{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"PA\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-unveils-new-legislation-support-firefighter-health-and", "ICYMI: Boyle Unveils New Legislation to Support Firefighter Health and Wellness", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "PHILADELPHIA, PA \u2013 Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined Philadelphia firefighters and local labor leaders at IAFF Local 22 to unveil the Public Safety Wellness Tax Credit Act, new federal legislation to improve health protections for the firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep the public safe. Boyle\u2019s bipartisan legislation would create a federal tax credit for publicly funded, not-for-profit fire and EMS agencies that offer preventive medical and behavioral health programs.\n\n\u201cFirefighters put their lives and their health on the line every single day to protect us,\u201d said Congressman Boyle. \u201cThe risks of the job can stay with firefighters long after they're on the job. Years or decades into retirement, they can feel the adverse health effects of such a difficult job. That is why I'm proud to announce new legislation that is focused on one simple goal: helping firefighters stay safe and get healthier. I think it's our moral obligation as a society to ensure that they get those services they need and that they've earned.\u201d\n\nFirefighters are at increased risk for occupational illnesses\u2014including cancer, cardiac events, and post-traumatic stress. Congressman Boyle\u2019s new targeted tax credit would improve firefighter health outcomes and reduce long-term municipal costs. To be eligible, fire and EMS agencies must be publicly operated and explicitly codify preventive health and wellness services through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with their employees.\n\nBoyle was joined at today\u2019s announcement by Mike Bresnan, President of the Philadelphia Firefighters\u2019 & Paramedics\u2019 Union, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 22, members of IAFF Local 22, and other local labor leaders.\n\n\u201cI just want to take a moment to thank Congressman Boyle. He's always been there for us when we need some help with something,\u201d said IAFF Local 22 President Mike Bresnan. \u201cI want to thank Congressman Boyle for stepping up and spearheading this, and hopefully everybody gets on board and supports this.\u201d\n\nThe Public Safety Wellness Tax Credit Act is co-led in the House by Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15).", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-senate-colleagues-in-letter-to-dhs-on-election-interference/", "Fetterman Joins Senate Colleagues in Letter to DHS on Election Interference", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, joined his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging the Department to halt its efforts in asserting federal control over and undermining public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators demanded information substantiating Mullin\u2019s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants, release the full grant funding to states, and end the alleged \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d disclosed by a recent whistleblower.\n\n\u201cWe write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President\u2019s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration\u2019s demands,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nIn their letter, the senators raised concerns about Mullin\u2019s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states, including Pennsylvania, and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration\u2019s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The senators also objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA\u2019s Homeland Security Grant Program, which have been retroactively applied to previously awarded Fiscal Year 2025 funding and are threatening Fiscal Year 2026 funding. By threatening to withhold funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other threats, Mullin is putting Americans\u2019 safety at risk as political leverage.\n\nThe senators also highlighted allegations from a federal whistleblower about an effort referred to as the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d According to the whistleblower, USCIS personnel were allegedly directed to use sensitive, personally identifiable information and improperly access state voter registration websites to find non-citizen voters. The whistleblower also alleged that personnel were directed to create law enforcement records using incomplete and unverifiable data for potential referral to law enforcement.\n\n\u201cAccording to the whistleblower, USCIS staff were given a list of names and told to use sensitive personally identifiable information to impersonate voters and access state voter registration websites to verify individuals\u2019 immigration and voter registration statuses. Equipped with incomplete and unverifiable data compiled with \u2018supplemental magic,\u2019 USCIS staff are allegedly being directed to create law enforcement records on individuals, including U.S. citizens, for possible referral to HSI for further investigation,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cIf true, this is just another alarming effort by the Department to use data that USCIS materials admit may be inaccurate, coupled with questionable means to potentially disenfranchise voters.\u201d\n\nThe senators called on Mullin to immediately provide all information substantiating his July 17, 2026 allegations regarding noncitizens who registered to vote, rescind FEMA Information Bulletin Nos. 569 and 569(a) and release all withheld funds to states without further delay; and provide information about the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and immediately cease its activities.\n\n\u201cThe 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nSenator Fetterman has been unequivocally clear that our elections are absolutely secure, fair, and accurate. In April, he joined his colleagues in a letter to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors and Postmaster General David Steiner urging them not to implement the March executive order that sought to transform USPS into an election administration agency with the power to determine who can vote by mail and to establish ballot specifications. In June following the Board\u2019s issuance of the proposed rule in response to the executive order, Senator Fetterman again joined his colleagues in a second letter urging the Board and Postmaster General Steiner to withdraw the proposed rule. Senate Democrats sent a third letter on September 4 after USPS finalized its rule to implement the vote-by-mail executive order.\n\nAs recently as the end of September, Senator Fetterman continued to urge that our elections are safe and secure, including vote-by-mail. At the Texas Tribune Festival last week, he highlighted that the \u201cbest examples of vote-by-mail come from red states.\u201d He continued the conversation saying, \u201cif the only time you criticize voting is if it means you lost, that means it\u2019s impossible to take that seriously.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the senators\u2019 September letter to DHS below and here.\n\n\u2014\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nWe write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President\u2019s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration\u2019s demands.\n\nYou have been unwilling to publicly affirm that you will not send U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to the polls, despite federal law barring their presence. Most recently, you deployed Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents across nine states for a \u201ccoordinated criminal voter fraud surge initiative,\u201d despite the lack of verifiable evidence of widespread noncitizen voter fraud. Your actions as Secretary are intentionally undermining Americans\u2019 trust in the 2026 midterm elections and appear to purposefully disenfranchise eligible voters. Taken together, these actions amount to an illegal attempt to federalize the administration of the upcoming midterm elections.\n\nAt the direction of President Trump, you have endeavored to coerce states into divulging sensitive voter roll information, raising serious concerns about how that information will be stored and used. On March 25, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14248, which required DHS to compare state voter registration lists against federal immigration databases. The Executive Order was followed by an overhaul of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which transformed the program from one used for individual benefits eligibility checks to a system that could carry out bulk searches of records using Social Security numbers. Since then, DHS has repeatedly pressured states to share their voter rolls and run them through the modified SAVE program, despite legal concerns and known accuracy issues. You have exerted this pressure despite the fact that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which administers the SAVE program, has acknowledged that its results can be inaccurate. Additionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has acknowledged that its citizenship data for naturalized citizens \u2013 which is used by the SAVE program \u2013 is incomplete and unreliable. Even though the Supreme Court has allowed you to use the SAVE program for now, we remind you of the requirement of the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U. S. C. \u00a720507(c)(2)(A) that bars any systematic removal of ineligible voters within 90 days of Election Day.\n\nOn July 17, 2026, you claimed, without evidence, that 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote in four states. This claim has been refuted by states and even by other administration officials. For example, you claimed that around 16,000 noncitizens illegally registered to vote in Nevada, but later, other DHS officials alleged the number was only 185. A subsequent review by Nevada state officials found all 185 individuals were U.S. citizens. These states did not agree to give you their sensitive state voter roll information and judges in each state dismissed the Department of Justice\u2019s efforts to access that information. Moreover, elections experts have challenged the legitimacy of these numbers. Considering the inaccuracies in SSA\u2019s citizenship categorizations and the questions surrounding how you obtained the voter roll information needed to analyze this data, we cannot trust the numbers as reported.\n\nFurther, under your leadership, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently added new terms and conditions to fiscal year (FY) 2025 and 2026 Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program awards. These are grants provided to states to help them protect their communities from terrorism and other hazards. In the FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), FEMA mandated that 3% of the target allocations for these grants be spent on enhancing election security, including critical activities like hardening election locations. Now, after FY25 agreements have already been signed, this Administration is threatening to withhold a percentage of the funding hostage if recipients do not meet these new, specious requirements, despite serious legal and implementation concerns. FEMA also added requirements to the recently released FY26 Homeland Security Grant Program NOFO, conditioning 20% of the full amount of the grants on states\u2019 compliance with election requirements that states have contested in litigation. DHS\u2019s continued interference with FEMA\u2019s grants puts FEMA\u2019s mission at risk, slows down the administration of grants, and ultimately hurts communities.\n\nNow, a federal whistleblower has alleged that, at the direction of DHS and USCIS leadership, the component\u2019s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate staff may have violated laws and DHS policies in furtherance of a new \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d According to the whistleblower, USCIS staff were given a list of names and told to use sensitive personally identifiable information to impersonate voters and access state voter registration websites to verify individuals\u2019 immigration and voter registration statuses. Equipped with incomplete and unverifiable data compiled with \u201csupplemental magic,\u201d USCIS staff are allegedly being directed to create law enforcement records on individuals, including U.S. citizens, for possible referral to HSI for further investigation. If true, this is just another alarming effort by the Department to use data that USCIS materials admit may be inaccurate, coupled with questionable means to potentially disenfranchise voters.\n\nThe 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters.\n\nWe are deeply troubled by the actions that you, DHS, and the Trump Administration have taken. As such, we demand that you immediately cease the aforementioned activities and provide us with all information underpinning the allegations made in your July 17, 2026, letter regarding non-citizens registered to vote, rescind Information Bulletin Nos. 569 and 569(a), release all withheld funds to the states without further delay, and provide information about the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d\n\nThank you for your prompt attention and cooperation in this matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/news-fetterman-colleagues-urge-health-department-to-reinstate-teen-pregnancy-prevention-program-grants/", "Fetterman, Colleagues Urge Health Department to Reinstate Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Grants", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 After penning a July letter to top officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging the reconsideration of the termination of grants awarded to Pennsylvania organizations for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined his colleagues in an additional bicameral letter to push the Department to reinstate the funding.\n\n\u201cAs the fiscal year rapidly comes to an end on September 30, we are very concerned that your Department has failed to distribute over $100 million of the $101 million in funding Congress provided for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program. Your decision to terminate the vast majority of existing TPP grants this summer and your attempts to distort the program and impose illegal conditions on grant recipients have already halted critical work being done in states across the country to prevent teen pregnancy. While the court will prevent the funding from lapsing, grantees still need access to those funds to sustain their operations and serve their communities,\u201dwrote the members.\n\nThe TPP program is a national, evidence-based program that helps improve reproductive health outcomes, promote positive relationships, and support healthy environments for youth across the country. TPP grants fund organizations that provide evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention and sexual health education to more than 10,000 Pennsylvanians. Two organizations, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania and AccessMatters, serve 24 counties in the Commonwealth that use funds from TPP grants.\n\nIn June, HHS cancelled 53 of 67 TPP grants nationwide. The following month, Senator Fetterman raised his concerns with the administration and questioned why HHS terminated funding for TPP grants awarded to Pennsylvania. Given how beneficial the TPP program has been for organizations across the Commonwealth and country, Senator Fetterman joined 92 of his Congressional colleagues in this additional letter as an eleventh-hour call to action for HHS to release the funds before the end of the fiscal year.\n\n\u201cYoung people across the country have positively benefited from the programs funded by the TPP Program and would immediately suffer from direct service cuts and loss of access to beneficial support. For example, in Central Pennsylvania, more than 10,000 teens\u2014many of whom are foster youth, have substance use disorders, or face mental health challenges\u2014will lose access to these critical resources due to the discontinuation of funding for a single provider,\u201d continued the members.\n\nRead the full text of the bicameral letter below and here.\n\n\u2014\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nAs the fiscal year rapidly comes to an end on September 30, we are very concerned that your Department has failed to distribute over $100 million of the $101 million in funding Congress provided for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program. Your decision to terminate the vast majority of existing TPP grants this summer and your attempts to distort the program and impose illegal conditions on grant recipients have already halted critical work being done in states across the country to prevent teen pregnancy. While the court will prevent the funding from lapsing, grantees still need access to those funds to sustain their operations and serve their communities. That is why we write to, once again, demand that you immediately reinstate funding for grantees of the TPP Program that your department cut off earlier this year. Both chambers of Congress sent your Department letters highlighting our initial concerns in July. We will not stand by as this congressionally allocated funding fails to be distributed, and we will hold you responsible for withholding these funds.\n\nWith just days left before the end of the fiscal year and your Department rightly enjoined by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from implementing new funding conditions, we are concerned that the funds are now sitting unused, and, therefore, the communities served by the TPP program are suffering. The only reasonable path forward is to provide funding to the grantees that were previously subject to the Department\u2019s arbitrary terminations. As of this writing, only $579,499 of the program\u2019s $101 million appropriation has been provided to a single grantee. It is clear you have no practical plan to legally spend down these funds before they expire, and the best course of action is to simply renew the awards that were terminated.\n\nAny additional delay in obligating these funds would risk further damage to the evidence-based programs fulfilling their congressionally directed mission of providing accurate and age-appropriate programs to reduce teen pregnancy. If funds are not made available to these longstanding, high-performing grantees by September 30, millions of dollars that Congress appropriated for this important goal will expire without being spent as directed.\n\nThe majority of the grants terminated by your Department were in the third year of their five-year cycle. Withholding these funds deprives teens across the U.S. of vital resources and threatens to unwind decades of progress made in reducing teen pregnancy. Young people across the country have positively benefited from the programs funded by the TPP Program and would immediately suffer from direct service cuts and loss of access to beneficial support. For example, in Central Pennsylvania, more than 10,000 teens\u2014many of whom are foster youth, have substance use disorders, or face mental health challenges\u2014will lose access to these critical resources due to the discontinuation of funding for a single provider. In South Carolina, the discontinuation of funds for another provider would impact over 6,450 youth and has already led to staff layoffs. These grants supported evidence-based programs that worked to prevent teen pregnancy and behavioral risk factors underlying teen pregnancy, as is required by law. With such little time left in the fiscal year, the only option available is to reinstate every terminated TPP grant.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-gallego-cornyn-fetterman-introduce-bill-to-keep-chinese-transceivers-out-of-u-s-national-security-systems/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK, GALLEGO, CORNYN, FETTERMAN INTRODUCE BILL TO KEEP CHINESE TRANSCEIVERS OUT OF U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEMS", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), and John Fetterman (D-PA) today introduced the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent Chinese-made optical transceivers from being used in the federal government\u2019s most sensitive national security systems.\n\nChinese manufacturers have become major suppliers of optical transceivers, creating U.S. alliance on these critical components which move data through high-speed fiber-optic networks, including the networks powering artificial intelligence. Because advanced transceivers can contain reprogrammable firmware, their use in national security networks can create potential supply-chain and security risks. In June, the Department of War added major Chinese manufacturer InnoLight to its Section 1260H list of Chinese military companies, but current law does not impose a government-wide prohibition on adversary-linked optical transceivers in the systems carrying some of America\u2019s most sensitive information.\n\nThe bill extends an existing federal procurement restriction for semiconductors to covered optical transceivers used in critical systems. It gives suppliers five years to develop compliant sources and provides waivers where necessary to protect supply and national security.\n\n\u201cWe shouldn\u2019t rely on China for technologies that are essential to our national security,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cThis bipartisan bill will help secure our networks and give American manufacturers\u2014including the incredible companies and workers we have right here in Pennsylvania\u2014 the opportunity to step up, build more of this technology at home, and compete.\u201d\n\n\u201cOptical transceivers are a critical part of America\u2019s modern communications infrastructure, and we need to make sure that infrastructure is secure,\u201d said Senator Gallego. \u201cOur reliance on China to produce these transceivers creates a serious national security vulnerability. This legislation protects our most sensitive systems and invests in Arizona manufacturers, who are already helping build a secure supply chain here at home.\u201d\n\n\u201cCritical government communication and information systems must be safe, reliable, and free of any foreign interference, but the use of Chinese technology undermines that mission,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cI am proud to cosponsor Senator McCormick\u2019s Securing National Security Systemsfrom Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, which will extend the commonsense procurement restrictions I worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA and support American jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cFiber-optic networks are the digital highways that make our economy run at the speed of light,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cJust like we use American-made steel to build federal highways and bridges, we should also be using American-made equipment in our fiber-optic networks wherever possible. I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure our critical information networks do not rely on Chinese-made optical transceivers.\u201d\n\nThe Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would close that gap by extending safeguards Congress has already established for Chinese semiconductors to optical transceivers used in national security systems. The legislation would:\n\nProhibit federal procurement of covered optical transceivers for national security systems, building on the existing federal framework restricting certain Chinese semiconductors.\n\nCover InnoLight, Eoptolink, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as additional adversary-linked companies designated by the Secretary of War or Secretary of Commerce, including covered transceivers that incorporate their firmware, software, or components.\n\nProvide a five-year transition period before the prohibition takes effect, allowing trusted American and allied manufacturers time to expand production while minimizing disruptions to federal supply chains.\n\nDirect the Department of Commerce to assess U.S. and allied production capacity and develop a strategy to strengthen trusted optical transceiver supply chains.\n\nPermit limited, renewable waivers when no trusted alternative is available, with each waiver reported to Congress.\n\nThe Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act is supported by the following stakeholders:\n\nScott Paul, President, Alliance for American Manufacturing:\n\n\u201cFor too long, China has pursued dominance in strategically important industries while benefiting from access to markets that reinforce that position. Federal taxpayer dollars should not be used to deepen America\u2019s dependence on Chinese manufacturers for critical technologies. Senator McCormick\u2019s legislation sends an important signal that the United States is serious about securing strategic supply chains, rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity, and strengthening the industrial base needed to compete and lead in the technologies of the future.\u201d\n\nAlexandria Paolozzi Moore, Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action:\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s national security systems are increasingly dependent on high-speed optical networking. Yet our reliance on adversary-controlled components in systems that underpin national defense creates serious security vulnerabilities. FDD Action endorses the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act of 2026 because it closes a gap in existing semiconductor security law. That gap allows CCP-linked suppliers to operate at a critical point where our data flows. We support this legislation and urge its expeditious consideration.\u201d\n\nDaniel Kishi, Senior Policy Advisor, American Compass:\n\n\u201cChina\u2019s dominance of the optical transceiver market has exposed a major vulnerability at the heart of America\u2019s technological infrastructure. The Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would keep Chinese optical transceivers out of the federal government\u2019s critical systems and safeguard sensitive government networks from the risks they pose.\u201d\n\nCoalition for a Prosperous America:\n\n\u201cThe Defense Department has already named InnoLight \u2014 the world\u2019s largest optical transceiver maker \u2014 a Chinese military company, yet its hardware still sits inside America\u2019s data centers and national security systems. That\u2019s indefensible. Chinese firms control roughly 70 percent of the global optical module market because the CCP targeted this technology for domination, and Beijing won\u2019t let a single American-made transceiver into its own data centers. Senator McCormick\u2019s bill sends a clear demand signal to the American manufacturers already investing in domestic capacity and ensures only trusted hardware runs our national security systems. CPA is proud to support it and urges Congress to pass it without delay.\u201d\n\nNew American Industrial Alliance:\n\n\u201cAs China continues its efforts to infiltrate cutting-edge American technologies, it\u2019s more important than ever for Congress to take action to protect America\u2019s technological superiority. By extending the federal ban on Chinese-linked chips to optical transceivers in national security systems, the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would close a potential backdoor into our most sensitive networks while giving industry time to build a trusted supply. NAIA thanks Senator McCormick for his tireless work to ensure American security and technological superiority.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-colleagues-introduce-national-hazing-awareness-week-resolution", "Thompson, Colleagues\u00a0Introduce National Hazing Awareness Week Resolution", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) introduced a resolution to recognize September 21-25, 2026, as \u201cNational Hazing Awareness Week.\u201d The resolution recognizes the hundreds of students who have died or suffered severe, life-altering injuries as a result of collegiate hazing and promotes efforts to prevent hazing.\n\nUnited States Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the Senate companion resolution.\n\n\u201cHazing has left countless students with life-altering injuries, and too many families have had to endure the loss of a loved one. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution to bring awareness, accountability, and transparency to campuses in an effort to help protect students from hazing,\u201d Rep. Thompson said.\n\n\u201cI have been honored to work with families and advocates to pass legislation to end campus hazing. I know what it's like to lose a loved one, and no parent should ever have to bury their child,\u201d Rep. McBath said. \u201cI\u2019m glad to lead efforts once again to spread awareness about the pain of these incidents and am grateful to my colleagues for their continued commitment to protecting our students.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen parents send their kids away to college, they expect they will get a good education and make new friends. They don\u2019t expect them to be harassed and hazed. Hazing is a dangerous \u2014 and at times deadly \u2014 reality that students are confronted with,\u201d Sen. Klobuchar said. \u201cWith this resolution, we honor the students who have died or been severely injured due to hazing and promote preventive efforts. This goes hand in hand with our bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, which is improving hazing reporting and prevention on college campuses.\u201d\n\n\u201cStudents should not have to fear getting physically or emotionally harmed while they are simply trying to find community at college,\u201d Dr. Cassidy said. \u201cThanks to the tireless work of the Gruver family and other advocates, we passed the Stop Campus Hazing Act last Congress to increase accountability and ensure hazing is never ignored.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act was signed into law to combat hazing and dangerous practices towards students on college campuses by ensuring transparency and setting parameters for preventative action.\n\nThe law includes many anti-hazing provisions long championed by Rep. Thompson and Evelyn and Jim Piazza, whose son, Tim Piazza, tragically passed away in February 2017 at Penn State as a direct result of a hazing ritual at his fraternity. Today, September 25, would have been Tim's 29th birthday.\n\nThe Piazza's advocacy led to the establishment of the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform at Penn State, whose research helped shape the Stop Campus Hazing Act and led to the enactment of some of the strongest anti-hazing laws anywhere in the country in Pennsylvania.\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-28T11:29:07Z", "2026-09-28T11:30:58Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5213", "Rep. Houlahan, Members of Congress Demand Answers on Delayed Separation Pay Promised to Trans Troops Ousted by Trump", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following reporting that the Department of Defense has failed to pay the promised separation pay to some transgender servicemembers who were separated from the armed forces under Trump\u2019s ban on transgender military service in a timely manner or, in some cases, at all, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led members of Congress to demand answers from Secretary of Defense Hegseth.\n\nRep. Houlahan, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Ranking Member, was joined by Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC) Co-Chair Rep. Sarah McBride, House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith, House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs Ranking Member and CEC Chair Rep. Mark Takano, HASC Member and CEC\u2019s Transgender Equality Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Sara Jacobs, HASC Member and CEC Co-Chair Rep. Eric Sorensen, and CEC Co-Chair Rep. Everton Blair.\n\nThe members\u2019 letter begins:\n\n\u201cWe write in response to recent reporting that at least a dozen transgender troops have not received the separation funds they are owed. This is unacceptable and appears to be another broken promise by this Administration to those who have served.\n\nSince the beginning of this Administration, you and President Trump have targeted transgender servicemembers\u2014not only kicking them out of the military but also subjecting them to constant indignities along the way. President Trump has falsely stated that being transgender is incompatible \u201cwith a soldier\u2019s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.\u201d\n\nUnder the trans military ban, the Services have been forced to ignore the sacrifice, years of service, and contributions by transgender service members. Some servicemembers were approved\u2014and then rejected for\u2014early retirement benefits. As we fight a war in Iran that has resulted in nearly 800 troops being injured, the Pentagon continues to waste valuable time and resources on scouring through servicemembers\u2019 confidential medical records in order to identify transgender service members for separation.\u201d\n\nMembers cite federal law and DoD instructions that authorize and establish procedures for separation pay, as well as DoD\u2019s own guidance for implementing the transgender military ban, before identifying several ousted transgender servicemembers who reportedly did not receive their full separation pay in a timely fashion.\n\nThe members continue:\n\n\u201cLet us be clear: we strongly oppose the underlying transgender military ban. The House of Representatives recently rejected, on a bipartisan vote, an attempt to codify this ban into law, and we hope the Courts will permanently block this ban from being carried out against any transgender person who would and could be serving but for this ban. In the meantime, transgender servicemembers should receive the separation pay they are owed in a timely fashion\u2014and we urge you to ensure this is handled expeditiously.\u201d\n\nThe members conclude their letter by asking for Secretary Hegseth\u2019s response to the following questions by October 14, 2026:\n\nFor each military branch, please provide the following calculations for servicemembers who were separated from the Armed Forces between January 20, 2025, and September 23, 2026, and were eligible for separation pay:\n\n1. For each military branch, please provide the following calculations for servicemembers who were separated from the Armed Forces between January 20, 2025, and September 23, 2026, and were eligible for separation pay:\n\na. The average and median number of days it took following their separation for servicemembers to receive their separation pay in full.\n\nb. For servicemembers who were separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance, the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full.\n\nc. For all other servicemembers (i.e. those who were not separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance), the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full.\n\n2. Please provide anonymized data for every servicemember who was eligible for separation pay and has been separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations that includes the following:\n\na. The amount of separation pay they have received;\n\nb. The total amount of separation pay they were owed;\n\nc. Whether they were voluntary or involuntary separated;\n\nd. The date each payment was received;\n\ne. The number of days between their date of separation and when they received their first payment of separation pay;\n\nf. The number of days between their date of separation and when they received their separation pay in full; and\n\ng. For those who have not received their separation pay in full, the total amount outstanding and the date by which DoD expects that individual to receive all outstanding payments.\n\n3. Please provide a copy of all guidance and communications relating to the processing of separation pay for servicemembers separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations.\n\nCitations omitted in press release. Read the full letter here.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-padilla-ruiz-launch-effort-prohibit-firearms-polling-places-protect", "Deluzio, Padilla, Ruiz Launch Effort to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places, Protect Voters and Election Workers", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 With midterm elections just around the corner and threats to our elections at an all-time high, U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Congressman Ra\u00fal Ruiz (D-CA-25) introduced bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places.\n\nThe Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2026 would help ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections.\n\n\u201cThe right to vote is foundational to America's democracy, and part of protecting that right is keeping official ballot drop sites and polling places free from intimidation,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cWith the rising risk of political violence and ongoing threats to our democratic system, we need to strengthen the sanctity of our elections. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2026 would help protect the rights of America\u2019s voters and election workers so that they can vote and perform their official duties free from violent threats and intimidation. I\u2019m proud to reintroduce this bill today alongside Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Ruiz.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo voter should have to walk past a gauntlet of firearms to exercise their right to vote, and no election worker should have to risk armed threats just to do their job,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cIntimidation and violence have no place at our polls. These threats disenfranchise voters, undermine the fairness of our elections, and prevent nonpartisan election workers from doing their jobs. Our bill will keep visible firearms and other forms of violence away from polling places, ensuring every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right safely, freely, and without intimidation.\u201d\n\n\"With the midterms just weeks away, every American should be able to cast their ballot, and every election worker should be able to do their job without fear for their personal safety,\u201d said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. \u201cThat is why I am proud to join Congressman Deluzio and Senator Padilla introducing the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. This legislation aims to help keep our polling places safe and more secure and protect the voters and election workers who make our democracy possible.\"\n\nThe right to vote is fundamental to American democracy, but rising threats of political violence against voters and election workers threaten election security. As of April 2026, 32 percent of local election workers have reported experience threats, harassment, or abuse. Armed groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were involved in the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol have threatened to patrol polling places in recent elections. While intimidation is illegal under existing law, this new legislation is important to provide a clearer standard and further ensure safe polling locations.\n\nSpecifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would:\n\nAmend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation;\n\nProvide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace; and\n\nRecognize an exception for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties.\n\nThe Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by organizations including the Brennan Center, Defend the Vote Action Fund, and the Fair Elections Center.\n\n\"Congress must pass the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. We are grateful to Representative Deluzio, Senator Padilla, and other members of Congress for their work to keep our elections safe for everyone involved in the process. This legislation would bolster federal protections that empower voters, election officials, and election workers to seek legal recourse if they are intimidated. The bill would help protect our democracy by keeping intimidation and violence out of voting.\" \u2014 Sean Morales-Doyle, Senior Director of the voting rights program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.\n\n\"Our ability to hold elected leaders accountable to the people depends on ensuring every voter can access the ballot free from intimidation or harassment, and that election workers can run those elections without interference. Defend The Vote Action Fund applauds Rep. Deluzio and Sen. Padilla for their leadership on this critical bill that protects voters' rights to cast their ballots free from interference, while ensuring that poll workers and election officials can safely oversee and administer our elections.\" \u2014 Brian Lemek, Executive Director of Defend the Vote Action Fund.\n\n\"To fully realize our civil rights, we need stronger protections against intimidation to make sure that election officials can do their jobs without fear, and that no American is stopped from exercising their right to vote. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is one way we can defend our voting rights in the face of those who want to take power away from the people.\" \u2014 Rebekah Caruthers, President and CEO of the Fair Elections Center.\n\nThis bill was first introduced in 2024. Full text of the 2026 bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2075", "Ranking Member Scanlon Convenes Spotlight Hearing with National Experts on Defending the Right to Vote", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Gay Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", "scanlon", "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government, this week convened a shadow hearing to reinforce for the American people the importance and resiliency of our elections and the safeguards in place to protect the right to vote ahead of November\u2019s midterm elections.