, cant afford or dont need - and instead empower individuals to make the choices that are best for them and their families.Businesses also will see changes under the Plan. The Corporate Tax Rate will drop from 35% - the highest in the world - to 21%, putting the U.S. on more competitive footing. Small businesses will see a 20% tax deduction on their first $315,000 of joint income earned; in order to qualify, the business must be organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and sole proprietorships. In addition, the Plan establishes safeguards to insure wage income does not receive the lower, marginal effective tax rates on business income - a critical measure that the Tax Plan in Kansas failed to incorporate.  Certain provisions will be implemented retroactively for 2017, and therefore impact filings due April 2018. While the provisions immediately go into effect at the start of 2018, many wont see the full impact of the changes until they begin filing their taxes in 2019.  This reduces the tax burden on hard-working people, families and small businesses, simplifies the Tax Code and encourages economic growth and job creation. No one will get everything they want - but we need to improve upon the mess of a Tax Code we have now, Perry concluded.  For more information regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, click here or visit fairandsimple.gop.\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child;\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child;\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child;\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child;\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            leaves in place the Mortgage Interest Deduction for homes that cost under $750,000; and,\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            leaves in place the Mortgage Interest Deduction for homes that cost under $750,000; and,\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            repeals the individual mandate established in the Affordable Care Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothus-votes-pass-historic-tax-reform-legislation-1", "Rothus Votes to Pass Historic Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today the House passed the Conference Report for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 1, by a vote of 227-203. Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) issued the following statement after voting for this historic legislation to give hardworking Americans the financial relief they deserve:\n\t\t\t\tTodays tax reform bill represents a historic shift of wealth and power away from Washington, D.C. and back to the American people, said Congressman Rothfus. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides meaningful relief to Americans of all walks of life. For instance, a single mom with one child earning $41,000 a year will see a tax cut of more than $1,300 to help her make ends meet, while a family of four making $73,000 a year will get more than $2,000 back. Thanks to this bill, a competitive tax code will stop American businesses from packing up and sending jobs overseas. Todays bill will unleash the power of the American people and allow the economy to grow at a much healthier and more dynamic pace, bringing prosperity back again.\n\t\t\t\tWatch Congressman Rothfus Floor Statement HERE.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-statement-house-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-conference-report", "Smucker Statement on House Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) today issued the following statement on House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\nEvery American deserves the opportunity to pursue his or her own version of the American Dream. Today, our complex and outdated federal tax code leaves families feeling like theyre doing everything right, but still struggling to make ends meet. The status quo on taxes is failing the middle class.\nThroughout this past year, I have been hearing from constituents about what tax reform should do for them and their families. They want a simpler, more honest federal tax code that lets them keep more of their paycheck and restores American competitiveness  and thats what this bill does.\nI have also had conversations with constituents about specific provisions in our tax bill that have been good for our community. Our older population has been able to reduce its tax liability because of the deduction for medical expenses. Cities like Lancaster, Reading, and Coatesville have taken advantage of the New Market and Historic Tax Credits to jumpstart economic activity and put people back to work. I fought to retain these important provisions to help ensure this tax plan works for our district.\nThe IRS has told President Trump that, if signed into law before Christmas, the lower rates will be effective as soon as February. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation so hardworking Americans can keep more of their own money.\nRep. Smucker sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady in late November urging them to preserve the New Market and Historic Tax Credits in the final version of tax reform legislation. You can read that letter here.\nRep. Smucker also sent a letter to Tax Policy Subcommittee Chairman Peter Roskam that highlighted the concerns shared by residents of a retirement communities in the district and the value of being able to deduct medical expenses. You can read that letter here.\nYou can read the bill text and policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-appointment-erica-hetrick-us-naval-academy-annapolis", "Thompson Announces Appointment of Erica Hetrick to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Clarion-Limestone senior accepts fully-qualified appointment\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \u2018GT\u2019 Thompson (PA-05) today announced that Ms. Erica Lynn Hetrick of Clarion, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.\n\nErica is a senior at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High School, and she is the daughter of Derry Hetrick and Virginia McKisson, both of Clarion.\n\n\u201cMs. Hetrick has excelled in the classroom, on the playing field and in service to her community,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cI know that Erica\u2019s high honors will lend to her becoming a leader at the Naval Academy in Annapolis in the same fashion as she did at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High. I was pleased to nominate Ms. Hetrick, and I wish her the best of luck as a midshipman.\u201d\n\nHetrick is Vice President of the National Honor Society, she founded the Political Science Club and serves as President, works part-time as Bob\u2019s Sub and Sandwich Shop, and she has volunteered her time with numerous clubs and organizations including Future Teachers of America where she tutored other students. She is currently ranked second in her class.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-supports-tax-overhaul", "Thompson Supports Tax Overhaul", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Legislation maintains important education provisions, significantly increases standard deduction for individuals, families\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, produced by the bicameral Tax Conference Committee.\n\nU.S. Representative Glenn \u2018GT\u2019 Thompson(PA-05) voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 227 to 203. Earlier in the morning, Rep. Thompsonspoke on the House floor in support of the measure.\n\nUpon approval by both the House and Senate, the legislation will be sent to President Donald J. Trump for his signature and will become law, taking effect January 1, 2018.\n\nRep. Thompson released the following statement:\n\n\u201cI am proud to support this long-overdue tax reform that will bring immediate relief to American taxpayers across the board, families and businesses around the nation. For the first time since 1986, we are challenging the status quo and simplifying the tax code. Under this final legislation, low- and middle-income families, who have been struggling for a long time, will see their tax burden lowered, by nearly doubling the standard deduction.\n\n\u201cAs it pertains to the Fifth Congressional District, according to the IRS, the 18 percent of taxpayers who choose to itemize on average about $21,000 in deductions. The bill will automatically allow for a $24,000 standard deduction \u2013 up from $12,700 \u2013 for those filing jointly. That\u2019s nearly 82 percent of the taxpayers in the 5th District. This proposal truly strives to help families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.\n\n\u201cI also am also pleased that the final legislation maintains current tax preferences for education assistance. Specifically, the bill maintains the deduction for student loan interest payments and graduate tuition waiver exemptions for working students. I \u2013 and many of my colleagues \u2013 urged the Conference Committee to keep these provisions intact.\n\n\u201cI encourage my Senate colleagues to act swiftly, pass the bill and send it to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\u201d\n\nHIGHLIGHTS OF H.R. 1\n\nBENEFITS FOR ALL FAMILIES\n\n\u00b7 Lowers individual tax rates across the board\n\n\u00b7 Individual/Joint Filer Deduction nearly doubling\n\n\u00b7 Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes\n\n\u00b7 Child Tax Credit Expansion\n\n\u00b7 Education\n\n\u00b7 Obamacare individual mandate repeal\n\n\u00b7 Medical Expensing Write Offs\n\nBENEFITS FOR EVERY TYPE OF BUSINESS\n\n\u00b7 Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018) \u2013 down from 35%\n\n\u00b7 Offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income for Main Street Businesses.\n\n\u00b7 Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment, removing a cumbersome depreciation regime.\n\n\u00b7 Protects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans.\n\n\u00b7 Modernizes our international tax system, making it easier for businesses to bring home foreign earnings and invest in America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-announces-appointment-erica-hetrick-us-naval-academy-annapolis-md", "Thompson Announces Appointment of Erica Hetrick to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clarion-Limestone senior accepts fully-qualified appointment\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson (PA-05) today announced that Ms. Erica Lynn Hetrick of Clarion, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.\nErica is a senior at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High School, and she is the daughter of Derry Hetrick and Virginia McKisson, both of Clarion.\n\tMs. Hetrick has excelled in the classroom, on the playing field and in service to her community, Rep. Thompson said. I know that Ericas high honorswill lend to her becoming a leader at the Naval Academy in Annapolis in the same fashion as shedid at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High. I was pleased to nominate Ms. Hetrick, and I wish her the best of luck as a midshipman.  \n\t  Hetrick is Vice President of the National Honor Society, she founded the Political Science Club and serves as President, works part-time as Bobs Sub and Sandwich Shop, and she has volunteered her time with numerous clubs and organizations including Future Teachers of America where she tutored other students. She is currently ranked second in her class.\nHetrick is also a member of the track and field team, and volleyball team where in 2017 she was co-captain and named Most Valuable Player.\n\tHetricks maternal grandparents are Henrietta and Bill Kodrich of Clarion.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-supports-tax-overhaul", "Thompson Supports Tax Overhaul", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation maintains important education provisions, significantly increases standard deduction for individuals, families\nWASHINGTON  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, produced by the bicameral Tax Conference Committee.\n\tU.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson (PA-05) voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 227 to 203. Earlier in the morning, Rep. Thompson spoke on the House floor in support of the measure.\nUpon approval by both the House and Senate, the legislation will be sent to President Donald J. Trump for his signature and will become law, taking effect January 1, 2018.\nRep. Thompson released the following statement:\nI am proud to support this long-overdue tax reform that will bring immediate relief to American taxpayers across the board, families and businesses around the nation. For the first time since 1986, we are challenging the status quo and simplifying the tax code. Under this final legislation, low- and middle-income families, who have been struggling for a long time, will see their tax burden lowered, by nearly doubling the standard deduction.\nAs it pertains to the Fifth Congressional District, according to the IRS, the 18 percent of taxpayers who choose to itemize on average about $21,000 in deductions. The bill will automatically allow for a $24,000 standard deduction  up from $12,700  for those filing jointly. Thats nearly 82 percent of the taxpayers in the 5th District. This proposal truly strives to help families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.\nI also am also pleased that the final legislation maintains current tax preferences for education assistance.Specifically, the bill maintains the deduction for student loan interest payments and graduate tuition waiver exemptions for working students. I  and many of my colleagues  urged the Conference Committee to keep these provisions intact.\nI encourage my Senate colleagues to act swiftly, pass the bill and send it to the Presidents desk for his signature.\nHIGHLIGHTS OF H.R. 1\nBENEFITS FOR ALL FAMILIES \n Lowers individual tax rates across the board\n Individual/Joint Filer Deduction nearly doubling\n Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes\n Child Tax Credit Expansion\n Education\n Obamacare individual mandate repeal\n Medical Expensing Write Offs\nBENEFITS FOR EVERY TYPE OF BUSINESS\n Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018)  down from 35%\n Offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income for Main Street Businesses.\n Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment, removing a cumbersome depreciation regime.\n Protects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans.\n Modernizes our international tax system, making it easier for businesses to bring home foreign earnings and invest in America.\nMore information about H.R. 1 can be found at fairandsimple.gop.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2074", "Senator Toomey Statement on Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This bill fundamentally shows that we believe in the capacity of the American people to restore the vibrant economic growth that we used to take for granted. \n\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the Senate passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\"Tonight the Senate passed the most historic reform to our tax code in over three decades. In doing so, we've achieved two major accomplishments for the American people.\n\"First, we lowered the tax burden on hardworking individuals and families. The vast majority of lower and middle-income taxpayers will pay less in federal taxes. Second, we fundamentally restructured the business tax code which will enable American workers and businesses to compete globally, encourage a surge in economic growth, and create better paying jobs. This bill fundamentally shows that we believe in the capacity of the American people to restore the vibrant economic growth that we used to take for granted.\n\"I thank Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hatch, and Chairman Brady for their leadership throughout this process and my colleagues in the Senate for their hard work and perseverance. I am excited the President will soon sign this bill into law, making good on the promise we made to the American people.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-introduces-legislation-stabilize-health-insurance-markets", "Rep. Costello Introduces Legislation to Stabilize Health Insurance Markets and Ensure Affordable Coverage for Pennsylvanians", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today introduced H.R. 4666, the Premium Relief Act, legislation that would stabilize the individual health insurance marketplace, provide relief from soaring insurance premiums, and ensure access to affordable coverage by funding Cost Sharing Reduction payments (CSRs) and creating a Patient and State Stability Fund to give states flexibility in how they provide assistance for healthinsurance costs.\nCSRs lower cost-sharing for thousands of Pennsylvanians who purchase low-deductible, high-quality health insurance through the individual marketplace. The Administration announced in October it would end these payments after concluding the program could not be lawfully funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasurys refundable tax account. This legislation would provide funding for CSRs for 2017, 2019, and 2020. Rep. Costello has been outspoken in his support of funding CSRs to provide stability in the marketplace.\nThe Premium Relief Act would also provide immediate certainty to the health insurance market by creating a Patient and State Stability Fund. The Stability Fund is guaranteed through the federal government.This is also known as a federal fallback,and it gives certainty to insurers when setting rates, which will result in lower premiums. While 2018 rates have already been set, insurers will consider this fund before calculating their 2019 rates.\nImportantly, the Stability Fund gives states the ability to provide financial assistance for individuals and families who need help accessing non-employer coverage. The Stability Fund can provide funding for copayments, coinsurance, preventative care, maternity care, treatment for mental health disorders, and substance disorders, among other needs. While Rep. Costello supports expanding state flexibility through other avenues, Pennsylvania stakeholders have emphasized the Stability Fund requires less of a bureaucratic process and will be implemented before insurers set their 2019 rates.\nTo ensure transparency of this funding, states must provide a description of how the funds will be utilized.\nMy focus continues to be for Pennsylvanians to have affordable, quality healthcare,said Rep. Costello.By allowing states to tailor their healthcare systems to best serve the unique needs of their residents and by bringing swift stabilization to the health insurance market, this legislationwill mean access to coverage and lower premiums for hardworking families.\nThe text of the legislation is available here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-named-health-it-pioneer-work-expand-access-telemedicine", "Thompson Named \u2018Health IT Pioneer\u2019 for Work to Expand Access to Telemedicine for Veterans", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Award recognizes legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \u2018GT\u2019 Thompson was recently presented with a Health IT Pioneer award for his bill, H.R. 2123 the VETS Act, which expands access to telemedicine in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical system.\n\nRep. Thompson introduced the VETS Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) earlier this year and the House passed the bill in November.\n\nHealth IT Now is a broad-based coalition of patient groups, provider organizations, employers, and payers supporting health information technology to improve patient outcomes. It recently presented its annual Health IT Pioneer awards, the organization\u2019s highest honor, to select Members of Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-named-%E2%80%98health-it-pioneer%E2%80%99-work-expand-access-telemedicine-veterans", "Thompson Named Health IT Pioneer for Work to Expand Access to Telemedicine for Veterans", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Award recognizes legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson was recently presented with a Health IT Pioneer award for his bill, H.R. 2123 the VETS Act, which expands access to telemedicine in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical system. \n\tRep. Thompson introduced the VETS Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) earlier this year and the House passed the bill in November.\nHealthITNowis a broad-based coalition of patient groups, provider organizations, employers, and payers supportinghealthinformation technology to improve patient outcomes.It recently presented its annual Health IT Pioneer awards, the organizations highest honor, to select Members of Congress.\nThe Health IT Pioneer awards recognize legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare.Lawmakers were also recognized for their support of the VETS Act and the Increasing Telehealth Access in Medicare Act,measures endorsed by HITN to make telehealth services more readily available within the Veterans Administration and MedicareAdvantage programs.\n\tI am pleased the House passed the VETS Act, which will allow our servicemen and women greater access to care  especially those in rural areas, Rep. Thompson said. The VETS Act will ensure that our veterans receive timely health care no matter where they live. I thank Health IT Now for its unwavering support of the legislation and for presenting me with the Health IT Pioneer award.\n\tAt Health IT Now, our members recognize the transformative potential ofhealth IT to empower patients, support providers, and lower overall healthcare costs  and so do each of this years Health IT Pioneer award recipients, said HITN Executive Director Joel White. These legislators are truly our Congressional champions; pushing for a future-focused healthcare system that leverages the power of technology to improve care coordination, simplify administrative burdens, reduce unnecessary testing, and offer enhanced clinical decision support. Each of this years recipients hasshown a commitment to the full integration of technology in healthcare that is inspiring and worthy of recognition. We lookforward to continuing to partner with these health IT leaders on Capitol Hilland cultivating many others in the year ahead.\n\tIn addition to Rep. Thompson, awardees include:Rep. Diane Black (R-TN), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN), Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-WV), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), as well as Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2070", "Senator Toomey Statement on Conference Agreement for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the agreement reached by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Committee:\n\"I am elated that my colleagues and I have reached an agreement on a tax bill because it puts us one step closer to delivering both direct tax relief and a better economy to all Pennsylvanians.\n\"In just a few weeks, the vast majority of my constituents will get a pay raise because less of their hard-earned money will be going to Uncle Sam. Workers and employers will see a surge of new investment as this agreement takes the industrialized world's worst business tax code and makes it one of the best. At the beginning of this process, I promised that I would work hard in support of pro-growth principles that deliver a brighter economic future for Pennsylvanians and all Americans. I am thrilled that the conference bill achieves that goal.\n\"I thank Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hatch, and Chairman Brady for their leadership throughout this process and I am optimistic the full Senate will approve this measure next week.