{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"NC\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-and-22-house-colleagues-urge-fix-work-authorization-backlog", "Congresswoman Ross and 22 House Colleagues Urge Fix for Work Authorization Backlog for Immigrant Spouses", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) led a letter with 22 House colleagues urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Jaddou to reduce processing delays for spousal work authorizations. As a result of this backlog, tens of thousands of immigrant spouses across the country \u2013 many of them highly educated women in the STEM fields \u2013 have been unable to work and provide for their families over the past year, causing unnecessary financial hardship for themselves and their loved ones.\n\nThe letter requests that DHS work expeditiously to implement the recent Shergill v. Mayorkas settlement; eliminate additional causes of delays by reinstating joint adjudication or primary and dependent visas and work authorizations; and expand the premium processing to additional visa categories, including H-4 and L-2 EADs.\n\nEligible H-4 visa holders are dependents of H-1B workers who have been approved for an employment-based green card. These spouses have been allowed to obtain work permits since 2015. L-2 visas are held by the spouses of executives, managers or \"specialized knowledge staff.\u201d These spouses have been allowed to work in the U.S. since 2002.\n\nThe letter says in part, \u201cDue to the Trump administration\u2019s changes to visa processing, H-4 and L-2 visa applicants have recently had to wait 11 months to two years to have their documents renewed\u2014even though it only takes USCIS 12 minutes to process Form I-765 and 24 minutes to process Form I-539.\n\n\u201cThe vast majority of H-4 and L-2 workers are highly educated women, many of whom are employed in STEM fields in the United States. Processing delays have left their families without a second income, forcing them to dip into their savings, sell their homes, and take other drastic measures to stay on their feet. These delays also threaten the over $7.5 billion that these workers contribute to the U.S. economy.\n\n\u201cIn order to address this issue more holistically, we request that joint adjudication of primary and dependent visas and work authorizations be reinstated\u2026 We also urge USCIS to quickly expand premium processing to additional visa categories, including H-4 and L-2 visas and EADs.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-releases-statement-manchin-decision-oppose-build-back-better-act", "Adams Releases Statement on Manchin Decision to Oppose Build Back Better Act", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) released the following statement on Senator Joe Manchin's decision to oppose the Build Back Better Act, which includes an extension of the enhanced Child Tax Credit tax cut. In 2021, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) cut taxes by over $250 million for over 100,000 families in North Carolina's 12th Congressional District. The enhanced CTC is scheduled to expire on December 31st. More information on the CTC is available here.\n\n\"The legislative process is messy and often disappointing, but the worst thing we can do is lose our will to work for the American people,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"We can't let the Grinch steal Christmas. The House of Representatives should return to Washington to pass a \u2018clean' extension of the enhanced Child Tax Credit tax cut that is set to expire at the end of the month, and the Senate should return to take up this legislation before the end of the year. Over 100,000 families in my district, as well as millions of families across the country, are counting on us to act. If Republicans truly oppose the Child Tax Credit tax cut, let's put them on record against tax relief and show American families who they really are.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-announces-rdu-receive-more-14-million-bipartisan", "Congresswoman Ross Announces RDU to Receive More Than $14 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, NC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced that Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) will receive $ 14,698,288 in new federal funding under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding can be used to improve runways and taxiways, for terminal development, and for noise prevention programs.\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering the investments our communities need while creating good-paying jobs across North Carolina,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cAs one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, it is imperative that the Research Triangle has a modern airport that safely connects our community to the rest of the country and the world. I\u2019ve recently heard directly from RDU staff about how crucial this funding is for airside and landside improvement projects. I fought hard to make sure that the infrastructure bill would truly address North Carolina\u2019s needs, and I\u2019m proud to say that this investment in RDU will mean more jobs for people in the Triangle and a better, safer experience for travelers.\u201d\n\nRDU will receive a similar tranche of funding from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law each year for the next five years as part of a program for airport development. The tranche could vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals. In addition to these guaranteed funds, RDU can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.\n\nOn November 15th, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $15 billion in formula funding to help redevelop airports across the country. The law also includes an additional $5 billion nationally for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) towers and facilities funding, which the FAA will distribute among airports in need.\n\nPrior to the announcement of this funding, Congresswoman Ross toured RDU and highlighted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. For more photos of Rep. Ross\u2019 tour, click here.\n\nIn October, Congresswoman Ross joined a bipartisan, bicameral North Carolina delegation letter to the FAA expressing support for RDU\u2019s ongoing efforts to undertake improvements to the airfield, terminals, ground transportation, and general aviation at the airport.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-adams-announces-charlotte-douglas-international-airport", "Congresswoman Adams Announces Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Receive over $43 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) announced that $43,247,316 in new federal funding under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is headed to Charlotte to improve Charlotte Douglas International Airport. As one of the top 10 busiest airports in the world, CLT is a key economic driver for the Carolinas. The airport is currently in the process of realizing the Destination CLT capital investment plan, a multi-billion dollar effort to accommodate passenger growth through 2035.\n\n\"I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Infrastructure law, which provides a $43 million grant for Charlotte Douglas International Airport. With this grant, we will deliver new good-paying jobs in the Carolinas while continuing to improve our airport with approximately $215 million in grants over five years,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"When I fly in and out of CLT to go to work in Washington, I see the impressive work Charlotte has already started to update and modernize the airport. By helping to continue renovations like the terminal lobby expansion as well as expanding the number of gates at the airport, we will ensure that all travelers flying to or from Charlotte have an easier and safer journey. Together, we're building an airport fit for the Queen City.\"\n\nCharlotte Douglas International Airport will receive a similar tranche of funding from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. The tranche could vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals. In addition to these guaranteed funds, CLT can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.\n\nOn November 15th, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $15 billion in formula funding to help redevelop airports across the country. Projects that qualify for funding include: improvements to runways and taxiways, terminal development and noise prevention. The law also includes an additional $5 billion nationally for FAA towers and facilities funding, which the FAA will distribute among airports in need. Rep. Adams recently hosted Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Charlotte to talk about how the law will help Charlotte achieve its transportation priorities.\n\n\"Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and House Democrats, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a tremendous victory for North Carolina,\" continued Adams. \"I was proud to support this historic legislation in the House, and I will keep fighting to ensure every family can benefit from these investments as we rebuild and reimagine Charlotte and Mecklenburg County's infrastructure.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400056", "Foxx Introduces Spending Safeguards Act", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Virginia Foxx", "F000450", "foxx.house.gov", "foxx", "https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement after introducing her bill, the Spending Safeguards Act:\n\n\u201cMandatory spending programs are the overflowing sinks that have bedeviled Congress for far too long. Two-thirds of all federal spending is allocated to these programs \u2013 with opportunities to curb exceeded cost estimates being few and far between. By tightening Congress\u2019 budgetary belt, opportunities to curb wasteful spending will come to fruition and taxpayer dollars will remain protected.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-legislation-stands-up-to-china-protects-us-medical-research-and-ip", "Hudson Legislation Stands up to China, Protects U.S. Medical Research and IP", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), the House Republican leader on pandemic preparedness issues, introduced the Protect America's Biomedical Research Enterprise Act. The bipartisan legislation was introduced with Rep. David Trone (D-MD), a fellow co-chair of the Congressional Biodefense Caucus.\n\n\"Protecting American research and intellectual property from threats by countries like China has never been more important,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"This bipartisan legislation will protect our national security and biomedical advances so our nation is prepared for future pandemics and other national emergency threats.\"\n\nThe bill protects America's biodefense research and development enterprise from national security risks, including those by foreign agents and countries like China. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the National Security Council, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other relevant agencies within the Intelligence Community, to develop a framework and recommendations for assessing threats related to foreign influence on biomedical research, including the identification and development of strategies to improve the protection of intellectual property, proprietary information, and sensitive data in biomedical research and development.\n\n\"If the last two years taught us anything, it\u2019s that we can never be too prepared to protect the health and security of the United States,\" said Rep. Trone. \"By ensuring cooperation and good faith among our highest government stakeholders, this legislation will fortify our nation\u2019s defenses against the next threat. To me, the opportunity to do so couldn\u2019t come soon enough.\"\n\nThis legislation is part of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, which has already passed in the U.S. Senate and is expected to advance early next year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-connect-health-and-social-services", "Hudson Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Connect  Health and Social Services, Improve Health Care", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), along with Reps. Dan Kildee (MI-05), Jackie Walorski (IN-02), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), has introduced the Leveraging Integrated Networks in Communities (LINC) to Address Social Needs Act. This bill will help health care and social service organizations better coordinate the care of our most vulnerable people.\n\n\"Helping health care providers and social services work together through public-private partnerships can save lives. I\u2019m proud to introduce the LINC to Address Social Needs Act that builds on the success of North Carolina\u2019s NCCARE360 program by connecting providers and patients with much-needed technology and resources. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this critical piece of bipartisan legislation,\" said Rep. Hudson.\n\nThe LINC to Address Social Needs Act would provide $150 million for grants to states to grow partnerships between health care and social service providers to improve people\u2019s overall health care. This initial funding will direct states to enter into public-private partnerships to manage community referral networks, support participating organizations, and help connect patients with much-needed resources such as food, housing, child development, job training, and transportation support and services. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the success of the networks, along with recommendations, in a report to Congress.\n\nThe legislation follows the success of a similar program in North Carolina, NCCARE360. This one-of-a-kind network is the first in the nation that unites health care and human services organizations with shared technology to enable a coordinated, community-oriented, person-centered approach for delivering care in North Carolina. Started in 2017, the partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services serves all 100 counties, partners with over 2,000 organizations, and serves over 40,000 users.\n\n\"There should be no wrong door to care,\" said Congressman Kildee. \"In Flint, we\u2019ve seen how linking health care providers with social service providers can improve access to care in our community. This legislation will support and grow these kinds of partnerships to improve the health of communities in Michigan and across the country.\"\n\n\"The bipartisan LINC to Address Social Needs Act will help families to navigate social services available in each state. Connecting local social services and health care providers in our community will streamline opportunities to uplift individuals and families while responsibly stewarding resources,\" said Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. \"This public-private partnership approach will spur collaboration, optimize support in our community, and expand Hoosiers\u2019 access to quality care and services close to home.\"\n\n\"Too often, Americans lack access to affordable housing, healthy food, transportation, and other basic services that impact health, but they don\u2019t know where to turn for help. At the same time, health care and social service providers lack the infrastructure to communicate, coordinate, and track outcomes for their patients. I am proud to be working with my colleagues on the LINC to Address Social Needs Act, which will help communities across the country efficiently coordinate service delivery through technology to increase access to critical social services and holistically improve health outcomes,\" said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester.\n\nOrganizations including Duke Health and Aligning for Health have praised the legislation.\n\n\"We appreciate Rep. Hudson\u2019s leadership in the House to introduce the Leveraging Integrated Networks in Communities to Address Social Needs Act to support states creating or enhancing public-private partnerships to coordinate health and social services. We are grateful for legislative efforts addressing social drivers of health to help close critical gaps that exist in the nation\u2019s healthcare system,\" said Duke Health officials.\n\n\"As an organization dedicated to catalyzing the change that will break down the barriers between health and social service organizations, we applaud Representatives Kildee, Walorski, Blunt Rochester, and Hudson for their leadership in introducing the LINC to Address Social Needs Act,\" said Melissa Quick, co-chair of Aligning for Health. \"The bill will help to build and expand shared community resource referral networks, helping to improve coordination between the health care and social service sectors. Aligning for Health looks forward to the passage of this exciting legislation.\"\n\nAs part of his leadership on improving health care, last week Rep. Hudson also had two health care-related bills pass the House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-urges-postal-service-update-name-oberlin-village-post-0", "Congresswoman Ross Urges Postal Service to Update the Name of Oberlin Village Post Office", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, NC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) sent a letter urging the local postmaster of the U.S. Post Office located at 806 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605 to change the name of the post office to the \u201cOberlin Village Post Office.\u201d Still referred to as the \u201cCameron Village\u201d Post Office by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the new name would recognize the post office\u2019s location in the Oberlin Baptist Church as well as the rich history and contributions of the Oberlin community.\n\nThis post office was previously located adjacent to a shopping center which until recently was known as Cameron Village. Named after the owner of the Cameron Plantation, where hundreds of enslaved people were once confined, the name of the post office is an archaic tribute to a horrific past that does not fit the inclusive community that now calls the area home. While the shopping center was recently renamed the \u201cVillage District,\u201d the post office still bears the name \u201cCameron Village\u201d\u2014despite the name\u2019s troubling history and its new location farther away from the shopping center.\n\nThe letter read in part: \u201cThe current location of this Post Office, on a property owned by the Oberlin Baptist Church, lies within the geographic boundary of Oberlin Village, one of the last surviving antebellum settlements founded by a free Black person in the State of North Carolina\u2026My constituents and members of my community continue to be frustrated that the current Post Office name does not bear the name of the community in which it is located, and that it continues to commemorate the troubling, racist past of Cameron Village.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross previously sent a letter to USPS urging that it update the name of the Oberlin Village Post Office. In accordance with their guidance, Rep. Ross\u2019 letter is requesting that the local postmaster initiate the request to change the name.\n\nThe below map from the from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission highlights that the post office (#806) is located in the Oberlin Village District.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/education-leaders-laud-adams-reeds-educators-america-act", "Education Leaders Laud Adams & Reed's Educators for America Act", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The Educators for America Act, led by Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) in the House and U.S.Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) in the Senate, has won approval from numerous education leaders and advocacy groups. The legislation addresses teacher shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will invest in states and educators to improve the teacher pipeline and graduate more career-ready teachers and school support staff.\n\nBill Resources:\n\nEDUCATORS for America Act Description & Supporters\n\nEDUCATORS Act Bill Summary\n\nEducators Act Endorsement Quotes\n\nAlma Adams Video Introducing the EDUCATORS Act\n\n\"Educators across the country are burnt out, overwhelmed, and under-resourced, resulting in a massive teacher shortage that leaves students without permanent teachers in their classrooms and parents, caregivers and other school staff struggling to fill in the gaps. In order to adequately meet the needs of our kids, the educator workforce needs massive investment, from expanding teacher training and pipelines, recruiting diverse educators, and improving pay and benefits like loan forgiveness that help make teaching a more sustainable profession. The Educators for America bill takes a comprehensive approach to teacher prep and helps ensure educators and school staff get the time, tools, training and resources they need to support students,\" said Randi Weingarten, AFT President.\n\n\"AACTE enthusiastically supports the Educators for America Act and thanks Senator Reed and Representative Adams for their unwavering leadership in support of educator preparation. This comprehensive bill will make robust investments in teacher and other educator preparation programs while alleviating our nation's educator shortage, diversifying the profession, and providing critical support to our member institutions and their community partners,\" said Dr. Lynn M. Gangone, President and CEO, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.\n\nRead the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education's (AACTE) Action Alert and Endorsement\n\n\"I applaud Senator Reed and Representative Adams for crafting a bill that will shore up the educator profession by attracting, preparing, and retaining educators, and specifically, for supporting new educators of color and educators with disabilities. This legislation offers a thoughtful and comprehensive solution to the current educator shortage crisis, including in high-needs areas such as special education,\"said Dennis Cavitt, Ed.D, President, Council for Exceptional Children.\n\nRead the Council for Exceptional Children's Endorsement\n\nUniversity of Northern Iowa President Mark A. Nook stated, \"EDUCATORS for America represents a monumental step forward in the effort to grow, retain, and diversify our nation's educator workforce. With our roots in educator preparation, UNI appreciates the opportunity to help advance national policy to invest in our nation's educators and through them the quality of education our children receive.\"\n\nRead about the University of Northern Iowa's support for the legislation\n\n\"The teaching workforce is experiencing challenges and headed for a transformation\u2014 hopefully one that works to address the profession's diversity issues, equity deficiencies, and shortages\u2014particularly in a subject like mathematics, as well as insufficient professional support for educators. The Educators for America Act will make important changes to improve the federal policies that support teachers, and NCTM looks forward to working with its sponsors to secure its enactment,\" said Trena Wilkerson, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics President.\n\nRead more about the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) support for the legislation\n\n\"School educators and principals are critical to ensuring all our nation's children have the high-quality opportunities necessary to thrive and succeed,\"said National Association of Secondary School Principals CEO Ronn Nozoe.\"Congress must pass the Educators for America Act to strengthen the school leader pipeline so state and local school communities can continue to support student development and academic achievement.\"\n\nSocial Media from the National Association of Secondary School Principals: Tweet OneTweet Two\n\n\"Education is facing the largest crisis in a generation with regards to staffing schools with not only qualified teachers, but all school personnel. It is more important than ever to support initiatives and strategies that will help build the pipeline for the future; AASPA thanks Senator Reed and Representative Adams for their leadership on this,\" said Kelly Coash-Johnson, Executive Director of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators\n\nAmerican Association of School Personnel Administrators Tweet in support of the EDUCATORS Act\n\nMore Social Media:\n\nSocial Media Assets for the EDUCATORS Act\n\nACTFL Tweet in support of the EDUCATORS Act\n\nNational Center for Learning Disabilities Tweet\n\nAASCU Tweet\n\nOrganizations endorsing the EDUCATORS for America Act include the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education; American Association of State Colleges and Universities; American Association of School Personnel Administrators; American Federation of School Administrators; American Federation of Teachers; American Occupational Therapy Association; American Psychological Association; American Society for Engineering Education; Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD); ASCD; ACTFL; Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL); Committee for Children; Council of Administrators of Special Education; Council for Exceptional Children; EDGE Consulting Partners; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities; Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE); Learning Forward; National Association of Elementary School Principals; National Association of School Psychologists; National Association of Secondary School Principals; National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE); National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; National Center for Learning Disabilities; National Center for Teacher Residencies; National Council of Teachers of English; National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; National Education Association; National Indian Impacted Schools Association; National Institute for Excellence in Teaching; PDK International; Public Advocates; Public Advocacy for Kids; School Social Work Association of America; State Higher Education Executive Officers Association; STEM Education Coalition; Teach Plus; Teacher Education Council Of State Colleges And Universities; Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; The Arc of the United States; The California State University; Thurgood Marshall College Fund; UNCF (United Negro College Fund); University of Northern Iowa; and Vernier Software & Technology.\n\n\"As an educator for forty years, I always hoped some of the bright young minds I taught would go on to become educators themselves. Unfortunately, aspiring educators are often discouraged by high student debt, low salaries, and the lack of institutional support,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"Educators are struggling, particularly as they continue to grapple with the pandemic. Schools are facing pervasive staffing shortages, and we can no longer afford to neglect the educator pipeline. It's time for a comprehensive national investment in our educators.\"\n\n\"The EDUCATORS for America Act will mobilize and support states and local communities in improving the educator pipeline so that all schools have the diverse educators they should have, to support student development and academic achievement. It will support educator preparation programs and partnerships and remove financial barriers to entering the education profession. After the disruption and devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked on our education system, we can't wait for the next generation of teachers to appear; we must act intentionally to urgently recruit hard-working teachers in the classroom, and importantly, provide them the support to retain them in the classrooms. That's why I'm proud to introduce the EDUCATORS for America Act with my House colleagues and Senate partners,\" concluded Adams.\n\n\"Our nation's outlook for the future is tied to the strength of the education profession and today the profession is in crisis,\" said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, and a long-time champion for educator preparation and professional development. \"The EDUCATORS for America Act provides a comprehensive plan for uplifting the profession based on input from stakeholders across the education field about what is needed to recruit, prepare, and support educators.\"\n\nSenate co-leads include Reed and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). House co-leads include Representatives Cindy Axne (IA-03), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Ruben Gallego (AZ-07). Original Cosponsors in the House include Representatives Scanlon, Sewell, Lamb, Sires, Leger Fernandez, and Michael F.Q. San Nicolas.\n\nAbout the EDUCATORS for America Act\n\nThe EDUCATORS for America Act reflects the input from stakeholders across the education field about what is needed to recruit, prepare, and support educators. It addresses early outreach and career exploration, clinical preparation for teachers, principals and other educators, financial assistance, faculty development, and capacity building at the state and local levels with a focus on ensuring equity and diversity.\n\nSpecifically, the EDUCATORS for America Act calls for:\n\nAuthorizing $500 million annually for grants to support states in developing and implementing a statewide strategy for meeting their educator workforce needs, including ensuring an inclusive and equitable workforce that supports the recruitment, preparation, and retention of populations that are underrepresented in the field of education, including teachers of color, first-generation college students, and teachers with disabilities.\n\nAuthorizing $500 million annually to support educator preparation programs and partnerships including:\n\nUpdating and expanding the Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program to focus on residency programs, strengthen the principal and school leader preparation programs, and enable partnerships to address the need for early childhood educators, school librarians, counselors, and other specialized support personnel.\n\nReauthorizing the Honorable Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-serving institutions in expanding and strengthening their educator preparation programs.\n\nProviding recruitment and completion grants to educator preparation programs to ensure that students have the wrap- around supports they need to graduate.\n\nEstablishing an education careers opportunity program to expose middle and high school students to the education profession.\n\nIncreasing the capacity of educator preparation programs to meet the needs of the field, including supporting school leader development, faculty professional development and training, offering doctoral fellowships, and promoting innovation and resiliency.\n\nStreamlining the data and reporting requirements for teacher preparation programs to focus on key measures related to program quality and addressing identified workforce needs\n\nRemoving financial barriers to entering the education profession by:\n\nDoubling the TEACH grants to $8,000 per year and providing additional protections and options to prevent the conversion of grants to loans.\n\nIncluding the costs of clinical experiences in the cost of attendance for awarding financial aid\n\nProviding educators and teachers in high-needs fields credit towards loan repayment as they serve rather than waiting 5 to 10 years to earn forgiveness.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County). She serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Financial Services Committee in the 117th Congress. Before being elected to Congress, she served as a professor at Bennett College in Greensboro for four decades.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-tours-little-hands-n-feet-highlights-need-build-back-better", "Congresswoman Ross Tours Little Hands N Feet, Highlights Need for Build Back Better Legislation", "2021-12-13", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, NC . \u2013 Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) held an early childhood education tour at Little Hands N Feet in Raleigh. Rep. Ross was joined by Gayle Headen, Executive Director of Wake County Smart Start, Ronetta Pearsall, owner of Little Hands N Feet, Amy Cubbage, President of the North Carolina Partnership for Children, and others. Following the tour, Rep. Ross read a book to the NC Pre-K class and held a roundtable discussion with faculty, staff, teachers, and a parent on President Biden\u2019s Build Back Better Act, which will make historic investments in child care.\n\n\u201cFor too long, the high cost of quality child care has been an expensive burden on North Carolina families,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cWith President Biden\u2019s Build Back Better Act, we will make once-in-a-lifetime investments in children and families \u2013 ensuring that child care is affordable and accessible for every family and extending universal pre-K to every single 3- and 4-year-old in America.\n\n\u201cIt was a pleasure visiting Little Hands N Feet today and hearing from faculty, staff, teachers, and a parent about the challenges they face. I will keep fighting to get this historic legislation to President Biden\u2019s desk for them and for all North Carolina families. I thank Wake County Smart Start, the North Carolina Partnership for Children, and Little Hands N Feet for the essential work they are doing for the children of Wake County and for graciously opening their classroom to me today.\u201d\n\nAmy Cubbage, president of NCPC said, \u201cAccess to high quality, affordable child care is critical to getting North Carolinians back to work and giving our children the best start. Across the state, child care providers \u2013 and early care and education professionals \u2013 are struggling. The stabilization grants are a life preserver, but we also need sustainable investments that strengthen and elevate child care for the long haul.\u201d\n\nGayle E. Headen, Executive Director, Wake County Smart Start said, \u201cMaking high quality early education accessible to all families of three- and four-year-olds in Wake is a two generational win. For families, it bolsters financial well-being and removes the obstacles to affordable care, mobilizing career development. For children, it means investing in every child\u2019s potential and ensuring their success. We already have a successful collaborative with Wake Pre-K to build upon and embrace the opportunity for expansion.\u201d\n\nTo download more photos from Rep. Ross\u2019 visit to Little Hands N Feet, click here.\n\nIn November, Rep. Ross voted to pass the historic Build Back Better Act, legislation that will make transformational investments to help North Carolina families, workers, and the next generation.\n\nBackground:\n\nCongresswoman Ross highlighted the historic investments this legislation will make in North Carolina here. The Build Back Better Act includes the following investments in North Carolinians:\n\nChild care: the average annual cost of a child care center for a toddler in North Carolina is $8,746. The Build Back Better Act will expand access for about 600,000 young children from ages 0-5 and ensure that no North Carolina working family pays more than seven percent of their income on child care.\n\nEarly education: only 30 percent of three- and four-year-olds in North Carolina have access to publicly funded pre-K, while the average cost of private pre-K in the state is $8,600. The Build Back Better Act will expand access to free, high-quality pre-K to more than 154,103 young North Carolinians \u2013 setting these children up for lifelong success and saving their parents thousands of dollars.\n\nChild Tax Credit: before Democrats secured the expanded Biden Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan, 15 percent of North Carolina children lived in poverty. The Build Back Better Act extends this life-changing tax cut and continues our historic progress toward reducing child poverty.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-delivers-floor-speech-protecting-our-democracy-act", "Adams Delivers Floor Speech on Protecting Our Democracy Act", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today,Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) delivered remarks on the floor of the US House of Representatives on her amendment to Congressman Adam B. Schiff's (CA-28)Protecting Our Democracy Act. The Adams amendment requires transparency in income tax return filings by candidates for President and Vice President.\n\nVideo of the speech is available for download and on YouTube.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nI rise today in support of my amendment to ensure transparency in our elections.\n\nThe American people have a right to know whether a candidate for President or Vice President has unethical foreign entanglements or compromising debts that can be leveraged against their administration, or worse.\n\nMy amendment requires the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to make an income tax return publicly available within 48 hoursafter receipt of return. In cases where a return requires extensive redactions, the FEC may make the return available after 48 hours but no later than 30 days after receipt of return.\n\nOnly a full release of tax returns can ensure that our President and Vice President are working for us \u2013the American people\u2013 not anybody else.\n\nI urge my colleagues to vote yes on this amendment and yes on the H.R. 5314.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-reed-casey-axne-gallego-hayes-introduce-educators-america-act", "Adams, Reed, Casey, Axne, Gallego, & Hayes Introduce EDUCATORS for America Act", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) and Representatives Cindy Axne (IA-03), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) in the House, as well as U.S.Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Bob Casey (D-PA) in the Senate introduced the EDUCATORS for America Act, urgently-needed legislation to address teacher shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDUCATORS Act will invest in states and educators to improve the teacher pipeline and create more career-ready teachers and school support staff.\n\n\"As an educator for forty years, I always hoped some of the bright young minds I taught would go on to become educators themselves. Unfortunately, aspiring educators are often discouraged by high student debt, low salaries, and the lack of institutional support,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"Educators are struggling, particularly as they continue to grapple with the pandemic. Schools are facing pervasive staffing shortages, and we can no longer afford to neglect the educator pipeline. It's time for a comprehensive national investment in our educators.