\n\nThe shadow hearing, titled \u201cProtecting Democracy: Defending the Right to Vote,\u201d convened as the Trump administration continues to undermine voting rights by pushing election integrity misinformation and voter suppression laws to disenfranchise voters. Over the past year and a half, Americans have overwhelmingly rejected the Trump administration\u2019s policies through public opinion polls and special elections, yet the administration continues to sow division and stoke fear and confusion to prevent the American people from casting ballots that reject its policies of chaos, corruption, and division. To provide transparency ahead of the November midterms, a panel of expert witnesses shared critical information about the origins of the right to vote, voter education, and election security to reassure Members in attendance, and the American people, that their votes in November\u2019s midterm election are safe and secure.\n\nMembers of Congress joining the hearing included Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30). The members heard testimony from Michael Waldman, President and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice, Jessica Jones Capparell, Director of Government Affairs at the League of Women Voters of the United States, and Alysoun McLaughlin, former Deputy Elections Director for Montgomery County, Maryland, and Director of the Election Resilience Lab at the University of Maryland\u2019s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement.\n\nThe hearing builds on a shadow hearing Ranking Member Scanlon led last week at Widener University in Chester, PA alongside Ranking Member Morelle. That hearing focused upon the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling rejecting the President\u2019s attempt to interfere with vote-by-mail as unlawful, and election security in the Keystone State. Experts at both hearings expressed confidence that American elections are secure and accurate, and urged voters to exercise their right and responsibility to participate in America\u2019s democratic elections in order to express their views.\n\nBelow are Ranking Member Scanlon\u2019s remarks at this week\u2019s hearing.\n\nWATCH Ranking Member Scanlon\u2019s full opening statement.\n\nWATCH a recorded livestream of the event here.\n\nI would like to start by thanking my colleagues and our expert witnesses for joining us here today.\n\nI\u2019m eager to hear from our experts about the security and resilience of our election systems and how we can best protect the right to vote. This topic is timely as rich and powerful forces, including many in the Trump administration, actively seek to undermine voters\u2019 voices with untruths and unconstitutional attacks that could disenfranchise significant numbers of our fellow citizens.\n\nAs our country has sought to bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice, a constant part of that effort has been expanding access to the ballot. We\u2019ve seen that from the very birth of our nation as our founders rejected the monarchy and claimed the right to determine their own destiny in a democratic republic. That effort continued as the right to vote expanded to those who are not property owners, those who were formerly enslaved or subjugated, to women, to those denied access to the ballot by Jim Crow laws, and to citizens under the age of 21.\n\nAt each step of the way, we\u2019ve seen opposition by those in power\u2014those who consider themselves elite\u2014and who would lose power if they allowed others to participate in our government. That includes the king and nobility in 1776, slaveholders during the Civil War, men when women were granted suffrage, white plantation and business owners in the South, and politicians who sent young men to war in Vietnam. Those who stand to lose power have always tried to keep it in their grip.\n\nThe situation now is the same. The rich and powerful who have had a death grip on our government through lax campaign finance laws and the Supreme Court\u2019s curtailment of rights are desperate to cling to power. This is not the way of leaders.\n\nThroughout our history, U.S. presidents have been at the forefront of expanding and ensuring access to the ballot, whether it was George Washington leading the fight to establish a democracy, Abraham Lincoln fighting to free those enslaved, John F. Kennedy and LBJ joining forces with civil rights leaders, or each time the Voting Rights Act was extended with bipartisan support.\n\nUp until now, it has always been assumed that a president would support the Department of Justice\u2019s enforcement of civil rights laws, and reinforce, rather than attack, Americans\u2019 faith in our democratic system.\n\nAs Ronald Reagan unequivocally declared when he signed into law the 1982 amendments to the Voting Rights Act: \u201c[T]he right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished.\u201d\n\nBut at this moment, we see a president trying to undermine voters\u2019 faith in our elections with phony claims about election integrity, by defunding the watchdogs and systems that protect our elections, and by trying to restrict access to the ballot with 21st-century voter suppression laws like the SAVE Act. It has become clear that this administration seeks to undermine our elections for the reasons that those in power have always tried to do so\u2014because it can\u2019t stand that Americans wish to chart a more equitable and just course for our future and our children\u2019s future. Everywhere you look, the policies are only growing more undemocratic.\n\nThe administration is clamoring for voter suppression laws; usurping the powers of Congress to make laws, direct spending, and declare war; using the government and our criminal justice system to attack the president's enemies; and suppressing dissent and criticism by banning the press, television programming, and even comedians.\n\nIt is not hard to see why this administration would want to restrict access to the ballot, as Americans are roundly rejecting these policies of chaos, corruption, and cruelty unleashed by this administration. Everything from public opinion polls to special elections in the last year and a half, to the millions of Americans who have taken to the streets to express their dissent, points to Americans seeking a course correction in the midterm elections.\n\nYour votes are the tool created by the framers of our Constitution for Americans to demand a course correction. Your vote is always the antidote to those who fail to act in our common interest or abuse the power that \u201cWe the People\u201d have given to them with our elections.\n\nAnd that is why we are holding this hearing today, to look at that history and examine: why our votes are so important - one could even call it a superpower; how we guard that precious voice for every American; and why it is so important that every eligible American be able to cast their ballot\u2014and use their superpower to do so.\n\nThe rights etched into history by the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were part of a \u201cpromissory note\u201d to every American, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The United States has defaulted on its promise many times over two and a half centuries. It failed initially to deliver on that promise to people of color, to women, to Indigenous tribes, to the impoverished. And yet, the American people never stopped striving to deliver.\n\nOur history shows that, when asked who shall participate, the public ultimately declared that the vote should belong to every citizen. Not only that, but the American people have fought for this principle time and time again.\n\nNo matter what this president hopes to do or wants us to think, the American people remain steadfast in their devotion to the crown jewel of their citizenship and of this democracy - their right to vote.\n\nOn this, my Democratic colleagues and I could not agree more with President Reagan \u2014the right to vote shall never see its luster diminished. Expanding the right to vote is a proud American tradition.\n\nUnfortunately, the actions of the Trump administration and the Supreme Court\u2019s recent decisions carving up the VRA are indications that reactionary forces are once again on the rise. But just as previous campaigns by the corrupt and powerful have failed to undermine Americans\u2019 resolve to expand the franchise and exercise the vote, this latest attempt will fail as well. And our democratic experiment, which was forged in the summer heat of a Philadelphia assembly hall in 1776, will thrive.\n\nEvery American should be able to exercise our precious right to vote, and deserves to know that our ballot is secure. We urge you to Vote, and honor that sacred right. This November, and for every election that follows, the American people will make our voices known, and we will continue preserving our Constitution\u2014a republic dedicated to the will of \u201cWe the People\u201d and based upon the sanctity of our votes.\n\nI look forward to our witnesses\u2019 testimony and thank them again for being here with us today.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-hosts-rsc-podcast-tackling-americas-40-trillion-national-debt", "Smucker Hosts RSC Podcast on Tackling America\u2019s $40 Trillion National Debt", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chairman of the House Budget Committee, hosted the latest episode of the Republican Study Committee\u2019s Right to the Point podcast featuring Americans for Prosperity Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy Kurt Couchman for a discussion on America\u2019s $40 trillion national debt and efforts to put the nation on a more sustainable fiscal trajectory. Click here to watch the podcast. Click here to listen to the podcast.\n\nCLICK TO WATCH: Smucker: America\u2019s debt problem is still solvable\n\n\u201cIf we look back to what happened after World War Two, it took quite some time to work out of that high debt to GDP ratio-- about 30 years. The point is: this is solvable. [The national debt] is a big problem. It's a threat, certainly to our economic well-being, even potentially a threat to the future of the country if we don't change course. But if we begin to make decisions today, we begin to make changes today. We can still solve it.\u201d\n\nCLICK TO WATCH: Smucker on goal to cut deficits to 3% of GDP\n\n\u201cToday, we take in roughly $5 trillion and spend $7 trillion every year. [\u2026] Our deficits are about 6% of our total economy 6% of GDP [\u2026] It is absolutely critical that we begin to reduce our deficits and move down to about half of what the deficit is today as a percent of GDP [\u2026] I think it's really important to make that statement.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-backs-paid-parental-leave-push-says-families-shouldn-t-have-to-choose-between-care-and-a-paycheck", "Rep. Summer Lee Backs Paid Parental Leave Push, Says Families Shouldn't Have to Choose Between Care and a Paycheck", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Summer L. Lee", "L000602", "summerlee.house.gov", "summerlee", "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Photos (Dropbox)\n\nPITTSBURGH, PA \u2013 SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), members of the Allegheny County state legislative delegation, and family advocates at the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank to voice her support for Allegheny County\u2019s proposed paid parental leave policy and call for stronger federal investments in working families.\n\nThe revised county proposal would provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave during the first year following the birth or adoption of a child. The proposal would cover employers with 15 or more eligible employees and comes after months of public input from workers, families, public health experts, employers, and community members.\n\n\u201cNo parent should have to choose between the time it takes to care for a new baby and the paycheck it takes to provide for one,\u201d said Rep. Summer Lee. \u201cWe cannot keep treating those as competing responsibilities. And if the system keeps forcing those responsibilities apart, then it is our job to build one that lets families hold them together. Paid leave gives families the time and financial stability to do both. And that is exactly what Allegheny County is working to do here, and I am proud to support this effort.\u201d\n\nThe proposal builds on growing efforts to treat paid parental leave as both an economic security and public health issue. Allegheny County health officials have pointed to the weeks immediately following birth as a medically vulnerable period for babies and birthing parents and say paid leave can support maternal recovery, infant health, and family stability.\n\nRep. Lee has made supporting working families a central part of her work in Congress. She is a cosponsor of the FAMILY Act, which would establish a national paid family and medical leave program providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave for workers welcoming a new child, caring for a loved one, or dealing with a serious health condition. She also cosponsors the American Family Act to expand the Child Tax Credit and provide families with more consistent financial support, has pushed for her Child Care for Working Families Act to bring down childcare costs, and also co-leads the Head Start for America\u2019s Children Act to expand Head Start to more than 11 million eligible young children nationwide.\n\nRep. Lee also highlighted the unequal burden created by the lack of guaranteed paid leave, particularly for Black women and families already stretched by rising costs. Nearly 7 in 10 Black mothers are the sole or primary breadwinners for their families, yet research has found that 55 percent of parental leaves taken by Black women are unpaid. That gap carries real financial consequences as Black women lose an estimated $866 million in wages each year while taking parental leave, putting families who depend on that income at even greater risk of falling behind at the exact moment they need stability most.\n\nThursday\u2019s press conference was held at the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, which provides diapers and other essential hygiene products to families across the region and works to address the financial and health consequences of diaper needs.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/congresswoman-dean-senator-schatz-reintroduce-bill-to-expand-education-opportunities-support-reentry-for-incarcerated-individuals", "Congresswoman Dean, Senator Schatz Reintroduce Bill to Expand Education Opportunities, Support Reentry for Incarcerated Individuals", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Madeleine Dean", "D000631", "dean.house.gov", "dean", "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act to establish an Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to ensure that incarcerated individuals receive the education needed to successfully reenter their communities after completing their sentences. Congresswoman Dean previously introduced this bicameral legislation in 2023, 2021, and 2019.\n\nProviding incarcerated individuals with the resources to effectively reintegrate into society upon release can dramatically reduce recidivism. Two-thirds of formerly incarcerated individuals are rearrested within three years; however, incarcerated people who participated in educational programs had a 43 percent lower recidivism rate than those who did not receive such opportunities. The PREP Act would standardize educational opportunities and workforce training across federal and state facilities to support incarcerated individuals as they prepare for reentry.\n\n\u201cWhen someone gets a second change, we must ensure that they have the education, training, and resources to seize it \u2014 for themselves, their families, and their communities,\u201d Rep. Dean said. \u201cEducation is a powerful tool in helping to reduce recidivism and guide formerly incarcerated individuals as they forge meaningful lives. I\u2019m grateful for Senator Schatz's continued partnership on the PREP Act as we work to ensure success in reentry.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the PREP Act:\n\nEstablishes an Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons to standardize educational programs across all federal prisons, ensuring that BOP provides educational services for adult literacy, GED, postsecondary, workforce readiness, apprenticeships, career and technical education, and expanded opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities;\n\nEstablishes the Federal Prison Education Program to create partnerships between federal correctional facilities and education providers to create quality programs that promote successful community reintegration;\n\nTrains and assists state and local correctional institutions to provide training and technical assistance to state and local correctional institutions that implement similar education programs; and\n\nNotifies veterans of their eligibility to access education benefits and available programs in their federal or state correctional facility.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\nRep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-deluzio-celebrates-federal-funds-next-generation-cancer-treatment", "Congressman Deluzio Celebrates Federal Funds for Next-Generation Cancer Treatment Research Based in O\u2019Hara Township", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CARNEGIE, PA \u2014 Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has awarded a $306,756 grant to KaliVir Immunotherapeutics of O\u2019Hara Township, PA for cancer treatment research. This federal funding is a Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) \u2013 Phase II from the National Cancer Institute.\n\nKaliVir Immunotherapeutics develops next-generation, viral-based therapies (oncolytic viruses) that both directly destroy tumor cells as well as attract and activate an anti-tumor immune response.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to announce federal funding to support cutting-edge research for cancer treatment right here in Western PA,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cKaliVir does life-saving work\u2014and I\u2019m excited to see the discoveries they make with this grant.\u201d\n\n\u201cKaliVir Immunotherapeutics is grateful to Congressman Duluzio and his colleagues for voting to restore funding for the SBIR program,\u201d said KaliVir\u2019s Chief Executive Officer Helena Chaye, PhD, JD. \u201cThe STEALTH-001 study is a first-in-human, open-label, Phase 1/1b dose-escalation and expansion trial evaluating VET3-TGI, both as a monotherapy and in combination with atezolizumab in patients with pathologically confirmed, advanced, unresectable or metastatic solid tumors. The SBIR award will allow KaliVir to further strengthen the scientific foundation of our programs, and the full amount of the grant will directly impact the economy in the greater Pittsburgh area.\u201dAmerica's Seed Fund, including funding for SBIR Phase II Grants, provides technology-focused entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with funding to develop their ideas and a pathway to commercialization. Powered by a network of federal agencies, entrepreneur support organizations, and the Small Business Administration (SBA), America's Seed Fund advances federal missions and fosters a culture of innovation in the United States.\n\nThe Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio\u2019s office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally authorized funding keeps going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio\u2019s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-rep-summer-lee-celebrates-grand-opening-of-uptown-flats-bringing-34-new-affordable-homes-to-pittsburgh", "ICYMI: Rep. Summer Lee Celebrates Grand Opening of Uptown Flats, Bringing 34 New Affordable Homes to Pittsburgh", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Summer L. Lee", "L000602", "summerlee.house.gov", "summerlee", "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Photos (Dropbox)\n\nPITTSBURGH, PA \u2013 SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 \u2014 Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Bethlehem Haven, ACTION-Housing, Pittsburgh Mercy, local elected officials, housing advocates, community partners, and residents to celebrate the grand opening of Uptown Flats, a new 34-unit affordable permanent supportive housing community in Pittsburgh\u2019s Uptown neighborhood.\n\nPreviously, Rep. Lee joined project partners for the groundbreaking of Uptown Flats in October 2024 and returned Tuesday as the nearly decade-long effort officially welcomed residents home.\n\n\u201cToday, we get to celebrate 34 new homes, 34 new beginnings, and one more example of what Western Pennsylvania can build when we put people first,\u201d said Rep. Lee. \u201cFor someone coming out of homelessness, or a senior, veteran, or person with a disability who has spent too long wondering where they are going to lay their head at night, this kind of stability can mean the difference between surviving and finally having some room to breathe. Housing is a human right, and Uptown Flats shows us what that can actually look like in practice.\u201d\n\nDeveloped through a partnership between Bethlehem Haven and ACTION-Housing, Uptown Flats includes 11 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom apartments, and seven two-bedroom apartments designed to provide safe, stable housing for people exiting homelessness and residents with disabilities and other special needs. All 34 apartments receive Project-Based Section 8 rental assistance, helping ensure residents can afford their homes based on their income. The development also provides accessible units, community spaces, and on-site supportive services to help residents build long-term stability.\n\nThe more than $22 million development brought together federal, state, county, city, nonprofit, and private investment, including federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and HOME-ARP funding. The development sits along Pittsburgh\u2019s Bus Rapid Transit corridor and includes accessible housing designed for residents with mobility, hearing, and visual disabilities.\n\nRep. Lee has made expanding access to safe, affordable housing a central part of her work in Congress. Earlier this year, shesecured $3 million to help Allegheny County create affordable rental homes dedicated to people exiting homelessness anddelivered another $1 million to help convert vacant Downtown Pittsburgh office space into affordable housing. Last year, Rep. Lee alsojoined Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato to celebrate the \u201c500 in 500\u201d initiative, which helped house more than 600 people experiencing homelessness and identified hundreds of affordable housing units across the county.\n\nIn Congress, Rep. Lee helped reintroduce theStop Wall Street Landlords Act to curb large institutional investors\u2019 ability to use taxpayer subsidies to buy up single-family homes and theHOMES Act to restrict tax breaks for large corporate investors purchasing local housing. Her affordable housing agenda also includes expanding federal rental assistance, strengthening tenant protections, preserving affordable housing, and preventing displacement and homelessness.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/pennsylvania-senators-announce-support-for-dots-smart-initiative-investments-in-pa-air-traffic-control-systems/", "Pennsylvania Senators Announce Support for DOT\u2019s SMART Initiative, Investments in PA Air Traffic Control Systems", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Following the announcement from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to bring the newest technologies and infrastructure to America\u2019s airports through the new Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (SMART) initiative, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) announce their support and highlight what this and other recent aviation investments mean for Pennsylvania.\n\nSMART centralizes 200 data streams, including weather patterns, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics into one platform. It then synthesizes this data to provide a comprehensive visualization of where planes are going, how much traffic the system can handle, and where congestion or weather could cause challenges.\n\n\u201cI had the opportunity to tour the SMART Lab and see real-time data firsthand with Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford last week. They are transforming commercial flying from reactive to predictive,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cI recognize how beneficial this tool and other investments will be for all our air traffic controllers and everyone who flies into and out of the Commonwealth. This is a great initiative and I look forward to working with Senator McCormick and the administration on this.\u201d\n\n\u201cModernizing our air traffic control system is critical to keeping Pennsylvanians safe and our airports competitive,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cThe SMART initiative, along with $284 million from the Working Families Tax Cut to upgrade air traffic control infrastructure across Pennsylvania, will give our controllers better technology and make air travel safer and more reliable. I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Fetterman and Secretary Duffy to deliver these investments for Pennsylvania.\u201d\n\nThrough its Brand New Air Traffic Control System project, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investing $284 million in Pennsylvania\u2019s air traffic control towers and related infrastructure, including:\n\n1,059 new radios at 101 sites\n\nHigh-speed fiber connections at Philadelphia (PHL), Pittsburgh (PIT), and Harrisburg (MDT)\n\nNew internet protocol voice switches at 12 locations, including Williamsport (IPT) and Erie (ERI)\n\nNew controller information display systems at 9 airports\n\nElectronic flight strips at PHL and PIT\n\n19 new radars at 11 locations\n\nSurface movement radars at PHL and PIT\n\nInstallation of Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) capabilities to improve runway safety at 6 airports\n\nTower simulation systems at Wilkes-Barre (AVP), MDT, and ERI\n\nThe FAA\u2019s work on these infrastructure improvements is ongoing and is expected to be completed by 2028.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5211", "Ahead of Xi White House Meeting, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan Joins Democratic Veterans in Demanding Trump Hold Beijing Accountable for Providing Key Intelligence to Iran Resulting in U.S. Troop Deaths\u00a0", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "On July 17th, an Iranian missile struck a U.S. base in Jordan killing three servicemembers and injuring four others; Wall Street Journal reporting has confirmed that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base \u2013 used to carry out the attack \u2013 from Chinese entities\n\nAhead of the September 23rd White House meeting between Trump and Xi, twelve Trump hold Xi accountable for Beijing\u2019s role in U.S. troop deaths\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan and 12 fellow Democratic veterans in Congress called on President Trump to publicly condemn China's support for Iranian forces that are killing U.S. troops, ahead of his White House meeting with President Xi Jinping later this month.\n\nOn July 17th, an Iranian missile struck a U.S. base in Jordan killing three servicemembers and injuring four others. Recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal confirms that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities.\n\nAhead of the September 23rd White House meeting between Trump and Xi, Houlahan and fellow Democratic veteran colleagues demandTrump hold Xi accountable for Beijing\u2019s role in U.S. troop deaths, and that he publicly condemn China\u2019s support for IRGC operations.\n\n\u201c22 brave Americans have lost their lives in Trump\u2019s war with Iran. We now know that at least three of those deaths directly resulted from President Xi sharing key intelligence about U.S. positions with Iran. Instead of holding China accountable, Trump is rolling out the red carpet,\u201d said Congressman Pat Ryan who led the initiative. \u201cI served 27 months in combat in Iraq as an Army Intelligence Officer \u2013 I know just how critical and sensitive this information is, and how dangerous it can become in the wrong hands. What\u2019s worse is that Trump knows, too, and hasn\u2019t done a thing to stop it. He said he thinks Xi has been \u2018well behaved.\u2019 We disagree. From intelligence sharing to assistance with weapons manufacturing, President Trump must send a strong clear message to Beijing that aiding the IRGC to kill U.S. troops will not be tolerated.\u201d\n\nThe letter to President Trump, sent from Democratic Congresspeople including Houlahan, Pat Ryan, Salud Carbajal, Gilbert Cisneros, Herbert Conaway, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Ted Lieu, Seth Moulton, Mike Thompson, Derek Tran, and Eugene Vindman \u2013 is included here, and in full below:\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nAhead of President Xi Jinping\u2019s upcoming visit to the White House, we implore you to use your meeting to strongly condemn China\u2019s sharing of satellite information that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan on July 17th, and demand that President Xi cease any support, cooperation, and information sharing with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).\n\nOn July 17th, an Iranian ballistic missile struck sleeping quarters at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing three American soldiers and wounding four others. The Wall Street Journal has since reported that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities both before and after the attack, intelligence that U.S. officials say was directly connected to the strike that killed our troops.\n\nYour administration knew this coordination was happening. In May, the State Department sanctioned three China-based firms for supplying Iran with satellite imagery of American and allied military facilities. Senior officials in your administration reportedly spent months warning their Chinese counterparts that companies in their country were arming Iran with the targeting data.\n\nThe satellite imagery is only one piece of China\u2019s material support to Iran; Chinese firms have supplied key raw materials for the production of Iranian Shaheds, delivered chipmaking equipment to the IRGC, and sold Iran shoulder-launched missile systems, including the weapon that was likely responsible for the downed American F-15E Strike Eagle.\n\nRather than hold Beijing accountable, you downplayed these findings. When asked aboard Air Force One whether you would raise the issue with President Xi, you told reporters, \u201cI think he\u2019s behaved reasonably well.\" That is a direct and egregious betrayal of our troops.\n\nOur servicemembers are paying the price in blood for this administration's pathetic refusal to confront Beijing. That must end now. Your meeting with President Xi presents an important opportunity to condemn China's role in arming and enabling Iran, and to demand an end to their support.\n\nAs veterans, we know what it means to send Americans into harm's way, and we know what is owed to them in return: the truth, and a Commander-in-Chief willing to hold accountable anyone and everyone who might do harm to our troops.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-joins-new-push-stop-tax-giveaways-data-centers", "Deluzio Joins New Push to Stop Tax Giveaways for Data Centers", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CARNEGIE, PA \u2014 Last week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) helped introduce the Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act, which would reverse tax giveaways for data center development from the Republicans\u2019 One Big Beautiful Bill. Congressmembers Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and Don Davis (NC-01) lead the bill, and Congressman Deluzio is a co-sponsor of the measure.\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that Donald Trump and congressional Republicans passed into law in 2025 cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP food assistance and added trillions in debt to pay for reckless tax giveaways for things like AI data construction. The Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act would end these tax giveaways for AI data centers. Specifically, the bill would keep data centers from being able to take the 100% bonus depreciation tax deduction and from being eligible for Opportunity Zone tax benefits.\n\n\u201cIt is ridiculous that Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans slashed healthcare for Pennsylvanians and jacked up the debt by trillions to help pay for reckless tax giveaways to AI data center developers,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cLet\u2019s repeal these giveaways and get our government focused on making sure hard work delivers the good life that people have earned.\u201d\n\nThe bill text can be found HERE, and a one-pager on the bill can be found HERE.\n\nOther members co-sponsoring the bill include Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Mike Levin (CA-49), John Mannion (NY-22), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25)\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-low-interest-sba-loans-help-business-owners", "Thompson Announces Low-Interest SBA Loans to Help Business Owners, Nonprofits, Homeowners Recover from Severe Storms", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (Pa.-15) announced that eligible businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms and flooding occurring on July 28, 2026, in Pennsylvania.\n\nThe following counties in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District are eligible for physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Indiana, and Jefferson.\n\nThe filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is October 19. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 19, 2027. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.\n\n\u201cSevere storms throughout the region caused devastating property damage this past July. As a result, the Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans for those affected. I encourage eligible applicants to contact my office, which is available to support anyone who needs more information or guidance,\u201d Rep. Thompson said.\n\nBusinesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.\n\nHomeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.\n\nApplicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind-rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.\n\nInterest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant\u2019s financial condition.\n\nTo apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA\u2019s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-announces-200000-local-head-start-programs", "Bresnahan Announces $200,000 for Local Head Start Programs", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "EAST STROUDSBURG, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced over $200,000 in federal funding for Head Start programs in Monroe and Lackawanna Counties. The grants will help provide early childhood education, healthcare, nutrition, and family support services to children and families across the region.\n\n\u201cEvery child deserves the chance to walk into the classroom ready to learn and succeed,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cHead Start helps make that possible by giving young children and their families the support they need during some of the most important years of their lives. These grants will help strengthen that foundation for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.\u201d\n\nThe grant awards include $217,747 for Pocono Services for Families and Children and $30,500 for the Agency for Community EmPOWERment (ACE) of NEPA.\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful for this $217,747 supplemental investment in Pocono Services for Families and Children and our Head Start program,\u201d said Kristi Hammond, MSW, Executive Director of Pocono Services for Families and Children. \u201cThese funds will allow us to make meaningful improvements to the environments and systems that support our children, families, and staff every day\u2014from resurfacing the playground at the Eugenia S. Eden Early Learning Center in East Stroudsburg and the parking lot at our Ramsey Center in Stroudsburg, to strengthening our technology, cybersecurity, and financial management systems. Head Start is about much more than preparing children for kindergarten; it is about providing children and families with the comprehensive support and strong foundation they need to succeed. Investments like this help ensure that PSFC can continue providing safe, high-quality services to children and families throughout Monroe County. We appreciate the continued federal investment in Head Start and the recognition of how important these programs are to our local community.\u201d\n\n\u201cACE of NEPA appreciates Congressman Bresnahan's continued support for Head Start and the children and families we serve,\u201d said Jim Wansacz, Executive Director of ACE of NEPA. \u201cThis $30,500 supplemental nutrition award will support breastfeeding pods, parent nutrition education, and healthy-eating initiatives throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.\"\n\nRep. Bresnahan has been a consistent supporter of Head Start. This year, he signed a Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations letter calling for robust federal funding to keep these programs strong.\n\n\u201cEducation is one of the best ways we can open doors for the next generation,\u201d continued Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cWe need to make sure families, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the resources that help their children learn, grow, and reach their full potential. I\u2019ll continue working to bring those opportunities back home to Northeastern Pennsylvania.\u201d\n\nHead Start provides critical services for children from birth to age five, focusing on families with the greatest need. The program supports school readiness and gives children access to health screenings, meals, and family support services.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2062", "Scanlon Introduces Bill to Lower Costs of Meat and Poultry and Target Corporate Greed", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Gay Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", "scanlon", "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) last week introduced the Packers and Stockyards Improvements Act, legislation to address rising meat and poultry prices due to corporate mergers and takeovers. The bill would improve the United States Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) enforcement tools under the Packers and Stockyards Act and prohibit anti-competitive behavior in the meat and poultry industry.\n\n\u201cAs mergers and corporate takeovers have consolidated power in the meat and poultry industry, consumers and producers have paid the price. The Packers and Stockyards Act has been crucial for enforcing compliance, but lacks sufficient tools to protect Americans from paying outrageous costs,\u201d said Rep. Scanlon. \u201cThe Trump administration\u2019s deregulation of the industry will only help his corporate buddies to maximize profits while continuing to hurt ranchers, farmers, and American families. I\u2019m proud to introduce the Packers and Stockyards Improvements Act to lower costs for consumers and strengthen protections for our ranchers and farmers.\u201d\n\nIn recent years, the meat and poultry sector has undergone a drastic shift with just four major corporations - Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef - controlling about 85% of the U.S. beef packing, 67% of the pork market, and 60% of poultry processing, resulting in skyrocketing prices for consumers. The Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 was passed to promote fair competition and trade practices, but has been unable to prevent increasing consolidation and subsequent price increases. This has further exacerbated the cost of living crisis as working class Americans struggle to put food on the table. In August 2026, the cost of ground beef reached a record high of $7.158 per pound. Beef prices have risen more than 22% since January 2025, as the Trump administration continues to pursue trade wars and failed to prevent a screwworm outbreak.\n\nTo address major changes from the first Trump administration, including the weakening of Packers and Stockyards protections, the USDA released a study entitled Agricultural Competition: A Plan in Support of Fair and Competitive Markets as part of President Biden\u2019s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy to use existing authorities to promote competition and protect ranchers and farmers from abusive meatpacker practices. Based on the report\u2019s findings, the USDA implemented two rules and proposed a third. However, in July 2026, the Trump administration announced that it was rescinding those rules.\n\nTo address these insufficiencies, the Packers and Stockyard Improvements Act would:\n\nAdd poultry growers to administrative litigation authority under USDA.\n\nAllow the Packers and Stockyards Division to have regular access to Livestock Mandatory Reporting Data to better monitor for violations.\n\nGive USDA civil investigative demand authority for potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.\n\nProvide a standard whistleblower protection for employees and contractors of regulated businesses who report suspected violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.\n\nThe Packers and Stockyards Improvements Act would further strengthen our ability to combat contemporary anticompetitive practices in meat and poultry markets, and add a new list of per se violations to address commonly used practices that lessen competition and punish suppliers, growers, and farmers.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, Campaign for Contract Agriculture Reform, National Farmers Union, Farm Aid, National Family Farm Coalition, RAFI, and Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance.\n\nFind the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-walkinshaw-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognize-our", "Thompson, Walkinshaw Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize our POW/MIA Servicemembers", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating Friday, September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This resolution pays tribute to American servicemembers who were prisoners of war or still missing while fighting in combat.