{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"KY\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3593F4B6-5B9F-4DB8-A270-C6C7146492D4", "President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "LOUISVILLE, KY \u2014 U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the death of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter:\n\n\u201cElaine and I join the Senate and the nation in mourning the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter.\n\n\u201cPresident Carter lived a truly American dream. A devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia volunteered to serve his country in uniform. He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean. He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.\n\n\u201cJimmy Carter\u2019s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil. After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others; into building and teaching and volunteering; into further enriching the same rich soil that had made his own life possible.\n\n\u201cPresident Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.\n\n\u201cAs Jimmy Carter is reunited with his beloved Rosalynn, our thoughts and prayers are with their children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the millions of Americans whose lives were touched by his service. We join them in mourning, but also in celebrating that Jimmy Carter is now reaping an eternal harvest in Heaven.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=70FC6608-BE27-412F-978B-1674D72A9E50", "McConnell Comments on the Passing of Pat Crowley", "2024-12-28", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Pat Crowley:\n\n\u201cI was saddened to hear about the passing of one of Kentucky\u2019s finest political journalists, Pat Crowley. Over a long and distinguished career, Pat\u2019s work in the Commonwealth drew wide attention and well-earned national acclaim. Over the years, I enjoyed getting to know Pat and reading his characteristically well-reasoned coverage of important news. Elaine and I will remember Pat fondly, and we send our condolences to his wife, his daughter and son, and his grandchildren.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6B9BF71B-7F07-42F2-A5DA-70FA67B2A7AA", "Congressman Rogers Voted for the American Relief Act of 2025", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Avoiding a Government Shutdown & Supplying Disaster Relief\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05) voted for the American Relief Act to extend federal government funding through March 14, 2025, avoiding a government shutdown during the holidays. The bill prioritizes disaster relief funds and extends relief for farmers for one year.\n\n\u201cAs we look forward to the new year, a new Republican-led Congress and a new Trump/Vance Administration in the White House, this bill paves the way for our new leaders to be a part of the process to secure critical federal funding for the country through 2025. This bill isn\u2019t perfect, but our nation has a multitude of pressing needs that require additional funding, including disaster relief from recent deadly storms and helping our farmers who have experienced devastating losses. When the new Congress is sworn into office in January, we will need to hit the ground running,\u201d said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. \u201cIt is the duty of Congress to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. A government shutdown would be reckless for our economy, our military, our federal workers and our global posture.\u201d\n\nThe American Relief Act extends vital health care services, including DEA scheduling authority for fentanyl-related substances and funds for special diabetes programs and community health centers. It extends Medicare payments and provides for the Medicare improvement fund. The bill also provides for child and family services programs, rural development disaster assistance and emergency food assistance.\n\nThe final package sets aside $110 billion for disaster relief and $30 billion in emergency aid for American farmers. It does not include a two-year suspension of the debt limit or a pay raise for members of Congress.\n\nThe bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.\n\nClick here to read the American Relief Act of 2025.\n\nClick here to read a summary of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-introduces-landmark-bill-to-empower-va-innovation", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey Introduces Landmark Bill to Empower VA Innovation", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The INNOVATE Act works to accelerate innovation at VA, improve healthcare for veterans, lower costs, and create new opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs\n\nWASHINGTON, DC (December 20, 2024) \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Innovation for VA Technology and Entrepreneurship (INNOVATE) Act to provide the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)\u2014particularly Veterans Health Administration (VHA)\u2014with authorities that will empower VA to ensure veterans have quicker access to new and emerging healthcare innovations.\n\nAs the country\u2019s largest integrated healthcare system with over 1200 medical centers and clinics, the VA holds tremendous power and opportunity\u2014it serves more than 9 million veterans, has access to entire lifetimes of health data, and hosts the medical training programs that prepare 80% of the doctors and nurses in the country.\n\n\u201cWe need to do better for our nation\u2019s veterans. They deserve the best possible healthcare but that isn\u2019t always what they get when they go to the VA\u201d said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to stay this way. My INNOVATE Act would harness the power of the VA health care system, direct resources toward innovative health solutions, and incentivize them, so VA can not only rise to meet the ever changing needs of veterans but can emerge as a leader in the transformation of healthcare for all Americans.\u201d\n\nUnlike other American healthcare systems, VHA\u2019s #1 goal is best-in-class care for the veteran \u2014 not profit. However, despite its size, assets, and reach, VHA struggles to meet the clinical demand of a growing and changing veteran population and faces significant financial challenges that require an overhaul of its service delivery. VHA is also unable to nimbly engage with the private sector\u2014particularly early-stage businesses\u2014due to bureaucratic hurdles, which further limits VHA\u2019s ability to participate meaningfully in a quickly evolving technological healthcare landscape.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen it work before \u2014 thanks to increased innovation at the Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, we have the internet and GPS,\u201d continued Congressman McGarvey. \u201cImagine what we could accomplish if our nation\u2019s largest integrated health system had the same authorities to design, test, and deploy health solutions that meet the unique and ever changing needs of veterans\u2014that\u2019s where the INNOVATE Act comes in. If VA can find innovative solutions to better treat\u2014or even cure\u2014the health conditions veterans face, we\u2019re not only changing the lives of veterans, but every American, and every person with that condition.\u201d\n\n\u201cExcessive red tape has hindered the delivery of life-saving care to over nine million veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration health program. We need more innovative approaches within the organization, which is why I\u2019m proud to co-lead the INNOVATE Act to give the VA the necessary tools to deliver modern, effective care for our veterans,\u201d said Congressman Mike Levin. \u201cBy cutting red tape, driving innovation, and supporting veteran entrepreneurs, this bill would ensure our nation\u2019s heroes who have access to the best health care solutions available.\u201d\n\nThe INNOVATE Act provides VHA with new contracting tools and capabilities that will increase capacity for collaboration with the broader healthcare industry and prioritizes collaborations with veteran owned small businesses.\n\nKey components of the INNOVATE Act include:\n\nOffice of Innovation: The bill codifies the existing VHA Office of Innovation with a Chief Innovation Officer who reports to the Under Secretary for Health.\n\nSpecial Hiring Authority (SHA): SHA would enable the Office of Innovation to quickly and competitively hire the most qualified clinical and technical subject matter experts to provide innovative care and build cutting-edge solutions.\n\nAdvanced Market Commitment (AMC): AMCs guarantee the manufacturer a market for new products that meet a target product profile at a pre-agreed price. In the context of VA healthcare, this means VA could drive the market toward unique veteran-centric solutions rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf products that require costly modification to meet the specific needs of veterans. It also means VA could get an optimized price and early access to a technology that it co-developed or facilitated with external partners.\n\nOther Transaction Authority (OTA): OTA enables easier collaboration with external innovators through the research, prototype, and production of new technology, rather than the current months-to-years long process it takes VA to partner with external stakeholders. OTA already exists in other federal agencies like the Department of Defense and is an important step in empowering VHA to become an innovation hub that can co-develop research-backed technologies with small businesses \u2013 including an emphasis on veteran-owned businesses \u2013 and safely apply them to veteran healthcare.\n\nInnovation Fund: Through a dedicated Innovation Fund, VHA can invest in technologies, addressing healthcare market failures with solutions that have not yet been developed, or optimized for veteran healthcare. Rather than have funding provided by Congress, the Innovation Fund would be supported through pilots sponsored by industry where solutions are enhanced through VA clinical subject matter expertise, veteran feedback, synthetic data sets, simulation testing environments, real clinical environments, and advanced medical device manufacturing. The fund would be further supported by earnings through equity, intellectual property (IP) rights, and fee-for-service mechanisms within the department. The Innovation Fund will be self-sustaining and no money appropriated for veteran care would be used for the fund.\n\nVeteran Entrepreneurship: The INNOVATE Act would increase opportunities for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) to work with VA. Through the outlined authorities and access to an Innovation Fund, VA can invest in and support these businesses from concept to implementation, scaling impactful solutions that are developed in collaboration with veterans, for veterans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5B020155-DA1C-44F0-86EC-031F4DD0410A", "Leader McConnell Delivers Remarks on Lessons of Leadership and Work Ahead", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s not entirely clear yet how or when Congress will conclude its end-of-year business. But when the Senate does adjourn, it\u2019ll just about mark the end of my tenure as Republican Leader.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve made it clear this year that our colleagues haven\u2019t seen the last of me. I still fully intend to keep frustrating my critics in the years ahead.\n\n\u201cBut while I still command this particular podium, I thought I might make a few observations I\u2019ve picked up along the way.\n\n\u201cFolks come to Washington to do one of two things: either to make a point, or to make difference.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s usually not that hard to tell who\u2019s doing which\u2026 especially in situations like the one we\u2019re in right now.\n\n\u201cThe people who are here to make a difference recognize pretty quickly that you never get everything you want\u2026 but often you can get quite a lot.\n\n\u201cAnd the folks who prefer to make a point have a funny habit of reminding us \u2013 out loud \u2013 how poorly they understand that fact.\n\n\u201cI don\u2019t care to count how many times I\u2019ve reminded our colleagues \u2013 and our House counterparts \u2013 how harmful it is to shut the government down\u2026 and how foolish it is to bet that your own side won\u2019t take the blame for it.\n\n\u201cRecent history doesn\u2019t leave a whole lot of room for interpretation on that one: when you try to use normal government function as a bargaining chip, you pay a political price.\n\n***\n\n\u201cThat said, if I took it personally every time my advice went unheeded, I probably wouldn\u2019t have spent as long as I have in this particular job!\n\n\u201cGetting a legislative outcome in the Senate requires that large majorities of people who don\u2019t share all of the same views to actually work together toward outcomes where they do see eye to eye.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve had divided government here most of the time I\u2019ve been in this job. Neither side has owned the place. We have a choice. Do nothing. Or try to find things you can agree on and do them together.\n\n\u201cWith the exception of just one short period of a few months, this place hasn\u2019t seen a filibuster-proof Senate in fifty years. Getting things done almost inevitably requires getting with a lot of people who disagree with you on most things.\n\n\u201cAnd in the interests of stable, enduring outcomes, that\u2019s actually a good thing. Anyone who comes to the Senate hoping for both rigid, hardline conformity and prompt action is barking up the wrong tree.\n\n\u201cYou know, I\u2019ve heard folks who like making a point say they\u2019d rather serve with 30 colleagues who all agree than with a majority who didn\u2019t.\n\n\u2018So if you want to accomplish absolutely nothing, sign up with the group that would rather serve with the 30 people who all agree than those who had differences.\n\n\u201cEveryone I know who\u2019s interested in making a difference understands pretty quickly that it requires that kind of interaction in order to achieve something.\n\n\u201cLeading means letting folks take a walk when they need to, and rallying together when we need to.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been so grateful over the years to lead majorities that embrace these necessary rhythms\u2026\n\n\u201cI\u2019m gratified by the trust they\u2019ve placed in me repeatedly to determine what that moment requires\u2026\n\n\u201cAnd I\u2019m so proud of the outcomes we\u2019ve achieved for the country.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to spending the next Congress as a member of another majority. In a different set of capable hands.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m rooting hard for my friend, John Thune, and the leadership team our conference has assembled around him.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019ll be no shortage of important work to do, and I\u2019ll stand ready to do my part.\n\n***\n\n\u201cBack in 2007, on my first day in this job, I told our colleagues [that] \u2018the Senate has no claim on greatness unless its power is put to great ends\u2019.\n\n\u201cAnd I stated my view that \u2018the first duty of government is the defense and protection of its citizens\u2019.\n\n\u201cThe Senate is great. And so is the Nation it represents.\n\n\u201cBut today, our nation faces one great challenge \u2013 from forces betting on our decline.\n\n\u201cAnd so that first duty of government is the task to which I\u2019ll devote my efforts in the coming years.\n\n\u201cOur prosperity and security depend on an order forged by American leadership and American strength \u2013 both of which require our urgent attention.\n\n\u201cThe arsenal of democracy must be restored. Peace through strength must once again actually mean something other than just a slogan.\n\n\u201cAnd I\u2019ll do everything in my power to help continue this to be the greatest country in the world.\n\n\u201cNo one can do what we can internationally and that\u2019s where I\u2019m going to put my focus.\n\n\u201cThank you all for the opportunity.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-forces-amendment-vote-to-save-social-security-from-bankruptcy/", "Dr. Rand Paul Forces Amendment Vote to Save Social Security from Bankruptcy", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 20, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nDr. Rand Paul Forces Amendment Vote to Save Social Security from Bankruptcy\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) forced a vote on his amendment to the Social Security Fairness Act to save Social Security from bankruptcy.\n\n\u201cIt is absurd to entertain a proposal that would make Social Security both less fair and financially weaker. To undo the damage made by this legislation, my amendment to gradually raise the retirement age to reflect current life expectancies will strengthen Social Security by providing almost $400 billion in savings,\u201d said Dr. Paul.\n\nDr. Paul\u2019s amendment would have gradually raised the retirement age to reflect current life expectancies, by three months per year until the retirement age reaches 70, and would save the program nearly $400 billion. His amendment would have also paid for the cost of the Social Security Fairness Act, which will total $200 billion over 10 years.\n\nDr. Paul offered a similar proposal in 2011 that would have been gradually implemented over the course of ten years. At the time, the Social Security trustees estimated that the trust fund would be solvent for 75 additional years.\n\nToday, the same proposal with almost immediate implementation only buys us a little over a year before the trust fund goes bankrupt.\n\nDr. Paul\u2019s amendment puts Social Security on a path toward solvency and helps undo some of the damage imposed by the Social Security Fairness Act.\n\nYou can read Dr. Paul\u2019s amendment HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-forces-vote-on-fiscally-responsible-solution-to-shutdowns/", "Dr. Rand Paul Forces Vote on Fiscally Responsible Solution to Shutdowns", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 20, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nDr. Rand Paul Forces a Vote on Fiscally Responsible Solution to Shutdowns\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) forced a vote on his Government Shutdown Prevention Act, which was offered as an amendment to H.R. 82. Dr. Paul\u2019s amendment proposed a fiscally responsible solution that prevents shutdowns. His amendment would have also prevented a shutdown crisis, discouraged excessive spending, and attempted to balance the budget.\n\n\u201cNo matter where one stands on the debate over government spending, we should all be able to agree that Congress needs to handle Americans\u2019 money thoughtfully and hit its deadlines,\u201d said Dr. Paul. \u201cThe Government Shutdown Prevention Act would take a major step forward toward bringing basic fiscal responsibility to Capitol Hill.\u201d\n\nInstead of Congress risking government shutting down operations, Dr. Paul\u2019s plan would keep government open but institute a six percent cut, consistent with his Penny Plan, to then-current funding levels for any agency, program, and activity that Congress failed to fund. Funding would be reduced by another one percent every 90 days thereafter that an agreement is still not enacted.\n\nCurrently, Congress does not face any consequences for failing to pass appropriations bills on time, which has helped lead to it pursuing procrastination over prudence and risking shutdowns due to impasses.\n\nAlong with ensuring government honors its obligations and maintains its operations, Dr. Paul\u2019s proposal would give agencies the certainty of knowing that, in a worst-case scenario, they will always be able to operate with a full year of funding at no less than 91 percent of their then-current levels.\n\nYou can read Dr. Paul\u2019s amendment HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-offers-fiscally-responsible-solution-to-shutdowns-and-stalemates/", "Dr. Rand Paul Offers Fiscally Responsible Solution to Shutdowns and Stalemates", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 20, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nDr. Rand Paul Offers Fiscally Responsible Solution to Shutdowns and Stalemates\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) offered the Government Shutdown Prevention Act as a fiscally responsible amendment to prevent shutdowns and stalemates. Dr. Paul\u2019s amendment prevents shutdown crises, discourages excessive spending, and aims to balance the budget.\n\n\u201cNo matter where one stands on the debate over government spending, we should all be able to agree that Congress needs to handle Americans\u2019 money thoughtfully and hit its deadlines,\u201d said Dr. Paul. \u201cThe Government Shutdown Prevention Act would take a major step forward toward bringing basic fiscal responsibility to Capitol Hill.\u201d\n\nInstead of Congress risking government shutting down operations, Dr. Paul\u2019s plan would keep government open but institute a six percent cut, consistent with his Penny Plan, to then-current funding levels for any agency, program, and activity that Congress failed to fund. Funding would be reduced by another one percent every 90 days thereafter that an agreement is still not enacted.\n\nCurrently, Congress does not face any consequences for failing to pass appropriations bills on time, which has helped lead to it pursuing procrastination over prudence and risking shutdowns due to impasses.\n\nAlong with ensuring government honors its obligations and maintains its operations, Dr. Paul\u2019s proposal would give agencies the certainty of knowing that, in a worst-case scenario, they will always be able to operate with a full year of funding at no less than 91 percent of their then-current levels.\n\nYou can read Dr. Paul\u2019s amendment HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C5B8BD11-CABC-4522-95C8-9529191C897A", "McConnell and Rogers Legislation to Name U.S. Courthouse Annex in Honor of Judge Siler Passes Congress", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Judge Siler has served on the federal bench for nearly 50 years.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Congressman Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the House, announced the passage of legislation to designate the United States Courthouse Annex in London, Kentucky as the \u201cEugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex.\u201d The bill now goes to the President for his signature.\n\nBorn in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Judge Siler dedicated his life to serving Eastern Kentucky, establishing a reputation as an acclaimed jurist and a trusted source for sound legal advice. Judge Siler has served on the federal bench for nearly fifty years, nominated by two U.S. Presidents, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush, to the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky and, subsequently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In 2016, Leadership Tri-County recognized Judge Siler as their Leader of the Year for his contributions to Kentucky.\n\n\u201cServing on the federal judiciary for nearly five decades, Judge Siler has had massive impact on my home state of Kentucky, both on and off the bench. Today, alongside Congressman Rogers, it is my privilege to designate the U.S. Courthouse Annex in London, Kentucky in honor of this accomplished Kentuckian,\u201d said Senator Mitch McConnell. \u201cAs one of my home state\u2019s top legal minds and a man synonymous with Whitley County, there is no person more befitting of this honor. I join the chorus of voices back home in thanking Judge Siler for his lifetime of service to our country and the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\n\u201cJudge Siler\u2019s legacy as a jurist who earned appointments from two U.S. Presidents, gives us a great sense of pride in southeastern Kentucky. It is only fitting for the federal courthouse in London, Kentucky, where he dedicated many years of service and mentored aspiring legal minds, to bear his name. This designation for Judge Siler is a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to applaud his valiant service. It is an honor to join Senator Mitch McConnell to advance this worthy recognition from both chambers of this Congress,\u201d said Congressman Hal Rogers.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve known Judge Siler most of my adult life, and he\u2019s been both a friend and mentor long before I became an attorney. His support, including letters of recommendation for law school, played a key role in shaping my legal career. Judge Siler isn\u2019t just one of the most outstanding legal scholars of our time but also a pillar of Southeastern Kentucky\u2014always gracious, whether at the bench or as a regular at Weaver\u2019s Hotdogs in London. His generosity, kindness and tireless dedication to upholding the founding principles of our Constitution define his legacy of service. He is an inspiration to the 6th Circuit and to our nation. Having spent countless hours working in the federal courthouse here in London, it\u2019s especially meaningful that the annex will be named in Judge Siler\u2019s honor. I\u2019m deeply grateful to Senator McConnell for his leadership in bringing this legislation forward and to Congressman Rogers for his partnership in securing this well-deserved recognition,\u201d said State Senator Brandon Storm.\n\n\u201cLaurel County is very fortunate to have a Federal Courthouse here in our area. I appreciate Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for recognizing Judge Eugene Siler\u2019s contribution to our community and it\u2019s court system. Judge Siler has been a good personal friend of mine for many years and this recognition is well deserved. I want to congratulate Judge Siler for this accomplishment,\u201d said Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thankful to Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for recognizing such an outstanding member of the Whitley County community. Judge Eugene Siler, Jr. has had a distinguished and respected career on the Sixth Circuit where his decisions have helped shape the law of the entire nation. And that\u2019s not to mention the great number of East Kentucky law students he has encouraged through clerkships and other support, including myself. I cannot think of anyone else more deserving of this honor,\u201d said Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White, Jr.\n\n\u201cI can\u2019t think of a more fitting tribute to be done by two of the most iconic figures in Kentucky, Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers, for one of the most impressive figures to me Judge Siler. Judge is a friend of mine and my family and is beloved by everyone in Williamsburg,\u201d said City of Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison.\n\n\u201cJudge Siler has been a blessing to so many in our community. He embodies the perfect example of what it means to live your life in service to others. Judge Siler has been a strong, compassionate, and dedicated leader in Eastern Kentucky throughout the years. I appreciate Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for honoring Judge Siler in this way,\u201d said City of Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=180D1ACE-BCEA-4B03-9523-4EBF3DACE36E", "McConnell and Rogers Legislation to Name U.S. Courthouse Annex in Honor of Judge Siler Passes Congress", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Congressman Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the House, announced the passage of legislation to designate the United States Courthouse Annex in London, Kentucky as the \u201cEugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex.\u201d The bill now goes to the President for his signature.\n\nBorn in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Judge Siler dedicated his life to serving Eastern Kentucky, establishing a reputation as an acclaimed jurist and a trusted source for sound legal advice. Judge Siler has served on the federal bench for nearly fifty years, nominated by two U.S. Presidents, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush, to the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky and, subsequently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In 2016, Leadership Tri-County recognized Judge Siler as their Leader of the Year for his contributions to Kentucky.\n\n\u201cServing on the federal judiciary for nearly five decades, Judge Siler has had massive impact on my home state of Kentucky, both on and off the bench. Today, alongside Congressman Rogers, it is my privilege to designate the U.S. Courthouse Annex in London, Kentucky in honor of this accomplished Kentuckian,\u201d said Senator Mitch McConnell. \u201cAs one of my home state\u2019s top legal minds and a man synonymous with Whitley County, there is no person more befitting of this honor. I join the chorus of voices back home in thanking Judge Siler for his lifetime of service to our country and the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\n\u201cJudge Siler\u2019s legacy as a jurist who earned appointments from two U.S. Presidents, gives us a great sense of pride in southeastern Kentucky. It is only fitting for the federal courthouse in London, Kentucky, where he dedicated many years of service and mentored aspiring legal minds, to bear his name. This designation for Judge Siler is a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to applaud his valiant service. It is an honor to join Senator Mitch McConnell to advance this worthy recognition from both chambers of this Congress,\u201d said Congressman Hal Rogers.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve known Judge Siler most of my adult life, and he\u2019s been both a friend and mentor long before I became an attorney. His support, including letters of recommendation for law school, played a key role in shaping my legal career. Judge Siler isn\u2019t just one of the most outstanding legal scholars of our time but also a pillar of Southeastern Kentucky\u2014always gracious, whether at the bench or as a regular at Weaver\u2019s Hotdogs in London. His generosity, kindness and tireless dedication to upholding the founding principles of our Constitution define his legacy of service. He is an inspiration to the 6th Circuit and to our nation. Having spent countless hours working in the federal courthouse here in London, it\u2019s especially meaningful that the annex will be named in Judge Siler\u2019s honor. I\u2019m deeply grateful to Senator McConnell for his leadership in bringing this legislation forward and to Congressman Rogers for his partnership in securing this well-deserved recognition,\u201d said State Senator Brandon Storm.\n\n\u201cLaurel County is very fortunate to have a Federal Courthouse here in our area. I appreciate Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for recognizing Judge Eugene Siler\u2019s contribution to our community and it\u2019s court system. Judge Siler has been a good personal friend of mine for many years and this recognition is well deserved. I want to congratulate Judge Siler for this accomplishment,\u201d said Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thankful to Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for recognizing such an outstanding member of the Whitley County community. Judge Eugene Siler, Jr. has had a distinguished and respected career on the Sixth Circuit where his decisions have helped shape the law of the entire nation. And that\u2019s not to mention the great number of East Kentucky law students he has encouraged through clerkships and other support, including myself. I cannot think of anyone else more deserving of this honor,\u201d said Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White, Jr.\n\n\u201cI can\u2019t think of a more fitting tribute to be done by two of the most iconic figures in Kentucky, Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers, for one of the most impressive figures to me Judge Siler. Judge is a friend of mine and my family and is beloved by everyone in Williamsburg,\u201d said City of Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison.\n\n\u201cJudge Siler has been a blessing to so many in our community. He embodies the perfect example of what it means to live your life in service to others. Judge Siler has been a strong, compassionate, and dedicated leader in Eastern Kentucky throughout the years. I appreciate Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for honoring Judge Siler in this way,\u201d said City of Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/sens-paul-and-markey-urge-president-biden-to-extend-tiktok-divestment-deadline/", "Sens. Paul and Markey Urge President Biden to Extend Tiktok Divestment Deadline", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n:\nDecember 19, 2024\nContact\n:\nPress_Paul@paul.senate.gov\n, 202-224-4343\nSens. Paul and Markey Urge President Biden to Extend TikTok Divestment Deadline\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\n\u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to provide TikTok owner ByteDance with a 90-day extension to either sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States, as authorized by the Protecting Americans Data from Foreign Adversaries Act. The lawmakers urged the Biden administration to trigger the 90-day extension before January 19, the deadline by which ByteDance must either divest TikTok or face a ban. On January 10, the U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments to consider whether the law violates the First Amendment.\nIn the letter, the senators wrote\n,\n\u201cThe stakes here are high: As a practical matter, even if the Court rules that the law is constitutional by the January deadline, ByteDance cannot divest TikTok in that limited time. Consequently, absent a judicial injunction, decision overturning the law, or action by you, TikTok will soon be banned in the United States, causing its creators and users serious hardship.\u201d\nRead the letter\nHERE\n.\n###\nRelated posts:\nSenator Rand Paul Joins Push for School Choice\nSens. Paul, Booker Participate In Sullivan University Forum On REDEEM Act\nSens. Paul And Boxer Announce The Invest In Transportation Act\nSens. Paul and Booker Re-introduce the REDEEM Act\nShare This\nFacebook\nTwitter", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=499586D2-39FB-485D-A787-22B0D9F5373F", "McConnell On Push To Commute Mass Murderers: \u201cNo Legacy A President Should Seek\u201d", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "\u2018Let\u2019s be clear what commuting these sentences would mean. It would mean that the laws passed by Congress and applied by our judges and juries have no value. It would mean that progressive politics is more important to the President than the lives taken by these murderers. It would mean that society\u2019s most forceful condemnation of white supremacy and antisemitism must give way to legal mumbo jumbo.\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding President Biden\u2019s pardons:\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s decision earlier this month to pardon his son may well have set a unique and unfortunate precedent. But abuse of the presidential pardon doesn\u2019t stop there.\n\n\u201cLast week, the President went on to commute 1,500 sentences. And the way liberal activists see it, he should have done even more.\n\n\u201cMore than twenty liberal retired judges \u2013 including the Boston radical who recommended the disgraced pro-crime U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins \u2013 have now urged the President to turn his eye to federal death sentences.\n\n\u201cThey claim that the federal death penalty is \u2018rife with fundamental problems\u2019 including race discrimination and poor representation of defendants.\n\n\u201cBut this is not just some theoretical recommendation about systemic injustice.\n\n\u201cIf the President heeded these former judges\u2019 call, it would mean commuting the death sentences of the mass murderer who slaughtered black churchgoers at Mother Emanuel in Charleston\u2026\n\n\u201c\u2026and the perpetrator of the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.\n\n\u201cAre these men the victims of systemic racism? Did they have inadequate counsel? Of course not. They are mass murderers, guilty beyond any doubt whatsoever.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s be clear what commuting these sentences would mean. It would mean that the laws passed by Congress and applied by our judges and juries have no value.\n\n\u201cIt would mean that progressive politics is more important to the President than the lives taken by these murderers. It would mean that society\u2019s most forceful condemnation of white supremacy and antisemitism must give way to legal mumbo jumbo.\n\n\u201cThe irony of claims of systemic racism causing the President to spare Dylann Roof is ludicrous to the point of tragedy.