\"\nRead the full legislative text and the policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2072", "Toomey, Blumenthal Statement on Passage of PACT Act", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - The Senate unanimously agreed to Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Blumenthal's (D-Ct.) bipartisan bill, the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act. The PACT Act would outlaw a heinous form of animal abuse known as \"crushing,\" where deranged individuals maim and torture animals. Despite taking steps in 2010 to ban the sale of videos depicting animal crushing, Congress failed to make the underlying act of crushing a federal crime. This means that--even when there is overwhelming evidence that torture is taking place--federal law enforcement is unable to protect animals from abuse or even arrest known abusers. The PACT Act would ensure that individuals found guilty of torturing animals face felony charges, fines, and up to seven years in prison. \"Animal crushing is absolutely disgusting and there is no place for this behavior in our society,\" said Sen. Toomey. \"It is long past time this abhorrent practice came to an end and I am glad the Senate once again took the next step towards advancing that goal. I am hopeful that this bipartisan bill will pass the House and finally get enacted into law.\"\n\"This bipartisan measure finally prohibits a heinous, inhumane practice--stating emphatically once and for all that there is no place in a civilized society for the maiming and torturing of animals,\" said Sen. Blumenthal. \"Thanks to the long overdue action of the Senate, the barbaric individuals who commit these crimes will no longer walk free. I call on the House to pass this important legislation immediately.\"  \"Our nation should have a zero tolerance policy for malicious cruelty to animals or sexual exploitation of defenseless creatures,\" said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. \"We are immensely grateful to Senators Toomey and Blumenthal for leading this fight and securing this enormous win for animal welfare.\" The PACT Act is endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, National Sheriffs' Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costello-doyle-introduce-bipartisan-bill-establish-investment-tax-credit", "Costello, Doyle Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Investment Tax Credit for Energy Storage", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Reps. Ryan Costello (R-PA) and\u00a0Mike Doyle (D-PA), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the bipartisan Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017. This bill, H.R. 4649, would establish a separate investment tax credit (ITC) for energy storage infrastructure for utilities, businesses, and homes. The legislation is cosponsored by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA).\n\u201cSupporting and encouraging the use of innovative energy technologies can help lower energy costs and improve grid resiliency.\u00a0When paired with recent advancements in clean and renewable energy choices, energy storage can\u00a0strengthen\u00a0the security of our electric\u00a0grid,\u00a0offer consumers greater choice,\u00a0and\u00a0lower the cost of energy\u00a0bills,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Costello\n\u201cThis legislation encourages the use of emerging energy storage technologies and incorporating them into the electric grid. Energy storage technologies are critical to the increased adoption of renewable energy and the improvement of electric grid resilience,\u201d said Rep. Doyle. \u201cThis bipartisan bill will facilitate greater investment and research in energy storage technologies, bolster the advanced energy economy, and support clean energy jobs across Pennsylvania.\u201d\nEnergy storage systems often serve as complementary reserves to renewable resources like wind and solar power. They can provide backup power and also help lower costs for electricity during peak demand, when energy is most expensive. Energy storage ultimately makes our electric grid more sustainable and resilient, and can help provide power when we need it most \u2013 like the hottest afternoons or cold snaps in winter. Additionally, energy storage systems are integral to increasing deployment of advanced grid technologies and enhancing the operation of all types of generating resources.\u00a0\nThe Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017 is modeled on the existing investment tax credits for solar energy and can apply to large, utility-scale energy storage projects or smaller battery systems for residential use. The current tax code allows an ITC for energy storage when it is installed in conjunction with a solar energy system; this bill would extend the ITC for energy storage investments in a wider range of applications and provide greater clarity and assurance to prospective investors.\nThis legislation is a companion to S.1868, an identical, bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate by Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Heller (R-NV) earlier this year.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/committee-passes-fitzpatrick-boyle-ukraine-cyber-security-bill", "Committee Passes Fitzpatrick-Boyle Ukraine Cyber Security Bill", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C \u2013 Bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8) and Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee Thursday, setting the stage for a crucial floor vote. The Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act [H.R. 1997] encourages cooperation between the United States and Ukraine on matters of cybersecurity and require State Department reporting to Congress on best practices to protect against future cyber attacks.\n\u201cCybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyber-attacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society. The United States must play an important role in this fight. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyber-threats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself,\u201d said Fitzpatrick, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. \u201cStanding strong\u00a0with our time-tested allies in freedom's cause is liberty's best defense.\u00a0I\u2019m proud to work with my college, Mr. Boyle, in encouraging cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine on this front, and look forward to continuing to work with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee to keep our focus on this 21st century battle.\u201d\nIn recent years, Ukraine has been the target of an increasing number of cyber-attacks that have infiltrated state institutions and critical infrastructure to the effect of undermining its democracy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/marino-calls-clarity-and-effective-action-justice-department-and-drug", "Marino Calls for Clarity and Effective Action from Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration on Opioid Suspension Orders", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Tom Marino", "M001179", "marino.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) called for greater clarity from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the appropriate standards to trigger opioid distribution immediate suspension orders (ISOs) and echoed calls from witnesses at a hearing for more effective actions to combat the opioid crisis.\u00a0\nMarino noted the frustrations expressed by members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee at the testimony of Demetra Ashley,\u00a0Acting Assistant Administrator of the DEA\u2019s Diversion Control Division, that the agencies favored a change from the current \u201csubstantial likelihood of an immediate threat\u201d standard to trigger ISOs, but could not articulate what that change should be.\u00a0Ashley also commented multiple times that the agency has used \u201cforeseeable risk\u201d for years in investigations.\nThe \u201csubstantial likelihood\u201d standard was instituted, after negating with the agencies, in the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, authored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)\u00a0 and passed unanimously by both Houses of Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.\u00a0 Congressman Marino observed Ms. Ashley\u2019s expression of the DEA\u2019s current preference for the \u201cforeseeable risk\u201d standard in the initial version of the Act he had introduced in the House.\n\u201cI share the frustrations of my Senate colleagues over the shifting and unclear positions of the DOJ and DEA on the appropriate standard for immediate suspension orders,\u201d stated Congressman Marino.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s especially true given the near-unanimous agreement of witnesses at the hearing on the need to balance enforcement and access for pain patients and the fact that the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act has not hampered the agencies\u2019 effectiveness in any way.\u201d\n\u201cI agree with the Senators who called for DOJ and DEA to provide clear suggestions on the standard for ISOs, and believe that if a change is needed, the \u2018foreseeable risk\u2019 standard would be a reasonable starting place.\u00a0 At the same time, the agencies should heed the suggestions of witnesses to pursue more effective actions to clear out the bad actors fueling the opioid crisis, especially better data-sharing to spur collaboration between law enforcement agencies and distributors.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothus-praises-house-passage-legislation-increase-transparency-and", "Rothus Praises House Passage of Legislation to Increase Transparency and Oversight over Iran-U.S. Business Transactions", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - As a member of the Financial services committee where these two bills originated, Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) released the following statement after voting for the successful passage of the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, H.R. 1638, and the Strengthening Oversight of Iran\u2019s Access to Finance Act, H.R. 4324:\n\u201cIran is the world\u2019s number one state sponsor of terrorism and is ruled by corrupt leaders. \u00a0The Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act targets Iran\u2019s corrupt elite, who have amassed significant wealth at the expense of their fellow citizens. This bill shines the light on assets held by Iran\u2019s top government and military leaders so the average Iranian has a better understanding of how their elites fail them. It also gives Non-governmental organizations, Americans, and other observers in the private sector a more transparent picture of Iran as the\u00a0destabilizing force and adversary it is.\u201d\nRepresentative Rothfus Continued, \u201cSimilarly, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran\u2019s Access to Finance Act gives the United States government greater oversight regarding certain business transactions with Iran. It safeguards the U.S. financial system from Iran\u2019s illicit activities. Iran\u2019s destructive influence continues to pervade the broader Middle East, and the U.S. must be vigilant to scale back their treacherous actions.\u201d\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2069", "Toomey Issues Statement on Fifth Anniversary of Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the five year anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. \"Five years ago today, 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut were senselessly murdered. In the weeks and months following that awful tragedy, I sat down with some of the families of the victims. Those meetings were the most emotional and moving experiences I've had since joining the Senate. \"These families and their stories of lost loved ones inspire me to work across the aisle on common-sense gun safety legislation. For years, members of Congress have talked past one another on gun safety issues. We can and should do more to prevent guns from getting into the hands of criminals, terrorists, and the dangerously mentally ill while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. Both sides of the aisle need to come together to achieve common-sense solutions to gun safety.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2071", "Toomey and Casey Laud Confirmation of Scott Brady to Serve as U.S. Attorney for PA's Western District", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Brady to serve as the next U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Brady was nominated to serve as the U.S. Attorney by President Trump in September and was supported by Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.).  \"Scott Brady has a vast amount of legal experience. In addition to previously serving in the U.S. Attorney's office, Mr. Brady has also clerked for Judge Thomas Hardiman and worked in the private sector,\" said Senator Toomey. \"With his experience and sterling reputation, I am confident that Mr. Brady will be a terrific U.S. Attorney and will serve the people of Western Pennsylvania with honor. I thank my Senate colleagues for their support of his nomination.\"\n\"I am pleased to see this important office being filled,\" said Senator Casey. \"I am confident that Mr. Brady will build on his previous experience in the U.S. Attorney's Office to serve the Commonwealth honorably.\"\nAbout Scott Brady: \nScott Brady currently serves as Corporate Counsel for Federated Investors in Pittsburgh. He has previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, where he investigated and prosecuted cases in the violent crimes and white collar crimes sections.  Brady is a graduate of Harvard University and the Pennsylvania State University School of Law, and served as a law clerk for Judge Thomas Hardiman on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.\nThe Western District of Pennsylvania covers 25 Pennsylvania counties with federal courthouses in Erie, Johnstown, and Pittsburgh.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-backs-american-bred-explosive-detection-dogs", "Barletta Backs American-bred Explosive Detection Dogs", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security passed a bill supporting the use of American-bred canines for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).\u00a0 H.R. 4577, the Domestic Explosives Detection Canine Capacity Building Act of 2017 would direct TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a domestic dog breeding network to produce high quality, American-bred explosive detection dogs.\u00a0 \nCongressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), an original cosponsor of the bill, sees an upside for the University of Pennsylvania, one of two major American universities with expertise related to explosive detection dogs and dog breeding.\u00a0 \u201cThe University of Pennsylvania is a national leader in dog detection research,\u201d Barletta said.\u00a0 \n\u201cThey have trained 75 dogs over the past five years with a very high, 93 percent graduation rate for detection work.\u00a0 I think if we leverage the expertise of universities like UPenn, we can really develop a robust American-bred dog network for explosive detection.\u00a0 In a time of increasing dangers from terrorism, America needs to focus resources on combatting that threat.\u00a0 This bill will utilize our nation\u2019s tremendous knowledge and research expertise, provided by schools like UPenn, to develop a critical resource in America\u2019s fight against terrorism.\u201d\u00a0 \nDr. Cindy Otto, Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine, also sees the benefits of American-bred explosive detection dogs.\u00a0 \n\u201cWe know that detection dogs represent one of the most effective means to combat terrorism, but these dogs are in short supply and many programs rely on foreign sources of dogs,\u201d Dr. Otto said.\u00a0 \u201cAn American-bred Explosive Detection Dog network represents a tremendous opportunity to apply scientific principles to increase the availability, health, and success of detection dogs in support of national security. The knowledge that we have gained over the past 5 years at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center gives us the confidence that a collaborative breeding program will fill this critical need.\u201d \u00a0\nThe bill directs TSA and DHS to establish relationships with domestic canine breeders, proven vendors, leading veterinarians, and industry associations to create scientifically-grounded standards that reflect the latest in canine science.\u00a0 These standards are designed to improve canine breeding, health, and training to create a more robust supply of explosive detection dogs for America\u2019s national security. \nCurrently, the University of Pennsylvania is one of America\u2019s leading universities providing detection dog research.\u00a0 Barletta, a known advocate for animal related issues, sees \u201cman\u2019s best friend\u201d as a critical tool to America\u2019s homeland security arsenal.\u00a0 \n\u201cDogs are amazing animals,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI am very excited to link the exceptional research capabilities of America\u2019s universities like U. Penn. with our national security agencies in the fight against terrorism.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-congratulates-cathedral-prep-winning-state-high-school-football-championship", "Rep. Kelly Congratulates Cathedral Prep for Winning State High School Football Championship", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ramblers bring home historic second straight PA Class 4A title \nWATCH HERE\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) formally congratulated Cathedral Preparatory School of Erie, Pennsylvania, on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday morning for winning the 2017 PIAA Class 4A Football Championship last Thursday, the team\u2019s second consecutive title win and fourth overall. He also recognized the football teams of Wilmington High School and Pine-Richland High School for their respective seasons and for their added contributions to Western Pennsylvania\u2019s high school football legacy.\nText of Rep. Kelly\u2019s floor statement as prepared for delivery:\n\u201cToday I\u2019d like to congratulate the Cathedral Prep Ramblers in Erie County on winning their second straight Pennsylvania Class 4A State Championship by beating Imhotep Charter last week by 38-28. This year\u2019s championship makes the Ramblers back-to-back state champs, and it is their fourth state football title overall. Led by Coach Mike Mischler, the Ramblers have now gone 42-2, appearing in the finals each year, and racking up 28 consecutive wins over the last three seasons!\n\u201cAchieving back-to-back state titles sets these Ramblers apart even in the storied history of Western Pennsylvania high school football. They deserve every bit of adulation that they\u2019ve received and are a great source of pride for our entire commonwealth.\n\u201cIt is also worth mentioning the Wilmington High School Greyhounds in Lawrence County, who gave it their all in last week\u2019s PIAA Class 2A state title game at Hershey Park stadium.\n\u201cThis was the Greyhounds\u2019 third trip to the title game under legendary coach Terry Verrelli, who announced his retirement after 40 years on the job right after the game. In those 40 years, Coach Verrelli amassed 314 wins, making him only the 15th high school football coach in Pennsylvania\u2019s esteemed history to reach the 300-win plateau. More valuable than any of his victories on the field are the countless victories he helped his young players achieve in their lives off the field.\n\u201cNo other place has the high school football history that Western Pennsylvania does. With all due respect to my friends in the Texas delegation, the Friday Night Lights shined in the Keystone State first! The 2017 teams at Cathedral Prep and Wilmington High in Pennsylvania\u2019s 3rd District, along with the championship-winning Pine-Richland High School just outside of our district, add yet another chapter to this history. More importantly, they add to the local lore and pride that strengthen communities like Erie and New Wilmington.\n\u201cThe hard work, perseverance, and hometown pride that allowed each of these teams to reach the championship level are a reflection of the communities that these teams came from. So again, I say \u2018Congratulations!\u2019 to Cathedral Prep, to Wilmington High, and to Pine-Richland on outstanding, history-making seasons.\n\u201cAlthough I\u2019m a Golden Tornado from Butler, I\u2019m proud to say \u2018Go Ramblers!\u2019 and \u2018Go Greyhounds!\u2019\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meehan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meehan-urges-wolf-to-address-mariner-east-ii-pipeline-concerns", "Meehan Urges Wolf to Address Mariner East II Pipeline Concerns", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Pat Meehan", "M001181", "meehan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) this week urged Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to take action in response to constituent concerns regarding the ongoing construction of the Mariner East II Pipeline. Meehan penned a letter to the governor following meetings with area residents on the pipeline issue.\n\u201cConstructed safely, pipelines have the potential to generate good-paying jobs and benefit the energy economy in Pennsylvania,\u201d Meehan wrote. \u201cHowever, over the past several months I have taken numerous meetings with constituents alarmed about the potential safety implications of the construction and operation of the ME2 pipeline. The nature of the pipeline and its route is such that primary regulatory responsibility for the pipeline rests with the Commonwealth and your administration\u201d\nSpecifically, Meehan urged the Governor to conduct and publicize a risk assessment that takes into consideration the potential hazards of a pipeline leak.\n\u201cOur communities have a significant interest in seeing the responsible development of our energy sector and southeastern Pennsylvania has particularly benefitted from middle-class jobs supported by our refineries\u201d Meehan continued. \u201cPipeline construction is an important component of this industry, but the highest priority in pipeline construction must be the safety of the communities and workers involved. I hope that you will address the concerns of our shared constituents in a timely, fair, and appropriate matter.\u201d\nThe full text of Meehan\u2019s letter to the governor is below and a PDF copy of the letter is available here:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDecember 12, 2017\nGovernor Tom Wolf\n508 Main Capitol Building\nHarrisburg, PA 17120\n\u00a0\nDear Governor Wolf,\nI write to you to with concern regarding the Sunoco Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipeline, which will carry natural gas liquids (ethane, propane and butane) through portions of southeastern Pennsylvania and is presently under construction as approved by your administration in February 2016.\nConstructed safely, pipelines have the potential to generate good-paying jobs and benefit the energy economy in Pennsylvania. However, over the past several months I have taken numerous meetings with constituents alarmed about the potential safety implications of the construction and operation of the ME2 pipeline. The nature of the pipeline and its route is such that primary regulatory responsibility for the pipeline rests with the Commonwealth and your administration.\nMy constituents have noted their concerns regarding Sunoco\u2019s horizontal directional drilling (HDD) practices. I was encouraged by the negotiated settlement that was reached in August between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Sunoco that improved the permitting and notification process of drilling operations for Mariner East 2. Constituents remain worried about this process following recent reports of undisclosed leaks of drilling fluid and unauthorized methods of drilling.\nFurthermore, residents have repeatedly requested that the state conduct and publicize a risk assessment that takes into consideration the safety hazards of a pipeline leak and the probability of such a leak occurring. A risk assessment would be a welcome and responsible step in providing residents with the information they need to better understand the construction and operation of this pipeline and any potential effects it may have on a densely populated community.