\n\n\"As the father of a Purple Heart wounded warrior, my thoughts and prayers are with the families who are missing a loved one,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"More than 80,000 service members remain unaccounted for, and their families deserve a unified effort to help bring them home. This bipartisan resolution is a commitment to our men and women in uniform and serves as a reminder of the work needed to help reunite our military families.\"\n\n\u201cOn National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who endured captivity, those who have been accounted for, and those who remain missing. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Thompson and reaffirm our nation\u2019s enduring commitment to bring every servicemember home,\" Rep. Walkinshaw said.\n\n\"Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) proudly supports recognizing September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. For VVA, this day is more than a ceremony. It is a reminder of a promise our nation has not yet fully kept. Our founding principle, \u2018Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another,\u2019 is not a slogan. It is a sacred obligation. We will keep the POW/MIA flag flying, keep the candle burning, and keep faith with every family still waiting for answers. VVA believes one of the most meaningful ways to honor our POWs and MIAs is to provide the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency with $250 million to complete its mission. Recognition must be more than words. It must be backed by the resources, people, and commitment necessary to bring home every missing American who can still be found. We owe that to them. We owe it to their families. And we owe it to the promise our nation made when we sent them to serve,\u201d said Tom Burke, Vietnam Veterans of America President.\n\n\u201cWe have a sacred obligation to honor those whose service to their nation came at the cost of their freedom, and were never afforded the chance to return home. Recognizing the third Friday of September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day underscores that the 80,000 U.S. service members missing in action will never be forgotten, and reaffirms the gratitude of the American people for their sacrifices. With Honor Action, with solemn gratitude, is proud to endorse this resolution, and we thank Reps. G.T. Thompson and James Walkinshaw for ensuring the memory of our service members' lives on,\" said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor.\n\n\u201cEANGUS proudly endorses this resolution recognizing the third Friday of September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Our nation has a solemn obligation to remember those who never returned, continue the fullest possible accounting of our missing, and stand beside the families who have carried the burden of uncertainty and loss. Their service and sacrifice must never be forgotten,\u201d saidCSM John D. Gipe, USA Retired Executive Director, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.\n\n\u201cThe Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) endorses House Res. 1566, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, introduced by Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson and James Walkinshaw, and thanks them for their leadership. Recognizing and honoring the brave Americans who endured the unimaginable as prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action is vital to ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. JWV continues to strongly support the No Veteran Left Behind mission and to provide support to the families of POW/MIA servicemen and women who deserve closure. When JWV displays the POW/MIA flag and holds the Missing Man Table ceremony, we demonstrate our solidarity with families still awaiting answers. May the memory of our prisoners of war and those missing in action remain a constant source of blessing and a reminder of the true cost of our freedom,\u201d said National Commander Selina Kanowitz, MSgt. USAFR (Ret.).\n\nThis resolution is also endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America.\n\nBackground:\n\nEach year, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is honored on the third Friday of September. According to the Department of War\u2019s POW/MIA Accounting Agency, there are still 80,000 service members missing in action. Pennsylvania has the third most unaccounted for POW/MIAs with 5,375 servicemembers yet to be brought home. Since 2023, four POW/MIA\u2019s have been identified and returned home to Congressman Thompson\u2019s district.\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-announceswinners-of-america250-pennsylvania-youth-essay-contest/", "SENATOR MCCORMICK ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF AMERICA250 PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Last week, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced the winners of his America250 Pennsylvania Youth Essay Contest, which invited high school students across the Commonwealth to reflect on Pennsylvania\u2019s central role in the American story as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.\n\nThe winners are Brady Sirochman, a 10th grade student at Laurel Highlands High School in Uniontown, and Ronit Luthra, an 11th grade student at Downingtown High School East in Downingtown. The contest drew dozens of submissions from students across Pennsylvania.\n\n\u201cPennsylvania was there at America\u2019s founding and has been there at every turning point since. Brady and Ronit captured that in their essays \u2014 and in the process showed me that the Commonwealth is still producing the kind of people who will lead this country through its next 250 years. They inspire me. Their work belongs in the Congressional Record,\u201d said Senator McCormick.\n\nBoth winning essays were be entered into the Congressional Record, and both students met with Senator McCormick in Washington, D.C. where they were presented with American flags that flew over the Capitol on July 4th. Top runners-up received a signed letter of recognition from the Senator.\n\nEntries were blindly reviewed by a panel made up of Senator McCormick, a Pennsylvania High School History teacher, and members of Senator McCormick\u2019s staff. Senator McCormick chose the winning essays. Submissions were divided into two divisions: Division I: grades 9-10; Division II: grades 11-12.\n\nDivision I Winner \u2014 Brady Sirochman, Laurel Highlands High School, 10th Grade, Uniontown\n\nSirochman wrote on General George C. Marshall, the Uniontown native who organized the Allied victory in World War II and later authored the Marshall Plan. He opens at the intersection where Marshall\u2019s statue sits across from a bronze soldier, and closes on what that pairing represents:\n\n\u201cThrough his military career spanning service from the Philippines to Europe, and later his organization of the armed forces in World War II, we see his life as a personification of America\u2019s willingness to defend liberty aggressively. However, through his career post-war in the fields of diplomacy and government aid, we see his life as a personification of America\u2019s willingness to defend liberty peacefully. George C. Marshall is a unification of these two necessities, as at America\u2019s best, we understand the need for a soldier, as well as the need for a diplomat.\u201d\n\nRead Brady Sirochman\u2019s full essay here.\n\nDivision II Winner \u2014 Ronit Luthra, Downingtown High School East, 11th Grade, Downingtown\n\nLuthra wrote on George Westinghouse, the Pittsburgh inventor and industrialist whose bet on alternating current electrified the modern world \u2014 and who, Luthra argues, deserves a larger place in national memory than he holds:\n\n\u201cHere was a nation that let a self-taught veteran with no advantages rise on the strength of his ideas alone, then rewarded him for backing an immigrant genius whom nearly everyone else had written off. The country asked no permission of any ministry or court before a private citizen remade the daily life of the entire world.\u201d\n\nRead Ronit Luthra\u2019s full essay here.\n\nLearn more about Senator McCormick\u2019s America 250 initiative by clicking here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-leads-110-colleagues-message-tech-industry-we-will-reject-reckless", "Deluzio Leads 110 Colleagues in Message to Tech Industry: We Will Reject Reckless Data Center Development", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) sent a bipartisan letter with 110 of his congressional colleagues to tech industry leaders demanding all data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes, to ensure strong labor and environment standards, and to stand up for affected communities. The signing congressmembers made clear that they would oppose projects failing to meet these standards.\n\nIncorporate strong labor standards from the supply chain through operations and maintenance\n\nEmploy local workers and pay at least the prevailing wage\n\nUse registered apprentices\n\nNegotiate community benefits agreements with local stakeholders\n\nEstablish strong safety practices and procure from domestic sources\n\nPay your fair share for the resources used to operate and maintain data centers\n\nMitigate impacts on local air quality, drinking water and water supplies\u201d\n\nThe 111 signers of the letter are: Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA-44), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MI-05), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Herb Conaway (D-NJ-03),Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Don Davis (D-NC-10), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-10), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Thomas Kean (R-NJ-07), Bill Keating (D-MA-09), Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Michael Lawler (R-NY-17), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), John Mannion (D-NY-22), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Analilia Mejia (D-NJ-11), Christian Menefee (D-TX-18), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Joe Morelle (D-NY25), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-10), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Linda S\u00e1nchez (D-CA-39), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09) Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY-3), Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13), Bennie Thompson (D-MI-02), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).\n\nThe local community must have a say in whether or not they want a data center in their area\u2014and their voices must be listened to.\n\nThe centers must bring and provide their own power, without raising costs or depleting a community\u2019s energy supply.\n\nThe centers must not pollute a community\u2019s air or water or deplete a community's water supply.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-commends-president-trump-extending-most-favored-nation-drug-pricing-all", "Meuser Commends President Trump for Extending Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing to All State Medicaid Programs", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement commending President Donald Trump, Secretary of Health Robert Kennedy Jr., and Administrator Mehmet Oz on rolling out Most Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing to Medicaid beneficiaries in all 50 states.\n\nLast May, President Trump signed an executive order requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer their products in the United States at the same low price offered in other nations. Since then, the Trump Administration has secured agreements with 26 major pharmaceutical companies to offer nearly 90% of branded pharmaceutical products on the market at MFN pricing. The deals cover a variety of drugs and deliver significant cost reductions, including an 88% decrease in the cost of multiple sclerosis medication, a 90% decrease in the cost of Hepatitis C medication, and an 81% decrease in the cost of diabetes medicines.\n\nSo far, MFN pricing has been accessible to consumers via TrumpRx, which connects consumers directly to pharmaceutical companies to purchase prescription drugs at MFN pricing. Today\u2019s announcement expands MFN pricing to Medicaid beneficiaries in all 50 states through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation GENEROUS Model, which requires manufacturers to provide supplemental rebates to states to align Medicaid drug prices with what other countries pay. The Council of Economic Advisors estimates that today\u2019s announcement will save Medicaid a total of $64.3 billion over the next decade. The federal government would save $36.6 billion, while the states would save the remaining $27.6 billion.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement marks an important milestone in expanding Most Favored Nation drug pricing to Americans nationwide,\u201d said Congressman Meuser. \u201cPennsylvanians who are on Medicaid will now see a substantial reduction in their drug pricing due to the policies of the Trump Administration. We can continue to build on this success by passing my Most Favored Patient Act, which would lock in MFN savings for years to come and ensure that all Americans can purchase drugs at lower prices.\u201d\n\nCongressman Meuser\u2019s Work on Lower Drug Prices:\n\nCongressman Meuser has led the effort in Congress to codify the MFN drug pricing deals that the Trump Administration has secured through the Most Favored Patient Act. This legislation would codify the 26 existing MFN drug pricing deals and establish a permanent framework to codify and enforce future cost-saving healthcare agreements as they are reached. This legislation would lock in at least $600 billion in savings for the American people.\n\nDuring last year\u2019s State of the Union Address, President Trump called on Congress to codify the existing MFN and included it in his Great Healthcare Plan, which would lower drug prices and premiums for all Americans.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-joins-pa-democrats-demanding-answers-on-moshannon-detention-center-finances", "Rep. Summer Lee Joins PA Democrats Demanding Answers on Moshannon Detention Center Finances", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Summer L. Lee", "L000602", "summerlee.house.gov", "summerlee", "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 \u2014 Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and fellow Pennsylvania Democrats in demanding answers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the GEO Group, Inc. (GEO), and Clearfield County about the financial relationship behind the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest ICE detention center in the Northeast.\n\nThe lawmakers are seeking invoices, payment records, contracts, and communications detailing how taxpayer dollars are being spent at Moshannon as ICE solicits bids for a new contract that could extend immigration detention at the facility for another 10 years. The current five-year agreement is set to expire this month.\n\nThe letter is also signed by Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).\n\n\u201cAs Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight of government spending and executive action. GEO has reported record profits driven by this administration\u2019s mass deportation and immigrant surveillance campaigns. As part of these efforts, ICE and Clearfield County have both funneled Pennsylvanians\u2019 taxpayer dollars to GEO. More importantly, our constituents have been detained at Moshannon. It is incumbent on us, as their elected representatives, to investigate the contract terms that peg their detention to GEO\u2019s profit,\u201d the members wrote.\n\nICE recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit contract bids that would extend immigration detention at Moshannon for another 10 years. The current five year contract is due to expire this month. The RFP sets an expedited timeline \u2014 just two weeks of visibility for the public from the time it was posted online (August 28, 2026) to when the Phase 1 Proposal(s) were due (September 11, 2026). This timing is in line with other attempts by the administration to rush government contracts and obscure how taxpayer funds are being spent.\n\nBoth Congress and the public must be able to evaluate the financial impact of the current agreement governing Moshannon before a new contract is awarded. Currently, an Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) between ICE and Clearfield County provides for the operation of the Moshannon facility and services related to the detention of persons in ICE custody, with GEO as the approved private contractor delivering those services. This contracting structure thwarts oversight because it delays the availability of crucial financial details.\n\nThe IGSA agreement requires that the County submit an itemized operating fee to ICE on a monthly basis, which ICE then reviews and approves for payout. According to recent reports, the monthly fixed rate includes a monthly operating fee, which began as $2.95 million per month and may have adjusted over time, a per diem fee of $10 per day for 1 through 800 detainees and $40 per day for 801 to 1876 detainees, reimbursement of one dollar per day for the detainee work program, transportation fees, and fees for guards.\n\n\u201cWe request that you provide us with any and all monthly invoices for services provided pursuant to the IGSA and all communications regarding such invoices and payments made for such services at Moshannon from January 1, 2025, to present, by and among ICE, GEO, and Clearfield County,\u201d the members continued. \u201cWe also request all invoices, payments, and communications by and among the parties and detainees regarding payments for and operation of the \u201cdetainee work program,\u201d from January 1, 2025, to the present.\u201d\n\n\u201cFinally, to the extent that additional agreements exist directly between GEO and Clearfield County, we request such agreements, corresponding contracts, any amendments or modifications, payment receipts, invoices, and supplemental documentation,\u201d the members concluded.\n\nIn the letter, the members have requested a number of materials by September 25, 2026 \u2014 prior to the expiration of the current IGSA between ICE and Clearfield County, which is set to expire on September 28, 2026.\n\nFind the full text of the letter here.\n\nCongresswoman Lee has repeatedly conducted oversight of conditions at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center. In August 2025, Rep. Lee and a Human Rights First advocate attempted an oversight visit following reports of abuse and the death of a person detained at the facility, but ICE officials denied them entry. In May 2026, Rep. Lee returned with Rep. Chris Deluzio for an unannounced oversight visit. The lawmakers spent approximately two hours inside the facility and heard directly from people detained there about concerns including inadequate medical care, food quality, and conditions for pregnant women. Congressional staff and translators were denied entry, limiting the lawmakers\u2019 ability to communicate with people detained inside.\n\nIn the weeks surrounding that oversight effort, additional reports raised concerns about retaliation against people who spoke out about conditions at Moshannon, including a detained man who said he was placed in solitary confinement and later transferred out of state after being accused of encouraging others to refuse meals in protest. Rep. Lee has continued pressing ICE and GEO for answers about conditions, medical care, treatment of detained people, retaliation, and efforts to obstruct congressional oversight, including joining Pennsylvania colleagues in an August 2026 demand for additional records and accountability from ICE and GEO. Rep. Lee also helped introduce the Oversight Access Act to strengthen lawmakers\u2019 ability to conduct unannounced oversight at ICE facilities.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5198", "Reps. Houlahan, Ryan, House Democratic Veterans Introduce \u201cHonoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act,\u201d Demand Trump and Hegseth Stop Hiding True Cost of Iran War", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "To ban the Secretary of Defense from hiding the true cost of war, the Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act specifically:\n\nBans arbitrary, unjustified recategorizing of designated contingency operations by prohibiting redesignating an ongoing conflict if the Administration continues to mobilize forces against the same enemy;\n\nPrevents manipulation of casualty records by prohibiting manipulation of casualty records by falsely redesignating a contingency operation;\n\nRestores casualty records of our fallen and wounded heroes in the Iran War by requiring restoration of casualty records for Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026, and notify next-of-kin about the correction;\n\nBans cutting hard-earned benefits for troops and civilian personnel by prohibiting the modification of eligibility for deployment-related personnel benefits on the basis of falsely redesignating a contingency operation; and\n\nRestores benefits to personnel supporting Iran War by retroactively restoring all covered benefits entitled to members of the Armed Services and civilian employees who have supported Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026.\n\n--end--", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-joins-push-stop-trump-hiding-true-cost-iran-war-dishonoring-fallen", "Deluzio Joins Push to Stop Trump from Hiding True Cost of Iran War, Dishonoring Fallen Servicemembers", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Iraq War veteran and House Armed Services Committee member Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) helped announce the new Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act. This legislation, which he co-sponsors, would stop President Donald Trump\u2019s attempt to hide both the duration and the true cost of his Iran War from the American people.\n\nThis bill introduction follows the Pentagon\u2019s unprecedented move to recategorize recent casualties from Trump\u2019s Iran War\u2014including four killed and over 200 wounded servicemembers\u2014under a separate category outside Operation Epic Fury in a shameless attempt to downplay the damage done and evade accountability to the American people.\n\n\u201cI will not allow Donald Trump to dishonor the service of our troops just because it benefits him politically to downplay the length and bloody cost of his Iran War,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cTrump knows his reckless Iran War is failing, which is why he\u2019s manipulating casualty records to try and fool the American people. It is disgusting that this administration is trying to play games with the deaths of the men and women who gave their lives serving this country.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by VoteVets and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).\n\nCongressman Deluzio has been opposed to this Iran War since Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth started it, criticizing the administration for launching it without a clearly defined strategy or exit plan. Congressman Deluzio is also a House co-lead of the No Funds for Iran War Act which would prohibit the use of additional public money for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or declaration of war from Congress. He also put Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth through the ringer with intensive questioning in a hearing in front of the House Armed Services Committee.\n\nSpecifically, to ban the Secretary of Defense from hiding the true cost of war, the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act:\n\nBans Arbitrary, Unjustified Recategorizing of Designated Contingency Operations by prohibiting redesignating an ongoing conflict if the Administration continues to mobilize forces against the same enemy;\n\nPrevents Manipulation of Casualty Records by prohibiting manipulation of casualty records by falsely redesignating a contingency operation;\n\nRestores Casualty Records of Our Fallen and Wounded Heroes in the Iran War by requiring restoration of casualty records for Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026, and notify next-of-kin about the correction;\n\nBans Cutting Hard-Earned Benefits for Troops and Civilian Personnel by prohibiting the modification of eligibility for deployment-related personnel benefits on the basis of falsely redesignating a contingency operation; and\n\nRestores Benefits to Personnel Supporting Iran War by retroactively restoring all covered benefits entitled to members of the Armed Services and civilian employees who have supported Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-secures-wins-western-pa-biennial-water-resources-bill", "Deluzio Secures Wins for Western PA in Biennial Water Resources Bill", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined his colleagues to pass H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (otherwise known as WRDA) unanimously off the floor of the House of Representatives. This biennial, bipartisan legislation also passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with unanimous support.\n\nThe WRDA bill is a comprehensive legislative package that authorizes language for conservation, water, and the development of water and water-related resources. It authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to conduct studies, construct projects, and research activities that can improve rivers and harbors of the United States. Next, the bill heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cInland waterways connect Western Pennsylvania economically, geographically, and culturally,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cI am proud that I included important provisions in the 2026 water resources bill that support the waterways in our region and the people who work or play on or around our rivers.\"\n\nSpecifically, the additions that Congressman Deluzio successfully advocated for in this year\u2019s WRDA bill are:\n\nStudying Recreation on the Allegheny River as a Focus of Future Funding Opportunities\n\nThis request authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to study the addition of recreation on the Allegheny River as a project purpose.\n\nAdding recreation as a project purpose would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pittsburgh District to compete for recreation funding in the annual O&M budget and appropriations process.\n\nExpand Army Corps of Engineers Collaborations Across Pennsylvania", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/9/fitzpatrick-introduces-bipartisan-measure-to-bar-members-of-congress-from-profiting-off-earmarks", "Fitzpatrick Introduces Bipartisan Measure to Bar Members of Congress from Profiting Off Earmarks", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), alongside Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Jared Golden (ME-02), introduced the bipartisan Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution, which would strengthen House ethics rules governing Community Project Funding and prohibit Members of Congress from using taxpayer-funded projects to create direct or indirect financial benefits for themselves, their families, or entities in which they hold a financial interest.\n\nUnder Rule XXIII, clause 17 of the House Rules, Members requesting Community Project Funding, commonly known as earmarks, must certify that they and their spouses have no financial interest in the request. Current rules, however, do not explicitly address certain indirect financial benefits\u2014including circumstances in which a federally funded project could increase the value of a nearby business or other asset in which a Member or their family has a financial interest.\n\nThe Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution would close that gap by requiring Members to certify that neither they, their spouse, their immediate family members, nor any entity in which they hold a material financial interest would benefit financially\u2014directly or indirectly\u2014from an earmark they request.\n\n\u201cPublic service is a public trust, and there can be no ambiguity about whose interests we are here to serve,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick. \u201cTaxpayer dollars should never be used to create a private financial benefit for the people entrusted with spending them. If a Member of Congress requests federal funding, the public deserves confidence that the decision is being made in the public interest\u2014not for the Member\u2019s own financial gain. I have spent years working across the aisle to eliminate conflicts of interest and strengthen accountability in Congress. This resolution continues that work by establishing a clearer standard and stronger safeguards around the use of public funds.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen politicians are busy lining their own pockets, how can they ever understand or focus on the pocketbook issues Americans face every single day? Californians are struggling to afford groceries, gas, healthcare, and housing while paying some of the highest taxes in the nation. The least they deserve is representation focused on making their lives better,\u201d said Congresswoman Kim. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this commonsense resolution with Congressmen Jared Golden and Brian Fitzpatrick to hold Members of Congress to a stronger standard when bringing federal dollars back home. Members of Congress should be concerned with building a better future for Americans, not filling their own coffers.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve certainty that when a member of Congress secures funding for their district, it\u2019s for the good of their constituents\u2014not themselves, their families or any entity in which they have a financial interest,\u201d said Congressman Golden. \u201cThis resolution will strengthen the anti-corruption guardrails around Community Project Funds to ensure federal dollars are used responsibly. I\u2019m proud to co-sponsor this commonsense change to preserve the integrity of the House.\u201d\n\nFitzpatrick\u2019s Continued Work on Congressional Ethics and Accountability\n\nThe Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution builds on Fitzpatrick\u2019s previous bipartisan proposals addressing financial conflicts of interest, congressional ethics, and accountability in public office, including:\n\nThe Restore Trust in Congress Act \u2013 A bipartisan proposal prohibiting Members of Congress, their spouses, dependent children, and trustees from owning or trading individual stocks and other covered financial assets, with enforcement provisions and penalties for violations.\n\nThe Public Service Accountability Act \u2013 Bipartisan legislation extending financial-conflict restrictions across all three branches of the federal government by prohibiting covered senior officials from trading individual stocks or participating in prediction markets while in federal service.\n\nThe Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act \u2013 Fitzpatrick\u2019s earlier bipartisan legislation prohibiting Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependents from owning or trading individual stocks.\n\nFitzpatrick\u2019s Congressional Reform Package \u2013 A broader package of proposals addressing congressional accountability and institutional reform, including congressional term limits, a balanced budget requirement, single-subject legislation, and withholding Member pay during government shutdowns.\n\nTogether, these proposals center on a consistent standard: decisions made through public office should be separated from private financial interests and subject to clear rules, transparency, and enforceable safeguards.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-backs-ratepayer-protection-act-calls-data-center-companies-pay-their-own", "Kelly backs Ratepayer Protection Act, calls for data center companies to pay for their own electricity", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation which codifies a Trump administration executive action requiring that the companies building data centers are the ones paying for the electricity needed to power them, instead of hardworking American families.\n\n\"Pennsylvania families shouldn't be footing the bill to power data centers,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"This legislation puts local families first and reestablishes commonsense energy policy in the United States.\"\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nU.S. leadership in the race to artificial intelligence (AI) dominance is critical to our economic and national security, but right now states and communities are concerned about the pace at which AI data centers are being developed and the effect they could have on residents\u2019 electric bills.\n\nThe growth in data center development is coinciding with the exposure of systemic challenges to deploying reliable and affordable electricity resulting from harmful Biden-era policies, namely the premature retirement of baseload power and the overreliance on intermittent sources, like wind and solar.\n\nWithout fail, blue states that have led the charge to shut down fossil power plants and mandate renewable generation quotas are now home to the highest electricity rates in the country. A dual-pronged approach would ensure that facilities such as data centers pay their costs, alongside broader electricity policy reforms that prioritize reliable baseload power.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act:\n\nH.R. 9340 would protect consumers from rate increases resulting from data center construction by having state utility commissions consider large-load standards for data centers drawing more than 100 MW of power, which would ensure they pay for the full incremental costs to serve their loads.\n\nBy drawing on existing Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act authorities (Sec. 111(d)), this light touch approach provides a federal recommendation while preserving state power to regulate electricity markets, drawing on what 24 states are already doing to protect residential homes and small businesses.\n\nBy establishing large-load standards, states can ensure that American families are not left footing the bill for AI data center growth.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-co-sponsors-resolution-recognize-september-17-national-teach-ag-day", "Kelly co-sponsors resolution to recognize September 17 as \"National Teach Ag Day\"", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) co-sponsored a resolution to recognize Thursday, September 17, 2026 as \"National Teach Ag Day.\" The resolution supports teaching agriculture programs in schools to train and educate young Americans about the importance of agriculture and to jumpstart education for students who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.\n\n\"Farmers and farm families are the backbone of the United States. Here in Pennsylvania, it remains one of the top industries and supports nearly 50,000 jobs. This resolution recognizes the importance of agriculture in our community, and it encourage local students to learn more about these jobs,\" said Rep. Kelly.\n\nPennsylvania's 49,053 farm families operate 7.3 million acres of farmland across the Commonwealth. They produce $7.8 billion in cash receipts annually, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.\n\nIn March, Kelly toured Moniteau High School's Vo-Ag program where he met with students and educators and to learn more about the school's Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/mackenzie-introduces-bipartisan-bill-increase-transparency-prescription-drug", "Mackenzie Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Market", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Mackenzie", "M001230", "mackenzie.house.gov", "mackenzie", "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 This week, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, alongside Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12), Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-01), and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06), introduced the bipartisan Net Effective Cost Transparency and Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2026, legislation to increase transparency and competition in the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) market and help lower prescription drug costs.\n\nPBMs serve as middlemen between health plans, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers and play a major role in determining prescription drug costs. However, rebates, discounts, fees, and other payments can make it difficult for health plans to determine what they are actually paying for prescription drugs.\n\nThe legislation introduced this week would require greater transparency around the \u201cnet effective cost\u201d of prescription drugs \u2014 essentially, what drugs actually cost after rebates, discounts, fees, and other price concessions are taken into account. By allowing PBM bids to be compared on a more consistent basis, the bill would promote greater competition and accountability across Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and employer-sponsored health plans.\n\n\u201cFamilies and seniors in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve real transparency when it comes to what they pay for prescription drugs,\u201d said Congressman Mackenzie. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation will make it easier to understand the true cost after rebates, discounts, and fees are taken into account. By increasing transparency and competition among PBMs, we can help lower costs and ensure patients and health plans are getting a better deal.\u201d\n\n\u201cHealthcare is too complicated and drug pricing is the most complicated of all. This legislation pours sunlight into the inner workings of bids & prices, so that lower prices, not higher rebates, is what wins,\u201d said Congressman Auchincloss.\n\n\u201cThe Net Effective Cost Transparency and Prescription Drug Affordability Act is a continuation of our work to hold PBMs accountable and increase drug price transparency for America\u2019s families and seniors. Unfortunately, overly expensive prescription drugs are often a direct result of harmful PBM practices. This bipartisan effort will help address the rising cost of prescription drugs and provide relief for patients who have faced this financial burden for far too long,\u201d said Congressman Rick W. Allen.\n\n\u201cPatients should not have to navigate a maze of rebates, fees, and hidden costs to understand what they are paying for their prescriptions. The Net Effective Cost Transparency and Prescription Drug Affordability Act brings much-needed transparency to the PBM market and helps ensure that competition is driven by lower costs, not complicated pricing arrangements. I am proud to support this bipartisan effort to give patients and health plans greater clarity and help make prescription drugs more affordable for West Virginians,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller.\n\n\u201cFamilies in Georgia and across this country are struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs. Convoluted PBM bidding practices have continued far too long without the safeguards in place to protect patients,\u201d said Congresswoman McBath. \u201cThis bill would help to simplify a complicated process and allow Americans access to health plans that work for them, not a PBM\u2019s bottom line.\u201d\n\nThe legislation builds on Mackenzie and Auchincloss\u2019 bipartisan work to increase transparency and accountability in the PBM industry. In 2025, the lawmakers introduced the bipartisan, bicameral PBM FAIR Act, which would require PBMs serving employer-sponsored health plans to act in the best interests of employees and plan participants.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nRead the bill summaryHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2060", "Scanlon Leads PA Dems to Demand Answers About Private Detention Center Financials", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Gay Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", "scanlon", "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today led her Pennsylvania Democratic House colleagues in pressing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the GEO Group, Inc.(GEO), and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, for transparency on their intentionally opaque financial relationship with Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest immigration center in the Northeast. The push comes following Rep. Scanlon\u2019s unannounced oversight visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center on July 29, 2026.\n\nThe letter is signed by Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).\n\n\u201cAs Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight of government spending and executive action. GEO has reported record profits driven by this administration\u2019s mass deportation and immigrant surveillance campaigns. As part of these efforts, ICE and Clearfield County have both funneled Pennsylvanians\u2019 taxpayer dollars to GEO. More importantly, our constituents have been detained at Moshannon. It is incumbent on us, as their elected representatives, to investigate the contract terms that peg their detention to GEO\u2019s profit,\u201d the members wrote.\n\nICE recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit contract bids that would extend immigration detention at Moshannon for another 10 years. The current five year contract is due to expire this month. The RFP sets an expedited timeline \u2014 just two weeks of visibility for the public from the time it was posted online (August 28, 2026) to when the Phase 1 Proposal(s) were due (September 11, 2026). This timing is in line with other attempts by the administration to rush government contracts and obscure how taxpayer funds are being spent.\n\nBoth Congress and the public must be able to evaluate the financial impact of the current agreement governing Moshannon before a new contract is awarded. Currently, an Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) between ICE and Clearfield County provides for the operation of the Moshannon facility and services related to the detention of persons in ICE custody, with GEO as the approved private contractor delivering those services. This contracting structure thwarts oversight because it delays the availability of crucial financial details. When Congresswoman Scanlon visited Moshannon in July, onsite managers of the facility claimed that they could not provide the Congresswoman with a copy of the contract or other current billing details.