\n\n\u201cThis is no legacy a president should seek.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4F373661-8515-491F-B190-20F8C92D3519", "Leader McConnell Meets With Scott Bessent", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today on his meeting with Scott Bessent:\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet today with President-elect Trump\u2019s nominee to serve as Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent. Over four years, the Biden Administration\u2019s runaway spending handed working families and job creators the worst inflation in four decades. Righting the ship will require a steady hand and deep expertise. The President-elect was right to turn to Mr. Bessent to lead the Treasury Department through this vital work.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=89CEF771-5598-4688-A432-FB82CBE47342", "McConnell Remarks On The Water Resources Development Act", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "\u2018Thanks in large part to the leadership of Ranking Member Capito and her team, the sensible legislation before us will strengthen our nation\u2019s water infrastructure from the Everglades to the Port of Los Angeles to the inland waterways that course through Kentucky. It\u2019s good news for communities across the country.\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the Water Resources Development Act:\n\n\u201cLast week, the House passed the water resources bill with broad, bipartisan support. Today, it\u2019s the Senate\u2019s turn to act.\n\n\u201cThanks in large part to the leadership of Ranking Member Capito and her team, the sensible legislation before us will strengthen our nation\u2019s water infrastructure from the Everglades to the Port of Los Angeles to the inland waterways that course through Kentucky.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s good news for communities across the country. From clean drinking water to ecosystem maintenance to storm resiliency to navigable waterways for trade and commerce, the bill before us takes a comprehensive approach.\n\n\u201cAnd because our communities understand their challenges better than any bureaucrat in Washington, this bill will provide the flexibility to tailor solutions to each community\u2019s unique needs.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also pleased it will authorize several projects important to the health and well-being of Kentuckians. One will build out infrastructure for water and wastewater treatment in Appalachia, always a concern of rural communities across America\u2019s heartland.\n\n\u201cAnother will help secure safe and reliable drinking water for the growing number of families in Scott County. And finally, another will update Greenbrier Lake Dam which supplies water for Kentuckians across Montgomery County.\n\n\u201cSo far, an impressive, broad coalition has thrown their support behind this bill, from ports and shippers, to farm groups and unions, to dozens of industry leaders who rely on our waterways to move goods, protect jobs, and keep costs low for the American people.\n\n\u201cI appreciate the House\u2019s work to move this must-pass legislation forward in bipartisan fashion.\n\n\u201cI hope the Senate will do the same today.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9AB282EB-2E26-4293-855F-5C0AD0612D2D", "Leader McConnell Meets With John Ratcliffe", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today on his meeting with John Ratcliffe:\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet today with President-elect Trump\u2019s nominee to serve as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe. In the face of a growing array of coordinated threats, America will rely as much as ever on the intelligence professionals of the CIA. In turn, the agency will rely on Mr. Ratcliffe\u2019s steady leadership and sound judgment to fulfill its core missions of collecting foreign intelligence and providing policymakers with objective analysis.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A13EE0B3-1A39-4AB0-92F9-A9DFAC95731F", "McConnell Remarks On Retiring Senator Kyrsten Sinema", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "\u201cArizona\u2019s senior Senator stood up in the face of a grave threat to this institution\u2019s defining characteristic and said \u2018no\u2019. And in doing so, she sent a message that will resonate long after her departure from the chamber.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ):\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to close with just a few words about another of our departing colleagues, the senior Senator from Arizona.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s perhaps unconventional for the leader of one party to pay formal tribute to a departing Senator who\u2019s caucused with the other side.\n\n\u201cBut then, Kyrsten Sinema has never had trouble with bucking a trend.\n\n\u201cFor one thing, she\u2019s spent her six years in this body earning levels of influence, respect, and command of policy that are uncommon among Senate freshmen.\n\n\u201cShe\u2019s thrown herself into worthwhile projects, done the heavy lifting of legislation, and kept at it when longer-tenured colleagues might have thrown in the towel.\n\n\u201cNeedless to say, Senator Sinema\u2019s maverick streak extends to her efforts to broaden the Senate\u2019s fashion horizons, too.\n\n\u201cBut the cornerstone of our colleague\u2019s legacy in this chamber will be her willingness to defend the Senate, itself, when saying nothing would have been a great deal easier.\n\n\u201cArizona\u2019s senior Senator stood up in the face of a grave threat to this institution\u2019s defining characteristic and said \u2018no\u2019. And in doing so, she sent a message that will resonate long after her departure from the chamber.\n\n\u201cI admire our colleague for the courage, wisdom, and clarity that have guided her service to the people of Arizona and to the entire nation.\n\n\u201cAnd I wish her the very best in her next chapter.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A33A9E40-AD45-427E-958E-A501782A53AF", "McConnell on Passage of the National Defense Bill: More Work to Be Done", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) secured several important priorities for Kentucky in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate today. The legislation now goes to the President for his signature.\n\n\u201cThe National Defense Authorization Act, like all major legislation, is a compromise product. While this legislation falls short of the topline increase in defense investments my Republican colleagues and I have advocated, I\u2019d be remiss not to mention several important priorities this bill secures for Kentuckians,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cThe NDAA once again deepens Kentucky\u2019s commitment to our nation\u2019s defense with provisions that establish a state-of-the-art aviation facility at Fort Knox and reinforce the role of Kentucky-based manufacturers in our defense industrial base. I\u2019m especially proud this bill expands telehealth services for servicemembers across state lines, so our nation\u2019s heroes and their families have ready access to the care they need.\u201d\n\nThis legislation authorizes several provisions to bolster America\u2019s defense, rebuild our arsenal, and reform antiquated procurement practices: pilots a program to commercially produce munitions, strengthens America\u2019s munitions supply chain, and significantly streamlines bureaucracy to expedite acquisition at the Department of Defense. The NDAA also embraces emerging innovations in counter-drone technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, and it paves the way for generational upgrades in our nation\u2019s nuclear, hypersonic, missile defense, and space capabilities.\n\nExpanded Access to Online Mental Health Care\n\nSenator McConnell secured a new interstate authority for Tricare providers to expand access to mental healthcare for our nation\u2019s servicemembers and their families. This legislation authorizes delivery of telehealth services across state lines, expanding the network of available providers, increasing patient choice, reducing wait times, and allowing our nation\u2019s heroes to keep the providers they trust when moving from base to base. This provision helps ensure Kentucky\u2019s servicemembers at Fort Knox, Fort Campbell, and the Blue Grass Army Depot have ready access to the care they need.\n\nEnhanced Preparedness for Emerging Threats\n\nAt Senator McConnell\u2019s urging, the bill requires a comprehensive review of U.S. military training, doctrine, and technology necessary to address the proliferation of tunnels, bunkers, weapons silos, and other subterranean military facilities used by adversaries such as Hamas, Iran, and North Korea. Senator McConnell remains committed to ensuring the Department of Defense and our servicemembers have the resources they need to defend our nation in these complex threat environments.\n\nSenator McConnell also secured the following priorities that bolster the Commonwealth\u2019s central role in America\u2019s defense:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=C8B14618-1E6D-4AE7-9D96-9FC48400C75B", "Leader McConnell Meets With Scott Bessent", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today on his meeting with Scott Bessent:\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet today with President-elect Trump\u2019s nominee to serve as Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent. Over four years, the Biden Administration\u2019s runaway spending handed working families and job creators the worst inflation in four decades. Righting the ship will require a steady hand and deep expertise. The President-elect was right to turn to Mr. Bessent to lead the Treasury Department through this vital work.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-introduces-historic-bipartisan-ohio-river-restoration-legislation", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey Introduces Historic, Bipartisan Ohio River Restoration Legislation", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 17, 2024) \u2013 Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09), co-chairs of the Ohio River Basin Caucus, introduced the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, the first comprehensive piece of legislation to address the pressing environmental and conservation needs within the 204,000 square miles of the Ohio River Basin.\n\n\u201cFrom waste and erosion to pollution and climate change, the Ohio River is facing serious threats that aren\u2019t going to just work themselves out and can\u2019t be fixed by one person or organization alone,\u201d said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. \u201cIt\u2019s unconscionable that our most vital and important resource is also the largest body of water in the entire country that receives zero dollars in dedicated federal funding\u2014we\u2019re working to change that. I\u2019m proud to partner with my Ohio River Basin Caucus co-chair Rep. Houchin in leading this historic, bipartisan effort to holistically address our river\u2019s needs.\u201d\n\n\"The Ohio River is essential to millions of Americans, providing drinking water and supporting jobs across our region,\u201d said Congresswoman Erin Houchin. \u201cWe\u2019re committed to ensuring the river gets the attention and resources it needs by securing federal funding and bringing together stakeholders to develop a plan that protects and restores it for future generations.\"\n\nThe geographic footprint of the Ohio River covers 55 congressional districts across 14 states\u2014more than 25 million people in the region depend on the waters of the Ohio River Basin for their drinking water, health, jobs, and more. In 2023, the Ohio River was named the 2nd most endangered river in the country, and it is the largest body of water in the United States that does not receive any dedicated federal funding for clean-up.\n\nThe Ohio River Restoration Program Act, modeled after successful initiatives like those in the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake and other major bodies of water, would create an Ohio River National Program Office within the Environmental Protection Agency to convene states, local governments, interstate compact agencies, tribal nations, and non-governmental organizations to work in conjunction to secure federal funding opportunities and create an action plan designed to carry out initiatives related to:\n\nCore restoration actions that can provide a solid foundation for an Ohio River restoration and protection plan, such as habitat restoration, farm conservation, and invasive species control and management.\n\nPollution prevention and clean water protection that can complement and support restoration actions.\n\nRobust monitoring, data collection, and evaluation that can be used to effectively and efficiently manage a restoration and protection program across 14 states.\n\nHomeowner support that can help ensure that no person is denied clean, safe, and affordable water based on their economic status or where they live.\n\nWorkforce development and job training that can help create strong, local economies based on water protection and restoration.\n\nStrong local public engagement structures to ensure that residents have a seat at the table to weigh in on restoration decisions and hold elected officials accountable.\n\nInvestments and policies that help communities prepare for the impacts of extreme storms and flooding.\n\nInvestments and policies that help the communities most impacted by pollution.\n\n\u201cMillions of people depend on the waters of the Ohio River Basin for their drinking water, health, jobs, and quality of life,\u201d said Jordan Lubetkin, Senior Director for Ohio River restoration at the National Wildlife Federation. \u201cWe are grateful to Representatives Morgan McGarvey and Erin Houchin for their bipartisan leadership as co-chairs of the Ohio River Basin Caucus and their efforts to protect these critical habitats and waterways. The Ohio River Basin faces serious environmental threats, including toxic pollution and sewage contamination which threaten drinking water and the public health. This region deserves focused federal investments to restore its waters, and to support the public health, economic, and ecological benefits cleaner water can provide. We must act now to fund this important work, because inaction will only make the problem worse and more expensive to solve.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican Rivers is proud to endorse the Ohio River Restoration Program Act which will have a profound impact on the drinking water source of more than 25 million people across 14 states. For years, we have worked with partners to improve water quality, fish passage, and resilient infrastructure --- ensuring a healthy future for all,\u201d said Heather Taylor-Miesle, Senior Vice President, Conservation, American Rivers. \u201cThis timely legislation responds to the core needs of our communities and reflects our nation's commitment to protect the Ohio River and the Ohio River Basin. We thank Representatives McGarvey and Houchin for introducing a bill to implement basin-wide restoration approaches to strengthen collaboration and investment in the region.\"\n\n\"The Ohio River Basin faces numerous water resource challenges,\u201d said COL L. Reyn Mann, Commander, Louisville District of the Army Corps of Engineers. \u201cProtecting and nurturing this invaluable resource is paramount for the well-being of millions as its diverse ecosystems sustain communities, drive commerce, and offer boundless recreational opportunities. We are encouraged by the continued efforts to raise awareness of these critical issues and lay the groundwork for long-term solutions.\"\n\nOhio River Basin Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. McGarvey and Rep. Houchin Announce Ohio River Restoration Program Act\n\nThe Ohio River Restoration Program Act is endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation, Ohio River Basin Alliance, Ohio River Way, American Rivers, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Appalachian Voices, Appalachian Citizens' Law Center, West Virginia Rivers Coalition Inc., Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Kentucky Resources Council, Inc, River Fields, River City Paddle Sports, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Upstream Pittsburgh, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, Virginia Conservation Network, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, PennFuture, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Ohio Conservation Federation, Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), Kentucky Riverkeeper, Friends of Bell Smith Springs, Prairie Rivers Network, Ohio River Foundation, and Kentucky Conservation Committee.\n\nView full text of the bill, here. View a one pager for the bill, here.\n\nA gallery of photos from the press conference is available here. A recording of the press conference is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-appointed-to-key-leadership-position-in-house-democratic-caucus", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey Appointed to Key Leadership Position in House Democratic Caucus", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 16, 2024) \u2013 Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) announced that he has been named a Chief Deputy Whip\u2014a key position in Democratic Whip Katherine Clark\u2019s (MA-05) Whip team\u2014to champion House Democrats\u2019 agenda in the 119th Congress.\n\nAs Chief Deputy Whip, Congressman McGarvey will join a group of 10 members that represent the diversity of experience and perspectives that make up the House Democratic Caucus. In this new role, he will support the Democratic Whip leadership operations and serve on the Steering and Policy Committee, which is responsible for the committee organizing of the House Democratic Caucus.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to be appointed by Whip Clark to serve my Democratic colleagues as a Chief Deputy Whip,\u201d said Rep. McGarvey. \u201cIn the continued fight against Republican extremism, it\u2019s undeniable that strong leadership and unity among our Democratic colleagues will be crucial, and I\u2019m looking forward to representing my hometown and working families throughout our country in this new position.\u201d\n\n\"I am thrilled to welcome Rep. McGarvey to our Whip team,\u201d said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. \u201cDuring his freshman term, he has already proven to be an indispensably skilled, collaborative, and insightful Member of the House Democratic Caucus. As we prepare for the narrowest House Majority in nearly a century, his leadership will be critical to harnessing the strength and unity of House Democrats, amplifying the voices of working people, and defeating Republicans' billionaire-first agenda.\"\n\nRep. McGarvey currently serves as a Senior Whip on Rep. Clark\u2019s Whip team for the 118th Congress.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6B87210B-392A-466F-A426-616201B788F3", "McConnell Honors Departing Senator Mike Braun", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Senator Mike Braun (R-IN):\n\n\u201cMy earliest participation in politics was wearing an \u2018I Like Ike\u2019 pin on school picture day. Well, last month, the state of Indiana was chanting \u2018I like Mike\u2019.\n\n\u201cMike Braun\u2019s fellow Hoosiers like him so much, in fact, they\u2019ve decided to steal him back from Washington to be their governor. And if I know anything about Indiana\u2019s junior Senator, he\u2019s probably looking forward to trading in the trappings of this institution for a job a lot closer to home.\n\n\u201cBut I\u2019d like to say just a few words before he goes.\n\n\u201cYears ago, a local reporter asked Mike Braun about his approach to life and work. He told him, quote: \u2018You live like you are going out of business every day and it makes you healthy.\u2019\n\n\u201cFor a spry, former three-sport athlete like Mike, that much checks out. But needless to say, in the process of keeping him young, our colleague\u2019s mantra also brought a fair bit of [professional] success.\n\n\u201cSure, a cushy white-collar gig and a predictable corporate ladder would have been the natural next step for a high-achiever fresh out of Harvard Business School. But where\u2019s the fun in that?\n\n\u201cFor Mike, in order to live like you\u2019re going out of business, you have to run a business, yourself. You\u2019ve got to build a team and take risks. And what better place to do that than your hometown.\n\n\u201cMost of us are familiar with at least some of what came next for Mike and his high-school sweetheart, Maureen.\n\n\u201cThe life and business lessons of Mike\u2019s dad, Amos, a decorated World War II vet\u2026\n\n\u201cSteering a 15-person operation through the aftermath of the 1980s farm crisis, and turning it into a national team spread across 38 states\u2026\n\n\u201cFor years, running that success, with sleeves rolled up, from a trailer office\u2026\n\n\u201cAnd raising four kids along the way, three of whom have found their own callings in the family business.\n\n\u201cAs I understand it, we have Maureen to thank that this incredible story of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit took a turn into politics in the first place.\n\n\u201cWhen friends around Jasper tried drafting her to run for school board, she offered them Mike instead\u2026 and so began two decades and counting of life in politics.\n\n\u201cHere in the Senate, Mike\u2019s going-out-of-business approach to public service made an early impression. Careful observers ranked him at one point the most effective freshman in the chamber.\n\n\u201cHe dove head-first into legislation that mattered to him and to Indiana. He advocated passionately for farmers and for families impacted by rare diseases. He fought for outcomes, and stood on principle.\n\n\u201cBut Hoosiers will be proud to know he still doesn\u2019t like dressing up here on the Senate floor. And who can blame him. By Mike\u2019s own admission, most of what he likes to do \u2013 tend the farm, fish, and hunt (both animals and mushrooms) \u2013 he can do within 60 miles of Jasper!\n\n\u201cSo it speaks to Mike\u2019s commitment to his neighbors that, even though he\u2019s leaving Washington, he\u2019s not quite going home just yet \u2013 nor will he be able to hang up the coat and tie.\n\n\u201cThe trust of the people of Indiana is rightly a great source of pride for our colleague \u2013 second only to his pride in the family he and Maureen built. And I know he can\u2019t wait to get to work for them in Indianapolis.\n\n\u201cI know I speak for our colleagues when I thank Mike for his service these past six years.\n\n\u201cWe wish him all the best in the next chapter.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=946E3F11-1755-417F-88C3-573A9F869E14", "McConnell Remarks On Outstanding Business", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Senate business:\n\n\u201cAs is typical this time of year, the Senate\u2019s attention is focused squarely on a long list of business with deadlines fast-approaching.\n\n\u201cExtending government funding by Friday is our top priority. Shutting the government down is a one-way ticket to needless disruption of important functions. It has never been a winning proposition, and this time is no different.\n\n\u201cDelivering urgent disaster relief is a non-negotiable. As communities across the country continue to pick up the pieces from a devastating storm season, they\u2019re watching closely for the Senate to deliver on the promise of a much-needed helping hand.\n\n\u201cAnd, after months of unnecessary delay, the Senate will vote on the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n\u201cThe Armed Services Committee reported this year\u2019s NDAA six months ago by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote.\n\n\u201cThe fact that it has only reached the floor a week before Christmas is really inexcusable. So is the absence of a vote on defense appropriations legislation.\n\n\u201cAnd the blame for this neglect will rest squarely on the outgoing Senate majority.\n\n\u201cRanking Member Wicker and our colleagues on the Committee tried mightily to ensure that the final bill \u2013 Congress\u2019 main annual opportunity to shape national defense priorities \u2013 backs tough talk on growing threats with the tools required to meet them.\n\n\u201cBut the NDAA, like all major legislation, is a compromise product. And the absence of the Senate-backed increase to topline investments will go down as a tremendous missed opportunity.\n\n\u201cArtificial budget restraints mean that major bill provisions like a pay raise for enlisted servicemembers will come at the expense of investments in the critical weapons systems and munitions that deter conflict and keep them safe.\n\n\u201cFor all the talk about growing threats to America\u2019s national security, it\u2019s past time for an honest conversation about the military requirements to meet those needs.\n\n\u201cAnd if this NDAA offers any valuable lesson, it\u2019s that we have a tremendous amount of work left to do.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F2D66ADF-E805-4D88-8C96-4B37CA8748AE", "McConnell in Foreign Affairs: The Price of American Retreat", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) contributed an article to Foreign Affairs magazine. Read an excerpt below and the full text here:\n\n\u201cWhen he begins his second term as president, Donald Trump will inherit a world far more hostile to U.S. interests than the one he left behind four years ago. China has intensified its efforts to expand its military, political, and economic influence worldwide. Russia is fighting a brutal and unjustified war in Ukraine. Iran remains undeterred in its campaign to destroy Israel, dominate the Middle East, and develop a nuclear weapons capability. And these three U.S. adversaries, along with North Korea, are now working together more closely than ever to undermine the U.S.-led order that has underpinned Western peace and prosperity for nearly a century.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration sought to manage these threats through engagement and accommodation. But today\u2019s revanchist powers do not seek deeper integration with the existing international order; they reject its very basis. They draw strength from American weakness, and their appetite for hegemony has only grown with the eating.\n\n\u201cMany in Washington acknowledge the threat but use it to justify existing domestic policy priorities that have little to do with the systemic competition underway. They pay lip service to the reality of great-power competition but shirk from investing in the hard power on which such competition is actually based. The costs of these mistaken assumptions have become evident. But the response to four years of weakness must not be four years of isolation.\n\n\u201cEven though the competition with China and Russia is a global challenge, Trump will no doubt hear from some that he should prioritize a single theater and downgrade U.S. interests and commitments elsewhere. Most of these voices will argue for focusing on Asia at the expense of interests in Europe or the Middle East. Such thinking is commonplace among both isolationist conservatives who indulge the fantasy of \u2018Fortress America\u2019 and progressive liberals who mistake internationalism for an end in itself. The right has retrenched in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, while the left has demonstrated a chronic allergy to deterring Iran and supporting Israel. Neither camp has committed to maintaining the military superiority or sustaining the alliances needed to contest revisionist powers. If the United States continues to retreat, its enemies will be only too happy to fill the void.\n\n\u201cTrump would be wise to build his foreign policy on the enduring cornerstone of U.S. leadership: hard power. To reverse the neglect of military strength, his administration must commit to a significant and sustained increase in defense spending, generational investments in the defense industrial base, and urgent reforms to speed the United States\u2019 development of new capabilities and to expand allies\u2019 and partners\u2019 access to them.\n\n\u201cAs it takes these steps, the administration will face calls from within the Republican Party to give up on American primacy. It must reject them. To pretend that the United States can focus on just one threat at a time, that its credibility is divisible, or that it can afford to shrug off faraway chaos as irrelevant is to ignore its global interests and its adversaries\u2019 global designs. America will not be made great again by those who simply want to manage its decline.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\nContinue reading the full article here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/sens-paul-and-booker-introduce-bipartisan-fair-act-to-reform-civil-forfeiture-laws-protect-americans-rights/", "Sens. Paul and Booker Introduce Bipartisan FAIR Act to Reform Civil Forfeiture Laws, Protect Americans\u2019 Rights", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 12, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nSens. Paul and Booker Introduce Bipartisan FAIR Act to Reform Civil Forfeiture Laws, Protect Americans\u2019 Rights\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act to reform civil forfeiture laws and protect Americans\u2019 rights from government abuse.\n\n\u201cThe government should never have the power to seize a person\u2019s property without due process. Yet, under current civil asset forfeiture laws, Americans are being stripped of their property without ever being charged or convicted of a crime. The FAIR Act directly addresses these injustices and is a critical step toward restoring fairness and accountability, protecting property owners\u2019 rights, and curbing the weaponization of civil forfeiture laws once and for all,\u201d said Dr. Paul.\n\n\u201cCivil asset forfeiture allows federal law enforcement to seize the property of Americans who haven\u2019t even been charged with or convicted of a crime,\u201dsaid Senator Booker.\u201cUnder this system, police can keep cash, cars, and even homes based on mere suspicion of a crime. These losses often become law enforcement\u2019s profit because the burden is on the property owner to prove they should get their property back. Reforming federal civil asset forfeiture is long overdue and the FAIR Act will ensure due process and protect the public from unfair deprivations and forfeiture abuses.\u201d\n\nThe latest version of the FAIR Act closely mirrors previous versions of the bill, with updates to reflect changes made by the House Judiciary Committee during a markup on June 14, 2023. The bill was favorably reported out of committee by a unanimous 26-0 vote, signaling broad bipartisan support and increasing the likelihood of legislative progress. In the Senate, the FAIR Act is currently cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\nYou can read the FAIR Act HERE.\n\nThe FAIR Act is also supported by:\n\n\u201cCivil forfeiture is an abomination and reform is long overdue,\u201d said Dan Alban, Senior Attorney for Institute for Justice. \u201cThe FAIR Act makes important strides by removing the profit incentive that drives so many of these abuses, preventing evasion of state law protections for property owners by ending the federal \u2018equitable sharing\u2019 program, and by ensuring that every property owner gets their day in court before a neutral judge by eliminating administrative forfeitures. It is urgent that Congress pass the FAIR Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt present, the government may seize, and ultimately keep, a person\u2019s belongings based on allegations of a connection to criminal activity without ever taking the next logical step of pursuing a criminal charge, much less securing a criminal conviction,\u201d said Brett Tolman, Executive Director of Right On Crime and former U.S. Attorney. \u201cAs a result, innocent citizens have lost their homes, cars, and life savings over a mistake or, worse yet, through the malice or indifference of a government official without requiring the government to justify the taking.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy family has experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of government overreach through the IRS\u2019s abuse of power,\u201d said Savannah Chrisley, CPAC Senior Fellow for Criminal Justice Reform. \u201cThe FAIR Act is a critical step toward restoring accountability and protecting innocent citizens from unjust seizures. By eliminating profit incentives and ensuring due process, this legislation addresses a fundamental violation of our rights and provides much-needed safeguards against these egregious abuses. I urge Congress to pass the FAIR Act to prevent other families from enduring the same injustices.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepublicans and Democrats alike have, for years, recognized civil asset forfeiture as one of the most egregious forms of government overreach. Nearly 30 years ago, then-Congressman Henry Hyde authored a book about the abuse of civil asset forfeiture. He wrote, \u2018Increased government and police powers, rising criminal activity and violence, popular anxiety about drug use \u2014 all have become justifications for curtailing the application of the Bill of Rights and the individual security it once guaranteed.\u2019 Many states have passed civil asset forfeiture reform laws to protect individuals from abuse of this tool, but Congress hasn\u2019t yet acted. Senator Paul\u2019s FAIR Act provides that opportunity. We urge all senators to cosponsor the FAIR Act and restore the Constitutional guarantees of the Fifth Amendment,\u201dsaid Jason Pye, Vice President of Due Process Institute.\n\n\u201cNFIB thanks Senator Paul for reintroducing this important legislation to protect small business owners from unjust asset seizures. The federal government should not be allowed to seize business owners\u2019 property without evidence of wrongdoing. Small business owners are constantly navigating numerous burdensome federal rules and regulations \u2013 spending time proving their own innocence without ever being charged for a crime should not be another burden on their plate,\u201d said Andrea McGee, Principal of Federal Government Relations at National Federation of Independent Business.\n\n\u201cThe Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act (FAIR Act) is vital legislation that seeks to restore fundamental constitutional protections by reforming the federal civil asset forfeiture process, a system that too often undermines trust in law enforcement and the rule of law. Civil asset forfeiture, in its current form, allows government agencies to seize property based on mere suspicion of its involvement in criminal activity\u2014without charging or convicting the owner of a crime. This practice erodes public confidence in our justice system. By raising the evidentiary standard for seizures and providing better transparency and accountability, the Act helps ensure that the practice of asset forfeiture aligns with the Constitution and public expectations of justice. For these reasons, we are happy to support this legislative effort, and we applaud Sen. Rand Paul for his leadership. Restoring legitimacy and trust in law enforcement is not a partisan issue rather it is a shared priority for all who believe in the foundational principles of fairness and accountability,\u201d said Jillian Snider, Policy Director for Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties at the R Street Institute.\n\n\u201cThrough civil forfeiture, the federal government seizes billions of dollars in money and property each year without ever seeking a criminal conviction. Victims of forfeiture don\u2019t have to be found guilty of a criminal offense in court, and most of them never see the inside of a courtroom. Civil forfeiture, in its current form, is without due process and basic fairness. Senator Paul\u2019s Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act would do much to fix the broken system of civil forfeiture. The bill would help restore the principle of \u201cinnocent until proven guilty\u201d by shifting the burden rightly back onto the government to prove one\u2019s money or property was used in criminal activity. It would also protect the right to counsel, improve transparency, remove government\u2019s incentives for civil forfeiture, and eliminate the pernicious \u201cequitable sharing program\u201d by which federal law enforcement is able to ignore and circumvent state laws that limit or prevent civil forfeiture. Those who need the protections of the law when government agents threaten to forfeit their property are not always the most popular, influential, or politically powerful members of their community. Senator Paul\u2019s leadership in this space to help protect the property rights of all is commendable and greatly appreciated,\u201dsaid Dan Greenberg, General Counsel for Competitive Enterprise Institute.