\nOur communities have a significant interest in seeing the responsible development of our energy sector and southeastern Pennsylvania has particularly benefitted from middle-class jobs supported by our refineries. Pipeline construction is an important component of this industry, but the highest priority in pipeline construction must be the safety of the communities and workers involved. I hope that you will address the concerns of our shared constituents in a timely, fair, and appropriate matter. I look forward to working with you and appreciate your attention to this important issue.\n\u00a0\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPatrick Meehan\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-community-banks-key-to-local-prosperity", "Barletta: Community Banks Key to Local Prosperity", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3971, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act of 2017 by a bipartisan vote of 294 to 129.\u00a0 The bill directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to exempt smaller community banking institutions with assets of $10 billion or less, from onerous reporting requirements on escrow and mortgage servicing.\u00a0 Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of the legislation. \n\u201cThe heartbeat of the American free market starts with our community bankers,\u201d Barletta said.\u00a0 \u201cI started my business for $29.95 and with a dream, I secured credit to keep growing.\u00a0 I can tell you for a fact that this was made possible by the relationship based services provided by local lending institutions.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the passage of Dodd-Frank has crippled this critical resource for local communities and small businesses across the nation.\u201d\n\u201cWhile larger banking institutions can hire a fleet of lawyers and compliance officers to process the extra paperwork, the customers at community banks are left defenseless.\u00a0 This is exactly the sort of top down, one-size-fits-all decree of nameless, faceless Washington bureaucrats that cripple America\u2019s economic growth.\u00a0 Americans are seen as a statistic.\u00a0 Regulation should punish bad behavior, not crush the free market and the dreams millions of Americans have to start their own business or own their own home.\u00a0 I\u2019m happy the House continues to take steps that grow the economy and open doors for Americans after years of closing off opportunity.\u201d\nThe Dodd-Frank Act and CFPB\u2019s expansion of escrow and mortgage servicing requirements have pushed community banking institutions out of the mortgage market since the law\u2019s passage.\u00a0 According to a report from the Federal Reserve of Dallas from December 2015, since 2010, the United States has seen only one newly chartered bank which wasn\u2019t a conversion of a thrift, an alarming development. \nIn 1992, community banks accounted for 64 percent of $4.6 trillion in total banking assets.\u00a0 By 2015, their market share had dropped to 19 percent.\u00a0 Even with the dramatic decline, community banks still account for the largest share of small-business loans.\u00a0 Small and medium sized banks hold around 55 percent of small-business loans and 75 percent of agricultural loans. \nCommunity banks have pointed to the dramatic growth in regulatory requirements as the primary driver of smaller banks out of the market.\u00a0 Reporting requirements and restrictions present a problem of scale for community financial institutions, which do not have the internal human or financial resources to abide by additional servicing requirement or create and maintain escrow accounts in-house. \nSince larger banking institutions have enough strength to hire the necessary compliance and legal costs, they have been inherently provided an advantage over smaller institutions.\u00a0 Many of the smaller institutions have since become victims to consolidation or closure. \nThe burdensome and expensive regulations promulgated by the CFPB force small lenders to make difficult choices: pass the increased costs to consumers as part of the mortgage process, or exit the mortgage market altogether. Neither of these options benefits nor protects consumers.\nBarletta hopes the legislation will help to reverse Washington centered policies pushing community banks out of local communities since the passage of Dodd-Frank in 2010.\u00a0 \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-helps-to-lead-fight-against-opioid-related-employment", "Barletta Helps to Lead Fight Against Opioid Related Employment Challenges", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure\u2019s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing titled, \u201cThe Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region.\u201d\u00a0 \nThe hearing examined the impact of the opioid crisis on efforts in Appalachia to spur economic development and growth in distressed communities.\u00a0 A representative of Pennsylvania\u2019s 11th District, Barletta held the hearing to explore possible solutions through federal economic development programs such as the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in addressing this epidemic.\u00a0 \nBarletta directed a series of questions to the Honorable Earl Gohl, federal co-Chair of the ARC.\u00a0 Barletta asked, \u201cWhat would help ARC\u2019s work on opioids to be more effective?\u201d\n\u201cI would say a seat at the table is probably the most effective thing that works in this town,\u201d Gohl responded.\u00a0 \u201cWhen ARC is part of the discussion, when ARC is part of the development, when ARC is part of hearings like this, it makes sure that the rural voice is heard.\u201d\nBarletta asked, \u201cWhat is the role of ARC in helping to address the opioid problem?\u201d\n\u201cI think we have several roles,\u201d Gohl said.\u00a0 \u201cI think it is important for us to work with our state partners, who really are the agenda setters of the commission in terms of the investment of dollars, to work with them and make sure that the issue of opioids, the workforce and how it effects communities is a challenge that they focus on and use their resources to invest in.\u00a0 I think that we need to continue the work around community organizations and being able to empower them\u2026 I think one of the other issues that we really need to focus on is making sure that people understand that this is a disease, and that we need to treat it like a disease.\u201d\nThe ARC, specifically, was created in the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.\u00a0 The primary function of ARC is to provide economic development assistance to a 13-state region.\u00a0 The region includes all of West Virginia and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia.\u00a0 ARC is a federal-state governmental agency consisting of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chairman.\u00a0 Project proposals must originate in, and be approved by, a state.\u00a0 The Commission allocates the level of funding to each state.\u00a0\u00a0 \nThis year, the ARC commissioned two reports specifically examining potential health challenges to economic development in Appalachia.\u00a0 In August 2017, the ARC issued \u201cHealth Disparities in Appalachia\u201d and \u201cAppalachian Diseases of Despair.\u201d\u00a0 These reports detail the health and economic disparities in Appalachia: \n The household income in Appalachia is 80 percent of the U.S. average and 17 percent of Appalachians live below the poverty level.\n\tNationally, the majority of drug overdose deaths involve opioids and, since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids quadrupled.\n\tBetween 1999 and 2014, while the overall mortality rate in non-Appalachian states decreased by 10 percent, the overall mortality rate in Appalachia increased by 5 percent.\u00a0 By 2015, the overall mortality rate in Appalachia was 32 percent higher than non-Appalachian regions of the U.S.\n\tIn 2015, among 15 to 64 year olds in Appalachia, there were 5,594 overdose deaths \u2013 65 percent higher in Appalachia than the rest of the nation. The disparities were greatest among people 25 to 54.\n\tIn 2015, 69 percent of the overdose deaths were caused by opioids.\n\tIn comparing the mortality rates for diseases of despair within states with Appalachian portions and non-Appalachian portions \u2013 the differences were stark. For example, in 2015, the mortality rate in Appalachian portions of Maryland were 63 percent higher than in non-Appalachian portions.\u00a0 In Pennsylvania, the difference was 28 percent and in Kentucky it was 26 percent.\n The reports highlight that when examining specifically overdose deaths, those individuals who are 25 to 44 years old experienced mortality rates 70 percent higher than the non-Appalachian states.\u00a0 Typically, this group includes those in their prime working years which has created a significant challenge to economic development in the region.\u00a0 \nFor example, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, citing a report released in September 2017, noted that opioids are responsible for 20 percent of the workforce decline for men and 25 percent for women.\u00a0 The Chamber further noted that addressing the opioid epidemic is an integral component of workforce strategy.\u00a0 \nAs a result, the opioid crisis has created challenges to spurring economic development and job creation in already distressed communities. \nBarletta also questioned Mr. Barry L. Denk, the Director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. \n\u201cMr. Denk, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania has done a lot of work for the Pennsylvania General Assembly,\u201d Barletta said.\u00a0 \u201cIt seems the impact of the Opioid crisis on the workforce is significant.\u00a0 From the information the Center has gathered, can you highlight how opioid abuse has created barriers for attracting jobs and how will the General Assembly use the information you collected to address this issue?\u201d\n\u201cWe have heard from a number of testifiers, particularly those in recovery, where prior felony convictions still linger for them, not just in employment opportunities, but in regard to employment itself,\u201d Denk responded. \n\u201cWe also heard from a number of judges about the effects of drug courts and how helpful they are for somebody who has committed a crime but needs to turn their life around. We\u2019re looking to expand drug courts across the Commonwealth, [where] currently out of 67 counties, only 38 drug courts exist in those counties,\u201d Denk concluded.\nBarletta later turned to Ms. Nancy Hale, the President and CEO of Operation UNITE, a non-profit launched in 2003 by Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05) to create strategic partnerships at the local level by providing leadership, education, treatment, and support for law enforcement to combat drug abuse.\u00a0 \n\u201cMs. Hale, Operation UNITE has done a lot in Eastern Kentucky and has become a resource for other communities.\u201d Barletta asked, \u201cWhat types of programs have you found to be the most impactful in addressing the opioid crisis and are there models that other states like Pennsylvania can use?\u201d \n\u201cOur education prevention programs have had the greatest impact,\u201d Hale responded.\u00a0 \u201cAlso we\u2019re seeing an impact in our programming in working with the administrative office of the courts through our drug court programs.\u00a0 We are learning that drug courts do work.\u00a0 There are many people who are in recovery, who make excellent employees because of what they have endured and now understand the structure that is being brought into their lives through the drug court programs.\u201d\n\u201cEducation and prevention.\u00a0 We have a mobile prevention unit that we target seventh and tenth graders \u2013 that has had a huge impact.\u00a0 The University of Kentucky compiles the data from the pre and post surveys with that program.\u00a0 We also have programs that were taken into the elementary schools where we are introducing young people at an early age to the dangers and harms, preparing them with knowledge, helping them make healthy decisions even as early as third grade.\u00a0 And then of course our AmeriCorps program. We have 54 AmeriCorps members serving in 13 counties in our district and those AmeriCorps members work primarily on math tutoring but they also are introducing a \u2018Too Good For Drugs\u2019 curriculum that impacts the parents, the staff, and the community in prevention initiatives.\u201d \nTo watch Rep. Barletta\u2019s full question set, please click HERE and HERE. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-barletta-statement-hearing-on-the-opioid-epidemic-in-appalachia", "Chairman Barletta Statement: Hearing on \"The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region\"", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"The purpose of today\u2019s hearing is to examine the impact of the opioid crisis on economic development in Appalachia.\nThe opioid crisis has touched the lives of countless Americans.\u00a0 This public health emergency has taken the lives of far too many of our nation\u2019s citizens, and has had significant adverse effects on our economy and labor force participation.\nAs the subcommittee with jurisdiction over a number of economic development agencies \u2013 including the Appalachian Regional Commission \u2013 we are specifically focusing today on the ways the opioid crisis has affected the Appalachian workforce, and efforts to promote economic development in the region.\nThe opioid epidemic has profoundly affected all of our districts and uprooted the lives of so many of our constituents. \u00a0Ninety-one Americans die every single day from an opioid overdose.\u00a0 In my home state of Pennsylvania, 4,642 drug-related overdose deaths were reported in 2016.\nIn 2015, there were 5,594 overdose deaths in Appalachia \u2013 a drug-related death rate 65% higher than the rest of the nation.\u00a0 Sixty-nine percent of these deaths were caused by opioids. \u00a0An overwhelming majority of these deaths throughout Appalachia were individuals between the ages of 25 and 44, people who were in their prime working years.\nThese troubling statistics make it clear that the opioid crisis is not only destroying lives, it has created a significant challenge to workforce expansion and economic development throughout Appalachia.\nThis crisis is economically disastrous for our nation. This past month, the White House office of economic advisers released a report that estimated the opioid epidemic cost our nation $504 billion dollars in 2015.\u00a0 That is an important number to remember as we begin today\u2019s hearing because it points to the lost potential for economic activity and productivity in communities battling opioid addiction \u2013 that is our focus here today.\nTo that end, I remind our witnesses and my fellow Members that this subcommittee\u2019s jurisdiction is economic development programs and the Appalachian Regional Commission.\u00a0 We have no oversight of the Department of Justice, or the DEA.\u00a0\nOur goal is to have a hearing that this subcommittee can use to inform our committee\u2019s decisions regarding agencies within our jurisdiction. \u00a0Therefore, I would ask that all testimony and questions be confined to the issues within our jurisdiction.\u00a0\nFurther, I would like to reiterate that today\u2019s hearing is meant to be bipartisan.\u00a0 The opioid crisis does not recognize political parties.\u00a0 I think we can all agree \u2013 Republicans and Democrats alike \u2013 that the priority here is finding solutions for the communities and families who are being devastated by this epidemic, not playing politics with peoples\u2019 lives.\nJust a few days ago, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee showed what it can accomplish when we work in a bipartisan fashion.\u00a0 We unanimously approved the Disaster Recovery Reform Act because of the good work that was started here in this subcommittee.\u00a0 Let\u2019s continue to work in the same fashion here today to look for solutions within the programs and agencies under our jurisdiction.\nIt is my hope that today we can come together to examine the impact of opioids in Appalachia and the ways in which existing federal economic development programs can help states and communities address and combat this growing epidemic.\nI am sure our witnesses today will help us answer these questions.\"\nClick here for additional information from today\u2019s hearing, including testimony, video, and background information.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-ndaa-language-signed-law", "Fitzpatrick NDAA Language Signed Into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 [H.R. 2810] into law Tuesday \u2013 including six amendments authored or sponsored by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08).\n\u201cFrom addressing water contamination from former and active military installations to putting American leadership and security first, I\u2019m proud that the House accepted my amendments in overwhelming bipartisan fashion,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cWhen it comes to protecting our homeland, our families and our allies abroad, there is no room for partisanship. Each one of these measures strengthened the overall bill and deserved to be enacted into law. I\u2019m proud to deliver these results for the people of our district.\u201d\nFitzpatrick\u2019s amendments included in the final legislation:\n \nWater Contamination:\n\t\t\nAmendment #37: Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the related health effects of exposure to PFOS/PFOA at military installations.\n\t\t\t\nAmendment #290: \u00a0Requires a report on the Department\u2019s progress developing and implementing alternatives to AFFF firefighting foam that do not contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as the Department has already begun.\n\t\t\n\t\nChina:\n\t\t\nAmendment #40: Requires DOD to include a description of any Chinese laws, regulations, or policies that could jeopardize the economic security of the United States in their Congressionally-required annual report on Chinese military and security development.\n\t\t\t\nAmendment #56: Ensures the full reporting of freedom of navigation operations, including maritime claims that go unchallenged.\n\t\t\n\t\nTerror Financing:\n\t\t\nAmendment #282: Requires the Report on United States Strategy in Syria to include a description of amounts and sources of ISIL financing in Syria and efforts to disrupt this financing as part of the broader strategy of the United States in Syria.\n\t\t\n\t\nDepartmental Reform:\n\t\t\nAmendment #39: Ensures that DOD's biennial core reporting procedures align with the reporting requirements in Section 2464 and each reporting agency provides accurate and complete information by having the Secretary of Defense direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to update DOD's guidance regarding future biennial core reports.\n\t\t\n \nThe NDAA is an annual federal legislation responsible for setting the budget and expenditures for the Department of Defense. The FY18 NDAA includes:\n \nThe NDAA provides $634.2 billion for base budget requirements and $65.7 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding.\n\tFunds requirements identified by the military services that will help rebuild our military and restore readiness by providing additional aircraft, ships, and systems for our warfighter, as well as funding for depot maintenance and facilities sustainment.\n\t\t\n90 F-35s, 24 F/A-18s, 3 Littoral Combat Ships, 3 destroyers, 85 Abrams Tank upgrades, 93 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 53 UH-60M Blackhawks, and additional critical modernization priorities.\n\t\t\n\tFunds a 2.4% pay raise for the troops, increases end strength for the Active and Reserve forces, improves the delivery of health care services, and ensures our service members and their families receive the benefits they deserve.\n\tProhibits nonconsensual sharing of intimate images, includes additional provisions to protect victims of sexual assault, and improves sexual assault prevention and response.\n\tProvides the resources necessary for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria to combat ISIS and other terrorist organizations.\n\tIncreases funding for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) to support our European allies and deter Russia.\n\t$350 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, $100 million for Baltic nations\u2019 development of joint defense programs, and $705 million for the Iron Dome, David\u2019s Sling, and Arrow.\n\tReaffirms the U.S. deterrence commitments to Japan and South Korea and continues to invest in ballistic missile defense capabilities to defend U.S. territories and our allies from potential threats from North Korea.\n\tContinues to reform acquisition at the Pentagon by increasing efficiencies through competition and enhancing oversight.\n\tThe NDAA also authorizes funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration\u2019s (NNSA) weapons activities and defense nuclear nonproliferation program.\n\tMaintains current prohibitions on transferring detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-fitzpatrick-announces-internship-opportunities", "Rep. Fitzpatrick Announces Internship Opportunities", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LANGHORNE, PA \u2013 Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) is currently seeking motivated college or post-graduate students to intern at both the Langhorne, PA or Washington, D.C. offices for the Spring 2018 semester.\nCongressional internships are great opportunity for Bucks and Montgomery county students interested in the legislative process, public service and learning more about the inner-workings of our federal government. Interns will join with Pa-08 staff in performing a variety of tasks, including: answering phones, writing letters, assisting with constituent casework or helping with projects of importance to our community. Interns may also have the opportunity to engage in policy discussions and meetings pertaining to their areas of study or personal interest. Applicants should be available for a minimum of 10 hours per week through the Spring semester.\nFor consideration, please submit a resume and two letters of recommendation - one from an academic instructor and a second from a direct supervisor (ie: boss, coach, or community leader) \u2013 along with a response to the prompt; \u201cWhat is the role of the Legislative Branch in the United States Federal Government?\u201d (no-longer than a two pages, double-spaced). More information and an application checklist can be found at http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/internships\n \nLANGHORNE: Those interested in internships at the District Office located at 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Rd., Langhorne, PA 19047 should contact Staff Assistant Tyler Vandegrift at Tyler.Vandegrift@mail.house.gov or (215) 579-8102 with questions or to submit your application.\u00a0\n\t\nWASHINGTON, D.C.: Those interested in internships at the Capitol Hill Office located at 514 Cannon HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 should contact Staff Assistant Chris Auray at Christopher.Auray@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4276 with questions or to submit your application.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-marino-s-statement-record-senate-judiciary-committee-s", "Congressman Marinos Statement for the Record on the Senate Judiciary Committees Oversight Hearing on the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Tom Marino", "M001179", "marino.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing titled \u201cOversight of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.\u201d\u00a0\nCongressman Tom Marino (PA-10) submitted the following statement for the record:\nChairman Grassley, Ranking Member Feinstein and other esteemed Members of the Committee, thank you for offering me the opportunity to submit a statement for the record today on my legislation, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.