{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"PA\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-issues-2021-year-end-report", "Thompson Issues 2021 Year-End Report", "2021-12-30", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "BELLEFONTE, Pa. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson today issued a 2021 Year-End Report, providing a snapshot of the work he focused on in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. during the year.\n\n\"Throughout 2021, we faced unforeseen challenges and tackled them head on. In addition to continuing as a senior leader of the House Committee on Education & Labor, I was promoted by my colleagues into a new role as Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee. This has allowed me to better work toward creating a robust rural economy in America,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"Thanks to my dedicated staff, together we have continued to provide constituent services and helped solve problems when people have nowhere else to turn.\"\n\nAlso included in the report are metrics for key areas, such as how many meetings Rep. Thompson hosted, the number of constituent cases resolved, the amount of constituent correspondence received and legislative bills sponsored and cosponsored.\n\nClick here to review the full report.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/christmas-message-congressman-dan-meuser", "A Christmas Message from Congressman Dan Meuser", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 As you gather with your friends and family this Christmas, share with them this poem from Congressman Meuser. As President Biden drives his sleigh of spending and crises across this country, increasing the cost of the meal on your table and toys under your tree, Congressman Meuser\u2019s tale gives us hope for a brighter and more prosperous future for all Americans.\n\nClick the photo or here to watch Congressman Meuser\u2019s Christmas message.\n\nTwas\u2019 the Night Before Christmas, and all through the People\u2019s House\u2026\n\nNot a member was stirring, but we had our doubts.\n\nThe Amendments were all filed at the desk with care,\n\nIn hopes that the Clerk would read them from there.\n\nThe Democrats sat patiently, all set in their ways,\n\nKnowing that the Republicans would be ignored this day.\n\nNow Texans in their boots, the rest in our shoes,\n\nWe spoke up for the People while the Democrats boo\u2019d.\n\nWhen out in the hall there arose such a clatter,\n\nWe sprang from our seats to see what was the matter\n\nAway from the rostrum, we flew like a flash,\n\nEven Jerry Nadler got up and ran an open dash.\n\nWhen what to our wondering eyes should appear\n\nBut a very large motorcade and not a single reindeer.\n\nIn black Suburbans we see, they all came ridin\u2019\n\nWe knew in that moment, that it must be Joe Biden!\n\nMore rapid than eagles his crisis\u2019 they came,\n\nHe whistled and shouted and called them by name!\n\nRaise taxes, Raise Gas Prices, and open the Border!\n\nNow vax mandates, Now inflation, Now Crime and disorder.\n\nA backup in the supply chain, and a lack of a wall\n\nRun rampant! Run rampant! Run rampant! All!\n\nHe spoke not a word, while many were paid not to work.\n\nThere was much extra money from government perks.\n\nAs 2022 loomed and 2024 so near,\n\nThe GOP shall prevail in what will be a great year.\n\nAmericans deserve, a break from all of these burdens\n\nBut your holiday meal is going to cost more this year, we know that for certain.\n\nSo we leave you with this, a message to be delivered,\n\nIn hopes that soon, our legislation will be reconsidered.\n\nWe will continue to work and put in a good fight,\n\nBut, until the majority comes, we wish a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-statement-fda-authorization-paxlovid", "Dr. Joyce Statement on FDA Authorization of PAXLOVID", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement following the news that the Federal Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization to Pfizer's PAXLOVID medication - an oral therapeutic to help treat the symptoms of COVID-19:\n\n\"An oral therapeutic a pill or tablet that prevents severe illness or hospitalization is a game changer in our battle against COVID-19,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"American innovation and ingenuity will lead us through the pandemic, and today's announcement marks yet another American milestone alongside President Trump's Operation Warp Speed in our efforts against the coronavirus.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-calls-penndot-drop-plan-toll-north-fork-bridges", "Thompson Calls on PennDOT to Drop Plan to Toll North Fork Bridges", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "BELLEFONTE, Pa. \u2014 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson submitted public comments Tuesday to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) strongly opposing their plan to place tolls on the North Fork Bridges in Jefferson County.\n\nRep. Thompson, who has been a vocal opponent of the proposal, expressed concern with PennDOT's proposal and the limited public input, lack of economic feasibility, traffic diversion, and safety studies. PennDOT recently approached the federal government to finance the project, prior to the conclusion of public comment. Additional reports indicate PennDOT has selected the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to install gantries to collect tolls for PennDOT along the nine candidate bridges throughout the Commonwealth.\n\n\"...the Pennsylvania Turnpike has already been commissioned to install gantries to collect tolls for PennDOT along the nine candidate bridges. Given previous performance issues, it is my concern that the Turnpike does not have the capacity to collect these funds, especially given media reports that the agency failed to collect more than $104 million in tolls during calendar year 2020,\" Rep. Thompson wrote.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-meets-federal-highway-administration-opposition-bridge-tolling", "Thompson Meets with Federal Highway Administration in Opposition to Bridge Tolling", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson on Tuesday hosted a meeting with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to voice his concerns over the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) plan to toll nine major bridges throughout Pennsylvania. It was revealed during the meeting that PennDOT has been in consultation with FHWA for more than a year and recently filed paperwork expressing its interest in receiving more than $5 billion in financing for the projects.\n\n\"Several lawsuits have been filed across the Commonwealth, suggesting that PennDOT has not followed its own guidelines for public comment. Tuesday's meeting with the Federal Highway Administration confirmed that PennDOT had been talks with the federal government for nearly a year prior to even being authorized to look at tolling,\" Rep.Thompson said. \"PennDOT is merely providing lip service to public input and has always been moving towards tolling, regardless of feasibility, public safety, or economic sense. This is a betrayal of the public trust and it must be stopped.\"\n\nRep. Thompson, a strong opponent of tolling interstates was instrumental in convincing the FHWA to deny the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission the ability to tolling Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania nearly a decade ago. According to a report published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Turnpike is installing gantries to collect tolls for PennDOT along the nine bridges.\n\n\"I'm not sure what's more shocking: the fact that the Pennsylvania Turnpike failed to collect $104 million in tolls last year, or that PennDOT knows this and still wants to put the fox in charge of guarding the hen house,\" Rep. Thompson said.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-announces-west-point-appointment-elizabeth-nicole-pfisterer-adams", "Dr. Joyce Announces West Point Appointment for Elizabeth Nicole Pfisterer of Adams County", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) today announced that Elizabeth Nicole Pfisterer of Adams County has been offered a full appointment to the United States Military Academy for the class of 2026. Elizabeth resides in New Oxford and attends New Oxford High School.\n\n\"It was my privilege and honor to nominate Miss Pfisterer to the U.S Military Academy at West Point. Elizabeth has demonstrated success both in and outside of the classroom and has fostered a strong desire to serve our nation and her fellow American.\" said Congressman Joyce. \"The service academy appointment process is incredibly selective and competitive. Elizabeth's appointment to West Point is a testament to her many years of hard work and preparation.\"\n\nAll prospective students wishing to attend a service academy must by nominated by a Member of Congress or another U.S. official and then are rigorously evaluated by the service academies, which determine appointments.\n\nAll appointments for the class of 2026 will be announced on a rolling basis over the next few months.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-opposes-biden-pelosi-s-reckless-spending", "Smucker Opposes Biden, Pelosi\u2019s Reckless Spending", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement after voting against S.J. Res. 33, which will increase our nation's debt limit by $2.5 trillion:\n\n\"The midnight debt ceiling vote is about President Biden's continued reckless spending, which I strongly oppose. Biden and Pelosi have pushed nearly $8 trillion in spending already this year, including: $1.9 trillion in their progressive spending wish list, $1.2 trillion \"infrastructure\" legislation, and the $4.9 trillion Build Back Bankrupt bill. They show no signs of stopping. I've said it repeatedly, and I'll say it again: Congress must get its fiscal house in order. We cannot continue to put these unsustainable levels of debt on future generations of Americans,\" said Rep. Smucker.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-votes-no-raising-debt-ceiling", "Thompson Votes No on Raising Debt Ceiling", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Following the passage of S.J.Res.33, an increase to the federal debt ceiling, U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson issued the following statement:\n\n\"Democrats continue to prove that they are incapable of bringing fiscally prudent solutions to the table to address the growing national debt. Increasing the debt ceiling to an astronomical level of nearly $31 trillion will hurt future generations. For these reasons, I could not support this legislation.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-introduces-bill-support-american-battery-manufacturing", "Meuser Introduces Bill to Support American Battery Manufacturing", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Reps. Dan Meuser (R-PA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), and Billy Long (R-MO) introduced the USA Batteries Act to repeal the recently enacted Superfund chemical tax that affects substances used in lead battery manufacturing. The bill would eliminate the tax on lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid, the primary inputs used in lead batteries.\n\nLead batteries are used in vehicles, telecommunications, defense, and energy generation. A truly sustainable energy source, 99% of lead batteries are recycled for use in new batteries or other products. The lead battery industry is comprised of many small businesses employing 25,000 Americans across 38 states with an annual economic impact of $23.6 billion.\n\n\u201cThis tax hike on American battery manufacturers reduces America\u2019s competitiveness and kills good manufacturing jobs,\u201d said Representative Meuser. \u201cAt a time when small businesses are reeling from supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and higher prices, this new and unnecessary tax would be detrimental to the industry. Repealing this tax ensures this industry can continue to thrive without facing stiffened competition from foreign producers who have a competitive advantage because they aren\u2019t subject to the tax.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepealing this tax on battery manufacturing will foster innovation and help American manufacturers compete around the world,\u201d said Representative Moolenaar. \u201cI hope Congress will quickly pass this legislation and repeal this tax on American battery manufacturing, especially at a time when our country needs more secure supply chains and more American manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\u201cErroneously taxing domestic battery manufacturers for waste they do not create is not only burdensome to these producers, but also targets a false boogeyman to solve a misconstrued cleanup problem,\u201d said Representative Hartzler. \u201cLegislation such as the USA Batteries Act rights this wrong by eliminating certain elements as taxable chemicals under the Superfund excise taxes. I thank Rep. Meuser for his efforts correcting this issue for these energy providers.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhenever Washington raises taxes such as this, our competitors rejoice, while Americans suffer,\u201d said Congressman Long. \u201cI am co-sponsoring the USA Batteries Act because the Superfund chemical tax hurts small businesses, and negatively impacts a wide range of industries. We should not be handing our competitors a victory at the expense of American citizens.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe lead battery industry thanks Representatives Meuser, Moolenaar, Long and Hartzler for taking steps to ensure that the essential U.S. battery manufacturing industry can continue to provide lead batteries for many critical business sectors including defense, transportation, logistics, telecommunications and energy generation,\u201d said Roger Miksad, Executive Vice President of Battery Council International. \u201cThe USA Batteries Act will eliminate a tax that gives foreign manufacturers an unfair advantage on the cost of raw materials, and undermines the purpose of the infrastructure bill which was created to support domestic manufacturing. If the tax is allowed to stand it will negatively impact the 25,000 American workers who make and recycle lead batteries and take pride in the fact that their product is the most recycled consumer product in the U.S.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act reinstated the Superfund Chemical fee on 42 substances at twice the previously enacted tax rates. Lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid are primarily used as inputs in lead batteries which are used in vehicles as well as for defense, logistics, telecommunications, and energy generation. The USA Batteries Act repeals the tax on lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid that would negatively impact domestic battery manufacturing.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-introduces-legislation-extending-expanding-telehealth-coverage", "Kelly introduces legislation extending, expanding telehealth coverage", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), joined by Ways & Means Health Subcommittee Chair Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Health Subcommittee members Mike Thompson (D-CA), and David Schweikert (R-AZ), introduced the Telehealth Extension Act.\n\nThis bipartisan bill ensures permanent access to telehealth for patients across the country by ending outdated geographic and site restrictions on where patients can receive approved telehealth services. Following recommendations from the nonpartisan, independent advisory group Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), the bill also temporarily extends emergency authorities established during the COVID-19 pandemic that authorize a wide range of providers and services via telehealth. The temporary extension of these authorities will prevent an abrupt cliff in services at the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) period and allow for further study of the utilization and impact of telehealth in different medical settings.\n\nFinally, to ensure Medicare program integrity, the Telehealth Extension Act implements MedPAC recommendations to prevent unnecessary spending and telehealth-related fraud. In 2019, the Department of Justice brought charges against telehealth executives and physicians for $1.2 billion in taxpayer losses after ordering unnecessary back, shoulder, and knee braces. In a separate scheme, Medicare was fraudulently billed $2.1 billion for cancer genetic tests. The Telehealth Extension Act\u2019s anti-fraud provisions will complement the Department of Justice\u2019s investigative and enforcement actions to prevent future scams and billions of dollars of losses to Medicare.\n\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has shifted how rural Americans receive health care in fundamental ways. Seniors can now see their doctor from the comfort of their own home, and families can visit the doctor on hours that work for their schedule. Unfortunately, many of the telehealth flexibilities families have come to rely on are going to expire,\u201d said Congressman Kelly. \u201cThis bill extends those, then goes further to lower barriers to health care for rural and underserved areas. I\u2019m proud to be co-leading this bipartisan effort and am grateful to all of my colleagues for their tireless efforts on behalf of all Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Americans overcome Zoom fatigue and vaccinations enable many to return to the office and classroom, one aspect of virtual life is here to stay. Expanded access to telehealth, permitted by emergency waivers, has transformed health care delivery\u2014helping patients connect easily and safely with their physicians in a timely manner. As the pandemic enters an unpredictable new stage and emergency waivers may expire, patients and providers should not face a cliff of uncertainty,\u201d said Congressman Doggett. \u201cThis forward-looking bill, based on expert, independent recommendations, provides clarity, certainty, and a foundation for building a telemedicine system that expands access, preserves patient choice, and includes basic safeguards against fraud and exploitation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs America emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress continues to make great strides in providing Americans\u2014especially rural Americans\u2014with access to quality healthcare by expanding telehealth,\u201d said Congressman Nunes. \u201cIn particular, this legislation will extend key COVID-19 emergency telehealth waivers for another two years so that healthcare providers and Critical Access Hospitals can continue delivering telehealth services to the Americans who most need them.\u201d\n\n\u201cExpanding telehealth has been a policy focus throughout my time in public service, since my days in the California State Senate. Telehealth is a cost-effective and efficient way to deliver health care, particularly for rural and underserved areas. Today as Co-Chair of the Telehealth Caucus, I am proud to join Chairman Doggett in introducing the Telehealth Extension Act, important bipartisan legislation to make telehealth available for more patients no matter where they receive care. I look forward to advancing this and other important bills to increase the use of telehealth beyond the COVID-19 pandemic,\u201d said Congressman Thompson.\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will protect patient access to a vital healthcare tool. Throughout the pandemic, telehealth has proven time and again to deliver high-quality care to individuals regardless of where they live,\u201d said Congressman Schweikert. \u201cThis legislation is a critical step to increase accessibility, improve outcomes, and equip our nation with the tools it needs to respond to future emergencies. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect access to telehealth for each and every American.\u201d\n\nThe Telehealth Extension Act would:\n\n\u00b7 Permanently lift geographic and site-based restrictions so Medicare beneficiaries can use telehealth regardless of their zip code, and in the comfort and convenience of their own home or at designated health facilities offering telehealth.\n\n\u00b7 Support the adoption of telehealth in underserved communities by ensuring Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, Indian Health Service facilities, and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems can furnish telehealth services.\n\n\u00b7 Provide a two-year temporary extension of COVID-19 emergency telehealth waivers. These waivers include permitting providers like Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists to furnish telehealth services; enabling Critical Access Hospitals to continue providing outpatient behavioral therapy services through telehealth; and permitting payment for appropriate audio-only services.\n\n\u00b7 Promote program integrity with reasonable guardrails for a small subset of telehealth services that have been targets of fraud without limiting patients\u2019 access to care. The bill would require an in-person appointment within 6 months prior to ordering high-cost durable medical equipment (DME) or major clinical laboratory tests. The legislation also authorizes CMS to audit outlier physicians ordering DME and lab tests at high rates and recover fraudulent payments. Finally, CMS will track who is billing for DME and lab tests by requiring providers to use their own national provider identifier (NPI) when billing Medicare for a telehealth service.\n\n\u00b7 Improve disaster preparedness by providing broad authority for CMS to authorize telehealth flexibilities during future emergencies.\n\nEndorsed by: the National Rural Health Association, the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, the American Occupational Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the American Heart Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Academy of Neurology, Executives for Health Innovation (eHealth Initiative), the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), National Association for the Support of Long Term Care, the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals, Texas Association of Community Health Centers, People\u2019s Community Clinic, Psychiatric Medical Care, and Postpartum Support International.\n\n\u201cThe American Nurses Association is proud to endorse the Telehealth Extension Act. This legislation will improve patients\u2019 ability to visit their providers and access health care virtually beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency. By modernizing telehealth provisions to improve access to care, patients will not have to worry about making the painful choice between paying for gas to get to needed health care services or paying for food that week. This bill will also better help people in underserved communities by ensuring Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), Indian Health Service facilities, and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems can furnish telehealth services.\u201d \u2013 Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of the American Nurses Association\n\n\u201cThe National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Representatives Doggett, Nunes, Thompson, Schweikert, and Kelly for introducing the Telehealth Extension Act of 2021. Telehealth flexibilities have been the true silver lining throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical to continue support for telehealth beyond the duration of the public health emergency. NRHA urges Congress to advance the Telehealth Extension Act of 2021 to ensure rural providers are able to continue to partake in the health care delivery system of the 21st century.\u201d \u2013 Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association\n\n\u201cThroughout the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has used its authority provided by Congress to cover key audiology and speech-language pathology services delivered through telehealth. However, that authority expires once the COVID-19 PHE ends. Extending this authority for two years after the PHE expires, as called for under Section 7 of the Telehealth Extension Act of 2021, will ensure continuity of care for beneficiaries while Congress considers more permanent telehealth changes. \u2026 ASHA applauds your leadership of the Ways and Means Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Health and appreciates your support for extending current telehealth waivers beyond the COVID-19 PHE.