\n\nThe IGSA agreement requires that the County submit an itemized operating fee to ICE on a monthly basis, which ICE then reviews and approves for payout. According to recent reports, the monthly fixed rate includes a monthly operating fee, which began as $2.95 million per month and may have adjusted over time, a per diem fee of $10 per day for 1 through 800 detainees and $40 per day for 801 to 1876 detainees, reimbursement of one dollar per day for the detainee work program, transportation fees, and fees for guards.\n\n\u201cWe request that you provide us with any and all monthly invoices for services provided pursuant to the IGSA and all communications regarding such invoices and payments made for such services at Moshannon from January 1, 2025, to present, by and among ICE, GEO, and Clearfield County,\u201d the members continued. \u201cWe also request all invoices, payments, and communications by and among the parties and detainees regarding payments for and operation of the \u201cdetainee work program,\u201d from January 1, 2025, to the present.\u201d\n\n\u201cFinally, to the extent that additional agreements exist directly between GEO and Clearfield County, we request such agreements, corresponding contracts, any amendments or modifications, payment receipts, invoices, and supplemental documentation,\u201d the members concluded.\n\nIn the letter, the members have requested a number of materials by September 25, 2026 \u2014 prior to the expiration of the current IGSA between ICE and Clearfield County, which is set to expire on September 28, 2026.\n\nFind the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-honoring", "Thompson, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Honoring Connie Clery", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to honor the life of Connie Clery during National Campus Safety Awareness Month. After her 19-year-old daughter, Jeanne, was senselessly raped and murdered on a Pennsylvania college campus in 1986, Connie Clery\u2019s advocacy led to the passing of the Clery Act, which requires colleges to disclose their campus safety policies and information about crimes that occur on and near their campuses. Connie Clery passed away on June 23, 2026.\n\nUnited States Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the Senate companion resolution.\n\n\u201cConnie Clery took her family\u2019s tragedy and transformed it into a national movement to make college campuses safer,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cThanks to her advocacy, numerous state and federal laws were passed to improve student safety. Connie\u2019s vision and legacy will live on through the work of the Clery Center, and I am grateful to her unwavering commitment to this cause.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this resolution in Connie Clery\u2019s name alongside my colleagues. After the horrific assault and murder of their daughter Jeanne, Connie and Howard turned their grief into action and passed the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 into law, which was renamed the 'Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act' through the passage of our bill, the 'Stop Campus Hazing Act',\u201d Rep. McBath said. \u201cJust as I have been for my son Jordan, Connie was committed to honoring her late daughter\u2019s legacy and fighting to make sure that no other families have to go through the pain of losing a loved one. May Connie\u2019s memory serve as proof that there is no force on Earth stronger than a mom.\u201d\n\n\u201cParents everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to Connie Clery,\u201d Dr. Cassidy said. \u201cFollowing the senseless murder of her daughter at Lehigh University, Connie dedicated her life to improving campus safety. Her advocacy led to the foundational Clery Act and my Stop Campus Hazing Act, protecting students\u2019 lives and giving parents peace of mind as they drop their children off at college.\u201d\n\n\u201cFollowing the tragic loss of her daughter Jeanne, Connie Clery led a national movement to make campuses safer for students. Her tireless advocacy led to the first federal law requiring colleges to disclose crimes that occur on their campuses, a legacy that to this day provides students and families with transparency about the safety of the campuses they call home,\u201d Sen. Klobuchar said. \u201cDuring the first National Campus Safety Awareness Month since her passing, we are introducing this bipartisan resolution to honor her life and dedication to improving campus safety and protecting victims of crime across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Clery Center, we are deeply grateful to the United States Senate for honoring Connie Clery\u2019s extraordinary life and enduring legacy through this resolution. Connie dedicated her life to making campuses safer for all students, transforming unimaginable loss into advocacy, action, and lasting change. I was blessed to have Connie in my life\u2014as a friend, mentor, and fellow mom with whom I shared a very special bond. We were brought together by the unimaginable loss of our children\u2014Jeanne and Gary Jr.\u2014and by the failures in campus safety that contributed to their deaths. Through our shared loss, we found purpose in advocating for safer campuses and working to ensure that other families would not have to experience what we did. Connie and Howard reminded us, \u2018The best education in the world is useless if a student doesn\u2019t survive with a healthy mind and body.\u2019 Those words capture so much of what Connie stood for and why her work mattered so deeply. As we honor Connie, we must carry that work forward\u2014moving from awareness to action, from action to accountability, and from accountability to prevention. Her legacy is not simply one to remember; it is a responsibility to continue. For Connie. For Jeanne. For the Clery family. And for every student whose story is still being written, we must remain committed to creating safer campuses where students can learn, grow, and thrive. On behalf of Clery Center, I thank the United States Senate for recognizing Connie\u2019s remarkable life and unwavering commitment to students and for helping ensure that her legacy continues to inspire generations to come,\u201d said Julie G. DeVercelly, Chair, Clery Center Board of Directors.\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5206", "Houlahan Joins Scanlon, PA Dems to Demand Answers About Private Detention Center Financials", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) joined Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and their Pennsylvania Democratic House colleagues in pressing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the GEO Group, Inc.(GEO), and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, for transparency on their intentionally opaque financial relationship with Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest immigration center in the Northeast. The push comes following Rep. Scanlon\u2019s unannounced oversight visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center on July 29, 2026.\n\nThe letter is signed by Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).\n\n\u201cAs Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight of government spending and executive action. GEO has reported record profits driven by this administration\u2019s mass deportation and immigrant surveillance campaigns. As part of these efforts, ICE and Clearfield County have both funneled Pennsylvanians\u2019 taxpayer dollars to GEO. More importantly, our constituents have been detained at Moshannon. It is incumbent on us, as their elected representatives, to investigate the contract terms that peg their detention to GEO\u2019s profit,\u201d the members wrote.\n\nICE recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit contract bids that would extend immigration detention at Moshannon for another 10 years. The current five year contract is due to expire this month. The RFP sets an expedited timeline \u2014 just two weeks of visibility for the public from the time it was posted online (August 28, 2026) to when the Phase 1 Proposal(s) were due (September 11, 2026). This timing is in line with other attempts by the administration to rush government contracts and obscure how taxpayer funds are being spent.\n\nBoth Congress and the public must be able to evaluate the financial impact of the current agreement governing Moshannon before a new contract is awarded. Currently, an Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) between ICE and Clearfield County provides for the operation of the Moshannon facility and services related to the detention of persons in ICE custody, with GEO as the approved private contractor delivering those services. This contracting structure thwarts oversight because it delays the availability of crucial financial details. When Congresswoman Scanlon visited Moshannon in July, onsite managers of the facility claimed that they could not provide the Congresswoman with a copy of the contract or other current billing details.\n\nThe IGSA agreement requires that the County submit an itemized operating fee to ICE on a monthly basis, which ICE then reviews and approves for payout. According to recent reports, the monthly fixed rate includes a monthly operating fee, which began as $2.95 million per month and may have adjusted over time, a per diem fee of $10 per day for 1 through 800 detainees and $40 per day for 801 to 1876 detainees, reimbursement of one dollar per day for the detainee work program, transportation fees, and fees for guards.\n\n\u201cWe request that you provide us with any and all monthly invoices for services provided pursuant to the IGSA and all communications regarding such invoices and payments made for such services at Moshannon from January 1, 2025, to present, by and among ICE, GEO, and Clearfield County,\u201d the members continued. \u201cWe also request all invoices, payments, and communications by and among the parties and detainees regarding payments for and operation of the \u201cdetainee work program,\u201d from January 1, 2025, to the present.\u201d\n\n\u201cFinally, to the extent that additional agreements exist directly between GEO and Clearfield County, we request such agreements, corresponding contracts, any amendments or modifications, payment receipts, invoices, and supplemental documentation,\u201d the members concluded.\n\nIn the letter, the members have requested a number of materials by September 25, 2026 \u2014 prior to the expiration of the current IGSA between ICE and Clearfield County, which is set to expire on September 28, 2026.\n\nFind the full text of the letter here.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5197", "Statement on voting YES on Senate Amendments to H.R. 5334", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "\u201cFor more than four years, the people of Ukraine have stared down Russian aggression and have done what seemed impossible: they have survived. They have stood their ground. And, with our support, they will outlast this brutal invasion.\n\nSupporting Ukraine is deeply personal to me, as my father fled Ukraine (formerly, Poland) with his mother to escape the Holocaust, but it is also in the best interest of all Americans. A stronger Ukraine means a stronger United States. A more secure Ukraine means a more secure United States. A Ukraine free from Putin\u2019s grasp ensures a United States free from Putin\u2019s grasp, too. That is why I voted YES on Senate Amendments to H.R. 5334 to sanction Russia.\n\nI recognize that some of my colleagues have real concerns about how this legislation expands executive tariff authority, especially under this Administration. I take these concerns seriously. But I also know that the tariff authority in this bill is strictly limited to those propping up the Kremlin. President Trump\u2019s attempts to enact unlawful and broadly harmful tariffs have been blocked by the Supreme Court. With this bill, tariffs beyond the scope of Russian sanctions will remain unlawful.\n\nTogether, Ukraine and the United States will not cower to destructive authoritarians. My vote today affirms that.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/congresswoman-dean-issues-statement-on-vote-for-russia-and-iran-sanctions-act", "Congresswoman Dean Issues Statement on Vote for Russia and Iran Sanctions Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Madeleine Dean", "D000631", "dean.house.gov", "dean", "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding her vote for the Russian and Iran Sanctions Act:\n\n\u201cFor four-and-a-half years, I have stood with the people of Ukraine in their fight for sovereignty against Russia\u2019s illegal, brutal invasion. I have urged two administrations to stand with our ally Ukraine \u2014 to give them what they need to win.\n\nI voted for sending advanced weapons, for passing supplemental funding packages, and for expanding Ukraine\u2019s strike capabilities. I joined a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine in 2024 to meet with our troops in Poland, Ukrainian troops in Ukraine, and President Zelensky in Kyiv. And I condemned President Trump\u2019s repugnant treatment of President Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, 2025. I have always stood with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian American community \u2014 including the large, welcoming population in my district \u2014 who have never given up hope.\n\nToday, the Ukrainian people are asking us again to stand with them, with their young democracy, as their indispensable ally. To offer hope.\n\nI did not agree often with Senator Graham. Yet, he saw the moral imperative of supporting Ukraine in this war. This bill is not perfect, but it can do one important thing. To end this conflict, we must turn off the spigot of Russian fuel sales.\n\nOur work in Congress does not stop here. We must prevent President Trump from abusing any tariff authority or using them for his personal benefit, as he has continuously done before. We must ensure Russia\u2019s war machine \u2014 not American families \u2014 bears the costs of Putin\u2019s war crimes. We must reclaim our constitutional authority over trade and create coherent policies that strengthen our economy and our national security. Finally, we must force the administration to provide the $400 million Congress has already appropriated to Ukraine.\n\nAnd in the meantime, I will not stop fighting to bring home the at least 20,000 precious Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia.\n\nThese are the challenges ahead, but today, the most important question is \u2014 What are the people of Ukraine asking for? They are asking for hope, and that we cannot deny them.\n\nIn this narrow window before another Ukrainian winter or war, I voted \u2018Yes\u2019 to offer help and hope to the people of Ukraine.\n\nRep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-calls-house-republicans-keep-congress-washington-dc-regulate-ai", "Deluzio Calls for House Republicans to Keep Congress in Washington, D.C. to Regulate AI Superintelligence", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined more than 100 members of Congress in calling for Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to keep the U.S. House of Representatives in session and working at the nation\u2019s Capitol until Congress advances a bill with significant AI safeguards.\n\nWithout this extension, members of the House are scheduled to leave this week and not return until Monday, November 9\u2014an absence of more than 50 days while AI industry leaders and researchers themselves sound the alarm to slow down the development of AI superintelligence. With AI superintelligence advancing so quickly, the landscape of this technology could change vastly over more than 50 days of congressional inaction.\n\n\u201cPennsylvanians send me down to Washington to pass laws to make life better for all of us,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cRight now, the American people are screaming at Congress to do something about a technology that they\u2019re hearing may eliminate their jobs, upend their lives, or even wipe out humanity\u2014but House Republican leadership has their ears plugged. We need national action and global coordination under America\u2019s leadership on superintelligence. Everyone seems to want AI safety\u2014except our government\u2019s Republican leaders. This is an emergency. We should act like it.\u201d\n\nCongressman Deluzio and his colleagues write in their letter, \u201cA series of proposals have emerged from our colleagues that deserve consideration, public debate, thoughtful amendment, and action. They include bills mandating transparency and evaluation of frontier models, \u2018kill switch\u2019 requirements, and a waiver of antitrust laws to enable critical industry-wide collaboration on safety and security. Whether with these proposals or any other variants, AI experts and leading companies agree that the United States can lead the world in artificial intelligence while establishing reasonable safeguards that protect Americans and our national security. We can\u2014and must\u2014do both.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo our children who will have read a post-apocalyptic history, 'Why Congress Slept' \u2014 likely written by agentic AI \u2014 our inaction will be inexplicable, and unforgivable,\u201d they conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-statement-hr-5334", "Deluzio Statement on H.R. 5334", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cUkraine is in a righteous fight against Russia\u2019s illegal invasion, and I will continue to support Ukraine\u2019s valiant efforts.\n\nBut I refuse to hand over even more tariff authority to Donald Trump, who has corruptly and recklessly deployed tariffs.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/9/fitzpatrick-helps-secures-final-passage-of-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia-and-iran-act", "Fitzpatrick Helps Secure Final Passage of Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Bipartisan legislation targets the financial and energy networks sustaining Putin\u2019s war and strengthens the path toward a just and lasting peace\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, helped secure final House passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, clearing the legislation through Congress and sending it to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nClick here to watch his Floor Speech.\n\nNamed in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation represents the culmination of more than a year of bipartisan work to cut off the resources sustaining Vladimir Putin\u2019s war against Ukraine, hold accountable those enabling his aggression, and strengthen the economic and diplomatic leverage necessary to bring the war to an end.\n\n\u201cPeace becomes possible when aggression carries a cost greater than its reward. For too long, Putin has relied on energy revenues, financial networks, and willing enablers to sustain his war against Ukraine.\n\nThis legislation goes directly at those lifelines. It uses America\u2019s economic strength to raise the cost of continued aggression, increase the pressure on Moscow, and strengthen the prospects for a just and lasting peace\u2014one that preserves a free and sovereign Ukraine.\n\nWith this bill headed to the President\u2019s desk, we are making clear to allies and adversaries alike that America will not treat aggression as consequence-free\u2014and that our strength will remain firmly behind the pursuit of a just peace.\n\nThat is ultimately what this effort is about: standing against aggression, defending the principle of sovereignty, and using American strength to help create the conditions for peace. Lindsey was an extraordinary partner in that work, and I was honored to build this effort alongside him and help see it through,\u201d said Fitzpatrick.\n\nThe legislation establishes a comprehensive sanctions framework targeting the political, financial, energy, and commercial networks sustaining Russia\u2019s war. Among its provisions, the bill:\n\nTargets Russia\u2019s political and economic power structure, including senior Russian officials, oligarchs, entities supporting Russia\u2019s defense industrial base, and foreign actors materially assisting Moscow\u2019s military operations;\n\nStrikes at Russia\u2019s financial system, including sanctions against major Russian financial institutions and certain foreign financial institutions conducting significant transactions with sanctioned Russian banks;\n\nDisrupts Russia\u2019s shadow fleet and sanctions-evasion networks by targeting vessels moving Russian oil and other sanctioned goods, along with the owners, operators, insurers, ports, and other actors facilitating those operations;\n\nRestricts Russia\u2019s access to capital and energy investment, including new U.S. investment in Russia, investment in its energy sector, purchases of Russian sovereign debt, and financial services used to circumvent sanctions;\n\nIncreases pressure on Russia\u2019s energy revenues, including authority for additional duties on Russian goods and targeted duties on countries among the largest purchasers of Russian-origin energy or leading facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion; and\n\nPreserves critical sanctions authorities against Iran by extending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031.\n\nThe legislation also establishes conditions for permanently terminating Russia-related sanctions. Under the bill, the President may terminate those sanctions after certifying to Congress that Russia has signed a peace agreement accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine and has ceased military hostilities and efforts to overthrow, dismantle, or subvert the Ukrainian government. The termination is subject to congressional review.\n\nThe Senate previously approved the legislation 86\u201311 on August 7.\n\nThe Administration formally supported passage of the legislation, citing its ability to increase pressure on Russia, strengthen the tools available to pursue a negotiated resolution, and preserve critical sanctions authorities against Iran. The President\u2019s advisers have said they would recommend he sign the measure into law.\n\nBackground\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Fitzpatrick has helped lead bipartisan efforts to hold Russia accountable and advance a Ukraine policy rooted in peace through strength: sustaining Ukraine\u2019s ability to defend itself, increasing pressure on Putin and those enabling his war, and ensuring that any path to peace protects Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty and is accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine.\n\nFitzpatrick\u2019s work has been informed by his firsthand visits to Ukraine and meetings with Ukrainian leaders, servicemembers, and civilians confronting Russia\u2019s aggression. His efforts have included the Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act, the Countering Russia\u2019s War on Faith Act, the Ukraine Support Act, and bipartisan initiatives addressing Russia\u2019s attacks on civilians and the abduction of Ukrainian children.\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act carries that strategy forward by targeting the financial and energy networks sustaining Putin\u2019s war machine, imposing consequences on those enabling his aggression, and strengthening Ukraine\u2019s position in pursuit of a just and lasting peace.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-backed-digital-asset-tax-certainty-act-passes-ways-means-committee", "Kelly-backed \"Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act\" passes Ways & Means Committee, advances to full U.S. House vote", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Ways & Means Committee passed the bipartisan H.R. 10357, the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act, legislation co-led by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Tax Subcommittee, which provides a comprehensive framework for the tax treatment of digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.\n\nThe legislation, which passed 38-5, modernizes the federal tax code for digital assets by simplifying rules for ordinary crypto users while establishing clearer tax reporting and compliance requirements for investors, businesses, and digital-asset brokers, among others.\n\nThe Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act also includes Kelly's legislation, the Charitable Deductions for Digital Asset Donations Act, legislation that would allow for widely traded digital assets to be eligible for charitable contributions.\n\n\"Digital assets are an increasingly important part of our economy, and the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act allows our tax code to keep pace with innovation,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"This legislation provides a clear roadmap for Americans who use digital assets, and it establishes rules of the road for taxation and enforcement without granting special treatment.\"\n\nYou can WATCH and DOWNLOAD Rep. Kelly's remarks during Wednesday's markup here.\n\nThe legislation:\n\nCreates a tax exemption for network + transaction fees of $10 or less.\n\nSimplifies tax accounting for certain digital assets\n\nProvides simplified accounting for gain and loss on widely traded digital assets\n\nMakes it easier for individuals to donate their digital assets to charity\n\nProvides a treatment of U.S. Dollar Stablecoin transactions while also clarifying taxation of mining and staking\n\nStrengthens digital-asset tax reporting and compliance.\n\nThe legislation, introduced by Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\n\nIn addition to Rep. Kelly, co-sponsors of the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act include Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Mike Carey (R-OH), Steven Horsford (D-NV), David Kustoff (R-TN), Max Miller (R-OH), and Rudy Yakym (R-IN).", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-applauds-president-trump-rescinding-obama-era-rain-tax-executive-order", "Meuser Applauds President Trump for Rescinding Obama-era \"Rain Tax\" Executive Order", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after President Trump rescinded an Obama-era Executive Order that has been used to impose costly stormwater management fees, otherwise known as the \"rain tax,\" on residents and businesses in Luzerne County.\n\n\u201cSince coming to Congress in 2019, I have worked to find a solution to the burdensome rain tax imposed on families and businesses in Luzerne County. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration was unwilling to consider any changes. President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin listened to our concerns and took action. Congressman Rob Bresnahan has been a strong advocate in this effort and made the difference in moving this issue forward,\" said Congressman Meuser. \"Today\u2019s action is a major step toward finally providing relief to the people of Luzerne County. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection must now acknowledge the termination of this Obama-era executive order and abide by the President\u2019s action by adjusting the stormwater requirements that have driven these costly fees.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-backs-bill-protect-ratepayers-data-center-energy-costs", "Smucker Backs Bill to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center Energy Costs", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) voted in favor of the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, H.R. 9340, legislation to protect families and small businesses from being forced to shoulder the infrastructure costs created by new data center development. The legislation was adopted by a bipartisan vote of 417-3.\n\n\u201cAmerica should lead the world in artificial intelligence, but we must ensure hardworking families and small businesses are not asked to subsidize the enormous energy demands of data centers,\u201d said Rep. Smucker. \u201cThe principle is simple: data centers should be located in communities that choose to host them, those communities should share in the economic benefits they bring, and the data centers should pay their own way. The Ratepayer Protection Act will help ensure the companies driving the need for costly new energy infrastructure bear those costs, not existing ratepayers.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would require state utility commissions to consider standards ensuring data centers drawing more than 100 megawatts of power cover the full incremental costs of generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades needed to serve them.\n\nThe approach preserves states\u2019 authority over their electricity markets and protects families and small businesses.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-statement-federal-reserves-decision-raise-interest-rates", "Smucker Statement on Federal Reserve's Decision to Raise Interest Rates", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after the Federal Reserve announced its decision to raise interest rates by one quarter point:\n\n\"Chairman Warsh recently noted the strength and resilience of the American economy while acknowledging that inflation remains too high. I appreciate the Federal Reserve\u2019s continued focus on restoring price stability while supporting a strong economy.\n\n\"But today\u2019s decision also underscores a challenge monetary policy cannot solve on its own: our nation\u2019s unsustainable fiscal trajectory. At more than $40 trillion, our national debt puts upward pressure on interest rates and increases borrowing costs throughout the economy. Those higher rates, in turn, make it more expensive for the federal government to service its debt, adding to deficits and requiring still more borrowing.\n\n\u201cCongress must do its part to break that cycle. Getting our fiscal house in order will help reduce pressure on interest rates, strengthen our economy and ensure more taxpayer dollars are available for our nation\u2019s priorities rather than simply paying interest on past borrowing.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-0", "Thompson, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Medicare Payments for Community Health Centers", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), Troy Carter (D-La.), Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) and Lori Trahan (D-MA) introduced the bipartisan Community Health Center Reforms Enabling Better Access for Seniors and Elders Act, or the CHC REBASE Act.\n\nThis legislation will modernize how Medicare pays for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and ensures seniors and underserved patients can continue accessing the care they need close to home.\n\n\u201cPrimary care today often includes telehealth visits, remote patient monitoring, and other advancements in healthcare that did not exist 12 years ago when this policy was last reviewed,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cI am proud to support this bipartisan legislation that accounts for these updates, establishes Medicare payment parity for Federally Qualified Health Centers, and updates health centers\u2019 payment methodology. Seniors in rural areas should have access to comprehensive primary care regardless of where they reside.\u201d\n\n\"Community health centers are the backbone of rural healthcare in Ohio's 6th District,\" Rep. Rulli said. \"In communities across Eastern Ohio, they are often the only option families and seniors have. The federal government should be making it easier to keep those doors open, not harder. This bill brings the payment system into the real world and establishes telehealth parity for services that our rural communities depend on. It is commonsense legislation that puts patients first.\"\n\n\"Community Health Centers are an invaluable resource for Medicare patients, providing low-cost and accessible primary care in underserved locations. This bipartisan bill will fill a growing gap in the Medicare reimbursement process to keep these centers both affordable and efficient. I believe every American has a right to quality healthcare, and this bill pushes us closer to that goal,\" Rep. Dingell said.\n\n\u201cLA-02\u2019s 18 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve around 250,000 patients,\" Rep. Carter said. \u201cAs more seniors turn to Federally Qualified Health Centers for primary care, we must ensure that these centers are modernized, accessible, and do not face unnecessary burdens to providing care. This bill would take critical steps to strengthen and update the financial infrastructure of our FQHCs - which has not been updated in years - and provide these critical safety net providers with the support and resources they need to keep their doors open and continue connecting communities and seniors to care.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunity Health Centers (CHCs) provide comprehensive primary care that improves outcomes and saves taxpayer dollars, serving over 4 million seniors in 2025 alone. Yet Medicare's reimbursement policy for CHCs has not kept pace with new innovations in care delivery. This makes it difficult for CHCs to serve the patients who rely on them, especially in rural areas where Medicare is an important payor. The CHC REBASE Act would modernize CHCs' Medicare reimbursement, reduce red tape so seniors can choose Medicare Advantage coverage while keeping their trusted CHC provider, and protect seniors' access to telehealth by providing payment parity. The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) thanks Representatives Rulli, Dingell, and other bipartisan leaders for championing this important legislation,\" said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC.\n\n\"Our community health center members see every day how outdated Medicare payment policies make it harder for community health centers to meet the needs of a growing population of older adults,\u201d said Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO of Advocates for Community Health. \u201cThe CHC REBASE Act addresses the real challenges health centers face by modernizing Medicare reimbursement, protecting telehealth access and improving the Medicare Advantage wraparound payment process. These practical reforms will help our members continue providing seniors, especially those in rural and underserved communities, with the comprehensive, high-quality care they deserve.\u201d\n\nFederally Qualified Health Centers are often the first and only point of care for millions of Americans, including seniors, rural residents, and low-income families. Yet the Medicare payment system that reimburses these centers has not kept pace with the real cost of delivering care. The CHC REBASE Act fixes that by outlining a process to update the Protective Payment System bundle of services, establishing telehealth parity, and closing gaps in Medicare Advantage coverage for patients at FQHCs.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-meeting-with-pittsburgh-regional-transit-fetterman-celebrates-with-leaders-on-recent-funding-win-priorities-moving-forward/", "In Meeting with Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Fetterman Celebrates with Leaders on Recent Funding Win, Priorities Moving Forward", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) met with officials from Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) to congratulate the agency on their recent $82 million federal grant award and to discuss their plans for replacing aging light rail cars on the T.\n\nFrom left to right: Melissa Girty, Senator Fetterman, Donminika Brown and Katharine Kelleman\n\nPRT is the main public transportation system serving Allegheny County and the greater Pittsburgh area. With more than 700 buses and over 90 local and express routes across the county, it provides connections between neighborhoods, job centers, and campuses.\n\nIn the meeting with the agency\u2019s Chief Executive Officer Katharine Kelleman, Chief Financial Officer Donminika Brown, and Senior Government Affairs Liaison Melissa Girty, Senator Fetterman reiterated the importance of public transit not only in Western PA, but across the Commonwealth and the country. The senator also reaffirmed his commitment to continued federal investment in public transit in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Pittsburgh Regional Transit\u2019s 120,000 daily riders, I want to thank Sen. Fetterman and all of the elected officials who supported our application to fund the next generation of rail cars,\u201d said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. \u201cThis investment will help us provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable transit experience.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Fetterman congratulated PRT on their $82,774,074 award which will support the replacement of its aging light rail fleet. This follows a letter in support of PRT\u2019s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister in July.\n\nSenator Fetterman has a strong track record supporting public transit in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to secure more than $100 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill to support public transit operations during the FIFA World Cup, including $8,474,327 for transit in the Philadelphia region. Senator Fetterman has also co-led legislation like the Moving Transit Forward Act, which would provide Pennsylvania\u2019s transit agencies with the reliable funding support they need to avoid service cuts and keep our communities moving. He also helped deliver millions in grant awards for both PRT and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in the last two weeks.\n\nSenator Fetterman will continue to push for a stronger public transit system to ensure no community is left behind.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-and-president-trump-deliver-promise-reverse-obama-era-rain-tax", "Bresnahan and President Trump Deliver on Promise to Reverse Obama-Era \u201cRain Tax\u201d Mandate", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined President Donald J. Trump as he signed an executive order reversing the Obama-era executive order that created the \u201cRain Tax,\u201d the unfunded federal stormwater mandate that has forced tens of thousands of homeowners and small business owners across Luzerne County to pay quarterly fees tied to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts. The Chesapeake Bay is more than 200 miles from Northeastern Pennsylvania.\n\nThis Executive Order removes the mandate established by Executive Order 13508, issued by President Obama, that threatened Northeastern Pennsylvania communities with fines if they did not comply. The Executive Order can be found here, and the fact sheet can be found here.\n\n\u201cFor too long, families in Luzerne County have opened their mailbox to find a bill for the rain that falls on their own roofs and driveways, all to fund a faraway cleanup effort that has fallen dramatically short of its goals after four decades and tens of billions of dollars,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cToday\u2019s reversal is proof of what happens when you fight for solutions instead of just talking about it. I want to thank President Trump for listening to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania and taking real action to end this unfunded mandate.\u201d\n\nDelivering relief on the \u201cRain Tax\u201d has been a top priority for Rep. Bresnahan since before he was sworn into office. He fought to keep this issue front and center for the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and worked alongside both toward today's executive order.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Rain Tax is the product of the Chesapeake Bay cleanup program, a more than 40-year-old effort that Washington and Harrisburg have steadily ramped up without a plan to pay for it, ultimately passing the bill onto local communities and property owners.\n\nIn 2009, President Obama signed Executive Order 13508, directing federal agencies to accelerate enforcement for Bay cleanup. In December 2010, the EPA followed this with the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), a \u201cpollution diet,\u201d that the EPA itself described as \u201ca keystone commitment of a federal strategy to meet President Obama's Executive Order 13508.\u201d The agency was clear about its enforcement plan, promising it would \u201chold jurisdictions accountable for results along the way.\u201d\n\nPennsylvania has been a willing partner with the federal government. First signing the original Chesapeake Bay Agreement in 1983, the Commonwealth has committed, over and over, to plans to cut pollution. The Commonwealth kept committing even after acknowledging its 2019 Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan had an annual funding gap of $324 million. It most recently adopted the latest version of the revised Watershed Agreement in 2025 and Governor Shapiro chairs the Chesapeake Executive Council.\n\nWith these stricter requirements being forced on local municipalities, 32 municipalities in Luzerne County banded together through the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority to comply with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements. However, without federal or state funding to cover the cost of compliance, a stormwater fee, which became known as the Rain Tax, was established. The WVSA saved small towns from fines totaling up to $10,000 a day due to their action.\n\nThe policy has been met with resistance and become a fight in Luzerne County, with many, including residents, acknowledging the benefits are limited while the cost is not.\n\nResidents wrote a letter to the Luzerne County Council to end the Rain Tax\n\nAn \"End the Rain Tax\" group formed in 2019 in opposition to the new stormwater runoff fee\n\nIn 2020, President Trump vowed to end the Rain Tax\n\nThe issue has also threatened to spread outside of Luzerne County. In June 2025, the Scranton Times-Tribune reported Lackawanna County was working to enlist all 40 of its municipalities to back an application for a state grant to study the possibility of creating a countywide stormwater management plan, which has been met with local resistance.\n\nThe fight has extended to Congress, where Rep. Bresnahan has been working with EPA officials to eliminate the Rain Tax Federal Mandate in PA-08.\n\nIn March 2025, Rep. Bresnahan organized and hosted an environmental roundtable in Swiftwater, PA, bringing EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to the Eighth District to hear directly from local officials about the Rain Tax burden. At that roundtable, Bresnahan said the effort was \u201can important step in unleashing energy dominance and eliminating the Rain Tax in PA-08.\u201d\n\nOn August 26, 2025, EPA's Region 3 office confirmed in writing to Rep. Bresnahan's office, which had been advocating to the EPA on the issue, that stormwater fees are not required by federal or state law, even as municipalities remain bound by strict pollution-reduction targets under threat of fines.