\nAs this Committee is aware, I was nominated to be the next Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, or ONDCP.\u00a0 Following an expose by the Washington Post and a report on 60 Minutes, I withdrew my nomination so that I would not be a distraction to this Administration in the fight against the opioid epidemic.\u00a0 I am here today to correct the record on these reports filled with flat out untruths and false statements.\nOne particular detail that 60 Minutes failed to inform their audience of is that their star source, Joe Rannazzisi, is currently working as a trial lawyer actively pursuing lawsuits against drug distributors.\u00a0 At the bare minimum this shows a severe conflict of interest and a disturbing bias.\nIn 2012 I visited with pharmacies in my district where I learned that it was becoming difficult for legitimate patients to access needed medication.\u00a0 I directed my staff to do some research on the issue and find out more regarding the supply chain.\u00a0 I wanted to learn more about why the opioid problem was worsening and yet individuals suffering with pain were unable to access medications.\nOne problem I identified was that the term \u201cimminent danger\u201d was not defined in the Controlled Substances Act. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2015 also issued a report stating that there needed to be more clarity regarding DEA authorities.\u00a0 Utilizing this vague, undefined language the Drug Enforcement Agency\u2019s Office of Diversion Control overzealously utilized suspension orders and ran roughshod over the will of Congress and Justice Department leaders.\nIn particular, the leader of the Diversion Control Office, Joe Rannazzisi, had shown a particular cavalier disregard for the rule of law.\u00a0 In a public setting, when asked specifically what the Controlled Substances Act term \u201cimminent danger to the public health and safety\u201d meant, his response was \u201cwhatever I think it means.\u201d\u00a0 I found this to be a completely irresponsible and unreasonable answer.\nIn response to these concerns, in the 113th Congress I introduced the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.\u00a0 This legislation for the first time aimed to define \u201cimminent danger to public health and safety,\u201d similar to other laws like the Mine Safety Act, where the term is well defined.\nFollowing introduction, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held hearings, the Energy and Commerce Committee reported the bill by voice vote to the House of Representatives, and it was passed by the House of Representatives by voice vote.\nIn the 114th Congress I again introduced this legislation.\u00a0 The Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing, it was reported favorably to the House of Representatives, and passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote.\nIn the 114th Congress, Senators Hatch and Whitehouse introduced their version of the legislation.\u00a0 The bill was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, passed the Senate by unanimous consent, passed the House by unanimous consent, and was signed into law by President Obama.\nMy legislation defined \u201cimminent danger to the public health or safety\u201d as a \u201cforeseeable risk of serious adverse health consequences or death,\u201d which would have had little impact on DEA enforcement.\u00a0 In the Senate version, which became law, this language was changed to a \u201csubstantial likelihood of an immediate threat that death, serious bodily harm, or abuse of a controlled substance will occur,\u201d a much higher burden.\u00a0 This change was made at the request of the DOJ.\nThroughout the entire process my office and Senator Hatch\u2019s office worked closely with the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency to find acceptable language.\u00a0 When the legislation was finalized in the Senate, both the DOJ and the DEA had signed off on the final language.\u00a0 After the legislation was passed, there was no objection by the White House or any Agency and the bill was signed into law.\nSenators Manchin and McCaskill have come forward and attacked my motives and integrity following the media reports.\u00a0 Either Senator had plenty of opportunity to provide input or stop this legislation when it was going through the regular legislative process, neither said a word.\u00a0 Instead, they voted in favor of this legislation.\nBefore becoming a Congressman for the 10th District of Pennsylvania I served as a prosecutor for 18 years, first as a District Attorney for Lycoming County and then as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.\u00a0 I worked tirelessly to prosecute drug dealers and producers, putting them behind bars and preventing them from destroying lives.\u00a0 I worked closely with community and local leaders to start drug treatment and prevention programs.\u00a0 I have dedicated my life to protecting Americans from the scourge of illegal drugs.\u00a0 I have been involved with and supported law enforcement throughout my life.\u00a0 I would never introduce or support legislation that would make it easier for dangerous drugs to proliferate.\nIn an October 25 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Neil Doherty, the Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of Diversion Control for the DEA, testified regarding this law.\u00a0 In his testimony, Mr. Doherty stated that between 2011 and 2016, prior to passage of my legislation, the number of immediate suspension orders reduced substantially.\u00a0 Following passage of my legislation, immediate suspension orders have actually increased and the quantity of opioids distributed has decreased.\u00a0 He went on to say that the data doesn\u2019t show that this legislation fueled the opioid epidemic and that the DEA recommended to President Obama that he sign this legislation into law.\nSince so far all we have heard from the media is a disgruntled former DEA official with a vested interest pushing his narrative, I look forward to hearing what the current DEA and DOJ have to say regarding this legislation and the effect on their ability to execute their mission.\u00a0 The data shows that there has been no impact and if anything the DEA has been able to issue more immediate suspension orders while having more legal clarity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/in-the-news/prosper-act-would-expand-opportunities-after-high-school", "PROSPER Act would expand opportunities after high school", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Higher Education Act \u2014 a pillar of his domestic agenda intended to \u201cstrengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education.\u201d\u00a0\n\n\tMore than five decades later, federal aid programs are a chaotic maze full of outdated requirements and red tape that have driven up the cost of college and make postsecondary education too difficult to access for too many people. Meanwhile, more jobs today require postsecondary credentials or technical skills to fill these good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. Reforms are crucial to ensuring our higher education system is preparing the next generation of high-skilled workers to succeed in a 21st-century economy.\n\t\n\t\tToday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce \u2014 of which I am a member \u2014 is debating the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act. I want to share three critical priorities from this bill that I believe will transform our higher education system to promote access, innovation, affordability, and completion.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFirst, the PROSPER Act will improve and simplify federal student aid. We\u2019re streamlining student aid programs into one grant program, one loan program and one work-study program to make it easier for students to pay for college in a responsible manner. Instead of facing a maze of repayment options, we\u2019re transitioning the system to one standard 10-year repayment plan and one income-based repayment plan so students can better manage their debt when they graduate and enter the workforce.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFor those students who take enough credits to put them on track to graduate on time, we\u2019re providing a Pell Grant bonus to encourage completion.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSecond, the PROSPER Act empowers students and parents to make better-informed decisions about what institution to attend. Too often, students decide where to attend college with incomplete information. The U.S. Department of Education currently collects information on debt and graduation rates from full-time students. This data, however, omits any student who transferred schools, attends part time or took time off.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSo we\u2019re offering the resources necessary to eliminate this problem. Under our plan, the department will provide aggregated information on average student debt and corresponding salary of students five and 10 years after graduation. Our bill would make this information available on each program at an institution that participates in a student aid program under Title IV.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tThere are many different types of students and numerous paths to obtaining a postsecondary degree. My own experience with higher education was as a nontraditional student. I took college courses at night while operating a small construction company during the day. I have two daughters currently in college and a son in high school. Countless students and parents across Pennsylvania and the nation have similar experiences. Everyone should have access to comprehensive information that includes traditional and nontraditional student outcomes.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tThird, the PROSPER Act provides greater access to apprenticeship opportunities. Our bill expands an existing, competitive, earn-while-you-learn grant program where students get hands-on experience with an employer in the student\u2019s chosen field of study. To keep pace with our 21st-century economy, we\u2019re going to provide access to federal aid for students in short-term programs like computer coding \u201cboot camps\u201d and work-based learning programs both on and off campus. Students should be rewarded \u2014 not discouraged \u2014 for getting into the field and learning from professionals. Our bill puts these students on a level playing field with traditional students.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tThe bill, of course, has other provisions, and the process is still ongoing. I encourage you to go to my website for the text, a summary and other information. Please feel free to share your feedback with me at smucker.house.gov, or call my office at 202-225-2411.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tMy colleagues on the Education and the Workforce Committee and I want to see students achieve their full potential. And students want to push themselves to see just how high they can climb. This bill is a significant milestone in federal education policy, and I\u2019m proud to support it. But the success of our students depends on all of us \u2014 students, parents, policymakers at all levels, and academic institutions \u2014 investing in reforms we know will renew the United States as the educational powerhouse it deserves to be.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/education-and-workforce-committee-unanimously-adopts-smucker-amendment-prosper", "Education and the Workforce Committee Unanimously Adopts Smucker Amendment to PROSPER Act to Help Combat Opioid Epidemic", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The House Education and the Workforce Committee, during a markup of the PROSPER Act, unanimously agreed to U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker's (PA-16) amendment that would help higher education institutions combat the opioid epidemic on their campuses.\n\nRep. Smucker's amendment will require the U.S. Secretary of Education to work with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other outside experts to identify successful addiction recovery programs on college campuses. The Secretary of Education will also share best practices with colleges and universities to increase the number and capacity of high-quality programs to help prevent and combat addiction, as well as help students recover from addiction.\n\n\"Now more than ever, we must prioritize the fight against rampant drug and opioid abuse. It is a nationwide epidemic that none of us can ignore, and it requires our action,\" said Rep. Smucker. \"I am glad this committee could come together in a bipartisan manner to help stem the tide of addiction that has swept across this nation and our schools.\"\n\nClick here to watch the video. A copy of Rep. Smucker's can be found here:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/national-defense-authorization-act-including-smucker-amendment-signed-law", "National Defense Authorization Act, Including Smucker Amendment, Signed Into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, President Trump signed into law the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY18 which included U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker\u2019s (PA-16) amendment to expand opportunities for active-duty military men and women to learn career skills and occupational training. This expansion will assist them in their transitions back to civilian life. In July, Rep. Smucker worked across the aisle with Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) to introduce a bipartisan amendment to the FY18 NDAA that would expand eligibility for the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) to include all members of the uniformed services. Previously the program was only available to Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps personnel.\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s military is made up of hardworking men and women who wake up every day to serve others,\u201d said Rep. Smucker. \u201cWe should be making it easier for them to transition to civilian life with a steady job, and infuse our workforce with leadership skills only the military can provide. But right now, less than half of our nation\u2019s military personnel have access to USMAP and the completion rate for those who do enroll is falling at an alarming rate. This amendment will open up USMAP to any member of the uniformed service. I\u2019m proud to work in a bipartisan manner with Reps. Gottheimer and Sinema to get this amendment included in the conference report, and I am glad President Trump has signed this legislation into law.\u201d\nBackground\nToday, USMAP is available only to active duty Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps personnel. This bipartisan amendment would expand eligibility to include all uniformed service members: Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Public Health Services (PHS).\nThe United Services Military Apprenticeship Program was created in 1976 in an effort to improve the skills and training that active duty service members receive before transitioning back to civilian life. USMAP is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Department of Defense before service members complete their service.\nUSMAP combines occupational training with the registered apprenticeship office with 180 registered occupations related to civilian fields. USMAP offers employer-specific training while documenting skills and experiences to help veterans transition to civilian life. The program adds, on average, between 10 and 20 hours per week of specialized work experience in addition to regular classroom training. Apprenticeships through USMAP have increased by around 80 percent from 2008 to 2013 to make up 25 percent of all apprenticeships overseen by the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) in the Department of Labor, but the completion rate has dropped roughly 50 percent over the following years.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-america-must-work-aggressively-to-combat-terror", "Barletta: America Must Work Aggressively to Combat Terror", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the attempted terror attack in New York City this morning: \n\u201cI am very thankful innocent Americans avoided a close call in New York City this morning.\u00a0 New York\u2019s amazing first responders again quickly arrived at the scene to address a potential catastrophe \u2013 luckily a major attack was avoided.\u00a0 As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, this again affirms the cold reality that radical Islamic terror is a threat to all Americans across the United States.\u00a0 The Trump Administration has made exceptional strides to secure the border and aggressively combat terrorism.\u00a0 As we gather more information about the attacker, I will continue to push Congress to provide all the resources the administration needs to combat this evil in order to preserve the peace and well-being of our great nation.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/op-ed-getting-serious-about-cyberstalking", "OP-ED: Getting serious about cyberstalking", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The internet and social media has done everything from giving a voice to the oppressed and inspiring democratic change in totalitarian states, to connecting old friends.\nHowever, these mediums can be used \u2014 and abused \u2014 by those pursuing more nefarious purposes. In the 21st century, these platforms have digitized crimes from robbery to stalking, forcing lawmakers and law enforcement to open a new front against criminals untethered to geographic locations and hidden behind virtual screens.\nSuch is true of cyber-stalking \u2014 including cases right here in our community.\nFor the Zezzo family, it was their teenaged daughter who, at the age of just 13, was cyber-stalked by a friend\u2019s father through social media. Despite the stalking being sexual in nature, the then-51-year-old stalker pleaded guilty only to a misdemeanor stalking charge and was sentenced to probation and counseling.\nThree years later, in 2016, the same stalker began making contact again. Hiding behind social media, the predator created a perverted library of over 15,000 posts, detailing his warped vision to marry her and his insistence that no one would ever stop him from being with her. Thankfully, following a sting operation, local police arrested him and sentenced him to between 18 months and seven years in a state prison.\nStories like this are, unfortunately, too common in this country, and they do not always end with the stalker in custody.\nThe Office of Women\u2019s Health defines stalking as repeated contact that makes one feel afraid or harassed. Each year this crime affects an estimated 7.5 million people, including many children. Stalking disproportionally impacts women: stalking victims are 50-percent more likely to be female and, according to the CDC, one in six women have experienced some form of stalking during their lives.\nIn the days before technology, stalking was usually restricted to uninvited visits or gifts; however, the dawn of the internet has provided stalkers with new means to facilitate their harassment. Unfortunately, as the nature of the crime has changed, our laws have failed to keep up with the emergence of \u201ccyberstalking.\u201d\nToday, cyberstalking involves the use of the internet, email or other electronic communications (such as social media) to stalk someone. Instances of cyberstalking and internet-related crimes have been rising. While all 50 states have laws designating stalking as a crime, traditional remedies lack the continuity and gravity necessary to fight cyberstalking. The criminal codes among the states respond to cyberstalking in irregular ways \u2014 less than a third classify stalking as a felony on the first offense.\n\n\tA more concerted effort must be made to protect internet users, especially young people, from this expanding crime.\n\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019ve introduced legislation inspired by the Zezzo family to combat cyberstalking. My bipartisan Combat Online Predators Act (H.R. 4203) provides enhanced criminal penalties for stalkers by adding up to five years to a sentence if the victim is a minor.\nAdditionally, it calls on the Department of Justice to evaluate local and state government efforts to combat cyberstalking and determine best practices for law enforcement. The good news is, Congress seems ready to act \u2014 the House Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced my bill to the House floor for full consideration and passage.\nCyberstalking is a serious crime that needs to be met with stricter penalties and more cooperation among law enforcement agencies. The Combat Online Predators Act is the first step in making the internet a safer environment for all users, especially young Americans. And this step cannot come soon enough.\nAs the National Center for Victims of Crime stated in its endorsement of the legislation, \u201cIn today\u2019s age where children can be stalked both in person and online, we must ensure that our laws provide real justice for our most vulnerable victims.\u201d\nIf you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or looking for more information and resources on the topic, please visit my website at\u00a0http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/stalking", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-smucker-desaulnier-defazio-and-davis-announce-bipartisan", "Representatives Smucker, DeSaulnier, DeFazio, and Davis Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Parity for Electric Vehicle Technology", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013\u00a0Today, as leading American manufactures continue to design, develop, and unveil commercially-available electric trucks, U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Rodney Davis (R-IL) announced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 4421) that would allow the testing of trucks powered by electric batteries. Federal law caps the weight limit on trucks at 80,000 pounds. Since electric battery systems are heavier than diesel fuel tanks, this straightforward bill would allow for a modest weight increase of 2,000 pounds for electric trucks.\n\u201cElectric trucks can provide great benefits to both our transportation system and our environment. We should be incentivizing the development of and investment in new technologies to improve our freight system, and one way to do that is to extend the 2,000-pound exemption for natural-gas powered trucks to battery-powered electric trucks. I want to thank Reps. DeSaulnier, Davis, and DeFazio for their work on this issue, and look forward to working together to help this new technology thrive,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.\n\u201cIn order to maintain America\u2019s competitive edge well into the twenty-first century, this bipartisan effort is a necessary first step. By adjusting federal law to account for new technological advances we can help spur innovation, support manufactures, and promote public health and safety,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. \u201cAs a long-time member of the California Air Resources Board and advocate for environmental protection, I am pleased to partner with my colleagues on an effort that will help test energy-efficient transportation technologies.\u201d\n\u201cAmerican manufactures are leading the world in emerging transportation technology, and the recent advances in electric heavy-duty trucks could drastically change the industry for shippers, manufactures, and consumers in the years ahead. This bipartisan bill will encourage the growth of the electric truck industry and the creation of good-paying American jobs, while promoting a transition to cleaner trucks that emit less greenhouse gases. I applaud my colleagues, and look forward to working with them to push this legislation through the House,\u201d said\u00a0Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member, Peter DeFazio. \n\u201cI am excited about this new technology, including the numerous safety benefits associated with it, and look forward to seeing how this innovation helps advance the trucking industry,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Rodney Davis.