{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-another-great-year-fighting-northeast-floridians", "Congressman Bean: Another Great Year of Fighting for Northeast Floridians", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Aaron Bean", "B001314", "bean.house.gov", "bean", "https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 U.S. Congressman Bean (FL-04) led the fight in the House this year to deliver pro\u2011growth, pro\u2011jobs, and pro\u2011freedom policies that strengthen the economy for working families and put America First.\n\nReflecting on the past year, Congressman Bean said, \u201c2025 has been nothing short of historic, and it is the honor of my lifetime to serve as Northeast Florida\u2019s Congressman in our nation\u2019s capital. As we look toward the new year, rest assured I will continue working every day to grow our economy, defend our freedoms, lower costs for hardworking Northeast Floridians, and hold Crazy Town accountable. I\u2019ll keep fighting to put the Fourth District first.\u201d\n\nCongressman Bean\u2019s 2025 Highlights:\n\nSIGNED INTO LAW: Working Families Tax Cut landmark legislation to lock in permanent tax cuts that shield families, seniors, and small businesses from rising costs.\n\nSIGNED INTO LAW: Rescissions Act of 2025 to rescind $9 billion in unnecessary, wasteful federal funds identified by DOGE.\n\nHOUSE PASSED: 404 Permitting Act Amendment to protect the ability of states, like Florida, to continue their state 404 Permitting Programs.\n\nHOUSE PASSED: TRACE Act to ensure parents know how foreign funding is impacting their child\u2019s classroom and to keep foreign nations from reaching America\u2019s youth.\n\nHOUSE PASSED: Claiming Age Clarity Act to clarify age-based eligibility rules for federal benefits, like Social Security, to reduce confusion and delays.\n\nINTRODUCED: LEO K9 Protection Act to strengthen penalties for harming law\u2011enforcement K9s and enhance protections for police working dogs.\n\nINTRODUCED: Apples to Apples Comparison Act to ensure consumers have accurate data when deciding between Medicare Advantage (MA) and Fee-for-Service (FFS) for their healthcare coverage.\n\nINTRODUCED: FSA\u2011HRA Act to expand flexibility for families to use tax-advantaged savings accounts for health-related expenses.\n\nINTRODUCED: PROMPT Act to ensure Medicare beneficiaries receive timely, clear information about their services and costs.\n\nINTRODUCED: We Want Our Healthcare Money Back Act to require regular reporting on Medicare and Medicaid fraud to protect taxpayer dollars.\n\nINTRODUCED: More Affordable Care (MACA) Act to expand access to lower\u2011cost health\u2011care options for families and small businesses.\n\nIn addition, Congressman Bean\u2019s office returned $8,312,262 to constituents this year through casework and assistance with federal agencies \u2014 delivering real results for families across Northeast Florida.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-rep-jim-costa-delivers-65-million-federal-funding-central-valley", "NEWS: Rep. Jim Costa Delivers $6.5 Million in Federal Funding for Central Valley Communities", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jim Costa", "C001059", "costa.house.gov", "costa", "https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This month Representative Jim Costa (CA-21) has secured $6.5 million in federal funding for four community projects included in the fiscal year 2026 agriculture funding package. These investments will strengthen key infrastructure and public safety initiatives across the Central Valley, helping to improve the quality of life for constituents in California\u2019s 21st Congressional District.\n\nThe four community project funding requests that Rep. Costa secured are as follows:\n\n$3.5 million for the Kaweah River Siphon Project by Tulare Irrigation District. This funding will replace the existing siphon, an underground pipeline that carries water underneath the river, that was damaged by the 2023 winter storms. Replacement of the siphon would boost groundwater recharge, improve the reliability of water deliveries, and enhance flood protection in the City of Visalia and surrounding communities.\n\n$1 million for the Orange Cove Police Department. This funding will enable the City of Orange Cove to build a new, modern police department headquarters to enhance public safety. The new facility will include senior housing and commercial space, a multi-use development that strengthens public services, supports local economic activity, and addresses housing needs.\n\n$1 million for Kingsburg Emergency Operations Center. This funding will enable the City of Kingsburg to build a new Emergency Operations Center, strengthening the region\u2019s ability to respond to weather-related disasters and public safety emergencies.\n\n$1 million for the Parlier Police Department. This funding for this project will help the City of Parlier to fully renovate and modernize its police department. Key improvements include expanding the evidence room, replacing leaking roofs, and adding a public lobby to serve as a community space for outreach.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nUnder guidelines issued by the House Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funds for up to 15 projects in their community for Fiscal Year 2026. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Congressman Jim Costa submitted funding requests for important community projects in California\u2019s 21st Congressional District to the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nFour out of the fifteen projects requested were approved for funding. The government funding process remains ongoing as Congress continues to negotiate spending packages.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-releases-2025-year-end-review-highlighting-year-results", "Congressman Don Davis Releases 2025 Year-End Review, Highlighting A Year of Results for Eastern North Carolina", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Donald G. Davis", "D000230", "dondavis.house.gov", "dondavis", "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) released his 2025 NC-01 Year in Review detailing 365 days of progress and results for eastern North Carolina. The report highlights major legislative accomplishments reflecting his ongoing commitment to North Carolina\u2019s First Congressional District.\n\n\u201cOur focus is simple: strengthening eastern North Carolina's economic future. We have met people where they are, families, workers, farmers, small business owners, and veterans, to hear firsthand how rising costs and limited market access are squeezing household budgets and affecting their lives,\u201d said Congressman Don Davis. \u201cEven with progress, too many families are struggling to get ahead. We will keep pushing for lower costs, a stronger local economy, and good-paying jobs so the American Dream remains within reach here in the East.\u201d\n\nSIGNIFICANT HIGHLIGHTS:\n\nIntroduced 26 bills.\n\nReturned over $9.2 million from federal agencies to eastern North Carolina families, veterans, and seniors.\n\nResolved 843 constituent casework requests.\n\n59,000 pieces of constituent correspondence.\n\nAdvanced innovation and regulatory clarity as the ranking member of the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee with the U.S. House passage of the CLARITY Act and GENIUS Act.\n\nReceived the Congressional Management Foundation\u2019s Best of Bipartisan Engagement & Collaboration award.\n\nSecured over $48.03 million in Community Project Funding in Fiscal Year 2026.\n\nVoted to reopen the federal government after the longest shutdown in American history, securing critical community investments, including:\n\nTown of Whitakers Community Center \u2013 $1.015 million\n\nGates County Community Center \u2013 $1 million\n\nBertie County Fire Department Critical Equipment \u2013 $1 million\n\nTown of Williamston Fire Ladder Truck \u2013 $1 million\n\nBertie County Emergency 911 Center \u2013 $1 million\n\nTown of Plymouth Public Health & Safety Facility Upgrades \u2013 $1 million\n\nGreene County Senior Center of Excellence \u2013 $1.015 million\n\nSJAFB Combat Arms Training and Maintenance facility \u2013 $41 million\n\nVoted for the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers and 17 amendments for eastern North Carolina:\n\nSJAFB Child Development Center \u2013 $54 million\n\nMCAS Cherry Point F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center \u2013 $40 million\n\nMCAS Cherry Point Flightline Utilities Modernization Project \u2013 $15 million\n\nFind the 2025 Year in Review HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-floods-new-year-statement-0", "Congressman Flood's New Year Statement", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Mike Flood", "F000474", "flood.house.gov", "flood", "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEBRASKA\u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood released a statement ahead of the New Year holiday, which is celebrated on Thursday, January 1st.\n\n\u201cThe New Year is a time for both reflection and renewal. As Americans and as Nebraskans, we have much to be thankful for as we turn the page and enter 2026. Our economy continues to grow, our communities enjoy great peace and prosperity, and, thanks to American leadership, a number of significant conflicts abroad have been concluded. In the new year, Congress will continue working to protect the American Dream for our hardworking families, helping them find new great opportunities, lower energy costs, make homeownership affordable, and much more. Mandi, the boys, and I wish everyone a happy New Year. May God continue to bless the Good Life and may God bless the United States of America.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/31/smith-delivers-rural-health-funding-for-missouri-communities/", "Smith Delivers Rural Health Funding for Missouri Communities", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a $216,276,818 grant to the state of Missouri to expand access to health care in rural communities from the Rural Health Transformation Program that was created as part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill that Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) co-authored. Since passage of the Bill, Congressman Smith (MO-08) personally contacted both HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz to ensure rural communities in Missouri receive desperately needed funding, particularly in southeast and south-central Missouri.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cAccess to care is the biggest issue facing working families in Missouri, which is why I made funding rural health care such a top priority in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The Rural Health Transformation Program is a foundational piece of a broader Republican effort to prioritize working families in rural communities across the country. Sixty million Americans \u2014 roughly 20 percent of our nation\u2019s population \u2014 live in rural communities that lack sufficient access to quality, affordable health care. This funding will help fund greatly expanded health care access, better training and retention for health professionals, and new innovations to fight the chronic disease epidemic. This effort will dramatically improve the delivery of health care in rural communities that currently suffer from a disproportionate level of mortality when compared to their urban counterparts \u2014 including heightened cancer and maternal mortality rates, alongside the closure of hospitals like the twelve that have shut down in Missouri over the past decade. I applaud the Trump Administration for recognizing this once in a generation opportunity to strengthen the health and well-being of America\u2019s rural communities. Now I will work hand-in-hand with our state\u2019s leaders to ensure this funding is used to create sustainable, long-lasting changes that improve the quality of life for Missouri residents through improved health access.\u201d\n\nCongressman Smith, alongside members of the Missouri delegation, sent a letter to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the importance of the RHTP program to Missouri\u2019s rural communities and asking officials to incorporate key policies in their application.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-preckwinkle-cook-county-leaders-warn-aca-tax-credit-expiration", "Krishnamoorthi, Preckwinkle, Cook County Leaders Warn ACA Tax Credit Expiration Will Double Premiums, Strain Cook County Health and Stroger Hospital", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Dr. Lauren Smith, Chief Medical Officer, Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive\u2013Stroger, and other Cook County leaders today at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County to warn that the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits at midnight will sharply raise health care costs and place severe strain on Cook County Health and its flagship safety-net hospital.\n\n\u201cLetting these ACA tax credits expire isn\u2019t an accident\u2014it\u2019s a choice,\u201d said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \u201cRepublican leadership must allow a vote to extend these credits and stop blocking action to protect Medicaid from devastating cuts. Without action, premiums will nearly double, families will lose coverage overnight, and Cook County Health and Illinois taxpayers will be forced to absorb the fallout.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt Cook County Health, we will help patients navigate coverage changes, and provide the care they need, but we can not do it alone. Our efforts will not be able to offset the loss of federal support. Letting the Affordable Care Act subsidies expire will cost people in our community their insurance, their health, and in some cases, their lives. We urge policymakers to consider the consequences of allowing these subsidies to expire,\u201d said Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive, Stroger Hospital, Cook County Health.\n\nMore than 550,000 Illinois residents are enrolled in the ACA marketplace in 2025, including over 360,000 Cook County residents, roughly 90 percent of whom rely on premium tax credits to afford coverage. If the credits expire, average monthly ACA premiums in Cook County are projected to rise by about 95 percent, pricing many families out of insurance overnight.\n\nHealth care leaders warned that coverage losses will hit safety-net hospitals first. In 2023, charity and discounted care at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital totaled nearly $140 million, almost six times more than the next closest hospital in Illinois. Increased uncompensated care is expected to place additional financial pressure on Cook County Health and local taxpayers.\n\nThe ACA coverage cliff comes as Cook County Health faces additional strain from President Trump\u2019s \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act,\u201d which cut Medicaid by more than $1 trillion nationwide and imposed new work requirements. More than 3 million Illinois residents\u2014one in four statewide\u2014depend on Medicaid, which accounts for approximately 56 percent of Cook County Health\u2019s patient revenue. The system estimates it could lose $88 million annually in Medicaid reimbursements as patients lose coverage.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/12/lahood-announces-winner-and-runner-up-of-the-2025-congressional-app-challenge", "LaHood Announces Winner and Runner-up of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representative Darin LaHood (IL-16) announced today Kavi Praanesh of Dunlap High School as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Illinois' 16th District. Kavi developed an application titled \"MeloCognia,\" using Python and C/C++ as her programming language. MeloCognia is an AI powered health assistant designed to help detect Parkinson's in its early stages. The runner-up, Agrini Neekhra of Dunlap High School, developed an app titled \"Febrile Neutropenia Intervention eXpert\" (FENIX), which works to combat the issue of delayed antibiotic treatment in pediatric febrile neutropenic patients.\n\n\u201cMy office has been proud to host the Congressional App Challenge for the past 10 years to encourage students in the 16th Congressional District to pursue their passion in STEM fields,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cEach year, I have been amazed by the talent of our students and the creativity of the applications they put together to solve real-world problems and improve the lives of others. I want to congratulate this year's winner Kavi, and our runner-up Agrini, for their outstanding work in this competition and developing two incredible apps. Thank you to all the students who participated and made this year's Congressional App Challenge a success!\u201d\n\n\"I was inspired to create MeloCognia after seeing my grandfather struggle with Parkinson\u2019s, as he wasn\u2019t diagnosed until the disease had already heavily impacted his daily life and treatment options were limited,\" said Kavi. \"That experience made me realize how hard early detection can be and how much the delay can cost patients. MeloCognia is an AI-powered health assistant that uses voice analysis and symptom tracking to provide fast, accessible early screening, giving users a quick insight in minutes that encourages them to seek medical evaluation sooner.\"\n\n\"The Congressional App Challenge has given me the incredible opportunity to explore new fields. Before my app, I had never coded before and teaching myself was a great experience for me to build the skill and perseverance,\" said Agrini. \"FENIX is an app aiming to prioritize the small details in healthcare systems that may go unnoticed and improve diagnosis and treatment times. Oftentimes, chemo patients with compromised immune systems will need to receive a straightforward antibiotic treatment. However, delivery system variability and delays can prolong the treatment process, increasing mortality rates. FENIX helps to predict that delay and alert healthcare personnel to prioritize those patients. Being named runner-up for Congressman LaHood's Congressional App Challenge is a great honor and encourages me to keep developing my programming skills to create stronger, improved healthcare delivery initiatives. I am very grateful for this program and hope that all students see coding as an outlet to make their own mark on the world.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Since its inception in 2015, the Challenge has grown to become the largest student computer science competition in the United States.\n\nThe 2025 Congressional App Challenge set new records including:\n\nLargest student participation with 13,830 students competing across the U.S.\n\n4,650 original applications submitted - an increase of nearly 800 from 2024\n\nOver 56% of this year's applications incorporated Artificial Intelligence\n\nThe winner will receive an invitation to demonstrate their application in Washington, D.C., have their application featured on the House of Representatives website, www.house.gov, and receive a copyright fee waiver provided through the Arts Act. A video link to the winning group\u2019s application can be found here.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-announces-193-million-pennsylvania-rural-health-working-families-tax", "Meuser Announces $193 Million for Pennsylvania Rural Health from the Working Families Tax Credit", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "POTTSVILLE, PA: Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the Trump Administration and CMS awarded $193 million to Pennsylvania from the Rural Health Transformation Fund.\n\nCongressman Meuser strongly advocated for and voted in favor of the Working Families Tax Cut package which created this fund that will transform healthcare across rural Pennsylvania.\n\n\u201cPennsylvania will be receiving $193 million this year through the Rural Transformation Fund, an investment that will expand access to care and strengthen workforce training across the Commonwealth,\u201d said Rep. Meuser.\n\nMeuser continued, \u201cMy Republican colleagues and I supported the creation of this fund to confront the growing healthcare challenges facing rural communities across the United States. It\u2019s unfortunate that every single Democrat in Congress, including every Democrat from Pennsylvania, voted against creating this fund. In recent years, rural Pennsylvanians have experienced a steady decline in access to essential healthcare services, and this funding is a critical step toward reversing that trend.\u201d\n\nAbout the Rural Health Transformation Fund:\n\nCongress created the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund through the Working Families Tax Cut. This funding, which represents the largest direct federal investment in rural healthcare in American history, will be distributed over the next five years to help states improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/scalise-slams-minnesota-democrats-for-widespread-fraud-highlights-gops-2025-wins", "Scalise Slams Minnesota Democrats for Widespread Fraud, Highlights GOP\u2019s 2025 Wins", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", "scalise", "https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JEFFERSON, La.\u2014Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox News' The Faulkner Focus to call out Democrats for refusing to address massive taxpayer fraud in Minnesota and to highlight efforts by the Trump Administration and the House to uncover the facts and deliver accountability. Leader Scalise also touted House Republicans\u2019 legislative wins in 2025 for working families, including lowering costs, securing the border, unleashing American energy, and cutting government spending.\n\nImage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1990", "Congresswoman Scanlon Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional App Challenge", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Gay Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", "scanlon", "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is an opportunity for students in PA-05 to create and submit their original app for a chance to win the Challenge competing against students from all over the country. In order to participate in the competition: Students must be in middle or high school by the time the competition ends and must either live or go to school in the registered district they wish to compete in; and, apps can be coded on any platform, on any language, on any theme.\n\n\u201cThe annual Congressional App Challenge is a great program that engages our youth in STEM-related fields,\u201d said Rep. Scanlon. \u201cAt a time when science and technology fields are rapidly evolving, it\u2019s important that we invest in programs that help our youth develop skills for success in the future. I\u2019m pleased to celebrate all of our participants this year and congratulate this year\u2019s winner.\u201d\n\nA team of judges evaluated six submissions using a rubric to rate each of the apps along two general categories \u2014 Concept and Technology.\n\nThis year\u2019s first-place winner is Allison Tan from Lower Merion High School, who came up with OpiWarrior, an iOS app that helps people quickly find nearby pharmacies that stock buprenorphine, a life-saving medication for opioid use disorder. Runner up Christopher Armstrong from Strath Haven High School coded the app Coaster Dreams, a minimalistic, open-ended roller coaster design video game.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/scholten-showcases-top-legislation-endorsed-lowering-costs-caucus-slash-costs", "Scholten Showcases Top Legislation Endorsed by the Lowering Costs Caucus to Slash Costs for Families", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Amidst a growing affordability crisis, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten, a founder of the Lowering Costs Caucus (LCC) in Congress, announced her end-of-year showcase of legislation to lower costs for American families. The highlighted LCC-endorsed legislation could help lower the cost of housing by tens of thousands of dollars per family; the cost of baby products by hundreds of dollars; the cost of health care by up to tens of thousands per person; and much more.\n\nThe LCC is a group of committed lawmakers in Congress committed to producing policy ideas that will tackle the affordability crisis head-on. Founded just this year, the group has already produced dozens of bills and ideas that would save Americans thousands of dollars each and every year. Members of the Lowering Costs Caucus can submit and vote to endorse legislation that would make a meaningful difference in cutting costs for everyday Americans. The caucus also reaches out to members who are not yet part of the caucus to submit their legislation for endorsement. The Lowering Costs Caucus then endorses bills that showcase some of the best solutions in Congress to the affordability crisis.\n\n\"From groceries to childcare to energy and healthcare, Americans are just paying too much. It doesn't have to be this way,\u201d said Rep. Scholten. \u201cThere are easy policy solutions that will help us lower costs, if we're willing to put American families first. That's what the Lowering Cost Caucus is all about. I'm so proud of the work this caucus has done so far this year, and there's even more to come in 2026!\u201d\n\n\u201cI hear from constituents in California every day that their costs are too high. Families in Orange and Los Angeles counties are seeing prices go up for everything from groceries to gas to day care. I was proud to join Rep. Scholten and Rep. Landsman as founding members of the Lowering Costs Caucus to shut out the politics-as-usual noise in Washington and focus on what we are actually hearing from families back home,\u201d said Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45). \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to continuing to reach across the aisle in the new year to lower costs and make life affordable again for the American people.\u201d\n\n\"The affordability crisis that has plagued our country for years, and which has worsened with Trump\u2019s trade wars and Congress\u2019s devastating cuts to healthcare and energy construction, is killing the American dream,\u201d said Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01). \u201cThese bills will immediately help families pay their bills, afford a home, and lower costs - from healthcare to utility bills.\u201d\n\nHousing\n\nIt\u2019s no secret that owning a home \u2014 a core part of the American dream \u2014 is moving out of reach for many Americans. Americans without a strong credit history face an additional barrier in the form of sky-high interest rates, and one of the most common large payments they make \u2014 rent\u2014 is often not factored into their credit history.\n\nThe LCC endorsed the Access to Homeownership Act, commonsense legislation that would allow renters to improve their credit score when they pay rent on time. It would factor on-time rent payments into a person\u2019s credit history, helping them eventually get lower interest rates when they look to take out a loan to buy a home. Interest rates can drastically change the cost of a home; lower interest rates could save Americans buying a home up to tens thousands of dollars over the course of their mortgage.\n\nGroceries\n\nPresident Trump\u2019s tariffs caused grocery prices to skyrocket this year. The LCC endorsed the No Tariff on Groceries Act to require that the President ask Congress permission to put Administration-proposed tariffs on food and to stipulate that tariffs cannot go into place without a subsequent act of Congress to approve them.\n\nChild Care\n\nAmerican families are suffocating under the crushing costs of childcare. Congresswoman Scholten introduced LCC-endorsed legislation to slash those costs by two-thirds. Under her Tri-Share Child Care Act, the cost of child care would be shared between the caregiver, their employer, and the state and federal governments.\n\nThe Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Act of 2025 would allocate $250 million a year for three years to create a pilot Tri-Share program beginning the year after enactment of the legislation. Parents will be eligible if they:\n\nAre employed by an employer participating in the program, with states responsible for coordinating and soliciting employer enrollment.\n\nMake under 500% of the federal poverty level.\n\nHave a child who is under the age of mandatory schooling.\n\nBaby Products\n\nAccording to a Joint Economic Committee report, the cost of five common items bought for new babies increased by 24 percent, or $98, in the period between April 1st \u2013 just before Trump announced major tariffs on nearly every country \u2013 and June 9th. The Committee estimated that new parents across the U.S. may have been forced to spend an additional $875 million in total on key baby goods in 2025. Michigan families alone may have been forced to spend an additional $24.6 million.\n\nThe Lowering Costs Caucus has endorsed legislation to get these costs back down for families.\n\nThe Baby Food Tax Relief Act would exempt essential baby feeding products, including formula, highchairs, and baby bottles from reckless tariff policies.\n\nThe Baby Safety Tax Relief Act would specifically exempt baby strollers, carriers, and car seats from tariffs.\n\nThis legislation would eliminate the extra costs on families caused by tariffs.\n\nHealth Care\n\nAn unexpected diagnosis or medical bill can be life changing.\n\nThe LCC-endorsed Health Care Affordability Act would make popular tax credits for people who get their health care through the Affordable Care Act more generous and available to more Americans. The Health Care Affordability Act was signed into law as a part of the American Rescue Plan and extended in the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nPrescription drugs and medical devices can also cost Americans thousands or more each year.\n\nThe LCC endorsed the bipartisan Fair Price Device Act to make it cheaper for generic versions of drug devices \u2014 things like epipens and insulin pumps \u2014 to get to market. Ultimately, that means lower prices for the people who rely on these lifesaving devices.\n\nThe LCC also endorsed the Making Insulin Affordable for All Children Act, which would ensure that insulin costs no more than $35 a month for anyone under the age of 26 covered by private insurance or Medicaid. For many, insulin is a substantial expense; this legislation would allow diabetes patients to put money currently being spent on insulin elsewhere.\n\nChildren and Families\n\nThe LCC-endorsed FAMILY Act would guarantee 12 weeks of paid leave for workers dealing with health conditions, including pregnancy and childbirth. It would also offer this leave to Americans who need to take time off work to care for a family member or welcome an adopted child home. It would help ensure that no American is forced to make the devastating choice between earning a paycheck to stay afloat and taking care of their health or their loved ones.\n\nThe LCC-endorsed American Family Act would permanently expand the Child Tax Credit. The Child Tax Credit was implemented as part of the American Rescue Plan; it cut child poverty by 30%, keeping 3.7 million kids out of poverty by making more parents eligible for the credit and helping them pay their bills every month.\n\nTax Reform That Works For All Americans\n\nThe LCC-endorsed American Affordability Act is tax legislation that offers a real plan to lower costs and expand economic security for working families.\n\nSpecifically, the bill:\n\nTackles the housing crisis by dramatically expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, creating new tools to convert vacant commercial buildings into affordable homes, supporting first-time homebuyers, and providing meaningful rent relief for families struggling to stay housed. These are real, scalable solutions to the shortage of housing in every state.\n\nLowers energy costs by restoring clean-energy incentives gutted by Republicans, expanding credits for energy efficiency, and investing in grid resilience and advanced manufacturing. The bill reduces utility bills, cuts carbon pollution, and boosts domestic jobs.\n\nMakes child and family care more affordable by enhancing the Child Tax Credit, expanding the Child and Dependent Care Credit, supporting working caregivers, and ensuring adoption remains within reach for all families. These are investments proven to lift millions of children out of poverty.\n\nReduces education costs and supports workers by making higher education more affordable through a fully refundable American Opportunity Tax Credit. The bill also protects borrowers from hidden student-loan tax penalties and strengthens deductions for teachers, union members, and working-class employees.\n\nLowers health care costs by making premium assistance permanent and closing the Medicaid coverage gap.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/31/bennet-hickenlooper-slam-trumps-veto-of-their-finish-the-avc-act/", "Bennet, Hickenlooper Slam Trump\u2019s Veto of Their Finish the AVC Act", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed their bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act:\n\n\u201cNothing says \u2018Make America Great Again\u2019 like denying 50,000 rural Coloradans access to clean, affordable drinking water. President Trump\u2019s first veto of his second term blocks a bipartisan bill that both the House and Senate passed unanimously, costs taxpayers nothing, and delivers safe, reliable water to rural communities that overwhelmingly supported him. Trump\u2019s attacks on Southern Colorado are politics at its worst\u2014putting personal and political grievances ahead of Americans. Southeastern Coloradans were promised the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit more than 60 years ago. With this veto, President Trump broke that promise and demonstrated exactly why so many Americans are fed up with Washington. We will keep fighting to make sure rural Coloradans get the clean drinking water they were promised.