Press releases
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4,574 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Republican" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409099 | <span class ="kicker">Would create ambassador position to combat anti-Semitism</span>Smith anti-Semitism bill headed to Presidents desk | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Today, at the very last legislative session of the 116th Congress, the House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) that would elevate the State Department's Anti-Semitism Special Envoy positionfirst created by Smith's legislative provisions in 2004to an Ambassadorship, giving more clout to address the alarming rise in anti-Semitism worldwide. As the Senate has already approved the amended legislation, the bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. We've seen a rapid rise in anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric in many countries over the past decade: Jews harassed, assaulted and even murdered; synagogues attacked; graves and cemeteries desecrated; anti-Semitic slurs; and targeting the State of Israel with what my friend, the great Soviet refusenik and religious prisoner Natan Sharansky, calls the three Ds' demonization, double-standard, and de-legitimization, said Smith. My new law will raise the Special Envoy to the rank of Ambassador, and enable him or her to report directly to the Secretary of State, Smith said. That will give the Special Envoy more seniority and diplomatic accessboth inside the U.S. Government and when engaging foreign governmentsthat is needed do the job effectively. Especially with the rise of on-line anti-Semitism, we see that hate abroad easily crosses borders and impacts our communities here at home.Now more than ever we need to integrate our efforts both in the United States and abroad to stop the hate and keep our communities safe, said Smith, a founding member of both the House Anti-Semitism Caucus and the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism, which is comprised of legislative-branch members from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Smith's bill, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act (H.R. 221) will ensure that the U.S. leadership position in fighting anti-Semitism worldwidethe Special Envoy at the State Departmentwould not only be promptly filled, but would be … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402403 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 12.31.20 | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The year 2020 was a difficult one, but as the year draws to a close, I want to highlight something about the year that went right. Operation Warp Speed accomplished what had been considered nearly impossible: the development, manufacture, and distribution of a safe and effective vaccine to combat COVID-19. President Trump announced Operation Warp Speed in May. His Administration recognized that meeting the challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic would require the investment of Federal Government resources, partnership between the public, private, and scientific sectors, and cutting red tape that would impede delivery of a safe and effective vaccine. This effort was supported by almost $10 billion in funding included in the CARES Act passed by Congress with my support. The project focused on six vaccine candidates. Seven months after Operation Warp Speed was launched and less than one year after COVID-19 began spreading widely around the globe, two vaccine candidates were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use. On December 11, the FDA approved for emergency use the first vaccine created by Pfizer. After clinical trials including over 43,000 participants, the vaccine was found to be 95 percent effective. A vaccine developed by Moderna was subsequently approved for emergency use on December 18. Thirty thousand people participated in its clinical trials, and its efficacy rate is 94.5 percent. These vaccines are the fastest ever produced for a novel pathogen. In fact, the average development timeline for a vaccine is eight to twelve years. Operation Warp Speed reduced the time needed by maximizing the number of participants in Phase 3 trials and manufacturing vaccine doses while waiting for the FDA's emergency use authorization order. While bureaucratic hurdles were lowered, the vaccine development process did not skimp on safety. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over health matters, I was briefed repeatedly throughout the pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5539 | Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - In a year marked by unique challenges, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) proudly fought for more economic opportunity for millions of Texans, security for America and her allies, and freedom for all Americans to live, work, and worship as they choose. WATCH: Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit Reflecting on the past year, Sen. Cruz said: "Texans are strong and resilient and the American spirit has always been marked by courage and generosity. That spirit was on full display throughout this year as we dealt with the massive economic and public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We dealt with enflamed racial division and a polarized political environment. "Despite all of these difficulties, Texans and Americans alike rose to the challenge to help our neighbors and those in need by supporting our brave health care workers, first responders, grocery store clerks, and other critical workers on the front lines of this crisis, truly making a difference in our communities. People across this great nation exercised their fundamental rights to further the promises this nation was founded upon - freedom and equality. I am confident that we will come out of these troubled times stronger, more united, and renewed in pursuit of freedom and opportunity for every American. "As we look ahead to 2021, I am deeply honored to continue representing the great state of Texas, and I will continue fighting to reopen our economy and to get millions of Americans safely back to work, back to school, to strengthen America's national security, and to protect the religious liberty and the constitutional rights of each and every American." Sen. Cruz's 2020 Highlights: Combatting the Coronavirus Pandemic SIGNED INTO LAW: Helped secure passage of three coronavirus emergency response packages to address the public health crisis and deliver real relief for the American people. Launched the #CombatCOVID19Challenge, a social media challenge to encourage Americans t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5538 | Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B71E096B-03CB-4A08-BA59-8732EF16266E | McConnell Supports NDAA, Opposes Pelosi Plan for Socialism for Rich People | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Yesterday, the Senate was finally able to proceed to this year's National Defense Authorization Act. A few of our Democratic colleagues have pulled out all the stops to hold back this crucial bill. But last night, a big, bipartisan majority of 80 Senators voted to proceed. There should be nothing controversial about giving our brave men and women in uniform the tools and training they need to stay safe. There should be nothing controversial about continuing the work of rebuilding and modernizing our capabilities. It should be a nonpartisan proposition that America should keep pace with Russia and China rather than slip behind. We have enacted an annual NDAA for 59 straight years and counting. In the next few days, the easy way or the hard way, we're going to do our job once again. This body will fulfill our responsibility to the men and women who protect our country. The Senate will be here until we finish this bipartisan legislation. *** Now, for several days, we've heard some Senators say Congress must send more cash to high-earning households who haven't seen any income disruption during COVID-19. Our colleagues who purport to be the champions of vulnerable Americans now say that what struggling people really need is for Congress to stop focusing on targeted relief for them specifically, and to instead send thousands of dollars to people who don't need the help. Experts from across the political spectrum agree that our colleague from Vermont is dead wrong on this. Socialism for rich people is a terrible way to help the American families that are actually struggling. Let me say that again. Borrowing from our grandkids to do socialism for rich people is a terrible way to get help to families who actually need it. Washington Democrats took President Trump's suggestion and skewed it so the checks would benefit even more high-earning households. Imagin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-will-object-certification-electoral-college-votes | Higgins Will Object to Certification of Electoral College Votes | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | LA | Clay Higgins | H001077 | clayhiggins.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement today after announcing that he will object to the certification of Electoral College votes on January 6, 2021. I will object to the certification of electoral votes on January 6th. Reports of voter fraud and actions by some states to alter election processes in an unlawful manner have not been properly reviewed. Evidence that a crime has been committed leads to an investigation. That standard is reasonable suspicion. Investigation into an alleged crime produces evidence either exculpatory or condemning. Investigations crossing multiple jurisdictional authorities are particularly complex and require time. Our Constitutional requirement to inaugurate a President on January 20th does not abrogate our Constitutional requirement to investigate reasonable suspicion of election fraud and violation of election laws within several of the sovereign states. I believe those actions of fraud and illegal election processes thwarted the true will of We, the People, and flipped the Presidential election to career politician Joe Biden. America is not a confederacy of states. We are a Union of States. We are a Representative Republic. Therefore, each sovereign state has a deep obligation to follow its own written election laws when that state participates in a federal election. Otherwise, the Union itself is violated, and the federal election is compromised. I warned of this prior to November 3rd, 2020. Six weeks ago, I instructed my Congressional staff to begin preparing for my formal objection to Electoral slates of several sovereign states. While the mainstream media and establishment forces want to ignore election irregularities that began coming to light in the days following the election, We, the People, will not stand idly by. For over a month now, I have been examining and researching the various allegations that have come forth, and I will take every legal and Constitutionally-available action to ensure a righteous outcome. That includes obj… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/we-will-object | We Will Object | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MO | Sam Graves | G000546 | graves.house.gov | legacy | Next week, your 117th United States Congress will convene for the first time. After the election of Speaker and the adoption of the Rules of Congress, theaction will quickly move to reading aloud the electoral votessubmitted by each state from this past November'selection - counting them, and declaring the vote tally for President and Vice President. During that process, the question will be put before your elected officials - does anyone object to the certificationof electoral votes of a state. We will object. Our hope is that others will join us. We don't take this decision lightly, but we must protect the integrity of each vote cast by every law-abidingMissourian. For every instance of Georgia failing to follow its own state law in verifying signatures, of Pennsylvania accepting mail ballots after the legal deadline set by its state legislature, or folks from outside Nevada casting a ballotin that state - the value of every Missourians' vote is diminished. That's not right. And we cannot simply look the other way. The right to freely cast yourvote in elections is a sacred privilegeafforded to us as Americans because of the sacrificesof the patriots who fought for that right. When that process is spoiled and abused by officials not following their own state law, it violates that right and jeopardizes the entire integrity and foundation of 'free and fair' elections. In such instances, where voting process changes are made without the consent of the voter, we know it is our duty and our obligation to serve as a backstop to protect the power of one person, one vote - to protect your vote as a Missourian. We must be able to have confidence in not only the agreement and expectation that this election would follow the law, but future ones will as well. We take the responsibilityof upholding the Constitutionseriously, and that is why we feel compelled to object to the electoral count taking place on January 6th. The reported results of this past November's Presidential election don't even pass the most basic eye test.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-members-congress-release-statement-regarding-certification | Pennsylvania Members of Congress Release Statement Regarding Certification of Electors | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | PA | Fred Keller | K000395 | keller.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) and seven Pennsylvania members of Congress released the following statement regarding the certification of electors on January 6, 2020: The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof' Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors' Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day. Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates. Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site. Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hours' notice. Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county. Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute. Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia. These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/pennsylvania-us-house-members-release-statement-certification-electors | Pennsylvania U.S. House Members Release Statement on Certification of Electors | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-16) today released this joint statement with Representatives Dan Meuser (PA-9), Glenn GT' Thompson (PA-15), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), John Joyce (PA-13), and Fred Keller (PA-12) regarding their intent to vote against certification of Pennsylvania's electors on January 6: The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure - Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day; Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates.Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site; Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice.Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county; Authorizing the use of unsecured drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia; These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-refurbish-the-pillars-of-american | King Introduces Legislation to Refurbish the Pillars of American Exceptionalism | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Steve King | K000362 | steveking.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Steve King introduced a significant, capstone piece of legislation, The Refurbishing the Pillars of American Exceptionalism Act. The legislation, if enacted, would amend and improve Federal law in the areas of immigration, health care, the Constitution, education, trade, veterans' affairs, welfare, and tax, among numerous other areas. This large, comprehensive Act contains many of the bills Congressman King has championed during his nearly quarter century in the public service of Iowans and all Americans, including: H.R. 490, the Heartbeat Protection Act (the Heartbeat Bill) H.R. 140, the Birthright Citizenship Act H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act H.R. 185, the ObamaCare Repeal Act H.R. 385, Sarah's Law H.R. 902, the Protect American IPR Act H.R. 904, the New Illegal Deduction Elimination Act (New IDEA) H.R. 1319, the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act H.R. 1320, the Census Accuracy Act H.R. 4651, the American Future Healthcare Act King's legislation also includes the FAIR Tax, repeal of the 16th Amendment, and a prescription for substantive welfare reform, among many other important provisions. From the start of my service in elected office, I committed to my constituents that I would work tirelessly for them and stay true to my principles, said King. This legislation is a capstone of my legislative work to make good on those promises to my constituents, while always simultaneously endeavoring to refurbish the pillars of American Exceptionalism. It is significant because it not only includes a comprehensive selection of the most important bills I've worked on and spent countless hours advocating for, but moreover because I have no doubt that if enacted, this legislation would set the United States on a path of cultural and economic growth that perhaps is unparalleled in the life of our nation. I encourage new Members of Congress and leaders across our nation to never allow fear, opposition or lies to stop you from being… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-introduces-resolution-to-nullify-the-sham-impeachment-of-president | King Introduces Resolution to Nullify the Sham Impeachment of President Donald J. Trump | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Steve King | K000362 | steveking.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Steve King introduced a resolution which nullifies the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump, as if such impeachment had not occurred, due to a lack of a constitutional basis, the House of Representatives having failed to substantiate its allegations of Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors, which is required by the U.S. Constitution. With this resolution, I reiterate and emphasize my following statement from this past February, I commend the United States Senate for voting to acquit President Trump. The House impeachment effort was illegitimate from the outset, and President Trump was correct to describe it as a witch hunt' brought by bitter partisans who never accepted that Americans preferred him to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Since the Senate rightly acquitted President Trump last winter, subsequently released information, such as documents demonstrating no substantive basis for the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation into the Trump Campaign's very much nonexistent Russian collusion, has only reinforced the utter innocence of the President, his campaign staff and administration. As I stated in the complaint I submitted to the Ethics Committee before Christmas, the Constitution does not allow the people's House to be used as a cover for party machines and bosses. Using power and position to manufacture and perpetrate dishonest political narratives, complete with distortions and outright lies camouflaged as facts under the cover of official congressional business, is a gross and repugnant violation of the American people who are the very constituent parts of this government. President Trump has made great personal and professional sacrifices to lead our nation at this pivotal point in history when every objective standard, even truth itself, is being attacked, by those who continually seek to consolidate their own power and control through the devices of division, manipulation, fraud and outright lies. In his pursuit to provide the strong … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-protect-patients-surprise-medical-bills-now-law | Legislation to Protect Patients from Surprise Medical Bills is Now Law | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills was signed into law as part of the government funding package. Americans increasingly pay more out-of-pocket for their health care, so it is crucial that they have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. The health and economic crisis we are currently experiencing due to COVID-19 has underscored the need for Congress to come together to increase the affordability and accessibility of medical care. Far too many Americans are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of health care, which places severe strain on family budgets and threatens access to the care and medications they need. The last thing patients should have to worry about while they are sick or recovering is receiving an unexpected bill because they were unaware they were receiving out-of-network care,said Senator Collins. Increasing the affordability and accessibility of health care is one of my highest priorities, and this new law ending the unfair practice of surprise medical billing will help provide significant relief. The proposal to end surprise medical billing will also allow approximately $18 billion in savings to be used to fully fund Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education, and Special Diabetes Programs for three years. As the lead sponsor of theTraining the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act, Senator Collins has long worked to bolster and expand this successful training program. As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, she has championed the Special Diabetes Program, which has been instrumental in promoting advances in diabetes care such as the artificial pancreas system. The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including: Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-500000-maine-housing-authorities-0 | Senator Collins Announces More Than $500,000 for Maine Housing Authorities | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that nine housing authorities in Maine will receive a total of $509,826 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). Maine's housing authorities provide an array of vital services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that the housing needs of all Mainers are met. By supporting public housing agencies, this funding will help connect individuals with the resources they need to achieve economic independence. The funding will be allocated as follows: Augusta Housing Authoritywill receive $32,484. Bangor Housing Authoritywill receive $63,709. City of Caribouwill receive $57,446. Housing Authority of Brewerwill receive $60,978. Housing Authority of Old Townwill receive $47,944. Lewiston Housing Authoritywill receive $58,873. Maine State Housing Authoritywill receive $62,467. Portland Housing Authoritywill receive $78,659. Westbrook Housing Authoritywill receive $47,266. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. Earlier this month, sheannounced$120,000 for housing authorities in Aroostook and Sagadahoc Counties. In addition, Senator Collins helped to secure a total of $46.5 million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communities throughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-counterfeit-vaccines-and-pandemic-fraud | Q&A: Counterfeit Vaccines and Pandemic Fraud | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | Q&A: Counterfeit Vaccines and Pandemic Fraud With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: What are you doing to protect taxpayer dollars included in the pandemic relief laws? A: Iowans work hard for their money. I work hard to protect hard-earned tax dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. In times of emergency, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provides urgently needed support and resources to help Americans who have lost homes, farms, livelihoods and paychecks. 2020 has produced one crisis after another. The virus has killed more than 300,000 Americans. Too many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Congress approved $4 trillion this year to accelerate vaccine production and send emergency assistance to help health care professionals, unemployed workers, student borrowers, foster youth, farmers, households and small businesses struggling to stay afloat. This historic federal spending will add to the nation's $27 trillion debt. As a fiscal conservative, it's a tough pill to swallow. Iowans don't want to pass the buck on to our children and grandchildren. Borrowing money means every dollar consumed by interest payments means one less dollar for national security, infrastructure, health care and tax relief. The same goes for money lost to waste, fraud and abuse. For example, in the most recent $900 billion pandemic relief package, Congress approved $26 billion to help fight hunger and replenish food assistance programs. Starting Jan. 1, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will get a 15 percent bump in benefits. Lawmakers owe it to taxpayers to ensure this money is spent to feed hungry kids and their families who have fallen on hard times. Rooting out corruption, theft and fraud tied to pandemic spending is as important as ever. When Congress passed the CARES Act in March, I worked to sharpen the federal government's anti-fraud and oversight tools. I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the federal wa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lee.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speeches?ContentRecord_id=7A188C6A-2DBE-4730-AC33-225D07FF5E1C | Gov. Gary Herberts Retirement | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | UT | Mike Lee | L000577 | www.lee.senate.gov | legacy | Mr./Madam President, I rise today to honor my friend, Gary Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah for the last 12 years, who after a long career in public service is embarking on a well-earned retirement. He has served the state of Utah with enthusiasm, dedication, and spirit; and I am grateful to have worked alongside him throughout his tenure. Gary was born in American Fork, Utah, and grew up in Orem. He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the East Coast, and later attended Brigham Young University. He first began his public service after college, serving in the Utah Army National Guard for six years and becoming a staff sergeant. After his time in the National Guard, he set up a real estate firm, and eventually became president of the Utah Association of Counties and Utah Association of Realtors. Starting in 1990, he served as a commissioner on the Utah County Commission for 14 years, and then began his service at the state level. In 2004, when Jon Huntsman ran for the Governor's seat, Gary became his running mate for Lieutenant Governor, with the pair going on to win the race that November. It was then that I first got to know him myself, when I was hired to be the general counsel for Governor Huntsman. One of my first memories of him was when we began to move into the governor's office suite. The day before he was sworn in, Gary came and gave a warm welcome to all the staff, along with sound advice about the importance of staying grounded as we entered the political fray. I soon learned that he was not only a skilled politician, but also a formidable ping pong player. Right after he and Governor Huntsman were sworn in, the staff got together as a team several times at the governor's mansion, where there was a ping pong table in the basement. I then learned the hard way that Gary's table-tennis skills are off the charts. While serving Governor Huntsman, I always found Gary to be friendly, approachable, and willing to tackle every assignment with eagern… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402050 | Herrera Beutlers Legislation to Strengthen Grid Security and Increase Energy Efficiency Signed into Law | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | jhb.house.gov | legacy | This week, the president signed into law two bipartisan bills led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to strengthen grid security and improve energy efficiency in Southwest Washington. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act and Grid Modernization Research and Development Act were included in the funding package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. These energy solutions I'm leading tackle two important needs: improving security of our energy grid from cyberattacks and natural disasters, and improving the durability of our energy sources, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased that Congress has approved these two critical pieces of bipartisan legislation to increase the security, reliability, and affordability of energy for Southwest Washington residents, which will help lead our region to a more secure energy future. Details on Herrera Beutler's legislation: Grid Modernization Research and Development Act, H.R. 5428. Refines and expands research and development programs aimed at increasing reliability and security of the grid. It also extends the Smart Grid Regional Demonstration initiative and authorizes a research, development, and demonstration program focused on: Enhancing grid resilience and emergency response; and Designing and developing advanced controls, operations, monitoring and visualization tools for the grid BEST Act, H.R. 2986. Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish a grid-scale storage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program to advance energy storage technologies and creates specific objectives for energy RD&D projects, and bolsters research with federal agencies and national labs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5537 | Sen. Cruz Condemns Jailing of Chinese Journalist Who Documented Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak, Vows to Reintroduce Sanctions Bill Against Chinese Medical Censorship | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in response to reports that China will jail journalist Zhang Zhan for four years, in retaliation for Zhan's efforts in early 2020 to document the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and announced his intention to reintroduce the "Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act," legislation to sanction Chinese officials involved in the ongoing suppression of medical experts, journalists, and political dissidents trying to disseminate medical information: "In the early days of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party did everything it could to cover up the severity of the outbreak, from lying about the origin of the virus and how it was being transmitted, to destroying evidence, to silencing the brave whistleblower doctors, scientists, journalists, and activists who tried to warn the world and prevent a global public health crisis. Had the CCP acted responsibly, there's a very real possibility the coronavirus could have been contained as a regional outbreak. Almost a year later, the CCP is continuing and deepening its repression of those whistleblowers. "The consequences of this censorship continuing are deadly - not just for those in China but for Americans and people around the world. That's why at the start of the next Congress I will reintroduce a version of my bill from the 116th Congress, the Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act, legislation to impose visa bans and asset blocks on those who punish or censor Chinese citizens for reporting accurate information about a disease. COVID-19 went global because of this sort of malign behavior, and it is imperative that those who conduct it are held accountable." Sen. Cruz has been leading the charge in the Senate to fundamentally reassess the U.S.-China relationship and counter Chinese censorship in the wake of the CCP coronavirus coverup. In May, Sen. Cruz first introduced the "Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act" after he delivered remarks on the Se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/columns?ContentRecord_id=F6699444-A32D-4656-8087-B6B30C56D44D | Joni Ernst: As we head into the New Year, I will always put Iowa first. | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | legacy | 2020 has presented unique challenges for folks all across our state. The global pandemic coupled with a devastating derecho has been tough, but through it all we've witnessed the resilient spirit of Iowans. As I safely and responsibly traveled Iowa on my sixth annual 99 County Tour visiting every county in our beautiful state I continued to listen to your stories, challenges, and successes to take your voices back to Washington. COVID-19 was certainly top of mind for so many, and that's why I prioritized getting relief to families, workers, small businesses, farmers, and folks in all walks of life. I worked swiftly with Democrats and Republicans to secure billions in relief for more than 60,000 of our small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). And in the newest COVID-19 relief package, I again worked across the aisle to bolster the PPP. I've continued to be a strong advocate for our families; fighting to expand access to child care services, provide financial relief for family caregivers, crackdown on scammers targeting our seniors, and support our nursing homes and senior care facilities. Through the bipartisan CARES Act, I helped secure nearly $32 million in relief for Iowa child care centers and pushed for more assistance for Iowa's diaper banks. In the newest aid package, I worked in a bipartisan way to make sure our child care industry continues to have support. When it comes to health care, I've also worked hard with Democrats and Republicans to support Iowa's hospitals and health care systems throughout this pandemic including expanded telehealth and mental health treatment to push for lower health care and drug costs, and to expand access to care, especially for rural Iowans. Having grown up on a farm in rural Iowa, the same community I still live in to this day, I understand the challenges our hardworking farmers face. With the pandemic and devastating derecho, things were that much tougher this year. That's why I pushed to secure immediate COVID help for our pork producers … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5AE9ABDD-1AEB-4DD0-9D61-9EDF34F20AB0 | Were Going to Continue Delivering on the Needs of Our Nation | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Today, the Senate was supposed to finish legislation securing critical tools, training, and support for America's armed forces. But the junior Senator for Vermont had other ideas. Remember, Senator Sanders spent this past summer literally trying to defund our military. Not my words, but the title of a piece he published: Defund the Pentagon: The liberal case. Our colleague authored an amendment to strip 10% of funding from our servicemembers and decimate our defense budget. The Russians aren't cutting military funding. China isn't cutting funding. But last summer, Senator Sanders and fellow Democrats, including the Democratic Leader, voted to make America unilaterally disarm and cut ours. The left took a break from trying to defund the police to try to defund our Armed Forces. Their amendment went down in a landslide. But now our colleague from Vermont is again putting political stunts before the needs of our men and women in uniform. Our colleague says he will slow down this vital bill unless he gets to muscle through another standalone proposal from Speaker Pelosi that would add roughly half a trillion dollars to the national debt. Which does not align with what President Trump has suggested. And which has no realistic path to quickly pass the Senate. Well, as I've said, the Senate will not let our national security be shoved off course. Certainly not by Senators who have spent years trying to gut America's capabilities while our adversaries continue ramping up. The Senate will stay on this important bill until we complete it, one way or another. *** Now let's talk about COVID-19 relief. Four days ago, President Trump signed the second-largest rescue package in American history. The largest one was the CARES Act in March. Due to this pandemic and our massive response, we now have a national debt far larger than our entire economy for the first time… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-austin-scott-statement-fy21-ndaa | Rep. Austin Scott Statement on FY21 NDAA | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | GA | Austin Scott | S001189 | austinscott.house.gov | legacy | TIFTON, GA Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement on his vote to override President Trump's veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA), which authorizes spending for the Department of Defense. The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation our body passes each year, as it pays our warfighters and provides them with the resourcesthey need to tackle their missions and return home safely. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and as the grandson of a World War II POW, this is a task I take very seriously, said Rep. Austin Scott. President Trump ultimately vetoed the measure due the package not addressing concerns over Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which created federal immunity for providers and users of social media companies and generally prevents them from being held liable for hosting content that someone else created. While I believe the President is founded in his concerns over Section 230, it is in our nation's best interest to pass the NDAA to deliver much-needed resources to our men and women in uniform, including a 3% pay raise and critical resources for installations like Robins and Moody Air Force Bases in Georgia's Eighth District, said. Rep. Scott. Social media companies should be held accountable for their selective censorship and bias that in many cases impedes the First Amendment of American citizens, but this issue can and should be addressed separate from the defense bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and President Trump to address this measure. In November, Rep. Scott was chosen to serve on a conference committee which was charged with working through differences of the House and Senate versions of FY21 NDAA to comprise a final bill for passage. The final bill provided resources for Robins and Moody Air Forces Bases in Georgia's Eighth District, as well as a 3% pay raise for troops and resources to help the De… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/bam-fight-americas-republic-senator-josh-hawley-r-mo-joins-congressman-mo | Bam! The Fight for America's Republic is On! Senator Josh Hawley (R, MO) Joins Congressman Mo Brooks' Effort to Block Untrustworthy Electoral College Votes! | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AL | Mo Brooks | B001274 | brooks.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCWednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) praised Senator Josh Hawley's (R, MO) announcement to object to untrustworthy electoral college submissions on January 6th. Congressman Brooks said, "I thankSenator Hawley for joining dozens of Congressmen's fight for an honest and accurate election system that is the underpinning of America's Republic! With America's Republicat stake,we are fortunate to have leaders like Senator Hawley stand up and do what is right to ensure America remains the greatest nation in world history." Brooks continued,"AsMissouri's former Attorney General,an experiencedlitigator,and renowned legal and constitutional scholar,Senator Hawley understands that Congress (not federal courts) is the final and ultimate judge, jury and arbiter of all contested federal elections." Brooks concluded,"Too many states have blatantly violated Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, violated federal election statutes, or willfully failed to obey their own state election laws, thereby opening the door to massive voter fraud, casting of illegal ballots, and election theft. These combined failures render some states' election results untrustworthy. With a Senatecosponsornowjoiningthis fight, Congressmen and Senators will face an easy vote: you can either acquiesce to and support voter fraud and election theft, or you can stand and fight for an honest and accurate election system that is the underpinning of America's Republic. On January 6, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I choose to fight!!!" Senator Hawley's December 30th statement follows: "Following both the 2004 and 2016 elections, Democrats in Congress objected during the certification of electoral votes in order to raise concerns about election integrity. They were praised by Democratic leadership and the media when they did. And they were entitled to do so. But now those of us concerned about the integrity of this election are entitled to do the same. I cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on January 6… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-statement-cash-act | Hartzler Statement on the CASH Act | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MO | Vicky Hartzler | H001053 | hartzler.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) issued the following statement on the CASH Act. A coronavirus relief bill should be directed to helping those who have been negatively impacted by the virus. The bill passed last week accomplishes this by helping struggling businesses, families, and individuals without work due to the pandemic. It also sends $600 to every person in a household who makes under $75,000 whether or not they have been impacted by the virus. This was a reasonable compromise. Increasing these across the board payments to $2000 without even having to demonstrate a need would further America's out of control debt. With a debt of $27 trillion, our focus should remain on getting people back to work and defeating the virus. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-plans-object-electoral-college-certification | Duncan Plans to Object to Electoral College Certification | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SC | Jeffrey Duncan | D000615 | jeffduncan.house.gov | legacy | Laurens, S.