\n\nAfter more than 40 years of effort and tens of billions of dollars in cumulative spending across state and federal partners, the results of the Chesapeake Bay cleanup have fallen short of its goals while regulation costs and pressure on individuals have intensified.\n\nThe 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement promised a 40 percent reduction in nutrient pollution by 2000. The Chesapeake 2000 Agreement promised restored Bay water quality by 2010. The 2010 pollution diet set a midpoint of 60 percent of the necessary reductions by 2017 and a final deadline of full implementation by 2025. These were all missed. Pennsylvania has achieved only 29% of its nitrogen reduction goal. The Chesapeake Bay Program has now extended its deadlines to 2040.\n\nWater Infrastructure and Affordability\n\nRep. Bresnahan has secured funding and worked to advance bipartisan legislation to modernize the local water and wastewater systems Northeastern Pennsylvania families depend on, and to keep costs down on their monthly bills, including:\n\nFunding secured in FY26:\n\n$1,000,000 for Dallas Area Municipal Authority Wastewater Infrastructure Expansion (Interior/Environment) \u2014 This funding will be used to repair, construct, and expand wastewater infrastructure of three municipal authorities: Harvey\u2019s Lake, Dallas Area, and Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authorities.\n\n$1,250,000 for Eastern Pike County Sewer Extension (Interior/Environment) \u2014 This funding will be used to extend wastewater treatment from the Westfall Municipal Authority to connect the commercial and residential districts in both Matamoras Borough and Milford Borough.\n\n$1,250,000 for Monroe County Wastewater Treatment Project (Interior/Environment) \u2014 This funding will be used for wastewater treatment, demolition, of the existing wastewater plant at the end of its operational life, and construction of a new facility outside a flood zone.\n\nFunding requested in FY27:\n\n$1,700,000 for Honesdale Borough Stormwater Management Updates (Interior/Environment) \u2014 This funding will go to a project to install 30 new inlet boxes and the extension of culvert piping to effectively capture and redirect stormwater from areas currently experiencing uncontrolled runoff.\n\nLegislation Introduced:\n\nH.R. 6075 - Water Infrastructure Modernization Act\u2014 This bipartisan bill would give communities the flexibility to use new technology including real-time monitoring, leak detection, and predictive maintenance, to upgrade aging water systems\n\nLegislation Cosponsored:\n\nH.R. 4733 - Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment (LIHWAP) Act\u2014 This bipartisan bill would permanently reestablish LIHWAP, a program that assisted 1.5 million low-income households with water bills before expiring.\n\nH.R. 5661 - Water Preservation and Affordability Act \u2014 This bipartisan bill would update the Clean Water Act so federally funded water projects prioritize resource preservation techniques, including water reuse, energy efficiency, and stormwater mitigation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/9/fitzpatrick-led-effort-to-shield-ratepayers-from-data-center-costs-passes-house", "Fitzpatrick-Led Effort to Shield Ratepayers from Data Center Costs Passes House", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act Passes 417\u20133, advancing Fitzpatrick\u2019s broader push to make data center growth accountable to families and communities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 After months of pushing for stronger protections around rapidly expanding data center development, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) marked a major bipartisan breakthrough in that effort as the House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340) by an overwhelming 417\u20133 vote.\n\nThe legislation, cosponsored by Fitzpatrick, would help ensure that the extraordinary energy infrastructure costs driven by large-scale data center development are borne by the companies creating that demand\u2014not shifted onto families and small businesses through higher utility bills.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act would require state public utility commissions to consider standards ensuring large-load data centers cover the incremental costs of the generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure needed to serve them, while preserving states\u2019 authority over their electricity markets.\n\n\u201cFor months, I\u2019ve been working with residents, local leaders, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put communities back at the center of this conversation,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cFamilies across Bucks and Montgomery Counties should not be asked to pay higher electric bills to cover the massive infrastructure costs created by some of the largest companies in the world. Today\u2019s vote moves us closer to putting that principle into practice. America can lead in innovation without shifting the cost of that growth onto working families, seniors, and small businesses. Growth should strengthen our communities, not come at their expense. Protect our families, respect our communities, and make sure development happens responsibly\u2014that is the standard we are fighting for.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nHouse passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act advances Fitzpatrick\u2019s broader bipartisan effort to establish clear rules for responsible data center growth\u2014protecting families and small businesses, preserving local control, and strengthening transparency and accountability.\n\nAs development accelerates across Pennsylvania and the country, Fitzpatrick has worked with residents and local leaders across Bucks and Montgomery Counties to address concerns surrounding utility costs, grid reliability, water and energy use, infrastructure, environmental impacts, and quality of life.\n\nThat effort is grounded in three principles: local control, state guardrails, and federal accountability. Communities should have a meaningful voice over what is built and where. States should maintain strong consumer and environmental protections. And the federal government should address challenges that cross local boundaries, including grid reliability, energy markets, ratepayer protections, and national transparency standards.\n\nFitzpatrick is advancing that framework on several fronts. The Ratepayer Protection Act addresses who pays, helping ensure families and small businesses are not forced to subsidize the extraordinary infrastructure demands of large-scale data centers. The bipartisan Data Center Transparency Act (H.R. 6984) would bring greater scrutiny to energy and water use, environmental impacts, and effects on utility systems and household costs. And the Data Center Bill of Rights (H.Res. 1471) would strengthen local authority, expand transparency, and give communities a meaningful voice before major projects move forward.\n\nFitzpatrick is also pressing developers to meet clear standards on labor, worker safety, environmental protection, resource use, infrastructure demands, and project costs\u2014so communities have the information and protections they need from the outset.\n\nTaken together, these efforts are aimed at ensuring innovation moves forward without asking families and communities to bear the costs or surrender their voice in the process.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mackenzie-applauds-passage-ratepayer-protection-act", "Congressman Mackenzie Applauds Passage of Ratepayer Protection Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Ryan Mackenzie", "M001230", "mackenzie.house.gov", "mackenzie", "https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, applauded the passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act on Tuesday evening. This bipartisan legislation, which the Congressman has co-sponsored, requires data centers and other large energy consumers to pay their fair share for the cost of the new energy infrastructure they necessitate.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers currently account for roughly 4.4% of U.S. electricity consumption, a figure projected to increase to between 6.7% and 12% by 2028 as AI computing capacity continues to grow. Many new AI data centers require 100 megawatts (MW) or more of electricity, enough to power tens of thousands of homes, and often necessitate costly investments in new generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act maintains local control and would require new large electricity customers with a peak demand of at least 100 megawatts to pay the full cost of any generation, transmission, or distribution upgrades needed to serve their facilities, rather than shifting those costs to existing ratepayers. It also requires these customers to provide financial assurances before utilities begin construction, ensuring the utility can recover its investment even if the customer later ends service.\n\n\u201cCommunities in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos should not be footing the energy bill for data centers they never asked for,\u201d said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. \u201cWhen companies want to build facilities that require major upgrades to energy infrastructure, they should be the ones who pay. The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which I\u2019ve co-sponsored, will help to ensure that data centers and similar facilities pay their fair share of the costs they produce instead of passing them on to local residents.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5195", "Reps. Houlahan, Goodlander, Whitesides, Ryan Introduce Protect Our Polls Act, Blocking Armed Federal Agents at Polls", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "\u201cAmericans should never have to walk past armed federal agents or military personnel to cast their ballot,\u201d said Rep. Houlahan. \u201cSince the Civil War, federal law has kept troops away from our polling places, and for good reason. Our military exists to defend the Constitution and the American people, not to police our elections.\n\n\u201cWhen I asked a senior military official whether troops could be deployed to polling places this November, I could not get a commitment that they would not be. That should alarm every American. We should not have to rely on the restraint of this or any President or administration when something as fundamental as the right to vote is at stake. The Protect Our Polls Act makes the guardrails unmistakable: no President gets to put armed federal forces at our polls without Congress and the law standing in the way.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe right to vote is the fundamental right from which all of our rights flow as Americans, and free and fair elections are the foundation of our republic,\u201d said Rep. Goodlander. \u201cAt a moment when this President is hellbent on sowing chaos and confusion in our elections, our commonsense bill makes a bedrock American principle crystal clear: the ballot box belongs to the American people\u2014not any President.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s second term has been defined by crushing cost increases, a war in Iran \u2013 which has cost us billions in taxpayer dollars and the lives of 18 brave Patriots \u2013 and historic cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid,\u201d said Rep. Ryan. \u201cThat\u2019s not a winning message, and Trump knows it \u2013 that\u2019s why he\u2019s doing everything in his power to silence the American people ahead of the election. This legislation would help ensure that every American has unencumbered access to their polling place in November, and stop the President from yet again using our Patriots in uniform as pawns in his political games.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis administration has spent months trying to chip away at Americans' confidence in our elections \u2013 from executive orders targeting mail voting, to threats against states that don't fall in line,\u201d said Rep. Whitesides. \u201cThat's not how democracy is supposed to work. The right to vote doesn't belong to whoever holds power in Washington; it belongs to the American people. The Protect Our Polls Act strengthens existing guardrails to require Congressional approval before the President can make any kind of decision to deploy armed agents to polling places.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/what-theyre-saying-support-patients-first-act", "What They're Saying: Support for the Patients First Act", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a legislative hearing titled Examining Legislative Proposals to Reform Medicare Provider Payment and Bolster Health Care Cybersecurity. The hearing will examine Congressman John Joyce, M.D.\u2019s Patients First Act of 2026 (H.R. 9693).\n\nIntroduced in July alongside Reps. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), the bipartisan legislation is necessary to keep patients healthy, preserve competition, and deliver affordability.\n\nThe comprehensive, solution-focused Patients First Act has received support from health care organizations across the country. Here\u2019s what they\u2019re saying about the legislation:\n\nAmerican College of Physicians: \u201cACP strongly supports this critical legislation, which would strengthen Medicare beneficiaries\u2019 access to care and help independent physician practices remain financially viable. These objectives are especially important in rural and underserved communities, where the number of independent physician practices has declined significantly over the last several decades. The continued loss of independent physician practices can further limit access to care, requiring patients to travel longer distances or wait longer to see a physician.\u201d\n\nAmerican Osteopathic Association: \u201cThe American Osteopathic Association, alongside the 62 undersigned osteopathic specialty colleges and divisional societies \u2013 collectively representing more than 207,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students across the United States \u2013 share an unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. Our organizations strongly support the introduction of the Patients First Act, which would bring Medicare physician payment into the 21st century while strengthening access to care for patients across the country. We urge you to pass this bipartisan legislation to ensure your constituents have access to the care they need.\u201d\n\nAmerican Society of Anesthesiology: \"This legislation represents a serious and constructive effort to address longstanding weaknesses in the Medicare physician payment system. Most importantly, it would replace inadequate and unpredictable payment updates with annual updates tied to the Medicare Economic Index, helping physician practices keep pace with the rising costs of delivering high-quality care to Medicare patients.\"\n\nAmerican Urological Association: \u201cThese reforms will help preserve patient access to specialty care while providing physicians with the stability necessary to invest in their practices, workforce, and the delivery of high-quality care. The legislation also strengthens the long-term transition to value-based care by establishing a more sustainable foundation for physician participation in innovative payment models.\u201d\n\nNational Association of Accountable Care Organizations: \u201cThese policies address long-standing challenges that have threatened access to high-quality care for America\u2019s seniors. Clinicians cannot take a pay cut, and their pay must reflect the ongoing investment required to provide care.\u201d\n\nUnited States of Care: \u201cThe Patients First Act is the product of serious, sustained bipartisan collaboration, and is a critical first step in prioritizing whole-person, patient-first primary care. By advancing a demonstration program that supports independent primary care practices, moving us away from a broken payment model, and allowing participating primary care providers to prioritize keeping people healthy, this bill puts people at the center of care in a way that is long overdue. Critically, this bill also eliminates cost-sharing for patients for certain primary care services in the demonstration program, removing a major affordability barrier for people covered by Medicare. We thank Representatives Joyce, Schrier, Murphy, and the bipartisan coalition of cosponsors for their leadership, and we look forward to continued collaboration on these efforts as the legislative process moves forward.\"\n\nRead the Section by SectionHERE.\n\nRead the full bill textHERE.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-statement-foiled-alleged-terror-plot-butler-county", "Kelly statement on foiled alleged terror plot in Butler County", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released a statement after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrest of a Valencia man on a terrorism-related charge after the FBI believed he was planning an attack in support of ISIS.\n\n\"I want to commend the diligent work of the FBI and law enforcement officials for apprehending this individual before he could potentially follow through with this alleged attack. Their work has made our community safer. This disgusting, hate-filled extremism has no place in our nation,\" said Rep. Kelly.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-releases-statement-on-the-clarity-act/", "SENATOR MCCORMICK RELEASES STATEMENT ON THE CLARITY ACT", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act after a procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes needed (49-50). Following the vote, Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cToday, Senate Democrats blocked the vote to advance the CLARITY Act. I\u2019m deeply disappointed at this outcome. For more than a year, Republicans and Democrats worked together in good faith to develop a clear, responsible regulatory framework for digital assets. The legislation before the Senate today incorporated substantive changes requested by Democrats, real concessions designed to address concerns from both sides of the aisle and build a durable bipartisan framework. The status quo leaves consumers and investors worse off and cedes U.S. financial leadership overseas. At a time when our global competitors are racing ahead, American entrepreneurs, investors, consumers, and financial institutions in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. deserve clear rules of the road that protect consumers while allowing innovation to flourish here at home. This issue isn\u2019t going away, and neither is my commitment to getting it done. Community banks and entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania are worse off without CLARITY. I\u2019ll continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver the certainty America needs to remain the global leader in financial innovation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5191", "Houlahan Leads PA House Democrats Seeking Answers on Pennsylvania Election Cybersecurity Ahead of Midterms ", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "West Chester District Office\n\n709 E. Gay Street, Suite 4\n\nWest Chester, PA 19380\n\nPhone: (610) 883-5050\n\nOpen:\n\nMonday-Wednesday\n\n9:00am-5:00pm\n\nOpen by Appointment:\n\nThursday and Friday\n\nS\u00ed, se habla espa\u00f1ol\n\nReading District Office\n\n201 Penn Street, Suite 201\n\nReading, PA 19601\n\nPhone: (610) 295-0815\n\nOpen:\n\nWednesday-Friday\n\n9:00am-5:00pm\n\nOpen by Appointment:\n\nMonday and Tuesday\n\nS\u00ed, se habla espa\u00f1ol", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-announces-legislation-plan-celebration-250th-anniversary-us", "ICYMI: Boyle Announces Legislation to Plan Celebration for 250th Anniversary of U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "PHILADELPHIA, PA \u2013 Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) announced new federal legislation to establish a national commission charged with planning the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Constitution in 2037.\n\nBoyle announced the legislation at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia alongside Vince Stango, Interim President and CEO of the National Constitution Center.\n\n\u201cI distinctly remember the bicentennial of our Constitution being celebrated here in Philadelphia in 1987. It was a massive event, and I look forward to ensuring that 2037 will be at least as significant as 2026 and 1987,\u201d said Congressman Brendan F. Boyle. \u201cThis is a great bipartisan effort. I think it is badly needed in our times that we keep this not as a Democratic thing or a Republican thing, but as an American thing. It is also an opportunity over these next few years to tell the story of our nation's Constitution and why it matters today. These anniversaries are not just about honoring the dead, they're about educating the living.\u201d\n\nThe United States Constitution was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and signed at Independence Hall on September 17, 1787. Boyle\u2019s legislation would begin the work of ensuring that the Constitution\u2019s semiquincentennial is commemorated on a national scale while recognizing Philadelphia\u2019s unique role in the nation\u2019s founding.\n\n\u201cAs Americans across the country have come together to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we must see 2026 not as an end point, but as the beginning of a longer national effort,\u201d said Vince Stango, Interim President and CEO of the National Constitution Center. \u201cThe Civic Decade gives us an opportunity to sustain the partnerships, infrastructure, and spirit of coming together that this anniversary has inspired, and to continue deepening investments in the civic, educational, and cultural institutions that connect Americans to our constitutional story. We are inspired by Congressman Boyle\u2019s leadership to introduce this bipartisan legislation into Congress and honored to announce this effort with him today. As we build together toward the Constitution\u2019s 250th anniversary in 2037, and ultimately the Bill of Rights\u2019 in 2041, the National Constitution Center is proud to help lead that work in Philadelphia and across the country.\u201d\n\nThe announcement builds on Boyle\u2019s ongoing efforts to highlight Philadelphia\u2019s central role in the founding of the United States. Earlier this year, Boyle brought a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Philadelphia as part of the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.\n\nThe new commission would bring together federal, state, local, and civic leaders to begin preparing for the Constitution\u2019s 250th anniversary and coordinate efforts surrounding the national commemoration, similar to the effort that began a decade ahead of the nation\u2019s 250th birthday.\n\nThe Constitutional Convention convened in Philadelphia in May 1787. After months of debate, delegates completed a new framework for the federal government, and the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. The 250th anniversary of its signing will occur on September 17, 2037.", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-evans-septa-announce-80-million-federal-grant-trolley-station-ada", "Rep. Evans, SEPTA Announce $80 Million Federal Grant for Trolley Station ADA Improvements", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PHILADELPHIA (September 14, 2026) \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) announced that SEPTA has been awarded $80 million in federal All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) funding to make three stations in the Center City Trolley Tunnel fully accessible.\n\n\u201cWhen we invest in our public transit accessibility, we invest in our community,\u201d said Rep Evans. \u201cThat\u2019s why I was proud to help establish this vital grant program through President Biden\u2019s historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and fight for SEPTA to receive this critical federal funding. It will increase accessibility at stations throughout Philadelphia- improving the transit experience for all riders.\"\n\n\u201cEnsuring that every customer can access transit service that is safe, clean and reliable is a core part of SEPTA\u2019s mission,\u201d said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. \u201cStation accessibility projects like those this grant will fund are critically important to that effort. I want to thank our Congressional delegation for establishing this vital program and working to support our application.\u201d\n\nASAP funding will allow SEPTA to construct accessibility improvements at 22nd Street, 33rd Street and 36th Street T Stations, which are all located in Philadelphia\u2019s 3rd Congressional District, in the Center City Trolley Tunnel. Originally built in 1955, these three stations are only accessible via stairs, preventing individuals with disabilities that require the use of a mobility device, families with strollers, or anyone who is physically unable to use stairs from traveling to and from these destinations. The projects will bring the stations into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each station will be retrofitted with elevators connecting street level to the underground boarding areas. Raised platforms and other enhancements will also be constructed to accommodate the new fleet of low-floor streetcars that SEPTA is procuring as part of Trolley Modernization.\n\n\u201cAccessibility is critical for SEPTA and our riders,\u201d said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. \u201cAcross the SEPTA system, we are currently advancing more than a dozen Metro and Regional Rail station accessibility projects that will greatly improve the customer experience. This major ASAP grant will expand our capacity to deliver these critical improvements, and we are grateful for the FTA\u2019s confidence in our program in awarding this grant.\u201d\n\nThis is SEPTA\u2019s second ASAP grant. The Authority was previously awarded $56 million to support ADA station improvement projects at five Metro stations. At Erie Station on the B, SEPTA became the first transit agency in the nation to advance to construction on an ASAP-funded project. Last month, SEPTA broke ground on a $44 million ASAP-funded accessibility project at 11th Street Station on the L.\n\n\u201cThis investment is a win for every Philadelphia resident who relies on safe, accessible, and modern public transportation,\u201d said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. \u201cMaking the T stations at 22nd, 33rd, and 36th Streets fully accessible is more than an infrastructure upgrade. It\u2019s a commitment to equity, and ensuring Philadelphians can visit family and friends, attend school or get to work. I am proud that with our partners at the Federal Transit Administration and SEPTA, we are building a transit system that serves everyone.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis money will make all the difference for our seniors, for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and for anyone who relies on SEPTA,\u201d said U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA). \u201cI\u2019m proud of the steps SEPTA has already taken to make its system more accessible for all riders, and I\u2019m grateful for the FTA\u2019s support of this important work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis $80 million investment is a major win for SEPTA riders and will help make three of Philadelphia\u2019s trolley stations more accessible for all Pennsylvanians who rely on public transportation,\u201d said U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA). \u201cI\u2019m committed to reauthorizing the All Stations Accessibility Program along with Senator Duckworth to ensure this important program continues delivering for communities in Pennsylvania and across the country.\u201d\n\nEvans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. Evans\u2019 website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Youtube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2058", "Scanlon and Congressional Colleagues Host Hearing on Protecting American Democracy and the Right to Vote at Widener University", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Gay Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", "scanlon", "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Chester, PA \u2013 Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25), Committee on House Administration, today hosted a shadow hearing with Reps. Norma Torres (CA-35), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) featuring presentations from experts about protecting American democracy, including election security, electoral reforms, voting rights, and anti-corruption efforts.\n\nExperts at today\u2019s shadow hearing included:\n\nOmar Noureldin, Senior Vice President of Policy and Litigation, Common Cause\n\nAmy Widestrom, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania\n\nLauren Cristella, President and CEO, Committee of Seventy\n\nMarian Schneider, Adjunct Professor of Law, Villanova University and former PA election official\n\nThis shadow hearing takes place amid widespread concerns over proposals by Republicans and the Trump Administration to restrict voting and allow federal takeover of state elections. Proposals include the SAVE America Act, which could potentially disenfranchise hundreds of millions of American citizens, and efforts to restrict voting by mail.\n\n\u201cOur democracy ultimately depends on Americans choosing to participate in it. When the White House sows propaganda and injects chaos in our elections, it suppresses voter participation,\u201d said Rep. Scanlon. \u201cAmericans should have confidence that when they cast a lawful ballot, that ballot will be counted. I\u2019m grateful to the experts who joined today\u2019s hearing to provide truthful information about our elections, and the various ways that every American can participate in and be an ambassador for our democracy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe President and his allies want to take over this election,\u201d said Ranking Member Morelle. \u201cOur planned, targeted responses include litigation, effective community organization and mobilization, and promoting early voting. This work is ongoing every day. It\u2019s iterative, and there\u2019s still a long road ahead, but I\u2019m confident that through this work we will be more prepared than ever this fall and beyond.\u201d\n\nWatch a recorded livestream of the event here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/icymi-in-letter-to-sec-and-cftc-fetterman-urges-private-credit-market-transparency/", "ICYMI: In Letter to SEC and CFTC, Fetterman Urges Private Credit Market Transparency", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a July letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) urging them to begin enforcing an existing rule requiring greater disclosures in private credit markets.\n\n\u201cThe private credit industry is far too opaque to regulators and the rest of the financial system. Because these firms have never been through a downturn at their current size, markets do not know how to properly value private credit loans and assets in a crisis. As with all financial crises, the panic of not knowing where the floor is makes it far worse. It is important that regulators have the knowledge and the tools to prevent crises before they happen, but that is not possible if they do not know enough about the market,\u201d wrote Senator Fetterman.\n\nBig banks, insurance companies, and pension funds are all exposed to private credit \u2014 a market of unregulated lending to struggling companies \u2014 which is showing signs of much higher risk than investors anticipated. Form PF is a disclosure form that unregulated entities like private credit funds must submit to the SEC and CFTC. The agencies\u2019 proposed updates to Form PF would greatly improve their understanding of the risks in private credit, but have yet to start enforcing them.\n\n\u201cThe updates to Form PF, as originally proposed, would ensure regulators and investors better understand the leverage, interconnectedness, loan quality, and liquidity of this market. It is concerning, therefore, that your agencies have chosen to delay the enforcement of these requirements three times since taking office,\u201d continued the senator. \u201cNow is not the time for regulators to be in the dark.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the letter below and here.\n\n\u2013\n\nDear Chairman Atkins and Chairman Selig:\n\nI write to urge you to begin enforcing compliance with the updates to Form PF as initially proposed. It is critically important that regulators have a better understanding of the risks in private markets, in order to protect investors and prevent disruptions to the broader financial system.\n\nI am deeply concerned about the mounting risks in private credit markets. Now $3 trillion in size, the private credit industry is making increasingly bad loans to subprime companies. The failures of First Brands and Tricolor, increasing reliance on payments-in-kind among borrowers, and concerns around AI disruption to the software industry all demonstrate poor underwriting over the past several years. In reaction, investors have been rushing to get their money out of these souring investments, but have often been trapped.\n\nEven more concerning is the exposure America\u2019s traditional financial system has to this market. The big banks have lent almost $300 billion to the private credit industry, much of which lacks covenants that protect the banks in times of crisis. Moreover, the insurance industry is not only exposed to $1 trillion in risk but also is among the largest purchasers of the low-tranche collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) that would get wiped out in a downturn.\n\nThe private credit industry is far too opaque to regulators and the rest of the financial system. Because these firms have never been through a downturn at their current size, markets do not know how to properly value private credit loans and assets in a crisis. As with all financial crises, the panic of not knowing where the floor is makes it far worse. It is important that regulators have the knowledge and the tools to prevent crises before they happen, but that is not possible if they do not know enough about the market.\n\nThe updates to Form PF, as originally proposed, would ensure regulators and investors better understand the leverage, interconnectedness, loan quality, and liquidity of this market. It is concerning, therefore, that your agencies have chosen to delay the enforcement of these requirements three times since taking office. Your recent April 24th announcement seeking comments on an extreme watering down of the changes is even more concerning. Beyond these updates, it is critical that you better enforce annual reporting requirements and punish market actors who fail to follow their obligations.\n\nI urge you to move forward with robust, detailed transparency through Form PF by October 1st. Now is not the time for regulators to be in the dark.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-and-fetterman-press-hhs-on-canceled-health-research-grants/", "SENATORS MCCORMICK AND FETTERMAN PRESS HHS ON CANCELED HEALTH RESEARCH GRANTS", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "Pennsylvania senators seek answers on AHRQ grant cancellations affecting researchers at CHOP and the University of Pittsburgh\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Recently, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to share their concerns regarding the recent cancellation of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) grants and the impact this will have on Pennsylvania research institutions.\n\nOn July 15, more than 150 AHRQ grantees, including researchers at the Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pittsburgh, were notified that funding for ongoing, multi-year research projects would be canceled. Many of the affected projects had already undergone peer review and received federal funding in prior years.\n\n\u201cWhile we greatly appreciate the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 commitment to ensuring federally funded research invests in scientific innovation and delivers meaningful value for taxpayers, we believe these objectives should be balanced with consideration of projects that have already undergone peer review and received federal funding,\u201d said Senators McCormick and Fetterman.\n\nThe senators cautioned that abruptly ending multi-year projects after substantial federal investment could waste taxpayer resources, disrupt ongoing research, eliminate jobs, and delay innovations aimed at improving patient care. They also raised concerns that uncertainty surrounding continued federal research support could make it harder for institutions to plan long-term projects and retain experienced researchers.\n\nMcCormick and Fetterman requested that HHS provide their offices with a briefing by September 25, 2026, detailing:\n\nThe criteria used to determine which AHRQ grants were canceled, and which will continue;\n\nHow a prior federal investment, project progress, and potential disruption to researchers and personnel factor into funding decisions;\n\nWhether affected institutions have opportunities to seek reconsideration or otherwise mitigate the impact of terminated funding;\n\nWhether HHS plans to reallocate funds that otherwise would have supported the canceled grants; and\n\nThe Department\u2019s long-term plan for AHRQ and its role in supporting safe, effective, and affordable health care research for the American people.\n\nThe letter follows previous efforts by Senators McCormick and Fetterman to protect Pennsylvania\u2019s research enterprise. In May, the senators urged the National Institutes of Health to move quickly to obligate congressionally appropriated FY2026 grant funding, citing the importance of federal research investments to Pennsylvania jobs, scientific breakthroughs, and U.S. leadership in biomedical research.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe are writing to express our concern regarding the recent cancelation of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) grants and the impact on Pennsylvania\u2019s research institutions and their efforts to improve health care outcomes for the patients they serve.\n\nOn July 15, 2026, more than 150 AHRQ grantees, including researchers at the Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pittsburgh, were notified of the cancelation of funding for ongoing, multi-year research projects. These cancelations are affecting awards that have undergone peer review and have received prior-year funding. Abruptly ending these multi-year projects, after substantial federal investment, risks wasting taxpayer resources while disrupting research, eliminating jobs, and delaying innovations to improve patient care.\n\nWhile we appreciate the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) commitment to ensuring federally funded research promotes scientific rigor and delivers meaningful value for taxpayers, we believe these objectives should be balanced with consideration of projects that have already undergone review and received federal funding. Careful stewardship of federal research spending is important to maintaining public trust in our nation\u2019s research enterprise.\n\nAs the Department implements these reforms, it is imperative that changes are carried out in a manner that preserves the value of existing federal investments. To that end, the recent decision to end continuation funding for ongoing AHRQ grants may create uncertainty around federal research support, making it harder for institutions to plan long-term projects, retain experienced researchers, and pursue future scientific breakthroughs. Over time, this instability risks weakening our nation\u2019s leadership in scientific research.\n\nTo better understand the Department\u2019s perspective, planning, and prioritization, we respectfully request that HHS provide a briefing on the Department\u2019s approach to these funding decisions no later than September 25, 2026, with topics to include:\n\nThe criteria utilized by the Department to determine which AHRQ grants were canceled and which will continue;\n\nHow the Department considers prior federal investment, project progress, and potential disruptions to research and personnel when making these decisions;\n\nWhether affected institutions have opportunities to seek reconsideration or otherwise mitigate the impact of terminated funding;\n\nDepartment plans to reallocate funds that otherwise would have supported the affected grants; and\n\nThe Department\u2019s long-term plan for AHRQ and the role it plays in supporting research that promotes safe, effective, and affordable health care for the American people.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and we look forward to hearing from the Department and working together to ensure our nation\u2019s research enterprise remains strong and effective.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDavid H. McCormick\n\nUnited States Senator", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5193", "Houlahan, Pfluger Introduce the Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced the bipartisan Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act alongside Representative August Pfluger (TX-11) to keep dangerous actors from misusing DNA synthesis technology while keeping America at the forefront of biotechnology.\n\nGene synthesis has transformed medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing, helping scientists build lifesaving treatments and develop hardier crops. However, these same tools could be misused to create dangerous pathogens if left unchecked. Currently, screening of nucleic acid orders is voluntary, leaving a gap that bad actors could exploit, especially as new desktop machines make it easier to generate genetic material outside the traditional supply chain.\n\nThe Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act would close this dangerous gap by requiring companies that sell synthetic DNA, as well as the manufacturers of the machines that produce it, to know their customers and exactly what they're being asked to make.\n\n\u201cBiotechnology is creating enormous opportunities to improve lives and transform our economy, but like all emerging technologies, the related security policies must keep pace,\u201d said Rep. Houlahan. \u201cThe Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act is an important step toward ensuring that the federal government has the flexibility and agility to respond to new technologies and emerging threats as they evolve. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan BIOTech Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that we strengthen our biosecurity posture while preserving the responsible innovation that keeps America at the forefront of biotechnology.\u201d\n\n\u201cBiotechnology is one of America's greatest strategic advantages. Right now, there's a dangerous gap between how fast this technology is moving and the safeguards we have in place to keep it out of the wrong hands,\u201d said Rep. Pfluger. \u201cThe Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act closes this gap without slowing down the innovation saving lives while strengthening our economy.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is a House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and was developed in consultation with key industry stakeholders in the biotechnology and gene-synthesis sector.\n\nRead full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5174", "Houlahan Introduces Bill to Build Four Million New Homes, Declare National Housing Emergency", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced legislation this week declaring a national housing emergency, incenting housing production to build or restore four million new homes. The National Housing Emergency Act, led by Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) in the Senate, will boost domestically produced materials to support the construction and rehabilitation of housing and push states and localities to cut red tape currently standing in the way of building middle class housing.\n\n\u201cConstituents across my district, from young families to aging seniors and everyone in between, are all facing the same problem: housing is too expensive,\u201d said Rep. Houlahan, \u201cWe need to start treating the high cost of housing like the crisis it is, and that\u2019s exactly what the National Housing Emergency Act does. This legislation relieves some of the supply constraints, building and restoring four million homes to stop the cycle of high costs for buyers and renters at every stage of life.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-leads-pa-colleagues-demanding-stronger-data-transparency-ice", "Deluzio Leads PA Colleagues in Demanding Stronger Data Transparency from ICE", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) led his Pennsylvania colleagues Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) on a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) exposing the lack of data transparency in current ICE records management and reporting. ICE is refusing to document in public records which local law enforcement agencies with a 287(g) agreement are involved in arrests, thereby hiding from public view how local law enforcement is involved in ICE\u2019s mass deportation regime.\n\nSpecifically, the Congressmembers are pushing for training records, complaints, and oversight records about 287(g) programs in Pennsylvania to be made public. The 287(g) program sets up partnerships between ICE and state or local law enforcement agencies to authorize selected officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement or deportation. Reps. Deluzio, Dean, Scanlon, and Lee are demanding ICE require its agents to fully complete the 287(g)-designation field in its arrest records and identify the participating agencies involved in arrests. They also make specific demands that more data, details, and records be released to the public.\n\nThe Pennsylvania congressmembers write in the letter:\n\n\u201cAccording to published federal records between January 1 to August 6, 2026, of the 1,227 Pennsylvania 287(g) arrest records, only 12 of those records included the task force designation agency that was involved in arrest. ICE chose to withhold that information more than 1,000 times so far this year despite such information being a designated field included in arrest records. This discrepancy undermines transparency and leaves the public without a clear understanding of which agency or department was involved.\n\nThe members continue:\n\n\u201cThe public has a right to clear and complete information about the nature of the enforcement activities taking place in our neighborhoods and the departments or agencies responsible for carrying them out. Programs between federal and local law enforcement agencies must meet the highest standards of transparency.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.\n\nCongressman Deluzio is actively fighting back against Trump\u2019s mass deportation scheme. In May 2026, he and Congresswoman Summer Lee conducted an unannounced oversight visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, PA, where they found that the overwhelming majority of people locked up inside the ICE facility were considered low-security level\u2014meaning that they have not been accused of serious, violent crimes or engaged in similar conduct while detained.\n\nDuring this visit, the two congressmembers were blocked from bringing congressional staff inside the facility. These staff were immigration policy experts and able to provide translation services, limiting the congressmembers\u2019 ability to communicate with people inside Moshannon. After this, Congressman Deluzio introduced the Oversight Access Act, a new bill which would permit Members of Congress to bring one member of their staff inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities when conducting oversight, without prior notice.\n\nRep. Deluzio led and joined his Pennsylvania colleagues on recent letters to ICE and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates the Pennsylvania Moshannon Valley Processing Center to demand answers on GEO\u2019s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees and to stop obstructing congressional oversight.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-visits-shanksville-issues-statement-25th-anniversary-september-11", "Kelly visits Shanksville, issues statement on 25th anniversary of September 11 attacks", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released the following statement:\n\n\"Today, as we mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, I encourage everyone to take a moment to pause, honor, and reflect on the events and lives lost on that day in 2001. Now, a quarter century later, it is incumbent upon the American people to once again condemn the hate-filled acts of that day orchestrated by radical Islamic terrorists who sought to cause harm to the greatest, freest, and most generous country the world has ever known. In our nation\u2019s darkest hours, the American people always find a light and overcome their biggest challenges. It\u2019s who we are, and who we will continue to be. May God Bless America. We will never forget,\" said Rep. Kelly.\n\nTo commemorate the 25th anniversary, Rep. Kelly visited the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. on Friday.", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-introduces-legislation-expand-housing-assistance-homeless-veterans", "Meuser Introduces Legislation to Expand Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) recently announced the introduction of H.R. 10168, the Veterans Housing Opportunity Act, legislation that would increase the availability of housing assistance to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would establish a five-year pilot program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to identify underutilized HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) rental assistance funding and relocate it to areas where it can better serve veterans. By redirecting unused housing assistance to areas with greater demand, the legislation will help more veterans access stable housing using existing federal resources.\n\nThe HUD-VASH program combines HUD rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services to help veterans experiencing homelessness obtain and maintain stable housing. While the program serves tens of thousands of veterans every year, its effectiveness is limited because HUD cannot reallocate unused vouchers to towns and cities with greater concentrations of homeless veterans. The Veterans Housing Opportunity Act addresses this issue by allowing HUD to redirect underutilized vouchers to communities where the need for veteran housing assistance is greatest.\n\nCongressman Meuser worked with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in drafting this legislation. Tunnel to Towers is a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide more housing opportunities to veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and families of fallen first responders with young children.\n\nIn addition to collaborating with HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on the HUD-VASH program, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation also operates the Veterans Villages program, which aims to create comprehensive residential communities to house veterans and eradicate veteran homelessness. Earlier this week, Congressman Meuser attended the Tunnel to Towers Steel Across America Event at the White House, where steel from the devastation at Ground Zero was displayed.\n\n\u201cNo veteran who has proudly served our country should be without a safe and stable home,\u201d said Congressman Meuser. \u201cThe Veterans Housing Opportunity Act will help ensure that HUD has the flexibility and ability to direct housing assistance and supportive services to the communities across the country where veterans need it most.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-deluzio-pa-colleagues-demand-stronger-data-transparency-from-ice", "Reps. Lee, Deluzio, PA Colleagues Demand Stronger Data Transparency from ICE", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Summer L. Lee", "L000602", "summerlee.house.gov", "summerlee", "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Text of Letter (PDF)\n\nPITTSBURGH, PA \u2013 September 11, 2026 \u2014 Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and their colleagues Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) on a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) exposing the lack of data transparency in current ICE records management and reporting. ICE is refusing to document in public records which local law enforcement agencies with a 287(g) agreement are involved in arrests, thereby hiding from public view how local law enforcement is involved in ICE\u2019s mass deportation regime.\n\nSpecifically, the Congressmembers are pushing for training records, complaints, and oversight records about 287(g) programs in Pennsylvania to be made public. The 287(g) program sets up partnerships between ICE and state or local law enforcement agencies to authorize selected officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement or deportation. Reps. Lee, Deluzio, Dean, and Scanlon are demanding ICE require its agents to fully complete the 287(g)-designation field in its arrest records and identify the participating agencies involved in arrests. They also make specific demands that more data, details, and records be released to the public.\n\nThe Pennsylvania congressmembers write in the letter:\n\n\u201cAccording to published federal records between January 1 to August 6, 2026, of the 1,227 Pennsylvania 287(g) arrest records, only 12 of those records included the task force designation agency that was involved in arrest. ICE chose to withhold that information more than 1,000 times so far this year despite such information being a designated field included in arrest records. This discrepancy undermines transparency and leaves the public without a clear understanding of which agency or department was involved.\n\nThe members continue:\n\n\u201cThe public has a right to clear and complete information about the nature of the enforcement activities taking place in our neighborhoods and the departments or agencies responsible for carrying them out. Programs between federal and local law enforcement agencies must meet the highest standards of transparency.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-25th-anniversary-of-the-sept-11-terrorist-attacks/", "Fetterman Statement on 25th Anniversary of the Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "SHANKSVILLE, PA \u2014 Following the wreath ceremony at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following image and statement:\n\n\u201cHallowed ground here at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville commemorating 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.\n\n\u201cThis sacred land honors the Americans who fought back to prevent another, larger attack. The precise timing of the wreath layings marked the times of each attack in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville.", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-urges-u-s-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-to-pay-medical-service-providers/", "Fetterman Urges U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to Pay Medical Service Providers", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "BRADDOCK, PA \u2014 Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), David J. Venturella, to note his concern with the lack of reimbursement to medical service providers for care provided to detainees, and to urge immediate repayment.\n\n\u201cFor more than two decades, ICE paid the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to process reimbursement claims for medical services related to immigration detention. This agreement, which came at no cost to the VA, allowed for timely and efficient payment of medical providers and ensured a responsible level of care for detainees and detention center staff. On October 3, 2025, the Veterans Affairs Administration (VA) and ICE abruptly terminated this decades-long contract. This action left ICE with no mechanism to process invoices and pay medical providers serving ICE facilities and detainees,\u201d wrote Senator Fetterman.\n\nIn the Commonwealth, Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services (MVEMS) is responsible for emergency medical care for over 40,000 Pennsylvanians. This includes nearly 2,000 detainees held at ICE\u2019s Moshannon Valley Processing Center. Since payments ceased, MVEMS is now owed over $230,000.\n\nOn January 13, ICE Health Service Corps announced plans to transition claims processing to a new electronic provider portal, with a launch date of April 30. As of now, providers remain unable to submit reimbursement claims for emergency responses initiated through 911 calls and other medical care provided to individuals in ICE custody or at ICE facilities. The continued delays raise serious concerns about access to timely emergency medical care for detainees, guards, custodial staff, administrators, and others at these facilities.\n\n\u201cAs MVEMS and medical service providers from across the Commonwealth continue to show up for their communities, ICE must also be a good neighbor. ICE should not and cannot rely on medical service providers like MVEMS to shoulder the financial and operational burden of federal immigration detention operations,\u201d continued the senator.\n\nRead the full text of the letter below and here.\n\n\u2013\n\nDear Mr. Venturella:\n\nI am concerned about the non-payment of medical service provider invoices for care rendered to individuals in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and I demand that ICE immediately pay these bills. This inaction is creating economic hardship for medical service providers across rural Pennsylvania. Refusal to pay for these services hurts our communities and breaks financial obligations.\n\nFor more than two decades, ICE paid the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to process reimbursement claims for medical services related to immigration detention. This agreement, which came at no cost to the VA, allowed for timely and efficient payment of medical providers and ensured a responsible level of care for detainees and detention center staff. On October 3, 2025, the Veterans Affairs Administration (VA) and ICE abruptly terminated this decades-long contract. This action left ICE with no mechanism to process invoices and pay medical providers serving ICE facilities and detainees.\n\nOn January 13, 2026, ICE Health Service Corps announced it would begin processing claims through a new electronic provider portal. It was the expectation of the Department of Homeland Security and ICE that this portal would launch on April 30, 2026.2 It is now September and providers are still unable to submit reimbursement claims for 911 call-initiated responses and other care provided to individuals in the custody of or physically located at an ICE facility. This raises serious concerns about access to emergency treatment for detainees, guards, custodians, and administrators.\n\nICE recognizes the danger this lapse in payments to providers creates. In contracting documents signed in October 2025 and made publicly available via the Systems Award Management website in November 2025, ICE states, \u201cIt is an absolute emergency for ICE to immediately procure claims processing support because lack of this support will delay critical medical care for [illegal aliens] such as dialysis, prenatal care, oncology, chemotherapy, etc.\n\nWhile payment delays adversely affect all providers, they are especially harmful to rural health and emergency care providers with limited staff, equipment, and financial reserves. Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services (MVEMS) is a rural EMS provider in Philipsburg, PA. MVEMS operates over an almost 800 square mile area and provides EMS service to 41,000 Pennsylvanians. They accomplish this every day with only 10 full-time employees, 35 part-time staff, and five ambulances. They also provide EMS services to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, which is capable of holding nearly 1,900 detainees. As of August 20, 2025, ICE owes MVEMS $236,124.91 in overdue payments, because of the reimbursement freeze.\n\nAs MVEMS and medical service providers from across the Commonwealth continue to show up for their communities, ICE must also be a good neighbor. ICE should not and cannot rely on medical service providers like MVEMS to shoulder the financial and operational burden of federal immigration detention operations.\n\nI request ICE promptly provide my office with the following information:\n\nA detailed accounting of the total amount currently owed by ICE to medical service providers, EMS providers, hospitals, and other health care entities for care provided to individuals in ICE custody.\n\nIf unavailable, please provide a detailed estimate of the total amount currently owed based on historical averages adjusted for recent increases in ICE\u2019s enforcement and detention activities.\n\nA statistical impact report addressing how these payment delays have affected detainee medical care and medical and EMS providers.\n\nA detailed update on the status of ICE\u2019s new payment system, including when it will be fully operational, when outstanding claims will be paid, and what steps ICE is taking to prevent future payment disruptions.\n\nI appreciate your attention to this matter, and I hope to receive your response no later than September 15, 2026.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/dean-pa-delegation-demand-stronger-data-transparency-from-ice", "Dean, PA Delegation Demand Stronger Data Transparency from ICE", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Madeleine Dean", "D000631", "dean.house.gov", "dean", "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) wrote a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) exposing the lack of data transparency in current ICE records management and reporting, specifically in its partnerships with state and local law enforcement.\n\n\u201cAccording to published federal records between January 1 to August 6, 2026, of the 1,227 Pennsylvania 287(g) arrest records, only 12 of those records included the task force designation agency that was involved in arrest. ICE chose to withhold that information more than 1,000 times so far this year despite such information being a designated field included in arrest records. This discrepancy undermines transparency and leaves the public without a clear understanding of which agency or department was involved,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe 287(g) program established a partnership between ICE and state or local law enforcement to authorize selected officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement or deportation. Specifically, the lawmakers are demanding training records, complaints, and oversight records about 287(g) programs in Pennsylvania to be made public.\n\n\u201cThe public has a right to clear and complete information about the nature of the enforcement activities taking place in our neighborhoods and the departments or agencies responsible for carrying them out. Programs between federal and local law enforcement agencies must meet the highest standards of transparency,\u201d the lawmakers continue.\n\nFollowing a recent visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center in central Pennsylvania, Congresswoman Dean lead her Pennsylvania colleagues in letters to ICE and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates MVPC, to demand answers on GEO\u2019s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees, as well as obstruction of congressional oversight.\n\nCongresswoman Dean also recently introduced theOversight Access Act to expand congressional oversight at ICE facilities without prior notice and the No Shock Act to ban the use of electric shock gloves by ICE agents.?\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\nRep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=5159", "Rep. Houlahan's Fourth Annual Medicare Town Hall", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "West Chester District Office\n\n709 E. Gay Street, Suite 4\n\nWest Chester, PA 19380\n\nPhone: (610) 883-5050\n\nOpen:\n\nMonday-Wednesday\n\n9:00am-5:00pm\n\nOpen by Appointment:\n\nThursday and Friday\n\nS\u00ed, se habla espa\u00f1ol\n\nReading District Office\n\n201 Penn Street, Suite 201\n\nReading, PA 19601\n\nPhone: (610) 295-0815\n\nOpen:\n\nWednesday-Friday\n\n9:00am-5:00pm\n\nOpen by Appointment:\n\nMonday and Tuesday\n\nS\u00ed, se habla espa\u00f1ol", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-80-million-investment-for-accessibility-improvements-at-septa-trolley-stations/", "Fetterman Secures $80 Million Investment for Accessibility Improvements at SEPTA Trolley Stations", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "BRADDOCK, PA \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced an $80 million grant award for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)\u2019s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP). This funding will support accessibility improvements at SEPTA\u2019s 22nd Street, 33rd Street, and 36th Street trolley stations in Philadelphia.\n\n\u201cThis money will make all the difference for our seniors, for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and for anyone who relies on SEPTA,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cI\u2019m proud of the steps SEPTA has already taken to make its system more accessible for all riders, and I\u2019m grateful for the FTA\u2019s support of this important work.\u201d\n\nSEPTA\u2019s 22nd Street, 33rd Street, and 36th Street Stations are among the busiest in the Authority\u2019s trolley network. These stations provide critical access to the Center City Trolley Tunnel in Philadelphia, which connects more than 60,000 daily riders to Southeastern Pennsylvania\u2019s largest employment centers in Center City and University City.\n\nThis $80 million award will fund critical accessibility improvements at these stations, including the installation of new elevators and raised platforms, making them fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project represents a key component of SEPTA\u2019s broader Trolley Modernization initiative, which aims to improve safety, accessibility, and reliability along one of the nation\u2019s largest trolley networks. In April, Senator Fetterman penned a letter in support of SEPTA\u2019s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister.\n\n\u201cAccessibility is core to SEPTA\u2019s mission, and this grant will help us deliver three new projects that will have lasting benefits for our customers,\u201d said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. \u201cWith this announcement, ASAP funding is now supporting a total of eight SEPTA Metro station accessibility projects. We are grateful to our Congressional delegation for their leadership in establishing this vital program and to the FTA for its confidence in our station accessibility efforts.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/mccormick-hickenlooper-announce-formation-of-senate-bipartisan-science-and-innovation-caucus/", "McCormick, Hickenlooper Announce Formation of Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) announced the formation of the U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus to highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. Caucus members will work together with industry leaders and the research community to develop policies that promote U.S. leadership in science.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s economic strength and national security have always been powered by our ability to innovate, and that begins with world-class scientific research,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cAs we compete to maintain America\u2019s position as the world\u2019s leading superpower, this bipartisan caucus will help unleash the ingenuity of our scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to drive economic growth, create opportunity, and strengthen our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cScience propels our economy, saves lives, and solves the problems that once seemed unsolvable,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cThis caucus exists for one reason: to make sure Congress is fighting as hard for American innovation as our scientists and researchers are. The stakes are too high for anything less.\u201d\n\nThe United States has been a global economic leader for the past 50 years because of our dedication to science, technology, and innovation. Federally-funded research led to the invention of optical fibers, microchips, personal computers, mobile phones, robotics, cutting-edge medicine, and more.\n\nJobs in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine make up 34% of the U.S. workforce.\n\nEconomic activity from these fields generates 39% of U.S. GDP \u2013 over $10 trillion dollars.\n\nThe United States spends only 3% of its GDP on research and development (R&D) and innovation.\n\nFederally funded R&D dollars are doubled in returns: every $1 invested generates nearly $2 in economic output. This is substantially higher than the returns on other forms of federal investment.\n\nChina is overtaking the United States in R&D funding, graduating more PhDs in STEM programs, filing more international patents than the U.S., and narrowing the gap on venture capital investment.\n\nThe Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus plans to host briefings, engage in roundtables and other conversations about existing and new policies, and provide a venue for discourse about new legislation to boost American scientific research and our STEM workforce.\n\nA kickoff event celebrating the caucus will be held on Monday, September 14th at the United States Capitol.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/rep-dean-reintroduces-bill-to-lower-treatment-costs-for-opioid-use-disorder", "Rep. Dean Reintroduces Bill to Lower Treatment Costs for Opioid Use Disorder", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Madeleine Dean", "D000631", "dean.house.gov", "dean", "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) reintroduced the Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency (MORE) Savings Act to lower costs for the more than 20 million Americans seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), including life-saving medications and outpatient treatment services. This legislation would eliminate cost-sharing for opioid treatment and recovery support services for people with private insurance, Medicaid, and for people enrolled under a new Medicare pilot program.\n\n\u201cEvery family, every community has been scarred by the disease of addiction \u2014 and as the Trump Administration systematically strips away affordable healthcare, it is critical that we expand access to treatment and recovery,\u201d Rep. Dean said. \u201cBecause of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, 100,000 Pennsylvanians struggling with substance use disorder, including OUD, lost coverage. The MORE Savings Act will help lower costs so that the more than 20 million Americans seeking treatment can find hope and joy in recovery.\u201d\n\nThe MORE Savings Act would require individual and group health insurance plans to cover medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), overdose reversal medications, treatment in outpatient settings, and recovery support services with no cost-sharing for patients. The bill would also establish a 5-year pilot program in 15 states to eliminate cost-sharing under Medicare and provide an enhanced federal match under Medicaid for people accessing treatment and recovery services.\n\nCongresswoman Dean previously introduced the MORE Savings Act in the 118th Congress.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\nRep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/mccormick-hickenlooper-announce-formation-of-senate-bipartisan-science-and-innovation-caucus-2/", "McCormick, Hickenlooper Announce Formation of Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) announced the formation of the U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus to highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. Caucus members will work together with industry leaders and the research community to develop policies that promote U.S. leadership in science.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s economic strength and national security have always been powered by our ability to innovate, and that begins with world-class scientific research,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cAs we compete to maintain America\u2019s position as the world\u2019s leading superpower, this bipartisan caucus will help unleash the ingenuity of our scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to drive economic growth, create opportunity, and strengthen our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cScience propels our economy, saves lives, and solves the problems that once seemed unsolvable,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cThis caucus exists for one reason: to make sure Congress is fighting as hard for American innovation as our scientists and researchers are. The stakes are too high for anything less.\u201d\n\nThe United States has been a global economic leader for the past 50 years because of our dedication to science, technology, and innovation. Federally-funded research led to the invention of optical fibers, microchips, personal computers, mobile phones, robotics, cutting-edge medicine, and more.\n\nJobs in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine make up 34% of the U.S. workforce.\n\nEconomic activity from these fields generates 39% of U.S. GDP \u2013 over $10 trillion dollars.\n\nThe United States spends only 3% of its GDP on research and development (R&D) and innovation.\n\nFederally funded R&D dollars are doubled in returns: every $1 invested generates nearly $2 in economic output. This is substantially higher than the returns on other forms of federal investment.\n\nChina is overtaking the United States in R&D funding, graduating more PhDs in STEM programs, filing more international patents than the U.S., and narrowing the gap on venture capital investment.\n\nThe Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus plans to host briefings, engage in roundtables and other conversations about existing and new policies, and provide a venue for discourse about new legislation to boost American scientific research and our STEM workforce.\n\nA kickoff event celebrating the caucus will be held on Monday, September 14th at the United States Capitol.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-announces-475k-luzerne-county-community-college-nursing-program", "Bresnahan Announces $475K for Luzerne County Community College Nursing Program", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "NANTICOKE, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced that Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) has been awarded a $475,175 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand its nursing program.\n\nThis grant comes through the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention \u2013 Workforce Expansion Program, a federal initiative focused on training more nurses to meet the nation\u2019s growing healthcare workforce needs.\n\n\u201cLuzerne County Community College is preparing the nurses our hospitals and healthcare providers need right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cThis funding will help more students get the training they need, fill good-paying nursing jobs, and strengthen the healthcare workforce our communities rely on every day. I\u2019m proud to support LCCC and the students who will go on to serve families across our region.\u201d\n\nLCCC will use the funding to increase enrollment, upgrade training equipment, and provide students with the training and support they need to enter the workforce in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-highlights-25000-investment-job-training-opportunities-beaver-county", "Deluzio Highlights $25,000 Investment in Job Training Opportunities for Beaver County Youth", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CENTER TOWNSHIP, PA \u2014 Today, Congressman Deluzio announced that Beaver County is receiving $25,000 in federal funding to invest in educational and job opportunities for Beaver County youth. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded the funding to Flourish Beaver County to develop a three-year strategic plan for these opportunities.\n\n\u201cYoung people throughout Western PA should have every tool at their disposal to get a good education, find a solid job, build their lives, and earn their own slice of the American Dream,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cThis federal funding is a win for Beaver County youth, and I look forward to seeing all that Flourish Beaver County will do with it.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help Flourish build the organizational capacity needed to keep young people at the center of our work,\u201d said Jennifer Marino, CEO of Flourish Beaver County. \u201cWith a stronger, more sustainable foundation, we can expand our ability to bring school districts, higher education, employers, and community partners together to help Beaver County youth discover their strengths, explore future careers, and access the education and training that can help them thrive. We are grateful to Congressman Deluzio and his team for supporting this work.\u201d\n\nThe Appalachian Regional Commission\u2019s READY Appalachia Grant Program awarded the funding to Flourish Beaver County\u2014a nonprofit that invests in support opportunities for Beaver County youth. The initiative helps Appalachian communities, organizations, and individuals obtain the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to strengthen their local economies\n\nThe Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio\u2019s office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio\u2019s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-applauds-doj-scam-center-strike-force-operation-against-chinese-run", "Meuser Applauds DOJ Scam Center Strike Force Operation Against Chinese-Run Scammer Marketplace", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement commending U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and the Scam Center Strike Force for their recent actions against Southeast Asian cryptocurrency-related fraud and scams and Chinese organized crime operations in Madagascar.\n\nThe Scam Center Strike Force announced major action against Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language illicit marketplace operating through Telegram and based in Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. Xinbi provided scam centers with services including fake investment websites, money laundering, and the recruitment of trafficking victims for Southeast Asian scam compounds. These overseas operations are estimated to extract roughly $12 billion annually from American victims, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. The Strike Force and Treasury restrained more than $52 million in cryptocurrency connected to Xinbi\u2014bringing total restrained funds to approximately $938 million\u2014and authorities also seized Xinbi\u2019s Telegram channels and cryptocurrency wallets.\n\nPirro also announced expanded international operations, including a two-week deployment to Madagascar that assisted local authorities in dismantling 13 scam centers and led to nearly 400 arrests. The operation also helped identify and target the Chinese organized crime leaders behind these compounds, with approximately 30 alleged leaders arrested.\n\n\u201cFinancial fraud and scams are a direct threat to American consumers and taxpayers, and this Administration has made clear that combating these schemes is a top priority,\u201d said Subcommittee Chair Meuser. \u201cIn Congress, I have made combating fraud and scams a priority by convening roundtables with federal and local law enforcement, financial institutions, technology companies, and other stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities and develop solutions. The crackdown announced today, including the seizure of illicit funds and arrests of those operating scam centers, is exactly the kind of action needed to disrupt these criminal networks and protect Americans. I commend the Scam Center Strike Force and our federal, state, and international partners for their continued efforts to hold these criminals accountable and ensure that fraudsters have nowhere to hide.\u201d\n\nCongressman Meuser\u2019s Work on Combatting Consumer Fraud and Scams:\n\nCongressman Meuser has spearheaded Congress\u2019 work on combating consumer fraud and scams. Most recently, the Congressman participated in a roundtable discussion with Vice President JD Vance and his Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, outlining legislative solutions to reduce fraud. He also introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct (SCAM) Act, which would combat predatory online scam advertisements and require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent fraudulent and deceptive ads.\n\nFurther, under the leadership of Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, Congressman Meuser and his Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation held multiple hearings and roundtables investigating consumer fraud and scams against the American people. The product of this important work was a staff report entitled Fighting Back: A Policy Framework for Combating the Rise of Financial Fraud & Scams, which was published following an exhaustive investigation into the growing threat of financial fraud. The investigation included roundtables with banks, social media firms, telecom companies, the DOJ, FBI, Attorneys General, the Fed, and other federal agencies to discuss the scope of the problem and identify policy solutions to address scams.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-thompson-and-panetta-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-commemorate", "Reps. Thompson and Panetta Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Commemorate Celebrate Community Week", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Service Organization Caucus, introduced a resolution to designate the week of September 6 through September 12 as Celebrate Community Week and recognize the efforts of local service organizations across the country.\n\nThe resolution specifically applauds Kiwanis International, Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International for encouraging and promoting community service and humanitarian assistance through their local chapters.\n\n\u201cVolunteerism is fundamental to healthy communities and an important aspect of our country\u2019s shared values,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cI am grateful for community service organizations; the work they do provides opportunities to support our neighbors in need.\u201d\n\n\"Local service organizations bring people together to serve working families, strengthen communities, and make a meaningful difference in CA-19 and across the country,\u201d Rep. Panetta said. \u201cOur bipartisan resolution recognizing Celebrate Community Week honors the countless volunteers who roll up their sleeves, give their time and talents, and step up in service to others. Their commitment to civic engagement, civic responsibility, and community service reflects the very best of our country.\u201d\n\n\"Kiwanis International and its fellow service organizations are dedicated to supporting communities in the United States and around the world,\u201d said Kiwanis International President Michael Mulhaul. \u201cWe are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on the Celebrate Community initiative and create meaningful change.\u201d\n\n\u201cVolunteering with service organizations like Rotary gives people the chance to make a bigger impact by working with others, while also growing personally,\u201d said Rotary International President Yinka Babalola. \u201cCelebrate Community Week is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the contributions service organizations make both locally and globally, and the friendships people build along the way as they work toward common goals.\u201d\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-demands-answers-usps-vote-mail-calls-congress-pass-vote", "ICYMI: Boyle Demands Answers from USPS on Vote-By-Mail, Calls for Congress to Pass Vote by Mail Protection Act", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "PHILADELPHIA, PA \u2013 Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) held a press conference outside the Northeast Philadelphia Satellite Election Office, calling on Congress to urgently pass H.R. 8666, the Vote by Mail Protection Act, to stop President Trump\u2019s efforts to restrict access to the ballot. Boyle also announced a new oversight letter to the United States Postal Service, demanding answers about new procedures that could interfere with the delivery of mail-in ballots and pressing USPS to fully comply with court orders protecting voters.