home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

One row per release. Full-text search runs over title + body text.

Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

url
Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

288 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "PA" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

party 2

  • Republican 191
  • Democrat 97

year 1

  • 2020 · 288 ✖

state 1

  • PA · 288 ✖

chamber 1

  • Senate · 288 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
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://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://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://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/lamb-statement-following-votes-provide-additional-covid-relief-and-support LAMB STATEMENT FOLLOWING VOTES TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COVID RELIEF AND SUPPORT TROOPS 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Conor Lamb L000588 lamb.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC) Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) issued the following statement regarding his votes for the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act to increase economic impact payments to $2,000 and to override the President's veto of the bipartisan William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6395) Conference Report: You can't get two-thirds of this Congress to agree on much, but tonight we had overwhelming bipartisan votes to increase stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000, and to overturn the President's absurd veto of our bipartisan bill to fund the military and pay our troops. We've asked people to sacrifice a lot this year for the sake of public health jobs, businesses, wages and working hours, time with loved ones. And working families have been forced to wait far too long for their government to provide any support to make those sacrifices just a little bit easier. Mitch McConnell should not make them wait any longer, but he will. We know that about him. The important thing is that we do not and will not accept it. By not adopting his radical, do-nothing view of being a Senator, we got a bill signed into law yesterday. And we aren't done. Visit Lamb's website for more information on the additional legislation Congress passed to address the coronavirus public health crisis, as well as the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6395). ### 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
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-releases-statement-on-covid-relief-legislation Casey Releases Statement on COVID Relief Legislation 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing a statement on the COVID-19 relief legislation: The COVID-19 relief legislation is a bipartisan compromise that will put money in the pockets of working families and invest vital dollars into vaccine deployment. While agreement on this latest COVID-19 relief bill is welcome and long overdue, the legislation is nowhere near what must be done to address the full scope of our Nation's public health and economic crisis. Due to the intransigence of Senate Republicans, this relief bill does not include critically-needed money to state and local governments to prevent service cuts and layoffs of firefighters, law enforcement and local health departments. It also lacks meaningful policies and investments to protect nursing home residents and workers and to allow seniors and people with disabilities to receive needed care at home. I will continue to fight for these measures. When a new Congress convenes in January and President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris are sworn in, we must begin work on bold, robust legislation that will allow America to build back better and provide families a full measure of support. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congress-approves-new-covid-relief-bill Congress Approves New COVID Relief Bill 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Mike Doyle D000482 doyle.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (PA-18) announced that he voted in favor of legislation to provide $900 billion in COVID-related relief to American households and small businesses. The bill, H.R 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act, was approved by the House and Senate last night and sent to the President for his signature. The COVID-19 relief legislation will provide urgently needed help for unemployed Americans and our struggling small businesses, Congressman Doyle said after the vote. This bill will provide a $600 stimulus check to most Americans, for example, and it will extend federal unemployment assistance for 11 more weeks. The COVID relief bill also provides $300 billion in new aid for small mom and pop businesses, and it includes reforms to ensure that aid gets to the small and minority-owned businesses that were all too often left out of the first round of business relief. This bill also provides the funding necessary to purchase and distribute the newly approved vaccines for COVID-19. It also included legislation I negotiated to help eliminate the Digital Divide' that's been highlighted and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation provides less aid than I had hoped and fought for, but it will make a big difference in millions of Americans' lives, Congressman Doyle explained. Taken as a whole, I believe that the compromise reached on COVID relief deserved my support. It's a good down payment on controlling the coronavirus, getting the economy back on track, and putting people back to work. Democrats fought successfully for many policy and spending provisions that were included in H.R. 133, Congressman Doyle added. I believe that it was the best deal possible at this time, it was long overdue, and it contains aid that millions of families and small businesses desperately need. With the enactment of this bill, Congress will have provided more than $4 trillion this year