\u201d \u2013 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association\n\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the barriers that many patients face in accessing care, regardless of where they are located. Telehealth has proven to be a critical tool to bridge those barriers, and it is essential that the policies put into place during the pandemic are made permanent,\u201d said Jen Covich Bordenick, CEO, Executives for Health Innovation (EHI). \u201cEHI is proud to support the Telehealth Extension Act as it will permanently remove Medicare geographic restrictions, allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive telehealth in their homes, and permit safety net providers to continue to provide telehealth services, all key priorities of our members. We urge Congress to act swiftly on these important provisions.\u201d\n\n\"The use of telehealth has been instrumental in providing care while keeping patients and providers safe during the public health emergency,\" said Nathan Baugh, Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. \"While the temporary telehealth policy created by the CARES Act was a step in the right direction, we need to pass the Telehealth Extension Act if we want to unlock the full potential of telehealth for rural communities.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-calls-greater-transparency-over-leaked-american-taxpayer-information", "Kelly calls for greater transparency over leaked American taxpayer information", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and the Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing focusing on The Pandora Papers and money held in offshore accounts. The Pandora Papers are nearly 12 million leaked documents disclosing financial information of world leaders, billionaires, and others. The leak follows separate reports earlier this year from ProPublica, which disclosed confidential, private, and legally-protected U.S. taxpayer information.\n\nRep. Kelly is seeking to learn more about the sources leaking these private documents, along with the potential solutions to both protect American taxpayers' information and prevent bad actors from taking advantage of the American financial system.\n\nKEY EXCERPTS\n\nRep. Kelly:\n\n\"If we really wanted to explore the money laundering issues discussed in the Pandora Papers, we would hear from the administration and law enforcement about efforts to crackdown on illicit finance. But perhaps that is not the goal of this hearing.\"\n\n\"No one here supports foreign nationals laundering money in the U.S. But... I worry that the majority wants to go after trusts in the U.S. generally through massive new reporting regimes and new regulations. Farmers, small businesses, and millions of average Americans use trusts to plan for the future.\"\n\n(On the ProPublica report.) \"Tax records for thousands of Americans held at the IRS were leaked to the media. It has been 6 months, yet we have no answers.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-support-access-treatments", "Rep. Mike Kelly introduces bipartisan legislation to support access to treatments for rare disease patients", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) along with Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), announced the introduction of Access to Rare Indications Act of 2021, to support patients with rare and ultra-rare diseases in getting evidence-based, medically necessary care covered by their health insurance.\n\nOver 90% of rare diseases have no FDA-approved treatment, leaving many rare and ultra-rare disease patients facing serious and life-threatening illness to rely on off-label use of drugs approved by the FDA for more common conditions. In addition to the FDA-approved label, this legislation will allow Medicare and Medicaid to use additional sources including compendia, peer-reviewed literature and opinion of rare disease experts to meet medically accepted criteria that ensure coverage for rare disease treatment. It will also require private payers to create an expedited review pathway for formulary exception, reconsideration, and/or appeal of any denial of coverage for a drug or biological prescribed for a patient with a rare disorder.\n\n\u201cModern medicine has the potential to address many of the most serious diseases we face, but too often people with rare and ultra-rare diseases don\u2019t have the opportunity to benefit from these new cures,\u201d said Rep. Kelly. \u201cIn some instances there simply aren\u2019t enough patients with a rare disease to run a full clinical trial. That\u2019s why we need to empower doctors to make the best decision for their patients, using all the clinical data which is currently available. The Access to Rare Indications Act will do just this, and guarantees patients have every opportunity to access life-saving cures in a way that works for them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccess to the best medical care is crucial for patients living with rare and ultra-rare diseases, and too often these patients cannot get the evidence-based care they need,\u201d said Congresswoman Matsui. \u201cThe community of rare patients deserve access to medically necessary treatments, the same way patients with more common conditions are covered by their health insurers. Our current system for determining coverage of certain drugs is limited when it comes to our rare diseases. That\u2019s why I introduced this bill to ensure that rare and ultra-rare patients are no longer denied access to the care prescribed by their doctors.\u201d\n\n\u201cRare conditions are labeled \u2018rare\u2019 for that very reason \u2013 that there are indeed so few patients with these conditions, that as a result they are forced to seek alternative treatments aside from those deemed \u2018standard,\u2019\u201d said Rep. Mullin. \u201cEvery American deserves the right to quality care, especially those walking a road seldom traveled.\u201d\n\n\u201cConstituents have told me that expanding access to treatment for rare diseases is going to make a big difference for patients in our district and nationwide,\u201d said Rep. Thompson. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to be a lead coauthor of the Access to Rare Indications Act that will improve access to treatment and lower costs for patients living with rare disease.\u201d\n\nPatients, as well as health care providers, physicians, and non-profit organizations, are applauding the introduction of this legislation that will have a huge impact on their daily lives.\n\n\u201cI live in Erie, PA and not only have a very rare condition, but an atypical form of it,\u201d said Mark P., a constituent of Congressman Kelly. \u201cBecause I present with different symptoms, the diagnostic process has taken nearly 10 years, causing a significant financial and emotional burden. Worst of all, there is no cure or even effective treatment for my condition. Legislation like the Access to Rare Indications Act is critical for our community of rare patients, and we thank you for your leadership here.\u201d\n\nAnother constituent of Congressman Kelly, Vivesh P., said \"I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune blistering skin disease called Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid in 2017 when I was just 14 years old. Unfortunately, there is no FDA approved therapy for me. There are off-label drugs being used to treat this disease, but it\u2019s nearly impossible to get them. Even though they are prescribed by my doctor and they\u2019re commonly used for Pemphigoid, and there is evidence and studies and peer-reviewed journal publications showing the treatments are beneficial. Rare disease patients like me are experiencing unnecessary delays in life-changing treatments that cause worsening of symptoms, physical and mental pain and a difficult quality of life. The Access to Rare Indications Act will give rare disease patients like me access to needed therapies that work, are safe and effective. Being diagnosed with a rare disease at such a young age was hard enough but being denied access to life-saving treatments shouldn't be such a challenge.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe look forward to the enactment of this important legislation so that our community of rare patients can get the treatments their providers think best for them,\u201d said Deanna Darlington, the incoming Haystack Project CEO.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-votes-support-us-servicemembers-national-security", "Reschenthaler Votes to Support U.S. Servicemembers, National Security", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) voted for S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). This bipartisan bill reverses President Biden\u2019s reckless cuts to our national security budget by authorizing $768.2 billion in funding for our military and provides a 2.7 percent pay raise for our troops. S. 1605 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cAs a former Navy JAG, I am proud to vote for this critical legislation that ensures our service members are well equipped to protect our nation abroad and take care of their families at home,\u201d said Reschenthaler. \u201cThis bill empowers our military to defend against malign threats from our adversaries, including Russia and China, holds the Biden Administration accountable for their disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, and protects servicemembers\u2019 Constitutional rights. I am grateful to House Armed Services Republican Leader Mike Rogers for fighting for conservative priorities and rejecting radical progressives\u2019 attempts to reshape our military.\u201d\n\nReschenthaler advocated for the following provisions included in S. 1605:\n\nDefunding EcoHealth Alliance \u2013 Prohibits Department of Defense (DOD) funding from flowing to EcoHealth Alliance for research supported by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).\n\nBlocking deadly fentanyl imports \u2013 Includes the text of the Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act, which prevents countries that are major producers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-like substances from receiving foreign assistance.\n\nHolding China accountable for their human rights violations \u2013 Prohibits DOD from purchasing goods from forced labor camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.\n\nFinding answers on the COVID-19 pandemic origins \u2013 Requires DOD to assess the involvement of the CCP in the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nProtecting Taiwan \u2013 Ensures U.S. support for Taiwan as China demonstrates increased military aggression towards our ally.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-bill-combat-chronic-wasting-disease-passes-house", "Thompson Bill to Combat Chronic Wasting Disease Passes House", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn \"GT\" Thompson and Ron Kind's (D-WI) bipartisan H.R. 5608, the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, passed the House of Representatives. This bill will help combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) by funding research and supporting state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies.\n\nCWD, a contagious, neurological disease affecting cervids \u2013 deer, elk, and moose \u2013 that is always fatal. There is no known cure for CWD and it's unclear how the disease is transmitted. As of December 2021, CWD has been confirmed in 27 states and there are serious concerns it will continue to spread to herds across the country.\n\n\"The U.S. House of Representatives today recognized just how important it is to better understand the diagnosis, transmission and spread of Chronic Wasting Disease among deer populations, in Pennsylvania and across the country,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"There is certainly urgent need for research and management efforts, and I thank my colleagues who supported this bill along with the many stakeholders who share the common goal of eradicating this disease.\"\n\nThis legislation was introduced October 19, 2021 and has received a wave of support:\n\n\"The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) applauds the House for moving quickly to pass the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act \u2013 a thoughtful, bipartisan, and meaningful piece of legislation to combat one of the most pressing wildlife conservation challenges, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD),\" said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane.\n\n\"This swift bipartisan passage of the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act reflects the incredible need for resources to stop the spread of the disease on behalf of our wild deer herds and hunting opportunities,\" says Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.\n\n\"Chronic wasting disease threatens not only white-tailed deer, elk, mule deer, moose, and caribou, but the ecosystems and outdoor economies that rely upon healthy wildlife populations,\" said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.\n\n\"Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) applauds Representatives Ron Kind and Glenn Thompson for introducing bipartisan legislation that will fund cooperative management and research of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) between United States Department of Agriculture and state wildlife management agencies and departments of agriculture. CWD represents one of the greatest threats to deer, elk and other wild cervid species in the United States and in turn threatens our hunting traditions. Each year millions of Americans hunt deer and other related big game species and each season more hunters in the field face the threat of CWD and the serious implications it presents for feeding our families and pursuing our outdoor traditions,\" said John Gale, Conservation Director - Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.\n\n\"Chronic wasting disease threatens our country's native deer species, as well as the role of deer hunting in our outdoor heritage. We appreciate the ongoing leadership of Reps. Kind and Thompson in addressing this critical need,\" said Boone and Crockett Club President James F. Arnold.\n\n\"As the numbers are rolling in from across the country this winter after another hunting season, it's clear that CWD cases continue to climb, and it's popping up in new areas in many states. It's time to step up and help wildlife managers and researchers deal with this disease to help slow the spread and prevalence of CWD across the country. Time is of the essence,\" said Nick Pinizzotto, National Deer Association President and CEO.\n\n\"On behalf of deer farmers and their families, I want to thank Representatives Kind and Thompson for getting this legislation passed through the House of Representatives. As an industry, we have been fighting CWD each day and advocating for more research funding for years. Working together with our partner organizations we now have legislation to combat this disease. NADeFA applauds our sponsor's leadership and the House passage of HR 5608, we now look forward to working with the Senate to ensure this bill becomes law. CWD is a constant worry our agricultural sector faces daily, however, this legislation will help save the family farm and the rural communities who depend upon our industries,\" said Shawn Schafer, Executive Director North American Deer Farmers Association.\n\n\"The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supports the Bipartisan Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act as an important acceleration in our national fight against this deer and elk disease. Supporting state and tribal efforts to detect and manage the disease locally, as well as develop new practical solutions through targeted research is an important advancement. We want to commend the leadership of Representatives Kind and Thompson and thank our fellow conservation partners for keeping a laser focus on these on-the-ground solutions,\" said Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer RMEF.\n\nRead the bipartisan bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-opposes-debt-ceiling-increase", "Thompson Opposes Debt Ceiling Increase", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Following passage of S.610, an increase to the federal debt ceiling, U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement:\n\n\"It is clear that Democrat leadership in the House and Senate lack the ability to make sound fiscal policy and have resorted to changing the rules of the game to get a vote on raising the debt ceiling.\n\nI cannot in good conscience support a plan that does not include dramatic steps to reduce and reform federal spending. This is unacceptable and will only continue to burden future generations with crippling debt.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-supports-national-defense-authorization-act-fiscal-year-2022", "Thompson Supports National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson on Tuesday voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. The House approved the measure by a 363-70 vote.\n\n\"This defense authorization ensures that our service members will be put first, by providing a much-needed pay raise, while also prioritizing American jobs with historic investments in our defense base,\" said Rep. Thompson. We have put forth critical investments to ensure that America remains a global leader in technology and innovation, which will keep us safe at home and ahead of our adversaries across the globe,\" added Thompson.\n\nThis legislation, the final product of a bipartisan, bicameral agreement, does not include Section 529, which raised Second Amendment and due process concerns, nor Section 513, which would have required all US citizens, regardless of gender, to register with the Selective Service System.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-ndaa-vote", "Meuser Statement on the NDAA Vote", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the U.S. House.\n\n\u201cFunding our national defense is the most fundamental responsibility of our federal government. The National Defense Authorization Act cares for our men and women in uniform who keep America safe. During this time of global threats and uncertainty, it is Congress\u2019 responsibility to make sure our national defense and military is fully funded and equipped. My Republican colleagues and I worked tirelessly to successfully remove many Democrat poison pills like \u201cRed Flag\u201d provisions that would infringe upon servicemembers Second Amendment rights. This crucial bill puts military readiness and robust national security first. I strongly support it.\u201d \u2013 Congressman Dan Meuser\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act Includes:\n\nROBUST SUPPORT FOR DEFENSE: $768.2 billion, a 5% increase over the FY21 NDAA and a $25 billion boost over Democrats topline number\n\nPAY RAISE: 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers\n\nREADINESS: Reverses Biden Administration cuts to national security by restoring funding for procurement, including putting the Navy back on track for 355 ships.\n\nNATIONAL GUARD: Provides $1.1 billion in new aircraft, equipment, and weapons for the National Guard.\n\nRUSSIA: Fully funds the European Deterrence Initiatives to support our allies against Russia and provides a 20% increase in Security Assistance for Ukraine.\n\nCHINA: Invests in equipment capable of operating in denied operating environments in China and support Taiwan against increasing Chinese aggression.\n\nAFGHANISTAN: Prohibits financial support for the Taliban and establishes an independent commission to review the war and disastrous withdrawal.\n\nCOVID-19 ORIGINS: Requires DOD and DNI to assess the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s involvement in the origins of COVID-19.\n\nVACCINE MANDATES: Prohibits dishonorable discharges for servicemembers opting-out of COVID-19 vaccination and requires DOD to consider natural immunity in setting medical standards for exemption.\n\nBORDER SECURITY: Continues funding for National Guard deployments to the border and reauthorizes counternarcotics capabilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-supports-legislation-educate-students-about-dangers-communism", "Smucker Supports Legislation to Educate Students about Dangers of Communism, Totalitarianism", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Last week H.R. 6123, known as the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, which is supported by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and over 60 other members, was introduced by Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27). The legislation aims to teach students about the dangers of communism and totalitarianism.\n\nIt is modeled after by the Never Again Education Act, passed by the 116th Congress, which created an analogous program to educate American students about the Holocaust through the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Under the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, educational materials would be made available through the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to help educate high school students about the dangers of communism and totalitarianism, and how they are contrary to the founding principles of freedom and democracy in the United States. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation was founded in 1993 by a unanimous act of Congress. It is dedicated to the purpose of \"educating new generations about the ideology, history, and legacy of communism.\"\n\n\"Thanks to our free enterprise system, I, like so many across our nation, have been blessed with the opportunity to live the American Dream. I came to Congress to vigorously defend every American's opportunity to work towards their own American Dream. Self-described socialists in Congress are pushing legislation to kill that opportunity and radically alter our way of life. I'm very concerned that an alarming number of younger Americans hold favorable views of communism, according to recent polling,\" said Rep. Smucker.\n\n\"The world knows communism is responsible for horrifying death and destruction throughout history. It is more critical than ever that we ensure our students are taught the history and the present dangers of this ideology. I appreciate Congresswoman Salazar for leading this critical legislation and am proud to join her in supporting it,\" said Smucker.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-calls-penndot-drop-plan-toll-canoe-creek-bridges", "Thompson Calls on PennDOT to Drop Plan to Toll Canoe Creek Bridges", "2021-12-03", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson submitted public comments to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) strongly opposing the proposed P3 Major Bridge Tolling plan on Canoe Creek Bridges in Clarion County.\n\nRep. Thompson, who has been an outspoken critic of the proposal, questioned how PennDOT determined to toll the Canoe Creek Bridges without conducting its due diligence.\n\n\"My concerns remain that PennDOT has reached the foregone conclusion that tolls are required, despite not having conducted studies on safety, traffic diversion, local impacts, anticipated revenue or duration of tolling contracts, environmental impacts, or a host of other necessary items to make such a major policy decision,\" Rep. Thompson wrote.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-congress-needs-get-its-fiscal-house-order", "Smucker: \u201cCongress Needs to Get Its Fiscal House in Order\u201d", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 6119, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022.\n\n\"Democrats in Congress, once again, have shirked their responsibility to engage in good faith negotiations to fund the government. Instead, they have kicked the can down the road with a Continuing Resolution (CR). Democrats have spent all year trying to move a multi-trillion dollar tax-and-spending spree and they have failed to perform their duty of reliably funding the government.\n\nDemocrats continue to ignore the crisis raging at our southern border by failing to boost border security. They continue to ignore the inflation crisis or work to improve our supply chains while Americans pay more. They continue to fail to protect patients and are standing idly by as drastic Medicare cuts are set to go into effect on January 1. And perhaps worst, this legislation does not block the Biden administration from spending money to push unnecessary and unconstitutional vaccine mandates.\n\nAs I have said consistently throughout my career, Congress needs to get its fiscal house in order and stop recklessly spending taxpayer's dollars,\" said Rep. Smucker.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-demands-action-stop-deadly-trafficking-fentanyl", "Dr. Joyce Demands Action to Stop the Deadly Trafficking of Fentanyl", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) highlighted the deadly effects of the drug crisis on central Pennsylvania.