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) plans to formally object to the Electoral College certification in the House of Representatives on January 6, 2021. He released the following statement: I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States as a Member of Congress, and with that oath comes the vital role of ensuring the legality and integrity of our free and fair election system. The 2020 election saw unprecedented institutional issues like states changing their voting systems in violation of their state constitutions, unelected bureaucrats changing election law instead of lawmakers themselves, poll watchers prohibited from doing their jobs, failure to properly scrutinize the validity of mail-in voting, and the list goes on. We need to shed light on the issues that took place during the 2020 election to preserve our electoral system for generations to come. Our mission is simple: Count every legal vote, throw out every illegal vote, and investigate every irregularity and allegation. All Americans should be on board with this mission. On January 6, 2021, I plan to object to the Electoral College certification from states that experienced these unprecedented issues like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. I plan to object for the people of the Third District of South Carolina and the millions of Americans who are demanding transparency into the 2020 election. We the People know this is a pivotal decision for our great country. May God bless the United States of America. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-governor-lemanu-and-lieutenant-governor-talauega | Amata Congratulates Governor Lemanu and Lieutenant Governor Talauega | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AS | Amata Radewagen | R000600 | radewagen.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Wednesday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amatareleased a statement of congratulations for the inauguration of Governor Lemanu Peleti Sialega Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Talauega Eleasalo Va'alele Ale. American Samoa is adding a new chapter in our history. Each successive administration strengthens our tradition of governing ourselves, and choosing our own leadership and representation from among our own people that began a generation ago. I appreciate the collected experience of the new administration that will guide American Samoa Government for this four year term. I also want to thank Governor Lolo Moliga for his dedication. In Governor Lemanu, the people chose a Governor who served in the military and has built experience as Lieutenant Governor. Serving with him, the next Lieutenant Governor has a lawyer's expertise and experience as Attorney General. Congratulations to them both as they take on these important responsibilities and decisions. As always, I am optimistic about our beautiful island home and all we can see accomplished together. Congratulations to the people of American Samoa as we exercised our freedom to vote and decide together the direction of our islands' government. I look forward to working with the American Samoa Government as I represent the people in Congress. As Members of Congress meet the first few days of January to begin the next session, I remain in Washington. I join you in prayer for guidance and blessing for our government at all levels so that our people can live in health and happiness. Once again, my warmest congratulations to Governor Lemanu and Lieutenant Governor Talauega upon this special occasion. May God bless American Samoa, and the United States. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-reflects-tragic-loss-congressman-elect-luke-letlow | Scalise Reflects on Tragic Loss of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sFox and Friendsto reflect on the tragic loss of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow. Whip Scalise remembered Luke as a friend and highlighted his positive spirit and excitement to begin serving the people of Louisiana in Congress. Scalise offered his prayers to Luke's wife, Julia, and their two young children during this incredibly difficult time. Clickhereor on the image above to watch the interview. On the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow: It's just such devastating news last night. I know I've been talking to Luke the last few days. He's been fighting, he was battling in the hospital up in Shreveport and, you know, had taken a turn for the worse right before Christmas. It was going up and down. And, you know, it was just heartbreaking. I mean, Luke is a young guy, 41 years old, in great health, and looking forward to a bright future. He had just gotten elected to Congress three weeks ago. We would talk a lot about the things he wanted to do, the committees he wanted to get on. Boy, talk about a loss of someone with so much energy. He's got a beautiful young family. I know my prayers are with Julia, his two young kids. You know, everything about this is just heart breaking. Our whole delegation is devastated. Luke is just, you know, one of those people that everybody liked and, boy, he was really looking forward to the opportunity to serve in Congress and just a tragic loss. On reforming Section 230: "Well, first of all, I'm very encouraged that Mitch and the Senate are working on reforms to Section 230. This is a law that's been abused by the Big Tech companies shielding themselves with legal protections while they go out and this was intended for any social media platform, it was a town square if you just let people post whatever their thoughts are, the company would be protected from liability. And yet some of these tech companies are censoring data. Primarily conservative data, by the way, where they now would be co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-protect-funding-nearly-200-rural-low-income-school-districts | Collins, Hassan Protect Funding for Nearly 200 Rural, Low-Income School Districts | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced that they successfully reversed a Department of Education decision that jeopardized funding for nearly 200 rural, low-income school districts. A provision they negotiated that was included in the year-end government funding bill that was signed into law prevents a funding cliff for the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), the only dedicated federal funding stream to support rural schools. The Department of Education's abrupt change in eligibility for REAP funding would have forced many ruralschools in Maine and throughout the country to forgo essential activities and services,said Senator Collins.REAP helps deliver an equitable and enriching education to thousands of students living in rural America. This bipartisanprovisionI pushed forwill ensure that students in rural communities continue to have access to these critical programs. Rural schools in New Hampshire rely on this critical funding coming every year so that they can serve their students, and the bipartisan provision that Senator Collins and I worked on will help ensure that these resources aren't pulled out from under them,said Senator Hassan.This funding is particularly important now amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has presented unprecedented challenges to remote and in-person learning. REAP was created in 2002 by Senator Collins and former Senator Kent Conrad to help rural schools overcome the increased expenses caused by geographic isolation. It consists of two programs the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program and the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program. Many states have qualified for RLIS because the Department of Education has allowed school districts to measure poverty by the percentage of students receiving free lunch. Earlier this year, however, the Department abruptly announced that it would no longer accept the poverty measurements it had received from participating states in years past, threatening the eligibility and funding f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/provision-senator-collins-championed-prevent-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-signed-law | Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law Posted Wed, 12/30/2020 - 09:18 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the year-end government funding bill that was signed into lawincludesaprovision based onbipartisanlegislation sheco-authoredto prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021. These reimbursement cutswould have fallenprimarily on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties from radiology to physical therapy toorthopaedicsurgery andcould have hada devastating effect on health care practices and, most important, patient access to care,said Senator Collins. I am pleased that this provisionincluded in the government funding billwill halt theseill-timedpayment cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic. Senator Collins has long been a champion of improving access to health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Inaddition tosponsoring legislationto avert destabilizing cuts to medical providers that would have harmed patients' access to health care, Senator Collinssent a letterto Senate leaders in October, urging them to advance legislation to prevent these sharp reductions in payment. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-marks-policy-oversight-accomplishments-2020 | Grassley Marks Policy, Oversight Accomplishments in 2020 | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments of 2020. While this past year has been challenging for us all, serving the people of Iowa is my first priority and it's an honor that I take seriously. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and through my extensive oversight efforts, my work focuses on making the government more transparent, efficient and accountable to Iowans and all Americans, Grassley said. Grassley holds at least one question-and-answer session in each of Iowa's 99 counties every year to hear concerns and answer questions on any subject from Iowans. In 2020, Grassley completed his annual county meetings for the 40th year in a row. Grassley holds meetings in a variety of settings to ensure that a broad cross-section of Iowans can participate, including businesses, schools, town hall meetings, hospitals and factory floors. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have made some of Grassley's meetings look a little different this year, the format remained the same: Iowans set the agenda. Grassley moved forward with his meetings in a safe and responsible way while following public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Iowa. In addition to his annual meetings, Grassley attended or convened a variety of events and forums, including: In 2020, Grassley continued his annual social media series called #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch. These give followers an inside look at farming operations and to track the progression of corn and soybean crops grown on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa, from planting through harvest. When the Senate is in session, Grassley sets aside at least eight 15-minute meetings every Monday through Thursday to meet with Iowans in Washington, D.C., including advocacy groups, associations, chambers of commerce and local business leaders, students and families. While there were limitations this year due to the pandemic, Grassley was able to meet with Iowans virtually.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-announce-bipartisan-legislation-rename-nasas-plum-brook | Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASAs Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASA's Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law December 30, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that President Trump has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Ithouses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community. From his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight.In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate.In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space. Before Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, he was an u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-votes-support-national-defense-bill | Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill December 30, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement in support of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act: The defense bill provides needed resources that build on President Trump's successful efforts to restore our military after years of underfunding and deterioration of our readiness.It also supports the National Defense Strategy, gives a needed pay raise to our troops, and provides critical upgrades and support to Ohio's defense installations. Ohio is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force base, the Lima tank plant, and other important military facilities that help support our troops around the globe.This legislation directly impacts our Ohio defense community. I agree with President Trump that we need to take a serious look at Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, but a defense bill isn't the place for those reforms. Our country faces significant security threats around the world, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure that our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and space professionals have the vital resources they need to accomplish their national security missions. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-local-elected-officials-and-environmental-stakeholders | Rep. Zeldin, Local Elected Officials and Environmental Stakeholders Celebrate New Federal Law to Save Plum Island | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Lee Zeldin | Z000017 | zeldin.house.gov | legacy | SOUTHOLD, NY - On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), hosted a virtual press conference via Zoom with Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Agular, Shelter Island Supervisor Gerry Siller and Deputy Supervisor Amber Brach-Williams, Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Assemblywoman-Elect Jodi Giglio, John Turner of the Plum Island Coalition, Louise Harrison, Chris Cryder and Leah Schmalz of Save the Sound, Greg Jacob of The Nature Conservancy, Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Bob DeLuca of Group for the East End, and others to celebrate the repeal of a 2008 federal law that required Plum Island to be sold to the highest bidder. Senator Ron Johnson (R, WI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, had opposed reversing this federal law due to long standing opposition by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the past three weeks, as Congressional funding was being negotiated, Congressman Zeldin worked closely with Senator Johnson and White House and DHS leadership to successfully advocate for their assistance to remove the opposition and get this extremely high priority over the finish line for the First Congressional District of New York. Due to Congressman Zeldin's efforts, the 2008 federal law has now been reversed. Congressman Zeldin also worked with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D, NY) who maintained direct contact with Congressman Zeldin during this effort. "Not only does Plum Island offer diverse wildlife, a precious ecosystem and critical habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, and rare plants, but it is an essential cultural and historical resource as well, said Congressman Lee Zeldin following passage of this legislation. The law which mandated the sale of the island to the highest bidder was the wrong path forward. It's an honor to deliver this huge win that reversed that law and preserves Plum Island's rich history and taps into… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403002 | Burgess: Presidents should be in command of our troops | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting against overturning President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief and should have the ability to bring our troops home. President Trump committed to America that he would end the endless wars our country has been fighting. Over the last four years, he has kept his promise. The NDAA placed restrictions on the President's ability to bring troops home from commitment overseas. Rather than restrict the President's authority, Congress should do more to see how we can support our troops as they defend this great country while evaluating how to swiftly remove them from harm's way, said Burgess. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403003 | Burgess: Vote puts Americans First | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting in support of the CASH Act. Americans are hurting. This Coronavirus has affected more than our physical health. Americans have suffered from job and financial losses. When putting together the appropriations for this year and the next COVID-19 response legislation, the priority should have been to help the American people. Congress should have gone through each of the appropriation bills in a bipartisan way so that we were not left at the end of the year having to cram everything in one bill. When Speaker Pelosi decided to combine the two bills, there should have been cuts to other parts of our budget to ensure we could have included more money going directly to Americans first. Through this pandemic, Congress' focus should be America's needs, said Burgess. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401221 | Huizenga Celebrates Completion of $6.6 Million Great Lakes Restoration Project in Muskegon, $2.9 Million Project in Detroit | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MI | Bill Huizenga | H001058 | huizenga.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force, released the following statement after the EPA announced the completion of a $6.6 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Project in Muskegon as well as the completion of a $2.9 million project on the Detroit Riverwalk. The Ryerson Creek Outfall is a 12-acre site located on the shores of Muskegon Lake that has been contaminated with petroleum, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This GLRI funded project successfully dredged 10,600 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, removed over 2,000 tons of mill debris, and covered a two-acre area with clean sand.Along the Detroit River, EPA dredged approximately 13,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment just downstream of the MacArthur Bridge that leads to Belle Isle. The EPA then isolated and stabilized the contaminated sediment with a cap made of clean material. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continues to successfully rehabilitate areas impacted by legacy pollution, said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. Today's announcement by the EPA marks another critical step forward in the efforts to restore Muskegon Lake and the Detroit riverfront. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has played a leading role in strengthening the ecology as well as the economy of communities across Michigan. The continued recovery of Muskegon Lake and the Detroit Riverwalk is not only great news for Muskegon and Detroit, it is great news for Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Region. This is another great example of how effective this agency has been following the priorities of this Administration the completion of these Great Lakes Legacy Act projects demonstrate that when federal, state, local, and industry partners work together collaboratively, we can solve complex environmental problems and get the job done, said Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager Kurt Thiede. These cleanups in the Muskegon Lake and Detroit River … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402048 | Herrera Beutler-Led Measure to Provide Hardship Waivers for Unemployed Workers Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | jhb.house.gov | legacy | This week, the president signed into law COVID relief legislation that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler led bipartisan measure to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. With Herrera Beutler's bill now law, states may waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. Folks who are already struggling to make ends meet should not find themselves in debt or have paychecks garnishedbecause of Washington's Employment Security Department's own mistakes in issuing unemployment benefits, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased this legislative effort to give struggling residents relief from this type of financial burden is now law and I will keep working to assist Southwest Washington citizens with unemployment benefits however I can. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402049 | Herrera Beutlers Columbia River Infrastructure Projects Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | jhb.house.gov | legacy | This week, the president signed into law the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler-authored provision to construct a turning basin navigation improvement project in the Columbia River. Herrera Beutler's provision will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the necessary feasibility study of establishing a turning basin on the Lower Martin Bar near Kalama, as well as the improvement of two turning basins near Longview and Vancouver. The addition of the turning basin near the Lower Martin Bar and improvements of the two existing turning basins will increase cargo volume capacity and spur economic development in the region. The Columbia River supports millions of tons of cargo each year and thousands of local jobs, which is why it's important to invest in and upgrade the river's infrastructure. I was pleased to help champion the construction of the Kalama turning basin which is going to support those vital jobs, and I'm pleased this infrastructure bill I helped shape has now been signed into law, said Herrera Beutler. The Port of Kalama appreciates the determined efforts by Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and our Senators to include the Columbia River Turning Basin language in the WRDA legislation.The Lower Martin Turning Basin is an important Columbia River asset to the Port of Kalama as well as all commercial traffic on the river, said Mark Wilson, Executive Director of the Port of Kalama. "Establishing a new federal turning basin near Kalama and improving the existing turning basins near Longview and Vancouver will enable more efficient operations for our lower Columbia River ports and terminals, making them even more productive gateways for U.S. goods headed overseas. We appreciate Congresswoman Herrera Beutler's continued leadership on these projects, which are so important to our trade competitiveness and our regional and national economy, said Kristin Meira, Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA). The… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0221051A-F1E6-43CF-B61D-00D023FE4CE3 | In 2020, Joni Keeps Fighting, Delivering for Iowa | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON From securing critical, bipartisan COVID relief for Iowa families, small businesses, hospitals, and farmers, to continuing to hear directly from and be accessible to Iowans across the state on her annual 99 County Tour, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) continued to fight relentlessly and deliver for her home state of Iowa in 2020. This past year, we Iowans have experienced trying times, but we've also seen the resilient spirit of our state. Whether securing critical COVID relief, fighting tooth and nail to defend the RFS, or continuing to be accessible to Iowans across our statethroughout it all, I've never stopped fighting relentlessly and delivering for all Iowans. Of course, the work doesn't stop here, and as we head into the New Year, I'll continue fighting for our families, farmers, and small businesses, being your voice in Washington, and always putting Iowa first said Senator Joni Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate. Click here or on the image above to watch my video. Some highlights of 2020: Fighting for Iowa Small Businesses Delivered billions of dollars of COVID relief to more than 60,000 Iowa small businesses through the first installment of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); pushed Congress and delivered additional support for Iowa small businesses. Accessibility and the 99 County Tour Completed her sixth 99 County Tour; has held a public town hall or event in every county in Iowa from the most populated county, Polk County, to the smallest, Adams County. Standing Up for Farmers, Securing Trade Deals Fought tooth and nail for Iowa pork producers by securing immediate COVID assistance and strengthening the supply chain; successfully pushed for support for Iowa dairy, turkey, egg, and cattle producers; worked across the aisle to bolster support for farmers through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC); and finalized the USMCA, supported the Phase One China trade deal, and pushed for a trade deal with the UK. Defending the RFS, Fig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D8C20728-AB93-4D18-9A39-9A9391888F92 | McConnell on NDAA: I Urge My Colleagues to Support This Legislation | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Congress has returned to work this week to enact the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act into law. Yesterday, a bipartisan supermajority in the House voted to reapprove the conference report of this must-pass legislation. Today, the Senate will set up a final vote for tomorrow Wednesday for this chamber to follow suit. Soon this important legislation will be passed into law. President Trump has rightly noted this year's defense bill doesn't contain every provision that we Republicans would have wanted. I'm confident our Democratic colleagues feel the same way. But that is the case every year. And yet, for 59 consecutive years and counting, Washington has put our differences aside, found common ground, and passed the annual defense bill. Not once in six decades has a Congress let its differences prevent it from completing this work for our national security and our men and women who wear the uniform. This year's NDAA will continue our momentum in rebuilding and modernizing our armed forces. It will authorize the personnel, equipment, tools, and training we need to reinforce the National Defense Strategy and deter great-power rivals like China and Russia. It will cement our advantage on the seas, on land, in the air, in cyberspace, and in space. And the bill will help us continue to recruit, retain, and support the men and women who keep us safe. It provides a pay raise for the troops, improvements for military housing, childcare, and more. For the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, failure is not an option. So when it is our turn in Congress to have their backs, failure is not an option here either. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation one more time when we vote tomorrow. *** On Sunday, President Trump signed into law another historic, bipartisan rescue package. It will provide major support to American f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BE3D2463-5C2C-44AD-906A-88A0BE03A55C | Delegation Bill to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education Signed Into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing theirlegislationthat will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at least the employer's share of the premiums. This change will free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance and more on education-specific items. The bill was included in the broader COVID-19 relief and government funding package, which was signed into law earlier this week. As the son of two educators, I understand how critical it is to have adequate resources available to schools and how it can have a positive effect on their success, said Thune. I'm glad that our bill to ensure tribal grant schools can participate in federal health insurance programs is now law and that these schools will soon be able spend more of their money on our top priority the students. Our legislation will enhance teacher benefits at South Dakota's 19 tribal grant schools and, at the same time, save the schools thousands of dollars annually, said Rounds. This will not only help improve teacher and administrator retention rates at tribal grant schools, it will allow these schools to redirect resources to the students in the classroom. It's a commonsense law that benefits everyone. Tribal schools have enough challenges without having to deal with unnecessary red tape, said Johnson. Ensuring this fix is made has been a longtime coming, and I'm grateful to Cecelia Fire Thunder for working for years to get this done. The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Actprovides a simple fix that allows funding to flow directly to the students instead of healthcare costs. Currently, tribal schools are operated either directly by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); by trib… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/delivering-safe-and-effective-vaccines | Delivering Safe and Effective Vaccines | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | While 2020 has certainly been one of the most challenging years in modern history and recent memory, there is hope on the horizon that better days are ahead. Although the world is still reeling from the destruction caused by the coronavirus pandemic, glimmers of hope are brightening more each day with the discovery, development and delivery of safe and effective vaccines to save lives and eliminate COVID-19's stranglehold on society. Indeed, this scientific achievement is coming faster than any other time in human history, and for that, we can and should be exceedingly grateful. As you might know, vaccines to fight infectious diseases normally take several years to develop and distribute. However, thanks to Operation Warp Speed (OWS), the United States has miraculously been able to race toward discovery of lifesaving vaccines, treatments and therapeutics for COVID-19 in a matter of months. Initiated by the Trump Administration in mid-May, OWS established a public-private partnership between relevant federal agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense and pharmaceutical companies. Since it was created, OWS has not only supported some of the scientific research but it has enabled more rapid development and testing of vaccine candidates, allowing promising candidates to undergo clinical trials at essentially the same time as regulatory approval and preparation for mass production. Delivering a vaccine in record time has led some to have concerns about safety. However, I want to assure you that the accelerated turnaround is not the result of cutting corners or ignoring the existing safety standards required by statute. Indeed, from research and development to clinical trials to emergency use authorization (EUA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has remained closely involved every step of the way. In fact, clinical trials on promising vaccine candidates cannot even proceed without the FDA's clearance to do so. Moreover, a Data Safety Monitoring Board advises pharmac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-votes-override-presidential-veto-ndaa | Rep. Kelly Votes to Override Presidential Veto of NDAA | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to override President Trump's veto of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is enacted annually to set the policy and spending priorities of the United States military. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) voted to pass the NDAA over the president's objection and issued this statement: "The NDAA outlines the budget and policies the Department of Defense uses to plan for the next year. While I support the president's goal of amending or abolishing Section 230, that debate must not delay military planning for 2021." ##### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-john-iosefo-prestigious-rangel-fellowship | Amata Congratulates John Iosefo on Prestigious Rangel Fellowship | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AS | Amata Radewagen | R000600 | radewagen.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Tuesday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amatais delighted to congratulate John Iosefo of American Samoa upon the announcement of the prestigious Charles B. Rangel Fellowship in International Studies from Howard University. Congratulations to John upon earning this superb opportunity, said Congresswoman Amata. We're always so happy to see one of our own succeeding and taking on new challenges. John served in the American Samoa congressional office as an intern, and did an excellent job. Now he's making American Samoa proud with this new educational step into diplomatic public service with the U.S. State Department. Congratulations also to his parents Tauiliili Silivelio and Juliana Ah-Ching Iosefo, and his many teachers, professors and influencers along the way. Congresswoman Amata and Rangel Fellowship winner John Iosefo (file photo) This highly regarded Fellowship is part of a career and academic path to becoming a Foreign Service Officer and to earning a Master's degree in security studies. As part of the Rangel Program, John will intern with a Member of Congress on issues related to foreign affairs in summer 2021. In summer 2022, the U.S. Department of State will send him overseas to intern in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get hands-on experience in U.S. foreign policy and the work of the Foreign Service. Upon successful completion of the program, John will become a U.S. diplomat in summer 2023, embarking on one of the most challenging and rewarding careers of service to his country. John is from Tafuna and Lauli'i villages of American Samoa, and graduated Tafuna High School. He is the youngest of eight children. John now attends the University of San Francisco, and is completing his final year of undergraduate studies. He also serves in student government as President of the ASUSF Senate. The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, administered by Howard University, selects outstanding Fellows yearly in a highly competitive nationwide selection process, then supports them through two ye… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/louisiana-delegation-statement-passing-congressman-elect-luke-letlow | Louisiana Delegation Statement on the Passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Congressman Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.), Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), Congressman Clay Higgins (R-La.), and Congressman Mike Johnson (R-La.) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow: "We are devastated to hear of Luke Letlow's passing. Luke had such a positive spirit, and a tremendously bright future ahead of him. He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our Nation. More than anything, Luke was a loving husband, father, brother, and son, and his family like so many others who have been affected by this evil disease needs our prayers. "We all join in sending our strongest support to Luke's wife Julia and their young family, and are keeping them in our prayers." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2020/12/sensenbrenner-announces-2021-academy-nominees | Sensenbrenner Announces 2021 Academy Nominees | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | BROOKFIELD, WI Today,Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner(WI-05) announced the nomination of 31 candidates from Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District for appointment to the U.S. service academies. Rep. Sensenbrenner:This year Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District yielded another outstanding group of students interested in attending the academies. They have demonstrated the ability to serve our nation, and I wish them all tremendous success. I would like to thank our Academy Selection Committee for the work they put into interviewing and assessing this year's applicants. Their efforts play a vital role in this process. As I approach my retirement from Congress in a few short days, I can say the ability to nominate students to our nation's service academies has been one of the highest honors. This year, Congressman Sensenbrenner nominated a total of 31 students, including six principal nominees. They are as follows:Principal Nominees Jocelyn Heckenkamp of Delafield has been named a principal nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jocelyn, daughter of Jason and Jennifer Heckenkamp, attends the University of Texas at Dallas, and is a graduate of Kettle Moraine High School. Jane Yoo of Menomonee Falls has been named a principal nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jane, daughter of Chang and Eun Yoo, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School. Allyson Davis of Pewaukee has been named a principal nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Allyson, daughter of Michael and Nicole Davis, is a senior at Arrowhead High School. Kye Yu of New Berlin has been named a principal nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Kye, son of Ben and Karen Yu, is a senior at New Berlin Eisenhower High School. Alec Malone of Pewaukee has been named a principal nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Alec, son of Dan and Trudy Malone, is a senior at Marquette University High School. Timothy Rauh of Hartland has been named a principal nominee to the US Nava… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reps-action-dec-29-2020 | Reps in Action: Dec. 29, 2020 | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | December 29th, 2020 Press Republican | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-bigger-stimulus-checks-trump-veto-override | Stefanik votes for bigger stimulus checks, Trump veto override | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | December 28th, 2020 NCPR | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-boost-stimulus-checks-override-trump-military-veto | Stefanik votes to boost stimulus checks, override Trump military veto | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | December 28th, 2020 WWNY | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-improving-hope-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-act-signed-law | Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimers Act Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Shelley MooreCapito(R-WV)and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced that theImproving HOPE (Health, Outcomes, Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer's Actpassed Congress as part of the year-end omnibus package and has been signed into law. Following the lawmakers' successful bipartisan push in 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in November 2016 that Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017. TheImprovingHOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to make more health care providers aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates of utilization and barriers to access. "It is imperative that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their families receive the resources they need, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available,said Senator Collins.Fortunately, following our advocacy, CMS implemented a new rule in 2018 that allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive a care planning session.Our legislation will expand access to this service by increasing awareness of this policy change among physicians.As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer's Task Force, I will continue to support those living with Alzheimer's diseaseand their caregivers. Care plans are an important tool to ensure that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones who help care for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating disease,said Senator Stabenow.TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill help make sure patients, their families, and their health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available resources. While we work towards the goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer's by 2025, we must also ensure seniors with Alzheimer's get the best care possible. Developing care plans that assist families, caregivers, and seniors understand diagnosis and avail… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BE3D2463-5C2C-44AD-906A-88A0BE03A55C | Delegation Bill to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education Signed Into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing their legislation that will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at least the employer’s share of the premiums. This change will free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance and more on education-specific items. The bill was included in the broader COVID-19 relief and government funding package, which was signed into law earlier this week. “As the son of two educators, I understand how critical it is to have adequate resources available to schools and how it can have a positive effect on their success,” said Thune. “I’m glad that our bill to ensure tribal grant schools can participate in federal health insurance programs is now law and that these schools will soon be able spend more of their money on our top priority – the students.” “Our legislation will enhance teacher benefits at South Dakota’s 19 tribal grant schools and, at the same time, save the schools thousands of dollars annually,” said Rounds. “This will not only help improve teacher and administrator retention rates at tribal grant schools, it will allow these schools to redirect resources to the students in the classroom. It’s a commonsense law that benefits everyone.” “Tribal schools have enough challenges without having to deal with unnecessary red tape,” said Johnson. “Ensuring this fix is made has been a longtime coming, and I’m grateful to Cecelia Fire Thunder for working for years to get this done. The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act provides a simple fix that allows funding to flow directly to the students instead of healthcare costs.” Currently, tribal schools are operated either directly by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); by tribes, th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409097 | Rep. Smith votes 'YES' to increase COVID-19 relief assistance checks to $2,000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) today said: The increase of COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000 coupled with yesterday's extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), expanded unemployment benefits and other assistance are justified and necessary to assist tens of millions of people devastated by the pandemic and like previous COVID relief packages are a bridge to a post-COVID world. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399897 | Rep. Gohmert Issues Statement on Pence Lawsuit | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement regarding the lawsuit filed against the Vice President: The 2020 presidential election was one we'd expect to see in a banana republic, not the United States of America. In fact, the rampant fraud and unconstitutional actions that took place were so egregious that seven contested states-- Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin all sent dueling slates of electors to Congress. This puts Vice President Mike Pence in a position where some argue he has to choose between morality and the law. That is not the case. It is also critical to note that as many formerly in the mainstream media, now the Alt-Left media, continue to say that every court has said there is no evidence of fraud. That is disingenuous, deceitful, and flat out dishonest. The truth is that no court so far has had the morality and courage to allow evidence of fraud to be introduced in front of it. We continue to hold out hope that there is a federal judge who understands that the fraud that stole this election will mean the end of our republic, and this suit would insure that the Vice-President will only accept electors legitimately and legally elected. There must be an opportunity for a day in court when fraud was this prevalent. It is for this reason that I and other plaintiffs have filed a complaint for expedited declaratory and emergency injunctive relief to seek judgement from the court on the Vice President's authority when presiding over the Senate during the Joint Session of Congress. We are asking the court to uphold the powers laid out in the United States Constitution which grant the Vice President the exclusive authority and sole discretion in determining which electoral votes to count. As outlined in the filing, the Electoral Count Act is unconstitutional because it directs Vice President Pence to legitimize electoral votes in violation of the Electors Clause and limits or eliminates his Twelfth Amendment authority to determine which… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401220 | Huizenga Discusses Supporting Troops, American Families, and Fiscal Responsibility | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MI | Bill Huizenga | H001058 | huizenga.house.gov | legacy | Huizenga Discussing Supporting Troops, American Families, and Fiscal Responsibility Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga spoke in a Facebook Live conversation with constituents across West Michigan to explain his support for our men and women in uniform. In the live video, Congressman Huizenga also explains why he did not support an additional $464 billion in COVID relief because he believes those dollars should be offset by reductions in federal spending. The video is embedded below. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402402 | Griffith Statement on CASH Act | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding the CASH Act of 2020: Yesterday, the President signed the more than $2.3 trillion Omnibus, which includedCOVID relief. After signing it, the President issued a statement calling on Congress to increase the amount of money going to individuals AND to cut bloated government spending. Today, the Democrats in the House put forward a bill to increase the size of the individual checks, BUT did not put forward any of the President's cut suggestions OR cuts to spending that they preferred. This is a typical Democrat compromise. We will give you increased spending, but we will not give you the cuts requested. Accordingly, I could not support this increased spending, at this time, without legitimate cuts as requested by the President. Hopefully with vaccines being distributed, our businesses and our economy will be back in operation soon. If not, we will have to examine additional relief in the new year. Background Congressman Griffith supported the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations (HR 6074), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (HR 748), and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 266). Click here for his statement on the Omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2021. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5536 | Sen. Cruz Applauds Trump Administration for Providing Emergency Learning Scholarships | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement applauding the administration's move to expand educational opportunity: "With far too many Democrat officials flexing their authoritarian instincts, millions of families across the country are hurting right now. Arbitrary shutdowns of public and private K-12 schools have left a generation of students behind. I'm grateful the administration has taken this step to provide emergency learning scholarships for students, empowering parents with the resources they need to support their children's education during these unprecedented times. I'll continue working with my colleagues to reopen the economy, and get Americans safely back to work and school." Read the executive order here. Sen. Cruz has fought to provide American families with the resources needed to provide for their children's public, private, or homeschool education during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, Sen. Cruz introduced the School Choice Now Act with Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), legislation that ensures all students will return to their pre-pandemic educational institutions. In September, three of Sen. Cruz's education proposals were included in the Senate Republicans' targeted COVID-19 relief bill. Throughout his career, Sen. Cruz has led the fight to expand school choice and educational opportunities for American students. Learn more about his efforts here and here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=36F48083-1BD7-48E0-A3CD-B2E22AC69D4E | McConnell Statement on Billy Goodman | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | LOUISVILLE, KY U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Billy Goodman of Hart County: Billy Goodman was a trusted and loyal friend anyone would be lucky to know. Our shared values brought us together more than three decades ago. I have cherished our friendship every day since. Billy was an invaluable presence in Horse Cave. He comforted families during their most trying moments and was often the force behind the community's many successes. At every step, he brought a kindness and good humor that may be missed most of all. Although he was passionate about his business and his hometown, Debra and Nick were always at the center of his life. Elaine and I send our sincere condolences to them and everyone who loved Billy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases-es?ContentRecord_id=64671013-E220-4E46-B573-5F1D2E0668C4 | Rubio: Apoyo Los Pagos de $2000 Dlares a Los Necesitados | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | FL | Marco Rubio | R000595 | www.rubio.senate.gov | legacy | Sala de Prensa Inicio Sala de Prensa Sala de Prensa Miami, FL El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) emiti el siguiente comunicado sobre su apoyo de aumentar el monto del Pago de Alivio por el Impacto Econmico (EIP, por sus siglas en ingls) a los estadounidenses de $600 dlares a $2,000 dlares:"Estoy de acuerdo con el presidente en que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora necesitan urgentemente ayuda adicional, razn por la cual apoyo el monto de $2,000 dlares en pagos directos a los estadounidenses que luchan durante la pandemia, Rubio dijo. Por meses, los republicanos intentaron aprobar un alivio adicional para los trabajadores, las familias y los pequeos comercios, solo para ser rechazados por los demcratas en todo momento. No podemos olvidar que hace meses la presidenta Pelosi y los demcratas rechazaron la oferta anterior de la Administracin Trump de $1,200 dlares por adulto y $1,000 dlares por nio. Afortunadamente, por fin, Pelosi deja de retener a las familias trabajadoras como sus rehenes".Comparto la preocupacin de muchos de mis colegas sobre los efectos a largo plazo del gasto adicional, pero no podemos ignorar el hecho que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora en todo EE.UU. todava necesitan ayuda con urgencia, continu Rubio. "El Congreso debera aprobar rpidamente una legislacin para aumentar los pagos directos a los estadounidenses a $2,000 dlares"."Tambin estoy listo para trabajar con mis colegas para realizar cambios muy necesarios a la Seccin 230 y tomar medidas para asegurarnos que el pueblo estadounidense pueda volver a tener confianza en nuestras elecciones", concluy Rubio.Rubio introducir una legislacin para mantener las protecciones de la … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2ED5EDD7-1C6B-4041-B86B-96348A28D221 | Rubio Urges Department of the Interior to Address Supply Chain Reliance on Rare Earth Minerals From China | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | FL | Marco Rubio | R000595 | www.rubio.senate.gov | legacy | Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to take action addressing China's domination of the rare earth element supply chain in response to President Trump's September 30, 2020 Executive Order, Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries.In addition to Rubio, Representatives Jason Smith (R-MO), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), David McKinley (R-WV), Chris Stewart (R-UT), and Pete Stauber (R-MN) signed the letter.The President's Executive Order rightly recognizes that the United States now imports more than 80 percent of our rare earth elements (REE) from China, a marked shift from an earlier era in which the United States produced more REE than any other nation in the world, the lawmakers wrote. The United States has some of the highest quality and abundant rare earth element deposits in the world. However, China has intentionally underpriced usable REE metals to extinguish global competition in the REE metallurgy sector. China's strategy ensures that any REE ores mined and processed in the United States, or elsewhere, must be sent to China to be made into usable metals and materials. The President's Order recognizes this dynamic, and the great harm that this dependence on China for processing capacity does to American national security and economic resilience.The full text of the letter is below.Dear Secretary Bernhardt:We write to express our shared concern about America's dangerous reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. We welcome the President's September 30, 2020, Executive Order Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Min… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F2E570A9-9BF7-445E-B859-C2D3EF4EFD82 | English/ Espaol: Rubio: I Support $2000 Payments to Americans in Need | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | FL | Marco Rubio | R000595 | www.rubio.senate.gov | legacy | Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement regarding his support for increasing the amount of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to Americans in need from $600 to $2,000:I agree with the President that millions of working class families are in dire need of additional relief, which is why I support $2,000 in direct payments to Americans struggling due to the pandemic, Rubio said. For months, Republicans tried to pass additional relief for workers, families, and small businesses only to be rejected by Democrats at every turn. Remember, months ago Speaker Pelosi and Democrats rejected the Administration's previous offer of $1,200 per adult and $1,000 per child. Thankfully, she's finally stopped holding working families hostage.I share many of my colleagues' concern about the long-term effects of additional spending, but we cannot ignore the fact that millions of working class families across the nation are still in dire need of relief, Rubio continued. Congress should quickly pass legislation to increase direct payments to Americans to $2,000.I also stand ready to work with my colleagues to make much-needed changes to Section 230 and take steps to ensure the American people can once again have confidence in our elections, Rubio concluded.Rubio will introduce legislation to maintain Section 230 protections for small businesses and companies that protect free speech, but remove that blanket immunity for Big Tech companies that engage in certain moderation, selective distribution, or content development activities.In June 2020, Rubio, along with Senators Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) requested that the Federal Communication Commissi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E4D94CDE-5BA2-4301-9F9D-12749A564817 | Sasse Statement on New York Religious Liberty Win | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NE | Ben Sasse | S001197 | www.sasse.senate.gov | legacy | U.S Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit struck down Governor Cuomo's discriminatory restrictions on religious gatherings, delivering a key win for the First Amendment. The First Amendment is what America is all about, and that means heavy-handed politicians can't act like religious liberty is theirs to bestow or to withhold. Governor Cuomo's intentional targeting of religious New Yorkers has been slapped down in court, again. The Judicial branch is screaming from the rooftops: a pandemic doesn't rewrite the Constitution. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-supports-presidential-request-to-increase-stimulus-checks | Cole Supports Presidents Request to Increase Stimulus Checks | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he supported the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020, which would increase the amount on the coming stimulus checks to be received by most Americans to $2,000 per adult along with $600 per child. The wrath of the coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented hardships for many Americans, and I applaud President Trump for urging Congress to deliver more targeted relief to individuals and families in the form of stimulus checks. I am proud to support the president's request to increase the amount on checks soon to reach most Americans, providing additional help as we continue to grapple with the uncertainties and challenges facing our communities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-votes-to-override-ndaa-veto | Cole Votes to Override Veto of NDAA | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to override the recent presidential veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021. With Cole's support, the House voted 322-87 to override the veto. I am disappointed by the president's decision to veto the National Defense Authorization Act, which is vitally important to supporting and strengthening our common defense and ensuring our service members have the resources they need to keep us safe. As the representative for the Fourth Congressional District of Oklahoma, which includes Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City and Fort Sill in Lawton, I could not vote to sustain the president's veto. If Congress does not enact the NDAA for fiscal year 2021, it will cost military families their extra combat and flight pay, effectively giving them an undeserved pay cut for Christmas and shamefully disregarding the selfless sacrifices they daily make to ensure our shared safety and security. While I understand the president's concerns with certain provisions, I believe that this NDAA, in its entirety, makes essential progress in meeting our national security objectives. To be clear, we can and should address the president's valid concerns in other legislation, but I will certainly not jeopardize the important missions at Tinker and Fort Sill or the brave men and women who carry them out. Following passage of the NDAA Conference Report in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month, Cole penned a column here about the importance of enacting the legislation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/rural-radio-fortenberry-usda-ag-research-facility-unl-and-covid-relief | Rural Radio: Fortenberry on USDA Ag Research Facility at UNL and COVID Relief | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NE | Jeff Fortenberry | F000449 | fortenberry.house.gov | legacy | Rural Radio: Fortenberry on USDA Ag Research Facility at UNL and COVID Relief | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-fy2021-ndaa | Gallagher Statement on FY2021 NDAA | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today released the following statement after voting to make the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act law. "The SolarWinds espionage campaign emphasized our vulnerabilities in cyberspace and underscored the pressing need for action. Congress must work to make sure this never happens again, and the FY2021 NDAA takes concrete steps to help achieve this goal. While we are still learning about the scale of this campaign, what we do know is that many of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's recommendations included in this bill would have helped the government better respond to the hack. With these provisions, CISA would have enhanced resources and improved threat hunting capabilities, allowing the government to more quickly identify intrusions. The Department of Defense would have a comprehensive plan to strengthen the cyber defense of our nuclear command and control system, preventing malign access to this critical network from even happening. And a National Cyber Director would be able to coordinate a public-private response to dealing with this espionage. These long-overdue reforms in addition to provisions that provide a well-deserved pay raise to our troops, help counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party, and deliver full funding to the Future Frigate make this year's NDAA must-pass legislation." The FY21 NDAA adopts26 recommendations from the bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commissionthat strengthen the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, empower the government to better protect against a cyber-attack against adversaries, and safeguard our nuclear enterprise. This is in addition to overall nuclear modernization and NNSA cybersecurity investments in the bill. The most notable of those measures include: Ensuring Cyber Resiliency of Nuclear Command and Control Systems --The FY21 NDAA requires the Department of Defense to implement a comprehensive plan that strengthens the cyber defense of nuclear command and control systems. Strengthening … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-votes-sustain-president-s-ndaa-veto | Duncan Votes to Sustain Presidents NDAA Veto | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SC | Jeffrey Duncan | D000615 | jeffduncan.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan released the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): The House voted this evening on whether to sustain or override the President's veto on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I voted to support the President in sustaining his veto for the same reasons I voted against the NDAA when it last came before the House. The legislation contained too many issues unrelated to our national defense, and it did not contain language to prevent the closure of the Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot. Thank you, President Trump, for vetoing this legislation, and even though the veto was ultimately overridden by the House, I hope the Senate takes a different course. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/kelly-statement-house-vote-increase-stimulus-payments-600-2000 | Kelly Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Payments from $600 to $2000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) issued this statement following his vote against increasing COVID-19 pandemic relief stimulus checks from $600 to $2000: "I support providing direct relief to Pennsylvanians whose current economic struggles were caused by Governor Wolf's lockdown of the Keystone State for most of 2020, but this stimulus check expansion misses the mark because it is not targeted to people who need it most and ignores President Trump's call to reduce wasteful government spending. Our path forward must include direct relief, spending cuts, and opening the Commonwealth's economy so families can go back to work." ##### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lucas.house.gov/news/press-releases/lucas-votes-enact-ndaa-law-applauds-inhofe-s-leadership | Lucas Votes to Enact NDAA Into Law, Applauds Inhofes Leadership | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OK | Frank Lucas | L000491 | lucas.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to enact theWilliam M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year2021into law. The bipartisan, bicameralNational Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) authorizes funding for our nation's armed services and retirees as well as a number of Oklahoma's military installations. The enactment of the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act into law is the 60th consecutive time Congress has passed and ensured the National Defense Authorization Act has become law. Our nation's defense and those who serve within its ranks are well-supported by this critical piece of legislation,said Congressman Lucas.While Congress shares President Trump's concerns regarding Section 230, a provision which deserves its fair share of congressional scrutiny, Congress must not miss the opportunity to pass such a strong bill that provides for our Armed Service members, supports military families, and includes meaningful measures that counters aggression shown by Russia and China. I would also like to express my appreciation for Senator Inhofe's work in negotiating this agreement, which stretches over 1200 pages and took months to put together. His role as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee was critical in crafting legislation that reflects our nation's values and makes our country safer. There is no doubt that Oklahoma is fortunate to have his strong support while leading the Armed Services Committee, and I am proud to support his efforts to make sure our military has the resources it needs to protect our country. Notable Provisions Related to Military Personnel, Bases in Oklahoma's Third District The Conference Report includes language which protects the KC-135 tanker until technical issues are fixed during the production of the KC-46, which benefits Altus Air Force base's fleet of KC 135's. The measure includes over $86 million dollars to support KC-46 T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lucas.house.gov/news/press-releases/lucas-votes-favor-cash-act-supports-president-s-request-increasing-direct | Lucas Votes in Favor of CASH Act, Supports Presidents Request Increasing Direct Stimulus | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OK | Frank Lucas | L000491 | lucas.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9051- theCaring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act.Lucas supported the legislation. The coronavirus pandemic has caused tremendous societal and economic hardships across Oklahoma and the United States. While a number of our communities have begun to recover, many Oklahomans and families are falling even further behind and are now faced with the consequences of delaying bill payments in order to purchase necessities for their families. Our recovery will depend significantly on the course of the virus in our communities, but during times of need, Congress must provide stability and a bridge for individuals and families until we are fully on the path of recovery,said Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03).Joining with President Trump, I'm hopeful the aid the House voted on tonight will further assist Oklahomans during this historic pandemic and economic crisis. TheCASH Actincreases the value of the economic impact payments (EIPs) proved in the end-of-year relief package so that each eligible family member receives $2,000, up from $600. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/speeches/a-massive-wealth-transfer-that-s-either-inadequate-or-unnecessary | A Massive Wealth Transfer Thats Either Inadequate or Unnecessary | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | CA | Tom McClintock | M001177 | mcclintock.house.gov | legacy | Congressman McClintock today delivered the following remarks on the House floor: A Massive Wealth Transfer That's Either Inadequate or Unnecessary Speech in Opposition to HR 9047 Congressman Tom McClintock December 28, 2020 Mr. Speaker: Let's get this straight: the small shopkeeper who's just lost their entire savings because of the lockdowns will get the same $2,000 grant as the government bureaucrat who's been enjoying a steady paycheck at home for the past ten months. This money is wholly inadequate for those who have been harmed by the lockdowns and wholly unnecessary for those who have not. And this free money doesn't come from heaven -- it comes from the future earnings of those who will be struggling to get back on their feet making the post-lockdown recovery more difficult and prolonged. Much of the burden of this debt will fall on the young, who have already borne the brunt of the lockdowns. It is in a very real sense, a massive wealth transfer from the future to the present, from the young to the old and from those who have been hurt by the lockdowns to those who have not. There's only one way to end the suffering caused by the lockdowns. END THEM. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-economic-relief-american-samoa-signed-law | Amata Highlights Economic Relief for American Samoa Signed into Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AS | Amata Radewagen | R000600 | radewagen.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Monday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amatahighlighted the signing into law of several priorities that she has supported for American Samoa, and said she would welcome rapid congressional action to boost direct payments to $2,000, and is monitoring that effort. Under the new law, $600 will be sent out. President Trump signed the major year-end federal funding for 2021 to prevent a government shutdown, which included attached Covid relief and economic assistance legislation, while asking Congress to make changes and increase direct payments to $2,000. The $600 direct payments are now law, but Congress will consider the $2,000 proposal as well, Amata said. This bill was a bipartisan and bicameral compromise, but it does include these important and specific needs for American Samoa, which was where I focused, along with vaccine distribution and support for our people serving in the Armed Forces. The bill affects American Samoa as follows: $600 for individuals and dependents with Congress to consider the proposal for $2,000. A direct increase of $500,000as she requested for ASG Operations, also restoring $3 million over the Interior Department plan. This ensures the fourth straight yearly increase for American Samoa at her request. Renewal of the small business Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with loan forgiveness simplification, and renewal of EIDL Advances. Together, these programs have put over $24 million into American Samoa's small business economy in 2020. Funding for vaccine production, distribution and testing that will include the Territory. A one-year extension of theAmerican Samoa Economic Development Creditthat preserves local cannery and fishing jobs; A three percent pay raise for the U.S. military. Nationwide funding for health, education, broadband, transportation and other services that will be distributed to states and territories according to federal formulas and the grant process. PreservesAmata co-led PPE Actmeasure to allow businesses to use their PPP money to cover expense… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-statement-house-vote-override-president-s-veto-fy21-ndaa | Stefanik Statement on House Vote to Override the Presidents Veto of FY21 NDAA | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following this afternoon's House vote to override President Trump's veto of the FY21 NDAA: As the number one advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, I have spent the last several months working with my colleagues to pass a strong, bipartisan NDAA for FY21, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Today, I kept my promise to servicemembers, veterans, and military families across my district by voting to override President Trump's veto of this very important bill. I remain committed to delivering critical funding and resources to our nation's military in order to protect our troops, support military families, improve our military readiness, and strengthen our national security. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-votes-support-stimulus-check-increase-2000 | Stefanik Votes in Support of Stimulus Check Increase to $2,000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following this afternoon's House vote to increase the amount in government-issued stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000: After months of Nancy Pelosi's partisan games and politicization of COVID-19 relief that many hardworking families need, I voted to increase the amount ofdirect economic support for the hardworking families across my district, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I remain focused on providing critical relief for our hardworking families, small businesses, schools, hospitals, farms, and communities who need our support. I will continue to support efforts to deliver funding directly back to the North Country as we overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404286 | Congressman Womack Supports Troops, U.S. National Security | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Womack Supports Troops, U.S. National Security f t # e Washington, December 28, 2020 Washington, DCDecember 28, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the below statement after supporting our troops and national security by voting to override the executive veto of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The legislation, which contains several Womack-supported provisions, authorizes $740.5 billion for national defense initiatives. It includes resources to equip our troops, support military families, enhance defense capabilities, strengthen military readiness, and modernize the force: The NDAA is vital to the security of our nation and supports the men and women in uniform who stand watch over freedom. This year's legislation contains raises for our troops, bolsters cybersecurity defenses, confronts emerging threats from China and Russia, and invests in Arkansas's military installations. It enhances the safety and defense of our homeland and ensures our armed forces remain the most superior fighting force in the world. I agree that we need to reform Section 230 policy provisions, but opposing this legislation is not the right way to address it. We can't deprive our military of the resources needed to secure our country and put us on a stronger path forward. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. womack.house.gov ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/navigating-the-changing-landscape-to-deliver-help | Navigating the Changing Landscape to Deliver Help | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | This year brought incredible challenges. COVID-19 protocols required many of us to change the way we live and work and that meant finding a way for my staff and I to continue deliver critical help and provide answers to questions about federal agencies. Constituent service is alwaysmy toppriority but there was an increased sense of urgency to solve problems Arkansans faced as a result of this crisis. Last spring, my staff fielded thousands of calls from people who were desperate for information about their Economic Impact Payment. The volume of calls and emails was so heavy that we couldn't record them all. Out of all of the calls for help, 355 of them resulted in direct inquires with the IRS to track down lost payments and tax returns. The outreach we did on behalf of Arkansans with the agency increased 706 percent from last year. More Arkansans asked for assistance with the Department of State. In 2020, we received 230 requests for help, an increase of137 percent from 2019.Many of those cases were citizens who were stuck overseas after borders were closed in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Repatriation efforts dominated the State Department's work for many months and we helped Arkansans return home from all over the world. Other troubles Arkansans have experienced has required congressional action. For example, many veterans are required to complete a compensation and pension (C&P) exam to verify their medical condition when applying for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Because the VA paused in-person exams for a period of time, the backlog has grown and it's delayed benefits. I introduced a bill to increase the number of health care providers who are allowed to conduct these health assessments. Congress passed it and it's headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. Veterans have also experienced delays in getting their service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). My staff relies on this office to get veterans' records that are needed when filing for a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/185-million-support-breweries-signed-law-following-senator-collins%E2%80%99-advocacy-0 | $18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins Advocacy | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom $18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins' Advocacy The bill also makes permanent several beneficial provisions for small brewers that were included in the 2017 tax reform law Posted Mon, 12/28/2020 - 11:53 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee,announced that a total of $18.5 million to support breweries in Maine and across the country was signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2021 government funding bill. The legislation also permanently lowers excise taxes to help brewers reinvest in their businesses, employees, and communities. Maine is home to the best craft brewers in the country.In addition to producing exceptional beer, they are a major contributor to our state's economy and a significant source of jobs,said Senator Collins.With the economic duress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, beverage producers have been under significant strain. The permanent reduction in excise taxes that I worked to securealong with investments made in the brewing supply chainare critical to helping these small businesses keeptheir doors open and their employees on payroll. Provisions championed by Senator Collins to benefit Maine's craft beverage industry include: Permanent authorization of theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act(CBMTRA)The legislation provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry by making permanent a measure in the2017 tax reform law.Senator Collinswasa cosponsor of the standalone bill, which reduces taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers.Earlier this month, Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME)joined a bipartisan groupof 55 of their colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actin the next legislative pac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-bill-advance-energy-storage-technology-signed-law | Collins Bill to Advance Energy Storage Technology Signed into Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Bipartisan legislation to accelerate the development of next-generation energy storage was signed into law. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Tina Smith (D-MN), will support grid-scale energy storage research and development and improve the efficiency of the nation's electric grid, while helping to align research efforts on energy storage technologies. Energy storage technology holds such great promise in the fight against climate change. Supporting current technology and advancing next-generation energy storage will allow us to integrate more renewables, such as wind and solar, which in turn will help to reduce emissions, Senator Collins said.The BEST Act will advance energy storage technologies, improve the efficiency of our nation's electricity grid, and help align research efforts on energy storage.I am delighted that this bipartisan piece of legislation is now law and will help shape our clean energy future. As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, advocating for the research and development of long-term energy storage has been a top priority,saidSenator Heinrich.I am proud to see the Better Energy Storage TechnologyAct signed into law so that we can truly invest in reshaping the power industry. This bipartisan effort offers federal agencies and national labs the opportunity to modernize our energy grid with advanced storage technologies that can provide days, even months, of capacity. With advances in solar and wind energy, New Mexico remains a leader in the charge towards a clean energy future. Signing this bill into law adds the extra spark to boost New Mexico power grids with the potential to do the same around the globe. When we expand energy storage capabilities, we can increase our use of renewables like wind and solar while contributing to our nation's energy and economic security, said Senator Smith. This is a great step forward for our country and the clean energy future… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-covid-19-relief-government-funding-package-being-signed-law | Senator Collins Statement on COVID-19 Relief-Government Funding Package being Signed into Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, released this statement following President Trump signing the COVID-19 reliefgovernment funding omnibus into law. Senator Collins and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) co-led the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition that developed the framework for the COVID-19 relief package. The President's decision to sign the bipartisan COVID emergency relief bill into law is welcome news for the American people. The agreement that our bipartisan, bicameral group negotiated was the foundation for this much-needed assistance. The law extends the Paycheck Protection Program I coauthored and allows our hardest-hit small businesses, such as restaurants and others in the hospitality sector, to receive a second forgivable PPP loan. This additional assistance will help prevent small businesses from having to shut their doors for good, allow them to continue paying their employees, and cover certain overhead costs, such as modifications to comply with public health guidelines. A new program I authored with Congressman Jared Golden will also provide targeted assistance to loggers for the first time. The compromise also provides urgently needed housing, nutrition, and unemployment compensation to struggling families; appropriates additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and provider assistance to our stressed health care system; allocates funding for schools that have been challenged to operate safely in a COVID environment; assists the overwhelmed Postal Service; and provides assistance to our airlines, airports, mass transit, and bus and motorcoach companies that keep our country moving. The package also fully funds our government through September 2021 and provides significant investments including strengthening our defense and assisting our veterans to providing funding for biomedical research and public health to supporting transportation and economic development programs that will help our country as we make progress to de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signed-law-funding-appropriations-bill-support-shipbuilders-biw | SIGNED INTO LAW: Funding in Appropriations Bill to Support Shipbuilders at BIW | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2021Defense Appropriations Billhas been signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. This legislation includes provisions Senator Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Bath Iron Works (BIW). The value and importance of our naval assets and shipyards to our national security have never been greater, which is why it is so critical that we continue to grow the Navy to be able to meet challenges around the world,said Senator Collins. Through my senior position on the Appropriations Committee, I secured funding for two DDG-51 Flight III ships. Funding included in this legislation will also help BIW make investments in the shipyard to ensure their hardworking employees have the cutting-edge tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. BIW is home to the best shipbuilders in the world, and this funding will help them stay competitive far into the future. The