for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused more than 300,000 Am… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-signs-keller-s-bill-honoring-hunts-healing-founder-law President Trump signs Kellers bill honoring Hunts for Healing founder into law 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, President Trump signed into law H.R. 4279, Congressman Keller's bill to designate the Post Office in Laceyville, Pennsylvania, as the Melinda Gene Piccotti Office in honor of the late Mindy Piccotti, an Air Force veteran who founded Hunts for Healing. Started in 2009, Hunts for Healing aims to help wounded soldiers returning from military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and other combat veterans transition back into civilian life by allowing them to experience the joys of hunting, including social interaction and camaraderie. The Hunts for Healing team is completely volunteer based, made up of veterans and community members committed to supporting America's men and women in uniform. On the bill becoming law, Congressman Keller made the following statement: Today is an exciting day for our veteran community, the residents of Laceyville, Mindy's family, and every person whose life has been touched by Mindy's outstanding work. Mindy was a community leader who cared deeply about making sure our wounded veterans had the support they need to recover from and overcome their injuries. Mindy built an organization that continues to grow, making an important impact in our community. I thank President Trump for signing this bill into law and for allowing us to finally give Mindy the recognition she deserves for her lifetime of service. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/kelly-statement-passage-targeted-pandemic-related-economic-relief-americans Kelly Statement on Passage of Targeted Pandemic-Related Economic Relief for Americans 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Mike Kelly K000376 kelly.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed theBipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal, legislation to provide pandemic-related financial relief to workers and small businesses and to fund the federal government through September 30, 2021, the end of Fiscal Year 2021. U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) voted in favor of the legislation and released this statement: "For most of 2020, government lockdowns because of the pandemic have caused economic pain across the nation and our Commonwealth. This bill, while far from perfect, brings targeted economic relief to workers and small businesses. I support the direct payments to individuals and families, the provisions that will allow for the deductibility of Paycheck Protection Program loans, and unemployment insurance supplements, all of which will help western Pennsylvanians weather this economic storm. Additionally, as the COVID-19 vaccine makes its way to communities across America, this bill helps ensure it gets to those most vulnerable. While these measures provide temporary relief, the real solution to our economic and emotional well-being is to open the economy and get people back to work." ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-releases-statement-following-meeting-with-health-and-human-services-secretary-nominee Casey Releases Statement Following Meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Nominee 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing a statement following his meeting with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Xavier Becerra: Our Nation faces a once in a century pandemic which requires a Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) who is committed to the health and well-being of all Americans. After meeting with him and reviewing his record, I am confident that California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is the kind of leader our Nation needs at the Department of Health and Human Services during this challenging time. Xavier Becerra has dedicated his life to public service and at every turn he has fought to expand access to health care and improve the health and well-being of his constituents. As a Congressman, he was instrumental in developing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and as California Attorney General he has been leading the fight to protect the ACA. Attorney General Becerra has been on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 by standing up for California workers' safety on the job. Xavier Becerra's long fight to ensure all Americans have access to health care will continue when he is confirmed as HHS Secretary. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-when-it-comes-to-the-rights-of-workers-and-womens-economic-empowerment-the-united-states-must-lead- Casey: When it Comes to the Rights of Workers and Women’s Economic Empowerment, the United States Must Lead 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Following a request from U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on women's rights and economic participation in trade preference programs. The GAO report highlights the lack of requirements for Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to monitor or report on women's economic participation and rights. The report, titled Observations On Whether Women's Rights and Economic Interests Are Protected or Promoted by U.S. Trade Preference Programs, reviewed ten years of agency reports, finding only episodic coverage of issues related to the rights of women and equal protection in trade programs. Around the world, women disproportionately face barriers to equal protection and economic participation, including legal barriers to work, restrictions on property ownership, restricted educational opportunities, wage discrimination and violence and harassment in the workplace. GAO's review of indicators related to women's rights and economic participation shows that beneficiary country performance on these measures varies widely. Key GAO Findings: 1. U.S. trade preference program statutes do not include provisions specifically promoting women's rights and economic interests. 