\n\nDuring a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Joyce highlighted the dramatic increase in drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District and urged Congress to fully fund the resources that law enforcement needs to prevent deadly drugs, like fentanyl, from reaching our communities.\n\n\"Now is the time for Congress to take swift and decisive action,\" said Congressman Joyce. \"We must ensure that law enforcement has the tools that they need to save lives, protect our communities, and keep this lethal drug off our nation's streets.\"\n\nLater this week, Congressman Joyce will participate in a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing to further discuss the devastating impacts that fentanyl has had on our nation, and the work Congress can do to prevent overdose deaths.\n\nWatch Dr. Joyce's remarks here. A full transcript of his remarks can be found below.\n\n***\n\nAs we speak, America is facing a drug crisis that is crippling our communities.\n\nDuring the month of October, over 800 POUNDS of fentanyl were seized at our southern border.\n\nThe drug crisis our nation is experiencing is a direct result of the failed border policies that have been put in place by the Biden Administration.\n\nRecently, I spoke with Chambersburg Police Chief Ron Camacho, who said that more and more, deadly drugs like fentanyl, are responsible for overdoses in our Pennsylvania communities.\n\nIn my district alone, we saw a 30% rise in overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020?and sadly, that number is on the rise again.\n\nNow is the time for Congress to take swift and decisive action.\n\nWe must ensure that law enforcement has the tools that they need to save lives, protect our communities, and keep this lethal drug off our nation's streets.\n\nThank you, and I yield.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/remembering-blair-county-corrections-officer-rhonda-russell", "Remembering Blair County Corrections Officer Rhonda Russell", "2021-11-29", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Altoona, PA Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) spoke at the funeral service for Blair County Corrections Officer Rhonda Russell, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on November 17, 2021.\n\n\"Right now, we pray that our county would come together to honor and remember her?not only as an officer who stood guard to protect us. But also, as a friend and a member of our community,\" said Congressman Joyce. \"The debt that we owe her, is one that we cannot repay.\"\n\nWatch Congressman Joyce's remarks here.\n\nThe service was held at the Blair County Convention Center and paid tribute to Officer Russell to honor her life and her service to the Blair County community. Over 1,000 members of the Pennsylvania community gathered to pay their final respects.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-hold-tele-town-hall-medicare-enrollment", "Kelly to hold tele-town hall on Medicare enrollment", "2021-11-24", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) will be holding a tele-town hall on Medicare open enrollment on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at 6:00p.m. ET. Kelly will be joined by officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, and Pennsylvania Medicare Education & Decision Insight (PA MEDI) on the call. With Medicare enrollment season in full swing, the panel hopes the tele-town hall will answer questions for both new and current enrollees.\n\nWhat: Live Tele-Town Hall on Medicare Open Enrollment\n\nWho: U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly\n\nSharon Graham & Monique Scott, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services\n\nJohn Johnston, Social Security Administration\n\nJess Lippert & Adele Dean, Pennsylvania Medicare Education & Decision Insight (PA MEDI)\n\nWhen: Thursday, December 2, 2021\n\nTime: 6:00p.m. ET\n\nCall-In: 855-531-1063 (Pin-less participant dial-in.), Online: Kelly.House.Gov/Live", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-penndot-s-bridge-tolling-continues-lack-transparency", "Thompson: PennDOT\u2019s Bridge Tolling Continues to Lack Transparency", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement after the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) virtual briefing for public officials on the I-80 North Fork bridges tolling project in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District:\n\n\"PennDOT's virtual briefing for public officials was nothing more than a \u2018checked box' as they continue to move towards tolling nine major bridges throughout the Commonwealth. During the briefing, PennDOT indicated that biweekly meetings have been occurring with the Federal Highway Administration on this issue for the past six months. This is the first PennDOT has publicly admitted engagement with the federal government over their tolling plan. As a result, I am calling upon PennDOT to make the notes of these meetings available, so the public has more information about what is being discussed behind closed doors. The lack of transparency at PennDOT continues to point to the larger issue at hand: they're hellbent on tolling, facts be damned. This is no way to run a public agency.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-statement-president-bidens-build-back-bankrupt-agenda", "Dr. Joyce Statement on President Biden?s Build Back Bankrupt Agenda", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement after voting against President Biden's social spending agenda, H.R. 5376.\n\n\"House Democrats again ignored the realities facing Pennsylvania families by jamming through a socialist spending spree that does nothing to address the skyrocketing prices my constituents are facing at the grocery store and at the gas pump,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"I voted no on this misguided, tone-deaf, socialist wish list that would ignore our worsening drug crisis on the southern border, expand Obamacare subsidies, and grant mass amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-votes-against-democrats-bloated-build-back-better-bill", "Rep. Mike Kelly votes against Democrats\u2019 bloated 'Build Back Better' bill", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On Friday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted against the Democrats\u2019 $1.75 trillion Build Back Better bill, citing its expansion of the social welfare state and because the bill is not fully paid for. A report Thursday from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office revealed the bill will add $160 billion to the federal deficit over the next decade. Further, CBO reports the bill will add $800 billion to the debt in just the next five years.\n\nThe bill passed the U.S. House by a vote of 220-213.\n\n\u201cFrom day one, Republicans were pushed away from the negotiating table. Democrats decided to go it alone and did not include our constituents\u2019 voices into these talks,\u201d Rep. Kelly said. \u201cThis bloated bill does not serve the American people. Instead, it wastes nearly $2 trillion at a time when our national debt is nearing $29 trillion. I cannot support such spending.\u201d\n\nAmong the specific items Rep. Kelly opposes in the bill:\n\n$550 billion for the Green New Deal\n\n$80 billion for the IRS to double the number of agents\n\n$412 billion in taxes on small businesses\n\n$12,500 tax subsidies for families making $500,000 to buy luxury electric vehicles\n\nThe bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-democrats-spending-bill-detrimental-our-economy-and-competitiveness", "Meuser: Democrats\u2019 Spending Bill is Detrimental to Our Economy and Competitiveness That Crushes Opportunity and Creates Dependence", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after he voted NO and strongly advocated against the multi-trillion dollar wasteful reconciliation bill that adds $367 billion to our deficit, and ignores the needs of American families by prioritizing far-left special interest groups.\n\n\"Since Biden has come into office, the D.C. Swamp that needs to be drained has gotten $6.6 trillion deeper. The Build Back Broke bill is the latest iteration of Democrats' upside-down economic agenda, ignoring today's problems and doubling down on failed policies. What's in this partisan reconciliation bill says more about Democrats' big government agenda than the actual needs of the American people and it will exacerbate challenges currently facing working families and small businesses.\n\nThe Democrats Reckless tax and spend bill:\n\nAdds $367 billion to the federal deficit, reduces GDP, and will drive inflation rates higher\n\nIncludes $400 billion in tax hikes on small businesses while giving an $80,000 tax break that overwhelmingly benefits wealthy Americans in Democrat run states\n\nProvides amnesty, driver's licenses, and public benefits for 7 million illegal immigrants\n\nCreates 150 new government programs that lack accountability or protections against waste, fraud, and abuse\n\nSubsidizes green energy while imposing a tax on natural gas that will raise home energy prices and cost the American economy up to $9.1 billion and 90,000 jobs\n\nCreates new unaccountable entitlements that will disincentivize work at a time when there are 10 million open jobs in the United States\n\nIncludes a 330,000 person Civilian Climate Corps\n\nSpends $80 billion to expand the IRS by adding 87,000 new agents to increase audits\n\nThe Congressional Budget Office's score reaffirmed what we have known all along that this bill is not paid for, will increase the debt, decrease GDP, reduce wage growth, and drive inflation. The American people want a strong economy, greater opportunity, and independence. This bill does the opposite \u2013 it stifles growth, crushes opportunity, and grows dependence on government. We should be working to make our country better not make government bigger.\"\u2013 Congressman Dan Meuser\n\nClick here to watch Rep. Meuser's floor speech addressing the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-votes-no-democrats-socialist-spending-scam", "Reschenthaler Votes No on Democrats\u2019 Socialist Spending Scam", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) released the following statement on his vote opposing President Biden and Democrats' Socialist Spending Scam:\n\n\"The American people are experiencing the highest inflation in over 30 years, and it is a direct result of President Biden and Congressional Democrats' reckless socialist spending spree. Biden and Democrats' willingness to add an additional $800 billion to the national debt over the next five years is irresponsible. This is money we do not have, for policies Americans do not want.\n\n\"Democrats should focus on addressing the real economic crises facing American families and workers like record-high energy prices, supply chain shortages, and deteriorating consumer confidence. Instead, they are extending tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, significantly increasing the cost of heating our homes this winter, and rewarding illegal immigrants with amnesty and over $45,000 taxpayer-funded benefits. If Biden and Democrats get their way, average Americans will be stuck paying significantly more in taxes and inflation while blue state millionaires and billionaires receive tax cuts and subsidies for electric vehicles.\"\n\nSpecifically, the bill would:\n\nImpose a natural gas tax that will increase home heating costs and electricity rates and raise gas prices.\n\nProvide a $25,900 tax break and subsidies to purchase homes and electric vehicles for millionaires and billionaires in blue states like New York, New Jersey, and California.\n\nAccording to the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, this bill will raise taxes on middle-class Americans by 30%.\n\nMake illegal immigrants eligible for $45,000 a year in government benefits.\n\nHire 87,000 new agents to spy on the bank accounts of every American, more than doubling the chance of being audited.\n\nNearly half of audits will be on Americans making up to $75,000 a year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-opposes-biden-pelosi-s-march-toward-socialism", "Smucker Opposes Biden, Pelosi\u2019s March Toward Socialism", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) voted against President Biden and Speaker Pelosi's disastrous \"build back bankrupt\" legislation and released the following statement:\n\n\"President Biden and Speaker Pelosi's massive multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend legislation builds back bankrupt. It is a disaster for the American people. It raises taxes on small businesses so Biden and Pelosi can dole out nearly $300 billion in tax breaks to the wealthiest coastal elites. This legislation makes American companies less competitive in a global economy. The IRS will be weaponized to target small businesses and ordinary Americans. Worse yet, it removes Hyde Amendment protections, paving the way for taxpayer dollars to be used to fund abortions. Contrary to the Biden administration's claim, this bill will add hundreds of billions more in debt on the backs of future generations. I voted no and will continue to oppose this massive increase in the size and scope of the federal government,\" said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-opposes-biden-s-middle-class-tax-increases-and-socialist", "Thompson Opposes Biden\u2019s Middle Class Tax Increases and Socialist Spending Spree", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement after passage of H.R. 5376:\n\n\"House Democrats unabashedly just put America and our future generations on the hook for trillions of dollars in new spending. The country is facing skyrocketing inflation and shortages of goods and services. The last thing families need are more challenges this holiday season, yet this tax-and-spend monstrosity adds to the national debt while raising taxes on middle class families and small businesses. This demonstrates just how out of touch Speaker Pelosi and her members are with everyday Americans.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-america-faces-choice", "Rep. Smucker: America Faces a Choice", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a member of the House Committee on Ways & Means, took to the floor to speak in opposition President Biden & Speaker Pelosi's massive multi-trillion dollar \"build back bankrupt\" proposal. Watch Smucker's comments here.\n\nBelow is a transcription of Rep. Smucker's comments as delivered:\n\n\"Thank you Mister Speaker, thank you to the Ranking Member. I hope the American people are watching closely today because there is a fundamental question being debated. And that is: what should the role of the federal government be in each of our daily lives and what economic system best provides for opportunity and the well-being of the American people? That's the question today.\n\nDemocrats believe, they have said this in our hearings, that the federal government should provide everything to ensure all the needs are met of middle-income Americans.\n\nWe [Republicans] believe in earned success. We believe in rewarding hard work. That system, the free market system, has provided more opportunity than ever before in the history of mankind.\n\nAnd Mister Speaker, freedoms aren't taken all at once. They are taken bit, by bit, by bit.\n\nThis [legislation] is a move towards an entirely different economic system. It is a move towards socialism. We know that doesn't work. Look at every country in history that has over-delivered and overspent. It has not ended well. Thank you, Mister Speaker.\"\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-500000-federal-workforce-development-funding", "Thompson Announces $500,000 in Federal Workforce Development Funding", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson announced a $500,000 grant for Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania to provide training and workforce development for individuals in recovery from substance use.\n\nThe funding comes from Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) through its Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) initiative, which works to create or expand opportunities for workforce entry or re-entry.\n\nIn addition to ARC funds, $506,420 in local funding will be made available for a total project cost of $1,006,420.\n\nABOUT THE PROJECT\n\nWorkforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania's three-year project is called \"PROSPER-From Recovery to Career\" and it will serve six counties: Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter.\n\nThrough PROSPER, 120 participants will receive training and become Certified Recovery Specialists. In addition, 70 job seekers in recovery from substance abuse disorder will receive customized career planning support to help secure employment, and 70 employer partners will receive training and gain skills to better understand and support the SUD-impacted workforce.\n\n\"For those who are the path to recovery, employment is an invaluable tool in making lasting changes,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"Bringing the Workforce Investment Board, industry partners, and those who specialize in recovery to the table in a collaborative manner will help people get back on their feet and will be positive for the local economy.\"\n\n\"The PROSPER - From Recovery to Career initiative is a collaborative project that will provide job seekers who are in recovery from substance or other drug use disorders a sustainable plan for job re-entry or job enhancement,\" said Pamela Streich, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania. \"Workforce Solutions will partner with existing providers of alcohol and drug treatment programs, our PA CareerLink centers and other agencies in the region we serve to address the barriers to employment these individuals face. We will promote awareness and training for employers to reduce the stigma that employees may face when re-entering the workplace.\"\n\n###\n\nABOUT THE ARC\n\nThe Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-160-house-members-join-resolution-opposing-bidens-employer-vaccine", "Kelly, 160+ House members join resolution opposing Biden's employer vaccine mandate", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and more than 160 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed onto the Congressional Review Act. The resolution, introduced in the House by Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) and in the Senate by Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), would formally disapprove of and nullify President Joe Biden\u2019s unconstitutional vaccine mandate imposed on America\u2019s job creators and workers.\n\nThe Biden administration recently released details on the Occupational Safety and Health\n\nAdministration\u2019s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) mandating vaccination requirements for employees at private businesses with more than 100 employees. The rule will affect more than 80 million Americans and impose $14,000 fines for persons who do not comply.\n\n\"Fining employers $14,000 per violation will hurt our economic recovery and potentially destroy some businesses,\" Kelly said. \"We can't afford to have workers walk off the job and worsen our supply chain problems even more than we're already seeing. The American people, not the Biden administration, should be able to decide what is best for their own health.\"\n\n\u201cThe broad support that our Congressional Review Act resolution has garnered sends a clear message to President Biden: The American people are fed up with the mandates and government control,\" Keller said. \"Our nation faces a host of crises created by this administration, including supply chain challenges and skyrocketing costs for everyday goods and services. President Biden\u2019s illegal vaccine mandate is crippling for Main Street job creators and workers. We will continue to do everything we can to oppose this authoritarian rule.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-osha-suspending-vaccine-mandate", "Meuser Statement on OSHA Suspending the Vaccine Mandate", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the Administration announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is suspending implementation and enforcement of President Biden's vaccine mandate.\n\n\"As I have been saying all along, the Biden Administration's vaccine mandate is an unconstitutional, gross overreach of the federal government's authority. Moreover, the vaccine mandate lacks empathy for the deeply personal and religious factors involved for many who choose not to receive the vaccine. A decision that should be left up between a patient and their doctor. Unfortunately, this temporary halt continues to bring uncertainty to our nation's employers. The Biden Administration should abandon this regulation and allow Americans to make their own health decisions.\" -Congressman Dan Meuser", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-joins-c-span-s-washington-journal", "Smucker Joins C-SPAN\u2019S Washington Journal", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 On Tuesday, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal call-in program, taking questions from callers across the country. Smucker answered questions about the massive tax and spending proposal before Congress, on infrastructure and gas prices, and COVID mandates. Below is a transcription of responses to selected questions from Smucker's appearance. Click here to watch the full program.\n\nOn Democrats \"Build Back Bankrupt\" proposal:\n\n\"This will be again a massive increase in federal spending, it will increase the federal debt and it will contribute more to inflation\u2026I think it is the wrong policy to continue to massively expand the federal government, to increase dependency on the federal government, and to disincentivize work, which is what we have been seeing out of this administration\u2026 This isn't what the people of my district want, this isn't what the American people want. I believe they [Democrats] are going to try and ram this through,\" said Smucker.\n\nOn infrastructure, impact of debt, future of infrastructure funding:\n\n\"I believe that infrastructure is a core function of government\u2026 Unfortunately, what has happened is Democrats in the House, Speaker Pelosi have lumped all of these massive spending programs together. I have previously supported infrastructure spending, I would have liked to have done so if this bill had been properly paid for\u2026At the very least we're doing this on the backs of our kids and grandkids. I ran for Congress to ensure that every American has their opportunity to live their own American Dream\u2026I think with the economic policies that we're seeing advanced by this administration, that is at risk...\" said Smucker.\n\n\"An outsized portion of this bill went to electric vehicles and other Green New Deal policies. It was not properly paid for. So for instance, the revenue that is coming in from vehicles driving on our roads is declining. If you think about it, vehicles are more fuel efficient than they were before and folks are moving to electric vehicles. And so that needs to be fixed. I've introduced a bill in Congress that would ensure, that would ask owners of electric vehicles to pay their fair share for driving on the roads just as the owner of every other vehicle. Something like that should have been included in this bill and it was not. So the bill wasn't fully paid for, it will increase the debt\u2026 I just couldn't support this massive bill and I couldn't support the whole package that was tied together here in the House,\" said Smucker.\n\nOn COVID vaccine mandate:\n\n\"We've had remarkable success with a vaccine that was developed in record time. It is very effective. I took the vaccine, my family has taken the vaccine, from the time that it was first available. I encourage people to speak to their doctors about whether that is the right decision for them. And I think that is where the decisions should be made\u2026This is not something that should be mandated from the government...Certainly it is a massive overreach of the federal government. I believe it is unconstitutional\u2026I have sent a letter with the other Republican colleagues, Members of Congress, from my state to our Attorney General asking him to join in [on other states' lawsuits against the vaccine mandate]. This is a decision that should be made individually and should not be mandated by the government.\"\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-recognizes-somerset-county-familys-random-acts-kindness", "Dr. Joyce Recognizes Somerset County Family?s Random Acts of Kindness", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) thanked the family of Trevor Thomas for the random acts of kindness they have generated following the tragic loss of their son in 2019 in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\"Together, the people of Somerset County are working to keep Trevor's memory alive through their acts of service for one another,\" said Congressman Joyce.