\n\n\u201cNo American should have to worry about the government unjustly seizing their property, but current law allows law enforcement to \u201carrest\u201d property now and ask questions later. The FAIR Act strengthens due process protections for innocent property owners and removes the financial incentives policymakers have created for law enforcement to unjustly seize cash, cars, and even houses from individuals who haven\u2019t been charged with a crime. Civil asset forfeiture denies Americans their constitutionally guaranteed presumption of innocence, leaving them with few options to recover their property, while encouraging law enforcement agencies to use the proceeds to fund their activities. 30 states and the District of Columbia have acted to rein in civil asset forfeiture abuse, and we applaud Sen. Paul for working to solve the problem at the federal level,\u201dsaid Greg Glod, Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity.\n\nBackground:\n\nCivil forfeiture laws present a threat to the rights of all property owners in the United States. These laws authorize the government to seize property based on the mere suspicion that it may be connected to criminal activity. No charges or conviction are required and, once property is seized, owners must navigate the confusing and expensive legal system to win it back. Worst of all, unlike criminal cases where the accused is afforded certain rights, such as the right to counsel, civil forfeiture cases are brought against the property itself and the government usually faces a lower evidentiary threshold, meaning the deck is stacked against the property owner.\n\nBy passing the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act, Congress can decisively remedy this unjust system by providing strong due process protections to property owners.\n\nThe FAIR Act would:\n\nEliminate \u201cEquitable\u201d Sharing: The \u201cequitable\u201d sharing program allows state law enforcement officers to turn seized property over to federal officials for forfeiture \u2014 and get up to 80% of the proceeds of the forfeited property. The FAIR Act ends \u201cequitable\u201d sharing and ensures that law enforcement cannot ignore state law.\n\nRemove the Profit Incentive: Law enforcement should be motivated by public safety, not financial rewards. The FAIR Act would restore the rule in which the proceeds of forfeiture go to the Treasury\u2019s General Fund, where Congress can appropriate the money for any purpose.\n\nRestore Principle of \u201cInnocent Until Proven Guilty\u201d: Under current law, federal law enforcement agencies may take property suspected of involvement in crime without charging the property owner with a crime. The FAIR Act places on the government the burden to show that a property owner consented or was willfully blind to his property being used in a crime by a third party.\n\nRequire Clear and Convincing Evidence: The FAIR Act would require that the government prove its case by the higher standard of clear and convincing evidence, instead of the current preponderance of the evidence standard that the property was used for an illegal purpose.\n\nProtect the Right to Counsel: Under current law, defendants receive appointed counsel due to indigency only if (1) they request it, and (2) their home has been seized. The FAIR Act would ensure that indigent owners can receive, at the discretion of the court, representation in civil forfeiture proceedings.\n\nReform IRS Seizures: The FAIR Act requires that the IRS prove that the defendant knowingly deposited funds with criminal intent before they can seize the property. It also requires that a probable cause hearing be held no later than 14 days after the IRS seizes funds under the pretense of a structuring violation.\n\nEnact Strong Reporting Requirements: Requires the Attorney General to report on deposits made to the Treasury Fund, and that such report shall indicate the state, type of forfeiture, and provide details to specifically identify which funds were obtained from civil forfeiture and which funds were acquired from criminal forfeiture.\n\nAbolish Administrative Forfeitures: Administrative forfeitures happen automatically when property owners fail to challenge a seizure in court for any reason, including the inability to afford a lawyer or a missed deadline to file a claim. The seized property is simply presumed \u201cguilty\u201d without a neutral arbiter such as a judge determining whether it should be permanently taken from its owner. According to the Institute for Justice, administrative forfeitures account for 88 percent of all forfeitures. This provision would effectively force the government to go to court to keep property it has seized.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=34F6065C-8E89-451B-8BF3-A06565D5A4BC", "Barr Votes to Strengthen National Defense and Support Our Troops", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor H.R. 5009 - Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA), legislation that delivers a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, counters the growing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and restores focus on military readiness.\n\n\u201cThe passage of this defense bill sends a clear message: we stand resolutely with our servicemembers and their families, who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms and security,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThis NDAA strengthens our national defense, ensures accountability at the Pentagon, and counters adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party with bold investments in cutting-edge technologies and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. I\u2019m proud to support a bill that not only bolsters military readiness but also prioritizes the well-being of our brave men and women in uniform.\u201d\n\nKey provisions of the FY25 NDAA include:\n\nSupporting Servicemembers and Their Families:\n\nA 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% raise for all other servicemembers.\n\nSignificant investments in housing, medical care, and childcare to improve the quality of life for military families.\n\nCountering the CCP and Strengthening Defense:\n\n$15.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. military posture in the Indo-Pacific region.\n\nProhibitions on Chinese espionage activities and strengthened defenses for critical technologies such as hypersonics and AI.\n\nSupport for Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies to deter Chinese aggression.\n\nDefending Israel\n\nRequires DOD to continue to provide battlefield intelligence to Israel for the defeat of Hamas.\n\nAuthorizes full funding for U.S.-Israel missile defense programs\n\nReverses the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to halt certain missile deliveries to Israel.\n\nFocusing on Lethality and Readiness:\n\nEliminating wasteful programs and ensuring accountability through independent Pentagon audits.\n\nInvestments in innovative technologies, including counter-drone systems and missile defense.\n\nIncreased support for shipyard infrastructure and defense industrial base resilience.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-introduces-bill-to-improve-vas-emergency-response", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey Introduces Bill to Improve VA\u2019s Emergency Response", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2024) \u2013 Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced the Advancing VA\u2019s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act, a bipartisan, bicameral initiative to improve VA\u2019s response to natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies to ensure continuity of VA medical care for veterans.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Tester to ensure that VA is fully equipped to respond to crises and continue serving our nation\u2019s veterans,\u201d said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. \u201cWhether it\u2019s flooding in eastern Kentucky, tornadoes in Louisville, hurricanes on the coast, or fires out west, increasingly frequent natural disasters are devastating our communities and leaving too many without the care and services they need. There\u2019s no time like the present to invest in our nation\u2019s ability to respond to these emergencies and take care of the men and women who put on a uniform to take care of us. \u201d\n\nThe Veterans Health Administration provides direct health services to over 9 million veterans with over 1,300 health care facilities, including Louisville\u2019s Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center. It is the nation\u2019s largest integrated healthcare system.\n\nThe AVERT Crises Act would ensure that the VA is better prepared to activate their Fourth Mission authority\u2014VA\u2019s role in improving the nation\u2019s response to emergencies. The bill would require VA to implement fully operational emergency communications systems throughout VA medical facilities, and improve VA\u2019s emergency cache program\u2014stored reserves at VA medical facilities containing drugs and medical supplies to be used during an emergency.\n\nThe bill is the House companion bill of S. 3341, introduced by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Maisie Hirono (D-HI).\n\n\u201cIn the last few years, we\u2019ve seen disasters strike all parts of this country, from the COVID-19 pandemic to massive flooding in my home state of Montana. Due to its size and reach, VA is in a prime position to respond to these crises,\u201d said Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Chairman Tester. \u201cI\u2019m proud our bill will ensure that VA is prepared to respond to these emergencies while continuing to provide high-quality care for veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters have tested the limits of the Department of Veterans Affairs ability to activate their Fourth Mission and appropriately respond to emergencies and disasters,\u201d said Jon Retzer, Deputy National Legislative Director for Health, Disabled American Veterans (DAV). \u201cDAV is thankful for Rep. McGarvey for sponsoring the Advancing VA\u2019s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Act of 2024, which aims to address lesson learned from these emergencies and disasters to ensure that communication systems are effective and that continuity of VA medical care is maintained for our nation\u2019s veterans during these activations.\u201d\n\nThe AVERT Crises Act would:\n\nRequire VA to implement a fully operational emergency communications system throughout their medical facilities;\n\nRequire VA to report to Congress on the current status of its Regional Readiness Centers, and on recommendations for improving the alignment of its offices involved with emergency management to ensure there is not redundancy between offices;\n\nRequire VA to ensure its emergency pharmacy vehicles and emergency caches are fully stocked with unexpired inventory; and\n\nRequire VA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to analyze cross-Department coordination during emergencies.\n\nThe AVERT Crises Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/washington-d-c-this-week-u-s-senator-rand-paul-r-ky-reintroduced-the-support-children-having-open-opportunities-for-learning-school-act-to-provide-parents-and-students-with-much-need/", "Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces the SCHOOL Act for Educational Freedom", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 11, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nDr. Rand Paul Reintroduces the SCHOOL Act for Educational Freedom\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 This week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Support Children Having Open Opportunities for Learning (SCHOOL) Act to provide parents and students with much-needed flexibility and options regarding K-12 education.\n\n\u201cEvery child, regardless of neighborhood, color, class, or background, deserves access to a school that supports their success,\u201d said Dr. Paul. \u201cMy SCHOOL Act will provide parents and students with educational choices and the necessary tools to succeed, no matter where they are learning.\u201d\n\nThe Support Children Having Open Opportunities for Learning Act would allow Federal funds for K-12 education to follow the eligible child, regardless of whether the child is in public school, private school, or homeschool. These funds could be used for a wide range of educational needs, including curriculum materials, technological educational materials, and educational therapies for students with disabilities.\n\nNo matter what the learning landscape looks like moving forward, this bill empowers parents to put their children\u2019s futures first.\n\nDr. Rand Paul\u2019s Support Children Having Open Opportunities for Learning (SCHOOL) Act Would:\n\nAmend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to allow certain funds authorized under those laws to follow a child, whether learning in person or remotely, to the public school, private school, or homeschool of choice.\n\nAllow those funds to be used for a range of needs, including:\n\nCurriculum materials\n\nTechnological educational materials\n\nTutoring\n\nExtracurricular activities\n\nPrivate school tuition\n\nEducational therapies for students with disabilities\n\nEnsure each child would receive the same amount of funding, regardless of where the child is enrolled.\n\nEnsure that no child choosing to take advantage of these opportunities would be precluded from a federally funded school food program.\n\nProtect non-public education providers from Federal and State control.\n\nYou can read the SCHOOL Act HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/12/comer-applauds-passage-of-the-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act", "Comer Applauds Passage of the Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) today praised the House of Representatives\u2019 passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. Congressman Comer supported the bipartisan legislation which will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to carry out projects to improve the nation\u2019s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. In addition, WRDA includes language Congressman Comer authored which requires the Corps to implement consistent, clear, and fair fee policies to marina operators and other small businesses in Kentucky and across the United States.\n\n.\n\n\u201cThe Water Resources Development Act is the most consequential legislative package for Kentucky\u2019s 1st District, and I was proud to support the bill\u2019s passage today. Kentucky\u2019s 1,590 miles of rivers are vital to the transportation of nearly 79 million tons of freight, valued at over 5 billion dollars, and these waterways provide a safe and efficient way to transport essential commodities that Americans need. The Water Resources Development Act will provide resources for major construction projects that will strengthen and improve Kentucky\u2019s waterway infrastructure and create good-paying jobs for hardworking Kentuckians.\n\n.\n\n\u201cTourism is also crucial to Kentucky\u2019s economy, especially lake related tourism, and marinas throughout the Commonwealth provide critical economic opportunities. Unfortunately, the Army Corps has levied inconsistent and exorbitant fees against local marinas and these unexpected fees can cripple marina operators. As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, I made it a priority this Congress to bring much needed transparency and consistency to fees pushed by the Corps. WRDA includes language I authored, which will ensure fees pushed on local marinas are now administered consistently and fairly. In the 119th Congress, I will continue to advocate for Western Kentucky\u2019s inland waterways system and tourism industry,\u201d said Congressman Comer (R-Ky.).\n\n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/12/comer-to-return-as-chairman-of-oversight-committee-in-the-119th-congress", "Comer to Return as Chairman of Oversight Committee in the 119th Congress", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) has been selected to serve again as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee for the 119th Congress. He issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cIt is an honor to continue serving the American people as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. The American people have made it clear they want President Trump and Congress to clean up the federal government and make it more accountable to them. Oversight Committee Republicans are ready to hit the ground running and fulfill this mandate. Many of President Trump\u2019s key priorities align with the Oversight Committee\u2019s jurisdiction, including the federal civil service, government management, efficiency in government operations, federal procurement, executive branch reorganizations, and more. We will actively work with President Trump and his administration to hold the federal bureaucracy accountable and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. We will advance solutions to make the federal government more efficient, effective, transparent, and accountable to the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0609D636-31A3-406E-BC82-AACCF83F0C59", "Congressman Rogers Votes for Federal Water Resources Development Act", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Authorizes $75 million for water infrastructure projects in Kentucky, including flood control and alerts along the Kentucky River\n\nWASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program. The legislation improves the nation's water infrastructure through locally-driven projects that protect communities from flooding and support economic development.\n\nCongressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) voted in support of the bill, which authorizes $75 million for water resources infrastructure projects in Kentucky. It prioritizes flood risk management along the Kentucky River and directs the Army Corps to expedite completion of a flood warning emergency evacuation plan along the Kentucky River.\n\n\"This bill gives the Army Corps the green light to move forward on critical projects that will help expand and enhance reliable water and wastewater resources, and vital projects that help protect our communities from flooding,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"In an effort to expedite needs in hard-hit areas, the bill creates a pilot program for the Army Corps to prioritize projects in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.\"\n\nWRDA also directs the Corps to develop guidance to standardize fees administered for real estate, including marinas.\n\nSeparately, the legislation also advances joint legislation introduced by Congressman Rogers and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell earlier this year, designating the federal courthouse in London, Kentucky as the \"Eugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex.\" Judge Siler's trusted leadership on the federal bench for nearly 50 years, has garnered the respect of the nation's highest office with judicial appointments by three U.S. Presidents.\n\nWRDA now returns to the Senate for final passage before moving on to the President's desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-elected-to-co-chair-largest-future-forum-in-history", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey Elected to Co-Chair Largest Future Forum in History", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 10, 2024) \u2013 Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) announced that he has been elected to serve as a Co-Chair for Communications of the Future Forum Caucus for the 119th Congress.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to have been elected co-Chair of the Future Forum for the 119th Congress,\u201d said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. \u201cToo often, young people in America are undervalued and overlooked\u2014we have to do better. By investing in the next generation of leaders and making sure their voices are not just heard, but valued, we\u2019re investing in a stronger America. I look forward to working with my fellow co-chairs and the entire Future Forum Caucus as we continue this mission.\u201d\n\nIn the 118th Congress, Rep. McGarvey introduced several bills to fight for America\u2019s youth\u2014including legislation to create a Young Adult Tax Credit and lift young adults out of poverty, the Child Safety and Well-Being Act to establish a long-overdue independent children\u2019s commission to advise on how best to support children, and the School Meals Expansion Act to reduce student hunger.\n\nAs a member of the Child Labor Prevention Task Force, Rep. McGarvey has also fought to keep kids safe and protect them from labor violations. Following a federal investigation into several child labor violations in Louisville, McGarvey introduced the Workers POWER Act to better prevent the exploitation of kids and workers.\n\nRep. McGarvey also established the first Congressional Youth Advisory Council in Louisville, a nonpartisan initiative that provides students with the opportunity to advise him on policy issues and have their voices better represented in Washington, D.C.\n\nRep. McGarvey with fellow Future Forum co-chairs Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-01) and Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)\n\nAbout Future Forum:\n\nEstablished in 2015, Future Forum is a generational caucus. In the 119th Congress, the Caucus will be comprised of 54 members from a diverse cross section of the Democratic Caucus who are 50 years and younger. Future Forum represents the next generation of leaders in Congress and includes members of all ideological and identity caucuses in the House, members of the Democratic leadership, and the first Gen Z Member of Congress.\n\nFuture Forum is dedicated to amplifying the voices of younger Americans on the issues that matter most to the next generation while inspiring future leaders to engage in public service. Throughout the 119th Congress, Future Forum\u2019s leadership will collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders and advocates\u2014both on and off Capitol Hill\u2014to advance a forward-thinking policy agenda. Key priorities include addressing gun violence, combating climate change, tackling student loan debt, and lowering the cost of health care. Since its inception, Future Forum has engaged with Millennial and Gen Z Americans in over 50 cities where they live, work, and learn\u2014and this is just the beginning.\n\n###\n\nCongressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky\u2019s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs and House Small Business Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=49AFD03F-8CD1-43E7-9047-FC850EE46D6D", "McConnell Meets With Pam Bondi", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today on his meeting with Pam Bondi:\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet today with President-elect Trump\u2019s nominee to serve as Attorney General, Pam Bondi. The American people deserve federal law enforcement authorities worthy of immense public trust. Ms. Bondi\u2019s extensive legal and executive experience make her well-qualified to lead the Department of Justice.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8CB982EA-5C67-4457-8EA0-EC6B962091A5", "McConnell Remarks On Fall Of Assad Regime In Syria", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "\u2018It\u2019s quite clear that the recent lightning success of Syrian rebel groups is due in part to the distraction of the Assad regime\u2019s essential patrons. For more than a decade, assistance from Russia and Iran has shored up the twin pillars of Assad\u2019s rule: repression and fear. But today, Russian attention and resources are tied up in protracted war of aggression in Ukraine. And Iran is busy propping up a network of terrorist proxies that Israel has dealt savage blows.\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Syria:\n\n\u201cIn a matter of weeks, President Biden will hand off his authority to a new Commander in Chief, and his administration will submit its stewardship of U.S. foreign and national security policy to the judgment of posterity.\n\n\u201cAlready, the contours of history are coming into focus: on this Administration\u2019s watch, and frequently at its tacit invitation, the gravest threats to America, our allies, and our global interests have grown and aligned more closely.\n\n\u201cSenior Administration officials insist that the exact opposite is true, and that they\u2019re preparing to hand off a world that is safer and more stable than they found it.\n\n\u201cThis sort of spin isn\u2019t surprising\u2026 It\u2019s just profoundly untrue.\n\n\u201cAnd nowhere is the Administration\u2019s revisionist gaslighting more blatant or bizarre than in its account of events in the Middle East.\n\n\u201cYesterday\u2019s collapse of the Assad regime in Syria was a stunning close to half a century of authoritarian rule and thirteen years of senseless slaughter, torture, and innocent suffering.\n\n\u201cBashar Assad is an agent of Iran\u2026 An ally of Russia\u2026 And a butcher whose hands are stained with so much innocent blood that the death toll defies precise counting.\n\n\u201cThe destination of this butcher\u2019s flight from Damascus over the weekend is telling. Fellow dictators still find a warm welcome in Putin\u2019s Moscow. And, I might add, so do unrepentant traitors like Edward Snowden.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s quite clear that the recent lightning success of Syrian rebel groups is due in part to the distraction of the Assad regime\u2019s essential patrons.\n\n\u201cFor more than a decade, assistance from Russia and Iran has shored up the twin pillars of Assad\u2019s rule: repression and fear.\n\n\u201cBut today, Russian attention and resources are tied up in protracted war of aggression in Ukraine. And Iran is busy propping up a network of terrorist proxies that Israel has dealt savage blows.\n\n\u201cIf you ask the Biden Administration, this was all part of the plan. The President, himself, said as much yesterday.\n\n\u201cHe noted that the Assad regime\u2019s strongest backers \u2013 Russia, Iran, and Hizballah \u2013 are weaker today than they were four years ago\u2026 as if to suggest that it was his Administration\u2019s policy that made these events possible.\n\n\u201cBut my colleagues \u2013 and for that matter, America\u2019s allies and partners \u2013 know a lot better than that. We know that to the extent that our adversaries are weaker today than they were when the President took office, it\u2019s in spite of his chronic hesitation and half-measures in the conduct of American foreign policy.\n\n\u201cUkraine has blunted Russian military power in spite of this Administration\u2019s unfounded fear of escalation and repeated withholding of lethal assistance.\n\n\u201cIsrael has put Iran and its proxies on the back foot in spite of the Administration\u2019s repeated attempts to dictate the terms of Israeli military operations \u2013 and its ongoing freeze on transfers of essential precision munitions.\n\n\u201cIf the Assad regime\u2019s brutality was an abiding concern for the President, or if the ongoing plight of the Syrian people factored meaningfully into his Administration\u2019s policy, then his National Security Advisor\u2019s description of the Middle East last fall as \u2018quieter than it has been for decades\u2019 is even more incongruous than the horrors of October 7th already made it.\n\n\u201cIf the President now intends to claim credit for bringing a potential end to Syria\u2019s grinding civil war, it begs the question why, as Vice President, he agreed with President Obama\u2019s decision not to enforce his self-imposed red line on Assad\u2019s use of chemical weapons.\n\n\u201cThe last Democratic administration\u2019s approach to Syria helped Russia displace American influence and helped Iran turn it into a staging ground for its terror proxies\u2019 war on Israel.\n\n\u201cThe current Democratic administration\u2019s scolding and hectoring of the Jewish state has made defending against this war more difficult.\n\n\u201cThe Commander in Chief\u2019s record will speak for itself. History will reflect that, if his Administration wanted to heed the urging of leaders of both parties in Congress and deliver the sort of lethal capabilities and permissions Ukraine needed to defend against Russian aggression at the speed of relevance, it was fully empowered to do so.\n\n\u201cAnd had this President even once expressed a willingness to take a serious, bipartisan approach to the Middle East\u2019s primary agents of chaos in Tehran \u2013 and its proxies and vassals from Yemen to Syria \u2013 it would have found willing partners on this side of the aisle.\n\n\u201cI made this much crystal-clear from the first days of his Administration.\n\n\u201cAt best, the Biden Administration has been an impassive observer. At worst, it restrained America\u2019s friends from defending themselves and hampered the otherwise transformational success of Israel\u2019s operations against the enemies who started this war.\n\n\u201cIn spite of the Administration\u2019s fixation on de-escalation, Israel decimated Hizballah, the crown jewel of Iran\u2019s terror web.\n\n\u201cWhile the Administration obsessed over the illusion of returning to a stable status quo ante, Israel has turned the tables on Iran and its proxies.\n\n\u201cToday, there is no longer such a status quo in Syria.\n\n\u201cAfter years of war stoked by Russia and Iran, the prospects of a beleaguered Syrian people are complicated and uncertain.\n\n\u201cBut the fall of the Assad regime is an opportunity for our partners in the Middle East to chart a new future\u2026\n\n\u201cAnd to press the advantage earned by Israel\u2019s decisive operations and uproot Iran\u2019s remaining influence throughout the region.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/icymi-senators-paul-and-markey-statement-on-tiktok-court-decision/", "ICYMI: Senators Paul and Markey Statement on TikTok Court Decision", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "\u201cThe Court of Appeals decision to uphold the TikTok ban is disappointing and a serious threat to TikTok and its users\u2019 constitutional rights across the country. Congress pushed through this law with limited debate about its impact on TikTok\u2019s diverse base of users and creators and their rights. As public support for the ban wanes, we urge Congress to reconsider the law and intend to work with our colleagues to do so.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6D1F91EB-F901-4308-B049-0148F042DE52", "McConnell Remarks Accepting \u2018Peace Through Strength\u2019 Award At Reagan National Defense Forum", "2024-12-07", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "\u201cThe task before us is urgent. We can\u2019t afford to miss opportunities to restore American hard power and industrial capacity before conflicts ignite. We need to be investing \u2013 yesterday \u2013 in long-range fires, munitions, air and missile defenses, shipbuilding, and more. It\u2019s all well and good to spend time talking about grave threats. But our enemies care much more about what we do than what we say\u2026 We have an obligation to provide for the common defense.\u2019\n\nSIMI VALLEY, C.A. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Below is the text as prepared for delivery:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to be with all of you. And I\u2019m so honored by this recognition.\n\n\u201cI believe in American primacy and in the power of alliances. I make no apology for these beliefs, and I trace them directly to the example of our 40th president.\n\n\u201cPresident Reagan\u2019s leadership was a source both of professional wisdom and personal inspiration to me. I suspect the same is true for so many of you here today. Even in the climactic moments of a struggle that defined half a century, the consummate cold warrior spoke for posterity.\n\n\u201cPresident Reagan knew that the principles that guided the West\u2019s triumph were not to be discarded with the rubble of Soviet tyranny. He called our attention to the old adage that \u2018America is great because it is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd just as greatness follows goodness, he reminded us of another principle, no less important: peace through strength.\n\n\u201cThe value of these lessons is timeless. But as we all know, their endurance is hardly certain.\n\n\u201cAt the Reagan Library, I\u2019m preaching to the choir. But in Washington, as we face down a new era of great power competition, influential voices want to leave the lessons of the last such competition, the Cold War, at the door.\n\n\u201cAt both ends of our politics, a dangerous fiction is taking hold \u2013 that America\u2019s primacy and the fruits of our leadership are self-sustaining. Even as allies across NATO and the Indo-Pacific renew their own commitments to hard power, to interoperability, and to collective defense, some now question America\u2019s own role at the center of these force-multiplying institutions and partnerships.\n\n\u201cWithin the party Ronald Reagan once led so capably, it is increasingly fashionable to suggest that the sort of global leadership he modeled is no longer America\u2019s place. But let\u2019s be absolutely clear: America will not be made great again by those who are content to manage our decline.\n\n\u201cSo how do we turn back this tide? How do we renew a firm American commitment to peace through strength? As I take on my next role as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, these are some of the questions I\u2019ll be focused on.\n\n\u201cThe answers will be rooted in the centrality of hard power and the importance of alliances and partnerships \u2013 things our 40th president understood well.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019ll mean standing with friends in need \u2013 whether they\u2019re resisting neo-Soviet imperialism in Ukraine, Iran-backed terrorist slaughter in Israel, or PRC hegemony in the Indo-Pacific.\n\n\u201cAnd we\u2019ll have to bring back into focus another lesson of President Reagan\u2019s leadership: the link between capability and credibility. The 40th Commander-in-Chief knew that changing Soviet behavior required both the military capability to prevent or punish hostile action and the will to exercise this power and follow through on threats.\n\n\u201cToday, the United States has given the world reason to doubt both our capability and our credibility. For years, we\u2019ve neglected our military readiness, the depth of our magazine, and our defense industrial base. We\u2019ve allowed our deterrent capabilities to atrophy. And we\u2019ve let hesitation and half-measures drain the potency of the capabilities we have maintained.\n\n\u201cRebuilding this mechanism of deterrence and influence begins with generational investments in the national defense enterprise. We are right to call out the growing alignment and coordination of China, Russia, and Iran. They represent the gravest combined threat to U.S. security since the Cold War \u2013 or even the Second World War.\n\n\u201cBut if we mean what we say, then we ought to invest accordingly. As the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission recently argued, a challenge this great requires an effort at least on par with that of the Cold War.\n\n\u201cPut that in perspective. In 1945, America had just finished pouring untold human sacrifice, and a material investment reaching 37% of our GDP, into winning the Second World War.\n\n\u201cOver the course of the Cold War, we invested nearly 14% of GDP during Korea, over 9 percent during Vietnam, and 6 percent in 1986.\n\n\u201cToday, we spend roughly 3% of our GDP on defense, barely half of the Reagan buildup that buried the Soviet Union. In this House of Reagan, I should point out that even Jimmy Carter invested more in defense than America does today.\n\n\u201cThere is no escaping the fact that quantity has a quality all its own. The sort of great power war America\u2019s military must prepare for today would entail staggering requirements we haven\u2019t seen since World War II.\n\n\u201cThe Pentagon is not equipped to meet the demands of protracted or multi-theater conflict. Neither is our defense industrial base.\n\n\u201cBlame for this chronic deficiency is plentiful. It begins with anemic defense budget requests that encourage using critical munitions as bill-payers for other priorities\u2026 And, of course, Congress bears blame for the glacial pace of appropriations. Consistent demand signals for critical capabilities are a square-one requirement.\n\n\u201cAt the same time, the need for interceptors and long-range munitions is obvious. The demand from both American forces and our allies and partners isn\u2019t going anywhere anytime soon. Industry partners should recognize it and plan accordingly.\n\n\u201cPatriotic companies have more work to do to expand production capacity. And they need to do it today, rather than wait for contracts we all know are coming. We need to adopt new technologies more quickly and expand production capacity at the same time.