\n\n\u201cWe are now exactly eight weeks from what perhaps may be one of the most consequential congressional elections in our lifetime. There are many people throughout the nation who vote by mail, including President Donald Trump,\u201d said Congressman Boyle. \u201cUnfortunately, this White House continues its unprecedented assault on vote-by-mail. First, I am calling on Congress to pass a bill that I'm proud to co-sponsor, the Vote by Mail Protection Act. Second, I am sending an oversight letter today to the Postmaster General demanding answers about this new system and what it could mean for Philadelphia. These are basic questions, and voters \u2014 whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent \u2014 deserve these answers.\u201d\n\nIn the 2024 general election, 200,000 Philadelphians voted by mail or absentee ballot. In his letter, Boyle demands answers about reports that USPS is rushing to make changes to the handling of mail-in ballots at the direction of the Trump administration. Boyle also calls on USPS to provide information about how these changes could impact Philadelphians who vote by mail, what safeguards are in place, and what communications USPS has had with the White House.\n\nThe full text of Boyle\u2019s letter to Postmaster General David Steiner can be found here.\n\nBoyle was joined at today\u2019s event by Philadelphia City Commissioner Lisa Deeley and leaders from the American Postal Workers Union.\n\n\u201cWe know this playbook,\u201d said City Commissioner Deeley. \u201cIt's been the same playbook since 2016. The trick plays have gotten a little more elaborate, but the message is clear: to create confusion and to stop people from exercising their right to vote. I remind everybody, as the Congressman said, you have time, and most importantly, I remind you that it's preparation, not panic, that will win the day for democracy on November the 3rd.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American Postal Workers Union represents over 200,000 postal workers, covering the clerks that you see at the window, the folks that process the mail, the maintenance employees that fix the machines, those that clean, and our drivers. Vote-by-mail works. There's no evidence whatsoever that there's been fraud in elections. And we take pride in doing it. We hope it continues. I appreciate Congressman Boyle, what he's doing for this, and we hope for the best,\u201d said Vince Tarducci, Eastern Region Coordinator, American Postal Workers Union.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-champions-bipartisan-legislation-give-controllers-pilots-eye-view", "Bresnahan Champions Bipartisan Legislation to Give Controllers a Pilot\u2019s-Eye View", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: On Friday, September 4, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined Reps. Nellie Pou (NJ-09) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) to introduce the bipartisan Flight Logistics Initiative to Gain Heightened Travel Data and Enhance Communication Knowledge or FLIGHT DECK Act.\n\nThe legislation would permanently establish a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) training program that allows air traffic controllers to observe pilots during actual flights, giving controllers better firsthand experience with the demands pilots face in the air as they interact and coordinate with air traffic controllers on the ground.\n\n\u201cPilots and air traffic controllers work together every day to keep our skies safe, but very few see their partner\u2019s side of the job,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cAs a pilot, I\u2019ve spent hundreds of hours talking to controllers over the radio, but touring a control tower gave me a whole new perspective on the work they do. The FLIGHT DECK Act gives controllers that same opportunity in the cockpit, helping pilots and controllers better understand each other\u2019s responsibilities, challenges, and workload. When both sides can see the full picture, our entire aviation system is safer, including the people who rely on it.\u201d\n\nThe FAA would develop the training program in consultation with air traffic controllers, pilots, and flight crews with participating airlines. After the program\u2019s first year, the FAA would report to Congress on participation and any barriers preventing controllers or aircraft operators from participating.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport\u2019s (AVP) chapter of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).\n\n\u201cWe strongly support Flight Deck Training and the opportunity it provides air traffic controllers to experience firsthand what happens on the other side of the headset,\u201d said Lenny Ameika, AVP NATCA President. \u201cEvery transmission between a controller and a pilot involves responsibilities and tasks that the other side may never see. Giving controllers the opportunity to spend time on the flight deck helps us better understand those demands, strengthens communication, and ultimately makes us better at working together. This was a valuable program before COVID, and restoring it would provide real benefits to controllers, pilots, and the National Airspace System as a whole.\u201d\n\n\u201cAir traffic controllers and pilots depend on each other every minute of every flight. Giving controllers firsthand flight deck experience can help both sides better understand the challenges the other faces and so ultimately make our skies safer,\u201d said Rep. Pou. \u201cWe ask an enormous amount of our air traffic controllers while our aviation system faces serious staffing and broader infrastructure challenges. Our bipartisan FLIGHT DECK bill will give controllers another tool to do their jobs and represents a practical way to strengthen communication between the people most responsible for keeping American skies the safest on earth.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-recaps-80-stops-across-region-during-packed-august-district-work-period", "Kelly recaps 80+ stops across the region during packed August District Work Period", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) is recapping a busy August District Work Period, which included more than 80 stops in all six counties covering Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.\n\nHighlights include Kelly's annual Veteran Resource Fair, tours of local businesses, and constituent meetings in his three district offices.\n\n\"The August District Work Period allows us to take a little more time to have meaningful conversations with our constituents face-to-face. It's always great to meet directly with folks around the region to hear how we can best serve them in Washington. Thank you to everyone who hosted us over the last few weeks,\" said Rep. Kelly.\n\nBelow, you can find some of Kelly's stops around the region during the August District Work Period.\n\n50+ organizations join the Veteran Resource Fair in Meadville\n\nOn August 6, Rep. Kelly hosted his annual Veteran Resource Fair at the Downtown Mall in Meadville.\n\nThe Fair, which is hosted together with Crawford County Veterans Services, connected veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with more than 50 organizations offering important services, resources, and support.\n\nDid you know: More than 42,000 civilian veterans reside in PA-16, according to Census data.\n\nSeeking answers about the future of the\n\nSouth Erie Post Office\n\nThroughout August, Rep. Kelly met with Erie residents who remain concerned that the South Erie Post Office has been closed for nearly a year.\n\nSoon after his initial meeting, he sent a letter with U.S. Senator John Fetterman to the Postmaster General urging the U.S. Postal Service to reopen the South Erie Post Office to properly serve Erie residents who rely on this facility for essential services.\n\nThe South Erie Post Office, located on Poplar Street, suspended operations in October 2025 for repairs and remains closed as of August 2026. USPS officials have informed the lawmakers that the facility is expected to reopen in November 2026.\n\nWATCH: Rep. Kelly spoke with Erie News Now about the ongoing efforts to reopen the facility.\n\nFederal funding for Butler County first responders\n\nOn Friday, Aug. 28, Rep. Kelly joined the Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company in Butler County for a groundbreaking ceremony at their new department headquarters. Kelly secured $2 million in federal funding for the project in 2024.\n\nREAD MORE: Rep. Kelly spoke with the Butler Eagle about the funding process and the future of the project.\n\nMeeting with businesses & organizations around the region\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly tours JM Eagle in Cochranton.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly joins the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Ducks Unlimited as they dedicated new, restored wetlands in Grove City.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly joined North American Forgemasters in New Castle to discuss their efforts to strengthen America\u2019s industrial base and to support our nation\u2019s defense needs.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly joins the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for a tour of its Erie County facilities.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly meets with Venango County officials to discuss important projects and priorities across the county, including the critical public safety radio improvements included in his latest Community Project Funding requests.\n\nAbove: Rep. Kelly presents Butler County Community College with a Congressional Commendation to mark their 60th anniversary. BC3 has served generations of students, and they continue to develop the workforce that serves our region.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-celebrates-new-schoolyard-supported-by-400k-in-federal-funds-highlights-bill-to-transform-schoolyards", "Rep. Summer Lee Celebrates New Schoolyard Supported by $400K in Federal Funds, Highlights Bill to Transform Schoolyards", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Summer L. Lee", "L000602", "summerlee.house.gov", "summerlee", "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Photos (Dropbox)\n\nPITTSBURGH, PA \u2013 September 4, 2026 \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Trust for Public Land (TPL), Greenfield PreK-8 Neighborhood School, and community leaders to celebrate the opening of a new community schoolyard. The Congresswoman secured $400,000 in FY26 community project funding to support the transformation. The new schoolyard showcases how transforming paved and underused schoolyards can expand access to parks, create places for children to learn and play, and help neighborhoods become more climate resilient. The event, hosted at Greenfield Elementary, included a brief speaking program and a walkthrough of the new community schoolyard with students and parents.\n\nDuring her remarks, Rep. Lee highlighted her Revitalizing America\u2019s Schoolyards Act, legislation to help schools nationwide transform their schoolyards into vibrant, nature-rich spaces for learning, play, and community use. She introduced the bill in April 2026 with Senator Martin Heinrich from New Mexico.\n\n\u201cGreenfield Elementary\u2019s transformed schoolyard is a powerful example of what public investment can mean for a community: a safe place for children to play, a green space where families can gather, and a third space where neighbors can connect with one another and with nature,\u201d said Rep. Lee. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have supported this incredible transformation with $400,000 in federal funds and to have introduced the Revitalizing America\u2019s Schoolyards Act to help communities across the country follow Greenfield\u2019s example and transform schoolyards into greener, healthier, more resilient spaces for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cGreenfield shows that a schoolyard can be so much more than a place for recess\u2014it can be a park, a classroom, a gathering place, and a tool for building healthier, more resilient neighborhoods,\u201d said Danielle Denk, Director of the Community Schoolyards Program at Trust for Public Land. \u201cThese spaces also give children more opportunities to put down their screens, get outside, and connect with nature and one another. Congresswoman Summer Lee\u2019s leadership in advancing the Revitalizing America\u2019s Schoolyards Act recognizes the power of these spaces and the need for investment to help communities across the country transform asphalt into vibrant places where children and families can connect with the outdoors.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Congresswoman Summer Lee for securing this important investment, which will transform Pittsburgh Greenfield\u2019s schoolyard into a space shaped by student voice and designed to support learning, play, connection and well-being,\u201d said Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters. \u201cWe appreciate Congresswoman Lee\u2019s partnership, her advocacy for our students and her recognition of the important role our school spaces play in supporting students and strengthening communities.\u201d\n\nGreenfield is a powerful local example of what public investment can accomplish. Led by Trust for Public Land\u2019s Community Schoolyards program, the project transformed the schoolyard into a greener, more welcoming space with new play equipment and connection to nature. The project will serve Greenfield\u2019s students and more than 2,500 neighbors within a 10-minute walk.\n\nThe project also illustrates the role schoolyards can play in addressing extreme heat and building climate resilience. Students at Greenfield helped develop the design through 8 weeks of participatory design, with focused STEAM lessons focused on climate and health challenges facing their community.\n\nPhotos from the event can be found here.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-bynum-introduce-back-school-supplies-affordability-act", "Boyle, Bynum Introduce Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act to lower the cost of school supplies for students and teachers. The legislation would exempt school supplies and educational materials from President Trump\u2019s tariff taxes, which have raised prices for families across the country.\n\n\u201cLike families across the country, my wife and I felt the sticker shock when we went back-to-school shopping this year,\u201d said Congressman Boyle. \u201cFamilies are already stretching every dollar, and they shouldn\u2019t be forced to pay even more for basic school supplies because of President Trump\u2019s reckless tariff taxes. I\u2019m proud to help lead this bill to eliminate tariffs on back-to-school essentials and give parents, teachers, and students some much-needed relief.\u201d\n\n\u201cBetween gas, groceries, and rent, our families are already struggling with rising costs,\u201d said Congresswoman Bynum. \u201cSchool supplies are the latest example of how Trump\u2019s tariffs are pricing people out of the essentials. With costs up and school supply lists out, families are having to make hard financial decisions. This bill is about giving parents and teachers a break, while still setting our children up for success in the classroom.\u201d\n\nAccording to Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation, the cost of school supplies has increased 8 percent this year, with many essential items facing even larger cost increases. Lunchbox prices have increased 27 percent, while notebooks have become 23 percent more expensive.\n\nThe Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Education to work together to create a list of tariff-free school supplies, and specifically exempts:\n\nOffice and school supplies\n\nBackpacks\n\nNotebooks, memorandum pads, and similar paper products\n\nChildren\u2019s picture, drawing, and coloring books\n\nCalendars\n\nComputer keyboards\n\nHairbrushes\n\nPencils, crayons, chalk, and other drawing materials\n\nPens, markers, and related writing instruments\n\nThe bill preserves congressional oversight by allowing Congress to disapprove the designation of specific items for tariff exemptions through a Joint Resolution of Disapproval.\n\nIn the House, the legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Sarah McBride (DE), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08).\n\nThis legislation is led in the Senate by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD). The bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (MD), Chris Coons (DE), Andy Kim (NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Jacky Rosen (NV), and John Hickenlooper (CO).\n\nBoyle is the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee and serves on the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal tax policy.\n\nThe full text of the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act is available here.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/reps-dean-ramirez-introduce-bill-to-ban-ice-use-of-shock-gloves", "Reps. Dean, Ramirez Introduce Bill to Ban ICE Use of \u201cShock Gloves\u201d", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Madeleine Dean", "D000631", "dean.house.gov", "dean", "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Delia Ramirez (IL-03) introduced the No Shock Act to ban the use of \u201cshock gloves\u201d by U.S. Immigration and Enforcement (ICE) agents. This month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced their plan to spend $17 million on 6,000 shock gloves \u2014 electric gloves designed to inflict painful shocks with just a touch of the hand \u2014 for ICE officers to enforce the Trump Administration\u2019s policy of mass deportations.\n\n\u201cFor nearly two years, we have witnessed grotesquely un-American behavior from ICE agents \u2014 the tragic killing of innocent Americans, the wrongful arrests of lawful residents and peaceful protesters, and the inhumane conditions at ICE facilities across the country,\u201d Rep. Dean said. \u201cNow, DHS seeks to further arm ICE agents with electric shock gloves, enabling them to inflict even more pain with zero accountability. My bill will prohibit these devices from being used in any immigration enforcement.\u201d\n\n\"For years, DHS has spent billions of taxpayer dollars to amass paramilitary weapons while simultaneously attempting to shield itself and its agents from accountability. Using surveillance tech and tools of torture, DHS has already proven its capacity to perpetrate state-sanctioned abuse and arbitrary cruelty. Under no circumstances can DHS be trusted with electric shock gloves and the power to inflict \u2018sudden\u2019 death,\u201d Rep. Ramirez said. \u201cAfter opening a Congressional inquiry to demand that DHS immediately halt the acquisition and deployment of electric shock gloves, I\u2019m joining Rep. Dean to prohibit these cruel devices from being used during immigration enforcement. We cannot continue letting a dangerous agency access more tools to wage war on our communities. We have to take every weapon, every dollar, every authority away. We have to dismantle DHS.\"\n\nThe Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (G.L.O.V.E.) devices are manufactured in Lexington, Kentucky by Compliant Technologies LLC. They are being purchased by DHS through a no-bid contract \u2014 a process typically reserved for emergencies. The No Shock Act would prohibit the use of these gloves for all DHS immigration enforcement, including ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as state and local officers enlisted to carry out federal immigration enforcement.\n\nFollowing an alarming visit to the Moshannon Detention Center in central Pennsylvania,Congresswoman Dean recently introduced the Oversight Access Act to expand unannounced congressional oversight at ICE facilities.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\nRep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/9/fitzpatrick-takes-edgely-fight-to-congress-with-bipartisan-community-protection-bill", "Fitzpatrick Takes Edgely Fight to Congress with Bipartisan Community Protection Bill", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "fitzpatrick", "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Legislation born from Fitzpatrick\u2019s work alongside PA-1 residents would strengthen property protections, transparency, and community voice in major federal infrastructure decisions\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), joined by Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), introduced the bipartisan Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act, legislation shaped directly by the concerns and experiences of residents in Bristol Township\u2019s historic Edgely riverfront community.\n\nThe bill would strengthen transparency and accountability in the federal environmental review process when major infrastructure projects could result in the acquisition of homes or other residential property.\n\nFor months, Fitzpatrick has led a sustained effort alongside Edgely residents and Bristol Township leaders to protect the community as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and New Jersey Turnpike Authority plan the future of the Delaware River Turnpike Bridge. After residents raised serious concerns about the potential consequences for their homes, property rights, and neighborhood, Fitzpatrick moved quickly to bring those concerns directly to the agencies responsible, convene with residents and local leaders, assess potential impacts, and press for every feasible alternative capable of avoiding or minimizing harm to the community to be fully examined.\n\nThat work exposed a clear gap in federal law. Agencies can weigh multiple alternatives for a major infrastructure project without being specifically required to tell residents, in plain terms, how each option could affect their homes and property.\n\nThe Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act would close that gap\u2014turning what Edgely residents uncovered through this fight into a stronger federal standard for transparency, property rights, and community voice nationwide.\n\n\u201cThis legislation belongs first and foremost to the people of Edgely. Their willingness to speak up, stay engaged, and fight for the neighborhood they love is what brought us to this moment,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cWhen residents first came to me, I understood immediately that this was about far more than an infrastructure proposal. It was about whether families could remain in their homes, whether private property rights would be respected, and whether a historic community would have a real say in its own future. So we went to work. We brought Edgely\u2019s case directly to the agencies making these decisions, challenged them to consider every viable path forward, and kept pressing for answers wherever the process fell short. In doing so, we found something Congress has the power\u2014and responsibility\u2014to fix: communities facing the potential loss of residential property are not guaranteed a clear comparison of how the alternatives before the government would affect them. This bill changes that. We should never accept a false choice between building the infrastructure our communities need and protecting the communities themselves. We can do both and must do both. I\u2019m grateful to Congressman Don Davis for joining me in this bipartisan effort and helping turn a fight that began in Edgely into meaningful protection for communities nationwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamilies and landowners across eastern North Carolina deserve clear information when federal projects could affect their property or livelihoods. The Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act would provide greater transparency around potential property acquisitions and ensure affected communities have an opportunity to be heard before federal agencies move forward. No one should be kept in the dark about decisions that could affect their homes, farms, businesses, and way of life,\u201d said Davis.\n\n\u201cBristol Township Council is grateful to Congressman Fitzpatrick for listening to our residents and taking their concerns directly to Washington,\u201d said Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen. \u201cThe families of Edgely deserve to know that every reasonable alternative has been fully considered before decisions are made that could forever change their neighborhood or force residents from their homes. This community has stood together, asked important questions, and made it clear that progress should never come at the expense of transparency or a meaningful public voice. The Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act takes what our residents have experienced here in Bristol Township and turns it into stronger protections for communities across the country. We appreciate Congressman Fitzpatrick\u2019s continued partnership and his commitment to making sure the people of Edgely are heard throughout this process.\u201d\n\nThe Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act would:\n\nRequire agencies to identify and compare anticipated property-acquisition impacts of a proposed federal action and every alternative analyzed.\n\nRequire an agency that selects a preferred alternative to state whether that option minimizes property acquisition compared with the other alternatives.\n\nRequire agencies to explain how public comments regarding property acquisition were considered when choosing a preferred alternative.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and New Jersey Turnpike Authority, with guidance from the Federal Highway Administration, are evaluating the future of the Delaware River Bridge. Nine replacement alternatives were initially considered before two\u2014the North Partial Impact Alternative and North Staged Alternative\u2014were advanced for further evaluation. In June 2026, the agencies announced the North Partial Impact Alternative as their preferred option while continuing to evaluate the North Staged Alternative.\n\nReviews found that the preferred alternative could impact multiple residential properties. Under current law, however, agencies are not specifically required to disclose and compare the property-acquisition impacts associated with every alternative analyzed in an Environmental Impact Statement\u2014a gap the Edgely Community Protection and Transparency Act is designed to address.\n\nThe agencies are expected to publish a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement examining the engineering and transportation needs and the social, economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of the remaining alternatives. Following public comment and completion of the Final SEIS, the Federal Highway Administration will issue the final Record of Decision\n\nThe legislation marks the latest step in Fitzpatrick\u2019s ongoing work with Edgely residents to protect their homes and property rights, demand transparency and accountability from the agencies involved, and ensure the community has a meaningful voice throughout the process.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kelly-and-chu-introduce-resolution-designate-september-3-national", "Reps. Kelly and Chu Introduce Resolution to Designate September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced a resolution to designate September 3, 2026, as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, recognizing the children and families affected by neuroblastoma and the clinicians and researchers working to develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure.\n\nThe resolution was inspired by Mikaela Hong, a La Ca\u00f1ada High School student, neuroblastoma patient and survivor, and founder of the Pediatric Hope Project, who has turned her own experience with neuroblastoma into advocacy for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Hong received Rep. Chu\u2019s 2026 Youth of the Year Award in recognition for her advocacy.\n\n\u201cEstablishing an official Neuroblastoma Awareness Day resolution gives lawmakers and communities the opportunity to help elevate public understanding, foster early detection, and offer meaningful support to families navigating this difficult diagnosis,\u201d said Rep. Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus. \u201cIt is critical to spur the development of safer, more effective treatments and ultimately giving young patients a better chance at a healthy future. As a Co-Chair of both the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and the House Cancer Caucus, I\u2019m proud to support efforts in Congress that advance lifesaving pediatric cancer research and help ensure doctors and researchers have the tools they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find cures.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kelly-and-chu-introduce-resolution-designate-september-3-national-0", "Reps. Kelly and Chu Introduce Resolution to Designate September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced a resolution to designate September 3, 2026, as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, recognizing the children and families affected by neuroblastoma and the clinicians and researchers working to develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure.\n\nThe resolution was inspired by Mikaela Hong, a La Ca\u00f1ada High School student, neuroblastoma patient and survivor, and founder of the Pediatric Hope Project, who has turned her own experience with neuroblastoma into advocacy for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Hong received Rep. Chu\u2019s 2026 Youth of the Year Award in recognition for her advocacy.\n\n\u201cEstablishing an official Neuroblastoma Awareness Day resolution gives lawmakers and communities the opportunity to help elevate public understanding, foster early detection, and offer meaningful support to families navigating this difficult diagnosis,\u201d said Rep. Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus. \u201cIt is critical to spur the development of safer, more effective treatments and ultimately giving young patients a better chance at a healthy future. As a Co-Chair of both the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and the House Cancer Caucus, I\u2019m proud to support efforts in Congress that advance lifesaving pediatric cancer research and help ensure doctors and researchers have the tools they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find cures.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-hayes-introduce-bill-to-provide-free-school-supplies-to-school-districts", "Reps. Lee, Hayes Introduce Bill to Provide Free School Supplies to School Districts", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Summer L. Lee", "L000602", "summerlee.house.gov", "summerlee", "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Text of Bill (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 September 3, 2026 \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Access to School Supplies Act of 2026, legislation that would invest $500 million in a federal pilot program to provide school supplies at no cost to students, teachers, librarians, and support staff. Rep. Lee touted the bill\u2019s introduction last year during a school supply distribution event at The Education Partnership. The bill was initially introduced by former Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01).\n\n\u201cEach school year, millions of students, families, and educators across the country struggle to afford the basic supplies students need to succeed in the classroom. We are already in an affordability crisis. In the wealthiest country in history, basic expenses should not stand between a child and a quality education,\u201d said Rep. Lee. \u201cThe Access to School Supplies Act of 2026 is common-sense legislation that would help ensure our classrooms are equipped to serve teachers and students. I\u2019m proud to carry this bill forward with my colleagues and our education partners.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo often students attend school without basic supplies, while teachers reach into their own pockets to provide them. I know firsthand how limited resources can negatively impact an educational experience,\u201d said Rep. Hayes. \u201cAs school budgets shrink, the Access to School Supplies Act is a commonsense investment in our students, our teachers, and our classrooms. I look forward to working with Representative Lee to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed.\u201d\n\nSchool supply prices are up nearly 8% this year, with families spending an average of nearly $200 on supplies and nearly $900 on total back-to-school costs. Teachers are feeling the burden as well: during the 2024\u201325 school year, educators spent an average of $895 out of pocket on supplies for their students\u2014a 49% increase since 2015.\n\nFor too many students, these rising costs mean reusing old supplies, purchasing lower-quality materials, or showing up to school without the tools they need to learn. The Access to School Supplies Act of 2026 would strengthen federal support for public schools and help ensure that a family\u2019s income does not determine whether a student has the basic materials they need to succeed.\n\nThe purpose of the legislation is to:\n\nProvide school supplies at no cost to students and instructional staff;\n\nIncrease the number of students who have access to the supplies needed to maintain a stable learning environment; and\n\nImprove student academic achievement, particularly for students from low-income families.\n\nUnder the legislation, the Department of Education would allocate $100 million annually through a pilot program to:\n\n10 local educational agencies (LEAs) with at least one high-poverty school in their district through competitive grants administered by the Department of Education; and\n\nThe Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and outlying areas through formula grants that do not require applications, reducing the burden on smaller communities and ensuring they are not forced to compete with larger LEAs for critical resources.\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Representatives Alma Adams, Wesley Bell, Suzanne Bonamici, Shontel Brown, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Yvette Clarke, Chuy Garc\u00eda, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jonathan Jackson, Pramila Jayapal, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, and Frederica Wilson.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by The Education Partnership, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), SchoolHouse Connection, All4Ed, EdTrust, Children's Defense Fund Action (CDF Action), and Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.\n\n\"Teachers should not have to buy their own classroom. The Education Partnership distributes free supplies, everything from pencils and desk chairs to snacks and clothing, into the hands of 12,500 educators and their 82,000 students across southwestern Pennsylvania every year, and Congresswoman Lee's Access to School Supplies Act would bring that same relief to classrooms nationwide. Of critical concern, nearly 68 percent of the educators we serve tell us this support factored into their decision to stay in the classroom. We are proud to stand with Congresswoman Lee and all educators in providing the right resources for education to flourish today and tomorrow,\u201d said Josh Whiteside, Executive Director of The Education Partnership.\n\n\u201cAt SHC, we know that access to basic school supplies isn\u2019t a luxury - it\u2019s a lifeline for students, especially those experiencing homelessness. By equipping local schools in high-poverty areas, the Access to School Supplies Act will enable school districts to have more tools in the fight to reduce chronic absenteeism and create the stable, supportive environments every student deserves. We wholeheartedly endorse this legislation and urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure no child falls behind for lack of the most fundamental tools,\u201d said Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection.\n\nA copy of the bill text can be found here.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-mccormick-celebrate-96-million-rail-vehicle-replacement-program-investment-in-prt-septa/", "Fetterman, McCormick Celebrate $96 Million Rail Vehicle Replacement Program Investment in PRT, SEPTA", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "PA", "John Fetterman", "F000479", "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "fetterman", "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "scraper", "BRADDOCK, PA \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced a combined $96 million in grant awards for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)\u2019s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. These awards will support the replacement of PRT\u2019s aging Light Rail (\u201cT\u201d) fleet and SEPTA\u2019s 50-year-old Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars.\n\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians across our Commonwealth rely on public transit to get where they need to go every day. Investments like these matter,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cThese grants will make service on the T in Pittsburgh and across the Regional Rail system in Philly safer and more reliable for riders. I\u2019m proud to have fought for this critical funding.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis $96 million investment is a major win for Pennsylvania transit riders. It will help PRT and SEPTA replace aging vehicles with modern fleets that increase capacity, improve reliability, and deliver better service for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on public transportation every day,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cI was proud to advocate for this funding and appreciate the Federal Transit Administration\u2019s support for these critical transportation systems.\u201d\n\nPRT\u2019s $82,774,074 award will support the replacement of its aging light rail fleet. Much of PRT\u2019s existing fleet has exceeded its intended service life, which has caused growing maintenance challenges, significant reliability concerns, and increased operating costs on the T. Senator Fetterman penned a letter in support of PRT\u2019s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister in July. Senator McCormick also provided a letter of support for the project.\n\nSEPTA\u2019s $13,263,248 award will support the replacement of its Silverliner IV fleet with new Silverliner VI rail cars. Dating back to the mid-1970s, the Silverliner IVs are among the oldest operating passenger rail cars in the country, and they represent two-thirds of SEPTA\u2019s Regional Rail fleet. A new Silverliner VI fleet will provide safer and more accessible service for passengers, while reducing the maintenance costs necessary to keep the Silverliner IVs in service.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled we\u2019ve brought this substantial investment in rail cars home to Allegheny County and thank you to our federal partners who helped secure these important funds for PRT,\u201d said County Executive Sara Innamorato. \u201cStrategic investments in our fleet help ensure reliability and improve accessibility for our riders. Modernizing the PRT system for today\u2019s riders and future generations is a legacy we can all be proud of.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible,\u201d said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. \u201cThis investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable experience for decades to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/mccormick-fetterman-celebrate-96-million-rail-vehicle-replacement-program-investment-in-prt-septa/", "MCCORMICK, FETTERMAN CELEBRATE $96 MILLION RAIL VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM INVESTMENT IN PRT, SEPTA", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "David McCormick", "M001243", "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "davemccormick", "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "FREDERICKSBURG, PA \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced a combined $96 million in grant awards for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)\u2019s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. These awards will support the replacement of PRT\u2019s aging Light Rail (\u201cT\u201d) fleet and SEPTA\u2019s 50-year-old Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars.\n\n\u201cThis $96 million investment is a major win for Pennsylvania transit riders. It will help PRT and SEPTA replace aging vehicles with modern fleets that increase capacity, improve reliability, and deliver better service for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on public transportation every day,\u201d said Senator McCormick. \u201cI was proud to advocate for this funding and appreciate the Federal Transit Administration\u2019s support for these critical transportation systems.\u201d\n\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians across our commonwealth rely on public transit to get where they need to go every day. Investments like these matter,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cThese grants will make service on the T in Pittsburgh and across the Regional Rail system in Philly safer and more reliable for riders. I\u2019m proud to have fought for this critical funding.\u201d\n\nPRT\u2019s $82,774,074 award will support the replacement of its aging light rail fleet. Much of PRT\u2019s existing fleet has exceeded its intended service life, which has caused growing maintenance challenges, significant reliability concerns, and increased operating costs on the T. Senator McCormick penned a letter of support of PRT\u2019s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister in July. Senator Fetterman also wrote a letter of support for the project.\n\nSEPTA\u2019s $13,263,248 award will support the replacement of its Silverliner IV fleet with new Silverliner VI rail cars. Dating back to the mid-1970s, the Silverliner IVs are among the oldest operating passenger rail cars in the country, and they represent two-thirds of SEPTA\u2019s Regional Rail fleet. A new Silverliner VI fleet will provide safer and more accessible service for passengers, while reducing the maintenance costs necessary to keep the Silverliner IVs in service.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled we\u2019ve brought this substantial investment in rail cars home to Allegheny County and thank you to our federal partners who helped secure these important funds for PRT,\u201d said County Executive Sara Innamorato. \u201cStrategic investments in our fleet help ensure reliability and improve accessibility for our riders. Modernizing the PRT system for today\u2019s riders and future generations is a legacy we can all be proud of.