Press releases
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33,139 rows where chamber = "House", party = "Republican" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399069 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.31.18 | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The year 1619 does not loom as large in American memory as some others from our colonial experience. When thinking of those early times of English settlement in North America, 1607, the year Jamestown was founded, and 1620, when the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, are more likely to come to mind. Yet the events of 1619 had a profound impact. They are worth remembering as we enter 2019 and mark the passage of 400 years. One of them was a great stain: the beginning of slavery in English North America, with the first record of enslaved Africans arriving in Jamestown. While slavery ended with the Thirteenth Amendment passed by a Republican Congress in 1865 and subsequently ratified by the states, its effects still linger. Another event marked a major shift in the culture of Jamestown: the first large-scale recruitment of women to the colony. While some women had arrived earlier, the settlement retained the overall character of the soldiers and adventurers who had first established it. The Virginia Company's recruitment of about 90 women introduced families into the social fabric of the colony and gave it longer-term prospects. A third event was one of our Commonwealth's signal contributions to the American story. In a church in Jamestown on July 30, the Governor, four councilors, and 22 burgesses representing the colony's jurisdictions gathered. They reviewed the laws imposed by the Virginia Company and its charter, regulated commerce and settler conduct, and heard grievances from the colonists. That first session lasted less than a week, adjourning on August 4 due to the summer heat, but it was the beginning of what is today the House of Delegates, the oldest elected legislative body to have continuously met in the world. I say continuously met as, although the Parliament of the United Kingdom has older roots than our House of Delegates (the rules of that first Assembly were modeled on English parliamentary procedure), during the rule of Oliver Cromwell in the 1650s Parliament was dissolved and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/first-look-2019-elections | A First Look at the 2019 Elections | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Ralph Abraham | A000374 | abraham.house.gov | legacy | Louisiana: Can John Bel Edwards overcome his state's partisanship? Louisiana is arguably a step beyond Kentucky in its political evolution. It has a Democratic governor largely thanks to a Republican incumbent who screwed up even more egregiously than Matt Bevin: former wiz kid, congressman, and failed presidential candidate Bobby Jindal. Edwards, who was a Democratic leader in the state legislature, also benefited from a moderate-to-conservative ideological profile and a weakened opponent. That was U.S. Senator David Vitter, whoseadmitted patronage of a prostituteback in the day came up again and again as he struggled to beat other Republicans for a clear shot at Edwards in a runoff under the state's jungle primary system. Edwards's best reelection break was the decision by U.S. Senator John Kennedy todeclinea much-rumored race for governor. Northern LouisianacongressmanRalph Abrahamquicklyjumped into the ringalong with self-funding businessman Eddie Rispone, and state treasurer John Schroder is also mulling a candidacy. As of October, Morning Consult showed Edwards with a good-but-not-greatapproval ratioof 47/34. Like Bevin, Edwards is rated amodest favoritebyCook Political Report. But with Bobby Jindal gone and partisan polarization on the steady rise, it could be close. And you have to figure Donald Trump will intervene early and often in the state he carried by nearly 20 points in 2016. To read the full story, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stephanie-grace-2019s-big-questions-including-some-are-already-answered | Stephanie Grace: 2019's big questions, including some that are already answered | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Ralph Abraham | A000374 | abraham.house.gov | legacy | In some ways, this year's New Year's prediction column is pretty painless to write, because 2018 ended with some big questions about the future already answered. No,U.S. Sen. John Kennedywill not challenge Gov. John Bel Edwards for reelection, and nor will any other Republican who can match the incumbent's high profile. So 2019's marquee election starts off with a genuine stature gap between the Democratic Edwards and his currently announced Republican challengers, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone (Edwards was just as unknown when he ran the first time, but there was no incumbent, which makes all the difference). To read the full story, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/end-old-congress-beginning-new-year | COLUMN: End of Old Congress, Beginning of New Year | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | As 2018 comes to a close, so does the 115th Congress. It is an honor to represent the diverse interests of the Fourth Congressional District, and I am especially proud of the accomplishments we achieved that will improve the quality of life in Central Washington. One year after Congress passed historic tax relief for American taxpayers, we are seeing results in the form of higher paychecks, improved employee benefits, and growing small businesses. We are making it easier for Americans to save for their futures and encouraging innovation. I have heard stories from people across the Fourth District who are using their tax cuts and extra take-home pay to reinvest in our local communities. With the lowest unemployment rate in decades and hundreds of thousands of jobs being created each month, our country has a bright economic future. One of the biggest economic drivers in our state is agriculture. As a farmer, I know first-hand the difficulties farmers and ranchers face in Central Washington, from scarce water resources and labor shortages to international trade and crop insurance. While there is still a lot of work left to be done, I have worked diligently with my colleagues and the Trump Administration to address each of these issues. I am pleased that Congress delivered on one of the most important pieces of agricultural legislation: the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is only reauthorized every five years, but I am proud to have demonstrated its importance to Washington's unique agriculture industry by bringing numerous influential policymakers to meet with Central Washington farmers, including U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, Agriculture Subcommittee on Research Chairman Rodney Davis, and U.S. Agriculture Undersecretary Bill Northey. This bill will give farmers and ranchers the certainty they deserve and provide a safety net for the men and women in Washington state and across the country who produce the food that feeds America and the world. Ensuring food secu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-announces-maddie-anderson-serve-communications-director | Stefanik Announces Maddie Anderson to Serve as Communications Director | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) announced that Maddie Anderson will serve as Communications Director and media contact for the 116th Congress beginning on January 3rd, 2019. "I am excited to announce that Maddie Anderson will be joining my team as Communications Director, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Maddie's myriad of experience in the political arena will bring a unique perspective to our office. Her work ethic and expertise will be pivotal in communicating the results our office is delivering for the 21st District." Maddie Anderson is from Annapolis, Maryland. Most recently, she served as the Southeast and Midwest Regional Press Secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee. Prior to the NRCC, she served as Congressman Brian Mast's (FL-18) Communications Director for his 2016 campaign. Maddie Anderson also worked on Carlos Beruff's (R-FL) 2016 Senate race, and for Governor Bobby Jindal's (R-LA) presidential campaign in Iowa in 2015. I'm thrilled to be joining Congresswoman Stefanik's office in the New Year, said Ms. Maddie Anderson. Congresswoman Stefanik's work ethic is unmatched, and I look forward to helping her bring meaningful, bipartisan results to New York's 21st District. I am eager to get to work. Ms. Anderson will be replacing Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director, Tom Flanagin, who has accepted a position in the private sector. I thank Tom for his four years of tireless work on behalf of our district, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Tom is a tremendous talent, and my office has greatly benefited from his creativity, drive and counsel. I know he will continue to do great things in his next position. Maddie Anderson begins on January 3rd, 2019. In the meantime, please include stefanik.press@mail.house.gov and tom.flanagin@mail.house.gov on any press inquiries. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletter-archive/washington-watch-123118 | Washington Watch - 12/31/18 | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | GA | Rob Woodall | W000810 | woodall.house.gov | legacy | PRESERVING OUR NATION'S FOOD STAMP PROGRAM FOR THOSE IN NEED Under the direction of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working on regulations that would increase the solvency of one of our nation's most important social safety net programs, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also commonly referred to as food stamps. SNAP benefits, which are intended to be used by those who are struggling to support themselves, including poverty-stricken parents and their children, the elderly, and the disabled, are too often being used by those who would otherwise not qualify for open-ended support, namely able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who are age 18-49. Currently, ABAWDs are required to work or receive workforce training for a minimum of 20 hours per week if they want to receive SNAP benefits beyond 3 months in a given three-year period. However, states are given the discretion to waive that requirement for certain areas within their jurisdictions, which incentivizes millions of ABAWDs to stay out of the workforce. In fact, by some estimates, nearly 2.8 million ABAWDs are receiving food stamps, but aren't working. This waiver does a disservice to both ABAWDs and the folks who desperately need the SNAP support, not to mention the fact that this also contributes to our nation's historically low productivity rate and record high job openings. That's why I'm so pleased that USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue is going to work hard within his agency to ensure that ABAWDs who could and should look for work, are encouraged to do so. The success in our food stamp program is not measured in the number of individuals we keep as beneficiaries, but the number of folks we have helped get back on their feet to support themselves. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO PROTECT 340B HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS In addition to the many steps the Trump Administration has taken to advance America's agricultural backbone, President Trump, with the help of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Servic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/in-support-of-border-funding | In Support of Border Funding | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | As a member of the Senate Border Security and Enforcement First Immigration Caucus I am actively fighting for funding to protect our borders. National security is the federal government's number one responsibility and we must allocate resources in support of border protection that accurately reflect this priority. I supported the president's budget request for border security funding in the Senate Committee on Appropriations Fiscal Year 2019 Homeland Security bill and I will continue to advocate for increased resources for manpower and infrastructure in order to reduce illegal border crossings. There is no doubt we have a border crisis that is escalating. Department of Homeland Security data shows that apprehensions along our southern border have nearly doubled in the past year. It is in our national interest to take necessary steps to provide the tools our Customs and Border Patrol (CPB) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on the frontlines need to control our porous border and protect our communities and themselves as they carry out this important mission. I've seen firsthand the challenges our interdiction agents face. In September, I visited the southwest border in California and Texas to see how we can improve policies to better control illegal immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling. The need for more infrastructureincluding roads for access, electronic devices for surveillance and fencing for deterrencewas echoed at each stop. We heard how border security upgrades improved community safety. Increased federal investment is necessary to achieve this on a larger scale. Constructing a strong border security system coupled with enforcement of our immigration laws is a deterrent to those who seek to illegally enter our country. This is the first step to reforming our immigration system. We are a nation of immigrants and we can be proud of our history of welcoming and naturalizing those who follow the proper, legal process. We naturalize more new citizens annually than the rest of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/morris-county-listening-tour-council-grove | Morris County Listening Tour, Council Grove | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | KS | Jerry Moran | M000934 | www.moran.senate.gov | legacy | Tour Stops Home Kansas Kansas Listening Tour Tour Stops MORRIS COUNTYMonday, December 31Main StreetCouncil Grove | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5B40E031-7D99-4928-A429-EA175ECD458A | President Signs Into Law Portmans Bipartisan Bill to Protect Surviving Military Spouses | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Legislation Will Allow Spouses of Deceased Servicemembers to Break Jointly Held Residential Leases Without Penalty WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) today announced that President Trump signed into law his bipartisan Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act. The legislation, which was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL), would modify the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to allow a widow or widower of a servicemember who died while in military service (i.e., a Gold Star spouse) to terminate a jointly held residential lease, without penalty, within one year of the servicemember's death. This protection will also extend to the widow or widower of a member of the National Guard or Reserve whose death occurred while on active duty orders. I applaud the president for signing this measure into law to ensure that grieving military spouse dealing with the death of their loved one on active duty are able to end their lease without paying high termination fees, said Senator Portman. This law, with the support of numerous veterans groups and the Department of Defense, is a common-sense fix for Gold Star spouses. When a servicemember receives military orders, his or her spouse is often required to relocate and then sign a lease for a house, apartment, or other dwelling. But when the servicemember dies during military service, the surviving spouse may be forced to pay off the remainder of that residential lease even though the couple only entered into that contract to accommodate the servicemember's assignment. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active duty servicemembers may cancel agreements such as home or apartment rental contracts when they are deployed or relocated. However, these protections do not explicitly apply to Gold Star spouses who are in these agreements jointly with a servicemember who died while in military service. The Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act is also supported by The American Legion, Tra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401638 | On the Ruling in the Case of Igor Bitkov | 2018-12-30 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), chair of the House Subcommittee on Global Human Rights, issued the following statement on the court order for the release of Igor Bitkov: "I welcome the news that a court in Guatemala on Friday ordered Igor Bitkov released, sentencing him to time served. I fully expect that the release of his wife and daughter, Irina and Anastasia, will likewise be forthcoming. "That said, the original prosecution and jailing of the Bitkovs orchestrated by the Russian government in collusion with an out-of-control UN 'anti-corruption' entity, CICIG was a farce. "There needs to be accountability. While it is up to the Guatemalans to address the flaws in the Guatemalan justice system that this case laid bare such as the extensive use of pretrial detention there are individuals in our State Department who turned a blind eye to the abuses of CICIG, an entity which we fund. This is especially egregious given the role played by Russian government actors. I renew my call for the State Department's Inspector General, as well as independent investigative journalists, to examine this thoroughly. "The role of the Putin government in the prosecution underscores the stakes for the Bitkov family, whose plight was the subject of a hearing I chaired in April. While Friday's decision is good news, they remain in peril.Under no circumstances can they be returned to Russia. Theymust be given asylum, if not in Guatemala, then in a third country." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/2018-year-in-review | 2018: Year in Review | 2018-12-30 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AL | Bradley Byrne | B001289 | byrne.house.gov | legacy | 2018 was a landmark year in many ways for Alabama and the United States. From defense funding to town halls, agriculture to Red Snapper, there was much to celebrate this year and much to anticipate in the next. Join me as we take a look back at the past year. I kicked things off in January by celebrating my 100th Town Hall Meeting in Grove Hill. I always enjoy meeting the folks in our area and hearing about the issues that matter most to them. This year, I hosted 25 town hall meetings throughout Southwest Alabama. We made realstrides in 2018 when it comes to our national defense, including passing much needed funding for Alabama's many defense priorities. I was proud to vote in favor of a funding bill that allows for the construction of three Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and one Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), which are built by Austal USA in Mobile. This funding helps us move toward a 355-ship Navy. This marked the first time in ten years that we were able to fully fund our military on time, and in a bipartisan way. We funded critical Alabama defense priorities like the Austal shipyard; additional UH-60M Black Hawk, Lakota, and Apache helicopters, which are critical to the Army aviation mission at Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass; $22.4 million went to the Stryker Upgrade program, which supports the work at the Anniston Army Depot; and we increased funding to address cyber threats to our missile defense systems, which is critical to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. This year, we were able to celebrate great developments for our local fishermen and coastal communities. In April, a 47-day Red Snapper season for recreational fishermen was announced. And just this December, NOAA Fisheries published a new rule to increase the annual catch limits and annual catch targets for the Red Snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. These latest numbers further drive us forward in the fight for greater state control over the Red Snapper fishery. Thanks to bipartisan reforms to our career and technical education programs, we are bet… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/turner-on-federal-employee-pay-increase | TURNER on Federal Employee Pay Increase | 2018-12-30 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | OH | Michael Turner | T000463 | turner.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order cancelling the pay increase expected for civilian federal workers in 2019: As I advocated in August, Congress must reject the President's imprudent decision to cancel the pay increase for our valuable federal civilian employees. Congress still has the ability to override this executive order as we work to end the partial government shutdown. I will continue to fight to retain the federal civilian employee pay increase that was promised to our government's dedicated public servants. The Dayton region is home to over 15,000 federal civilian employees, including more than 12,000 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. When this executive order was first threatened, Congressman Turner strongly opposed it and advocated overriding it to Congressional leadership. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-confirms-fema-reverses-course-nfip-policies-will-be-written-effective | Scalise Confirms that FEMA Reverses Course, NFIP Policies Will be Written Effective Immediately | 2018-12-29 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after receiving FEMA's new guidance restoring the ability of the National Flood Insurance Program to write and renew flood insurance policies during the government shutdown: I'm glad after speaking with OMB and FEMA yesterday that they have decided to reverse course and allow flood insurance policies to continue as usual. While it's frustrating that they did not follow Congressional intent from the beginning, I'm glad they were willing to work with me on reversing their initial decision. Iwill work with the Administration on passing a long-term reauthorization of the flood insurance program.Millions of families in Louisiana and across the country rely on this program, and we need to give them the assurances and peace of mind they deserve. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://turner.house.gov/2018/12/turner-on-federal-employee-pay-increase | TURNER on Federal Employee Pay Increase | 2018-12-29 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | OH | Michael R. Turner | T000463 | turner.house.gov | turner | https://turner.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | 0 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | |
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsarticles?ContentRecord_id=6393F1C3-85F1-4E2E-AE1F-9167144E2017 | Washington Post: Alexander seeks to stay the course of bipartisanship in his final Senate stretch | 2018-12-29 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | In baseball, .400 puts you in the Hall of Fame. Alexander declined to single out any colleagues who stayed too long in the Senate, but it's clear that had an impact on his decision. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) won a seventh Senate term in 2014, at the age of 77, and earlier this year had to retire amid a physical and mental decline. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) won a seventh term in 2012, at 78, and decided to retire this year. Lately he has struggled to articulate some points, leading to staff statements more fully describing his thoughts. Alexander, in fine health, did not want to risk tainting his reputation. Another term was an eight-year commitment, he said two years to run for reelection and six years to serve out the term. At that point, he would be 86. He has known McConnell for decades, but he only hinted to the leader months ago that he would likely retire. The two men did not seek each other's advice about their own futures. It's such a personal decision, Alexander said. As of now, McConnell, 76, is running hard for a seventh term which would end when he is 84. Alexander wasn't afraid of a challenge from a hard-line conservative in a GOP primary. I actually like defeating evil forces where I can find them in politics, Alexander said. That's about as intemperate as Alexander will ever sound, which makes him an outlier in this political era of shouting into the winds of cable news and social media. But that style has made him indispensable inside the Senate, where some things have not changed. It's still based on relationships, he said. Alexander, a former Tennessee governor who twice ran for president, built strong enough relationships early in his Senate career to climb to the No. 3 post in leadership. But he voluntarily jumped off the leadership ladder in 2012 so that he could refashion himself as an across-the-aisle dealmaker. He worked with Schumer on easing the cumbersome process for confirming presidential nominees and then spent the past four years chairing th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398897 | Burgess Releases 2018 Year End Report | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after publishing his 2018 Year End Report detailing key accomplishments and services for the 26th District. I began the 115th Congress with high expectations for what we could accomplish for North Texans. As this term concludes, it is clear we have achieved important legislative victories and made significant strides in areas where work remains. From committee hearings to town halls, case work to media interviews, I am committed to serving the 26th District to the best of my ability. As a Member of Congress, I have always made communicating with constituents one of my top priorities, and this annual report is one way I share my work on behalf of the 26th District of Texas. I hope North Texans review it and let me know how I can best serve them and their families as we look ahead to 2019. During 2018, Dr. Burgess: Authored and introduced 18 bills Hosted or attended more than 430 meetings Gave 80+ interviews Resolved 434 cases with federal agencies on behalf of constituents Received and responded to more than 50,000 pieces of correspondence Honored 19 student constituents entering the U.S. Service Academies Traveled more than 6,000 miles in North Texas For more, please read the complete 2018 Year End Report. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401633 | <span class="kicker">Washington Post op-ed by U.S. Congressman Chris Smith</span>'The World Must Stand Against China's War on Religion' | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Chris Smith, a Republican, represents New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mihrigul Tursunsaid she pleaded with God to end her life as her Chinese jailers increased the electrical currents coursing through her body. Tursun, aMuslim Uighurwhose escape led her to the United States in September, broke down weeping at a Nov. 28congressional hearing as sherecounted her experiencein one of China's infamouspoliticalre-educationcenters. It is an appalling story but one that is all too familiar as existential threats to religious freedom rise in President Xi Jinping's China. The world can't ignore what's happening there. We must all stand up and oppose these human rights violations. The ruling Chinese Communist Party has undertaken the most comprehensive attempt to manipulate and control or destroy religious communities since Chairman Mao Zedong made the eradication of religion a goal of his disastrousCultural Revolutionhalf a century ago. Now Xi, apparently fearing the power of independent religious belief as a challenge to the Communist Party's legitimacy, is trying to radically transform religion into the party's servant, employing a draconian policy known assinicization. Under sinicization, all religions and believers must comport with and aggressively promote communist ideology or else. To drive home the point, religious believers of every persuasion areharassed, arrested, jailed or tortured. Only the compliant are left relatively unscathed. Bibles are burned,churches destroyed,crosses set ablaze atop church steeplesand now, under Xi, religious leaders are required to installfacial-recognition camerasin their places of worship. New regulations expand restrictions on religious expressiononlineandprohibit those under age 18 from attending services. Government officials are also reportedlyrewritingreligious texts including the Bible that remove content unwanted by the atheist Communist Party, and have launched afive-year sinicization planfor Chinese Protestant Christians. These e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/letters-garret-graves-leads-saltwater-anglers-victory | Letters: Garret Graves leads saltwater anglers to victory | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Ralph Abraham | A000374 | abraham.house.gov | legacy | As saltwater anglers in Sportsman's Paradise, we are blessed with abundant fisheries resources off our coast. Today, we are grateful to our members of Congress who understand the value of America's fisheries and the public's access to those resources. On Dec. 19, Congress passed legislation known as the Modern Fish Act (S. 1520) to improve the way recreational fisheries are managed in federal waters nine to 200 nautical miles off Louisiana's coast. The Modern Fish Act, championed by its lead sponsors, U.S. Rep. Garret Graves R-Baton Rouge, and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, now heads to the White House for President Donald Trump's signature. As we head into the new year, anglers from coast to coast to coast can be proud of what the Modern Fish Act means for the future of recreational fishing. We are now on a path to better, more modern management and improved data collection on angler effort and harvest. Ultimately, these updates should help avoid the abrupt closures and inconsistent fishing regulations that have been plaguing many federally-managed recreational fisheries in the last several years. I would like to thank Graves and his colleagues from Louisiana's congressional delegation in particular, Modern Fish Act co-sponsors U.S. Sens Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and U.S. Reps. Clay Higgins,Ralph Abrahamand Mike Johnson who stood up for Louisiana's 400,000 saltwater anglers on Capitol Hill and demanded that we have a seat at the table of fisheries management. To read the full story, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/looking-back-2018 | Looking Back at 2018 | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NE | Adrian Smith | S001172 | adriansmith.house.gov | legacy | 2018 has been a productive year. The economic benefits of tax reform are on display throughout the country with businesses expanding and jobs being created all around us. While there is much left to be done, I'd like to discuss a few of our proudest accomplishments from the past year. During the week before Christmas, the Senate passed my bill to help our agricultural producers in the Northport Irrigation District. Once signed into law, this bill will allow individual land owners to repay their portion of federal irrigation infrastructure loans instead of paying only the interest as they have for decades. I was pleased to see the House pass it earlier this year and I thank Senator Fischer for her diligent efforts to shepherd it through the Senate. Earlier in December, President Trump issued a new rule to supplant President Obama's vastly overreaching WOTUS rule which threatened the productivity of our farmers and ranchers. When President Obama's EPA first issued the rule, I introduced a joint resolution to repeal it under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) which easily passed both the House and Senate and forced a veto by President Obama. I appreciate President Trump's efforts to shield our agricultural producers from overregulation and I look forward to putting this problem behind us for good. President Trump also recently notified Congress of his intent to negotiate a trade agreement to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers between the United States and Japan. I have long called for such negotiations, including through a House resolution I introduced last year, and I look forward to the 116th Congress when I will take over as co-Chair of the U.S. Japan Congressional Caucus. Through this position, I hope to strengthen our ties with Japanese leaders and build support a mutually beneficial agreement between our two nations. Among our other accomplishments was an amendment to the FAA's reauthorization bill which will allow several of Nebraska's airports to continue receiving safety improvement funding. Many of ou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/bacon-voices-support-district-court-judge-nominee-buescher | Bacon Voices Support for District Court Judge Nominee Buescher | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NE | Don Bacon | B001298 | bacon.house.gov | legacy | OMAHA, NE- Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) today expressed support for Brian Buescher of Omaha, who has been nominated by the President to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge in Nebraska. He also expressed disappointment in two U.S. Senators for their religious discrimination shown in their questioning: Brian Buescher is a distinguished civic leader and accomplished attorney here in Omaha and has the outstanding judicial temperament needed to serve on the court. Recent questioning from two Democratic Senators on his affiliations with the Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus are out of line and against the spirit of the founding of this nation. We should never have a religious test as a qualification or disqualification to become a judge. Further, our First Amendment right to exercise our faith freely is core to the character of our country. Brian Buescher should be confirmed, and we should rebuke Senators Mazie Hurino of Hawaii and Kamala Harris of California for their disturbing questioning that smells and looks like anti-religious bigotry. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://chriscollins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-bill-renaming-post-office-in-honor-of-staff-sergeant-alexandria | Collins Bill Renaming Post Office In Honor Of Staff Sergeant Alexandria Gleason-Morrow Becomes Law | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NY | Chris Collins | C001092 | chriscollins.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today legislation sponsored by Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) to rename the U.S. Post Office in Dansville, New York after Staff Sergeant Alexandria Gleason-Morrow officially became law. SSgt Gleason-Morrow was a Dansville native who was killed in the line of duty March 22, 2017 while serving in Jordan. I am honored that President Trump signed this piece of legislation honoring Staff Sergeant Gleason-Morrow,said Congressman Collins.Staff Sergeant Gleason-Morrow was a true American hero that represented the very best of the Dansville community. Renaming this post office after her stands as a lasting tribute to her bravery, heroism and sacrifice for our country. SSgt. Gleason-Morrow enlisted into the United States Air Force after graduating from Dansville Senior High School. She attended the Air Force's Aircraft Armament Technical School after basic training, and was assigned to the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. SSgt. Gleason-Morrow was deployed to Jordan during the Operation Inherent Resolve, and died from non-combat related injuries while performing maintenance duties on a fighter aircraft. Alexandria Mae Gleason-Morrow was a great American that loved her country and put her life on the line to defend us all,said StephanieGleason, mother of SSgt Gleason-Morrow.She was a top notch airwoman that gave her all, and never accepted anything but perfection. She taught those around her to become the best person they could possibly be. Alex was the best daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, wife and friend to us all. Gleason added:To say I feel a little overwhelmed is an understatement. To know that so many people still remember Alex and care about our family is heartwarming. All I can say is thank you this honor has truly made our Christmas and New Year brighter. SSgt Gleason was posthumously honored by her comrades when she was named the first Senior Airman team chief for the 389th Thunderbolts Aircraft Unit, a subdivision of the 366th Squadron. S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-appointed-ranking-member-house-rules-committee | Cole Appointed Ranking Member of House Rules Committee | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Norman, OK Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he was appointed by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy to serve as Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee in the 116th Congress. Ranking Member is the top Republican leadership position on this important panel. Before consideration on the House floor, every piece of legislation must first pass through the Rules Committee. Going into the new Congress, I am honored to serve as Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, said Cole. I am grateful to Leader McCarthy for appointing me to serve in this key role on behalf of House Republicans and entrusting me to lead. While divided government is challenging, the American people are still counting on Congress to govern. Without question, the Rules Committee is an essential piece in the process of fulfilling that duty effectively. In my new role, I look forward to continuing to serve on the Rules panel and working with my colleagues to ensure Republicans remain heard and influential. Prior to this appointment, Cole has served numerous stints on the House Rules Committee. He first served as a member from 2004 to 2006; he was then reappointed in 2013 in the 113th Congress and has remained on the panel during each consecutive Congress. Since 2017, he has served as Vice Chairman of the committee. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/letters-garret-graves-leads-saltwater-anglers-victory | Letters: Garret Graves leads saltwater anglers to victory | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Garret Graves | G000577 | garretgraves.house.gov | legacy | As saltwater anglers in Sportsman's Paradise, we are blessed with abundant fisheries resources off our coast. Today, we are grateful to our members of Congress who understand the value of America's fisheries and the public's access to those resources. On Dec. 19, Congress passed legislation known as the Modern Fish Act (S. 1520) to improve the way recreational fisheries are managed in federal waters nine to 200 nautical miles off Louisiana's coast. The Modern Fish Act, championed by its lead sponsors, U.S. Rep. Garret Graves R-Baton Rouge, and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, now heads to the White House for President Donald Trump's signature. This historic, bipartisan vote on the Modern Fish Act marks the first time a sport-fishing-focused bill has ever passed out of Congress and takes important steps toward updating the way recreational fisheries are managed at the federal level. America's federal fisheries have for decades been managed by policies designed to manage commercial fishing. Therefore, one of America's favorite pastimes often fell victim to regulations never suited to the nature of our sport. As we head into the new year, anglers from coast to coast to coast can be proud of what the Modern Fish Act means for the future of recreational fishing. We are now on a path to better, more modern management and improved data collection on angler effort and harvest. Ultimately, these updates should help avoid the abrupt closures and inconsistent fishing regulations that have been plaguing many federally-managed recreational fisheries in the last several years. I would like to thank Graves and his colleagues from Louisiana's congressional delegation in particular, Modern Fish Act co-sponsors U.S. Sens Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and U.S. Reps. Clay Higgins, Ralph Abraham and Mike Johnson who stood up for Louisiana's 400,000 saltwater anglers on Capitol Hill and demanded that we have a seat at the table of fisheries management. Jeff Angers president, Center for Sportfishing Policy Baton Rouge | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-calls-fiscally-responsible-wall-funding-plan | JONES CALLS FOR FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE WALL FUNDING PLAN | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NC | Walter Jones | J000255 | jones.house.gov | legacy | GREENVILLE, NC As portions of the federal government remain shuttered over a standoff between the president and Congress regarding funding for the wall, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) reminded all parties that increases in federal spending, including expenditures for the wall, should not be paid for by raising the debt. Whatever compromise is reached, it should be paid for without adding to the deficit or the debt, said Congressman Jones. America's national debt is nearly $22 trillion. Next year our annual deficit is projected to top $1 trillion. We can't afford to keep financing the provision of government services by borrowing more and more money. It's morally irresponsible and it's got to stop. Improving security on the southern border is essential, and we need a fiscally responsible plan to pay for it, Jones continued. If Mexico isn't going to be made to pay for a wall, that means funds must be found internally. Options could include cutting other wasteful federal spending. Foreign aid and the war in Afghanistan would be good places to start. As a wealthy man, the president might consider pledging some of his own funds as well. Whatever it takes, just so long as we don't add to the debt that is bankrupting our great country. Congressman Jones is a leader in the fight to cut wasteful spending and balance the budget. He has consistently voted against increasing the debt limit, and over the past 14 years, he is the only member of Congress to vote against every bloated federal budget. For additional information, please contact Congressman Walter Jones' office at (202) 225-3415. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-king-time-for-us-to-recognize-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan | Congressman King: Time for U.S. to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NY | Peter King | K000210 | peteking.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Pete King Statement: "To reaffirm our commitment to Israel and opposition to Iran expansion & aggression, it is time for the United States to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights. Essential to Israeli security, regional stability and U.S. national interest." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2320 | Toomey in Today's Morning Call: Even with Divided Congress, Opportunities Exist for Bipartisan Legislation | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | PA | Patrick Toomey | T000461 | toomey.senate.gov | legacy | Allentown, Pa. - In an op-ed published in today's Morning Call, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) details his legislative priorities for the coming legislative session and what he believes can be accomplished under divided government. Topics include, but are not limited to, making permanent the expiring provisions of tax reform, strengthening firearm background checks, expanding opportunities for international trade, and a federal infrastructure improvement measure. Senator Toomey's op-ed is provided below and available here. Your View: Even with divided Congress, opportunities exist for bipartisan legislationMorning Call By Senator Pat Toomey December 28, 2018 In January, Americans will send a divided government to Washington. As we consider our legislative agenda for the next Congress, our first rule should be: Do no harm. The American economy is the strongest we've seen in decades. Economic growth has accelerated, unemployment is at 3.7 percent, middle-class wages are finally rising, and for the first time there are more job openings than there are people looking for a job. This is largely due to historic tax reform and regulatory relief that has been enacted over the past two years. We should make the expiring provisions of tax reform permanent and continue the regulatory reforms that helped get us here. Another important opportunity is meaningful entitlement reform. Our structural deficits and accumulating debt will, at some point, undermine economic growth and our standard of living if uncorrected. The three big entitlement programs - Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - are the root cause of our fiscal problems. Successful reforms in the past were achieved when members of both parties were willing to take political risks together. I have no illusions that this will be easy - or likely. But Congress owes the American people a government that is fiscally stable. Areas where we have better odds of making real progress include keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the dangerously mentally ill; ex… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A7D3A133-078D-4BAC-B9AA-278F4DBC74B9 | Alexander: Mercury Rule Has Kept Tennessees Air Clean | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tenn.,December 28,2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Mercury Rule is important to help keep Tennessee's air clean. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a proposed rule to revise regulations related to the Mercury Rule. Ever since being elected to the Senate, I have worked to clean up our aircleaner air means better jobs as well as better health for Tennesseans,Alexander said.The Mercury Rule, which was finalized in 2012, required utilities to install pollution control equipment to reduce emissions of mercury and hazardous air pollutants in order to keep our air, waters and streams cleanwhich has been good for our state and its economy. I will review the Trump Administration's proposed rule in the coming weeks to determine its potential impact on Tennessee. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (the Mercury Rule) was finalized in February 2012 to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants from power plants. In June 2012, Alexandervoted to supportthe Mercury Rule on the Senate floor. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/tb-p-sen-boozman-says-work-being-done-to-protect-election-integrity | TB&P: Provision in new Farm Bill could help Arkansas farmers sell crops in Cuba | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | In the News The newly minted Farm Bill contains a provision that will allow U.S. agricultural producers to use federal market promotion dollars for exports to Cuba. Full story:https://talkbusiness.net/2018/12/provision-in-new-farm-bill-could-help-arkansas-farmers-sell-crops-in-cuba/ | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-looks-back-at-2018 | VIDEO: Capito Looks Back at 2018 | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WV | Shelley Capito | C001047 | www.capito.senate.gov | legacy | 12.28.18 VIDEO: Capito Looks Back at 2018 CHARLESTON, W.Va. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released a video highlighting various events from 2018 and her work for West Virginians during the past year. Click here or the image above to watch the video. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-fema-will-correct-error-resume-sales-of-new-flood-insurance-policies | Cassidy Announces FEMA Will Correct Error, Resume Sales of New Flood Insurance Policies | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Bill Cassidy | C001075 | www.cassidy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.28.18 Cassidy Announces FEMA Will Correct Error, Resume Sales of New Flood Insurance Policies WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), released the following statement announcing that in response to his letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long, the agency will reverse its decision to suspend sales of new flood insurance (NFIP) policies during the partial government shutdown. FEMA's initial NFIP guidance made no sense, and I'm happy to announce they are heeding my direction and will start selling new flood insurance policies again. It's unfortunate so many people were inconvenienced due to FEMA's error, but I'm glad they are correcting it so home sales in limbo can proceed, said Dr. Cassidy. Now if only Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and other Washington Democrats will also listen to common sense, we can pass a bill to secure the border and end this partial government shutdown. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-members-coast-guard-affected-partial-government-shutdown | Senator Collins Statement on Members of Coast Guard Affected by Partial Government Shutdown | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins' Statement on Members of Coast Guard Affected by Partial Government Shutdown Posted Fri, 12/28/2018 - 16:49 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement today regarding a separate payroll system that will prevent active-duty members of the Coast Guard from receiving pay for pre-shutdown work unless action is taken: Most federal employees will receive their scheduled paychecks today, but that is not the case for 42,000 Coast Guard members, who will not be paid for pre-shutdown work because they are under a different pay system.This is not fair. I called the White House to urge an immediate fix. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=DBFE6666-2B3C-4EFD-A346-21293A6E0C8C | Corker Announces Portman Will Lead Congressional Efforts to End Modern Slavery Worldwide | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON As his time in Congress comes to a close, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today announced that Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) will take the helm of congressional efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. For years, Senator Portman has been a champion in Congress in the fight against human trafficking here at home, and I can think of no one better to take up the mantle in the global fight against this scourge on humanity as I depart the Senate, said Corker. With passage of the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act and launch of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, we have made great progress in this fight, but much more work remains. While I plan to continue to play a role in this fight as a private citizen, I am incredibly grateful that Rob has agreed to take the helm in Congress to ensure this important work continues as we strive to end modern slavery once and for all. I am honored that Senator Corker has entrusted me with this role and I want to thank him for his tireless and courageous efforts to combat this horrific crime around the globe, said Portman. Over the past decade we have made progress but there is much more to do both in the U.S. and in other countries to help end this scourge once and for all. BACKGROUND: More than 27 million people are enslaved around the world, more than at any time in history. While U.S. government agencies and non-profit organizations have taken significant steps to end this scourge on humanity, much more work remains. Recognizing the United States could not meet this challenge alone, three years ago, Senator Corker proposed a bold, bipartisan initiative to end modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. Not unlike the role PEPFAR has played in fighting AIDS across the globe, the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act was designed to leverage limited foreign aid dollars and galvanize tremendous support and investment from the public sector, philanthropic organizations, and the private s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-marks-policy-oversight-accomplishments-115th-congress | Grassley Marks Policy, Oversight Accomplishments of the 115th Congress | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments in the 115th Congress. Serving the people of Iowa as their United States Senator is my first priority and it's an honor that I take seriously, Grassley said. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and through my extensive oversight efforts, my work focuses on making government more transparent, efficient and accountable to Iowans and all Americans. Grassley holds at least one question-and-answer session in each of Iowa's 99 counties every year to hear concerns and answer questions on any subject fromIowans. In 2018, Grassleycompletedhisannual county meetings for the 38th year in a row. Grassley holdsmeetings in a variety of settingsto ensure that a broad cross-section of Iowans can participate, includingbusinesses, schools,townmeetings andfactory floors. Although the setting may differ from county to county, the format is the same: Iowans set the agenda. In addition to his annual meetings, Grassley attended or convened a variety of events and forums, including: In 2018, Grassley created a social media series called #CornWatch that gave followers an insider look at farming operations and tracked the progression of the corn crop grown on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa from planting through harvest. When the Senate is in session, Grassley sets aside eight 15-minute meetings everyMondaythroughThursdayto meet with Iowans in Washington, D.C., including advocacy groups, associations, chambers of commerce and local business leaders, students and families. During the 115th Congress, Grassley metwith more than 2,000 groups of Iowans visiting the nation's capital and discussed a variety of policy issues affecting Iowans such as trade, tax reform and health care. Grassley also joined 26 Iowa schoolsfor Q&As via video conferencing and, as an avid fan of Iowa universities, attended dozens of sporting events. Highlights of Grassley's legislative and oversight work follow here: Agriculture: As the sen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/concordia-blade-empire | Concordia Blade-Empire: Moran offers support for Concordia's IAP grant application | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | KS | Jerry Moran | M000934 | www.moran.senate.gov | legacy | Moran offers support for Concordia's IAP grant applicationConcordia Blade-Empire Friday, December 28 Offering his support for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Grant application submitted by the city of Concordia, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran visited Blosser Municipal Airport on Thursday to gather information on the proposed project. The city, in October 2018, submitted the grant application to the FAA seeking funds to construct a new runway east of the existing runway and an estimated cost of $6.5 million. There is no local match necessary for the grant. The United State Congress authorized an additional $1 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (IAP). Pleasing to me is that it is a priority program for rural communities. That doesn't happen very often in Washington D.C. Moran (R-Kansas) said. About $200 million has been awarded for 37 projects, and there is a total of $11 billion in applications. There are currently eight applications in Kansas pending, and Moran is expecting the decision to be made on the Concordia application in the first half of 2020. I want to be in position to be helpful to this community as this grant application makes its way across the desks of the people at the FAA, Moran said. Steve Richard, who serves on the Airport Advisory Board, said that the current runway, which is 3,600 feet long, was constructed in 1984. Richard said that the Airport Master Plan was updated in 2013. An environmental impact study for a longer runway was done and land was acquired. The Master Plan, which included a 4,800 foot runway, was signed off on by the FAA. When this program came down for the billion dollars we all had a smile on our faces, and said we have a shovel ready project, lets do it, Richard said. When approached on the project, the FAA determined a longer runway wasn't need. Moran asked Brad Waller, branch manager for Bensch in Manhattan, why if the longer runway was in the Master Plan, the FAA now says it is not needed. Really its a change over in personnel, Waller s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E70E4FEC-11D1-420A-AB6A-D3EBA9E5C201 | Corker Announces Portman Will Lead Congressional Efforts to End Modern Slavery Worldwide | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. As his time in Congress comes to a close, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today announced that Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) will take the helm of congressional efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. For years, Senator Portman has been a champion in Congress in the fight against human trafficking here at home, and I can think of no one better to take up the mantle in the global fight against this scourge on humanity as I depart the Senate, said Corker. With passage of the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act and launch of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, we have made great progress in this fight, but much more work remains. While I plan to continue to play a role in this fight as a private citizen, I am incredibly grateful that Rob has agreed to take the helm in Congress to ensure this important work continues as we strive to end modern slavery once and for all. I am honored that Senator Corker has entrusted me with this role and I want to thank him for his tireless and courageous efforts to combat this horrific crime around the globe, said Portman. Over the past decade we have made progress but there is much more to do both in the U.S. and in other countries to help end this scourge once and for all. BACKGROUND: More than 27 million people are enslaved around the world, more than at any time in history. While U.S. government agencies and non-profit organizations have taken significant steps to end this scourge on humanity, much more work remains. Recognizing the United States could not meet this challenge alone, three years ago, Senator Corker proposed a bold, bipartisan initiative to end modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. Not unlike the role PEPFAR has played in fighting AIDS across the globe, the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act was designed to leverage limited foreign aid dollars and galvanize tremendous support and investment from the public sector, philanthropic organizations, and the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2109DD93-364B-4502-AA5E-5393E3C20EEC | Rubio Applauds Administration Decision To Reverse DHS Guidance On The NFIP During Government Shutdown | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | FL | Marco Rubio | R000595 | www.rubio.senate.gov | legacy | Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL Today,U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement applauding the decision by the administration to reverse new guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that prevents the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from writing or renewing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies during the current government shutdown. Yesterday, Rubio urged the Office of Budget Management (OMB) to reverse this decision.I am glad to see commonsense prevail in Washington. When Congress passed legislation last week to keep the NFIP operating until June 2019, our intent was clear. I thank the administration for reversing DHS actions and ensuring Floridians can continue to obtain and maintain flood insurance. I look forward to working with my colleagues to secure a long-term reauthorization of the program and much-needed reforms.Timeline of Rubio's Efforts on the National Flood Insurance Program December 27, 2018 Rubio Urges OMB To Reverse DHS Guidance On The NFIP During Government Shutdown December 21, 2018 Rubio Welcomes Passage of Bill To Extend National Flood Insurance Program November 28, 2018Rubio Comments on NFIP Reauthorization November 15, 2018 Rubio Introduces Bill to Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program for Six Months July 31, 2018 Rubio Comments on Senate Reauthorization of National Flood Insurance Program July 25, 2018 Rubio on National Flood Insurance Program: We Should Not Hold Floridians Hostage July 18, 2018 Rubio Video Statement: We need to extend NFIP now or it will be a disaster for Florida July 18, 2018 Rubio in Tampa Bay Times: Congress Needs Long-Term Solution for Flood Insurance Program June 21, 2018 Rubio Secures Funding for FEMA Pre-disaster Mitigation and Flood Hazard Mapping and Ri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=808C44EE-A98D-4A86-AEE7-4EDA81F930B6 | Rubio to Release Report, Hold Press Conference on 2018 Accomplishments | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | FL | Marco Rubio | R000595 | www.rubio.senate.gov | legacy | Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will release a report called Fighting for Florida detailing his legislative accomplishments during the 115th Congress. Rubio's remarks at Florida International University are open to the press and will be live streamed here at 10:00 am EST.The 15-page report, accompanied by a four and a half minute video, highlights Rubio's legislative accomplishments and provides a look at his behind the scenes efforts to influence policy in Washington. Last year, a non-partisan analysis ranked Rubio 4th out of 100 Senators for the number of bills he wrote that became law. That same analysis ranked Rubio 5th overall in Senate leadership and 6th in bipartisan support for his bills. Overall, more than two dozen bills Rubio introduced or served as the lead Republican sponsor became law over the past two years.One of my highest priorities continues to be ensuring that my staff and I are available to help Floridians with whatever federal assistance they may need,Rubio said. We have also accomplished some incredible policy victories over the last two years for Florida and for our nation.Landmark Laws: A few of the dozens of new laws