\n\n\u201cThis is not the time for idle, abstract promises. The challenges before us require serious, sustained commitments and durable solutions. The threat of simultaneous conflict in multiple theaters is real. And half-measures are not enough.\n\n\u201cAs Admiral Harold Stark, CNO through the early months of the last war in the Pacific, put it: \u2018Dollars cannot buy yesterday\u2019.\n\n\u201cThe task before us is urgent. We can\u2019t afford to miss opportunities to restore American hard power and industrial capacity before conflicts ignite. We need to be investing \u2013 yesterday \u2013 in long-range fires, munitions, air and missile defenses, shipbuilding, and more.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s all well and good to spend time talking about grave threats. But our enemies care much more about what we do than what we say. Merely invoking \u2018peace through strength\u2019 is not enough. We have an obligation to provide for the common defense. And it calls us to actually build and maintain that strength.\n\n\u201cUnless we\u2019re willing to spend the necessary resources to address them, talk is cheap. And a defense authorization bill that fails to set topline funding above the President\u2019s request would be a tragic missed opportunity we would likely come to regret. A re-run of the Budget Control Act\u2019s harm to military readiness would be a devastating abdication of our responsibility.\n\n\u201cWe need to make the sort of investments in American primacy and hard power that the world hasn\u2019t seen since Ronald Reagan was calling the shots. And it\u2019s not just proud Reagan Republicans saying so. By the Institute\u2019s latest survey, the American people understand intuitively what this particularly dangerous world demands of its greatest military and the arsenal of democracy.\n\n\u201cA clear majority \u2013 seventeen points greater than just two years ago \u2013 agrees that America should be more engaged and take the lead. And \u2013 surely to the dismay of proponents of \u2018managed decline\u2019 or \u2018leading from behind\u2019 \u2013 when asked what objectives the U.S. military should be prepared to achieve if faced with simultaneous major-power conflicts, the largest share said: \u2018victory\u2019.\n\n\u201cThese citizens have it exactly right. America shouldn\u2019t play for a tie. And to accept decline is to invite defeat.\n\n\u201cThe American people\u2019s message echoes a chapter of history that Washington would do well to brush up on. Think back to 1940. Isolationism had already lost its grip on American public opinion. In the Nazi conquests of Poland and France, and in the blitz over London, Americans saw an aggressor who wouldn\u2019t stop at the water\u2019s edge.\n\n\u201cThey saw their own security and prosperity hanging in the balance. And they said so. Overwhelming majorities of Americans told pollsters they supported massive new investments in defense and even the institution of the draft. But as we know, their leaders didn\u2019t feel the same urgency.\n\n\u201cAt critical moments, their president waited for events to force his hand. Meanwhile, the anti-intervention bloc in Congress continued to protest equipping frontline allies and partners to fight back and scoffed at the notion that war overseas threatened America\u2019s interests.\n\n\u201cThat is\u2026 until 83 years ago, today.\n\n\u201cArthur Vandenberg, one of the Senate\u2019s staunchest anti-interventionists, confessed that December 7th, 1941 \u2018ended isolationism for any realist.\u2019 And thank God it did \u2013 American industry already had its work cut out for it after years of neglect for military might.\n\n\u201cIt is reckless to assume once again that we can buy readiness overnight. It is dangerous to pretend that America\u2019s credibility is divisible. President Reagan knew better than to wait for calamity to force his hand.\n\n\u201cSo should we.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1F1A6320-8652-477D-8A7B-C1B0A6B828FF", "Reps. Barr & Bera Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging House and Senate Leadership to Pass Taiwan Double Taxation Relief", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Andy Barr (KY-06) and Ami Bera, (CA-06), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, led a bipartisan letter with over 100 members of Congress urging House and Senate leadership to pass the U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures before the end of the year.\n\nThe House passed Taiwan-related provisions in the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act this January which would provide targeted relief from double taxation on U.S. \u2013 Taiwan cross-border investment and provide authority for the President to enter into a tax agreement relative to Taiwan.\n\nHowever, efforts to get Taiwan tax relief across the finish line have not yet succeeded, as the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act remains stalled in the Senate.\n\nIn the letter, the Members wrote in part:\n\n\u201cCurrently, tax disincentives discourage Taiwanese and American companies from expanding reciprocal investments in both economies due to the absence of a bilateral tax arrangement.\n\n\u201cWithout double tax relief, these disincentives will hinder additional Taiwanese investments in critical sectors, such as semiconductors, within the U.S. economy. The absence of these investments and expertise will make it even more difficult for the United States to lessen its foreign dependency on imports of critical technologies and avert supply chain disruptions that pose ongoing threats to U.S. national security and economic growth.\n\n\u201cWe can make real progress in removing tax disincentives on U.S. and Taiwan cross-border investments by enacting the U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year. We believe there is overwhelming support in the Senate for doing so, as was the case in the House. We urge you to collaborate actively to pass the Taiwan tax provisions passed in the House before the 118th Congress adjourns. U.S. and Taiwanese investors shouldn\u2019t have to wait for the next Congress to act.\u201d\n\nClick here for the full text of the letter:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/12/house-passes-comer-s-bipartisan-bill-to-reauthorize-the-office-of-national-drug-control-policy", "House Passes Comer\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize the Office of National Drug Control Policy", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) today praised the House of Representatives\u2019 passage of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 9598). Congressman Comer introduced this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the ONDCP and related programs, ensuring federal agencies are properly equipped to hold drug traffickers accountable, particularly at the southwest border. The bipartisan bill will also reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program\u2014which will help local law enforcement in Logan, Simpson, Marion, and Adair County coordinate efforts to take down drug traffickers.\n\n.\n\n\u201cToday, the House of Representatives took action to address the drug crisis claiming too many lives across our nation. The Office of National Drug Control Policy plays a key role in combating the fentanyl and drug epidemic devastating communities across the United States. My bipartisan ONDCP Reauthorization Act provides the necessary tools to combat this crisis. It ensures federal agencies responsible for securing the border and prosecuting drug traffickers are effectively using their resources to prevent illicit drugs from pouring across the southwest border. I urge the Senate to act swiftly on this bill so we can deliver it to the president\u2019s desk for signature,\u201d said Congressman Comer.\n\n.\n\nKey Provisions of H.R. 9598:\n\nReauthorizes the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program and the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) program at FY 2024 enacted funding levels through FY 2031.\n\nSimilarly reauthorizes related ONDCP programs including the Drug Court Training and Technical Assistance program, the Model Acts Program, the Community-Based Coalition Enhancement Grants program, and the National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute.\n\nIncorporates key aspects of the HIDTA Reauthorization Act (H.R. 7185), led by Rep. John Duarte (R-Calif.) and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), to bolster local law enforcement resources and temporarily reassign prosecutorial resources to combat fentanyl.\n\nCodifies the Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act (H.R. 920), led by Rep. Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-Puerto Rico) and Rep. Stacy Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), to ensure ONDCP continues to deliver strategies to address drug trafficking in the Caribbean.\n\nRequires the ONDCP Director to conduct a study on life saving opioid overdose reversal agents.\n\nDirects the ONDCP Director to coordinate with the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and State to ensure appropriate agencies are properly resourced to ensure that traffickers of illicit drugs are held accountable under Title 8 immigration authorities.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Homeland Security to include in a report to the ONDCP Director the effects of current trends of encounters at the southwest border on CBP\u2019s ability to interdict deadly, illicit drugs.\n\nOriginal cosponsors are Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), John Duarte (R-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-Puerto Rico), and Stacey Plaskett (D-U.S. Virgin Islands).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-elected-to-key-progressive-leadership-role", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey Elected to Key Progressive Leadership Role", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 5, 2024) \u2013 Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) announced that he has been elected a Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) for the 119th Congress.\n\n\u201cRight now, we need bold, progressive leadership to push back against an increasingly extreme Republican majority and put power back where it belongs\u2014with the people,\u201d said Rep. McGarvey. \u201cAs the sole Democrat representing Kentucky in Washington, I carry the voice of working-class communities from metro Louisville to rural Appalachia, and I understand the unique challenges we face. I\u2019m honored to be elected a Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and I\u2019m looking forward to joining my fellow progressive champions in the fight for policies that create a better future for all Americans.\u201d\n\nIn the 118th Congress, Rep. McGarvey passed bills to protect veterans from being scammed out of their education benefits and to support entrepreneurs with disabilities. He worked to ban no-knock warrants to ensure no American is wrongfully killed by police in their own home. He also stood up for workers through the Workers POWER Act and fought for America\u2019s youth with the Young Adult Tax Credit and the Child Safety and Well-Being Act. He pushed to protect our environment with the Appalachian Communities Health Equity Act and led efforts to clean up toxic mine lands, while championing the idea of a sovereign wealth fund to ensure future generations have the resources they need.\n\nRep. McGarvey most recently served as a CPC Special Order Hour Convener and hosted discussions on the House Floor with fellow progressive members about gun violence prevention and LGBTQ+ rights.\n\nRep. McGarvey joins fellow CPC leadership to announce results of 119th Congress leadership elections\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F2BC915B-085B-4F85-98D3-5648CE32B031", "McConnell Remarks on Israel-Hizballah Ceasefire", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Israel:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s been a week since Israel and Hizballah agreed to a ceasefire. War is hell, and I hope sincerely that this marks a durable end to the immediate conflict.\n\n\u201cBut hope is not a strategy, and I know better than to expect honest dealing from hardened terrorists.\n\n\u201cIt would be na\u00efve enough a year and a half ago to believe Iran and its proxies had suddenly decided to accept Israel\u2019s right to exist.\n\n\u201cBut in light of the horrors of October 7th and the sustained campaign of terror since then, it\u2019s more likely that Iran and its proxies mean to alleviate the pressure of Israel\u2019s successful operations and give Hizballah \u2013 the A-team of international terrorism and the vanguard of Iran\u2019s axis of anti-Semitic violence \u2013 a chance to catch its breath.\n\n\u201cIn the weeks and months to come, the strength of this ceasefire will be tested repeatedly.\n\n\u201cWill it prevent Iran from resupplying and regenerating Hizballah\u2019s capacity to wage terror?\n\n\u201cWill it enable Lebanon\u2019s political leaders to chart a new path out of Hizballah\u2019s stranglehold of the country?\n\n\u201cWill it allow residents of northern Israel to feel safe enough to return home?\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s important to remember why Israel faced this terror in the first place: despite Chapter 7 UN Security Council resolutions demanding compliance, the ceasefire agreement that ended hostilities in 2006 was never enforced.\n\n\u201cEven with Lebanese Armed Forces and UN peacekeepers on the ground, Hizballah re-armed and Iranian influence reached deeper into Lebanon. Such a tragic farce must not be allowed to repeat itself.\n\n\u201cThis ceasefire is not a solution. If regional powers want peace, they will need to act.\n\n\u201cFirst, Israel\u2019s neighbors must decide whether they want to be peaceful and sovereign countries\u2026 or vassals of Iran and legitimate targets of war. This applies to Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon\u2019s fractured government.\n\n\u201cThe United States, for its part, must ensure Israel has the freedom of maneuver to target and destroy Iran\u2019s military and logistical lifelines. And America should move quickly to restore Israel\u2019s munitions stockpiles.\n\n\u201cAs I expect the incoming administration already knows, this means removing restrictions on the sale of needed weapons like 2000-pound smart bombs.\n\n\u201cBut there\u2019s a broader, more fundamental lesson I hope we\u2019ll take away from Israel\u2019s stunningly successful campaign against Hizballah \u2013 it\u2019s about the credibility of threats.\n\n\u201cIt was Israel\u2019s bold and decisive operations, not the overly cautious calls for restraint from Washington, that made a cessation of hostilities possible. The Jewish state has left Iran no reason to doubt Israel\u2019s capacity and willingness to protect its citizens and restore its sovereignty by force.\n\n\u201cAmerica ought to apply this lesson to our own approach to the Iran-backed groups that continue to attack American forces across the region. And to Ukraine, as well. Too many in Washington still believe that the path to peace lies in restraining our friends.\n\n\u201cThe evidence of coordination between our adversaries \u2013 China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea \u2013 is incontrovertible. It\u2019s high time that America\u2019s support for our friends carried real weight.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=38E31512-AF02-42D7-B6CD-3096D4BD8B98", "McConnell On Judges Un-Retiring: \u2018If You Play Political Games, Expect Political Prizes.\u2019", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding judicial nominees:\n\n\u201cJust before Thanksgiving, the Senate reached a deal on judicial nominees.\n\n\u201cRepublicans would forego our available procedural roadblocks on the remaining nominations to district courts\u2014which have the votes to be confirmed\u2014and in exchange the Democratic Leader won\u2019t bring any of the remaining nominations to circuit courts to the floor\u2014because they don\u2019t have the votes to be confirmed.\n\n\u201cAs a result, President Biden is getting around a dozen more district judges and the next president will get four more circuits to fill. At least, I expect he will.\n\n\u201cWe have already seen two partisan Democrat district judges \u2018un-retire\u2019 after the American people voted to fire Democrats last month. This is noteworthy. Looking to history, only two judges have ever \u2018un-retired\u2019 after a presidential election\u2014one Democrat in 2004, and one Republican in 2009.\n\n\u201cBut now, in just a matter of weeks, Democrats have already met that all-time record.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to conclude that this is anything other than open partisanship.\n\n\u201cThey rolled the dice that a Democrat could replace them and now that he won\u2019t, they\u2019re changing their plans to keep a Republican from doing it.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a brazen admission. And the incoming administration would be wise to explore all available recusal options with these judges, because it\u2019s clear now that they have a political finger on the scale.\n\n\u201cThis sort of partisan behavior undermines the integrity of the judiciary. It exposes bold Democratic blue where there should only be black robes.\n\n\u201cBut it would be especially alarming if either of the two circuit judges whose announced retirements created the vacancies currently pending before the Senate\u2014in Tennessee and North Carolina\u2014were to follow suit.\n\n\u201cNever before has a circuit judge unretired after a presidential election. It\u2019s literally unprecedented. And to create such a precedent would fly in the face of a rare bipartisan compromise on the disposition of these vacancies.\n\n\u201cIt was no surprise to hear the New York Times bemoan this deal. But its editorial didn\u2019t doubt that these vacancies now properly belong to the next President.\n\n\u201cTo borrow from President Obama, elections have consequences. But those consequences are for the political branches of government. For sitting judges to change their announced retirement plans because of presidential election results or the Senate Executive Calendar puts them three zip codes away from their proper judicial role.\n\n\u201cIf these circuit judges unretire because they don\u2019t like who won the election, I can only assume they will face significant ethics complaints based on Canons 2 and 5 of the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges, followed by serial recusal demands from the Department of Justice. And they\u2019ll have earned it.\n\n\u201cAs I have repeatedly warned the judiciary in other matters, if you play political games, expect political prizes.\n\n\u201cSo let\u2019s hope these judges do the right thing and enjoy their well-earned retirements.\n\n\u201cLeave the politics to the political branches, where we just demonstrated that even on an issue as contentious as judicial nominations, both sides can still come together for a good deal.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7C3C9D9A-A948-4D2D-88E0-3DD1F950B9EC", "McConnell: It\u2019s Well Past Time For The Senate To Pass NDAA, Government Funding", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding outstanding business:\n\n\u201cThe Senate has three weeks to complete some of the most important business of the year. And at this late hour, we\u2019ll have to act on legislation that comes to us from the House.\n\n\u201cBut let\u2019s be absolutely clear: December drama is not the way to demonstrate we\u2019re serious about our most basic governing responsibilities.\n\n\u201cWith the exception of urgent supplemental assistance to states and communities hit hard by natural disasters in recent months, essential and predictable annual assignments like the NDAA and government funding are now well overdue.\n\n\u201cOur colleagues on the Armed Services Committee completed their work on the NDAA back in June. They conducted extensive hearings, considered a wide array of amendments, and \u2013 thanks to the work of Ranking Member Wicker \u2013 secured an increase to topline authorization with bipartisan support.\n\n\u201cThey handed the legislation off to the Democratic Leader with months to spare.\n\n\u201cSimilarly, in the Appropriations Committee worked diligently to present full-year funding bills ahead of the start of the fiscal year. I\u2019m particularly proud of the work of committee Republicans, under Vice Chair Collins\u2019 leadership, to secure higher topline funding for the national defense.\n\n\u201cThe most important power in the Senate is the power to set our agenda. Only the Majority Leader holds that power.\n\n\u201cAnd last year, the Majority Leader said publicly that \u2018The United States is ready to compete vigorously with the PRC.\u2019\n\n\u201cThe overwhelming consensus of U.S. national security experts contradicts that view.\n\n\u201cBut even if we once were ready to compete and deter aggression from the adversaries who are working together to threaten us\u2026\n\n\u201c\u2026Letting critical national security legislation collect dust for months while the Senate rubber-stamps radical nominees is one heck of a way to sustain that elusive readiness or project American resolve.\n\n\u201cThe full Senate was denied a chance to work its will on the NDAA.\n\n\u201cAs a result, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee was forced to negotiate against the House\u2019s much lower top line for defense spending from a weaker position.\n\n\u201cThe same is true for Defense appropriations and Vice Chair Collins\u2019 efforts.\n\n\u201cAs Ranking Member Wicker has pointed out repeatedly, we\u2019ve got a lot of work to do to repair America\u2019s military and rebuild our defense industrial base.\n\n\u201cAnd finishing urgent business in December won\u2019t be cause for celebration.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019ll just be the end of an utterly avoidable delay.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=183CABD6-B9D0-41B8-B197-52ACB0146A45", "McConnell Announces Kentucky Selected as U.S. Army TNT Production Facility", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "MUHLENBERG COUNTY, KY \u2013 At a press conference today, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the U.S. Army will award Repkon USA $435,000,000 to construct a Trinitrotoluene (TNT) production facility in Graham, Kentucky, the first domestic source of TNT in the United States since the 1980s. Senator McConnell was instrumental in securing this investment, a top strategic priority for the U.S. Army, through his work to shepherd the FY 2024 National Security Supplemental to Senate passage.\n\nSenator McConnell was joined by U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Repkon USA, Army officials, and County Judge-Executive Mack McGehee for the announcement in Muhlenberg County.\n\nTNT is a critical explosive our military uses for artillery shells, bombs, grenades, and other materiel. The Muhlenberg County facility will utilize state-of-the-art technology, maximizing the use of automation and digitization, and a novel waste neutralization process.\n\n\u201cFor the first time in decades, America will produce TNT on its own soil, manufacturing the explosive material our military uses for everything from hand grenades to 155mm artillery. I\u2019m proud that the National Security Supplemental I championed in the Senate will bring home $435 million in federal funding to establish this TNT capability right here in Kentucky, helping retool the defense industrial base our military relies on. Through this partnership with the Army and Repkon USA, our state is proving once again that we have the infrastructure, workforce, and logistics edge to take on projects critical to our national defense,\u201d said Senator Mitch McConnell. \u201cWorking alongside Congressman Guthrie and CJE McGehee, I will continue to ensure Western Kentucky always punches above its weight.\u201d\n\n\u201cI was proud to support today\u2019s announcement of a significant military investment in Muhlenberg County led by Leader McConnell and joined by Repkon USA President Bryan Van Brunt, Muhlenberg County Judge-Executive Mack McGehee, and Department of Defense officials. This critical investment in Muhlenberg County will not only make a direct and positive economic impact on our community bringing in more than 50 jobs, but will also help to reshore our military supply chains by producing TNT on American soil for the first time in decades. I am pleased to support this project and the partnership that is now formed between our Western Kentucky Community, the Army and Repkon USA,\u201d said Congressman Guthrie.\n\n\u201cToday marks the beginning of the return of TNT production to American soil, a capability we have not had since 1986. This history making initiative underscores our commitment to strengthening our national security and reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical materials. A domestic source of TNT is a crucial step in strengthening and building resilience in our Defense Industrial Base to ensure our armed forces have timely access to essential resources,\u201d said Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition and Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal located in New Jersey. \u201cI would like to thank Senator McConnell and fellow members of Congress for placing their trust and confidence in the Army and the men and women of Picatinny Arsenal who work tirelessly to support the Warfighter. The authorities and resourcing entrusted to us is clearly reenergizing the defense industrial base and is enabling our efforts to rebuild the Arsenal of Democracy and we look forward to the continued partnership with Repkon USA and the great people from Kentucky in making this new facility a reality.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepkon USA is honored to perform this project for the US Army. This is a historic opportunity to build a brand new domestic capability that is vital to our military services and will be used for decades to come. We are grateful to leaders at the Army for their trust in us to establish this facility, and to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for his steadfast leadership and advocacy on behalf of our nation's military, without which we would not be here today,\u201d said Bryan Van Brunt, President, Repkon USA Holdings, Inc.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/11/comer-we-must-uphold-our-solemn-pledge-to-care-for-our-nation-s-veterans", "Comer: We Must Uphold Our Solemn Pledge to Care for Our Nation\u2019s Veterans", "2024-11-07", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) published an op-ed recognizing Veterans in Kentucky's 1st Congressional District and their unwavering dedication and service to this country. As the nation prepares for Veterans Day, Congressman Comer discusses his commitment to advocating for the men and women who fought to safeguard our freedoms.\n\n.\n\nRead Congressman Comer\u2019s op-ed below:\n\n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1EC5405A-B253-430B-A548-B83ACEE81707", "McConnell Statement On The Passing Of Bernie Marcus", "2024-11-05", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today on the passing of Bernard \u201cBernie\u201d Marcus:\n\n\u201cElaine and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Bernie Marcus, a good friend and a great American.\n\n\u201cBernie\u2019s life story bears every hallmark of the American dream. A son of immigrants made something out of nothing, and now leaves his entire nation better than he found it. This is especially true of Bernie\u2019s adopted home of Atlanta, Georgia, where he built a great American company and where he returned so many of the fruits of his success in generous philanthropy.\n\n\u201cCreating an engine of hundreds of thousands of American jobs is a monumental legacy, in itself. But Bernie rightly took greatest pride in honoring the Jewish calling of \u201ctzedakah\u201d, making a tremendous difference for worthy causes \u2013 from autism and cancer research to veteran and community support.\n\n\u201cCountless lives improved and saved are an enduring testament to Bernie Marcus\u2019 generosity. Today, we join his wife, Billi, and the entire Marcus family in remembrance of a big heart and a life well lived.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-files-bipartisan-bicameral-amicus-brief-urging-supreme-court-to-restore-federal-accountability-in-wrong-house-raid-case/", "Dr. Rand Paul Files Bipartisan, Bicameral Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Restore Federal Accountability in Wrong-House Raid Case", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nNovember 1, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nDr. Rand Paul Files Bipartisan, Bicameral Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Restore Federal Accountability in Wrong-House Raid Case\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), alongside Representatives Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Nikema Williams (D-GA-5), Thomas Massie (R-KY-4), and Dan Bishop (R-NC-8) filed a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Martin v. United States and address the alarming gap in federal accountability created by the Eleventh Circuit\u2019s ruling in this case.\n\nThis case centers around a mistaken, forceful raid by federal agents who entered the wrong home in the early hours of the morning. The family inside was jolted awake by a flashbang grenade exploding within their walls. This raid left the family not only traumatized but physically harmed. Despite the evident toll on these innocent individuals and the assault that they suffered, the Eleventh Circuit\u2019s ruling currently bars them from any avenue for recourse under the FTCA, even though Congress designed this law in the wake of several wrong house raids to ensure accountability for federal overreach. This brief asserts that the Eleventh Circuit\u2019s interpretation of the FTCA contradicts the FTCA\u2019s legislative intent and threatens Americans\u2019 protections against federal overreach.\n\n\u201cCongress specifically designed the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to ensure that individuals harmed by government overreach\u2014such as the wrongful raiding of an innocent person\u2019s home\u2014have a means of recourse. By blocking Trina Martin\u2019s right to seek redress, the Eleventh Circuit\u2019s decision not only undermines Congress\u2019 intent and the FTCA\u2019s fundamental purpose but also establishes troubling precedent that places government actions beyond accountability, compromising Americans\u2019 rights. We must ensure that when the government makes a mistake, citizens can hold it accountable and seek justice. This case is a critical step in preserving that protection,\u201d said Dr. Rand Paul.\n\n\u201cThrough the Federal Tort Claims Act, Congress provided a remedy for federal wrong-house raids, but the Eleventh Circuit has taken it away,\u201d explained Patrick Jaicomo, a Senior Attorney at the Institute for Justice, which represents the innocent family. \u201cThe brief filed by members of Congress today confirms the availability of that federal remedy, and that the constitutional role of the courts is to enforce\u2014not revoke\u2014the remedy Congress has provided.\u201d\n\nIn Martin v. United States, the Eleventh Circuit ruled that victims of the wrong-house raid could not recover damages due to the Supremacy Clause, despite the FTCA\u2019s purpose to hold federal law enforcement accountable for wrongful actions. Congress introduced the FTCA\u2019s law enforcement provision specifically to protect citizens harmed in cases like these, yet the Eleventh Circuit\u2019s stance nullifies that protection, leaving innocent citizens vulnerable.\n\nThe Supremacy Clause was intended to assert the primacy of federal statutes\u2014not to obstruct claims explicitly permitted by Congress. The bipartisan, bicameral brief makes it clear that if the Eleventh Circuit\u2019s interpretation is upheld, it will fundamentally undermine the FTCA\u2019s role in federal accountability, allowing agents to act with impunity and without fear of recourse from innocent citizens.\n\nBy granting review and overturning the Eleventh Circuit\u2019s decision, the Supreme Court would reinforce the FTCA as Congress intended\u2014empowering Americans to hold federal agents accountable for intentional harms, particularly in cases like these that carry such personal and constitutional significance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-joins-call-for-potus-to-engage-on-stalled-u-s-china-adoptions/", "Dr. Rand Paul Joins Call for POTUS to Engage on Stalled U.S.-China Adoptions", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nNovember 1, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nDr. Rand Paul Joins Call for POTUS to Engage on Stalled U.S.-China Adoptions\n\n103 members of Congress amplify adoptive families\u2019 plea to Biden: \u2018Your leadership could be life altering for these families\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) joined Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD) to urge President Biden to stand up for families navigating the People\u2019s Republic of China\u2019s (PRC) decision to end intercountry adoptions for those without Chinese familial ties. Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN-9) and Val Hoyle (D-OR-4) are co-leading the bipartisan effort, which garnered a total of 103 bicameral signatories, in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cWe request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,\u201d the lawmakers wrote, noting approximately 300 children in the PRC \u2013 some with various health conditions \u2013 are already paired with families in the United States.\n\n\u201cThe American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,\u201d they continued. \u201cMany of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.\u201d\n\nDr. Paul and his colleagues also acknowledged the PRC may complete adoptions for families in some countries, per a State Department notice last week. They called on President Biden to ensure such an action would pertain to the United States, too.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9E266722-594B-4F6B-A2C0-D27D33D7B027", "Leader McConnell Comments on Gov. Beshear's Call to Abolish Electoral College", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "LOUISVILLE, KY - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's comments today in support of abolishing the Electoral College:\n\n\"I wish I could say I\u2019m surprised by Governor Beshear\u2019s latest calls to abolish the Electoral College \u2013 but I\u2019m not. Democrats\u2019 disregard \u2013 and borderline disdain \u2013 for the constitutional guardrails that safeguard our political system has lurked below the surface of their rhetoric for a long, long time.\n\n\"No institution is too dear if it stands between a Democrat and their progressive \u2018reforms\u2019 to \u2018preserve democracy\u2019 \u2013 the standard euphemism for partisan power grabs on the Left. Those genuinely concerned about the future of our country should call for strengthening our constitutional guardrails, not obliterating them.\n\n\"At its core, the Electoral College protects Americans from the whims of the majority, something I\u2019m familiar with in the Senate. It\u2019s what makes our democracy, and our sprawling nationwide elections, feasible. And it\u2019s what compels presidents to govern nationally rather than pandering to the interests of New York and California. Without it, no presidential candidate would ever travel to a small state in Middle America, like Kentucky.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6658802F-C655-40C9-BDCC-761E76134F82", "McConnell Helps Secure $1 Million in Federal Funding for Capital City Airport in Frankfort", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the U.S. Department of Transportation will provide $1 million to the Capital City Airport in Frankfort, Kentucky to support the redevelopment of the terminal. According to airport officials, the federal funding will be used to construct a new, modern two-story facility that will expand passenger access, increase airfield safety, and support aviation career training programs.\n\nSenator McConnell contacted the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in support of the airport\u2019s competitive grant application for this project.\n\nThe federal grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Airport Terminal Program, established in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Senator McConnell led the IIJA to Senate passage in 2021, and the President signed the bill into law. The IIJA gives Kentucky billions of federal dollars over five years to improve the Commonwealth\u2019s roads, bridges, railroads, riverports, airports, broadband, and more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BBE57EB5-72F0-4D8B-8690-DE85AD504C7C", "Barr, Gonzalez Introduce CFPB CID Reform Legislation", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 On Friday, U.S. Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY-06) and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) introduced the Civil Investigative Demand Reform Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation would reform the process the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) uses when issuing civil investigative demands (CIDs) to financial services providers to ensure these industry participants are given due process. Through the extortionary CID request, the CFPB issues broad information requests that amount to a fishing expedition without specific evidence of wrongdoing. This legislation would require the CFPB to explicitly reference any alleged violations as well as allow companies the ability to raise concerns such as vagueness or undue burden of CIDs. The CFPB would then have 20 days to narrow or justify their CID. Additionally, financial firms would be able to bring CIDs to federal court for relief if the CFPB denies a reasonable petition to modify or set aside a demand. Finally, the legislation would impose a 6-year statute of limitations on CIDs.\n\n\u201cRecent activity shows that the CFPB has abused its ability to examine consumer financial services providers through CIDs by producing vague statements of purpose without specifying alleged wrongful conduct; ultimately limiting procedural relief available to respondents,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThe financial services industry needs to comply with the CFPB\u2019s CIDs, but they also have the right to know what the CFPB is asking for and what it is pursuant to a stated violation. The Civil Investigative Demand Reform Act of 2024 will give industry the regulatory clarity they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cSmall financial institutions are vital to our local economies as they provide greater loan access and financial stability to many,\u201d said Congressman Gonzalez. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Congressman Barr and introduce the Civil Investigative Demand Reform Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that our financial institutions can provide important services to our communities by reducing burdensome bureaucratic barriers while still prioritizing consumer safety.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-returns-over-5-million-to-louisvillians", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey Returns Over $5 Million to Louisvillians", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LOUISVILLE, KY (October 29, 2024) \u2013 Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) announced that his team has closed nearly 2,500 constituent cases since taking office last year, saving Louisvillians over $5 million in benefits, backpay, and owed federal dollars.\n\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s making sure veterans receive their earned benefits or clearing up an issue with a passport renewal, Team McGarvey is here to help,\u201d said Rep. McGarvey. \u201cMy constituent service team works hard to quickly and compassionately to resolve federal issues on behalf of Louisville families, and over the past two years, we\u2019ve been able to close nearly 2,500 of these cases and put $5,000,000 back in constituents\u2019 pockets. It\u2019s an incredible milestone, and I\u2019m proud of the positive impact our work has had on the lives of our fellow Louisvillians.\u201d\n\nSee what constituents are saying about the help they received below:\n\n\u201cI waited 9 months for survivors benefits from Social Security, then I called these amazing people and I received it in 3 days. Thank you so much\u201d - Sherry O.\n\n\u201cI wanted to thank you for your incredible support with my brother\u2019s complicated case involving the Embassy and USCIS. Your prompt and effective handling made a significant difference, and we are truly grateful for your assistance. Your dedication and swift action were greatly appreciated. Thank you for your outstanding support!\u201d - Ibrahim W.\n\n\u201cI had given up any possibility of going on my trip to Antigua. I had been trying to change my last name on my passport for 5 months. I could never talk to anyone at the passport customer service center that could clearly answer any of my questions, so I was mailing forms back and forth constantly. My travel agent suggested, with 12 days to spare, that I reach out to my local Congressman\u2019s office. I honestly didn\u2019t think they would be able to assist me but boy was I wrong!! Within minutes of them inquiring on my behalf, they were informed that my passport would be printed, and they were also provided tracking information. This was on Monday, TUESDAY my passport was in Louisville. I do not believe this would have happened if not for the quick and efficient help received from this office. I can\u2019t thank them enough!!\u201d - Bridgette M.\n\n\"Exceptional! Your professionalism and efficiency have lifted so much stress that my family was going through. Your timely updates were invaluable. Grateful for your help.\u201d - Mohammad M.\n\nFor more casework success testimonials, click here. For assistance with a federal agency, please visit mcgarvey.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/photo-release-congressman-comer-receives-friend-of-farm-bureau-award-in-calloway-county", "Photo Release: Congressman Comer Receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award in Calloway County", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) was presented the \u201cFriend of Farm Bureau\u201d award at Furches Farm in Calloway County by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The award recognizes Congressman Comer\u2019s work and unwavering support for the agriculture industry in the 118th Congress. Presenting the award was Sharon Furches with Calloway County Farm Bureau and Glenn Howell with Fulton County Farm Bureau.\n\n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=43C5F7B1-9489-4B0D-8E12-6A901ED4D699", "Congressman Rogers Announces Approval of Letcher Prison Construction", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ROXANA, Ky. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers announced that the Bureau of Prisons\u2019 (BOP) next federal prison facility has been approved for construction in Letcher County. Colette Peters, BOP Director, published her official Record of Decision in the Federal Register on Monday, approving the medium-security prison facility and camp for construction in Roxana. Director Peters called Congressman Rogers on Friday to share the good news.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled that the many years of hard work by local leaders in Letcher County have paid off. They have improved broadband and strengthened local infrastructure, in effort to show the BOP that they were committed to supporting a new prison and the hundreds of jobs it will bring to the region,\u201d said Congressman Rogers. \u201cDirector Peters said the BOP is going to build a new modern, state-of-the-art facility in Letcher County that focuses on safety and wellness.\u201d\n\nAccording to the Record of Decision, the BOP will acquire approximately 500 acres of land in Roxana, Kentucky to construct and operate a new Federal Correctional Institution and Federal Prison Camp. It will be designed to house a population of 1,408 adults in custody.\n\nThe decision cites the need for a new modern facility in light of the BOP\u2019s \u201cgrowing number of aged and obsolete federal correctional facilities, which are no longer cost-effective or sustainable to operate and maintain.\u201d\n\nIn August, Congressman Rogers and the Letcher County Planning Commission hosted BOP Director Peters and her staff in Letcher County for a regional meeting, including leaders from seven neighboring counties, to discuss ongoing economic development to prepare for the prison, including the region\u2019s workforce.\n\n\u201cWe have worked for nearly 20 years to bring these much-needed jobs to Letcher County. Regardless of the decision, our county has benefitted from all the improvements that have been made to prepare for this prison. I can\u2019t thank Congressman Rogers enough for believing in us and being our champion along the way,\u201d said Elwood Cornett, cofounder of the Letcher County Planning Commission.\n\nAs a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Rogers has secured and protected more than $500 million for construction of the Letcher County FCI and Camp.\n\nCongressman Rogers said the BOP estimated it will take about one year for design work and property acquisitions before construction can begin for the facility in Roxana.\n\nThe Federal Bureau of Prisons currently employs more than 1,300 people in Kentucky\u2019s Fifth Congressional District, investing more than $83.7 million each year in wages in our region.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.\n\nPhoto: Elwood Cornett, BOP Director Colette Peters & Congressman Rogers discuss the proposed Letcher County FCI & Camp after a regional meeting, Aug. 30, 2024", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=605CA0C0-47DC-43B6-9CA5-64F509A6B08D", "McConnell Announces Over $38 Million in Federal Funding for Kentucky\u2019s Railroads", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award $32,183,290 to the R.J. Corman Railroad Group and $6,492,000 to the Louisville and Indiana Railroad Company (LIRC) through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.\n\nR.J. Corman will use today\u2019s award to rehabilitate tracks across multiple rail lines in Central and Western Kentucky, enhancing the efficiency and timeliness of its rail operations. The federal funding awarded to LIRC will support critical repairs to Clagg Bridge, an important rail bridge traversing the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky and Clarksville, Indiana that services both rail and waterway traffic.\n\nToday\u2019s awards are funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as well as annual appropriations from Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2024. Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, contacted the U.S. Secretary of Transpiration in support of both railways\u2019 competitive grant applications and advocated for CRISI funding in both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the annual appropriations process.\n\n\"As a transportation and logistics hub, Kentucky\u2019s railroads have been the linchpin of economic growth for generations of workers and job creators in the Commonwealth. The grants announced today will increase the speed, efficiency, and safety on two of Kentucky\u2019s keystone rail operations, improvements that support good jobs and commerce across our state. I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law precisely for projects like these, and I\u2019ll continue to be a fierce advocate for Kentucky\u2019s railroads, riverports, and waterways in years to come,\" said Senator McConnell.\n\n\"We are incredibly grateful to the Federal Railroad Administration for this grant, as well as to Senator McConnell, officials, and communities that supported this initiative. This partnership with R. J. Corman and Logan Aluminum underscores the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors. By leveraging federal infrastructure dollars alongside private investment, we are maximizing economic development opportunities for rail infrastructure in Kentucky. These enhancements will not only strengthen our ability to serve our customers but will also benefit a range of manufacturing companies and industries in central Kentucky. By improving the transportation of key commodities\u2014such as agricultural products, automotive components, and raw materials\u2014this project will bolster the region\u2019s economy, expand market access, and enhance the overall efficiency of our supply chain,\" said R. J. Corman Railroad Group President and CEO Ed Quinn.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=08B94C77-71AB-4941-93A0-3319D506C4EE", "Congressional Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Express Concern Over South Africa's Request to Relocate Taiwan Liaison Office", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY), Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, issued a statement expressing concern over South Africa's request to relocate Taiwan Liaison Office:\n\n\"South Africa's demand that Taiwan relocate its liaison office from Pretoria raises serious concerns about the extent of the PRC's influence in South Africa's affairs. We urge the South African government to reconsider this decision and reconfirm its commitment to its democratic partner Taiwan.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5CBC805B-A26E-4098-B09A-182D1EF4B193", "Leader McConnell and Speaker Johnson to VP Harris: End The Dangerous Rhetoric", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Leader McConnell and Speaker Johnson released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis summer, after the first attempted assassination of a presidential candidate in more than a century, President Biden insisted that \u2018we cannot allow this violence to be normalized.\u2019 In September, after President Trump escaped yet another close call, Vice President Harris acknowledged that \u2018we all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.\u2019\n\n\u201cThese words have proven hollow. In the weeks since that second sobering reminder, the Democratic nominee for President of the United States has only fanned the flames beneath a boiling cauldron of political animus. Her most recent and most reckless invocations of the darkest evil of the 20th century seem to dare it to boil over. The Vice President's words more closely resemble those of President Trump's second would-be assassin than her own earlier appeal to civility.\n\n\u201cThe man who was caught waiting in ambush in Florida left others with a chilling call to arms: \u2018It is up to you now to finish the job\u2019. Labeling a political opponent as a \u2018fascist,\u2019 risks inviting yet another would-be assassin to try robbing voters of their choice before Election Day.\n\n\u201cVice President Harris may want the American people to entrust her with the sacred duty of executive authority. But first, she must abandon the base and irresponsible rhetoric that endangers both American lives and institutions. We have both been briefed on the ongoing and persistent threats to former President Donald Trump by adversaries to the United States, and we call on the Vice President to take these threats seriously, stop escalating the threat environment, and help ensure President Trump has the necessary resources to be protected from those threats.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/comer-oversight-committee-delivered-transparency-accountability-and-solutions-for-the-american-people", "Comer: Oversight Committee Delivered Transparency, Accountability, and Solutions for the American People", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) published an op-ed highlighting the accomplishments of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability during the 118th Congress. As Chairman of the Committee, Congressman Comer restored the House Oversight Committee to its proper role of rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in the federal government and holding the Biden-Harris Administration accountable.\n\n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=064493E9-CF8B-48C2-9A63-B8B5A00E57DB", "McConnell Statement on the Passing of Senator Johnnie Turner", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "LOUISVILLE, KY \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kentucky State Senator Johnnie Turner:\n\n\u201cElaine and I were saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Senator Johnnie Turner. Throughout his service to Kentucky and the nation \u2013 in the U.S. Army, the State House, and the State Senate, representing Eastern Kentucky\u2019s communities \u2013 Johnnie lived his life for others. In recent years, I remember crossing paths with Johnnie to survey the damage left by the devastating floods that hit Eastern Kentucky. Johnnie was on the scene, ankle-deep in mud, his equipment from home in tow, ready to help folks in Letcher County. That\u2019s just who he was: a good man who loved the mountains and its people. We send our condolences to the entire Turner family, Johnnie\u2019s colleagues in the Senate, and all those touched by his service.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6EAAAF11-2470-407A-A52E-3A4C5E9F84A4", "McConnell Helps Secure Over $500,000 in Federal Funding for Workforce Development Facility in Western Kentucky", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will award $509,000 to the Murray-Calloway Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA) through the States\u2019 Economic Development Assistance Program. Today\u2019s funding will support the development of a skills training and workforce development facility for underemployed and unemployed workers in the community, which will help boost the earning potential of program participants and address worker shortages in the region.\n\nThis federal funding is made possible through a DRA assistance program, which is funded by the FY2023 government funding bill and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\nSenator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, advocated for DRA funding in both the annual appropriations process and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Senator also wrote a letter to Dr. Corey Wiggins, Federal Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority, in support of this project.\n\n\u201cLast year\u2019s government funding bill, as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provide big investments for Western Kentucky\u2019s communities, including assistance for Murray and Calloway counties\u2019 first workforce development facility. This project will help hardworking Kentuckians get back to work in their communities while addressing the growing needs of job creators in the Commonwealth. I was proud to support funding for this project and I'll continue to do what I can to ensure federal resources go toward Kentucky\u2019s communities that need them most,\u201d said Senator McConnell.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/media-advisory-congressman-comer-to-host-coffee-with-the-congressman-in-hickman-county", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Comer to Host Coffee with the Congressman in Hickman County", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) will host a \u201cCoffee with the Congressman\u201d at the Hickman County Cooperative Extension Service Office in Clinton, Kentucky at 10:30am CST. Constituents will have the opportunity to speak with Congressman Comer about local and national issues.\n\nTuesday, October 29, 2024\n\n10:30-11:30 AM CST\n\nHickman County Cooperative Extension Service Office\n\n329 James H. Phillips Drive\n\nClinton, KY 42031", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/media-advisory-congressman-comer-to-host-coffee-with-the-congressman-in-monroe-county", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Comer to Host Coffee with the Congressman in Monroe County", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Monday, October 28, 2024, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) will host a \u201cCoffee with the Congressman\u201d at 8:00am CST in the 2nd Floor Court Room adjacent to his District Office located at the Monroe County Courthouse in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. Constituents will have the opportunity to speak with Congressman Comer about national issues.\n\nMonday, October 28, 2024\n\n8:00 \u2013 9:00 AM CST\n\nMonroe County Courthouse\n\n2nd Floor Court Room\n\n(Adjacent to Congressman Comer\u2019s District Office)\n\n200 N. Main Street\n\nTompkinsville, Kentucky\n\n42167", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5F17FC60-CD93-4816-9EC5-5E43F0356F9E", "Rogers, McConnell Introduce Legislation for Kentucky\u2019s first National Heritage Area", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "PIKEVILLE, KY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell introduced mirroring legislation to designate the Kentucky Wildlands as Kentucky\u2019s first National Heritage Area. Congressman Rogers announced the news on Friday during the annual SOAR Summit in Pikeville. \u201cOur beautiful Appalachian Mountains in southern and eastern Kentucky are full of outdoor adventures, incredible wildlife, and communities filled with a rich heritage of talented musicians and artisans. The National Heritage System links our region to tourism benefits that will boost our economy, adding a national spotlight here at home,\u201d said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. \u201cThis legislation will be the final step in getting the designation to highlight our rich Appalachian culture in Kentucky, and I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator McConnell to get it over the finish line.\u201d \u201cSecuring Kentucky's first National Heritage Area has been a project years in the making, and I'm grateful to see our state move one step closer to securing this designation. I've been proud to partner with Congressman Hal Rogers over the years to help advance this effort and tap into Eastern Kentucky\u2019s great potential. Our state\u2019s Appalachian region deserves to be preserved for families to enjoy, and this project will help do just that while driving more visitors and economic activity into Eastern Kentucky communities,\u201d said Senator Mitch McConnell. Last month, the National Park Service (NPS) determined that 35 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky are eligible to become part of the National Heritage System. It was the result of a feasibility study that Rogers and McConnell secured federal funding for in 2019. Eastern Kentucky PRIDE received a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in 2019 to brand the region as the Kentucky Wildlands. As a National Heritage Area, the region would receive technical assistance and federal funding through a partnership with the National Park Service. The NPS study concluded that the region embodies the concepts of self-reliance, sustainability and community recognized as the foundation of central Appalachian identity. Through the area\u2019s rich natural resources that fueled the rise of late 19th and 20th century industry, local musicians\u2019 enduring influence on popular American music, the accomplishments of community-driven civic leaders, and the resilience of groups calling Eastern Kentucky home, the reach of the people and products of Kentucky Wildlands extends far beyond the mountainous terrain where they originate. The NPS determined the 35 counties directly supporting the themes for a potential NHA boundary include: Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe. Within these counties, natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources support the overall landscape, cultural tradition of the area, and the nationally important heritage of the Kentucky Wildlands.? For more information about Congressman Rogers\u2019 work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EC065F38-D1D7-418D-9EC3-1527E5A78F4E", "Congressman Rogers, Gov. Beshear Announce More Than $30 Million To Support Economic Revitalization in Eastern Kentucky", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "PIKEVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 18, 2024) \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05) and Gov. Andy Beshear announced $30.2 million to help support Eastern Kentucky\u2019s efforts to rebuild from natural disasters and boost economic growth in the region.\n\nTwelve recipients in eight counties are receiving the funds as part of the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program. When completed, the projects are expected to retain or create up to 250 jobs, train up to 1,000 Kentuckians annually and serve more than 100,000 people via tourism, infrastructure development or training opportunities.\n\nProjects receiving funding will expand quality health care throughout the region, provide clean drinking water for underserved communities, improve wastewater treatment facilities, enhance high-tech training and employment opportunities, and support economic development and tourism.\n\n\u201cKentucky\u2019s economy has been on fire for several years now, and these projects are proof of the vitality of this region and the innovative thinking that is bringing jobs to Eastern Kentucky,\u201d said Gov. Beshear. \u201cThe work isn\u2019t finished, and we have a lot more to do.\u201d\n\nCongressman Rogers, who championed the program as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, has overseen $1 billion in federal funding go to the AMLER since 2016, of which more than $224 million has been awarded to projects in 25 Kentucky counties. Once completed, these projects will have protected more than 3,000 new jobs for the region.\n\n\u201cThe AMLER grant program has invested nearly one quarter of a million dollars in Southern and Eastern Kentucky coal communities that are still working hard to rebound from the thousands of coal mining jobs that we have lost in recent years,\u201d said Congressman Rogers, who authored the grant program for coal-producing states. \u201cThe program has become highly competitive in our region with innovative local projects that will generate revenue and new opportunities to help grow and sustain our rural communities.\u201d\n\nEnergy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman selected the projects for initial vetting by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). Eighty-one applications for 2024 funding were received by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet\u2019s (EEC) Division of Abandoned Mine Lands.\n\n\u201cEach of these projects will make their communities stronger and peoples\u2019 lives better,\u201d Secretary Goodman said. \u201cI appreciate the vision and effort that go into making each of them happen.\u201d\n\nThe projects selected for funding through the $28.66 million 2024 AMLER grant funding include:\n\nAdventHealth Manchester was selected to receive $3.89 million for Phase 1 of a hospital renovation project that will allow the Clay County facility to accommodate more patients, increase the capacity to care for patients with complex needs and increase employment opportunities in the region.\n\n\u201cThis funding will significantly enhance our ability to deliver whole-person care by expanding our capacity to serve patients and meet complex health care needs, in addition to creating new jobs in Clay County,\u201d said Jamie Couch, the AdventHealth Manchester interim administrator/ vice president of operations. \u201cWe are grateful for the opportunity to improve health care access and contribute to the long-term health and prosperity of our community.\u201d\n\nThe city of Campton was selected to receive $2.54 million to extend a waterline and replace a booster pump station to serve 80 households in Wolfe County.\n\n\u201cWe are thrilled to receive $2.5 million in funding for the waterline extension project, which will significantly improve access to clean and reliable water for the residents in this section of the Hazel Green community,\u201d said Mayor Kathi May. \u201cThis investment is not just in infrastructure but in the health, growth and future of our residents.\u201d\n\nLetcher County Fiscal Court was selected to receive $3.3 million to build a waste digester system to allow solid waste collected in the county to be mixed with sewer sludge. This will create five to 10 new jobs while serving over 7,000 households.\n\n\u201cThanks for choosing our digester project for grant funding,\u201d Letcher County Judge/Executive Terry Adams said. \u201cWhen completed this will create new jobs in the county plus eliminate recyclable?material from going into a landfill. This process will be more environmentally friendly than current practice and could become a pilot program for other counties and municipalities.\u201d\n\nMine Made Adventures Lodge & Attractions in Knott County was selected to receive $1.7 million to develop new attractions such as a general store, a 1,750\u2019 zipline, bathhouse and a 10,000-square-foot lodge.\n\n\u201cMine Made Adventures became a rest-haven for several families and volunteers in the immediate aftermath of the deadly flood in July 2022. We\u2019re grateful for the opportunity to celebrate better days in Knott County as we continue to recover and rebuild a stronger community. This grant will go a long way to create new jobs and build a new multipurpose lodge as we host a growing number of events and tourists in our beautiful region,\u201d said Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson. \u201cI want to thank Congressman Rogers for the vision to create this grant program to help our coal communities. We\u2019re proud of this project in Knott County and we appreciate Gov. Beshear and Secretary Goodman for supporting economic growth throughout the whole region.\u201d\n\nKnott County Water and Sewer District was selected to receive $5.69 million to construct 16,000 feet of waterline, a pump station and storage tank and a lift station, along with 17,000 feet of sewer lines to service the planned 130 households and two businesses of the Olive Branch Residential Development Area Project.\n\n\u201cWe thank Gov. Andy Beshear, Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman, along with Congressman Hal Rogers, for this much needed funding,\u201d said Don Gibson, KCWSD chairman. \u201cThis funding will assist in providing the opportunity for 130 new higher-ground houses in Knott County. It will also allow us to provide for economic growth by providing the opportunity for new jobs to be created in the area.\u201d\n\nBoyd County Fiscal Court was selected to receive $2 million to engineer and design an access road to connect the Camp Landing entertainment district in Boyd County to the quarter horse racetrack at Sandy Ridge.\n\n\u201cWe are thankful to the selection committee for believing in what we are trying to accomplish in Boyd County,\u201d said Boyd County Judge/Executive Eric Chaney. \u201cThis funding will help us maintain the momentum we\u2019ve gained over the last few years and continue to push Northeast Kentucky to new heights.\u201d\n\nMagoffin County was selected to receive $3.18 million for the engineering, design and site prep of the expansion of the TEK Center training campus at the Gifford Industrial Park. This project is expected to create 36 full-time permanent jobs and serve 400 students annually.\n\n\u201cReceiving this funding is not just a milestone for the TEK Center, it\u2019s a transformative opportunity for our entire community,\u201d said Angelina Reynolds, president of the TEK Center. \u201cWith these resources, we can expand our services, create jobs and empower those around us to thrive. This investment not only enhances our educational offerings but also strengthens our community by equipping individuals with essential skills needed in today\u2019s workforce.\u201d\n\nThe University of Pikeville was selected to receive $5 million for Phase 1 construction of a football stadium and soccer facility at Bear Mountain in Pike County. Once completed, the facilities will host regional athletic contests, concerts and community events including Hillbilly Days, and will serve 195 students.\n\n\u201cThe funding from AMLER represents more than just financial support \u2013 it\u2019s a transformative investment in the future of our university and the surrounding community,\u201d said Dr. Burton Webb, president of the University of Pikeville. \u201cWith the creation of Bear Mountain, we are building a legacy of innovation and opportunity that will benefit generations to come. This initiative will not only elevate UPIKE as a leader in creating an environment of wellness and recreation, but it will also ignite economic growth and enhance the quality of life for the entire region.\u201d\n\nFour projects received reallocated AMLER funding:\n\nFloyd County Area Technology Center was selected to receive $812,000 to repair damage from mine drainage. The funds will be used for design and grading, new drainage controls, as well as repairs to tile, plumbing and lighting within the building.\n\n\u201cReceiving this grant will have such a positive economic impact on Floyd County and surrounding areas,\u201d said Floyd County Area Technology Center Principal Dr. Jeff Shannon. \u201cThese upgrades empower our Floyd County ATC students to reach their training goals and fill the many skilled trades positions in our region.\u201d\n\nPike County Fiscal Court was selected to receive $882,000 for the purchase of equipment for wood disposal, including a whole-tree chipper and an air curtain burner incinerator. This is projected to retain 68 jobs and create $1.5 million in landfill revenue and $5.5 million in trash pick-up revenue. Phase 1 will extend the landfill by 15 years while Phase 2 will extend it by an additional 35 years.\n\n\u201cThis grant is vital to making sure that the Pike County Landfill and our solid waste system can operate more efficiently and address long-standing issues related to the disposal of natural debris,\u201d said Pike County Judge/Executive Ray S. Jones II. \u201cWithout a reliable and efficient solid waste system, our efforts to create jobs and bring new tourism opportunities to Pike County and Eastern Kentucky will be much more difficult.\u201d\n\nThe Salyersville Water Works in Magoffin County was selected to receive $700,000 to purchase and install approximately 1,000 radio-read water meters throughout the water system. This will create more efficient monitoring and reduce water loss.\n\n\u201cBeing able to bill correctly for services will completely turn things around at Salyersville Water Works (SWW),\u201d said Salyersville Water Works Superintendent Nora Howard. \u201cThe new meters will take us from being in the negative to the positive. Salyersville and Magoffin County are growing, and with this project SWW will be able and ready to serve new business and development.\u201d\n\nFloyd County Fiscal Court was selected to receive $500,000 for the installation of drainage controls, a sanitary sewer and access to parking areas on a site adjacent to U.S. Highway 23 in order to recruit new businesses.\n\n\u201cThe AML funding allocated to the U.S. 23 project is not just about environmental reclamation; it\u2019s a catalyst for economic development in the region,\u201d said Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams.?\u201cOur goal is to transform underutilized spaces into opportunities for new business ventures, tourism and community growth. We thank Gov. Beshear and his staff for their continued commitment to assist our community.\u201d\n\n------\n\nInformation about the AMLER program can be found at AMLER or by contacting Mr. James Cable, director, Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601. Office: 502-782-9913, e-mail: James.Cable@ky.gov.\n\nAt SOAR, Congressman Rogers also celebrated the $40 million Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration federal award to Shaping Our Appalachian Region to connect Eastern Kentucky residents to resources and training for good jobs.\n\nCongressman Rogers also helped secure a $116 million federal grant to help complete the Mountain Parkway expansion, which will finalize the 13-mile stretch of new road between Magoffin and Floyd counties.\n\nAt the 2023 SOAR Summit, Congressman Rogers and Gov. Beshear also presented more than $26.6 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program funds to support economic development projects in nine counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7CBA2DA6-5E00-4D76-890B-168EF2DA1985", "Congressman Rogers Announces $10 Million Earmark to Expand Morehead State University\u2019s Space Science Network", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Recognizes U.S. Lunar Mission \u201cSaviors\u201d with Congressional Tribute\n\nMOREHEAD, KY (Oct. 17, 2024) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05) visited Morehead State University\u2019s Space Science Center on Thursday to announce a federal earmark totaling nearly $10 million in Community Project Funding to broaden the region\u2019s highly competitive deep space network. The funding will be used to enhance the two space tracking stations on campus to support future government-funded and commercial space programs.\n\n\u201cThe staff and students at Morehead State are now involved in some of the United States\u2019 most innovative and historic space missions. This project will allow the space science center to support future NASA programs, including NASA\u2019s Near Space Network, Artemis and the Moon to Mars Program,\u201d said Congressman Rogers, chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee that funds science-related federal agencies. \u201cThis means that students here at MSU will have first-hand access to more lunar and deep space tracking services that they cannot get anywhere else in the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful for the support and leadership of Congressman Hal Rogers in securing this critical funding for Morehead State\u2019s Space Science Program. His dedication to advancing science and technology in our region has been instrumental in positioning MSU as a leader in space research and exploration,\u201d said Dr. Jay Morgan, President of Morehead State University. \u201cThis funding will allow us to expand our capabilities, provide our students with unmatched hands-on experiences, and contribute to the growing space economy in our region and in Kentucky. It\u2019s an exciting time for Morehead State, and we thank Congressman Rogers for helping make this possible.