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2025/12/31/bennet-statement-on-federal-intervention-at-northwest-colorado-power-plant/", "Bennet Statement on Federal Intervention at Northwest Colorado Power Plant", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "Michael F. Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", "bennet", "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "scraper", "Denver \u2014 Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement following the Department of Energy\u2019s 202(c) 90-day order to require Craig Station\u2019s Unit 1, a 427 MW coal-fired power plant in Northwest Colorado, to remain operational past its planned 2025 retirement:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s so-called \u201cenergy emergency\u201d is being used to justify tying the hands of utilities, forcing them to keep aging, outdated power plants open, often at high cost to the consumers they serve, whether or not it makes sense for energy reliability. It is unacceptable to burden ratepayers with these unnecessary costs. The Department of Energy (DOE) should be focused on doing everything it can to partner with transitioning communities and make energy more affordable. Instead, this administration is overriding business decisions and ignoring the costly consequences for Coloradans.\n\n\u201cThe DOE order is the latest in a string of attacks against Colorado, because we refuse to bend to the President. President Trump continues to take out his personal and political grievances on Coloradans who are already struggling to make ends meet. Federal intervention like this makes long-term planning impossible \u2013 this is not how you operate a business, plan an electric grid, or help a community stay prosperous. I am disappointed but not surprised by this continued revenge tour.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-slam-trumps-veto-of-their-finish-the-avc-act/", "Hickenlooper, Bennet Slam Trump\u2019s Veto of Their Finish the AVC Act", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "DENVER \u2014 U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed their bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act:\n\n\u201cNothing says \u2018Make America Great Again\u2019 like denying 50,000 rural Coloradans access to clean, affordable drinking water. President Trump\u2019s first veto of his second term blocks a bipartisan bill that both the House and Senate passed unanimously, costs taxpayers nothing, and delivers safe, reliable water to rural communities that overwhelmingly supported him. Trump\u2019s attacks on Southern Colorado are politics at its worst\u2014putting personal and political grievances ahead of Americans. Southeastern Coloradans were promised the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit more than 60 years ago. With this veto, President Trump broke that promise and demonstrated exactly why so many Americans are fed up with Washington. We will keep fighting to make sure rural Coloradans get the clean drinking water they were promised.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.moreno.senate.gov/press-releases/moreno-recaps-first-year-successes-for-ohio", "Moreno Recaps First Year Successes For Ohio", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Bernie Moreno", "M001242", "www.moreno.senate.gov", "moreno", "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) recapped his work for Ohio in his first year in the U.S. Senate.\n\nSenator Moreno\u2019s 2025 Statistics:\n\nIntroduced 25 pieces of legislation\n\nCo-sponsored 48 pieces of bipartisan legislation\n\nSecured more than $35 million for Ohio projects\n\nVisited 48 counties in Ohio\n\nSolved 2,364 constituent cases\n\nHosted over 50 constituent coffees in Washington, D.C.\n\nWelcomed four cabinet secretaries to tour Ohio\n\nSat for over 250 interviews with Ohio TV and radio stations\n\nJoined the Senate Whip team to help pass President Trump\u2019s legislative priorities\n\nFighting for Ohio:\n\nSenator Moreno worked to secure $1.3 billion in funding for rural hospitals across Ohio in the One Big Beautiful Bill.\n\nAfter the closure of the historic Chillicothe Paper Mill, Senator Moreno worked to encourage investment in the community and bring good-paying jobs to hardworking families in Ross County.\n\nFollowing a brutal attack on a woman in Cincinnati, Senator Moreno fought for accountability alongside local law enforcement.\n\nAfter the historic passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Senator Moreno held a three-day, 18 county tour to hear directly from constituents, small business owners, and tour manufacturing plants.\n\nReindustrialization and the American Auto Industry:\n\nSenator Moreno introduced the USA CAR Act to promote American manufacturing and allow Ohioans to write off interest on auto loans for U.S.-made cars. The USA CAR Act was included in the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\nSenator Moreno introduced the Transportation Freedom Act to reverse nonsensical EV mandates, make an historic investment in American auto workers, and streamline our regulatory processes.\n\nSecuring the Border and Restoring Law and Order:\n\nSenator Moreno introduced the Refugees Using Legal Entry Safely (RULES) Act to reform the broken asylum system.\n\nTo protect American workers and college graduates, Senator Moreno introduced the HIRE Act. If companies want to hire foreign workers instead of Americans, his legislation will hit them where it hurts: their pocketbooks.\n\nTo honor the legacy of Hamilton County Sheriff\u2019s Deputy Larry Henderson, Senator Moreno introduced the Larry Henderson Act to set a new mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison for anyone found guilty of assault on a federal officer. Anyone who assaults our law enforcement must face severe consequences.\n\nSenator Moreno worked across the aisle with Senator Chris Coons to introduce the Auto Theft Prevention Act to create programs to provide funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to crack down on auto theft.\n\nChampioning Financial Freedom and Digital Assets:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-ninth-circuit-court-order-returning-control-of-national-guard-to-california/", "Padilla Statement on Ninth Circuit Court Order Returning Control of National Guard to California", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CA", "Alex Padilla", "P000145", "www.padilla.senate.gov", "padilla", "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted its stay on a federal judge\u2019s order barring the Trump Administration from deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles, ending the federalization of California\u2019s National Guard and returning authority over them to the state:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s order affirms what we\u2019ve said from the beginning: the Trump Administration\u2019s choice to federalize and deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles was unlawful. This deployment is reckless, harmful, and an abuse of executive power that has put service members in an impossible position.\n\n\u201cThe fight is not over but I look forward to the remaining service members returning to their families, their jobs, and their primary critical missions as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=490", "Year In Review: Congressman Hamadeh Advances America First Principles and Practices", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "AZ", "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "H001098", "hamadeh.house.gov", "hamadeh", "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Since before taking office, FOX News named Congressman Abe Hamadeh as one of the \u201crising stars\u201d in the Democratic and Republican parties expected to emerge in 2025, and that is what he set about doing.\n\nFrom working with President Trump and his Cabinet members to securing wins on the legislative front, Congressman Hamadeh has advanced America First principles and practices on behalf of his constituents in the nation\u2019s Capitol.\n\n\u201cI came to D.C. committed to fight for the principles embodied in the America First agenda as laid out by President Trump; the principles that best serve my constituents. I hit the ground running, and within a very short period of time, I was able to successfully secure a ban on Chinese propaganda from the People\u2019s House. The popularity of the ban even prompted a ban in the UK House of Commons, proving that these fundamental principles are universally what the public wants and following them will keep us on the right track,\u201d stated Congressman Hamadeh.\n\nBuoyed by that initial and almost immediate win, Congressman Hamadeh continued working tirelessly in a bipartisan manner to fight for his constituents\u2019 top priorities.\n\nIn his first year, Congressman Hamadeh and his team met with thousands of residents, conducting over 450 tours for visitors from Congressional District 8.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh\u2019s team has successfully closed over 600 constituent cases to date and returned nearly $2 million to constituents despite the democrats\u2019 government shutdown.\n\nKeeping his promise to veterans, two of the very first bills he introduced as a Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act and the Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP) Improvement Act of 2025, were unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nIn March, Congressman Hamadeh reached out to FBI Director Kash Patel, advocating for the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department who had been the victims of the Biden Administration's weaponization of the Department of Justice. Thanks to Congressman Hamadeh\u2019s doggedness, the DOJ officially ended its investigation into the Phoenix Police Department (PPD, retracting previous Biden-era findings of widespread constitutional violations, citing the move as ending a \"failed experiment\" with consent decrees and upholding local control.\n\nThat same month, Congressman Hamadeh\u2019s Congressional Fitness Challenge bill won the support of NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre and former NFL player Antonio Brown (\u201cAB\u201d). \u201cIron Mike\u201d Tyson threw his support behind H.Con.Res.20, which establishes the Congressional Fitness Challenge, calling it \u201cbold\u201d and necessary. It was deemed so necessary that President Trump followed suit and reinstated the Presidential Fitness Challenge. Congressman Hamadeh and his team are preparing to support the President in bringing the fitness initiative to Congressional District 8 in order to build a stronger, healthier future for our kids.\n\nAt the end of the month, Congressman Hamadeh was honored to be invited to meet with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Over dinner, Congressman Hamadeh participated in a discussion about how to advance President Trump\u2019s intelligence agenda.\n\nIn April, keeping his vow to his constituents to secure election integrity, Congressman Hamadeh introduced the Proving Residency for Overseas Voter Eligibility (PROVE) Act.\n\nThe legislation will amend the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to require non-military overseas citizens to prove their current residency in a state in which they are attempting to vote.\n\nIf they are unable to prove a current resident status by themselves, their spouse, parent, or legal guardian, U.S. citizens may still vote a federal ballot only in the District of Columbia.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh also co-led the Preventing Ranked Choice Corruption Act. The legislation, which amends the Help America Vote Act, will help American citizens vote by prohibiting the confusing and disenfranchising voting scheme of Ranked Choice Voting.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh then co-sponsored a bill to support and codify President Donald Trump\u2019s election integrity agenda.\n\nBy codifying President Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14248, entitled Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections, Congressman Hamadeh\u2019s bill would make law an extensive list of necessary measures, including government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship, security standards for voting equipment, enforcement of the voter-list maintenance, requiring voter-verifiable paper ballots, and prosecuting non-citizen voting and related crimes.\n\nIn May, Congressman Hamadeh joined President Donald Trump, along with top executives from companies including Nvidia, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, GE Aerospace, and SoftBank, to celebrate their increasing investment in the U.S.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh thanked President Trump for his bold leadership, which led to TSMC making the largest single foreign direct investment in U.S. history. Much of TSMC\u2019s investment is made in Congressional District 8.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh had the pleasure of meeting with Secretary of Veterans Affair Doug Collins in May to share the concerns of veterans in Congressional District 8 and how the VA can best serve them. They also discussed what legislative actions the Congressman could take to facilitate the vital reforms sought by the Trump administration.\n\nPeace through strength is a priority for both Congressman Hamadeh and President Trump; in fact, it is what CD8 residents voted for. As a result, Congressman Hamadeh has worked closely with Ambassador Tom Barrack Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, to gain the Syrian government\u2019s assistance in locating and returning USA citizens or their remains, including the body of Kayla Mueller.\n\nIn August, Congressman Hamadeh made an unprecedented trip from Jerusalem to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani to discuss the Congressman's continuing effort to bring Kayla Mueller's body to her family in Arizona. Kayla was abducted by terrorists in 2013 while leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo, Syria.\n\nOver the course of his first year in office, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Hamadeh worked across the aisle to secure wins for our national security, Arizona industry, and servicemembers during the National Defense Authorization Act development process.\n\nIn September, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was passed on a bipartisan vote of 231-196. Congressman Hamadeh was proud to vote in favor of this historic legislation that includes key support for our service members.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh successfully led the charge for Arizona\u2019s military communities, installations, and defense industrial base\u2014delivering bipartisan wins for Arizona:\n\nReliable Air Conditioning for Luke Air Force Base\n\nInvestment in the Sharpest Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Satellite Imagery\n\nSuicide Prevention Oversight for Servicemembers\n\nCollaborative Combat Aircraft Propulsion Development\n\nIncreased Investment in Dump Trucks for the Arizona Army National Guard\n\nRecognition of Arizona State University-Led Irregular Warfare Consortium\n\nSaving Mesa\u2019s Apache Helicopter Factory Jobs\n\nCongressman Hamadeh was honored to be among a handful of Republican lawmakers who joined President Donald Trump for the inaugural event of the new \u201cRose Garden Club\u201d in September.\n\nClosing out the year, Congressman Hamadeh once again earned constituents\u2019 support and national attention when he was joined by Angel families in December to announce the introduction of the American Border Story Memorial Act.\n\n\u201cAngel families\u201d are those families who have lost loved ones to the ravages created by former President Joe Biden's broken border and the cartels\u2019 deadly drug trade. The bill has already amassed an impressive number of cosponsors.\n\nThis legislation would establish a permanent memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor the victims of the open border and illegal immigration. No taxpayer dollars will be used to build the memorial wall. The memorial complies fully with the Commemorative Works Act and will be established by The American Border Story (TABS), a nonprofit organization.\n\nCongressman Hamadeh believes that while these families are often featured in discussions advocating stricter immigration enforcement and border security, their personal loss should be memorialized, and the wall will also serve as a reminder of the costs of bad policy.\n\nAngel family members in attendance included Mary Ann Mendoza; mother of Sgt. Brandon Mendoza, Agnes Judit Gibboney; mother of Ronald Da Silva, Joe Abraham; father of Katie Abraham, Anne Fundner; mother of Weston Fundner, Jane Gray; mother of Nicole Gray, Wanda Dequardo; mother of Christian Knight, and Anatoly Varfolomeev; father of Anya Varfolomeev. The families shared their stories of loss and what this bill means to them during the holiday season.\n\nNow, Congressman Hamadeh is urging his colleagues to pass two bills he introduced, the Service Members Tax Relief Act and the Tax Cuts for Veterans Act, which amend the tax code to exempt all military income earned by active-duty and reserve service members and all service-related retirement payments from federal income taxes.\n\n\u201cThese bills are in keeping with my commitment to America First principles and advance President Trump\u2019s Peace Through Strength agenda by alleviating the burdens on our service members in some small measure,\u201d stated Congressman Hamadeh. \u201cOur service members face high operational demands and cost-of-living pressures that outpace pay tables. So, anything we can cost-effectively do to ease those pressures should be done.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese bills are fiscally conservative in that they offer relief through the tax code instead of new spending,\u201d explained Congressman Hamadeh. \u201cIt is a win-win; the exemption instantly improves take-home pay, while helping with recruitment and retention, which in turn keeps our war fighters strong.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud of what we have been able to accomplish this year, but there is more to do, and my team and I are ready,\u201d stated Congressman Hamadeh. \u201cI have full confidence that my bills to amend the tax code to exempt all military income earned by active-duty and reserve service members and all service-related retirement payments from federal income taxes will have wide support in 2026 from my fellow Republicans and even a few Democrats.\u201d\n\n\u201c2025 was exciting. I have learned so much from my constituents and colleagues about what we need to do to put America first and how to get that done,\u201d stated Congressman Hamadeh. \u201cFor 2026, my New Year\u2019s resolution is to never stop putting America First and never stop fighting for my constituents.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4267", "Arrington Delivers Historic Rural Health Investment, Texas Awarded Largest Allocation in Nation", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) announced Texas will receive the largest rural health investment of any state under the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program. Created by legislation authored and passed by Chairman Arrington earlier this year, the program will provide Texas with a historic $1.4 billion investment to strengthen rural hospitals and expand access to care across West Texas and rural communities statewide.\n\n\u201cYou won't have the next generation of ag and energy producers providing America with food security and energy independence without access to basic health care in rural communities. Yet for years, Rural America has faced a growing health care crisis marked by fewer providers, reduced services, and declining access to quality care.\n\n\u201cTo combat this crisis, the One Big Beautiful Bill established the \u2018Rural Health Transformation Program,\u2019 the largest and most comprehensive investment in rural health care in modern history - delivering a historic $50 billion commitment to strengthen rural hospitals and expand access to care.\n\n\u201cToday, I am proud to announce the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded Texas the highest allocation of any state under this program, directing landmark investments to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to care for our cowboys and plowboys, and secure a healthier future for the next generation of Texans. This is a major win for our region, our great state, and the heartland of America - ensuring our rural communities remain healthy, strong, and thriving for years to come.\u201d \u2013 Chairman Jodey Arrington.\n\nBackground:\n\nCMS Office of the Actuary estimates Medicaid in total spent $19 billion on rural hospitals in 2024.\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program will provide an additional $10 billion each year from 2026 through 2030, representing a substantial increase in overall funding for rural hospitals.\n\nTexas will receive $281 million each year for five years.\n\nTexas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will award qualified applicants including rural hospitals, rural federally qualified health centers, rural behavioral health providers, and local governments.\n\nHHSC will use a competitive process to allocate funds to:\n\neducate and attract health professionals to rural towns\n\ninvest in telehealth services to improve rural access\n\nmitigate chronic disease\n\ndevelop proactive wellness and nutrition programs\n\nimprove cybersecurity defenses to protect patient data\n\nupgrade equipment in rural hospitals and clinics\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2517", "Congressman Baird Announces Significant Health Care Funding for Indiana Through Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "James R. Baird", "B001307", "baird.house.gov", "baird", "https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that the State of Indiana will receive nearly $207 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program.\n\n\u201cHoosiers in rural communities deserve access to timely, high-quality care,\u201d said Congressman Baird. \u201cI was proud to support the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which authorized the Rural Health Transformation Program to deliver vital funding that will help address provider shortages, barriers to accessing care, and workforce shortages, while allowing our rural health care providers to continue to provide quality care. I am pleased to see these taxpayer funds returned to Hoosiers so Indiana can increase access to care and improve patient outcomes. I thank President Trump for signing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for his leadership in delivering this critical funding for Hoosiers and Rural America.\u201d\n\nThe RHT Program was created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The RHT Program empowers states to strengthen rural communities by improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. RHT Program funding consists of $50 billion allocated to approved states over five fiscal years, with $10 billion available each fiscal year, beginning in Fiscal Year 2026 and ending in Fiscal Year 2030. Fifty percent of this funding is distributed equally to all approved states, and the remaining 50% will be allocated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) based on a variety of factors including rural population, the proportion of rural health facilities in the state, the situation of certain hospitals in the state, and other factors to be specified by CMS.\n\nMore information on the Rural Health Transformation Program can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-department-health-human-services-grant", "Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Department of Health & Human Services Grant Award to the State of Mississippi", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie G. Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", "benniethompson", "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BOLTON, MS \u2013 Today, Congressman Bennie Thompson announced that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has awarded $205,907,220 in grant funds to the state of Mississippi for a Rural Health Transformation program. This award will strengthen rural healthcare by expanding access, improving care coordination and modernizing infrastructure, growing the workforce and using telehealth to improve health outcomes.\n\nThis award is provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.", 1, "2026-04-10T05:46:57Z", "2026-04-10T05:48:19Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-doj-grant-support-mississippi-internet", "Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces DOJ Grant to Support Mississippi Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie G. Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", "benniethompson", "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BOLTON, MS \u2013 Today, Congressman Bennie Thompson announced a $416,214 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to the Mississippi Attorney General\u2019s Office to continue leading the Mississippi Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.\n\nThe funding, awarded through the Department of Justice\u2019s Office of Justice Programs and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, will support efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute online child exploitation crimes across Mississippi. The Attorney General\u2019s Office has led the ICAC Task Force since 2007 in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-federal-transportation-and-safety-grants", "Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Federal Transportation and Safety Grants for Mississippi\u2019s Second District", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie G. Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", "benniethompson", "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BOLTON, MS \u2013 Today, Congressman Bennie Thompson announced multiple federal transportation and safety grants awarded to communities across Mississippi\u2019s Second Congressional District to improve roadway safety, strengthen planning efforts, and support aviation infrastructure.\n\nHinds County \u2014 Safe Streets: Robinson Road Project\n\nHinds County will receive $20,000,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program to reconstruct a 2.75-mile segment of Robinson Road between Interstate 220 and West Capitol Street in Jackson. The project will add ADA-compliant sidewalks, bicycle lanes, improved lighting, access management, and pedestrian safety features to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes along this high-risk corridor.\n\nBolivar County \u2014 Bolivar County Safe Streets Project\n\nBolivar County will receive $200,000 in SS4A funding to conduct data collection, crash and speed analysis, and demonstration activities to update its countywide Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The project will help guide future safety improvements across the county.\n\nTunica County \u2014 Tunica County Safety Action Plan\n\nTunica County will receive $248,000 to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, including a five-year crash analysis, public engagement, identification of high-injury roadways, and a web-based dashboard to track safety performance.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-applauds-193-million-pennsylvania-rural-healthcare-reaffirms", "Bresnahan Applauds $193 Million for Pennsylvania Rural Healthcare, Reaffirms Commitment to Securing More Funding", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.", "B001327", "bresnahan.house.gov", "bresnahan", "https://bresnahan.house.gov/media", "scraper", "SCRANTON, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) applauded the announcement that $193 million in federal dollars will be directed to Pennsylvania through the Rural Health Transformation Fund. Rep. Bresnahan strongly advocated for and worked to include the fund as a central component of the Working Families Tax Cuts package.\n\n\u201cThis $193 million investment is a major win for Pennsylvania\u2019s rural communities,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cFrom the start, I pushed to guarantee the Rural Health Transformation Fund was included, because I knew how critical these resources would be for our hospital providers and patients. This funding will make a real difference for families across the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, Rep. Bresnahan hosted Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in Scranton for a healthcare roundtable with hospital executives, providers, and community leaders from Northeastern Pennsylvania. During the visit, participants discussed workforce shortages access to care challenges and the financial pressures facing rural and community hospitals.\n\n\u201cWhen Administrator Oz came to Northeastern Pennsylvania, he heard directly from the people on the front lines of our healthcare system,\u201d continued Bresnahan. \u201cThose conversations helped reinforce why this fund must be prioritized, and why Pennsylvania deserves strong federal support.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Fund is intended to help states strengthen rural healthcare systems expand access to care support workforce recruitment and retention and invest in innovative delivery models. Pennsylvania\u2019s $193 million allocation will support state-driven strategies tailored to the needs of rural and underserved communities.\n\nRep. Bresnahan emphasized that while this funding represents an important step, his work is far from finished.\n\n\u201cI remain committed to continuing to fight for Pennsylvania, so we secure even more resources in the future,\u201d continued Bresnahan. \u201cOur rural communities deserve long-term solutions, and I will keep working to make sure Pennsylvania gets its fair share.\u201d\n\nAbout the Rural Health Transformation Fund\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Fund provides targeted federal resources to help states improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities by supporting infrastructure workforce development and innovative care delivery.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eric-burlison-outlines-legislative-wins-and-next-priorities-oan", "Rep. Eric Burlison Outlines Legislative Wins and Next Priorities on OAN", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) appeared on One America News Network to reflect on the 2025 session and preview the policy priorities Republicans must advance in the second half of the 119th Congress.\n\nWatch the full interview here.\n\nBurlison highlighted key outcomes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, noting that Congress enacted meaningful spending reductions, including defunding NPR and PBS. He also pointed to a significant Second Amendment tax relief provision, permanent extensions of major tax reforms, the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, and the codification of more than three dozen Trump administration executive actions focused on deregulation and domestic energy production.\n\nBurlison noted that these reforms are beginning to show positive economic effects, while emphasizing that additional work remains.\n\nLooking ahead, Burlison stressed the need for another reconciliation bill to address unresolved priorities, particularly healthcare and election integrity. He explained that rejecting a temporary extension of enhanced COVID-era Obamacare subsidies was an important step toward creating the leverage necessary for meaningful reform.\n\nBurlison outlined clear expectations for any reconciliation legislation, including significant healthcare reform that expands patient choice, increases transparency, and lowers costs without adding to the national debt. He emphasized giving individuals greater control over insurance options, provider networks, and alternative care models such as direct primary care.\n\n\u201cWe have to set the marker early and be clear about our expectations,\u201d Burlison said. \u201cReconciliation must deliver real reform, not more spending layered onto a broken system.\u201d\n\nBurlison also addressed recent comments from Democrats suggesting another government shutdown, noting that many Democrats remember the consequences of the last shutdown, which brought the country within days of crippling TSA operations and airport travel. He emphasized that continuing to advance appropriations bills would reduce the impact of any shutdown effort and remove it as a political weapon.\n\nThe interview concluded with Burlison reaffirming his commitment to fiscal responsibility, healthcare reform, and restoring accountability as Congress enters the next phase of the legislative session.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2025/12/30/2025-annual-report/", "2025 Annual Report", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "It is my honor to serve as your voice in Congress. I will continue to fight for Constitutionalist and Conservative principles. Please take a minute to review my annual report, an update on recent legislative actions and constituent services.\n\nFor the latest news from my office, please follow me on Facebook, X, and Truth Social. If there is anything I can do to assist you, please don\u2019t hesitate to contact my office.\n\nConstituent Services Report\n\nMy offices in Louisiana and Washington D.C. are staffed with Patriots dedicated to serving you. Since 2017, we have resolved over 11,000 cases for constituents. We are here to advocate for you, and my team stands ready to assist with federal matters. Being accessible and staying in touch are priorities for my office. We regularly host Veterans outreach clinics, town halls, and attend meetings with constituents across South Louisiana. We are boots on the ground, and we are at your avail.\n\nHere is a snapshot of the real, measurable results we\u2019ve delivered on behalf of the people we serve.\n\n2025: Legislative Rundown\n\nIn 2025, I worked to deliver for Louisiana, correct the trajectory of spending, and codify the America First policy agenda. I\u2019ve compiled a by-the-issue summary of many legislative actions taken by my office this year.\n\nSECURING AMERICA\n\nPassed into law H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, providing historic resources for border security and immigration enforcement.