2. U.S. agencies are not required to monitor or report on women's rights and economic interests with respect to trade programs. 3. GAO's review of 10 years of agency reports found only episodic coverage of issues pertaining to the rights of women and equal protection in trade programs. 4. Beneficiary country performance on indicators related to women's rights and economic participation varies widely. When it comes to the rights of workers and women, the United States should be a leader. Our trade laws should support women's full economic participation globally. Firms and countries should not be able to use discrimination, in any form, as a trade advantage, said Senator Casey. It is clear from this report that we have a long way … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-statement-on-coronavirus-relief-and-government-funding-0 Cartwright Statement on Coronavirus Relief and Government Funding Compromise 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) made the following statement ahead of consideration of a bipartisan House-Senate compromise coronavirus relief and government funding bill, on which he will vote to pass on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. The vote is expected later today. Seven months after the House passed the Heroes Act coronavirus relief bill that prioritized frontline workers, families, small businesses and older Americans, we have a negotiated agreement that falls short in many ways. But House negotiators fought for and won important battles to make sure aid reaches people who are struggling, and big corporations can be held accountable for keeping people safe. When Senate Leader Mitch McConnell was finally ready to end his self-described pause on relief', he then tried for months to block another round of direct payments, enhanced unemployment insurance, rental assistance, food aid and more. His main priority was to give corporations a pass even if they blatantly put the health and safety of their employees and customers at risk. That will not be forgotten, but the House succeeded in providing relief that puts people over corporate profits. In addition to stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment, rental assistance to help landlords and tenants, and food aid, this compromise also includes priorities For The People like funds for equitable vaccine distribution, relief for our smallest businesses, investments in broadband in rural places, education and child care support, and my bill to help schools modernize their ventilation systems. There is no question that many of the lifelines in this bill needed to be stronger, and more needed to be done to ensure we can continue to keep our police officers, first responders, teachers and other public employees on payroll. However imperfect this compromise is, our constituents cannot wait any longer for us to act. It is time for us to come together to fund the government for the next fiscal year and deliver long overdue aid to th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-votes-no-massive-year-end-spending-bill Congressman Fred Keller votes no on massive year-end spending bill 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) released the following statement after voting against the $2.3 trillion year-end spending package, which combined government funding with COVID-relief legislation and passed the House by a vote of 359-53: Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement in response to the vote: Since the start of the pandemic, I have advocated for targeted relief for American families, workers, and small businesses that is focused on getting Americans back to work. The best stimulus is a job, and Congress should advance policies that will allow our economy to recover and create family-sustaining jobs for Pennsylvanians. While this legislative package includes measures I have worked hard to advance, such as extending and improving the Paycheck Protection Program, it also spends well beyond our nation's means, lacks critical protections for small businesses, healthcare providers, and educators, and continues policies that will make it harder to achieve sustained economic recovery. Based on conversations with small businesses and workers across Pennsylvania's 12th District, I have advocated for an extension of the PPP and allowing businesses to deduct PPP expenses. The PPP has been a tremendous success keeping Americans employed and our small businesses operational by providing forgivable loans. These provisions will allow struggling small businesses and their workers to continue to access critical resources. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrat majority blocked efforts to pass a clean extension of the PPP more than 40 times since the program expired in August. For months, Speaker Pelosi passed messaging bills, using the pandemic as a political bargaining chip. COVID relief must stand on its own and be narrowly targeted to the hardest hit industries and those who need it the most. The only way we will see sustained economic recovery is by supporting relief that gets Americans back to work. Unfortunately, this bill saddles our children and grandchildren w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/lamb-statement-following-passage-coronavirus-relief-package LAMB STATEMENT FOLLOWING PASSAGE OF CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Conor Lamb L000588 lamb.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC) Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) issued the following statement after passage of the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Package (H.R. 133), which includes a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill: Too many families were stretched too thin for far too long this year. Our constituents have demanded over and over again that we set politics aside and just meet basic needs for cash and food. Finally, we are doing that in this bill, which is a credit to pragmatists in both parties who simply did not give up. We must do more in the new year without delay, but for now, the extra unemployment assistance, cash payments, and small business aid are a step in the right direction, and a reason to continue believing that our government can work if we just put the country first. Visit Lamb's website for more information on the additional legislation Congress has passed to address the coronavirus public health crisis. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@repmgs/constituent-success-stories-housing-d4ada0a4dfab?source=rss-c2708a5a087------2 Constituent Success Stories: Housing 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Mary Scanlon S001205 medium.com     legacy This year has been filled with uncertainty and economic hardship. During these difficult times, I want you to know our office is just a phone call away to assist you. While my team and I have been working around the clock to secure resources, send updates, and work on important pieces of legislation, our office remains committed to doing what we can to resolve any challenges that arise for our constituents, especially those concerning federal agencies. I'd like to share with you a few ways we can help you navigate one of these challengesHousing. Right here in PA-05, there are thousands of our neighbors only one unexpected expense away from being unable to make rent. This public health crisis and the resulting financial crisis have only made it worse, illuminating many inequities in our country, particularly in the areas of housing, health, and economic security. Housing is foundational to economic security and I remain committed to doing everything I can at the federal level to keep people in their homes. I want to share with you a few ways our office has helped constituents secure housing: Sylvia is a 100-year-old constituent who was on the verge of getting evicted from her assisted living community. She had spent most of her savings on the assisted living facility and was quickly running out of money. Her daughter, Kathy, had spent years trying to file a claim with the VA for spousal benefits but was denied. Not understanding why the claim was being denied, she reached out to the Delco VA but was met with more roadblocks They had lost her paperwork. Frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed, Kathy reached out to our office for help. Our casework team was able to locate and review their denial letter. We soon got to the bottom of what was missing that resulted in the denial and contacted the VA immediately. We worked with numerous VA departments to make sure proper documentation was submitted and requested the case to be immediately expedited due to her age. In a little over a month, she was awarded back pay of ove… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@repmgs/constituent-success-stories-were-here-to-help-you-9cb5ee92432?source=rss-c2708a5a087------2 Constituent Success Stories: Were Here to Help You 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Mary Scanlon S001205 medium.com     legacy While my team and I have been working around the clock to secure resources, send updates, and work on important pieces of legislation, our office remains committed to doing what we can to resolve any challenges that arise for our constituents, especially those concerning federal agencies. I'd like to share with you a few ways we can help you navigate what challenges you might be having: Steve reached out to us after not receiving the tax refund he was due. He was struggling to get answers from the IRS due to certain department closures. We reached out to the IRS on his behalf and began communicating with a taxpayer advocate on his behalf. Since the errors resolutions department was closed for several months, we kept in contact with the taxpayer advocate, keeping Steve updated about the timeline of his refund every step of the way. When we were finally able to get him his refund, he received over $16,000 plus his accrued interest from the period it was withheld. Dr. Williams is a constituent who had recently received a grant to research Alzheimer's at a local university. Just before the pandemic, she went on a trip overseas to visit her mother. While abroad, the virus took hold of the world and many countries began restricting travel. In the country she was visiting, the consulate notified her that they would not be honoring the specific visa she was visiting with. The research grant Dr. Williams had received was under a very strict timeline and being stranded overseas would lead to wasted valuable research time. We were able to get a hold of the consulate and worked with them to resolve the visa issue and get her home asap so she could continue her research. We are committed to doing all we can to meet the needs of our constituents during this challenging time. If you need help with a federal agency, please call 6106262020. You will be connected, via phone, to a constituent services representative who will assist you. *Steve and Dr. Williams are pseudonyms given to protect the anonymity of these constituents. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/incoming-house-ag-committee-ranking-member-outlines-top-priorities Incoming House Ag Committee Ranking Member Outlines Top Priorities 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Congressman Glenn GT Thompson, GOP Leader Elect of the House Ag Committee, says his number one priority is building resiliency within the ag food supply chain. We've all witnessed the disruptions as a result of the coronavirus, he says. I'm excited that we're talking on the week where the first vaccines are already being delivered around the country and being received but we have a few months here yet that we still will have to deal with some of the impacts of the coronavirus and I think building resiliency within the ag industry has to be a priority for us. He tells Brownfield building new markets for agricultural products is another priority. Whether that's domestic markets through innovative approaches for use of our farm commodities or expanding our foreign markets, he says. We've seen some good signs from USMCA and certainly the China trade deal. Other priorities include improving broadband connectivity and supporting farmers and ag practices that address conservation needs and climate issues. The Pennsylvania Republican says it is a privilege and honor to have been selected by his colleagues to serve as Ranking Member of the 117thCongress. The new Congress will convene on January 3. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-receiving-the-covid-19-vaccine Casey Statement on Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine 2020-12-20 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has received the COVID-19 vaccine: Our Nation now has a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19, which has already claimed the lives of more than 300,000 Americans. Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician for the United States Congress and Supreme Court, recently issued a recommendation that all members of Congress receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which arrived at the Capitol this week in order to ensure continuity of government. This morning, I received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. I will receive my second dose in approximately three weeks. I encourage all Americans, in consultation with their doctor, to get the vaccine when it becomes available to them. I will continue to press the Administration to work to ensure that all Americans can receive the vaccine in a timely manner and insist that vaccines be distributed in an equitable fashion, particularly at nursing homes where residents and workers face an acute threat from the virus. The Food and Drug Administration granted an Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on December 12, 2020. The Office of the Attending Physician was notified this week by the National Security Council that consistent with Presidential Policy Directive 40 (PPD-40) (2016), Congress and the Supreme Court, along with Executive Branch agencies, will be provided with a specific number of these COVID-19 vaccine doses to meet long-standing requirements for continuity of government operations. These requirements are focused on essential operations and personnel. PPD-40 establishes continuity requirements for the Federal Government and states that continuity actions for the Executive Branch should be undertaken in parallel with the Legislative and Judicial branches of government. The small number of COVID-19 vaccine doses being provided reflects a fraction of the first tranche of vaccines being distributed throughout the country. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-releases-statement-following-meeting-with-agriculture-secretary-nominee Casey Releases Statement Following Meeting with Agriculture Secretary Nominee 2020-12-19 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing a statement following his meeting with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack: The pandemic and ensuing economic crisis have caused millions of children and their families to go hungry. Our farmers have faced significant market disruptions as well as the devastating effects of climate change. Given his experience and vision, I know that Tom Vilsack will make food security one of USDA's top priorities and ensure that farmers have the tools they need to play a critical role in protecting natural resources and addressing the climate crisis. I had the opportunity to virtually meet with Secretary Vilsack on Friday and we discussed the work that needs to be done to deliver relief for families and farmers in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. He is committed to leading a diverse team at USDA and addressing the racial inequities in our food and agriculture system. At a time of national crisis, Tom Vilsack brings with him to USDA his eight years of prior experience as Secretary of Agriculture under President Obama, as well as first-hand, intricate knowledge of the department that will allow him to be effective on day one. I look forward to supporting his nomination. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-bill-inspired-by-pittsburgh-family-to-strengthen-investigations-into-sudden-unexpected-infant-and-child-deaths-passes-senate-goes-to-president-for-signature Casey Bill, Inspired by Pittsburgh Family, to Strengthen Investigations Into Sudden Unexpected Infant and Child Deaths Passes Senate, Goes to President for Signature 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that his bipartisan legislation to strengthen efforts to investigate and collect information when a young infant or child dies, the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, has passed the U.S. Senate. This bill would help combat Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood by providing grants to help states, municipalities and nonprofits improve data collection and death scene investigations related to unexpected infant and child deaths. The bill would also help promote safe sleep practices for children and support local efforts to conduct infant and child death reviews. With its passage in the Senate, the legislation will go to President Trump for his signature. Scarlett's Sunshine is named after a little girl who was lost to Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood, said Senator Casey. We must do more to understand why certain infants and young children have died unexpectedly, and to learn what is causing these deaths. I introduced the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act to help increase our understanding of the causes of unexplained infant and child deaths and to help us develop new tools to prevent and reduce such deaths in the future. I am pleased that Congress has passed the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act and I look forward to seeing its passage into law. On January 8th, 2017, our lives were shattered when our beautiful, healthy, thriving 16-month-old daughter, Scarlett Lillian Pauley, went to sleep and never woke up. And we do not know