Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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304 rows where chamber = "House", state = "KY" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/communities-come-together-in-tornado-aftermath | Communities Come Together in Tornado Aftermath | 2021-12-28 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | In the wake of the devastating tornados which recently hit parts of western and central Kentucky, our commonwealth’s resiliency has been tested like never before. But after a natural disaster that killed 77 Kentuckians, destroyed countless homes and wiped out entire communities, caring citizens have responded with unbelievable compassion. Private charities and individuals have been on the ground cleaning up debris and providing warm meals, in addition to supplying financial and material assistance. Various Kentucky school districts have sent school buses full of supplies to affected communities. And Americans from coast to coast have contributed monetarily to the relief and cleanup efforts. In the very communities affected by the storm, unsung heroes have stepped up to help their friends and neighbors. First responders have pulled bodies out of rubble. Electric crews have pulled long hours restoring power to residents. And many people have volunteered by setting up relief funds, coordinating local donation centers, and much more. All of these efforts have been essential to getting communities back on their feet, and represent the very best that America has to offer. In terms of size and volume, this tornado was unlike anything we’ve ever seen. After touring damaged sites all over the 1st Congressional District, I’m heartbroken to see such devastation hit so many our small towns. I’m thankful to all the local leaders and concerned citizens who are working tirelessly to restore the beauty of their communities. I am committed to using my office as a resource for anyone in need of assistance from the federal government for cleanup and relief efforts. While the work of private charitable organizations and community leaders have been instrumental, there are also government disaster assistance programs to help those in need. The White House has approved a major disaster declaration for 14 Kentucky counties, making these areas eligible for federal aid programs designed to cover basic needs not covered by private in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/comer | Comer, Kentucky Delegation Honor Victims of Deadly Storms | 2021-12-19 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday evening, Congressman James Comer (KY-1) and Kentucky’s federal delegation in the U.S. House honored the victims of horrific tornadoes that swept through Kentucky in recent days. Following his remarks, Comer led the full House of Representatives in a moment of silence to pay tribute to the lives lost. You can view his full remarks here. Congressman Comer represents the region of Kentucky most impacted by Friday evening’s storms. Congressman Comer’s Full Remarks: “Madam Speaker, On behalf of all the citizens of West Kentucky, I want to thank everyone in America for the outpouring of support, the prayers, the financial support, the people who took off and traveled to West Kentucky to help remove debris and save people… The devastation there is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. And in talking to the media that’s all in Mayfield, Kentucky right now as we speak, it’s the worst damage they’ve ever seen from a tornado. But the people in West Kentucky are resilient. They have so much pride in their communities. Neighbor has helped neighbor, and that will continue. I ask, Madam Speaker, for a moment of silence on the House floor to remember the 74 citizens of Kentucky who perished in the terrible series of tornadoes that swept through our state this weekend.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=98CAA67D-9E16-4334-B9D2-81705FC39D24 | $1.5M Federal Grant Funds New Return to Workforce Program | 2021-12-16 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | MANCHESTER, KY – U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Volunteers of America Mid-States announced the launch of a transformational workforce development program in eastern Kentucky supported by a highly competitive $1.5 million federal grant. Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) is a dynamic workforce development and training program that will change the lives of hundreds of eastern Kentucky residents, whose struggles with substance use has sidelined them from work. “For those in eastern Kentucky who have struggled with substance abuse and job displacement and believed they were hopeless and alone, this is a message that help is on the way,” said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of Volunteers of America. "This partnership will help to transform lives.” Volunteers of America Mid-States will lead the partnership with Eastern Kentucky University, AdventHealth Manchester, Goodwill Industries and other community agencies to provide workforce case management, job training and supportive services to people in addiction recovery in Bell, Clay, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, McCreary and Whitley counties. Leaders from both organizations as well as Congressman Rogers and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers marked the announcement at EKU’s Manchester campus. “As more people recover from substance use disorder in our region, this program will equip them with the skills and tools they need to take the next steps in their journey. Earning a paycheck helps build confidence and self-worth, reminding folks that they can be trusted again with the responsibilities of working to provide for themselves and their families,” said Congressman Rogers, a longtime champion in the fight against drug abuse. “This program is ultimately about restoring hope for families in our region, hope for recovery and hope for living an abundant, drug-free life.” The grant from the U.S. Department of Labor is for Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) and will support VOA’s recovery reintegration program to help move… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=93BB222F-ECB1-4F41-A155-CE0EB8C2783B | Barr, Sherman, Spartz Introduce Bill to Pressure China, Allow U.S. Oversight of Audits | 2021-12-15 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), the ranking Republican on the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy, along with Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Investor Protection and Capital Markets, and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN) introduced the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act –legislation that would increase accountability for the auditors of U.S.-listed foreign companies currently not subject to oversight by U.S. regulators. In 2020, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act which prohibits the shares of foreign companies from continuing to be listed on U.S. exchanges if a company’s auditor is not overseen by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) for three years in a row. For over a decade, Chinese authorities have effectively blocked the PCAOB from conducting effective oversight of audit firms based in China and Hong Kong. However, these audit firms currently serve as the primary auditor for 191 companies publicly traded in the U.S. with a combined global market capitalization of $1.9 trillion. The Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act would put additional pressure on China by requiring foreign auditors to allow PCAOB inspections or risk publicly traded companies being de-listed from U.S. exchanges if inspections do not happen after two consecutive years rather than three. This legislation serves as a House companion to S.2184, a bill introduced by Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) which passed the Senate on June 22, 2021. “This bill builds off of the bipartisan Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act to protect investors, ensure the integrity of financial statements and create a level playing field for issuers on U.S. exchanges,” said Congressman Barr, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy. “I am pleased to join … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=353D34F5-14E6-486E-81AF-7B385CA504F1 | Congressman Rogers Votes Against Debt Limit Increase | 2021-12-15 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Washington Democrats voted to raise the nation's debt limit by $2.5 trillion to cover their irresponsible spending spree this year. U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) voted against the legislation which will likely lead the nation to again reach the debt limit in 2023. "My liberal colleagues are relentless in their pursuit to make the United States more indebted to China every day," said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. "With Democrats in control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, we've experienced one crisis after another, including skyrocketing inflation, mass supply chain interruptions, record numbers of illegal immigrants flooding across the southern border, and historic spending. Washington Democrats are bypassing checks and balances at every turn, and increasing the debt limit without addressing spending is another step in the wrong direction. Taxpayers need fiscally responsible leaders on Capitol Hill, not a higher borrowing capacity." The debt limit increase passed just as Washington Democrats are on the brink of adding a multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation bill without any regard for the nation's deficit or debt. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1C4583DB-5644-4218-9553-D8DA4E511438 | Barr, Hill, Huizenga, and Loudermilk Call on Gensler to Rescind Recent Guidance | 2021-12-14 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06), Rep. French Hill (AR-02), Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) today sent a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler urging the SEC to rescind recent staff guidance on shareholder proposals submitted to publicly traded companies. Following the SEC’s decision to rescind Staff Legal Bulletins (SLB) Nos. 14I, 14J, and 14K, and replace them with SLB 14L, the members expressed their concern that the new SLB falls outside of the Commission’s statutory authority, writing, “This is yet another example of the Commission pushing a progressive agenda on the shareholder process… The unelected staff of the SEC should not be the arbiters of social policy in our financial markets. The SEC has neither the statutory authority nor the expertise to make determinations about the issues of broad societal impact.” Reps. Barr, Hill, Huizenga and Loudermilk continued, “Another major flaw in this SLB is that it provides no objective process for how SEC staff will evaluate if a proposal is or is not socially significant… This opaque process will give staff enormous power to force companies to engage on social issues that have nothing to do with their business.” The members concluded, “We call on the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance to immediately rescind SLB 14L and reinstate SLB Nos. 14I, 14J, and 14K. It is inappropriate for the SEC to use staff guidance to go around the statutory rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedures Act while making major changes to the shareholder proposal process.” To read the full letter, click here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=53C82B79-54F2-4B7C-9DC8-06659FAA294B | Barr Votes Against Partisan Debt Ceiling Legislation | 2021-12-14 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.– U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives voted to raise the debt ceiling: “Democrats’ partisan efforts in the House to raise the debt ceiling epitomizes their misplaced belief that somehow we can tax, spend and borrow our way to prosperity. The truth of the matter is that when we raise the debt ceiling without reform, we make way for new spending that, in turn, not only threatens to bankrupt America but fuels the out-of-control inflation that has been ravaging poor and middle-class families for the entirety of this Administration’s tenure. The Congressional Budget Office only just recently confirmed what Republicans have been saying all along: Biden’s Build Back Broke agenda, with its gimmicks removed, doesn’t cost zero dollars as advertised. In fact, the CBO estimates BBB would introduce nearly $5 trillion in new spending in the long run which Democrats will happily dump into the lap of every American taxpayer and at the feet of our future generations. I proudly voted against this reckless measure that would add an astounding $2.5 trillion more to the national debt. Rest assured, I will continue to fight alongside my Republican colleagues against the Democrat effort to bankrupt America at the expense of the most vulnerable among us.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DA6CBAB1-8B43-4CE2-9FC5-5F5C59F75D33 | U.S. House Holds Moment of Silence for Kentucky Tornado Victims | 2021-12-14 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday night, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers joined his colleagues from Kentucky on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a moment of silence in memory of tornado victims in Kentucky and surrounding states who were impacted by deadly storms on December 10 and 11. "In this moment of silence, I pray for God's divine peace and comfort to be with every family in Western Kentucky and those in neighboring states who tragically lost a loved one during severe storms over the weekend. May the Lord, strengthen search and rescue teams, first responders and our National Guard as they continue their heroic efforts. In the midst of storms of this magnitude, there are always unsung heroes and although we may never know every detail, we salute each person who risked their own life to save another," said Congressman Rogers, Dean of Kentucky's Congressional Delegation. "The people of Eastern Kentucky know all too well, the pain and heartache of unexpected deadly storms, but we also know the blessing of compassion and hope that floods in during recovery efforts. As donation drives and volunteer crews begin to help our friends in Western Kentucky, it is my prayer that hope shines across this Commonwealth." "I was proud to join Kentucky's congressional delegation in support of the Governor's federal request for emergency assistance and I stand ready help our neighbors in the days ahead," Rogers continued. On Sunday, President Biden approved Governor Beshear's request for an expedited major disaster declaration, with full support from Kentucky's Congressional delegation. Congressman Rogers applauds the rapid federal response, including FEMA teams that have already deployed to Kentucky. Click here to watch as Members of the U.S. House of Representatives hold a moment of silence in memory of Kentucky tornado victims. December 14, 2021 - U.S. House held a moment of silence in memory of Kentucky tornado victims U.S. House Members from Kentucky led a moment of silence for Kentucky tornado victims | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C24EFAD5-4D5E-4CDF-959C-58CF60085E09 | Kentucky Congressional Delegation Supports Governor’s Request for Disaster Declaration | 2021-12-11 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kentucky's federal delegation, including U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, and Representatives Hal Rogers (KY-05), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Andy Barr (KY-06), Thomas Massie (KY-04), and James Comer (KY-01) sent a joint letter today to President Joe Biden expressing their support for Governor Andy Beshear's request for a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky regarding the overnight tornadoes and severe weather. “We write to draw your attention to the December 11, 2021 letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the severe weather events…We strongly support this request and ask for your timely consideration,” the delegation stated in their letter to the President. “Unfortunately, at least 50 deaths have been reported across multiple counties in the Commonwealth as a result of these tornadoes. The Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky State Police have been mobilized to provide support to Kentuckians, but emergency response has also been hampered by the storm damage.” Initial reports indicate that this was the longest tornado touchdown in the Commonwealth’s history. The tornadoes have caused significant destruction of property, dangerous road conditions, significant vegetative debris, power outages for thousands of Kentuckians, and severe impacts to transportation and infrastructure. A federal disaster declaration would release funding and resources to aid Kentucky communities hardest-hit by the tornadoes and severe weather. Click here to read the letter from the Kentucky delegation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/statement-from-congressman-comer-on-tornado-damage-in-western-kentucky | Statement from Congressman Comer on Tornado Damage in Western Kentucky | 2021-12-11 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | “Please be in prayer for all of the families who lost loved ones in the terrible tornadoes that swept through Western Kentucky last night. Also continue praying for the outstanding first responders who have been on the ground all night rescuing people from devastating damage in Mayfield.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DBCED2E7-07C9-48D9-A725-9EDC4475743D | Attorney General Cameron's Office Awarded $600,000 Federal Grant to Provide Transitional Housing for Human Trafficking Survivors in Southeastern Kentucky | 2021-12-10 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 10, 2021) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced that the Kentucky Attorney General's office was awarded a $600,000 federal grant from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop a transitional and short-term housing-assistance program for survivors of human trafficking in southeastern Kentucky. The Attorney General’s Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution (TAPP) will develop the program in partnership with Refuge for Women, a nonprofit recovery program for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The program will assist human trafficking survivors in Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, and Whitley Counties. “We must do everything we can to not only end human trafficking but to support trafficking victims, and this $600,000 grant will allow us to provide safe and stable housing services in an underserved region of our Commonwealth,” said Attorney General Cameron. “We know that there is a great need for these services and that they are essential to assisting survivors in their healing and long-term recovery. Refuge for Women’s care model is recognized nationally, and we are proud to partner with them to develop this program. We also appreciate the support of Congressman Rogers and Congressman Barr.” "Refuge for Women is excited to learn about the news of funding from the federal government to help victims of sex trafficking in the state of Kentucky,” said Ked Frank, President of Refuge for Women. “We are excited to continue our work with the Attorney General's office to help more people in need.” The housing-assistance program will offer survivors the option to participate in a communal-site, transitional-housing program in Garrard County or a short-term housing-assistance program. Both options will include case-management support from professionals within the Refuge for Women organization and assistance from community survivors. “The inhumane practice of sex trafficking must be stopped in Kentu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=18133EE1-2B6C-4E98-A4D8-A16E56DD0EDB | CAROL Act Passes the U.S. House of Representatives | 2021-12-08 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— Today, the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act unanimously passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) championed the legislation to honor the legacy of his late-wife Eleanor “Carol” Leavell Barr, who passed away last year at 39 years old from sudden cardiac death. The CAROL Act makes critical investments in research for valvular heart disease. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) are leading a companion bill. The CAROL Act authorizes a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), supporting research on valvular heart disease. It also convenes a workshop of subject matter experts to identify research needs and opportunities to develop prescriptive guidelines for treatment of patients with MVP. Finally, the bill instructs the Centers for Disease Control to increase public awareness regarding symptoms of valvular heart disease and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death. “With today’s vote, we are one step closer to pushing the CAROL Act across the finish line and enshrining Carol Barr’s legacy,” said Congressman Barr. “This bill delivers critical resources to close the gaps in understanding about valvular heart disease and save lives. I am grateful to the American Heart Association, WomenHeart, the American College of Cardiology and so many of my colleagues who supported this bill from the start.” “Carol Barr was a devoted mother, an accomplished professional, and a supportive spouse. Her grace and compassion made an everlasting impact on the world, and especially on her family and community. Andy was blessed with a wonderful wife and their daughters were fortunate to have an amazing mother. There is no better way to honor her memory than to support initiatives that will help save lives,” said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. “I am in awe of Andy’s strength … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FDA7A7D7-8446-4916-85B9-565962E49CA1 | Congressman Rogers Votes for Improved National Defense Authorization Act | 2021-12-08 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act after including important revisions from Republicans, including a boost of $25 billion more than last year for national defense, and stripping the bill of a controversial "red flag" provision, dropping expansion of selective service to women, and zeroing out all funds for Afghanistan's now terrorist-led military. "I was pleased to vote for this bipartisan bill that paves the way for stronger a national defense, modernizes our Navy fleet, and provides more support for our servicemembers and their families, including a 2.7% pay increase. As President FDR said in 1941, December 7th will 'live in infamy,' and in light of the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we owe it to the American people to ensure that we maintain the world's top military force moving forward," said Congressman Rogers. "As Russian and Chinese aggression increase, this bill strengthens our military posture, supporting our allies and ramping up intelligence efforts with historic investments in emerging technologies. After the Biden Administration's catastrophic failure in Afghanistan, this bill also establishes an independent commission to investigate the 20-year conflict and eliminates all funding for the Afghan military, which is now led by the Taliban." The legislation also works to address our nation's southern border crisis by deploying military personnel to assist Customs and Border Protection. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3849793F-0EF5-4A94-89A8-3F19961B0AE2 | Barr Votes for NDAA to Boost Defense, Pay for Military Servicemembers | 2021-12-07 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— Tonight, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr voted in favor of the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). After his vote, Congressman Barr released the following statement: “This year’s National Defense Authorization Act authorizes a much-deserved pay raise for military servicemembers, funds to improve military family housing and prevents cuts to the military health program. Additionally, the NDAA reverses proposed cuts by President Biden for new aircraft, combat vehicles, missile systems and other key military weaponry that will be essential in defending our homeland now and in the years to come. “Included in this package is a provision to ensure that no military servicemember can be dishonorably discharged for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This NDAA version also removes Red Flag law provisions concerning firearm possession and the requirement for women to register for the Selective Service System, otherwise known as the military draft. “Furthermore, the NDAA contains critical measures that I have been pushing for to hold the Biden Administration accountable for their ongoing failure in Afghanistan. The NDAA authorizes $7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, $2 billion above the President’s request, to combat the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Lastly, the NDAA provides $300 million in security assistance and intelligence support to Ukraine. This investment will counteract ongoing aggression from Russia toward Ukraine. For these reasons and many more, I voted to support the NDAA.” Under the House NDAA, the Biden Administration will be required to submit quarterly reports to Congress regarding: Contingency plans to retrieve Americans still in Afghanistan; Itemized lists of aircraft, combat vehicles, and other U.S. military equipment left behind and destroyed; Threats posed by Al Qaeda, ISIS-K, and other terrorists operating in Afghanistan; Threats posed by prisoners released by Taliban during the Afghanistan evacuation. This includes terrorists released… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/comer-oversight-republicans-probe-pandemic-unemployment-benefits-stolen-by-foreign-adversaries | Comer, Oversight Republicans Probe Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Stolen by Foreign Adversaries | 2021-12-06 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Representative Scott Franklin (R-Fla.), House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), and Oversight Republicans today called on the Justice Department to provide an update on its efforts to combat and pursue COVID-19 relief stolen by transnational and state-sponsored organizations. A recent report reveals tens of billions of pandemic unemployment benefits were obtained by foreign adversaries, including China and Russia. “The theft of up to $280 billion in unemployment benefits due to fraudulent activity by foreign adversaries and criminals is a major scandal and a breach of our national security. To put this number in perspective, the amount of pandemic relief money lost to fraud over the past 18 months is the same as we spent on the Apollo program over 13 years to put men on the moon. Where possible, the perpetrators of these crimes should be tracked down and prosecuted, and those who negligently allowed this fraud, waste, and abuse to happen must be held accountable for betraying American taxpayers’ trust. Our government simply must instill stronger oversight into distribution of tax dollars. This is unacceptable and the American people deserve better,” said Rep. Franklin. According to a recent report, 40 percent or more of the $700 billion spent on pandemic-related unemployment benefits went to fraud. This includes $175 billion to transnational actors with $140 billion of that—20 percent of the overall amount spent by the U.S. government—going to state-sponsored entities. The Department of Justice recently told Republican committee staff it has charged nearly $1 billion in intended loss of COVID-19 relief to fraud, but based on estimates, this means there are still hundreds of billions in unidentified loss. The Justice Department also refused to share how many active cases involve transnational organizations or state-sponsored organizations. “It’s unacceptable that tens of billions of taxpayer dollars were stolen by foreign adversaries. Americans’ hard-earned money s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9A8D072F-76BC-4E69-A01E-CE18CBDBBD04 | Congressman Rogers Votes Against Democrats' Misguided Short-Term Spending Bill | 2021-12-02 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Washington Democrats passed a second short-term appropriations bill, only funding the federal government through February 18. The first stop-gap measure was passed in late September. The bill pushes the December 3 deadline to February 18, and did not include an effort by House and Senate Republicans to defund President Biden's court embattled vaccine mandates. "We have worked on federal funding bills all year, but because Washington Democrats refuse to come to the table to negotiate government funding, here we are in another crunch to ensure government operations continue. While we all want to avoid a government shutdown, these short-term spending bills leave out a lot of unmet needs across the country," said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Washington Democrats' misguided priorities have left us without a comprehensive deal to fully fund the 2022 fiscal year. Instead, they are focused on finding a path forward for their multi-trillion dollar socialist agenda and funding President Biden's vaccine mandates, some of which have already been blocked in federal court. I call on Democrats to come to the table so we can end these short-term spending bills and fully fund the government for 2022.” The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration before current government funding expires at midnight on December 3. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B5B75FCB-341E-41B3-8067-8B4FF01EF50D | Reps Barr and Levin Partner on Bipartisan Bill to Restore Education Benefits to Veterans | 2021-12-01 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Mike Levin (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to extend the amount of time certain veterans can utilize their GI Bill education benefits. Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) restored GI Bill entitlements for veterans who previously used Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits. However, the VA did not extend the expiration date for these benefits, meaning some veterans received more months of GI Bill entitlements than they had time to use before the expiration date. To resolve this discrepancy, Rep. Barr and Rep. Levin are leading the More Opportunities for Veterans Education (MOVE) Act. This legislation will provide eligible veterans with sufficient time to use their restored GI Bill benefits by extending their expiration dates and requiring the VA to notify all veterans affected. “We must ensure that veterans who served our country have access to the entirety of their education benefits earned through the Post 9/11 GI Bill,” said Rep. Barr. “Our bill is a straightforward legislative fix to achieve just that. This legislation will help veterans obtain skills, training and educational benefits to further their post-service success. It is great to partner with Representative Levin on this bill, and I will keep working to get his bipartisan bill signed into law.” “I’m glad the VA restored GI Bill entitlements for many veterans who have taken advantage of Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, but we must extend the expiration date to use those benefits so eligible veterans can take full advantage of them,” said Rep. Levin. “I’ve heard of veterans at Saddleback College and other local institutions who need this extension to make the most of their restored GI Bill benefits, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation on their behalf. I appreciate Congressman Barr’s partnership on this commonsense bill and I’m hopeful we can advance it through the House soon.” “The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recentl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-introduces-bill-to-ban-biden-s-authoritarian-federal-contractor-vaccine-mandate | Comer Introduces Bill to Ban Biden’s Authoritarian Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate | 2021-11-22 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today introduced the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act of 2021 (H.R. 6016) to ban President Biden from requiring the employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. “American workers should not be forced to get the jab to keep their job. President Biden’s authoritarian mandate on employees of federal contractors requiring vaccination or termination is unfair to those who support the federal government and jeopardizes services such as defense and border security. Because of the sweeping mandate, employees risk losing their entire livelihoods—jobs, pensions, and healthcare plans—and President Biden places our country at risk to public safety, health, and supply chain crises,” said Ranking Member Comer. In September, President Biden issued Executive Order 14042, under which employees of federal contractors must be vaccinated against COVID-19 infection by January 4, 2022, or risk losing their jobs and all the benefits associated with them. The executive order offers very few exemptions and does not provide options to be tested regularly. “The Fairness for Federal Contractors Act makes it clear Americans are empowered to make their own medical decisions. President Biden’s continued assault on Americans’ freedom must be stopped,” added Ranking Member Comer. Ranking Member Comer and Oversight Republican lawmakers recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, General Services Administration Secretary Robin Carnahan, and Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Shalanda Young requesting all information and documents related to President Biden’s sweeping federal contractor vaccine mandate. The lawmakers also expressed concern it may also impact federal grantees, which could jeopardize the operations of local police departments, fire departments, emergency medical systems, and other vital organizations across the country. The text of Fairness for Federal Contractors Act can … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EBB41ED6-C663-4D8A-BF9C-54F712440F21 | Barr Votes Against Biden’s Big Government Socialist Bill | 2021-11-19 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr voted against the big government tax, borrow and spend Socialist bill. Following his vote, Congressman Barr released this statement: “Despite historic, out-of-control inflation and rising costs of living for Kentuckians, Democrats are charging ahead on their big government Socialist spending bill. “President Biden and top Administration officials insisted for months that their Socialist agenda would cost “zero dollars.” However, the Congressional Budget Office confirmed that this was a lie. Instead, the Democrats’ spending spree will add at least $367 billion to the almost $30 trillion debt. “While Democrats passed a crushing, $1.2 trillion tax hike on families, small businesses and job creators, their bill gifts a tax cut to the vast majority of high-income earners. This includes a tax cut averaging $17,000 for the top 66 percent of taxpayers earning over $1 million in income. “Additionally, the Socialist package is riddled with special interest giveaways. One such handout is an electric vehicle (EV) tax credit that advantages automobile manufacturers in Michigan and Illinois but won’t be applicable to EVs made at the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. “Finally, the Socialist package contains amnesty provisions for illegal immigrants, doubles the IRS budget to target Americans and creates a new carve out in the tax code for trial lawyers. To protect hard working Kentuckians and stop this Socialist takeover of America, I voted no on this bill.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-marshall-sound-alarm-over-agreement-between-usaid-and-wsu-to-conduct-dangerous-pathogen-research | Comer, Marshall Sound Alarm Over Agreement Between USAID and WSU to Conduct Dangerous Pathogen Research | 2021-11-19 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) sent a letter to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power, expressing concerns over the cooperative agreement between USAID and Washington State University (WSU) requiring the university to conduct dangerous research on emerging pathogens. Considering the recent lack of transparency by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) over dangerous experiments being conducted with taxpayer dollars, the lawmakers are seeking to understand what measures are in place to prevent researchers from potentially creating another pandemic. “Republicans are conducting oversight of the cooperative agreement between the U.S. Agency for International Development and Washington State University. The agreement, announced on October 5, 2021, requires WSU to conduct research to better detect emerging pathogens and prevent pandemics… Considering the inability of NIH and NIAID to be transparent with the American people regarding dangerous research conducted on the taxpayer dime and the possibility of a laboratory leak or research accident leading to the COVID-19 pandemic, the terms of this agreement are concerning. The Committee needs to understand what measures are in place, under the agreement, to prevent researchers from potentially artificially creating another pandemic,” wrote the lawmakers. “According to the agreement between USAID and WSU, American taxpayers will help fund dangerous viral research, the very type of research at the center of the COVID-19 origin investigation… Because of biosafety concerns, it is vital that the taxpayer funds associated with this agreement are allocated to laboratories that are safe and secure. Based on assessments from the Department of State and the U.S. Intelligence Community, this agreement should not include any laboratory in China due to the possibility COVID-1… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/congressman-comer-votes-no-on-biden-s-1-8-trillion-tax-and-spend-package/da0a1855-6b14-437a-b41b-d1365e9c4afd | Congressman Comer Votes No on Biden’s $1.8 Trillion Tax-and-Spend Package | 2021-11-19 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Comer released the following statement upon voting no on President Biden’s $1.8 trillion spending bill, which passed the House and now moves to the U.S. Senate. Despite President Biden’s claims that the legislation costs zero dollars, the Congressional Budget Office has announced that the legislation adds $367 billion to the deficit, with the rest of the bill financed by significant tax increases. “I voted no on yet another multi-trillion dollar spending bill being rammed down taxpayers’ throats by President Biden and Speaker Pelosi. This $1.8 trillion spending bill will pour gas on America’s inflation fire and lead to even higher costs for milk, gas, and other essential items the American people rely on. Further, this left-wing wish list includes radical proposals like amnesty and welfare benefits for illegal immigrants, the hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents, and a government takeover of significant portions of the American economy. Clearly Washington Democrats missed the message from Virginia, where the American people sent a message that they are fed up with the excessive spending, budget gimmicks, and special-interest giveaways found in this bill.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EF727278-7005-468A-B990-82524545681A | Congressman Rogers Votes Against Democrats' Social Spending Spree | 2021-11-19 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Washington Democrats rammed through another irresponsible spending bill in the U.S. House of Representatives as Congressman Hal Rogers and House Republicans voted against the bill, warning Americans about the crippling impact it will have on our economy and how it will effect every family. "Our nation is in crisis and American families are feeling the impact more every day at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and as we continue to watch the Biden Administration fail to address the mass supply chain failures at our ports. This bill does nothing to address those problems; in fact, it will only worsen them, taxing every family through more inflation and killing local jobs," said Congressman Rogers. "The Democrats' so-called Build Back Better plan gives two-out-of-three millionaires a tax cut, while raising taxes on the middle class and American businesses. It also paves the way for higher energy bills, by spending more than $80 billion to advance its Green New Deal, shutting down current American energy resources and targeting coal operations once again." The legislation excludes the Hyde Amendment, a long-time bipartisan provision that prohibits taxpayer funds from being used to pay for abortions. The bill also prohibits faith-based child-care providers from receiving funds for pre-K and child-care programs, imposing new federal Head Start restrictions. "There are hidden liberal agenda items woven throughout this legislation, attacking faith-based policies and removing longstanding protections for a parent's right to choose the best child-care providers," said Congressman Rogers. One of the biggest beneficiaries of the bill is the IRS, receiving funding to double its staff and increase audits on American families. Nearly half of the predicted 1.2 million additional IRS audits will directly impact families earning $75,000 or less. "While the IRS ramps up efforts to squeeze every dollar out of American taxpayers, the Democrats' plan also includes amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants," R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=330AC288-D055-4239-8C6B-50D4E28263EC | Barr Unveils Bill to Fix Failed Housing First Policy | 2021-11-18 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), a senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee, unveiled legislation to reform the failed Housing First policy at a press conference at the House Triangle on Thursday. The Housing Promotes Livelihood and Ultimate Success (Housing PLUS) Act is intended to end the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) exclusive reliance on the so-called “Housing First” methodology, which recent U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness data demonstrates is a failed experiment. Specifically, the bill would prohibit the HUD Secretary from prohibiting, limiting or otherwise restricting award of Continuum of Care (CoC) funds to providers because they require wraparound services such as addiction treatment or job counseling, or because they are faith-based organizations. The bill also directs the HUD Secretary to allocate no less than 30% of CoC funding to recipients that provide, or facilitate access to, wraparound services. “Housing First prevents providers who require wraparound services from receiving federal funds to curb homelessness in our communities,” said Congressman Barr. “These wraparound services are oftentimes necessary to ensuring a person can safely and fully attain permanent housing on their own. We need to abandon HUD’s exclusive reliance on Housing First in favor of an all-hands-on deck approach to end homelessness in the United States. The Housing PLUS Act will ensure that HUD grant funding is reaching providers who are helping people transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency, without unneeded restrictions.” “In my district, Austin, Texas has experienced the homelessness crisis get out of hand due to the failed liberal policies. Austin, like so many cities across the country, highlights the failure of big government solutions to fix local problems. We need to move on from the one-sized fits all Housing First policy that was an abject failure and allow greater flexibility for communities to find localized solutions that can fin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-biden-s-vaccine-mandate-plays-politics-with-americans-food-supply | Comer: Biden's Vaccine Mandate Plays Politics with Americans' Food Supply | 2021-11-18 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Representative Clay Higgins (R-La.), House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), and Oversight Republicans called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to delay the implementation of President Biden’s vaccine mandate for USDA employees until the department can explain how it will make up for the potential loss in staff. The Republican lawmakers express concern with current vacancies at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the vaccine mandate’s potential to impair our economy, food supply, and national security. “We are concerned with the United States Department of Agriculture’s rejection of the National Association of FSA County Office Employees’ request for an exemption to President Biden's Executive Order Requiring Vaccination for Federal Employees,” wrote the Republican lawmakers. “Our offices have heard from numerous farmers and ranchers concerned with such far overreach by the Biden Administration and how this mandate will jeopardize the programmatic delivery of Farm Bill programs. While parts of the country are still recovering from an active 2020 and 2021 weather season, such as the Derechos and droughts in the Midwest, hurricanes and winter freezes in the South, and wildfires out West, ensuring the Department is keeping offices fully staffed is crucial.” Local and state FSA offices play a pivotal and crucial function in interacting with the agriculture community. Eleven months into the Biden Administration, USDA has only appointed seven state FSA Directors. These positions do not require Senate confirmation. Recruiting and retaining local and state FSA personnel is a complex and slow process, and the vaccine mandate will exacerbate it and result in the loss of decades of experience and knowledge. “Playing politics with American's food supply is profoundly concerning. With the threat of African Swine Fever knocking on our door, South Korea’s confirmation of High Path Avian Influenza, and the continuing rising cost of household foods, any further… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-requests-hearing-with-climate-czar-john-kerry | Comer Requests Hearing with "Climate Czar" John Kerry | 2021-11-18 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on the Environment Ranking Member Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) released the following statements after sending a letter to Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney requesting Democrats convene a hearing with White House “Climate Czar” John Kerry. Given recent U.S. climate commitments to world leaders authorized by Mr. Kerry, the lawmakers are seeking the opportunity to examine the intricacies of Mr. Kerry’s dealings and how the Biden Administration’s climate policies are impacting the American economy, including skyrocketing gas prices and surging inflation. “President Biden granted his Climate Czar, John Kerry, the ability to unilaterally set foreign policy and bind the United States to international agreements without consent from Congress. The American people deserve to fully understand Kerry’s role in the Biden Administration and what closed-door deals he is making with any potential foreign adversary. Democrats should begin to take their oversight responsibilities seriously and immediately join our request for Secretary Kerry to appear before this Committee and answer the American people’s questions,” said Ranking Member James Comer. “The real “climate crisis” we face is the Biden administration disregarding sound climate policy in favor of woke virtue signaling and a shameful reluctance to admit the Chinese Communist Party, guilty of human rights abuses, is the greatest threat to this planet both philosophically and ecologically. John Kerry can continue jetting around the globe building his narrative or he can buck up and come have a chat about real solutions to climate change with members of the Oversight Committee,” said Rep. Ralph Norman. Read the full letter Chairwoman Maloney here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E8C104C9-3151-4174-AE8A-1654FC3359C4 | Congressman Rogers Cosponsors Act to Reverse Biden's Vaccine Mandates | 2021-11-18 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) is now a cosponsor of the No Vaccine Mandate Act (H.R. 5811). The legislation would reverse President Biden's vaccine mandate for private businesses with over 100 employees, which requires workers to be fully vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. "I am fully vaccinated and have advocated for individuals to get vaccinated from day one. However, President Biden's mandate on private employers is an overreach of power and an infringement on the freedom of Americans to make the best medical decision with their doctor, rather than being forced by the federal government," said Congressman Rogers. "Employers immediately started filing lawsuits across the country, challenging the mandate, and this bill aligns with protections for those private employers and 84 million employees." Last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the emergency mandate calling it "fatally flawed" and ordered the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to suspend any implementation or enforcement efforts pending judicial review. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=637A4E5A-7C9E-48F2-8033-F4D1F7391167 | CAROL Act Clears Energy and Commerce Committee, Marches Toward House Passage | 2021-11-17 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— On Wednesday, the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act unanimously passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) is leading this bill to honor the legacy of his late-wife Eleanor “Carol” Leavell Barr, and make critical investments in research for valvular heart disease. This paves the way for the full U.S. House of Representatives to vote on the bill. The CAROL Act authorizes a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), supporting research on valvular heart disease. It also convenes a workshop of subject matter experts to identify research needs and opportunities to develop prescriptive guidelines for treatment of patients with MVP. Finally, the bill instructs the Centers for Disease Control to increase public awareness regarding symptoms of valvular heart disease and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death. “Carol’s life was dedicated to serving her community and country. This legislation that honors her extraordinary life and legacy will invest in the critical research needed to prevent the tragedy that impacted our family from happening to others,” said Congressman Barr. “I am grateful to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, and Congressman Brett Guthrie, for pushing this legislation through the Committee. It is time to move this bill across the finish line and save lives.” “I commend my friend Congressman Barr for leading this bipartisan bill which will fund new investments in valvular heart disease research and honor his wife, Carol,” said U.S. Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (NY-04), who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “I am proud to co-lead this legislation, and I thank Chairman Pallone and our Energy and Commerce colleagues who advanced it today.” “I’m thrilled the CAROL Act is now one step closer to becoming law after the full Energy and Commerce Committee passed it at today’s markup. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A83B9F6D-8052-40F5-BAF3-ABD0A05A7DAB | Congressman Barr Speaks on House Floor and Leads Moment of Silence to Honor Former Congressman Larry Hopkins | 2021-11-17 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) spoke on the House floor today to pay tribute to former U.S. Congressman Larry Hopkins (KY-06), who passed away on Tuesday. Congressman Barr also led the House in a moment of silence for the late Congressman Hopkins. The full transcript of Congressman Barr’s remarks is below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a true American patriot, former Congressman Larry Hopkins, who served in this body from 1979-1993 and passed away early yesterday. Throughout his extraordinary career in public service, Larry served in the Kentucky State legislature and for over a decade in Congress in the seat I now hold. Larry’s career in public service began as a U.S. Marine in 1954. It was that love for the military that Larry would bring with him to Congress, where he rose to become the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee. “Larry’s humor was famous with both his constituents and his colleagues— always offering a disarming joke to lighten the mood or evoking a good laugh. Above all Mr. Speaker, Congressman Hopkins was proud of his work across the aisle and the relationships he had with all of his colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike. “In these divided times, let us be inspired by the legacy of Congressman Hopkins to come together and solve the problems of our day, not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Americans who all love our country. On behalf of a grateful nation, God bless Congressman Larry Hopkins. To my colleagues in the House, join me in praying for his wife Carolyn, and three children, Shae, Tara and Josh. Mr. Speaker, I now ask for a moment of silence on the House Floor to honor the life of Congressman Larry Hopkins.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-congress-must-review-pbms-role-in-rising-prescription-drug-prices | Comer: Congress Must Review PBMs’ Role in Rising Prescription Drug Prices | 2021-11-17 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) opened today’s forum on “Reviewing the Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Pharmaceutical Markets” by emphasizing congressional oversight of rising prescription drugs must include an examination of pharmacy benefit managers’ (PBMs) role. In his opening remarks, Ranking Member Comer outlined how PBMs’ consolidation has negatively affected competition in the marketplace, leading to higher drug prices for Americans. He concluded his remarks by calling on PBMs to provide greater transparency about their practices and urged further review of proposed legislation to determine any changes needed to decrease the costs of prescription drugs and benefit patients. Below are Ranking Member Comer’s remarks as prepared for delivery. Americans spend more on prescription drugs—about $1,200 per person—than any other country. While prescription drugs account for approximately 10% of overall healthcare spending, Americans pay more out-of-pocket for prescription drugs than for hospital care or health insurance. For years Democrats have attacked pharmaceutical companies—companies that bring innovative and life-saving medications to market, including three incredibly successful COVID-19 vaccines thanks to Operation Warp Speed. Instead of highlighting successful pharmaceutical innovation that leads to treatments and cures for disease, Democrats have demonized these companies for high list prices without regard to the fact that patients do not pay the list price and patients can still access the medication. All the while, Democrats have given a free pass to Pharmacy Benefit Managers even though they play an outsized role in driving rebates and list prices of prescription drugs. Despite my request to Chairwoman Maloney to hold a hearing to examine the role of PBMs, Democrats have decided to limit their drug pricing investigation to only pharmaceutical companies leaving a significant void in in the Oversight Committee’s review of drug pricing an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=37681DA2-4C85-4AF7-8C2C-B5E9B6D47B8A | Barr Announces Major $616,000 Infrastructure Grant for Frankfort | 2021-11-16 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced the City of Frankfort will receive a major, $616,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Funded through the DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, the grant will support planning revitalization efforts in Frankfort’s Holmes Street Corridor. Congressman Barr voted for the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act that funded this grant and advocated on behalf of Frankfort’s application through a letter of support to the DOT. “Upgrading the Holmes Street Corridor will enhance economic development and quality of life for residents and businesses in Frankfort for decades to come,” said Congressman Barr. “This federal grant is the first step in devising a plan to calm traffic, improve road safety as well as create pedestrian and bike access from Kentucky State University to downtown Frankfort.” “The Holmes Street corridor is a diverse neighborhood of residential, commercial and industrial property and is an important entrance into our city,” said Layne Wilkerson, Mayor of the City of Frankfort. “The RAISE grant will help the City of Frankfort better connect the corridor to downtown, attract new investment, and improve conditions for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and existing businesses. We are excited for this opportunity and thank our Congressional delegation, especially Congressman Barr, for his leadership and support for this grant.” The Holmes Street Corridor encompasses 25 city blocks. Approximately 2 miles in length, the neighborhood is extremely diverse, with a mix of housing, commercial, and industrial uses. Frankfort’s comprehensive plan identifies the reconstruction of Holmes Street as a top priority. The Holmes Street Corridor was also designated an Opportunity Zone (OZ). Congressman Barr voted for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which created OZs and enables areas designated as OZs to be eligible for additional federal funding. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FC59B144-AEEB-4EB0-A58A-B851C562A86B | Statement from Congressman Andy Barr on the Passing of Former Congressman Larry Hopkins | 2021-11-16 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after the passing of former U.S. Congressman Larry Hopkins: “Larry Hopkins was a legend in Kentucky politics and a force for the Commonwealth in the House of Representatives. Serving for over a decade in the seat I now hold, Larry rose to being the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. He was beloved by both sides of the aisle, and his humor was famous with constituents and colleagues. On a personal note, Larry was a great friend and mentor to me during and before my time in Congress. I will miss him, and I join all Kentuckians in praying for his family, friends and the community that he loved so much.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4DA85059-90B4-4680-BA1E-0A51B560B3F6 | Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers Award More Than $9 Million in Grants to Support Economic Development Projects in Eastern Kentucky | 2021-11-15 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced $9.18 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program funds for economic development projects in 10 Eastern Kentucky counties. “When completed, these projects will help support local communities and spur economic growth in Martin, Letcher, Floyd, Leslie, Knox, Knott, Owsley, Boyd, Pike and Perry counties,” said Gov. Beshear. “This program has a proven record of creating jobs in Eastern Kentucky, and these grants are another solid building block to help us build a better Kentucky for all of our families.” Congressman Rogers, along with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, has championed $665 million in federal funding for the AMLER Program since 2016, of which $140 million has been awarded to Kentucky. “This grant program is creating jobs, advancing vital community projects and restoring hope in Eastern Kentucky. I am proud of what we have accomplished through these grants thus far and the ongoing work to meet the needs of our people,” said Congressman Rogers. “This program is a great example of how federal, state and local governments can work together to invest in projects that greatly benefit our communities across Southern and Eastern Kentucky.” Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman selected the projects for initial vetting by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). More than 70 applications for funding in 2021 were received by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s (EEC) Division of Abandoned Mine Lands. The projects selected for funding include: Cold Storage LLC was awarded $2.5 million for construction of an agriculture cold storage facility in Martin County in which an underutilized existing spec building will be converted into a refrigerated commercial facility allowing apples to be stored up to a year after picking. Cowan Community Action Group Inc. was awarded $1 million to equip the Farmers Market Pavilio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer | Comer Announces Forum on Role of PBMs in Drug Pricing | 2021-11-10 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—On Wednesday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and lawmakers will hold a forum on the impact of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in pharmaceutical markets with experts, pharmacists, physicians, and PBMs. “As Congress reviews the rising costs of prescription drugs in America, we must evaluate all aspects that are driving up costs for patients. Part of this review includes the role pharmacy benefit managers play in drug pricing and patient cost sharing. There are concerns PBMs may use their market power and role as middlemen to impact competition and drive up costs for Americans. At next week’s forum, we plan to hear from healthcare and industry experts to learn more about PBMs and their impact on prescription drug prices,” said Ranking Member Comer. PBMs are companies that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers, Medicare Part D drug plans, self-insured employers, and other payers, such as state Medicaid programs. PBMs were created to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies to decrease the cost of prescription drugs for patients, lower premiums, and decrease costs for payers. The PBM industry has significantly consolidated in the last ten years, and both large and small PBMs own and operate their own retail or mail-order pharmacies. As a result of consolidation, experts have expressed concerns PBMs’ monopoly power no longer benefits payers and patients. WHAT: House Committee on Oversight and Reform Republican forum entitled “Reviewing the Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Pharmaceutical Markets” WHEN: Wednesday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET WHERE: 2247 Rayburn House Office Building WHO: Witness Panel Dr. Erin Trish, PhD: Co-Director of the USC Schaeffer Center, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Economics, USC School of Pharmacy Mr. Antonio Ciaccia: Chief Executive Officer, 46Brooklyn Research Dr. Jonathan Grider: PharmD, Owner of Lake Cumberland Pharmacy in Russell Spring… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/op-ed-americans-deserve-to-know-the-full-story-behind-hunter-biden-s-overpriced-art/a02ce06c-b957-4ad6-9a50-e05c15e6a32d | Op-Ed: Americans deserve to know the full story behind Hunter Biden's overpriced art. | 2021-11-09 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | Rep. James Comer: Americans deserve to know the full story behind Hunter Biden's overpriced art. "Every artist," Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "was first an amateur." Emerson was a century and a half too early, however, to witness the arrival of Hunter Biden – perhaps the only painter ever to land on the scene fully perfected. His genius must be apparent given the exorbitant prices charged for a "Biden" and the level of interest (that is, none) from the congressional ethics sleuths who left no stone unturned regarding the extended trump family. Nothing to see here, except artistic masterpieces. After covering for the Bidens during the 2020 campaign – remember the Hunter Biden laptop? – Democrats and the press have kept the blinders on. President Biden promised to hold himself to "the highest standards of transparency," and they are apparently willing to take him at his word. Consequently, they refuse to examine the odd arrangement between the White House and Hunter Biden’s gallerist, Georges Bergès, in which purchasers of his art are kept anonymous. Why is this a problem? His paintings are priced between $75,000 – more than the median annual American income – and $500,000 – more than the median price of a new American house. Paintings that some art experts have characterized as being of coffee shop caliber. People can spend their money as they wish, but when dealing with the son of the sitting president, it begs the question who – and why – anyone would pay top dollar for items that are arguably worthless? Foreign agents – and others – have obvious incentives to access Hunter Biden, and through him the Oval Office. And as we know, Hunter Biden has previously sought to peddle influence and access to his powerful father. Bergès has expressed his desire to be the "lead guy" in China for art, and his gallery is now covered by the Chinese media. Rather than plying patrons with free drinks and passed hors oeuvres, perhaps Bergès is offering a chance at something else. This is not a problem Republicans are prepared … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/congressman-comer-votes-no-on-step-one-of-biden-pelosi-spending-spree | Congressman Comer Votes No on Step One of Biden/Pelosi Spending Spree | 2021-11-06 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | "I voted NO last night on the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that passed Congress in the dark of night. Less than 10% of the bill contained surface infrastructure, like roads and bridges, with significant money going toward things that do not affect Kentucky’s 1st District – like mass transit and green energy. Even worse, Speaker Pelosi and President Biden have tied the infrastructure bill to their $3 trillion social spending bill, which initiates their Green New Deal pipe dream and empowers the IRS to spy on the finances of everyday Americans. The passage of last night’s infrastructure bill will inevitably lead to passage of the Biden/Pelosi social spending bill in two weeks, which I will also strongly oppose. Any member of Congress who voted yes last night can also take credit for passage of the massive socialist spending bill – which will undoubtedly lead to more inflation and government dependency." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C5D2332E-3F8F-439F-A7D8-E39E99AB71C8 | Congressman Rogers Votes Against Washington Democrats' Spending Binge | 2021-11-05 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) voted against the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Bill, H.R. 3684, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has delayed the bill for months, leveraging the nation's roads, bridges and broadband for a second bill - Biden's so called "Build Back Better" bill - that is designed to pay for Washington Democrats' extreme socialist agenda. "We desperately need improvements to our infrastructure, especially in rural Kentucky, but the truth is that less than half of new spending in this bill goes toward real infrastructure projects, and this legislation is being used to coerce more Members to vote for a far more destructive spending binge that puts our country on a fast-track toward socialism," said Congressman Rogers. "There is a better way to serve the American people. We not only need to repair our nation's infrastructure, we need to repair the deficit of trust that continues to grow with socialist schemes like this." The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill only offsets costs by $180 billion, creating a roughly $400 billion shortfall. The legislation also fails to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process, despite the fact that the 6-year average delays on major projects cost our economy $3.7 trillion. House Democrats advanced the bill with a nearly party-line vote and it now moves on to the President for his signature. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-urges-a-government-wide-review-of-federal-contractor-guidance | Comer Urges a Government-Wide Review of Federal Contractor Guidance | 2021-11-04 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Administrator Bill Nelson, General Services Administration Administrator Robin Carnahan, and Office of Federal Procurement Policy Acting Administrator Lesley Field urging a government-wide review of federal contractor guidance and their plans to address the disparate impacts of President Biden’s ongoing supply chain crisis on contractor delivery requirements. “The COVID-19 pandemic dampened our economy and critically disrupted our supply chains. Due to labor shortages and growing backlogs, the supply chain crisis is now expected to last at least through 2022—likely well into 2023. It is reasonable to assume such backlogs will impact federal contractors’ ability to fulfill contract obligations due to a situation beyond their control. Meanwhile, government contractors, whose supplies are stuck in the backlog may face penalties for delayed performance on their obligations,” wrote Ranking Member Comer. Despite the Committee’s initial inquiry on October 14, 2021, the Biden Administration has failed to address its self-induced supply chain crisis and small business contractors may now be hit particularly hard by late fees and penalties—making it unlikely they will survive the crisis. “While enforcing contractual deadlines is normally necessary to protect the interests of the American taxpayer, appropriate forbearance should be exercised when the situation merits. According to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, excusable delays for contractors include delays which are unforeseeable and beyond the control of the contractor. A global pandemic and supply chain collapse should be considered unforeseeable. Penalizing contractors, many of whom bid on and were awarded contracts prior to the collapse of the supply chain, will further disrupt the economy. We request that you review department and agency guidance on when and wh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/scalise-comer-blast-biden-s-authoritarian-vaccine-mandates | Scalise & Comer Blast Biden’s Authoritarian Vaccine Mandates | 2021-11-04 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Republican Whip and Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Ranking Member Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today blasted the Biden Administration’s new policies requiring private sector businesses with 100 or more employees to require vaccinations or weekly COVID testing and mandating employees in certain health facilities be vaccinated by January 4, 2022. “Thanks to the success of Operation Warp Speed, Americans have the option to be vaccinated against COVID-19. But the medical decision to get vaccinated should not morph into a Washington mandate that forces the firing of millions of hard-working Americans. President Biden’s sweeping decrees on families and businesses are more examples of illegal government overreach that will force small businesses to fire millions of their workers. At a time when employers are already struggling to hire employees, President Biden should not make it harder on our economy by placing burdensome mandates on American workers, especially on healthcare workers who risked their lives to help their fellow citizens throughout the pandemic. Americans must be free to make their own medical decisions,” said Republican Whip and Ranking Member Scalise. “President Biden’s authoritarian mandates on the American people are contrary to our nation’s core value of individual liberty,” said Ranking Member Comer.“While I encourage all Americans to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, we cannot allow the President of the United States to micromanage Americans’ personal medical decisions and the operations of the private sector. President Biden’s vaccine mandates are costing many Americans their jobs, healthcare, and ability to provide for their families. They are also harming healthcare workers who worked on the front lines during the pandemic. The Biden Administration’s continued assault on Americans’ freedom must be stopped.