\"\n\n\"The EDUCATORS for America Act will mobilize and support states and local communities in improving the educator pipeline so that all schools have the diverse educators they should have, to support student development and academic achievement. It will support educator preparation programs and partnerships and remove financial barriers to entering the education profession. After the disruption and devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked on our education system, we can't wait for the next generation of teachers to appear; we must act intentionally to urgently recruit hard-working teachers in the classroom, and importantly, provide them the support to retain them in the classrooms. That's why I'm proud to introduce the EDUCATORS for America Act with my House colleagues and Senate partners,\" concluded Adams.\n\n\"Our nation's outlook for the future is tied to the strength of the education profession and today the profession is in crisis,\" said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, and a long-time champion for educator preparation and professional development. \"The EDUCATORS for America Act provides a comprehensive plan for uplifting the profession based on input from stakeholders across the education field about what is needed to recruit, prepare, and support educators.\"\n\n\"As a proud mom of two Iowa public school students, I've seen firsthand the difference that a quality education from good educators can make in a child's life. And in the face of the most difficult school years in recent memory, we need to make sure we have the educators in place to continue supporting our students,\" said Rep. Axne. \"We know that we need more educators, and that we need to do more to ensure our educators are supported once they're on the job. With this legislation, we invest in Iowa's educators \u2014and by doing so, Iowa and our whole nation will see a monumental return on our investment.\"\n\n\"Our educators are the bedrock of our country's future, and they show up each and every day\u2013pandemic or otherwise\u2013to make sure our children get the education they deserve,\" said Rep. Gallego. \"That is why it is imperative we recruit and cultivate a diverse, qualified educator workforce that touches all corners of our country. That's especially true in Arizona, where we have one of the worst teacher shortages in the country, affecting more than 1 in 4 classrooms. We are better off if we have more teachers, not less, and that is why I am proud to co-lead the comprehensive EDUCATORS for America Act so that states and communities have the tools they need to build a pipeline of diverse, highly-trained, and well-supported educators.\"\n\nRep. Hayes stated, \"I joined my colleagues in support of the EDUCATORS for America Act because it addresses the multitude of concerns classroom teachers face every day. We need to recruit, prepare, and support current and future educators, with financial assistance, faculty development and capacity building, while ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a teacher, I understand the impact this bill will have on educators, students and the community.\"\n\nOriginal Cosponsors in the House include Representatives Scanlon, Sewell, Lamb, Sires, Leger Fernandez, and Michael F.Q. San Nicolas.\n\nOrganizations endorsing the bill include the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education; American Association of State Colleges and Universities; American Association of School Personnel Administrators; American Federation of School Administrators; American Federation of Teachers; American Occupational Therapy Association; American Psychological Association; American Society for Engineering Education; Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD); ASCD; ACTFL; Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL); Committee for Children; Council of Administrators of Special Education; Council for Exceptional Children; EDGE Consulting Partners; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities; Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE); Learning Forward; National Association of Elementary School Principals; National Association of School Psychologists; National Association of Secondary School Principals; National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE); National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; National Center for Learning Disabilities; National Center for Teacher Residencies; National Council of Teachers of English; National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; National Education Association; National Indian Impacted Schools Association; National Institute for Excellence in Teaching; PDK International; Public Advocates; Public Advocacy for Kids; School Social Work Association of America; State Higher Education Executive Officers Association; STEM Education Coalition; Teach Plus; Teacher Education Council Of State Colleges And Universities; Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; The Arc of the United States; The California State University; Thurgood Marshall College Fund; UNCF (United Negro College Fund); University of Northern Iowa; and Vernier Software & Technology.\n\n\"AACTE enthusiastically supports the Educators for America Act and thanks Senator Reed and Representative Adams for their unwavering leadership in support of educator preparation. This comprehensive bill will make robust investments in teacher and other educator preparation programs while alleviating our nation's educator shortage, diversifying the profession, and providing critical support to our member institutions and their community partners.\" said Dr. Lynn M. Gangone, President and CEO, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.\n\n\"Educators across the country are burnt out, overwhelmed, and under-resourced, resulting in a massive teacher shortage that leaves students without permanent teachers in their classrooms and parents, caregivers and other school staff struggling to fill in the gaps. In order to adequately meet the needs of our kids, the educator workforce needs massive investment, from expanding teacher training and pipelines, recruiting diverse educators, and improving pay and benefits like loan forgiveness that help make teaching a more sustainable profession. The Educators for America bill takes a comprehensive approach to teacher prep and helps ensure educators and school staff get the time, tools, training and resources they need to support students,\" said Randi Weingarten, AFT President.\n\nUniversity of Northern Iowa President Mark A. Nook stated, \"EDUCATORS for America represents a monumental step forward in the effort to grow, retain, and diversify our nation's educator workforce. With our roots in educator preparation, UNI appreciates the opportunity to help advance national policy to invest in our nation's educators and through them the quality of education our children receive.\"\n\n\"The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) enthusiastically supports the EDUCATORS for America Act and its goals to strengthen teacher preparation programs, like those offered at regional comprehensive institutions, as well as grow and diversify the nation's teaching corps. AASCU, and it's close to 400 members who prepare the majority of teachers for our nation's schools, understands the value and importance of well-prepared educators in shaping the lives of our children and in the development of our communities,\" said American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) President and CEO, Mildred Garc\u00eda, Ed.D.\n\n\"School educators and principals are critical to ensuring all our nation's children have the high-quality opportunities necessary to thrive and succeed,\" said National Association of Secondary School Principals CEO Ronn Nozoe. \"Congress must pass the Educators for America Act to strengthen the school leader pipeline so state and local school communities can continue to support student development and academic achievement.\"\n\n\"I applaud Senator Reed and Representative Adams for crafting a bill that will shore up the educator profession by attracting, preparing, and retaining educators, and specifically, for supporting new educators of color and educators with disabilities. This legislation offers a thoughtful and comprehensive solution to the current educator shortage crisis, including in high-needs areas such as special education,\" said Dennis Cavitt, Ed.D, President, Council for Exceptional Children.\n\n\"Great teaching matters. This legislation will help ensure that we educate and prepare more outstanding educators in the critical science, technology, engineering, and math subjects that our students need to compete in the global economy today and tomorrow,\" said James Brown, Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition.\n\n\"Without a robust and well-prepared educator workforce, including school psychologists, schools cannot truly meet the academic, social-emotional, and mental and behavioral needs of our students. NASP is proud to endorse the Educators for America Act, which would help states address issues in their educator workforce pipeline and ensure no students go without the education professionals that can help them thrive in school, at home, and in life,\" said President of National Association of School Psychologists, Laurie Klose.\n\nAdditional quotes from endorsing organizations are available here.\n\nThe EDUCATORS for America Act reflects the input from stakeholders across the education field about what is needed to recruit, prepare, and support educators. It addresses early outreach and career exploration, clinical preparation for teachers, principals and other educators, financial assistance, faculty development, and capacity building at the state and local levels with a focus on ensuring equity and diversity.\n\nSpecifically, the EDUCATORS for America Act calls for:\n\nAuthorizing $500 million annually for grants to support states in developing and implementing a statewide strategy for meeting their educator workforce needs, including ensuring an inclusive and equitable workforce that supports the recruitment, preparation, and retention of populations that are underrepresented in the field of education, including teachers of color, first-generation college students, and teachers with disabilities.\n\nAuthorizing $500 million annually to support educator preparation programs and partnerships including:\n\nUpdating and expanding the Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program to focus on residency programs, strengthen the principal and school leader preparation programs, and enable partnerships to address the need for early childhood educators, school librarians, counselors, and other specialized support personnel.\n\nReauthorizing the Honorable Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-serving institutions in expanding and strengthening their educator preparation programs.\n\nProviding recruitment and completion grants to educator preparation programs to ensure that students have the wrap- around supports they need to graduate.\n\nEstablishing an education careers opportunity program to expose middle and high school students to the education profession.\n\nIncreasing the capacity of educator preparation programs to meet the needs of the field, including supporting school leader development, faculty professional development and training, offering doctoral fellowships, and promoting innovation and resiliency.\n\nStreamlining the data and reporting requirements for teacher preparation programs to focus on key measures related to program quality and addressing identified workforce needs\n\nRemoving financial barriers to entering the education profession by:\n\nDoubling the TEACH grants to $8,000 per year and providing additional protections and options to prevent the conversion of grants to loans.\n\nIncluding the costs of clinical experiences in the cost of attendance for awarding financial aid\n\nProviding educators and teachers in high-needs fields credit towards loan repayment as they serve rather than waiting 5 to 10 years to earn forgiveness.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-gop-doc-caucus-pressure-biden-administration-fentanyl-drug-crisis", "Murphy, GOP Doc Caucus Pressure Biden Administration on Fentanyl Drug Crisis at Southern Border", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) led a letter with members of the House GOP Doctors Caucus pressuring the Biden Administration to address the surge in fentanyl drug overdose deaths as a result of the crisis at the Southern Border. In the letter sent to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the doctors conclude that the Biden Administration's failure to secure the Southern Border has exacerbated the opioid crisis and created a massive national security and public health emergency.\n\nThe members write, \"We write to you today as members of the House GOP Doctors Caucus to express our grave concern regarding the fentanyl drug crisis that has engulfed our nation as a result of the crisis at our Southern Border. Counterfeit fentanyl and fentanyl-laced poisons are flooding across our border in record numbers. It is our duty and obligation to get this crisis under control as matters of national security and public health.\n\nThey continue, \"It is clear to us as health care professionals and lawmakers that to manage the fentanyl drug crisis, our first priority must be to take control of our border.\" You can read the full letter to Secretary Mayorkas here.\n\nFox News carried the exclusive announcement on this release.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-health-care-bills-pass-us-house", "Hudson Health Care Bills Pass U.S. House", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Two health care-related bills introduced by U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) have passed the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nH.R. 3743, the Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act will increase the level of funding that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can transfer and allocate to their respective non-profit, independent foundations. This increase will allow the foundations to further support and promote public-private partnerships, as well as advance collaboration and innovation to address cutting-edge regulatory science challenges, such as the current research and development of COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.\n\n\"This legislation will allow the NIH and FDA to build on previous success and develop new vaccines and treatments faster by working with the private sector,\" said Rep. Hudson.\n\nRep. Hudson introduced the bipartisan H.R. 3743 in June.\n\nAlso passed by the House was H.R. 5551, the Improving the Health of Children Act, to reauthorize the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities through 2026. The Center has been receiving unauthorized appropriations since FY 2008, including receiving an unauthorized appropriation of $168 million in FY 2021.\n\n\"Families that rely on the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities should not have the can kicked down the road. By reauthorizing funds for this Center, we are giving programs that work to address birth defects, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, child development, newborn screening, autism, and other diseases the attention and much-needed stability they deserve,\" said Rep. Hudson.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-provide-free-or-reduced-cost-school-meals-to", "Hudson Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Provide Free or Reduced-Cost School Meals to Eligible Military Children", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC) along with Mike Levin (D-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) introduced the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act to ensure military families have access to school meal programs.\n\n\u201cOur servicemembers and their families have enough challenges to worry about and putting food on the table should not be one of them,\u201d said Rep. Hudson. \u201cI\u2019m proud to sponsor this bipartisan legislation that will ensure military dependents at Fort Bragg and across our nation have access to school meals. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this common sense bill that offers one more measure of support for our nation\u2019s men and women in uniform and their families.\u201d\n\nNearly one in seven military families say they are experiencing food insecurity. Multiple barriers keep military families from participating in programs such as National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). This legislation would help military families have access to food security program\u2019s and alleviate financial stress for military families. By eliminating basic allowance for housing (BAH) from the calculation of military income when determining eligibility for school meal programs, more military families will have access to school meal programs.\n\nThis legislation would: qualify almost all children of entry-level, active duty servicemembers for lunch programs, up through ranks E-6. Enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to share family eligibility with school districts, for families to directly certify for free or reduced-price school meals. And increase the percentage of directly certified students in schools, making schools more eligible for the community eligibility provision, which offers free meals to all students.\n\n\u201cThe men and women who risk their lives for our country should never struggle to feed their children, and it\u2019s unacceptable that nearly one in seven military families face food insecurity,\u201d said Rep. Levin. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation will help address that injustice by taking a more accurate measurement of servicemembers\u2019 income and automatically enrolling the children of eligible active duty servicemembers in school meal programs. While we must do more to improve the financial security of our men and women in uniform, this is an important step towards ensuring military parents around Camp Pendleton and across the country can focus on fulfilling their mission rather than on where their kids will find their next meal.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve always said that joining the military is more than just a job \u2013 it\u2019s a family commitment to our country. That's why it's so disappointing that we find ourselves in a position where food insecurity is becoming a growing concern amongst our military families. This is not a challenge military families should be faced with, and we must do something to address it immediately,\" said Rep. Rodgers. \"While this bill won't fix everything, it will take an important step towards providing critical food security to military children and promote their success in the classroom, reduce financial stress for military families, and allow active duty servicemembers at Fairchild Airforce Base and across the country to focus on serving our nation. Kids who have balanced, nutritious meals do better in school and experience better health outcomes. This is a commonsense piece of legislation, and I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to lead on it for our servicemembers and their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have an obligation to our service members to ensure that their basic needs are met, which includes making sure that their families have access to the nutritious food needed to lead healthy and productive lives. When children in military families go hungry, their school success is put at risk,\u201d said Rep. Bishop. \u201cSchool meal programs have been an effective safety net for America\u2019s school children since the end of World War 2. I am proud to join my colleagues in assuring that school children in our military families \u2014 like those from Fort Benning, Robins Airforce Base, and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany \u2014 also have access to school meal programs.\u201d\n\nFor more information, please read the fact sheet on the bill is available here and the text of the legislation is here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-amendments-strengthen-protections-poll-workers-and-prohibit", "Congresswoman Ross Amendments to Strengthen Protections for Poll Workers and Prohibit Illegitimate NDAs Pass House", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross\u2019 (NC-02) amendments to protect poll workers and end overreaching White House Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Protecting Our Democracy Act (PODA). PODA is a comprehensive package of reforms to prevent presidential abuses and to restore the Constitutional system of checks and balances.\n\n\u201cThe prior administration eroded this country\u2019s well-established constitutional order when it shattered democratic norms, abused executive powers, and disregarded Congress\u2019 critical oversight role,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThe Protecting Our Democracy Act will enact critical guard rails to prevent any President, regardless of party, from abusing the public\u2019s trust. Following violent threats against poll workers and their families in the 2020 elections, many states, including North Carolina, faced challenging shortages of poll workers. These unacceptable intimidation tactics cannot deter our work to ensure every American can access the ballot box. I\u2019m glad the House passed my amendments that will help us protect the integrity of our elections and democracy.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross\u2019 amendment establishes a taskforce within the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute threats to election officials in collaboration with state and local governments. In the wake of the 2020 election, poll workers and their families have been subjected to unprecedented levels of harassment, violent threats, and intimidation. This amendment will protect the poll workers and election officials who work tirelessly to ensure the free and fair administration of our elections.\n\nThe House also passed Rep. Ross\u2019 amendment to prohibit warrantless NDAs that have no legitimate purpose and obstruct the public\u2019s interest in executive branch operations. In the Trump White House, staffers were required to sign NDAs that far exceeded the bounds of lawful public employee speech restrictions. These NDAs infringed on the First Amendment rights of both government employees and the press that reports on matters of public interest.\n\nCongresswoman Ross spoke on the House floor in support of this legislation and her amendments.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/north-carolina-democratic-delegation-statement-supporting-nc-supreme", "North Carolina Democratic Delegation Statement Supporting NC Supreme Court Decision to Delay 2022 Primary Election", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nDecember 8, 2021\n\nContacts:\n\nSam Spencer \u2013 202-225-1510 (Adams)\n\nKatelynn Vogt \u2013 202-225-1784 (Price)\n\nDe'Marcus Finnell \u2013 202-225-3101 (Butterfield)\n\nMaddie Carlos \u2013 202-225-3032 (Ross)\n\nHailey Barringer \u2013 202-225-3065 (Manning)\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), David E. Price (NC-04), G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Kathy Manning (NC-06), the Democratic members of North Carolina's congressional delegation, issued a joint statement supporting the Supreme Court of the State of North Carolina's decision to delay the 2022 Primary Election to May 17 and stay candidate filing to a later date:\n\n\"North Carolinians deserve fair maps and fair elections, so we strongly support the decision of the state Supreme Court to delay the 2022 Primary Election. The right to vote is the most fundamental right in a democracy, but this sacred right requires fair, free and just elections. Today's decision is another step on the path to justice.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-secures-gains-for-troops-fort-bragg-in-national-defense-bill", "Hudson Secures Gains for Troops, Fort Bragg in National Defense Bill", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 8, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC), Fort Bragg's Congressman and a voice for veterans, praised pay raises for troops, investments for Fort Bragg, and other provisions in the FY 22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Rep. Hudson supported the legislation which passed the U.S. House of Representatives last night by a vote of 363-70. The bill must now be passed by the Senate before being signed into law.\n\n\"As Fort Bragg\u2019s Congressman, supporting our troops, their families, and veterans is a top priority. This defense bill provides needed investments for Fort Bragg and military families, while excluding Democrat-led provisions like red flag laws which threatened the Second Amendment,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"I will continue working to support our troops, their families, and our rights.\"\n\nRep. Hudson led over 160 House Republicans in efforts to remove red flag provisions from the final NDAA. Additionally, Rep. Hudson worked to ensure other critical priorities were included. Read more about those below.\n\nRepresentative Hudson's Priorities Secured in the NDAA\n\nSafeguards Against Vaccines Mandates for Servicemembers\n\nProhibits the DoD from dishonorably discharging servicemembers that refuse the COVD-19 vaccine. Servicemembers may only receive an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. This policy will retroactively apply to the date of the DoD COVID-19 vaccine order and be in place for at least 2 years.\n\nRequires the DoD to establish uniform standards under which servicemembers may be exempted from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for administrative, medical, or religious reasons. The DoD must consider the effects of natural immunity in setting medical standards, as well as whether the servicemember is approaching retirement when setting the administrative exemption standards.\n\nRequires the DoD to establish a system to track and record all vaccines administered by the DoD and any adverse reactions to vaccines.\n\nRed Flag Laws Removed\n\nBlocks proposed provisions that restricted the Second Amendment rights of servicemembers.\n\nFollows action by Rep. Hudson to remove these provisions.\n\nAccountability for the Biden Administration's Withdrawal from Afghanistan\n\nProhibits the DoD from providing any financial support to the Taliban.\n\nProhibits the use of DoD aircraft to transfer frozen currency reserves or other assets to the Taliban.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to recover all aircraft provided by the U.S. to Afghan Security Forces relocated to other countries.\n\nEstablishes an independent commission to review the entirety of the Afghanistan War including the disastrous withdrawal and present finding and recommendations to Congress.\n\nRequires ongoing reports to Congress on DoD expenditures in support of Afghan resettlement activities.\n\nInvestments in Troops, Military Family Readiness, Education & Healthcare\n\nAuthorizes a 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers.\n\nExtends military recruitment and retention bonuses and special pay authorities.\n\nProvides nearly $1.5 billion to improve servicemember family housing.\n\nPrevents cuts to the military health program, increases funding for vaccine research, and provides $35 million for research and treatment of Havana syndrome.\n\nIncreases parental leave and expands the in-home childcare pilot program\n\nImproves support available to military families with special needs children by requiring an independent analysis of the DoD Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program.\n\nRequires the DoD to conduct a thorough and independent review of suicide prevention and response programs at various military installations.\n\nCreates a pilot program to establish employment fellowship opportunities for military spouses and requires a study on employment of military spouses.\n\nFollows discussions Rep. Hudson had with military spouses.\n\nAuthorizes an increase in funding of $70 million for Impact Aid \u2014 $50 million for supplemental Impact Aid and $20 million for Impact Aid for military children with severe disabilities.\n\nBuilds on expansion to Impact Aid funding, critical for communities surrounding Fort Bragg, secured by Rep. Hudson last year.\n\nRequires a report on the Preservation of the Force and Family Program (POTFF) for Special Operations Forces (SOF).\n\nThe report will provide progress of implementation for SOF.\n\nThe report will include plans for improvement to POTFF to better address needs of the SOF community.\n\nBuilds on improvements to POTFF secured by Rep. Hudson in last year's NDAA.\n\nGives the Secretary of Defense authority to temporarily increase Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates until December 21, 2022.\n\nIncludes $517 million to address PFAS chemicals and requires the DoD to test for and study the impact of PFAS exposure in defense communities.\n\nMilitary Construction for Fort Bragg\n\nTotal funding: $27.2 million\n\nEmergency Water System - $7.7 million\n\nMW Microgrid Utilizing Existing and New Generators - $19.5 million\n\nMeets several priorities identified by Rep. Hudson in testimony to the Appropriations Committee in May.\n\nBorder Security\n\nContinues funding for the deployment of National Guard to the border.\n\nRequires an assessment of the impact of forcing the DoD to transport illegal immigrants on military readiness.\n\nAddresses Sexual Assault Prevention\n\nCriminalizes sexual harassment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. All claims of sexual harassment will be required to be investigated by an independent investigator outside the chain of command.\n\nIncreases the notification for survivors of sexual assault by directing the Services to notify survivors about the outcomes of any administrative action taken against their perpetrator.\n\nAllows the DoD Safe Helpline to take restricted and unrestricted reports for eligible sexual assault victims.\n\nRequires the Department of Defense to track allegations of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons.\n\nBuilds on legislation sponsored by Rep. Hudson to combat sexual assault in the military.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/fema-assistance-firefighters-grant-applications-due-december-17th", "FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Applications Due December 17th", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) announced that fire departments and non-affiliated emergency service organizations have until December 17th, 2021 to apply for FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Since 2001, the AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critical equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to safeguard the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.\n\n\"AFG grants are essential in supporting projects that protect the health and safety of residents and first responders in Eastern North Carolina,\" said Rep. Murphy. \"It is critical that our fire and emergency services personnel have the resources they need to bolster public safety and ensure that our heroic first responders can stay safe on the job. I encourage all fire departments, state fire training academies, and emergency medical service organizations to apply for this grant to help meet their needs in serving our communities.\"\n\nThe AFG application period will close at 5pm ET on December 17, 2021. For more information on the AFG grant, application guidance, rules, and upcoming workshops, visit fema.gov. To contact the AFG Program Help Desk, call toll-free at 866-274-0960 or send an email to firegrants@fema.dhs.gov Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm ET.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-condemns-ongoing-threats-poll-workers", "Congresswoman Ross Condemns Ongoing Threats to Poll Workers", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In a House Rules Committee hearing yesterday, Congresswoman Ross condemned ongoing threats to poll workers which have contributed to understaffing at polling locations in North Carolina and across the country. Ross filed two amendments to the Protecting Our Democracy Act (PODA), including one intended to help protect election officials by establishing a new taskforce at the Department of Justice.\n\nCongresswoman Ross said in her remarks: \u201cIn the wake of the 2020 election, poll workers and their families have been subjected to unprecedented levels of harassment, violent threats, and intimidation \u2013 all spurred by baseless conspiracies like \u2018Stop the Steal.\u2019 As a result, my home state of North Carolina and countless others have suffered critical shortages of poll workers. Ahead of the 2020 election, over one quarter of counties in North Carolina had understaffed polling sites.\n\n\u201cThis is simply unacceptable. A lack of poll workers threatens the right at the very core of our democracy \u2013 the right to vote. It creates a litany of barriers to the ballot box \u2013 from longer lines to fewer polling sites \u2013 that disproportionately cuts vulnerable North Carolinians and people of color out of the political process.\n\n\u201cMy amendment would establish a taskforce within the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute threats to election officials in collaboration with state and local governments. Threats to election officials are threats to our democracy and must be stopped.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross\u2019 amendment will protect the poll workers and election officials who work tirelessly to ensure the free and fair administration of our elections.\n\nEnding Illegitimate White House Non-Disclosure Agreements: Rep. Ross also filed an amendment to prohibit warrantless Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) that have no legitimate purpose and obstruct the public\u2019s interest in executive branch operations. In the Trump White House, staffers were required to sign NDAs that far exceeded the bounds of lawful public employee speech restrictions. These NDAs infringed on the First Amendment rights of both government employees and the press that reports on matters of public interest.\n\nHer full remarks are available here.\n\nThe Protecting Our Democracy, including Congresswoman Ross\u2019 amendments, will be considered on the House floor this week.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-joins-vp-harris-white-house-maternal-health-day-action-summit", "Adams Joins VP Harris, White House for Maternal Health Day of Action Summit", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) will participate in a Maternal Health Day of Action Summit hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House. During the summit, Adams and other stakeholders will call for passage of the Build Back Better Act, which includes a historic investment in maternal health.\n\nThe summit will be broadcast live here.\n\n\"As co-chair and co-founder of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, as well as co-lead of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, maternal health is extremely important to me,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"Over 700 women die each year because of complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Sadly, approximately 66% of these deaths are preventable. In fact, our nation is one of only 13 countries in the world where the rate of maternal mortality is worse than it was 25 years ago. Tragically, Black women, regardless of socioeconomic status, are dying from preventable pregnancy-related complications at three to four times the rate of non-Hispanic, white women.\"\n\n\"That's why today's day of action is so important, and why I'm so thankful to Vice President Harris for hosting this summit. The Build Back Better Act will save lives and improve outcomes because of the Black maternal health provisions we worked so hard to include. It's time for the Senate to act on behalf of every American mother. It's time to pass the Build Back Better Act.\"\n\nJoining Rep. Adams at the summit are Black Maternal Health Caucus co-founder and Co-Chair Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Chairwoman Patty Murray, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, and many constituents and stakeholders, including Dr. Ann Newman of North Carolina.\n\nA clinical specialist in psychiatric nursing, Newman received a diploma in nursing from the University of Virginia, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNC Charlotte, a master's in nursing from UNC Chapel Hill and a doctorate in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She served as an associate professor at UNC Charlotte for 30 years, teaching courses on psychiatric-mental health nursing and health policy. She also developed the university's online graduate program in nursing education.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D.is serving her fourth full term in Congress. She represents the 12th District of North Carolina, which includes parts of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In 2018, she introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). In March 2020, Adams, along with Harris and Underwood, introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act for the first time, and in February 2021 reintroduced an expanded version of the package with Senator Cory Booker. Adams is a mother of two and a grandmother of four.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-op-ed-highlights-white-house-maternal-health-day-action", "Adams Op-Ed Highlights White House Maternal Health Day of Action", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, QCity Metro published an editorial by Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) that highlights the issues addressed by the White House's Maternal Health Day of Action Summit. In the editorial, Rep. Adams outlines how the Black Maternal Health Momnibus provisions included in the Build Back Better Act will save lives and improve outcomes across the country, as well as the role Vice President Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood played in making the inclusion of the Momnibus a reality.\n\n\"Thanks in large part to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Build Back Better Act [includes] all eligible provisions of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to address our country's maternal health crisis,\" wrote Congresswoman Adams. \"Black women in America die in childbirth at three times the rate of white women. Even though 60% of maternal deaths are preventable, our nation is one of only 13 countries in the world where the rate of maternal mortality is worse than it was 25 years ago. Tens of thousands more women experience \u2018near misses,' or pregnancy-related complications that are traumatizing and endanger the life of the mother and/or child.\"\n\nThe full editorial is available here, and below:\n\nWhy we need to pass the Build Back Better Act\n\nAmong the bill's many features is a provision to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, an issue which disproportionately affects Black women.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act passed by the House is many things: a jobs bill; an expansion of the social safety net; a down payment on a long-overdue investment in the fight against climate change.