\u00a0\u201cI also hope the introduction of electric trucks continues the conversation about the sustainability of the Highway Trust Fund and the need to create a level playing field by ensuring all highway users are paying into the system.\u201d\nThe current federal weight limit for commercial trucks is 80,000 pounds. H.R. 4421 would allow electric trucks that are heavier because of their battery technology to exceed this limit by up to 2,000 pounds. Natural gas trucks are already provided the same weight increase, and this bill would establish a parity for electric vehicle (EV) technology.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-and-dent-local-school-districts-need-aid-help-provide-displaced-puerto", "Smucker and Dent: Local School Districts Need Aid to Help Provide for Displaced Puerto Rican Students", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) and Charlie Dent (PA-15) are teaming up to bring attention and aid to local school districts dealing with the substantial influx of Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria. Reps. Smucker and Dent wrote to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calling for additional disaster funding for these school districts.\nIn the letter, Reps. Smucker and Dent said:\n\u201cEastern Pennsylvania has a large Puerto Rican population, and as a result of Hurricane Maria, many people are moving from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania to start over. While we are proud to provide support to the victims of this crisis and thankful for the federal government\u2019s ongoing assistance to the island, greater assistance to this issue is necessary to provide for individuals who are traveled to our districts in search of relief, and especially for children who have been affected by this natural disaster.\u201d\nPennsylvania\u2019s 16th Congressional District has enrolled more than 500 Puerto Rican students following Hurricane Maria, and the 15th Congressional District has enrolled more than 300 students. Reps. Smucker and Dent praised the financial response thus far by the federal government, but continue to call for more action.\nThe full letter is below.\nNovember 29, 2017\nDear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi,\nWe write today regarding our support for supplemental disaster relief funding from the Administration to support school districts and individuals within Pennsylvania. As a result of the destructive impact of Hurricane Maria, communities, and especially school districts are currently dealing with an influx of Puerto Rican students who are fleeing devastated homes.\nEastern Pennsylvania has a large Puerto Rican population, and as a result of Hurricane Maria, many people are moving from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania to start over. While we are proud to provide support to the victims of this crisis and thankful for the federal government\u2019s ongoing assistance to the island, greater assistance and attention to this issue is necessary to provide for individuals who have traveled to our districts in search of relief, and especially for children who have been affected by this natural disaster.\nThe arrival of these students has challenged local school districts that do not have the physical or financial resources to meet the demand. Allentown School District alone has enrolled over 200 new Puerto Rican students since the disaster, and Bethlehem Area School District has enrolled 80 new students as well. Moreover, school\u2019s in Pennsylvania\u2019s 16th Congressional District have enrolled over 500 new Puerto Rican students since the hurricane. Many of these students speak little or no English and have significant emotional, physical, and financial needs. Therefore, these districts have been asked to bear the significant financial burden of opening new facilities and hiring additional Spanish speaking staff members to teach English, provide support, and meet the needs of these children.\nThese school districts strive to provide a high-quality education to all students, including those who have relocated to our area following this terrible tragedy. We are grateful to you for including funding for the Education Recovery Account within the supplemental disaster funding, and look forward to working with you in\u00a0the future on this issue.\nThank you for your time and attention to this important matter.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-congratulates-winner-pa-6-congressional-app-challenge", "Rep. Costello Congratulates Winner of PA-6 Congressional App Challenge", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "West Chester, PA \u2013\u00a0Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today, during Computer Science Education Week, congratulated Pennsylvania\u2019s Sixth Congressional District winner of the Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition to encourage students to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The apps were judged by a panel of computer science professionals and congressional representatives from the district.\nThis year\u2019s winner is Prophexy, an app created by Surya Ramanathan from Downingtown STEM Academy. By using an algorithm, the goal of the app is to predict future test scores and provide insight for teachers as to how their teaching methods are resonating with students. The runner-up of the Challenge was a team of students from Owen J. Roberts, Ahmed Alveed, Justin Schwenk, Syder Defibaugh, and Josh Diamond. They designed the app Playmakerz Plus, which would allow sports teams to create a virtual playbook by hand-drawing plays and saving them in the app.\u00a0\n\u201cEach year, I am impressed by the creativity of students who participate in the Congressional App Challenge. I have been a strong advocate of supporting students\u2019 ability to participate in STEM education and after-school programs, and believe we should continue to encourage these opportunities to innovate. I also want to thank each of the judges for their participation and for providing valuable insight as they reviewed each app,\u201d said Rep. Costello, a member of the STEM caucus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dent.house.gov/2017/12/dent-local-school-districts-need-aid-to-help-provide-for-displaced-puerto-rican-students", "Dent: Local School Districts Need Aid to Help Provide for Displaced Puerto Rican Students", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Charlie Dent", "D000604", "dent.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) joined with his colleague, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16), to bring attention and aid to the costs facing local school districts dealing with the substantial influx of Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria. Representatives Dent and Smucker wrote to Speaker Ryan and Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calling for additional disaster funding for these school districts.\r\n\u201cWe have to recognize that the children impacted have been through an unbelievable amount of stress and they need help,\u201d said Rep. Dent. \u201cMany have emotional issues as a result of having to deal with the disaster of losing their family homes. They need to develop their fluency in English and are facing adapting to a new school environment. The schools are doing amazing work providing for them and meeting their educational needs, but the schools themselves need additional support,\u201d Dent concluded.\u00a0\r\nThe Allentown School District has enrolled over 200 new students from Puerto Rico students since the hurricane. Bethlehem Area School District has now accepted over 100 students. Rep. Smucker\u2019s district has enrolled over 500 new students.\r\nDent and Smucker praised the financial response by the Federal government thus far to the disaster, but called for action on this issue. \u201cThese districts are facing financial challenges in order to help these new students. The Federal government should provide the supplemental disaster relief funding necessary to help alleviate the financial pressure on them and that\u2019s why we raised the issue with House leadership,\u201d said Dent.\r\n***\r\nCONTACT: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-calls-increased-transparency-ethics-committee-regarding", "Fitzpatrick Calls for Increased Transparency by Ethics Committee Regarding Sexual Assault Settlements", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) led a group of 14 freshman Republican and Democrat members Friday in calling for the House Ethics Committee to undertake a \u201cfull and complete investigation into allegations that Members of Congress have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment lawsuits.\u201d Additionally, the bipartisan letter calls for the names of those involved in these instances.\n\u201cSpecifically, we request information regarding all instances of Members using office funds to settle claims with alleged sexual assault victims.\u00a0 The information requested should include the identity of the Members involved.,\u201d reads the letter in part. \u201cAmerican taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability on this matter, and we must deliver for them.\u201d\u00a0\nThe text of the letter is below. A signed copy can be found HERE.\nDear Chairwoman Brooks and Ranking Member Deutch:\nThe Freshman class of the 115th Congress, request a full and complete investigation into reports that Members of Congress have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment for years.\u00a0 Assuming these allegations are true, this is yet another example of politicians playing by a different set of rules, and is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers forced to foot the bill for these heinous actions.\u00a0 As Members of Congress, we must set the highest standard of moral character, have zero tolerance for deviant behavior, and hold one another accountable. \nSpecifically, we request information regarding all instances of Members using office funds to settle claims with alleged sexual assault victims.\u00a0 The information requested should include the identity of the Members involved.\u00a0 Furthermore, we propose implementation of severe penalties for this behavior to prevent future offenses.\u00a0 American taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability on this matter, and we must deliver for them.\u00a0\u00a0 \nOur Freshman Class will, and this entire Congress must, demand full transparency and shine a light on this issue.\u00a0 We stand with the victims and the people who elected us as we root out sexual harassment in Congress. \nThank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you on this matter.\nSincerely,\nFitzpatrick, who has sought to reform Washington since Day 1 with the introduction of a sweeping government reform and anti-corruption package, has taken a leadership role in pushing back against sexual harassment on Capitol Hill and around the county:\n Helped introduce the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act [HR 4494]. This bipartisan legislation seeks to prevent sexual harassment/assault within the Congress, empower survivors, and eliminate the congressional hush fund that is currently being used to settle such claims with taxpayer money. To those ends, this legislation will:\n\t\tprohibit the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims;\n\t\t\tdisclose all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed);\n\t\t\trequire perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest;\n\t\t\tprohibit nondisclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims; and\n\t\t\tpermit victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed nondisclosure agreement.\n\t\t\n\tHelped introduce the Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act (STOP) Act [HR 4495]. This bipartisan legislation would prohibit the deductibility of legal settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment as business expenses. Currently, companies can deduct as ordinary and necessary business expenses any legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. In allowing businesses to write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct. The STOP Act would prohibit deduction of these expenses in cases where the allegations are public or in cases involving a non-disclosure agreement.\n\tHelped introduce the\u00a0ME TOO Congress Act\u00a0[H.R. 4396]. This bipartisan legislation would set definitive criteria to address sexual harassment in all national legislative branch offices.\u00a0The bipartisan bill would reform the\u00a0Congressional Accountability Act of 1995\u00a0procedures for investigating and resolving allegations that legislative branch employing offices violated the rights and protections provided to their employees, including protections against sexual harassment. The bill would ensure that such protected rights are extended to interns, fellows and whistleblowers in Congress.\u00a0\n\tCo-sponsored the Congressional\u00a0Education About Sexual Harassment Eradication Resolution [H.Res. 604]\u00a0that requires Members of the House, congressional staff, and other employees of the House to complete sexual harassment prevention and response training every year, and then file a certification of completion with the House Committee on Ethics.\n ###\nCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick is serving his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Homeland Security, Small Business and Foreign Affairs committees. He represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 8th\u00a0District which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He is a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothfus-pro-jobs-pro-taxpayer-pro-environment-bill-passes-out-committee", "Rothfus Pro-Jobs, Pro-Taxpayer, Pro-Environment Bill Passes out of Committee  Next Stop: House Floor", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2013 Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) issued the following statement after H.R. 1119, the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act, or SENSE Act, was passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Environment Committee:\n\u201cI am grateful to the Energy and Commerce Committee, especially Committee Chairman Walden (R-OR) and subcommittee Chairman Shimkus (R-IL), for supporting the SENSE Act,\u201d said Keith Rothfus. \u201cThis pro-jobs, pro-environment, pro-taxpayer bill will allow the cleanup of Pennsylvania\u2019s streams and hill sides to continue at the over 800 coal refuse piles throughout the Commonwealth. Through technological advancements, we are able to allow certain power plants in Western Pennsylvania and across our nation convert coal refuse into cheap, domestic energy while restoring our environment back to its natural state. Already, the coal-refuse-to-energy industry has cleaned up more than 200 million tons of abandoned coal heaps in Pennsylvania. It is also important these plants remain open so good jobs are saved to support families. For these reasons, I am committed to working with my colleagues to get this bill passed through the House.\u201d\nYou can read more on the SENSE Act here. \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-attends-bipartisan-press-conference-veterans-service", "Rep. Costello Attends Bipartisan Press Conference with Veterans Service Organizations in Support of Expanding Caregiver Access", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA) yesterday joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Veterans Service Organizations to call for the expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The program provides certain benefits for caregivers, who must be 18 years of age and can be a family member, a friend, or someone who lives with the veteran full time. Currently, veterans who were injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001 are able to receive complete caregiver benefits under the program, such as travel expenses, access to healthcare insurance, mental health services, and respite care. The press conference was to applaud the passage of caregiver legislation in the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and call for an expansion of the program to veterans of all service eras.\nIn Pennsylvania, this expansion is important because the veteran population is aging. In 2015, during a town hall in Spring City, Pennsylvania\u2019s Sixth Congressional District, Rep. Costello heard concerns from constituents about access to the caregiver program. That same year, Rep. Costello joined with Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) to introduce the CARE for All Veterans Act, legislation that would expand access to this program to all service eras, and the legislation was reintroduced this year.\n\u201cCaregivers are true partners in the delivery of healthcare to veterans, and they deserve quality support. It is time\u00a0that we expand this program to veterans of all generations,\u201d said Rep. Costello during the press conference.\nRep. Costello\u2019s remarks can be watched here. A transcript is available below.\nRep. Costello\u2019s Full Remarks as Delivered at the Press Conference\nThank you very much. First, let\u2019s applaud the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for passing this piece of legislation. Now, that\u2019s a big deal. It\u2019s substantive but it also raises the dial and creates more awareness, and becomes an action item not just for the Senate as a whole, but also for the House Veterans Affairs Committee.\nI\u2019m pleased to support expanding access to the caregiver program. It has helped so many veterans and their families. No matter their service area, veterans have made tremendous sacrifices and deserve access to the care they need.\nWe all know that caregivers play a critical role in providing this care, and they should be able to rely on benefits \u2013 benefits such as travel expenses and access to healthcare insurance \u2013 from the Department of Veterans Affairs, just as some caregivers are already able to access.\nAs we know, currently, if you are a veteran who was injured after September 11, 2001, you are able to receive benefits under the program. They should continue to receive these benefits, but we should also begin to expand access in the caregiver program to veterans of other service eras.\nI have heard this, as I\u2019m sure all my colleagues have, from constituents in our respective states as the veteran population in every state, my state and all others, is aging, and problems \u2013 healthcare ailments \u2013 become more acute as you age.\nCaregivers are true partners in the delivery of healthcare to veterans, and they deserve quality support. It is time, it is time that we expand this program to veterans of all generations.\nIn the House, and I want to point someone out who is not here \u2013 Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, who has been a champion, who has stepped up right from the beginning, who could not be here but who introduced legislation that would expand access to the current VA caregiver support program to pre-September 11 veterans and their caregivers.\nI am pleased to be here with my colleagues to support this effort. I would like to thank the Disabled American Veterans and all of the Veterans Service Organizations who are here today to encourage support for expanding the program.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-backs-legislation-aimed-stopping-companies-writing-sexual", "Congressman Backs Legislation Aimed At Stopping Companies From Writing Off Sexual Misconduct Suits As Business Expenses", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, along with representatives from across the country, have introduced a piece of legislation aimed at prohibiting companies from claiming deductions related to sexual harassment or assault legal settlements.\nThe\u00a0Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act(STOP Act), would prohibit companies from filing legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and harassment cases as business expenses and claiming tax related deductions. In allowing businesses to currently write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct. The STOP Act would prohibit deduction of these expenses in cases where the allegations are public or in cases involving a non-disclosure agreement.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s Hollywood, Congress or a corporate boardroom, there is no place for sexual abuse or harassment in the workplace. Just as I\u2019m committed to protecting taxpayer dollars from being misused in Washington to cover up sexual misconduct allegations, I\u2019m also committed to preventing private sector businesses from using tax breaks to sweep these heinous acts under the rug,\u201d Fitzpatrick, a Republican, said in a statement. \u201cThis Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title.\u201d\nCurrently, companies can deduct as ordinary and necessary business expenses any legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. In allowing businesses to write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct.\n\u00a0\nThe\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is being considered by the U.S. Senate, includes similar language.\nThe introduction of legislation into the House comes after Fitzpatrick\u2019s call for an investigation last month into the millions of dollars paid for more than 250 settlements to federal employees.\nIn mid-November, the\u00a0Washington Post reported\u00a0that Congress had made\u00a0264 settlements with Capitol Hill employees for various infractions, including sexual harassment. The newspaper said the settlements totaled $17 million over 20 years.\nSince the Washington Post\u2019s reporting on the settlements,\u00a0BuzzFeed News broke the story\u00a0that Democratic Congressman John Conyers of Michigan settled a complaint using funds from his office budget in 2015. The former employee said she lost her job after not falling for his sexual advances.\u00a0Conyers announced this week\u00a0that he will leave congress.\nMore recently, Republican Congressman\u00a0Blake Farenthold of Texas was sued by his former communications director for sexual harassment in 2014. The matter was settled with the congressman denying any wrongdoing and using $84,000 in public funds to settle the case.\n\u201cIt\u2019s unbelievable \u2013 and unacceptable \u2013 that elected officials have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment suits for years. As if the American people needed another example of politicians playing by a different set of rules, this\u00a0is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers forced to foot the bill for these heinous actions,\u201d said Fitzpatrick.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-salutes-new-castle-veteran-house-floor-0", "Rep. Kelly Salutes New Castle Veteran on House Floor", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "USMC Major Eric Burkett lost leg during service in Morocco \nWATCH HERE\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) paid tribute to a local disabled veteran \u2013 U.S. Marine Corps Major Eric Burkett of New Castle \u2013 on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday morning. After detailing Major Burkett\u2019s service, the congressman recited a poem written by Albert Carey Caswell in his honor and submitted it into the congressional record. An official copy of the floor statement and poem is scheduled to be delivered to Major Burkett.\nText of Rep. Kelly\u2019s floor statement:\n\u201cI rise today in honor of one of my constituents, United States Marine Major Eric Burkett from New Castle, Pennsylvania. He was deployed as a member of the 24th Expeditionary Force in Morocco as an Osprey pilot.\n\u201cOn April 11th, 2012, he was nearly killed in a plane crash, which took the lives of two of his brothers-in-arms. After coming home to Walter Reed, he lost one of his legs and continues to recover from his numerous injuries to this day.\n\u201cHis wife Melissa, who also is a former Marine, has been by his side from Day One, along with their loving six children.