\u201d\n\nCongressman Rogers also requested a $7.5 million Community Project Funding earmark for fiscal year 2025 MSU\u2019s Space Science Center to provide payload operations for government and commercial space stations. The funding request was approved by the House Appropriations Committee and is pending on-going budget negotiations.\n\n\u201cThis funding is a game-changer for Morehead State\u2019s Space Science Program. It enables us to further enhance our research and technological capabilities, allowing our students and faculty to participate in groundbreaking projects that contribute directly to the future of space exploration,\u201d said Dr. Ben Malphrus, Director of the MSU Space Science Center. \u201cWe\u2019re deeply thankful to Congressman Hal Rogers for his vision and continued support, which is helping us shape the next generation of space scientists and engineers right here in Eastern Kentucky.\u201d\n\nTo highlight the importance of investing in Morehead State\u2019s work at the Space Science Center, Congressman Rogers recognized the staff and students who saved the United States\u2019 latest mission to the moon after a troubled landing damaged the Odysseus Lander, \u201cOdie,\u201d cutting-off communications back to Earth.\n\n\u201cMorehead State was the only conduit between NASA and the private company that sent the lunar lander to the moon to conduct research. The multi-million-dollar mission was in jeopardy of failure, until the staff and students here in our Appalachian Mountains worked around the clock for 72 hours to save that historic mission,\u201d said Congressman Rogers. \u201cI submitted a tribute in the Congressional Record to commemorate the team that NASA Administrator Bill Nelson dubbed as the \u2018saviors\u2019 of the nation\u2019s first lunar landing since the Apollo era.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional Record is preserved in the Library of Congress, recognizing the work of MSU staff members, Dr. Malphrus, Chloe Hart from Ashland, Emily Walter from Pikeville, Nathan Fite, Christopher Smith and Seifala Moustaffa, as well as students Mila Shearer and Carrie Bruce.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=94EBB26E-0BD6-4687-ADD8-FB3BF843BD74", "McConnell Secures Over $33 Million in Federal Funding for the Paducah and Louisville Railway", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will provide $33,780,304 in federal funding to Paducah and Louisville (P&L) Transportation to support several infrastructure projects along its 280-mile main line between Louisville and Paducah, Kentucky; including upgrades to signals and track infrastructure, installation of a wheel truing machine, and rehabilitation of five rail bridges in Hardin and Muhlenberg Counties.\n\nDOT awarded this grant as part of the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program, which awards competitive grants for freight and highway projects. Senator McConnell helped secure $3.2 billion for the INFRA program in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed Congress with the Senator\u2019s support and was signed into law by the President. Senator McConnell also wrote to the Secretary of Transportation in support of P&L Transportation\u2019s grant application.\n\nThe P&L main rail line connects with four major railroads in North America, transporting equipment for Kentucky\u2019s military installations, materials used for manufacturing, and other freight vital to interstate commerce.\n\n\u201cAs a transportation and logistics hub, Kentucky keeps millions of American goods and people on the move. From strengthening our regional economy to facilitating interstate commerce nationwide, our rail infrastructure \u2013 and investments to sustain it \u2013 has benefits that ripple across the entire country. Projects like this one are precisely the reason I supported the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has delivered billions for Kentucky\u2019s roads, ports, railroads, and waterways. I look forward to watching this much-needed investment spur development along the entire P&L corridor,\u201d said Senator McConnell.\n\n\u201cP&L is excited to continue our work to rebuild critical freight railroad infrastructure. This project will benefit all Kentuckians by keeping employers in the Commonwealth connected to markets around the world. I want to especially thank Senator McConnell for all of his hard work to ensure that Kentucky infrastructure projects receive their fair share of funding. These projects and the funding announced today would not be possible without his support,\u201d said Chairman, President, and CEO of P&L Transportation Tom Greene.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-expedite-veterans-appeals-claims-through-stronger-workforce", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Expedite Veterans Appeals Claims through Stronger Workforce", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (October 16, 2024) \u2013 Recently, Congressman Morgan McGarvey alongside Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL- 12) introduced H.R.9046, the Board of Veterans\u2019 Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act, which would allow the Board of Veterans\u2019 Appeals (BVA) to increase the salary of its top attorneys to better recruit and retain experts in veterans law.\n\n\u201cVeterans in Louisville and across the US deserve a speedy and efficient VA \u2013 especially when appealing a denied claim,\u201d said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. \u201cThese decisions don\u2019t come out of thin air, they require staffing by expert attorneys in veterans law which takes years to master. Whether in the public or private sector, the same principle applies: you can\u2019t retain top talent by denying your employees competitive compensation. I\u2019m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation to empower BVA with the tools needed to address the claims backlog, retain talented attorneys, and ensure our veterans get the benefits they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo often, the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) continues to be a roadblock for timely processing of VA claims,\u201d said Rep. Bilirakis. \u201cThe Veteran Appeals backlog unnecessarily delays our nation\u2019s heroes from accessing the benefits they\u2019ve earned and is a concern that has been raised by many of my constituents. Our bill addresses BVA performance and staffing concerns by creating a level playing field with BVA and other federal agencies. When coupled with the quality assurance metrics and accountability measures we have recently pushed, this important piece of the legislation is a key part of the overall solution.\u201d\n\n\"AFGE and the National Veterans Affairs Council commend Representative Morgan McGarvey and Representative Gus Bilirakis for leading H.R. 9046, the \u2018Board of Veterans\u2019 Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act,\u2019\" said Douglas Massey, President of AFGE Local 17 which represents Board of Veterans' Appeals attorneys. \"This critical legislation will both raise the career ladder of the dedicated board attorneys who diligently process veterans' appeals and will improve the recruitment and retention of experienced attorneys at the Board, which will greatly reduce the backlog of Veterans' appeals.\"\n\nThe Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) adjudicates appeals on veteran benefits, such as disability compensation and pension benefits. Though progress has been made, BVA is currently mired in a 200,000-case backlog with many citing staff turnover \u2013 due to lower relative compensation and lack of support by management \u2013 as the cause. In the May 2024 Partnership for Public Service \u201cBest Places to Work in Federal Government\u201d rankings, BVA ranked 444th out of 459.\n\nThe Board of Veterans\u2019 Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act would allow BVA attorneys in non-supervisory roles to reach a GS-15 level on the federal pay scale, which represents about a $10,000 difference in salary from the current BVA cap of GS-14. Other entities within VA, such as the Office of General Counsel (OGC), allow non-supervisory attorneys to reach GS-15, often leading to attorneys \u201cjumping\u201d to OGC for higher pay. The legislation does not mandate new hiring or promotion of attorneys; it grants BVA the flexibility and tools to increase pay within its existing appropriations, just as in other entities at VA.\n\nRep. McGarvey previously spoke about the need for the bill at a Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs legislative hearing, asking VA Deputy Under Secretary Glenn Powers about the bill here and asking Mr. Nicholas Keogh, 2nd Vice President, Local 17, American Federation Government Employees, about the bill here.\n\nThe bill text is linked here.\n\n###\n\nCongressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky\u2019s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs and House Small Business Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8011787F-883E-4911-9B61-9D42B410E1C1", "McConnell Announces Nearly $2 Million for West Industrial Park in Russellville, Kentucky", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Logan Industrial Development Authority, Inc., in collaboration with Logan Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD), will receive $1,920,000 in federal funding to support the construction of a new two-lane roadway at the West Industrial Park in Russellville, Kentucky.\n\nFunded by the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bill, this federal grant is distributed through the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA). Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, contacted the EDA in support of LEAD\u2019s competitive grant application and advocated for EDA funding during the annual appropriations process.\n\n\"Impactful organizations like LEAD \u2013 and their work to drive industry into the Commonwealth \u2013 form an integral part of Western Kentucky\u2019s growing economy. I was proud to work with LEAD to help bring home today\u2019s funding which will lay the groundwork for new jobs and economic opportunity in Logan County. I look forward to seeing these funds go to good use and I'll continue to do what I can to ensure Western Kentucky is a place full of growth and opportunity,\u201d said Senator McConnell.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=DAB6CE7B-BCD1-4FE3-A194-7DF84324DDCE", "McConnell Statement On The Passing Of Tom Donohue", "2024-10-14", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of former U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue:\n\n\u201cElaine and I were saddened to learn of the passing of our good friend, Tom Donohue. Around Washington and across the country, so many people will remember Tom as exactly that: a friend. And no doubt, that is what Tom would prefer.\n\n\u201cBut those fortunate to call Tom a friend also knew a visionary leader, an extraordinary advocate, and a tireless builder of coalitions whose transformative work left the U.S. Chamber, the broader business community, and our entire nation stronger.\n\n\u201cJob creators and entrepreneurs across America could hope for no greater partner than Tom. He was a seasoned navigator of the halls of power and a clearinghouse for professional connections who turned the Chamber into an unmatched champion of American enterprise.\n\n\u201cToday, our prayers are with the entire Donohue family as they mourn an incredible life.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/congressman-comer-accepting-applications-for-military-academy-nominations", "Congressman Comer Accepting Applications for Military Academy Nominations", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) is accepting applications from individuals in Kentucky\u2019s First Congressional District wishing to attend one of the United States Military Academies. Each year, Congressman Comer has the privilege of nominating a limited number of applicants to four of the five service academies. In addition to submitting an application to Congressman Comer\u2019s office, individuals are required to apply directly to their desired academies. The deadline to submit an application to Congressman Comer\u2019s office is Friday, October 25, 2024.\n\n.\n\n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1B040BEB-33F6-4CA7-9933-E1AC8AF80FB7", "McConnell Helps Secure Nearly $2 Million to Combat Opioid Abuse in Kentucky", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "The funding comes from the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will distribute $1,908,214 to three Kentucky organizations through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP).\n\nBaptist Health Foundation (Baptist Health) in Corbin, Kentucky, will receive $750,000, Memorial Hospital Inc. in Manchester, Kentucky will receive $500,000, and WestCare Kentucky in Ashcamp, Kentucky, will receive $658,214 through today\u2019s distribution. Senator McConnell sent a letter of support to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Carole Johnson on behalf of Baptist Health.\n\nAs a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell supports funding for RCORP during the annual appropriations process. To date, the Senator has helped secure more than $700 million in competitive and block grant funding to combat drug abuse in Kentucky.\n\n\u201cThe substance abuse epidemic has hollowed out communities across the nation, especially here in the Commonwealth. Now more than ever it\u2019s important that we utilize every tool we have to combat this crisis and save lives,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cThe funding announced today will help several Kentucky recovery centers fund programs that treat opioid addiction, helping Kentuckians struggling with substance abuse return to healthy and productive lives. I\u2019m proud to support RCORP in the Senate and am glad to see its resources go to impactful organizations in the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\nWe are honored to be awarded federal funding that will allow us the opportunity to create new access points for mental health and addiction treatment and recovery services. Additionally, this grant will give us the resources to develop a workforce development plan aimed to address the shortage of addiction and mental health professionals in the region. We are extremely grateful to Senator McConnell for his advocacy for quality healthcare services that improve the quality of lives of Kentuckians,\u201d said CEO of Baptist Health Gerard Colman.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/comer-presses-usda-for-answers-on-arbitrary-enforcement-of-horse-protection-act-seeks-transcribed-interview-with-key-official", "Comer Presses USDA for Answers on Arbitrary Enforcement of Horse Protection Act, Seeks Transcribed Interview with Key Official", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) is continuing to conduct oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) and its promulgation of a final rule titled Horse Protection Amendments. Information obtained by the Oversight Committee and recent actions at Tennessee Walking Horse shows reveals USDA\u2019s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) may be exceeding its authority in inspections related to horse shows. In a letter to USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, Congressman Comer is now requesting that USDA make Dr. Aaron Rhyner, Assistant Director of APHIS, available to participate in a transcribed interview.\n\n.\n\n\u201cThe Committee on Oversight and Accountability is continuing to conduct oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) and its promulgation of a final rule titled Horse Protection Amendments that will update USDA\u2019s standards regarding the HPA. The Committee initiated its oversight due to concerns about USDA\u2019s compliance with the HPA in light of recent actions at Tennessee Walking Horse shows. To further inform the Committee\u2019s investigation, the Committee requests that USDA make Dr. Aaron Rhyner, Assistant Director of USDA\u2019s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), available to participate in a transcribed interview,\u201d wrote Chairman James Comer.\n\n.\n\nThe Committee received allegations that the Assistant Director of USDA\u2019s APHIS sent an e-mail to horse show representatives on new competition inspection requirements two hours prior to a competition without warning or prior notification of forthcoming guidance. On August 9, 2024, Congressman Comer called on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to initiate a review of the USDA\u2019s policies and practices regarding implementation of the HPA. In addition, the Committee sought documents and information to enable oversight of APHIS\u2019s role in enforcing the HPA. To date, USDA has produced only limited documents in response to some of the Committee\u2019s requests.\n\n.\n\n\u201cIt is imperative that USDA enforces HPA in a manner that is fair, consistent, and within the bounds of its statutory authority. The Committee is concerned about USDA\u2019s compliance with the HPA, particularly considering allegations received by the Committee of arbitrary enforcement, lack of due process, and potential retribution against horse trainers and owners by disqualifying horses or changing inspection procedures at the last minute as retribution for filing a lawsuit. The Committee\u2019s role in this oversight is to safeguard the integrity of HPA\u2019s implementation and to protect the rights of those within the horse industry who depend on fair and consistent enforcement of the law as Congress intended. It is imperative that the Committee hear directly from Dr. Rhyner to understand USDA\u2019s approach to HPA enforcement and any related policy changes.,\u201d concluded Chairman James Comer.\n\n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7FB3520D-AD56-4E27-B935-910B60EC1699", "McConnell: The United States Must Recommit to Stand with Israel in its Righteous Fight", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "LOUISVILLE, KY \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel:\n\n\u201cTime has not dulled the pain inflicted on the people of Israel one year ago today, nor eased the grief left in its wake. October 7th confronted the world with the irredeemable evil of Iran-backed terror, and drew emboldened strains of the world\u2019s oldest hatred out of the shadows.\n\n\u201cThe Jewish state has met a year of trial with unshakeable resolve. In the face of resurgent anti-Semitism, Jewish families and communities around the world have refused to live in fear. And in steadfast vigil, families of innocent hostages have kept the faith.\n\n\u201cIsrael\u2019s determined response to the barbaric attacks of October 7th casts in stark relief the difference between a sovereign democracy\u2019s effort to minimize innocent suffering and savage terrorists\u2019 effort to exploit it. No matter how many leaders or elite institutions attempt to draw moral equivalence, the difference is unmistakable.\n\n\u201cThe stakes of Israel\u2019s fight against the terrorists surrounding it are as clear today as they were one year ago. So are the obligations of free societies across the civilized world. The terrorists and their patrons seek not only to destroy Israel, but to challenge the very American-led order that preserves our way of life.\n\n\u201cMake no mistake: a future of peace in the Middle East must include a secure and sovereign Israel. There is no place in such a future for terrorists like Hamas, Hizballah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or the Houthis. Today, as Americans and free people around the world remember the victims of October 7th and pray for peace, let us recommit to stand with Israel in its righteous fight.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/media-advisory-congressman-comer-to-host-coffee-with-the-congressman-in-allen-county", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Comer to Host Coffee with the Congressman in Allen County", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) will host a \u201cCoffee with the Congressman\u201d at the Allen County Fiscal Court Room in Scottsville, Kentucky at 3:30pmCST. Constituents will have the opportunity to speak with Congressman Comer about local and national issues.\n\nTuesday, October 15, 2024\n\n3:30-4:30 PM CST\n\nAllen County Fiscal Court Room\n\nCity-County Building\n\n201 W. Main St.\n\nScottsville, KY 42129", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/media-advisory-congressman-comer-to-host-coffee-with-the-congressman-in-metcalfe-county", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Comer to Host Coffee with the Congressman in Metcalfe County", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) will host a \u201cCoffee with the Congressman\u201d at the Old School Caf\u00e9 in Edmonton, Kentucky at 8:00amCST. Constituents will have the opportunity to speak with Congressman Comer about local and national issues.\n\nWednesday, October 16, 2024\n\n8:00-9:30 AM CST\n\nOld School Caf\u00e9\n\n701 W. Stockton St.\n\nEdmonton, KY 42129", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9F6DF130-AFCF-410D-9F0A-9FB624C60CE0", "McConnell Comments on the Passing of Elizabeth Tori", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of former Kentucky State Senator Elizabeth Tori:\n\n\u201cElaine and I were saddened to hear of the passing of former Kentucky State Senator Elizabeth Tori. The daughter of a veteran and wife of a retired Army Major, Elizabeth was a constant advocate for Kentucky\u2019s active duty military and the many veterans who call the Commonwealth home. Serving Kentucky\u2019s 10th District for over 16 years, Elizabeth was always looking for ways to improve the lives of our servicemembers and to give them the thanks they deserve. Now it\u2019s our turn to give thanks to Elizabeth for all her years inside and outside the state legislature serving Kentucky\u2019s veterans, students, and families. We send our condolences to Elizabeth\u2019s four children and all her friends and family at this difficult time.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/congressman-comer-accepting-applications-for-spring-2025-internships", "Congressman Comer Accepting Applications for Spring 2025 Internships", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) is accepting Spring 2025 internship applications for college students interested in serving in his Washington, D.C. or Tompkinsville, Kentucky office. This opportunity provides local students with a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in public service and the deadline to apply for a Spring 2025 internship is Friday, November 1, 2024.\n\n0\n\n/", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/10/photo-release-congressman-comer-recognizes-franklin-county-law-enforcement-officers", "Photo Release: Congressman Comer Recognizes Franklin County Law Enforcement Officers", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky) recognized local Franklin County law enforcement officers for their commitment and efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Mr. Shane Terrell, Mr. Ron Wyatt Jr., and Mr. Chris Quire were recently recognized by the National Sheriff\u2019s Association and the Kentucky Sheriff\u2019s Association for their work.\n\n.\n\n.\n\nMr. Shane Terrell was the recipient of \u201cReserve Deputy of the Year\u201d for the National Sheriff\u2019s Association.\n\n.\n\n.\n\nMr. Ron Wyatt Jr. was the recipient of \u201cDeputy Sheriff of the Year\u201d for the Kentucky Sheriff\u2019s Association.\n\n.\n\n.\n\nMr. Chris Quire was the recipient of \u201cSheriff of the Year\u201d for the Kentucky Sheriff\u2019s Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=04197721-88B0-4DB0-964B-6944213D4D7F", "Congressman Rogers Says Iranian Attack on Israel Requires Escalated Response from the US", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement after Iran attacked Israel on Tuesday with nearly 200 ballistic missiles. The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces to help defend Israel. Two US Navy destroyers deployed to the Middle East region supported the defense of Israel by firing approximately a dozen interceptors against the incoming Iranian missiles.\n\n\"I salute the United States Navy for intercepting Iranian missiles fired at Israel, protecting our allied nation from any further loss of life. This escalated attack by Iran magnifies the need for an escalated stance from the United States. Iran\u2019s terrorist regime has grown even more defiant and emboldened under the weak Biden/Harris Administration. Iran must face severe consequences and full enforcement of U.S. sanctions to reaffirm that America will always stand with Israel and will not tolerate threats to our U.S. Troops in the region,\" said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9E72D574-EA58-4C8F-BE84-93DB027295B0", "McConnell: Iran, Proxies Must \u201cFace Severe Consequences\u201d", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the Iranian attacks on Israel:\n\n\u201cIsrael has a right to defend itself against terrorists bent on destroying it. The United States must stand with our friend under fire.\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration has repeatedly threatened Iran with \u2018severe consequences\u2019 for its campaign of terror against Israel and the United States, but failed to impose them. It has pledged \u2018ironclad\u2019 support for Israel, only to delay and withhold the security assistance that would give this pledge any weight.\n\n\u201cIt is not enough to issue statements. It is not enough to intercept missiles and drones moments before they reach civilians in Israel or U.S. personnel in the Red Sea. It is time for America to act like the friend of Israel we claim to be. It is time to replenish Israel\u2019s supply of critical munitions.\n\n\u201cIt is time for the world\u2019s leading architects of terror, and their proxies, to face severe consequences.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/9/comer-kentuckians-are-paying-far-too-much-for-life-saving-prescription-drugs-and-it-s-time-to-act", "Comer: Kentuckians Are Paying Far Too Much for Life-Saving Prescription Drugs and it\u2019s Time to Act", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) published an op-ed on his Oversight Committee investigation which has exposed how the three largest Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)\u2014CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx\u2014monopolized the pharmaceutical marketplace by deploying anticompetitive pricing tactics that are raising prescription drug prices, undermining community pharmacies, and harming patients across the United States.\n\n.\n\nRead Congressman Comer\u2019s op-ed below:\n\n.\n\nAs I travel across Kentucky\u2019s 1st Congressional District, rarely a day goes by that I don\u2019t hear from Kentuckians concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs.\n\nThe numbers don\u2019t lie. Cost of life-saving medications have gone up every single year for the past fifteen years.\n\nAmericans now spend more on prescription drugs\u2014about $1,200 per person\u2014than any other country.\n\nPatient out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions were $91 billion in 2023 alone.\n\nThis is definitely not what the doctor ordered.\n\nDespite these increases in healthcare costs, life expectancy in America has remained stagnant.\n\nThat means someone is benefitting here, and it clearly isn\u2019t Kentuckians.\n\nIn 2021, I began to use the power of the House Oversight Committee to examine the pharmaceutical marketplace and the middlemen of the drug supply chain: pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).\n\nPBMs were first created to benefit the entire health care system. Dozens of large PBMs nationwide competed and initially provided clear details about costs, fees, and rebates to pharmacies and patients.\n\nBut now, instead of fierce competition, three large PBMs\u2014CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx\u2014collectively control 80 percent of the market. Today, these three PBMs operate in the dark and engage in self-benefitting practices that line their own pockets and pass the costs on to you.\n\nAs Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, I recognized that Congress must act and made it a top priority to expose these anticompetitive tactics pushed by PBMs that are driving up the cost of prescription drug prices for all Americans.\n\nOver the course of my investigation, the Oversight Committee has collected over 140,000 pages of documents, communications, and information on America\u2019s three largest PBMs.\n\nWe now know PBMs share patient information and data across their many integrated companies for the specific and anticompetitive purpose of steering patients to pharmacies a PBM owns.\n\nWe now know PBMs have sought to use their position to artificially reduce reimbursement rates for competing pharmacies.\n\nWe now know PBMs push spread pricing schemes to overcharge plans and payers by hundreds of millions of dollars.\n\nWe now know PBMs prioritize higher cost medications, even when there are lower-cost and equally safe and effective competing options.\n\nThis evidence obtained by the Oversight Committee and released to the public shows PBMs raise prescription drug prices, like insulin, undermine our local pharmacies, and harm Kentuckians who need access to affordable medication.\n\nSince 2023, I have also led three Oversight Committee hearings to conduct oversight and examine these abusive PBM practices.\n\nI even dragged the Chief Executive Officers from the three largest PBMs before Congress.\n\nI made it clear their Pharmacy Benefit Mafia is coming to an end.\n\nI am working with my colleagues across the aisle to advance bipartisan solutions to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the PBM industry.\n\nI\u2019m supporting the Pharmacists Fight Back Act, bipartisan legislation that aims to combat price gouging deployed by PBMs.\n\nEarlier this year, the Oversight Committee passed\u2014with broad bipartisan support\u2014the Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging (DRUG) Act which would reign in abusive practices by some PBMs that offer health plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.\n\nIn fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just announced it is taking action against the three largest PBMs and suing their group purchasing organizations for engaging in anticompetitive tactics that are inflating the price of insulin drugs.\n\nThis move by the FTC is a direct result of the House Oversight Committee\u2019s investigation into PBMs.\n\nKentuckians and Americans across the nation deserve access to affordable, life-saving drugs.\n\nRepublicans and Democrats on the House Oversight Committee will continue to consider legislative solutions to hold PBMs accountable.\n\nIt\u2019s time for PBMs to have a taste of their own medicine.\n\nOur work is not done.\n\n.\n\nRep. James Comer is a United States Congressman for Kentucky\u2019s 1st Congressional District and Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7829DF50-643F-47A8-9178-E8F9FDF4655E", "Barr, Hagerty Sound Alarm on Europe's Regulator Encroachment", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The letter was co-signed by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Thune (R-SD), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Lee (R-UT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Braun (R-IN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), along with Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19), Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), James Comer (R-KY-01), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02), John Curtis (R-UT-03), Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), Jeff Duncan (R-SC-03), Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI-05), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), Young Kim (R-CA-40), Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Jake LaTurner (R-KS-02), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), Alex Moony (R-WV-02), Ralph Norman (R-SC-05), Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Bill Posey (R-FL-08), John Rose (R-TN-06), David Schweikert (R-AZ-01), Bryan Steil (R-WI-01), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-22), Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15), William Timmons (R-SC-04), Ann Wager (R-MO-02), Roger Williams (R-TX-25), and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01).\n\nA copy of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n\"Secretary Yellen,\n\nThe European Union (EU) has long been known for implementing vague, broadly scoped, and complex regulations that hinder business growth and raise consumer costs. The EU\u2019s longstanding regulatory overreach has had deleterious effects on its member states\u2019 economies and diminished the competitiveness of their firms on the global stage. According to the International Monetary Fund, the Eurozone economy grew only 6% in the 15-year period ending in 2023, compared to 82% growth for the United States. European companies have been quick to identify overregulation as an impediment to growth; in one study, more than 60% of EU companies deemed regulation to be a barrier to investment, while 55% of small and medium-sized enterprises cited regulatory obstacles and administrative burdens as their greatest challenge.\n\nNow, the EU is attempting to impose its debilitating regulatory agenda on American companies through its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (also known as \u201cCSDDD\u201d or \u201cCS3D\u201d). Formally adopted by the Council of the EU on May 24, 2024, the CSDDD will impose significant legal obligations on U.S. businesses. The directive effectively converts the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights\u2014and the provisions of three international human rights conventions, eight conventions of the International Labour Organization, eleven environmental law conventions, and the climate mitigation targets of the Paris Agreement\u2014into binding laws. CSDDD will include governmental enforcement mechanisms, including the possibility of substantial monetary penalties, and will also create private rights of action for those adversely affected by violations. EU member states must implement regulations and administrative procedures required by the directive within two years. Many U.S. companies will be harmed by this enormous compliance burden. After EU member states incorporate the European Parliament\u2019s broad legislation into their own national laws, the CSDDD will ultimately apply to U.S. multinational businesses with annual EU market revenue of more than \u20ac450 million, regardless of their corporate \u201cfootprint\u201d in the EU. While the full effect of CSDDD may not be clear until the member states begin to transpose the regulations into their own laws and the EU provides additional guidance, it is clear that \u201cin-scope\u201d U.S. businesses will be forced to ensure that their supply chains and other business partners are compliant. Companies will need to \u201cidentify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address actual and potential impacts in their operations, supply chains and other business relationships.\u201d That is neither practical nor realistic\u2014nor does it genuinely constitute \u201cdue diligence,\u201d which is generally defined as review and analysis prior to actions being taken (e.g., \u201cprevent\u201d and \u201cmitigate\u201d). Notably, American companies will be required to comply with CSDDD even though the U.S. has not ratified many of the international conventions underlying the directive.\n\nThe CSDDD\u2019s extraterritorial scope amounts to a serious breach of U.S. sovereignty and a direct threat to the global competitiveness of American companies. Given this, the Biden-Harris Administration must meaningfully respond. Although you acknowledged the issue in your testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, there has been little evidence that the Administration has an effective strategy for engaging with European officials on the issue. To date, no other senior officials in the Biden-Harris Administration have expressed opposition to CSDDD despite the threat it poses to U.S. interests.\n\nWe are deeply concerned that the Administration is surrendering its regulatory responsibilities to European officials, allowing them to dictate draconian social and climate policies to American companies. The EU is attempting to mitigate the relative damage of its onerous regulatory framework by forcing Americans to bear the burden as well. If implemented in any manner substantially similar to its current form, the CSDDD could force companies to divest or reduce ties with European businesses, causing significant economic harm to both the U.S. and EU.