\n\nSince Trevor's death, the Thomas family has distributed pocket sized cards to people in the Somerset community, urging them to preform small acts of kindness for strangers in memory of their late son.\n\nThe Thomas family's story was recently highlighted in an article from the Washington Post.\n\nWatch Congressman Joyce's speech here. A full transcript of his remarks can be found below.\n\n***\n\nI rise today to recognize the Thomas family of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, who tragically lost their son Trevor, a student athlete who played baseball at Allegany College of Maryland and Penn State Fayetteat.\n\nIn the face of that loss, the Thomas family has responded with love and compassion for their community.\n\nIn honor of their son's commitment to serving others the Thomas family printed small cards that encouraged their neighbors to help others through acts of kindness.\n\nThose cards have inspired incredible gestures of generosity in our community.\n\nThe acts of kindness were wide ranging. From preparing care packages for the homeless, to donating blood, to handing out donuts, and even delivering flowers to strangers, members of the community looked to see what they could do to help one another.\n\nTogether, the people of Somerset County are working to keep Trevor's memory alive through their acts of service for one another.\n\nOn each card the family has distributed, is a simple mantra that defined the way that Trevor lived his life.\n\nIt is a mantra we should all aspire to - \"Be somebody, who makes everybody, feel like somebody.\"\n\nThank you, and I yield.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-opportunity-zones-are-working-and-erie-remains-nationwide-model", "Rep. Mike Kelly: Opportunity Zones are working, and Erie remains a nationwide model", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and the Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing focusing on the impact of the federal Opportunity Zones program. Erie Downtown Development Corporation (EDDC) CEO John Persinger was among the witnesses testifying before the committee. Opportunity Zones in downtown Erie have been considered a model for other cities nationwide. Opportunity Zones are working to bring key investment dollars to high poverty, low income communities. Although Democrats used the hearing to criticize Opportunity Zones as a law carved out by Republicans to serve as a tax haven for the rich, investment in bipartisan Opportunity Zones has far surpassed other community development tax credits. Through 2019, about $29 billion has reached areas of need.\n\n\"The bipartisan Opportunity Zone tax incentive allows greater investment in local communities to help lift Americans out of poverty and strengthen small businesses,\" Kelly said in prepared remarks. \"That is the truth about Opportunity Zones. And keep in mind, we are still incredibly early in the process of implementing this new tax incentive. And we only have partial data from the year prior to IRS implementation of the policy. Much has changed since then. But the limited data that we do have is pointing to success.\"\n\n\"Congress should study why Opportunity Zones are working in Erie, Pennsylvania,\n\nwhen decades of other Federal policies have failed or underperformed, and assess how, going\n\nforward, more legislation can be crafted like Opportunity Zones, so that people who live in\n\ncommunities similar to Erie have the flexibility to attract investment to meet their community\n\nneeds,\" Persinger said.\n\nYou can watch the entire hearing here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn 2016, a bipartisan group of Members led by Representatives Tiberi and Kind and Senators Scott and Booker introduced the original Opportunity Zone legislation, the Investing in Opportunity Act. In 2017, that bill was reintroduced and had nearly 100 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and Senate, including Chairman Neal and many Members of the Ways and Means Committee, prior to being included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TJCA). Congress then codified the Opportunity Zone tax incentive as part of TCJA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-statement-commemorating-veterans-day-2021", "Thompson Statement Commemorating Veterans Day 2021", "2021-11-11", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Generations of brave men and women have defended our freedoms and protected our great country from threats across the globe. This Veterans Day, please join me in thanking those from Pennsylvania and across our country who have answered the call to serve.\n\n\"We owe the valiant men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves our unwavering support and gratitude. It is my honor to represent so many veterans from Pennsylvania. My unwavering commitment to them is to ensure they receive the care and support they so deserve, even after they transition from uniform to civilian lives. On behalf of a grateful nation, may God bless our veterans and may God bless the United States of America.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-leads-letter-calling-ag-shapiro-join-efforts-block-biden-vaccine", "Smucker Leads Letter Calling on AG Shapiro to Join Efforts to Block Biden Vaccine Mandate", "2021-11-10", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) is calling on Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro to follow the lead of his 26 colleagues who filed to block President Biden's vaccine mandate issued last week. Smucker was joined by Reps. Kelly, Thompson, Joyce, Reschenthaler, Keller, Meuser, Fitzpatrick and Perry in sending a letter to the Attorney General.\n\nThe letter reads: \"We implore your office to explore all possible actions to prevent President Biden's unconstitutional vaccine mandate from further harming Pennsylvania's hardworking employers and employees. We strongly urge you to add the Commonwealth to any one of the legal efforts spearheaded by other states to nullify the mandate or initiate new legal action on behalf of the Commonwealth.\"\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n\"I have heard from countless individuals across Pennsylvania's Eleventh District who are concerned that they will be forced out of their jobs by President Biden's vaccine mandate. President Biden has once again moved to infringe on Americans' rights. This is a discussion that should be happening between an individual and their physician, not a command coming from the federal government. I spoke with my doctor and ultimately chose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and would encourage anyone with questions to talk to their medical professional about receiving the vaccine. We have achieved a substantial voluntary vaccination rate in Pennsylvania \u2013 70 percent of adults are fully vaccinated. So why is this mandate needed now?\" said Smucker. \"I will continue to fight against this misguided and authoritarian vaccine mandate.\"\n\nIn addition to the letter, Rep. Smucker has cosponsored several pieces of legislation regarding President Biden's vaccine mandates: H.R.5908 introduced by Rep. Dr. Wenstrup, which would eliminate President Biden's mandates on federal employees or contractors, H.Res.779 introduced by Rep. Gibbs expressing congressional disapproval of the private business mandate, and legislation to be introduced by Rep. Fred Keller utilizing the Congressional Review Act to block the mandate.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-democrats-spending-bills", "Meuser Statement on Democrats\u2019 Spending Bills", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement regarding Congressional Democrats' deal linking a Transportation and Infrastructure bill to their partisan multi-trillion dollar tax and spend reconciliation bill.\n\n\"After three months of delay on a Transportation and Infrastructure vote, in the final hours before voting on nearly 5,000 pages of legislation totaling $5 trillion in spending, progressive and moderate Democrats cut a deal. Moderates would vote for reconciliation, progressives would vote for T&I, and Republicans were not invited. As these two bills are inextricably linked, if T&I had been defeated, reconciliation would have likewise failed. I have strongly supported a standalone transportation, infrastructure, and revitalization bill for months and I worked hard with my colleagues on a bill that would benefit Pennsylvanians and the American people. I could not, however, support spending $5 trillion of taxpayer dollars when I support only the 20% dedicated to hard infrastructure and I believe most of the other 80% would be detrimental to our economy, national security, and global competitiveness. The American people don't want us to make government bigger, they want us to make our country better.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-opposes-first-vote-democrats-socialist-spending-spree", "Reschenthaler Opposes First Vote in Democrats\u2019 Socialist Spending Spree", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Friday, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) released the following statement on his vote opposing the first step in Democrats' Socialist Spending Spree.\n\n\"Tonight's vote was nothing more than an attempt by Speaker Pelosi to pave the way for Democrats' socialist tax and spending spree that is estimated to cost as much as $3.98 trillion. While American families face record-high inflation rates and businesses can't find workers, Democrats prioritize woke policies that will only make things worse.\n\n\"I strongly support investment in our nation's physical infrastructure, including upgrading our aging locks and dams, and believe we must reform our burdensome permitting process. Unfortunately, it is shameful that Democrats used a bipartisan issue to advance their radical, socialist goals.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-refuses-tie-america-s-infrastructure-reckless-liberal-wish-list", "Thompson Refuses to Tie America\u2019s Infrastructure to Reckless Liberal Wish List", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson today released the following statement after voting against the H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:\n\n\"There was an opportunity to come together and draft a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address America's aging infrastructure. Rather, House Democrats boldly linked infrastructure to a spending bill that is full of budget gimmicks and will cost American taxpayers trillions of dollars. To add insult to injury, the bill fails to adequately address one of the most critical infrastructure needs, broadband connectivity. This is completely unacceptable and further reflects how out of touch Speaker Pelosi is with the concerns of everyday American families.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joyce-issues-statement-president-bidens-vaccine-mandate", "Congressman Joyce Issues Statement on President Biden?s Vaccine Mandate", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement regarding President Biden's vaccine mandate issued in separate rules from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Medicare andamp; Medicaid Services this morning.\n\n\"President Biden's vaccine mandate does nothing to promote public health and will only serve to erode the public trust in the safe and effective vaccines developed through President Trump's Operation Warp Speed. Weaponizing this burdensome regulation and imposing these punitive fines will only harm businesses that are struggling. A person's decision to whether or not to become vaccinated should be made after consulting with their doctor or their trusted health care provider, not their shift supervisor.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-disapproves-biden-s-osha-vaccine-mandate", "Thompson Disapproves of Biden\u2019s OSHA Vaccine Mandate", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson, a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee, released the following statement after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for an estimated 84.2 million workers in the private sector:\n\n\"This decision is a prime example of blatant federal overreach. Small businesses are already struggling to hire employees and cover costs. President Biden's mandate will only serve to add further strain on our economy, in addition to rapidly rising inflation, skyrocketing energy and transportation costs, and a shortage of both goods and workers.\n\n\"This is a one-size-fits-all response, which ignores the fact that risk of hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 infection are not equal amongst our population. Pennsylvanians who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine should consult their medical professional and make their own choices, not have the federal government dictate their health care decisions.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-passing-green-new-deal-dressed-infrastructure-legislation-not-answer", "Dr. Joyce: ?Passing the green new deal, dressed up as infrastructure legislation is not the answer to the problems we face.?", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) highlighted the fatal flaws in Democrats' Infrastructure and Reconciliation packages that would make them unworkable for Pennsylvania families.\n\nIn a press conference led by Congressman Byron Donalds (FL-19) and Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01), Congressman Joyce called attention to the burdensome taxes that American energy providers would face at a time when costs are already soaring for consumers.\n\n\"We need to focus on regaining American energy independence. We need to focus on lowering energy costs before winter. This inflation is NOT transitory, we CANNOT wish this problem away,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"Passing the green new deal, dressed up as infrastructure legislation is not the answer to the problems we face.\"\n\nToday's press conference provided an opportunity for Republicans to discuss the troubling tax provisions that are included in the Reconciliation package being introduced by Democrats in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-congressional-caucus-diabetes-unveil-legislation-improve", "Rep. Mike Kelly, Congressional Caucus on Diabetes unveil legislation to improve diabetes care for seniors", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) along with members of the Congressional Caucus Diabetes Caucus introduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act that will make it easier for people with diabetes to access training to manage their blood glucose levels and prevent hospitalization.\n\n\u201cWe need to shift our health care economy to from a model focused only on sick care to one which prioritizes wellness and healthy lifestyles,\" said Rep. Kelly, vice chair of the Congressional Caucus on Diabetes and a diabetic himself. \"Diabetes self-management training is an important tool for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition and live healthier, more fulfilled lives. Too often, seniors in the Medicare program don\u2019t have access to the same tools as individuals on private insurance. This bill will close that gap for diabetes self-management, and I\u2019m proud to be co-leading along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.\"\n\nThe Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act:\n\nEliminates cost-sharing for diabetes self-management training (DSMT) so seniors do not face cost barriers to care\n\nRemoves the deadline for DSMT, allowing seniors to use all 10 hours of training as they need it\n\nMakes it possible to receive Medical Nutrition Therapy services and DSMT together on the same day\n\nExpands providers who eligible to refer patients for DSMT services\n\nCreates a pilot program to test virtual DSMT\n\n\u201cAs someone who has managed my own Type-1 Diabetes for 36 years, I understand that it can be complicated. And if you get it wrong, it can be life-threatening,\u201d said Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA). \u201cI\u2019m happy to work with the Diabetes Caucus to introduce this bipartisan bill during National Diabetes Awareness Month to remove barriers to self-management training. We know that self-management training helps people with diabetes live healthy lives and stay out of the hospital.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-leads-50-members-congress-demanding-transparency-nih-funded", "Rep. Mike Kelly Leads 50+ Members of Congress Demanding Transparency of NIH-funded abortion allegations", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), members of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, led more than 50 of their House colleagues in calling for transparency and accountability into the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after recent allegation that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center used taxpayer money funneled through the NIH to promote illegal abortions. This letter follows work done in the Pennsylvania State House by State Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) and others looking into the allegations through letters and oversight hearings.\n\nFor decades, Congress has provided federal funding for lifesaving medical research through the NIH. This support has been bipartisan and has been guided by pro-life principles which require that no federal taxpayer dollars shall be used for abortion procedures. This makes the recent allegations that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center may have used federal dollars while seeking to alter abortion procedures for the purpose of obtaining fetal tissue highly alarming.\n\n\u201cAt no point should taxpayer money be used to promote or fund abortions. My colleagues and I are deeply troubled by NIH\u2019s lack of a transparent and ethical review of their funding processes,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cI want to thank U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and my fellow House members, along with Pennsylvania State Rep. Kathy Rapp, for their tireless support of such an important issue. We hope to clarify how taxpayer money is being spent. I will vigorously continue my work of protecting the unborn.\u201d\n\nThese revelations come after President Biden\u2019s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an April 16, 2021 policy change reversing its 2019 decision that all extramural research applications for NIH grants and contracts proposing the use of human fetal tissue from elective abortions will be reviewed by an Ethics Advisory Board (EAB).\n\nBecause these allegations potentially represent a violation of federal law, Kelly, Griffith, and their colleagues are calling on NIH and HHS to provide the following:\n\n- A detailed written description of NIH\u2019s current ethical vetting and review procedures\n\n- Documents related to the University of Pittsburgh allegation\n\n- Documents related to any other fetal tissue research NIH supports, along with a list of institutions which perform such research\n\nYou can read their full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meusers-bill-passes-house-will-improve-sba-oversight", "Meuser\u2019s Bill Passes the House That Will Improve SBA Oversight", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed his Small Business 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act.\n\n\"The Small Business Administration's (SBA) 7(a) Loan Program is an important tool for helping small businesses gain access to capital. Unfortunately, the SBA's Office of Inspector General has highlighted the need for improved oversight of 7(a) loan agents due to increased risk of fraud associated with these agents,\" said Congressman Dan Meuser. \"My bill will address these issues by requiring the SBA to develop and publish an annual portfolio risk analysis for Congress on loan agents that operate within the program. This analysis will ensure that both Congress and the SBA remain good stewards of taxpayer dollars and ensure that American small businesses can continue to benefit from the SBA's flagship loan program.\"\n\nBACKGROUND\u2026\n\nH.R. 4531, 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act\n\nThe bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Credit Risk Management (OCRM) to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the performance of and risk associated with loans generated through loan agent activity.\n\nThe bill will ensure that Congress receives the data it needs to conduct proper oversight. It will provide information on how many loans have been processed with the assistance of loan agents and default rates of loans that are associated with the loan agents. Additionally, the legislation requires the SBA to perform a risk analysis on agents who operate within the program.\n\n7(a) Loan Program Overview\n\nIn FY20, SBA's 7(a) loan program made approximately 42,000 7(a) loans totaling $22.55 billion. The loan program is considered the flagship program at SBA. It provides creditworthy small firms that cannot obtain credit elsewhere the opportunity to access capital from private lenders. SBA does not offer direct lending to small businesses; rather, SBA guarantees the repayment of loans issued by lenders for general business purposes.\n\nThe House also passed H.R. 4481, Small Business 7(a) Loan Agent Transparency Act \u2013 the companion bill to 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act. The Congressman cosponsored HR 4481 with Congressman Dean Phillips (D-MN) that requires the SBA to establish a registration system for 7(a) agents that assigns each agent a unique identifier and collects data to help the SBA track and evaluate loan performance for loans generated through loan agent activity. The SBA will establish a database with the type of services performed by loan agents & require their registration before an agent provides services to a lender or borrower.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-penndots-bridge-tolling-proposals-frustrating", "Thompson: PennDOT's Bridge Tolling Proposals Frustrating", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\"Thompson released the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) virtual briefings for public officials, which were hosted Monday for the proposed bridge tolling projects in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District:\n\n\"Monday's briefings continue to demonstrate PennDOT's attitude to steamroll all public comment on establishing four tolls along Interstate 80, including tolls on the Canoe Creek Bridge in Clarion and the North Fork Bridges in Jefferson. PennDOT shared very few details about these projects and failed to give elected officials adequate time to ask meaningful questions about their flawed proposals before ending the session altogether. Pennsylvania requires a reliable funding mechanism to maintain and replace existing infrastructure, but the Commonwealth collected $4 billion in revenue in September 2021, which is 14 percent higher than anticipated and currently has a $628.3 million budget surplus. I remain concerned these proposals are shortsighted, will leave lasting negative impacts on our communities and businesses, and place further tax burdens on Pennsylvanians.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-more-70-house-members-demand-know-if-biden-administration-will", "Rep. Mike Kelly, more than 70 House members demand to know if Biden administration will pay $450,000 to illegal immigrants", "2021-11-01", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and more than 70 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed onto a letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other top Biden administration officials demanding answers after the Wall Street Journal reported the Biden administration is considering offering almost $1 million per family to those who were taken into custody and separated after illegally crossing our Southern border. WSJ reports payments could be up to $450,000 per person and up to $1 million per family. The total potential payout could be $1 billion or more, WSJ reports. These payments may be larger than some of the settlements given to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks.\n\nIn the letter, Kelly and lawmakers urge the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Health & Human Services to respond to the reporting; to release the total amount of American taxpayer funding the administration plans to authorize to settle the cases; and state whether or not illegal immigrants are given preferential treatment over persons attempting to legally immigrate to the United States.