\n\nPassed H.R. 2056, the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act, to end DC\u2019s sanctuary city status.\n\nVoted YES on H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, mandating proof of citizenship for voters nationwide.\n\nSponsored H.R. 1569, the CATCH Fentanyl Act, establishing new inspection technologies and enforcement tools to combat drug trafficking.\n\nFIGHTING FOR LOUISIANA\u2019S ENERGY SECTOR\n\nIntroduced H.R. 513, the Offshore Lands Authorities Act, to restore hundreds of millions of acres for offshore oil and gas development.\n\nCosponsored and passed H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, which passed the House, expediting approvals for LNG export terminals.\n\nWorked with the Trump Administration to secure permits for multiple LNG projects in Louisiana.\n\nPassed into law H.R. 1, which ensures oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of America over the next 15 years.\n\nIMPLEMENTING SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS\n\nWorked with the Trump Administration to secure expedited payments in accordance with the Social Security Fairness Act.\n\nPROMOTING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY\n\nPassed H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to save $9.4 billion in taxpayer dollars.\n\nIntroduced H.R. 2716, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, to save $1.3 billion and combat government waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nVoted for conservative appropriations bills that correct the trajectory of spending.\n\nADVOCATING FOR OUR SEAFOOD INDUSTRY\n\nIntroduced H.R. 4800, the Fisheries Modernization Act, which expands fishery disaster relief programs to Louisiana\u2019s wild-caught crawfish industry.\n\nPetitioned President Trump to levy tariffs on foreign shrimp and crawfish imports.\n\nSponsored H.R. 2715, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act, which mandates the FDA to destroy contaminated products.\n\nAuthored H.R. 2071, the Save our Shrimpers Act, to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding foreign shrimpers.\n\nPROTECTING LOUISIANA FARMERS\n\nExpanded agriculture support programs for rice and sugarcane farmers in H.R. 1.\n\nHelped complete a trade agreement for Iraq to purchase hundreds of thousands of metric tons of Louisiana rice.\n\nPetitioned the USDA to include Louisiana in its slate of new regional hubs.\n\nWorked closely with President Trump to increase rice tariffs on countries undercutting American industry.\n\nSTANDING FOR PRO-LIFE PRINCIPLES\n\nVoted YES and cosponsored H.R. 21, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, requiring medical care for abortion survivors.\n\nMaintained a 100% pro-life voting record as a member of Congress.\n\nSUPPORTING VETERANS & THE MILITARY\n\nPatrolled with Louisiana National Guardsmen stationed in our nation\u2019s capital.\n\nSecured wins for Louisiana\u2019s military bases, service members, and shipyards in the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nCosponsored H.R. 2102, the Major Richard Star Act, to restore earned benefits for disabled combat-injured Veterans.\n\nDELIVERING TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING AMERICANS\n\nVoted to pass H.R. 1, which lowered taxes for working families.\n\nDelivered on President Trump\u2019s priorities of no tax on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security.\n\nPassed an enhanced Child Tax Credit to provide additional relief for American families.\n\nADDRESSING DISASTER RESILIENCY & INFRASTRUCTURE\n\nSecured $131.5 million for the Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection Project in the House Energy & Water appropriations bill.\n\nCo-led the National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act, providing lasting and affordable coverage for Americans in disaster-prone areas.\n\nSecured permits and held the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accountable for delays on multiple flood mitigation projects.\n\nIntroduced H.R. 1070, the Restoring Competitive Property Insurance Availability Act, to encourage market competition and help lower rates for home and business owners.\n\nWorked with Governor Jeff Landry to advance key infrastructure projects like the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge and the I-49 Connector.\n\nExpanded revenue-sharing caps for the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) as part of H.R. 1, which will increase Louisiana\u2019s share of annual funding for coastal restoration efforts.\n\nFor all legislative updates, please visit clayhiggins.house.gov/issues.\n\nDELIVERING FOR SOUTH LOUISIANA", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-announces-anaheim-student-as-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "CORREA ANNOUNCES ANAHEIM STUDENT AS CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "J. Luis Correa", "C001110", "correa.house.gov", "correa", "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. \u2014 Today, Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) announced Xiong Yi, a student at Fairmont Prep Academy in Anaheim, Calif. as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in California\u2019s 46th District. As one of the challenge winners, Xiong will be invited to demonstrate his app to Members of Congress and their staff in the U.S. Capitol.\n\nPhoto of Xiong Yi\n\nYou can watch a walkthrough of Xiong\u2019s app, MathFluent, HERE and by clicking the image below.\n\nScreenshot of Xiong\u2019s app, MathFluent\n\nWhen asked what inspired the creation of MathFluent, Yi said: \u201cThe idea for Math Fluent came from a personal realization: many students can solve math problems, but they don\u2019t always understand why their solutions work. I used to be one of those students. I could follow steps, memorize methods, and get the right answers \u2014 but I didn\u2019t always grasp the deeper meaning or logic. Everything changed when I began questioning the purpose of each step. Instead of rushing to the answer, I practiced asking myself what the problem was teaching, whether my logic made sense, and how I could explain it clearly. My approach didn\u2019t just improve my performance \u2014 it made math enjoyable, empowering, and intellectually satisfying. That insight inspired MathFluent. I wanted to create a tool that trains students to think like mathematicians: curious, analytical, expressive, and independent. Math is a language, and fluency in that language comes from understanding, not pattern-recall. Building this app lets me help others build that skill early, rather than discovering it later by chance.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. Each participating Member of Congress selects a winning app from their district, and each winning team is invited to showcase their winning app to Congress during our annual #HouseOfCode festival. The program is a public-private partnership made possible through funding from Omidyar Network, AWS, Rise, theCoderSchool, Apple, and others. The wildly successful competition continues to impress upon House Members the importance of computer science education and the need to develop a pipeline of diverse, domestic STEM talent.\n\n\u201cI created this app because I believe every student is capable of deep thinking when given the right guidance. When students learn why math works, the subject becomes exciting, not intimidating. It becomes a tool for life \u2014 for engineering, physics, problem-solving, innovation, and even everyday decisions,\u201d Yi added. \u201cMath Fluent is more than an app \u2014 it\u2019s a mission. I want students to feel empowered, capable, and fluent in their thinking. I hope this tool inspires confidence and unlocks the joy that comes from truly understanding math.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-01T05:41:29Z", "2026-04-01T05:42:36Z"], ["https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jim-costa-announces-2025-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Rep. Jim Costa Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jim Costa", "C001059", "costa.house.gov", "costa", "https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FRESNO, Calif. \u2014 Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) today announced Natalie Bonilla as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for California\u2019s 21st Congressional District.\n\nNatalie Bonilla, a senior at Selma High School, developed Community Support, a mobile app designed for both iOS and Android platforms. The app compiles critical community support resources\u2014including hotline numbers, support groups, phone numbers, and nearby locations\u2014to ensure individuals in the Central Valley can quickly access help during times of need.\n\nInspired by her own personal experiences, Natalie created Community Support to help reduce the stigma around seeking assistance and to make life-saving information more accessible to members of her community. The app provides a user-friendly way for individuals to locate urgent and non-urgent resources in one centralized place.\n\nNatalie built the app using Java and completed most of the coding at home and at school. Through the process, she navigated technical challenges such as adapting the app\u2019s design across different devices and debugging code, gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity and time required to develop a fully functional application.\n\n\u201cNatalie\u2019s app demonstrates how technology can be used to strengthen communities and support those who may be experiencing difficult moments,\u201d said Congressman Jim Costa. \u201cAs one of America\u2019s future leaders, Natalie has already shown creativity, persistence, and a strong commitment to service. I\u2019m proud to recognize her achievement and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.\u201d\n\n\u201cI come from a family deeply involved in social services, which motivated me to continue helping others. I\u2019m very grateful for this opportunity and honored to have been chosen as this year\u2019s winner,\u201d said Natalie Bonilla. \u201cI was completely shocked and didn\u2019t expect it at all. My teacher encouraged me to apply, even though I had a lot of doubts. When I received the news, I was incredibly happy.\u201d\n\nAbout the App\n\nCommunity Support connects users directly to crisis hotlines and local support groups, allowing individuals to quickly find the assistance that best fits their situation. Natalie plans to expand the app in the future by adding additional resources, such as food and transportation services, and enhanced features to improve the user experience.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7299", "Congressman Estes Releases Statement on Funding to Kansas Strengthening Rural Health Care", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", "estes", "https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement following the Trump administration\u2019s announcement that gives nearly $222 million to Kansas as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program:\n\n\u201cAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee I was proud to be involved in the conversations that led to including these investments into the One Big Beautiful Bill, and I\u2019m thrilled to see this funding being given to rural health care nationwide, and particularly the $222 million being given to Kansas,\u201d Congressman Estes said. \u201cRural health care is one of the largest challenges that Kansas faces, and this investment will make a significant difference across the board. Your zip code should never determine your access to reliable and quality health care. I\u2019m pleased to see this historic initiative and look forward to seeing the differences that these funds make in Kansas.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-praises-trump-administration-protecting-american-farmland-foreign", "Feenstra Praises Trump Administration for Protecting American Farmland from Foreign Adversaries", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Randy Feenstra", "F000446", "feenstra.house.gov", "feenstra", "https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "HULL, IOWA \u2014 Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement applauding the Trump administration for advancing its National Farm Security Action Plan, which includes Feenstra\u2019s FARMLAND Act to keep foreign enemies away from American farmland.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s National Farm Security Action Plan defends rural Iowa from China and our foreign adversaries and ensures that Iowa farmland stays in the hands of Iowa farmers. It also includes my work to develop new oversight measures for foreign farmland purchases, require the Secretary of Agriculture to report threats of foreign acquisition of American farmland to Congress, and hold foreign investors who fail to properly disclose farmland purchases accountable,\u201d said Rep. Feenstra. \u201cKeeping foreign adversaries \u2013 like China \u2013 off our farm ground is an important matter of national and farm security. I\u2019ll keep working to ensure our farmland is passed to the next generation so that we can keep our proud agricultural traditions alive in Iowa.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-hageman-applauds-205-million-obbba-funding-strengthen-wyomings", "Congresswoman Hageman Applauds $205 Million in OBBBA Funding to Strengthen Wyoming\u2019s Rural Health Care", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "WY", "Harriet M. Hageman", "H001096", "hageman.house.gov", "hageman", "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) applauded the announcement that Wyoming would receive more than $205 million for fiscal year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, which Rep. Hageman and Congressional Republicans created this summer in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), also known as the Working Families Tax Cut. Additional funding will follow in the subsequent years.\n\n\u201cThis summer, Republicans in Washington delivered an unprecedented $50 billion investment in rural health care through the Rural Health Transformation Program enacted as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation,\u201d said Rep. Hageman. \u201cWyoming\u2019s rural communities deserve reliable, high-quality health care without having to travel hundreds of miles. This initial $205 million investment strengthens our hospitals and clinics, supports the health care professionals who serve our communities, and expands access to care for families across Wyoming. It reflects a clear commitment to rural America and shows that Republicans and the Trump administration are delivering real, measurable results by prioritizing long-term sustainability of rural health care.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nWyoming will be able to use this funding to address long-standing challenges unique to rural health care. The investment supports efforts to expand primary, preventive, maternal, emergency, and behavioral health services, recruit and retain a strong rural health workforce, and modernize aging facilities and technology. The program also encourages innovation, including telehealth, remote monitoring, and new models that help keep care local and sustainable.\n\nThis program represents the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history. Congress created the initiative to ensure access to care does not depend on zip code and to give states flexibility to design solutions that reflect local needs.\n\nFunding will roll out over multiple years, providing Wyoming with a stable foundation to strengthen health care delivery and improve the well-being of rural families statewide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-secures-nearly-13-million-new-safe-streets-funding-bolster", "Kaptur Secures Nearly $1.3 Million In New Safe Streets Funding To Bolster Vision For A Safer NW Ohio", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "The new awards announced today totaling $1,275,370 include:\n\n$653,200 awarded to Lucas County for Supplemental Planning and Demonstration Activities for Northwest Ohio Transportation Safety Action Plan\n\nThis award will be used by Lucas County to pilot and evaluate countermeasures and conduct supplemental planning to implement the Transportation Safety Action Plan across Lucas County. Activities include temporary curbs, signal preemption for emergency medical services, speed studies, walk audits, road safety audits, and development of design tools to evaluate crash and emergency response outcomes.\n\n$542,170 awarded to the City of Toledo for Toledo/Lucas County Fleet Vehicle Safety Supplemental Planning and Demonstration\n\nThis award will be used by City of Toledo to conduct supplemental planning activities and demonstration activities to assess fleet vehicle crash risk, pilot safety technologies and trainings, and update the multi-jurisdictional Northwest Ohio Transportation Safety Action Plan. Deliverables include a consultant-led fleet assessment, driver monitoring in 186 vehicles, pilot interventions, telematics and crash evaluation, and a final report with prioritized procurement and implementation recommendations for Northwest Ohio.\n\n$80,000 awarded to the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments for Safety Locations Reports for Ottawa and Sandusky Counties\n\nThis award will be used by Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments to produce Safety Location Reports for Ottawa and Sandusky Counties that identify high-crash intersections and segments eligible for Ohio Department of Transportation safety funding. Deliverables include county-specific reports to prioritize eligible sites, support future road safety audits, and streamline Highway Safety Improvement Program applications to accelerate implementation of Proven Safety Countermeasures.\n\n\u201cImproving safety for walkers, bikers and drivers across Northwest Ohio is an important part of building a brighter future for all of our residents. These awards are about more than just concrete and new infrastructure improvements \u2014 it\u2019s about making life safer and creating community spaces that are accessible for all our people,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09).\u201cSafe Streets investments across our region will allow our community leaders to meet the needs of today while planning the way for a safer tomorrow. I want to thank all our partners for their initiative to apply for these awards, and I will continue fighting to bring more funding like this back to our communities across Northwest Ohio.\u201d\n\n\"We are pleased to receive our third Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the US Department of Transportation,\" said Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski. \"These funds will be used to develop measures to make Lucas County roadways safer for all users including better understanding the impacts of speed and safety on our roadways, improvements to access management systems, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities. These investments in highway safety pay back by providing a higher quality of life for our residents.\"\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to the US Department of Transportation for awarding this Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. These funds will allow us to identify high-crash locations in Ottawa and Sandusky Counties and prioritize safety improvements that save lives,\" said Sandy Spang, Executive Director of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments. \"By producing detailed Safety Action Plans, we can help local communities access resources faster and implement proven strategies to make our roads safer for everyone.\u201d\n\nThe SS4A program, administered through the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, aims to fund critical projects nationwide that prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries, especially in high-risk areas. This award is part of an ongoing initiative by the USDOT to support local efforts that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of community members through modernized infrastructure and strategic safety planning. This funding highlights the importance of investing in preventative measures that support a sustainable, people-centered approach to transportation infrastructure.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sam-liccardos-first-term-defined-bipartisanship-and-focus-local-priorities", "Rep. Sam Liccardo\u2019s First Term Defined by Bipartisanship and Focus on Local Priorities", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Sam T. Liccardo", "L000607", "liccardo.house.gov", "liccardo", "https://liccardo.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Sam Liccardo released his end-of-year report highlighting a first term that balanced a focus on bipartisan problem-solving on housing and other cost-of-living issues with the imperative of responding to lawless, reckless, and harmful actions of the Trump Administration.\n\n\u201cAmid the least productive legislative session in modern history, I came to Congress determined to get things done for our community,\u201d said Liccardo. \u201cNonetheless, I worked to build partnerships on both sides of the aisle \u2013 authoring a bipartisan ACA tax extension to resolve a historic stalemate over health care, garnering committee approval for two bills to accelerate affordable housing, and becoming an original cosponsor of stablecoin legislation that passed the House and ultimately (through the Senate bill) got signed into law.\u201d Several of these proposals\u2013on housing, health care, and tech innovation \u2013gained the attention of national news outlets. \u201cWe\u2019ll build on this momentum, Liccardo observed, and push more legislation to deliver results, particularly on housing and lowering costs.\u201d\n\nLiccardo also highlighted the groundwork laid this year to advance America\u2019s long-term competitiveness. \u201cI crafted and launched an Innovation Agenda to unleash America\u2019s potential to win the 21st century, and I\u2019m proud that this framework earned the support of the largest caucus in Congress, the 116-member New Democratic Coalition,\u201d he added. Liccardo and the NDC are now working to get aligned behind a slate of pro-innovation bills, and he has forged bipartisan support for efforts to counter the Trump Administration\u2019s attacks on high-skill immigration.\n\nLiccardo noted the important work of his team within California\u2019s 16th District as well: \u201cBeyond legislation, our hard-working team enabled the restoration of more than $3 million owed to constituents, and we launched two major regional initiatives\u2014the Wildfire Resilience Partnership and the Partnership for the Coastside\u2019s Future\u2014to strengthen federal, state, and local coordination as our region confronts the inevitable impacts of climate change.\u201d Liccardo concluded, \u201cWe\u2019re entering 2026 with real momentum\u2014rare progress for a first-term member of the minority\u2013 and a mandate to keep pushing.\u201d\n\n2025 Highlights Include:\n\nAdvancing two bipartisan housing bills through the House Financial Services Committee, as part of a package awaiting a vote of the full House in January.\n\nIntroducing the only bipartisan ACA tax credit extension to save taxpayers money, which gained national attention in interviews with cable outlets across the ideological spectrum, from FOX and NewsNation to NBC to CNN and MSNBC.\n\nLeading dozens of colleagues to successfully urge reversal of the Trump Administration\u2019s proposed changes to Continuum of Care funding that would have evicted thousands of extremely low-income families from their homes.\n\nCreating and launching the New Democratic Coalition\u2019s Innovation Agenda, and hosting several bipartisan gatherings of colleagues with AI thought leaders, such as Jensen Huang, Dario Amodei, and Sam Altman.\n\nReturning more than $3 million to constituents and resolving more than 1,400 cases with federal agencies\n\nEstablishing the Wildfire Resilience Partnership and the Partnership for the Coastside\u2019s Future to accelerate and scale infrastructure and risk reduction efforts throughout the district.\n\nAnticipating a future change in leadership, authoring and introducing legislation\u2013and garnering the support of dozens of colleagues as cosponsors\u2013 to combat some of the most severe abuses of the Trump Administration, including efforts to counter:\n\nUnlawful deployment of the military in U.S. cities, through HR 4998, the SUN Act (joined by 56 cosponsors) and HR 6533, The Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act. (joined by 31 cosponsors)\n\nUnconstitutional executive branch retraction (or \u201cimpoundment\u201d) of federal appropriations for critical federal services and programs, through HR 3454, the Protect Our Constitution and Communities Act (POCCA) (joined by 41 cosponsors)\n\nSelf-enriching actions of elected officials violative of the emoluments clause and longstanding ethic prohibitions, to issue cryptocurrency, securities, and other investment instruments, through HR1712, The MEME Act. (joined by 33 cosponsors)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mackenzie.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-receives-nearly-200-million-rural-health-care-transformation", "Pennsylvania Receives Nearly $200 Million for Rural Health Care Transformation", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "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-7), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, welcomed today\u2019s announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that Pennsylvania will be receiving nearly $200 million in 2026 to support rural health care initiatives. The funding was made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts \u2014 the funding package passed by Congress this year. That legislation included $50 billion, spread over five years, to support rural health care.\n\n\u201cThis funding marks the beginning of an unprecedented investment in rural health care,\u201d said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars to support our state\u2019s rural health infrastructure, which will help to address longstanding challenges facing hospitals, medical staff, and patients throughout Pennsylvania. By investing in our health care workforce, embracing innovation, improving substance abuse treatment, and supporting providers, we can deliver better outcomes for people throughout our community.\u201d\n\nPennsylvania\u2019s proposal features a range of solutions aimed at improving collaboration, supporting innovation, and investing in the rural health workforce. The objectives of the proposal include:\n\n\u201cImprove key health outcomes, including prevention and treatment of chronic disease and use of the 988-suicide prevention line, substance use disorder treatment engagement and collaborative care arrangements for subspecialty care.\u201d\n\n\u201cIncreased adoption of paramedicine programs at EMS agencies.\u201d\n\n\u201cIncreased training and credentialing programs (e.g., EMTs, midwives, MDs, etc.) focused on rural workforce.\u201d\n\n\u201c10% reduction in workforce vacancy rate in rural hospitals.\u201d\n\nRead the press release from CMS HERE\n\nSee Pennsylvania\u2019s proposal HERE\n\nSee highlights from Pennsylvania\u2019s proposal HERE\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congresswoman-april-mcclain-delaney-reports-proposed-ice-detention", "Statement from Congresswoman April McClain Delaney on Reports of a Proposed ICE Detention Facility in Hagerstown", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released a statement on reports of a proposed ICE detention facility in Hagerstown, Maryland:\n\n\"I am outraged by reports that the Trump Administration may be considering the construction of an ICE detention facility in or near Hagerstown. If true, this proposal is unacceptable\u2014and I will fight it with every tool available to me.\n\n\"The mass detention of human beings without due process is a profound moral and constitutional failure. Detaining people\u2014like asylum seekers and families\u2014far from legal counsel, their support systems, and meaningful oversight creates a grave risk of unlawful detention and irreversible harm.\n\n\"Hagerstown is not a dumping ground for a broken federal system\u2014it is a proud community built on fairness, decency, and the rule of law. I will not quietly accept a facility that threatens civil liberties, undermines due process, and contradicts our values.\n\n\"Let me be clear about what I am doing, and what I will continue to do, to stop this:\n\nI am demanding full and immediate transparency from DHS and ICE, including all planning documents, contracts, internal analyses, and communications related to any proposed detention facility in Washington County. There will be no secrecy and no backroom decisions.\n\nI am scheduled to meet with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations field office in Baltimore in January, where I will conduct my constitutionally required oversight of this facility which has my constituents locked inside.\n\nI will work with colleagues to use aggressive congressional oversight\u2014including formal investigations\u2014to expose any effort to rush this project forward while cutting corners on legality, due process, or human rights.\n\nI will oppose any attempt to detain people without full constitutional protections, and I will challenge policies that normalize prolonged or unlawful detention under the guise of efficiency.\n\nI will stand with community members, faith leaders, advocates, and local governments who are speaking out against this proposal, and I will elevate their voices at every level of the federal government.\n\n\"This is about values and who we are, and that begins with protecting our neighbors. A government that detains people in bulk, behind walls and razor wire, without transparency or accountability, is a government that has lost its moral compass.\n\n\"I will not allow Hagerstown to become a symbol of that failure. I will fight this proposal publicly, relentlessly, and unapologetically\u2014and I will keep the people of this community informed every step of the way.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-hits-50-city-milestone-2025-timnath-roundtable", "Congressman Neguse Hits 50-City Milestone in 2025 with Timnath Roundtable", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Joe Neguse", "N000191", "neguse.house.gov", "neguse", "https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lafayette, CO \u2014 Last week, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse hosted a roundtable discussion with local leaders in Timnath. He was joined by Mayor Robert Axmacher, Police Chief Laurie Scott, Fire Chief Derek Bergsten, and other local leaders to discuss community priorities. Rep. Neguse\u2019s visit to the Northern Colorado town marked the 50th community he\u2019s visited in Colorado\u2019s 2nd Congressional District in 2025, building on his trademark for showing up for people across the state. He has also held 17 in-person town halls this year \u2014 more than every other member of Colorado\u2019s U.S. House delegation combined.\n\n\u201cWhen you represent a district as large as Colorado\u2019s 2nd, you learn early on that showing up matters, and that the best way to serve the people you were elected to represent is to engage with them directly. Which is why I\u2019ve made it my mission over the past year to show up in every community \u2014 no matter how big or small \u2014 to hear directly from our constituents,\u201d said Congressman Neguse. \u201cIn the new year, we\u2019ll keep traversing our district, engaging with everyone, and speaking up \u2014 because fixing what\u2019s broken in our politics requires working together to build a future we all believe in.\u201d\n\nCongressman Neguse has represented Colorado\u2019s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. Covering more than 12,000 square miles, the district is one of Colorado\u2019s largest and most rural, spanning twelve counties: Boulder, Weld, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, Summit, Jackson, Routt, and Broomfield.\n\nIn 2025 alone, Neguse visited 50 cities and towns across the district, including Allenspark, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Gold Hill, Gunbarrel, Jamestown, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Niwot, Superior, Central City, Empire, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Silver Plume, Avon, Eagle, Edwards, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff, Vail, Wolcott, Black Hawk, Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Winter Park, Walden, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Laporte, Loveland, Red Feather Lakes, Hayden, Oak Creek, Phippsburg, Steamboat Springs, Yampa, Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Timnath.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-pou-blasts-trump-administration-denial-8-million-passaic-county", "Congresswoman Pou Blasts Trump Administration Denial of $8 Million for Passaic County Schools", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Nellie Pou", "P000621", "pou.house.gov", "pou", "https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PATERSON, NJ \u2014 Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today hammered the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s refusal to reverse its decision to strip $8 million in funding for Passaic County schools under the Full-Service Community Schools grant program.\n\n\u201cDespicable does not begin to describe this unjust and outrageous decision. With its denial today, the Trump Department of Education is ripping support right from the hands of our students in Paterson and Passaic,\u201d said Congresswoman Nellie Pou. \u201cWith zero warning, little explanation, no rational basis, and days before Christmas, Paterson schools were notified that $7.9 million in federal support they were counting on would be terminated. This critical aid funds a myriad of vital services including after-school programming, tutoring, counseling, food assistance, and health services \u2013 all of which will now cease to exist because of the Trump administration\u2019s callousness and cruelty.