FY 2021 Department of Defense funding bill provides $696 billionan increase of $2.6 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level. Additionally, the bill includes a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for: DDG-51 Shipbuilding:Includes funding fortwoDDG-51 Flight III ships. The bill also includes $130 million above the President's budget request of $29 million for DDG-51 advanced procurement specifically for a third DDG-51 in the next fiscal year. Surface Combatant Shipyard Infrastructure:Includes $215 million for surface combatant shipyard infrastructure.This funding can be used foryard improvements similar to the $130 millionawarded to BIWearlier in the year. DDG-51 Acquisition strategy report language:To ensure stability in the industrial base and shipyards, the bill includes explanatory language requiring the Navy to provide a fully funded strategy for the procurement o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/grassley-op-ed-2020-gave-us-silver-linings-and-lessons-be-learned | Grassley op-ed: 2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | 2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned By Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa It's been a rough year. We started 2020 with all eyes on Iowa for the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest. The Iowa caucuses took place under the cloud of a presidential impeachment. That surreal moment in history was eclipsed by a deadly virus that disrupted life as we know it. No doubt, people are ready to put a divisive year of politics, protests and pandemic behind us. 2020 delivered lessons of sacrifice, hardship and loss wrapped in silver linings of resilience, gratitude and hope. Families missed graduations, weddings and funerals. Churches, schools and businesses closed. Consumers learned food and toilet paper don't grow on grocery store shelves. More people realized food scarcity is a First World problem and to never take essential workers for granted. Health-care professionals became real-life superheroes, putting their lives on the line to care for patients. Front-line workers and first responders answered the call to help their neighbors, stocking stores, delivering food and continuing to serve and protect their communities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) became a ubiquitous acronym and high-speed internet access became more important than ever to connect and participate in e-commerce, remote learning, telecommuting and telehealth visits. So far, more than 300,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. They will be mourned for years to come. For countless others, navigating unemployment and social isolation bears untold stories of domestic violence, mental-health crises, academic disparity and undiagnosed diseases. The pandemic will leave scars in the social fabric of American society even as promising threads of hope emerge from COVID-19 vaccines. Congress this year passed historic bipartisan pandemic relief, approving four packages containing more than $4 trillion to boost the nation's response to the public-health crisis and economic fall-out. The $900 billion Congress approved this week delive… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-alexander-introduce-multiemployer-pension-reform-plan-following-year | Grassley, Alexander Introduce Multiemployer Pension Reform Plan Following Year of Stakeholder Feedback | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced the Chris Allen Multiemployer Pension Recapitalization and Reform Act, legislation based on their 2019 proposal to avert the collapse of critically underfunded multiemployer pension plans and reform rules for these plans to prevent future funding shortfalls within these important pillars of the American retirement system.We believe this legislation would ensure that the PBGC's multiemployer insurance fund remains solvent over the long-term after the initial rescue of the currently failing plans. But, most importantly, this legislation would reform the system to prevent this from happening again, Grassley said on the Senate floor. I'd also note that the bill is named after Chris Allen, who was a dedicated member of my Finance Committee staff who passed away nearly one year ago. Chris poured thousands of hours of work into developing, drafting, and perfecting the Grassley-Alexander plan. I'm grateful for all the work he did, and I'm proud this legislation bears his name.This is a balanced proposal to help protect the benefits promised to about 1.5 million retirees by private sector employers and unions, Alexander said. Our legislation would shore up the PBGC's role as an insurance company with a limited infusion of taxpayer dollars instead of an open-ended bailout, and institute important structural reforms so this does not happen again.The Grassley-Alexander legislation is based on their 2019 proposal and incorporates a year's worth of improvements and stakeholder feedback. Grassley and Alexander earlier this week said the negotiations had reached the point where there was not enough time remaining for passage in the current Congress. The Grassley-Alexander legislation will serve as a basis for the next Congress to address the growing problem of insolvent multiemployer pension plans.Text of the legislation can be found HERE and a sectio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-op-ed-2020-gave-us-silver-linings-and-lessons-be-learned | Grassley op-ed: 2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | By Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa It's been a rough year. We started 2020 with all eyes on Iowa for the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest. The Iowa caucuses took place under the cloud of a presidential impeachment. That surreal moment in history was eclipsed by a deadly virus that disrupted life as we know it. No doubt, people are ready to put a divisive year of politics, protests and pandemic behind us. 2020 delivered lessons of sacrifice, hardship and loss wrapped in silver linings of resilience, gratitude and hope. Families missed graduations, weddings and funerals. Churches, schools and businesses closed. Consumers learned food and toilet paper don't grow on grocery store shelves. More people realized food scarcity is a First World problem and to never take essential workers for granted. Health-care professionals became real-life superheroes, putting their lives on the line to care for patients. Front-line workers and first responders answered the call to help their neighbors, stocking stores, delivering food and continuing to serve and protect their communities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) became a ubiquitous acronym and high-speed internet access became more important than ever to connect and participate in e-commerce, remote learning, telecommuting and telehealth visits. So far, more than 300,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. They will be mourned for years to come. For countless others, navigating unemployment and social isolation bears untold stories of domestic violence, mental-health crises, academic disparity and undiagnosed diseases. The pandemic will leave scars in the social fabric of American society even as promising threads of hope emerge from COVID-19 vaccines. Congress this year passed historic bipartisan pandemic relief, approving four packages containing more than $4 trillion to boost the nation's response to the public-health crisis and economic fall-out. The $900 billion Congress approved this week delivers more help for the unemployed, small businesses, sch… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/relief-is-on-the-way | Relief Is On the Way | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KS | Jerry Moran | M000934 | www.moran.senate.gov | legacy | Welcome to Kansas Common Sense. Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them. Wishing you a Safe Holiday Season and a Happy New Year On behalf of Robba and me, we hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday. Throughout this season, I continue to think of the many men and women in uniform at home and abroad who are unable to be with their loved ones. I am grateful for their dedicated service to their fellow Americans and humbled by the sacrifices they make each and every day. We pray for your health and wellbeing and wish you a Happy New Year. The COVID-19 Vaccine Reaches Veterans and Health Care Workers in Wichita On Wednesday, I visited Wichita to receive updates on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.I visited the Dole VA Medical Center where I had the opportunity to see first-hand how a vaccination center is being created for the benefit of patients and medical staff. Recently, the VA announced it will distribute vaccines to additional veteran facilitiesincluding medical centers in Leavenworth, Topeka and Wichita. I was especially pleased to open the first batch of Moderna vaccines as they arrived on Wednesday morning. The Dole VA expects to administer more than 1,000 doses to frontline employees and community living center residents within this first week of the vaccination process. As chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue to make certain the VA has necessary resources to effectively administer the vaccine to our nation's veterans in a timely manner. Thank you to director Candace Ifabiyi and her team, Associate Pharmacy Chief of Operations Scott Hood, Chief of Pharmacy Susan Duquaine, Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor Anna Johnson and Pharmacy Technician Rachel Newby for an informative visit and for all they are doing to help our veterans navigate this vaccination process. Next, I visited the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Wesley Medica… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-measure-includes-ohio | Portman Announces Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Ohio Projects to be Funded Through Restore Our Parks Act | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Portman Announces Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Ohio Projects to be Funded Through Restore Our Parks Act Initial Project List Includes Funding for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest Infrastructure December 28, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure, which President Trump signed into law last night, includes the initial list of projects that will be funded through Portman's bipartisanRestore Our Parks Act to protect and preserve America's national parks and public lands by addressing thebacklog in long-delayed maintenance projects. Included in this list are two priority projects for Ohio the demolition of vacant structures at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the replacement of the waterline at the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area within the Wayne National Forest. This summer, Portman visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest to see their deferred maintenance projects firsthand. Whether biking, fishing, kayaking, or hiking with my family, I'm proud to be one of the 2.7 million visitors to Ohio's National Parks annually. That's why I'm pleased that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure included the first list of projects that will be funded through my bipartisan Restore Our Parks law to begin to address backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects throughout our park system, said Portman. I'm pleased that Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest will be among the first to be able to address critical infrastructure improvements to ensure these parks can be enjoyed for many generations to come. Over the summer, I was able to see the deferred maintenance projects at both of these parks firsthand and I look forward visiting these parks agai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/grabbing-the-bull-by-the-horns | Grabbing the Bull by the Horns | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | I heard a story recently about a government bureaucrat from DC visiting real America for the first time. He worked on agriculture policy but grew up in the city so his only experience with food involved his plate. He bought a pair of shiny new boots and headed off to cow-calf country. When his plane touched down, he was greeted by a man with a cowboy hat and a firm handshake. They jumped in the rancher’s F-350, a vehicle so big the city slicker couldn’t figure out how you’d parallel park it, and headed out to his ranch. When they arrived at the rancher’s pasture, the bureaucrat thought he’d ask a tough question to impress the tough cowboy: “Why doesn’t that cow have any horns?” “Well,” the rancher said, “there are many reasons why a cow doesn’t have horns. Ya see, some don’t have horns because we dehorned them as calves and some, like Angus, are a polled breed that naturally never grow horns. But the reason that cow doesn’t have any horns is because it’s a horse.” This joke illustrates a broader point: ranchers in cow-calf country work hard every day to produce the best beef in the world, but continue to lose hundreds of dollars per head because the deck is stacked against them. DC lobbyists and bureaucrats, who have never been to a sale barn or stepped foot on a ranch but still think they know better, continue to rig the system and line the pockets of the big packers. They’re ripping off our ranchers, small processors and, ultimately, our consumers. That needs to stop now. As we enter a new year and a new Congress, it would be easy to get discouraged, see the situation not changing and give up. But these issues are too important to quit on. There is fire in my belly and I’m going to fight like hell until we get this done. When I meet with ranchers in South Dakota in places like Wall or St. Onge or Ft. Pierre, it’s clear they know what’s best for their operation. They demand greater market transparency, new markets for state-inspected facilities, Product of the U.S.A. labeling and Mandatory Country of Origin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=83538FEE-49F2-4A43-BBB8-A2667FEE95FA | Wickers Investigation Reveals FAA Failures | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | legacy | Each year, millions of Americans take to the skies to be with their loved ones for the holidays. Those who board a commercial flight place their trust in the pilots, the aircraft, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates the American aviation industry. That trust is warranted because our aviation system is among the safest in the world. Yet it is not without flaws. Recent findings of a Senate investigation revealed some troubling patterns within the FAA that require accountability and reform. In March 2019, the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft was grounded worldwide after two crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people. After the second crash, investigators found that a design flaw contributed to both crashes. Soon, whistleblowers within the FAA and the aviation industry began reaching out to me to share information. As chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees air travel, Ilaunchedan investigation into the concerns being raised. Our 20-month investigation uncovered evidence of undue coziness between regulators and aircraft operators, violations of pilot testing standards, and a failed FAA management culture that punished whistleblowers for voicing safety concerns. I recently published the 101-page investigation report on the Commerce Committee website. FAA Failed to Answer Many Questions During the investigation, our committee received information from 57 whistleblowers with backgrounds in government, academia, and the aviation industry. Unfortunately, the FAA has not cooperated fully with the committee's constitutional oversight. I have sent seven letters to the FAA with 30 specific requests. To date, the FAA has failed to answer more than half. In addition, the FAA has failed to comply with interview requests, allowing only nine FAA employees to interview with the committee out of the 21 that I requested. The evidence we collected revealed inconsistencies, contradictions, and in one case, a possible lack of candor. Although the 737 MAX crashes had initially prompted thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C0B7C968-ACF1-4F69-A3F5-B3143A859A29 | McConnell Applauds President Trump for Signing Crucial Relief Legislation into Law | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | LOUISVILLE, KY U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation being signed into law this evening: I applaud President Trump's decision to get hundreds of billions of dollars of crucial COVID-19 relief out the door and into the hands of American families as quickly as possible. The bipartisan rescue package that Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration negotiated with the Democrats will extend another major lifeline to workers at struggling small businesses, renew major relief for laid-off Americans, invest billions more in vaccine distribution, send cash directly to households, and more. The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now. I thank the President for signing this relief into law, along with full-year government funding legislation that will continue the rebuilding and modernization of our Armed Forces that his Administration has championed. His leadership has prevented a government shutdown at a time when our nation could not have afforded one. I am glad the American people will receive this much-needed assistance as our nation continues battling this pandemic. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-statement-on-death-of-loyd-phillips | Boozman Statement on Death of Loyd Phillips | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement on the death of Loyd Phillips: There's such a loss at the passing of one of the greatest Arkansas athletes, Loyd Phillips. More importantly, Loyd was as equally gifted as a school administrator who influenced countless young people in such a positive way. Loyd was my boyhood hero as a ferocious football player, and he remained a great example for us all through his work with youth. I truly valued his friendship and will always remember this remarkable unassuming person who accomplished so much. My thoughts and prayers are with Betsy and the rest of his family as we mourn his loss. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-group-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-president-trump-sign-relief-package-or-veto-it | BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL GROUP 908 COALITION TO PRESIDENT TRUMP: SIGN RELIEF PACKAGE OR VETO IT IMMEDIATELY | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) again urged President Trump to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package. Mr. President, we are asking you to please sign the emergency relief bill. This act will show your support for the American people who are in need of emergency lifelines like food, shelter, unemployment benefits and small business relief during these challenging times. However, if your objection to the COVID-19 relief bill will prevent you from signing, please veto it immediately. You've made your position clear and rejecting it quickly will allow those in favor to act before it is too late. Never before in your personal, professional, or political life have you been characterized as a man of inaction. Now is not the time to sit idly by - please do the right thing and sign or veto this bill immediately. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-merry-christmas | Fort Report: Merry Christmas | 2020-12-25 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NE | Jeff Fortenberry | F000449 | fortenberry.house.gov | legacy | Please sign up here to receive my email newsletter or periodic text updates.You may cancel or unsubscribe at any time. * marks required fields of data. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/reflecting-2020 | Reflecting on 2020 | 2020-12-25 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | None of us could have foreseen what 2020 held. It's been a difficult year, filled with unexpected challenges. Yet through it all, I've been so impressed by the resilience of Arkansans and the ways we've come together and supported our communities. That is the beauty of America, and I believe it's why we have reasons to be grateful even after a hard few months. Any attempt to recap this year must first start with a thank you to all our essential workers. Health care professionals, first responders, grocery store clerks, farmers, truck drivers, mail carriers, processing plant workers, and many others you all saved lives, kept our shelves stocked, protected our neighborhoods, and kept showing up for your jobs day after day. Thank you for your faithful service to millions of people throughout the year. Even though the pandemic limited in-person visits, I was still able to meet and visit with many of you via Zoom or other online platforms. It's a blessing to have this technology to still keep us connected! I also traveled around the district over the summer to thank some of the everyday heroes who kept us going during the shutdowns, and I got to hold my annual farm tour where I visited with some of our incredible agriculture workers. Back in D.C., I got to work on some important legislation that directly impacts Arkansas. The Trillion Trees Act, which I introduced in March, will incentivize the use of wood products as carbon sequestration devices, as well as plant 1 trillion trees globally by 2050. The Fair Care Act is another significant piece of legislation that I've been working on for several years, and I introduced the second version of the bill in October. It draws on conversations that I've had with many of you, and would give Americans greater choice in their health care decisions at a lower cost. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the same bill in the Senate. As we look forward to 2021, I'm grateful for the promise of a vaccine and hope on the horizon. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season with fr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dunn.house.gov/2020/12/congressman-dunn-supports-the-military-with-veto-override | Congressman Dunn Supports the Military with Veto Override | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | FL | Neal Dunn | D000628 | dunn.house.gov | legacy | PANAMA CITY, FL Today, Representative Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) issued the following statement ahead of a House vote to override the executive veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). On Monday, the House will vote to override the executive veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Following doctors' advice, who are currently treating me for issues related to my existing asthma and a case of pneumonia, I will not be traveling to Washington for that vote as my recovery continues. I fully support the NDAA bill. It is one of the most critical pieces of legislation that Congress must pass each year, supporting our men and women in uniform and the defense of our nation. This year's bill further cements the rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base and secures its missions for decades to come while supporting the future growth of Naval Support Activity Panama City. For these reasons, I would vote to override the veto if conditions allowed me to be present. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2889 | Joyce Issues Statement on COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bills | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OH | Dave Joyce | J000295 | joyce.house.gov | legacy | BAINBRIDGE Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and government funding bills recently passed by Congress: I want to address the misinformation going around about the legislation Congress passed on Monday night.Let's be very clear: Congress passed two independent pieces of legislation, one that provided COVID-19 relief and another that funded the government throughout next year. The Majority had us vote on these two bills at once, which is what confused a lot of people. Rumors that there was foreign aid in the COVID-19 relief bill are false. The only bill that included foreign aid was the annual spending bill, which was requested by the President in his budget ten months ago. The U.S. Constitution lays out the annual process by which we fund our government, a responsibility I take very seriously as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. That's why, since the President released his budget in February, I have worked with my colleagues to hold more than 36 budget and oversight hearings to move that process forward. Unfortunately, election year political games derailed this process significantly, causing a last-minute scramble to ensure the government remained up and running in the middle of a pandemic. That is unacceptable and the American people have every right to be frustrated by it. I know I am. The political games that delayed that government funding bill were the same games that prevented us from providing COVID-19 relief to the American people months ago. It's especially infuriating that it took eight months to pass this additional relief when it was largely similar to the bipartisan plan my colleagues and I on the Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled back in September. Despite this unconscionable delay, the bill we passed on Monday provides $900 billion to support our small businesses, working families and healthcare professionals. Any accusation that this relief bill only included $600 for Americans is a lie. The Am… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/twenty-eight-members-congress-file-amicus-brief-supporting-representative-kellys | Twenty Eight Members of Congress File Amicus Brief Supporting Representative Kelly's Lawsuit Challenging Pennsylvania's Unconstitutional Mail-in Ballot System | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Last night, more than two dozen members of the United States House of Representatives filed an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs inMike Kelly, U.S. Congressman, et al. v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, et al., a case challenging the constitutionality of Pennsylvania's no-excuse mail-in ballot voting system. "I am honored that so many of my colleagues from Pennsylvania and across the country have joined our fight to protect the Pennsylvania Constitution, which states clearly how voters are to cast their votes in the Commonwealth,"said Kelly."If Governor Wolf and the legislature wanted to create another method of voting, they should have amended the PennsylvaniaConstitution, which requires, among other factors, placing the question on the ballot for Pennsylvanians to consent.We're asking the Supreme Court of the United States to hear our case and require the Commonwealth to properly amend the Constitution if they want to create a mail-in voting system for future elections. Read the Amicus Brief Here Members of Congress who signed the amicus brief include Representatives Alex Mooney (R- W.Va.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Fred Keller (R-Pa.), GT Thompson (R-Pa.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Jody Hice (R-Ga.),Dr. John Joyce (R-Pa.), Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Mike Johnson (R- La.), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) and Warren Davison (R-Ohio). Background In this case, Representative Kelly and the other plaintiffsallege that the Pennsylvania Legislature and Governor Wolf violated the Pennsylvania Constitution when they enacted no-excuse mail-in voting, which conflicts with the Constitution's clear delineation of what makes a person eligible to vote by ma… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/a-season-of-hope | A Season of Hope | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | Though we've faced tough years in American history and this one is certainly no different, we have always celebrated Christmas and the meaning of this season. It is a time to thank the Lord for His blessings during the year and a time to remind ourselves we're a nation of Judeo-Christian principles that our founders fought to secure deep in our foundation. Often during the usual hustle and bustle of the season, we forget the true meaning of Christmas that was brought to earth on a holy night over two thousand years ago:the gift of Hopewas given to mankind to save us for all eternity. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Luke 6:38, which says, Give, and it shall be given unto you." The word "give" is active; Jesus is telling us that when we are generous toward those around us, we will in turn reap reward, similar to what is known as the 'Golden Rule.' We have an opportunity every day to do better than the one before, and it is our responsibility to strive to imitate the goodness and love of our Savior toward our neighbors. I can think of no better year in recent memory when we have the distinct opportunity to share the message of hope through our generosity or simply giving of our time, whether virtually or in person. We also look toward this next year filled with the hope of recovery and new growth. While the challenges we face may seem insurmountable,the bond that unites us as Americans will always prevail. To all of our military servicemen and women and their families, thank you for protecting our communities so we can sleep safe at night. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate this season away from home. To our front line workers who will spend these days healing and caring for patients, we thank you for your selflessness. My goal as your Congressman is to represent the 25th District of Texas to the very best of my ability and I look forward to serving you in this next year. I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! In God we trust, Roger Williams Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-urges-president-trump-sign-covid-19-emergency-relief | BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL 908 COALITION URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SIGN COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged the President to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package: As members of the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition,' we urge the President to sign the COVID relief package. The legislation would bring desperately needed help to struggling families, unemployed workers, hard-hit small businesses, an overburdened health care system, stressed schools, and so many others. It would provide robust funding for testing and vaccine distribution at a critical time. By signing the bill, the President would be providing the best possible Christmas gift to the American people. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-covid-19-vaccine-rolls-out | Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccine Rolls Out | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccine Rolls Out With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q:When can Iowans expect to be eligible for immunization? A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended states prioritize health care workers and long-term care residents during the initial rollout of the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization (EUA). It was an emotional and welcome day for Iowa health care providers who were among the first in the nation in mid-December to receive the first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Within the first week more than 2.8 million doses were distributed and more than a half-million shots were given. Operation Warp Speed expects an additional 7.9 million vaccines to be distributed this week. The FDA delivered more good news last week when it gave the green light to a second COVID-19 vaccine made by Moderna. Of course, the one question foremost on the minds of Americans across the country is: When is it my turn? The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued recommendations for rolling out the next phase that would reach roughly 49 million people, about 15 percent of the U.S. population. Individuals who fall into this category include people age 75 years and older and frontline essential workers. The federal advisory panel recommended prioritizing workers employed in sectors essential to the functioning of society who are at substantially higher risk of exposure. That list includes firefighters, police officers, teachers, corrections officers, education staff, daycare workers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. postal service employees, public transit workers and grocery store workers. The panel also announced its recommendation for the group of individuals in the following phase that would reach 129 million people. For this group, it recommended people between ages 65 and 74; people between ages 16 and 64 who have high-risk underlying conditions; and remaining frontline essential workers, including transportation and logistics wo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cardin-praise-establishment-national-memorial-fallen-journalists | Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists December 23, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, President Trump signed into law a companion bill to legislation written by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The new, privately funded memorial will be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and will honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the legislation (H.R. 3465) in the House of Representatives. A free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud President Trump for signing into law our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, said Senator Portman. This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment. The free media, one of the pillars of our nation, is under attack figuratively and literally across America. Too many, including five innocent souls lost in the shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, gave everything they had in defense of democracy, transparency and freedom, said Senator Cardin. This new memorial will honor the lives of those who died reporting the news and supporting the media on behalf of the American people. It will be a steadfast symbol of their sacrifice and the fragility of our democracy. Those who personify the First Amendment rights granted to every citizen have made our nation stronger. The Portman-Cardin bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial (FJM) Foundation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cardin-praise-establishment-national-memorial-fallen-journalists-0 | Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists December 23, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, President Trump signed into law a companion bill to legislation written by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The new, privately funded memorial will be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and will honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the legislation (H.R. 3465) in the House of Representatives. A free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud President Trump for signing into law our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, said Senator Portman. This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment. The free media, one of the pillars of our nation, is under attack figuratively and literally across America. Too many, including five innocent souls lost in the shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, gave everything they had in defense of democracy, transparency and freedom, said Senator Cardin. This new memorial will honor the lives of those who died reporting the news and supporting the media on behalf of the American people. It will be a steadfast symbol of their sacrifice and the fragility of our democracy. Those who personify the First Amendment rights granted to every citizen have made our nation stronger. The Portman-Cardin bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial (FJM) Foundation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403000 | Burgess: Trump granted the Slough familys Christmas wish | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, put out the following statement after President Trump issued a pardon for TX-26 resident Paul Slough. This is a Christmas miracle for the Slough family, said Burgess. Paul, along with three other team members, were sentenced to a mandatory minimum of thirty years in prison after being found guilty of firearms offenses under 18 U.S.C. 924 (c), a statute enacted in the 1980s to reduce violence during the height of the war on drugs. It is unthinkable that civilian contractors, who are required to carry weapons by the U.S. government to protect U.S. personnel overseas, have faced unintended consequences of this statute.In 2007, Paul Slough and his team members, employed as State Department contractors during Operation Iraqi Freedom, were escorting a U.S. diplomatic convoy through Baghdad when an oncoming suspicious vehicle failed to stop. The team opened fire to defend the convoy, unfortunately resulting in 14 Iraqi deaths after engaging in a fire fight. These brave men were sentenced for discharging their firearms under a statute that was never meant to apply to U.S. federal government employees defending Americans overseas. To ensure this never happens again, I introduced legislation to exempt overseas federal contractors from mandatory minimum sentencing requirements under 18 U.S.C. 924(c).I appreciate President Trump for righting this wrong, and I hope that Congress will take up my legislation to ensure this doesn't happen to other Americans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403001 | Burgess introduces legislation to promote U.S. energy leadership | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Burgess introduces legislation to promote U.S. energy leadership Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, introduced the American Nuclear Leadership Commission Act. Consumers are seeking energy sources with lower emissions, and nuclear power must be part of that mix. Right now, America's leadership in civilian nuclear power is being challenged by Russia and China who want to corner the market. Burgess said. This legislation will create a bipartisan commission to examine the future of the civilian nuclear power industry in the United States and investigate the challenges ahead. I believe this commission will shine a spotlight on those challenges and provide the answers necessary to ensure our nation's continued leadership in nuclear energy.Bill Summary: This legislation creates a bipartisan commission within the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the status of the civilian nuclear power industry today and in the future. The bill directs the commission to explore: How a nuclear reactor is brought from development to commercialization Potential market opportunities for advanced reactors The problems of the nuclear fuel cycle from beginning to end The industrial capacity of the US to design and build nuclear reactors The competitiveness of US nuclear reactors in export markets How advanced reactor designed may be able to reduce the cost of nuclear power The environmental benefits of civilian nuclear power What regulations and laws exist that limit the expansion of civilian nuclear power This commission will be chaired by the DOE Secretary, requires evenly split party membership, and would last up to 2 years. Once the commission completes its study, it will provide a report to Congress on its findings and provide policy recommendations to address obstacles to America's nuclear leadership in the 21st Century. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399894 | CJWC Members Celebrate President Trumps Pardons for the Biden Four | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | **For Immediate Release** December 23, 2020 Contact: Lauren McLaughlin Lauren.McLaughlin@mail.house.gov CJWC Members Celebrate President Trump's Pardons for the Biden Four Members of the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus released the following statements in light of the wonderful news of President Trump's pardons for U.S. veterans and former government security contractors Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten and Paul Slough: President Donald J. Trump has delivered the most wonderful Christmas gift in the form of pardons for the members of the Biden Four. These decorated veterans served their country honorably and put themselves in harm's way to defend U.S. diplomats only to be repaid by our government with a corrupted judicial process and prison sentences. I am so thankful that President Trump exercised his superb judgment in granting relief for these menan action that I do not think any other president would have had the political or moral courage to do. To Dustin, Evan, Nick and Paul: I wish you the most blessed and merriest of Christmases as you are reunited with your loved ones. -Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Chairman The Obama Administration, in its zeal to attack America first, railroaded four of our Iraq warriors, Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten, and Paul Slough. Convicted by perjurious witnesses and corrupt prosecutors, they were each granted full pardons by President Donald J. Trump. These decorated veterans will now get to spend Christmas at home with their families. Welcome home boys. -Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ- 4) The Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus advocates for unjustly convicted and confined servicemembers and military contractors who made split second decisions in combat situations and found themselves second guessed by unscrupulous and over-zealous prosecutors. The Biden Four are among the most egregiously maligned and abused of all. They are all military veterans and were serving as Blackwater security teams. Forty-two Blackwater security… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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