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0B029E59-7FF6-44ED-AD9F-072D8BC40FAE | Barr Leads the Charge on Legislation to Spur Investment in Equine Industry | 2021-11-03 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) reintroduced legislation to incentivize investment in Kentucky’s signature equine industry. The Equine Tax Fairness Act would make the three-year depreciation schedule permanent for racehorses, regardless of their age when put into service. Currently, Congress must reauthorize this provision in the tax law on an annual basis. Additionally, this legislation would reduce the holding period for equine assets to be considered long term capital gains, putting them on a level playing field with other similar assets. Congressman Barr’s bill is endorsed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the Jockey Club, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Keeneland, and the American Horse Council. “Permanently delivering tax incentives for owners and breeders will strengthen investment in our signature equine industry,” said Congressman Barr, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Horse Caucus. “I want to continue the momentum started with the enactment of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act to push another key industry initiative across the finish line that will help solidify the sport for decades to come.” “The three-year depreciation of racehorses (similar to other investment assets) is critically important to encourage robust investment in Thoroughbred horses and to maintain the vibrant economy and trade we have seen throughout this Thoroughbred sales cycle and consistently over the past 85 years at Keeneland,” said Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland. “We appreciate Congressman Barr’s consistent support of this legislation and the entire Thoroughbred industry.” “Congressman Barr understands the horse racing industry and appreciates the impact this bill would have on attracting and maintaining ownership in racehorses,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of NTRA. “We thank him for introducing the Equine Fairness Act and for helping support an industry that is a job-creating economic … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=30C2D628-9332-4A94-B9E2-BD808145C0C2 | Barr Toasts to Suspension of EU Tariffs on American Distillers | 2021-11-01 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06), Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, is celebrating the suspension of European Union tariffs on American whiskey exports. Representative Barr organized a bipartisan letter with over forty Members of Congress requesting that the Biden Administration negotiate a suspension and ultimate removal of these tariffs. “The agreement reached between the United States and the European Union is a huge boost for distillers in Kentucky and throughout the nation,” said Representative Barr. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, I led multiple letters to both the Trump and Biden Administrations pushing for the full removal of these tariffs. I will always be an advocate for enhanced access to international markets for our distillers, so that they can provide Kentucky spirits and the world’s best bourbon to countries across the globe.” “This is a great day for our industry. Representative Barr is a steadfast supporter of our industry and we are grateful to have him on the frontlines fighting for Kentucky distillers,” said Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. This is Representative Barr’s second major victory on legislation for the bourbon industry in less than a calendar year. Representative Barr was instrumental in securing a major victory in the 2020 year-end COVID-19 relief bill for Kentucky’s bourbon industry. That legislation included the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA), which contained the Aged Distilled Spirits Act, championed by Representative Barr. CBMTRA created a level playing field for bourbon distillers, allowing them to deduct interest expenses associated with production in the year it is paid, not when the bourbon is bottled and sold. This legislation also lowers the Federal Excise Tax (FET) rates for distillers and aged spirits. These FET rates were set to expire on December 31, 2020, unless Congress acted to make them permanent or provide an extension. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D846FA25-15CA-40FE-B1C2-579A955C0F33 | Barr Pushes Bill to Allow Unspent COVID-19 Relief for Infrastructure Projects | 2021-10-27 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) is cosponsoring and pushing the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation gives flexibility to state and local governments to use unspent COVID-19 relief funds for infrastructure projects. The legislation recently passed the U.S. Senate unanimously. Under the original Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other federal spending packages passed in the COVID-19 era, Congress provided some flexibility for how COVID-19 funds could be spent, but most funds were not able to be used for infrastructure projects. This bill gives state and local officials additional flexibility and time to responsibly spend remaining COVID-19 relief dollars. Kentucky has more than $1.1 billion in unspent relief funds. “I want to provide our local leaders with the flexibility to use unspent COVID-19 relief funds for projects their community need most. Infrastructure is a real need. We must upgrade our roads, bridges, airports, wastewater and other traditional infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth. This commonsense proposal provides the opportunity to do just that without a massive tax increase, more blowout spending or new government mandates,” said Congressman Barr. Additionally, the bill permits eligible governments to spend the greater of $10 million or 30% of their total fiscal relief funding for categories like the: National Highway Performance Program, Tribal Transportation Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and the Highway Safety Improvement Program. You can read the bill here or the one-pager here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-jordan-call-on-ag-garland-to-initiate-doj-investigation-after-ecohealth-failed-to-report-info-on-wuhan-experiments | Comer, Jordan Call on AG Garland to Initiate DOJ Investigation After EcoHealth Failed to Report Info on Wuhan Experiments | 2021-10-27 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and House Committee on the Judiciary Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to initiate a Department of Justice investigation into whether EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. violated federal law by failing to disclose information after using taxpayer funds to perform gain-of-function research on potentially deadly pathogens in Wuhan, China. “We have been investigating whether U.S. taxpayer dollars funded dangerous research into deadly pathogens in Wuhan, China. For more than a year, the National Institutes of Health and Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have denied using taxpayer money to fund this type of research. However, a recent admission from the NIH reveals that EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., a NIAID grant recipient, may have violated federal law in its taxpayer-funded work on deadly pathogens. We accordingly refer this matter to the Justice Department for investigation,” wrote the lawmakers. “Between September 30, 2019 and August 3, 2021, EcoHealth received $21,648,574 in grant funds from U.S. taxpayers that the company may not have received if it had timely disclosed to NIH that it had created a virus that would trigger the cessation of its experiments. The fact that EcoHealth received more than $21 million during this period shows that the company had a clear financial incentive to violate the terms of its grant by failing to stop its experiments. In addition, EcoHealth’s failure to provide the required reporting to NIH for nearly two years—despite a requirement in the grant to do so annually—suggests that EcoHealth knowingly withheld information from NIH in an effort to misrepresent the project’s status,” concluded the lawmakers. Read the full letter to AG Garland here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7F3F2A9A-15CF-4466-B146-2FD7F66822E6 | Barr Supports Clean Extension of Domestic Violence Prevention Programs | 2021-10-26 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.—U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted for a clean extension of Family Violence Prevention and Services Act programs offered by Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA). The Letlow proposal mirrors legislation Congress has passed with overwhelming bipartisan support for over three decades. Instead of continuing this bipartisan tradition, House Democrats rejected the Letlow proposal and chose instead to push a highly controversial, new bill which would threaten well-established domestic violence prevention programs. Specifically, the bill would pave the way for eliminating the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits taxpayer funding of abortions. Democrats’ new version also strips protections for religious organizations, preventing women’s shelters and other advocates from providing victims of domestic abuse housing or services that are in line with their sincerely held religious beliefs. “Today, I voted for a clean extension of key domestic violence prevention and treatment programs,” said Congressman Barr. “Congress should honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month by renewing the authorization for these critical programs without jeopardizing religious liberties. I commend Congresswoman Letlow for her leadership on this bill and I call on the House to pass a non-partisan reauthorization of these vital programs.” “I was proud to bring forward this amendment to continue the critical programs contained in the Family Violence Prevention & Services Act, take out the Democrats’ radical provisions, and keep the focus on the people who truly need these services the most,” said Congresswoman Letlow. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2FBA29E2-3E13-4786-9575-FC2EA40CEF26 | Barr Votes to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Thirteen Fallen American Heroes | 2021-10-25 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.– Tonight, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted for and the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation awarding a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to each of the thirteen fallen U.S. military servicemembers killed in a terrorist attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 26, 2021. These fallen heroes were defending Americans and our Afghanistan allies who were evacuating Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the country. “Thirteen heroic military servicemembers gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that American citizens and our Afghan allies could escape the threat of the Taliban, ISIS, and other terrorist actors in Afghanistan during the withdrawal. I proudly cosponsored and voted tonight for the bill awarding these patriots the Congressional Gold Medal. The legacy of these American heroes will never be forgotten,” said Congressman Barr. This legislation will now go to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The names of the fallen servicemembers receiving the posthumous Congressional Gold Medal are below: Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, Jackson, Wyoming Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20, of Wentzville, Missouri Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah Cpl. Daegan William-Tyeler Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23, of Roseville, California Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, Logansport, Indiana Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, Lawrence, Massachusetts and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/column-partisan-spending-bill-will-damage-economy | Column: Partisan Spending Bill Will Damage Economy | 2021-10-25 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | In Washington, President Biden and congressional Democrats are pursuing a multi-trillion dollar spending bill which, if passed, would further derail an already struggling economy. I stand strongly in opposition to the spending bill under negotiation by President Biden and Speaker Pelosi. Instead of borrowing and spending money we don’t have, Congress should focus on stimulating economic growth by reducing the burdensome regulations holding our workforce and critical industries back. Trillions more in government spending will only worsen our existing economic crises. Americans are facing soaring prices for everyday items needed to survive, a direct result of trillions in spending and the resulting high inflation. On average, gas prices are up 42% over the past year. The price of beef is up 18%. And gas-based utilities have risen by 20% in the same time frame. These dramatic price increases are effectively a tax increase on American consumers, and a direct result of reckless government spending. We also continue to see disappointing jobs reports, serving as proof that government policies have discouraged Americans from working. If trillions more are spent to further welfare programs, the sad reality of a labor shortage will only worsen. We also have a supply-chain crisis leaving ships awaiting entry at ports, containers piling up at railyards, and trucks off the highway due to a lack of workers. The end result of this chaos is an inability for Americans to access the good they need – and when they finally do, they are forced to pay astronomical prices. This supply-chain crisis has in part been caused by the significant number of Americans staying out of the workforce. But it also proof that overreaching regulations often do more harm than good. Whether its environmental provisions forcing diesel trucks off the highways, or heavy-handed vaccine mandates, burdensome regulatory policies have undercut the American workforce. But the expensive price tag is far from the only problem with this proposal; the substan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-named-vice-chair-of-bipartisan-congressional-transparency-caucus | Comer Named Vice-Chair of Bipartisan Congressional Transparency Caucus | 2021-10-20 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) joined the bipartisan Congressional Transparency Caucus as a Vice-Chair and will aid Caucus Chair Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Co-Chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) in their efforts. The American people have the right to access their government’s information and the Caucus will help raise awareness about policy efforts in the 117th Congress to pursue open government, improve public access to federal laws and regulations, and provide spending transparency and budget accountability. Ranking Member Comer joined the Caucus’ first briefing in the 117th Congress by emphasizing the importance of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee’s (PRAC) work. He highlighted PRAC’s critical mission in helping root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government’s unprecedented pandemic relief spending programs. He noted the duty Congress has to taxpayers to make sure pandemic relief is being spent properly and administered effectively. In addition, Ranking Member Comer spoke in favor of commonsense legislation which would provide Congress the tools to identify and fix duplicative, fragmented, and inefficient federal programs and better transparency over federal budgeting and agency reports. He concluded by stating the importance of remaining diligently focused on proper oversight of legislation already enacted into law. Below are his remarks as prepared: Thank you for holding this important briefing today to discuss the importance of transparency in government and the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee’s work to oversee the massive government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PRAC has a vital mission to help root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government’s unprecedented pandemic relief spending programs. The Congressional Transparency Caucus has done great work bringing attention to the need for greater transparency in government programs and working on legislation that enables better oversight. Tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3FF39B6C-6801-4B83-89DB-A1E99E28E07D | Congressman Barr on the Passing of Clark County Judge Executive Chris Pace | 2021-10-15 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Lexington, KY– U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after the passing of Clark County Judge Executive Chris Pace: “I join all of Clark County in mourning the passing of Judge Executive Chris Pace. Chris embodied what it meant to be a dedicated public servant and leader in our community. I was proud to call him a personal friend. “Above all, Chris was a devoted husband and father to three young children. I am praying for Chris’s wife Shannon, his mother Betty, and his three children, Jack, Roman and Maria. Chris leaves an extraordinary legacy that his family, friends and neighbors should be forever proud of. May he rest in peace and may God Bless the great community he loved and was so committed to.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=387AD04A-D0BF-4634-B91E-DEA78900175B | Congressional Gold Medal Posthumously Awarded to an Eastern Ky WWII Hero | 2021-10-15 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | INEZ, Ky. -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) secured the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the family of the late Col. Martin Himler from Martin County, who served the U.S. military during World War II as a colonel in the Office of Strategical Services (OSS), the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The Congressional Gold Medal was commissioned for members of the OSS in recognition of their valiant efforts to bring Hungarian Nazi war criminals to justice during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. "I was deeply honored to assist the Martin County Historical and Genealogical Society, the OSS Society, and the Himler family with obtaining the Congressional Gold Medal to commemorate Col. Himler's brave service to this nation," said Congressman Rogers. "His life was extraordinary. After migrating to the United States from Hungary, opening a coal mine, and starting a newspaper, he joined the military at age 55 after the attack on Pearl Harbor to serve the nation he loved. Thanks to his brave efforts, justice was secured for some of the world's most notorious, barbaric Nazi war criminals of his time." Although he was instructed to arrest 15 Hungarian Nazi war criminals, Col. Himler requested the investigation be expanded to 300 Nazi soldiers, to ensure the guilty would be held accountable for their terrible crimes against humanity. Adam Rice, Field Representative for Congressman Rogers, presented the medal to Sanford Hertz, a great, great nephew of Col. Himler. "Many of the artifacts of Martin's final home were passed on to our family. There are some, especially paintings from the Hungarian arts from the first half of the 20th Century, which we would like to donate to the Himler House when you restore it. These are authentic early paintings from Martin Himler," said Jim Hamos, a great, great nephew of Col. Himler. "Our family is honored with this tribute to our uncle." Each medal is u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F939184F-CCF3-4C42-AA52-32869C6191DE | Congressman Barr: Democrats Own Debt Crisis | 2021-10-12 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.– U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after voting against giving House Democrats a blank check to bankrupt America: “Since the 117th Congress began, House Democrats have governed in a totally partisan fashion. Less than one month after the President took office, claiming he wanted to unify the country, and on the heels of five bipartisan COVID-19 packages in 2020, Congressional Democrats rammed through a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill on a party-line vote. Democrats called this bill a “COVID-19 relief bill,” but less than 10% of the funding in the massive package went toward public health measures. House Democrats’ payoff to progressives created historic inflation numbers that are crushing the middle-class and a debt crisis we confront today. “Simply put, Democrats own this debt crisis. I voted to raise the debt ceiling in 2019 on a bipartisan basis and that debt ceiling increase covered expenses incurred by the Trump Administration through January 20, 2021. However, I will not give Congressional Democrats a blank check to bankrupt America by doubling down on their failed tax, borrow and spend policies and impose a $2.1 trillion tax increase on American job creators and families during a pandemic.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-cuellar-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expanding-home-recovery-for-medicare-patients | Comer, Cuellar Introduce Bipartisan Bill Expanding Home Recovery for Medicare Patients | 2021-10-11 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James Comer (KY-1) and Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas have introduced legislation to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens recovering from hospitalization. The Choose Home Care Act expands opportunities for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries recovering from hospitalization to receive post-hospital care in their own homes. When utilized, home health providers can excel at providing high-quality health care to patients in the comfort of their own homes. “I am proud to join Congressman Cuellar in introducing bipartisan legislation to provide Medicare beneficiaries with more options to receive post-hospitalization care in the place most comforting to them - their own homes,” Congressman Comer said. “Medicare’s existing home health benefit doesn’t always offer the services necessary to ensure the best care for patients, which is what our bill seeks to change. Our proposal is safe, cost-effective, and will enhance the quality of life of senior citizens who would rather receive care in a familiar home setting.” The legislation would significantly expand the existing Medicare home health benefit, allowing qualifying beneficiaries choice of care setting and ultimately enabling more beneficiaries to return directly to their homes after release from the hospital. To enable a safe transition from hospital to home, the expanded home care service would provide up to 24-hour care and medical supervision for as much as 360 hours over a 30-day episode. “Seniors deserve the best health care possible. After hospitalization, people are often most comfortable in their homes," said Congressman Cuellar. “Medicare needs to allow individuals the freedom to make the healthcare decisions best for them, including recovery in their homes. With just 27 nursing homes in my district, allowing my constituents the option of home care keeps them closer to loved ones and safer from infectious diseases. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to support legislation that improves the healthcare and qual… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B48B3AEC-834F-4CCD-9783-699F009F8F87 | Rep. Barr Leads Letter to SEC Chair Gensler Rebuking SEC Plans for Climate Risk Disclosure Standards | 2021-10-07 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Three senior members of the House Financial Services Committee are setting the battle lines for the coming fight on the SEC’s authority on climate regulations Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR) and U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI) penned a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler pushing back on the SEC plans to develop climate risk disclosure standards for public and private companies. Barr, Hill and Huizenga are pushing for an explanation from the SEC regarding their recent public Request for Comment (RFI) on climate disclosures targeting private companies that are not under the jurisdiction of the SEC. Politico first broke the news of this letter in their Morning Money newsletter. Among other things, the RFI asks respondents whether the SEC, which is charged with regulating the market for public securities, should address climate risk disclosures by private companies. The joint letter rejects the jurisdiction of the SEC in creating and implementing policies that affect private, non-market companies. “We are unaware of any commenters who provided citations to statutory authority for such an unprecedented move. We believe the reason for this omission is simple: the SEC lacks any such authority. Lest there be any doubt, we wish to emphasize that the SEC has no authority to impose public disclosure obligations—regarding climate or otherwise— on private businesses that have not accessed the public capital markets,” the Members wrote. Reps Barr, Hill, and Huizenga further asserted that, “we likewise believe the SEC should devote its limited resources to other pursuits that are more likely to benefit Main Street investors. We see no good public policy reason to increase the cost of capital to small businesses and saddle them with additional compliance costs while providing no discernable benefit to investors or the capital markets more broadly… Rather than wade into social and environmental policy, the SEC should… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-oversight-republicans-renew-demand-for-answers-on-rampant-improper-welfare-payments | Comer, Oversight Republicans Renew Demand for Answers on Rampant Improper Welfare Payments | 2021-10-07 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans wrote a follow-up letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure renewing their demand for answers regarding the massive number of improper payments made by the Medicaid program. CMS's failure to respond to the request for documents and subsequent requests for updates shows an apparent attempt to subvert congressional oversight. “Improper payments in the Medicaid program are an important issue for taxpayers. CMS’ own numbers show that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, Medicaid made $57.36 billion in improper payments representing 32.8 percent of all improper payments across the federal government. According to CMS, in FY 2020, improper payments rose to $86.9 billion, meaning more than 1 out of every 5 Medicaid payments were improper. It is critical that we understand where and why these improper payments are occurring,” wrote the lawmakers. On August 17, Oversight Republicans initially wrote to CMS requesting state specific Medicaid improper payment information from 2015 to 2020. This information should be provided as soon as possible so that proper oversight may be conducted over the waste occuring in the Medicaid program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4F071B10-E81B-42D5-8ACE-4A92D2B8E408 | U.S. Congressman Andy Barr Visits Estill County Area Technology Center | 2021-10-06 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Irvine, KY– Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) visited the Estill County Area Technology Center. This was Congressman Barr’s first visit to the facility after its recent completion. The new, state-of-the-art job training facility in Estill County will equip hundreds of Kentuckians with the skills to thrive in the 21st Century economy. Congressman Barr supported the Estill County Board of Education’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application with the U.S. Department of Commerce. This request was approved in 2019 and provided a $4 million grant to support the project. “The Estill County Area Technology Center will empower Kentuckians with skills for jobs in advanced manufacturing, diesel mechanics and health science, information technology and engineering (STEM), in addition to many other industries,” said Congressman Barr. “This project has been a top priority of mine and I am thrilled that it is finally complete and prepared to make a big difference in Estill County.” “We were excited that Congressman Barr came to visit the new Estill County Area Technology Center today,” said Jeff Saylor, Superintendent of Estill County Board of Education. “Andy and his office were instrumental in our application process and receipt of the $4 Million EDA Grant awarded for construction of this facility. We are thankful for his friendship and enjoyed hosting him for a fantastic afternoon.” The Estill County Area Technology Center is being built in a federally designated Opportunity Zone. Congressman Barr voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. The TCJA created federal Opportunity Zones, enhancing the Estill County Board of Education’s grant request with the Department of Commerce and allowing them to request a higher investment in their grant application. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7BBD0D82-EF36-4C48-89B1-BA9098245ADF | Congressman Barr Delivers Posthumous Military Medals to Brother of World War II Veteran Killed in Action | 2021-10-06 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Editor’s Note: U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), pictured right, with Retired U.S. Army Colonel Donald C. Hardy during the presentation of posthumous military medals for Colonel Hardy’s brother, U.S. Army Private Gordon Lee Harvey. Irvine, KY– U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) presented a posthumous Bronze Star, Purple Heart and other military medals for U.S. Army Private Gordon Lee Hardy to his brother, Retired U.S. Army Colonel Donald C. Hardy. Private Hardy was killed in action on April 18, 1945, near Leipzig, Germany. Less than three weeks later, on May 7, 1945, the German Nazis surrendered, ending World War II in the European Theatre. Private Hardy was fighting with the Army’s 271st Infantry Regiment, 69th Infantry Division at the time of his death. “Over seven decades later, I am honored to finally deliver long overdue recognition for Private Hardy’s extraordinary service that his family deserves,” said Congressman Barr. “Private Hardy was part of our greatest generation and gave the ultimate sacrifice so that all generations that came after him would have their freedoms and way of life preserved. His story is an inspiration and no matter how many decades pass, his legacy and impact will never be forgotten.” “After seventy-six years, our family is honored to receive these medals on behalf of the courageous sacrifice made by Gordon Lee. It was through his service and sacrifice, and that of all other veterans, that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today,” said William Hardy, nephew of Private Hardy who first contacted Congressman Barr’s Office on the Hardy family’s behalf. “This ensures his legacy will not be forgotten and honors all those who served. We appreciate Congressman Barr, and his office, for their efforts and due diligence in making this happen.” A full list of the Medals & Decorations being posthumously awarded to Private Hardy are below: Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart Medal Combat Infantryman Badge European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with a Bronze Service Star Army Good Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EB37B0F2-F54F-4C0C-9BE5-82C7DAF2C422 | Barr, House Foreign Affairs Republicans Push Administration for Answers on Failed Afghanistan Withdrawal | 2021-10-06 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Ranking Member of HFAC, along with 38 other House Republicans introduced a Resolution of Inquiry (ROI) on the Biden Administration’s Afghanistan withdrawal. “President Biden’s precipitous, disorganized and disastrous withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has jeopardized everything Americans fought and died for in that country. This catastrophic foreign policy blunder erased two decades of progress countering radical jihadists who remain an imminent threat to our homeland,” said Congressman Barr. “I previously called for the resignation of the entire Biden National Security Team following their mismanagement of our Afghanistan exit strategy and demand accountability from senior leaders in the Administration who are responsible for this failed withdrawal.” Read the ROI here and check out Fox News’ coverage of HFAC Republicans’ call for accountability here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=983E1D67-6BB7-49EF-B898-4657088FA1CB | Rep. Barr Hosts Top Republican on Agriculture Committee in Sixth District | 2021-10-05 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Lexington, KY– Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) hosted the top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), in the Sixth District on Monday and Tuesday for meetings with Kentucky’s agricultural community. On Monday, Congressman Barr and Congressman Thompson toured the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture and along with Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, held roundtables with Kentucky cattleman and the Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barr and Thompson also met with bourbon distillers and participated at an event on Tuesday at Keeneland, where they discussed ongoing legislative efforts impacting Kentucky’s signature equine industry. “I am grateful to Congressman Thompson for visiting with farmers and leaders in the agriculture industry here in the Sixth District. Farming is the backbone of the Commonwealth’s economy and as Congress approaches the beginning of the next Farm Bill, I am pleased the voices of Sixth District farmers are being heard by the Republican Leader on the Agriculture Committee,” said Congressman Barr. “As Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee, I have the pleasure of traveling around the country to hear directly from our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and cattlemen,” said Congressman Thompson. “My job is made easier by surrounding myself with great agriculture advocates like Congressman Barr. I’m grateful for his commitment to rural America and for the invitation to join him in Kentucky this week.” "Congressman Andy Barr understands the importance of our agricultural industry to the 6th Congressional District," said Commissioner Quarles. "I sincerely appreciate his dedication to our farm families and for bringing Ranking Member GT Thompson to Kentucky to discuss a variety of issues affecting them, including supply chain and processing problems. Hosting the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee makes it clear that Congressman Barr and Kentucky's agricultural producers have a seat at the table when it comes to policy… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-republicans-express-concerns-over-d-c-mayor-s-failure-to-address-surging-violent-crime | Comer, Republicans Express Concerns over D.C. Mayor's Failure to Address Surging Violent Crime | 2021-10-01 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans sent a letter to the mayor of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser, seeking an explanation on the plummeting funding levels for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) amidst a substantial increase in homelessness and violent crime plaguing the nation’s capital. “As homelessness and violent crime have increased at an unchecked rate throughout the city, your administration seems to have given up trying to prevent the District from falling into a state of chaos. The message coming from your office regarding the future role of, and funding for, the city’s police is contributing to the decline… In May, a mother and her five-year-old daughter were both shot walking home from the park by someone riding a scooter. By ignoring this growing issue, your administration is contributing to these people’s suffering, not alleviating it,” wrote the lawmakers. In Washington, D.C., chronic homelessness has increased 20% in the last year and homicides are set to break the 16-year high of 2020. Recently, the mayor’s office signaled its intent to decrease funding for the MPD’s budget, limiting its resources and ability to hire new recruits. The current budget only permits the MPD to hire 170 new officers, down from a normal 280. The decision has led to the smallest police force in the nation’s capital in more than two decades. “The emergence of vast homeless communities—where drug use and violence often go unchecked —will only exacerbate and add to the crime in the city… Further, the District is compounding the crime and homelessness issues with mixed messages coming from the D.C. government and the groups influencing it,” concluded the lawmakers. As the Committee of jurisdiction for all matters involving the District of Columbia, the Republican lawmakers are seeking to understand the deteriorating situation and are requesting a briefing regarding the status of MPD funding. Read the full letter to Mayor Mu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-seeks-answers-on-fbi-s-handling-of-widespread-ransomware-attack | Comer Seeks Answers on FBI's Handling of Widespread Ransomware Attack | 2021-10-01 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. (September 29, 2021)— Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray requesting a briefing on the FBI’s three-week delay in aiding hundreds of businesses and institutions that were successfully targeted by a major ransomware attack this past summer. Cyber-attacks, including ransomware attacks, have become more severe and the lawmakers are requesting information to understand the rationale behind the FBI’s decision to withhold critical assistance as the FBI sought to disrupt the attack. “Earlier this summer, a Florida-based software company was the victim of a ransomware attack that compromised between 800 and 1,500 businesses around the world. Although the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly obtained a digital decryptor key that could have unlocked affected systems, it withheld this tool for nearly three weeks as it worked to disrupt the attack, potentially costing the ransomware victims—including schools and hospitals—millions of dollars,” wrote the lawmakers. “The growing threat of ransomware attacks requires our federal government agencies—especially the FBI—to respond quickly and effectively to prevent or minimize the damage from these attacks. Public reporting raises questions about the FBI’s response to this summer’s ransomware attack. The FBI has stated that it withheld the ransomware key it had previously acquired so the Bureau could engage in an operation to disrupt the Russian-based hackers without tipping them off. During this delay, many businesses, schools, and hospitals suffered lost time and money, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 public health crisis. … Ransomware hackers have shown their willingness and ability to inflict damage on various sectors of the U.S. economy. Congress must be fully informed whether the FBI’s strategy and actions are adequately and appropriately addressing this damaging trend… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1B00DEFF-5E68-4D1B-AD23-5003C03A526F | Rogers, McConnell Announce $590,000 Grant for Elkhorn City Project | 2021-10-01 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $590,208 to Elkhorn City for improvements to its sewer collection system in Pike County. The sewer improvements will help prevent sewer overflows benefiting 531 households and 62 businesses along the Russell Fork watershed. "This is great news for families and businesses in Elkhorn City, where costly repairs are desperately needed for the local sewer system. Elkhorn City, like many of our rural mountain communities, relies on a system that was built 60 years ago. Patches and repairs have been made to make the system last over the years, but this investment will ensure that the system is secure for years to come," said Congressman Rogers. "Senator McConnell and I have worked together for years to protect federal funding for the ARC to ensure basic necessities, like water and sewer, are protected in every community." “I’ve been proud to work alongside my friend Congressman Rogers to bring high-quality water treatment and sewage systems to Kentucky’s Appalachian communities. Through a program I established within the Appalachian Regional Commission, the federal government has directed funding for life-changing improvements across the Commonwealth,” said Senator McConnell. “I am thrilled Elkhorn City residents will soon have access to a clean, updated sewage system through this ARC grant program.” In addition to the ARC funds from the Central Appalachian Distressed County Infrastructure program, state sources will provide $735,617, bringing the total project funding to $1,325,825. The improvements include the replacement or repair of 1,720 linear feet of sewer line, rebuilding 3 sewer lift stations, and repairing 6 damaged manholes. "This is great news for Elkhorn City. The money will go to refurbishing our pump stations and repairing lines. A big thank you to Congressman Rogers and Sen. McConnell for their support," said Mike Taylor, Mayor … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-requests-briefing-on-charges-against-lt-col-stuart-scheller | Comer Requests Briefing on Charges Against Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller | 2021-09-30 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Ranking Member Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting information about the court martial of Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller Jr., a Marine who spoke out against the Biden Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Republican lawmakers are concerned the charges brought against the Lt. Col. may be politically motivated and a possible attempt to silence future whistleblowers from criticizing the Biden Administration’s actions abroad. “In the wake of a terrorist attack on U.S. forces and Afghan nationals that killed 13 service members, Lt. Col. Scheller posted a public video on a social media website expressing criticism of senior officials handling the withdrawal from Afghanistan and demanding they be held to account. His superior officers subsequently relieved him of his command. On Monday, September 27, 2021, Lt. Col. Scheller was then incarcerated and placed in pretrial confinement at Camp Lejune, North Carolina. Although he has apparently not yet been charged in a formal court martial, he stands accused of contempt toward officials, disobeying a superior officer, failing to obey lawful orders, and conduct unbecoming of an officer. It appears that these charges would also relate to his criticism of senior military officials for their actions in connection with the withdrawal from Afghanistan,” wrote the lawmakers. “Because he criticized the Biden Administration and senior Department of Defense leadership, the charges levied against the Lt. Col. appear politically motivated. Further, Lt. Col. Scheller is the only soldier or official within the entire Executive Branch who has faced any consequences whatsoever related to how the Biden Administration withdrew from Afghanistan. Not only is the lack accountability for the deadly consequences from the Afghanistan pullout unacceptable, but we are also con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1D62FBD8-D70A-4248-8725-C2112A3A87E2 | McConnell and Rogers Announce $500,000 for Water Improvements in Lincoln County | 2021-09-29 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will award $500,000 to the McKinney Water District in Lincoln County. This grant will provide funding for the installation of 65,475 linear feet of waterline and a new 300,000-gallon water storage tank. The federal funds come from an Appalachian Regional Commission infrastructure program established by Senator McConnell to devote resources to distressed counties throughout Central Appalachia. These communities have received over $60 million from this ARC fund. “Throughout my time in the Senate, I’ve been proud to work alongside my friend Congressman Rogers to help provide Kentuckians with the clean and accessible water services they deserve. With today’s grant announcement, we are taking an important stride toward that goal,” said Senator McConnell. “The additional water infrastructure funds provided by ARC have been instrumental in our efforts to help develop Kentucky’s Appalachian communities. I look forward to continuing to work within Congress to provide the resources needed to enhance Kentucky’s water services for years to come.” “This is great news for families and businesses in Lincoln County, where improvements to the water system are urgently needed. Lincoln County has essentially outgrown its water lines and this grant will go a long way to expand and update the system to ensure that clean water is accessible for generations to come,” said Congressman Hal Rogers. “This project is one of the many reasons why Senator McConnell and I continue to work together to secure and protect ARC funding year after year – it is vital for our rural communities.” “I am thankful to the ARC for this grant, which will allow over 2,200 households to have quality water and a much-needed increase in water pressure,” said Jim Adams, Lincoln County Judge Executive. “We appreciate our federal leaders for supporting this project, which will make a significant impa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A25B69C1-B53C-4001-9365-E92E94F3F00E | Congressman Rogers Votes for National Defense Legislation | 2021-09-24 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) voted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, which passed the House on Thursday with a Republican amendment that boosted funding by nearly $25 billion. This important legislation restores critical support for the U.S. Armed Forces and approves a 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers. "This legislation is a bright spot in what has been an otherwise dismal week of overspending and misguided priorities for our country. The U.S. has been historically known for world-class military operations, but after the embarassing debacle in Afghanistan, we must double down on national defense operations, accountability and support for our military heroes," said Congressman Rogers, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. "We cannot afford to underfund our military or our national defense with new threats emerging around the world. The American people are still waiting for answers about the failed withdrawal in Afghanistan, and a military plan that will restore confidence in all defense operations moving forward. The NDAA is a great example of what this Congress can accomplish when we work together, and it's a major step in the right direction for our servicemembers around the world." The legislation also works to address our nation's southern border crisis, where apprehensions remain at a 21-year high. It also provides for next steps in Afghanistan counter-terrorism operations and focuses on Russian and Chinese aggression. FACTS ABOUT THE NDAA: It reverses President Biden’s reckless cuts to our national security and fully funds combatant commander priorities. It authorizes a 2.7% pay increase for our men and women in uniform. It preserves servicemembers’ free speech by protecting them from punishment for political statements on social media accounts and prohibits dishonorable discharge for troops who refuse a COVID-19 vaccination. It increases parental leave for servicemembers,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E2017F7F-06E4-4F1B-902B-804D55EC10A4 | Congressman Rogers Votes Against Abortion on Demand Bill | 2021-09-24 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) voted against House Democrats' pro-abortion agenda disguised as the "Women's Health Protection Act." The legislation, better known as the "Abortion on Demand Until Birth Act" radically paves the way for every state to perform late-term abortions until birth for any reason with no accountiability or protections for women. It removes nearly all pro-life protections for the unborn at both the state and federal levels. "Not only does this heartless piece of legislation allow abortions in every state until birth, but it would also allow abortions based on the baby's sex or whether the baby has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome," said Congressman Rogers, a staunch pro-life leader. "This legislation overpowers our states and callously removes the sanctity of life. Every life should be protected and valued, not violently discarded." The legislation abolishes pro-life informed consent laws, parental involvment in a minor's abortion, and laws preventing dismemberment abortions. It also allows abortions when a baby can feel pain and when a heartbeat can be detected. House Democrats passed the legislation with a majority party-line vote of 218 to 211 and it now moves on to the Senate for consideration. House Democrats have also advanced legislation allowing tax-payer dollars to be used for abortions in the United States and in other countries. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E4BBE972-77E5-4FA1-846C-A39009042E91 | Reps Barr, Hill and Gonzalez Request IMF Investigation | 2021-09-23 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— Three members of the House Financial Services Committee, U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06), U.S. Representative French Hill (AR-02), and U.S. Representative Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to review and report to Congress about the findings by the law firm WilmerHale, which concluded that current International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva pressured staff to manipulate the 2018 Doing Business Report to favor China while she was the Chief Executive Officer of the World Bank. Rep. Barr, Rep. Hill, and Rep. Gonzalez said: “If the findings contained in the report by WilmerHale are substantiated, the IMF Board should reassess her position leading the Fund.” In their letter to Secretary Yellen, they outlined concerns with how the Chinese Communist Party, in pursuing its self-interest, undermines and infiltrates multilateral institutions such as the Fund, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations, stating: “China feels entitled to a greater say in how these international organizations operate; its lack of commitment to multilateral values demonstrates why it must not be allowed to.” The letter calls on Secretary Yellen to report to Congress within 30 days on the following: Recommendations to ensure strict and transparent data integrity in reports by the IMF and the World Bank, including appropriate firewalls to prevent data from being influenced by their respective leadership and member countries; Director Georgieva’s interactions with Chinese representatives at the Fund during her deliberations and decision-making process leading up to the August 2, 2021 announcement by the IMF Board of Governors to approve a $650 billion general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which included an estimated $42 billion to the People’s Republic of China; and Advocacy by China with respect to potential shareholding changes at the conclusion of the IMF governance review, and an assessment of any inap… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-hunter-biden-s-artwork-is-another-attempt-to-profit-off-his-father-s-position-in-government | Comer: Hunter Biden’s Artwork is Another Attempt to Profit Off His Father’s Position in Government | 2021-09-23 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) wrote to Georges Bergès, owner of the Georges Bergès Gallery, reiterating his request for all documents and communications related to the exorbitant prices the gallery set for selling Hunter Biden’s art. Mr. Biden’s prior questionable dealings raise serious concerns given the history of foreign governments using high value art to evade U.S. sanctions, the extravagant prices for which Mr. Biden—a new, untrained, celebrity artist—is selling his art, and the Biden family’s history of using proximity to political power for self-gain. “For years, Mr. Biden has attempted to profit off his father’s position in government, and the art deals are merely the latest iteration of these efforts. The investigation into Mr. Biden’s business ventures, and those who have aided him in his dubious endeavors, has been ongoing for over two years, and, if necessary, will continue into the next Congress,” wrote Ranking Member Comer. On September 7, 2021, Ranking Member Comer sent an initial request seeking all information related to Mr. Biden’s artwork. The art gallery has not responded. “The documents requested from you will inform and are pertinent to our oversight of any attempts to seek improper influence with the Biden Administration by anonymous benefactors, and understanding the process you are purportedly undertaking to shield the Administration from any influence by those procuring Mr. Biden’s art. Additionally, your documents and information could inform legislation related to ethics regulations,” concluded Ranking Member Comer. Ranking Member Comer has requested all documents and communications between the gallery and Mr. Biden; all communications and documents between the gallery and the White House, including the ethics guidelines; all price setting documents and communications surrounding Mr. Biden’s art; all documents showing who purchased Mr. Biden’s art; and all documents showing who attended the opening of Mr. Biden’s art shows.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=407462E4-D698-4CF1-BBA3-7DBD3228ECB4 | Rep. Barr Introduces Sanctions Bill Targeting CCP Military or Surveillance Companies | 2021-09-22 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | The Chinese Military and Surveillance Company Sanction Act of 2021 protects U.S. national security and limits western capital from fueling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military and surveillance companies. Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), unveiled legislation to target sanctions against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military or surveillance companies. Rep. Barr, a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees, crafted the bill as part of a broader effort by Republicans on the Financial Services Committee to combat the rise of the CCP. Rep. Barr’s proposal requires the President to sanction CCP military companies included on the U.S. Department of Defense’s annual listing and other Chinese military and surveillance companies that pose a risk to U.S. national security. JulieGrace Brufke of the New York Post broke the news of this bill introduction in this report. “My legislation protects U.S. national security and the privacy of every American by imposing sanctions on companies clearly identified as Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military or surveillance companies,” said Congressman Barr. “Without question, these companies present real and imminent threats to national security, and my bill would limit their access to capital and investment. “This proposal combats these threats without trying to beat China by becoming China,” Barr added. “I am committed to preserving our free market, capitalist economic principles while confronting the national security challenges we face from the CCP.” Congressman Barr serves as the lead Republican on the Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy, with jurisdiction over sanctions. Congressman Barr previously authored the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act, which passed with broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Trump in 2019. These sanctions represented the toughest sanctions on North Korea in a generation. Additionally, Congressman Barr … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1AC41081-E5BA-4DF3-8CEA-DB82541B6750 | Washington Democrats Vote to Suspend the National Debt Limit & Cut $1 Billion from Israel's Iron Dome | 2021-09-22 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a controversial continuing resolution to fund the government through December 3, 2021, on a divided, party-line vote. Washington Democrats used the stop-gap funding bill to suspend the national debt ceiling and to remove $1 billion in federal support from Israel's air defense system, known as the Iron Dome. Congressman Rogers voted against the legislation. "Washington Democrats have been on a non-stop spending spree since the beginning of the year with control of the House, the Senate and the White House. And now that the debt limit is at a record $28.4 trillion, they want the American people to come to their rescue by writing a blank check for the rest of the year, rather than working toward a fiscally responsible plan for the future," said Congressman Rogers. "I strongly oppose this bill and this way of conducting business behind closed doors, refusing negotiations with Republicans who want to work through better ways to address our nation's debt crisis. They are effectively removing the voice of the American people with their exclusive politics." On Tuesday morning, while simultaneously working to increase spending in the U.S., Democrat leaders announced their decision to block $1 billion from federal support for Israel's Iron Dome. "A vote for this legislation is a devastating vote against Israel, one of our strongest allied nations. Rejecting U.S. funding for Israel, opens the door to new threats against Israel and innocent civilians," said Congressman Rogers, Kentucky's longest-serving Member of Congress and long-time supporter of Israel. "This vote marks a dark day in our historic relationship with Israel. We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in a bipartisan manner for generations, and we must not bow to the liberal exteremists who attempt to demonize our long-held sovereign partnership." The legislation now moves to the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate for consideration before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2021. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0385CBA5-6E14-4AF4-AC12-65C8ED2F85A6 | Barr Opposes Reckless Spending and Debt Bill | 2021-09-21 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted against House Democrats’ fiscally irresponsible “government funding and debt ceiling bill.” Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) blasted House Democrats’ for passing legislation that paves the way for their $3.5 trillion spending spree to bankrupt America and engineer a permanent socialist state. Following his vote, Congressman Barr released this statement: “House Democrats are corrupting the budget process to pave the way for $3.5 trillion of massive new spending designed to impose a cradle-to-grave socialist state that will bury future generations with mountains of debt. I refuse to be part of this partisan betrayal of the American taxpayers and hard-working Kentuckians that I was elected to represent in Congress. I have voted in the past to raise the debt limit in a bipartisan fashion. However, after Democrats forced through a $1.9 trillion spending bill on a party line vote less than a year ago, I cannot vote to give them a blank checkbook to pursue trillions more in tax and spend policies. “Furthermore, this government funding proposal strips $1 billion in funding for the Iron Dome, which protects Israel from missile strikes from terrorist groups like Hamas. After abandoning our Afghan partners and blindsiding our French allies, it appears House Democrats want to go for the trifecta and deliver a blow to another key American alliance. I fundamentally reject this, and I will fight to ensure that the United States always stands with Israel and the Jewish people.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-biden-s-inconclusive-assessment-on-covid-19-origins-only-served-to-provide-more-conustion | Comer: Biden's Inconclusive Assessment on COVID-19 Origins Only Served to Provide More Conustion | 2021-09-21 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines requesting all raw intelligence reports, meeting notes, and emails relied upon by the Intelligence Community (IC) when developing the recently released Assessment on COVID-19 Origins. The Biden Administration’s 90-day study was woefully inconclusive and failed to provide Americans a thorough response on the origins of the virus. “On May 26, 2021, President Biden ordered the Intelligence Community to begin a 90-day study into the origin of the virus that caused the ongoing pandemic. The report, recently released on August 27, 2021, did not provide a conclusive assessment on the origin of the virus. Unfortunately, the Assessment on COVID-19 Origins only served to provide more confusion providing the American public with a vague, two-page unclassified summary,” wrote Ranking Member Comer. “This is an unacceptable response that gives the American people little confidence our country is prepared for the next pandemic. Therefore, to assist the Committee with its oversight, we request all raw intelligence reports, meeting notes, and emails relied upon by the IC to develop the Assessment.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-hhs | Comer: HHS is Diverting Hundreds of Millions of Taxpayer Dollars From Their Intended Purpose | 2021-09-21 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans wrote to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra over reports indicating HHS diverted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars—without authorization—to cover services for those unlawfully crossing the U.S. Southern border. Once again, the country is reckoning with the consequences of President Biden’s failure to secure the border and enforce deterrent-focused policies. His self-created border crisis is causing HHS to detract from its critical mission of combating COVID-19 and protecting public health. “HHS is diverting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars from their intended purposes to cover the costs of housing unaccompanied migrant children during a crisis caused by the Biden Administration’s policy decisions,” wrote the lawmakers. “We are concerned that these budget transfers are negatively impacting other mission-critical functions of HHS and the overall effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic or respond to a future health crisis…We are at a critical juncture in fighting the pandemic and it strains credibility that these huge transfers will have no impact on HHS mission critical functions or the Administration’s efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. This most recent round of budget transfers is only the latest in a months’ long process of raiding critical funding streams to pay for the consequences of the Border Crisis.” HHS has a statutory obligation under law to care for unaccompanied children placed in its custody from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In July alone, almost 19,000 unaccompanied children were encountered by the DHS and transferred to HHS custody. The ongoing surge of illegal border crossings remains historically high and is leaving HHS overburdened. To assist Republicans in conducting important oversight over the border crisis’s negative impact on HHS, the lawmakers are requesting all documents and communications related to the repr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-leads-effort-to-gather-information-from-faa-on-decision-to-ban-drones-covering-biden-s-border-crisis | Comer Leads Effort to Gather Information From FAA on Decision to Ban Drones Covering Biden’s Border Crisis | 2021-09-21 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Steve Dickson requesting information on the agency’s decision to ban unmanned aerial drones covering the rapidly deteriorating situation in Del Rio, Texas. The Biden Administration’s attempt to hide the conditions and consequences of the Border Crisis is concerning and their actions to censor the ability of U.S. media outlets to accurately report on the crisis is unacceptable. “Over the last several days, media outlets have been reporting on more than 10,000 migrants who arrived and illegally crossed the border into Del Rio, Texas at one time, overwhelming U.S. personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and creating a humanitarian crisis as thousands of migrants sleep outdoors under a bridge waiting to be processed,” wrote the lawmakers. “The Committee on Oversight and Reform Republicans write to request information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on recent actions taken to censor the ability of U.S. media outlets to accurately report on the crisis on the southern border. By preventing the use of unmanned drones to observe and report on rapidly deteriorating conditions in Del Rio, Texas, the Biden Administration is attempting to hide the conditions and consequences of the border crisis from the American people.” Footage and images obtained and reported from unmanned aircraft prove the abrupt reversal of the Trump Administration’s deterrent policies has led to a continued crisis. In fact, it is projected that nearly two million illegal aliens will cross the southern border this year, a record high and assault on the rule of law in the U.S. Although FAA granted clearance to at least one news organization to operate drones, the lawmakers are demanding that the FAA reverse its decision completely and once again permit aerial media surveillance to understand the consequences of the Biden Administration’s decisio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FDAA03AA-EFDD-4AF9-B619-38A9722C79EC | Barr, McConnell, and Paul Announce More Than $450,000 to Support Blue Grass Army Depot Economic Resiliency Plan | 2021-09-17 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) announced today the Bluegrass Area Development District (ADD) will receive a $455,828 competitive federal grant from the Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) to help the local community prepare for the end of the chemical weapons destruction mission at the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) in 2023. The chemical demilitarization mission employs nearly 1,450 highly skilled, highly-paid workers at BGAD and has contributed more than $1 billion in local payroll since 2006. By preparing for the eventual conclusion of BGAD’s chemical weapons destruction mission, Bluegrass ADD’s Resiliency Plan will provide crucial support for the housing, retail, and commercial industries which have benefitted from the employment and local contracting opportunities created by the site. Leader McConnell, Senator Paul, and Congressman Barr sent letters to the OLDCC advocating for this community’s competitive federal grant application. “This grant award is an important step for Madison County to develop a roadmap for transitioning thousands of Kentuckians from employment at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) once the critical chemical demilitarization project is completed. I was happy to support and advocate for this grant through a letter of support to the Department of Defense,” said Congressman Barr. “These Kentuckians are performing an essential public service to keep our communities safe and this grant ensures that there is a strong economic plan prepared for the region so that thousands of Kentucky families are not left behind after the important BGCAPP mission is complete.” “While I am thrilled that the chemical weapons destruction mission at the Blue Grass Army Depot is nearing completion, I know it is also important we help Madison County prepare for the eventual closure of the site. With today’s grant announcement, I am confident l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=17DDA655-DC41-459A-921F-39540ACFB9C6 | Rogers, McConnell Applaud ARC POWER Grants Totaling $8 Million for Southern & Eastern Kentucky | 2021-09-17 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) applaud the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for investing $8 million for nine competitive projects impacting Kentucky's Appalachian region, an area hit hard in recent years by the war on coal and the subsequent downturn of the coal industry. Federal funding for the projects was made possible through ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which targets federal resources to communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. "These investments from the ARC are a silver lining in a dismal year, as Kentucky's Appalachian region battles the COVID pandemic and the impact that it continues to have in the heart of coal country. Our region desperately needs these investments that focus on challenges specific to our current and former coal-producing communities, especially broadband expansion, job creation and career development, boosting tourism efforts, helping individuals in recovery and much more," said Congressman Rogers. "This is one of the many reasons why Senator McConnell and I have gone to bat for the ARC year after year, saving this commission from being abolished by several U.S. Presidents." “I have been proud to work closely with Representative Hal Rogers and many Eastern Kentucky leaders to bring jobs, development, and new opportunities to the Commonwealth’s Appalachian region. With today’s competitive grant announcements, we are taking concrete steps to foster economic diversification in this area,” said Senator McConnell. “As Senate Republican Leader, I’m able to help direct critical federal resources to Kentucky to spur growth, increase educational resources, and improve local infrastructure. These investments play a crucial role in helping our Appalachian communities succeed.” Southern and Eastern Kentucky awardees include: Harlan County Fiscal Court = $1,93… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=444418C0-E178-4CE2-A1D1-0B8B480B2094 | Congressman Rogers Celebrates New Jobs, Rajant Expansion in Morehead | 2021-09-17 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | MOREHEAD, Ky. -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers joined state and local officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday at Rajant Corporation's new 48,000 sq.ft. facility in the MMRC Industrial Park in Morehead, Kentucky. The expansion will allow Rajant, the provider of Kinetic Mesh® wireless networks, to add 30 new jobs with plans to grow 100 full-time jobs in the near future. The facility, which is five-times larger than Rajant's current building, will expand production and services, including artificial intelligence (AI), and improving its commercial and military product lines. "Rajant Corporation is raising the bar for innovative, high-tech job opportunities in Eastern Kentucky - partnering with Morehead State University to connect Space Science students with NASA, and the widespread opportunities available through the communications and aerospace industries. The west coast has the iconic Silicon Valley, and we are building what I like to call 'Silicon Holler' in Eastern Kentucky," said Congressman Rogers. "I believe in the historic ingenuity and stellar work ethic of our region, and this expansion proves that Rajant does as well." The celebration took place in an open area of the building designated as "Rogersville," in recognition of Congressman Rogers' support to bring Rajant to Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District in 2015. "Chairman Rogers has become a great friend to us at Rajant and I am forever grateful to him and the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation for leading us to Morehead, Kentucky. It is clear that he loves Eastern Kentucky, and we do too. Morehead State University is a real treasure and we are hiring many of their brilliant graduates, because of their drive, determination and integrity. Our partnership is a real success story," said Bob Schena, Chairman/CEO of Rajant Corporation. "It's my goal to take this facility from 30 people to 100 people over the next few years. We will be adding folks with all kinds of backgrounds from manufacturing and assembly all the way to a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6629B61D-6664-44C0-A2F3-7820C2A7DB14 | U.S. Congressman Andy Barr Announces Slew of ARC Grants for Sixth District | 2021-09-16 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Lexington, KY— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced a slew of Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants totaling almost $3.5 million for Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District. “I am pleased to announce multiple grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) that are being awarded to communities and organizations in the Sixth District,” said Congressman Barr. “These grants will boost economic development, capital access for small communities, broadband expansion efforts and support second chance employment services for Kentuckians in recovery for substance abuse. I voted for the ARC funding used to make these grants possible, and I look forward to continuing to work with ARC to support communities in the Sixth District.” Congressman Barr voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which included funding for ARC. A full list of the grants provided to Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District is below: $1,500,000 to the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) for the Economic Recovery and Resilience in Eastern Kentucky Project. It is estimated that that 1,240 businesses and 50 participants will be served with 180 jobs created and $6.7 million in private investment leveraged because of this project. $1,221,825 to the Isaiah House Treatment Center for the Reliance Works Second Chance Employment Expansion to Eastern Kentucky Project. This project will create 50 new jobs and provide on-the-job training for 70 Kentuckians in substance abuse recovery. $630,000 to the Community Ventures Corporation (CVC) for the Appalachia Access to Capital Initiative. CVC will provide educations opportunities for communities, businesses, and individuals. This project is expected to serve 27 businesses and create 46 jobs while retaining 53 jobs. $15 million in private investment is expected to be leveraged. $50,000 to Robertson County to conduct a Broadband Feasibility Study. This project will produce a feasibility study and strategic plan to expand access to broadband inter… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BC11425F-0011-4A97-9AE0-D7BCE9A79919 | Rep. Barr Reacts to Bombshell Findings on World Bank’s “Doing Business Report,” Urges Stronger Oversight from Treasury | 2021-09-16 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) serves as the lead Republican on the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy. Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) is calling for the U.S. Department of Treasury to investigate bombshell findings about data manipulation involving the World Bank’s flagship “Doing Business Report,” which helps incentivize countries to improve their business environment. According to an independent investigation conducted by the law firm Wilmer Hale, then-World Bank Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva and other senior leaders at the World Bank pressed staff to alter this report amid fears that China would otherwise be displeased with its rating by the World Bank. At the time, Georgieva was allegedly attempting to convince the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to increase financial support to the World Bank. She now serves as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Representative Barr released the following statement after the report was issued: “The investigation into former World Bank President Jim Kim’s and former World Bank CEO and current IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s involvement with data manipulation for China’s benefit is alarming. Republicans had repeatedly warned that under Mr. Kim, who was twice nominated for the World Bank presidency by the Obama-Biden Administration, the Bank was more devoted to fundraising and development fads than delivering results for low-income countries that wanted to grow their way out of poverty. “Furthermore, the investigation’s findings are a wake-up call for President Biden, who has been too busy with virtue signaling on climate risk at the World Bank and gifting billions of dollars in IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to China and state sponsors of terrorism to even nominate an official to head up the Treasury Department’s international affairs unit. He must take these multilateral organizations far more seriously. “Given Ms. Geo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C7B9AFCC-6A09-40C0-9D5B-9144171FC254 | Congressman Barr, Senators McConnell and Paul Advocate for Flood Assistance to Nicholas County | 2021-09-16 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Barr, McConnell and Paul renewed their push for Nicholas County flood assistance after the Commonwealth appealed the Biden Administration’s denial of flood assistance to Nicholas County. Carlisle, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) sent a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden advocating for the approval of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s appeal for federal flood assistance to Nicholas County. The Commonwealth’s first request was denied by the Biden Administration. Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell and Senator Paul also wrote a letter of support for that request. “We write to call your attention to the September 9th, 2021, letter from Governor Andy Beshear appealing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) September 5th decision to deny the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s request for a major disaster declaration due to the severe storm cell that caused extensive and deadly flash flooding in Nicholas County on July 29 and 30, 2021,” the letter from Congressman Barr, Senators McConnell and Paul read in part. “While the Commonwealth has provided support to Nicholas County’s 7,135 citizens, and local organizations have held fundraisers and processed donations, residents of the City of Carlisle and Nicholas County still face significant economic challenges, including a lack of adequate housing. Moreover, individuals potentially face job loss through the inability to get to work while also being unable to afford new modes of transportation. Given this, we believe that the Commonwealth’s appeal of FEMA’s decision deserves your full and fair consideration,” the letter concluded. Congressman Barr visited Nicholas County and the city of Carlisle shortly after the floods occurred. The offices for Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell and Senator Paul will continue to assist in flood recovery efforts in Nicholas County and be available to constituents who need help. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=238B15AA-5D9E-4363-AE5C-F0154B7C9BCC | Congressman Rogers, Army Corps, Local Officials Kick-off Johnson County Flood Mitigation Project | 2021-09-16 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | PAINTSVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local leaders in Johnson County on Thursday to kick-off a major flood mitigation project in Paintsville. Congressman Rogers secured $118 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design and implement a comprehensive plan through the Section 202 program to protect the people of Johnson County from future devastating floods. The proposed project includes a levee-flood wall system and a flood warning system. Over the last four decades, Congressman Rogers has secured nearly $800 million for flood control projects across Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District. “Flood control has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to federal office. I don't want our folks to go to bed in fear every time a storm rolls through the mountains, and thanks to the Army Corps and local leaders, we have completed some impressive projects in several communities to help protect the people of southern and eastern Kentucky for generations. We’re hoping to do the same thing here in Johnson County,” said Congressman Rogers. “I want to applaud Judge Mark Mckenzie and Mayor Bill Mike Runyon for working together with the Army Corps to advance this life-saving effort.” The Army Corps’ Louisville District is working in close coordination with the Johnson County Fiscal Court and the Paintsville City Council to provide flood protection where it's needed the most. “The Johnson County Section 202 Flood Mitigation Project will improve public safety, reduce the impact from flooding for Paintsville and Johnson County and create jobs - therefore impacting our local economy. This $118 million project would not be possible without the consistent efforts and support of Congressman Hal Rogers," said Mark McKenzie, Johnson County Judge Executive. "The city of Paintsville and its citizens want to thank Congressman Rogers for his efforts on our flood mitigation project. This project is huge for our community, as we have suffered for years with … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EEE1054A-95A2-446F-90E0-89F25EC3AF96 | Congressman Rogers Celebrates the Completion of The Prestonsburg Passage | 2021-09-16 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | PRESTONSBURG, KY – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers joined local leaders at Archer Park in Floyd County to celebrate the completion of The Prestonsburg Passage, an 8.2-mile rails-to-trails project that converted a former railroad track into a paved trail for hiking and biking in Prestonsburg. The City of Prestonsburg competitively earned a $1.95 million Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Pilot Grant in 2016 for the tourism project. "The people of Floyd County are to be commended for their diligent work to make Prestonsburg a destination for folks who want to get outside and enjoy life in Eastern Kentucky. The Prestonsburg Passage could be one of the most impressive trails in the country - it's a major tourist attraction," said Congressman Rogers. "The AML Pilot grant program is seed money for our coal communities, and we have planted those seeds over all of the United States, including $140 million right here in Kentucky's Appalachian region. I believe we will see the fruits of your labor here in Prestonsburg for many years to come." The trail is already attracting new businesses, including an RV campsite that recently opened along the trail in David, Kentucky, with plans for future development. "Our passage trail is a great illustration of what Congressman Rogers, through his foresight and experience, has been able to do for all of the Appalachian region. The AML Pilot program provides grant money directly to declining coal communities to help us flourish and make these dream projects come to life," said Les Stapleton, Mayor of Prestonsburg. "Our Passage Trail has opened up tourism for not only Prestonsburg, but has started breathing new life into the David Community with visitors from all across the state and beyond our borders." The trail has already welcomed well over 200 adventure-seekers on weekends. "People used to come to Red River Gorge and stop, but now they are coming on down to Prestonsburg to enjoy our trails. The Gorge is now a gateway into our community," said Samantha Johnson, Executive Director of Pre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=93AF05A9-886B-4913-8FC4-2B815ABB834C | U.S. Congressman Andy Barr Honors Lexington Fire Department for 150 Years of Service | 2021-09-15 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Lexington, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) visited the Lexington Fire Department and presented a Congressional Record to honor 150 years of service by the Department. The Lexington Fire Department responded to 304,000 local emergencies in the past 5 years, with a current staff of 597 men and women and a budget of just over $80 million. “I am honored to participate in a celebration of the extraordinary service the Lexington Fire Department has provided to the people of Lexington for the last 150 years. This Fire Department is the gold standard of public service,” said Congressman Barr. “I will continue to champion essential federal funding programs such as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, that support the work this Department and others throughout my District do on a daily basis to save lives and keep our communities safe.” “The Lexington Fire Department has a long, proud history of service to our city. We are grateful to Congressman Barr for recognizing our historic milestone and sharing this day with us. We are also grateful for Congressman Barr’s strong advocacy for our organization,” said Jason Wells, Chief of the Lexington Fire Department. “Whether it is advocating for our federal grant requests or supporting critical grant programs like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, Congressman Barr has been a tremendous advocate for our Department. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3C494F5D-8389-4E51-9A3D-4F0F84EDF9AB | Rep. Barr Leads GOP Letter Calling on U.N. to Impose Economic, Travel Restrictions on Taliban | 2021-09-14 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to United Nations (U.N.) Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield with 20 of his Republican colleagues calling on the Ambassador to support the full implementation of all UN sanctions and reimpose travel restrictions on senior members of the Taliban. “The Biden Administration has maintained that the Taliban desires international legitimacy and financing. That legitimacy and funding must be denied while American citizens, Afghan partners, and others remain behind enemy lines, while the Taliban continues to maintain ties to al Qaeda and harbors terrorists that seek to harm Americans and our allies, and while the Taliban refuses to respect and protect the rights of all Afghan citizens,” the Barr led letter to Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield read in part. “The travel ban, asset freezes, and arms embargos imposed by these sanctions are critical to that effort. “With the Taliban’s capture of Kabul, we believe it necessary for the United States to support the full implementation of all United Nations sanctions on the Taliban, including rescinding previously issued waivers to the travel ban that are providing them the international legitimacy and access they want. We must maintain what little leverage this administration has left in place to secure the continued evacuation of Americans and our partners, and to ensure we are doing all we can to prevent the reconstitution of terrorist threats to our homeland,” the letter concluded. Rep. Barr has led the GOP efforts to cut off Taliban access to the international financial system. Shortly after the fall of Kabul, Rep. Barr sent a letter to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (NY Fed) President John Williams requesting that the NY Fed take steps to prevent financial assets held by the Afghanistan government at the NY Fed from falling into the hands of the Taliban. Rep. Barr also introduced the IMF Afghan Recognition Assurance Act, which would permanently cut off T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/biden-s-afghanistan-failure-a-reminder-of-dangers-of-nation-building-lack-of-strategic-planning | Biden’s Afghanistan Failure a Reminder of Dangers of Nation Building, Lack of Strategic Planning | 2021-09-14 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | The images we have seen out of Afghanistan in recent weeks are heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with our fallen heroes, Afghan allies, and troops who have worked tirelessly to bring Americans home. The situation in Afghanistan is a senseless national security and humanitarian disaster. President Biden’s careless withdrawal was horribly executed with zero strategic planning – and sadly defined by the death of 13 of our soldiers and Americans stranded behind enemy lines. While we mourn the lives lost and must prioritize rescuing every remaining American from harm’s way, Congress must also act to hold the Biden Administration accountable for such a haphazard exit. Withdrawing our troops before every American was brought home was a dereliction of duty. President Biden operated on the Taliban’s timeline, a scenario the world’s greatest superpower should never face. As Republican Leader of the House Oversight Committee, I’ve called for congressional hearings to gather testimony from senior Biden Administration officials regarding how they got this so wrong. In addition to the loss of American life, we have also seen $83 billion in American security assistance and significant military equipment fall into Taliban hands. We must have a full accounting for why President Biden did not make plans to secure or destroy taxpayer-funded equipment before it was seized by our enemy. But in addition to seeking accountability, lawmakers must also reflect on how we got here and what American foreign policy should look like moving forward. I have long supported withdrawing the remaining American troops from Afghanistan. We entered this volatile country 20 years ago to kill the terrorists responsible for the September 11 attacks, an appropriate response to bringing to justice those who murdered nearly 3,000 Americans. However, America’s subsequent nation building has done little but prop up a failed state that proved unable to defend itself, even after years of U.S. military training and financial assistance. This sad r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/scalise-comer-investigate-claims-that-the-biden-admin-is-politicizing-booster-shot-recommendations | Scalise & Comer Investigate Claims that Biden Admin is Politicizing Booster Shot Recommendations | 2021-09-14 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Republican Whip and Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Ranking Member Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing concerns that the Biden White House was pressuring career FDA officials to recommend booster shots before the agency saw research showing that booster shots are necessary. In their letter to Janet Woodcock, Acting Commissioner of the FDA, the Republican lawmakers wrote, "Without evidence and data, President Biden announced that booster doses of the mRNA vaccines would be available for Americans starting September 20, 2021. Top scientists and researchers were stunned by this decision—particularly because the CDC and the FDA had not yet conducted their independent review of the data...The political manipulation and pressure to interfere with the science by President Biden’s White House reportedly contributed to the decision of two top career scientists, Marion Gruber and Phill Krause, who were key in the vaccine process, to leave the FDA." Below is the full text of the letter. September 14, 2021 Dear Acting Commissioner Woodcock: Select Subcommittee Republicans are conducting oversight of potential political interference with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the Biden Administration. President Biden, instead of following the science, is attempting to distract from his numerous crises by playing politics and moving out ahead of the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) when it comes to the science on coronavirus vaccine booster shots. Without evidence and data, President Biden announced that booster doses of the mRNA vaccines would be available for Americans starting September 20, 2021. Top scientists and researchers were stunned by this decision—particularly because the CDC and the FDA had not yet conducted their independent review of the data. In fact, two vaccine manufacturers have not yet submitted the r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E3868197-EAA5-49C5-B291-FF487C0848D1 | Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Biden's Expanded Vaccine Mandate | 2021-09-10 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement regarding President Biden’s expanded vaccine mandate for federal executive branch employees, contractors, and private businesses with more than 100 employees. The expanded mandate could impact roughly 100 million Americans. “Let me clear: I have been vaccinated and I strongly believe that individuals should get the vaccine, but on their own accord and with the advice of their doctor. “Enforcing federal mandates on our personal healthcare is not the American way and sets a disturbing precedent for future disasters. We all want to move past this virus and keep Americans healthy and safe, but authoritarian vaccine mandates—that could have devastating impacts to our workforce and our economy—are not the answer.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-biden-s-vaccine-mandates-will-cripple-job-creators-medical-facilities-and-worker-freedom | Comer: Biden’s Vaccine Mandates Will Cripple Job Creators, Medical Facilities and Worker Freedom | 2021-09-09 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James Comer released the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement mandating private sector employers with over 100 employees to require vaccinations or weekly testing for COVID-19. Biden also issued an executive order requiring federal workers and employees of health care facilities receiving federal Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements to be vaccinated. “With today’s announcement of widespread federal vaccine mandates, President Biden is using the power of the federal government to trample on the rights of job creators, medical facilities and workers. These unilateral executive orders unconstitutionally coerce private businesses to be the vaccine police, bringing fear and intimidation into the workplace while straining job creators with overreaching regulations. Even worse, the same President who has failed to nominate an FDA Commissioner during a pandemic is worsening staffing shortages at our hospitals by making crucial Medicaid and Medicare funding contingent on all employees being vaccinated. I encourage Americans to consider being vaccinated after consulting their doctor. But vaccine mandates from politicians will only create more fear and distrust while hurting the ability of our medical facilities to care for those in need.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2590AF4F-0A8F-4F59-9B33-9744D5081E2A | Congressman Rogers Announces Grant for SOAR to Expand Remote Work Opportunities | 2021-09-08 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced today that a $250,000 grant has been awarded to Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) by the Appalachian Regional Commission to expand remote work opportunities in Eastern Kentucky and potentially create new jobs in our region. The grant will support SOAR's new project, Creating Opportunities for Digital Employment in Appalachia Kentucky, which will serve 15 organizations across 18 counties in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District. SOAR will use the funding to host three regional meetings, offering technical assistance to assist local communities in connecting available high-paying remote jobs to high-skilled workers across Eastern Kentucky. "Remote work opportunities provide a gateway to prosperity for individuals who cannot travel for work, and it has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide innovative remote job opportunities," said Congressman Rogers. "I applaud SOAR for planning their work and working their plan to advance job opportunities in our region despite the challenges we face. The ARC has been a loyal partner for economic development opportunities in Kentucky's Appalachian region and I appreciate the commission's continued tireless efforts to help us shape a brighter future in the mountains." SOAR will bring together state, local, and federal officials, businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions (K-12 and post-secondary), technical assistance providers, and individuals working at the grassroots level to attract or implement more remote work opportunities. "SOAR continues to believe high-paying remote work is critical for economic revitalization in Eastern Kentucky. The jobs the region has sought for years have finally arrived...online. It's time communities work together to connect these opportunities with our best and brightest workers to keep them home," said Colby Hall, Executive Director of SOAR. SOAR will focus on last-mile broadband deployment, remote work community-l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7F7E61BB-FF11-4ABB-8C15-97573FD7BF3D | Congressman Rogers Cosponsors Congressional Gold Medal Bill | 2021-09-07 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers cosponsored a Congressional Gold Medal Bill to honor the memory of the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021 during a terrorist attack at the Abbey gate. The bill now has 226 cosponsors. The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. "These 13 brave U.S. Troops were working diligently to protect Americans, our Afghan allies and their young children when merciless terrorists sent in a suicide bomber, gravely reminding America why we were in Afghanistan from day one. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Gold Star families who have sacrificed so much for our nation and there is no higher honor that we can bestow upon them, than the Congressional Gold Medal," said Congressman Rogers. "In addition to the medals, we need to complete the work that these servicemen and women started - by bringing home every remaining American and ensuring our allied Afghan friends can still safely exit the country that is now under Taliban control." For more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit https://halrogers.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-republicans-will-gain-answers-on-botched-afghanistan-withdrawal-with-or-without-white-house | Comer: Republicans Will Gain Answers on Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal With or Without White House | 2021-09-03 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | Thanks Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction for heeding Republican calls for briefing, voices disappointment for lack of answers from Biden Administration WASHINGTON—House Oversight and Reform Committee Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) released the following statement after the committee received a briefing from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). Republicans pressed SIGAR for a briefing on August 19, 2021. The briefing is a result of their request. “America needs answers on Afghanistan, and, since the White House either cherry-picks what questions to answer or completely fails to respond to questions, Republicans have had to find answers elsewhere. Committee Republicans invited the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to brief Congress today, and I appreciate his willingness to come forward and his commitment to testify before the Full Committee in the coming weeks. “Between the botched withdrawal, the Biden Administration choosing to leave Americans behind, the likelihood American military equipment and taxpayer dollars now reside in Taliban or terrorist hands, Afghan President Ghani fleeing the country with more than $169 million, and the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemen and women, the situation in Afghanistan is dismal and heart wrenching. “The Special Inspector General has revealed even more startling consequences of President Biden’s disastrous withdrawal. The SIGAR confirmed that 50% of fuel provided by the U.S. has been stolen in Afghanistan by corrupt government officials responsible for its distribution. It’s also been confirmed U.S. military equipment is likely being used by the Taliban on Afghan civilians and being traded with terrorist organizations. This is unacceptable. Republicans will continue to take all actions possible to investigate what went wrong and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.” Oversight Republicans have sent the following letters in hopes of gaining better insight into the disastrous, de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1C648C52-C3C2-4D9E-935B-CC3855551FF1 | Barr Pushes Bill Requiring Biden to Immediately Give Congress an Accurate Accounting of Americans, Military Weaponry Abandoned in Afghanistan | 2021-09-02 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) is supporting and pushing legislation in Congress requiring the Biden Administration to immediately give Congress a precise accounting of the Americans they abandoned in Afghanistan, and to communicate a plan to get them home safe. The Biden Administration admitted that they stranded at least 200 Americans behind enemy lines in Afghanistan who wanted to leave the country. On August 15, when the Taliban took power, the Administration said that between 10,000 to 15,000 Americans were still in Afghanistan. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday, August 29, during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press that only 5,500 Americans were evacuated. That is why Congressman Barr is pushing the AWOL Act in Congress to: Demand a specific and accurate number of the Americans abandoned in Afghanistan and a plan from the Biden Administration to bring Americans stranded in Afghanistan home. Demand an accounting of all the equipment left behind. Require transparency on any deals or agreements made by the Biden Administration with the Taliban. State that the Taliban should not be recognized as the government of Afghanistan. Prohibit any federal funding or sanctions relief to the Taliban. “It is a national disgrace that this President left a single American, let alone hundreds or even thousands, behind enemy lines,” said Congressman Barr. “The Administration offers the excuse that most of the Americans left behind did not want to be evacuated. But who believes that any American wants to remain voluntarily in a country run by brutal terrorists who hate Americans? This is a massive hostage crisis in the making, the likes of which we have never seen in American history. That is why, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will not rest until we hold this Administration accountable and demand every American be rescued.” “President Biden’s incompetence has left hundreds of Americans stranded in Afghanistan,” said Congressman Mike Gallagher (… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/congressman-comer-visits-russell-county-to-hear-concerns-from-local-residents | Congressman Comer Visits Russell County to Hear Concerns from Local Residents | 2021-09-02 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | RUSSELL COUNTY – On Monday, August 30, Congressman Comer spent the day in Russell County meeting with and listening to constituents and local leaders. He met with Chief Rick Godbey at the Russell County Search & Rescue Department, spoke at Duo Broadband’s board meeting, and visited with Russell County farmers active in the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Throughout the day, Congressman Comer discussed and listened to concerns regarding rural broadband access, Afghanistan, law enforcement and federal grant programs. “As a Congressman, my job is to spend time with the people I represent and take their insights and concerns back to Washington. From COVID-19 to Afghanistan, America is facing a series of challenges, and the voices of people in Russell County are crucial to shaping policy and discussions around these important issues,” Congressman Comer said. “I take pride in being a member of Congress who is accessible to my constituents and am grateful for the opportunity to represent the citizens of Russell County in Congress.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=624E0D91-EF4E-4055-BBA9-4DCD84CB79A9 | Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell Unveil $2.3 Million Grant to Jumpstart Paris-Bourbon County Economic Recovery Plan | 2021-08-30 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Paris, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the Paris-Bourbon County Economic Development Authority in Paris, Kentucky is receiving a $2.3 million federal grant for roadway infrastructure improvements to accommodate the expansion of the Paris-Bourbon County Industrial Park. Congressman Barr and Senator McConnell made the announcement today at an event at Mustard Seed Hill. This federal grant was distributed through the U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA), with funding made available through the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that Congressman Barr voted for and Senator McConnell guided through the U.S. Senate as Senate Majority Leader in March of 2020. Congressman Barr and Senator McConnell also contacted EDA to advocate for the Paris-Bourbon County Economic Development Authority to receive this grant award when they applied for the CARES Act funds. “Enhancing capacity for freight traveling to the Paris-Bourbon County Industrial Park will strengthen small businesses and manufacturing in the area for generations to come,” said Congressman Barr. “I was proud to support this project and pleased that the emergency relief that Senator McConnell and I voted for at the height of the pandemic will finish this important project.” “When I spearheaded the passage of the bipartisan CARES Act last year, developments like this one at the Paris-Bourbon County Industrial Park were just the kinds of projects I had in mind. Today, I was thrilled to join Congressman Barr to announce federal funding for this important infrastructure improvement and demonstrate the success of our efforts,” said Senator McConnell. “By supporting development and business growth in the Bluegrass, we will turbocharge the Commonwealth’s economic recovery with new jobs, businesses, and opportunities. Kentucky’s manufacturers are the backbone of our economy and I am proud to work with Kentucky’s other leaders to ensure they have th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/8/comer-calls-out-biden-administration-s-inconclusive-covid-origins-report-as-failure | Comer Calls Out Biden Administration’s Inconclusive COVID Origins Report as Failure | 2021-08-30 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) released the following statement on the Biden Administration’s inconclusive COVID origins report: “The Biden Administration’s failure to reach a definitive conclusion on the origins of COVID-19 underscores the need for an immediate congressionally-led investigation. Oversight Republicans have repeatedly called on Democrats to join our efforts, but they’ve refused. The Chinese Communist Party has spent almost two years misleading the world, spreading propaganda, and intentionally concealing the severity of COVID-19. Failing to hold the CCP accountable for a virus that has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans would be a stain on this institution. It’s past time for Democrats to join us in holding China accountable for their ongoing efforts to hide the truth.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=41CD8E27-C91C-45EA-921B-FD73B11CB9A1 | Rep. Barr Statement on Afghanistan Bombings that Killed U.S. Military Service-Members | 2021-08-26 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after attacks today in Afghanistan that killed multiple U.S. military servicemembers and wounded dozens more servicemembers and others on the ground: “Today’s attacks in Afghanistan are tragic and horrific. Multiple U.S. military servicemembers gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that American citizens and our Afghan allies could escape the threat of the Taliban, ISIS, and other terrorist actors in the area. That is the legacy these American heroes will leave behind. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=39F0B586-BE6B-4BC9-BAC7-393D64378FED | Barr and McConnell Announce Isaiah House to Receive Nearly $2.5 Million as Part of the CAREER Act | 2021-08-25 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Versailles, KY – Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Isaiah House Treatment Center will receive $2,483,600 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Recovery Workforce Support Program, which was established as part of Congressman Barr’s and Senator McConnell’s Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act. Congressman Barr and Senator McConnell authored the CAREER Act to provide funding for treatment centers that assist individuals in recovery to reenter the workforce. In 2018, the CAREER Act was enacted into law as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a comprehensive and bipartisan bill that bolstered federal substance abuse prevention and treatment resources. Congressman Barr and Senator McConnell made the announcement during a press conference at Isaiah House in Versailles, Kentucky. Isaiah House will partner with the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, the Bluegrass Workforce Innovation Board, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, and other organizations to address workforce participation challenges caused by the prevalence of substance abuse in Kentucky. The program plans to serve over 6,000 Kentuckians in the next five years. “Isaiah House continues to provide a roadmap and hope for Kentuckians struggling to overcome addiction. With overdose deaths rising in Kentucky by over 50% last year, we must move aggressively to provide resources to our frontline treatment and recovery providers. That is why Senator McConnell and I supported this grant request and championed the legislation that made this funding available. I will continue to support Isaiah House in its mission to reduce substance abuse in our community moving forward,” said Congressman Barr. “Tragically, Kentucky has been ground zero for America’s catastrophic substance abuse epidemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this problem grew only more severe. I have been proud to work with lif… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/8/comer-we-must-guard-against-potential-terrorist-entry-into-the-united-states | Comer: We Must Guard Against Potential Terrorist Entry into the United States | 2021-08-25 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken expressing concern related to the vetting of foreign nationals and specifically Afghan citizens coming to the U.S. Additionally, Ranking Member Comer questioned whether individuals not eligible to come to the U.S. or bad actors may be infiltrating those with a valid resettlement claim. Given the surge in Afghans seeking entry into the U.S., in addition to the ever-growing Border Crisis, Republicans are concerned terrorists may take advantage of any weaknesses in America’s vetting processes in order to gain entry into the U.S. Ranking Member Comer emphasized the need to help Afghans who risked their lives to aid American troops in Afghanistan while simultaneously ensuring Americans at home are protected from terrorists taking advantage of another humanitarian crisis that resulted from President Biden’s failures. “Our country owes a moral obligation to those who put themselves at great personal risk to provide substantial assistance to coalition forces in Afghanistan. We therefore must work to ensure those individuals safe passage out of Afghanistan,” wrote Ranking Member Comer. “It is no secret that terrorists and other bad actors will always seek to exploit any and all weaknesses in border security and vetting of foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States. In the chaotic situation left in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, we are particularly concerned that terrorists and others who wish to harm the United States may seek to infiltrate the country disguised as those who provided assistance to coalition forces in Afghanistan.” The Ranking Member is requesting a briefing and all information related to the Biden Administration’s ongoing efforts to thwart terrorists from gaining entry to the U.S. and their screening and vetting of Afghan nationals who may ultimat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/8/congressman-comer-history-will-not-be-kind-to-president-biden-on-afghanistan | Congressman Comer: History Will Not Be Kind to President Biden on Afghanistan | 2021-08-25 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – After increased scrutiny of the lack of planning and poor execution behind President Biden’s withdraw of American troops from Afghanistan, Congressman Comer stated that history would not be kind to the President’s failed leadership in Afghanistan. In an appearance on Fox News, he also expressed concern about American financial assistance and weapons falling into the hands of the Taliban. While reiterating that he supports ending the war and withdrawing American troops, Congressman Comer noted that American citizens should have been brought home before our troops left the country. Watch the interview here. Interview Highlights: On the poorly-planned withdraw that left American citizens behind. “It’s unimaginable that Joe Biden thinks he made the right decision (evacuating troops before citizens). That is the worst plan in the history of America. History will not be kind to Joe Biden on this decision, and a lot of other decisions. This is the worst-executed plan, from a military standpoint, in the history of America.” On American weapons falling into Taliban hands: “As the Ranking Republican on the House Oversight Committee, we’re demanding answers as to how much money was wasted, how much weaponry is now in the hands of the Taliban. I don’t think the Pentagon has an inventory. I don’t think Joe Biden knows. Not only does he not know how many Americans are left behind in Afghanistan, he has no idea how much of our military equipment is now in the hands of the Taliban. This is incompetence, and again it’s the worst military move in the history of the United States.” On Congressional Oversight over the Afghanistan Disaster: “Congress is asking questions. Joe Biden has refused to answer those questions – and I think it’s because he has no idea what the answer to those questions are. It’s a very sad day for the taxpayers. We’re weakened from a national security standpoint. Our reputation on the international stage has been diminished. And I hope that we can turn it around.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F755422F-3883-4824-AFC3-C2E5B10ED4B5 | Rep. Barr Blasts House Democrats’ Budget to Bankrupt America | 2021-08-24 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06) blasted House Democrats for passing a budget resolution paving the way for $68 trillion in federal spending over 10 years. Representative Barr released the following statement after voting no on the House Democrats’ budget to bankrupt America: “As if President Biden abandoning thousands of U.S. citizens behind enemy lines in Afghanistan wasn’t bad enough, House Democrats are moving forward with their budget to bankrupt America. “This budget proposal puts America on track for an average deficit of $1.6 trillion a year and $17 trillion in new debt over ten years. Astonishingly, the Democrat spending spree flatlines defense and security spending, even though we face historic national security crises in Afghanistan and at the southern border. “Instead of prioritizing the resources necessary to overcome these challenges, House Democrats convened today with one goal in mind: engineer a permanent socialist state through a massive expansion of government run healthcare, wasteful green energy subsidies and an unsustainable expansion of welfare programs that discourage work. Incredibly, the same politicians who criticized tax cuts, which allowed Americans to keep more of their hard-earned income, because it supposedly added to the deficit are now supporting $17 trillion in new unfunded liabilities. And that is after they reverse the tax cuts and impose the largest tax increase in American history! “Moreover, Democrats are proposing to exacerbate the crisis at our southern border by granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants, including the 1.3 million illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border in just the first seven months of the Biden Administration’s open border agenda, dishonoring all immigrants who came to this country the right way. “Finally, the reckless spending proposed in this resolution will continue to fuel the inflation crisis which is diminishing the purchasing power and increasing the cost of living for every American family strug… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2021/8/comer-record-spending-spree-will-worsen-inflation-crisis | Comer: Record Spending Spree Will Worsen Inflation Crisis | 2021-08-24 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James Comer released the following statement Tuesday following his vote against Congressional Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget resolution, which narrowly passed the House of Representatives and kicks off the process of implementing the largest spending plan in American history. “Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats’ $3.5 trillion socialist budget plan will only worsen Joe Biden’s inflation crisis while taxing and spending Americans into oblivion. If ultimately signed into law, this budget will create the highest levels of government spending in history and pass trillions in additional debt along to our children and grandchildren. Further, this resolution paves the way for massive tax hikes on American families, job creators, farmers and future generations. I was proud to vote against this inflation ticking time bomb and hope that as this process moves forward, reasonable Democrats will see the light and stop this socialist spending plan from becoming law.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=45D840FE-8734-4A5C-ABE8-2367308B97A3 | Congressman Rogers Votes to Halt House Democrats' Spending Spree | 2021-08-24 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Instead of voting on a bipartisan infrastructure package for the American people this week, House Democrats paved the way for their $3.5 Trillion filibuster-proof taxing and spending spree. The package is the central part of Washington Democrats' agenda, as crafted by socialist leader Sen. Bernie Sanders. Congressman Hal Rogers voted against the spending plan in an effort to get the country's priorities back on track. "Right now, the Biden Administration should be laser focused on a plan to bring home every single American that remains in Afghanistan, and passing common sense bills that provide infrastructure in our communities and support for American families. Instead, Speaker Pelosi devised a plan to bypass regular order and drive our nation so far over the ledge on spending that Americans will end up paying more in taxes over the next ten years than ever before," said Congressman Rogers. "The result of this Democrat overspending agenda is inflation, and American families are seeing it everyday at the gas pump and at the grocery store. Instead of ramping up military funding and Homeland Security, Washington Democrats plan to strengthen the IRS, provide amnesty to illegal immigrants and banish low-cost energy options, killing more coal jobs." Also this week, in an unconstitutional power grab, House Democrats passed H.R. 4, undermining state and local election laws. The bill would also give the Biden Administartion authority to veto states' voter ID laws. Meanwhile, the catastrophic failure in Afghanistan continues to threaten the lives of Americans, Afghan allies and Christians who remain in hiding. Congressman Rogers joined House and Senate Republicans to send a unified letter to President Biden asking him to outline his plan moving forward in Afghanistan. "Instead of caving to an arbitrary deadline with the Taliban, President Biden should first guarantee that every American is accounted for and safely evacuated from Afghanistan," said Congressman Rogers. "The Biden Administration's catas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=66E8B39D-CB66-45EC-8E21-FDF50321FAA6 | U.S. Congressman Andy Barr, Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul Push for Federal Flood Assistance to Nicholas County | 2021-08-23 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Carlisle, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) sent a letter to the Biden Administration on Friday urging an expedited approval for federal flood assistance to Nicholas County. The Commonwealth of Kentucky finalized the federal disaster request last Thursday, August 19. On July 29 and July 30, the city of Carlisle and Nicholas County experienced tremendous flood damage to 88 homes, 29 businesses, and critical infrastructure that downed the city’s fire department services and impacted their wastewater treatment plant. “We write to call your attention to the August 19th, 2021 letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the severe storm cell that caused extensive and deadly flash flooding in Nicholas County on July 29 and 30, 2021. We strongly support this request and ask for your timely consideration,” the letter from Congressman Barr, Senators McConnell and Paul read in part. “Many homeowners did not have flood insurance policies. Individual Assistance is needed for the community to recover from this devastating event,” the letter continued. Congressman Barr visited Nicholas County and the city of Carlisle shortly after the floods occurred. The offices for Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell and Senator Paul will continue to assist in flood recovery efforts in Nicholas County and be available to constituents who need help. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
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