\n\n\u201cDespite the Paterson Public School District\u2019s willingness to remedy any concerns the Administration had with its programming under the grant, the Education Department refused to engage and has now hung these students and educators out to dry. At a time when the Department of Education has rolled back support to K-12 schools from coast to coast, New Jersey students will now be forced to return to their classrooms in the new year with fewer tools to help them succeed, incurring consequences that will be felt for years to come. The President promised to dismantle public education in America, and today he is doing exactly that. These cuts must be reversed and this funding must be restored.\u201d\n\nOn December 18, Congresswoman Pou sent an urgent letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighting the \u201ccatastrophic harm\u201d these cuts would cause and demanded the funding be restored \u201cbefore it is too late.\u201d During Christmas week, Pou\u2019s office had been in touch with administration officials to make clear the district\u2019s willingness to work with the Department to address their priorities.\n\nFull-Service Community School grants support a myriad of resources in New Jersey including social, health, nutrition, and mental health services, early childhood education programs, juvenile crime prevention and rehabilitation programs, and educational programs to support the next generation of workers.\n\nThe cuts impact eight Passaic County schools in the Ninth District: Passaic MLK School No. 6, Passaic High School, Joseph A. Taub Middle School, Paterson International High School, Paterson Eastside High School, Paterson School No. 16, Paterson School No. 6, and Alonzo T. Moody Academy High School.\n\nIn total, $7.9 million in federal grants will be slashed from these schools ($2.8 million for 2026, $2.8 million for 2027, and $2.3 million for 2028). Nationwide, 18 Full-Service Community School grants were scheduled for elimination by the Trump administration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/scholten-advances-bipartisan-bill-modernize-aviation-supply-chain", "Scholten Advances Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Aviation Supply Chain", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Hillary Scholten advanced the Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025 with unanimous, bipartisan support out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This bipartisan legislation aims to study the potential to accelerate digital supply chain documentation at the Federal Aviation Administration to improve safety standards and combat forgery within supply chains. Representative Brad Knott (R-NC) is the Republican lead of the legislation.\n\n\u201cOutdata data systems in our aviation supply chain not only cost time and money, they present a threat to safety and security,\u201d said Congresswoman Scholten. \u201cIt is beyond time for the FAA to transition to digital documentation - a change that prevents counterfeit parts in the supply chain and keeps us all safe. West Michigan is a leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing, proudly home to 406 such businesses. We need our federal processes to keep pace with industry. I am proud to be leading this straightforward, commonsense, and bipartisan legislation and am glad to see it pass out of committee with unanimous support. I urge Speaker Johnson to move this bill to the floor as soon as possible.\u201d\n\nThe Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025 is a commonsense bill that builds on the work of the Aerospace Supply Chain Resiliency Task Force. The Task Force\u2019s report to Congress underscored a concerning rise in counterfeit or improperly documented aerospace parts in the supply chain. Because FAA documentation proving the airworthiness of these parts is not digitized, authorized release certificates are easy to forge, allowing bad actors to slip fraudulent parts into the supply chain. This bill will charge the U.S Government Accountability Office with conducting a study on the barriers to adopting digital documentation and verification throughout the entirety of the aerospace supply chain. The report will include suggestions on voluntary digitalization, as well as best practices to catalyze digital documentation.\n\nCongresswoman Scholten\u2019s remarks on the legislation are available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shreve-delivers-working-families-tax-cuts-indiana-awarded-207", "Congressman Shreve Delivers Working Families Tax Cuts as Indiana Is Awarded $207 Million for Rural Health", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jefferson Shreve", "S001229", "shreve.house.gov", "shreve", "https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Greenwood, IN \u2014 Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-IN) delivered news that Indiana will receive $206,928,000 in federal funding for the first year of the five-year Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, focused on improving access and quality of care in rural communities across the state.\n\nThe RHT Program was created under President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts law, which Congressman Shreve supported in the House. The program is a $50 billion initiative administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen rural health systems nationwide.\n\nIn September, Mr. Shreve joined members of the Indiana delegation in urging HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to award Indiana the maximum funding available through the new program. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, states will receive first-year awards through RHT.\n\nCMS says the investment will help states expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize facilities and technology, and support innovative models that bring dependable care closer to home.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/2025-review", "2025 in Review", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Dale W. Strong", "S001220", "strong.house.gov", "strong", "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Dale Strong released the following update on his legislative work and priorities for North Alabama during the first year of the 119th Congress:\n\n\u201cSome of the most consequential wins in 2025 include securing the largest tax cut in history for hardworking Americans, bringing U.S. Space Command to its rightful home, delivering game-changing investments for Redstone Arsenal, Marshall Space Flight Center, Golden Dome and next-generation missile defense, and closing the southern border and strengthening our homeland security,\u201d said Representative Dale Strong.\n\n\u201cIt has been a great year with a Republican majority and President Trump leading the way,\u201d Strong continued. \u201cIn the year ahead, my focus will remain on turning conservative priorities into concrete results, championing North Alabama\u2019s capabilities, and continuing our work to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Alabamians.\u201d\n\n2025 CONSTITUENT SERVICES\n\n1,300 constituents served through casework ranging from expedited passports and VA benefits to tax returns and social security benefits.\n\nOver $7.2 million returned to constituents through casework.\n\n148,530 individual response letters sent to constituents.\n\n667 visits made across AL-05 to meet with constituents, small businesses, manufacturers, and organizations.\n\n25 Mobile Office Hour events in communities across North Alabama, including Pisgah, Elkmont, and Trinity, among others.\n\nTied fourth nationally for the total number of cadets accepted to West Point from a single congressional district and second in the Southeast region.\n\nReached 177,163 constituents through telephone town halls.\n\nWELCOMING SPACE COMMAND\n\n\u201cThis time last year, during my 2024 Year in Review, I said to you all:\n\n\u2018I refuse to sit back and allow such a blatantly political decision to put our national security and key space programs at risk. Through an objective, fact- based process, Huntsville demonstrated that North Alabama is the best location to permanently house Space Command. I look forward to new leadership in the White House, who will put America\u2019s national security needs before politics.\u2019\n\nToday, I proudly say: promises made, promises KEPT,\u201d said Strong.\n\n\u201cNorth Alabama has always been critical to our nation\u2019s defense, and President Trump made clear that U.S. Space Command belongs where mission readiness comes first. I\u2019m proud to have been a part of the process to bring Space Command HQ to its rightful home every step of the way \u2014 first as Chairman of the Madison County Commission and now as the Congressman representing the home of Space Command. This has been one of the most rewarding achievements of 2025.\u201d\n\nIn September, President Trump announced that U.S. Space Command will establish its permanent headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, a decision driven by national security priorities and mission readiness. Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth joined Alabama leaders at Redstone to unveil the sign at the site of the future headquarters location \u2013 marking a pivotal new chapter for Huntsville, Alabama, and Space Command.\n\nINVESTING IN AMERICA\n\n\u201cThe Working Families Tax Cut Act is delivering real relief for working families, strengthening our economy, securing the border, and cutting wasteful spending. This bill invests in North Alabama\u2019s space, defense, and manufacturing industries while putting more money back in the pockets of families, farmers, and small business owners,\u201d said Strong.\n\nCongressman Dale Strong voted in favor of final passage of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. The legislation delivers major investments in North Alabama, including over $4.2 billion for NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center to support the Space Launch System, Orion integration, and critical infrastructure upgrades. It also provides $25 billion for the Golden Dome missile defense program at Redstone Arsenal as part of $150 billion in long-term national defense funding.\n\nThe bill locks in Alabama\u2019s 6% hospital provider tax, creates a $50 billion national rural health fund with over $500M for Alabama, of which $203M in first-year funding was awarded to the state just this month, and strengthens the farm safety net by raising reference prices and expanding access to affordable crop insurance.\n\nThe legislation made permanent the largest tax cut in history of 22%, increasing take-home pay for a typical family of four by $7,600 to $10,900 per year. It ends federal taxes on tips, overtime pay, and interest on loans for American-made vehicles, and provides additional tax relief for seniors with a $6,000 bonus deduction.\n\nSECURING THE HOMELAND\n\n\u201cProtecting our homeland requires constant vigilance across many fronts \u2013 from securing our borders and preventing illegal crossings, to addressing emerging threats posed by drones, cyberattacks, and bioterrorism. Our nation faces complex and evolving challenges, including drug and human trafficking, threats to mass gatherings and critical infrastructure, and risks to our agricultural and food systems. We must ensure that we have strong laws, innovative technology, and coordinated enforcement to safeguard our communities,\u201d said Strong.\n\nAs a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, Congressman Strong led several legislative efforts aimed at addressing the threats to our homeland, including the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act to strengthen research security within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); SHIELD Against CCP Act to better assess and coordinate efforts to counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party; and the DHS Biodetection Improvement Act to evaluate and strengthen DHS\u2019s biodetection strategy \u2013 all of which passed the House with bipartisan support.\n\nCongressman Strong prioritized countering unmanned aircraft threats by again introducing the National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, to establish a national training center to improve coordination and readiness against malicious drone activity. Executive Order 14305 subsequently established the Center, which is based on Redstone Arsenal and serves as the nation\u2019s premier hub for preparing law enforcement and security professionals to detect, assess, and counter emerging threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems.\n\nAs a member of the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, he is conducting oversight of security preparations for major upcoming international events, including the FIFA Club World Cup (2025), the Ryder Cup (2025), the FIFA World Cup (2026), the United States\u2019 250th anniversary (2026), and the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles (2028).\n\nDEFENDING NATIONAL SECURITY\n\n\u201cI came to Congress to protect and defend our national security; safeguarding our national security requires investing in a strong national defense. As the United States faces unprecedented threats from our adversaries, such as China, Russia, and Iran, we must continue to ensure our warfighters are equipped with the best available tools and resources,\u201d said Strong.\n\nCongressman Strong secured wins for Redstone Arsenal this year, including a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act to alleviate Redstone Arsenal Gate bottlenecks and ensure that the thousands of employees, contractors, and service members who travel through these gates have secure, efficient access as Redstone\u2019s mission continues to expand.\n\nStrong re-established the Army Aviation Caucus to advocate for critical funding for advanced capabilities and readiness for UAVs, traditional fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, and next-generation vertical lift \u2013military aviation programs that support our military readiness.\n\nHe also launched the House Golden Dome Caucus to advance President Trump\u2019s next-generation missile defense initiative, strengthening homeland protection against ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missiles, as well as other evolving aerial threats, through policies, funding, and cutting-edge land- and space-based capabilities. Strong says North Alabama\u2019s pivotal role, anchored by Redstone Arsenal\u2019s missile defense legacy, will drive Golden Dome\u2019s success.\n\nSERVING CONSTITUENTS\n\n\u201cUnparalleled constituent services are my top priority, whether it\u2019s helping constituents navigate federal agencies, supporting young people who want to serve our country, or honoring our veterans, I am proud of the results that my office and I have delivered for the Fifth District,\u201d said Strong.\n\nCongressman Strong hosted Mobile Office Hours in 25 towns and municipalities across Alabama\u2019s Fifth District to help constituents with federal casework and share concerns directly with him and his staff. These events provide one-on-one assistance with federal agencies and ensure that all areas of our district have access to our office and its services.\n\nIn August, Strong hosted the Third Annual Strong Military Service and Academy Day at Huntsville High School, connecting North Alabama students with representatives from U.S. military service academies. This year, the Fifth District ranked fourth nationally for the number of accepted West Point candidates from a single congressional district and second in the Southeast.\n\nIn August, Congressman Strong hosted a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary lapel pinning ceremony. The event honored more than 150 Fifth District veterans who served between 1955 and 1975, continuing Strong\u2019s efforts to recognize and thank our local Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice.\n\nOther significant veteran\u2019s casework achievements this year include securing and having the honor of presenting commendations to the families of Mr. Richard Herman Carlile and Ms. Tessie Mae Seymour, who were posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal and a Congressional Gold Medal, respectively.\n\nINVESTING IN NORTH ALABAMA\n\nReturning taxpayer dollars back home remains a top priority for Rep. Strong. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, he has brought more than $24.7 million back to North Alabama in Community Project Funding alone.\n\nFor Fiscal Year 2026, $6.2 million of Community Project Funding for AL-05 has already been signed into law through H.R. 5371, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill. This includes $5,175,000 for the Town of Ardmore to construct a groundwater treatment facility and $1,087,500 for the Town of Triana to make critical sanitary sewer upgrades.\n\nAs work continues on Fiscal Year 2026 bills, Congressman Strong is working to secure $29.7 million in additional funding for projects to address critical infrastructure and public safety needs across the district. With those projects secured, Representative Strong will have advanced over $60 million in Community Project Funding for North Alabama.\n\nThis year, Congressman Strong also celebrated the following funding victories as dollars moved from paper to projects: Bethel Road improvements in Limestone County; Jackson, Morgan, and Madison County Sheriff\u2019s Offices getting new patrol vehicles; a new sewer pump station and gravity main in Priceville; and the Northern Bypass project to connect I-565 with Memorial Parkway North. Together, these projects show how targeted federal investments are making life safer and better for the people of North Alabama, while keeping taxpayer dollars working here at home.\n\nKEY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED BY REP. STRONG\n\nNational Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act \u2013 H.R. 709 \u2013 Established by Executive Order 14305\n\nA bill to establish a national counter-UAS training center that brings federal, state, and local partners together to strengthen coordination and improve the ability to detect and stop malicious drone threats to critical infrastructure and mass gathering events.\n\nThe Center, established by President Trump\u2019s Executive Order, is now operational on Redstone Arsenal. Its first class of trainees graduated in November 2025.\n\nNo More Funding for NPR Act of 2025 \u2013 H.R. 1146 \u2013 Successfully Defunded NPR via H.R. 4\n\nA bill to prohibit federal funding for National Public Radio. This legislation would prevent taxpayer dollars from going to the organization, which has a history of biased political and ideological reporting.\n\nSHIELD Against CCP Act \u2013 H.R. 708 \u2013 Passed the House\n\nA bill to establish a dedicated effort within the Department of Homeland Security to assess and counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party to the homeland, including risks related to cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, supply chains, and border and transportation security.\n\nDHS Biodetection Improvement Act \u2013 H.R. 706 \u2013 Passed the House\n\nA bill to expand federal support for spaceport infrastructure so the U.S. can modernize space transportation facilities that serve civil, commercial, and national security needs.\n\nSERVICE Act of 2025 \u2013 H.R. 3312\n\nA bill to support veterans by leveraging their training and experience through specialized law enforcement response teams that improve emergency response and connect veterans in crisis with appropriate support services.\n\nProtecting America\u2019s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025 \u2013 H.R. 1438\n\nA bill to prohibit the purchase or lease of U.S. agricultural land by individuals associated with the governments of China and other designated foreign adversaries.\n\nPromoting American Patriotism in Our Schools Act \u2013 H.R. 1351\n\nA bill requiring all elementary and secondary schools receiving federal funding to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each school day, display the United States flag in all classrooms and gymnasiums, and incorporate educational materials on the history and significance of the American flag.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-unveils-2025-annual-report-highlight-results-ny-24", "Congresswoman Tenney Unveils 2025 Annual Report to Highlight Results for NY-24 Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Claudia Tenney", "T000478", "tenney.house.gov", "tenney", "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Oswego, New York \u2014 Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today released her 2025 Annual Report, showcasing how her office delivered for working families, farmers, small businesses, veterans, and seniors across the district. The report highlights expanded constituent services, strong legislative action, and a continued commitment to transparency and accountability.\n\n\u201cServing NY-24 in 2025 has been a privilege, and this year delivered meaningful progress for families and small businesses. My office returned $27.5 million to constituents who were owed benefits, resolved 2,600 constituent cases, and responded to tens of thousands of calls and messages from those seeking help,\" said Congresswoman Tenney. On the legislative front, I supported the Trump Tax Cuts to deliver permanent relief for working families, seniors, farmers, and small businesses, and backed dozens of bills that advanced through the House. This annual report outlines how these efforts delivered real results for Upstate New York and where the focus remains as we head into the new year.\u201d\n\nView the full report here and view highlights from each section below:\n\nConstituent Services\n\nReturned over $27.5 million in benefits or back pay to residents of NY-24.\n\nCompleted 2,600 constituent cases, helping people cut through federal red tape.\n\nAnswered more than 16,000 constituent calls and messages.\n\nProvided over 850 commendations and proclamations to veterans, first responders, students, and community leaders.\n\nWrote 110 grant letters to support local community projects and economic growth.\n\nAttended over 130 community events across the district.\n\nAccessibility and Transparency\n\nExplained every vote cast in Congress, surpassing 1,000 detailed vote explanations on the website.\n\nResponded to more than 78,000 constituent messages seeking answers and accountability.\n\nContinued to provide clear breakdowns of Washington actions that affect costs, security, and local priorities.\n\nDelivering Results for NY-24\n\nIntroduced 67 bills and cosponsored 472 bills on critical issues like economic growth, national security, and election integrity.\n\nSupported 45 bills that passed the House of Representatives.\n\nHelped advance 11 bills that became law, including measures enacted in the Trump Tax Cuts that deliver permanent relief.\n\nSecured wins that support local priorities: tax credits for advanced manufacturing, stronger protections for family farms, and rural hospital support.\n\nAdvocated for energy affordability and reliability, including preserving nuclear credits important to Upstate New York.\n\nHighlights for the District\n\nBacked efforts that helped secure the release of an American held abroad.\n\nPassed H.R. 323, Renaming a Post Office to Honor Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz\n\nPressed for stronger border security and enforcement to protect public safety and stop illegal trafficking.\n\nSupported workforce development initiatives and small business outreach efforts across NY-24.\n\nRead the full 2025 Annual Report here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-issues-2025-year-review", "Thompson Issues 2025 Year in Review", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "BELLEFONTE, Pa. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \"GT\" Thompson today issued a 2025 Year in Review, providing a snapshot of the work he focused on in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. during the year.\n\n\"This year was full of legislative victories: From ensuring more milk options in public schools to making certain our rural schools receive the funding they need, we continue to deliver for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"In addition to serving as a senior member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I continued in my role as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, where I proudly advocate for all of rural America.\"\n\nTOP SPEAKER: Rep. Thompson was again named the No. 1 speaker in the House of Representatives, speaking 91 days on the House Floor and delivering 120 speeches.\n\nSIGNED INTO LAW: Rep. Thompson helped ensure passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which was signed into law in December 2025. Rep. Thompson also secured numerous provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut Act that became law in July 2025, including the largest investment in American agriculture in a generation as well as a provision authorizing Workforce Pell Grants. In addition, Rep. Thompson delivered more than $6.1 million in federal funding for nine community projects in PA-15, which became law through the appropriations package Congress passed to reopen the government this fall.\n\nPRESIDENT'S DESK: Rep. Thompson's Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 has passed both the House and Senate and will be signed into law by President Trump.\n\nHOUSE APPROVED: In an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in July, the House approved Rep. Thompson'sDigital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (CLARITY Act) to establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets like cryptocurrency. In September, with strong bipartisan support, the House passed Rep. Thompson's U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025, a testament to our shared commitment to fair markets and reliable standards for American farmers.\n\nThe report also includes information about community project funding, nominations of seven exceptional students from PA-15 to our nation's service academies, and various metrics for constituent services.\n\nClick here to review the full report.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://titus.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5837", "Rep. Dina Titus End of Year Report Shows Major Results for Southern Nevada", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "NV", "Dina Titus", "T000468", "titus.house.gov", "titus", "https://titus.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) today released an end of year report detailing her 2025 accomplishments on behalf of Nevada\u2019s First District.\n\n\u201cAs the year and the first half of the 119th session of Congress come to a close, I am proud to look back upon my service to the people in Nevada\u2019s First Congressional District,\u201d said Congresswoman Titus. \u201cIn Washington, D.C, and in my Las Vegas district office, we have sought to address their concerns and needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cI have introduced legislation to prevent mushroom clouds in our backyard, help Southern Nevadans cope with the increasing effects of extreme heat, and conserve our precious water resources,\u201d she continued. \u201cAdditionally, I delivered over $433 million in federal grants for Nevada\u2019s First District and returned $2,323,418 to constituents in social security, veterans\u2019 benefits, and tax refunds.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt has been my privilege to serve the people of Congressional District 1 in 2025, and I look forward to working together with you in 2026 to improve lives and livlihoods in Southern Nevada,\u201d the Congresswoman finished.\n\nRead the Full Report Here\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=B6BF6C33-92F6-4587-8F5C-F59D674DF378", "Klobuchar and Local Duluth Business Owners Advocate to Change Federal Hemp Ban", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "DULUTH, MN \u2014 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Ryan Kopperud, Vice President of Growth for Birdie at Wild State Cider, and Adam Ruhland, CEO of Wild State Cider, to advocate to change the recently enacted federal ban on hemp. Klobuchar is working across the aisle to change it.\n\n\u201cA one-size fits all approach to hemp regulation doesn't work for states like Minnesota that already have strong safety standards in place,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cWe can protect our kids and support our small businesses \u2014 Minnesota\u2019s model proves that\u2019s possible. Under current state rules, small businesses like Wild State Cider are licensed, meet labeling and packaging standards, and ensure their products are available only to adults. I want our state\u2019s small businesses and farmers to know: I\u2019ve got your back.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhat\u2019s at stake here is not just one business. Not just one taproom. It\u2019s manufacturers, distributors, retailers, farmers, labs\u2014the entire system behind these hemp products people already trust. Responsible, compliant, transparent businesses, and the jobs, revenue, and tax base that come with them. This is what happens when policy meets reality. And that reality\u2014for us and for thousands of Minnesota businesses\u2014is frankly terrifying,\u201d said Ryan Kopperud, Vice President of Growth for Birdie at Wild State Cider.\n\nWild State Cider is a well-known cidery based in Duluth that was founded in 2019. The cidery specializes in producing ciders made with natural ingredients. In 2023, Wild State Cider launched a successful line of THC-infused products called \u201cBirdie.\u201d However, a recent bill signed into law includes provisions that could severely impact Minnesota\u2019s hemp industry by banning many products currently manufactured in the state. Senator Klobuchar voted against the bill and voted for an amendment by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to remove the provision impacting Minnesota\u2019s hemp businesses.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-and-expand-mental-health-services-in-michigans-rural-communities", "Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen and Expand Mental Health Services in Michigan\u2019s Rural Communities", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand mental health services in Michigan\u2019s rural communities. The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act \u2013 which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) \u2013 aims to help states grow their behavioral health workforce, particularly in rural areas, to ensure mental health resources are accessible across the state. Specifically, the bill would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to issue guidance for states on ways to increase education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance-use disorder providers under Medicaid and the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleague in leading this bipartisan bill to help ensure all Michiganders can access quality mental health care from trained professionals. With the demand for mental health support higher than ever before, this commonsense legislation would help states strengthen this critical workforce to expand the mental health services available in rural and underserved communities,\u201d said Senator Peters.\n\nThe Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).\n\nPeters has been a consistent advocate for mental health care, supporting policies that expand access to quality, affordable treatment. Earlier this year, Peters introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase access to care in areas experiencing shortages of mental health care professionals. In 2024, Peters also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand access to telemental health care.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-further-award-of-more-than-215-million-for-rural-nebraska-healthcare/", "Ricketts Celebrates Further Award of More than $215 Million for Rural Nebraska Healthcare", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "Omaha, NE \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated the award of Rural Health Transformation Program grant money for rural healthcare in Nebraska. This funding comes from a program that was created by Congress earlier this year in the Working Families Tax Cut to strengthen rural healthcare. Senator Ricketts voted in support of the bill.\n\n\u201cThis is how you keep rural communities thriving,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThe Rural Health Transformation Program was an important part of the Working Families Tax Cut that Senate Republicans passed earlier this year. This is an investment in the future of rural healthcare and in the future of Nebraska.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced awards to all 50 states under the Rural Health Transformation Program. The program, created by Congress earlier this year as part of the Working Families Tax Cut, committed $50 billion to invest in rural healthcare. 50% percent of this funding is split equally among the states, 50% percent is awarded after an application process. Nebraska was awarded an additional $218,529,075.\n\nAs a part of CMS\u2019 application guidelines, awarded money is to be used to help rural communities expand care reach, strengthen and sustain clinical workforce, modernize rural health infrastructure and technology, drive efficiency, empower community providers, and advance innovative care models.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-designate-anti-communism-week-and-honor-victims-of-communist-regimes", "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Designate Anti-Communism Week and Honor Victims of Communist Regimes", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott announced the introduction of legislation to designate the first week of every November as Anti-Communism Week and request an annual presidential proclamation recognizing the victims of communist regimes worldwide. This bill builds on President Trump\u2019s 2025 Anti-Communism Week proclamation and reinforces America\u2019s commitment to freedom, liberty, and dignity across the globe. Senator Marsha Blackburn is a cosponsor in the Senate. Companion legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cCommunism is one of the most destructive and deadly ideologies in human history, responsible for the suffering and deaths of millions while crushing freedom wherever it takes hold. As a nation founded on liberty and individual freedoms, we must never forget these horrors or allow dangerous ideals to be repackaged, idealized, or sold to future generations. Designating Anti-Communism Week serves as a reminder of this evil ideology and reaffirms America\u2019s unwavering commitment to freedom and opportunity for all.