\n\nIt will also save lives.\n\nWhile the bill's investments in job creation, affordable housing, and lowering the cost of childcare are well-known, investments in Medicaid, reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, and pandemic preparedness haven't gained as much attention.\n\nIn states that haven't expanded Medicaid, the bill will close the Medicaid coverage gap and cover as many as 4 million uninsured Americans. According to the Center for American Progress, closing the Medicaid gap could save up to 7,000 additional lives every year, while reducing medical debt by $2 billion and preventing almost 50,000 evictions per year. It also provides a year of continuous eligibility to children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP and expands access to behavioral health services.\n\nThanks in large part to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Build Back Better Act also includes all eligible provisions of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to address our country's maternal health crisis.\n\nBlack women in America die in childbirth at three times the rate of white women. Even though 60% of maternal deaths are preventable, our nation is one of only 13 countries in the world where the rate of maternal mortality is worse than it was 25 years ago. Tens of thousands more women experience \"near misses,\" or pregnancy-related complications that are traumatizing and endanger the life of the mother and/or child.\n\nMy daughter was one of those near misses, and you might be surprised to learn that both Beyonc\u00e9 and Serena Williams both faced major complications in childbirth as well. I've spoken with countless women who know either a survivor or a victim of the maternal health crisis or survived it themselves. It transcends education levels, wealth, and insurance status; it can happen to anyone.\n\nTo address this crisis, the Build Back Better Act takes the proven, life-saving step of expanding Medicaid for 12 months for post-partum individuals. Additionally, the Momnibus provisions in Build Back Better invest in addressing social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes; invest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to train culturally competent health professionals; and address the effects of COVID-19 and climate change on mothers.\n\nLast week, I was proud to join Vice President Harris and Rep. Lauren Underwood at the White House as President Biden signed the first Momnibus bill, the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, into law. However, we can't stop there: Black mamas, children, and parents experiencing the maternal health crisis don't have time to wait for us to pass the Build Back Better Act. That's why I joined the Vice President, Rep. Underwood, and other stakeholders at the White House today to reiterate our call for the passage of the bill.\n\nFinally, the Build Back Batter Act addresses the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics by investing $10 billion to improve pandemic preparedness and strengthen our supply chains and the Strategic National Stockpile. We've already lost almost 800,000 Americans to COVID-19; we can't allow the next pandemic to take more loved ones from us.\n\nRight before the pandemic shut down the world, the father of my children passed away. Because of the coronavirus I lost so many opportunities to share time with my family and grieve with them in the way I would have wanted to.\n\nAs the pandemic progressed, numerous friends and mentors of mine passed due to the pandemic and other ailments, and I missed the opportunity to mourn them and share how their memories continue to bless my life. All of us felt that pain as we lost hundreds of thousands of our neighbors to COVID-19 and lost the opportunity to celebrate the deceased.\n\nThat is all to say that we should honor the dead by investing in the living. On Thursday, I joined Vice President Harris and Secretary Pete Buttigieg to voice our support for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I am proud to have voted for a bill that will create jobs, solve critical supply chain issues, and build the physical infrastructure that will take the United States into the 21st Century.\n\nHowever, we need to pass the Build Back Better Act so that those good jobs are part of a long, fulfilling life. Expanding Medicaid, addressing maternal mortality head-on, investing in preparedness to fight future pandemics, ending child hunger and funding children's health programs, mitigating the worst effects of climate change: these measures will improve quality of life and save lives for decades to come.\n\nScripture tells us not to love in word or talk but in deeds and in truth. The Build Back Better Act will save lives and improve livelihoods. American families can't wait.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D.is serving her fourth full term in Congress. She represents the 12th District of North Carolina, which includes parts of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In 2018, she introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). In March 2020, Adams, along with Harris and Underwood, introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act for the first time, and in February 2021 reintroduced an expanded version of the package with Senator Cory Booker. Adams is a mother of two and a grandmother of four.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/red-flag-laws-removed-from-defense-bill-following-hudson-action", "Red Flag Laws Removed from Defense Bill Following Hudson Action", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) is praising the removal of anti-Second Amendment red flag laws from the final FY 22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Along with Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Rep. Hudson led 160 House Republicans in urging the removal of red flag provisions from the bill.\n\n\"I have remained determined to defend our Second Amendment rights, especially for service members. That's why I led efforts to remove red flag laws from the final NDAA, which is critical for Fort Bragg and our national defense,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"I will continue to do everything possible to support our troops and defend our rights.\"\n\nFinal text of the FY 22 NDAA was released today and is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate in coming days. Rep. Hudson's efforts against red flag provisions in the bill were covered by Breitbart here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-opposes-democrats-latest-partisan-shell-game", "Murphy Opposes Democrats\u2019 Latest Partisan Shell Game", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement regarding House Democrats' decision to tie a bipartisan solution relieving providers from Medicare cuts to a debt limit increase.\n\n\"Up until yesterday, Congress had worked out a good-faith bipartisan compromise on a legislative proposal to shield physicians and providers from disastrous Medicare reimbursement cuts,\" said Rep. Murphy. \"However, at the 11th hour, the Majority elected to forfeit our bipartisan agreement and hold it hostage in order to clear a path for their debt limit increase, which House Republicans have clearly and consistently opposed for months. I refuse to help the Majority fuel their never-ending spending spree at the expense of the American people. To be clear, protecting patients' access to care and supporting health care providers should not be a partisan game contingent on a debt limit vote \u2013 it's a serious issue that deserves our full attention. Pending physician reimbursement cuts should not be used as a partisan weapon for the Majority to get what they want out of a debt limit increase. I fervently support our providers, but I cannot support tonight's gimmicky, bad-faith Democratic shell game.\"\n\nRepublican solution: Rep. Murphy has co-sponsored the Removing Waste and Protecting Medicare Act sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (MO-08). This bill includes the original bipartisan \"doc fix\" and fulfills Statutory PAYGO law to support physicians and providers while protecting seniors and vulnerable populations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/north-carolina-democratic-delegation-statement-supporting-court-appeals", "North Carolina Democratic Delegation Statement Supporting the Court of Appeals\u2019 Decision to Delay Candidate Filing for Congressional Maps", "2021-12-06", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), David E. Price (NC-04), and Kathy Manning (NC-06), the Democratic members of North Carolina's congressional delegation, issued a joint statement supporting the North Carolina Court of Appeals' decision to delay the candidate filing period to a later date:\n\n\"The Court of Appeals has grasped the enormous constitutional challenge that has been presented by this clearly gerrymandered congressional map. The effect of the decision is to simply delay the filing period and not the general election. This will allow the case to be decided based on the facts and the law.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-hosts-military-spouse-employment-roundtable", "Hudson Hosts Military Spouse Employment Roundtable", "2021-12-06", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) hosted a roundtable discussion today on how Congress can better enable military spouse remote employment and entrepreneurship. The discussion included military spouses and representatives from Instant Teams, R. Riveter, and the National Military Spouse Network. The virtual meeting comes as part of the Congressman\u2019s continuing work and leadership to create jobs and spur innovation while providing support for our nation\u2019s military families.\n\n\"As Fort Bragg\u2019s Congressman, making sure service members and military families have the support they need is always a top priority. That\u2019s why I am determined to do everything possible to connect military spouses with job opportunities,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"Companies like Instant Teams and R. Riveter in my community can serve as a model for how businesses and remote work can support military spouses in the workforce. I look forward to continuing to bring folks to the table to grow our economy and support those who sacrifice to keep us safe.\"\n\n\"We are very grateful for the hard work and leadership that Rep. Hudson and his team continue to provide to empower military spouses in the realm of remote work,\" said Liza Rodewald, of Carthage North Carolina, CEO of Instant Teams. \"Whether its working to create tax incentives for hiring military spouses, cutting red tape or creating synergies between our companies and leading businesses, Rep. Hudson clearly understands the needs and priorities of the military community and is a highly effective champion for us in Congress.\"\n\nRead more about Instant Teams from the Fayetteville Observer here.\n\nMilitary spouses, veteran spouses, and veterans make up over 92% of our nation\u2019s available workforce. In today\u2019s economy, businesses of all sizes often struggle to scale up with the right teams when the need arises. Innovations in remote work have created new pathways for employment for military spouses who have been traditionally barred from the '9 to 5' workplace due to the unique constraints and demands of military life. Some of the biggest companies in the nation are now looking to military spouses to work remotely on a flexible schedule to meet their growing needs for skilled labor\u2014and the results are striking. However, many government-imposed hurdles and barriers regarding remote work remain in place and unless they are changed, our economy will not fully realize its benefits.\n\n\"One of the biggest obstacles before us remains antiquated federal regulations and restrictions that are meant to apply to the traditional workforce and are not attuned to the realities of military life,\" added Rodewald. \"The pandemic has forever changed the way we work\u2014 and we as a nation must change with it. We are energized about working with leaders in Congress such as Rep. Hudson to find common sense solutions to better enable military spouse remote work for the good of our economy and for military families.\"\n\n\"We are grateful for Congressman Hudson\u2019s commitment to solving the unique employment and entrepreneurship issues faced by military spouses, as well as his continued engagement with the military spouse community,\" said the National Military Spouse Network. \"Congressman Hudson truly understands what military spouses go through professionally, and that the necessary solutions are different than those required to solve veteran unemployment.\"\n\nToday's roundtable was convened to create a sounding board and platform for collaboration between key stakeholders to address current obstacles and historical challenges within the federal sector that impede the creation and growth of military spouse businesses.\n\n\"I am committed to hosting additional military spouse entrepreneurship roundtables to build on today\u2019s discussion and continue gaining valuable feedback directly from military spouses and businesses on how we can close the employment gap,\" continued Rep. Hudson. \"Working together, we can make needed improvements to connect military families with jobs.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-to-fox-news-biden-spraying-gasoline-on-inflation-fire", "Hudson to Fox News: 'Biden Spraying Gasoline on Inflation Fire'", "2021-12-06", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following a dismal November jobs report, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), the House Republican Conference Secretary, joined Fox News to discuss how Biden administration policies and out-of-control spending are fueling inflation and supply chain issues.\n\nRep. Hudson joins Fox News on Dec. 4, 2021\n\nOn the November jobs report and inflation:\n\n\"The Vice President came to Charlotte and got behind the wheel of an electric bus and sang the children's song 'the wheels on the bus go round and round.' Well I have a message for the Vice President: the wheels are coming off the bus when you look at this month's jobs report. It's the worst jobs report of the year.\"\n\n\"The house is on fire and the Biden fire department shows up with a tanker full of gasoline to spray on your fire. We have inflation because of out-of-control borrowing and spending. The solution is another $4 trillion of borrowing and spending and it will only make the problem worse.\n\n\"You look at this Build Back Broke bill. Not only is it too much money, it's going to have amnesty included in it, Green New Deal policies, it's going to raise taxes on every single American, it's going to make it more expensive to heat your home this winter - It's an awful bill that we can't afford.\"\n\nOn how Biden policies are impacting the economy and supply chain issues:\n\n\"The economy is struggling because of the policies of the Biden administration. Look at inflation at a 30-year high, gas at a 7-year high. What really troubles me is we're expecting utility costs heating your home this winter to be up 54%. People are really hurting and I'm worried about what's going to happen this winter. But these are all results of Biden policies that are driving up inflation because of out-of-control spending.\n\n\"You look at problems with the supply chain, they are all being caused by Biden policies. Whether it's keeping people out of the workforce, whether it's going soft on China so they have a green light to take advantage of us, the inflation coming from the Green New Deal policies that they're passing, and the impact of inflation on supply chains is you have panic buying and it puts more pressure on it. These are all caused by Biden policies.\"\n\nOn achieving energy independence under Republicans and President Trump:\n\n\"Under President Trump with Republicans leading in Congress, we finally achieved energy independence. We had the lowest fuel prices we've ever seen because we were able to go get American sources of energy. You look at an economy that was cooking because of sound tax policy. The tax policy of this administration is give the rich a break and raise everyone else's taxes.\"\n\nOn raising the debt ceiling:\n\n\"If this out-of-control spending that the Democrats are forcing on the American people means we have to raise the debt ceiling, then let them do it themselves.\"\n\nWatch the full interview here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/north-carolina-democratic-delegation-statement-supporting-court-appeals", "North Carolina Democratic Delegation Statement Supporting the Court of Appeals\u2019 Decision to Delay Candidate Filing for Congressional Maps", "2021-12-06", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), David E. Price (NC-04), Kathy Manning (NC-06), and Alma Adams (NC-12), the Democratic members of North Carolina\u2019s congressional delegation, issued a joint statement supporting the North Carolina Court of Appeals\u2019 decision to delay the candidate filing period to a later date:\n\n\u201cThe Court of Appeals has grasped the enormous constitutional challenge that has been presented by this clearly gerrymandered congressional map. The effect of the decision is to simply delay the filing period and not the general election. This will allow the case to be decided based on the facts and the law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/statement-on-hr-550", "Statement on H.R. 550", "2021-12-05", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "I have been a vocal opponent of unconstitutional vaccine mandates and I have called vaccine passports \u201cun-American.\u201d I have spoken out consistently and forcefully and have cosponsored bills opposing the OSHA vaccine mandate and the CMS vaccine mandate. I want to nullify the vaccine mandate wholesale.\n\nDemocrats want to control every aspect of your life. From vaccine mandates to vaccine passports to even using fear of the pandemic to change election laws. I have fought them tooth and nail every step of the way.\n\nThere have been misleading reports about one of our efforts to protect you- H.R. 550. Let me be clear, this bill:\n\n- Does not create a federal vaccine database\n\n- Does not create a personal tracking system\n\n- Does not allow government officials to access patient vaccine records without patient approval.\n\nThis bill does the opposite. This state-based system already exists in North Carolina and HR 550 puts you in charge of your healthcare information, not the government.\n\n- It makes Americans' immunization records more secure by mandating patient data is confidential and deidentified, meaning your personal information is protected.\n\n- It adds cyber protections so hostile foreign governments like China cannot access your medical records.\n\n- It directs funds already passed by the Biden Administration to go toward guardrails and security and prevents the Biden Administration from spending that money on anything else.\n\nI will continue to do everything I can to block vaccine mandates and ensure your personal records are private. If you need more information about this bill, please click here to read the bill or contact my office.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-vice-president-harris-rep-adams-and-sec-buttigieg-visited", "ICYMI: Vice President\u00a0Harris, Rep. Adams and Sec.\u00a0Buttigieg Visited Charlotte and Laid Out How The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Will Benefit North Carolinians", "2021-12-03", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE - Yesterday, Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to discuss how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will benefit North Carolinians. This visit was a part of her continued efforts to advocate for the Administration's policies that invest in our nation's infrastructure, take climate action, and advance environmental justice. Vice President Harris was joined by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12).\n\n\"This is a critical moment for transportation and mobility in our growing region. That's the reason Vice President Harris and Secretary Buttigieg visited Charlotte: mobility,\" said Congresswoman Adams \"Not only in terms of roads, bridges, buses, and rail; but also in terms of social and economic mobility. A strong network of roads, rail, and pedestrian options can help move people not only to jobs, church, school, and the doctor but also into new opportunities and eventually the middle class.\"\n\n\"That's why the Biden Harris Administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is so important. I was proud to vote for this bipartisan legislation because this law will keep Charlotte and Mecklenburg County moving. Now, I'm continuing to work with President Biden and Vice President Harris to create 2 million new jobs by supporting these critical investments and passing the Build Back Better Act.\"\n\nClick here for pictures from the visit. Photos are available for media use by crediting the Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams.\n\nCongresswoman Adams, NC Governor Roy Cooper, and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles greeted the Vice President and Secretary Buttigieg on the tarmac at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. While in Charlotte, the Vice President received a tour of the public transit facility at the Charlotte Area Transit System's Bus Garage, met with transit workers, and delivered remarks about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will upgrade North Carolina's infrastructure.\n\nCongresswoman Adams delivered remarks at the infrastructure event, available as prepared for delivery below:\n\nWelcome! I'm Congresswoman Alma Adams, and I am proud to represent the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in Congress; and I am absolutely honored to welcome my Sister, my Soror, my fellow HBCU grad, Vice President Kamala Harris to Charlotte, North Carolina.\n\nI'm proud to be joined by my State and City partners Mayor Lyles and Governor Cooper, and I am so happy we're joined today by Secretary Pete Buttigieg today. We're going to need your help to get Mecklenburg Moving!\n\nThat's the reason we're here today: mobility. Not only our mobility network, but also social and economic mobility.\n\nAs we've been talking about for some time now in Charlotte, we were shocked when the Chetty study showed that we came in dead last \u2013 50th out of 50 \u2013 in economic mobility. But good public transportation and connections to opportunity can help move people not only to jobs, and church, and the doctor but also into the middle class. That's why the Biden Harris Administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is so important.\n\nThe funding in this law will keep Charlotte and Mecklenburg County moving. North Carolina will receive approximately nine hundred million dollars over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state. That's money we can use to build projects like the Silver Line Light Rail.\n\nThere's billions of dollars for highway construction, so highways like I-77 and I-85 will be well-lit and well-paved! And there's millions more for finalizing needed construction projects like our multimodal transportation station, our new AMTRAK terminal, and for purchasing new, zero-emission buses.\n\nThis law will also help make sure that our entire County isn't under a \"Boil Water\" advisory because another aging water main bursts.\n\nThat's why I was proud to vote for this bill to help Charlotte and Mecklenburg County build back better.\n\nThere's an old saying: communities only grow great when old men and old women plant trees whose shade they will never sit under. With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Buttigieg, we are growing not only great jobs and a great transportation system, we are also growing a great community where social and economic mobility are core values.\n\nThank you and God Bless!", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-applauds-new-outer-banks-beach-restoration-project", "Murphy Applauds New Outer Banks Beach Restoration Project", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Greenville, N.C. \u2014 Today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced that they will be granting Dare County access to up to 6.6 million cubic yards of sand from the Outer Continental Shelf to restore 11.6 miles of beaches on the Outer Banks. The project is part of Dare County's long-term shoreline management plan to address shoreline erosion, protect local infrastructure, strengthen storm recovery, and provide recreational resources for tourism.\n\nRep. Murphy released this statement following the announcement:\n\n\"I am so glad that Dare County will be receiving the necessary resources to restore our beautiful beaches in the Outer Banks,\" said Rep. Murphy. \"This project will go a long way in protecting and sustaining our habitats, shores, and coastal communities that are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Investing in beach restoration will drive our economy and help make our coastline more resilient against hazardous weather. As a Member of Congress, I am deeply committed to working with state and local leaders, academic experts, and private partners to generate waterway management solutions for Eastern North Carolina, and I am proud to see this meaningful local investment today which will be a key factor in shoreline resilience for years to come.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-leads-letter-requesting-housing-assistance-servicemembers", "Congresswoman Ross Leads Letter Requesting Housing Assistance for Servicemembers and their Families", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-08) led a letter with 18 colleagues requesting that the Department of Defense (DOD) authorize an extension of the temporary increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for all military branches to support servicemembers and their families amid the economic challenges of the pandemic.\n\nThe letter reads in part: \u201cThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has left the rental market with shortages and rising costs. This challenge, combined with the rising cost of housing and utilities across the United States, has led servicemembers and their families to experience higher-than-normal financial strain, threatening their livelihoods and housing security.\u201d\n\nIn September, DOD approved a temporary increase in the BAH in 56 locations, including four locations in North Carolina. However, this temporary increase is set to expire on December 31st. Last month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also authorized a temporary increase of the BAH in areas that have seen a 10% increase in rental costs this year. Given the impending December 31 deadline, failure to extend this increased support beyond 2021 could leave military families facing the same challenges that initially prompted the BAH increases.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/know-before-they-go-how-the-biden-harris-buttigieg-agenda-is-impacting-north", "Know Before They Go: How the Biden/ Harris/ Buttigieg Agenda is Impacting North Carolina", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are scheduled to be in Charlotte.\n\n\"As Vice President Harris and Secretary Buttigieg visit our state, North Carolinians are dealing with record inflation, supply chain issues, high gas prices, and higher heating bills,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"Instead of calling inflation temporary, urging Americans to just buy electric vehicles, and selling their proposals for even more government spending and bureaucracy, we need real solutions to help working families here in North Carolina.\"\n\nPrior to their visit, read more on how the Biden/ Harris/ Buttigieg agenda is impacting North Carolina through rising inflation and supply chain disruptions:\n\nImage\n\nCHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) \u2013 Food pantries are seeing an uptick in people needing food assistance ahead of Thanksgiving as they battle supply chain issues and inflation.\n\nImage\n\nRALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) \u2013 North Carolinians are feeling the pain at the gas pump this week. AAA says North Carolina is tied with Florida for the biggest jump in gas prices over the past week, with the average cost going up by 14 cents.\n\nImage\n\nROCKY MOUNT, N.C. \u2014 The steady rise in the cost of everyday goods across the United States is putting additional strain on rural areas in North Carolina.\n\nInflation on consumer goods in the U.S. jumped by 6.2 percent last month, and when compared with October 2020, it was the biggest single-month, year-over-year spike since 1990, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.\n\nIn rural communities like Rocky Mount, customers are already feeling the pressure in the checkout line.\n\nImage\n\nRALEIGH N.C. (WNCN) \u2013 With state pay raises and local bonuses, on the surface, it may look like North Carolina teachers are making more money on average than they did two decades ago.\n\nBut wages don\u2019t reach as far as they used to when you count in the growing cost of living and inflation.\n\nImage\n\nRALEIGH N.C. (WNCN) \u2013 Increasing food prices are not just putting a dent in your grocery bill, but it\u2019s also impacting multiple central North Carolina food banks and charities.\n\nImage\n\nA new ranking shows that Raleigh could be one of the most expensive places in America to prepare a Thanksgiving Day meal\n\n...\n\nNorth Carolina does have a thriving agricultural industry, but it's apparently no match for inflation.\n\nImage\n\n(CNN) Jim Jones is facing a supply chain squeeze on his farm outside Raleigh, North Carolina, as skyrocketing costs slice through his profits.\n\nOn top of spiking labor costs, the prices of fertilizer and fuel have been climbing for months, with no ceiling in sight. He says his profits are down 10% to 15% this year, and 2022 could be worse.\n\n\"It comes right off the bottom line,\" Jones said. \"If you double the cost of something, you can't just double the crop.\"\n\nImage\n\nThe higher prices hit everyone, with pay raises for most workers so far failing to keep up with inflation. But they hurt low-income households in particular.\n\n\u201cAfter the beating that people have taken in the pandemic, it\u2019s like: What\u2019s next?\u201d said Carol Hardison, chief executive officer at Crisis Assistance Ministry, which helps people in Charlotte, North Carolina, who are facing financial hardship.\n\nShe said households coming in for assistance recently have had unpaid bills that are roughly twice as big as they were before the pandemic. They\u2019re contending with more expensive housing, higher medical bills and sometimes a reduction in their hours worked.\n\nImage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-statement-supreme-court-oral-arguments-dobbs-v-jackson", "Congresswoman Ross Statement on Supreme Court Oral Arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization, challenging Mississippi\u2019s 15-week abortion ban:\n\n\u201cOverturning Roe v. Wade would be a blatant attack on reproductive freedom and violate nearly 50 years of legal precedent,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThe vast majority of Americans agree that women should be able to make their own decisions about their health and get the care they need. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe, many more states in the U.S., including North Carolina, could be emboldened to enact abortion bans, disproportionally hurting women with disabilities, minorities, and those in low-income and rural areas. I will continue to fight to ensure millions of women across the U.S. have access to safe, legal abortions.\n\n\u201cAs the Supreme Court takes up this case that could determine the fate of women\u2019s access to reproductive health care for years to come, we are reminded that we cannot rely solely on our courts to protect this right. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act to ensure that all people have access to the reproductive freedoms they are guaranteed by law. I will not stop fighting until this bill is enacted.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross joined a bicameral amicus brief in the case in September.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/ross-issa-bipartisan-legislation-enhance-judicial-disclosure-and-transparency", "Ross, Issa Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance Judicial Disclosure and Transparency Requirement Passes House", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross\u2019 (NC-02) legislation, the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Introduced by Representatives Ross, Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the legislation will require online publication of financial disclosure reports for federal judges and mandate that federal judges submit periodic transaction reports for certain securities transactions. Following reporting in the Wall Street Journal that more than 130 federal judges heard cases in which they or their families held stock in a company involved in the case, this legislation will strengthen judicial ethics and transparency and restore trust in the nation\u2019s courts.\n\n\u201cEvery American needs to have faith that our courts will carry out fair, impartial justice,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThe Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act will increase transparency, accountability, and trust in the American promise of blind justice. Recent reporting has exposed deep flaws in our judicial ethics and recusal laws that we have a duty to remedy. This bill will ensure that federal judges face the same financial transaction disclosure requirements as members of the legislative and executive branches of government, eliminating an unwarranted double standard. I\u2019m glad we accomplished this in a bipartisan way and look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure this legislation is enacted.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo part of our foundation of law and order can succeed without the considered, continuous and constant work of judges \u2013 and that\u2019s why an impartial and evenhanded judiciary is imperative,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cUnder the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act, we will equalize the accountability of our third branch of government to the same standard of elected officials \u2013 and to the benefit of our system of justice.\u201d\n\n\u201cTransparency and ethics are vital to the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining the public\u2019s trust in our courts; however, recent reporting has shown that our federal judiciary has operated with much secrecy and minimal accountability for far too long,\u201d said Chairman Nadler. \u201cI am very proud that the House came together to address this issue by passing the bipartisan Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act, which makes incremental but necessary progress toward accountability by building on federal statutes that prohibit judges from deciding cases in which they have a personal financial stake in the outcome. The simple, long-overdue solutions included in this bill will bring necessary transparency to our nation's courts, and will help ensure judges remain impartial and cases are decided fairly. I thank Representative Deborah Ross for her leadership on this important issue and for her work in bringing this legislation one step closer to becoming law.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to thorough reporting by The Wall Street Journal and the quick work of our Courts Subcommittee, we know that several federal judges have fallen short of their conflict-of-interest obligations,\u201d said Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. \u201cThey\u2019ve broken the public\u2019s trust. By passing our bipartisan, bicameral bill, we can give the judiciary the tools it clearly needs to enhance accountability and transparency and to begin to restore the public\u2019s faith in the integrity of our courts.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrust in our judicial system demands clear impartiality of the judges,\u201d said Congressman Roy. \u201cThe Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act is a great step in providing parity to the Judiciary and putting Judges on par with the Executive and Legislative branch\u2019s public financial disclosure rules. I\u2019m proud to have worked with a bipartisan group of Senators and House Members on this legislation and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross spoke on the House floor in support of her legislation here.\n\nSenate companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), along with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act would require that federal judges\u2019 financial disclosure reports be made publicly available online, and require federal judges to submit periodic transaction reports of securities transactions in line with other federal officials under the STOCK Act. The bill would amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to:\n\nRequire the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to create a searchable online database of judicial financial disclosure forms and post those forms within 90 days of being filed, and\n\nSubject federal judges to the STOCK Act\u2019s requirement of filing periodic transaction reports within 45 days of securities transactions over $1,000.\n\nImportantly, the bill also preserves the existing ability of judges to request redactions of personal information on financial disclosure reports due to a security concern.\n\nUnder current ethics guidelines and federal law, federal judges are prohibited from hearing cases that involve a party in which they, their spouse, or their minor children have a financial interest. Federal judges are instead required to disqualify themselves in any proceeding in which their impartiality may be questioned. Despite this, a Wall Street Journal investigation found that between 2010 and 2018, more than 130 federal judges failed to recuse themselves in nearly 700 cases in which they or an immediate family member held stock in a company involved in the case.\n\nWhile federal judges are required to submit financial disclosure reports, current law does not provide sufficient transparency for litigants to research whether a judge has a conflict of interest. The current process for obtaining judicial financial disclosure forms can be cumbersome and take months or even years. By contrast, financial disclosure reports for the President, Members of Congress, and Presidential-appointed and Senate-confirmed officials are readily-available and searchable online.\n\nBy providing litigants with real-time access to judges\u2019 financial disclosures and securities transactions, the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act would help preserve the integrity of judicial proceedings, ensure judges recuse themselves when there\u2019s a potential conflict of interest, and provide litigants and the public with greater confidence in the judicial system.