\n\u201cMajor Burkett may never fly again, but already with his recovery he soars high above most of us. It was his spirit of service and patriotism that led him to start a program at Fort Belvoir for adaptive archery for his fellow wounded warriors.\n\u201cI proudly submit for the record this poem penned by Albert Carey Caswell in his honor, and in celebration of his new adapted home built thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation.\n\u201cAt this time, I would like to read an excerpt of this poem:\nAs his two brothers,\nangels now up to Heaven would rise...\nComing back home with only his family upon which to rely...\nSo all by his side...\nHis fine wife Melissa and children giving him the strength to try...\nAs he knew it was time...\nTime to rebuild his life...\nArmed with his heart of the strength and iron will...\nGiving him the power and courage to nourish him to instill...\nThe strength to rebuild...\nWho against all odds our wounded warriors into that dark night move onward\nstill...\n\u201cMr. Speaker, it is people, it is people like Major Burkett who we celebrate. People who put themselves in danger, in harm\u2019s way, in order to protect the rest of us. I am so proud and so humbled to be able today to submit this poem in honor of Major Burkett.\u201d\nUSMSC Major Eric Burkett\n[Photo courtesy of the Gary Sinise Foundation]\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398610", "Perry Supports Conceal Carry Reciprocity Act", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Scott Perry", "P000605", "perry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Perry Supports Conceal Carry Reciprocity Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 7, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Perry offered the following statement after the House passed, H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act:\"As a lifetime member of the NRA - National Rifle Association of America and State Legislator who authored the Castle Doctrine (the \u201cStand Your Ground\u201d law in Pennsylvania), few are stronger advocates of the Second Amendment than I. Unequivocally, Americans have a right to own the firearm of their choice to defend their lives, families, and possessions. I was proud to co-sponsor and vote in favor of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which advances the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens by authorizing you to legally carry a concealed firearm from one state to another where concealed carry is already legal. The bill doesn\u2019t expand conceal carry to every state, and provides a balance that respects the rights of both individuals and states. While no bill is perfect, this allows us to secure Second Amendment rights across state lines, further eroding the patchwork of laws that inhibit our Constitutionally-enshrined freedoms. I\u2019m looking forward to working with colleagues in the Senate to advance the proposal.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=878", "House Passes National Concealed Carry Reciprocity", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Bill Shuster", "S001154", "shuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 By a vote of 231-198, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.  Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) cosponsored and voted for H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which authorizes individuals with a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm to carry in another state, as long as they are in accordance with that state\u2019s laws.  \u201cLaw abiding citizens protecting themselves should not have to forfeit their constitutional rights at state lines,\u201d said Congressman Bill Shuster. \u201cThis is commonsense legislation that strengthens and protects second amendment rights and is long overdue.\u201d  In addition, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act also directs the Bureau of Justice Statistics to report to Congress within 180 days statistics and information on bump stock use in the United States, and strengthens the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to ensure federal and state authorities are complying with existing law and reporting criminal histories to the NICS.  # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-concealed-carry-makes-law-abiding-americans-safer", "Barletta: Concealed Carry Makes Law Abiding Americans Safer", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 38, National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, by a bipartisan vote of 231 to 198.\u00a0 The legislation would allow law-abiding Americans who are qualified to carry concealed handguns in one state to also carry in other states with concealed carry laws.\u00a0 The bill also includes language from the Fix NICS Act of 2017, which would ensure agencies are reporting to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). \nCurrently, forty-two states broadly recognize law-abiding American citizens\u2019 right to carry concealed handguns for self-defense.\u00a0 All fifty states allow some form of concealed carry.\u00a0 Rep. Lou Barletta (PA-11), who has consistently supported concealed carry reciprocity, voted in favor of the bill. \n\u201cThe right for law-abiding Americans to own firearms is clearly affirmed in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,\u201d Barletta said.\u00a0 \u201cConcealed carry permit holders have proven to be more law abiding statistically than non-permit holders. \u00a0Since states have moved to pass carry laws, violent crime has plummeted.\u00a0 Today the House simply reaffirmed the Second Amendment constitutional rights of all law-abiding Americans. \u00a0Law-abiding citizens have every right to self-defense, and I am pleased the House passed this important legislation.\u201d\nWhile all 50 states allow concealed carry in some form, since 1991, 25 states have adopted Right to Carry laws.\u00a0 Since 1991, the number of people with carry permits has risen to over 12 million, and the nation\u2019s violent crime rate has decreased 51 percent.\u00a0 In Vermont, a Constitutional carry state, the violent crime rate decreased by 19.2 percent from 2012 to 2014. \nSelf-defense is a fundamental right in the United States.\u00a0 In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court ruled that the \u201cinherent right of self-defense has been central to the Second Amendment right,\u201d which is \u201cthe individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation.\u201d\u00a0 \nThe legislation upholds all federal prohibitions on individuals who cannot legally possess a firearm, including those convicted of a crime punishable by a year imprisonment, convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, or individuals who have been proven mentally incapable of possessing a firearm.\u00a0 \nThe patchwork of state permitting requirements has created a complex legal web American citizens must navigate when traveling across state lines.\u00a0 The bill maintains states\u2019 rights to determine permitting requirements, but allows citizens who meet the qualifications for concealed carry in their home states to carry in any state as long as they follow the local concealed carry laws. \nBarletta went on to point out, \u201cThe overwhelming majority of all criminals involved in firearm crime obtained their guns illegally.\u00a0 Criminals will obtain weapons, but the law should never prevent law abiding Americans from their right to self-defense.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-supports-bill-to-improve-quality-of-care-at-va", "Barletta Supports Bill to Improve Quality of Care at VA", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today the House of Representatives passed S. 1266, the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, by a bipartisan vote of 423 to 0.\u00a0 Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) supported the legislation which would authorize the Veterans Administration (VA) to investigate, assess, and report deficiencies at VA medical centers. \u00a0\n\u201cThursday marks the 65th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, drawing the United States into the costliest war in history,\u201d Barletta said.\u00a0 \u201cThe war was fought and won by the selfless sacrifice of Americans who dutifully served in defense of the freedoms we hold so dear.\u00a0 Our veterans should be treated with nothing less than preeminent respect and honor by all.\u00a0 It is why Congress must continue to move on measures like the Enhancing Veteran Care Act to reform the deteriorating bureaucracy and healthcare system within the VA.\u00a0 Aggressive oversight and accountability must be maintained, and I\u2019m pleased the Enhancing Veteran Care Act continues to move the VA in a better direction.\u201d\nVeterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs) are responsible for the planning, budgeting, and service delivery in the provision of healthcare to veterans within a geographic region that include multiple VA medical centers and may stretch across multiple states. Overall, there are 18 VISNs in the Veterans Health Administration.\u00a0 \nS. 1266 authorizes VISN or VA medical centers\u2019 directors to contract with outside entities to conduct audits and investigations of VA medical facilities to equip them with the additional information needed to drive improvements in care. \u00a0The bill also requires VISN or VAMC directors to inform the VA Secretary, the VA IG, and GAO of the investigation prior to starting it to prevent duplicative investigations.\nCongressman Lou Barletta\u2019s district offices provide a wide variety of services for our veterans, including help with VA benefits and the restoration of misplaced medals for veterans.\u00a0 Barletta frequently presents medals which were lost or never awarded for a variety of reasons, including fire, lost records, or discovery of old records.\u00a0 Veterans and their families looking for assistance for themselves or loved ones can contact the Congressman\u2019s offices in Washington, DC (202-225-6511), Hazleton (570-751-0050), Harrisburg (717-525-7002), Carlisle (717-249-0190), or Sunbury (570-988-7801).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-trump-reaffirms-commitment-to-israel", "Barletta: Trump Reaffirms Commitment to Israel", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced they would move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem:\n\u201cPresident Trump has fulfilled another promise by moving the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the eternal capital of the Jewish people in Jerusalem.\u00a0 While the previous administration attacked one of our strongest allies in the United Nations, and supported the disastrous Iran deal, the Trump Administration has reasserted the strength in our alliance with the state and people of Israel.\u00a0 As the nation with the strongest commitment to democratic ideals, peace and liberty in the Middle East, President Trump is sending a clear message to the world that reaffirms our deep commitment to Israel with this historic action.\u201d\nCongressman Barletta joined with 101 of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in a letter to then President-Elect Trump in support of moving the American embassy to Jerusalem. You can read the letter HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-supports-concealed-carry-reciprocity-act", "Rep. Kelly Supports Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today in support of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, which would allow law-abiding citizens with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit to carry a handgun in any other state that also has concealed carry laws as long as the individual follows the laws of that state. The legislation was passed this afternoon by a bipartisan vote of 231-198.\n\u201cIf law-abiding Americans have already earned a permit to carry their concealed firearms in their own home state, then there is no good reason why reciprocity shouldn\u2019t be granted to them in another state. It\u2019s what we do with driver\u2019s licenses and, as a matter of personal rights and safety, it just makes good sense to do it with gun licensing as well. This bill will prevent the burden of bureaucracy from getting in the way of gun-owning citizens freely and responsibly exercising their rights as Americans.\n\u201cThe Second Amendment is not an abstraction or an exception. The Bill of Rights means what it says as much today as when it was written. The right to bear arms is a fundamental part of our identity as a free people and an indispensable pillar of our free society. I am proud to support the passage of this bill to reinforce our Second Amendment rights and tear down the lingering obstacles that prevent the American people from fully realizing them.\u201d\nNOTE: This bill categorically excludes from its protections anyone who is \u201cprohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm.\u201d This includes anyone who:\n Has been \u201cconvicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year\u201d (this category includes misdemeanors punishable by more than two years in prison \u2013 e.g., second degree assault in Maryland \u2013 as well as felonies \u2013 e.g., armed robbery \u2013 and applies even if the individual never served any prison time at all)\nIs \u201ca fugitive from justice\u201d\nIs \u201can unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance\u201d\nHas been \u201cadjudicated as a mental defective\u201d or \u201ccommitted to a mental institution\u201d\nIs an alien who is \u201cillegally or unlawfully in the United States\u201d or who was \u201cadmitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa\u201d\nHas been \u201cdischarged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions\u201d\nHas \u201crenounced his [United States] citizenship\u201d\nIs subject to certain restraining orders concerning an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner (e.g., restraining orders issued after a hearing alleging spousal or child abuse)\nHas been \u201cconvicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence\u201d\nIs possessing the firearm in the course of employment for any of the preceding categories of persons\nIs under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year\nIs under age 18 in the case of a handgun\n H.R. 38 is supported by the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398609", "Perry Announces Winner of Inaugural Congressional App Challenge", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Scott Perry", "P000605", "perry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Scott Perry (PA-04) is excited to announce that Ian Cook of Mechanicsburg, a student at Cumberland Valley High School, is the winner of the 4th Congressional District\u2019s inaugural Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The CAC was created to highlight the importance of STEM and computer-based skills and their critical role in economic growth and innovation.Ian\u2019s app, \u201cMathematical Journey,\" is a fun, educational game for grade school kids to improve and practice basic math skills. Here's a demonstration of Ian\u2019s app: https://youtu.be/3LkzunhqH-0. Ian\u2019s app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building, on House.gov and on the Congressional App Challenge website (http://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/.) Eight submissions were part of this year\u2019s challenge - open to all high school students who reside in the 4th District.  Apps were scored by three independent judges: John McElligott, Chief Executive Officer of York Exponential; Dominic Sinibaldi, Chief Operating Officer at York Exponential; and Eric Mueller, co-founder of Qrypdo. Congressman Perry sincerely appreciates the time and talents dedicated by these individuals to the App Challenge. By some estimates, the United States may need more than a million programmers by 2020; to maintain American competitiveness, we must encourage our youth to pursue and acquire these valuable skills. The Internet Education Foundation serves as the operational sponsor of the CAC. For more information about the CAC, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us.  \u201cWe want to inspire 4th District students to explore STEM, coding and computer science as potential careers,\u201d said Congressman Perry. \u201cAs such, we hope to make this an annual program and encourage all students to consider applying for next year\u2019s App Challenge.\u201d Residents are encouraged to contact Congressman Perry and his staff at any of his offices, or via Perry.House.Gov, where they can sign up for e-mail updates and for his Facebook, Twitter and You Tube pages.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothfus-commends-trump-administration-recognizing-jerusalem-capital", "Rothfus Commends the Trump Administration in Recognizing Jerusalem as Capital of Israel", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -\u00a0Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) released the following statement on the President\u2019s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:\n\u201cIt is a longstanding fact that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel,\u201d praised Congressman Rothfus. \u201cI am proud to see the President make this monumental and historic recognition. The people of Jerusalem are remarkable and they have demonstrated over the last 50 years, since reunification, that people of all faiths are welcome and protected in this capital city.\u201d\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-statement-president-trump-s-decision-move-us-embassy-israel-jerusalem", "Smucker Statement on President Trumps Decision to Move U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) issued the following statement after President Trump announced the United States will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem:\n\u201cWhen I traveled to Israel in August, I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and had a discussion about moving the United States embassy to Jerusalem. The city is at the core of the nation\u2019s foundation and history. President Trump\u2019s decision to move our embassy is the right one. I will continue to support and defend our decades-old friendship and strengthen our alliance.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-votes-allow-concealed-carry-reciprocity-and-update-fbi-background-check", "Smucker Votes to Allow Concealed Carry Reciprocity and Update FBI Background Check System", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) today voted to protect law-abiding gun owners\u2019 right to carry a concealed firearm and improve the FBI\u2019s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).\nThe bipartisan Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) allows handgun owners who are legally permitted and authorized to carry a concealed firearm by their home state to carry a concealed firearm in other states that allow concealed carry. Individuals carrying a concealed firearm across state lines must also carry a valid government-issued ID and concealed carry permit from their home state.\n\u201cLaw-abiding gun owners deserve the full protection of the U.S. Constitution when exercising their right to carry a concealed weapon \u2013 and that right should not end at a state line,\u201d said Rep. Smucker. \u201cThis legislation will help to reduce the confusion that can lead to gun owners unknowingly breaking the law when they travel to other states. I am also glad the House is updating the NICS system to help ensure our federal background check system is working as intended.\u201d\nThis legislation categorically excludes from its protection anyone who is \u201cprohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving firearms.\u201d\nH.R. 38 also requires all federal agencies to comply with existing law and increases penalties for federal agencies that fail to report individuals who should not be in possession of a firearm. Through increased grant funding, training, and technical assistance it incentivizes states to actively input data into NICS. Specifically, this provision would:\n Create benchmark requirements for the U.S. Attorney General to ensure that federal agencies are complying with the law on an annual basis;\n\tEstablish a Domestic Abuse and Violence Prevention Initiative to ensure that states have sufficient resources and incentives to share information with NICS that show a felon, domestic abuser, or individual with mental health reasons are prohibited from owning a firearm;\n\tIncrease grant opportunities and offers increased technical assistance for states to incentivize active participation in the NICS system;\n\tRequire the U.S. Attorney General to publicly share a report on which federal agencies failed to submit their required certification or submitted certification that was not in compliance with the plan on the Department of Justice\u2019s website and to Congress each year; and\n\tEstablish noncompliance penalties for federal agencies that fail to accurately complete their certification requirements. Political appointees of a federal department that failed to certify compliance will be denied bonus pay and overtime pay until the federal agency fixes their certification.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-applauds-passage-of-taylor-force-act", "Barletta Applauds Passage of Taylor Force Act", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1164, the Taylor Force Act, by a voice vote.\u00a0 Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) cosponsored the legislation, which would prohibit U.S. taxpayer assistance to the Palestinian Authority, who are known to openly pay terrorists and their families.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIt is reprehensible that that the United States would supply any funds to groups who give handouts to terrorists and their families,\u201d Barletta said following the vote.\u00a0 \u201cThe Palestinian Authority has shown zero willingness to address these egregious practices.\u00a0 I will continue to pray for comfort and support of Taylor Force\u2019s family, who was tragically murdered by a Palestinian terrorist.\u00a0 Shamefully, the Palestinian Authority supports these atrocities.\u00a0 America can no longer acknowledge political actors who turn the other way or outright encourage terrorism.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe bill was named in honor of U.S. Army veteran Taylor Force, who was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in Tel Aviv last year.\u00a0 Force was killed when a Palestinian man carried out a stabbing spree, injuring ten others.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe tragedy highlighted the Palestinian Authority\u2019s grotesque practice of the providing salaries to terrorists and their families based on the scale of death resulting from an attack.\u00a0 Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was even quoted saying, \u201cI don\u2019t intend to cease payment for families of prisoner martyrs, even if it costs me my seat, I will continue to pay them until my last day.\u201d\n\u00a0\nIn fact, the payments are even enshrined in Palestinian law, where $315 million were paid out last year, nearly 8% of the Palestinian Authority\u2019s total budget.\u00a0 The Taylor Force Act would cut hundreds of millions in U.S. economic assistance until the Palestinian Authority changes this practice.\n\u00a0\nAmerican citizens have long been seeking justice against the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization.\u00a0 One tool has been the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1992, which has been under court review in a case titled Sokolow v. Palestinian Liberation Organization, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court.\u00a0 The case centers on seven terror attacks perpetrated between 2001 and 2004.\n\u00a0\nIn one attack, a seventeen-year-old blew himself up at a crowded bus stop in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem; in another, Hamas operatives detonated a bomb in a Hebrew University cafe; and, in a third, a Palestinian security officer opened fire in a crowded Jaffa mall.\u00a0 Together, these and the other attacks killed dozens of civilians and wounded scores more, including a number of American citizens.