\n\nAfter joining the letter, Rep. Kelly issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and if any of that money is going toward settlements with illegal immigrants. I\u2019m calling on Secretary Mayorkas, Attorney General Garland, and Secretary Becerra to answer our questions as quickly as possible. The hardworking people in my district, and across the country, are feeling the financial pinch at the gas station and the grocery store due to rising inflation. We have a nearly $29 trillion national debt. We should not be prioritizing those who illegally entered our country over our law-abiding constituents.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-returns-washington-dc-after-recovering-covid-19", "Thompson Returns to Washington, D.C. After Recovering from COVID-19", "2021-11-01", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\"Thompson returned to U.S. Capitol on Monday after recovering from breakthrough COVID-19 at his home in Pennsylvania. During his isolation, Rep. Thompson followed CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, as well as the recommendations from the Attending Physician at the U.S. Capitol.\n\n\"Thank you to everyone for their support and well wishes,\" Rep Thompson said. \"I was fortunate to have mild symptoms and that led to a fast recovery. I am grateful to return to Washington to continue my work on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 15th District.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-touts-6-billion-investment-pennsylvanias-ninth-district", "Meuser Touts $6 Billion Investment in Pennsylvania\u2019s Ninth District", "2021-10-29", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) is excited to announce that Nacero will build a facility to develop low- and zero-carbon vehicle fuels derived from natural gas in Newport Township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.\n\nCongressman Meuser has been steadfast in his support and leadership in encouraging sustainable economic investment in the Ninth District. He was a strong advocate for expanding the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit and the Alternative Fuel Mixture Tax Credit to encourage development of domestic facilities like Nacero's that produce low-emission vehicle fuel derived from natural gas and renewable natural gas. Nacero's fuel products can be used in existing vehicles and will reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint of a vehicle by at least half. Nacero's $6 billion investment in northeast Pennsylvania will have a significant overall economic impact and will create 4,000 high-paying, skilled jobs.\n\n\"Nacero's $6 billion investment in Pennsylvania's Luzerne County will create 4,000 jobs, reclaim hundreds of acres of mine scarred land, and advance Pennsylvania's reputation as a leader in energy innovation. The plant's affordable low and zero carbon footprint gasolines will reduce carbon emissions nationally, improve local air quality and reduce our reliance on foreign oil by producing a fuel that Americans can use in the cars they drive today with half the carbon footprint of existing fuels using Pennsylvania natural gas. It will make our region a leading example of what American ingenuity and hardworking Pennsylvanians can achieve. Congressman Dan Meuser would like to thank Senator John Yudichak and Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman for their vision and legislative leadership in making Pennsylvania a competitive state for an investment like this to be possible.\"-Congressman Dan Meuser\n\nBACKGROUND\u2026\n\nBased in Houston, TX, Nacero Inc. is bringing a new gasoline to market, one that is made from natural gas and renewable natural gas, not crude oil. The Company plans to build additional U.S. production facilities where it can create environmental and economic benefit for its consumers, host communities, commercial counterparties, and shareholders. Founded in 2015, Nacero is led by a team with more than 400 years of combined successful project experience across the clean power, renewables, LNG, fuels, and petrochemicals sectors.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-reschenthalers-cops-counseling-act", "House Passes Reschenthaler's COPS Counseling Act", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Guy Reschenthaler's (PA-14) Confidentiality Opportunities for Peer Support (COPS) Counseling Act (S. 1502) by a vote of 424-3. This bipartisan legislation, which Reschenthaler introduced with Rep. David Trone (MD-6), increases privacy protections for law enforcement officers who use peer support counseling by creating clear standards for confidentiality. The COPS Counseling Act passed the Senate earlier this year by unanimous consent and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\n\n\"I am proud the House passed the COPS Counseling Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Rep. Trone that will improve mental health treatment for the law enforcement officers who put their own lives at risk to keep us safe,\" said Rep. Reschenthaler. \"This legislation encourages the use of peer support counseling programs and ensures law enforcement can utilize these important mental health resources and know their privacy is protected. I urge the president to swiftly sign this bill into law so our nation's police officers can access the mental health and wellness services they need.\"\n\nA Fraternal Order of Police survey showed 73% of surveyed officers believed the most helpful mental health resource offered by police departments was peer support counseling. S. 1502 provides privacy protections to ensure officers can participate in peer-to-peer counseling and receive the confidential help they need. It also encourages state and local first responder agencies to adopt peer counseling programs by requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to make best practices publicly available on their website and provide a list of training programs for individuals to become peer support mentors.\n\n\"When Montgomery County Officer T.J. Bomba died by suicide, it was a wake-up call for our district and law enforcement communities across the country. The task was clear: improve the mental health care and support services for our law enforcement officers and first responders,\" said Congressman Trone. \"By passing the COPS Counseling Act, we can help remove the stigma that exists surrounding mental health and save the lives of officers in need. I'm grateful to work with Congressman Reschenthaler (R-PA), Senators Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Grassley (R-Iowa), and first responders in my district to support our law enforcement and first responder community.\"\n\nThis bill was previously introduced by Rep. Reschenthaler and Rep. Trone in the 116th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-released-walter-reed", "Thompson Released from Walter Reed", "2021-10-23", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Thompson was released from Walter Reed National Military Center Friday evening after receiving outpatient treatment for COVID-19 and has returned to his home in Pennsylvania to recover. He thanks the Attending Physician at the U.S. Capitol along with the doctors, nurses and staff at Walter Reed for their concern and care. Congressman Thompson plans to work virtually from home next week.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-tests-positive-breakthrough-covid-19", "Thompson Tests Positive for Breakthrough COVID-19", "2021-10-22", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Thompson on Friday afternoon began experiencing cold-like symptoms and was promptly tested for COVID-19. While he is vaccinated, the test came back positive. Out of an abundance of caution, he is being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He is in good spirits and further updates will be made available in the coming days.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-introduces-safe-act-protect-our-biomedical-research-foreign-threats", "Dr. Joyce Introduces SAFE Act to Protect Our Biomedical Research from Foreign Threats", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) introduced legislation to safeguard biomedical research conducted or funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH).\n\nThis legislation, entitled the \"Securing and Fortifying Everyday Biomedical Research Act\" (SAFE Biomedical Research Act) would go further than ever before to ensure that medical facilities receiving grants from the United States are able to conduct their research safely, shielding sensitive information and putting American security needs first.\n\n\"I am proud to sponsor SAFE Biomedical Research Act that would support our research priorities while also ensure they do not fall into the hands of hostile actors,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"The research conducted and sponsored by the NIH makes great strides in medical innovation and we must ensure that it is never used to harm or attack our citizens.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe bill would require the Director of the National Institutes of Health to consult with the Director of National Intelligence, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and other heads of appropriate security agencies on a regular basis on matters of national security that may affect the biomedical research being conducted at the NIH. It would also ensure that biomedical research conducted by grant recipients is fully vetted to ensure America's safety.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-supports-legislation-prohibiting-irs-surveillance-americans-finances", "Smucker Supports Legislation Prohibiting IRS Surveillance of Americans' Finances", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a member of the Committee on Ways & Means, joined his Republican committee colleagues in co-sponsoring legislation to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from requiring financial institutions from reporting in-flows or out-flows of Americans' accounts. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-3), known as the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act, comes as congressional Democrats are considering proposals to monitor Americans' finances.\n\n\"President Biden and congressional Democrats want to be 'Big Brother' and snoop on your personal finances. In true form, the Biden Administration's dangerous proposal is a massive government overreach and will have devastating consequences. The IRS has already leaked taxpayers' information this year, and now they want additional access to your private information? The IRS continues to fail the constituents I represent with excessive delays in processing tax returns. Congress should pass this bill and prevent the IRS from invading tax payers' privacy. I am proud to stand with Rep. Ferguson and my Republican colleagues on the Ways & Means Committee to protect Americans' fundamental freedoms,\" said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-condemns-kidnapping-christian-missionaries-haiti", "Dr. Joyce Condemns the Kidnapping of Christian Missionaries in Haiti", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) condemned the recent kidnapping of 17 missionaries in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Among the hostages are Americans with close ties to central Pennsylvania. In a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Joyce called attention to the kidnappings and called for their immediate release.\n\n\"This weekend, 17 Christian missionaries were taken hostage in Haiti. These men and women went because they felt called to serve,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"Now is the time to bring Americans, safely home.\"\n\nThe hostages include 16 Americans and 1 Canadian citizen who had traveled to Haiti with the Ohio- based Christian Aid Ministries. Congressman Joyce has been in continued contact with the U.S. Department of State regarding the ongoing situation.\n\nWatch Dr. Joyce's speech here. A full transcript of the Congressman's remarks can be found below.\n\nThis weekend, 17 Christian missionaries were taken hostage in Haiti.\n\nI have spoken with their family members, and to hear their story is heartbreaking.\n\nThese men and women went to Haiti because they felt called to serve. They said \"Here I am Lord, send me.\"\n\nWe cannot allow for Americans to be kidnapped abroad.\n\nWhen they went to serve, they were met with violence.\n\nAttacks like this prove that we must remain committed to the safety and security of Americans abroad.\n\nWe must never capitulate to those who wish us harm.\n\nWhether it is in Haiti, in Afghanistan, or on our Southern Border, Americans must always be protected.\n\nNow is the time to bring Americans, safely home.\n\nI urge all my colleagues to join with me in prayer for the safe return of our missionaries.\n\nThank you, and I yield.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-thompson-kind-introduce-bipartisan-chronic-wasting-disease-research", "Reps. Thompson, Kind Introduce the Bipartisan Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Reps. Glenn \"GT\" Thompson (R-PA) and Ron Kind (D-WI) on Tuesday introduced a bipartisan bill to research and manage the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a contagious, neurological disease affecting cervids \u2013 deer, elk and moose \u2013 that is always fatal.\n\nThere is no known cure for CWD and it's unclear how the disease is transmitted. As of August 2021, CWD has been confirmed in 25 states, and there are serious concerns that the disease will continue to spread to herds across the country. The Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act will support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies as well as fund research into methods to better detect and prevent CWD.\n\n\"CWD has been a big problem for the deer populations of Pennsylvania and additional cervid animals, such as elk and moose, throughout the country,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"This bill was crafted with robust stakeholder support and will prioritize research in the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of CWD. It is imperative we better understand the genetic implications of the disease, so we can develop policies best suited to solve the problem. I look forward to moving quickly with my colleagues in Congress to do our part in eradicating CWD.\"\n\n\"As an avid hunter, I know how important it is to maintain a healthy deer herd in Wisconsin so we can protect our outdoor traditions and economy,\" Rep. Ron Kind said. \"CWD is a serious threat to our deer herds, and we need all hands on deck to combat this disease. That's why I'm proud to team up with my colleague Rep. Thompson and introduce this bipartisan bill that brings scientists, local officials, and hunters to the table to help manage and prevent the spread of CWD.\"\n\nThe Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act is also supported by several wildlife and sportsmen organizations, including: the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Boone & Crockett, National Deer Association (NDA), North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), and the Mule Deer Foundation.\n\n\"The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) applauds Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Members Reps. Kind and Thompson for their leadership in introducing a practical, bipartisan, and comprehensive bill to address one of today's most critical wildlife management issues \u2013 chronic wasting disease (CWD),\" said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. \"This legislation unites all interested CWD stakeholders \u2013 including America's 55 million sportsmen and women \u2013 in a focused policy effort, and is an unprecedented step forward in addressing this concerning disease.\"\n\n\"The threat posed by CWD to deer hunting in America is difficult to overstate\u2014for too long, funding woes, research questions, and ineffectual enforcement have resulted in a worsening status quo,\" said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. \"Curbing the accelerated spread of this disease each year requires an all-encompassing effort that can only be achieved by the pragmatic, bipartisan approach in this bill. The TRCP and our partners are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Kind and Thompson and look forward to working alongside both lawmakers to bring this critical legislation to passage.\"\n\n\"Chronic wasting disease is one of the greatest threats facing deer, elk, and moose populations across the country, jeopardizing hunting opportunities, ecosystems, and our nation's outdoor economy,\" said Mike Leahy, director for wildlife, hunting, and fishing policy for the National Wildlife Federation. \"We are grateful for Representatives Kind and Thompson's steadfast leadership on this critical issue. The bipartisan Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act will help ensure state and tribal agencies on the front lines of controlling this disease have the resources they need to better understand and stop its spread.\"\n\n\"Chronic wasting disease is a significant threat to many of our country's native big game species, a challenge that affects both future hunting opportunity and the health of these ecologically important wildlife species,\" said James F. Arnold, president of the Boone and Crockett Club. \"We appreciate the continued leadership of Congressmen Kind and Thompson for their efforts to find solutions to this growing challenge. The legislation that they introduced today will provide critical new funding to state wildlife agencies that are on the front lines battling CWD.\"\n\n\"Chronic Wasting Disease is not only a significant threat to deer, elk, and moose, it's a threat to the management of all wildlife that is supported by the pursuit of these impacted species by hunters. The CWD Research and Management Act will help states and tribes manage the disease locally while providing much needed financial support to researchers working to find ways to stop it,\" said Nick Pinizzotto, National Deer Association President and CEO.\n\n\"The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is proud to support this important legislation proposed by Representatives Kind and Thompson to enhance and sustain important management efforts and research to combat chronic wasting disease (CWD), which is a contagious, neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose \u2013 that is always fatal. CWD is a serious threat to the future of deer conservation, this legislation addresses those issues that could drastically change the way mule deer and black-tailed deer are managed,\" said Joel Pedersen, President and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-host-telephone-townhall-help-seniors-navigate-medicare-open", "Thompson to Host Telephone Townhall to help Seniors Navigate Medicare Open Enrollment Period", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "HOWARD, Pa. \u2014U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson will host a telephone townhall on October 26, with an expert from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to answer questions seniors may have about Medicare Open Enrollment. Today marks the start of open enrollment, the annual period where Americans can sign up for Medicare or make changes to their plans, and it ends on Tuesday, December 7.\n\n\"During Medicare Open Enrollment, seniors can sign up for or review their current Medicare plan and possibly save money or have more efficient coverage,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"I encourage seniors to review their health plans and sign up for my telephone townhall on Tuesday, October 26 with an expert from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services to answer any questions regarding the enrollment process.\"\n\nRep. Thompson will host a telephone townhall for constituents who have questions regarding their Medicare plans. Joining him on the line will be an expert from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).\n\nTelephone Townhall Details\n\nTime: 10:30 a.m.\n\nDate: Tuesday, October 26, 2021\n\nIndividuals can register for the telephone townhall by calling Rep. Thompson's Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-5121, or visiting www.thompson.house.gov, or Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for information.\n\nPress Availability\n\nMembers of the news media are welcome to join the telephone townhall. Rep. Thompson will host a press availability at the conclusion of the call. Reporters who are interested in joining should RSVP to Maddison Stone at Maddison.stone@mail.house.gov or 202-225-5121 to obtain the details.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-opposes-extending-government-borrowing-limit", "Thompson Opposes Extending Government Borrowing Limit", "2021-10-12", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement following passage of extending the government borrowing limit:\n\n\"The legislation passed today expands our national borrowing limit to $28.9 trillion, which is an increase of $480 billion more than our current allowance. This bill kicks the proverbial can down the road until early December when Congress will, once again, be faced with raising the federal debt ceiling even further. We must be responsible in our spending, and raising the debt ceiling only results in burdening future generations. For these reasons, I could not support this legislation.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-50000-federal-grant-clarion-county-connected", "Thompson Announces $50,000 Federal Grant for Clarion County Connected Broadband Study", "2021-10-05", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "HOWARD, Pa.\u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson announced that Clarion County Economic Development Corporation is the recipient of a $50,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to support a support a county-wide broadband engineering plan.\n\nThe ARC investment will allow Clarion County Connected to study all 12 boroughs and the surrounding rural communities to produce a roadmap for deploying broadband where it is needed most. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $50,000, bringing the total project funding to $100,000.\n\n\"With more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians living without access to broadband, developing an accurate broadband map is essential to ensure that reliable, high-speed internet can be delivered to our communities,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"I applaud the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation for working to bring the infrastructure necessary to allow for remote learning, telemedicine, access to e-commerce, and the ability for residents to telecommute. This study will help advance Clarion County further towards the goal of bridging the digital divide.\"\n\nJarred Heuer, Executive Director of Clarion County Economic Development said, \"Congressman Thompson has remained committed to closing the digital divide here in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Strong broadband infrastructure is vital to the economic future of our county and region. The award from ARC will help provide a roadmap for how to best bring fast, reliable, and affordable internet to Clarion County. The CCEDC is thankful for the support Congressman Thompson has extended to Clarion County Connected, as it has brought Clarion County one step closer to providing the broadband connectivity that our residents, business owners, and students require.\"\n\n###\n\nABOUT THE ARC\n\nThe Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthalers-statement-opposing-bidens-inflation-boosting-blank-check", "Reschenthaler\u2019s Statement on Opposing Biden\u2019s Inflation Boosting Blank Check", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) released the following statement on his vote against the House Amendment to S. 1301. This legislation would suspend the debt ceiling through the remainder of this Congress, providing President Biden and Congressional Democrats with a blank check for trillions of dollars in new socialist spending.\n\n\"Republicans have been clear for months now \u2013 we will not help the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats in their effort to ram through trillions of dollars in new, reckless socialist spending. Yet Speaker Pelosi is once again wasting the American people's time on a debt ceiling suspension that will not be passed by the Senate nor signed into law.\n\n\"Thanks to Democrats' out-of-control spending on far-left progressive priorities, inflation is already at its highest rate in 13 years, and families and businesses are paying the price. Democrats control the House, the Senate, and the White House. If they want to continue their irresponsible tax and spending spree, they must accept sole responsibility and raise the debt ceiling without Republican support.