\n\nBill text can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-joins-president-biden-white-house-signing-momnibus-bill", "Adams Joins President Biden at the White House for Signing of Momnibus Bill", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), co-founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, joined President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House today for the signing of of S. 796, the Protecting Moms Who Served Act of 2021. The legislation is the first bill from the Black Maternal Health Momnibus to pass both houses of Congress and head to President Biden's desk.\n\nThe White House live stream of the event is available here.\n\nAbout the Momnibus\n\nThe Momnibus, which includes the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021(H.R. 959/S. 346), is a 12 bill package that was reintroduced in February 2021 by Adams, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). The Momnibus builds on existing maternal health legislation with 12 bills to comprehensively address the clinical and non-clinical drivers of the maternal health crisis in the United States. The Momnibus makes critical investments in addressing social determinants of health, funding community-based organizations, growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection processes. The Momnibus also includes new legislation to address the impacts of COVID-19 and climate change on maternal and infant health outcomes.\n\nMany critical pieces of the Momnibus bill package were included in the Build Back Better Act under consideration in the House.\n\nCongresswoman Adams' Remarks on the Protecting Moms Who Served Act as Submitted to the Congressional Record\n\nMadam Speaker -\n\nI rise today to speak in strong support of the bipartisan legislation, Protecting Moms Who Served Act.\n\nBut before I do, I want to thank Congresswoman Lauren Underwood for her leadership on this bill. I would also like to thank Senator Duckworth and Representatives Julia Brownley, Gus Bilirakis, and Brian Fitzpatrick for their co-leadership.\n\nTogether, Congresswoman Underwood and I are the co-founders and co-chairs of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, as well as lead sponsors of the Momnibus \u2013 comprehensive legislation that addresses every dimension of the maternal health crisis in the United States.\n\nAnd it gives me great joy to say that the Protecting Moms Who Served Act will be the first bill of the Momnibus to pass in Congress.\n\nThe United States continues to have the highest maternal mortality rates in the developed world. Women and birthing people of color die during or after pregnancy at 3 to 4 times the rates of their white counterparts.\n\nFor the nearly 2 million women veterans, maternal health outcomes are not any better. Pregnant and postpartum women who served face unique maternal health risks that deserve our attention.\n\nFor example, the risk of pregnancy complications may be higher for women veterans receiving maternity care through Veteran's Affairs, since these women frequently have multiple medical conditions that can increase pregnancy complications.\n\nFurthermore, it is suggested that military deployment may increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. A post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis can increase the risk of spontaneous pre-term birth, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes.\n\nWomen Veterans with more symptoms of PTSD or moral injury like shame, guilt, or demoralization, are also at greater risk for postpartum depression in the three years following the end of their military service.\n\nMore specifically a study on the impacts of PTSD or moral injury, found that one in two women veterans who became pregnant during the study, had a negative pregnancy outcome.\n\nThese outcomes include postpartum depression or anxiety, miscarriage, obstetrical medical conditions, emergency c-sections, the baby's need for intensive care post-delivery, preterm birth, stillbirth, and ectopic or tubal pregnancy.\n\nOur women veterans have upheld their duty to serve and protect and, we as Members of Congress must do the same.\n\nThe Protecting Moms Who Served Act bill will codify and strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs maternity care coordination programs to ensure veterans receive the high-quality maternal health care and support they have earned.\n\nThis is a noteworthy advancement since maternity care coordination programs are associated with improved maternal and birth outcomes, increased use of beneficial health services, and decreased costs, especially among women with chronic or pregnancy-related physical or mental health conditions, or social vulnerabilities.\n\nAdditionally, this bill will commission the first-ever comprehensive study of America's maternal health crisis among women veterans, with a particular emphasis on racial and ethnic disparities.\n\nThis study is needed to provide further understanding of the maternal health challenges experienced among women who served.\n\nOn May 12th, this legislation passed the house with unanimous bipartisan support.\n\nToday, we are here to vote once more and finally send this bill to the President's desk, changing the lives of millions of women veterans and their children.\n\nLet's remember that strong and supportive healthcare for birthing people supports the future of our nation by investing in the well-being of children and families.\n\nAnd today's vote ensures a healthcare system for women veterans that will offer the best maternal care available.\n\nI am proud to see our progress towards ending maternal mortality and disparities among our moms who served. I look forward to continuing to address these issues in Congress as we examine and discuss the maternal mortality and morbidity issues that threaten our nation.\n\nTo all my colleagues - lets pass the Protecting Moms Who Served Act for our women veterans, their children, and their families.\n\nWhat we do here today will live beyond our time in Congress and impact generations of women who serve.\n\nIt is time we make sure that veterans, who have done so much for our country, receive the support and resources they need.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. is serving her fourth full term in Congress. She represents the 12th District of North Carolina, which includes parts of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In 2018, she introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). In March 2020, Adams, along with Harris and Underwood, introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act for the first time, and in February 2021 reintroduced an expanded version of the package with Senator Cory Booker. Adams is a mother of two and a grandmother of four.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/ross-padilla-lead-49-colleagues-urging-dhs-expand-daca-eligibility-documented", "Ross, Padilla Lead 49 Colleagues in Urging DHS to Expand DACA Eligibility to Documented Dreamers", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led 49 House and Senate Members in submitting a bicameral comment letter requesting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expand the DACA threshold criteria to include Documented Dreamers. As the children of long-term visa holders, Documented Dreamers grow up with legal status in the United States, but age out of the system at 21 when their dependent visas expire if they have not been granted a green card by that time. The lawmakers are urging DHS to extend eligibility to the 200,000 Documented Dreamers who are not currently eligible for protection from deportation under DACA.\n\nThe letter read in part: \u201cIf DACA were updated as we have suggested, Documented Dreamers who were present in the United States on June 15, 2012 could be given the chance to remain and continue to contribute to our nation after they reach age 21. DACA was designed to protect children and young adults who have grown up in the United States from being forced to return to countries they hardly know. We urge you to fulfill the promise of this policy by extending DACA eligibility to Documented Dreamers.\u201d\n\nDACA threshold criteria currently limits applicants to those who \u201chad no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012.\u201d The Members\u2019 proposed change would remove this criteria and allow individuals who had lawful status in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, but subsequently lost such status by the time of their request, to qualify for DACA.\n\nThe letter also encourages two additional changes to DACA eligibility: removing the threshold criteria that require requestors to have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the time of filing the request and adjusting the dates in the threshold criteria to provide relief for individuals who arrived in the U.S. after 2007.\n\nIn June, Representatives Ross, Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Young Kim (CA-39) introduced America\u2019s CHILDREN Act, bipartisan legislation to protect Documented Dreamers from aging out of the system when they turn 21, forcing them to self-deport. Senator Padilla and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) led the bipartisan bill in the Senate. Congresswoman Ross also led 22 of her House colleagues in urging Congressional leadership to include a permanent path to residency for Documented Dreamers in the Build Back Better Act.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-adams-hosts-childhood-vaccination-clinic", "Advisory: Adams Hosts Childhood Vaccination Clinic", "2021-11-29", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 On Saturday, December 4 at 8:00 AM ET, the Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) will host a childhood vaccination event at Winterfield Elementary School in Charlotte. Novant Health will hold a vaccination clinic on campus during this time that is open to the public.\n\nChildren age 5 to 11 should sign up here.\n\nIndividuals age 12 and up should sign up here.\n\nWHO: Unvaccinated Children Age 5 & Up and Unvaccinated Parents\n\nWHAT: This Is Our Shot! A Children's Vaccination Event\n\nWHERE: Winterfield Elementary School, 3100 Winterfield Place, Charlotte, NC 28205\n\nWHEN: Saturday, December 4, 8:00 AM to 12:00 NOON ET\n\nAdditionally, at 11 AM, Congresswoman Adams is expected to visit the clinic.\n\nMembers of the media can RSVP to Sam.Spencer@mail.house.gov and are encouraged to advertise the event in advance to the public. Members of the public needing more information can contact the Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams at 704.344.9950.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-alma-adams-votes-build-back-better-act", "Congresswoman Alma Adams Votes for the\u00a0Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) cast a vote for the Build Back Better Act and sent President Biden's landmark legislation to the United States Senate. The Build Back Better Act includes victories for higher education and maternal health secured by Adams and based on her legislation.\n\nA fact sheet on the Build Back Better Act's $10 billion investment in HBCUs and MSIs is available here.\n\nMore information about the Momnibusprovisions in the Build Back Better Actis available here.\n\nAdams released the following statement on the legislation:\n\n\"The Build Back Better Act is about creating jobs, strengthening families, and saving lives. It lowers the cost of childcare and guarantees universal Pre-K, which will help parents reenter the workforce. It lessens the burden of elder care so children can honor their parents while pursuing a career. It reduces childhood hunger, extends the Child Tax Credit tax cut, and builds affordable housing across the country so our children are safe and ready to learn in school. Build Back Better also secures a future for our children and grandchildren by making a historic investment in the fight against climate change \u2013 an investment that will save lives and create jobs. In my home state of North Carolina and states that haven't expanded Medicaid, the bill will close the Medicaid gap, expanding health insurance access to the people who need it most.\n\n\"I'm especially proud to have secured a transformative $10 billion investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the package\u2014 the largest such investment in American history. This includes an unprecedented infrastructure grant program that will allow HBCUs and MSIs to make substantial investments in their research infrastructure as they prepare the next generation of STEM graduates. Additionally, these funds will lower the cost of college and give more minority students access to high-tech, high-paying jobs. Thank you to Education & Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott for his leadership on these critical provisions, and to Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty for her tireless work for HBCUs, Black Maternal Health, and countless other equity measures in the Build Back Better Act.\"\n\n\"Finally, as the co-founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I'm proud to say the Build Back Better Act includes all eligible provisions of our Momnibus legislation and permanently expands yearlong postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage in every state. The maternal mortality and morbidity crisis in this country is unacceptable, but the Build Back Better Act gets us closer to a world where every parent who enters the maternity ward and every child born in America makes it home safe. I especially want to thank my co-chair, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, our co-lead on the Momnibus, Senator Cory Booker, and our original co-lead on the Momnibus, Vice President Kamala Harris, for their tireless leadership for mothers everywhere.\n\n\"With the inclusion of the Momnibus and multiple measures to expand Medicaid and health insurance coverage, the Build Back Better Act will save lives. With the inclusion of historic investments in HBCUs and MSIs, Build Back Better will lower the cost of college and create good jobs. I am proud to support this landmark legislation.\"\n\nThe Build Back Better Act:\n\nLowers Health Care Costs:\n\nEmpowers Medicare to negotiate lower drug costs for seniors and halts Big Pharma's outrageous price hikes above inflation for all Americans.\n\nEnsures Americans with diabetes don't pay more than $35 per month for their insulin.\n\nCreates a new, out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 on what seniors pay for their drugs in Medicare Part D.\n\nLowers premiums dramatically for those who buy insurance on their own through the Affordable Care Act.\n\nExtends affordable coverage through the Affordable Care Act to millions of Americans in states that have refused to expand Medicaid.\n\nExpands Medicare to make hearing care more affordable for seniors.\n\nLowers Child Care & Family Care Costs:\n\nSaves most families more than half their current spending on child care, ensuring the vast majority of families will have to pay no more than 7 percent of their income for child care.\n\nExpands the basic promise of free schooling in America for the first time in 100 years with universal pre-school for all 3- and 4-year olds.\n\nEstablishes a universal and permanent paid family and medical leave program, providing four weeks of paid parental, family caregiving, and medical leave.\n\nGives more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the Biden Child Tax Credit.\n\nExpands access to high-quality home care for older adults and people with disabilities.\n\nCuts the cost of postsecondary education, with such steps as increasing the maximum Pell Grant.\n\nReduces families' housing costs and expands housing options.\n\nMakes the most consequential investment to combat the climate crisis in U.S. history:\n\nInvests $555 billion over 10 years in historic clean energy and climate investments.\n\nCreates green tax credits that will save the average American family hundreds of dollars per year in energy costs.\n\nEnsures clean energy technology will be built in the United States, creating hundreds of thousands of good jobs here at home.\n\nImportantly, this legislation is fully paid-for, which will both grow the economy and fight inflation. As seventeen Nobel Prize-winning economists recently wrote in support of this legislation: \"Because this agenda invests in long-term economic capacity and will enhance the ability of more Americans to participate productively in the economy, it will ease longer-term inflationary pressures.\" In fact, according to the estimates of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the U.S. Treasury, Build Back Better even reduces the deficit by more than $100 billion over the first ten years.\n\n\"The Build Back Better Act is poised to make critical investments in agriculture and forestry across our nation. The provisions included will allow American farmers, ranchers and foresters the opportunity to increase profitability while engaging in climate-smart practices,\" addedRep. Adams, who serves as Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee.\n\n\"The bill makes a historic investment of $1 billion for 1890 Land-Grant Universities, some of our largest and most impactful HBCUs, and other Minority Serving Institutions to ensure that they have equitable resources for competitive research facilities. These investments will help to keep American agriculture competitive in global markets and will ensure that American farmers and ranchers continue to lead the way for generations to come. The Build Back Better Act is vital to cementing American agriculture as the world leader and I am proud to support its passage,\" Rep. Adams concluded.\n\nYou can find the agriculture and forestry provisions included in the Build Back Better Act here.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. is serving her fourth full term in Congress. She represents the 12th District of North Carolina, which includes parts of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, and serves as Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.\n\nIn 2015, Rep. Adams co-founded the first Bipartisan HBCU Caucus in Congress. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, one of the 1890s institutions. In 2018, Adams introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). In March 2020, Adams, along with Harris and Underwood, introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act for the first time, and in February 2021 reintroduced an expanded version of the package with Senator Cory Booker. Adams is a mother of two and a grandmother of four.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400055", "Foxx Rebukes Socialist Spending Scheme", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Virginia Foxx", "F000450", "foxx.house.gov", "foxx", "https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement on H.R. 5376, the so-called \u201cBuild Back Better Act\u201d:\n\n\u201cThe consequences of President Biden\u2019s failed policies have metastasized like a cancer across this country. Inflation has already reached a 30-year high, gas and grocery prices are skyrocketing, the economy is gasping for air, and hardworking taxpayers are at their wits end. The so-called \u201cBuild Back Better Act\u201d will cause America to flatline, yet Democrats are pushing full steam ahead \u2013 disastrous consequences be damned.\n\n\u201cFor months, this radical legislation has been touted by the majority as a cure that is long overdue. That\u2019s an outright lie. It is the most expensive bill in the history of this country, and it will drive us into the depths of bankruptcy. With its passage today in the People\u2019s House, America has one foot in the economic grave.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-hudson-designating-nov-21-national-warrior-call-day", "What They Are Saying: Hudson Designating Nov. 21 National Warrior Call Day", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) is encouraging North Carolinians to help combat the rising epidemic of veteran and active-duty military suicides. In a press conference Tuesday with Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), both highlighted legislation that designates Nov. 21, 2021 as National Warrior Call Day, a day of outreach to veterans and service members to express thanks for their service and connect them with support resources.\n\nRead more about what they are saying below.\n\nTillis, Hudson call for more support to reduce suicides among military personnel, veterans\n\nWRAL\n\nRALEIGH \u2014 An estimated 20 active-duty service members or veterans die by suicide every day, and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and 8th District Congressman Richard Hudson said Tuesday that the nation needs to do more to push that number to zero.\n\n...\n\nBoth Republicans highlighted a congressional resolution naming Nov. 21 as National Warrior Call Day. The resolution urges everyone to check on a veteran or service member who may be struggling and offer support or direct them to the Veteran's Crisis Line.\n\nNC lawmakers calling for national day to help prevent veteran suicides\n\nWCTI\n\nJACKSONVILLE \u2014 Politicians in our state are calling for Nov. 21st to be designated \u2018National Warrior Call Day\u2019 to raise awareness on suicide prevention among veterans and active-duty service members.\n\nSenator Thom Tillis and Congressman Richard Hudson said there needs to be more of an individual focus on each veteran and service member in terms of treating them based on what they experienced, and checking in on their needs consistently.\n\nHudson, Tillis Highlight Military, Veteran Suicides, encourage National Warrior Call Day\n\nSandhills Sentinel\n\nNC Lawmakers Bring Attention to Veteran Suicide\n\nFox 46\n\nSenator Tillis, Rep. Hudson recognize service member and veteran suicides as an 'epidemic'\n\nIndependent Tribune\n\nThis Sunday is \"National Warrior Call Day\", and Senator Thom Tillis and Rep. Richard Hudson are spreading awareness about active duty and veteran suicide and why people should participate in the call day.\n\n...\n\nCongressman Hudson said he hopes people will take the National Warrior Call Day as an opportunity to check in on loved ones, friends or even people they haven't spoken with in a while. He said recently there has been an increase in the calls, texts and chats coming in to the crisis lines specifically for veterans. He stressed that now is a crucial time to reach out.\n\nNorth Carolinians: Make a Warrior Call to help military and vets\n\nFayetteville Observer\n\nResearch shows that active-duty service members and vets in need of support often don\u2019t seek help on their own. So, it is not exaggerating to say that this call could save a life.\n\n...\n\nThankfully, the Warrior Call effort is building momentum. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives, including Fayetteville-area Rep. Richard Hudson, are leading a resolution in support of National Warrior Call Day.\n\nLawmakers Raising Awareness For Veteran Suicide\n\nFox Morning News", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-ross-statement-house-passage-historic-build-back-better-act", "Congresswoman Ross Statement on House Passage of the Historic Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass the historic Build Back Better Act, legislation that will make transformational investments to help North Carolina families, workers, and the next generation. To meet the needs of North Carolinians in the wake of the pandemic, this legislation will deliver affordable health care, child care, and home care; expand affordable housing and education; and launch the most significant effort to combat the climate crisis in American history.\n\n\u201cI have heard from countless constituents in Wake County about the daily challenges they face to make ends meet and about how our economy is no longer working for them,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cI have heard from moms juggling child care and work; older Americans who need accessible home care; families struggling to afford quality health care; and young people who are worried about the climate crisis. With this legislation, we are making long overdue investments in our people for generations to come \u2013 investments in our children, parents, and grandparents.\n\n\u201cWe are closing the Medicaid coverage gap for thousands of North Carolinians who have been living without health care. We are making child care more affordable and accessible. We are investing in clean energy and creating good paying jobs in North Carolina. Today\u2019s vote represents extraordinary progress towards a future in which every person in this country can achieve the American Dream. I will keep fighting to get this once-in-a-generation legislation to President Biden\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross highlighted the historic investments this legislation will make in North Carolina here. The Build Back Better Act includes the following investments in North Carolinians:\n\nChild care: the average annual cost of a child care center for a toddler in North Carolina is $8,746. The Build Back Better Act will expand access for about 600,000 young children from ages 0-5 and ensure that no North Carolina working family pays more than seven percent of their income on child care.\n\nEarly education: only 30 percent of three- and four-year-olds in North Carolina have access to publicly funded pre-K, while the average cost of private pre-K in the state is $8,600. The Build Back Better Act will expand access to free, high-quality pre-K to more than 154,103 young North Carolinians -- setting these children up for lifelong success and saving their parents thousands of dollars.\n\nHealth care: by closing the Medicaid gap, expanding Medicare to include hearing care, and extending relief for insurance purchased through the ACA, the Build Back Better Act will help 388,000 North Carolinians gain coverage, including 212,000 people who fell into the Medicaid coverage gap \u2013 while also making home health care for elderly parents or loved ones with disabilities more affordable and accessible.\n\nChild Tax Credit: before Democrats secured the expanded Biden Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan, 15 percent of North Carolina children lived in poverty. The Build Back Better Act extends this life-changing tax cut and continues our historic progress toward reducing child poverty.\n\nClimate change: North Carolina has experienced 42 extreme weather events over the last decade, which have cost North Carolinians up to $50 billion. By reducing carbon pollution, bolstering community resilience, and strengthening the American clean energy economy, the Build Back Better Act will create good-paying jobs, advance environmental justice, and save North Carolina families the steep costs of recovery.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act also makes generational investments in higher education, workforce training, affordable housing, nutrition assistance, and more.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-statement-butterfield-retirement", "Adams Statement on Butterfield Retirement", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. released the following statement celebrating the career of her friend and former Congressional Black Caucus chair, Rep. G. K. Butterfield (NC-01).\n\n\"G. K. has been a friend, mentor, and a tireless representative for our state,\" said Congresswoman Alma Adams.\"As a civil rights lawyer, judge, and former member of the North Carolina Supreme Court, G. K. advanced the cause of voting rights in our state. In Congress, he helped write the transformative Affordable Care Act as a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee, and he has always been a staunch supporter of the rights of women, LGBTQ Americans, and minority groups. As a proud NC Central University Eagle, both as an undergraduate and as a Legal Eagle, G. K. has always supported our work to support and invest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.\"\n\n\"With this retirement, the Tar Heel State delegation has two big pairs of shoes to fill. I wish G. K. the best in his retirement, and thank him for his decades of service to North Carolina,\" Adams concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-releases-statement-on-the-retirement-of-rep-gk-butterfield", "Hudson Releases Statement on the Retirement of \ufeffRep. G.K. Butterfield", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement on the retirement of Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC-01):\n\n\"G.K. Butterfield has served eastern North Carolina for many years with integrity. While we often disagreed on policy, as colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee we worked together on many important issues such as the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"Renee and I wish G.K. all the best as he begins this next chapter of his life.\"\n\nReps. Hudson and Butterfield are co-chairs of the Congressional Pediatric Trauma Caucus. Working together in the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Reps. Hudson and Butterfield have cosponsored numerous bills. The latest, the Improving the Health of Children Act, was passed favorably by the Committee on Wednesday.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/icymi-congresswoman-ross-bill-national-adoption-and-integration-electric", "ICYMI: Congresswoman Ross Bill on National Adoption and Integration of Electric Vehicles Signed into Law", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - On Monday, President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. Included in this historic package is a bill authored by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) which directs the Secretaries of Energy and Transportation to establish a working group to make recommendations regarding the development, adoption, and integration of electric vehicles into the transportation and energy systems of the United States.\n\nThe working group would include both federal and non-federal stakeholders, including representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency, electric vehicle manufacturers, regional transportation agencies, public utilities, labor organizations, the trucking industry, and more.\n\n\u201cI am delighted that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included my legislation to ensure the Departments of Energy and Transportation work with stakeholders from different sectors and diverse backgrounds to develop a national framework for our clean transportation future,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cAs an innovation hub and one of the fastest growing areas in the country, the Research Triangle is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the EV space. However, we must ensure that local, state, and private sector EV needs align with federal policy. It is important not only to ensure that the U.S. remains competitive in the global EV marketplace, but also to meet the needs of all of our workers, industries, and consumers\u2014including low-income consumers\u2014as we make the transition to an electric fleet.\n\n\u201cI would like to thank Senator Cortez Masto for her leadership on this important issue.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross worked to ensure an earlier version of this bill passed the House in July as an amendment to the INVEST in America Act.\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $7.5 billion to build out a national network of EV charges. Of that $7.5 million, North Carolina is projected to receive $109 million over five years to support a network of EV chargers in the state.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/ross-statement-retirement-announcement-congressman-g-k-butterfield", "Ross Statement on the Retirement Announcement of Congressman G. K. Butterfield", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C \u2013 Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on Congressman G. K. Butterfield\u2019s (NC-01) retirement:\n\n\u201cCongressman Butterfield is an outstanding Member of Congress and an extraordinary leader for the people of North Carolina,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cFrom his service as a Superior Court judge and a justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court, to his chairmanship of the Congressional Black Caucus, to his numerous legislative accomplishments over two decades in the House, Congressman Butterfield retires with a formidable legacy of achievement. I am deeply honored to call him a colleague, a friend and a mentor.\n\n\u201cCongressman Butterfield has always cared deeply about the people of Eastern North Carolina. Even as he rose through the ranks in Congress, G. K. was unrelenting in this determination to improve the lives of the constituents he was so proud to represent.\n\n\u201cFrom the very beginning of his career in public service, starting as a young man organizing voter registration marches in North Carolina, Congressman Butterfield has always been a bold champion for voting rights and civil rights. At this critical moment for our democracy, our state and our nation will miss his powerful moral leadership.\n\n\u201cG. K. has been a dear friend for decades. Like so many others in North Carolina, I have long looked to his example to guide my own public service. I look forward to continuing to learn from his leadership for the remainder of this term. I wish G. K., his wife Sylvia, and his entire family great happiness as they embark on this new chapter.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/workforce-protections-chair-adams-condemns-gosars-inappropriate", "Workforce Protections Chair Adams Condemns Gosar\u2019s Inappropriate Workplace Conduct", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Chair of the House Education & Labor Committee Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, voted to censure Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) for producing an animated video depicting the assassination of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Gosar's violent, disrespectful tweet would be considered grounds for termination at workplaces across the United States.\n\n\"The United States Congress is a workplace, and we are sent here to do the people's work,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"Mr. Gosar's actions would get him reprimanded and possibly terminated at any Fortune 500 company, so why should Congress be any different? No one should experience harassment or threats in their workplace, so it would be hypocritical for the House to condone harassments and threats from one member to another. After the attacks on January 6, which terrorized our Capitol Police, Congressional staff, and us Members as well, Mr. Gosar's actions are even more unconscionable. My subcommittee can't ensure a safe work environment for all Americans if we don't address workplace harassment in our own House.\"\n\n\"Finally, I want to extend my deepest admiration and appreciation to my colleague, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. She's been harassed and threatened by her coworkers: other Members of Congress. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez has demonstrated admirable resolve and composure in the face of childish antics from her peers, but she shouldn't have to. If you harass or abuse a fellow legislator, you don't belong in the people's House. Period,\" concluded Adams.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, as well as the Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-celebrates-passage-protecting-moms-who-served-act", "Adams Celebrates Passage of the Protecting Moms Who Served Act", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), co-founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, celebrated the House passage of S. 796, the Protecting Moms Who Served Act of 2021, by submitting remarks in support of the bill to the Congressional Record. The legislation is the first bill from the Black Maternal Health Momnibus to pass both houses of Congress and head to President Biden's desk.\n\nAbout the Momnibus\n\nThe Momnibus, which includes the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021(H.R. 959/S. 346), is a 12 bill package that was reintroduced in February 2021 by Underwood, Adams, and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). The Momnibus builds on existing maternal health legislation with 12 bills to comprehensively address the clinical and non-clinical drivers of the maternal health crisis in the United States. The Momnibus makes critical investments in addressing social determinants of health, funding community-based organizations, growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection processes. The Momnibus also includes new legislation to address the impacts of COVID-19 and climate change on maternal and infant health outcomes.\n\nMany critical pieces of the Momnibus bill package were included in the Build Back Better Act under consideration in the House.\n\nCongresswoman Adams' Remarks as Submitted to the Congressional Record\n\nMadam Speaker -\n\nI rise today to speak in strong support of the bipartisan legislation, Protecting Moms Who Served Act.\n\nBut before I do, I want to thank Congresswoman Lauren Underwood for her leadership on this bill. I would also like to thank Senator Duckworth and Representatives Julia Brownley, Gus Bilirakis, and Brian Fitzpatrick for their co-leadership.\n\nTogether, Congresswoman Underwood and I are the co-founders and co-chairs of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, as well as lead sponsors of the Momnibus \u2013 comprehensive legislation that addresses every dimension of the maternal health crisis in the United States.\n\nAnd it gives me great joy to say that the Protecting Moms Who Served Act will be the first bill of the Momnibus to pass in Congress.\n\nThe United States continues to have the highest maternal mortality rates in the developed world. Women and birthing people of color die during or after pregnancy at 3 to 4 times the rates of their white counterparts.\n\nFor the nearly 2 million women Veterans, maternal health outcomes are not any better. Pregnant and postpartum women who served face unique maternal health risks that deserve our attention.\n\nFor example, the risk of pregnancy complications may be higher for women Veterans receiving maternity care through Veterans Affairs, since these women frequently have multiple medical conditions that can increase pregnancy complications.\n\nFurthermore, it is suggested that military deployment may increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. A post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis can increase the risk of spontaneous pre-term birth, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes.\n\nWomen Veterans with more symptoms of PTSD or moral injury like shame, guilt, or demoralization, are also at greater risk for postpartum depression in the three years following the end of their military service.\n\nMore specifically a study on the impacts of PTSD or moral injury, found that one in two women Veterans who became pregnant during the study, had a negative pregnancy outcome.\n\nThese outcomes include postpartum depression or anxiety, miscarriage, obstetrical medical conditions, emergency c-sections, the baby's need for intensive care post-delivery, preterm birth, stillbirth, and ectopic or tubal pregnancy.