\n\u00a0\nBenjamin Blutstein, 25, of Susquehanna Township, PA, was killed in the Hebrew University caf\u00e9 attack.\u00a0 Benjamin was in Israel at Pardes Institute, in conjunction with Hebrew University, on a two-year training program to become a teacher of Jewish studies.\u00a0 He had graduated from The Rabbi David L. Silver Yeshiva Academy, Susquehanna High School, and Dickinson College in Carlisle, where he majored both in religion and Judaic studies.\u00a0 His family has fought for justice from the PLO since tragically losing Benjamin to terrorism.\n\u00a0\nIn 2004, the families of eleven American victims sued the Palestinian Authority in the Southern District of New York under the civil remedies provision of the Antiterrorism Act.\u00a0 The provision, passed in 1992, allows \u201c[a]ny national of the United States injured in his or her person, property, or business by reason of an act of international terrorism, or his or her estate, survivors, or heirs\u201d to sue and recover threefold damages in \u201cany appropriate district court of the United States.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe plaintiffs insisted that the PLO and the Palestinian Authority bore responsibility.\u00a0 In 2015, after a seven-week trial, a jury found the Palestinian Authority liable for six of the attacks and awarded plaintiffs a $218.5 million judgment, which, when tripled, became $655.5 million.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe United States must cut off all support of terrorism.\u00a0 These entities are detestable and deserve the full weight of American power against them.\u00a0 Measures must be taken immediately to cease support for the PA until they denounce these activities,\u201d Barletta said.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-celebrates-local-schools-house-floor", "Rep. Kelly Celebrates Local Schools on House Floor", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Commends schools in Greenville and New Castle for winning \n 2017 National Blue Ribbon School awards \nWATCH HERE\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday evening to formally congratulate two public schools in the Third District of Pennsylvania \u2013 Greenville Junior-Senior High School in Greenville and Laurel Junior-Senior High School in New Castle \u2013 for each being designated 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Rep. Kelly\u2019s statement was subsequently entered into the congressional record; an official copy of the statement is scheduled to be delivered to each school.\nText of Rep. Kelly\u2019s floor statement:\n\u201cMr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Greenville Junior-Senior High School in Greenville, Pennsylvania, and Laurel Junior-Senior High School in New Castle, Pennsylvania, which were recently honored by the Department of Education as 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools.\n\u201cThis award \u2014 given to only 342 schools in America this year \u2014 is based on a school\u2019s overall academic performance as well as its progress in closing achievement gaps among its students.\n\u201cIn her message of congratulations, Secretary DeVos commended the \u2018visionaries, innovators and leaders\u2019 who are \u2018preparing every child for a bright future.\u2019\n\u201cI am proud to join her in congratulating the teachers and administrators of Greenville and Laurel, as well as the families of these students for the love and support they provide. Most of all, I congratulate the students themselves for a job well done. They are truly a credit to Pennsylvania\u2019s Third District, and to our country. It is an honor to represent them in the People\u2019s House.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-marino-introduces-legislation-requiring-repayment-taxpayer-dollars", "Rep. Marino Introduces Legislation Requiring Repayment of Taxpayer Dollars Used in Sexual Harassment Settlements by Members of Congres", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Tom Marino", "M001179", "marino.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Yesterday, Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10), introduced H.R. 4540, legislation requiring the repayment of taxpayer dollars used in sexual harassment settlements against a Member of Congress, including interest.\u00a0 The bill would also:\n Require the Office of Compliance (OOC) to publish a report listing all past and future awards and settlements against a Member of Congress relating to sexual harassment, including the identity of the Congressman or Senator while protecting the identity of the victim.\n\tProhibit the requirement of a nondisclosure agreement in order to reach a settlement.\n\tRelease prior victims of sexual assault from nondisclosure agreements, allowing them to publicly share their story if they choose.\n This legislation is a companion bill to H.R. 4458, introduced last week by Congressman Marino prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds in sexual harassment settlements against a Member of Congress.\nCongressman Marino said the following regarding the introduction of the bill:\n\u201cCongressmen and Senators should not be allowed to play by a different set of rules and held to a different set of standards than the American public.\u00a0 Sexual Harassment in the workplace is unacceptable by anyone and taxpayers should not be on the hook for the actions of others.\nMy legislation will bring transparency and accountability to the secretive process used when a victim settles a sexual harassment claim against a Member of Congress.\u00a0 By listing publicly past and future settlements, along with the identity of the Member of Congress who committed the act of sexual harassment, the American people can see and judge for themselves.\nMy bill also protects the victim\u2019s identity while releasing them from any nondisclosure agreement signed along with a settlement, allowing them to come forward if they choose.\u00a0 Going forward, nondisclosure agreements are prohibited as a requirement of receiving a settlement.\u00a0 This legislation, along with H.R. 4458, will bring much-needed transparency and taxpayer accountability to a broken process.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meehan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/eehan-urges-inclusion-of-anti-hazing-provision-in-higher-ed-legislation", "Meehan Urges Inclusion of Anti-Hazing Provision in Higher Ed Legislation", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Pat Meehan", "M001181", "meehan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-PA) joined Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH) this week to urge House and Senate committees of jurisdiction to include their legislation, the Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act, in higher education reauthorization bill expected to be considered by the committees in the coming weeks.\nThe legislation, H.R. 2926, requires incidents of hazing to be reported as part of a school\u2019s annual safety report. Meehan and Fudge wrote House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Ranking Member Bobby Scott.\nSenate Committee on Health, Education Labor and Pensions Chairman Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Patty Murray received a similar letter.\n\u201cHazing is a serious and long-standing problem on college campuses and universities,\u201d Meehan and Fudge wrote. \u201cEvery year since 1961, at least one student has died as a result of hazing. This year alone, four students have died.\u201d\n\u201cAs you know, the Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to disclose policies and statistics about crimes and certain incidents that happen on campus. Currently, the law does not address hazing. The REACH Act adds hazing to the Clery Act\u2019s reporting requirements,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\u201cWe urge you to include H.R. 2926, the Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act, in the upcoming Higher Education Act reauthorization,\u201d said Meehan and Fudge.\nA PDF version is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-bustos-introduce-bipartisan-farmers-tomorrow-act-help-young", "Thompson, Bustos Introduce Bipartisan Farmers of Tomorrow Act to Help Young Farmers Purchase Land", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Representatives Glenn \u2018GT\u2019 Thompson (R-PA) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) this week introduced the Farmers of Tomorrow Act, which is designed to make it easier for young farmers and veterans to purchase new land to begin a farming career.\n\n\u201cAccess to land is essential for supporting the next generation of farmers and growing American agriculture,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cThis commonsense legislation will further encourage new farmers and help strengthen rural communities. I am particularly pleased that the bill increases new farming opportunities for our men and women in uniform who have honorably served. I applaud Representative Bustos on this important bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is more important than ever that we encourage young people and veterans to pursue a career in agriculture,\u201d Rep. Bustos said. \u201cLack of access to land is the top reason that too many aspiring young farmers end up choosing another career. This bill allows more new and beginning farmers to get loans, buy land, and begin their future in farming. I\u2019m grateful to Congressman Thompson for working with me on this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\nNew and beginning farmers can obtain ownership loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to buy land \u2013 but many are excluded due to outdated experience requirements that do not take into account the variety of paths future farmers can take to prepare to run their operation.\n\nThe Farmers of Tomorrow Act allows new, beginning, or veteran farmers to count any of the following toward the current three year experience requirement to make it easier to access USDA financing.\n\n\u00b7 At least 16 hours of post-secondary education in a field related to agriculture\n\n\u00b7 Successful completion of a farm management curriculum\n\n\u00b7 At least one year of business management\n\n\u00b7 An honorable discharge from the United States military\n\n\u00b7 Successful repayment of a youth loan\n\n\u00b7 At least one year as hired farm labor with management responsibilities\n\n\u00b7 Successful completion of a farm mentorship, apprenticeship, or internship program\n\n\u00b7 An established relationship with an approved farm or ranch mentor\n\n\u00b7 Successful completion of a military leadership course\n\nAgricultural real estate values doubled between 2004 and 2013. This year, the national average for farmland real estate value was $3,080. Not only has farmland become increasingly unaffordable, prospective owners are competing against large corporate farms and investors. Roughly a third of American farmland is not even owned by active farmers. Young farmers under age 35 who rent their land are likely to have more debt than farm owners.\n\nFurthermore, America\u2019s farmers are aging with few skilled operators to fill the void. For every farmer under the age of 35, there are six over the age of 65. Access to land is the top reason that young farmers leave the industry, and the reason that many aspiring farmers do not pursue a career in agriculture. The affordability of farmland poses a steep barrier to entry and, to attract first generation farmers, it must be addressed.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-bustos-introduce-bipartisan-farmers-tomorrow-act-help-young-farmers-purchase", "Thompson, Bustos Introduce Bipartisan Farmers of Tomorrow Act to Help Young Farmers Purchase Land", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Representatives Glenn \u2018GT\u2019 Thompson (R-PA) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) this week introduced the Farmers of Tomorrow Act, which is designed to make it easier for young farmers and veterans to purchase new land to begin a farming career.\n\u201cAccess to land is essential for supporting the next generation of farmers and growing American agriculture,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cThis commonsense legislation will further encourage new farmers and help strengthen rural communities. I am particularly pleased that the bill increases new farming opportunities for our men and women in uniform who have honorably served. I applaud Representative Bustos on this important bill.\u201d\n\u201cIt is more important than ever that we encourage young people and veterans to pursue a career in agriculture,\u201d Rep. Bustos said. \u201cLack of access to land is the top reason that too many aspiring young farmers end up choosing another career. This bill allows more new and beginning farmers to get loans, buy land, and begin their future in farming. I\u2019m grateful to Congressman Thompson for working with me on this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\nNew and beginning farmers can obtain ownership loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to buy land \u2013 but many are excluded due to outdated experience requirements that do not take into account the variety of paths future farmers can take to prepare to run their operation.\nThe Farmers of Tomorrow Act allows new, beginning, or veteran farmers to count any of the following toward the current three year experience requirement to make it easier to access USDA financing.\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At least 16 hours of post-secondary education in a field related to agriculture\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Successful completion of a farm management curriculum\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At least one year of business management\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 An honorable discharge from the United States military\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Successful repayment of a youth loan\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At least one year as hired farm labor with management responsibilities\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Successful completion of a farm mentorship, apprenticeship, or internship program\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 An established relationship with an approved farm or ranch mentor\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Successful completion of a military leadership course\nAgricultural real estate values doubled between 2004 and 2013. This year, the national average for farmland real estate value was $3,080. Not only has farmland become increasingly unaffordable, prospective owners are competing against large corporate farms and investors. Roughly a third of American farmland is not even owned by active farmers.\u00a0 Young farmers under age 35 who rent their land are likely to have more debt than farm owners.\nFurthermore, America\u2019s farmers are aging with few skilled operators to fill the void. For every farmer under the age of 35, there are six over the age of 65.\u00a0 Access to land is the top reason that young farmers leave the industry, and the reason that many aspiring farmers do not pursue a career in agriculture. The affordability of farmland poses a steep barrier to entry and, to attract first generation farmers, it must be addressed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2066", "GAO to Toomey: CFPB Failed to Comply with Law on Indirect Auto Lending Regulation", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - In a review requested by U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) today confirmed that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) violated the Congressional Review Act when it issued a \u2018bulletin' regulating third-party auto lenders in 2013. In this instance, GAO found CFPB did not submit its \u2018bulletin,' which was subsequently used to impose millions of dollars in fines on auto lenders, to Congress as required by the Congressional Review Act. Sen. Toomey's statement:\n\"GAO's decision makes clear that the CFPB's back-door effort to regulate auto loans, which was based on a dubious legal justification, did not comply with the Congressional Review Act. GAO's decision is an important reminder that agencies have a responsibility to live up to their obligations under the law. When they don't, Congress should hold them accountable. I intend to do everything in my power to repeal this ill-conceived rule using the Congressional Review Act.\"\nBackground  While the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, which created the CFPB, prohibited the Bureau from regulating auto dealerships, the CFPB issued a guidance document, or \u2018bulletin,' in March 2013 that imposed restrictions on third-party lenders whose loans are made available to car buyers at a dealership.\nGAO's decision that the \"Indirect Auto Lending and Compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act\" bulletin is, in fact, a rule may now give Congress the option to overturn the bulletin via a simple majority vote of both chambers of Congress under the Congressional Review Act. As GAO stated in its letter to Sen. Toomey, \"[the] CRA establishes a process for congressional review of agency rules and establishes special expedited procedures under which Congress may pass a joint resolution of disapproval that, if enacted into law, overturns the rule. Congressional review is assisted by CRA's requirement that all federal agencies, including independent regulatory agencies, submit each rule to both Houses of Congress and to the Comptroller General before it can take effect.\"\nCongress has previously sought to kill the indirect auto lending guidance through a more traditional legislative route. On November 18, 2015, the House of Representatives approved the Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act on a bipartisan vote of 332-96. However, the bill was not acted upon by the Senate before the end of the 114th Congress. GAO's decision may now give Congress an opportunity to revisit the matter.\nRead GAO's letter sent today, December 5, 2017, to Senator Toomey.  Read Senator Toomey's letter sent to GAO in March 2017.\nIn October, GAO also confirmed at the request of Sen. Toomey that a document known as \"leveraged lending guidance\" issued by three banking regulators was a rule and subject to the CRA. Sen. Toomey is actively working on next steps to address that guidance document as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2067", "Senator Toomey Statement on Banking Committee Markup", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the full committee markup in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs of S. 2155, the \"Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.\"\n\"Today I supported the bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act in the Senate Banking Committee to \u2018right size' regulations for community banks that provide access to credit to millions of small businesses and hardworking families across the country. Though I do not agree with some of the arbitrary asset thresholds included in the bill, I am hopeful that the Banking Committee will have more opportunities to work in a bipartisan manner to improve our financial system.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=877", "House Votes to Begin Tax Reform Conference Negotiations", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Bill Shuster", "S001154", "shuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINTON \u2013 The House of Representatives voted 222-192 today to formally begin conference negotiations with the Senate on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg), who voted for the house-passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, voted for the motion and said he is encouraged by the progress Congress is making on tax reform.  \u201cHopefully President Trump will be signing pro-growth tax reform by the end of the year,\u201d said Congressman Shuster. \u201cThere are a few details yet to be hammered out, but I\u2019m confident the House and Senate can reconcile their differences and deliver this landmark piece of legislation for President Trump to sign in his first year of office.\u201d  # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-trump-has-clear-authority-on-travel-ban", "Barletta: Trump has Clear Authority on Travel Ban", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today the United States Supreme Court ruled President Trump\u2019s travel pause may go forward while appeals continue.\u00a0 Rep. Lou Barletta (PA-11) released the following statement:\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u201cPresident Trump is fighting to prevent terrorists from entering the American homeland.\u00a0 The Supreme Court made the right decision.\u00a0 Those who oppose the actions our president is taking to keep American citizens safe are fighting against the man, not the policy.\u00a0 Until radical Islamic terrorism ceases to threaten the United States, I will continue to support President Trump\u2019s clear authority to use all legal tools at his disposal to prevent terrorists from entering the American homeland.\u201d\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-votes-to-advance-tax-reform", "Barletta Votes to Advance Tax Reform", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Motion to Go to Conference on H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act by a vote of 222 to 192.\u00a0 Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of the procedural step to find compromise language between the House and Senate tax plans.\n\u00a0\n\u201cAmerica needs tax cuts and reform.\u00a0 For too long, Washington has squeezed every penny from paychecks, taxed and regulated good paying jobs out of existence, and supported special interest carve-outs instead of middle class families.\u00a0 Americans fight hard for every dollar they make to support them and their families.\u00a0 The Washington first solution has failed them.\u00a0 I\u2019m proud to say we are in their corner fighting for growth: Growth in wages, growth in jobs, and growth in opportunity.\u00a0 This tax plan will be a major step in the Make America Great Again agenda.\u00a0 I will continue to fight hard to get tax cuts and reform over the goal line for Pennsylvania families in the coming weeks.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/editorial-congress-must-cleanse-itself-save-itself", "EDITORIAL: Congress must cleanse itself to save itself", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There may be no institution more disliked and distrusted by the American people than the U.S. Congress. By its actions and inaction it has earned an awful popularity rating \u2014 which it re-enforces almost daily.\nNot so sure about your own opinion? Here\u2019s an outrage recently uncovered by the Washington Post that might affect your thinking, and it\u2019s just one among many: Congress\u2019 Office of Compliance has paid out over the last 20 years $17.2 million to settle a shocking 264 complaints of sexual harassment and other Capitol Hill workplace violations by members of Congress and staff.\nThis was public money, used as hush money, to keep the bad behavior secret.\nIt worked until the lid was blown off the issue of sexual harassment by the recent and continuing series of disclosures that has outed as sexual harassers and abusers a shameful parade of powerful men \u2014 entertainers, media giants, and powerful politicians among them.\nThis isn\u2019t new news. We addressed the issue in this space a few days ago following a statement from the non-partisan government watchdog group Common Cause. In a news release and accompanying letter to members of Congress, the public interest organization called on members to pass legislation closing loopholes and disclosing settlements that have \u201callowed members to hide sexual harassment and other abuses for decades.\u201d\nThe measures sought by Common Cause are both sensible and necessary: a prohibition on congressional offices from using any \u201chush fund\u201d to pay for sexual harassment settlements. \u201cThe American public deserves to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are not being used to protect sexual harassers,\u201d Common Cause President Karen Hobert Flynn wrote in a letter to members of Congress.