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-votes-against-debt-limit-extension", "Thompson Votes Against Debt Limit Extension", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Following the passage of the extension of the public debt limit, U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement:\n\n\"Democrats have created an economic and political crisis by playing games with the debt ceiling. They control the House, Senate and White House and have known for years that this moment was coming, yet took no steps to pass a budget or have bipartisan discussions about how to tackle the country's financial future. This is a political stunt, the bill has no chance of being passed in the Senate, and it amounts to nothing more than a blank check for out of control spending, which I cannot and will not support.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-leads-heat-special-order-speeches-president-bidens-energy-failures", "Dr. Joyce Leads HEAT Special Order Speeches on President Biden?s Energy Failures", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Last night, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) lead the members of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) in a special order highlighting the Biden Administration's failure to address our nation's energy needs.\n\nThe special order covered a wide range of topics including the need for the United States to adopt an \"All of the Above\" approach to the energy industry and prioritize American energy independence.\n\nDr. Joyce called attention to the need to allow American energy producers to innovate, instead of imposing regressive taxes that limit their ability to provide cost effective energy to the American people.\n\n\"Innovation is the ultimate answer to cutting emissions and we cannot afford to stifle advancement\" said Dr. Joyce. \"As a nation, we cannot tax our way to a cleaner environment.\"\n\n\"As a result of the Biden Administration's assault on American energy, jobs have been destroyed and families are paying more for everything,\" said Congressman Allen. \"Sadly, Democrats are marching full steam ahead with their $3.5 trillion tax and spending spree that will only further raise costs for households and chip away at our energy independence, to the benefit of our foreign adversaries. It's time for Democrats to end their war on American energy and work with us on policies that will get our nation back on the road to energy independence.\"\n\n\"The Biden Administration's policies are damaging to American energy independence and security. Destroying American energy production under the false pretense that doing so is somehow saving the environment is nothing more than a mismatching of problems and solutions,\" said Congressman Balderson. \"Simply put, it is a disastrous display of virtue-signaling. We must reverse course and return to a path of American energy leadership.\"\n\n\"This Administration's approach to energy unnecessarily threatens the safety and security of all Americans\" said Congressman Bergman. \"I joined my colleagues on the floor to urge this Administration to focus on real investments in American energy instead of policies that make us more dependent on foreign energy sources, destroy jobs, alienate American industry, and stifle the hard-working people who strive to keep our country the premier example of innovation and initiative.\"\n\n\"Polysilicon, a crucial material in solar panel production, is heavily mined using Uyghur slave labor at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party,\" Congressman Burchett said. \"Joe Biden should think twice about how solar panels are made before lecturing Americans on the greatness of solar energy.\"\n\n\"Democrat proposals will only lead to higher energy prices, reduce the reliability of electricity for many communities, and take away good paying jobs,\" said Congressman Carter.\n\n\"We must invest in pipelines and refineries, harden our grid from cyberattacks, and cultivate innovation to ensure future success,\" said Congressman Keller. \"If President Biden is serious about ?building back better,' he should not be trying to destroy the domestic energy industry that will lead us to a better tomorrow.\"\n\n\"The United States is the greatest country in the world, and we have the ability to once again achieve energy dependence, provide affordable and reliable energy for our citizens, and support our allies,\" said Congressman Newhouse. \"We just need our leaders to have these priorities as well.\"\n\n\"Energy security is national security?and nothing can be more important. Anyone voting in favor of reconciliation is voting against American energy, is voting against the independence that keeps our national security so strong,\" said Congressman Pfluger. \"I urge my colleagues to support the energy industry.\"\n\nWatch Dr. Joyce's opening remarks here.\n\nWatch Dr. Joyce's closing statement here.\n\nThe members of the House Energy Action Team who participated in the special order hour on Monday included Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12), Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Rep. Andy Barr (KY-07), Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02), Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-10), Rep. Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), Rep. Fred Keller (PA-12), Rep. Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11), Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01), Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-07) and, Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-451315-forest-county-broadband-project", "Thompson Announces $451,315 for Forest County Broadband Project", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson announced that Forest County is the recipient of a $451,315 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant. The grant will supplement local funds to deploy two broadband towers and a 911 repeater, to improve the county's emergency radio communications. The project will offer broadband services to 387 households and 15 businesses. In addition to the ARC grant, the county will provide $118,885, bringing the total cost of the project to $570,200.\n\n\"More than 18 million Americans lack access to broadband, particularly in rural areas, such as Forest County. These funds will enable the county to bring modern connectivity to Forest County at a rate of five times the current upload and download speeds available,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"I applaud the Forest County Commissioners for recognizing this critical need and working towards bringing our region in the future. It is imperative that we continue to work towards narrowing the digital divide,\" said Thompson.\n\nBailey Thompson, Forest County Community and Economic Development Director, said, \"The Board of Commissioners have chosen these two locations to yield the highest return and improve the connectivity of county residents. This broadband project revolutionizes the capabilities for local businesses to operate at higher efficiency and expand their businesses on the online market. Also, the ability for Forest Area School District's students to connect remotely to access their classes will greatly become improved, a service that has become essential because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon completion of this broadband project, Forest County will be installing radio transmitters on both towers to expand and improve the communication capabilities of our local fire and EMS services. The Board of Commissioners are grateful to have the opportunity to support our local first responders.\"\n\n###\n\nABOUT THE ARC\n\nThe Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-new-coral-post-office-be-complete-january-2022", "Thompson Announces New Coral Post Office to be Complete in January 2022", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement today regarding a new United States Postal Service facility in Coral, Pa.:\n\n\"I am pleased to announce that the United States Postal Service plans to complete a new facility in Coral in January 2022. My office has worked with USPS to underscore the importance of replacing this post office that was destroyed by fire in 2016. The residents of Coral will once again have a local place to complete their postal business and will no longer be burdened by having to travel to their P.O. boxes. I thank everyone for their patience as this matter was resolved, and USPS for making this a priority.\"\n\nThe new Coral Post Office will be located at 437 First Ave, replacing 627 First Ave.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-condemns-liberal-spending-spree", "Dr. Joyce Condemns Liberal Spending Spree", "2021-09-27", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) warned that the Democrats' $3.5 trillion spending package would cause significant harm to working American families.\n\nIn a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Joyce highlighted the dramatically increased tax burden this legislation would place on middle class families.\n\n\"Raising taxes on middle class families and small businesses is not the answer to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is the time to support our families, it is not the time to spend more money than it cost to win World War II,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"We need to put a stop to this reckless tax and spend spree, and get back to serving the American people.\"\n\nWatch Dr. Joyce's speech here.\n\nBackground:\n\nIf enacted, this legislation would spur the largest tax increase in American history. This tax increase would be used to finance spending priorities that include elements of the Green New Deal and priorities that would place burdensome regulations on small businesses. Furthermore, the sudden influx of federal dollars would cause a substantial increase in inflation at a time when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has already risen faster than at any time since the great recession.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-ndaa-supports-our-servicemembers-and-keeps-americans-safe", "Dr. Joyce: The NDAA Supports our Servicemembers and Keeps Americans Safe", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) called for all members of Congress to stand with our servicemembers and pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nYesterday, in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Joyce highlighted the essential need to pass this legislation to fund our military that includes key proposals that support our servicemembers.\n\n\"I am proud that this legislation protects our military from the Administration's reckless spending cuts that would have made Americans less safe,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"By increasing the base pay of our men and women in uniform and ensuring they have the freedom to make their own health care decisions, this bill is a victory for our nation's servicemembers.\"\n\nWatch Dr. Joyce speech here.\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act, which passed in the House tonight, includes critical protections for our nation's servicemembers. These ensure that members of our armed forces cannot be dishonorably discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccination as well as protecting their free speech on social media.\n\nAn amendment sponsored by Congressman Joyce to enhance our security against biochemical threats was passed. Amendment 849 ensures that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, would work to develop a national biodefense science and technology strategy.\n\nRead the amendment here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-transportation-and-infrastructure-vote", "Meuser Statement on Transportation and Infrastructure Vote", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced that his support for the transportation and infrastructure bill is in serious jeopardy if it is linked to the disastrous reconciliation bill that the Biden Administration and Democrat leadership is promoting.\n\n\"The Biden Administration, Democrat leadership and most Democrats continue to link the transportation and infrastructure bill to the passage of a damaging, multi-trillion-dollar extreme liberal, big government package, which has put my support of the transportation and infrastructure bill in serious jeopardy.\n\nTransportation and infrastructure is a core function of government and the revitalization of our nations systems is much needed, and I do feel it is in the interests of Pennsylvania. The bipartisan transportation and infrastructure bill is far from perfect, but I am willing to support it. However, continued linkage to the reconciliation package and all the negatives to our economy and the American people that come with it, far outweighs the positives of the transportation and infrastructure bill.\n\nThe Democrats' reconciliation bill is the largest tax bill that we have ever seen. They also want to suspend the debt ceiling, but with no ceiling. Giving the Biden Administration and the left-wing of the Democrat caucus a blank check on the backs of the taxpayers, would be highly irresponsible representation of the people.\n\nThe Democrats' reconciliation package includes:\n\n$4 plus trillion in added debt (nearly 15% of our current $28.6 trillion debt in one bill)\n\nLargest tax increases ever\n\nAmnesty for 8 million illegal immigrants\n\nDisincentivizes workforce availability\n\nTaxes on domestic energy and domestic electric batteries\n\n87,000 new employees for the IRS\n\n1 million planned hires for the new Civilian Climate Corps\n\nLargest expansion of government run healthcare since Obamacare\n\nThe stakes are high, and the American people must make their voices heard. Tell Democrats in Congress to put a STOP to this reconciliation bill and VOTE YES to a standalone transportation and infrastructure bill.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-reschenthaler-amendment-defunding-ecohealth-alliance", "House Passes Reschenthaler Amendment Defunding EcoHealth Alliance", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to include an amendment authored by Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) prohibiting federal funding to EcoHealth Alliance, an organization that funneled taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4350).\n\n\"It is deeply disturbing that EcoHealth Alliance funneled American taxpayer dollars to support dangerous and potentially deadly research at the WIV, a laboratory run by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and tied to military biological research and the probable origin of the COVID-19 pandemic,\" said Reschenthaler. \"I am proud to lead this effort to end the flow of defense funding to EcoHealth Alliance, and I thank my colleagues for including my amendment in the defense authorization bill and ensuring Americans' hard-earned money never again funds risky experiments in labs operated by our adversaries.\"\n\nCongressman Reschenthaler uncovered $1.1 million in Obama-era taxpayer funding funneled to the WIV through the EcoHealth Alliance. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded this funding for a study that utilized gain-of-function (GOF) research to create a hybrid, man-made virus by inserting a spiked protein from a wild coronavirus into a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV backbone, which could infect human airways by binding to the ACE2. According to recent testimony from House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Michael McCaul, the WIV is \"more likely than not\" origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nSince Fiscal Year 2008, EcoHealth Alliance has received over $41 million in contracts and grants from the Department of Defense. The WIV also received nearly $600,000 in funding from EcoHealth Alliance through grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.\n\nIn February 2021, Congressman Reschenthaler introduced H.R. 591, the Defund EcoHealth Alliance Act, which prohibits federal funding to the EcoHealth Alliance.\n\nBackground on EcoHealth Alliance:\n\nAccording to federal government data, EcoHealth Alliance received tens of millions in federal research dollars.\n\nEcoHealth Alliance has partnered with the WIV since 2004.\n\nIn February 2020, EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak led an unsubstantiated letter denying the possibility of COVID-19 originating in a lab.\n\nDaszak went so far as to condemn any alternative explanation to his natural origins narrative, such as a lab accident at nearby WIV, as \"conspiracy theory.\"\n\nBackground on WIV:\n\nThe CCP runs the WIV and manages the Biosafety Level IV (BSL-4) laboratory.\n\nAfter the outbreak of COVID-19, the CCP replaced the party official in charge of the WIV with a top biowarfare expert, Major General Chen Wei.\n\nIn 2018, two State Department cables raised concerns regarding safety and management weaknesses at the WIV.\n\nScientists at the WIV noted \"a serious shortage of appropriately trained technicians and investigators needed to safely operate this high-containment laboratory.\"\n\nAccording to a January 15, 2021 State Department press release, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced several researchers inside the WIV became sick with COVID-19 like symptoms in the fall of 2019.\n\nSince at least 2017, the WIV engaged in classified research, including laboratory animal experiments with the Chinese military.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/national-defense-funding-authorization-passes-reschenthaler-priorities", "National Defense Funding Authorization Passes with Reschenthaler Priorities", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) voted for H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). This bipartisan bill ensures our military is well-equipped to counter foreign threats, provides a 2.7 percent pay raise for our troops, and boosts total defense funding by nearly $25 billion over President Biden's budget request, a 5 percent increase from Fiscal Year 2021.\n\n\"As a Navy veteran, I am deeply committed to supporting our national defense and our troops. These brave men and women make sacrifices every day to protect our freedoms at home and abroad, yet President Biden bowed to progressives and tried to cut defense funding even as our nation faces a rising China. Thankfully, this legislation will provide our servicemembers with critical equipment and training as well as pay raises so they can take care of their families, while also modernizing our military and enhancing oversight on President Biden's disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal,\" said Reschenthaler. \"I am especially proud the FY22 NDAA also includes provisions I championed, such as preventing defense funding from flowing to EcoHealth Alliance, an organization that funneled American taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, combatting deadly fentanyl imports into the United States, and ensuring our servicemembers receive critical mental health care. I remain dedicated to prioritizing the needs of our military men and women and the security of our nation.\"\n\nThe FY22 NDAA reverses President Biden's reckless cuts to our national defense. The legislation includes measures such as:\n\nIncludes a 2.7 percent pay raise and expanded benefits for military families.\n\nRestores funding for shipbuilding to ensure the U.S. Navy can meet its mission.\n\nIncludes provisions that remove China from our defense supply chain.\n\nStrengthens border security by directing additional National Guard resources to the southern border.\n\nAuthorizes $250 million to conduct counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan and prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from providing any financial support to the Taliban.\n\nAdditionally, Reschenthaler offered or co-led several initiatives adopted on the House floor or included in the underlying bill:\n\nPrevents defense funding from flowing to EcoHealth Alliance, an organization that sent taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the probable origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nCounters deadly fentanyl imports from countries like China.\n\nAuthorizes a survey on access to mental health care under the military health system.\n\nRequires a study on the impact of copays on access to mental health services for servicemembers, retirees, and families.\n\nRequires DOD to list future Purple Heart award recipients on the valor website.\n\nRequires a study on further protecting United States research against foreign interference, theft, and espionage.\n\nAuthorizes the nationwide use of remote online notarization, which allows servicemembers overseas to complete important documents and create national standards and protections on its use.\n\nProtects servicemembers from forced arbitration clauses in contracts.\n\nSupports additive manufacturing and the machine learning initiative of the Army, which will facilitate 3-D printing capabilities on the frontline.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-national-defense-bill-1", "House Passes National Defense Bill", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Glenn \u2018GT' Thompson voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, which increases pay for our service members, reverses national security cuts, ensures military readiness, and restores funding to modernize American shipyards.\n\nThe NDAA authorizes annual funding for the Department of Defense and defense-related programs at other federal agencies. With strong bipartisan support, this legislation passed by a vote of 316-113.\n\nThe bill authorizes $778 billion for military activities, a five percent increase from FY2021.\n\n\"This is one of the most important bills we pass as Members of Congress. The NDAA provides funding for our national defense which keeps Americans safe at home and abroad,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"These funds will be used to improve our national security, modernize our naval fleet, and provide a well-deserved pay raise for our troops.\"\n\nAdditive Manufacturing Amendment\n\nRep. Thompson supported an amendment in the NDAA expressing the importance of additive manufacturing and machine learning and the potential they have in accelerating the ability to improve our military manufacturing, ultimately strengthening the U.S. defense industrial supply chain.\n\n\"I am proud to represent a district that strives to provide our military with the most up-to-date technology and equipment,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"If the past year has taught us anything, it is the importance of our domestic supply chain and manufacturers. By continuing to allow for additive manufacturing, we are strengthening our defense industrial logistical network. We must always ensure servicemen and women go into combat with the most advanced equipment available.\"\n\nRequests for Equitable Adjustment Amendment\n\nRep. Thompson led this amendment in the NDAA requiring the Department of the Navy to submit to the defense committees a report detailing the processing of Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REA).\n\n\"By providing congressional oversight on current and historical REA data, we can ensure that defense contractors are treated fairly and reasonably for their work,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"This amendment improves Congress's position to examine the systemic issue regarding delayed payment for work performed at the Navy's request.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-cambria-heights-high-school-recognized-national-blue", "Thompson Announces Cambria Heights High School Recognized As National Blue Ribbon School", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson today announced Cambria Heights High School in Patton, Pa. has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.\n\n\"Congratulations to Cambria Heights High School for being named an Exemplary High-Performing School. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, families, faculty, and community,\" Rep Thompson said. \"Our students are the future and Cambria Heights High School continues to challenge, prepare and empower students for success.\"\n\n\"We are very proud of the students, staff, and community at Cambria Heights. The Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools is a positive confirmation of the outstanding efforts of our students and staff, and the constant support of our community,\" said Alan DuBreucq, Cambria Heights High School Principal.\n\n\"Over the past few years, the faculty, students, and community of Cambria Heights have worked cooperatively not only to overcome the challenges of COVID-19, they have also worked through a major high school renovation project. To be recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School despite these challenges is a testament to the hard work and determination of the entire school community,\" said Kenneth Kerchenske, Cambria Heights School District Superintendent.\n\nCambria Heights High School is one of 13 schools in Pennsylvania and one of 325 public and private schools across the nation given this recognition in 2021.