\u201d\n\nSenator Marsha Blackburn said, \u201cCommunism has claimed over 100 million lives by suppressing freedom, erasing faith, and destroying the prosperity that comes from hard work. The Anti-Communism Week Act would designate November 2 through 8 as a time to honor those victims, stand firm for liberty, and ensure this destructive ideology ends up on the ash heap of history.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar said, \u201cCommunism has left a trail of death, suffering, and shattered nations across the globe, from Cuba to China, from Venezuela to North Korea. Too many Americans, especially in our schools, are now dangerously unaware of the real history and real horrors behind these failed systems. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to lead the Anti-Communism Week bill, which formally designates a week when we will reaffirm America\u2019s commitment to freedom, educate our youth about the deadly consequences of communist ideology, and honor the memory of the tens of millions who have died under it. If we lose sight of history, we risk repeating it. This week isn\u2019t just symbolic, it\u2019s a necessary stand for liberty and truth.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/over-the-past-year-schatz-worked-to-protect-federal-funding-for-hawaii-amid-national-cuts-secured-more-than-1-billion-to-support-mauis-recovery-improve-infrastructure-expand-high-speed-internet-across-the-state", "Over The Past Year, Schatz Worked To Protect Federal Funding For Hawai\u2018i Amid National Cuts; Secured More Than $1 Billion To Support Maui\u2019s Recovery, Improve Infrastructure, Expand High-Speed Internet Across The State", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU \u2013 In 2025, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) worked to protect Hawai\u2018i from significant cuts to federal funding by the Administration across the country and helped secure more than $1 billion for Hawai\u2018i to support Maui\u2019s ongoing recovery, expand high-speed internet, and improve airports and infrastructure, among other things.\n\n\u201cThis year, we delivered more than $1 billion to Hawai\u2018i, including funding to support Maui\u2019s ongoing recovery, help upgrade airports and health centers, and expand high-speed internet. My top priority always is making sure Hawai\u2018i gets its fair share of federal dollars, and together with the delegation and state and local leaders, we\u2019re going to continue working to lower costs and support families and communities across the state,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nFunding highlights include:\n\nNearly $31 million to expand high-speed internet statewide. The federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 will be used to build out and improve broadband infrastructure statewide.\n\nNearly $9.8 million to support the ongoing recovery effort on Maui following the devastating fires. The funding, which Schatz helped secure, will help the community of Lahaina rebuild the Waiola Church, Hale Aloha Museum, the Old Lahaina Courthouse Building, and the Master\u2019s Reading Room.\n\nMore than $70 million for Kona International Airport. The federal funding for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, the largest airport on Hawai\u2018i Island and the state\u2019s second international entry point, will be used to help complete KOA\u2019s ongoing runway rehabilitation project.\n\n$1 million for the Lana?i Community Health Center. The funding will support the Lana?i Community Health Center, a nonprofit and federally qualified health center serving the island of Lana?i, to purchase equipment.\n\nMore than $140 million for the Red Hill Water Treatment Plant. The funding will help build a water treatment facility provides a drinking water treatment facility at the Red Hill water supply shaft and ensures that treated water continues to meet all Federal and State drinking water standards.\n\nMore than $50 million for Lihu?e Airport. The funding will help improve takeoff and taxiway operations at LIH by increasing the Runway Safety Area.\n\nNearly $2 million to protect Hawai\u2018i-grown coffee. The funding will support the research and programs needed to stop coffee leaf rust, a devasting disease caused by a rust fungus.\n\nMore than $553 million to replace Dry Dock 3 at Pearl Harbor. The funding will support the construction of the new Dry Dock 5 to replace the existing Dry Dock 3. Dry Dock 5 will be able to accommodate maintenance and sustainment work on Virginia class submarines and the Next Generation Attack Submarine (SSNX), ensuring that Hawai\u2018i\u2019s public shipyard workforce will be able to support Navy\u2019s submarine fleet for years to come.\n\nThis year, Senator Schatz secured Senate passage of key legislation, including a bill to help stop illegal ahi from reaching people\u2019s plates, while protecting Hawai\u2018i fishermen. The bipartisan Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper and certain species of tuna imported into the United States.\n\nSchatz also authored and secured Senate passage of the Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act, bipartisan legislation to expand Department of Veterans Affairs health care and benefits to U.S. veterans who reside in the Freely Associated States of Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-greens-congressional-report", "Congressman Al Green\u2019s Congressional Report", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Al Green", "G000553", "algreen.house.gov", "algreen", "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "3 federal judges I recommended were nominated and confirmed: Alfred H. Bennett to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, George C. Hanks Jr. for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and Gregg J. Costa to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas as well as to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.\n\nHundreds of billions in support for our port, airports, rail line, hospital district, schools, housing, roads, bridges, and infrastructure.\n\n$10 billion in funding for small businesses through my reauthorization of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (The SSBCI) Renewal Act.\n\n$9 billion through the establishment of my Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP) to provide low- and moderate-income community financial institutions funding to support small businesses, as well as consumers, in their communities.\n\n$325 million in local projects.\n\n$100 million in appropriations for my permanent codification of the Minority Business Development Agency through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\n$90 to $100 million for flood control within the district.\n\n$22.5 million for the first congressionally funded police body cameras.\n\nMillions for Texas Southern University\u2019s National Transportation Security Center of Excellence.\n\nHistoric passage of my Fair Lending for All Act in the House of Representatives, which imposes criminal penalties for intentional lender discrimination.\n\nPassage of my Reforming Disaster Recovery Act in the House, a bill which would codify the requirements and objectives of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, which provides critical funding to those impacted by natural disasters and other extreme events.\n\nPassage of my Systemic Risk Authority Transparency Act in the House, a bill that requires more transparency from our banking regulators in the event of a bank failure.\n\nSupported passage of the PRO Act to strengthen workers rights to unionize and collectively bargain.\n\nHaving a foundation for the historic impeachment of President Donald John Trump by bringing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Articles of Impeachment against him to a vote.\n\nHaving recently filed and brought new Articles of Impeachment to a vote wherein most House Democrats (187) declined to halt proceedings through a motion to table.\n\nPassage in the House of H.Res.517 \u2013 my Historic Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution and introduced the Historic Original Slavery Remembrance Month Resolution which call for the establishment of Slavery Remembrance Day and month in August of each year similar to other Remembrance events for 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and the Holocaust.\n\nIntroduced a resolution to create a Cabinet level Department of Reconciliation to reconcile issues associated with invidious discrimination across the country.\n\nPassed a resolution through the House Honoring the NAACP.\n\nPassed a resolution through the House recognizing Black History Month.\n\nPassed a resolution through the House recognizing the hanging of nooses as a horrible act when used for the purpose of intimidation.\n\nFought to protect the constitutional and human rights of all people, including undocumented persons within the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-begich-returns-over-1-million-alaskans-through-casework", "Congressman Begich Returns Over $1 Million to Alaskans Through Casework", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Nicholas J. Begich III", "B001323", "begich.house.gov", "begich", "https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ANCHORAGE, AK. \u2013 Dec. 29, 2025 \u2013 Today, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) announced that his office has returned over $1 million in federal casework funds to Alaskans since taking office in January.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to announce that my constituent services team has returned over $1 million to Alaskans this year. Whether it\u2019s ensuring a veteran receives long-overdue benefits or resolving a Social Security issue, my office is committed to delivering results,\u201d said Congressman Begich. \u201cOur office works diligently to cut through federal red tape on behalf of people across our state. Returning more than one million dollars is an important milestone, and I\u2019m proud of the real impact this work has had on the lives of Alaskans across our great state.\u201d\n\nBelow are recent constituent success stories from Alaskan residents who worked with Congressman Begich\u2019s office:\n\n\u201cI want to express my sincere gratitude for the hard work and dedication shown in helping my family navigate a challenging situation. The commitment shown to veterans and their families has made a meaningful difference to us. We are truly grateful.\u201d \u2013 Vince H.\n\n\"My wife and I had been waiting since 2023 for the disability benefits we were owed, and we were at a breaking point. Congressman Begich\u2019s office took our case seriously and worked tirelessly to get answers. Because of their efforts, we received $32,500 in backpay. Their help changed our lives, and we can\u2019t thank them enough.\" \u2013David N.\n\n\"After struggling for months to make progress with the Social Security Administration, Congressman Begich\u2019s office stepped in and got results. With their help, I received more than $18,000 in backpay that I had been waiting on. I\u2019m deeply appreciative of their hard work and compassion.\" \u2013 Theresa H.\n\n\"Congressman Begich and his team helped me navigate a long and frustrating situation with Social Security. Thanks to their persistence, I finally received the benefits I was owed - over $11,000. Their support, especially the work of Casework Manager, Denali Tshibaka, took a huge weight off my shoulders and I\u2019m truly thankful.\"\n\n\u2013 Robert C.\n\n\"I was owed a small IRS refund and kept running into roadblocks trying to get it resolved. Congressman Begich\u2019s office treated my case with the same importance as any other and made sure I received the refund. It meant a lot to be heard and helped, no matter the size of the issue.\"\n\n\u2013 Jane B.\n\nTo request assistance with a federal agency, please visit Begich.House.gov to fill out a casework form.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1543", "Congressman Josh Brecheen's 2025 Highlights", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Josh Brecheen", "B001317", "brecheen.house.gov", "brecheen", "https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nDecember 29, 2025\n\nCongressman Josh Brecheen's 2025 Highlights\n\nWashington, DC\u2013As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Brecheen's third year in office, here's a recap of the top highlights from the year.\n\nTop Bills Introduced\n\nHealthy SNAP Act of 2025 -- this legislation would exclude certain junk foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nUSA First Act -- this legislation would transfer any unobligated funds previously appropriated to USAID to the Disaster Relief Fund under FEMA.\n\nDRIVE Act -- this legislation would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiters on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 26,000 pounds.\n\nEnergy Freedom Act -- this legislation would repeal the more than 20 green energy tax subsidies created or expanded by the Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nTop Oversight Activity\n\nCongressman Brecheen led 134 Republican Members of Congress in a public commitment to monitoring the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria, ensuring that the sanction repeal conditions found in the NDAA are upheld. Fox News wrote an exclusive on the statement. A copy of the full statement is available here.\n\nCongressman led a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting a criminal investigation into the activities of Biden Administration Special Counsel, Jack Smith, and his grave violation of the Fourth Amendment during Operation Arctic Frost. The Blaze wrote an exclusive on the letter. A copy of the full letter is available here.\n\nBy the Numbers\n\nMiles Traveled by our Staff for Visits, Meetings, Events, Speaking Engagements, and Town Halls: 85,137\n\nConstituent Letters Responded To: 21,544\n\nVisits, Meetings, or Events with Constituents, Businesses, and Community Leaders by our Field Representatives: 5,921\n\nCommendation Letters Mailed: 1,521\n\nConstituents Assisted with Casework: 571\n\nSpeaking Engagements by our Field Representatives: 120\n\nMedia Interviews by Congressman Brecheen: 106\n\nIn-Person Town Halls: 20\n\nTelephone Town Halls: 1\n\nPress Inquiries: kate.bryan@mail.house.gov\n\n###\n\nRelated News\n\nCongressman Josh Brecheen Introduces the Expedited Transparency Act\n\nMarch 18, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nCongressman Josh Brecheen Announces Service Academy Nominees\n\nNovember 13, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nCongressman Brecheen Cosponsors Impeachment Articles Against Judge Boasberg\n\nNovember 5, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nHouse Values Action Team Statement on Christian Persecution in Nigeria\n\nNovember 4, 2025 | Posted in News Hits", 1, "2026-04-07T14:30:38Z", "2026-04-07T14:34:40Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2025/12/buchanan-applauds-280-000-dot-grant-to-improve-pedestrian-safety-in-bradenton", "Buchanan Applauds $280,000 DOT Grant to Improve Pedestrian Safety in Bradenton", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cStrong Communities Start with Safe Streets\u201d\n\nCombined with the City\u2019s Match, the $350,000 Investment will Support a Citywide Safety Action Plan to Protect Pedestrians, Cyclists and Seniors.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for awarding $280,000 to the City of Bradenton through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to address longstanding pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety challenges. With the City of Bradenton\u2019s 20 percent match, the total investment will reach $350,000.\n\nThe funding will support Bradenton\u2019s Safety Action Plan and Countermeasure Demonstration Project, a citywide effort to identify safety risks and test practical solutions to reduce crashes and make streets safer.\n\n\u201cStrong communities start with safe streets,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cThis grant will help Bradenton make targeted improvements that protect seniors, families and everyone who uses our roads by taking a closer look at traffic risks and testing real-world solutions that make it safer for people to walk, bike and drive.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Congressman Vern Buchanan and his team for their support in securing this funding for Bradenton,\u201d said Mayor Brown. \u201cThis grant gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at traffic safety across the city and test practical improvements to make our streets safer for everyone.\u201d\n\nBetween 2018 and 2022, Bradenton recorded 27 roadway fatalities, underscoring the need for targeted, data-driven safety improvements. This equates to a fatality rate of 9.7 per 100,000 residents, highlighting ongoing risks for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists across the city.\n\nTo address these challenges, the funding will support a citywide Safety Action Plan and the testing of practical safety improvements. This effort will allow the city to better understand traffic risks, pilot proven countermeasures and use the results to guide long-term safety investments.\n\nBuchanan is a respected leader in Florida\u2019s business community and has created thousands of jobs over the course of his career. He previously chaired both the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415233", "Rep. Smith condemns Communist China\u2019s provocations and acts of aggression against Taiwan", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "NJ", "Christopher H. Smith", "S000522", "chrissmith.house.gov", "chrissmith", "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), issued the following statement in response to China\u2019s deliberately provocative and antagonistic military exercises around Taiwan:\n\n\u201cCommunist China\u2019s egregious violations of Taiwan\u2019s air space, its ships\u2019 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, and live-fire drills, which commenced on December 29, are belligerent provocations, which constitute the crime of aggression under international law. Communist China\u2019s violations of the sovereignty of the democratic island nation\u2014coupled with recent transgressions against U.S. treaty allies Japan and the Philippines\u2014directly threaten peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.\n\n\u201cChina is a totalitarian tyrant, which abuses its own people at home and remains a predatory rogue state abroad. Congress stands with freedom-loving peoples in both nations\u2014those in China, working against the oppressive Communist Party ruling their country, and the people of Taiwan, standing firm against this outside aggressor. By its actions, Communist China has put itself outside the community of nations.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-68-million-safe-streets-all-grants", "Congressman Cohen Announces $6.8 Million in Safe Streets for All Grants from the Department of Transportation", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", "cohen", "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MEMPHIS \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Program has awarded two grants totaling $6,891,760 to the Memphis Fire Department and the MidSouth Development District.\n\nCongressmen Cohen, Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), and Robert Garcia (CA-42) introduced the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act in September to strengthen the SS4A program whose life-saving projects in more than 1,600 communities across the United States are reducing roadway fatalities and serious accidents.\n\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been proud to support the SS4A Program and have recognized the life-saving funding it provides in a region unfortunately too familiar with traffic- and pedestrian-vehicle fatalities. These investments in advanced training and careful planning for the future will save lives. I was pleased to discuss the MidSouth Development District\u2019s plans with Executive Director Anna McQuiston in my office before the holidays to review the district\u2019s ambitious goals.\u201d\n\nThe first grant is for $5,648,960 to the City of Memphis Division of Fire Services to construct and equip an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course and traffic incident management training facility to improve responder driving, on-scene safety, and to reduce secondary crashes. Between 2018 and 2022, the Memphis region experienced 936 fatalities, including some involving responders struck while managing incidents. The facility will be built at 4165 Millington Road. U.S. DOT says the effort aligns with the Federal Highway Administration\u2019s National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training Program and National Fire Protection Association standards, and advances the Mid-South Safety Action Plan.\n\nThe second is a $1.2 million grant to the MidSouth Development District to develop a Regional Safety Action Plan for the six-county Mid-South area (Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale in Tennessee, DeSoto in Mississippi and Crittenden in Arkansas) and to conduct supplemental planning activities and demonstration activities.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-governor-lee-seek-millions-summer-food", "Congressman Cohen Urges Governor Lee to Seek Millions in Summer Food Assistance for Children by Thursday\u2019s Deadline", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", "cohen", "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MEMPHIS \u2013 Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) tonight wrote Governor Bill Lee a letter urging him to have the State of Tennessee apply for Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) funding for a Summer U.S. Agriculture Food Assistance Program for an estimated 700,000 children and not fail to apply for it as he did last year.\n\nThe U.S. Depart\u00adment of Agri\u00adcul\u00adture\u2019s Sum\u00admer EBT pro\u00adgram provides $120 in food bene\u00adfits to sup\u00adport school-aged chil\u00addren who don\u2019t have access to free or low-cost school meals dur\u00ading sum\u00admer months.\n\nThe letter reads in part:\n\n\u201cI concur with Senate Democratic Caucus Chair London Lamar and urge you to direct the Tennessee Department of Human Services to notify the U.S. Department of Agriculture of its intent to apply to the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT) before the deadline of January 1, 2026.\n\n\u201cI wrote to you last year urging you to apply for these benefits. You chose not to, and the state instead ran its own program that cost much more to feed far fewer children. The state program fed 18,000 children and only reached 15 rural counties, while Summer EBT would have fed nearly 700,000 children and reached all 95 counties.\n\n\u201cAs you know, grocery prices are up tremendously. It is concerning you would turn down nearly $84 million meant to feed hungry children at a time when affordability should be the first issue on all our agendas.\n\n\u201cI hope you will decide to apply for these important funds. There is no good reason to turn down aid for hungry children.\u201d\n\nSee the letter here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-welcomes-213m-rural-healthcare-north-carolina", "Congressman Don Davis Welcomes $213M for Rural Healthcare in North Carolina", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Donald G. Davis", "D000230", "dondavis.house.gov", "dondavis", "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) welcomed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) announcement of an award of more than $213 million in Fiscal Year 2026 to North Carolina as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The funding, which the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will administer, will help expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize facilities and technology, and support innovative models that bring high-quality, dependable care closer to home.\n\n\u201cThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services\u2019 North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program award is vital for improving health outcomes for rural North Carolina families,\u201d said Congressman Davis.\n\nBefore this announcement, Congressman Davis led members of the North Carolina congressional delegation in a letter expressing strong support for North Carolina\u2019s RHTP application and urging funding that reflects the state's disproportionately large rural population.\n\nNorth Carolina\u2019s $213 million award represents a proportional distribution and ranks as the tenth-highest RHTP allocation in the nation. Additional funding announcements for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 are also expected.\n\n\u201cApproval will allow our state, which has three million rural residents across 85 counties\u2014the second-largest rural population in the nation\u2014to expand proven innovative models, foster sustainable innovation, and strengthen our rural workforce. By FY2031, NCRHTP aims to increase rural provider-to-population ratios, reduce preventable hospital readmissions and emergency visits, lower chronic disease risk factors, and expand access to integrated behavioral, mental health, and substance use services,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in their letter dated December 16 to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz.\n\nCongressman Davis was joined by North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, and Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Addison McDowell (NC-06), David Rouzer (NC-07), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Tim Moore (NC-14).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases/downing-applauds-historic-investment-rural-health-care", "Downing Applauds Historic Investment in Rural Health Care", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Troy Downing", "D000634", "downing.house.gov", "downing", "https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) released a statement following an announcement that $233,509,359 will be headed to Montana in Fiscal Year 2026 as part of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program enacted in Republicans\u2019 One Big Beautiful Bill.\n\n\u201cNearly every county in Montana is rural, and this historic funding will provide critical support for families across our state,\u201d said Congressman Troy Downing. \u201cI am proud to have voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill which secured this funding, and I look forward to seeing it improve health outcomes in Central and Eastern Montana.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nMontana received the fourth-largest disbursement of funds out of all 50 states for FY 26.\n\nThis funding is the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history.\n\nClick here for a state-by-state summary of program funding.\n\nClick here for a list of RHT Program state project abstracts.\n\nClick here for more information about the RHT Program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7291", "Congressman Estes Releases Statement on House Passage of Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", "estes", "https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after House Republicans passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act \u2013 a package of reforms that would lower premium costs for all Americans, expand access to affordable coverage, and increase transparency to drive down prices across the health care system.\n\n\u201cI voted for this legislation knowing that House Republicans are choosing the right and most sensical way \u2013 decreasing health care premiums by 11%. Republicans are addressing the health care crisis in America that Democrats themselves created through Obamacare,\u201d Congressman Estes said. \u201cThe law Democrats passed that they insisted would make health care affordable couldn\u2019t be more untrue. The Unaffordable Care Act led to doubled premiums and deductibles, and choices decreased for Americans nationwide. Republicans are committed to solving this crisis, and I\u2019m honored to vote for this legislation alongside my colleagues.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-applauds-approval-209-million-rural-hospitals-and-healthcare-iowa", "Feenstra Applauds Approval of $209 Million for Rural Hospitals and Healthcare in Iowa", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Randy Feenstra", "F000446", "feenstra.house.gov", "feenstra", "https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "HULL, IOWA \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) praised the Trump administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for approving $209 million for rural hospitals and rural healthcare in Iowa for 2026 as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program.\n\nThis transformational investment in rural healthcare was made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts, which Feenstra helped write and pass.\n\n\u201cWorking with President Trump, my Republican colleagues and I delivered $50 billion for rural hospitals and rural healthcare nationwide, and today\u2019s announcement of $209 million for Iowa in 2026 alone will greatly benefit our state and rural communities. This funding will support rapid emergency medical services in Iowa, keep our rural hospitals open and operational, and make high-quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for Iowans,\u201d said Rep. Feenstra. \u201cAs a former volunteer EMT in my hometown of Hull for 15 years, I can confidently say that this investment in rural healthcare will support patients and save lives. I\u2019ll keep working with President Trump to lower healthcare costs and ensure all Iowans have access to high-quality, affordable care.\u201d\n\nYou can find more information about today\u2019s announcement HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3177953F-1F2D-49F8-BE85-39112AE422EF", "Congressman Rogers Announces Nearly $213 Million Award for Rural Healthcare in Kentucky", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05) announced Kentucky has been awarded $212.9 million from the new Rural Health Transformation Fund through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Earlier this year, Congressman Rogers voted for the historic Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, including a carve out of $50 billion for rural healthcare from 2026 to 2030. Kentucky will receive nearly $213 million in 2026 from the new fund to expand rural healthcare, strengthen the workforce in rural clinics and modernize rural healthcare facilities. Awards from the fund will be made annually to Kentucky over the next five years.\n\n\u201cWhen we passed this funding into law earlier this year, I worked hard to ensure Kentucky would receive necessary support over the next five years from the new Rural Health Transformation Fund to help address the high rates of health disparities in our rural Appalachian region,\u201d said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. \u201cWe have made great strides to improve healthcare in the mountains, and this funding will help us continue to address diabetes, obesity, perinatal care, behavioral health, dental care and other dire medical needs in our rural communities.\u201d\n\nTwo key initiatives will be included in Kentucky:\n\nRural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation will help rural providers coordinate and improve treatment for diabetes, cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions.\n\nPowering Rural Maternal and Infant Health Community-Based Teams will strengthen prenatal care access and support healthier outcomes for mothers and babies in underserved communities.\n\nThe formula for the Rural Health Transformation Program was written into law, including:\n\n$25 billion over five years will be distributed evenly among the states; this means each state will receive $100 million each year for FY 2026-2030 ($500 million total).\n\n$25 billion will be distributed to states based on criteria established by the Secretary that target funding to states with high rural health care needs and that outline long-term programmatic goals that will transform access to care in the state.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-applauds-168-million-rural-health-transformation-0", "Congressman Harris Applauds $168 Million Rural Health Transformation Investment for Maryland", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for awarding Maryland $168,180,838 under the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will expand access to care, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and modernize rural health infrastructure and technology. Unfortunately, Maryland did not receive additional funding because the Moore Administration chose not to pursue a SNAP nutritious food waiver.\n\nThis funding will expand access to preventive, primary, maternal, and behavioral healthcare in Maryland\u2019s rural communities, strengthen the rural healthcare workforce by helping recruit and retain doctors and nurses, improve emergency care coordination, and modernize facilities and telehealth so patients can receive high-quality care closer to home. These investments will directly benefit rural residents and communities across Maryland, especially those in Maryland\u2019s First District.