\nTo that end, we called on our own Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick to accept the challenge much as he did on his very first day in office when he introduced an array of government reform measures, some of which targeted congressional excesses and abuses. We are pleased to note and also proud that the congressman has risen to the challenge.\nIntroduced Thursday with Fitzpatrick as an original cosponsor, the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act would bar the use of public money to settle sexual harassment or assault claims; disclose all such previous settlements; require assaulters and harassers to reimburse taxpayers with interest; prohibit non-disclosure agreements as a precondition to address a claim; and allow victims to make public statements about their claim.\nWe\u2019re not lawyers, but the legislation seems comprehensive and appears to address all the issues raised by Common Cause. It gets our vote and should get the vote of every member of Congress.\nBut this isn\u2019t the only legislative effort Fitzpatrick is supporting, just the most important. He also backs another new bill, the Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act (STOP), which eliminates as business deductions legal settlements related to sexual assault and harassment.\nThe congressman also is a cosponsor of the ME TOO Congress Act, which sets criteria to address sexual harassment in all congressional branch offices. And he supports legislation requiring all members of the House and their staff to complete sexual harassment prevention and response training. Finally, Fitzpatrick is leading a bipartisan effort calling for an investigation into the misuse of taxpayer dollars for sexual misconduct settlements.\nCalling the settlements \u201cunbelievable\u201d and \u201cunacceptable,\u201d Fitzpatrick said Congress \u201cmust stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who should sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title.\u201d\nIf every member of Congress were of the same mind, perhaps this long-tainted institution might begin to change public perception.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-brian-fitzpatrick-co-sponsors-pair-harassment-bills", "Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick co-sponsors pair of harassment bills", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sexually harassing behavior in the business, entertainment and political worlds won\u2019t change overnight, but a pair of bills co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick would change how resulting lawsuits are settled.\nSpurred by a nearly daily deluge of reports detailing alleged improper actions by powerful men against their employees or colleagues, two bills introduced in the House of Representatives late last week aim to keep the financial responsibility to settle claims on the shoulders of the accused.\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s Hollywood, Congress or a corporate boardroom, there is no place for sexual abuse or harassment in the workplace,\u201d said Fitzpatrick, R-8, Middletown. \u201cJust as I\u2019m committed to protecting taxpayer dollars from being misused in Washington to cover up sexual misconduct allegations, I\u2019m also committed to preventing private sector businesses from using tax breaks to sweep these heinous acts under the rug. This Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title.\u201d\nThe Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators (STOP) Act,\u00a0H.R. 4495, prohibits the deduction of legal settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment as business expenses. According to a statement provided by Fitzpatrick\u2019s office, companies can deduct from their taxes legal settlements, fines, fees and expenses related to sexual assault and harassment cases. The STOP Act eliminates those deductions in cases where allegations are either made public or a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is involved.\nCongress is not getting away with using taxpayer money to settle harassment claims, either, according to the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act, also introduced Thursday. If passed,\u00a0H.R. 4494\u00a0would prohibit the use of public funds to settle harassment and assault claims; disclose all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance, without disclosing the name of the victims; require the reimbursement of taxpayer money with interest; and allow victims to make public statements about their claims regardless of a previously signed NDA.\n\u201cWhat does it say about the sincerity of Congress in combating harassment when members and staff can have taxpayers cover for their misconduct while keeping it all secret?,\u201d said Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-6, of Port Orange, Florida, who introduced the bill, co-sponsored by Fitzpatrick. \u201cMembers of Congress and staff cannot live under special rules. The current system incentivizes misconduct and makes it difficult for victims. By exposing these secret settlements and by discontinuing using tax dollars to pay for member misconduct, this bill will reduce the incentive for bad behavior and bring more accountability to Congress.\u201d\nEarlier this month, Fitzpatrick also called for an ethics investigation into the use of funds from Congress\u2019 Office of Compliance to settle sexual harassment claims. The push comes after reports publicized the little-known department used nearly $18 million of public money over some 20 years to compensate victims.\n\u201cIt\u2019s unbelievable \u2014 and unacceptable \u2014 that elected officials have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment suits for years,\u201d Fitzpatrick said in a statement. \u201cAs if the American people needed another example of politicians playing by a different set of rules, this is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers forced to foot the bill for these heinous actions.\u201d\nThe STOP Act has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. The Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act will be considered by the House Committee on House Administration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothus-votes-convene-conference-committee-tax-reform-legislation", "Rothus Votes to Convene a Conference Committee on Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -\u00a0Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) released the following statement after supporting a motion to convene a conference committee with the Senate to resolve differences in the Tax Reform bill:\n\u201cAmericans all across the country are counting on us to get tax reform done, and today we cleared yet another hurdle,\u201d remarked Representative Rothfus. \u201cWe have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end the status quo that is driving American jobs overseas and taking too much of hardworking taxpayers\u2019 money. This critical vote allows Congress to continue with its commitment to send a bill to the President\u2019s desk that will put more money back in Americans\u2019 pocketbooks, restore American business\u00a0competitiveness, and create a much healthier economy. America can return to prosperity, and today\u2019s vote is a key step to get there.\u201d\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/opinion-editorials/building-smarter-after-natural-disaster", "Building Smarter After Natural Disaster", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The cycle of disaster once again reared its ugly head this fall after years of relative quiet. In the span of a month, a wave of hurricanes took its horrible toll in human lives and left coastal communities underwater, destroying homes and businesses, while displacing millions of families.\nIn a way, America has been lucky. The last major hurricane to make landfall in the United States as a Category 3 or stronger storm was Wilma in October of 2005. In 2016, 480,000 Americans sought disaster aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and fewer than 180,000 people registered for disaster assistance in each of the three years prior.\nThis year was different. On top of the typical storms, floods and fires that we anticipate, this hurricane season made history, with storms battering approximately 8 percent of the U.S. population.\nThe federal dollars help tell the story. This year alone, more than 4.7 million Americans have registered for disaster aid so far. In response to the destruction of these storms, Congress has been asked for an extra $44 billion in a disaster relief supplemental for FEMA and the community block grant program.\nThese are massive numbers that weigh heavily on an already strained federal budget. Yet, as the density of American communities continues to increase, so do those in the firing line of disasters. Population growth and suburban sprawl will continue, increasing the number of Americans exposed to potentially damaging storms. We need a better plan. It\u2019s time to stop asking \u201cwhat now?\u201d right after a catastrophe, and focus on \u201cwhat\u2019s next?\u201d when we are preparing for future disasters.\nThis is why Congress should rethink our approach to disaster funding and elevate mitigation as a top priority while disaster prone areas rebuild. Instead of rebuilding destroyed infrastructure as we have for decades, let\u2019s ensure mitigation infrastructure replaces what failed during the disaster.\nBy increasing our focus on pre-disaster planning and mitigation, we can build and rebuild better and smarter. This in turn reduces future loss of life and rising costs substantially. For every $1 spent in mitigation, between $4 and $8 is saved in avoided disaster recovery costs.\nEffective mitigation encompasses a wide variety of activities, including preparation and planning, elevating or moving structures prone to flooding, and hardening structures to head-off the effects of hurricanes or earthquakes. A greater emphasis on mitigation will save lives, minimize damage to property, and reduce disaster costs, saving taxpayers billions of dollars.\nThe density of America\u2019s urban, suburban and even rural areas will continue to challenge the ability of local communities to build sustainable infrastructure for the future. This year serves as a warning and a lesson to communities across the country to prepare for the most likely natural disasters they may face. Mitigation on the front-end will lighten the burden on the back-end.\nNo dollar amount can be assigned to the victims of a disaster. America will continue to be there whenever disaster strikes to provide robust and effective assistance. But as we rebuild from 2017 and prepare for future disasters, we must reexamine where we can improve our federal programs. Let\u2019s look to mitigation as a key to improvement.\u00a0\nBarletta represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 11th District and is the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.\nhttp://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/362452-building-smarter-after-a-disaster", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-sanctuary-cities-to-blame-for-kate-steinle-tragedy", "Barletta: Sanctuary Cities to Blame for Kate Steinle Tragedy", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) released the following statement after a San Francisco court reached a verdict regarding the murder of Kate Steinle.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am heartbroken for the Steinle family.\u00a0 Garcia Zarate is an illegal immigrant felon, who was deported on five separate occasion.\u00a0 This tragedy should never had happened.\u00a0 Elected officials in Sanctuary Cities, and those that defend them in Congress, allowed for the death of Kate Steinle.\u00a0 There should be no sanctuary for illegal activity in the United States, yet these officials continue to operate with complete disregard for public safety and the law.\u00a0 They encourage crime to flood into their communities as gangs, drug dealers, and violent criminals find sanctuary policies a safe harbor from the law.\u00a0 They put strain on the police and their lives in danger.\u00a0 Everyone\u2019s family is put at risk.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe Congress must move to prevent further deterioration of public safety and pass HR 83, Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act.\u00a0 All Americans are at risk from sanctuary cities.\u00a0 Congress must speak forcefully to the victims of these horrendous policies that the continued injustice of sanctuary cities will not go unanswered.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-and-rep-emmer-introduce-bill-ensure-availability-chip", "Rep. Costello and Rep. Emmer Introduce Bill to Ensure Availability of CHIP Funding", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Costello", "C001106", "costello.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) and Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06) today introduced the CHIP Stability Act, legislation that would ensure states have funding to provide services under the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Some states are currently facing a shortfall in CHIP funding, as the program has not yet been reauthorized for Fiscal Year 2018. Because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is limited in how it can allocate funding to cover these shortfalls, legislation is necessary to make sure these states can continue to provide the vital services offered through CHIP. CMS has confirmed that Rep. Costello\u2019s legislation will provide the flexibility necessary to keep CHIP programs running through the end of December while the U.S. Senate considers legislation for the program\u2019s long-term reauthorization.\nThe exhaustion of CHIP resources varies by each state, and the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) projects Pennsylvania\u2019s funds will be depleted in February of 2018. But Rep. Costello reiterated the urgency of passing this legislation to provide continuity and peace of mind for families across the country.\n\u201cNearly 177,000 children in Pennsylvania and millions across the country utilize CHIP, making this a critically important program that we must keep fully operational,\u201d said Rep. Costello. \u201cWhile it is unfortunate this legislation is necessary, we must bridge the funding gap, and I will continue to push for a long-term reauthorization of the program.\u201d\n\u201cToday, through no fault of its own, Minnesota has officially expended its CHIP funding. Lack of action in the Senate has forced Minnesota to find alternative funding in order to continue coverage for CHIP recipients. As one of only two states to receive a financial penalty for doing its best to serve these populations, I am proud to team up with Rep. Costello, Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Walden, and Health Subcommittee Chairman Burgess to introduce this responsible legislation to cover vulnerable Minnesotans. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take quick action to pass long-term CHIP reauthorization for Minnesotans and millions of families across the country,\u201d said Rep. Emmer.\n\u201cWe are incredibly disappointed that the House\u2019s CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, which passed with strong bipartisan support, has yet to be sent to the President for signature. The bipartisan CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act passed by the House should be the foundation as we work with the Senate to complete our work,\u201d\u00a0said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR)\u00a0and Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX). \u201cIn the meantime, we believe legislation that provides short-term funding to the end of December should be passed\u00a0as soon as possible. This responsible stopgap solution, championed by Reps. Costello and Emmer, will help families and states while Congress finishes the jobs to on funding for children\u2019s health insurance, public health priorities, and\u00a0Medicare extenders that seniors rely upon.\u201d\nRep. Costello has been working to pass a long-term CHIP reauthorization. The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, legislation to provide a five-year reauthorization of the program, passed the House with Rep. Costello\u2019s support in early November and is currently under consideration in the Senate.\nBackground on CHIP\n CHIP provides affordable and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage for children under 19 whose families do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot access insurance through a private plan.\n\tBy filling this gap in insurance coverage, CHIP has lowered the number of uninsured children significantly.\n For text of the legislation, click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-helps-introduce-higher-ed-transparency-bill", "Fitzpatrick Helps Introduce Higher Ed Transparency Bill", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Duncan Hunter (R-CA),\u00a0Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), and Scott Peters (D-CA) have introduced the\u00a0Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of 2017, a bipartisan bill providing greater transparency in the cost of higher education.\u00a0 U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate at the same time.\nThe\u00a0Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of 2017\u00a0establishes new metrics to be published by the Department of Education to focus on data that provides future students and their families with information post-graduation average annual earnings, rate/amount of federal loan debt, rates of remedial enrollment, credit accumulation, and graduation rates among other data sets.\u00a0 Specifically, the legislation will:\n Empower students and families with the tools needed for a more complete picture of the value of their education;\n\tMake accurate, easy to understand data available online for prospective students and their families;\n\tAuthorize the release of information that currently exists, but not currently accessible;\n\tMatch student records with employment and earnings data;\n\tEnsure results will be highly accurate and informative.\n A critical provision of the legislation is the requirement for the use of secure multi-party computation (MPC), an advanced encryption technique, to generate statistical data based on student information from colleges and universities as well as loan and income information from government agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Education. \u00a0The process ensures the protection of the underlying data, so no entity is forced to \u201cgive up\u201d sensitive information in a form that is accessible to others.\nA one-page summary and a chart of the bill\u2019s key provisions can be found by\u00a0clicking here, alongside a\u00a0section-by-section outline.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-leads-effort-preserve-new-market-and-historic-tax-credits-final-tax", "Smucker Leads Effort to Preserve New Market and Historic Tax Credits in Final Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) is working to preserve two important tax credits that have a track record of jumpstarting economic activity, assisting economically depressed areas, and putting people back to work.\nRep. Smucker is leading a group of Republican lawmakers in urging House Speaker Paul Ryan and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady to include a permanent extension of the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) and the Federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) in the final version of the tax reform legislation that was passed by the House and is being debated by the Senate.\nIn the letter, the lawmakers say:\nOn the NMTC: \u201cThis isn\u2019t about picking winners of losers, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, it\u2019s about helping those communities, regardless of geography, that desperately need economic investment and good paying jobs. The NMTC has shown itself to be a successful tool to do just that.\nOn the HTC: \u201cMany of the projects associated with the HTC are abandoned or underutilized and the [National Park Service] has determined that over 55% of the certified rehabilitation projects in FY16 were in low and moderate-income census tracks. We must help the communities that need us the most.\u201d\nThe full letter is below, and a signed copy of the letter can be found here: Tax Credit Letter.pdf\nLetter to Speaker Ryan and Chairman Brady:\nNovember 30, 2017\nDear Speaker Ryan and Chairman Brady,\nThank you for your tireless work on tax reform. As the Senate and the House move towards a conference committee to reconcile the two versions, we are writing to ask that the final version of the bill include a permanent extension of the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) and the Federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC). These tax credits are critically important to jumpstarting economic activity, especially in economically depressed areas, and putting people back to work. \nAs you know, the NMTC was created to incentivize business or real-estate investment in low-income communities. According to the New Markets Tax Credit Coalition, between 2003 and 2015, $42 billion in direct NMTC investments were made in businesses and these NMTC investments leveraged nearly $80 billion in total capital investment to revitalization projects in communities with high rates of poverty and unemployment. Moreover, between 2003 and 2012, the NMTC generated about 750,000 jobs with 72 percent of all NMTC investments going to communities exhibiting severe economic distress, including unemployment rates more than 1.5 times the national average and a poverty rate of 30 percent. This isn\u2019t about picking winners or loser, rural or urban, Republican or Democrat, it\u2019s about helping those communities, regardless of geography, that desperately need economic investment and good paying jobs. The NMTC has shown itself to be a successful tool to do just that. \nThe HTC, while originally designed to preserve and rehabilitate historic buildings, has also promoted economic activity in older communities throughout the country. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the HTC is the largest and most effective Federal program specifically supporting historic preservation. Moreover, since the program\u2019s inception in 1976, the NPS has certified the rehabilitation of more than 42,000 historic properties. Many of the projects associated with the HTC are abandoned or underutilized and the NPS has determined that over 55% of the certified rehabilitation projects in FY 2016 were in low and moderate-income census tracks. We must help the communities that need us the most. \nLike you, we are confident that streamlining our tax code and reducing rates will put more money in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers and spur economic growth. We appreciate your leadership on this issue, and welcome the chance to work with you on the issue of the New Market Tax Credit and Historic Tax Credit. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1659, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "PA", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1659, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1659, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "PA", "label": "PA", "count": 1659, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 1659, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-12-01,https~3A~2F~2Fsmucker~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fsmucker-leads-effort-preserve-new-market-and-historic-tax-credits-final-tax", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2017&_next=2017-12-01%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fsmucker~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fsmucker-leads-effort-preserve-new-market-and-historic-tax-credits-final-tax&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 295.7510300911963, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}