{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://renacci.house.gov/index.cfm/renacci-report?ContentRecord_id=05D251D5-DC84-4971-A8BC-7FB023BD2C8D", "12.11.15: Week In Review", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Jim Renacci", "R000586", "renacci.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\r\nThis week, we recognized the date which will live in infamy - when Japan attacked our forces on Pearl Harbor 74 years ago. Every day, but especially on December 7th, we remember our nations heroes who survived and those we lost. We are grateful to the men and women of the \"Greatest Generation\" who rose from this attack to free so many from tyranny. Thank you for your service.\r\n\r\nWashington Wrap-Up\r\nAs we start to wind down legislative business for the year, we considered two particularly important pieces of legislation this week regarding our national security and trade practices. It is extremely important we continue to consider ways to improve our homeland security and protect American businesses, and Im pleased that we did both this week. The two bills we considered are:\r\nThe Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Improvement Act\r\nFollowing the tragic events in California, it became evident we need to take swift action to ensure terrorists are not able to gain access in to the United States. While we need to keep all options on the table, such as securing our borders and halting bringing in refugees from Iraq and Syria, I was pleased we took a first step and reformed an immigration program some may try to exploit.\r\nWhat is the Visa Wavier Program?\r\n \r\nIt is a partnership among 38 countries whose citizens are allowed to travel to the United States visa-free for up to 90 days.\r\n \r\nWhat does this legislation do?\r\n \r\nThe House passed - with a large bipartisan majority  The Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act to strengthen key vulnerabilities in the program. It would:\r\n\r\nDeny VWP status to individuals who have recently travelled to certain terrorist hotspots,\r\nDemand strong intelligence and law enforcement information sharing,\r\nPrevent extremists from using fraudulent documents to evade detection,\r\nWould terminate VWP partnerships with countries who fail to screen travelers against INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) and terrorism databases.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nRead my Weekly Column here about the VWP legislation to keep Americans safe.\r\nThe Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act\r\nIt has been over 20 years since the U.S. Congress has passed true customs modernization legislation, and Im pleased to say this week we passed one. If enacted, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Modernization Act would modernize customs policies eliminating the barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises and boost their economic growth. It would also strengthen the enforcement of our trade laws by providing new tools to fight evasion of trade remedy laws, give Treasury stronger tools to responsibly fight currency manipulation, and support Israel by requiring that the Administration fight politically motivated boycotts and divestment movements.\r\nNext week, we will consider legislation to provide funding for the federal government as well as hopefully a tax extenders package. Small businesses need certainty and predictability, and I hope we are able to consider legislation to provide for this.\r\nIn the 16th District:\r\nDuring 2015, my office attended public government meetings in all 74 localities in the district\r\nAfter the Brimfield Township meeting this week, my office has attended all 74 of the city, village, and township public meetings around the 16th district. My staff and I are committed to engaging every community in the 16th district, and this accomplishment is just the start. In addition, there is always an open door policy at my Ohio and D.C. offices, so please dont hesitate to let me know how I can be of service to you.\r\nRead more here.\r\nOhio CPA Tax Conference\r\nAs an accounting practitioner and small business owner, it is always great to meet with The Ohio Society of CPAs. This week  along with my fellow Ohio colleague Congressman Pat Tiberi - we discussed our efforts in advancing tax reform for Ohioans. Our tax code is out of date and uncompetitive, hurting American families and job creators. We need to bring our tax policy into the 21st century to grow our nations economy.\r\n\r\nIf you need any additional information, please visit my website atrenacci.house.govor call my Washington office: (202) 225-3876, Wadsworth office:(330) 334-0040, or Parma office:(440) 882-6779. I also encourage you to friend me or follow me onFacebook,Twitter, Instagram, andYouTubeto get updates on my work in Washington and the 16th District.\r\nHave a great weekend,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "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"], "primary_key_values": ["http://renacci.house.gov/index.cfm/renacci-report?ContentRecord_id=05D251D5-DC84-4971-A8BC-7FB023BD2C8D"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.7721308395266533, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}