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-nearly-11-million-grant-clarion-county", "Thompson Announces Nearly $1.1 Million Grant for Clarion County", "2021-09-22", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson today announced Clarion County is the recipient of a $1,096,125 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER grant. This federal funding will support the Clarion County Connected broadband project.\n\nThe ARC investment will result in the availability of high-quality broadband service to 85 businesses and 1,620 households. The funds will be used to develop a fixed wireless broadband solution for the county's unserved and underserved areas.\n\nIn addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $1,096,125, bringing the total project funding to $2,192,250.\n\n\"More than 500,000 Pennsylvanians do not have access to broadband connectivity, and the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for our families and businesses to have quality, reliable internet service,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"I applaud the Clarion County Commissioners for working to address this challenge facing the community and remain grateful for the Appalachian Regional Commission's continued support to bridge the digital divide in rural America.\"\n\n\"This ARC grant is one more spoke in the wheel of the broadband progress in Clarion County,\" Clarion County Commissioner Ted Tharan said.\n\n###\n\nABOUT THE ARC\n\nThe Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthalers-statement-opposing-democrats-blank-check-standing-israel", "Reschenthaler\u2019s Statement on Opposing Democrats\u2019 Blank Check, Standing with Israel", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) released the following statement on his vote against H.R. 5304, which provides Democrats with a blank check for trillions of dollars in new socialist spending. This legislation includes a suspension of the debt ceiling through December 16th, 2022, allowing President Biden and Congressional Democrats to continue their reckless spending for the remainder of this Congress. Additionally, Democrat leadership removed funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, which has saved countless innocent lives from terrorist rocket attacks.\n\n\"On the very same day President Biden tried to reassure our nation's allies that, despite his disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, they can still count on American support, Speaker Pelosi abandoned Israel by pulling funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system, all to appease her anti-Semitic, far-left members. Pelosi's actions make it clear \u2013 the progressive wing runs the Democrat party. In stark contrast, House Republicans stand with Israel and support its right to self-defense.\n\n\"Further, instead of working with Republicans to produce a bipartisan bill to fund the federal government, provide disaster relief to Americans impacted by recent storms, and aid our Afghan allies, Pelosi chose to play political games by attaching a debt limit suspension that provides Democrats with a blank check for trillions of dollars in new, reckless socialist spending. This legislation has no chance of passing the Senate or becoming law. Democrats are wasting time by capitulating to the far left, and their actions will only hurt American families and our allies.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-ways-means-committee-mark-recap-american-dream-stake", "Rep. Smucker Ways & Means Committee Mark-up Recap:  \u201cThe American Dream is at Stake\u201d", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Over the past two weeks, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) participated in the Ways & Means Committee mark-up of the $3.5 trillion socialist spending spree, including trillions of dollars of tax hikes on the middle-class and small businesses.\n\nDay One: \"The American Dream is at Stake\"\n\nImage\n\nDuring the opening day of the mark-up, Rep. Smucker underscored the long-term implications of the Democrats' massive expansion of the federal government via their cradle-to-grave intrusion into Americans' lives.\n\nSmucker said: \"We believe in free enterprise. We believe that if you work hard, you can get ahead. We don't rely on the government to provide for us. This bill fundamentally alters that equation\u2026This bill is not about revitalizing the greatest economy in our nation's history, it is about setting a course for socialism, for dependency, and consolidation of power in Washington, D.C\u2026I believe the very American Dream that we have all lived is at stake as a result of this bill and of the policies of this administration.\"\n\nSmucker offers \"Strengthening our Workforce Amendment\"\n\nSmucker offered a commonsense amendment to tie the Democrats paid-leave proposal to employment. Unbelievably, their scheme would make paid leave available to those who don't even have a job. Smucker's amendment would require individuals to be employed in the last 30 days to be eligible and have an earnings history in at least four of the last five quarters. Democrats on the committee rejected the amendment. Click here to watch Rep. Smucker's comments on the amendment.\n\nDay Two: Smucker Offers\"Truth for American Seniors Amendment\"\n\nImage\n\nRep. Smucker, on behalf of himself, Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Tom Reed (R-NY), offered the \"Truth for American Seniors Amendment\" to ensure the cover-ups of nursing home deaths conducted by state officials like disgraced New York Democrat and then Gov. Andrew Cuomo never happen again by prioritizing seniors' safety and ensure state accountability during the continuing pandemic.\n\nSpeaking on the amendment, Smucker said: \"Thousands of families in Pennsylvania and across the nation lost loved ones in nursing homes\u2026 Our constituents deserve answers, and at the very least, accurate reporting\u2026 Our amendment simply instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify to Congress that the number of deaths of residents in skilled nursing facilities match the publicly reported number in each state.\" While two Democrats were willing to vote for the amendment, the Democratic majority of the committee still voted it down. Click here to watch consideration of Smucker's amendment.\n\nDay Three: Fighting Democrats Reckless Tax Hikes\n\nImage\n\nSmucker offered an amendment to delay the effective date of the massive tax hikes proposed until the U.S. unemployment rate falls to the pre-pandemic unemployment rate. Smucker said: \"Study after study confirms that the Democrats multi-trillion-dollar tax hike leaves workers, retirees, and our fiscal budget in economic ruin.\" Click here to read a Daily Caller write-up on Smucker's amendment, which was defeated by committee Democrats.\n\nSmucker also spoke out against Democrats' efforts to provide significant tax subsidies to wealthy individuals purchasing electric vehicles, which contribute nothing to maintenance of the roads they drive on. Electric vehicles are almost exclusively purchased by individuals making over $100,000 per year. In his comments, Smucker asked: \"Why don't House Democrats put their money where their mouth is?\" and support his USER FEE Act, to impose a per-mile fee on electric vehicles to contribute to the Highway Trust Fund. Learn more about Smucker's USER Fee Act.\n\nDay 4 \u2013 \"House Democrats are Putting the Cart Before the Horse\"\n\nImage\n\nIn remarks on the final day of the mark-up, Smucker noted that House Democrats are \"putting the cart before the horse.\" Smucker reminded his colleagues that it is the free enterprise system that creates opportunities for individuals to live their American Dream, not the government. \"We are fortunate enough to live in a country that provides a safety net for people who cannot take care of themselves. And I will always support that, but we expect people who can provide for themselves to do so, and they can only do so if we have an economy that is creating jobs.\" Listen to Rep. Smucker's remarks.\n\nAdditionally, Smucker offered the \"American Taxpayer Before Union Executives and Lobbyists\" amendment to eliminate a new tax deduction for union member dues. This new union subsidy was included in the base bill by Democrats to protect their union friends who are their biggest political supporters. Listen to Rep. Smucker's comments on the amendment here.\n\nSmucker voted against the legislation on final passage. In a true absence of leadership, it is not clear from Speaker Pelosi exactly what the next steps for the bill are.\n\nRep. Lloyd Smucker represents Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District including Lancaster County and portions of southern York County. He serves on the Ways & Means Committee and the Budget Committee.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-opposes-short-term-funding-measure", "Thompson Opposes Short-Term Funding Measure", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Following the passing of the short-term continuing resolution for Fiscal Year 2022 government funding, U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement:\n\n\"Democrats are in control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, but they tied a debt limit increase to the continued operations of the federal government. This is because they cannot build consensus within their ranks or get their work done on time. In fact, Democrat leadership bowed to push back from its own Members to abandon our friend and ally, Israel, and remove critical funding for their defense system. I cannot in good conscience support this short-sighted measure.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-meuser-host-telephone-town-hall", "Congressman Meuser to Host Telephone Town Hall", "2021-09-20", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Tomorrow, constituents of Pennsylvania's Ninth District are invited to participate in Congressman Dan Meuser's Telephone Town Hall at 7:30 PM ET on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Congressman Meuser will give legislative updates from Capitol Hill, as well as his work to support and improve the lives of those in the Ninth District.\n\nFor those who wish to participate, below is the call-in information.\n\nPhone Number: (877)-229-8493\n\nPIN: 118349", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-named-legislative-small-business-champion-pennsylvania-small-business", "Meuser Named Legislative Small Business Champion By The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center", "2021-09-17", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) was awarded the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center's (SBDC) Legislative Small Business Champion Award for his advocacy on behalf of small business owners as well as his work on the House Small Business Committee. The award was presented during a roundtable with Small Business Development Centers from across Pennsylvania's Ninth District and the surrounding area as well as their small business clients including:\n\nRob Patterson of Spices Inc. in Elysburg, PA,\n\nHeather Clark of Go Fish! Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Sinking Spring\n\nGeorge Whibley of A&B Sunrooms and Remodeling in Plains, PA\n\n\"Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities and employ 2.5 million Pennsylvanians, nearly half of all of Pennsylvania's workforce. They have faced many challenges over the last 18 months including shutdowns, worker shortages due to enhanced unemployment compensation and increased inflation, just to name a few. Early on, the federal government responded to these challenges with the Paycheck Protection Program which provided over 7,000 loans that supported nearly 80,000 jobs in Pennsylvania's Ninth District. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I will continue to advocate on behalf of Pennsylvania's dedicated small business owners and entrepreneurs, especially as they continue to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.\"-Congressman Dan Meuser\n\nBACKGROUND\u2026\n\nThe Small Business Development Center roundtable brought together SBDC directors and small business owners from throughout the Ninth District to discuss their journeys and share their experiences as they continue to recover from the pandemic. The SBDC's and their clients discussed the important relationship they share and how SBDC's were able to assist their clients in applying for essential resources.\n\nCongressman Meuser is the Republican Leader of the Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access. As leader of the subcommittee, Congressman Meuser has advocated for small businesses across America who have suffered from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. He continues to champion for small businesses by promoting pro-growth policies that remove red tape and improve access to capital for America's small businesses owners.\n\nAbout the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (SBDC):\n\nThe Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) supports Pennsylvania's economic development by providing entrepreneurs and small businesses with individual consultations, comprehensive education, and information necessary to help their businesses start, grow, and prosper. SBDCs deliver consulting services and educational programs through a network of 16 locations across Pennsylvania SBDC. Consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-to-one sessions to help them with issues, including new business development, shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities, and much more. SBDCs also address concerns about navigating and recovering during the COVID-19 crisis. Additional services include helping with disaster loan applications, long-term planning, economic loss estimations, and business preparedness. For more information on the Pennsylvania SBDC services and impact, please visit www.pasbdc.org.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-announces-appalachian-regional-commission-grant-bedford-county", "Dr. Joyce Announces Appalachian Regional Commission Grant for Bedford County", "2021-09-16", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) announced that Bedford County, Pennsylvania would receive a POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce Economic Revitalization) Initiative grant for $745,588 from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The funding will be used to support economic diversification and empower job growth.\n\n\"This grant will go directly to developing broadband deployment in our Bedford County Community,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"I am grateful to the Appalachian Regional Commission for their work to develop this critical infrastructure that will help bridge the digital divide while supporting students and small businesses.\"\n\n\"The downturn of the coal industry has impacted economies across Appalachia. That's why ARC's POWER initiative helps to leverage regional partnerships and collaborations to support efforts to create a more vibrant economic future for coal-impacted communities,\" said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. \"Many of the projects we announced today will invest in educating and training the Appalachian workforce, nurturing entrepreneurship, and supporting infrastructure?including broadband access. These investments are critical in leveling the economic playing field so Appalachian communities can thrive.\"\n\nSince 2015, the Appalachian Regional Commission has invested over $287 million through the POWER Initiative. These investments support comprehensive strategies to strengthen our region's economic outlook through job training, education, and broadband development.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-announces-federal-funding-greene-county-expand-broadband", "Reschenthaler Announces Federal Funding for Greene County to Expand Broadband Infrastructure", "2021-09-16", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, PA \u2013 Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) announced the Greene County Board of Commissioners received $2.5 million through the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. Greene County will use this funding to construct broadband infrastructure and expand coverage to the unserved and underserved areas of the county. Earlier this year, Reschenthaler sent a letter to ARC advocating for the project.\n\n\"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, reliable broadband internet has been vital in ensuring children continue to receive an education and Americans have access to health care, government programs, and other services vital to everyday life. Too often, rural communities like those in southwestern Pennsylvania are left out due to a lack of broadband infrastructure,\" Congressman Reschenthaler said. \"I am grateful for the tireless work of Commissioners Betsy McClure, Mike Belding, and Blair Zimmerman. They are tremendous advocates for our communities, and I am glad we were able to work together on this important project to bolster broadband connectivity, empower the people of southwestern Pennsylvania, and close the digital divide.\"\n\n\"In our continual search for funding to increase service, reliability, and speed of our broadband capabilities, this is the next step, and we are grateful for this opportunity. This project is ready to start and builds on our previous successful investment in broadband, we were just awaiting the funding,\" said Commissioner Betsy McClure.\n\n\"We continue to make capital investments in the underserved and unserved areas of Greene County with details provided by the feasibility study we completed in early 2020. We continually seek additional funding sources and recently applied for nearly $8 million through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), United States Department of Commerce. These are competitive grant programs, not Greene County tax dollars. Funding is allocated for broadband or other infrastructure improvements and will be spent elsewhere if not in Greene County.\" said Commissioner Mike Belding.\n\nThe primary goal of the ARC POWER Initiative is to help communities and regions affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America's energy production. To date, ARC has invested over $287 million in 362 projects, touching 353 counties across Appalachia since 2015.\n\nMore information about ARC's POWER Initiative is available at www.arc.gov/power. Additionally, interested organizations may contact Matt Mackowiak at Congressman Reschenthaler's Washington district office at (724) 206-4800 or by email at Matt.Mackowiak@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-20th-anniversary-911", "Meuser Statement On The 20th Anniversary Of 9/11", "2021-09-14", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "POTTSVILLE, PA\u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser released the following statement for the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001.\n\n\"On this day twenty years ago, our country was attacked by radical Islamic terrorists who hoped to destroy America, and all that we stand for. We marvel at the bravery and courage that men and women in New York City, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon displayed that day, they will never be forgotten. When our country was attacked, Americans rose to the challenge and responded with patriotism and sacrifice. In the years following 9/11/01, we continue to honor and praise our firefighters, police and first responders, and thank them for their sacrificial service. Today, as we reflect on the many lives lost, may we never forget that our values and freedoms are what makes this country worth fighting for.\" \u2013 Congressman Dan Meuser", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-president-bidens-vaccine-mandate", "Meuser Statement on President Biden's Vaccine Mandate", "2021-09-14", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement in response to President Biden's vaccine mandate.\n\n\"President Biden's vaccine mandate is a gross overreach of authority, and lacks any empathy for the deeply personal factors involved for many who choose not to receive the vaccine. A decision that should be left up between a patient and their doctor.\n\nFormer President Trump engaged a massive public-private partnership that produced three vaccines in record time, much faster than many at the time thought possible. Since the vaccines were first approved in December 2020, we have built confidence in these vaccines as evidenced by the fact that 73.5% of eligible Americans have gotten at least one shot.\n\nWe should be building confidence and encouraging more Americans to consult their doctor and make the right choice for their health. Instead, President Biden has shown no empathy for the deeply personal reasons why people choose not get the vaccine. This mandate is completely out of touch with what the American people want, and the manner in which it has been carried out thus far has left employers with no clear guidance on when it will go into effect and what consequences they may face for non-compliance. President Biden is never in doubt, and he is never right.\n\nThis unconstitutional vaccine mandate is a gross overreach of the federal government in Americans personal lives. As President Reagan stated, \"government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.\"\n\nPresident Biden's disregard for Americans to make their own medical decisions and sanctimonious absolutism is unAmerican and divides the country. As Americans, we cannot stand for the big government mandate.\n\nI encourage all Americans and Pennsylvanians who have not been vaccinated to make an informed decision and consult their doctor about whether the vaccine is right for them. This miracle of medical science is the most effective tool we have to beat this pandemic, but government mandates are no way to govern inclusively or democratically.\" \u2013 Congressman Dan Meuser", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-statement-20th-anniversary-911-terror-attacks", "Thompson Statement on 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Terror Attacks", "2021-09-11", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson today is marking the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pa. where he will honor the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 who paid the ultimate sacrifice to prevent an attack on the U.S. Capitol. He issued the following statement on this solemn anniversary:\n\n\"On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, a day that forever changed our world, let us reflect on the gift of life so tragically lost at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a field in Shanksville, Pa. Let us honor the memory of every American who perished on that fateful day. Their legacies will be forever intertwined with the strength and courage that define our great country. We will never forget. Not 20 years later; Not ever. May God continue to watch over our first responders, our men and women in uniform, and all those who keep us safe.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-national-science-foundation-grant-awarded-juniata-college", "Dr. Joyce: National Science Foundation Grant Awarded to Juniata College", "2021-09-08", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) announced that Juniata College would receive a collaborative research grant for $138,607.00 from the National Science Foundation. The funding will be used to further research led by Dr. Katy Johansen to help improve students' spatial reasoning skills through the use of Virtual Reality training.\n\n\"Juniata College is doing incredible work to empower students and find new and innovative ways to promote STEM learning, and advance scientific research\" said Dr. Joyce. \"I am excited to see the results of this innovative teaching model.\"\n\n\"I'm so pleased that the National Science Foundation recognizes the imaginative work of geology professor Dr. Katy Johanesen,\" said Lauren Bowen, Juniata's provost and senior academic officer. \"Her project further distinguishes us as a place where meaningful mentored research opportunities are provided for our students to position them at the cutting edge of technology and the future of STEM.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nPast research has shown that the ability to visualize and manipulate information in three-dimensional space is critical for student's success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).\n\nThis grant funding will be used to teach STEM education and research skills while studying how efficient Virtual Reality training can be at developing a student's ability to visualize information in three-dimensional space.