are truly landmark accomplishments for Florida and the nation. In 2017, Rubio's Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Actbecame law. That same year, he successfully expanded the size of the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, and for the first time made the first $1,400 refundable against an individual's payroll taxes. This year, Rubio secured congressional authorization and funding to construct the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoir to reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges to coastal communities.Leading during Crisis: From harmfu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=CC7140F4-12EB-4D1B-B0FB-F86F31DDFED3 | Wicker Hopeful About Reforms in FIRST STEP Act | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | MS | Roger Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | legacy | A few weeks ago, I joined President Trump in Gulfport for a roundtable discussion on prison reform. Then, on December 18, I voted for the federal legislation discussed at that meeting, the FIRST STEP Act. This important bill does as its name implies, taking a constructive step to fix our criminal justice system while strengthening law and order over the long term. It was encouraging to see Democrats and Republicans rally around the legislation, which earned the support of the Trump Administration and a wide range of outside groups. One of the bill's primary objectives is to reverse the problem of recidivism when offenders are rearrested after their release. Studies have shown that rearrests happen for nearly half of federal prisoners. Preventing Future Crime The FIRST STEP Act seeks to break this cycle of incarceration by encouraging prisoners to participate in programs that have been shown to reduce recidivism. These programs are potentially life-changing for participants. They also offer benefits to society as a whole, preventing future crime and prison overcrowding not to mention the associated financial burdens that crime and incarceration put on taxpayers. The programs can also provide educational opportunities and vocational training, readying inmates to find a job when they leave prison. The job environment that prisoners face after their release matters to their successful transition back into society. Today's thriving economy has created more jobs and an attractive market for job seekers. Job programs in prison could help lower the high unemployment that currently exists among working-age men with a criminal history. In the end, employers would have more skilled applicants to fill available positions and our economy's productivity would remain strong. Sensible Adjustments to Sentencing Rules Another important reform in the bill is the slight modifications it makes to current sentencing rules for nonviolent prisoners. Moreover, it empowers judges to decide appropriate sentences rather than forcing… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398894 | Burgess Urges Senate to Fund Border Security, End Shutdown | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement on the current government shutdown. The defense of our nation must be Congress' first priority. Period. I urge the Senate to join the House and pass H.R. 695, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019, which includes President Trump's requested funding to build an effective wall on our southern border and protect the American people. Any vote against this funding is not only a vote for this unnecessary government shutdown, but also a direct vote against secure borders and national security. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401632 | Protecting Taxpayers and Encouraging Charitable Giving: the Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Amid fresh reports that charitable giving could drop precipitously for 2018 because of the changes to the tax law, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) is calling attention to a bipartisan remedy he proposed this year and will reintroduce at the beginning of the 116th Congress. Smith's Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act would allow taxpayers to write off charitable donations to organizations that volunteer and assist those in need, whether or not they choose to itemize on their taxes. Charitable organizationsincluding homeless shelters, soup kitchens, after-school programs, churches and synagoguesdepend upon the generosity of many American taxpayers to continue serving those most in need. Yet with last year's changes to the tax law many charities are facing the unintended consequences of the new policywhat could be a steep drop in donations. Just yesterday, USA Today reported concerns of organizations that say charitable giving in this year alone could decline by as much as $20 billion, Smith said. My legislation would help remedy this problem, allowing all those who wish to donate to charity to do so whether or not they itemize, thus protecting taxpayers while encouraging continued support for groups assisting the vulnerable among us, Smith said. I plan to reintroduce this legislation in the coming Congress and look forward to its bipartisan support and swift passage. Studies including the American Enterprise Institute's Charitable Giving and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act report predicted that charitable giving would significantly decline in 2018, due to an increase in the standard deduction in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which would result in many taxpayers no longer choosing to itemize on their taxes, which would include being able to write off charitable donations. In May of 2018, Rep. Smith introduced HR 5771, the bipartisan Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Actwhich he plans to reintroduce in the 116th Congress. The legislation would make charitable tax deductions universal and above-the-line, provid… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lanny-keller-beware-conventional-wisdom-louisiana-governors-race | Rep. Ralph Abraham holds fundraiser for gubernatorial campaign tonight to beef up his war chest | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Ralph Abraham | A000374 | abraham.house.gov | legacy | Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight to beef up his campaign war chest, as he attempts to catch up to the at least five million dollars in campaign funds reported by the Edwards re-election campaign earlier this year. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says he'll need a lot of cash on hand, because this race will be remarkably expensive. Former U.S Senator Vitter raised about 11-million in an unsuccessful campaign against Governor Edwards, so he's going to need at least ten million dollars. Baton Rouge businessman and fellow Republican Eddie Rispone has also pledge five million of his own dollars for his own campaign. Abraham has served for four years in Congress, likely making quite a few deep pocketed contacts. Stockley says there's a few industries that tend to come in handy for Louisiana Republicans looking to raise campaign funds. To read the full story, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=377 | Joyce Issues Statement on Partial Government Shutdown | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | OH | Dave Joyce | J000295 | joyce.house.gov | legacy | How to use: Insert <span class="EXACT_VALUE_LABEL_AS_ENTERED_BELOW">&nbsp;</span> where you'd like the value to be populated. Non-breaking space within span tags - &nbsp; - is required for WYSIWYG. Label (no spaces or special characters) Value Comments (optional) repName John Smith helpWithFedAgencyAddress Haverhill District Office 1234 S. Courthouse Haverhill, CA 35602 district 21st District of California academyUSCitizenDate July 1, 2012 academyAgeDate July 1, 2012 academyApplicationDueDate October 20, 2012 repStateABBR AZ repDistrict 1 repState Arizona repDistrictText 1st repPhoto SponsoredBills Sponsored Bills CoSponsoredBills Co-Sponsored Bills | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/brooks-bipartisan-environmental-protection-bill-signed-into-law | Brooks bipartisan environmental protection bill signed into law | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | IN | Susan Brooks | B001284 | susanwbrooks.house.gov | legacy | President Donald Trump has signed into law H.R. 1733 to direct the Secretary of Energy to review and update a report on the energy and environmental benefits of the re-refining of used lubricating oil, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-Ind.-05), which passed the House on Dec. 12 and the Senate on Dec. 20. Our country is already re-refining lubricated oil through a process that rids the oil of harmful contaminants and restores the oil to its original effectiveness, said Brooks. I am proud the president signed this bipartisan bill into law because having an up-to-date report of the energy and environmental benefits of re-refined lubricating oil will help Congress work with the private sector in order to ensure we are responsibly and safely helping to reduce waste and benefit American consumers while protecting the environment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nations-oldest-wwii-veteran-dies-in-austin-at-112 | Nation's Oldest WWII Veteran Dies In Austin At 112 | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | AUSTIN, TEXAS Richard Arvin Overton, the nation's oldest living war veteran and the oldest man in the U.S. died Thursday in Austin at the age of 112 after a bout with pneumonia. Born near Bastrop, Texas, on May 11, 1906, Overton served a three-year stint in the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought in the 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion during WWII, serving as a corporal in the South Pacific. Overton joined his all-black military unit in 1942, and became a skilled sharpshooter. After the war, Overton built a home in East Austin where he a neighborhood fixture usually out on his front porch puffing on a cigar while holding court as admirers spontaneously dropped by to meet him. "His front porch is his everything," VolmaOverton, his septuagenarian cousin who helped care for him, once told the Washington Post. "It's his throne. In interviews with myriad media outlets, Overton spoke of his fondness for cigars in which he indulged daily sometimes up to 12 smokes a day, he would note unabashedly. In interviews, he often credited his love of stogies, along with a splash of whiskey in his morning coffee and a steady diet of fried catfish and ice cream as secrets to his longevity. He also expressed a fondness for Dr. Pepper. He outlived two wives and close family members, and received countless honors and accolades along the way including a 2013 visit to the White House where he met President Barack Obama as a relative youngster of 107. He met Obama at the White House for breakfast ahead of a Veterans Day ceremony at the National Cemetery where he was honored. "His service on the battlefield was not always matched by the respect that he deserved at home," Obama said at the time. "But this veteran held his head high." Overton earlier this year came close to losing his home in East Austin once an enclave largely inhabited by a black and Latino working class that's been swept over by gentrification for the better part of a decade or so as an influx of younger residents are lured to trendy restaurants and bars and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/oldest-living-wwii-veteran-dies-in-texas | Oldest living WWII veteran dies in Texas | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A family member says the nation's oldest World War II veteran who was also believed to be oldest living man in the U.S. has died in Texas. Shirley Overton, whose husband was Richard's cousin, says the Army veteran died Thursday evening at a rehab facility in Austin. Overton had been recently hospitalized with pneumonia. Overton was in his 30s when he volunteered for the Army and was at Pearl Harbor just after the Japanese attack in 1941. He once said that one secret to his long life was smoking cigars and drinking whiskey, which he often was found doing on the porch of his Austin home. In 2013, he was honored by former President Barack Obama at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued a statement expressing sympathy to Overton's family. Throughout my time in Congress, I have had the honor of getting to know Mr. Overton very well - sitting on his porch and listening to him tell stories are memories I will never forget. I am thankful for his service to our country, and I am eternally grateful to have had him in my life as a friend and role model. I will miss him dearly and will continue to pray for his family during this difficult time. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called Overton "an American icon and a Texas legend." "With his quick wit and kind spirit he touched the lives of so many, and I am deeply honored to have known him. Richard Overton made us proud to be Texans and proud to be Americans. We can never repay Richard Overton for his service to our nation and for his lasting impact on the Lone Star State," he said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reactions-to-the-passing-of-richard-overton-recall-a-texas-legend | Reactions to the passing of Richard Overton recall a 'Texas legend' | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | AUSTIN (KXAN) Shortly after the news of World War II veteran Richard Overton's death, condolences and memories came pouring in from around Texas and the nation. Overton's cousin, VolmaOverton Jr., said the family will miss the funny 112-year-old and that his memory will keep them going. "We are truly blessed for everyone who has shown support and prayers, everyone who was encouraging to him and our family," Volma Overton Jr. said. "We are so thankful." People gathered at a mural on 12th and Chicon Streets that depicts Overton. They sang songs in his honor and did two his favorite things: drank whiskey and smoked cigars. Gov. Greg Abbott called Richard Overton an "American icon and a Texas legend," in a statement. "With his quick wit and kind spirit he touched the lives of so many, and I am deeply honored to have known him," Abbott wrote. "Richard Overton made us proud to be Texans and proud to be Americans. We can never repay Richard Overton for his service to our nation and for his lasting impact on the Lone Star State." People, including Rep. LloydDoggett, shared photos of the veteran and remembered his "service, spirit and longevity." Rep. Roger Williams said he had the honor of knowing Overton well and will miss him dearly. "Sitting on his porch and listening to him tell stories are memories I will never forget," Williams wrote. "I am thankful for his service to our country, and I am eternally grateful to have had him in my life as a friend and role model." Rep. Will Hurdshared a quote of Overton's that said "You don't know when you get here. You don't know when you go. It's in God's hands. Hurd added that "Our words will never be enough to fully show our gratitude for your selfless service. Fair winds and following seas, my friend." A Twitter account called EverythingTXshared a picture of the born-and-raised Texansmoking his signature cigar that he claimed helped him live a long life. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-statement-on-the-passing-of-richard-overton | Rep. Williams Statement on the Passing of Richard Overton | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | williams | https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | AUSTIN, TEXAS – Congressman Roger Williams (R – Austin) released the following statement on the passing of the nation's oldest World War II veteran and Austin-resident, Richard Overton: "I join the Austin community and the entire country in mourning the loss of a great man, and our nation's oldest veteran, Mr. Richard Overton," said Rep. Williams. "Throughout my time in Congress, I have had the honor of getting to know Mr. Overton very well - sitting on his porch and listening to him tell stories are memories I will never forget. I am thankful for his service to our country, and I am eternally grateful to have had him in my life as a friend and role model. I will miss him dearly and will continue to pray for his family during this difficult time." # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-fails-pass-government-funding-border-security-measure | Senate Fails to Pass Government Funding, Border Security Measure | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | GA | Rob Woodall | W000810 | woodall.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC The House has approved of a funding measure for the remaining federal agencies and departments not previously funded during the annual appropriation process, while also allocating more than $5 billion in funding for border security and barrier construction. U.S. Representative Rob Woodall voted in favor of the measure. The Senate has been unsuccessful in passing the measure, resulting in a partial federal government shutdown as of December 22. This year, Congress along with President Trump's Administration made great strides in completing the appropriations process in a timely manner, and as a result, approximately 75% of funding has already been granted, but there is more work to do, said Woodall. The measure approved by the House addresses those shortfalls as well as provides the crucial resources requested by the White House to secure our southern border. The safety and security of the American people isn't a partisan issue, and it shouldn't be handled as such. I regret the decision of Senate Democrats, but am committed to finding a solution that maintains government operation while also investing the necessary resources in our southern border enhancements. Congressman Woodall represents the Seventh Congressional District of Georgia , which includes significant portions of Forsyth and Gwinnett counties, and currently serves as Chairman of the Rules Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, as well as serving on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Budget Committee. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-passing-john-c-culver | Grassley Statement on the Passing of John C. Culver | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released the following statement regarding the passing of former U.S. Sen. John C. Culver of Iowa. My wife Barbara and I were sorry to hear about Senator Culver's passing. He served his country in the Marine Corps and continued his devotion to public service throughout his life, representing Iowa in both chambers of Congress for 16 years Senator Culver was a tough competitor. He was proud of his record and defended it, not sacrificing his stands for political expediency, and that deserves to be recognized. Personally, I'll never forget his grace and good wishes after the election of 1980 and when we would cross paths over time afterward. My thoughts are with his friends and family as I join all Iowans in mourning the loss of a devoted public servant. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-after-minnesota-dnr-issues-permit-for-permanent-flood-protection-in-red-river-valley | Hoeven Statement After Minnesota DNR Issues Permit for Permanent Flood Protection in Red River Valley | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ND | John Hoeven | H001061 | www.hoeven.senate.gov | legacy | 12.27.18 Hoeven Statement After Minnesota DNR Issues Permit for Permanent Flood Protection in Red River Valley Hoeven: The Red River Valley Needs Permanent Flood Protection WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven released the following statement today after the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a permit for comprehensive flood protection in the Red River Valley. The permit advances Route B, which incorporates the changes recommended by the joint task force convened by Governors Doug Burgum and Mark Dayton. Residents and businesses in the Fargo-Moorhead region need the certainty and security that comes with permanent flood protection,said Hoeven. Today's permit from the Minnesota DNR is an important step that will enable this vital project to advance and is necessary to address the injunction on the project. Getting this permit is necessary as we work to secure additional federal funding for this infrastructure project. As a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to maintain strong support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' construction account and secure project funding in the coming years. This follows the increased funding Hoeven secured in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 for the Corps' construction efforts, which helped ensure the Corps included $35 million for construction of flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region in its FY2019 work plan. Hoeven secured provisions in this year's WRDA legislation and the FY2019 Energy and Water funding bill, both of which were signed into law this fall, to move forward with flood protection projects in North Dakota and throughout the country. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT Resolves easement issue to enable Route B: Hoeven includedhis provision to resolve easements on land purchased with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding. The senator's provision grants the authority needed to impleme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3F68D8C5-269B-4B2D-AB4A-57B36A95778B | Rubio Urges OMB To Reverse DHS Guidance On The NFIP During Government Shutdown | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | FL | Marco Rubio | R000595 | www.rubio.senate.gov | legacy | Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL Today,U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement following a decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue new guidance that prevents the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from writing or renewing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies during the current government shutdown.Last week, I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure a six month extension of the NFIP to ensure that Floridians were able to maintain access to a program so vital to our state. However, I have been informed that DHS has now issued new guidance that prevents FEMA from writing or renewing policies during the current government shutdown. I strongly disagree with this guidance as it incorrectly interprets congressional intent demonstrated last week with Congress passing legislation to keep the program operating until June 2019.I am asking OMB to reverse DHS actions and ensure Floridians can continue to obtain and maintain flood insurance.Timeline of Rubio's Efforts on the National Flood Insurance Program December 21, 2018 Rubio Welcomes Passage of Bill To Extend National Flood Insurance Program November 28, 2018Rubio Comments on NFIP Reauthorization November 15, 2018 Rubio Introduces Bill to Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program for Six Months July 31, 2018 Rubio Comments on Senate Reauthorization of National Flood Insurance Program July 25, 2018 Rubio on National Flood Insurance Program: We Should Not Hold Floridians Hostage July 18, 2018 Rubio Video Statement: We need to extend NFIP now or it will be a disaster for Florida July 18, 2018 Rubio in Tampa Bay Times: Congress Needs Long-Term Solution for Flood Insurance Program June 21, 2018 Rubio Secures Funding for FEMA Pre-disaster Mitigation and Flood Haza… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dougcollins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-statement-improving-border-safety | Collins Statement on Improving Border Safety | 2018-12-26 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | GA | Doug Collins | C001093 | dougcollins.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) released the following statementconcerning safety at America's southern border. Every parent's heart shudders when we learn of the deaths of seven- and eight-year-old children. This month's tragedies require us to search out what contributed to this loss of innocent life and how we can prioritize safety at the southern border. The dangers presented by the hostile terrain surrounding much of our border with Mexico and the coyotes and traffickers who victimize men, women, and children in those areas are well documented. Despite this, America's own legal loopholes put adults in a difficult situation by incentivizing them to risk their own safety and the safety of children on these dangerous treks. Customs and Border Protection's officers and agents should and do deliver medical and humanitarian care to those in their custody, and they should be commended for doing this faithfully, even as each day stretches their resources further. It remains Congress' responsibility to ensure that our laws support the CBP in their work and promote immigration processes that are fair, efficient and compassionate. People seeking to enter the United States should have every reason to believe that their best hope of entry is the safe, legal route. Unfortunately, several of our laws currently reward choices that endanger people, and children in particular. This reality is confusing, disturbing and unacceptable. The new year brings lawmakers the chance to improve our statutes so that they better reflect the value of all human life instead of incentivizing adults to put young lives at riskI hope we come together to take that opportunity. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/dasinger-receives-honor-gianforte | Dasinger receives honor from Gianforte | 2018-12-26 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | MT | Greg Gianforte | G000584 | gianforte.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., recognized Katie Dasinger of Sidney with his Spirit of Montana commendation for her leadership, commitment to promoting community service, and efforts to develop young professionals. Dasinger is founder and president of Sidney Young Professionals, a group focused on community service as well as personal and professional development. The organization regularly organizes entrepreneurship panels, roundtable discussions, public forums, training programs, and tours of local businesses. Gianforte's Spirit of Montana is a weekly recognition of Montanans for their accomplishments, dedication, or service. Gianforte highlights the recipient in the U.S. House of Representatives and personally contacts the honorees. Gianforte encourages anyone to nominate Montanans for the Spirit of Montana award by contacting his office at 202-225-3211 or by e-mail at https://gianforte.house.gov/contact/email. (Click here to read the full story) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/update-new-farm-bill-law | UPDATE: New Farm Bill is law | 2018-12-26 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | MT | Greg Gianforte | G000584 | gianforte.house.gov | legacy | 1419 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3211 Fax: (202) 225-5687 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aumua-amata-visited-us-troops-middle-east-christmas-day | Aumua Amata Visited U.S. Troops in Middle East on Christmas Day | 2018-12-26 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AS | Amata Radewagen | R000600 | radewagen.house.gov | legacy | Middle EastCongresswoman Aumua Amata was humbled and delighted to spend Christmas Day with U.S. troops in the Middle East. She was thrilled to greet a large number of troops from American Samoa, sing LotaNuu together, and then the Members of Congress had the opportunity to help serve a Christmas meal to hundreds of U.S. service men and women. What an honor to see our troops on Christmas Day and their spirit as they serve our nation in the Middle East, said Aumua Amata. It's so special to say thank you' in person to the men and women of our Armed Forces, and let them know that many people back home are thinking of them in this season. I will be sending more details of this Christmas visit, but for now, the U.S. forces in the Middle East send Christmas and holiday greetings to all! Congresswoman Amata with troops at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait Congresswoman Amata had the opportunity to seea large group of Samoan constituents at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, including some who just completed their service in Afghanistan or Iraq. She spoke with them, and was happy to remind them that many people at home are thinking of them, before they sang LotaNuu together. Congresswoman Amata is part of a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) led by Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), that has become a Christmas tradition. In addition to Rep. Amata and Rep. Zeldin, the bipartisan CODEL includes Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). The CODEL had a packed Christmas Day schedule in the Middle East visiting troops and seeing firsthand some of their activities in the service of the country, before flying on to their next stop at another military installation to see more troops. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-visits-troops-middle-east-4th-straight-christmas | Rep. Zeldin Visits Troops in Middle East for 4th Straight Christmas | 2018-12-26 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NY | Lee Zeldin | Z000017 | zeldin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Zeldin delivered chocolate chip cookies from Tate's Bake Shop; based in New York's First Congressional District, to deployed constituents from Orient, Riverhead and elsewhere. MIDDLE EAST - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) spent Christmas again in the Middle East visiting U.S. troops deployed in the CENTCOM Area of Operations and participating in several high level diplomatic and military meetings in addition to several other troop engagements, including serving lunch and dinner to the troops at three separate bases. Every Christmas since coming to Congress, Congressman Zeldin has led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) of Members of Congress to the Middle East. This year, he is joined by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-1), Rep. Filemon Vela (D, TX-34) and Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS). Spending Christmas away from their families isn't easy, and for many of our servicemen and women this isn't the first holiday season away from home, said Congressman Zeldin. It is an honor to be able to personally thank them for their service, let them know how much they are appreciated and how many Americans are thinking of them, praying for them and immensely grateful for their service. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401636 | <span class="kicker">NJ.com article on 3 Smith bills signed into law</span>'These N.J. lawmakers saw their bills become law before Congress adjourned' | 2018-12-25 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | By Johathan Salant of the Star Ledger/NJ.comIn the closing days of the 115th Congress, as lawmakers prepared to go home for Christmas, they passed dozens of bills as final deals were cut and language was tweaked to ensure passage. Even as he negotiated with congressional leaders over legislation to keep parts of the federal government open past Friday, PresidentDonald Trumpaffixed pen to paper and signed several measures into law. Whiletalks broke downand the parts of the governmentclosed for the third timeunder Trump's watch, Congress and the president did see other measures become law. Dozens of lawmakers who did not seek re-election or were defeated in November skipped those votes, but not the four New Jersey Republicans who willno longer be in officecome January. Outgoing Reps. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd Dist., Tom MacArthur, R-3rd Dist., Leonard Lance, R-7th Dist., and Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11th Dist,, were there for every vote. Here are some bills sponsored by N.J. lawmakers that became law in the closing days of the congressional session. Fighting human trafficking Rep. Chris Smith, who in January will be the only Republican among New Jersey's 12 House members, ended his tenure in the majority by seeing three bills signed into law by Trump this month. The first, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, wouldrenew and strengthen effortsto stop human trafficking. The bill earmarked $430 million over four years for programs such as teaching airline employees and federal officials how to detect trafficking and coordinating international efforts to address the problem. The bill was named for Frederick Douglass, the former slave who became an abolitionist. Douglass' great-great-great grandson, Kenneth Morris Jr., was at the press conference when Smith announced the legislation. There also was money set aside in the trafficking legislation to fundInternational Megan's Law, which President Barack Obama signed in February 2016. The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2532 | Merry Christmas from Congressman Lamborn and Family | 2018-12-25 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | CO | Doug Lamborn | L000564 | lamborn.house.gov | legacy | Merry Christmas from Congressman Lamborn and Family f t # e Colorado Springs , December 25, 2018 Colorado Springs, CO - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement: "The Christmas season is a time of year that's particularly filled with joy, hope, and love. As we enjoy Christmas Day, I want to take a moment to wish you a happy and safe holiday. I'm grateful for the honor to represent Colorado's Fifth Congressional District. I'm blessed to enjoy Christmas with my family, and I hope are as well." "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E35F537-A1A1-4900-A804-1A8F0004AB12 | Alexander: Shutdown Is a Failure of Negotiators, Both Democrat and Republican | 2018-12-25 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | A government shutdown should be as off limits in budget negotiations as chemical weapons are inwarfare.- Lamar Alexander NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 25, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement: I want to make sure Tennesseans know, as I have said from itsbeginning, that I believe there is no excuse whatsoever for this partial government shutdown.When the government shut down under President Obama, I said that I was elected to make the government work for taxpayers, not to shut it down.The same is true under President Trump.This shutdown wastes taxpayer dollars, adds uncertainty to the economy and hurts small businesses around our national parks. A government shutdown should be as off limits inbudget negotiations as chemical weapons are inwarfare.This shutdown is a failure by negotiators, both Democrat and Republican,and will produce a success for no one. On December 22, as the federal government was being partially shut down, Sen. Alexander said: Senator Lamar Alexander Statement on Partial Government Shutdown WASHINGTON,December 22, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the partial government shutdown: There is no excuse for even a short-term, partial government shutdown. Shutting down the government should be as off limits to budget negotiations as chemical weapons are to warfare. I was not for a government shutdown under President Obama. I'm not for a government shutdown under President Trump. I was not elected to shut down the government, I was elected to make it work for taxpayers.This is a complete failure of negotiations and a success for no one. In 2015, when the government was shut down under President Obama, Sen. Alexander said: Shutting the government down as a way of expressing opposition to Planned Parenthood or any other contentious issue is not the right thing to do. The U.S. Congress is in the business of dealing with contentious issues. If we shut down the government every time a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=9759FB17-E646-49B6-AB0A-3B655C2A4EE4 | Radio Iowa: Ernst touts Pentagon requirement to track, treat soldiers brain injuries | 2018-12-25 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | legacy | Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, says one of her top legislative accomplishments this past year was a collaboration with one of the Senate's most liberal Democrats. That measure in the National Defense Authorization Act to raise awareness and to treat traumatic brain injury, that was done with my colleague Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Ernst says. The legislation directs the military to take steps to track, treat and prevent brain injuries among soldiers. The Pentagon is now required to include information about recognizing brain injuries in its regular training sessions for soldiers. That's one that was very important to me and we were able to see that through to fruition, Ernst says. Ernst has collaborated with other Democratic senators on military matters. In 2015, for example, Ernst and California Democrat Barbara Boxer sponsored legislation signed by President Obama that allowed female pilots from World War II to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2019, Ernst will for the first time be serving in a politically-divided legislative branch. It can be painted as very difficult and in some circumstances it will be difficult having a divided congress with Democrats taking majority in the House of Representatives, Ernst says, but, at the same time, there is still opportunity and a lot of the work that I do here in the United States Senate is done in a bipartisan manner. In August, Ernst and a Democratic senator from Delaware cosponsored legislation designed to help military veterans get college credit for their military training. Click here to read the full story from Radio Iowa. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-sends-christmas-greetings-while-visiting-us-troops-middle | Rep. Zeldin Sends Christmas Greetings While Visiting US Troops in the Middle East | 2018-12-25 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NY | Lee Zeldin | Z000017 | zeldin.house.gov | legacy | Photos from Congressman Zeldin's previous CODELs he led to Iraq and Afghanistan. MIDDLE EAST - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) is spending Christmas today in the Middle East visiting U.S. troops deployed in the CENTCOM Area of Operations. Every Christmas since coming to Congress, Congressman Zeldin has led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) of Members of Congress to the Middle East. This year, he is joined by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-1), Rep. Filemon Vela (D, TX-34) and Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS). Merry Christmas from the Middle East! It's been an honor to visit our troops deployed here every Christmas since coming to Congress; a tradition continuing again today, said Congressman Zeldin. I'm so grateful of these men and women who defend our freedoms and sacrifice so much. From my family to yours, have a blessed and safe holiday. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/building-safer-communities | Building Safer Communities | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | While negotiations to fully fund the government unfortunately remain underway in the Senate, I am pleased to report that lawmakers in both chambers of Congress did recently complete work on bipartisan legislation to improve the federal justice system. Already signed into law by the president and focused on building safer communities, the FIRST STEP Act ushers in common sense solutions to discourage repeat criminal offenders and ensure fair sentencing. One of the key reforms included in the comprehensive law is aimed at identifying which federal prisoners might be capable and deserving of a second chance. This is accomplished through a new system to assess the risk and needs of each federal prisoner and help set them on the fairest and most appropriate rehabilitation path forward. To be sure, this does not mean that dangerous and violent criminals are able to walk free or serve less time for their crimes. Rather, the FIRST STEP Act seeks to keep prisoners from ending up behind bars again for the same crimes after returning to society. Further, it seeks to equip and encourage those who want to change while they serve their time. With the goal of reducing recidivism, the legislation reauthorizes several programs from the Second Chance Act of 2007. This includes educational and job training programs with proven results. The legislation also encourages prisoner participation in some faith-based programs. Along with programming to help prisoners from falling back on past behavior, the FIRST STEP Act makes some small changes to current sentencing laws. For example, the legislation addresses outdated sentences now considered too harsh under the Fair Sentencing Act. Again, this does not mean that sentences are reduced for dangerous, violent and high-risk criminals or repeat offenders and career criminals. While the FIRST STEP Act specifically deals with the federal correctional system, the changes will undoubtedly make a difference in the total population of incarcerated personsthat is, prisoners serving time in either a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/weeklyreport/115th-congress | The 115th Congress | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | IA | David Young | Y000066 | davidyoung.house.gov | legacy | The 115thCongress has been productive and I spent it working to deliver solutions to the issues facing Iowans. I've worked to make sure our countryand her people aresafe, Iowans have economic security and the ability to plan for the future, to protect our environment,and to ensure the liberties and freedoms laid out in our Constitution are protected. As a largely agriculture state, Iowanstake pride in their ability to feed and fuel the country.This Congress, I worked with my colleagues and the president to secure year-round E15sales so we bolster our rural economy, promote cleaner air, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. In the recently passed Farm Bill, my bill, the WATER Act, was included in the final package signed into law. The WATER Act helps improve conservation practices by streamlining access to grant funding and establishing a publicly accessible database which shows how conservation practices work on different soils and topographies. Iowans are also keeping more of their hard-earned money because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. You know how to spend your money better than the federal governmentand I've heard from Iowans across the Third District who are using their bigger paychecks to pay for groceries, a vacation, student loans, or saving for the future. It's your money you should decide how it's used. Our economy continues to grow and we see the lowest unemployment rates in decades. There are more job openings than there are people looking for jobs. I've heard from business owners who say they have to turn down work because they don't have enough employees to get it all done. We have started rebuilding our military after years of neglect. Our women and men in uniform need the resources to train, fight, win, and return home safely and the 115thCongress started to deliver those resources. We've invested in border security so we know who and what is coming into our country. A secure border will help stop criminals, drugs, illegal weapons, and human trafficking. Another of my bills, the Rural Call Q… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/breaking-fitzpatrick-spend-christmas-day-us-troops-middle-east | Breaking: Fitzpatrick to spend Christmas Day with U.S. Troops in the Middle-East | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | PA | Brian Fitzpatrick | F000466 | fitzpatrick.