\n\nAny policies impacting U.S. businesses should be debated and determined by the elected representatives of the American people, not overseas bureaucrats advancing their own agendas. Accordingly, we strongly encourage you and your colleagues at the relevant federal agencies to actively and publicly engage with your counterparts in Brussels and EU member-state capitals to delay implementation of CSDDD and work with the new European Parliament to repeal or substantially modify the directive. Such action is necessary to preserve U.S. sovereignty and sustain America\u2019s economic competitiveness.\n\nSincerely,\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BDB32922-C902-4104-93DC-B73D343D8C96", "Barr Introduces Camp Nelson National Monument Act", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced legislation that amends the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which was signed into law in March 2019. This bill will sync the legislative and executive branch naming of the park. Specifically, it will change from \"Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument\" to \"Camp Nelson National Monument\". This will allow the monument to receive signs with the correct name to highlight the importance Camp Nelson had during the Civil War.\n\nCamp Nelson, located in Nicholasville, Kentucky, was established by the Union Army in April 1863 as a supply depot and hospital. This site evolved into a key emancipation site, recruitment and training center for African American soldiers, and a refugee camp for their families during the Civil War. In October 2018, Camp Nelson was designated as a National Monument by President Trump as a result of a recommendation from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.\n\n\"Camp Nelson has a special place, not only in the history of the Commonwealth but also in the history of our nation,\" said Congressman Barr. \"This legislation will provide an accurate representation of Camp Nelson's name on its national monument which is a tribute to the men and women who fought for their freedom.\"\n\n\"Camp Nelson National Monument is an invaluable asset to our community and one of the many attractions that makes Jessamine County beautiful and unique. It is my understanding that when Camp Nelson received its National Monument status that it was incorrectly named, therefore making it impossible to obtain proper signage,\" said Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter. \"I would like to give my full support to the name being corrected so that we may continue to properly honor this historic site.\"\n\n\"Continuing to properly honor Camp Nelson is crucial to preserving the history and culture of Jessamine County, Kentucky,\" said Jessamine County Judge Executive David West. \"I support the proposed legislative name correction from Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument to Camp Nelson National Monument.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/9/congressman-comer-meets-with-cumberland-county-4-h", "Congressman Comer Meets with Cumberland County 4-H", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In Washington D.C., Congressman Comer met with students and parents of the Cumberland County 4-H organization. The students were able to speak with Congressman Comer about his experiences in 4-H and then took a tour of the Capitol with members of the Congressman\u2019s staff.\n\n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcgarvey-introduces-bill-to-better-support-children-in-policymaking", "Rep. McGarvey Introduces Bill to Better Support Children in Policymaking", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 27, 2024) \u2013 Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced the Child Safety and Well-Being Act, which would establish a long-overdue and much-needed independent children\u2019s commission to advise Congress, agencies, and states on how best to support children. The legislation was co-led by his colleagues Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the Babies Caucus; Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Chair of the Dad Caucus; Sara Jacobs (CA-51); and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Chair of the Mamas Caucus.\n\n\u201cOur communities can only thrive if our children thrive,\u201d said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. \u201cRight now, we\u2019re seeing increased rates of child poverty and food insecurity, declining child literacy, and high rates of illness and mortality among our kids\u2014we need bold action to address these issues. A national commission on children would help identify the biggest challenges facing kids and families so that the federal government can better support and care for the next generation. We can\u2019t afford inaction.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen crafting policy, stakeholders often have a seat at the table to advise on the interests of their industry,\u201d said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. \u201cSadly, our nation\u2019s children are often excluded. Our children are our future, and that future is only secure when they are prioritized in policymaking. That's why I\u2019m joining my colleagues to introduce the Child Safety and Well-Being Act, which will establish an independent children\u2019s commission to ensure policymakers consider children\u2019s best interests.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs founder of the Dads Caucus, I'm committed to doing all possible to ensure the wellbeing of kids and families. Today's youth face new challenges that we couldn\u2019t have imagined even a decade ago, and we have to make sure all of the federal policies that we create keep kids in mind,\u201d said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. \u201cI\u2019m proud to co-lead this bill with fellow Dads Caucus member Rep. McGarvey, and to work to create a Children\u2019s Commission that will help ensure legislation on everything from gun violence prevention to education to health care and beyond centers the needs of our nation\u2019s youngest generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur country's children face unique challenges from the gun violence epidemic to childhood poverty to the climate crisis, and yet, they're too often left out of policy conversations,\u201d said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s long overdue to revive a National Commission on Children to solely focus on the needs of children and strategize on how to best support their health, safety, well-being, and success. I\u2019m proud to co-lead the Child Safety and Well-Being Act to help ensure that the next generation of leaders know we understand the problems they face and we\u2019re mobilizing to solve them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Chair of the Congressional Mamas\u2019 Caucus, I know how critical it is to ensure that every child has the resources they need to reach their full potential,\u201d said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. \u201cOur children, especially marginalized youth, deserve to lead healthy and thriving lives which means that we must ensure that their needs and best interests are represented in every level of decision-making. I am proud to co-lead this legislation to uplift the voices of our most vulnerable children and families who deserve every opportunity to thrive.\u201d\n\n\"Our children lack political power and are often invisible in policy debates,\u201d said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus Campaign for Children. \u201cWe strongly support this legislation by Rep. Morgan McGarvey, which will provide children with a needed voice that prioritizes their well-being and amplifies their needs. Establishing a Commission for Children is a critical step toward ensuring that government and policymakers no longer overlook the rights, safety, and future opportunities of our nation\u2019s children. This Commission would provide the focus and coordination needed to make children\u2019s issues a greater priority in our national agenda, protect them from harm and foster environments where they can thrive.\"\n\n\u201cUNICEF USA believes all children have the right to be healthy, educated, protected, and respected,\u201d said Michael Nyenhuis, President and CEO, UNICEF USA. \u201cThe Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2024 puts the interests of children at the forefront of policymaking and ensures youth voices are heard.\u201d\n\nThe Child Safety and Well-Being Act would:\n\nEstablish a 15-member Children\u2019s Commission: The Commission would appoint an independent Children\u2019s Commissioner to evaluate how federal policy affects children\u2019s well-being, monitor the development and implementation of laws affecting children, and inform Congress and the states on the views and interests of children. Members of the Commission would include a mix of different professions, broad geographic representation, and diverse racial and ethnic representation to reflect the demographic makeup of children and marginalized youth in the nation.\n\nRepresent the views and interests of children and marginalized youth: The Commission would advise Congress, agencies, and states on policies impacting child well-being, publish reports on matters relating to the interests of children and marginalized youth, examine international issues impacting children domestically and abroad, collaborate, and when appropriate, coordinate with children\u2019s commissioners in the states and in other countries. It would also recommend specific measures for creating an environment in which all children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.\n\nGrant the Commissioner authority: The Commissioner would have the authority to hold hearings, secure necessary information from government agencies related to the goals of the Commission, submit policy recommendations to Congress, collect and access data from federal agencies, conduct studies on child impact statements, and ensure all reports are made publicly available and accessible to children and families.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nMore than 30 years ago (in 1991), a previous National Commission on Children that was created during the Reagan Administration delivered its final report to the George H.W. Bush Administration and Congress. That report served as a catalyst for enacting groundbreaking bipartisan legislation for children and families, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and changes to child welfare policy.\n\nCompared to our peer nations, the U.S. performs poorly in terms of child poverty and other indicators of child well-being. The November 2017 GAO report on child well-being said it best when it stated, \u201cthe long-term success of a nation depends in large part on how well families and society care for their children.\u201d\n\nA fact sheet is available here.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nOriginal cosponsors include: Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR- 01), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Summer Lee (PA-12), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Dina Titus (NV-01), Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).\n\nThe Child Safety and Well-Being Act is endorsed by First Focus Campaign on Children, American Psychological Association, Child Labor Coalition, GLSEN, MomsRising, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Women's Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Save the Children, Teach For America, UNICEF USA, 11:11 Media Impact, ACTION Ohio (Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now), Bank Information Center, Bethany Christian Services, Center for Childhood & Youth Studies, Children First, Children Now, Children\u2019s Rights, Coalition on Human Needs, Comic Relief US, Committee for Children, Disability Rights International, EDGE Consulting Partners, Education for All Coalition, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Families USA, Family Focused Treatment Association, Family Promise, Futures Without Violence, Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children's Issues, Global Campaign for Education-US, Human Rights for Kids, Jewish Women International, Kentucky Youth Advocates, Kids Impact Initiative, Kids in Need of Defense, Leading for Kids, Learning Disabilities Association of America, Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., Media Voices for Children, Miracle Foundation, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Diaper Bank Network, National League for Nursing, Office of Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman, Partnership for Early Childhood Development & Disability Rights (PECDDR), Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK), RISE Institute, School-Based Health Alliance, SchoolHouse Connection, The Arc of the United States, The Children's Partnership, Together for Girls, and the United Church of Christ.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcgarvey-introduces-bill-to-invest-in-entrepreneurship-reduce-recidivism", "Rep. McGarvey Introduces Bill to Invest in Entrepreneurship, Reduce Recidivism", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 26, 2024) \u2013 This week, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) and Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) introduced H.R. 9841, the Prison to Proprietorship for the Formerly Incarcerated Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide in-depth entrepreneurship training to formerly- incarcerated individuals looking to start a business or enter the workforce.\n\n\u201cNearly all incarcerated people will complete their sentence and return to their community\u2014we have to make sure that we\u2019re laying a strong foundation for success post-incarceration,\u201d said Rep. McGarvey. \u201cBy providing a path to entrepreneurship for formerly-incarcerated Americans, my bill not only works to reduce recidivism, but also gives returning citizens the tools they need to start a business and achieve their American dream.\"\n\nThe Prison to Proprietorship for the Formerly Incarcerated Act would direct SCORE\u2014a program within the Small Business Administration that offers free or low-cost mentorship and training to entrepreneurs\u2014to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and online instruction specifically tailored to their unique needs.\n\n\u201cAround 95% of incarcerated people get released and end up back on the streets,\u201d said Rep. Burchett. \u201cWe need to make sure they\u2019re prepared to rejoin their communities, and teaching them entrepreneurial skills helps them get a fresh start.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nDespite steps to reform and improve our criminal justice system, returning citizens face significant barriers to reentering the workforce, and studies have shown that recidivism rates tend to be higher for those individuals who lack employment. As reported by the Council for State Governments, states spent an estimated $8 billion on reincarceration costs for people who exited prison in 2022, and The Department of Justice estimates that 82 percent of individuals released from state prisons were rearrested at least once during the 10 years following release.\n\nPrograms that teach formerly incarcerated individuals leadership skills, financial literacy, networking, and how to develop a business plan reduce recidivism and create more opportunities for returning citizens. As the flagship agency tasked with supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, the Small Business Administration has the expertise and experience to teach those skills.\n\nView text of the bill here.\n\nA one pager for the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E62ED531-095B-4CC7-AB12-59DDA78151DF", "McConnell, Warner Introduce Vital Bill To Support Bourbon Production And Environment", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) announced today the introduction of the White Oak Resilience Act of 2024, which will mobilize greater federal resources and direct research into safeguarding our nation\u2019s White Oak tree population.\n\nWhite Oak trees are vital to the environmental ecosystem, as well as several trademark American industries, like bourbon and furniture production. Considered the most important hardwood tree in the eastern United States, White Oak trees provide sustenance and shelter for a host of wildlife species across the country.\n\nWhite Oak trees can take up to 25 years to reach full maturity, but a lack of seedlings has created an impending shortage that threatens the future of this species and the billions of dollars in economic impact they generate nationwide. This bipartisan legislation will help reverse the depletion of this iconic tree and address the threat its extinction poses to the American economy.\n\n\u201cKentucky bourbon is synonymous with the White Oak tree, used to age our state\u2019s signature spirit in its wooden barrels. As we face an impending White Oak shortage, I\u2019m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will help protect this species and preserve Kentucky's iconic bourbon industry that bolsters our economy and supports thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth. This is commonsense conservation at its best,\u201d said Senator McConnell.\n\n\u201cVirginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of White Oak trees in the country, and they play an indispensable role in our ecology and our economy,\u201d said Senator Warner. \u201cThese trees have tremendous utility as both food for many species and material for the forestry industry, but without further action, we could face a severe shortage soon. I\u2019m glad to sponsor bipartisan legislation that will get ahead of that crisis by bolstering a plan to regenerate our White Oak trees, keeping Virginia beautiful and investing in one of the forestry industry\u2019s most valuable species.\u201d\n\nIn a statement from Brown-Forman, the largest American-owned spirits and wines company: \u201cWe are pleased to see the introduction of the White Oak Resilience Act to the Senate. Brown-Forman depends on healthy forests to provide the white oak for our bourbon barrels. White Oak barrels are more than just a container, they\u2019re an important ingredient that provides all of the color and more than half the flavor to our whiskeys. We are committed to the conservation of the existing hardwood forests we rely on and have undertaken several initiatives to support sustainable forestry practices. We are appreciative of the leadership from Senators McConnell and Warner, supporting this key legislation will provide critical resources for white oak restoration.\u201d\n\n\u201cSazerac commends Senators McConnell and Warner for introducing the Senate companion to HR 5582, the White Oak Resilience Act. Although Sazerac has locations in numerous states, we have distilleries in both Kentucky and Virginia (Buffalo Trace and 1792 in Kentucky; A. Smith Bowman in Virginia) making it particularly significant that these two senators have come together to recognize the importance of this species. The spirits industry has found the ideal wood in White Oak for our barrels and has endeavored to regenerate it for years to come,\u201d said Elizabeth Wise, Chief Global Government and Public Affairs for Sazerac.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Kentucky Distillers\u2019 Association, the worldwide voice of Bourbon, we applaud Leader McConnell and Senator Warner for their leadership in introducing the White Oak Resilience Act,\u201d said Kentucky Distillers\u2019 Association President Eric Gregory. \u201cWhite Oak is instrumental to our signature industry as the new charred oak barrel is where the magic happens, transforming young whiskey into the mellow, amber nectar that is Kentucky Bourbon. The KDA and its 68-member companies have an enduring commitment to the sustainable and conscientious use of our natural resources that our legendary distilleries depend on to make the world\u2019s greatest whiskey. The White Oak Resilience Act will help ensure the future of this important species for our communities, our homegrown Bourbon industry, and generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the University of Kentucky, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Leader McConnell and Senator Warner for introducing the White Oak Resilience Act that addresses White Oak sustainability, which is crucial to Kentucky's signature bourbon industry. The research this measure directs will allow us to leverage our scientific expertise, particularly in genetics and genomics, to support the health and resilience of White Oak tree populations. As a land-grant institution committed to the Commonwealth's economic development, we are well-positioned to translate our findings into practical applications for the bourbon industry,\u201d said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto.\n\n\u201cWhite Oak is a keystone species that supports over 500 types of wildlife while also bolstering rural economies and providing wood products to cities and towns across America,\u201d said Jason Meyer, Executive Director of the White Oak Initiative. \u201cWe\u2019d like to thank Senators Warner and McConnell for their leadership in bringing this bill forward and working together to ensure a long, sustainable future for this critical American resource.\u201d\n\n\u201cVirginia's upland oak forests are on the decline and are incredibly important for wildlife and sustainable forestry,\" said Virginia State Forester Robert W. Farrell. \u201cThe White Oak Resilience Act will help Virginia's forest landowners care for their hardwood forests and ensure White Oak is on the Virginia landscape for generations to come.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, Senators McConnell and Warner supported Senate passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and the President signed it into law. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell secured measures to help preserve the nation\u2019s natural beauty, including language instructing the U.S. Forest Service to work on White Oak restoration, used for barrels that only bourbon can be aged in.\n\nU.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-introduces-hemp-act-to-relieve-unnecessary-constraints-on-hemp-industry-provide-transparency-and-certainty/", "Dr. Rand Paul Introduces HEMP Act to Relieve Unnecessary Constraints on Hemp Industry, Provide Transparency and Certainty", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 26, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nDr. Rand Paul Introduces HEMP Act to Relieve Unnecessary Constraints on Hemp Industry, Provide Transparency and Certainty\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) continued his efforts to address Kentucky hemp farmers\u2019 concerns with federal overreach and bring clarity, transparency, and certainty to regulation by introducing the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act.\n\n\u201cFor years, I\u2019ve led the fight in Washington to restore one of Kentucky\u2019s most historically vital crops by legalizing industrial hemp. We achieved a hard-won victory, but there is still work to do to prevent the federal government from weighing down our farmers with unnecessary bureaucratic micromanaging. My legislation will help this growing industry reach its full economic potential and bring transparency to government regulations,\u201d said Dr. Paul.\n\nThis legislation creates transparency and certainty by defining a margin of error in hemp testing and provides real solutions to help Kentucky hemp farmers and processors.\n\nThe HEMP Act amends the definition of \u201chemp\u201d from 0.3 percent THC to 1 percent THC. It also requires testing of hemp-derived products rather than the hemp flower or plant itself. Additionally, to help prevent legal hemp from being seized during transport, the bill requires that hemp shipments be accompanied by one of two easily accessible types of documentation.\n\nDr. Paul is proud to be a leading voice for removing government restrictions on hemp, including championing legislation, testifying before the Kentucky legislature, and advocating for Kentucky farmers in Washington. This legislation ensures Kentucky can rebuild its hemp industry and push forward to a prosperous future.\n\nYou can read Dr. Paul\u2019s HEMP Act HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D2C4207C-1388-4661-81DC-5CD60FD3BAF1", "House Passes Barr's White Oak Amendment", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the \"Fix Our Forests Act,\" which included Congressman Andy Barr\u2019s amendment to establish the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition in response to the projected decline of white oak populations over the next two decades. Currently spanning 104 million acres across the United States, white oak plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and the economy. As one of the most valuable tree species in the eastern U.S., white oak is indispensable to a variety of industries, from furniture and flooring to cabinetry and, most notably, barrels used for aging wine, whiskey, and Kentucky bourbon.\n\n\u201cWhite oak is essential to Kentucky\u2019s bourbon industry and the broader economy of the Sixth District. The creation of the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition is a proactive step to ensure that this critical resource continues to thrive,\u201d said Rep. Barr (KY-06). \u201cThis initiative will not only support the preservation of white oak for the future, but it will also safeguard the jobs and industries that rely on it. I\u2019m proud to champion this effort to protect one of Kentucky\u2019s most valuable natural assets.\u201d\n\n\u201cYou can\u2019t have bourbon without white oak,\u201d said Rep. McGarvey (KY-03). \u201cRep. Barr has been a great partner on this effort, and I\u2019m proud to see it advance out of the House under his amendment. This is a key step in making sure we have enough white oak to support our environment\u2014and bourbon\u2014for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to have joined a bipartisan majority of House lawmakers in supporting the White Oak Resilience Act to provide long-term sustainability for our White Oak forests,\u201d said Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06). \u201cCovering millions of acres across America, White Oak forests support numerous wildlife and plant ecosystems while serving as a critical resource for several American industries from furniture to wine and spirits. This bill is a comprehensive investment in the conservation and restoration activities across several federal land management agencies for White Oak trees. I look forward to working with the Senate to get the White Oak Resilience Act signed into law so we can conserve this critical resource for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThe amendment also encourages the US Forest Service to work alongside private and state partners at no cost to the taxpayer, asks the Forest Service and the Department of Interior to regenerate white oak through a series of pilot projects on national parks and volunteered private lands, and allows the Forest Service to enter memorandums of understanding with land grant institutions to conduct much-needed research on white oak.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EE99FEA5-2E95-4AD7-B553-0AED432D51E4", "Barr, McGarvey Introduce Bourbon Heritage Month Resolution", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Yesterday, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, Representatives Andy Barr (KY-06) and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate the month of September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. This resolution is a testament to the bourbon capital of the world and in celebration of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail's 25th anniversary.\n\n\"Bourbon is more than just a beverage - it's a proud symbol of Kentucky's rich heritage and craftsmanship,\" said Congressman Barr. \"I'm honored to join my colleague, Rep. Morgan McGarvey, in introducing a resolution to designate September as Bourbon Heritage Month, celebrating an industry that supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to our state and national economy. This month, we raise a glass to the tradition, innovation, and passion that make Kentucky bourbon the best in the world.\"\n\n\"Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon - its heritage is woven throughout two centuries of our commonwealth's history,\" said Congressman McGarvey. \"I love working alongside Rep. Barr, as co-chairs of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, to strengthen one of Kentucky's signature industries and biggest economic drivers, and I'm proud to introduce this resolution to honor the significance and history of America's Native Spirit.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4EB7CCCA-A850-46E2-A4EA-6E6C9DBB8E9E", "Congressman Rogers Votes to Extend Federal Funding and Avoid a Government Shutdown", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the House, voted for the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 to avoid a government shutdown on September 30th and extend federal funding past the election, through December 20, 2024. Both the House and Senate passed the bipartisan bill on Wednesday, sending it on to the president's desk for his signature.\n\nThe funding protects critical benefits programs and includes $231 million in additional resources for the Secret Service to ensure candidates and government leaders are protected, while also ensuring the full cooperation of the Secret Service with congressional investigations.\n\n\"We have the responsibility to protect the federal programs and funding that Americans rely on everyday. This temporary extension will get us through the election, and will allow the president-elect to engage in our next steps,\" said Congressman Rogers, a senior appropriator. \"We cannot afford a government shutdown or any disruption in our national security, especially when our nation's leadership hangs in the balance of an election that is only weeks away.\"\n\nThe House Appropriations Committee passed all twelve federal funding bills earlier this summer, and the House has already passed five of those bills on to the Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarveys-statement-on-voting-to-avoid-yet-another-republican-led-government-shutdown", "Congressman Morgan McGarvey\u2019s Statement on Voting to Avoid Yet Another Republican-Led Government Shutdown", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 25, 2024) \u2013 Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) released the following statement following his vote in favor of a continuing resolution (CR) that will fund the government until December 20, 2024, averting a government shutdown:\n\n\u201cToday, I joined House Democrats to once again prevent MAGA extremists from senselessly causing chaos and shutting down the government\u2014a move that will ultimately cost the government money.\n\nI am glad we were able to pass a short-term continuing resolution without any poison pills, but we shouldn\u2019t have to fight tooth and nail to do the bare minimum of our job. The bar could not be lower at this point, and somehow this is the norm?\n\nPushing ourselves to the brink of a government shutdown over and over, only to kick the can down the road yet again, is not good governing. It creates unnecessary uncertainty for our government and American families, and frankly\u2014it\u2019s giving us all whiplash.\n\nWhen we come back in November, let\u2019s put our differences aside and come to the table in good faith to debate and pass a good, comprehensive budget.\u201d\n\nThe continuing resolution passed with a final vote of 341-82, receiving unanimous support from Democrats and 82 Republicans voting against it. If the bill is not passed by both chambers and signed into law by President Biden, government funding will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-mcgarvey-bills-to-support-veterans-education-passed-by-house-of-representatives", "Two McGarvey Bills to Support Veterans\u2019 Education Passed by House of Representatives", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 25, 2024) \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 7323, the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill led by Reps. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) to increase access to educational opportunities for veterans by requiring public higher education institutions to charge in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR. Included in this bill is the Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act, another bipartisan veterans education initiative led by Rep. McGarvey and Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) to give veterans expanded flexibility to use their education benefits for flight training.\n\n\u201cEvery veteran should have access to quality, affordable education when they return home\u2014they\u2019ve more than earned it,\u201d said Rep. McGarvey. \u201cAs a member of the House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, I\u2019m always looking for bipartisan solutions to make sure veterans\u2019 benefits work for them. The initiatives we passed today make sure our vets and reservists can pursue higher education on their own terms, without breaking the bank. This is a great first step, and we\u2019ll keep working to get them signed into law.\u201d\n\nThe Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to require public higher education institutions to charge in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR. The bill is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Special Operations Association of America, Veterans Education Project, Military Officers Association of America, and Reserve Organization of America. Bill text is available here.\n\nThe Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act will cap flight training fees for veteran students at $108,480 for public flight training institutions and allow student veterans to use their GI Bill throughout the whole year, instead of requiring them to take time off or pay out of pocket. Bill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2C9B46D2-CBA3-435C-814E-CBA00A363B78", "McConnell: VP Harris\u2019 Willingness To Throw Away Senate\u2019s Guardrails As Disqualifying As Her Record", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "\u2018There is nothing normal or rational about blowing up the dam holding back simple majority rule. And the fact that a major political party has welcomed this short-sighted radicalism into the mainstream will be to their eternal shame. To lean on today\u2019s fill-in-the-blank justification is to miss entirely what\u2019s at stake. The Senate\u2019s protections against the vacillations of simple majority rule are bigger than Washington Democrats\u2019 policy preferences.\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the filibuster:\n\n\u201c\u2019I am prepared to get rid of the filibuster to pass a Green New Deal.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe.\u2019\n\n\u201cThese are the words of the Vice President of the United States and the Democratic nominee for President.\n\n\u201cHer willingness to shatter the institution of the Senate is not unique. Nearly every single one of our Democratic colleagues was willing to do it two years ago. And they would have succeeded had two members of their own caucus not stood in the breach.\n\n\u201cNor is this campaign to rip up precious safeguards for political minorities confined here to the Senate. From a sitting President all the way down to grassroots activists, Democrats have made smashing institutions a core pillar of their party\u2019s platform.\n\n\u201cThe Vice President\u2019s latest comments are not novel. But they are shocking \u2013 no less so than the votes our colleagues cast here on January 19, 2022.\n\n\u201cThere is nothing normal or rational about blowing up the dam holding back simple majority rule. And the fact that a major political party has welcomed this short-sighted radicalism into the mainstream will be to their eternal shame.\n\n\u201cTo lean on today\u2019s fill-in-the-blank justification is to miss entirely what\u2019s at stake. The Senate\u2019s protections against the vacillations of simple majority rule are bigger than Washington Democrats\u2019 policy preferences. They\u2019re bigger than my own.\n\n\u201cA Senate that can steamroll a legislative minority to codify Roe v. Wade or enshrine the lunacy of the Green New Deal into law\u2026\n\n\u201c\u2026is a Senate that will drive a stake through liberal hopes as soon as the political winds change.\n\n\u201cTo gamble the guardrails that make the Senate what it is\u2026 To short-circuit the process by which dissenting views are guaranteed a hearing\u2026 That ought to be disqualifying, by itself.\n\n\u201cThen again, so should the Vice President\u2019s record on the issues.