\n\nStatement from Congressman Andy Harris:\n\n\u201cI commend the Trump Administration for its leadership in delivering billions of dollars to strengthen rural health care nationwide as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Unfortunately, the Moore administration failed to adequately prioritize Maryland\u2019s application by not applying for a SNAP nutritious food waiver, causing our rural communities to miss out on additional millions of dollars that would have been flowing into our state. As a physician and representative of a rural district \u2014 and the only member of Maryland\u2019s congressional delegation to support the passage of these rural healthcare funds, I\u2019m ready to work with the Trump Administration to address the needs of rural Marylanders with these dollars.\u201d\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404206", "Huizenga Statement on Elections in Burma", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", "huizenga", "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement regarding elections in Burma.\n\nAs long as the junta is overseeing the election process in Burma and refuses to allow true opposition candidates, any election under these circumstances should be viewed as nothing more than a sham. I call on all ASEAN countries to refrain from legitimizing this staged and predetermined outcome.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/2025/12/29/dear-colleague-on-january-6th-five-year-anniversary/", "Dear Colleague on January 6th Five-year Anniversary", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", "jeffries", "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "scraper", "Dear Colleague:\n\nI write with respect to the upcoming solemn anniversary of the January 6th brutal attack on the Capitol. Nearly five years ago, a violent mob incited by Donald Trump attempted to halt the peaceful transfer of power. As a result of the extraordinary bravery of the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and other law enforcement professionals, the treacherous effort to prevent certification of the results of the 2020 presidential election failed.\n\nHowever, the cost was profound. More than 140 heroic police officers were seriously injured and many suffered lasting physical and psychological trauma. Several tragically lost their lives. In the years since that disgraceful day, far-right Republicans in Congress have repeatedly attempted to rewrite history and whitewash the events of January 6th. Our country has been indelibly scarred.\n\nDonald Trump promised to lower the high cost of living on day one of his presidency. One year later, costs are out of control, America is too expensive and Republicans believe that the affordability crisis is a hoax. They have done nothing to lower costs for everyday Americans, but are gutting healthcare and enacted massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors.\n\nThe toxic priorities of the Republican Party are clear. On day one of his second term, President Trump issued blanket pardons and commutations to the nearly 1,600 individuals charged in connection with the January 6th attack, including hundreds of violent felons who brutally assaulted law enforcement officers. Several of those individuals have been charged with new crimes throughout the country, putting the safety of the American people in jeopardy. A troubling number of the criminals pardoned by Donald Trump have been arrested for child molestation, sexual assault and kidnapping. Republicans own the failed economy, their broken promise to lower costs and the crime spree the dangerous criminals pardoned by the President have visited on our country.\n\nWe must never forget the horrors of January 6th and will continue to honor the brave law enforcement officers who were injured and lost their lives defending the rule of law in the United States. To that end, on the fifth anniversary of that fateful day, led by the Honorable Bennie Thompson and the Members of the January 6th Select Committee, House Democrats will hold a special hearing that will commence at 10:00 a.m.\n\nAt the hearing, we will examine ongoing threats to free and fair elections posed by an out-of-control Trump administration, expose the election deniers who hold high-level positions of significance in the executive branch and detail the threats to public safety posed by the hundreds of violent felons who were pardoned on the President\u2019s first day in office. We will also present a panel of Members who wish to share their personal experiences from that horrific day. If you wish to testify, please contact Emily.Berret@mail.house.gov by 12:00 p.m. ET on Friday, January 2.\n\nThank you for your leadership and I look forward to our continued work in the new year to make life better for the American people.\n\nSincerely,\n\nHakeem Jeffries\n\nDemocratic Leader", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/langworthy-announces-cms-funds-support-rural-hospitals-across-western-new-york", "Langworthy Announces CMS funds to Support Rural Hospitals Across Western New York and the Southern Tier", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "L000600", "langworthy.house.gov", "langworthy", "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced that New York State has been awarded $212 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic investment authorized under H.R. 1 and the Working Families Tax Plan, and announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).\n\n\u201cI\u2019m extremely proud to share that New York will receive $212 million in funding to strengthen our rural hospitals and healthcare systems that serve so many hardworking families in Western New York and the Southern Tier,\u201d said Congressman Nick Langworthy. \u201cThis funding is historic \u2014 and it will make a real difference for patients and providers across our communities.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program represents the largest federal investment in rural healthcare in American history. Established under H.R. 1 and the Working Families Tax Plan, the initiative invests $50 billion over five years to expand access to care, improve outcomes, modernize healthcare delivery, and support rural providers nationwide.\n\n\u201cRural hospitals are the backbone of healthcare in our communities. For too long, many rural systems have faced mounting financial pressure, workforce shortages, and access challenges \u2014 forcing patients to travel farther for care,\u201d Langworthy continued. \u201cThis investment helps change that.\u201d\n\nCMS confirmed that funding will support initiatives such as workforce development, expanded access to primary and specialty care, improved care coordination, and modern health technology investments designed to improve outcomes in rural communities.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I was proud to help advance the policies that made this investment possible,\u201d Langworthy added. \u201cThis is critical funding to strengthen the rural hospitals and healthcare systems that serve so many residents of New York\u2019s 23rd Congressional District.\u201d\n\nThe funding will be distributed beginning in Fiscal Year 2026, with oversight to ensure resources are used efficiently, responsibly, and with a clear focus on delivering measurable improvements for patients and providers.\n\n\u201cThis is a historic win for rural healthcare in New York,\u201d Langworthy concluded. \u201cI will continue fighting in Congress to bring home resources that protect access to care, support healthcare workers, and strengthen the communities we serve.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/mciver-files-appeal-notice-in-ice-oversight-case-says-shes-not-backing-down", "McIver Files Appeal Notice in ICE Oversight Case, Says She\u2019s Not Backing Down", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "LaMonica McIver", "M001229", "mciver.house.gov", "mciver", "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NEWARK, NJ \u2013 Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) filed a notice of appeal after, in November, a federal judge ruled to deny pretrial motions to dismiss the case against her. The appeal will focus on legislative immunity. The charges against McIver, brought by the Trump administration, stem from a lawful oversight visit to an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention center in Newark, New Jersey, in May 2025. McIver faces up to 17 years in federal prison.\n\n\u201cFrom the beginning, I\u2019ve fought back against this administration\u2019s cruelty and attempts to silence dissent\u2014this appeal is the next step in the fight. The Trump administration\u2019s case is dangerous, baseless, and designed to stop me from doing my job. I won\u2019t,\u201d said McIver. \u201cThis appeal is for everyone who is standing up to this administration as they try to operate without oversight, silence the people who oppose them, and shut down those who protect the vulnerable. They want to make an example out of me, but I will not let them. I will not be bullied out of doing my job and protecting our communities. Not now, not ever.\u201d\n\nMcIver and counsel sought to have criminal charges brought against her by the Trump administration dismissed. A judge in Newark partially denied those motions, a decision on one count remains pending. The appeal noticed today will head to a Third Circuit panel.\n\nLast week, McIver returned to the Delaney Hall detention center for an oversight visit in the wake of the death of a detainee. This was her first time returning to Delaney Hall since charges were brought against her for her earlier oversight visit in May.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-announces-service-academy-nominations-1", "Miller Announces Service Academy Nominations", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol D. Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", "miller", "https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) announced the nomination of seven West Virginia students to U.S. military service academies.\n\n\u201cI am happy to nominate these exceptional West Virginia students to our nation\u2019s prestigious service academies. These students demonstrated a strong desire to serve in the most powerful military in the world and protect the United States from foreign adversaries. I am grateful for their future service to our nation and wish them all the best,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller.\n\nWhile a congressional nomination is required to apply, it does not guarantee admission. Students will be notified individually if they are granted admission to one of the service academies.\n\nThe nominated students are as follows:\n\nElijah Baldwin\n\nBridgeValley Community and Technical College\n\nNominations: United States Naval Academy and United States Air Force Academy\n\nWilliam Barton\n\nCharleston Catholic High School\n\nNominations: United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy\n\nBlake Blankenship\n\nPrinceton High School\n\nNominations: United States Air Force Academy\n\nChristian Connard\n\nHurricane High School\n\nNominations: United States Military Academy\n\nLevi Maddox\n\nPikeview High School\n\nNominations: United States Military Academy\n\nLiberty Mannon\n\nMarshall University\n\nNominations: United States Naval Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy\n\nChevelle Salmons\n\nLincoln County High School\n\nNominations: United States Naval Academy and United States Military Academy\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-announces-209-million-iowa-part-historic-rural-health", "Miller-Meeks Announces $209 Million for Iowa as Part of Historic Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "IOWA \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) proudly announced that Iowa will receive $209,040,064 in federal funding as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history. This groundbreaking initiative, established under the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation passed by House Republicans and signed by President Trump, represents an unprecedented $50 billion commitment to revitalizing rural health care systems across the country.\n\n\"This is a transformational moment for rural Iowa,\" said Miller-Meeks. \"Access to high-quality health care should never depend on your zip code, and today, we\u2019re delivering on that promise. This $209 million investment will bring top-tier care closer to home for families, seniors, and veterans in every corner of our state. I fought hard to ensure Iowa received its fair share, and I\u2019m proud to see that fight pay off for the people I serve.\"\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program is designed to support states in expanding access to care, modernizing outdated facilities and technologies, strengthening the rural health workforce, and deploying innovative care models. Iowa\u2019s share of the funding will be used to:\n\nStrengthen and expand rural health care providers and staff\n\nModernize rural hospitals and clinics with new technology and infrastructure\n\nImprove emergency medical services and mental health access in underserved communities\n\nSupport community-based care delivery models that meet the unique needs of rural populations\n\nThis achievement builds on Miller-Meeks' long-standing commitment to improving health outcomes for rural communities. A physician, veteran, and strong advocate for rural Iowa, Miller-Meeks has consistently prioritized rural health in Congress and has sent multiple letters to leadership at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state leadership urging full and fair consideration for Iowa's RHTP application.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn August & September 2025, Miller-Meeks hosted roundtables with hospital leaders across Southeast Iowa to gather input and advocate for targeted relief.\n\nIn October, Miller-Meeks led the Iowa delegation in sending a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa HHS Director Larry Johnson expressing strong support for the Rural Health Transformation Program and outlining several guiding principles for consideration as Iowa prepares its application.\n\nIn November, Miller-Meeks led the Iowa Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz showing strong support of Iowa\u2019s application for the program.\n\n\"This is the result of listening to rural Iowans and delivering real results,\" Miller-Meeks continued. \"This funding will not only save lives but also strengthen our rural communities for generations to come.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2025/12/29/nunn-secures-209-million-rural-health-investment-for-iowa/", "Nunn Secures $209 Million Rural Health Investment for Iowa", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today applauded the award of more than $209 million to Iowa from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, a $50 billion nationwide initiative to strengthen rural health care created through the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n\u201cWhen we passed the Working Families Tax Cut, I fought to secure $50 billion for rural health care across the country,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cNow, more than $209 million is coming home to Iowa to strengthen care close to home, expand access through telehealth, and help rural clinics recruit and retain the providers Iowa communities rely on.\u201d\n\nThe announcement follows a letter sent by the Iowa Congressional delegation on November 20, urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve funding for Healthy Hometowns\u2014Iowa\u2019s rural health initiative designed to expand care access, strengthen emergency response, and retain medical providers across underserved communities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-s-statement-celebrating-new-year", "Amata\u2019s Statement Celebrating the New Year", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "AS", "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", "radewagen", "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Uifa\u2019atali Amata released the following message for New Year\u2019s Day.\n\n\u201cHappy New Year! As we complete a busy 2025 and ring in 2026, I\u2019m humbled and thankful that I represent the wonderful people of American Samoa. Together, we\u2019ve experienced many blessings from God this year, and I\u2019m optimistic for the year ahead.\n\n\u201cIn Congress, right before Christmas week, we finished up the 3.8 percent raise for our military in 2026. This much-deserved increase continues to build on last year\u2019s largest-ever raise, as Congress is prioritizing better compensation for our military.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to believe 2025 has flown by already and we are halfway through the 119th Congress. This year brought many changes. When I was first sent to Washington to represent you, President Obama was in office, so I\u2019ve been through these changes before. I continue to emphasize bipartisanship in the legislation I support, and making American Samoa my first focus.\n\n\u201cAny review of 2025 must include the importance of the Executive Order restoring fishing access, signed on our historic 125th Flag Day. This was a longtime objective that followed years of effort, with congressional testimony, and support from our leaders in U.S. fishing and U.S. food security. This was a milestone achievement for our people, and I appreciate the President\u2019s decision and all who had a part in support for American Samoa\u2019s fishing.\n\n\u201cThroughout 2026, I will be focused on what matters to American Samoa, seeking opportunities to support health care, education, veterans and military families. God bless our islands and the United States as we start this new year. May God bless and guide you and your families.\u201d\n\nPsalm 20:4 (NIV) May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-stevens-releases-2025-year-review-report", "CONGRESSWOMAN STEVENS RELEASES 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Haley M. Stevens", "S001215", "stevens.house.gov", "stevens", "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) released her 2025 end of year report, highlighting the work she and her team accomplished for constituents of the MI-11 Congressional district this year.\n\nRead the report here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-taylor-applauds-202-million-awarded-ohio-through-president-trumps", "Congressman Taylor Applauds $202 Million Awarded to Ohio Through President Trump\u2019s Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "David J. Taylor", "T000490", "taylor.house.gov", "taylor", "https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) today applauded the allocation of $202 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to the state of Ohio. This funding will support Ohio\u2019s multi-year plan to strengthen rural hospitals and clinics, expand access to primary and behavioral health services, modernize health care infrastructure, and improve health outcomes for families in rural areas across the state.\n\n\u201cFor too long, rural Buckeye communities have faced unique health challenges in terms of outcomes and access, and it\u2019s time to level the playing field,\u201d said Congressman Taylor. \u201cPresident Trump\u2019s Rural Health Transformation Program will dramatically improve health outcomes for thousands of Ohioans, and I\u2019m grateful for this Administration\u2019s leadership in this area. I will continue advocating on behalf of my constituents and applaud this program as a historic step in the right direction.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program was established by President Trump under the Working Families Tax Cut Act to transform health care outcomes in rural regions across the U.S. Administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the RHTP represents the largest targeted investment in rural health infrastructure and services in American history.\n\nThe RHTP allocates a total of $50 billion over five fiscal years (FY2026-FY2030), with $10 billion being made available per year.\n\nCongressman Taylor led a letter to Governor Mike DeWine with Representatives Jim Jordan (OH-04), Michael Rulli (OH-06), and Warren Davidson (OH-08) applauding the newly-created Rural Health Transformation Program on October 6, 2025. This letter urged Governor DeWine to direct funds toward initiatives that support independent rural hospitals, rural Federally Qualified Health Centers, and creative solutions to address health care gaps across rural Ohio.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-announces-winner-2025-congressional-app-challenge", "Tiffany Announces Winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Thomas P. Tiffany", "T000165", "tiffany.house.gov", "tiffany", "https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WAUSAU, WI \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for Wisconsin's Seventh District. The CAC provides middle and high school students who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with the opportunity to compete against their peers from across the nation.\n\n\u201cThank you to all the students who participated in this year\u2019s Congressional App Challenge. After reviewing the submissions, it is clear that we are not short of talent here in Wisconsin,\u201d said Congressman Tiffany. \u201cThis year\u2019s winner, Invisible Shield, was designed as a tool to combat the mental health crisis we are facing in the United States and provide a space where kids can write down their thoughts and get immediate onsite intervention from a trained counselor.\u201d\n\nFirst Place\n\nApp: Invisible Shield\n\nBy: Ridhi and Riya Shankar\n\nSchool: Marshfield Middle School\n\nThe winner of the first-place app, Invisible Shield, will be eligible to have their app on display at the U.S. Capitol and be featured on the House of Representatives website. They will also be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in the spring. For more information on the CAC please visit Congressman Tiffany\u2019s website.", 1, "2026-04-28T06:05:12Z", "2026-04-28T06:07:17Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-applauds-203m-investment-strengthen-rural-health-care-wisconsin", "Van Orden Applauds $203M Investment to Strengthen Rural Health Care in Wisconsin", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) today applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement that Wisconsin will receive $203,670,005 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, part of a historic $50 billion investment created under President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts legislation to strengthen and modernize rural health care across America.\n\nBeginning in 2026, this funding will support Wisconsin-led efforts to expand access to care, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize facilities and technology, and keep care local for rural families, seniors, and veterans across the state.\n\n\u201cEvery American citizen should have access to readily available, high-quality, and actually affordable health care,\u201d said Rep. Van Orden. \u201cThis $203 million investment delivers real support for rural Wisconsin hospitals, clinics, and health care workers. Republicans fought to get this done, and not one Democrat voted for it. Thanks to President Trump\u2019s leadership, rural Wisconsin is finally getting the support it deserves.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $10 billion annually from 2026 through 2030, with funding allocated based on rural need, policy innovation, and the potential to deliver measurable improvements in access and outcomes.\n\nThe $50 billion investment strengthens rural health care in Wisconsin and across the nation by focusing on:\n\nA Nationwide Commitment to Strengthen Rural Health Care\n\nBringing More Care Within Reach for Rural Families\n\nStrengthening and Sustaining the Rural Clinical Workforce\n\nModernizing Rural Health Infrastructure and Technology\n\nDriving Structural Efficiency & Empowering Community Providers\n\nAdvancing Innovative Care Models and Payment Reform\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-fox-news-senator-banks-demands-probe-of-minnesota-childcare-fraud/", "ICYMI: Fox News: Senator Banks Demands Probe of Minnesota Childcare Fraud", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "www.banks.senate.gov", "banks", "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Alex Adams urging the department to investigate and review Minnesota\u2019s childcare contracts in light of recent instances of childcare fraud.\n\nSee excerpts from the story below or read the full story here.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nEXCLUSIVE: Senator Jim Banks, R-Ind., is pushing for a federal investigation after sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) calling forthe agency to construct investigative reports of Somali networks as the roughly $9 billion fraud scandal in Minnesota continues to unfold.\n\nThe Indiana senator pointed out that the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program is administered by the state government, but is largely funded by federal tax dollars through two programs that provide roughly $300 million in federal childcare subsidies to Minnesota.\n\nOn Sunday, Banks sent a letter to Alex J. Adams, the Assistant Secretary for Family Support, leading the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at HHS.\n\n\u201cI urge ACF to investigate reports of Somali networks creating fake \u2018daycare centers\u2019 as vehicles to steal millions of dollars from Minnesota\u2019s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which administers hundreds of millions of dollars in federal childcare subsidies each year,\u201d Banks\u2019 letter to HHS reads.\n\n\u201cClearly, the Walz administration has failed to meet the most basic benchmarks required by ACF,\u201d Banks explained. \u201cAny unlawful behavior uncovered in ACF\u2019s investigation must be immediately referred to the proper federal authorities including ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and Federal prosecutors.\u201d\n\n\u201cI will not stand by while tax dollars meant to support hardworking families are stolen and state officials refuse to act,\u201d Banks added.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-applauds-205-million-award-for-wyomings-rural-health-fund/", "Barrasso Applauds $205 Million Award for Wyoming\u2019s Rural Health Fund", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WY", "John Barrasso", "B001261", "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "barrasso", "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "scraper", "Wyoming will receive $205,004,743 to implement its plan to expand rural healthcare access, stabilize rural hospitals and make Wyoming healthy again.\n\nCASPER, WY \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) announced the State of Wyoming\u2019s application for the $50 billion rural health fund, created by the Working Families Tax Cut Act, has been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Wyoming will receive $205,004,743 in 2026 to implement its plan to expand rural healthcare access, stabilize rural hospitals and make Wyoming healthy again.\n\n\u201cThe State of Wyoming has a smart and targeted plan to address our unique healthcare challenges,\u201d said Barrasso. \u201cWith this over $205 million award, Wyoming can get to work expanding access to care, recruiting and training new health providers and strengthening rural healthcare across our state. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut Act, rural health providers will have the funding and resources we need to keep caring for patients in frontier communities.\u201d\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cut Act created a Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. RHT Program funding is $50 billion to be allocated to approved States over five fiscal years, with $10 billion of funding available each fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 2026 and ending in fiscal year 2030. This will give Wyoming hospitals, clinics, and health centers access to more than $500 million to help ensure high-quality care remains available across our frontier state.\n\nStates were required to submit a plan by early November for how they would use these funds and apply to CMS to receive these grants. On December 29, 2025, CMS announced the awards for each state.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-applauds-206-million-for-tennessee-from-rural-health-transformation-program", "Blackburn Applauds $206 Million for Tennessee from Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TN", "Marsha Blackburn", "B001243", "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "blackburn", "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "scraper", "NASHVILLE, Tenn. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Trump administration announced a $206,888,882 award to strengthen rural health care in Tennessee. This funding comes from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which Senator Blackburn supported as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation that President Trump signed into law over the summer.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/a-year-of-results-for-alabama-families/", "A Year of Results for Alabama Families", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Katie Boyd Britt", "B001319", "www.britt.senate.gov", "britt", "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "scraper", "The past year has certainly been a memorable one\u2014and, more importantly, a rewarding one.\n\nBeginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through the Senate and to President Trump\u2019s desk\u2014and seeing it become the first bill he signed into law in his second term\u2014was just the start of what we have accomplished for Alabamians and Americans alike. President Trump and Republicans campaigned on cracking down on illegal migration, and this legislation sent an immediate and unmistakable message to the nation: we intended to keep that promise.\n\nSince then, in less than a year, border crossings have reached historic lows, and as a result, countless lives have been saved. Whether it\u2019s stopping deadly fentanyl or violent criminals from crossing our border, the success in securing our nation is undeniable.\n\nAnother issue Republicans were tasked with cleaning up is an inherited economy plagued by record inflation, soaring grocery prices, and an energy industry in shambles. Under Republican leadership, significant strides have been made to restore affordability and economic stability, starting with unleashing American energy.\n\nPresident Biden ended his term with the highest gas prices in our nation\u2019s history. In less than a year, average gas prices dropped to their lowest level in more than four years. This didn\u2019t happen by chance. Energy prices are finally lowering thanks to cutting government red tape and overturning Biden-era regulations that were suffocating our energy producers. This has resulted in lower energy costs, which are a critical first step to bring down prices across the board, namely groceries.\n\nMaking America energy dominant again is just one piece of the puzzle, though. Another landmark piece of legislation Republicans delivered was the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. This resulted in the largest tax cut in U.S. history, putting millions of Americans on track to keep more of their hard-earned money. Whether it\u2019s a larger tax refund, no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, or Social Security relief for seniors, the benefits of this legislation will soon be felt by families across Alabama as our economy continues to rebound.\n\nWe achieved another historic win by updating child care tax credits. This priority was personal to me\u2014before my children were old enough for school, we struggled to find child care that had two spots open. After finally securing care, we were shocked when it felt like we were writing checks to college, not child care. Experiencing the issue of both affordability and availability of childcare is what led me to be at the tip of the spear in fighting to modernize three child care tax credits.\n\nWe permanently increased the Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) for the first time since 1986, when Ronald Reagan was President. Parents can now set aside up to $7,500, a 50% increase. We also permanently updated the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), a provision that hadn\u2019t been touched in over two decades. This change will directly cut taxes for nearly 4 million working families. Lastly, we gave the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit (45F) its first major upgrade in nearly 25 years \u2013 and made it permanent. This means more employers can help cover child care \u2013 a win for businesses and a lifeline for working parents.\n\nDemocrats had been talking about the issue of child care for decades, but it was Republicans who took action. Republicans are the party of families, and it\u2019s paramount we continue to find ways to responsibly support them. While this was an important step, I will continue to fight for families and to find ways to address the affordability and availability of child care.\n\nThe results we have seen in D.C. have been matched by incredible results in Alabama. From the Shoals to the Shores, from the Wiregrass to Jackson County and everywhere in between\u2014we put the needs of hardworking Alabamians front and center. This year, we celebrated the Port of Mobile becoming the deepest container port in the Gulf of America. We also secured tremendous commitments from businesses looking to expand their footprint across our state. In my first year in office, I secured funding to relaunch Tuskegee University\u2019s aviation science program, and I was proud to join their community this year to celebrate the first students who received their pilot licenses.\n\nAnd finally, we permanently relocated U.S. Space Command Headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Thanks to the work of Alabama\u2019s entire congressional delegation and President Trump\u2019s support, Space Command will now proudly call Alabama home. This relocation will bring thousands of jobs to our state and further strengthen Alabama\u2019s vital role in our national defense.