\n\nOur women Veterans have upheld their duty to serve and protect and, we as Members of Congress must do the same.\n\nThe Protecting Moms Who Served Act bill will codify and strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs maternity care coordination programs to ensure Veterans receive the high-quality maternal health care and support they have earned.\n\nThis is a noteworthy advancement since maternity care coordination programs are associated with improved maternal and birth outcomes, increased use of beneficial health services, and decreased costs, especially among women with chronic or pregnancy-related physical or mental health conditions, or social vulnerabilities.\n\nAdditionally, this bill will commission the first-ever comprehensive study of America's maternal health crisis among women Veterans, with a particular emphasis on racial and ethnic disparities.\n\nThis study is needed to provide further understanding of the maternal health challenges experienced among women who served.\n\nOn May 12th, this legislation passed the house with unanimous bipartisan support.\n\nToday, we are here to vote once more and finally send this bill to the President's desk, changing the lives of millions of women Veterans and their children.\n\nLet's remember that strong and supportive healthcare for birthing people supports the future of our nation by investing in the well-being of children and families.\n\nAnd today's vote ensures a healthcare system for women veterans that will offer the best maternal care available.\n\nI am proud to see our progress towards ending maternal mortality and disparities among our moms who served. I look forward to continuing to address these issues in Congress as we examine and discuss the maternal mortality and morbidity issues that threaten our nation.\n\nTo all my colleagues - lets pass the Protecting Moms Who Served Act for our women Veterans, their children, and their families.\n\nWhat we do here today will live beyond our time in Congress and impact generations of women who serve.\n\nIt is time we make sure that veterans, who have done so much for our country, receive the support and resources they need.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. is serving her fourth full term in Congress. She represents the 12th District of North Carolina, which includes parts of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In 2018, she introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). In March 2020, Adams, along with Harris and Underwood, introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act for the first time, and in February 2021 reintroduced an expanded version of the package with Senator Cory Booker. Adams is a mother of two and a grandmother of four.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-tillis-highlight-military-and-veteran-suicides-encourage-national-warrior", "Hudson, Tillis Highlight Military and Veteran Suicides, Encourage National Warrior Call Day", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) are encouraging North Carolinians to help combat the rising epidemic of veteran and active-duty military suicides. In a press conference today, both highlighted Nov. 21, 2021 as National Warrior Call Day, a day of outreach to veterans and service members to express thanks for their service and connect them with support resources.\n\n\"In North Carolina, Veterans Day is not just one day a year. It is a year-long call to action,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"That's why on National Warrior Call Day, we encourage individuals to reach out to someone they know, active-duty or veteran, and check in on them. Together, we can save lives.\"\n\n\"This holiday season post-Afghanistan, we have to redouble our efforts to save as many men and women as possible,\" said Sen. Tillis. \"On November 21st, if you know someone who may be in crisis, reach out to them and check on them. Let them know it's okay to recognize this as an illness and that there are medical professionals at the VA ready to help.\"\n\nWatch the full press conference here.\n\nImage\n\nSen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08) encourage\n\nparticipation in National Warrior Call Day\n\nDuring the press conference, Rep. Hudson highlighted a recent report from the Pentagon which revealed suicides among Army active-duty forces jumped 46% in the second quarter of 2021, compared to the same period last year. Overall, suicides in the armed forces rose 15% in 2020.\n\nFor veterans who served post-9/11, deaths by suicide are four times the number of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to a recent report from Brown University, 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in post 9/11 wars have died by suicide, compared to 7,057 killed in combat operations. Overall, more than 17 veterans commit suicide every single day. However, Rep. Hudson noted this figure is from 2019.\n\n\"This means we still do not know the latest impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or botched withdrawal from Afghanistan on veteran suicide,\" said Rep. Hudson.\n\nThis year, Rep. Hudson cosponsored H.Res. 512 designating Nov. 21, 2021 as National Warrior Call Day. This legislation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act which passed the House. The Senate is considering the bill this week.\n\nIn addition to encouraging participation in National Warrior Call Day, Sen. Tillis and Rep. Hudson encourage any veteran in crisis to contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-leads-letter-calling-hearings-address-parent-concerns-education", "Murphy Leads Letter Calling for Hearings to Address Parent Concerns in Education", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Ranking Member of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee, sent a letter to House Education and Labor Committee Democrats expressing support for parental involvement in American education. Rep. Murphy was joined in this effort by Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05) and Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. In the letter, the members call for hearings to address the impacts of pandemic school closures on children and address evidence of inappropriate and divisive Critical Race Theory (CRT) and sex and gender education in public schools.\n\n\"American parents have made it incredibly clear that they want to be involved in their children's education, and they have every right to be,\" said Rep. Murphy. \"Study after study proves that our students thrive when parents play an integral role in our schools. I want parents to know that we have heard them loud and clear. It is far past time for Congress to take action, consider parents concerns, and engage in legislative hearings to discuss not only the short and long term impacts of pandemic school closures on our children, but also outline parent distress regarding demonstrated cases of CRT and inappropriate sex and gender indoctrination in schools. Parents are the arbiters of education in America, period. I call on our Democrat counterparts to make constituent concerns in education a bipartisan priority.\"\n\n\"If we left it up to Democrats, kids would be masked and parents would be muzzled forever,\" said Rep. Foxx. \"Luckily there are still freedom-loving Americans out there willing to fight for their rights. They are willing to fight for their right to make medical decisions for their kids as well as their right to decide what their kids are taught in schools. When parents say no to leftist indoctrination, school boards should start listening. It's time to focus on issues parents care most about\u2014closing the learning gap created by shuttering classrooms during the pandemic. We need to get our kids back on track academically. This should be our priority\u2014not the left's campaign to turn our kids into mini social justice warriors.\"\n\n\"Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic deal a significant blow to in-person learning, but it also opened the door to inappropriate and divisive teachings and concerning curriculum, including Critical Race Theory,\" said Rep. Owens. \"Parents are irreplaceable advocates for their children, and we should address their genuine concerns while continuing to prioritize the development of students across America.\"\n\nFox News carried the exclusive on this release. You can read the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-veteran-mental-health-bill-passes-house", "Murphy Veteran Mental Health Bill Passes House!", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.'s (NC-03) bipartisan bill, H.R. 4233, the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act passed the House with overwhelming support by a vote of 420-4. If signed into law, the bill would expand Vet Center GI Bill eligibility to student veterans who are using a VA education program. This would ensure that counseling and mental health support are available to student veterans who may be struggling with their transition out of the military, which is known to be a vulnerable time.\n\n\"Change is hard for everyone, especially for veterans who are transitioning from active-duty service to civilian status,\" said Rep. Murphy. \"Many veterans also face tremendous obstacles when returning to school after their heroic service, especially older, non-traditional students who may be enrolling directly following separation from military service. My bill, the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act, will bridge the mental health resource gap for the 850,000 veterans and beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in a VA education program, and ensure that counseling and mental health support is available through free and confidential Vet Centers. I am proud to see so much bipartisan support for my bill today, and look forward to its immediate consideration in the Senate. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our nation's veterans.\"\n\n\"Helping veterans succeed in school and start their civilian lives off on the right foot is one of the most important ways to thank them for their service. Dr. Murphy's bill, the Veterans Counseling Center Eligibility Act, passed out of the House today and will help do exactly that,\" said Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Rep. Mike Bost. \"This bill will expand Vet Center eligibility to give student veterans a place to go to connect with other veterans and get the support they need. I look forward to seeing this vitally important bill passed in the Senate and signed into law as soon as possible.\"\n\nEarlier today, Rep. Murphy spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 4233, the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\n\"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, HR 4233, The Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act. This issue is especially personal to my district, as I represent over 89,000 veterans, many of whom are or will be receiving benefits via the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill.\n\nThe transition from active duty back to civilian life can challenging for some of our servicemembers. It can be tremendously difficult for many our servicemembers to return to education after sacrificing so much for our nation abroad \u2013 this is especially true for older or non-traditional student veterans.\n\nA few months ago, alongside Ranking Member Mike Bost, I had the privilege of introducing the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act. It passed out of the Veterans' Affairs committee with a unanimous vote.\n\nOur nation's veterans represent the very best among us here in the United States, but many serve at a great personal cost.\n\nA recent RAND study reported that 20 percent of veterans on the GI bill experience feelings of depression or PTSD. That 20 percent amounts to over 170,000 veterans. That's almost double the number of total veterans in my veteran heavy district.\n\nAs one can imagine, serving as a member of our Armed Forces can be extremely stressful. Too often we see the tragedy of our veterans losing their battle with mental health issues when returning from service.\n\nA very tragic and somber in fact is that the VA currently estimates the suicide rate at 18 a day for our Veterans\n\n46% of military students reported suicidal thoughts compared to only 6% of their non-military peers.\n\nIf we can provide mental health services to assist just a single veteran who is struggling, then I believe it is our sworn duty to do so. We have that opportunity now, with the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act.\n\nEducation poses one of the most beneficial yet stressful areas of transitions for our veterans. The intention of this bill is to aid more of our veterans who are readjusting to civilian lives by providing overdue access to vital mental health resources.\n\nHelping veterans succeed in their education and civilian lives is one of most important ways to thank them for their service.\n\nI have spoken with some of these student veterans. I have heard their stories. These student veterans have had to wait weeks to even months for a mental health appointment if their mental health crisis was not deemed urgent. Unfortunately, many of our veterans do not have the luxury of weeks or months to wait to see a professional mental health provider.\n\nFurthermore, private mental health care can be inaccessible for those utilizing the benefits of the GI Bill. An average therapy session can cost between $60-$120, with the higher end of costs reaching prices of up to $250 per session. Even with health insurance, premiums often amount to $50 a session.\n\nThe Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act would provide expanded counseling and mental health support services to student veterans through the VA's Readjustment Counseling Centers, known as \"Vet Centers.\" These centers provide individual, group, marriage, and family counseling and peer support opportunities for active duty servicemembers, veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and certain military family members. Vet Centers are community-based, confidential, and free.\n\nI am extremely honored and proud to sponsor this bill and am very grateful to Ranking Member Bost for his support as an original cosponsor, and to all my Republican and Democrat colleagues who have already come together to cosponsor this vital legislation. I am also thankful to the Student Veterans of America for their support.\n\nWe have an obligation to make counseling services more accessible for veterans who have sacrificed so much to safeguard our freedoms. I urge my colleagues to vote YES on H.R. 4233.\n\nThank you Mr. Speaker and I yield the balance of my time.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/representatives-ross-mace-introduce-legislation-improve-epas-pfas-reporting", "Representatives Ross, Mace Introduce Legislation to Improve EPA\u2019s PFAS Reporting Rule", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Nancy Mace (SC-01) introduced the PFAS Definition Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would amend existing law to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses a definition of PFAS that is as broad and protective as others that are already in use.\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina has some of the most PFAS-contaminated water in the country,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis contamination can cause adverse health effects including cancer, thyroid disease, and increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. That is why this legislation to broaden the definition of PFAS and better align it with current science is so critically important. To tackle the PFAS contamination in our communities, we must have as robust and complete data from the EPA as possible. I would like to thank Congresswoman Mace for her collaboration on this important issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cProtecting the natural beauty and splendor of our Lowcountry is a priority. PFAS directly impacts Parris Island and Joint Base Charleston,\u201d said Congresswoman Mace. \u201cThis legislation will help our military installations better deal with PFAS contamination.\u201d\n\nGeoff Gisler, Senior Attorney and Leader of SELC's Clean Water Program said, \u201cNew protections from PFAS only work if the term is properly defined. We\u2019re grateful to Representatives Ross and Mace for their leadership in defining PFAS broadly so that more communities will be protected.\u201d\n\nKathryn Alc\u00e1ntar, Interim Policy Director, Center for Environmental Health said, \"EPA is currently using a narrow definition of PFAS that excludes hundreds of toxic PFAS chemicals that are contributing to widespread pollution of the environment resulting in exposure and harm to human health. This bill will require EPA to use the widely accepted definition of PFAS used by the scientific community, state governments, EU countries, and scientific and regulatory policy bodies including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).\u201d\n\nPFAS, often referred to as \u201cforever chemicals,\u201d are dangerous, man-made chemicals that do not break down easily and have contaminated the nation\u2019s water, soil, and air for decades. In North Carolina, chemical companies have polluted the Cape Fear River with PFAS for years, resulting in serious health consequences for local residents.\n\nThe current EPA definition of PFAS requires at least two fully fluorinated carbon atoms, and they must be adjacent. However, numerous states and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) use definitions of PFAS that require only one fully fluorinated carbon atom. As a result, EPA\u2019s narrower definition will produce a rule that fails to capture many PFAS that are already included in other policies.\n\nCongresswoman Ross serves on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee where she has consistently advocated for supporting research institutions and leveraging federal resources to eradicate PFAS contamination. In June, Congresswoman Ross led a letter with six other members of the North Carolina delegation to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director Michael Regan urging the EPA to reconsider a Trump administration decision to deny a citizens\u2019 petition filed by a group of NC-based environmental health and justice groups in 2020. The petition, filed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requested that EPA exercise its authority under TSCA to require Chemours to fund robust health and environmental testing for 54 PFAS manufactured by Chemours at its Fayetteville facility.\n\nCongresswoman Ross also voted to pass the PFAS Action Act, legislation that would require comprehensive regulation of PFAS by establishing standards to protect drinking water from contamination and authorizing grants to drinking water utilities treating PFAS contamination.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-adams-hosts-successful-virtual-coffee-infrastructure-and-build", "Video: Adams Hosts Successful Virtual Coffee on Infrastructure and the Build Back Better Agenda", "2021-11-10", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Earlier today, at 11:00 AM ET, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) hosted a Virtual Coffee on Zoom to speak with the public about her votes to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and advance the Build Back Better Act. Participants included Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt, Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell and Carlton Waterhouse, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management at the Environmental Protection Agency. Hundreds of constituents were in attendance on Zoom and on Twitter Spaces.\n\nRaw video of the event is available here.\n\nA YouTube video of the event is available here.\n\n\"Today I hosted our Virtual Coffee about President Biden's Build Back Better Agenda and Congress's recent passage of a key part of that agenda: the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"On Friday, I voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This legislation will invest in infrastructure and create jobs right here in Charlotte. It is a $1.2 trillion dollar package that will have enormous benefits for the country and for North Carolina. This bill will strengthen our economy, secure cleaner air and water, and make our communities a better place to live and work by bringing our infrastructure into the 21st century.\"\n\n\"Finally, thank you to thank Carlton Waterhouse, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management at the Environmental Protection Agency from the Biden Administration, Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt, who also serves as chair of the Transportation, Planning, and Environment Committee and Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell for joining us today to talk about the importance of this legislation,\" concluded Adams.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-courtney-reintroduce-bipartisan-veteran-hope-act-combat-opioid-epidemic", "Murphy, Courtney Reintroduce Bipartisan Veteran HOPE Act to Combat Opioid Epidemic", "2021-11-10", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This morning, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) and Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) came together to reintroduce H.R. 5938, the bipartisan Veteran Heroin Overdose Prevention Act (HOPE) Act to confront the opioid crisis in the veteran community.\n\nIf passed, the Veteran HOPE Act would direct the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a review of veteran deaths from opioid overdoses over the past five years, including prescribed and non-prescribed opiate abuses, and other contributing factors to opioid overdoses among veterans. The bill also requires the VA to outline steps being taken on a federal level to address the opioid crisis, including tracking, collecting, and disposing of unused prescriptions, and to publish recommendations to improve the safety and well-being of veterans.\n\n\"As a member of the North Carolina State Assembly, authoring the STOP Act, the main legislative action to combat the opioid crisis in North Carolina was one of my proudest achievements. Now, as a practicing physician of more than 30 years and a Member of Congress representing nearly 90,000 veterans, addressing the opioid epidemic among veterans is critically important to me,\" said Rep. Murphy. \"All of the data available suggests that veterans are disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic \u2013 and shockingly, veterans who are being treated by the VA are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with an opioid abuse disorder than commercially insured patients. What's worse, between 2010 and 2016, the opioid death rate among veterans rose by a catastrophic 65 percent. These statistics are devastating and deeply alarming, and Congress must take action. Our bill, the Veteran HOPE Act, would conduct a review of opioid overdose deaths among veterans and examine other related factors to understand lethal overdoses from non-prescribed sources. I am grateful to my colleague, Rep. Courtney, for partnering with me on this crucial issue to increase awareness about the opioid addiction crisis in veteran communities and make overdose prevention a bipartisan priority.\"\n\n\"There are far too many families in our region who have experienced tragedy because of the opioid addiction crisis, or who know someone that has, but what a lot of people don't know is that this trend is particularly severe among our veterans,\" said Rep. Courtney. \"Even though the VA has made efforts to reduce the number of opioids prescribed, rates of opioid overdose deaths continue to rise among veterans. The Veteran HOPE Act will dedicate resources to investigating overdose deaths among veterans, and use VA records to better understand risk factors to help prevent lethal overdoses among those who have served our country. This bill is an important way to improve overdose prevention efforts in veteran communities like ours, and I'm glad to partner with Rep. Murphy to move it forward.\"\n\nPolitico's Huddle carried the exclusive on this announcement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/representatives-ross-meijer-introduce-resolution-designate-november-10th", "Representatives Ross, Meijer Introduce Resolution to Designate November 10th as \u201cNational Science Day\u201d", "2021-11-10", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Peter Meijer (MI-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November 10th as \u201cNational Science Day.\u201d This national observance would provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate American scientific achievements and inspire the next generation to continue this honorable and vital tradition.\n\n\u201cIt is past time for us to properly celebrate the work of American scientists. Scientific research leads to knowledge, products, and processes that continually improve our daily lives and keep us safe and secure,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cI am proud to represent a district that includes much of the Research Triangle Park, the largest research park in the United States and a premier global science and innovation center. RTP houses hundreds of companies, including science and technology firms, government agencies, academic institutions, startups, and nonprofits.\n\n\u201cThe academic institutions in my district not only serve to educate undergraduate and graduate students in scientific fields and provide them with the opportunity to engage in research while at school, but also feed a critical pipeline of talent that goes on to work on cutting edge scientific research nationwide. I\u2019m grateful for Congressman Meijer\u2019s partnership on this resolution.\u201d\n\n\"The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored how incredibly vital American scientific research is, and I am proud to partner with Rep. Ross to formally recognize and celebrate our scientific achievements,\u201d said Congressman Meijer. \u201cI hope this measure will further inspire the next generation to continue our country's innovation in science.\"\n\nRoss serves as a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where she has co-led legislation to establish a national science and technology strategy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-host-virtual-coffee-her-votes-create-millions-new-jobs-build-back", "Adams to Host Virtual Coffee on Her Votes to Create Millions of New Jobs with the Build Back Better Agenda", "2021-11-08", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 On Wednesday, November 10 at 11:00 AM ET, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) will host a virtual coffee on Zoom to speak with the public about her votes to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and advance the Build Back Better Act. The event is open press.\n\nWHO: Congresswoman Adams & Staff, Constituents\n\nWHAT: Virtual Coffee with Congresswoman Alma Adams on the Build Back Better Agenda\n\nWHERE: Zoom, registration link here\n\nWHEN: Wednesday November 10, 11:00 AM ET\n\nPlease RSVP using this link.\n\nLate Friday night, Congresswoman Adams voted to create millions of good-paying jobs with a once-in-a-century investment in rebuilding infrastructure in North Carolina, including roads and bridges; transit; rail; clean drinking water and wastewater systems; and high-speed broadband networks. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will repair and modernize crumbling and outdated infrastructure across the nation, ensuring all American communities have the infrastructure to succeed in the 21st Century economy and ending bottlenecks that add needless delays and costs for businesses bringing products to market and families traveling to school or work.\n\n\"This past weekend, I voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and advance the Build Back Better Act. These votes will create jobs, improve our infrastructure, and set the stage for Democrats to make a solid investment in the future of our families and our recovery from COVID-19,\" said Rep. Adams. \"The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will invest in infrastructure and create jobs. These investments include improving and expanding the Charlotte Area Transportation System and Lynx Light Rail, and providing all CMS students with the broadband connection they need to succeed.\"\n\n\"From paid family leave and Universal Pre-K to investments in maternal health and higher education, the Build Back Better Act is an investment in our families. Parents will save thousands of dollars per year on child care and receive an extension of the Child Tax Credit tax cut. I look forward to voting for final passage of the Build Back Better Act, which will make robust investments in HBCUs and MSIs, expand the safety net for working families, and make a historic investment in fighting climate change. The American people are counting on us to act now,\" concluded Adams.\n\nTogether, the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act are estimated to create an average of 2 million jobs each year over the next decade.\n\nIn the wake of the pandemic, poor infrastructure has struggled to keep up with a sharp increase in consumer demand \u2013 resulting in added costs for businesses and delays for consumers. The United States ranks 13th globally in terms of the quality of our infrastructure, and the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the condition of our infrastructure a C-. As the economy continues its strong recovery, President Biden and the Congress are seizing this historic moment to Build Back Better: improving infrastructure in every state in the union, growing the economy and helping Americans get back to work, while advancing justice and opportunity for all.\n\nThis Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will:\n\nRebuild roads and bridges nationwide, including the largest bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system seven decades ago;\n\nDeliver clean drinking water to ten million families and more than 400,000 schools and child care facilities nationwide with the largest-ever investment in American water infrastructure to replace lead pipes and service lines across the nation;\n\nHelp clean up legacy pollution, which is an important step in advancing environmental justice;\n\nExpand access to reliable high-speed internet to help more families get online to work and learn;\n\nMake historic improvements to public transit, with the largest federal investment in American history and the largest federal investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak; and\n\nSupport action to address the climate crisis, making down-payments on clean energy transmission, a clean and resilient electric grid, electric vehicle infrastructure and more.\n\nIn North Carolina, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will:\n\nRepair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. In North Carolina there are 1,460 bridges and over 3,116 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 10.7% in North Carolina, and on average, each driver pays $500 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. Based on formula funding alone, North Carolina would expect to receive $7.2 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $457 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years.\n\nNorth Carolina can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.\n\nImprove healthy, sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans. North Carolinians who take public transportation spend an extra 59.9% of their time commuting and non-White households are 3.4 times more likely to commute via public transportation. 15% of transit vehicles in the state are past useful life. Based on formula funding alone, North Carolina would expect to receive $911 million over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Actto improve public transportation options across the state.\n\nBuild a network of EV chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options. The U.S. market share of plug-in electric vehicle (EV) sales is only one-third the size of the Chinese EV market. The President believes that must change. The bill invests $7.5 billion to build out the first-ever national network of EV charging stations.\n\n\"Our nation's crumbling and outdated infrastructure weakens our economy, hurts families, and causes added costs and delays for American businesses bringing their goods to market,\" said Rep. Adams. \"Democrats are delivering a transformational and bipartisan infrastructure bill that will create good-paying jobs here in North Carolina, strengthen our economy, secure cleaner air and water, and make our communities a better place to live and work by bringing our infrastructure into the 21st century.\"\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now goes to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-says-no-infakestructure-build-back-bankrupt-agenda", "Murphy Says NO to InFAKEstructure, Build Back Bankrupt Agenda", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) issued this statement after voting NO on the Senate infrastructure bill and the rule paving the way for President Biden's Build Back Bankrupt agenda:\n\n\"In the middle of the night, Speaker Pelosi twisted enough progressive arms to force a vote on a $1.2 trillion \u2018inFAKEstructure' bill \u2014 less than 15% of which actually goes to what North Carolinians would traditionally consider infrastructure,\" said Murphy. \"The rest is liberal pork spending that does nothing to address our country's needs. In fact, the only reason why this sham of a bill was rushed to the floor was because Democratic leadership in the House needed it to pave the way for President Biden's Build Back Bankrupt agenda. Last night's vote was a purely political desperate move by left-wing politicians hurting from Tuesday's election, and was not at all in the interest of the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-ross-applauds-passage-bipartisan-infrastructure-package", "Congresswoman Ross Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Package", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. - Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, transformational legislation that will upgrade the nation\u2019s aging infrastructure and create good-paying jobs in North Carolina. This bill will help to fuel our economic recovery by making unprecedented investments in America\u2019s roads, bridges, water infrastructure, high-speed internet, and electric vehicles.\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a once-in-a-lifetime investment in America\u2019s future,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cDemocrats and Republicans set partisanship aside to pass a bill that will replace our crumbling infrastructure, meet our urgent transportation needs, and create new economic opportunities for all our workers.\n\n\u201cThis package will spur economic growth in North Carolina by creating good jobs that cannot be outsourced, including opportunities in the clean energy manufacturing sector where our state is positioned to lead the nation. It will also support upgrades to our roads and bridges, invest in clean drinking water infrastructure, modernize our outdated electric grid, and expand broadband connectivity to our state\u2019s harder-to-reach communities.\n\n\u201cWake County is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., but our infrastructure has not grown with our community. This historic legislation will fund transportation improvements so that our people can get to work and products from our innovative companies can get to markets around the world. From the folks who pave our roads to engineers designing the cutting-edge infrastructure of tomorrow, this package delivers for the people of our state and our nation. I was honored to vote in favor of the bill and look forward to President Biden signing it into law.\u201d\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides investments in key areas outlined below:\n\nRoads, bridges, and major projects: invests $110 billion in new funds for roads, bridges, and major projects. In North Carolina, 1,460, or 7.8 percent, of the 18,749 bridges are classified as structurally deficient.\n\nAirports, ports, and waterways: invests $17 billion in port infrastructure and $25 billion in airports to address repair and maintenance backlogs and reduce congestion and emissions near ports and airports.\n\nClean drinking water: invests $55 billion, representing the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history, including dedicated funding to replace lead service lines and address harmful PFAS contamination. This bill will replace lead pipes and service lines. In North Carolina, chemical companies have polluted the Cape Fear River with PFAS chemicals for years, resulting in serious health consequences for residents. Congresswoman Ross has been a strong advocate for combatting PFAS contamination.\n\nEV infrastructure: invests $7.5 billion to build out the first-ever national network of electric vehicle chargers in the United States.\n\nHigh-speed internet: invests $65 billion in high-speed internet to ensure our rural communities have access to broadband.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-ross-statement-october-jobs-report", "Congresswoman Ross Statement on October Jobs Report", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor reported the U.S. economy added 531,000 jobs in October and unemployment fell to 4.6%.\n\n\u201cThe October jobs report is further proof that President Biden\u2019s economic plan is working. The decisive action Democrats took to pass the American Rescue Plan and get Americans vaccinated helped our economy rebound at a rate unsurpassed in recent history,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cWe must now build on this success by passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Build Back Better Act\u2014two pieces of transformational legislation that will spur economic growth, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, invest in working families, and create jobs in Wake County \u2013 jobs that cannot be outsourced.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-adams-lauds-biden-administrations-emergency-workforce-safety", "Chair Adams Lauds Biden Administration\u2019s Emergency Workforce Safety Standard on COVID-19", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "November 4, 2021\n\nSafety standard comes after months of work from Chair Adams & Chairman Scott\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Chair of the House Education & Labor Committee's Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, lauded today's move by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an emergency workplace safety standard requiring employers with 100 or more employees to ensure all their workers are vaccinated or produce a negative test on a weekly basis.