\n\n\u201cIn November, the Democratic nominee will own the worst border crisis in American history, and the broken policies that invited it.\n\n\u201cShe will own the worst inflation in forty years, and the reckless spending and tie-breaking votes that enabled it.\n\n\u201cThe American people may well worry, like I do, about the future of an institution designed to be the world\u2019s greatest deliberative body.\n\n\u201cBut more than that, they worry about keeping their families safe and putting food on the table. And I expect they\u2019ll vote accordingly.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B3B83FB2-D0D0-4BE3-8A54-E08FC04DE208", "McConnell, Kaine Applaud Final Rule To Raise Minimum Age For Tobacco Sales Set By Their Bill", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded a final rule issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding ID requirements for the purchase of tobacco products at retail establishments. The rule, which will go into effect on September 30, was required by McConnell and Kaine\u2019s Tobacco-Free Youth Act. Signed into law in December 2019, the bipartisan McConnell-Kaine legislation raised the minimum age to buy all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.\n\nLast week, Senator McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting a recent survey by the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which concluded the number of young people in America smoking e-cigarettes dropped to its lowest level in the last decade.\n\n\u201cYouth e-cigarette use was at its peak just five years ago. That\u2019s when I introduced legislation along with Senator Kaine to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21. Today, the number of young people smoking e-cigarettes dropped to its lowest level in a decade,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cI\u2019m glad to see the FDA finally produce this rule that will help keep even more children from getting their hands on addictive vaping devices. While more work remains, I\u2019m grateful to see our bipartisan legislation making a big impact.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad the FDA issued final guidance to implement our bipartisan legislation to raise the tobacco age to 21,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cI was proud to work with Senator McConnell to get this legislation signed into law. Our bipartisan bill has already made a huge difference in keeping tobacco products away from young people, and this final rule will only further these efforts.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B581D305-80F9-4F96-B294-816D498880C6", "McConnell: Subservience To Autocrats Neither An American Value Nor Strategic Interest", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "\u2018Hungary\u2019s leaders have made no secret of their conviction that the future is one of American decline. They\u2019re not hiding the ways they\u2019re preparing for American weakness and betting on our failure. There\u2019s nothing tough about bowing to autocrats. And there\u2019s nothing for America\u2019s leaders to gain by praising those who do.\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NATO:\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve spoken frequently about the welcome signs that America\u2019s European allies are waking up to the strategic challenge posed by the PRC, and to the dangers of predatory Chinese influence in their own backyards.\n\n\u201cLike America, our allies are watching the flaws of China\u2019s statist economic model laid bare. They\u2019re increasingly wary to hitch their wagons to a totalitarian system that stifles innovation, discourages free thought, and complicates free enterprise.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re hesitant to take risks in a system where the rule of law is trampled by the whims of the state, and assets are subject to expropriation by the regime.\n\n\u201cEncouraging progress, like a German security strategy that explicitly recognizes the Chinese threat, and efforts across the EU to reduce reliance on Chinese technologies, presents opportunities for the West to work closer together. To secure supply chains. And to lower barriers to cooperation among allies.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, this progress is not across-the-board. China may not be a safe business partner, but it\u2019s still an enticing one for far too many economies\u2026 including within the NATO alliance.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve spoken before about Hungary\u2019s decade-long drift into the orbit of the West\u2019s most determined adversaries. It\u2019s an alarming trend. And nobody \u2013 certainly not the American conservatives who increasingly form a cult of personality around Prime Minister Viktor Orban \u2013 can pretend not to see it.\n\n\u201cHungary\u2019s leaders aren\u2019t cozying up to Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran in private. They\u2019re doing it publicly and vocally as well.\n\n\u201cThe Orban government has welcomed China\u2019s view of a \u2018European bridgehead\u2019 in Hungary as the perfect complement to its own declared policy of an \u2018opening to the East.\u2019 And it hasn\u2019t been shy about turning words into actions.\n\n\u201cWhen Chinese state enterprise has said jump, Hungarian officials have asked, how high?\n\n\u201cAs European allies began to heed warnings from the Trump Administration to reduce reliance on Chinese industry and technology, Budapest repeatedly blocked EU progress and welcomed a geyser of Chinese Belt-and-Road investment.\n\n\u201cIncluded in the torrent of PRC influence was five-hundred-million Euros from a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer to build a new facility on Hungarian soil\u2026 and another seven-billion-euro investment in a new EV battery plant.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, the Prime Minister of a former vassal of Russian communism has nothing but praise for the neo-Soviet imperialist responsible for the first major land war in Europe since 1945.\n\n\u201cViktor Orban describes the regime that has sacrificed tens- if not hundreds of thousands of Russian lives and more than $200 billion dollars in military force for its unprovoked \u2013 and thus far unsuccessful \u2013 aggression against Ukraine as \u2018hyper-rational\u2019.\n\n\u201cBut this NATO Prime Minister doesn\u2019t just admire Putin. He helps him. His government runs interference for Moscow, gumming up European and trans-Atlantic efforts to combat Russia\u2019s unlawful aggression at every turn.\n\n\u201cEuropean allies are providing more assistance to Ukraine than the US is, but Americans who complain the EU isn\u2019t doing more to help Ukraine should look no further than to Budapest\u2019s efforts to block additional EU assistance for the answer.\n\n\u201cAnd then there\u2019s Budapest\u2019s relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hungary\u2019s Foreign Minister has bemoaned that ongoing international sanctions make it \u2018really challenging to build effective economic and trade cooperation\u2019 with the world\u2019s most active state sponsor of terror.\n\n\u201cI have little sympathy for Hungarian companies that struggle to profit from their ties to the genocidal regime in Tehran.\n\n\u201cOf course, that hasn\u2019t stopped Hungarian firms from committing tens of millions of dollars to financing joint nuclear projects with Iran.\n\n\u201cIt didn\u2019t stop a national Hungarian university from inviting the former Iranian President to a conference on \u2018common values in the global environment\u2019.\n\n\u201c\u2019Common values\u2019 with Tehran. And here I thought it was American conservatives who claimed shared values with Hungary\u2019s ruling party. Has the Orban government forgot its adoring fans on this side of the Atlantic?\n\n\u201cNo. Hungary\u2019s leaders have made no secret of their conviction that the future is one of American decline. They\u2019re not hiding the ways they\u2019re preparing for American weakness and betting on our failure.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s nothing tough about bowing to autocrats. And there\u2019s nothing for America\u2019s leaders to gain by praising those who do.\n\n\u201cSubservience to revanchist powers is not an American value. But far more importantly, it is not in America\u2019s interests.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-forces-vote-on-six-penny-plan-to-balance-the-federal-budget-in-five-years/", "Dr. Rand Paul Forces Vote on Six Penny Plan to Balance the Federal Budget in Five Years", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nSeptember 25, 2024\n\nContact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343\n\nDr. Rand Paul Forces Vote on Six Penny Plan to Balance the Federal Budget in Five Years\n\nSenate Votes 39-56 on Dr. Paul\u2019s Six Penny Plan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) forced the Senate to vote on his \u201cSix Penny Plan\u201d federal budget that will balance within five years. Dr. Paul spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the vote, below are excerpts from his remarks.\n\n\u201cThis year, the United States will spend over $6 trillion while only bringing in $4 trillion in revenue. That\u2019s a profound gap, $2 trillion will be borrowed this year. To add insult to injury, Congress spends like drunken sailors without even bothering to pass a budget\u2026In fact, over the past 20 years, Congress has passed a budget less than half the time. So, today, I will attempt to do what both parties have failed to do and that is pass a budget\u2026The Penny Plan that I offer today will balance the budget in 5 years.\n\n\u201cAmericans will pay dearly for Congress\u2019s insatiable appetite for more and more spending. The high level of spending that is currently crushing the American family is just the beginning. If we continue down this unsustainable path, American families will be forced to deal with even higher inflation, confiscatory tax rates, rising interest rates, and a weak economy. It will be harder to find a job and provide for a family because the deals made in the halls of Congress always stick the taxpayers with the bill.\n\n\u201cAs interest payments on the national debt crowd out the rest of the government\u2019s budget, tax increases, inflation, and an eventual default on the debt are what lie ahead for the American economy. Unfortunately, a debt crisis will not just stop with our economy. A threat to our financial security is also a threat to our national security.\n\n\u201cEven the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s own Treasury has admitted that our current path is unsustainable. The math is clear, and I urge my colleagues: do not get in an argument with math. You will lose.\n\n\u201cOur current trajectory weakens our national security and drains productivity from our economy. History will remember those who had the courage to make the hard choices now and who chose to leave their children with less of the burden. For just six pennies on the dollar, we can reverse this dismal trajectory. In just five years, we can restore trust in the U.S. dollar, the U.S. economy, and walk the U.S. government off the fiscal cliff. Vote yes on this plan, vote yes on restoring fiscal sanity, vote yes on securing a future for our country.\u201d\n\nYou can watch Dr. Paul\u2019s full floor remarks HERE and HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Six Penny Plan is a federal budget resolution that will balance on-budget outlays and revenues within five years by cutting six pennies off every dollar projected to be spent in the next five fiscal years. This plan is the most recent in a series of plans that Dr. Paul has introduced to address an ever-worsening budget crisis:\n\nIn the 100 days between CBO\u2019s February and June budget baselines, the federal government added an additional $540 billion to the national debt (an additional $1,600 per U.S. citizen).\n\nCBO\u2019s June estimates increased projected deficits by $2.5 trillion over CBO\u2019s February estimates.\n\nInterest payments on the debt account for more spending than our entire defense budget.\n\nAt over $35 trillion, the national debt is nearly double the amount of total bank deposits in the U.S. In other words, emptying every bank account in the U.S. would only cover half of the government\u2019s debt.\n\nIn 2017, Dr. Paul introduced a budget that would have only required a spending freeze to balance in five years. An annual six percent cut is now required to achieve the same results. Dr. Paul\u2019s Six Penny Plan implements these cuts while preserving congressional discretion regarding how to achieve these spending targets. This plan would:\n\nReduce spending by $329 billion in the first year. The plan would continue to cut six percent until balance in year five, then allows spending to rise with the pace of revenues in the five years remaining.\n\nMake no specific policy assumptions. All savings are reflected in the newly defined budget function 930: New Efficiencies, Consolidations, and Other Savings. The budget sets a goal of balance and then calls on Congress to make the changes needed to achieve this objective.\n\nAssume the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is made permanent (originally set to expire in 2027). Since CBO originally assumed this would expire and federal revenues would increase, this plan accounts for the decrease in projected revenues if TCJA were to be made permanent.\n\nYou can read the Six Penny Plan HERE.\n\nDr. Paul\u2019s Six Penny Plan has wide support:\n\n\u201cFor decades, the government has spent beyond its means and expected hardworking taxpayers to foot the bill. This reckless spending in Washington has delivered nothing but record inflation, leaving the American people unable to make ends meet. It\u2019s past time for Congress to make the hard decisions required to put our financial house back in order. Heritage Action thanks Sen. Paul for his consistent support for fiscal responsibility and backs his \u2018Six Penny Plan\u2019 to balance the budget,\u201d said Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President of Heritage Action.\n\n\u201cThe Council for Citizens Against Government Waste supports Sen. Paul\u2019s amendment to cap spending for five years and achieve a balanced budget. His proposal to cut spending by 6 percent annually should be supported by every senator who believes in fiscal responsibility and getting the nation back on the right track,\u201d said Tom Schatz, President of Council for Citizens Against Government Waste.\n\n\u201cSenator Paul has been a true pioneer in new concepts for fiscal responsibility, with his first introduction of a Penny Plan to balance the budget back in 2017. At the time, achieving eventual balance would have only required cutting 1 cent per dollar of federal spending. However, due to continued reckless policies, a Six Penny Plan, requiring annual 6 percent savings to tackle deficits, is now necessary. Senator Paul\u2019s legislation also locks in the pro-growth Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, preventing tax hikes on top of inflation. Also important, the Six Penny Plan wisely proposes scorekeeping reforms to identify duplicate programs in new proposals and strengthened budget enforcement in the Senate. Taxpayers can only hope that Congress acts swiftly on the Six Penny Plan, so Senator Paul won\u2019t need to introduce a Dime Plan or, worse, a Quarter Plan,\u201d said Demian Brady, Vice President of Research, National Taxpayers Union Foundation.\n\n\u201cSenator Rand Paul has been fighting for fiscal responsibility and raising the alarm on federal spending with his Penny Plan since 2017. Had Congress listened to Sen. Paul and passed his plan, the country would have a balanced budget today. Instead, Congress continues to exacerbate inflationary pressures with unprecedented and obscene spending levels. As President of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, I thank Senator Rand Paul for this commonsense and much-needed solution to balance the budget and protect taxpayers,\u201d said David Williams, President of Taxpayers Protection Alliance.\n\n\u201cCitizens for Renewing America supports Senator Rand Paul\u2019s Six Penny Plan, which offers a real solution to years of reckless spending policies. As Congress continues to avoid addressing the root causes of our growing national debt, Senator Paul\u2019s plan forces genuine cuts to the woke and weaponized federal bureaucracy. This legislation is critical to restoring the fiscal sanity that Washington has sorely lacked and provides the necessary course correction to years of flawed policies that have failed to reduce our national debt or deficits,\u201d said Wade Miller, Executive Director of Citizens for Renewing America.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, the Biden Administration continues to advocate for inflationary spending plans that would add to the crushing tax burden faced by hardworking Americans. As we face the real threat of stagflation for the first time since the 1970s, we need a major course correction from policymakers in Washington. Senator Rand Paul should be commended for his bold approach to address our $35 trillion national debt, while avoiding economically damaging tax increases. Sen. Paul\u2019s common sense spending reforms put our hardworking taxpayers first by addressing the root cause of our national debt: overspending,\u201d said Jonathan Williams, ALEC Chief Economist and Executive Vice President of Policy.\n\n\u201cUnsustainable federal spending is driving the bloated national debt and contributes to economic weakness and elevated inflation, so I applaud Senator Paul\u2019s Six Penny Plan to get control of the spending crisis,\u201d said Vance Ginn, Ph.D., President of Ginn Economic Consulting and former Chief Economist of Trump White House OMB.\n\n\u201cSenator Rand Paul has long been a champion of balancing the federal budget and protecting the American taxpayer. Senator Paul has a plan that will balance the budget in five years. Interestingly, if Congress had voted for Senator Paul\u2019s plan five years ago, we would not be suffering runaway inflation, economic downturns, slowdowns, severe shortages, and empty shelves at the store. And we\u2019d be celebrating a balanced budget too! And balancing the budget has national security benefits as well. If we wait even longer to take action, we will suffer more inflation, larger and larger deficits, and more economic instability and our national security will slide downhill as well. And then it will take much larger cuts to get things back on track. So now is the time to act before the problem becomes so large that it cannot practically be fixed,\u201d said George Landrith, President of Frontiers for Freedom.\n\n\u201cSenator Rand Paul is one of the few Senators who are serious about the fiscal challenges facing America. Quite simply, the current rate of government spending is unsustainable with interest payments on the debt for the first ten months of fiscal year 2024 reaching a staggering $763 billion fully $202 billion more than the same period the previous year. Net interest payments on the debt surpass every other spending category other than Social Security. It is astonishing that the fiscal apocalypse that we have worried about for decades is now upon us with even defense spending dwarfed by the cost of simply making interest payments on our $35 trillion national debt. Senator Paul\u2019s Six Penny Plan forces an honest discussion about the crisis our nation faces and some of the tough decisions which will be required to reverse course from the almost $2 Trillion in debt our country adds onto the ledger every single year. Higher interest rate payments on more of the debt combined with the spending spree which has raised the debt from $26.9 Trillion on September 30, 2020 to more than $35 Trillion. America is in trouble and Senator Paul is one of the few members of Congress willing to propose solutions,\u201d said Richard Manning, President of Americans for Limited Government Foundation\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5EC30E93-218A-4484-A5C9-FB2F5BF38472", "Barr Releases Statement on EDA Grant to City of Richmond", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Richmond, KY - The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $4.7 million to the City of Richmond for building renovations to support substance abuse workforce development in the region. The facility will house 50-72 recovery beds for men. New Vista will implement a workforce program while serving as the facility's operator and employ approximately 41 full time service, support, and clinical staff. The investment will be supplemented by the City of Richmond and Madison County's agreement to provide $1.5 million each.\n\n\"Access to the right resources is vital in the fight against substance abuse, and this grant will equip Madison County with essential care, support, and job opportunities,\" said Congressman Andy Barr. \"I was pleased to advocate for this federal funding and and am humbled by the innovative approach these partners have taken to meet this need in a way that will positively impact Richmond and our region. I look forward to seeing the impact this project has on our community.\"\n\n\"We want to thank Congressman Barr's office for his support on this project,\" said Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe. \"A men's rehab center is one of the missing pieces of the puzzle in our community to help people recover from addiction. This has been a long standing partnership between the City of Richmond, Bluegrass Area Development District, New Vista and the Fletcher Group. Working together as a team to get this application across the goal line was no small feat and we want to also thank Bertha Partin at the EDA office for her patience and direction.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcgarvey-barr-introduce-resolution-to-recognize-bourbon-heritage-month", "Reps. McGarvey, Barr Introduce Resolution to Recognize Bourbon Heritage Month", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "Morgan McGarvey", "M001220", "mcgarvey.house.gov", "mcgarvey", "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 24, 2024) \u2013 Today, Representatives Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), and Andy Barr (KY-06), co-chairs of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing the month of September as National Bourbon Heritage Month and honoring over two centuries of bourbon history in Kentucky.\n\n\u201cKentucky is the birthplace of bourbon\u2014its heritage is woven throughout two centuries of our commonwealth\u2019s history,\u201d said Rep. McGarvey. \u201cI love working alongside Rep. Barr, as co-chairs of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, to strengthen one of Kentucky\u2019s signature industries and biggest economic drivers, and I\u2019m proud to introduce this resolution to honor the significance and history of America\u2019s Native Spirit.\u201d\n\n\"Bourbon is more than just a beverage \u2013 it's a proud symbol of Kentucky\u2019s rich heritage and craftsmanship,\u201d said Rep. Barr. \u201cI\u2019m honored to join my colleague, Rep. Morgan McGarvey, in introducing a resolution to designate September as Bourbon Heritage Month, celebrating an industry that supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to our state and national economy. This month, we raise a glass to the tradition, innovation, and passion that make Kentucky bourbon the best in the world.\"\n\nCongress first declared bourbon - the only spirit distinctive to the United States - as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Native Spirit\u201d in 1964, and the U.S. Senate recognized September as National Bourbon Heritage Month in 2007, with the passage of a resolution sponsored by Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky.\n\nRepresentative McGarvey\u2019s resolution declares September 2024 \u201cNational Bourbon Heritage Month\u201d and reaffirms bourbon\u2019s place as America\u2019s only native spirit. The resolution also celebrates Kentucky as the birthplace and home of bourbon, acknowledges bourbon\u2019s contribution to Kentucky\u2019s economy and agricultural industry, and commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8A80F6D0-07C4-4D94-A46A-8F0DE99AF851", "McConnell Helps Secure Over $1 Million for Maysville Community and Technical College", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "Senator McConnell advocated for this funding in the annual government funding bill\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Maysville Community and Technical College will receive $1,004,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The federal grant will be used to build out a welding training facility on its Montgomery County campus in Mount Sterling, Kentucky.\n\nSenator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, contacted the EDA in support of Maysville Community and Technical College\u2019s competitive federal grant application and advocated for EDA funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s federal grant announcement is welcome news. I hear constantly about the challenges Kentucky employers face finding workers to fill open jobs across the Commonwealth. Maysville Community and Technical College\u2019s new facility will go a long way in training Kentuckians with the hands-on skills they need to get to work in their communities,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cI was proud to bring home today\u2019s federal grant, and I'm thrilled to see these funds invest in the future of Kentucky\u2019s workforce.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud of the EDA\u2019s investment in the Maysville Community and Technical College's Mount Sterling/Montgomery County campus, and I appreciate Senator McConnell\u2019s support in helping us secure this federal funding. This critical project not only enhances our facilities but also strengthens our capacity to meet the growing demands of the welding industry,\u201d said Dr. Laura McCullough, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maysville Community and Technical College. \u201cBy fostering workforce development and empowering our students with high-demand skills, we are laying the foundation for new business growth, attracting private investment, and driving long-term economic vitality in the region. Together, we are building a stronger future for our community.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2024/9/comer-congratulates-michelle-grubbs-of-ballard-county-on-being-named-truck-safety-coalition-s-volunteer-of-the-year", "Comer Congratulates Michelle Grubbs of Ballard County on Being Named Truck Safety Coalition\u2019s Volunteer of the Year", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014In his Washington office, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) congratulated Michelle Grubbs of Ballard County on being named the Truck Safety Coalition\u2019s Volunteer of the Year. In November 2023, Mrs. Grubbs contacted Congressman Comer\u2019s office to advocate for road safety reforms following the tragic loss of her son and family members in a preventable accident. Her story and determination to advance legislative reforms in Congress on behalf of her son and other family members was inspiring. Congressman Comer was proud to champion bipartisan legislation that will increase road safety in Kentucky and communities across the country.\n\n.\n\n.\n\nCongressman Comer also received the \u201cTruck Safety Champion\u201d award and delivered recorded remarks for the Truck Safety Coalition\u2019s event honoring Michelle Grubbs.\n\n.\n\n.\n\nBelow are Congressman Comer\u2019s video remarks as prepared:\n\n.\n\nHello, I am Congressman James Comer, and it is an honor to address you today.\n\nThe Truck Safety Coalition has helped reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the road and provides support to accident survivors and families of crash victims.\n\nAddressing road safety became a priority of mine after Michelle Grubbs, a constituent of Kentucky\u2019s First Congressional District from Ballard County, shared her story with me.\n\nIn her message, she wrote:\n\n.\n\nQUOTE\n\n.\n\nI lost my 26-year-old son, his fianc\u00e9, her mother and Mother\u2019s boyfriend along with a 14-year-old cousin of the fianc\u00e9 in a preventable truck crash.\n\nSince 2009, large truck fatality crashes have increased by 71% in Kentucky.\n\nWe can do better. Your life, my family, friends and my own life mean more than these shocking events in truck fatalities, most of which can be prevented with some changes to laws.\n\n.\n\nEND QUOTE\n\n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EEB25A95-32C8-48A6-AD70-EE569814D9B5", "McConnell Urges Administration, Colleagues Not To Make Israel\u2019s Job Harder", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding national security priorities:\n\n\u201cIn May, 2000, Israeli forces withdrew from southern Lebanon. But while the occupation ended, Hizballah\u2019s appetite for waging war on Israel only grew. And its further deadly attacks on Israel invited the 2006 conflict.\n\n\u201cThe history of Israel\u2019s fight to defend its northern border and innocent civilians against Hizballah terrorists bears eerie parallels to the story of brutal violence Hamas has perpetrated from Gaza.\n\n\u201cIsrael withdrew there in August, 2005. And by 2007, Iran-backed terrorists had bent the enclave to its all-consuming mission: war on Israel.\n\n\u201cBut the most glaring through-lines in Israel\u2019s north and south are not the relentless bloodlust of terrorists. They\u2019re the predictable delusion of Israel\u2019s \u2018friends\u2019\u2026 And the shameful cowardice of international authorities that claim to stand for peace.\n\n\u201cTake, for starters, how the Biden-Harris Administration chose to welcome the U.N. General Assembly by signaling its openness to resuming funding for UNRWA. And how it apparently still clings to the fiction that an organization so thoroughly corrupted by Hamas that nearly a dozen of its staff directly participated in the October 7th attacks is somehow reform-able.\n\n\u201cBut while the civilized world gathers in one place, the General Assembly might productively spend its time contemplating other pressing questions. For example:\n\n\u201cWhy hasn\u2019t the U.N. Security Council managed to enforce resolutions 1559 and 1701 in Lebanon? These resolutions were passed to end and prevent further conflict between Israel and Lebanon by removing the threat Hizballah posed on Israel\u2019s border, and to end the threat Hizballah posed to the state of Lebanon itself.\n\n\u201cAnd why has the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon allowed Hizballah to build up massive stockpiles on Israel\u2019s border in clear preparation for war? Why has the UN looked the other way as Hizballah has expanded its corrosive influence over the institutions of Lebanon\u2019s government?\n\n\u201cBut setting aside the failures of the so-called international community, this past weekend once again cast a spotlight on America\u2019s own naivete toward the glaring facts of Iran-backed war on our friend, Israel.\n\n\u201cIn an interview that might rightly attract scrutiny for its host\u2019s obfuscation of the facts on Israel\u2019s latest responses to Hizballah terrorism, the White House national security communications advisor said out loud what the Biden-Harris Administration has been saying by its actions for nearly a year.\n\n\u201cQuote: \u2018We\u2019ve been working since the beginning of this conflict, October 8th\u2026 to try to prevent an escalation\u2026\u2019\n\n\u201cThink about it, Madam President. The only way to claim credit for working to \u2018prevent an escalation\u2019 is by pretending like Hizballah\u2019s October 8th attacks \u2013 or Hamas\u2019 October 7th massacre \u2013 weren\u2019t actually escalations, themselves!\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, the Administration official also seemed to suggest a moral equivalence between Israel and Hizballah. He suggested that \u2018military action, by either side\u2019 would not be \u2018in either side\u2019s best interest,\u2019 and implied that an Israeli response would itself be escalation.\n\n\u201cSecond-guessing Israel\u2019s interests. Micromanaging their defensive efforts. Blaming Israel for escalation when it\u2019s clear Hamas and Hizballah have been the instigators of this conflict. It\u2019s a tired playbook.\n\n\u201cThe Administration is telling the world that what America wants is a return to October 6th, as if the status quo ante was sustainable or peaceful. This, of course, is pure fantasy. Hamas broke a cease-fire on October 7th.\n\n\u201cOr consider Hizballah\u2019s history as the centerpiece of Iran\u2019s \u2018ring of fire\u2019 around Israel:\n\n\u201cJust since the 2006 conflict, Hizballah terrorists have imported tens of thousands of rockets to target Israel, deployed forces directly to Israel\u2019s border, and constructed tunnels that would allow them to emulate Hamas\u2019 October 7th invasion.\n\n\u201cRecent estimates suggest the terrorists posses up to 200,000 rockets, missiles, drones, and precision-guided munitions, along with 25,000 active-duty militants. All of it is pointed south at Israel. And all of it, as Hizballah\u2019s leader has boasted, is from Iran.\n\n\u201cOr consider Lebanon itself. Hizballah is a cancer on the Lebanese state. It wields its power as a sectarian terror squad, and leaves a long trail of blood through the highest ranks of civilian government and civil society. Sunnis, Christians, Druze, and fellow Shiites \u2013 none are immune from Hizballah\u2019s wrath.\n\n\u201cThen again, National Public Radio refers to Hizballah as a \u2018political\u2019 group. Perhaps the Administration officials\u2019 confusion is a symptom of their media diet. Or, more likely, the foundations of their foreign policy are fundamentally flawed:\n\n\u201cRemember the declaration by the President\u2019s national security advisor early last fall that the Middle East was \u2018quieter than it has been for decades\u2019.\n\n\u201cThe absurdity of this boast in light of October 7th is striking enough. But even when it was written, it betrayed the Administration\u2019s naivete toward glaring and abiding threats to Israel and America\u2019s national security interests in the region.\n\n\u201cIran\u2019s agents in Syria and Iraq had already fired hundreds of rockets at American forces on this Administration\u2019s watch. Since last October, these attacks have only metastasized, including into the Red Sea. Was this an acceptable status quo?\n\n\u201cWas Hizballah\u2019s steady preparation for war? Was Hamas\u2019 expropriation of humanitarian assistance in order to build terror tunnels?\n\n\u201cThe United States ought to stand with our friend, Israel, as it faces these terrorists down. The goal should not be simply to avoid escalation or to return to the status quo ante, but to help Israel defend itself against terrorists bent on Israel\u2019s destruction.\n\n\u201cWe have a stake in ensuring Israel emerges from this conflict stronger and these terrorist organizations and their Iranian patron weaker. These same terrorists want to expel the United States from the region. We are the Great Satan, in their own parlance.\n\n\u201cInstead, by their misplaced obsession with escalation, the Administration and Washington Democrats are making Israel\u2019s job harder.\n\n\u201cIf the President and Vice President want to see an end to war in Gaza and prevent greater hostilities in Lebanon, then it\u2019s time to switch the focus of their diplomatic pressure.\n\n\u201cEvery time Administration officials try to tie Israel\u2019s hands in public comments\u2026 And every time a U.S. Senator threatens to hold critical security assistance hostage\u2026 Hamas, Hizballah, and their patrons in Tehran are emboldened.\n\n\u201cIf our colleagues want peace, it\u2019s time to show support for a nation founded on peace\u2026 And resolve toward terrorists whose reason for existence is chaos and violence.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 559, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "KY", "p1": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 491, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 68, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 322, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}, {"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 237, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "KY", "label": "KY", "count": 559, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 559, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-09-23,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emcconnell~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FID~3DEEB25A95-32C8-48A6-AD70-EE569814D9B5", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2024&_next=2024-09-23%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emcconnell~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpressreleases~3FID~3DEEB25A95-32C8-48A6-AD70-EE569814D9B5&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 304.37572905793786, "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"}