\n\nWhile I am proud of what we\u2019ve accomplished this year, I recognize there is still more work to be done. Whether it\u2019s fixing Democrats\u2019 health care crisis, taking on Big Tech and protecting our children online through meaningful social media legislation, or ensuring Alabama has the resources and tools it needs to thrive for generations to come, I will keep fighting every day for our state and nation.\n\nServing you remains one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I will continue to give you everything I have.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2025/12/29/senator-budd-issues-statement-after-cms-announces-213m-in-funding-for-north-carolinas-rural-hospitals/", "Senator Budd Issues Statement After CMS Announces $213M+ in Funding for North Carolina\u2019s Rural Hospitals", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined members of the North Carolina congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Dr. Mehmet Oz, expressing strong support for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service\u2019s (DHHS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application. Today, CMS allocated $213,008,356 in funding for North Carolina\u2019s rural hospitals, which was previously approved in the Working Families Tax Cut Act signed into law earlier this year.\n\nIn a statement following the announcement, Senator Budd said:\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina has the second-largest rural population in America, home to 7.6% of our nation\u2019s rural residents. Today\u2019s announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of $213 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program will greatly benefit patients across our state. While I was proud to support the inclusion of this funding in the Working Families Tax Cut Act, it is unfortunate that the State\u2019s application was not appropriately coordinated with federal officials and did not request funding levels that more accurately correlate with our significant rural population.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the letter HERE and below.\n\nDear Administrator Oz:\n\nAs members of the North Carolina congressional delegation, we express our strong support for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (DHHS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application. We respectfully request that you approve the application in full before the December 31 deadline. Approval will allow our state, which has three million rural residents across 85 counties\u2014the second-largest rural population in the nation\u2014to expand proven innovative models, foster sustainable innovation, and strengthen our rural workforce.\n\nWhile our state\u2019s application requested a funding amount equal to 2 percent of total RHTP dollars available, North Carolina accounts for 7.6 percent of the rural population nationwide, so we are requesting that CMS allocate additional dollars so that the total funding amount is proportional to the disproportionately large rural population in our state. Per existing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance, North Carolina applied the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) definition of rural, which excludes counties like Burke, Moore and Pitt, with respective populations of 88,000, 108,000 and 180,000, yet includes counties like Wake, which is a primarily urban county home to over 1.2 million residents. Moore, Pitt, and similar jurisdictions serve some of the most isolated patients living in the most rural and even remote areas, and we look forward to ensuring all our rural providers and patients receive funding commensurate with their level of need.\n\nAfter applying on November 3, DHHS plans to allocate awarded funds through its Office of Rural Health (NCRHTP). A statewide steering committee, including Medicaid, Public Health, and Behavioral Health divisions, would guide implementation. The program allows sufficient flexibility for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assign recipients. As population declines continue and rural hospitals increasingly rely on Medicaid, rural communities face ongoing healthcare and economic challenges, with gaps in access to care and quality. At least 24 counties lack adequate primary care, and 90 counties are designated mental health shortage areas. Since 2006, 12 rural hospitals have closed, with seven closures in eastern North Carolina.\n\nAn RHTP investment will improve health outcomes and access for nearly three million rural North Carolinians, advancing innovative care models, transforming the rural care experience, and creating a sustainable rural delivery system. By FY2031, NCRHTP aims to increase rural provider-to-population ratios, reduce preventable hospital readmissions and emergency visits, lower chronic disease risk factors, and expand access to integrated behavioral, mental health, and substance use services. Locally governed, community-tailored networks will connect medical, behavioral, and social services, making it easier for rural residents to access comprehensive care in one place.\n\nEach hub is tailored to its region, offering in-person services, care coordination, and direct family support, while also leveraging virtual care and advanced AI to improve access and data sharing. These efforts will provide an opportunity to accelerate technological innovation, access, and interoperability through expanded health information exchange participation, digital literacy programs to ensure rural residents can access modern, connected care, and the broad implementation of state-of-the-art AI-based technology to support documentation and real-time expert clinical decision support to drive down business costs for rural providers and improve sustainability.\n\nApproving North Carolina\u2019s application for the RHTP will improve health outcomes and our economy, which relies on healthy communities to thrive. We are grateful for your full and fair consideration of this crucial award ahead of the December 31 deadline.\n\nSincerely,\n\n/X/\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-applauds-historic-rural-health-care-investment-for-west-virginia", "Capito Applauds Historic Rural Health Care Investment for West Virginia", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WV", "Shelley Moore Capito", "C001047", "www.capito.senate.gov", "capito", "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLESTON, W.Va. \u2014 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today applauded the Trump administration\u2019s announcement awarding nearly $200 million to West Virginia through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic initiative established by Republicans under the One Big Beautiful Bill, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\nWest Virginia will receive $199,476,099 as part of the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history\u2014an initiative that every single Democrat voted against.\n\n\u201cFor rural states like West Virginia, this historic investment is transformative, and it proves that President Trump and Republicans are delivering real results for rural America. In the crafting of this legislation that impacts every American, I was proud to help shape the Rural Health Transformation Program from the start and to support the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that made this funding possible. Today\u2019s announcement means more West Virginians can access care, stronger rural hospitals, and a more sustainable health care future,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Through innovative system-wide change, the Rural Health Transformation Program invests in the rural healthcare delivery ecosystem for future generations.\n\nSenator Capito played a significant role in the creation of the Rural Health Transformation Program and has long been a leading voice in Congress for strengthening rural health care systems. She also voted in favor of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which established this landmark investment.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-over-19-5-million-to-improve-louisiana-roadway-safety-from-his-infrastructure-bill/", "Cassidy Secures Over $19.5 Million to Improve Louisiana Roadway Safety from His Infrastructure Bill", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $19,517,973 in federal funding from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The funding will help communities across the state improve traffic safety, reduce serious injuries and fatalities, and make local roads safer for families, pedestrians, and first responders.\n\n\u201cToo many Louisiana families have had their lives changed forever by preventable traffic accidents,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis funding I secured is going directly to Louisiana communities to make our streets safer.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-190-million-for-maine-rural-hospitals-and-providers-through-rural-health-transformation-program", "Senator Collins Announces $190 Million for Maine Rural Hospitals and Providers through Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Mike Collins", "C001129", "www.collins.senate.gov", "collins", "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that Maine will receive $190 million in first-year funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion initiative that will be awarded over five years that she proposed to support rural health care systems across the country. Maine\u2019s population is the oldest of any state in the nation and is among the most rural, placing unique strains on its rural health care system.\n\n\u201cI proposed $50 billion in funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program to help give rural states like Maine the resources they need to keep health care available close to home,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis funding will help strengthen our rural hospitals and support innovative approaches that can lower costs and improve health outcomes for Mainers no matter where they live. And while this investment will not solve every challenge facing our state\u2019s rural health care system, it represents an important step toward improving access to care for individuals across rural Maine and comes at a time when many rural health care providers are facing significant financial hardship.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program represents the largest single federal investment in rural health care in more than two decades. Senator Collins proposed the funding during negotiations over amendments to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. She successfully pushed to expand the RHTP to $50 billion and ensure that a broader range of rural providers would be eligible for support, despite voting against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is expected to distribute the $50 billion initiative in tranches of $10 billion over each of the next five years.\n\nThe State of Maine\u2019s application for RHTP funding, submitted by the State with the support of the entire congressional delegation, focuses on five core priorities: empowering rural Mainers to achieve their own healthy living goals; strengthening the rural health workforce; adopting health-enabling technologies such as telehealth and electronic medical records; reducing financial and transportation-related barriers to care; and sustaining the long-term viability of Maine\u2019s rural health care ecosystem.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-announces-281-million-for-texas-from-new-rural-health-transformation-program/", "Cornyn Announces $281 Million for Texas from New Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "cornyn", "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "AUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement announcing that the Trump administration has allocated $281,319,361 for Texas from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which Sen. Cornyn supported as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts:\n\n\u201cI was proud to vote to create the new Rural Health Transformation Program to improve health care for the millions of Texans living in rural areas across the Lone Star State,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Oz, and the Trump administration for allocating Texas this significant funding, which is yet another example of the Working Families Tax Cuts benefitting all Texans.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nEarlier this month, Sen. Cornyn and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with members of the Texas congressional delegation to Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Mehmet Oz, urging him to prioritize funding for the State of Texas. Sen. Cornyn also released a statement in support of Texas\u2019 application in November.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/north-dakota-awarded-nearly-200-million-for-rural-health-transformation-plan", "North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million for Rural Health Transformation Plan", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 When Congress passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, it established the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to strengthen rural health care by providing states funding to support innovation, expand access, and enhance quality of care.\n\nThe U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services will receive $199 million in initial funding for its RHTP. North Dakota\u2019s approved application includes a five-year plan to strengthen and stabilize its rural workforce, bring high quality health care closer to home, and confront immediate threats to rural health while building lasting sustainability.\n\n\u201cRural hospitals are essential to the health and economic stability of their communities,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). \u201cThe creation of this fund reflects a clear commitment by the Trump administration to prioritize rural healthcare and protect access to care where it is needed most. I look forward to this money getting to North Dakota and providing the support it was designed to deliver.\u201d\n\n\u201cNorth Dakota is taking bold steps to restore health, opportunity, and dignity to our prairies,\u201d the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services said in its application. \u201cNorth Dakota\u2019s RHTP delivers practical investments that honor local and tribal values, protect rural independence, and get America back to what matters: healthy people, prosperous communities, and common-sense service delivery.\u201d\n\nThe unprecedented funding provides key opportunities for North Dakota\u2019s rural health care systems:\n\nStrengthens and Stabilizes Rural Health Workforce:\n\nThe funding allows rural hospitals in North Dakota to expand rural healthcare training programs, improve retention in rural and Tribal communities, and use technology as an extender for rural providers.\n\nMakes North Dakota Healthy Again:\n\nNorth Dakota\u2019s RHTP initiatives support the launch of Eat Well ND to enhance nutrition education for North Dakotans, initiates ND Moves Together to provide education on the benefits of physical activity across the state and promotes connection and resilience to improve mental health with a focus on children.\n\nBrings High-Quality Health Care Closer to Home:\n\nThe state\u2019s five-year plan right-sizes rural healthcare delivery systems, enhances the telehealth and mobile clinic infrastructure; and expands community health worker and paramedic infrastructure, training, and certification. It ensures rural residents have access to transportation and develops care coordination programs with payers in the state for patients with chronic disease or behavioral health conditions.\n\nConnects Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota:\n\nNorth Dakota\u2019s application outlines key initiatives to gain efficiency with modern tech and data, including cooperative purchasing agreements for technology, regulatory and financial infrastructure, use of staff, and bulk purchasing of supplies and equipment.\n\nIt also summarizes plans to harness artificial intelligence to detect early signs of chronic disease and behavioral health conditions, expand the capacity of rural providers, and utilize new technology for rapid transport, automated prescription pickup kiosks, and laboratory capability to process self-collected specimens.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/2025/12/29/icymi-daines-op-ed-2025-was-a-historic-year-for-montana/", "ICYMI: Daines Op-Ed: 2025 Was a Historic Year for Montana", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", "daines", "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "U.S. SENATE \u2013 U.S. Senator Steve Daines wrote an op-ed for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle recapping 2025\u2019s historic wins for Montana. Read it below.\n\n2025 Was a Historic Year for Montana\n\nBozeman Daily Chronicle\n\nSenator Steve Daines\n\nDecember 27th, 2025\n\n2025 was a historic year for Montana. Tim Sheehy, a former Navy Seal, joined me in the U.S. Senate, along with Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke in the U.S. House.\n\nWorking together, we\u2019ve made major strides advancing Montana priorities, from increasing our energy dominance, protecting our public lands, and supporting farmers, ranchers, veterans, and working families.\n\nWe now have a majority in the U.S. Senate, which allowed us to quickly confirm President Trump\u2019s cabinet as well as excellent Montana candidates to serve us on the federal level \u2014 Kurt Alme to serve as our U.S. Attorney and Bill Mercer to serve as a district judge.\n\nI worked around the clock with my colleagues in the Senate to implement the president\u2019s agenda as quickly as possible. On Independence Day, I stood with President Trump at the White House as he signed the Working Families Tax Cut, which delivered the largest tax cuts in American history.\n\nMontana families will see the effects in 2026, when their take-home pay is boosted by over $10,000 a year and there are no taxes on tips. The bill also included my provision to save the Bull Mountains Mine, which protects Montana\u2019s energy dominance and saved over 300 good-paying Montana mining jobs.\n\nAnd as a lifelong sportsman, protecting our public lands is one of my top priorities. That\u2019s why I was proud to block a provision from being included in the bill that would have sold millions of acres of our public lands.\n\nThanks to President Trump\u2019s leadership we\u2019ve saved Montana energy. In addition to keeping the Bull Mountains Mine open, he also signed into law my bill to reverse a disastrous Biden administration anti-coal rule that would have blocked future coal leasing in eastern Montana and caused the loss of billions of dollars in revenue to our state.\n\nAdditionally, President Trump and his cabinet listened to the concerns of Montanans and reversed a Biden mandate that would\u2019ve put the Colstrip Power Plant out of business.\n\nOne of my main priorities this year was supporting the Montana sportsmen and our great outdoors.\n\nI worked closely with the administration to support our logging industry and ensure we can better fight catastrophic wildfires. I also introduced the \u201cAmerica the Beautiful Act,\u201d which provides critical funding for our national parks and addresses maintenance backlogs, so that people can get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.\n\nAdditionally, I introduced a bill to expand access to our public lands for sportsmen and outdoor recreation.\n\nI am also working hard to support our farmers and ranchers. Montana beef is the best in the world, and one of my main focuses this year was expanding market access for our farmers and ranchers.\n\nI\u2019m pushing for a robust Farm Bill that will support Montana ag and ensure Montana voices are represented, and worked hard to pass a permanent increase to the death tax exemption, which will allow family farms and ranches to pass their land down to future generations.\n\nWe\u2019ve also made massive strides protecting life and family. In December, President Trump signed into law my bill, the BABES Enhancement Act, which makes it easier for moms and families to safely travel with breastmilk and formula. I\u2019m working to protect women from the harmful abortion pill, which causes traumatic adverse effects at a rate 22 times higher than advertised.\n\nMontana has the highest number of veterans per capita in the nation, so it\u2019s critical they get the support and resources they deserve. This year I attended the Butte VA Clinic\u2019s renaming ceremony, which honors Montana legend Charlie Dowd for his incredible legacy of service.\n\nI also introduced bills to protect health care and pension benefits for veterans and their families. Lastly, I introduced a bill to honor fallen service members and keep national cemeteries open on federal holidays.\n\nFinally, protecting Montana\u2019s tribal communities remained at the forefront of 2025. I introduced a bill to combat drug trafficking in our tribes and also passed a resolution designating May 5 as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.\n\n2025 has brought win after historic win for Montana and the nation. I\u2019ll always work to support the needs of Montanans \u2014 from our veterans to our children, and from our farmers and ranchers to our loggers.\n\nIt\u2019s my honor to serve you in the U.S. Senate and I look forward to what 2026 brings.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-key-2025-efforts-as-2025-draws-to-a-close", "Duckworth Highlights Key 2025 Efforts as 2025 Draws to a Close", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "duckworth", "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 As 2025 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year:\n\n\u201cWhether helping nearly 2,900 Illinoisans recover more than $13 million the federal government owed them, passing a law making it easier for new parents to travel with critical breast milk supplies, pushing back against Trump and Republicans as they work to jack up costs for everything from groceries to health care, fighting Donald Trump\u2019s illegal and reckless invasion of our state or getting Veterans\u2019 jobs back after this Administration cruelly fired Veterans Crisis Line workers\u2014I\u2019m proud of everything we\u2019ve been able to do this past year,\u201d Duckworth said. \u201cWhile this year was far too difficult for far too many in our community, I am as committed as ever to showing up and getting things done for my fellow Illinoisans\u2014and all those who feel targeted by the Trump Administration. I look forward to continuing my work for our state in 2026.\u201d\n\nOver the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to over 1,047,000 emails as well as other messages and assisted more than 2,800 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $13.2 million in Social Security payments, Veterans\u2019 benefits, tax refunds and more for her constituents. A select list of Duckworth\u2019s accomplishments from the past year is below.\n\nDuckworth hosted a series of town halls and telephone town halls this year to hear directly from her constituents on how the Trump Administration is negatively impacting their lives and the lives of their families and communities, hearing from Illinoisans in McHenry County, Rockford, Carbondale and throughout Chicagoland.\n\nKey Efforts:\n\nDuckworth\u2019s Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act Became Law: After passing the House and unanimously passing the Senate, bipartisan legislation authored and championed by Senator Duckworth to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies became one of roughly 30 bills to be signed into law in 2025. Senator Duckworth\u2019s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups.\n\nFighting to Prevent Healthcare Costs from Skyrocketing: As Republicans time and again voted to gut Medicaid with Trump\u2019s Big, Beautiful Betrayal and did nothing to stop health insurance premiums from skyrocketing, Senator Duckworth fought against these efforts at every turn. She voted against the Republicans\u2019 Big Beautiful Bill and voted against all of Republicans\u2019 extreme partisan funding bills. She met with health care leaders throughout Central Illinois, Southern Illinois and the Chicagoland area to discuss how these cuts will impact health care access for all Illinoisans. Trump and Republicans plunged the nation into the longest government shutdown in history to guarantee that out-of-pocket health care costs will skyrocket, refusing to negotiate an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)\u2019s enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of the year. Duckworth continuously called out Republicans for refusing to help stop health insurance bills from doubling or even tripling for millions of hardworking families, including their own constituents. Then, in December, when Republicans finally had the chance to vote to extend these ACA subsidies, they chose to please Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies rather than serve the tens of millions of Americans who will see their premiums rise\u2014or the four million who will lose coverage entirely.\n\nDefending Reproductive Freedom and Expanding Access to IVF: Senator Duckworth has been a strong advocate for reproductive freedom and access to IVF in the face of Republicans\u2019 anti-choice crusade. In June, she introduced the Protect IVF Act to establish a nationwide right to IVF. She has also long pushed to pass her Right to IVF Act\u2014which Senate Republicans blocked not once, but twice last year\u2014that would both establish a right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART), expand access for hopeful parents, Veterans and federal employees, as well as lower the costs of IVF for middle-class families across the country. This year, Duckworth successfully secured a provision in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act requiring TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including IVF, for servicemembers, reflecting her earlier IVF for Military Families Act. However, Speaker Mike Johnson single-handedly blocked her provision, denying troops the same IVF coverage available to Members of Congress despite broad bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. This is the second time Duckworth secured this provision in an NDAA bill that passed committee, only to have Republicans block her amendment from the final NDAA\u2014despite it being included in the committee-approved version.\n\nProtecting Our State from Trump\u2019s Unlawful Domestic Deployment: Senator Duckworth, alongside Governor Pritzker and Senator Durbin, helped lead our state\u2019s effective pushback against the Trump Administration\u2019s unconstitutional and dangerous deployments of National Guard troops into American cities, including Chicago. She singlehandedly secured the first and only Senate hearing on Trump\u2019s domestic deployments, during which top Trump Defense officials admitted to three damning revelations that had never been publicly stated before. In addition to numerous actions, including visiting Naval Station Great Lakes amid threats to deploy the military to Chicago and filing an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit against Trump for his misuse of the U.S. military, Duckworth successfully advanced her Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act to finally help rein in Trump\u2019s continued misuse of our military and troops.\n\nPushing Back on DHS\u2019 Invasion on Chicago: In light of Trump\u2019s \u201cOperation Midway Blitz,\u201d Senator Duckworth continued her efforts as an outspoken champion for defending Illinoisans and their First Amendment rights. She condemned DHS\u2019s excessive and aggressive force, including unlawful abductions, deploying tear gas near schools and raiding community shelters. Additionally, she demanded an end to forcing law enforcement to abandon criminal investigations in order to assist ICE and called on ICE and CBP to enforce body-camera requirements in compliance with federal orders. Duckworth and Senator Durbin also visited the grounds of the Broadview ICE processing center in their congressional oversight roles.\n\nSupporting Servicemembers and Holding Pete Hegseth Accountable for Putting Them at Needless Risk: As a combat Veteran and member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator Duckworth has condemned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth\u2019s lack of experience or qualifications to lead our troops, repeatedly calling on him to resign, especially after reports confirmed he sent highly-sensitive war plans in an unclassified group chat with other Trump Administration officials, putting servicemembers at greater risk and undermining mission effectiveness. She denounced the Trump Administration\u2019s unlawful military strikes and supported a resolution to block illegal use of force in or against Venezuela without congressional approval, while raising concerns about violating the laws of war and endangering our servicemembers and national security.\n\nSupporting Our Veterans: After Trump fired more Veterans than any other President in history and imposed illegal pauses in federal funding and slashed Veterans\u2019 care, Senator Duckworth continued her life\u2019s mission of advocating for our brave servicemembers and their families affected by Trump\u2019s recklessness. This year, she introduced legislation to protect the lifesaving Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) and restore collective bargaining rights for VA health care professionals. She demanded accountability from Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins for the VCL firings. She also introduced her Protect Veteran Jobs Act to reinstate Veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of Trump and Elon Musk\u2019s indiscriminate purge of federal employees. Duckworth spoke at the \u201cUnite for Veterans\u201d rally on the National Mall, criticizing Trump for using Veterans as political pawns and undermining their care and benefits. She also hosted a Veterans town hall in Crystal Lake to hear directly from Veterans about the impact of the Trump Administration and Elon Musk\u2019s cuts to federal programs and mass federal worker firings.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shares-overview-of-his-2025-policy-and-oversight-achievements", "Grassley Shares Overview of His 2025 Policy and Oversight Achievements", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is sharing an overview of his 2025 legislative and oversight work on behalf of Iowans.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor serving the people of Iowa every day. I\u2019m happy to report that Senate Republicans made a great impact this year by preventing the largest tax increase in U.S. history and ending the Biden Border Crisis, providing American families with increased safety and prosperity. In 2026, I\u2019ll continue my efforts to bring down costs for Iowans and make government more accountable and transparent. We\u2019ve got more work to do to lower the price of prescription drugs, pass a five-year Farm Bill and root out wasteful spending. I encourage all Iowans to share their views with me while I continue working for them in Washington,\u201d Grassley said.\n\nClick HERE to read Grassley's 2025 Year in Review.\n\nTable of Contents:\n\n1 Welcome\n\nNumbers to Know\n\n2 Iowa: Number One in the Senate\n\nHIStory Series\n\n3 Every County, Every Year\n\n4 Year One of Trump\u2019s Second Term\n\n5 Tax Cuts for Working Families\n\n6 Advancing Iowa\u2019s Clean Energy Future\n\n7 Agriculture\n\nPushing for Year-Round, Nationwide E15\n\nLowering the High Cost of Fertilizer\n\nSupporting Farm Aid\n\n9 Health Care\n\nProtecting Rural Health Care and Supporting Telehealth\n\nPreserving and Strengthening Medicaid\n\nCracking down on Obamacare Fraud\n\nLowering Prescription Drug Prices through PBM Transparency\n\nCaring for Rural Iowans\n\n11 The Senate Judiciary Committee | Chairman Chuck Grassley\n\nAbout the Committee\n\nEnding the Biden Border Crisis\n\nSupporting the American Workforce\n\nPutting President Trump\u2019s Team in Place\n\nLifetime Judicial Appointments\n\nBreaking Through the Partisan Blockade\n\nFighting Unconstitutional Judicial Overreach\n\nKeeping an Eye on the Courts\n\nRestoring Law and Order\n\nDelivering for American Communities\n\nCombating Organized Retail Crime\n\nHalting the Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl\n\nSafeguarding Children\n\n17 Transparency Brings Accountability\n\n18 Arctic Frost: A Scandal Worse than Watergate\n\n19 Standing Strong at Home and Abroad\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-historic-investment-in-iowa-rural-health-care-from-republicans-working-family-tax-cuts-law", "Grassley Welcomes Historic Investment in Iowa Rural Health Care from Republicans\u2019 Working Family Tax Cuts Law", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, welcomed news from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that Iowa will receive $209,040,064 in Fiscal Year 2026 from the Rural Health Transformation Fund to boost hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers and other rural providers.\n\n\u201cSenate Republicans fought hard to ensure our Working Family Tax Cuts Law included significant funding for rural communities. I was proud to help craft this legislation that provides the largest federal investment in rural health care in history. It\u2019s fantastic news that Iowa will receive $209 million in the next year to support its Healthy Hometowns program and revitalize rural care across the state. I thank Governor Reynolds and her team for working with my office and our congressional delegation to make this substantial investment in Iowa health care,\u201d Grassley said.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe rural health care funding comes from the Grassley-backed Working Family Tax Cuts law, titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In addition to preventing the largest tax increase in history and providing major investments in border security and law enforcement, the law includes a historic investment in rural health care.