\n\n\"Today's new rules will save lives,\" said Chair Adams. \"OSHA's emergency workplace safety standard is welcome relief from our current pandemic of the unvaccinated. Under the leadership of President Biden, OSHA has proactively addressed the COVID-19 crisis to help the United States get back to work. Workplace vaccination requirements are no different than the vaccination requirements for every kindergartener who enters elementary school: they exist so our families and children can be safe. I applaud today's decision by OSHA, and as Workforce Protections Chair I will continue to fight for workplaces and schools that are safe from COVID-19.\"\n\nChair Adams has led the fight against the pandemic in the workplace since January 2020:\n\nIn January 2020, Adams joined House Education & Labor CommitteeChairman Bobby Scott in calling on the Trump Administration to put the infectious disease standard back on the active agenda. In that letter, they also urged OSHA to issue a compliance directive for the health care sector, and to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard if the situation deteriorated. At the time of their request, there were only 5 confirmed COVID-19 infections in the United States.\n\nHearing nothing back, on March 5th, they wrote OSHA again describing how hundreds of health care workers had been exposed and stated the obvious: that OSHA urgently needed to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS).\n\nIn mid- March, OSHA rejected the issuance of an ETS on the grounds that \"the health care industry fully understands the gravity of the situation and is taking the appropriate steps to protect its workers.\"\n\nIn April, with more than 720,000 infections nationwide, OSHA finally issued enforcement guidance, but only covering the health care sector.\n\nOn April 21, Chair Adams introduced the COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act.\n\nIf passed, the Act would have required the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard that establishes a legal obligation for all workplaces to implement infectious disease exposure control plans to keep workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nAdams remarked, \"Essential workers on the front lines of this pandemic \u2013 and future pandemics \u2013 shouldn't be made to feel like they're expendable. When these workers go home, they go home to families, pets, and children who are all vulnerable if the Department of Labor does not take action. That increases the spread of the disease and makes all of us more vulnerable. The COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act would change that by strengthening protections for frontline workers and requiring employers to treat the essential workers who serve us every day with humanity and dignity.\n\nOn May 14, Chair Adams held a briefing to examine the worker safety crisis caused by COVID-19, continuing to push for an ETS to protect workers and workplaces.\n\nIn mid-May 2020, as workers continued to face risk of infection, illness, and death, the Trump Administration still refused to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard to protect workers from exposure to the coronavirus. In response, Chair Adams convened a meeting of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, one of the first virtual Committee meetings of the pandemic.\n\nIn her opening statement, Adams asked \"why is OSHA missing in action?\"\n\nIn the most shocking moment of the hearing, a Trump Administration official, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt, revealed OSHA is not tracking workplace cases of coronavirus or enforcing laws meant to keep workers safe.\n\nIn response, Adams remarked, \"Today, we found out that the dereliction of duty at OSHA goes beyond not issuing an emergency standard. It even goes beyond not proactively preventing infections. Our subcommittee found out OSHA is not even tracking workplace cases of coronavirus, nor is this enforcement agency enforcing the law. OSHA's representative was evasive and had plenty of excuses, but had no answers for the millions of Americans who have no idea whether or not their workplace is safe. They just don't seem to care.\"\n\nAfter the meeting, Adams continued to push the Trump Administration for an ETS.\n\nDuring its final months in office, the Trump Administration never issued an ETS on COVID-19. It did, however, issue policy change that would result in sharply reduced reporting of COVID-related workplace hospitalizations and fatalities and undermine efforts to protect the safety of workers.\n\nChair Adams and Chairman Scott responded to the change, noting, \"This guidance will eliminate, for all practical purposes, reporting of a work-related COVID-19 (COVID) illness.\"\n\nAfter taking office, the Biden Administration immediately issued an executive order on workforce safety, almost a year after Chair Adams and Chairman Scott's original request.\n\nOn February 22, 2021, Adams reintroduced a bill to address the rising rates of workplace violence due to the pandemic.\n\nOn March 11, 2021, Chair Adams held a hearing on Science-based strategies to protect workers from COVID-19 infections.\n\nOn October 26, 2021, Chair Adams pushed for an ETS on vaccine requirements.\n\nAdams noted, \"Workplace COVID-19 outbreaks are continuing to endanger workers and their families. And many of these outbreaks have been linked to unvaccinated workers. Thankfully, we've seen responsible employers take the initiative to implement workplace safety policies, including vaccination requirements, to keep their employees safe. Some of the largest employers in the country, including Bank of America in my district, already have vaccination requirements. And more companies are stepping up to require vaccinations each week. After months of the vaccine being free and available, it is clear that the most effective way to boost vaccination rates is through workplace vaccination requirements.\"\n\nBackground: The importance of vaccination requirements:\n\nThe spread of COVID-19 has caused the worst worker safety crisis. Hundreds of thousands frontline and essential workers have contracted COVID-19, and many died as result.\n\nCOVID-19 has caused more deaths among workers in a shorter period of time than any other health emergency since the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 50 years ago.\n\nThroughout the pandemic, major outbreaks across the country have been associated with workplace transmission of the virus.\n\nMany essential workers at the greatest risk of contracting and dying from COVID-19 are people of color.\n\nVaccines are the most powerful tool we have to save lives, end the pandemic, and get back to normal.\n\nAccording to recent CDC research, people who are fully vaccinated are roughly one-tenth as likely to be hospitalized and even less likely to die from COVID-19 than those who are unvaccinated.\n\nDespite robust vaccination campaigns and efforts, over 80 million adults are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.\n\nUnvaccinated workers have been linked to workplace COVID-19 outbreaks \u2013 putting seniors, people with disabilities, patients recovering from COVID-19, and others in danger\n\nLow vaccination rates have consequences for both vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans. The latest surge of COVID-related hospitalizations have overwhelmed hospitals that were already facing staffing shortages and limited capacity to treat non-COVID illnesses.\n\nThe private sector has demonstrated that vaccine requirements have overwhelmingly positive outcomes, including increasing vaccination rates and protecting vulnerable workers.\n\nWorkplace COVID-19 vaccine requirements have significantly increased vaccine uptake among essential workers in recent months, pushing vaccination rates closer to 90 percent in a short period of time.\n\nSome of the largest employers in the country, including Bank of America in Rep. Adams' district, already have vaccination requirements.\n\nAlthough several surveys of unvaccinated workers predicted workers would choose to resign if their employers required COVID-19 vaccinations, recent data suggests that a vast majority of unvaccinated workers choose to get vaccinated in response to employer policies.\n\nThe majority of Americans support mask policies and vaccine requirements. Moreover, the country has always had vaccine requirements \u2013 including for polio and smallpox.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-opposes-latest-vaccine-mandates", "Hudson Opposes Latest Vaccine Mandates", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement on President Biden's latest vaccine mandate for Medicare and Medicaid providers:\n\n\"President Biden's latest vaccine mandates are an attack on health care workers labeled heroes just one year ago,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"While vaccines are critical to combat this pandemic, mandates without exemptions threaten liberties and undermine access to public health. I have heard directly from providers in my community like Cabarrus Health Alliance about how mandates will further create labor shortages and negatively impact patient care. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to examine all options to protect health care workers, employers, and families.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-statement-biden-administration-s-new-vaccine-mandate-rule", "Murphy Statement on Biden Administration\u2019s New Vaccine Mandate Rule", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration's announcement that the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses with over 100 employees will take effect on January 4, 2022. Businesses who do not comply with the mandate will be threatened with thousands of dollars in fines, and citizens will potentially have to choose between medical freedom and their livelihoods.\n\n\"Today's announcement is a tragic display of federal overreach that shows a failure to understand action and subsequent consequences,\" said Murphy. \"PresidentBiden's vaccine mandate will put 84 million American employees and 17 million health care workers at risk of losing their jobs. That is a disaster, especially as our nation is already confronting massive labor shortages and supply chain issues as a result of President Biden's failed policies. Consequences of the Biden mandate could include market unemployment, loss of medical benefits and subsequent poverty. It is well known that poverty, as a social determinant of health, often leads to sickness, morbidity and possible mortality. It's also worth noting that President Biden himself opposed the idea mandating the COVID-19 vaccine before it became politically expedient for him to do so.\n\nThe bottom line is that I completely sympathize with the mission to get people vaccinated and I have ardently encouraged people to do so, but mandating the vaccine is a violation and destruction of the doctor-patient relationship in an attempt to make medicine a government-citizen directive. 70% of U.S. adults are already fully vaccinated without a mandate, and whether the President likes it or not, the American people will ALWAYS have the freedom and the right to make their own health care decisions. I fear this mandate will further exacerbate vaccine hesitancy. People should talk to their doctors about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and come to a decision without government force. As usual, this Administration is making emotional decisions without considering the far reaching implications of their actions. I oppose vaccine mandates in all forms and will continue to fight to secure our constitutionally protected rights for all Americans.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-commends-house-leadership-inclusion-paid-family-and-medical-leave", "Adams Commends House Leadership for Inclusion of Paid Family and Medical Leave", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 3, 2021) \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) commended the efforts of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House leadership to include paid family and medical leave in the Build Back Better Act, also known as the reconciliation bill.\n\n\"Paid family and medical leave, including maternity leave, is a lifeline for parents in the workforce,\" said Congresswoman Alma Adams, Chair of the House Education & Labor Committee's Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. \"The United States is the only country in the world with more than 10 million people to provide no paid leave for new mothers. A pregnancy or medical emergency should never be the reason someone loses their paycheck or their job. Thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Richard Neal, and Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro for working to make sure we build back better with paid leave for working families.\"\n\nAdams is also the co-founder and co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). She is also co-lead of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act with Underwood. Thanks to the Momnibus provisions included in the Build Back Better Act, the reconciliation bill would permanently expand yearlong postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage in every state.\n\nAnissa Caldwell Washington, a member of Adams' Congressional staff, recently returned to work from her maternity leave. She noted how important paid leave was during her post-partum months.\n\n\"I can't imagine what the early days of motherhood would have been like without family and medical leave,\" said Caldwell Washington. \"Due to my paid maternity leave benefit, I was able to recover from the injuries and bodily changes caused by childbirth. I was able to become comfortable nursing my daughter. During this time, my husband and I were able to fully dedicate ourselves to nurturing our daughter and adjusting to our new family dynamic. Our daughter is better for it, and I am a stronger parent because I was able to take time off without losing my paycheck or my health insurance.\"\n\nMore information on today's announcement is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-murphy-leads-22-members-house-resolution-protect-free-speech", "RELEASE: Murphy Leads 22 Members in House Resolution to Protect Free Speech", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) and 22 House GOP colleagues introduced a House Resolution, \"expressing support for the First Amendment to the Constitution and its bipartisan impact regarding the protection of free speech as well as academic freedoms for all students and faculty.\" Rep. Murphy's resolution cites the First Amendment, Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Bipartisan Policy Center, the nonpartisan Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), Congressman John Lewis, and more to give Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle an opportunity to make free speech protections in higher education a bipartisan priority for Congress. You can read the resolution text here.\n\nCo-sponsors of the resolution (22) include: Reps. Kat Cammack, Jim Jordan, Elise Stefanik, Michael Bost, Ben Cline, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Tracey Mann, Ted Budd, Warren Davidson, Julia Letlow, Brian Babin, Ralph Norman, Greg Steube, Scott Fitzgerald, Guy Reschenthaler, Randy Weber, Claudia Tenney, Doug LaMalfa, Tom McClintock, Blake Moore, Burgess Owens and Gus Bilirakis.\n\n\"At their core, colleges and universities were designed to provide students and faculty with an environment to freely exchange ideas, challenge previously held beliefs, and create a venue for students to have free and open debate,\" said Murphy. \"This democratic idea is the foundation of discourse, but right now, the First Amendment is under attack on our campuses. To be clear, I want the socialist, communist students to feel as free to express themselves as the capitalists, and everyone in between. That's what our country is about. Free speech is NOT unilateral. I'm proud to lead this important resolution to urge our government to make free speech protections in higher education a bipartisan priority.\"\n\n\"Intellectual diversity and the ability to disagree with one another makes our Republic the best in the world. While free speech continues to be attacked on campus, I'm proud to join dozens of my colleagues and Rep. Murphy in affirming the importance of the First Amendment at institutions of higher learning,\" said Cammack. \"The House Campus Free Speech Caucus is behind this effort and will continue to ensure all have the ability to express themselves freely, no matter where they go to school.\"\n\n\"Fostering critical thinking and inquiry are the purpose of higher education, but too many institutions are cracking down on students' right to free speech,\" said Stefanik. \"I experienced this myself as a conservative student at Harvard College, and it is devastating to witness that this has become a crisis across America. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to protect Constitutional liberties on college campuses.\"\n\nBackground: This House Resolution comes as earlier this week, Reps. Murphy, Stefanik, and Cammack hosted the first ever Campus Free Speech Roundtable to highlight the importance of intellectual diversity in higher education and to provide lawmakers, outspoken alumni, and stakeholders with an opportunity to share their personal and professional experiences with free speech violations in institutions of higher learning. Earlier this year, Rep. Murphy introduced the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act that aims to protect free speech at colleges and universities. Rep. Murphy sits on the Education and Labor Committee where he is Ranking Member of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-ross-applauds-nwsls-commitment-meet-players-demands-after-sexual", "Congresswoman Ross Applauds NWSL\u2019s Commitment to Meet Players\u2019 Demands After Sexual Abuse Allegations", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after the National Women\u2019s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced that the NWSL has agreed to meet all the union\u2019s demands for cultural changes and transparency following instances of verbal abuse and sexual coercion of players reported last month:\n\n\u201cI am glad the NWSL has agreed to meet the demands of the players\u2019 union and will soon introduce protocols to create a safer environment for players and staff,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis news is an important first step by the NWSL leadership to show they are truly committed to protecting the health and well-being of their players. However, it is just that\u2014one step. I pledge to continue working with my colleagues in Congress and the NWSLPA to ensure these changes are fully implemented and the root causes of this toxic environment are addressed.\u201d\n\nOn October 20th, Congresswoman Ross led a letter with 41 House colleagues urging the National Women\u2019s Soccer League (NWSL) and U.S. Soccer Federation to conduct a thorough investigation into harassment and abuse claims made by NWSL players. Egregious reports of consistent abuse directed at women soccer players, including by former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, revealed a clear pattern of systemic harassment that raised serious safety concerns for players in the league.\n\nAfter former players bravely recounted the abuse and harassment they endured during Paul Riley\u2019s tenure, he was fired from his position as the head coach of the North Carolina Courage, a NWSL soccer team based in Congresswoman Ross\u2019 district. In addition to Paul Riley, three other NWSL coaches have been fired in recent months for inappropriate comments, creating a toxic environment, and verbal and emotional abuse.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-applauds-complaint-against-colonial-pipeline", "Adams Applauds Complaint Against Colonial Pipeline", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) applauded today's move by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to file a Complaint and Motion for Injunctive Relief in Mecklenburg County Superior Court to force Colonial Pipeline to meet their obligations as the responsible party in the state's largest gasoline spill.\n\n\"I applaud Governor Cooper and the Department of Environmental Quality's actions today to hold Colonial Pipeline accountable for their spill in Huntersville, the largest gasoline spill in North Carolina history,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"Colonial has not provided an estimate of the spill since February, and at that time the estimated volume of the spill was well over 1 million gallons. The people of Huntersville and Mecklenburg County deserve answers, and new measures \u2013 including monthly surface water testing and a new estimate of the volume of the spill \u2013 will help us get those answers.\"\n\nPer NC DEQ, The complaint seeks a judicial action requiring Colonial Pipeline to take the following actions:\n\nRemove, treat or control any source of petroleum, PFAS or other contaminants that have the potential to contaminate groundwater;\n\nProvide DEQ with a current, revised estimate of the volume of petroleum released;\n\nSubmit a comprehensive conceptual site model for both the petroleum release and the PFAS contamination;\n\nComplete site assessment activities, and submit and receive DEQ approval for a corrective action plan and proposed schedule for implementation;\n\nConduct monthly sampling of nearby surface water for petroleum, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, Volatile Organic Compounds, total lead and PFAS at locations determined by DEQ; and\n\nProvide evaluations of Colonial's leak detection system statewide, provide locations of all pipeline Type-A collar repairs within North Carolina and remove or replace them with approved alternatives if necessary. Colonial has cited corrosion related to a Type-A sleeve repair as the cause of the Huntersville release.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-delivers-floor-speech-build-back-better-framework", "Adams Delivers Floor Speech on Build Back Better Framework", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Tonight, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) delivered remarks on the floor of the US House of Representatives on President Biden's Build Back Better agenda during a special order hour hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus.\n\nVideo of the speech is available for download and on YouTube.\n\nMarty Johnson, writing for The Hill, reported, \"The $1.75 trillion framework agreement for President Biden's \u2018Build Back Better' plan represents a significant victory for Black lawmakers, who have been adamant that promises made to Black communities be kept by the White House.\"\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nMr. Speaker \u2013\n\nI rise this evening to speak about the importance of passing the Build Back Better Act. This legislation will be nothing short of transformational for Black America.\n\nIt extends the Child Tax Credit for a year, cutting child poverty in half. In North Carolina, that's a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of children who go to bed hungry every night.\n\nIt puts $150 billion dollars towards affordable housing, which has been described as the \"single largest and most comprehensive investment in affordable housing in history.\"\n\nIn Charlotte and so many other communities across the country, that means real progress on our affordable housing crisis, and real relief for over half a million Americans who don't have a roof over their heads.\n\nAs the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, I am proud to say this package provides approximately $10 billion specifically for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions, including $3 billion for research and development grants at these institutions, and $6 billion for increased Pell Grants and institutional support to lower the cost of college; and Universal Child Care and Pre-K will prepare children to receive the education they need to succeed in school and be admitted to college.\n\nAs the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I'm also proud to say the Build Back Better Act includes all eligible provisions ofour Momnibus legislation and permanently expands yearlong postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage in every state. The maternal health and morbidity crisis in this country is unacceptable, but the Build Back Better Act gets us closer where every parent who enters the maternity ward and every child born in America makes it home safe.\n\nFinally, I would like to take a point of personal privilege to recognize the hard work of our Congressional Black Caucus Chair, Joyce Beatty, and all our members and committee chairs on this legislation.\n\nI believe that promises made must be promises kept, and this package keeps our promise to all Americans.\n\nI implore my colleagues \u2013 let's pass the Build Back Better Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework together.\n\nThank you, and I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-campus-free-speech-roundtable-win-first-amendment", "Murphy Campus Free Speech Roundtable \u2013 A Win for First Amendment", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 On Monday, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Ranking Member of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee hosted the first ever Campus Free Speech Roundtable in the U.S. Capitol. The purpose of the event was to highlight the importance of intellectual diversity in higher education and to provide lawmakers, outspoken alumni, and stakeholders with an opportunity to share their personal and professional experiences with free speech violations in institutions of higher learning.\n\nThe Campus Free Speech Roundtable featured House Republican Conference Chairwoman Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Campus Free Speech Caucus co-chair, Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03), the Young America's Foundation (YAF), the nonpartisan Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), and members of the Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA). The event was livestreamed online on Congressman Murphy's YouTube page and playback can be found here.\n\n\"I am so glad that we were able to bring together some of the best and brightest voices on issues of free speech in higher education today,\" said Murphy. \"It was our observation that in recent years, institutions of higher education have become vectors of teaching what to think, rather than how to think \u2013 they speak often of diversity in all things except opinion. Today was a unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of free speech violations on college campuses, take a look at the self-reported data on free speech, and discuss how Congress can be a force for good. It is critical that we foster an environment at colleges and universities that challenges our students intellectually and celebrates diversity of thought and of opinion. Our roundtable was just the first step in engaging outspoken alumni, lawmakers, legal experts, and relevant stakeholders about how we plan to safeguard First Amendment protections for generations to come.\"\n\n\"I have been involved with promoting intellectual diversity and free speech at my alma mater, Cornell University for years, and I have to say, since then, the campus climate has deteriorated\u2026the importance of alumni and Members of Congress being involved cannot be overstated.\" \u2013 RajKannappan, Cornell University alumni and VP of the Young America's Foundation\n\nRoundtable Participants:\n\nRep. Greg Murphy, M.D., Education and Labor Committee, Ranking Member of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee, member of Campus Free Speech Caucus\n\nRep. Elise Stefanik, House Republican Conference Chairwoman, Education and Labor Committee, member of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee\n\nRep. Kat Cammack, co-chair, Campus Free Speech Caucus\n\nKaralee Geis, Capitol Hill Outreach Director, YAF\n\nTyler Coward, Senior Legislative Council, FIRE\n\nConnor Murnane, Alumni Relations Officer, FIRE\n\nKenny Xu, AFSA, Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse, Davidson College & Development Officer, YAF\n\nVictoria Guroian, AFSA, The Generals Redoubt, Washington and Lee\n\nStuart Taylor, AFSA, Princetonians for Free Speech, Princeton University\n\nEd Yingling, AFSA, Princetonians for Free Speech, Princeton University\n\nRaj Kannappan, AFSA, Cornell Free Speech Alliance, Cornell University & Vice President, YAF\n\nWatch the Campus Free Speech Roundtable here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-objects-vaccine-mandates-us-servicemembers", "Murphy Objects to Vaccine Mandates for U.S. Servicemembers", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Recently, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Defense, Lloyd J. Austin in response to the Department of Defense's (DOD) decision to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for U.S. servicemembers. In the letter, Rep. Murphy addresses the clear operational readiness and national security concerns that would be present should the DOD relieve servicemembers of duty due to COVID vaccination status. Rep. Murphy's office has received hundreds of calls, messages, and emails opposing vaccine mandates for U.S. military personnel.\n\n\"While I am sympathetic to the premise of preventing our servicemembers from getting sick with COVID, relieving our patriotic and committed U.S. servicemembers because they desire not to be vaccinated against COVID is ethically troubling and could critically hinder our national security and readiness,\" said Murphy. \"Our servicemembers are heroes who risk so much to keep our nation safe at home and abroad. Fortunately, the vast majority of our military are in a low risk category for COVID. Congress must stand up for them. We have recently seen challenges to our military readiness and this action has the possibility of further exacerbating that problem. I was proud to send this letter to the Secretary of Defense urging the DOD to reconsider their vaccine mandate and put our servicemembers and our national security above political interests.\"\n\nIn the letter, Rep. Murphy writes:\n\n\"As a member of Congress and a practicing physician of more than 30 years, I am deeply concerned about the Department of Defense's decision to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine.\n\nI understand that noncompliance could result in the dismissal of thousands of exceptional, highly trained servicemembers just as our nation is having to confront a platitude of challenges on the global stage, most recently, the disastrous exit from Afghanistan and compounding threats from the Chinese Community Party, including their testing of new hypersonic missile systems.\n\nDuring a time of high stress as our servicemembers respond to crises throughout the world, it is reprehensible that our Department of Defense would consider relieving Marines, airmen, and soldiers who have made the choice to selflessly serve our nation in the Armed Forces simply because of COVID-19 vaccination status. I worry that dismissing or refusing to deploy unvaccinated servicemembers could critically impede operational readiness and undermine U.S. national security.\n\nIt is also highly disturbing that servicemembers who do not receive the COVID-19 vaccine will not only be excused from their duties, but they could have to retroactively pay back any bonuses received for their service or lose additional benefits, regardless of any recent training they may have undergone.\n\nIt is clear that the Biden Administration is putting political science above long-term national security interests. I implore you to reconsider the decision to take administrative or disciplinary action against those who do not receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the imposed deadline.\n\nI appreciate your careful consideration of my request as a matter of national security, and I look forward to your prompt reply.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-ross-announces-19m-department-justice-grant-fight-opioid", "Congresswoman Ross Announces $1.9M Department of Justice Grant to Fight Opioid Epidemic in North Carolina", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after the Department of Justice\u2019s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) announced a $1.9 million-dollar grant to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to combat the opioid epidemic:\n\n\u201cNearly every person in North Carolina has been touched in some way by opioid addiction,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis epidemic is devastating communities throughout the state, straining prevention and treatment efforts, and overwhelming medical providers. That is why I am pleased the Department of Justice awarded this much-needed funding to bolster North Carolina law enforcement\u2019s ability to identify and destroy criminal opioid distribution networks. I will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners to end the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities.\u201d\n\nThrough the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF), the COPS Office is awarding more than $31.1 million in grant funding to 13 state law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures. AHTF provides funding directly to state law enforcement agencies in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-applauds-inclusion-jcsu-equity-clt-plan", "Adams Applauds Inclusion of JCSU in Equity CLT Plan", "2021-11-01", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) applauded the inclusion of Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte's only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), in Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles' $250 million Racial Equity Initiative.\n\n\"For over 150 years, Johnson C. Smith University has been an engine of equity for the Charlotte region,\" said Congresswoman Alma Adams, founder and co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. \"Today's gifts from the Duke Endowment, Bank of America, and many other partners will ensure JCSU continues its legacy of producing compassionate and forward-thinking leaders. These are exactly the kind of partnerships we are working to replicate with the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. Thank you to Mayor Lyles and all of the public and private donors who are leading this equity effort while empowering a new generation of Smithites to succeed in the workforce and beyond.\"\n\nPer a press release, \"The newly announced Mayor's Racial Equity Initiative looks to invest $250 million to address inequities and remove barriers to opportunity through four key workstreams: bridging the digital divide and establishing a Center for Digital Equity; investing in Charlotte's six \"Corridors of Opportunity\" neighborhoods; transforming JCSU into a top-tier, career-focused HBCU; and ensuring organizations commit to racial equity through advancing more Black and Brown leaders within their individual corporations. A lead private-sector gift of $40 million from The Duke Endowment will be directed to the Johnson C. Smith University workstream.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-releases-statement-on-lumbee-recognition-act", "Hudson Releases Statement on Lumbee Recognition Act", "2021-11-01", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement on the passage of the Lumbee Recognition Act:\n\n\"The Lumbee have fought for federal recognition for generations, and passage of this bill is long overdue,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"I am proud to have worked with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to once again help secure its passage in the House. I will continue to work with Representatives Butterfield, Bishop and Price to advance this bill until it becomes law.\"\n\nRep. Hudson introduced H.R. 2758 to grant the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition along with Reps. Butterfield, Bishop and Price. Identical legislation passed the U.S. House last year, but was not approved by the U.S. Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-ross-statement-scotus-oral-arguments-texas-abortion-ban", "Congresswoman Ross Statement on SCOTUS Oral Arguments on Texas Abortion Ban", "2021-11-01", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. - Today Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in two different challenges to Texas\u2019s six week abortion ban, S.B. 8:\n\n\u201cThe Texas abortion ban is a shameful attempt to exercise control over women and their health care,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cEvery day that this law remains in effect is another day that women are unable to access vital reproductive health services. I am disappointed that the conservative majority on the Court has previously shown that it is unwilling to protect women from the whims of state legislatures bent on restricting our constitutional rights. The Supreme Court should see this law for what it is \u2013 a clear and provocative violation of the Constitution that puts women\u2019s rights and access to reproductive care in jeopardy.\u201d\n\nThe Supreme Court allowed the Texas abortion ban to remain in effect while it hears oral arguments. Congresswoman Ross denounced the law when it went into effect and joined her House Judiciary colleagues in urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to use the full force of the Department of Justice to combat it.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-leads-gop-letter-slamming-administrations-plan-compensate-illegal", "Murphy Leads GOP Letter Slamming Administration's Plan to Compensate Illegal Immigrants $450,000", "2021-10-29", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. led a letter with 43 GOP colleagues to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing urgent concern regarding a recent report from the Wall Street Journal that the Biden Administration is considering paying illegal immigrants who crossed the U.S. border in 2018 roughly $450,000 in compensation per person. This comes as the United States is experiencing the worst border crisis in decades.\n\n\"I was incredulous when I read the report that the Biden Administration wants to send half a million dollar checks to illegal immigrants who broke our laws\" said Rep. Murphy. \"It is unconscionable that this would even be a consideration right now as American families are hurting because of President Biden's failed policies. I am grateful to my colleagues who quickly rallied behind our effort to demand that DHS, DHHS, and the DOJ immediately reject $450,000 compensation for illegals \u2013 a truly asinine, pro-crime idea that will incentivize illegal immigration and open the floodgates for a surge at the border. President Biden must provide answers as to why this Administration cares more about people who knowingly and unlawfully entered into our country illegally than the American people.\"\n\nIn the letter the members say, \"We write today with severe concerns regarding recent reports that your three agencies are in discussions to offer illegal immigrants that unlawfully crossed the U.S. border in 2018 roughly $450,000 per person in compensation. The rationale for this egregious abuse of taxpayer dollars is to compensate these persons for \u2018lasting psychological drama.' Do, however, note that these persons crossed into our country in a knowingly illegal manner, fully aware of the consequences of violating our rule of law.