\n\nFor more information on this research grant visit the National Science Foundation website here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-cosponsors-legislation-honor-fallen-servicemembers", "Dr. Joyce Cosponsors Legislation to Honor Fallen Servicemembers", "2021-09-07", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement after cosponsoring legislation introduced by Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 24, 2021.\n\nThe legislation would award the Congressional Gold Medal to USMC Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, USMC Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, USMC Sgt. Nicole Gee, USMC Cpl. Hunter Lopez, USMC Cpl. Daegan Page, USMC Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, USMC Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, USMC Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, USMC Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, USMC Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, USMC Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, USN Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and USA Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.\n\n\"These 13 U.S. servicemembers gave their lives while working to protect Americans and our allies. While we can never repay the debt we owe them, it is my hope that this Congressional Gold Medal shows we will never forget their courage or their sacrifice,\" said Rep. John Joyce.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-statement-american-withdrawal-afghanistan", "Smucker Statement on American Withdrawal from Afghanistan", "2021-09-03", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement in response to President Biden's remarks on August 31, 2021:\n\n\"In his address to the nation, the president recognized the escalating threat of terrorism around the world. He mentioned threats from al Qaeda and the growing push by ISIS to establish a caliphate. Yet he remains defiant that he can best protect Americans from this threat by handing power over to the Taliban. He is delusional in his belief that the Taliban is fit to govern. Their ineptness at maintaining a safe environment resulted in the tragic death of 13 heroic U.S. servicemembers at the hands of suicide bombers. President Biden believes that the very same Taliban who allowed al Qaeda to flourish in Afghanistan will act in the best interest of the Afghan people, and have aligned interests and values with that of the United States and other western countries. This is an insult to the thousands of American servicemembers, and their families, who gave their lives in the fight against terrorism to protect our homeland.\n\nWe cannot and should not engage in any efforts that would seek to legitimize the Taliban on the international stage. By hastily withdrawing from Afghanistan, President Biden has thrown away the best means to hold the Taliban in check and prevent the proliferation of other more dangerous terrorist organizations.\n\nPresident Biden and key members of his administration, like Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary of Defense Austin, have failed this test of leadership and they should resign. Their failures will be felt for years to come if the Taliban and other terrorist organizations continue to metastasize in the region.\n\nThe president continues to insist that there was simply no other way to conduct this evacuation. Now that the withdraw is complete the president's words simply ring hollow.\n\nTwo weeks ago, President Biden said \"if there's American citizens left, we're gonna stay to get them all out.\" Can you imagine being one of the individuals abandoned by our Commander-in-Chief? For some Americans, watching the last plane depart Kabul left them with a sinking feeling that their loved ones, neighbors, friends, or family members are now fending for themselves under Taliban rule as they seek safety. I fear that President Biden's reckless decisions will have grave consequences. Every effort must be made to ensure their safe return.\n\nI pray for comfort for the families and loved ones of the heroes that lost their lives as they selflessly served our nation. To honor and remember their sacrifice, I joined nearly 160 of my colleagues in cosponsoring legislation to award each of the 13 servicemen and women who lost their lives last week with the Congressional Gold Medal. This medal is awarded to individuals as the highest expression of national appreciation, and I can think of no others more deserving than the 13 servicemembers who gave their lives aiding in the evacuation of their fellow Americans and Afghan allies.\n\nAmerica is grateful for all who serve in the armed forces,\" said Rep. Smucker.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-statement-president-s-address-regarding-end-war-afghanistan", "Thompson Statement on President\u2019s Address Regarding the End of the War in Afghanistan", "2021-08-31", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Howard, PA\u2014 Following President Biden's remarks on the completion of the Afghanistan troop withdrawal, Congressman Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement:\n\n\"Today is not a celebration of the end of a decades-long war. The Biden Administration's haphazard withdrawal has resulted in 13 unnecessary deaths of US service members, the abandonment of hundreds of Americans and Afghan allies, and the arming of our enemy with billions of dollars' worth of military equipment. This failure by the Biden Administration has empowered terrorists and casts doubt in the minds of our allies.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-announces-900000-grant-gettysburg-regional-airport", "Dr. Joyce Announces a $900,000 Grant for the Gettysburg Regional Airport", "2021-08-26", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) announced that the Gettysburg Regional Airport would receive a $900,000 U.S. Department of Transportation grant to construct a new apron. The apron will be a critical component in facilitating safe and effective airport operations and will be used to maneuver and store airplanes while at the airfield.\n\n\"This new airport apron will enhance the quality of services that the Gettysburg Regional Airport can provide to the Adams County community,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"Enhancing our region's critical infrastructure is one of my top priorities in Congress and I look forward to Gettysburg Regional Airport receiving this critical funding.\"\n\nThe Gettysburg Regional Airport and the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority are receiving this grant as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant program. The construction of the new airport apron will allow the Gettysburg Regional Airport to park more planes at one time safely and facilitate a higher number of flights.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-statement-deadly-attacks-kabul-afghanistan", "Thompson Statement on Deadly Attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan", "2021-08-26", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Howard, PA \u2014Upon news of deadly attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan, Congressman Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement:\n\n\"The reports coming out of Afghanistan that citizens and U.S Service members have been injured and some killed by coordinated suicide attacks outside of Hamid Karzai International Airport are horrific. We are praying for those impacted and that Americans and our allies will soon be able to depart the country safely.\n\nThese attacks underscore the serious consequences of this haphazard withdrawal. We know vacating the region will present additional security challenges and empower terrorist groups. It is my hope President Biden will take today's events into consideration and immediately move to have U.S. and ally forces secure the area to ensure the safety of American and Afghan civilians while reevaluating his arbitrary deadline of total withdrawal by next Tuesday.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-announces-gettysburg-college-will-receive-grant-national-science", "Dr. Joyce Announces Gettysburg College Will Receive a Grant from the National Science Foundation", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) announced that Gettysburg College would receive a collaborative research grant for $239,580.00 from the National Science Foundation to fund research into speech to text software.\n\n\"The exciting research being done at Gettysburg College will have broad implications in education, medicine, and technology,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"By pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible in natural language processing, Gettysburg researchers will work with state-of-the-art-technology to find new solutions that advance communications in all walks of life.\"\n\nThis grant funding will go towards enhancing both theoretical and practical research in speech to text platforms that are increasingly relied on for use in medical offices, as well as in the artificial intelligence used in hands free driving, and virtual assistants.\n\nFor more information on this research grant visit the National Science Foundation website here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-joe-bidens-saigon", "Dr. Joyce: ?This is Joe Biden?s Saigon?", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) condemned the Biden Administration's failure to protect American citizens who currently remain stranded in Afghanistan following the American Military withdrawal.\n\n\"As I speak today, Americans are stranded behind enemy lines. Our top priority must be to bring them home safely,\" said Dr. Joyce. \"Now is not the time for taking vacations or giving canned remakes from the West Wing. Now is the time for American leadership, and President Biden has failed in that regard.\"\n\nDr. Joyce's speech comes as the Biden Administration has failed to safely evacuate Americans from Afghanistan amidst the Taliban takeover. By agreeing to the Taliban's arbitrary withdrawal timeline, President Biden has abdicated his responsibility to the American civilians and members of the military who remain in Kabul. His actions have made put them and our national security at risk.\n\nWatch Dr. Joyce's speech here, a full transcript of his remarks can be found below.\n\nPresident Biden's failure to safely withdrawal our troops from Afghanistan has resulted in American civilians being attacked, in broad daylight, on the streets of Kabul as they attempt to reach the airport.\n\nAs I speak today, Americans are stranded behind enemy lines.\n\nOur top priority must be to bring them home safely.\n\nNow is not the time for taking vacations or giving canned remakes from the West Wing. Now is the time for American leadership, and President Biden has failed in that regard.\n\nHis failure to make our withdrawal orderly has led to this violence and destruction that puts our national security, and American lives, at risk.\n\nThe evidence is clear, the fall of Afghanistan is Joe Biden's Saigon.\n\nToday my thoughts and prayers are with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that have redeployed and are working to end this crisis. They are also with the American citizens who remain stranded in Afghanistan.\n\nThank you and I yield.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-condemns-democrats-reckless-budget-says-americans-are-pit-being-roasted", "Kelly Condemns Democrats' Reckless Budget, Says Americans are on the Pit Being Roasted by a Party that Doesn't Care About Them", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C - U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) today joined fellow members of the Republican Study Committee for a press conference to rally the American people against the Democrats' $3.5 trillion budget proposal.\n\nThe budget resolution, which passed the Senate earlier this month and the House of Representatives today shortly after this press conference, calls for $3.5 trillion of new federal spending. It does not include the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that is likely to become law or the $6.8 trillion already projected to be spent in FY 2021.\n\nThe Democrats will now begin the budget reconciliation process where committees will write legislation pursuant to the budget resolution's instructions. If all $3.5 trillion is successfully enacted, the federal government will spend approximately $11.5 trillion in one year alone.\n\nView Representative Kelly's Remarks\n\nKey Excerpts\n\n\"I have ten grandchildren. I can't imagine sitting down with my grandchildren and saying, Grandpa's got an idea: you're going to make about $38,000, and grandma and I think you should go out and spend $68,000.\"\n\n\"We talk in trillions here, we talk in billions here, and we talk in millions here, and the only people back home that I represent that talk in millions are the people hoping to win the Pennsylvania lottery. The rest of them go from paycheck to paycheck. The rest of them look long range.\"\n\n\"What are doing? Funded and unfunded debt right now exceeds $130 trillion. We have become so out of touch with the people that supply every penny and cosign every debt that we do. My question is when do we in Washington start to surely represent the people who had faith and trust and sent us here.\"\n\n\"Why do we think that spending ourselves into oblivion somehow is going to win the next election for us? It's not a matter of who wins the election, it's who puts this country in the right direction.\"\n\n\"My colleagues are not going to vote for something that puts Americans in a position where they'll never see the light of day again. I don't want them to have so much unfunded debt that they can never climb out of it.\"\n\n\"God bless our American citizens. They are on the pit right now and they're being roasted by a party that doesn't care about them.\"\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-opposes-socialist-35-trillion-socialist-bernie-budget", "Smucker Opposes Socialist $3.5 Trillion Socialist Bernie Budget", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Lloyd Smucker released the following statement after voting against H.Res.601, which included language to enact a $3.5 trillion socialist budget:\n\n\"President Joe Biden's, Senator Bernie Sanders' and Speaker Pelosi's socialist $3.5 trillion \u2018budget' is an insult to the American taxpayer. The radical, left-wing Democrat Party is on the brink of massively and permanently increasing the size and scope of the federal government and Americans' dependency on big government. Their plan to spend $68 trillion over the next ten years threatens the freedoms and opportunities we all enjoy today; continuing on this destructive path will bankrupt future generations. The Democrat budget will raise taxes on middle-class Americans and small businesses, and every American will see higher bills at the grocery store and at the gas pump. This legislation will irresponsibly plunge our nation $17 trillion further into debt and further increase inflation which is already squeezing hardworking Americans' budgets. This reckless fiscal policy must come to an end.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-1-million-grant-penn-highlands-dubois-regional", "Thompson Announces $1 Million Grant for Penn Highlands Dubois Regional Medical Center", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Howard, PA \u2014Today, Congressman Glenn \"GT\" Thompson announced a $1,000,000 grant from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Penn HighlandsDubois Regional Medical Center for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Implementation grant.\n\nOver the next three years, this funding will aim to strengthen and expand substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services through evidence-based interventions and practices. The Implementation grant is one of five grant programs offered through the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.\n\n\"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5,200 Pennsylvanians died from drug overdoses in the past year. This is highly alarming,\" said Congressman Glenn \"GT\" Thompson. We must continue to provide our communities with the tools needed to help individuals with substance use disorder. No one can tackle addiction on their own, and the Rural Communities Opioid Response Grant supports those on the front line of this crisis with the necessary resources and training to combat the opioid epidemic,\" Thompson added.\n\n\"Penn Highlands Healthcare is grateful for Congressman Thompson's support,\" said Steve Fontaine, CEO, Penn Highlands Healthcare. \"Caring for the people in the communities we serve continues to be a top priority. We recognize the importance of strengthening resources for individuals dealing with substance use disorders. These funds will assist us and our partners to help those who are struggling with the opioid addiction.\"\n\nAbout the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program\n\nRCORP is a multi-year initiative that addresses barriers to treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD). It works toward the HHS goal of ending the opioid epidemic. RCORP is supported through HRSA's Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.\n\nFor more information please visit https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/rcorp\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-comments-opposition-democrat-s-35-trillion-tax-and-spending", "Thompson Comments on Opposition to Democrat\u2019s $3.5 Trillion Tax and Spending Spree", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Howard, PA \u2014 Upon passage of S.Con.Res.14, the Democrat's $3.5 trillion budget resolution, Congressman Glenn \"GT\" Thompson released the following statement:\n\n\"Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrat's budget resolution opens the door for massive tax increases on small businesses and families, while adding trillions of dollars to our national debt. They have put together a blueprint to spend money we do not have, while aiming to put the government in the driver's seat when it comes to your healthcare, and it even goes as far to offer amnesty to illegal immigrants in the midst of an ongoing crisis at our southern border. Rather than saddle future generations with crushing debt, Congress should be working towards commonsense, pro-growth policies, which will have positive impacts across Pennsylvania and our country.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-announces-nearly-4-million-grant-funding-lancaster-airport", "Smucker Announces Nearly $4 Million in Grant Funding for Lancaster Airport", "2021-08-23", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement announcing that the Lancaster Airport (LNS) in Lititz, Pennsylvania will receive $3,788,770, including nearly $2.9 million in discretionary funding, from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program grant program:\n\n\"I am pleased to see that the Lancaster Airport will be receiving nearly $3.8 million in grant funding from the FAA Airport Improvement Program. The funds will help the Lancaster Airport rehabilitate its runway so that it can continue to provide excellent service to our community and positively benefit our region's economy,\" said Rep. Smucker.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-calls-afghanistan-investigation-offers-assistance", "Smucker Calls for Afghanistan Investigation, Offers Assistance", "2021-08-20", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement:\n\n\"As the crisis in Afghanistan continues to unfold, I want to provide an update and offer a few more of my thoughts.\n\nAs of Thursday, we have heard reports that as many as 15,000 American citizens remain in Afghanistan. The Taliban has set up check points on the road to the Kabul Airport, preventing many from accessing the airport as they attempt to get to safety. Others, especially those not in Kabul, have gone into hiding. Ensuring that Americans and our allies can safely and swiftly evacuate is the top priority.\n\nIt is deeply disturbing that President Biden, Defense Secretary Austin, Secretary of State Blinken, along with other key decision-makers in the administration gave the green light for the U.S. Defense and State Departments to shut down operations and leave Kabul knowing that they were abandoning American citizens and our allies. President Biden's response as well as those from his cabinet are repugnant and show a disastrous lack of leadership.\n\nI am calling for a thorough and immediate investigation into the decisions that were made by all of the officials involved in the process that led to the crisis we are currently seeing unfold in Afghanistan. If President Biden or other administration officials possessed the knowledge that they would be leaving American citizens behind and in danger, they should resign immediately.\n\nWhen President Biden finally addressed the nation, he doubled down on his argument to withdraw and blamed others for his failures. This was unacceptable, we know the Taliban was not living up to their side of the deal. Our Commander in Chief should have adjusted our military plans accordingly, not blindly pursue a doomed promise.\n\nI implore the President to listen to the American people: this is not about why we were there, this is about how you had no plan to leave. The fatally flawed decision of turning the keys over to an Afghan government who was so quickly overcome by the Taliban has resulted in grave danger not only to American lives, but our Afghan allies who helped keep our nation safe against the threat of terrorists. The promises made to the individuals who continue to risk their lives by serving alongside the U.S. military must be fulfilled.\n\nI am disappointed to see the collapse of the Afghan government and question why the Taliban was able so swiftly to retake control of the country. Our nation is horrified at the atrocities taking place under Taliban rule. Afghans, especially women, and the world are worse off with Jihadists ruling Afghanistan. What is happening in Afghanistan is not in isolation; it will have a ripple effect throughout the Middle East, and embolden many who wish to do us harm. Further, there are some in the international community who will recognize these terrorists as legitimate governments and partner with them, causing further harm to America and our allies.\n\nOur mission in Afghanistan was about protecting the world from the evils of terrorists. I am deeply grateful to the thousands of service members, civilians and their families who made tremendous sacrifices to fulfill this mission and prevent further terror attacks on the homeland for the past two decades. To all service members and civilians who serve overseas, I thank you for keeping the lives of millions of Americans and Afghans safe,\" said Rep. Smucker.\n\nU.S. Citizens in need of Assistance\n\nIf you are, or know, a U.S. citizen in need of repatriation to the United States you can request assistance by visiting the U.S. Department of State Afghanistan Inquiries page.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-president-bidens-failure-afghanistan-puts-american-lives-risk", "Dr. Joyce: ?President Biden?s failure in Afghanistan puts American lives at risk.?", "2021-08-16", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement on the collapse of the Afghan Government and President Biden's failure in leadership during this crisis.\n\n\"President Biden's press conference today was a failed attempt to absolve himself and his administration of the brutal realities of the situation in Afghanistan. His failure to make our withdrawal orderly has led to violence and destruction that puts our national security, and American lives, at risk.\"\n\nIf you or someone you know is an American stranded in Afghanistan or you are a constituent looking to aid an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicant, please call my office at (202)225-2431 and we will do everything we can to assist.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 348, "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": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 348, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 348, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2021&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "PA", "label": "PA", "count": 348, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 348, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2021-08-16,https~3A~2F~2Fjohnjoyce~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fdr-joyce-president-bidens-failure-afghanistan-puts-american-lives-risk", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=PA&year=2021&_next=2021-08-16%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fjohnjoyce~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fdr-joyce-president-bidens-failure-afghanistan-puts-american-lives-risk&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 328.04470090195537, "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"}