\n\nLast month, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the state had submitted its \u201cHealthy Hometowns\u201d application for a portion of the law\u2019s funding. Iowa\u2019s plan is aimed at building a high-quality, sustainable system of care that improves the health, well-being and quality of life in rural communities across the state.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-north-dakota-awarded-nearly-200-million-from-one-big-beautiful-bill-rural-health-transformation-fund", "Hoeven: North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million From One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Fund", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million From One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Fund\n\nState Receiving Initial Funds for FY26, Expected to Receive $500 Million Over Five Years\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today announced North Dakota will receive more than $198 million from the One Big Beautiful Bill\u2019s (OB3) Rural Health Transformation Fund for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The state is expected to receive a total of $500 million over five years to improve health care quality and access in rural areas, using the funds to:\n\nBuild and retain a rural health workforce.\n\nPrevent chronic disease and reduce costs.\n\nLeverage telehealth and care coordination to bring health care closer to home, while improving the timeliness of care.\n\nHoeven worked to support the state as it developed its application for the program, which was submitted in November. A summary of North Dakota\u2019s application can be found here.\n\n\u201cThis nearly $200 million award is a tremendous step toward implementing North Dakota\u2019s plan for creating a more accessible and robust health care system for our rural communities,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cWith nearly $500 million expected to be awarded to the state over the next five years, these funds will help address staffing needs over the long-term, open up new care opportunities for local residents and improve efficiency to reduce providers\u2019 costs. Through efforts like these, we can improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans across our state and support the continued resiliency of our rural communities.\u201d\n\nAs chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to empower local communities to better meet their health care needs. This includes leveraging Rural Development loans and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) reimbursement to build state-of-the-art hospitals in communities like Rugby, Grafton and Hazen and improve health care access in those regions. Hoeven also advanced a multi-year effort to ensure the best possible health care for the residents of the Devils Lake region. This resulted in the agreement between Altru and CommonSpirit Health for Altru to acquire Devils Lake Hospital, benefiting both patients and health care providers.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=23E19F2B-B66D-4C93-BA00-907571B2B5F2", "McConnell Helps Secure More Than $212 Million in Federal Funding for Kentucky Rural Hospitals", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "mcconnell", "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded $212,905,591 in federal funds for investment in rural healthcare.\n\nThe Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services will receive funding from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program which was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that Senator McConnell voted in support of. The federal funding distributed this year to Kentucky will be directed toward rural hospitals and will be used in a variety of ways approved by statute.\n\n\u201cThis significant investment in healthcare is a major win for Kentucky\u2019s rural hospitals and providers,\u201d said Senator McConnnell. \u201cI was proud to help secure the Rural Health Transformation fund in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that Congress passed earlier this year. This legislation helped strengthen safety nets for Kentuckians most in need and works toward a more sustainable and innovative healthcare system in rural areas throughout our country and the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\nThis federal program was established to help implement structural reforms to failing rural healthcare systems in place of prior temporary patches. The main goals of the program include sustainable access to care, workforce development, innovative care, and innovation in technology to promote healthy lifestyles for Americans. The federal funding will be allocated to approved states over five years. All 50 states were eligible to apply for funding from the RHT, and half of the funds will be distributed equally to approved states while the other half will be allocated based on state metrics and applications to maximize impact as well as address needs.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C379D510-3516-412F-943B-FC5C0D7BE2D7", "Sen. Moran Applauds $222 Million for Kansas Rural Hospitals from First Year of CMS Rural Health Transformation Program", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", "moran", "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement that Kansas will receive $222 million for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. This allotment will be awarded for 2026, the first year of the five-year program. The RHT was created in the Reconciliation Bill to direct CMS to work with states to identify the root challenges facing rural health providers and invest in solutions to improve outcomes for struggling providers.\n\n\u201cThe Rural Health Transformation Program is a significant investment in rural health care and will help improve outcomes for struggling hospitals, invest in new technology and bolster rural communities,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cI worked with my colleagues to establish this fund, and these resources will now be tailored to meet the individual needs of rural health care in each state with no match required by the state. I look forward to working with our health care leaders and state leaders to make certain Kansas providers are able to use these resources to improve the long-term success of rural providers.\u201d\n\nSen. Moran helped establish the rural provider fund as a part of the Reconciliation Bill, which was signed into law by the President on July 4. On July 3, Sen. Moran joined a town hall with more than 100 Kansas hospital leaders to outline changes made in the Reconciliation Bill for rural hospitals specifically, highlighting the Rural Health Transformation Program.\n\nItems to note:\n\nFunds from the RHT program will be allocated to approved states over five years, with $10 billion available each year from Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2030.\n\nKansas will receive one of the highest amounts from the RHT program, exceeded by only five other states.\n\nThe funding requires no state match; it is a federal-only investment aimed at helping to improve outcomes for struggling healthcare providers.\n\nThis is a one-time application with no renewal required, making certain states and providers have access to the funding over the next five years without needing to reapply.\n\nIn collaboration with CMS, states submitted detailed rural health transformation plans for improving access to care. CMS will monitor implementation in order to make certain resources are being targeted to best support struggling providers and improve health outcomes in rural communities.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-on-rural-health-transformation-fund-alaska-has-an-extraordinary-opportunity", "Murkowski on Rural Health Transformation Fund: \u201cAlaska has an extraordinary opportunity.\u201d", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3", "scraper", "Anchorage, AK \u2013 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative established through the reconciliation bill. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) highlighted the opportunity presented to Alaska\u2019s rural health care system through the newly expanded fund, which will deliver $272 million per year to Alaska for the next five years.\n\n\u201cDuring the reconciliation negotiations, protecting health care access for rural communities in Alaska and across the country was my top priority,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cAs one of the lead advocates to double the Rural Health Transformation Fund from $25 billion to $50 billion, I was intent on ensuring our rural providers had the resources to adapt, innovate, and continue to deliver care in challenging environments like ours. In addition to the funding, I fought for key provisions, including exemptions for Tribal members from SNAP and Medicaid work requirements and greater flexibility for states like Alaska to exempt regions with limited job availability. These safeguards will matter just as much as the funding. Taken together, they position Alaska well for the future and recognize the realities facing our rural and remote communities. We have an extraordinary opportunity in front of us, and I\u2019m committed to working with our partners in the state to seize it.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Fund was conceived during negotiations on H.R. 1. The fund provides $50 billion nationwide over five years (FY 2026\u20132031), including a $100 million per-state base allocation each year. Alaska will receive $272 million annually\u2014totaling $1.36 billion over five years\u2014to support rural health care priorities such as maternal and child health, access to essential services, preventive care, workforce recruitment and retention, and health care technology. Senator Murkowski\u2019s negotiations directly led to the doubling of the fund from $25 billion to $50 billion.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2025-end-of-year-report", "Murphy Releases 2025 End Of Year Report", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday released his 2025 End of Year Report. In a year marked by turmoil, Senator Murphy joined with elected leaders, civic organizers, and Connecticut residents to defend Americans\u2019 rights and fight for a better future. This report highlights the measures Sen. Murphy and his office took to stand up to Trump\u2019s corruption and deliver for Connecticut families. As Donald Trump systematically dismantled programs working people rely on, while transforming the government into a tool of personal enrichment, Murphy helped deliver federal dollars to Connecticut while taking action to unrig our economy and democracy from billionaire interests.\n\nThis year, Murphy and his office:\n\nIntroduced or co-sponsored 270 pieces of legislation and amendments, including 91 bills, resolutions, or amendments as the lead sponsor;\n\nCompleted his ninth Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 67 miles, 11 towns, and hundreds of conversations with Connecticut residents along the way;\n\nEngaged with over 436,800 calls, emails, and letters;\n\nReturned more than $7 million to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans\u2019 benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies;\n\nHelped over 3,233 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-200-million-rural-health-care-investment-for-south-carolina/", "Sen. Tim Scott Applauds $200 Million Rural Health Care Investment for South Carolina", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "CHARLESTON, S.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today released the following statement on the Trump administration\u2019s announcement that South Carolina will receive more than $200 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program:\n\n\u201cAccess to health care should not be determined by one\u2019s ZIP code. The $50 billion investment in rural health care established through the Working Families Tax Cut, which was advanced by Republican Members of Congress and signed into law by President Trump, demonstrates our commitment to improving life for every American,\u201d said Sen. Scott. \u201cI was proud to champion this historic funding that will benefit South Carolinians by ensuring rural families in the Palmetto State and nationwide have access to life-saving care closer to home.\u201d\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cut authorized the Rural Health Transformation Program, and all 50 states will benefit from the $50 billion initiative, marking the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history.\n\nThe funds allocated to South Carolina will support initiatives such as expanding telehealth and improving chronic disease management, including Sickle Cell Disease, both issues that Sen. Scott has long championed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-272-million-investment-in-alaskas-health-care-system", "Sullivan Welcomes $272 Million Investment in Alaska\u2019s Health Care System", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2", "scraper", "ANCHORAGE, ALASKA\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today welcomed a $272 million award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen Alaska\u2019s health care system, the first of five annual awards for Alaska under the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Sen. Sullivan was one of the lead authors of the $50 billion fund in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the budget reconciliation bill signed into law in July, that established the RHTP. The program is intended to help states expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize rural facilities and technology, and support innovative models that bring high-quality, dependable care closer to home.\n\nSen. Sullivan announced the award at a press conference today in Anchorage alongside Governor Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska), Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska), and Alaska Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg.\n\n\u201cThis is the biggest investment in rural health care in American history, and certainly the largest investment in Alaska\u2019s health care system from the federal government in our state\u2019s history,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cThe $272 million per year that Alaska will receive for five years\u2014nearly $1.4 billion from the federal government\u2014is a generational opportunity to transform our health care system. It gives our communities, state officials, and the Legislature the opportunity and freedom to design a health care system that reflects Alaska\u2019s unique needs. This is the opposite of the one-size-fits-all approach we too often see from Washington, DC. This funding will help keep care closer to home, reduce the need for costly and disruptive travel, strengthen rural clinics, and stabilize our health care workforce. With the application the Dunleavy administration put forth, this award is an example of the power of local, tribal and state leaders, and our federal delegation\u2014all the stakeholders\u2014working together to get results for Alaskans.\u201d\n\nAccording to CMS, the funding will be used by states to implement comprehensive strategies to improve care delivery, support providers, and advance new approaches to coordinating health care services across rural communities. Five key areas of focus for the program include:\n\nBringing more care within reach\n\nStrengthening and sustaining the rural clinical workforce\n\nModernizing rural health infrastructure and technology\n\nDriving structural efficiency and empowering community providers\n\nAdvancing innovative care models and payment reform\n\nBelow is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s work on the Rural Health Transformation Program.\n\nDuring the first few months of 2025, Senate Republicans began working with the Trump administration on their legislative priorities to be included in a budget reconciliation bill.\n\nAmong many other important priorities for Alaska, Sen. Sullivan initially secured a 25 percent increase in Alaska\u2019s Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) in the bill to better reflect the state\u2019s high cost of living and high cost of health care delivery. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the change would\u2019ve permanently generated more than an additional $200 million in increased annual federal Medicaid dollars for Alaska.\n\nDuring the final stages of debate on the bill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Democrats challenged Sen. Sullivan\u2019s FMAP provision by arguing to the parliamentarian of the Senate that it violated budget reconciliation rules. Following this review, the parliamentarian advised that the provision violated the requirements of the \u201cByrd Rule,\u201d resulting in its removal.\n\nIt was disappointing that Sen. Schumer and Senate Democrats cut the estimated $200 million in increased annual Medicaid funding for Alaska, but Sen. Sullivan and his team quickly pivoted to another solution\u2014shaping the formula for the Rural Health Transformation Fund to better address Alaska\u2019s unique needs, doubling the fund\u2019s overall size to $50 billion, and moving up the program\u2019s start date to 2026.\n\nOn July 1, 2025, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation bill. On July 4, 2025, the legislation was signed into law.\n\nOn September 15, 2025, CMS unveiled details on how states could apply to receive funding from the RHTP. The State of Alaska then crafted an application with a plan for transforming Alaska\u2019s health care system.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360", "Congressman Hamadeh Announces Winners of the Eighth Congressional District\u2019s 2025 App Challenge", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "AZ", "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "H001098", "hamadeh.house.gov", "hamadeh", "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) is proud to announce the winners of the Eighth Congressional District's 2025 Congressional App Challenge. The winning App, \"Chronos,\" was developed by Vignesh Nagarajan and Raghav Senthil Kumar, both are 12th grade students at BASIS High School.\n\nA smart scheduler, \"Chronos\" is an App designed to pull together Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar, etc., and instantly finds times that work for all meeting invitees, no matter what platform they use or time zone they are operating in. It then books the meeting on all calendars automatically.\n\n\u201cI am so proud of young coders and developers, like Vignesh and Raghav, who are sharing their talents and skills to better people's lives,\" stated Congressman Hamadeh. \"Their willingness to share their creativity and coding skills embody the very spirit of what it means to serve this great nation.\u201d\n\nThe \u201cChronos\u201d App will be displayed in the United States Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives\u2019 website, House.gov. Vignesh and Raghav have also earned an invitation to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge\u2019s mission is to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the most prestigious prize in student computer science. Members of Congress can host district-wide contests for students in middle school and high school.\n\nThe Challenge accepts computer programs written in any programming language, for any computer-based platform.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-joins-cnns-state-of-the-union-to-discuss-protecting-minors-from-the-growing-threat-of-big-tech-ai/", "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins CNN\u2019s State of the Union to Discuss Protecting Minors from the Growing Threat of Big Tech, AI", "2025-12-28", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Katie Boyd Britt", "B001319", "www.britt.senate.gov", "britt", "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u2018How many parents \u2026 are going to have to come and tell us a devastating story before we actually pass legislation?\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined CNN\u2019s Jake Tapper on a special edition of State of the Union, which focused on the growing threat of Big Tech and artificial intelligence (AI).\n\nOn raising teenagers in the age of social media and AI:\n\n\u201cI often say I don\u2019t have to ask people what it\u2019s like to raise kids right now, I am living it. We have two teenagers \u2026 15 and 16. And so when you come with that perspective, you know that there are parents out there that are looking for tools to help keep their children safe. Also, when you look at both social media and technology and how fast everything is moving, it\u2019s truly hard to keep up \u2026 So I think if we think about all of those things and what our kids are dealing with right now, it is imperative that we put up guardrails, especially when you\u2019re looking at AI.\u201d\n\nOn the harms of AI chatbots and the GUARD Act, legislation that would put guardrails around chatbots for minors:\n\n\u201cI have met with a number of parents who have told me devastating stories about their children, where chatbots ultimately \u2026 had isolated them from their parents, had talked to them about suicide, had talked to them about a number of things. And you think about this: If these AI companies can make the most brilliant machines in the world, they could do us all a service by putting up proper guardrails that did not allow for minors to utilize these things \u2026 And that\u2019s one thing that this legislation does.\u201d\n\nOn Big Tech and Congress\u2019s failure to deliver solutions and protect American families:\n\n\u201cI mean, truly enough is enough. I mean, I also want to say: How long is it going to take Congress to actually act? \u2026 We\u2019ve been talking about this for years. How many parents like the one that we just heard from are going to have to come and tell us a devastating story before we actually pass legislation? The truth is (that) these AI companies can absolutely do much of this on their own. But we know consistently, time and time again, whether it\u2019s been social media companies or now some of the AI space that we consistently see people putting their profits over actual people \u2026\n\n\u201cI want to elevate this topic for parents from coast to coast. [Congress is] not doing enough to put up guardrails. I mean, you and I did not grow up with front facing cameras \u2026 If these things were happening in a storefront on a main street in Alabama, we would shut that store down \u2026 So I am disappointed and will continue to push, because I think the time to act for Congress is now \u2026 People are over it, and we\u2019re over people going to DC and just dragging their feet and coming up with an excuse. Get in a room and let\u2019s figure out a pathway forward. That\u2019s certainly what I\u2019m committed to doing.\u201d\n\nSenator Britt has been a leader on reining in Big Tech and social media companies and a champion for children\u2019s safety online since she came to Congress. She has led a number of bipartisan pieces of legislation, including the Stop the Scroll Act and Kids Off Social Media Act, both of which would set critical guardrails on social media platforms and companies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415219", "Chairman Smith on President Trump\u2019s decisive action to strike ISIS encampments in Nigeria", "2025-12-27", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "NJ", "Christopher H. Smith", "S000522", "chrissmith.house.gov", "chrissmith", "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee issued the following statement after the U.S. military\u2019s coordinated strikes on ISIS settlements in northwestern Nigeria:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decisive action reflects the United States\u2019 unyielding commitment to standing up to the Nigerian terrorists, who have been murdering, raping, torturing and violently harassing Christians and non-radical Muslims in the region for decades.\n\n\u201cCoordinated under Secretary Pete Hegseth, the limited precision airstrikes against Islamist terrorists in Nigeria clearly demonstrate that violent actions against Christians and other religious groups have profound consequences.\n\n\u201cThe strikes also put the radical Islamist terrorists in Nigeria on notice that the United States will never condone or turn a blind eye to religious persecution and violence.\n\n\u201cSignificantly, the U.S. Department of State and Nigeria on December 19 signed a five-year bilateral America First Global Health Strategy, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Nigeria\u2019s health system with a strong emphasis on promoting Christian faith-based healthcare providers. The U.S. intends to commit $2.1 billion in health assistance in the combined investment of nearly $5.1 billion over the life of the MOU.\n\n\u201cAccording to State, \u2018The MOU was negotiated in connection with reforms the Nigerian government has made to prioritize protecting Christian populations from violence\u2026.\u2019 Additionally, it was announced that the Trump Administration \u2018expects Nigeria to continue to make progress ensuring that it combats extremist religious violence against vulnerable Christian populations.\u2019\n\n\u201cIn October, I and many of my colleagues applauded President Trump and welcomed his declaration of Nigeria as a \u2018Country of Particular Concern\u2019 based on the religious persecution of Christians in that country.\n\n\u201cI then chaired a hearing entitled, \u2018President Trump\u2019s Redesignation of Nigeria as a \u201cCountry of Particular Concern\u201d: A Serious, Well-Founded Wake-Up Call,\u2019 at which key State Department officials made it clear that the Trump administration was working tirelessly to ensure that human rights and religious freedom remain central to our bilateral relationship with Nigeria.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-bill-help-natural-disaster-victims-tax-filing-signed-law", "Murphy Bill to Help Natural Disaster Victims with Tax Filing Signed into Law", "2025-12-27", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., issued the following statement after his bill, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act, was signed into law.\n\n\"Disaster victims endure unimaginable challenges as they work to rebuild their lives,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.\"The last thing they should worry about is navigating confusing IRS filing requirements. The Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act provides individuals with sufficient time to claim tax refunds or credits while ensuring clear communication from the IRS to prevent unnecessary penalties or interest. I am grateful to President Trump for signing my bill into law to bring meaningful reform. I am also very appreciative of Chairman Smith for his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee and the unanimous, bipartisan support the bill received in Congress.\"\n\nBackground\n\nUnder current law, taxpayers are afforded a \u201clookback period\u201d of up to three years to claim credits or refunds. Unfortunately, the lookback period does not take into account filers who may have postponed their filing due to a disaster declaration.\n\nThis bill ensures that victims of disasters have additional time to claim any missed credits or refunds.\n\nSeparately, the IRS issues a \"notice and demand\" to inform filers of any payments they may owe by the original deadline but wait until the postponed deadline to make a payment. This creates unnecessary confusion and stress for disaster victims.\n\nThis legislation requires the IRS to extend the claim deadline and postponed filing deadline together, as well as tie the deadline for mailing a \"notice and demand\" to the postponed filing deadline for those who filed prior to the postponed deadline.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-passing-of-jeffrey-holland", "Crapo Statement on Passing of Jeffrey Holland", "2025-12-27", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ID", "Mike Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", "crapo", "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on the passing of Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:\n\n\u201cI join other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in mourning the loss of President Jeffrey R. Holland. Known for his empathetic love and care for others, President Holland embodied a Christ-like spirit of generosity. His more than 30 years of service in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spread the gospel far and wide, inviting others to know the unrelenting love of Christ here on earth.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-an-iowans-advice-after-70-years-of-parenting", "ICYMI: An Iowan\u2019s Advice After 70 Years of Parenting", "2025-12-27", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "An Iowan\u2019s Advice After 70 Years of Parenting\n\nBy Senator Chuck Grassley\n\nDecember 26, 2025\n\nWall Street Journal\n\nLast weekend I encouraged everyone to read Rahm Emanuel\u2019s op-ed \u201cLessons From Modern Parenthood\u201d (Dec. 20). He\u2019s a Democrat, and I\u2019m a Republican, but his advice is sound for moms and dads of any stripe. Kudos to him for speaking up on a consequential issue on many Americans\u2019 minds.\n\nAfter years of policymaking and parenting, I agree that there\u2019s no \u201csecret sauce\u201d to raising a family. Good parenting isn\u2019t partisan. My wife of 71 years and I agree with the Emanuels on the ritual of eating together as a family. The conversations around the table in my own childhood are seared in my memory\u2014they prompted an interest in government that turned into my vocation.\n\nWhen our five kids were growing up, I can\u2019t pretend I was at every meal. I give Barbara credit for serving as commander in chief of our household, acting as mom, homework-helper, chore-taskmaster and more when I was in Washington. Yet there was no daylight between us in our approach to parenthood. We taught our kids to work hard and live by the Golden Rule. Farm chores and school work didn\u2019t leave much time to waste on television.\n\nRaising kids today comes with new challenges, but the fundamentals haven\u2019t changed. Our advice: Stick your nose in their business and keep strict boundaries. The internet poses risks beyond idleness and harm to mental health. Nefarious predators are targeting children with all manner of schemes.\n\nAs chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I\u2019m leading bipartisan efforts with Sen. Dick Durbin (D., Ill.) to combat online child exploitation and keep the next generation safe. Our reforms will help deter bad actors by revamping federal sentencing laws, targeting online criminal networks and cracking down on offenders who use child sex-abuse material to extort and coerce children.\n\nHaving and raising children is our nation\u2019s most important work. Parents deserve to feel empowered, to be assured that Washington is an ally.\n\nBarbara and I didn\u2019t fall into helicopter- or tiger-parenting categories. Our Midwestern philosophy was handed down from our parents: Have faith in God and yourself; don\u2019t worry about failure\u2014it yields resilience\u2014and remember that love guarantees you a permanent seat at the supper table.\n\nSen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/trump-signs-into-law-lummis-bill-reauthorizing-congressional-awards-program/", "Trump Signs Into Law Lummis Bill Reauthorizing Congressional Awards Program", "2025-12-27", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WY", "Cynthia M. Lummis", "L000571", "www.lummis.senate.gov", "lummis", "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Cheyenne, WY \u2014 U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement after President Trump signed her Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act into law, continuing this vital program that encourages young Americans to achieve their personal goals and give back to their communities. The Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed by Congress to young Americans aged 14 to 24. This reauthorizes the board that administers the Congressional Award Program through FY2028.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled that President Trump has signed my bipartisan legislation into law, ensuring the Congressional Award will continue empowering young Americans through FY2028,\u201d said Lummis.\u201cWyoming holds a special connection to this program\u2013 it was our own Senator Malcolm Wallop who helped establish the Congressional Award in 1979, creating a legacy that has inspired generations of youth to embrace service, personal growth, and civic responsibility. For more than forty years, this program has shaped the character of countless young people across our nation, and I am proud to see this Wyoming tradition flourish. This continued investment in America\u2019s youth will help develop the leaders our country needs for tomorrow.\u201d\n\nAbout the Congressional Award Program:\n\n\u2013 As the United States Congress\u2019 only non-profit and highest honor for youth civilians, the Congressional Award program was started by late Wyoming Senator Malcolm Wallop in 1979, and Senator Lummis is proud to carry on his legacy by serving on the national board of directors.\n\n\u2013 To achieve a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Congressional Award Certificate or Medal, each participant sets and achieves challenging goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration.\n\n\u2013 Medals are presented by members of the House and Senate, with the Gold Medal Ceremony/Summit taking place each June at a Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.\n\n\u2013 The Congressional Award is a public-private partnership.\n\n\u2013 Although created by Congress, the Congressional Award program is funded entirely through private-sector donations.\n\n\u2013 Congress provides in-kind support, including office space, the medals from the U.S. Mint and the audit oversight by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).\n\n\u2013 There are currently more than 50,000 youth enrolled throughout the country and reside in every congressional district.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 48720, "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 \"year\" = :p0 order 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