\"\n\nThey continue, \"Promising tens of thousands of dollars to those who unlawfully entered the United States would not only reward criminal behavior, but it would surely send a message to the world that our borders are open, and or rule of law will not be enforced. Compare this hefty compensation sum [$450,000] to the 2019 average median American household annual income of $68,703. Furthermore, compare it to the maximum payout from a SGLI life insurance policy for military members, which is $400,000. The idea that we would give illegal foreigners who broke the law a check that exceeds the amount that our government supplies to our valiant and heroic Gold Star Families is shameful, reprehensible, and morally indignant.\"\n\nCo-signers of the letter include (44): Reps. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC), Andy Biggs (AZ), Elise Stefanik (NY), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), Richard Hudson (NC), Tom McClintock (CA), Tim Burchett (TN), David McKinley (WV), David Rouzer (NC), Markwayne Mullin (OK), Diana Harshbarger (TN), Victoria Spartz (IN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., (IA), Ted Budd (NC), Jack Bergman (MI), Glenn Grothman (WI), Rick Crawford (AR), Jeff Duncan (SC), Bob Gibbs (OH), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Jeff Fortenberry (NE), Brian Mast (FL), Troy Balderson (OH), Pete Stauber (MN), Pete Sessions (TX), Lauren Boebert (CO), Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX), Vern Buchanan (FL), Ann Wagner (MO), Mike Garcia (CA), Sam Graves (MO), Morgan Griffith (VA), Bob Good (VA), Dan Bishop (NC), Guy Reschenthaler (PA), Van Taylor (TX), John Moolenaar (MI), Bill Huizenga (MI), Doug Lamborn (CO), Roger Williams (TX), Jim Hagedorn (MN), Claudia Tenney (NY), Louie Gohmert (TX), and Dan Crenshaw (TX).\n\nFox News carried the exclusive on this release.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-applauds-major-victories-maternal-health", "Adams Applauds Major Victories for Maternal Health", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), co-founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, applauded today's announcement from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that an estimated 8,700 postpartum New Jerseyans will be guaranteed to maintain their Medicaid coverage for 12 months after the end of the pregnancy. This important step will help New Jersey to provide pregnancy-related care with the goal of preventing unnecessary postpartum-related illness and death.\n\nToday's announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to address the nation's crisis in pregnancy-related deaths and to improve the health outcomes among underserved communities through access to critical care. The announcement comes on the heels of two major victories for maternal health: the passage of the state-level California Momnibus Act, which was signed into law earlier this month; and the inclusion of critical investments in maternal healthin today's Build Back Better framework. Both the California Momnibus and the Build Back Better Act's maternal health provisions were inspired by the Black Maternal Health Momnibus, a package of bills introduced by Congresswomen Adams and Lauren Underwood (IL-14).\n\n\"I'm overjoyed to hear that more moms will be covered by Medicaid, because we know Medicaid expansion is a critical part of solving our country's maternal health crisis,\" said Rep. Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus.\"The Biden-Harris Administration is making critical investments in healthcare for moms, babies, and Black parents, including in today's Build Back Better framework. With the inclusion of the vast majority of our landmark Momnibus legislation, today's Build Back Better framework makes historic investments in the health and care of moms. It is nothing short of a game-changer for Black mothers as well as every parent bringing a child into the world. I am so proud to see the Biden-Harris Administration lifting up the voices of Black women and creating a world where maternal justice and equality are a reality.\"\n\n\"As a Black mother and grandmother, take it from me: Black mamas can't wait!\" Adams concluded.\n\nBackground: The Momnibus\n\nTheBlack Maternal Health Momnibus Act(H.R. 959/S. 346) was reintroduced in February 2021 by Underwood, Adams, and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). The Momnibus builds on existing maternal health legislation with 12 bills to comprehensively address the clinical and non-clinical drivers of the maternal health crisis in the United States. The Momnibus makes critical investments in addressing social determinants of health, funding community-based organizations, growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection processes. The Momnibus also includes new legislation to address the impacts of COVID-19 and climate change on maternal and infant health outcomes.\n\nMore information on the Momnibus is available here.\n\nBackground: New Jersey Decision\n\nThis amendment to the New Jersey FamilyCare Comprehensive Demonstration aligns with coverage options available under the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Beginning on April 1, 2022, states will have the option to extend coverage for postpartum individuals beyond the required 60-day postpartum period through the end of the month in which a 12-month postpartum period ends.\n\nThe Biden-Harris Administration is committed to addressing the health disparities that underlie our health system. Actions under the Build Back Better agenda will provide significant funding towards improving maternal health and tackling health disparities. On April 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognized Black Maternal Health Week by announcing actions to expand access to continuous health care coverage as well as access to preventive care in rural areas in order to improve maternal health outcomes. The Administration also issued the first ever presidential proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week, calling on all Americans to recognize the importance of addressing the crisis of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in this country.\n\nMedicaid covers nearly one in five women of reproductive age and makes pregnancy-related care accessible for more than 40 percent of people giving birth. Currently, a third of maternal deaths occur between one week to a year after childbirth, and Black women suffer three to four times more pregnancy-related deaths than white women. Providing continued Medicaid and CHIP coverage helps ensure access to the ongoing care people need during the postpartum period. The continuity of coverage available through this demonstration can help postpartum people manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and provide access to behavioral health and other mental health care services.\n\nThis demonstration amendment will also ensure that the state can receive the enhanced funding for expenditures related to eligible people who remain covered through the demonstration and who would otherwise qualify for the Medicaid expansion adult group.\n\nAs part of this approval, New Jersey has agreed to undertake monitoring and evaluation of the demonstration for the extension period, in alignment with any applicable CMS-provided technical assistance.\n\nFor more information on the amendment to the section 1115 New Jersey FamilyCare Comprehensive Demonstration, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/82571.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. is serving her fourth full term in Congress. She represents the 12th District of North Carolina, which includes parts of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In 2018, she introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). In March 2020, Adams, along with Harris and Underwood, introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act for the first time, and in February 2021 reintroduced an expanded version of the package with Senator Cory Booker. Adams is a mother of two and a grandmother of four.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-applauds-biden-administration-plan-hold-offshore-wind-lease", "Congresswoman Ross Applauds Biden Administration Plan to Hold Offshore Wind Lease Sale off the Coast of North Carolina", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced it is seeking public input on a proposed lease sale for offshore wind energy development off the coast of North Carolina:\n\n\u201cI am thrilled that the Biden administration is moving forward with an offshore wind lease sale in the Wilmington East Wind Energy Area,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cOffshore wind energy offers the opportunity to address the climate crisis while meeting our future energy needs and providing good paying jobs. North Carolina is uniquely positioned to be a major player in what is projected to be a $140 billion-dollar industry, but success is dependent on strong cooperation among our federal, state, and local governments. I would like to thank BOEM Director Amanda Lefton and the Biden administration for their commitment to growing the clean energy sector by authorizing this lease sale, and I stand ready to work with them as this process continues.\u201d\n\nIn April, Congresswoman Ross led bipartisan members of the North Carolina delegation in sending a bipartisan letter to Director Lefton expressing support for the Bureau\u2019s efforts to promptly and responsibly advance lease sales of existing wind energy areas (WEAs) and identify new WEAs off the coast of North Carolina.\n\nThe proposed lease area consists of approximately 127,865 acres and includes the majority of the Wilmington East Wind Energy Area, which has the potential to unlock more than 1.5 GW of offshore wind energy and power more than 500,000 homes.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-statement-historic-build-back-better-agenda", "Congresswoman Ross Statement on the Historic Build Back Better Agenda", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. - Congresswoman Deborah Ross released the following statement on the Build Back Better agenda and after President Biden met with the Democratic Caucus this morning:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s meeting with the President was promising,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis package represents a historic investment in the next generation and will transform the lives of working Americans. By enacting the President\u2019s Build Back Better agenda, we can bolster America\u2019s families through investments in universal Pre-K, affordable and quality childcare, as well as an extension of the Child Tax Credit. This package will also provide one of the largest investments ever in combatting the climate crisis and help to close the Medicaid gap in states like North Carolina. We must rise to meet this pivotal moment and pass this historic bill for the American people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-delivers-floor-speech-favor-reauthorizing-family-violence", "Adams Delivers Floor Speech in Favor of Reauthorizing the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSA)", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 28, 2021) \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) spoke in favor of reauthorizing the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) on the floor of the US House of Representatives. Adams is a cosponsor of H.R.2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021, which passed the House with bipartisan support earlier today.\n\n\"As a survivor of intimate partner violence, I can tell you that this piece of legislation is so very important,\" said Adams. \"For 37 years, the bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) has supported survivors of domestic violence and their children. FVPSA helps local governments and service providers prevent violence, and it protects families and victims in their most vulnerable moments.\"\n\nVideo of Adams' speech is available on YouTube.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nToday, the House passed landmark legislation that will strengthen domestic violence prevention programs and improve services for survivors. The Family Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) of 2021 \u2013 a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) \u2013 increases funding for crisis hotlines, emergency shelters, and other vital programs that have experienced a surge in demand during the pandemic.\n\nAccording to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, in just one day in 2020, domestic violence programs were unable to meet 11,047 requests from survivors of domestic violence for shelter or supportive services.\n\nThe legislation upgrades and modernizes the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, which was the first federal law to provide resources for survivors of domestic violence and has been the primary source of federal funding for domestic violence shelters for nearly 40 years. This bill will increase funding for domestic violence prevention and services by an estimated 37 percent for state programs and 45 percent for Tribal communities.\n\nThe Family Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) of 2021:\n\nShifts investments to increase prevention efforts, therefore reducing the rate of intimate partner violence and decreasing the funding needs for support services;\n\nIncreases dedicated resources for over-represented and underserved populations, including communities of color, Tribal communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities; and\n\nEnsures survivors can receive culturally appropriate, accessible services.\n\nFor a fact sheet on the bill,click here.\n\nFor a state-by-state estimates on increases in funding for shelter, services and other support,click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-presses-epa-expert-to-communicate-risks-of-genx", "Hudson Presses EPA Expert to Communicate Risks of GenX", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), a leader on efforts to tackle GenX and address contamination in the Cape Fear River, questioned a top official for chemical safety and pollution prevention today about efforts to address GenX in North Carolina.\n\nIn a House Environment and Climate Change subcommittee hearing, Rep. Hudson questioned Dr. Michal Ilana Freedhoff, the EPA Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. During their exchange, Rep. Hudson applauded EPA Administrator Regan for releasing the agency's PFAS Action Plan last week.\n\n\"I have fought hard to address PFAS pollution in our community since the chemicals began impacting the Cape Fear River region,\" began Rep. Hudson. \"[I was] encouraged by his comments regarding the ambitious goals set forth in the plan.\"\n\nIn her response, Dr. Freedhoff indicated the EPA, \"will be issuing the first round of test orders by the end of this year,\" and \"expects the data to be extrapolated to fill health info gaps associated with about 2,000 different PFAS.\"\n\nRep. Hudson also asked Dr. Freedhoff about the EPA\u2019s final human health toxicity assessment for GenX chemicals, which are part of the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) group.\n\n\"This assessment will help policy makers and local communities take action to address PFAS and protect public health,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"However, I\u2019m concerned about how this is going to be communicated to my constituents and the citizens living in the Cape Fear River region who are impacted by GenX pollution. Can you tell how the EPA plans to communicate this risk to North Carolina citizens?\u201d\n\n\"I agree completely with you,\" responded Dr. Freedhoff. \"Communicating risk to people who have been affected by exposure to PFAS is extremely important and extremely challenging. I have personally met with a number of community organizations from North Carolina, more than once, and I hear the frustration and the anger and the fear every time I talked to them. It\u2019s very important for me, I know for the administrator as well who comes from North Carolina, and everyone else in the agency, that we do a better job at talking to people and hearing what they have to say and explaining the risk they might have faced in the past.\"\n\nMore information on the PFAS Roadmap and Rep. Hudson\u2019s efforts to address GenX and PFAS pollution can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/icymi-attorney-general-merrick-garland-confirms-congresswoman-ross-legislation", "ICYMI: Attorney General Merrick Garland Confirms that Congresswoman Ross Legislation is Necessary to Confront Ransomware Threats", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In a House Judiciary Committee hearing last week, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) discussed the need for her legislation, the Ransom Disclosure Act, with Attorney General Merrick Garland. The bill provides the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with critical data on ransomware payments in order to bolster our understanding of how cybercriminal enterprises operate and develop a fuller picture of the ransomware threat.\n\nCongresswoman Ross asked: \u201cAnd would it also be helpful if you had reporting on what victims had paid in ransomware in a larger registry? I've introduced legislation. There's companion Senate legislation on this.\u201d\n\nAttorney General Garland responded: \u201cMore information we can find out about who's demanding the ransoms, what victims are paying, how they're paying, what kind of wallets they're paying them into, what kind of cyber or crypto wallets they're being asked to pay them into, all of those things help us understand the ecosystem. So the more information we have, the better.\u201d\n\nThe full exchange is available here.\n\nThe Ransom Disclosure Act will:\n\nRequire ransomware victims (excluding individuals) to disclose information about ransom payments no later than 48 hours after the date of payment, including the amount of ransom demanded and paid, the type of currency used for payment of the ransom, and any known information about the entity demanding the ransom;\n\nRequire DHS to make public the information disclosed during the previous year, excluding identifying information about the entities that paid ransoms;\n\nRequire DHS to establish a website through which individuals can voluntarily report payment of ransoms;\n\nDirect the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a study on commonalities among ransomware attacks and the extent to which cryptocurrency facilitated these attacks and provide recommendations for protecting information systems and strengthening cybersecurity\n\nSenator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Senate companion legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-urges-biden-administration-congress-include-maternal-health", "Adams Urges Biden Administration, Congress to Include Maternal Health Equity in Final Reconciliation Bill", "2021-10-26", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Congresswomen Alma Adams (NC-12), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty (OH-03), along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), are pushing to ensure that investments from the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act are included in full in the final Build Back Better Act package. Members are also urging the leaders to build on the critical progress made through the American Rescue Plan Act by investing in the permanent expansion of year-long postpartum Medicaid coverage in every state.\n\n\"Permanently expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage and advancing comprehensive investments in the Momnibus will uphold a principle that is fundamental to the Build Back Better Plan: that in America, every family has a right to thrive\u2014a principle that begins with a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth. We must include these critical maternal health equity investments in the final Build Back Better reconciliation package.\" the Members wrote.\n\nIf passed, the Momnibus and postpartum Medicaid provisions in the Build Back Better package would be historic investments to save moms' lives, end racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, and advance birth equity across the United States. The letter echoes previous outreach to Leadership by more than 160 Members of the House and Senate advocating for the inclusion of the Momnibus and yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage in a reconciliation package.\n\nThe United States has the highest rate of pregnancy-related mortality among high-income countries, and the only rate that is rising. Maternal mortality rates for Black and Native Americans are 2-4 times higher than rates for white Americans, and Hispanic and AAPI people also experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes 12 bills to build on postpartum Medicaid coverage expansion and comprehensively address the drivers of the maternal health crisis. The Momnibus makes critical investments in addressing social determinants of health, funding community-based organizations, growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection processes.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus in 2019 with her co-chair Rep. Lauren Underwood. Adams, Underwood, and then-Senator Kamala Harris led the introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in 2020; Senator Cory Booker joined Adams and Underwood to lead the reintroduction of the Momnibus in 2021.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/ross-issa-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-enhance-judicial", "Ross, Issa, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Enhance Judicial Disclosure and Transparency Requirement", "2021-10-26", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) introduced the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act to require online publication of financial disclosure reports for federal judges and to mandate that federal judges submit periodic transaction reports for certain securities transactions. The Senate companion was introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), along with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).\n\n\u201cEvery American is entitled to equal justice under law,\" said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cTo live up to that foundational promise, we must ensure that judges conduct themselves ethically and impartially. That is why I introduced this bipartisan legislation to strengthen the judiciary\u2019s integrity and restore trust in our nation\u2019s courts. The Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act will ensure that judges are held to the same disclosure requirements as members of the legislative and executive branches. The bill will also grant public access to these disclosures through an online, searchable database, helping to bring necessary transparency to our nation\u2019s courts.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo part of our foundation of law and order can proceed without the considered, continuous and constant work of judges \u2013 and that\u2019s why an unbiased judiciary is imperative,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cUnder the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act, we will equalize the accountability of our third branch of government to the same standard of elected officials.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs recent reports have confirmed, our federal judiciary has operated with too much secrecy and minimal accountability for far too long,\u201d said Chairman Nadler and Subcommittee Chairman Johnson. \u201cTransparency and ethics are vital to the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining the public\u2019s trust in our courts. We are proud to join Representatives Ross and Issa in introducing bipartisan legislation that will improve disclosure requirements for federal judges, a simple step that will help ensure judges remain impartial and cases are decided fairly.\u201d\n\n\u201cFederal Judges are increasingly facing cases that involve corporate and other parties that may impact the financial investments and overall wealth of those judges and create conflicts of interest,\u201d said Rep. Roy. \u201cTrust in our judicial system demands clear impartiality of the judges. In order to improve that trust, judges should be required to disclose their financial interests to the American public, meaning at least adhering to the same standard as currently applied to members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort with my colleagues from both chambers of Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cA fundamental pillar of our justice system is the right to a fair and impartial trial. Litigants need confidence that they will receive an unbiased hearing free from outside influence and based only on the facts and the law,\u201d said Sen. Coons. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bill with my colleagues that will strengthen financial disclosure requirements for federal judges and help bolster confidence in the justice system.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe STOCK Act rightly strengthened disclosure requirements and boosted transparency for elected officials, but federal judges were inexplicably carved out of these tougher rules,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation would subject federal judges to the same disclosure requirements of other federal officials so we can be sure litigants are protected from conflicts of interest and cases are decided fairly.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act would require that federal judges\u2019 financial disclosure reports be made publicly available online, and require federal judges to submit periodic transaction reports of securities transactions in line with other federal officials under the STOCK Act. The bill would amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to:\n\nRequire the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to create a searchable online database of judicial financial disclosure forms and post those forms within 90 days of being filed, and\n\nSubject federal judges to the STOCK Act\u2019s requirement of filing periodic transaction reports within 45 days of securities transactions over $1,000.\n\nImportantly, the bill also preserves the existing ability of judges to request redactions of personal information on financial disclosure reports due to a security concern.\n\nUnder current ethics guidelines and federal law, federal judges are prohibited from hearing cases that involve a party in which they, their spouse, or their minor children have a financial interest. Federal judges are instead required to disqualify themselves in any proceeding in which their impartiality may be questioned. Despite this, a recent report from the Wall Street Journal found that between 2010 and 2018, more than 130 federal judges failed to recuse themselves in nearly 700 cases in which they or an immediate family member held stock in a company involved in the case.\n\nWhile federal judges are required to submit financial disclosure reports, current law does not provide sufficient transparency for litigants to research whether a judge has a conflict of interest. The current process for obtaining judicial financial disclosure forms can be cumbersome and take months or even years. By contrast, financial disclosure reports for the President, Members of Congress, and Presidential-appointed and Senate-confirmed officials are readily-available and searchable online.\n\nBy providing litigants with real-time access to judges\u2019 financial disclosures and securities transactions, the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act would help preserve the integrity of judicial proceedings, ensure judges recuse themselves when there\u2019s a potential conflict of interest, and provide litigants and the public with greater confidence in the judicial system.\n\nBill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-maloney-congressional-maternity-care-caucus-black-maternal-0", "Adams, Maloney, Congressional Maternity Care Caucus, & Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrate House Passage of\u00a0PUMP For Nursing Mothers Act", "2021-10-25", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 25, 2021) \u2014 In a bipartisan vote on Friday, the House of Representatives passed theProviding Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney's (NY-12). The bill was introduced earlier this year with the original support of Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) and CongresswomanLauren Underwood (IL-14), co-chairs of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. The bill was also originally supported by Congresswomen Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), co-chairs of the Congressional Maternity Care Caucus. The legislation will ensure that all nursing mothers have protections in the workplace by expanding them to nearly 9 million employees not currently covered by existing law. Additionally, all nursing families in the United States will benefit from the other aspects of this legislation -- enforcement, extending protections to last for two years, and covering workers in the case of adoption, surrogacy, and infant loss.\n\n\"In our country, mothers often have to choose between providing for their families or nursing their babies,\" said Rep. Adams. \"The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act ensures that millions of working mothers have the access and protections they need to nurse for as long as they choose to do so. Every major medical authority strongly encourages nursing for at least the first year of life, as it provides significant health and nutritional benefits to both the mother and infant. By closing an unintended loophole, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act provides protection and support to an additional 9 million working mothers who have been forced to choose between nursing and earning a paycheck. Nursing mothers should not be punished for making the best choices for their health, and the health of their children.\"\n\n\"When I was pregnant with my first child, I was told there was no such thing as maternity leave where I was employed. While we've come a long way since then, new parents still face too many difficulties in the workplace. Those difficulties should not include breastfeeding,\" said Rep. Maloney. \"For the health and safety of mothers and their babies, all working moms who want to breastfeed must have the time and space to pump breastmilk. These employees and their families suffer when these basic rights aren't met. Without these protections, nursing mothers face serious health consequences, including risk of painful illness and infection, diminished milk supply, and the inability to continue breastfeeding. All working moms should be guaranteed the workplace protections to breastfeed if they want to, and no new mother should be forced to choose between breastfeeding and earning a paycheck.\"\n\n\"As a mom of three young kids, I understand the challenges faced by nursing moms who also hold jobs.,\" said Rep. Herrera Beutler. \"Making sure moms can pump at work promotes healthier families, and it's also important to help businesses recruit and retain the workforces they need. That's why I'm pleased the House approved this business-friendly, bipartisan legislation \u2013 endorsed by leading business associations like the U.S. Chamber of Congress and the National Retail Federation \u2013 that simply provides moms with reasonable opportunities to pump in their workplace. I'm proud to have worked with businesses, health care stakeholders, and parents in successfully leading this legislation that supports moms in Southwest Washington who are providing for their family's health and financial security.\"\n\n\"As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Maternity Caucus, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, a commonsense law to protect breastfeeding mothers in the workplace,\" said Rep. Roybal-Allard. \"Research clearly shows that without protections and access to appropriate and necessary accommodations, breastfeeding employees have increased risk of painful illness and infection, diminished milk supply, and are more likely to stop breastfeeding early. This bill will help ensure that new mothers in certain professions such as teaching, nursing, software engineering and other salaried positions have the same breastfeeding protections guaranteed to other workers by the 2010 Break Time Law. I thank my colleague, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, for her decades of leadership in protecting and promoting breastfeeding rights for working moms nationwide and I hope to see swift passage of this important legislation.\"\n\n\"Every parent deserves the opportunity to choose to breastfeed, and I'm proud to sponsor legislation that would remove barriers to breastfeeding for parents as they return to workforce,\" said Rep. Underwood.\"As a nurse, I know the health benefits of breastfeeding are clear, and all breastfeeding employees should be provided the time and space they need to safely and privately pump at work,\" said Representative Lauren Underwood. \"I urge the Senate to send this bill to the President's desk urgently. It's past time to close this loophole and ensure returning to work is not a barrier to breastfeeding.\"\n\n\"Through the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law, we have ten years of data illustrating that early coordination and communication makes it easy for employers to anticipate and accommodate the needs of lactating employees. We are thankful for Congressional champions on both sides of the aisle coming together to move this critical legislation forward. It unequivocally demonstrates that breastfeeding is a bipartisan public health imperative,\" says Nikia Sankofa, Executive Director of the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee. \"We just made history together! The lactation field's dedication to identifying and advancing a bipartisan solution that meets the needs of parents, babies, and employers is a testament to what we can accomplish together.\"\n\n\"Today, the US House of Representatives addressed the critical needs of nursing workers by passing the bipartisan PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (H.R. 3110),\" said Vania Leveille, Senior Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union. \"Employers in every industry should have policies in place to accommodate the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding employees but, unfortunately, that is not currently the case. Instead, too many workers are penalized, discriminated against, terminated, or left without options when they try to pump breast milk at work. The PUMP Act ensures that millions of employees left unprotected by current law will have a reasonable amount of time and a private place to pump breast milk at their place of work. This measured and long overdue legislation is essential to safeguard the health and economic security of millions of women and families across the country. We applaud the House for taking action and thank Chairman Scott and Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jaime Herrera Beutler for their leadership. The Senate should act swiftly to pass this bill.\"\n\n\"With the House passage of the PUMP Act, Congress just took a critical step forward to combat lactation discrimination in the workplace.\" said Dina Bakst, Co-Founder and Co-President of A Better Balance. \"As we hear all too often, nursing mothers returning to the workplace face unfair treatment because their employers refuse to provide them with time and space to express breast milk. This can lead to devastating health and economic consequences for parents and their children. These challenges face many new nursing workers, but disproportionately low-wage working mothers of color. The PUMP Act will close gaps in our nation's labor laws that have excluded millions of workers and finally guarantee them fair treatment We thank Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Scott, and Congresswomen Maloney and Herrera-Beutler for their leadership on this critical legislation and urge the Senate to pass the bill without delay.\"\n\n\"Today's House vote to pass the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act represents an important step in fixing broken policies that force women to choose between their jobs and their family's well-being,\" said Liz Morris, Deputy Director of the Center for WorkLife Law. \"As detailed in our report, Exposed: Discrimination Against Breastfeeding Workers, nearly 2/3 of breastfeeding discrimination cases end in job loss; something we simply cannot afford during the pandemic as millions of women have been forced to leave the workforce because of their caregiving responsibilities. The PUMP Act is bipartisan legislation that would ensure lactating workers no longer lose their jobs or face serious health consequences because they lack basic legal rights.\"\n\n\"Common-sense reforms can ensure that millions of nursing mothers are supported in the workplace, addressing one of the most common barriers to sustained breastfeeding. We are grateful for the bipartisan work, led by Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Jaime Herrera Beutler, to craft sensible solutions that will result in real change for working mothers,\" said Rev. Douglas Greenaway, President & CEO of the National WIC Association. \"As the nation's largest breastfeeding promotion program, WIC providers know that more work needs to be done to address barriers that keep mothers from reaching their breastfeeding goals. With longstanding scientific recommendations urging six months of exclusive breastfeeding as the gold standard of infant nutrition, businesses must be equipped to support employees who need reasonable break time and a private space to pump. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act is an important step in supporting working mothers, and we urge the Senate to follow in advancing this critical legislation.\"\n\nThe PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act is endorsed by over 160 organizations, including those quoted above.\n\nBackground\n\nThe PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act would strengthen and expand the 2010 Break Time law by:\n\nClosing the coverage gap. The bill would protect 9 million employees not included in the 2010 Break Time law by extending the law's protections to cover categories of employees currently exempted from protections, such as teachers, nurses, and farmworkers.\n\nProviding employers clarity on when pumping time can be unpaid, as is allowed under current law.\n\nEnsuring that nursing mothers have access to remedies that are available for other violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.\n\nThe full bill text can be found here and a fact sheet can be found here.