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) will spend Christmas Day visiting with U.S. Troops deployed to the Middle-East, who's missions include military operations in Syria and Iraq. Fitzpatrick will be in various undisclosed locations in the CENTCOM AOR in the Middle-East, serving Christmas dinner to troops, receiving classified briefings from military generals regarding ongoing military operations, and spending time with Pennsylvania-based troops serving in all branches of the U.S. Military who are deployed to various Middle-East locations. Congressman Fitzpatrick has made a commitment to spend every Christmas Day with our troops deployed oversees. Last year, Fitzpatrick spent Christmas Day with U.S. Troops in Afghanistan. In 2007-2008, while serving as an FBI Special Agent, Fitzpatrick was embedded with U.S. Special Forces in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-passes-fitzpatrick-cyberstalking-bill | Senate Passes Fitzpatrick Cyberstalking Bill | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | PA | Brian Fitzpatrick | F000466 | fitzpatrick.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) released a statement after the Senate passed on Saturday his Combat Online Predators Act [H.R. 4203], with an amendment: We have no higher responsibility than to protect our kids. I'm pleased that the Senate has advanced the Combat Online Predators Act. We must do everything we can to forcefully respond to egregious instances of stalking and cyberstalking. This legislation, inspired by Erin and Madison Zezzo, ensures that, not only are we increasing penalties for cyberstalking crimes against minors, but we are also requiring federal law enforcement officials to evaluate and update practices to combat this dangerous harassment. I urge House leadership to immediately bring the Senate-passed bill up for a vote before the end of the Congress. The Combat Online Predators Act provides enhanced criminal penalties for stalkers under Title 18 Section 2261 by up to five years if the victim is a minor. Furthermore, the legislation calls for the Attorney General and Department of Justice to produce an evaluation of Federal, State, and local efforts to enforce laws relating to stalking and identify and describe elements of these enforcement efforts that constitute best practices. In April, the House overwhelming passed the bipartisan Combat Online Predators Act [H.R. 4203]. The Senate amended the bill to ensure that the enhanced penalties only apply to more serious cases of stalking. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2454 | Hills Bill to Enhance Arkansass Flatside Wilderness Passes Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after his legislation to enhance Arkansas's wilderness area, the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, passed the Senate and heads to the president's desk for his signature: Congressman Hill said: I'm pleased that my bill to enhance one of Arkansas's most unspoiled landscapes, Flatside Wilderness, has been sent to the president's desk. Arkansans and visitors, young and old, should enjoy more of Flatside Wilderness and all of its natural and wild qualities. Perry County in particular offers a very special and rare opportunity for people to support our wildlife and natural resources, while also boosting the state's economy. This addition is named for a tireless conservationist and advocate for Arkansas wilderness and my good friend, former Arkansas Congressman Ed Bethune. I appreciate Representative Bruce Westerman and Senator John Boozman for their efforts in helping me get my legislation to the finish line. Senator John Boozman said: This is welcome news for Arkansas outdoor enthusiasts. Protecting this land will support the beauty of the Natural State for future generations. Nobody has been a more fierce advocate for our state's natural resources than Ed Bethune so this is also a fitting tribute to his work in Congress. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for recognizing the importance of safeguarding this landscape. Background The Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, H.R. 5636, adds to the wilderness area approximately 640 acres of existing National Forest lands next to Forked Mountain which has been depicted as Recommended Wilderness Additions since 2005. These areas have been managed as wilderness land since that time. It will also name the 640-acre wilderness addition, Bethune Woods, in honor of former member of Congress from Arkansas, Ed Bethune, author of the House version of the 1984 Arkansas Wilderness Act. Additionally, Congressman Hill has proposed a U.S. Forest Service study of additional existing U.S. f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/president-trump-signs-criminal-justice-reform-law | COLUMN: President Trump Signs Criminal Justice Reform into Law | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | Last week, Congress acted, and President Trump signed into law major criminal justice reform, the First Step Act. As the national crime rate declines, this legislation makes changes to reduce recidivism among federal prisoners, increase public safety, and save taxpayer dollars. Earlier this year, President Trump said, I'm thrilled to announce my support for this bipartisan bill that will make our communities safer and give former inmates a second chance at life after they have served their time.And we're all better off when former inmates can receive and reenter society as law-abiding, productive citizens.And thanks to our booming economy, they now have a chance at more opportunities than they've ever had before. The President continued: the bill includes reasonable sentencing reforms while keeping dangerous and violent criminals off our streets. President Trump pointed out the example of Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year old grandmother who was sentenced to life in prison without eligibility for parole for a first-time, non-violent drug offense. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her crime and has already served 21 years in federal prison. She admitted that what she did was wrong and served adequate time in prison, even becoming an ordained minister and a mentor to other prisoners. The President served the cause of justice by commuting Johnson's sentence, saying, While this administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance. The First Step Act will treat non-violent offenses like Johnson's more fairly. The bill gives judges more say in sentencing through targeted reforms including reducing the three-strike penalty for non-violent drug offenses from life imprisonment to 25 years. It creates a risk and needs assessment system that will ensure each prisoner's risk of re-offending is assessed while excluding violent and high risk criminals, including fentanyl traffickers, from usi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/brentwood-post-office-renamed-in-honor-of-army-specialist-jose-ruiz | Brentwood Post Office Renamed In Honor of Army Specialist Jose Ruiz | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NY | Peter King | K000210 | peteking.house.gov | legacy | President Trump recently signed legislation which Congressman Pete King introduced renaming the Brentwood Post Office in honor of Army Specialist Jose Ruiz of Brentwood. SPC Jose Ruiz was killed serving in Iraq on August 15, 2005. Congressman King introduced this resolution to honor SPC Ruiz's memory & sacrifice. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/signed-into-law-brooks-bipartisan-environmental-protection-bill | SIGNED INTO LAW: Brooks Bipartisan Environmental Protection Bill | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | IN | Susan Brooks | B001284 | susanwbrooks.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC The President signed into law H.R. 1733, to direct the Secretary of Energy to review and update a report on the energy and environmental benefits of the re-refining of used lubricating oil, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN05), which passed by the House on December 12, 2017, andSenate on December 20, 2018. Our country is already re-refining lubricated oil through a process that rids the oil of harmful contaminants and restores the oil to its original effectiveness, said Brooks. I am proud the President signed this bipartisan bill into law because having an up-to-date report of the energy and environmental benefits of re-refined lubricating oil will help Congress work with the private sector in order to ensure we are responsibly and safely helping to reduce waste and benefit American consumers while protecting the environment. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/come-and-read-it-report-66 | Come and Read It Report | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | Dear Texans, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours! With all the hustle and bustle during this time of year, it isoften easy to forgetwhat tomorrow is really all about - the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.I hope this serves as a reminder to be kind to one another during the Christmas season and remember that there are many people who are unable to spend this time with loved ones. Iencourage you takea moment and think about the brave men and women in uniform, and our first responders,who cannot be with their families. They are spending today and tomorrow protecting this great nation so that all of you can enjoy time at home. Please join me in thanking them for their service, and praying for their safety, wherever they may be around the globe. Securing our Borders Last week, the Democrats once again chose to put open borders and illegal immigrants over the safety of American citizens. I joined many of my conservative colleagues in the House and proudly voted in favor of $5.7 billion in additional funding to defend and secure our southern border. I encourage our Senate counterparts to follow our lead and do the same. We must do everything in our power to protect thisnation, and we should not rest until it is properly done. I will continue to support President Trump and I will oppose any funding bill that does not fully fund his border request. High School Football State Champions Congratulations to the Grandview High School Zebras, who took home the Class 3A Division I State Championship last week! They defeated the Malakoff Tigers 35-21 and all of us in Texas-25 couldn't be more proud. Great job boys! I have included some articles and releases you may find interesting located on the right side of this newsletter. It is an honor and privilege to represent the people of Texas' 25th Congressional District and as always, please reach out to me with any issues and concerns that are important to you. In God we trust, Roger Williams Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletter-archive/washington-watch-122418 | Washington Watch - 12/24/18 | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | GA | Rob Woodall | W000810 | woodall.house.gov | legacy | CONGRESS AND WHITE HOUSE STILL WORKING ON A PARTIAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING RESOLUTION As I'm sure you all know by now, last week was quite interesting in Washington, D.C., and as a member of the House Rules Committee, I had a ringside seat to all that was happening. Months ago, the House and Senate began diligently working on the FY19 appropriations bills. And by the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1, 2018, we had passed into law 5 of the 12 annual spending bills, which account for roughly 75% of our total discretionary spending for the year. Since the end of September, we've been trying to find a compromise between the House, Senate, and White House on the remaining 25%, which includes money for border security, as most of you have probably heard. On Wednesday, the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund those parts of the government still awaiting their yearly appropriation. In what is called a clean CR, the Senate simply kicked the can down the road to February 8, 2019, making no changes to any current funding streams and leaving necessary funding for border security off the table. The House and the White House were unwilling to simply go-along to get-along with the fecklessness of the Senate, and I was proud to support an amended CR in the House on Thursday that provided roughly $5 billion for border security, and maybe more importantly, nearly $8 billionin disaster aid for those affected by this year's hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and volcanoes, including our farmers in middle and south Georgia who were ravaged by Hurricane Michael. That disaster aid goes to crop and livestock producers, emergency highway repairs, flood control and storm damage reduction projects, and wildfire suppression, to name a few. This is essential money for Georgia, which saw $2.5 billion in losses from Hurricane Michael, and what's more,the bill provideda block grant optionfor aid that would have given Georgia's Agriculture Commissioner the power and flexibilityto use federal dollars in the most efficient way possib… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/adg-u-s-sen-john-boozman-seeks-answers-in-saudi-case | ADG: Bill expanding Arkansas wilderness on way to president | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | In the News Legislation expanding Arkansas' Flatside Wilderness is headed to the White House, thanks to successful last-minute lobbying by U.S. Sen. John Boozman. Full story (subscription required):https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2018/dec/24/wilderness-bill-on-way-to-president-201-1/ | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-wishes-west-virginians-happy-holidays-2018 | VIDEO: Capito Wishes West Virginians Happy Holidays | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WV | Shelley Capito | C001047 | www.capito.senate.gov | legacy | 12.24.18 VIDEO: Capito Wishes West Virginians Happy Holidays CHARLESTON, W.Va. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released a video message ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Click here or the image above to watch the video.Click here to download the video. Full video transcript included below: Hi everyone! I dont know about you, but the holidays are always a reflective time for me. A time to look back on the past year and count the extraordinary blessings in my life. I am fortunate to have a supportive family around me, to have my health, to represent West Virginia in the United States Senate, to live in the greatest country in the world, and to be part of a state and a community that is as special and as full of promise as ours. This holiday season, I wish you all the blessings of a peaceful and joyous Christmas. Charlie and I, along with our entire familyincluding my grandchildrenhope that you and your loved ones have a very happy holiday season. And best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2019! # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4238 | Sen. Cruz: We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, Our Promised Savior | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in advance of Christmas Day: In this season of hope, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The promised Savior, born in Bethlehem, came that we may know Him and his everlasting love and redemption. Evidence of Christ's love can be found all across the Lone Star State. Just this week, high school students and others volunteered their time with Lubbock's Meals on Wheels to distribute more than 400 boxes of supplies for seniors. In Laredo, United Middle School students collected presents for children living at Casa De Misericordia, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. And nearly 1,800 children in Georgetown received gifts from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. All around us, there are stories of Texans sharing the joy of Christmas with their neighbors. We also remember our servicemen and women who are spending the holiday season far away from home at sea or deployed in a foreign land. We pray for their safe return. And we remember their families, who sacrifice enormously for our great country. Heidi and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. May God continue to bless the great state of Texas and the United States of America. Sen. Cruz also released a video wishing America's armed forces and their families a Merry Christmas, and thanking them for their service. The video is being played overseas on the American Forces Network. Watch the full video here. A transcript is below. Hi, I want to take a moment to say thank you' for your dedicated service to our great country. Y'all represent the finest qualities of the United States: service to others and sacrifice of self. The enormous sacrifices you and your family make each day in order to secure our freedoms don't go unnoticed. America owes you, your families, and the generations of great Americans who have answered the call to defend our country a debt that we can never fully repay. As we prepare for a season of celebration, we are thinking of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4239 | Sen. Cruz: 'Esta Navidad Celebramos El Nacimiento De Jesucristo, Nuestro Salvador Prometido' | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Hoy el Senador Ted Cruz (R-Texas) emiti la siguiente declaracin antes del Da de Navidad: En esta temporada de esperanza, celebramos el nacimiento de Jesucristo. El Salvador prometido, nacido en Beln, vino para que podamos conocer su amor eterno y redencin. La evidencia del amor de Cristo se puede encontrar en todo el estado de Texas. Justo esta semana, los estudiantes de secundaria y otros ofrecieron su tiempo en Lubbock distribuyendo ms de 400 cajas de suministros para personas mayores con la organizacion (can you add the o with the dash to organization) Meals on Wheels. En Laredo, los estudiantes de la escuela United Middle School recolectaron regalos para nios que viven en la Casa De Misericordia, un casa refugio para sobrevivientes de violencia domstica. Y casi 1,800 nios en Georgetown recibieron regalos de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Williamson. A nuestro alrededor, hay historias de Tejanos que comparten la alegra de Navidad con sus vecinos. Tambin recordamos a nuestros soldados que estn pasando la temporada lejos de casa desplegados en una tierra extranjera. Oramos por su regreso seguro y recordamos a sus familias, que sacrifican enormemente por nuestro gran pas. Heidi y yo le deseamos a usted y a su familia una Feliz Navidad y un Prospero Ao Nuevo. Que Dios contine bendiciendo el gran estado de Texas y los Estados Unidos de Amrica. El Sen. Cruz tambin public un video en el cual le desea a las fuerzas armadas de los Estados Unidos y a sus familias una Feliz Navidad, y le da las gracias por su servicio. El video se esta transmitiendo en el American Forces Network. Usted puede ver el video completo aqu. La transcripcin est debajo. Hola, quiero tomar un momento para decir gracias' por su servicio dedicado a nuestro gran pas. Ustedes representan las mejores cualidades de los Estados Unidos: el servicio a los dems y el sacrificio de s mismo. Los enormes sacrificios que usted y su familia hacen cada da, a fin de asegurar nuestras libertades no pasan por desapercibidos. Amrica le debe a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/video/merry-christmas-our-military | Merry Christmas to our Military | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | To all of our men and women around the world this holiday season, especially those of you from the great state of Wisconsin, I know it is said many times many ways: thank you for your service. You and your families are never far from our thoughts. How blessed we are to live under the cover of your protection. Merry Christmas. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=135BFAEF-486F-4F72-87D5-8B3714E56E3F | Wicker Reflects on Milestone Moments of This Congress | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | MS | Roger Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | legacy | A full year has passed since Congress enacted the most significant tax reform of the past 31 years, and its positive effects are still reverberating on the economy and on American lives. The long-awaited overhaul of our outdated tax code was a milestone moment, leading to bigger paychecks, a simplified tax system, and new jobs. The bill created Opportunity Zones to help spur business investment in our country's most disadvantaged areas, and it incentivized employers to offer family and medical leave. American workers, families, and communities have all benefited from the law's provisions and the solid economic growth it has helped generate. Comprehensive tax reform was hardly a one-hit wonder for this Congress. Many other significant legislative items have rounded out a notable and lengthy achievement list over the past two years. The most recent additions to that list are a prison reform bill to lower the recidivism rate among repeat offenders and a five-year farm bill to provide stability for our farmers. Here are a few other important highlights: Rebuilding the military. After years of military cuts and the downsizing of our forces, Congress and the Trump Administration are restoring America's defense strength. For the first time in 10 years, Congress delivered a budget to the Pentagon on time, giving our military commanders certainty that they will have the resources to protect our national security interests. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I was successful in getting the SHIPS Act passed to help initiate a buildup of our naval fleet. Congress also passed the VA MISSION Act to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits they deserve. Fighting the opioid epidemic. The rampant abuse of opioids is killing Americans and destroying families at an alarming rate. It has become a national crisis deserving of a national response, which Congress provided with a thorough legislative package passed earlier this year. The new law recognizes the complexity of the problem and targets both the in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398974 | Latta Continues Efforts to Improve Water Infrastructure | 2018-12-23 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | OH | Robert Latta | L000566 | latta.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate have approved legislation, H.R. 7279, the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, that includes a number of provisionsauthoredby Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) earlier this Congress. Latta has worked for years on that legislation which provides communities more flexibility to comply with costly regulations on the nation's communities in regards to their wastewater infrastructure improvements. Congressman Latta was also successful in havingclean drinking water provisionssigned into law a few months ago. There are billions of dollars' worth of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needs in Ohio, and it's critical to provide communities with the ability to meet their obligations in a more cost-effective manner, said Latta. This legislation is important because it allows municipalities and clean water utilities to decide how to best spend their limited financial resources. Integrated Planning allows communities to allocate funds in a targeted manner, focusing them on the most effective water quality improvements. Modernizing our water infrastructure is a critical issue in the Buckeye State and it's why I've led on efforts in Congress to improve both our wastewater and drinking water systems. The legislation has the support of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). Congressman Latta has remained a true leader throughout his time in Congress to ensure communities across Ohio are provided with the safe, reliable, and affordable public water services they need and deserve,said Adam Krantz, NACWA's Chief Executive Officer. His legislation and leadership to codify Integrated Planning into law will help further provide communities, both large and small, with the tools they need to meet the growing clean water challenges they face each day. NACWA greatly appreciates Congressman Latta's hard work and dedication on this strong bipartisan legislation and for his continued commitment to improving our nation's water and clean water infrastru… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/political-foes-unite-cause | Political foes unite for cause | 2018-12-23 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Ralph Abraham | A000374 | abraham.house.gov | legacy | President Trump and Congress haven't given us many reasons to be joyful during this Christmas season, but there is one major exception worthy of note. Thanks to a rare bipartisan effort, members of Congress by overwhelming margins in the U.S. House and Senate have approved major criminal justice reform legislation. Criminal justice reform has had the support of widely divergent organizations. Among them are the conservative Koch Brothers' Americans for Prosperity organization and the liberal American Civil Liberties Union. Groups of every political persuasion in Louisiana also supported this state's 2017 reform effort. U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., and U.S Reps. Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre, andRalph Abraham, R-Alto, opposed the legislation. No surprises there. Kennedy has been a constant critic of Louisiana's reform effort and Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, who promoted criminal justice reform. Kennedy had considered opposing Edwards in 2019, but changed his mind.Abrahamsaid he is running for governor. Like Kennedy,Abrahamapparently plans to use criminal justice reform against Edwards during the campaign. Higgins is a former law enforcement officer who takes a hard line on the issue. To read the full story, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/christmas-traditions-old-and-new | Christmas Traditions Old and New | 2018-12-23 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AL | Bradley Byrne | B001289 | byrne.house.gov | legacy | I was recently asked what my favorite Christmas tradition is and found that a surprisingly hard question to answer. It seems that nearly every moment is a tradition with my family, and that makes it hard to pick just one. From making gumbo Christmas Eve morning to wrapping presents to gathering on Christmas Day, there are so many individual moments that add up to make the season special. This year, we have added new traditions to our family's celebration with our grandchildren, MacGuire and Ann-Roberts. There was no greater scene of pure joy than when we picked out our Christmas tree with them, and then as they helped Rebecca and me decorate the tree. After I thought more on my what favorite Christmas tradition is, I reflected on why we celebrate the Christmas season in the first place. The church's liturgical calendar begins with the season of Advent. From the lighting of the first candle, the new year has begun, anticipating the birth of our Savior on Christmas. The entirety of the year depends upon the preparation for and celebration of the birth of Christ. Epiphany, Lent, and Easter all rely on that first candle's light proclaiming the coming of the Lord, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Similar, yet still very different, to our holiday preparations today, there were many small moments that added up to the joy of that first Christmas night. From the angel proclaiming the news to Mary, Mary telling Joseph, and the long trek to Bethlehem, many small parts had to come together in the Town of David. My favorite Christmas tradition is without a doubt going to church as a family on Christmas Eve and worshipping Jesus on his birth. From the light of the first candle, all those in attendance on Christmas Eve light their own candles. No one person's candle could light the church, but together, we all fill the church with the soft amber glow. In the same way, the good news of the birth of Christ cannot be proclaimed by one person alone. His light must be carried by millions, proclaiming His word and sal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hudson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1943 | Hudson Statement on Schumer Shutdown | 2018-12-23 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NC | Richard Hudson | H001067 | hudson.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2018 Hudson Statement on Schumer Shutdown WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement after the Senate failed to act to avert a partial government shutdown and secure our border: It baffles me that Chuck Schumer and Washington Democrats yet again put partisanship over the American people, said Rep. Hudson. We have a crisis at our southern border, and I will continue to stand with President Trump to get the resources we need to secure our border and keep the American people safe. Earlier this year, Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law five of the 12 annual spending bills, funding the majority of the federal government for fiscal year 2019. This was a big deal and a huge priority for Rep. Hudson because it marked the first on-time annual funding bill for the Department of Defense in 22 years and included a well-deserved pay raise of 2.6% for our brave service members. Unfortunately, Democrats wouldn't come to the table and work with Republicans to improve border security among many other issues so Congress was forced to pass what's known as a continuing resolution (CR) that lasted until December for the remaining seven funding bills. The House of Representatives passed a reasonable bill on Thursday to fund the remaining government agencies and President Trump's requested $5.7 billion for border security. The Senate failed to act by the funding deadline. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/ensuring-kansas-students-have-the-opportunity-to-be-our-nation-s-future-astronauts | Ensuring Kansas students have the opportunity to be our nations future astronauts | 2018-12-23 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | KS | Jerry Moran | M000934 | www.moran.senate.gov | legacy | This op-ed ran inThe Wichita Eagleon December 23, 2018. Fifty years ago, NASA's Apollo 8 mission sent humans around the moon for the very first time on Christmas Eve. One out of four people in the world watched as the crew broadcasted back to earth: Good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth. And late last month, we all cheered with NASA's engineers as they celebrated NASA's most recent accomplishment, the touchdown of the InSight mission on Mars the first time in six years we've landed spacecraft on the planet. Today, I am on a mission to make certain children across America can inherit these same opportunities to explore our solar system and beyond. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which has jurisdiction over the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, providing strong support for NASA has been a priority, especially as it relates to programs meant to incentivize STEM education for the next generation. Undoubtedly, employers increasingly desire that their employees hold and maintain a substantial degree of knowledge in the STEM fields. In response to this mandate, my Senate subcommittee has produced an overwhelmingly bipartisan appropriations bill for the upcoming fiscal year that prioritizes education programs within NASA not just in theory, but in actual dollars. Included as part of NASA's budget is the Office of STEM Engagement, which seeks to provide superior learning tools to young Americans and classroom educators in an effort to increase K-12 involvement in STEM. Additional programs incentivize and provide opportunities for young women and minority students to engage in STEM in even greater numbers than they do today. Further, an award utilizing the expertise of the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson will bring STEM experiences and learning directly to Kansas classrooms. I recently hosted NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and NASA astronaut Don Pettit for a day of acti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/12/23/2018/murkowski-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown | Murkowski Statement on Partial Government Shutdown | 2018-12-23 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AK | Lisa Murkowski | M001153 | www.murkowski.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.18 Murkowski Statement on Partial Government Shutdown U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement on the current partial government shutdown: Shutting down the government, even partially, is no way to govern. It is disruptive, harmful, wasteful, and could leave hundreds of thousands of federal employees and contractors without paychecks over Christmas, Senator Murkowski said. This year we worked hard to return to regular order in the appropriations process, voting bills out of committee and the Senate with strong bipartisan support. The Appropriations Committee did its work, but the votes are clearly not present in the Senate to provide $5 billion for the border wall and changing filibuster rules would only come back to haunt us in the future. We have to accept those realities and reopen the government as soon as possible. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on a solution to end this partial shutdown and fund the government. Both chambers of Congress have approved, and the President has signed, five of the 12 appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2019, which together account for approximately 75 percent of the federal budget. The bills not yet enacted are for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Impacts of the Partial Shutdown: Programs that have been funded for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 will continue to operate. Examples include Veterans Affairs and Defense. Federal employees whose agency or program has not yet been funded for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 will be designated by their agency as essential or non-essential. Only essential employeesgenerally those who do work related to life safety, property protection, health… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-this-is-the-second-schumer-shutdown-this-year | Senator David Perdue: This Is The Second Schumer Shutdown This Year | 2018-12-23 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | GA | David Perdue | P000612 | www.perdue.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Meet David Connect Helping You News | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/2019-governors-races-feature-endangered-species-conservative-dems | 2019 governors races feature endangered species: Conservative Dems | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | LA | Ralph Abraham | A000374 | abraham.house.gov | legacy | In Louisiana, GOP Rep. Ralph Abraham announced earlier this month that he will seek to take on Bel Edwards, joining a Republican field including Eddie Rispone, a Trump megadonor with a background in business rather than electoral politics. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) recently announced that he would not run. Whoever Republicans select as their nominees in those states in 2019, Trump's standing will give a major boost to their campaigns. The same is expected for Bevin in Kentucky, said GOP strategist Ben Hartman, despite a sometimes-rocky first term for the governor. "The president's popular there, as he should be, because of what he's done for the state, said Hartman, who advised Bevin in the past. And the governor is going to be popular there once people see what he's done in tandem with the president on economic issues. Democrats know that success in 2019 will hinge on keeping national politics as far out of those states as possible. The 2019 gubernatorial elections are really taking place in their own political universe, said Zac McCrary, a Democratic pollster. For Democrats to be competitive in those three states, they have to run much different races than Democrats in almost any different part of the country. To read the full story, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dougcollins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-first-step-act-law | President Trump Signs First Step Act into Law | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | GA | Doug Collins | C001093 | dougcollins.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump has signed the First Step Act into law. The bipartisan justice reform bill introduced by Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) represents one of the most significant overhauls of the federal criminal justice system in a generation.Collins spoke with the president in the Oval Office about why this legislation is historic. Background: May 7, 2018:Collins introduces the First Step Actin the House. May 22, 2018:TheHouse passes the First Step Actby a vote of 360-59. December 18, 2018:The Senate passes an updated First Step Act. December 20, 2018:The House passes the updated First Step Act,sending it to the president's desk. December 21, 2018:President Trump signs the First Step Act into law. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/saturday-snapshot | Saturday Snapshot | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, There has been a lot going on in our neck of the woods of Wisconsin, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of the latest news with you! Top Five In The Nation...Number One In Our Hearts There are a lot of reasons to be proud to be from Wisconsin; it's hands down the best place to work, raise a family, or vacation in the country. But we're also leaders when it comes to Christmas tree production! That means that Wisconsin continues to bring joy to families across the country this season. ClickHERE or the image below to celebrate Wisconsin's proud Christmas tree production! Our Nation Deserves Border Security At my recent townhall meeting at Northcentral Technical College in Antigo, I discussed the need for our nation to have a secure border. There are too many families across our nation who have lost loved ones because of the meth and heroin that pours over our southern border. In fact, at a recent Law Enforcement Roundtable, Wisconsin law enforcement leaders told me that even though our state is more than 1,000 miles away from Mexico, more than 90% of the meth and heroin in our community can be traced back to Mexico. This is unacceptable. Click HERE to watch a short interview with Eau Claire's Channel 18 about the need for border security. More Town Halls! Not only did we have a productive townhall meeting in Antigo, but it was great to chat with folks in Eagle River and Medford as well. It's important that we routinely get the opportunity to discuss the issues face to face. Click HERE or the image below to "like" and SHARE our recent town hall pics! Spring Isn't THAT Far Off! Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the pol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/saturday-snapshot-0 | Saturday Snapshot | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, There has been a lot going on in our neck of the woods of Wisconsin, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of the latest news with you! Top Five In The Nation...Number One In Our Hearts There are a lot of reasons to be proud to be from Wisconsin; it's hands down the best place to work, raise a family, or vacation in the country. But we're also leaders when it comes to Christmas tree production! That means that Wisconsin continues to bring joy to families across the country this season. ClickHERE or the image below to celebrate Wisconsin's proud Christmas tree production! Our Nation Deserves Border Security At my recent townhall meeting at Northcentral Technical College in Antigo, I discussed the need for our nation to have a secure border. There are too many families across our nation who have lost loved ones because of the meth and heroin that pours over our southern border. In fact, at a recent Law Enforcement Roundtable, Wisconsin law enforcement leaders told me that even though our state is more than 1,000 miles away from Mexico, more than 90% of the meth and heroin in our community can be traced back to Mexico. This is unacceptable. Click HERE to watch a short interview with Eau Claire's Channel 18 about the need for border security. More Town Halls! Not only did we have a productive townhall meeting in Antigo, but it was great to chat with folks in Eagle River and Medford as well. It's important that we routinely get the opportunity to discuss the issues face to face. Click HERE or the image below to "like" and SHARE our recent town hall pics! Spring Isn't THAT Far Off! Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the pol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-statement-government-shutdown-0 | Fitzpatrick Statement on Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | PA | Brian Fitzpatrick | F000466 | fitzpatrick.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) issued the following statement on the partial government shutdownincluding his intention to abide by his No Budget, No Pay proposal and reject a salary until a spending agreement is reached: Government shutdowns are not an effective way to govern. They're costly, unnecessary, and demonstrate a failure to lead from both parties. While I strongly believe that we must secure our border and fix our broken immigration system, Congress had plenty of opportunities to act and failed each time. Earlier this year, I voted for a compromise bill that would have secured our borders and protected DACA recipients. Unfortunately, that measure failed to make it out of the House. I have not, and will not, vote to shut down the government. It's the basic duty of Congress to fund the federal government. Shutdowns disrupt government services, compromise national security, and cause uncertainty for federal employees. Critical funding for programs like the Violence Against Women Act lapse. Congress should follow the way the American people run their businesses and manage their families: lead by example to build consensus and solve problems in a dignified, honorable manner. I will be leading by example. I will not accept any pay during any government shutdown. I am not delaying my pay; I am sending it back to the United States Treasury. And I am not only encouraging, but I am urging, all my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, to do the same. Let's send a message to the extreme partisans on both sides: do your job or don't get paid. As we await action from the Senate, I remain willing to work with both sides to find solutions and keep the government open. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-fleischmann-government-shutdown | STATEMENT: Fleischmann on Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | fleischmann | https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to the partial government shutdown: "I will never be in favor of a government shutdown. The House took action to prevent a shutdown over border security, and it is a shame the Senate did not follow suit. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to fund the government and we also have a duty to protect the American people. These two priorities should never be contradictory to one another. The time is now for Senate Democrats to come to the table and provide the border security funding America needs." The following information is courtesy of the House Committee on Appropriations: The lapse in appropriations affects 25 percent of the federal government, including funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Treasury, State, and Homeland Security, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the federal judiciary, and other related government programs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-budget-negotiations | Fortenberry Statement on Budget Negotiations | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NE | Jeff Fortenberry | F000449 | fortenberry.house.gov | legacy | Dec 13, 2018 Press Release (Washington, D.C.) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) made the following statement yesterday on the passage of the Farm Bill: Dec 1, 2018 Press Release President George H.W. Bush showed us the virtues of honor in office, dignity and formality. Hearing of his death, I reflected on the story of his dramatic rescue at sea after being shot down over the Pacific during WWII. His passing reminds us again of the Greatest Generation's... Oct 17, 2018 Press Release (Lincoln, NE) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today provided the following statement after introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives for the development of a security plan for religious minorities in Northern Iraq: Oct 15, 2018 Press Release (Washington, D.C.) Last week, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-17) introduced thePalestinian Partnership Fund Act of 2018. This legislation builds bridges between Israelis and Palestinians, laying the groundwork for peace and prosperity... Oct 3, 2018 Press Release (Washington, D.C.) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) today issued the following statement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): This reformed and renegotiated trade deal with Canada and Mexico appears to move us in the right direction, Fortenberry said. ... Sep 18, 2018 Press Release (Bellevue, NE, September 18, 2018)Today, in a ceremony at the Bellevue Public Schools Welcome Center, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry presented several outstanding Nebraska students with the prestigious Congressional Award. Sep 10, 2018 Press Release (Washington,DC,September 10, 2018)Members of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399434 | Foxx Statement on Partial Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NC | Virginia Foxx | F000450 | foxx.house.gov | foxx | https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON – Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate failed to consider the House-passed continuing resolution funding the federal government by the December 21 deadline. The House passed its continuing resolution on Thursday, December 20, which included $5.7 billion for a border wall and fully funded the federal government through February 8, 2019. “This shutdown was preventable, and it is a shame that a strong border securing our nation is no longer the bipartisan priority it once was. Under President Bush, the Secure Fence Act passed handily in the House and Senate, 283-138 and 80-19 respectively. Congress should not be divided on keeping the government open while fulfilling our duty to protect our nation. Nor should we allow politics to disrupt the services owed to American taxpayers. It is my intention to continue working with all parties interested in solutions to end this shutdown and make progress toward a border wall. I hope that Senate Democrats are willing to cooperate.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/update-december-2018-partial-government-shutdown-information | ***UPDATE: December 2018 Partial Government Shutdown Information | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | FL | Matt Gaetz | G000578 | gaetz.house.gov | legacy | The Senate's refusal to pass a funding bill with border security funds make it look more and more like we are heading for a shutdown. If this happens, it will only be a partial shutdown, because 3/4 of the government has already been funded.The Department of Defense has already been funded for the entire year, so military personnel and operations will be unaffected by the shutdown. Several of you have contacted my office to ask about national parks, like Gulf Islands National Seashore.Unlike shutdowns in previous years, national parks are expected to remain OPEN though they will not be staffed by personnel, and the facilities (like restrooms and visitor centers) will be closed. The House and Senate have both passed an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program until May 2019, so, pending President Trump's signature, flood insurance coverage will not lapse. Here are how other agencies and departments will be affected (or not) by the shutdown: Mail will continue as usual Social Security checks will be mailed as usual Medicare and Medicaid coverage will continue like normal TSA agents will still work, and flights will stay on schedule HUD housing voucher payments will continue HUD grants will continue Ginnie Mae will continue to guarantee mortgage securities The Federal Housing Administration will slow its loan processing and approval; new loan applications may be paused EPA emergency cleanup projects will continue USDA will continue to inspect meat, poultry, and eggs Federal courts will remain open (for about three weeks, but by that point the shutdown should be resolved) Railroad inspectors will continue to work Amtrak will continue to run Highway toll booths, because they are primarily staffed by state employees, will continue normal operations My Congressional office will continue to process casework and constituent requests. For more information about national parks, seehereand here. For more information about agencies affected by the shutdown, seehereandhere. The House is scheduled to be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gonzalez-colon.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionada-residente-anuncia-elecci-n-de-la-laguna-de-condado-para-proyecto | Comisionada residente anuncia eleccin de la Laguna de Condado para proyecto piloto del Cuerpo de Ingenieros | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | PR | Jenniffer González-Colón | G000582 | gonzalez-colon.house.gov | legacy | San Juan, Puerto Rico-La comisionada residente, Jenniffer Gonzlez Coln, anunci que el Cuerpo de Ingenieros de los Estados Unidos escogi el proyecto de dragado de la Laguna del Condado, como uno de los diez proyectos en toda la Nacin que recibir un 100 por ciento de financiamiento, dentro del plan piloto de uso beneficioso de material sacado del dragado. Bajo la Seccin 1122 de la Ley para el Desarrollo de los Recursos de Aguas (WRDA, por sus siglas e ingls) del 2016, se le requiere al Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejrcito de los Estados Unidos (USACE, por sus siglas en ingls) que establezca un programa piloto para llevar acabo 10 proyectos para uso beneficioso del material que se extraiga del dragado efectuado. Para este programa piloto, las diferentes regiones de USACE sometieron un total de 95 propuestas para ser evaluadas, siendo escogidas diez, entra laque se encuentra el proyecto de dragado de la Laguna del Condado en San Juan. Parte del expreso Baldorioty de Castro, se construy sobre la Laguna del Condado y la parte del cuerpo de agua que se rellen ha causado problemas como inundaciones en la zona. Con este proyecto, en donde se trabajara en la depresin de ms de 40 pies de profundidad, se busca una mejor calidad del agua lo que ayudar a que crezcan yerbas marinas en el fondo y el material que se saque del dragado puede ser utilizado para la restauracin de playas. Este propuesta ganadora, forma a su vezparte del Plan de Accin del Estuario de la Baha de San Juan. Este ejercicio de usar material del dragado para otros usos se ha hecho anteriormente, pero era financiado parte con fondos estatales, la diferencia en esta ocasin es que ser sufragado totalmente con fondos federales. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-statement-lapse-appropriations-funding-department-homeland | Hartzler Statement on Lapse of Appropriations Funding for Department of Homeland Security and other Federal Agencies | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | MO | Vicky Hartzler | H001053 | hartzler.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) made the following statement regarding the lapse of appropriations funding for the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies: On December 20th I voted for a continuing resolution to fund the entire government through February 7th, 2019. This measure added much needed border security funding for the Department of Homeland Security while also funding other select federal agencies. Unfortunately, the Senate did not reach the required sixty votes necessary to approve this measure, putting some government operations on hold until funding is approved. I encourage Democrats in the Senate and in the House to support legislation that funds our government and prioritizes our security by increasing funding to protect our border, stop the flow of deadly drugs into our communities, and curb the stem of illegal immigration into our country. I stand by, ready to support such a measure and to urge them to come alongside us to protect our communities. -30 For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-s-legislation-honor-fallen-army-ranger-joshua-rodgers-signed-law | LaHoods Legislation to Honor Fallen Army Ranger Joshua Rodgers Signed into Law | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Last night President Trump signed into law legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood to rename a Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, U.S. post office in honor of U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers. The bill, H.R. 4326, was unanimously passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and will rename the U.S. Post office at 200 West North Street in Normal, Illinois. Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is an American hero and we will forever be indebted to him for his selfless service to our country. With President Trump's signature, Sergeant Rodgers' patriotism and sacrifice will forever be cemented in the Normal community. While we can never fully repay Josh for his service, this small step will ensure his bravery is never forgotten, stated Rep. Darin LaHood. Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is a hometown hero and renaming this post office will make sure that his name and the sacrifice he made for us is remembered for generations to come, said Rep. Rodney Davis. It's because of men and women like Sergeant Rodgers who risk their lives in service to our country that we remain free. It is a privilege to be able to honor his life and service with this post office and I look forward to seeing the Sgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office in Normal soon. Background: On April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers was killed in action supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan during a raid on the headquarters of ISIS emir Abdul Hasib. Rodgers received wounds in an hours-long firefight during his third tour of duty as a member of the elite special operations unit. The Bloomington native was 22 years old and already a decorated hero receiving numerous awards and medals, including the Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He also received the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart posthumously. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2517 | Congressman Lamborn's Statement on Partial Shut Down of the Government | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | CO | Doug Lamborn | L000564 | lamborn.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Lamborn's Statement on Partial Shut Down of the Government f t # e Washington, December 22, 2018 Washington D.C. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement following the partial shutdown of the federal government: On Thursday, I voted to keep the government running and provide funding for our border security. On Friday, the Senate failed to act on that legislation. Securing our nation's borders should not be a partisan issue yet that's exactly what Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats have made it. Now, hundreds of thousands of Americans will be without pay until Congress can resolve this issue. That's at least one reason why I will not be receiving my salary until a solution is finalized. I'll continue fighting for what's right and working to protect the American people." f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398419 | Roe Statement on Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Phil Roe | R000582 | roe.house.gov | legacy | Roe Statement on Government Shutdown f t # e Washington, December 22, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement on the government shutdown: No one wants to see the government shut down. On Thursday, I proudly supported legislation to continue funding the remaining government agencies, provide an additional $5 billion to construct a wall at our southern border and provide $7.8 billion in disaster relief. The president's request for funding for a wall on our southern border is entirely reasonable and necessary for our security. I hope the Senate and House Democrats will work in good faith to come together with the president and work out their differences as soon as possible so we can end this shutdown. Note: Currently the government is partially funded through Fiscal Year 2019. Funding has already been signed into law through September 30, 2019 for the following departments: Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Labor, Department of Energy, Legislative Branch, and Department of Veterans Affairs. The remaining departments and agencies were funded by a continuing resolution which expired at midnight on December 21. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2319 | Toomey Statement on Government Funding Vote | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | PA | Patrick Toomey | T000461 | toomey.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding the government funding vote: "This is a disappointing situation for all parties involved, especially for affected federal employees. However, there is a deal to be made, but as today's vote showed, it requires the White House to negotiate with the Senate Minority Leader. This should not be an impossible feat, given that Democrats have voted in the past for a wall. In 2013, every Senate Democrat supported legislation to spend $46 billion on border security and a wall. Now, many of these same lawmakers are balking about a bill that puts $5 billion toward border security. For that reason, I am hopeful this impasse can be resolved in short order." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-walker-s-bill-end-taxpayer-funded-sexual | President Trump Signs Walkers Bill to End Taxpayer-Funded Sexual Harassment Settlements into Law | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | NC | Mark Walker | W000819 | walker.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. RepresentativeMarkWalker(R-N.C.) today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed S.3749, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act into law, legislation co-sponsored by Walker: "The existence of a secret hush fund that uses taxpayer money to settle sexual misconduct from members of Congress highlights exactly why people don't trust Washington. That's why we are ending it. From now on, members of Congress will be held accountable for their misbehavior, just like every other American. This is a great start, but in the next Congress, I will be working to ensure more accountability for former members who continue to profit off their time in Congress, despite leaving due to such actions." The Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act was written following multiple Committee on House Administration hearings on the matter. As reported by USA Today: "It holds lawmakers, including those who leave office, financially liable for settlements resulting from all types of harassment and retaliation, but doesn't cover discrimination claims. It also eliminates mandatory counseling, mediation and the 'cooling off'period victims are currently required to wait before filing a lawsuit or requesting an administrative hearing. "The bill requires public reporting of settlements, including identifying lawmakers who are personally liable, and extends protections to include interns, fellows and other staff." You can read the full text of the legislation here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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