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible,\u201d said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. \u201cThis investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable experience for decades to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis grant will help SEPTA jump-start the purchase of new Regional Rail cars to replace our current fleet, which dates back more than 50 years. We are grateful for the efforts of our Congressional Delegation to fund this program and support our application,\u201d said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. \u201cSEPTA has established a robust maintenance program to keep the current fleet operating safely and reliably, and we look forward to delivering these new vehicles for our customers.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-introduces-bill-cap-insulin-costs-working-families", "Bresnahan Introduces Bill to Cap Insulin Costs for Working Families", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced the INSULIN Act, bipartisan legislation to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35, or 25% of the list price per month, for all Americans with diabetes. Rep. Bresnahan introduced the legislation alongside Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Diana DeGette (CO-01), and Angie Craig (MN-02).\n\n\u201cDiabetes stole the lives of 100,000 Americans last year. Tens of millions of Americans are living with diabetes, and for many, insulin is a matter of life and death,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cNo American should have to choose between paying the bills and getting the insulin they need, or risk their life rationing the doses they have left. This legislation isn\u2019t just a Band-Aid on the problem. It delivers immediate relief for patients and reforms that will increase competition and drive down prices over the long term. Lowering the cost of insulin puts money back where it belongs: in the pockets of working families who need every dollar they earn. Middlemen and big corporations shouldn\u2019t be making extra cash off the backs of working people who rely on insulin to survive.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a doctor, I have spent my career fighting for patients, and I've watched too many of them ration a hundred-year-old medicine because the price tag made it impossible to afford,\u201d said Rep. Miller-Meeks. \u201cThat's not right, and it never should have taken this long to fix. I'm proud to lead this effort in the House, and I won't stop until every American with diabetes can afford the insulin that keeps them alive.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a doctor with Type 1 diabetes who depends on insulin, I understand the immediate need to bring down the cost of insulin \u2013 especially at a time when so many Americans are already struggling with high costs,\u201d said Rep. Schrier. \u201cI am proud to introduce this groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will cap the price of insulin for all Americans and make a meaningful difference in the lives and the health of everyone in our districts.\"\n\n\u201cInsulin insecurity is not a partisan issue. It\u2019s a life-or-death issue,\u201d said Rep. DeGette. \u201cI have fought for years to lower the price of insulin for the over 40 million Americans living with diabetes. I have met with too many Coloradans who have shared their painful experience of rationing their insulin so they could afford groceries. No one in America should be forced to choose between their life-saving medication or feeding their families.\u201d\n\nCurrently, insulin costs are capped at $35 per month for people on Medicare, and nearly 30 states have separate price caps for state-regulated and private plans. The INSULIN Act would limit out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 or 25% of list price per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.\n\nThe bipartisan bill would also:\n\nRequire a study report on uninsured Americans who use insulin, including where they live, why they\u2019re uninsured, and demographic and income data.\n\nCreate a new expedited FDA approval pathway to get biosimilar insulin to market more quickly.\n\nEstablish an insulin resource center and hotline to connect uninsured diabetes patients with diabetes resources and programs.\n\nThe INSULIN ACT is endorsed by American Diabetes Association, Breakthrough T1D, Endocrine Society, National Kidney Foundation, The DiaTribe Foundation, Time in Range Coalition, Diabetes Advocacy Alliance, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Council, Diabetes Leadership Council, You\u2019re Just My Type, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, and AARP.\n\n\u201cThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) appreciates and applauds the House\u2019s bipartisan introduction of the INSULIN Act, which would limit out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients at $35 a month,\u201d said Lisa Murdock, American Diabetes Association Chief Advocacy Officer. \u201cA recent survey, commissioned by ADA, showed that 40% of insulin users currently pay $150 each month, and there is widespread bipartisan support across the U.S. for making insulin affordable. The INSULIN Act would ensure no one has to choose between paying for insulin and other necessities. This bill puts people first and is a commonsense way to lower health care costs for Americans depending on insulin to live.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the millions of Americans who rely on insulin every day, no one should have to choose between paying for their medication and meeting other basic needs,\u201d said Robert Lash, MD, Endocrine Society Chief Medical Officer. \u201cThe Endocrine Society applauds Representatives DeGette, Schrier, Miller-Meeks, and Bresnahan for introducing the INSULIN Act, which would help make insulin more affordable for people with private insurance while connecting uninsured patients to resources that can help them access this lifesaving medication. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward ensuring that all people who need insulin can obtain it and stay healthy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) and Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) applaud and thank Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, and Bresnahan for introducing the INSULIN Act of 2026,\u201d said George Huntley, DLC and DPAC Chief Executive Officer. \u201cThis legislation will greatly improve access to affordable insulins for people living with diabetes, and it is time that the $35 monthly insulin co-pay cap apply to everyone as it does to Medicare beneficiaries today. We look forward to working to get this legislation across the finish line before the end of the 119th Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the more than 1.5 million Americans with type one diabetes (T1D), insulin access is life-or-death,\u201d said Lynn Starr, Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer. \u201cBy capping out-of-pocket cost at $35, the INSULIN Act ensures that people have dependable, affordable access to the insulin they require to live. We applaud Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, Bresnahan, and Craig for introducing the House INSULIN Act and urge their colleagues to stand with them on the side of all those living with T1D. While there is still more work to be done, we are hopeful that, together with the Senate, we will finally have the access to affordable insulin the entire T1D community deserves and depends on.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-releases-new-data-showing-pennsylvanians-have-had-spend-additional", "Deluzio Releases New Data Showing Pennsylvanians Have Had to Spend an Additional $4,200 on Everyday Essentials Under Trump", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released new data from the Joint Economic Committee Democrats showing that American families have had to spend an additional $4,200+ on goods and services since President Trump took office in January 2025.\n\n\u201cUnder the Trump Administration and full Republican control in Congress, the cost of gas, healthcare, housing, and groceries are all rising\u2014with no end in sight,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cTrump\u2019s Iran War and reckless tariffs are jacking up costs and leaving hardworking families struggling to cover life\u2019s necessities. Reversing Trump\u2019s disastrous decisions would make life more affordable, but we must do so much more so that people\u2019s hard work delivers the good life they have earned in America.\u201d\n\nThe updated data shows that Trump Administration policies have hit Pennsylvanians have harder than other Americans\u2014with people in the Commonwealth paying around $400 more than the average American family since Trump\u2019s inauguration.\n\nOther takeaways from these new reports include:\n\nHOUSING: Pennsylvania families have had to spend an additional $924 on housing costs like rent and mortgage payments since President Trump took office.\n\nENERGY: People across PA\u201017 have spent an additional $124 million on gas since the beginning of the Iran War, costing the average family in PA\u201017 an additional $408 in gas costs.\n\nHEALTHCARE: Monthly ACA premiums rose more than 50 percent on average in 2026 compared to last year. Meanwhile deductibles surged to record highs increasing by more than $1,000 on average.\n\nThe new reports for Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District and others are available on the Joint Economic Committee website.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-highlights-importance-securing-critical-minerals-and-supply-chains", "Kelly highlights importance of securing critical minerals and supply chains to combat China", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, during a full Ways & Means Committee hearing, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, reinforced the need for the United States to establish strategic partnerships to secure critical minerals and other natural resources to combat China. Kelly also emphasized the need to incentivize domestic mining capacity.\n\n\"The United States is in a race to secure critical minerals, which are essential for economic competitiveness both for today and for years to come,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"It is imperative that China not have a monopoly on critical minerals. Strong partnerships with our allies will create a stronger and safer America.\"\n\nYou can WATCH and DOWNLOAD Rep. Kelly's statements during today's hearing here.\n\nBACKGROUND", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-introduces-legislation-protect-americas-farmland-eminent", "Thompson Introduces Legislation to Protect America's Farmland From Eminent Domain", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, United States Representative Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA) introduced the Not In My Barnyard Act to protect American producers\u2019 property rights. This legislation would prohibit the federal government from initiating eminent domain proceedings on any agricultural land when a feasible alternative site exists, ensuring the United States has enough productive farmland to feed and fuel the country.\n\n\u201cThe loss of productive agricultural land when other viable sites exist directly threatens our nation\u2019s food security and rural communities,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cThe Not In My Barnyard Act protects America\u2019s producers and ensures our working land is dedicated to feeding the country.\"\n\n\u201cIn the rush to increase energy supplies we cannot afford to ignore one of the very few things in life that are absolutely necessary to sustain life; our food,\u201d said Pennsylvania State Senator Cris Dush. \u201cWhen farms that were started before this nation became a nation, and have been handed down generation to generation, are seized by government we do not only lose the ground from production but too often the generations of knowledge of how to produce the food that was grown there because the family cannot find equally suitable land upon which to apply their wisdom to continue to get that food to our table. Anyone who takes time to reflect on that will see the common sense of this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe look forward to the introduction of Congressman Thompson\u2019s Not In My Barnyard Act, which would increase protections for American farmers against seizure of their productive farmland through eminent domain when a non-agricultural alternative is available,\u201d said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Tommy Nagle. \u201cKeeping prime farmland in production agriculture is of the utmost importance to maintain our nation\u2019s food security while keeping supply chains strong around the globe. We look forward to working with Congressman Thompson and the rest of our Congressional delegation to get this legislation signed into law.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2056", "Ranking Member Scanlon\u2019s Opening Statement Blasting Republicans for Trying to Strip American Children of Their Constitutional Right to Citizenship", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Gay Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", "scanlon", "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WATCH Ranking Member Scanlon\u2019s opening statement.\n\nRanking Member Mary Gay Scanlon\n\nSubcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government\n\nHearing on \u201c\u2018Subject to the Jurisdiction Thereof\u2019: Birthright Citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment, Part II\u201d\n\nSeptember 2, 2026\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chairman. It seems that my Republican colleagues believe that no matter how false or bizarre a claim, repeating it over and over again will somehow make it true. What else can explain the hearing that they\u2019ve scheduled for today?\n\nAs I explained last time the majority swung and missed on this topic, the text and legislative history of the 14th Amendment clearly establish that, aside from rare exceptions, a person\u2019s birth in the United States guarantees citizenship in the United States. To suggest otherwise is nothing more than a disingenuous attempt to rewrite our nation\u2019s history and the very words of the Constitution.\n\nAnd you don\u2019t have to take my word for it. The Supreme Court resoundingly agreed just two and a half months ago in its decision on this issue in Trump v. Barbra: the 14th Amendment guarantees that \u201call persons born in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.\u201d That plain text is about as clear as the law can be. The Supreme Court and our Constitution only recognize two very narrow exceptions for children of foreign diplomats and children of an occupying army\u2019s soldiers\u2014situations where U.S. law cannot be applied. Simply tweeting that there is \u201can invasion\u201d of immigrants is nothing more than a desperate and bigoted attempt to fabricate an end run around birthright citizenship, and doesn\u2019t meet either of those exceptions.\n\nThe American children of undocumented immigrants and the American children of visa holders are persons born here in America at the moment of their birth. They\u2019re subject to the same laws of the United States as me or you or the Chairman here with an undeniable constitutional claim to the rights, duties, and protections of that reciprocal relationship. In other words: citizenship.\n\nSo why are Donald Trump and our Republican colleagues continuing to question the plain, long-settled meaning of the 14th Amendment? Why are they peddling obviously unconstitutional proposals to end birthright citizenship, even after the Supreme Court settled the matter? Once again, it\u2019s because Donald Trump and his Republican flunkies think they can profit at the polls if they strip away from an entire group of our American neighbors their rights, their votes, and their identities, and turn them into a permanent underclass. These Republicans want to pick and choose who is worthy of citizenship, based solely upon who someone\u2019s parents are and where their parents are from.\n\nIn our country, where the Founders banned noble titles and declared that no man is guilty for his father\u2019s sins, there\u2019s nothing less American than that. In short, the people who want to end birthright citizenship are proposing to resurrect the infamous Dred Scott decision, which tried to make bloodline the mark of citizenship. Thankfully, most Americans reject this bigoted view, one that is diametrically opposed to our nation\u2019s long-standing history and ideals. Patriotism requires us to resist the backsliding and injustice that the president and his allies are pushing. Our history, our quest for a more perfect union, has always been about opening up opportunity and civic participation, not ripping it away. Expanding our electorate has been an important part of that progress\u2014enfranchisement, not disenfranchisement.\n\nWe passed constitutional amendments that guarantee citizenship and access to the ballot box, no matter a person\u2019s race or sex. In doing so, we\u2019ve made our country and its government more representative, more fair, and, slowly but surely, more perfect. That\u2019s a vision shared by patriotic Americans and rooted in fundamental American ideals. Any attempt to radically reinterpret the citizenship clause only serves the schemes of right-wing extremists and limits who can have a political voice in this country.\n\nDonald Trump\u2019s unconstitutional executive orders to end birthright citizenship, not to mention copycat legislation by our Republican colleagues\u2014even after the Court\u2019s Barbara decision\u2014would drag us backwards. Their efforts would upend the promise of America and consecrate a government that\u2019s not for \u201cthe\u201d people, but for \u201csome\u201d people.\n\nIt\u2019s been nearly 160 years since the 14th Amendment rebuked the Dred Scott decision and reestablished birthright citizenship as the law of our land. In that time, the U.S. has been made better by Americans born here to immigrants, regardless of their parents\u2019 birthplace or citizenship status. Countless prominent Americans are U.S.-born children of immigrants, including the Chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressman Greg Casar, the Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Congressman Andy Harris, and for the region I represent, one of the greatest Eagles players of all time, Chuck \u201cConcrete Charlie\u201d Bednarik.\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for prominent Americans who\u2019ve benefited from birthright citizenship, you can look no further than senior officials in the Trump Administration like Marco Rubio or Nikki Haley, who were born to non-citizens and received their U.S. citizenship at birth.\n\nDefending birthright citizenship is a moral as well as a constitutional imperative. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote in its Trump v. Barbara amicus brief that \u201cending birthright citizenship denies the innate dignity and freedom of the person.\u201d The moral imperative, historical evidence, legal arguments, and U.S. Constitution are apparently no obstacle to our Republican colleagues, however.\n\nAs they persist in conjuring up all kinds of nonsense to justify limiting birthright citizenship, we\u2019ve already heard some of our colleagues\u2019 hallucinations about \u201cbirth tourism\u201d and anchor babies. The claim that nefarious, expectant mothers enter the country on tourist visas just to give birth. Setting aside the fact that the Republicans own witnesses cannot show actual proof that birth tourism happens on any meaningful or widespread basis, any congressional response certainly does not involve upending constitutional fundamentals about the meaning of American citizenship. In fact, birthright citizenship is about as American as apple pie. Americans overwhelmingly back birthright citizenship, and extremists like Stephen Miller know they don\u2019t have the votes or the public support to pass a constitutional amendment to repeal it.\n\nSo instead, they\u2019re trying to do an end run by obliterating more than a century and a half of legal analysis and forcing a tortured reading of the English language, which the Supreme Court just rejected again.\n\nFinally, let\u2019s be abundantly clear. The through line that links this attempt to end birthright citizenship and every cruel immigration policy propped up by this administration serves the same goal: turning our melting pot democracy into a white nationalist ethnostate. And we will do everything in our power to fight that vision as a Congress, as a government, as a nation.\n\nWe should not be in the business of turning back the clock and allowing our country to backslide into the most shameful parts of its past. Instead, we should be passing laws that shepherd it towards a brighter future, where the promise to form a more perfect union rings true for all, rather than just a titled few.\n\nPolicies that bring us toward this vision of a more, just, more fair America, guided by all Americans, are exactly what I and my Democratic colleagues will use this Committee to fight for, and with that, I yield back.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-moves-name-matamoras-post-office-after-wwii-veteran-edward-kuhn", "Bresnahan Moves to Name Matamoras Post Office After WWII Veteran Edward Kuhn", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced legislation to name the Matamoras, Pennsylvania Post Office after Private First Class Edward Kuhn, a World War II veteran, photographer, mailman, and longtime Matamoras resident who passed away in 2025 at the age of 102.\n\n\u201cWhen his country called during WWII, Private First Class Edward Kuhn answered,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cAs a member of the Greatest Generation, he risked his life for our freedom and the freedom of millions around the world, earning a Purple Heart for his brave service. But his story did not end on the battlefield. Pfc. Kuhn came home to Matamoras and spent the rest of his life serving the community he loved as a photographer, mailman, family man, and active community member. With a camera in hand and an eye for capturing life\u2019s most meaningful moments, he preserved the community\u2019s history one photograph at a time.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would rename the U.S. Postal Service office located at 6 Pennsylvania Avenue, Matamoras, Pennsylvania, as the \u201cPFC Edward Kuhn Memorial Post Office.\u201d It is cosponsored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), John Joyce (PA-13), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Glenn Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).\n\n\u201cOur father Edward G Kuhn was a hero, one of the last members of the Greatest Generation which he fittingly belonged to for many reasons, first as a WWII veteran who was seriously wounded in battle,\u201d said Paul Kuhn, son of Pfc. Kuhn.\u201cHe truly knew the meaning of selfless sacrifice as a defender of our country, faith and freedom, as a loving dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and as a member of the community. Everyone knew, loved and respected him for this and his humble, loving and kind demeanor. He served the community by being involved with education, by being a well-known and very talented professional in his career as a photographer creating lifelong memories for the community, individuals and newlyweds often at a significant reduced price so they could afford to have them, by working in the Milford Post Office after his photography career, by being an active member of the Christian faith and unbeknownst to himself, a community advocate and leader. Naming the Matamoras PA Post Office in his name would mean so much to this community as it would remind and reaffirm everything he and his generation did for it and our country at a time when it is so needed. We cannot forget these values.\u201d\n\n\u201cNaming the Matamoras Post Office to in our father's name is a wonderful way to memorialize not only a man of the Greatest Generation\u2014but someone who captured smiles, weddings and celebrations through the lens of his camera,\u201d said Melissa Moffett, daughter of Pfc. Kuhn. \u201cSo many people in our community have lasting memories of milestones in their lives because of his artistic ability to capture love and joy. Ed, like so many others, returned from the chaos of protecting our nation; still humble and caring. Through resilience and hard work, he created a world of beautiful memories for others. Not to mention he did work for the Milford Post Office after his retirement. Ed was a representation of service, honor, respect and patriotism to his community.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe impact Edward Kuhn made on our community was evident all over Matamoras, and we\u2019re proud to honor him and his family,\u201d said Matamoras Mayor Cory Homer. \u201cHaving spent his life here, Ed understood what it meant to be a Matamoras resident, and his life is directly associated with our town's history. His community involvement, military service, and goodwill to everyone he met will always live on in our hearts and is a reminder to all of us to treat others with respect and to love our town.\u201d\n\n\u201cHis legacy extends beyond his military service, photography, and community involvement, as he later worked as a mailman in nearby Milford Borough,\u201d continued Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cFor that reason, naming the Matamoras post office in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the community he called home.\u201d\n\nBorn in 1923 in Port Jervis, New York, Pfc. Kuhn grew up going to school across the river in Matamoras, PA, and joined the U.S. Army in 1943 at 20 years old. He first served with the 157th Engineer Combat Battalion and later with the 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion of the 3rd Armored Division. While on the move against the German Reich in Belgium, Pfc. Kuhn\u2019s platoon was attacked and he was hit with an explosive device, causing him to lose his leg in service to a greater purpose. Pfc. Kuhn\u2019s sacrifice earned him the Purple Heart and reflected a level of courage that defined his generation.\n\nLike many veterans, Pfc. Kuhn came home and built something lasting. He enrolled at Fairleigh Dickinson Junior College, studying photography and graduating in 1948. He founded Ed Kuhn Photos in Matamoras, documenting weddings, school picture days, and community milestones. In addition to his photography business, Pfc. Kuhn spent part of his life delivering mail and newspapers for the community.\n\nIn 2023, that same community came together to celebrate his 100th birthday, a testament to a life well lived and widely respected. Pfc. Kuhn passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 102, leaving behind a legacy of service and a life that reflected the very best of Northeastern Pennsylvania.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5163", "My Statement on H.R.6500", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "When Speaker Johnson tried to pass a Continuing Resolution in July, I voted against it, because we still had months before the federal government\u2019s budget would expire. I wanted to use that time to broker a better deal. Now, I can say that holding out was worth it.\n\nToday, I voted to pass a far better Continuing Resolution than the one offered two months ago. This CR closes a loophole that would have allowed the Trump Administration to funnel more money to ICE and CBP, blocks the White House\u2019s attempt to restrict federal grant funding based on recipients\u2019 political views, and keeps Congressional Republicans from further slashing funding for the programs our community relies on.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5164", "Statement on my vote on H.Res.1490", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Chrissy Houlahan", "H001085", "houlahan.house.gov", "houlahan", "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "scraper", "H.Res.1490, an ostensible resolution to \u201ccondemn socialism,\u201d calls out the harm of totalitarian regimes, reaffirms the importance of free and fair elections, and recommits us to protecting our Constitution. All valid concerns \u2013 concerns we have already voted on, and that I have already voted for. Then the resolution nonsensically concludes that, because of these concerns, we need the SAVE America Act, an unrelated Act that I have already voted against. Several times.\n\nThis bill takes two separate ideas and asks us to vote on them as if they are related. In other words, it\u2019s a desperately laid trap by a flailing Republican majority. I am not here in Washington to play games with the people\u2019s precious time. So, today I voted PRESENT on H.Res.1490. Because I already voted for a resolution condemning authoritarian socialist regimes and because I already voted against the SAVE America Act.\n\nThis \u201cresolution\u201d is purely symbolic and does not have the force of law. It is not binding nor is it likely to even get a vote in the Senate. It does nothing substantive to fix our economy or help our families, or to protect our elections from foreign or domestic interference or to prevent oppressive governments of any ideology.\n\nIf Speaker Johnson is truly interested in protecting our elections, he should bring real voting rights legislation for a vote instead of meaningless resolutions that may look like we're taking action but in fact, are not. If Congressional Republicans want to protect us from authoritarian rule, they should take real action to reign in President Trump\u2019s lawless administration.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-lee-announce-nearly-83-million-pittsburgh-rapid-transit-replace-t", "Deluzio, Lee Announce Nearly $83 Million for Pittsburgh Rapid Transit to Replace \u2018T\u2019 Light Rail Vehicles", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Christopher R. Deluzio", "D000530", "deluzio.house.gov", "deluzio", "https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) celebrated that $82,774,074 in federal funding is coming to Pittsburgh Rapid Transit (PRT) to replace T train cars. Congressman Deluzio wrote a letter in support of PRT\u2019s successful grant application.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that I helped secure more than eighty-two million dollars in federal funding to replace old T train cars,\u201d said Congressman Deluzio. \u201cThe T keeps our communities moving, and upgrading PRT\u2019s aging train cars will make service safer, more comfortable, and more efficient\u2014helping folks get to where they need to go. I will keep up the work to deliver federal money to strengthen and modernize Western Pennsylvania\u2019s infrastructure.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis multi-million-dollar investment in PRT is welcome news for Pittsburgh and for the thousands of riders who depend on public transit every day,\u201d said Congresswoman Summer Lee. \u201cReplacing aging rail cars and investing in an updated fleet will help keep the T running on time, reduce maintenance costs and disruptions, and provide riders with safer, more dependable service. I\u2019m proud to partner with our local and federal leaders to make these critical investments in an accessible PRT system that keeps our communities connected and our region moving.\u201d\n\nThese replacements will help PRT\u2019s buy 45 new 170-foot light rail vehicles. The new vehicles will replace PRT\u2019s 76 existing 80-foot light rail vehicles, which are more than 30 years old and reached technical obsolescence. These purchases will help modernize the trains, preserve service, reduce service disruptions, save energy across the light rail network, improve the rider experience, and strengthen the transportation infrastructure that working families and businesses count on every day.\n\nThis federal funding comes from the Rail Vehicle Replacement(RVR) Program, which is a discretionary grant program to help local transit systems replace rail rolling stock. Rail rolling stock is defined as revenue service, passenger-carrying vehicles, or propulsion (locomotive) vehicles necessary for the provision of rail public transportation.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled we\u2019ve brought this substantial investment in rail cars home to Allegheny County and thank you to our federal partners who helped secure these important funds for PRT,\u201d said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. \u201cStrategic investments in our fleet help ensure reliability and improve accessibility for our riders. Modernizing the PRT system for today\u2019s riders and future generations is a legacy we can all be proud of.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible\u201d said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. \u201cThis investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable experience for decades to come.\u201d\n\n###\n\n.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-votes-avoid-government-shutdown", "Dr. Joyce Votes to Avoid a Government Shutdown", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "John Joyce", "J000302", "johnjoyce.house.gov", "johnjoyce", "https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "September 1, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D., (PA-13) joined his colleagues to proactively pass legislation to keep the government open and funded through December 11, 2026.\n\n\"Nobody wants a repeat of last year, when Democrats deliberately dragged out the government shutdown to a record-breaking 43 days, the longest in American history,\u201d said Congressman Joyce. \u201cRepublicans refused to let that happen again. We acted early and decisively to prevent another shutdown and spare the country of its entirely avoidable consequences. Today\u2019s vote ensures the government stays open to serve the American people, while we continue our work in Congress to pass full-year appropriations legislation.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nIn the 119th Congress (2025-2026), Congressman Joyce helped introduce legislation (H.J. Res. 128) that would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation, including retroactive pay once the government has reopened, during a government shutdown.\n\nIn addition, Congressman Joyce is a cosponsor of comprehensive bipartisan legislation (H.R. 5870) that would prevent future government shutdowns by requiring Congress to remain in Washington until funding legislation is passed while providing the necessary funding to keep government agencies open and serving the American taxpayers until Congress\u2019 work is done.\n\nIssues:Congress", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-votes-continuing-resolution-keep-government-open-0", "Kelly votes for continuing resolution to keep government open", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of H.R. 6500, Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, legislation to keep the federal government open through December 11, 2026. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives, previously passed the U.S. Senate, and now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans have once again taken responsible action to keep the government open, protect essential services, and provide certainty for the American people,\u201d Rep. Kelly said. \u201cThis straightforward funding extension prevents a government shutdown while allowing Congress to continue its work on full-year appropriations bills. The American people expect Congress to govern responsibly, and this legislation delivers stability as the budget process continues.\"\n\nThe legislation removes the threat of a September 30 funding lapse while preserving the House\u2019s progress toward completing all 12 full-year appropriations bills. It maintains funding for essential programs and national security priorities and prevents disruptions to services relied upon by millions of Americans.\n\nBy preventing a shutdown, the legislation protects federal workers, contractors, disaster-response operations, and the broader economy from unnecessary disruption and potentially billions of dollars in avoidable costs.\n\nThis latest continuing resolution, first passed by the House in July, also prevents a lapse in new veterans' benefits.\n\nIn 2025, Senate Democrats blocked House GOP-passed continuing resolutions a total of 14 times, which led to a six-week government shutdown.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-deluzio-announce-nearly-83-million-for-pittsburgh-rapid-transit-to-replace-t-light-rail-vehicles", "Reps. Lee, Deluzio Announce Nearly $83 Million for Pittsburgh Rapid Transit to Replace \u2018T\u2019 Light Rail Vehicles", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Summer L. Lee", "L000602", "summerlee.house.gov", "summerlee", "https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 September 1, 2026 \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated that $82,774,074 in federal funding is coming to Pittsburgh Rapid Transit (PRT) to replace T train cars.\n\n\u201cThis multi-million-dollar investment in PRT is welcome news for Pittsburgh and for the thousands of riders who depend on public transit every day,\u201d said Rep. Lee. \u201cReplacing aging rail cars and investing in an updated fleet will help keep the T running on time, reduce maintenance costs and disruptions, and provide riders with safer, more dependable service. I\u2019m proud to partner with our local and federal leaders to make these critical investments in an accessible PRT system that keeps our communities connected and our region moving.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that I helped secure more than eighty-two million dollars in federal funding to replace old T train cars,\u201d said Rep. Deluzio. \u201cThe T keeps our communities moving, and upgrading PRT\u2019s aging train cars will make service safer, more comfortable, and more efficient\u2014helping folks get to where they need to go. I will keep up the work to deliver federal money to strengthen and modernize Western Pennsylvania\u2019s infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThis federal funding comes from the Rail Vehicle Replacement (RVR) Program, which is a discretionary grant program to help local transit systems replace rail rolling stock. Rail rolling stock is defined as revenue service, passenger-carrying vehicles, or propulsion (locomotive) vehicles necessary for the provision of rail public transportation.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled we\u2019ve brought this substantial investment in rail cars home to Allegheny County and thank you to our federal partners who helped secure these important funds for PRT,\u201d said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. \u201cStrategic investments in our fleet help ensure reliability and improve accessibility for our riders. Modernizing the PRT system for today\u2019s riders and future generations is a legacy we can all be proud of.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible\u201d said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. \u201cThis investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable experience for decades to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 19887, "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 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "PA"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=PA", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 12284, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 7603, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=PA", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 19174, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 713, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=PA", "results": [{"value": "PA", "label": "PA", "count": 19887, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=PA", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 3088, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2020", "selected": false}, {"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 2265, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2017", "selected": false}, {"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 1761, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2014", "selected": false}, {"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 1720, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2019", "selected": false}, {"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 1712, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2015", "selected": false}, {"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 1500, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2018", "selected": false}, {"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 1493, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2025", "selected": false}, {"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 1293, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2013", "selected": false}, {"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 1180, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2023", "selected": false}, {"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 1038, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2024", "selected": false}, {"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 993, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2026", "selected": false}, {"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 880, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2016", "selected": false}, {"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 509, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2021", "selected": false}, {"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 450, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2022", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-09-01,https~3A~2F~2Fsummerlee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Freps-lee-deluzio-announce-nearly-83-million-for-pittsburgh-rapid-transit-to-replace-t-light-rail-vehicles", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&_next=2026-09-01%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fsummerlee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Freps-lee-deluzio-announce-nearly-83-million-for-pittsburgh-rapid-transit-to-replace-t-light-rail-vehicles&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 1608.6426139809191, "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"}