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. is serving her fourth full term in Congress. She represents the 12th District of North Carolina, which includes parts of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In 2018, she introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). In March 2020, Adams, along with Harris and Underwood, introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act for the first time, and in February 2021 reintroduced an expanded version of the package with Senator Cory Booker. Adams is a mother of two and a grandmother of four.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-genx-toxicity-assessment-overdue-step-in-right-direction", "Hudson: GenX Toxicity Assessment Overdue, Step in Right Direction", "2021-10-25", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Protecting our community from the dangers of PFAS chemicals like GenX has remained a top priority,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"Today's assessment is long overdue and a step in the right direction. I have urged the EPA to complete this assessment for years to give our community the information needed to address the safety concerns of GenX. Now the EPA must do more to address other PFAS chemicals and hold polluters accountable. I will continue to work across the aisle to support these efforts and keep our community safe.\"\n\nRep. Hudson praised the EPA for releasing its draft toxicity assessment for GenX in 2018 after Rep. Hudson hosted an EPA community engagement event in Fayetteville. The draft assessment set chronic and subchronic reference doses at 80 parts per trillion per day and 200 parts per trillion per day respectively. The final assessment released today drastically lowered references doses to 3 ppt per day for chronic and 30 ppt per day for subchronic. The EPA cited additional research which led to the new threshold levels.\n\nState officials have been investigating GenX since 2017, when researchers found the chemical and similar compounds in the Cape Fear River, downstream from the Chemours plant. The company agreed to a consent order that requires it to drastically reduce the amount of GenX it emits into the air.\n\nEPA\u2019s release of the final GenX chemicals toxicity assessment is a key step toward developing a national drinking water health advisory for GenX chemicals, which the agency committed to publishing in Spring 2022 as part of its PFAS Roadmap.\n\nMore information on the PFAS Roadmap and Rep. Hudson\u2019s efforts to address GenX and PFAS pollution can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-lynch-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-aadc-deficiency-awareness-day", "Murphy, Lynch Introduce Bipartisan Resolution for AADC Deficiency Awareness Day", "2021-10-22", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution with Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) to designate October 23, 2021 as AADC Deficiency Awareness Day. AADC Deficiency is a genetic neurologic rare disease that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people in the United States.\n\n\"I am proud to introduce this important resolution to raise awareness about AADC Deficiency in the public and medical community,\" said Rep. Murphy. \"Greater community awareness of this disease will aid patients who may be experiencing symptoms and help them pursue appropriate treatment. As a physician, I am honored to boost medical representation of AADC Deficiency in Congress and help educate the public about this rare disease.\"\n\n\"It is imperative to spread awareness; not just to the community, but to physicians and specialists, so they can recognize the symptoms and give an early diagnosis,\" said Kelly Heger, Director of the AADC Family Network.\n\nBackground:\n\nAromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase (AADC) Deficiency is a genetic neurologic rare disease that severely debilitates a patient's development, motor skills, growth, and cognitive and language skills and limits a patient's life. AADC Deficiency results from an inherited genetic disease where patients lack the AADC enzyme required to create dopamine and, without dopamine, patients will never achieve motor milestones, such as holding their heads up, sitting, and standing, or develop the ability to communicate or perform basic life functions. Patients suffering from AADC Deficiency often have unexplained low muscle tone and experience other symptoms like developmental delays and involuntary eye movements.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-amendment-support-nursing-mothers-passes-house", "Congresswoman Ross Amendment to Support Nursing Mothers Passes House", "2021-10-22", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass H.R. 3110, the bipartisan, Providing Urgent Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act. This legislation would extend important workplace protections to nursing mothers, clarify employers\u2019 obligations under the law, and ensure lactating workers have access to appropriate remedies. This bill includes an amendment introduced by Congresswoman Ross directing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report to Congress within 24 months providing recommendations to improve compliance among covered employers and ensure nursing mothers are made sufficiently aware of their rights under the law.\n\n\u201cIn many places in this country, including my home state of North Carolina, it is easier to take a smoke break than for a mother to take a pump break,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis is simply unacceptable. That is why I was proud to vote for the PUMP Act so that nursing mothers no longer must choose between earning a paycheck and feeding their child.\n\n\u201cI was also pleased that the House passed my amendment directing GAO to study employer compliance as well as nursing mothers\u2019 awareness of their rights under this new law. A law is only as effective as its enforcement, and we have unfortunately witnessed countless instances where businesses have not lived up to their legal obligations and failed to inform workers of their rights. We owe it to nursing workers, their families, and our local communities to be vigilant about overseeing the implementation of this law.\u201d\n\nRoss spoke in support of the amendment. Remarks can be found here.\n\nThe PUMP Act:\n\nExtends break time and space protections to workers who are currently excluded from overtime protections, including agricultural workers, transportation workers, airline workers, and teachers;\n\nEnsures workers can recover appropriate forms of relief in court for violations, including reinstatement or back pay;\n\nExtends break time and space protections to workers up to two years after the employee gives birth or begins nursing a child;\n\nEnsures workers are covered by break time and space protections when they begin nursing a child, including an adopted child, or when they give birth, even if the infant is stillborn or the worker does not retain custody of the infant; and\n\nClarifies that if a worker is not completely relieved of duty during breaks, such break time is considered hours worked and thus compensable.\n\nBackground:\n\nWorking mothers are not sufficiently protected under current federal break time and space law.\n\nEnacted in 2010, the break time for nursing mothers provision under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 require employers to provide (1) reasonable break time to express milk for one year after a child\u2019s birth and (2) a non-bathroom space free from view and intrusion for nursing employees to express breastmilk while at work. Unfortunately, gaps in the law limit the number of workers entitled to these protections and how workers can recover in court when their employers violate the requirements.\n\nCurrent Law Excludes Millions of Workers of Child-Bearing Age. Because the nursing mother provisions were added to the section of the FLSA providing overtime protections, workers who are statutorily excluded from overtime protections, including teachers, agricultural workers, and certain \u201cwhite-collar\u201d workers, are also excluded. As a result, the Economic Policy Institute estimates 8.65 million workers of childbearing age are excluded from nursing mother protections.\n\nCurrent Law Limits How Workers Can Recover in Court When Employers Fail to Comply. Because recovery under the FLSA is generally for unpaid overtime or minimum wage, employees are only able to hold their employers accountable for lost wages in court when employers do not provide break time and space. But, as the Labor Department has noted, \u201cbecause employers are not required to compensate employees for break time to express breast milk, in most circumstances there will not be any unpaid minimum wage or overtime compensation associated with the failure to provide such breaks.\u201d Moreover, lost wages are often an inadequate or inappropriate form of relief where the violation resulted in forced resignation, infection, early cessation of breastfeeding, or diminished milk supply.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-adams-and-panetta-urge-congressional-leadership-maintain-775", "Reps. Adams and Panetta Urge Congressional Leadership to Maintain $7.75 Billion in Agriculture Research Funding in Build Back Better Agenda", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) led 30 Members of Congress in a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer requesting their assistance in preserving the $7.75 billion investment in agricultural climate research, agriculture innovation, and agricultural research infrastructure included in the Build Back Better Agenda. This investment is crucial to maintaining President Biden's commitment to building sustainable and resilient agricultural communities, and the undersigned members look forward to working with congressional leadership and the White House on protecting these provisions.\n\nThe letter can be viewed here.\n\n\"We can't build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic without sustainable and equitable investments in the future of agriculture,\" said Rep. Adams. \"To reclaim our global leadership in food and agricultural science and rise to tackle the climate crisis, we must be a leader in research and innovation infrastructure. To make sure we're making the most of every American's talents, we must work diligently to improve equity and access to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's research programs. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the $3.65 billion included for research facilities will support the most important drivers of equity in agriculture: minority-serving institutions and 1890s Land-Grant Institutions. The way to make this a reality is by protecting the $7.75 billion investment in agricultural climate research, agriculture innovation, and agricultural research infrastructure included in the House Agriculture Committee's section of the Build Back Better Act.\"\n\n\"As American farmers have consistently dealt with numerous challenges from an erratic market and extreme weather events to the existing pandemic, American government funding for agricultural research has remained dismally flat for the past fifty years,\" said Rep. Panetta. \"By increasing federal funding for agriculture research and development, we can play our part by supporting farmers who not only need it but also deserve it. The letter that I wrote and led seeks to reaffirm Congress' commitment to farmers who continue to fight climate-induced production challenges and are willing to be part of the solution.\"\n\nThis funding in the Build Back Better Agenda is crucial to achieving net-zero emissions and removing long-standing barriers to entry for socially disadvantaged producers. The provisions also direct funding towards minority-serving institutions, addressing President Biden's goal of improving equity and access to federal programs.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Country) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In 2015, Rep. Adams co-founded the first Bipartisan HBCU Caucus in Congress. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, one of the 1890s institutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-bills-passed-by-house-to-strengthen-ppe-stockpile-telecommunications-supply", "Hudson Bills Passed by House to Strengthen PPE Stockpile, Telecommunications Supply Chains", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Two bipartisan bills introduced by U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) were passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today.\n\nH.R. 3635, the Strengthening America's Strategic National Stockpile Act, will reduce America\u2019s dependence on foreign sources of critical medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), boost domestic manufacturing to make those supplies in the United States, and make much-needed improvements and updates to our Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).\n\n\"The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the dangers of relying on foreign countries for needed medical supplies,\" said Rep. Hudson, the House Republican leader on pandemic preparedness issues. \"Strengthening our stockpile of PPE and domestic manufacturing has never been more important for our economy and our national security.\"\n\nMembers of the health industry praised passage of H.R. 3635.\n\n\"Medical products distributors have the infrastructure and expertise to help the Federal government improve our nation\u2019s preparedness for future health emergencies,\" said Matthew J. Rowan, President & CEO of the Health Industry Distributors Association. \"Representatives Slotkin, Hudson, Schrier and McKinley are showing true bipartisan leadership by proposing to expand the use of public-private partnerships to strengthen the stockpiling and distribution of critical supplies.\"\n\nH.R. 4032, the Open RAN Outreach Act, also passed the U.S. House. The bill strengthens telecommunications supply chains and helps protect small and rural communications providers from Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-backed companies, such as Huawei, and other bad actors.\n\n\"Protecting our supply chains and pushing back against China are more critical than ever before, especially for our vulnerable telecommunications networks,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"By passing H.R. 4032, we can encourage a competitive market of trusted vendors to expand network access across our country.\"\n\nPrior to the vote before the U.S. House, Rep. Hudson spoke on the House floor to encourage passage of both bills. Watch his remarks here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-takes-action-block-aggressive-irs-monitoring-scheme", "Murphy Takes Action to Block Aggressive IRS Monitoring Scheme", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) co-sponsored H.R. 5586 \u2013 the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act to block the implementation of a new unconstitutional surveillance scheme from Washington Democrats that would allow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to monitor private bank account transactions that exceed $600. The legislation does not apply to an existing law that requires banks to report any transactions over $10,000 to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.\n\nRep. Murphy released the following statement:\n\n\"I have been hearing from constituents across Eastern North Carolina who are outraged about the Biden Administration's attempt to give the IRS the power to monitor private bank transactions above $600,\" said Murphy. \"This egregious invasion of privacy makes the taxpayer guilty until proven innocent, and I will not stand by as this Administration tries to impose a broad, unconstitutional surveillance scheme on the American people. I am proud to support the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act to protect taxpayers from intrusive monitoring and put a stop to unlawful government overreach.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-leads-41-house-members-calling-thorough-investigation-us", "Congresswoman Ross Leads 41 House Members in Calling for a Thorough Investigation of U.S. Soccer Abuse Allegations", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington. D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) led a letter with 41 House colleagues urging the National Women\u2019s Soccer League (NWSL) and U.S. Soccer Federation to conduct a thorough investigation into harassment and abuse claims made by NWSL players. Egregious reports of consistent abuse directed at women soccer players, including by former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, have revealed a clear pattern of systemic harassment that raises serious safety concerns for players in the league.\n\n\u201cThe abuse and harassment that NWSL players have been subjected to across the league is appalling,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThe fact that players courageously brought their concerns to the attention of NWSL leadership and received minimal support represents a shocking institutional failure. This issue is personal for me. As the aunt of a high school soccer player, who hopes to play in college, I find the systemic refusal to protect women from abuse deeply concerning. From unequal pay to harassment and abuse, we need to finally say \u2018enough is enough\u2019 \u2013 women athletes shouldn\u2019t be forced to endure mistreatment to compete in the sports they love. The NWSL, U.S. Soccer Federation, and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) must work together to conduct a robust investigation into this widespread abuse of power.\u201d\n\nThe letter highlights the demands of the NWSLPA, including that every coach, general manager, owner, and representative of the NWSL board of governors submit to the investigation into abusive conduct and that the scope of the investigation be expanded to include all 12 NWSL clubs represented on the Board of Governors, including the investigation of the potential NWSL neglect with regard to concerns of abuse raised by players or other staff.\n\nAfter former players bravely recounted the abuse and harassment they endured during Paul Riley\u2019s tenure, he was fired from his position as the head coach of the North Carolina Courage, a NWSL soccer team based in Congresswoman Ross\u2019 district. In addition to Paul Riley, three other NWSL coaches have been fired in the past three months for inappropriate comments, creating a toxic environment, and verbal and emotional abuse.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-statement-senate-republicans-filibuster-freedom-vote-act", "Congresswoman Ross Statement on Senate Republicans\u2019 Filibuster of the Freedom to Vote Act", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after Senate Republicans filibustered the Freedom to Vote Act:\n\n\u201cAmericans across the country\u2014including in North Carolina\u2014continue to have their voting rights eviscerated by state legislatures,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cDemocrats responded by introducing the Freedom to Vote Act, legislation that would stop voter suppression and end partisan gerrymandering. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans proved today that not only will they refuse to support this legislation\u2014they won\u2019t even allow debate on it.\n\n\u201cThe right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy. It should not be a partisan battle. By filibustering the Freedom to Vote Act today, Senate Republicans voted to shield the work of GOP legislatures intent on gutting voting rights. While today\u2019s result is disappointing, I remain committed to passing legislation to protect the fundamental rights of our most vulnerable communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-votes-advance-resolution-hold-steve-bannon-contempt", "Congresswoman Ross Votes to Advance Resolution to Hold Steve Bannon in Contempt of Congress", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted in a Rules Committee hearing in favor of advancing a resolution recommending the House find Stephen K. Bannon in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol:\n\nRoss said in her remarks to Select Committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Vice Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY), \u201cThis meeting is about holding people accountable to our nation's laws and to our Constitution. Former White House Chief Strategist, Steve Bannon, as we know, has refused to comply with your duly issued subpoena. He refused to come voluntarily. His claim of executive privilege now, as we know, is flimsy at best.\n\n\u201cHe has been a private citizen since mid-2017, having served his last executive branch duties in the immediate wake of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. His communications with former President Trump in the lead up to the January 6th attack on our democracy can hardly be considered part of any presidential official duties. Everyone must play by the rules. And Bannon has already made his fair share of trips to the well. He's already been pardoned for a series of crimes defrauding the people of the United States of America. Not this time.\u201d\n\nFull video of her remarks can be found here.\n\nReports indicate that Bannon \u2013 a former Trump Administration official who left his role in the White House in August 2017 \u2013 has information relevant to the Select Committee\u2019s investigation. Bannon, through letters from his attorney, indicated that he would not comply with the Select Committee\u2019s duly issued subpoena. The deadlines to produce documents and to appear for a deposition have passed without Bannon\u2019s compliance.\n\nThe resolution passed out of the committee and will head to the House floor for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-statement-price-retirement", "Adams Statement on Price Retirement", "2021-10-18", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. released the following statement celebrating the career of North Carolina's longest-serving Member of Congress, Rep. David Price (NC-04).\n\n\"David Price is not only the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation, he's also a North Carolina legend. David helped build the modern North Carolina Democratic Party and has been a tireless representative for our state for over three decades in Congress,\" said Congresswoman Alma Adams.\"As a fellow college professor, David has always put education at the forefront. I especially appreciate David's work to bring the successes of North Carolina's Teaching Fellows program to all 50 states; his work on student aid reform to cut interest rates and increase the number and size of Pell Grants; and the Price Education Affordability Act, which allows families to deduct the interest on student loans. As an appropriator, Chairman Price has worked to make housing more affordable for North Carolinians while investing in multi-modal transportation across our state, including the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte.\"\n\n\"The Tar Heel State delegation has big shoes to fill. I wish David the best in his retirement, and thank him for both his friendship and his decades of service to our state,\" Adams concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-releases-statement-on-pfas-strategic-roadmap", "Hudson Releases Statement on PFAS Strategic Roadmap", "2021-10-18", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Strategic Roadmap announced today to confront PFAS contamination nationwide, including a toxicity assessment for GenX:\n\n\"I\u2019m glad to see the EPA give these toxic forever chemicals the attention they deserve. We need a comprehensive and reasonable approach to combat PFAS and I look forward to reviewing the EPA's Roadmap,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"I have long demanded action and accountability on behalf of our community. I want to thank Administrator Regan, whom I respect and worked with in our state, for developing this initiative. I will continue to work with the Administrator and my colleagues in Congress to make sure citizens near the Cape Fear River and throughout our region have access to safe drinking water.\"\n\nAccording to the EPA, the Roadmap will focus on increasing investments in research, using the law to restrict PFAS chemicals from being released into the environment, and accelerating the cleanup of PFAS contamination. In addition to the Roadmap, the EPA also announced a new national testing strategy that requires PFAS manufacturers to provide the agency with toxicity data and information on categories of PFAS chemicals.\n\nIn June, Rep. Hudson led a letter with Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02) to EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging the EPA to do more to address GenX.\n\nIn July, Rep. Hudson introduced an amendment to prioritize funding for community water systems affected by GenX as part of the INVEST in America Act. Rep. Hudson's amendment, which would have also ensured GenX was specifically included in the infrastructure budget bill sections dealing with PFAS, was defeated on the House floor as part of a package of Republican amendments and not included in the final bill.\n\n\"I have fought to address GenX in our community since the chemical began impacting the Cape Fear River region,\" said Rep. Hudson at the time. \"As part of that work, I introduced my amendment to make sure water systems like ours in Fayetteville have the resources needed to effectively combat GenX. I am disappointed this amendment was defeated, but will continue fighting for solutions to protect our community and environment.\"\n\nIn 2020, Rep. Hudson secured two amendments in an appropriations bill to provide an additional $2 million to study the relationship between PFAS exposure and the susceptibility to COVID-19 and provide funding for the EPA to develop national regulatory standards as part of the PFAS Action Act of 2020. Read more about those amendments here.\n\nAdditional information on the Strategic Roadmap: www.epa.gov/pfas\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-releases-statement-on-the-retirement-of-rep-david-price", "Hudson Releases Statement on the Retirement of Rep. David Price", "2021-10-18", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement on the retirement of Rep. David Price (NC-04):\n\n\"David Price has served the people of North Carolina for 34 years with integrity and distinction. Though we almost never agreed on policy, David is an honest broker who I worked with many times to advance the interests of our state and nation. I particularly appreciate David's commitment to our men and women in uniform. He never turned me down when I asked for his help on behalf of our servicemembers at Fort Bragg. Renee and I wish David and Lisa all the best as they look to begin the next chapter of their lives.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-statement-congressman-prices-retirement", "Congresswoman Ross Statement on Congressman Price's Retirement", "2021-10-18", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, NC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on Congressman David Price\u2019s (NC-04) retirement:\n\n\u201cCongressman Price embodies what it means to be a true public servant \u2013 he fights hard every day for the people he represents, and he unfailingly does what\u2019s right even when it\u2019s unpopular,\u201c said Congressman Ross. \u201cDavid is a thoughtful leader who for many years has used his position on the powerful House Appropriations Committee to deliver transformative federal investments in North Carolina and to make life better for North Carolina families. Today, we celebrate all that he has accomplished for our state and our community. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside him and learn from him in my first term. We will all miss David dearly in the House and will do our best to build on his formidable legacy by continuing to fight for the causes he championed \u2013 from affordable housing to modern infrastructure to democracy reform. Perhaps more importantly, at a time when our politics are often angry and acrimonious, every Member of Congress should also strive to serve with David\u2019s characteristic kindness and personal dignity. I wish David, Lisa, and his entire family the best as they embark on this new chapter.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-statement-epas-roadmap-confront-toxic-forever-chemicals", "Congresswoman Ross Statement on EPA\u2019s Roadmap to Confront Toxic \u201cForever Chemicals\u201d", "2021-10-18", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, NC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) joined Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan as he unveiled the comprehensive Strategic Roadmap to confront PFAS contamination nationwide at North Carolina State University.\n\n\u201cNorth Carolinians are all too familiar with the costly impact PFAS contamination can have on local communities ,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cChemical companies have polluted the Cape Fear River with PFAS for years and tests of drinking water systems in my district, including in Raleigh and Cary, have detected PFAS. Fortunately, Congress and the Biden Administration have been working to tackle this issue on a bipartisan basis. Today\u2019s announcement of the EPA\u2019s PFAS Roadmap is one of the most significant steps to date that the federal government has taken to prevent and mitigate PFAS contamination. I would like to thank Administrator Regan for his service to North Carolina and our nation and I look forward to working with him to protect vulnerable members of our communities from these so-called \u2018forever chemicals.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cFor far too long, families across America \u2013 especially those in underserved communities \u2013 have suffered from PFAS in their water, their air, or in the land their children play on,\u201d said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. \u201cThis comprehensive, national PFAS strategy will deliver protections to people who are hurting, by advancing bold and concrete actions that address the full lifecycle of these chemicals. Let there be no doubt that EPA is listening, we have your back, and we are laser focused on protecting people from pollution and holding polluters accountable.\u201d\n\n\"This roadmap commits the EPA to quickly setting enforceable drinking water limits for these chemicals as well as giving stronger tools to communities to protect people\u2019s health and the environment,\" said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. \"As we continue partnering with the EPA on this and other important efforts, it is critical that Congress pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and the larger budget resolution that includes billions of dollars to address PFAS contamination.\"\n\nPFAS, known as \u201cforever chemicals,\u201d are dangerous, man-made chemicals that do not break down easily and have contaminated the nation\u2019s water, soil, and air for decades, resulting in serious health consequences.\n\nThe EPA\u2019s PFAS Roadmap will guide the agency\u2019s current and planned activities in 2021-2024 to research, restrict, and remediate harmful PFAS. The Roadmap includes regulatory and administrative actions and enforcement approaches that EPA intends to take, using existing authorities, to comprehensively address PFAS throughout the environment. Actions include a new national testing strategy to accelerate research and regulatory development, a proposal to designate certain PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and actions to broaden and accelerate the cleanup of PFAS.\n\nCongresswoman Ross serves on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee where she has consistently advocated for supporting research institutions and leveraging federal resources to eradicate PFAS contamination. In June, Congresswoman Ross led a letter with six other members of the North Carolina delegation to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director Michael Regan urging the EPA to reconsider a Trump administration decision to deny a citizens\u2019 petition filed by a group of NC-based environmental health and justice groups in 2020. The petition, filed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requested that EPA exercise its authority under TSCA to require Chemours to fund robust health and environmental testing for 54 PFAS manufactured by Chemours at its Fayetteville facility.\n\nCongresswoman Ross also voted to pass the PFAS Action Act, legislation that would require comprehensive regulation of PFAS by establishing standards to protect drinking water from contamination and authorizing grants to drinking water utilities treating PFAS contamination.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-introduces-public-safety-and-wildlife-protection-act", "Adams Introduces Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, during National Wildlife Refuge Week, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) introduced the Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act. The Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act would prohibit interstate shipment of steel-jaw leghold and Conibear traps. This legislation will not supersede a state's policies and regulations on trapping; it does, however, ensure that these two dangerous traps do not cross state lines.\n\n\"Today, I'm reintroducing the Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act. We cannot afford to ignore the danger posed by antiquated body-gripping traps,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"Wildlife, pets, and people are placed in harm's way whenever these violent traps are around. I am proud to reintroduce this important piece of legislation to protect our wildlife and our families.\"\n\nA 2015 Responsive Management report revealed almost 90 percent of trappers used either steel-jaw leghold or Conibear traps. Although each state regulates the use of steel-jaw leghold or Conibear traps, there are no federal laws preventing trappers from crossing state lines with these traps.\n\nAccording to Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA, \"At its core, trapping is dangerous, indiscriminate, and barbaric. Leghold and Conibear traps\u2014the two most commonly used traps in the U.S.\u2014cause unconscionable suffering not only to targeted wild animals, but also to endangered species, beloved pets, and even children. It is well past time to significantly limit the impact and spread of these traps. We thank Congresswoman Adams not only for introducing this important bill, but introducing it during National Wildlife Refuge week, further shining a light on the fact that these kinds of traps are used on nearly 43% of our refuges \u2013 land set aside specifically for the protection of our wild species.\"\n\n\"As fall trapping season gets underway, the reintroduction of the Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act could not be more timely,\" said Cathy Liss, president of the Animal Welfare Institute. \"Torturing animals by breaking their bones, crushing tissue and organs, and keeping them pinned in powerful metal jaws is not acceptable, and it's time to evolve beyond such archaic methods of capturing wildlife. We strongly endorse Representative Adams' bill to curtail the use of body-gripping traps.\"\n\nRep. Adams has introduced the Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act in every Congress since her first full term started in 2015. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL) is a cosponsor of this year's bill.\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-ross-urges-postal-service-update-name-oberlin-village-post", "Congresswoman Ross Urges Postal Service to Update the Name of Oberlin Village Post Office", "2021-10-14", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, NC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) sent a letter urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to change the name of the U.S. Post Office located at 806 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605 to the \u201cOberlin Village Post Office.\u201d This post office is still referred to as the \u201cCameron Village\u201d Post Office by USPS.\n\nThis post office was previously located adjacent to a shopping center which until recently was known as Cameron Village. Named after the owner of the Cameron Plantation, where hundreds of enslaved people were once confined, the name of the post office is an archaic tribute to a horrific past that does not fit the inclusive community that now calls the area home. While the shopping center was recently renamed the \u201cVillage District,\u201d the post office still bears the name \u201cCameron Village\u201d\u2014despite the name\u2019s troubling history and its new location farther away from the shopping center.\n\nSabrina Goode, Executive Director of Friends of Oberlin Village said, \u201cIt\u2019s historically significant that the USPS is located in the Oberlin Baptist Church, which was founded by former slave Plummer T. Hall. The church has served the Oberlin community for over 140 years. The renaming of the current Post Office would be an acknowledgement of this beloved community that has contributed in many ways to the City of Raleigh.\u201d\n\nThe letter read in part: \u201cIts new location, in a property owned by Oberlin Baptist Church, lies within the geographic boundary of Oberlin Village, one of the last surviving antebellum settlements founded by a free Black person in the State of North Carolina. After reconstruction, the community became a welcoming refuge for newly-freed slaves who had just gained their freedom from the nearby Cameron Plantation.\n\n\u201cGiven these factors, I strongly urge the U.S. Postal Service to consider updating the name of this post office to the \u201cOberlin Village Post Office,\u201d to better reflect its new geographic location and to end the commemoration of a plantation and its slaveholding owner.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-waters-summit-live", "Watch WATERS Summit LIVE!", "2021-10-13", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the first annual bipartisan WATERS Summit, happening today, October 13, 2021 from 8:50am-4:30pm.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 453, "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": "NC", "p1": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 247, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2021&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 206, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2021&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 453, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2021&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "NC", "label": "NC", "count": 453, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 453, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2021-10-13,https~3A~2F~2Fmurphy~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fwatch-waters-summit-live", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2021&_next=2021-10-13%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmurphy~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fwatch-waters-summit-live&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 304.7169507481158, "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"}