why," said Stephanie Zarecky and Ryan Pauley. "Losing a child is the single greatest pain we could ever imagine and living without answers magnifies the tragedy exponentially. We try every day to spread Scarlett's Sunshine, allowing her memory to shine on and bring light to unexplained death in childhood, the medical mystery that took her from us. We thank Senator Casey for his leadership on Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act in hon… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/intermediate-unit-be-given-head-start-grant Intermediate unit to be given Head Start grant 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy McVEYTOWN Rep. Fred Keller, whose 12th District encompasses all of Mifflin, Juniata, Snyder and Perry counties, has announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded a grant to Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 in Mifflin County. A Head Start grant in the amount of $839,202 will be administered by HHS to TIU 11 to support comprehensive childhood development and better meet the needs of area children and families in need. On the awarding of the grants, Keller made the following statement: Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 is an outstanding service agency dedicated to bettering children's lives and providing them with the education and tools necessary for future success. I am confident that this grant will go a long way to support their important mission. I commend HHS for continuing to connect our community with federal resources that to improve the lives of those living in our region. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keller-participates-hearing-america-s-opioid-epidemic Congressman Keller participates in hearing on Americas opioid epidemic 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) participated in a hearing of the House Oversight and Reform Committee focusing on the role of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family in the opioid epidemic. During his remarks, Congressman Keller highlighted the importance of holding companies like Purdue Pharma accountable for engaging in deceptive tactics that ultimately worsened America's opioid epidemic. Congressman Keller noted that Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family significantly downplayed the addictiveness and other effects of OxyContin to the American people when the drug was first marketed. Starting in 1996, Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family marketed OxyContina drug at the forefront of our nation's opioid epidemicas having much lower addiction risk to patients, which sharply contrasts with the reality that this drug has cost lives and torn families apart, Keller said. Congressman Keller asked Dr. Craig Landau, President and CEO of Purdue Pharma, what his company is doing to educate patients and providers about the dangers of overprescribing opioids. We are supporting a tremendous amount of education through third party resources to bring to the surface important information relating to the prescription of opioidstheir safe storage and disposaland the consequences of addiction with an emphasis on school children to prevent them from initial exposure which can have devastating consequences, Dr. Landau said. In a follow-up question about ensuring accountability in the future, Congressman Keller asked Dr. Landau how he would recommend Congress work with the pharmaceutical industry to prevent opioid addiction. What I would recommend is to make training for prescribing opioids mandatory, Dr. Landau said. I would also suggest that efforts be made to require that all the medicines within this classcontrolled release and immediate release opioidshave barriers introduced to make them less attractive as drugs of abuse. Addiction is a tougher issue. It's a complex medical condition with various contributing fac… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/lamb-leads-bipartisan-effort-address-k-12-testing-during-covid-19 LAMB LEADS BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO ADDRESS K-12 TESTING DURING COVID-19 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Conor Lamb L000588 lamb.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC) Today, Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) led a bipartisan coalition of Members in a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos regarding standardized testing during the coronavirus public health crisis. The letter urges the U.S. Department of Education to provide clarity, guidance and support to K-12 schools as they navigate decisions around student assessments. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have endorsed the letter. Since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, our offices have heard from students, families, teachers, and school leaders who are concerned by COVID-19's disruption of student learning and effect on student learning outcomes, the lawmakers wrote. Many schools in the Commonwealth and other states are providing virtual-only or hybrid learning, and unfortunately, in most cases school leaders have been unable to identify when it will be safe for fully in-person learning to resume. We are committed to our students and understand that their futures rely on a high-quality education, which benefits from the close monitoring of students' learning through assessment. However, we are concerned about the challenges schools face in implementing federally required annual assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter asks the Department of Education to provide clarity about: Whether a waiver process similar to last year's will be considered this year; If the Department will provide flexibility in assessment design as states may need to make changes to how they assess students because of COVID-19; and What kind of guidance and support schools can expect from the Department on matters of testing and assessment during COVID-19. School districts across Pennsylvania are facing and overcoming unprecedented challenges to ensure their students are safe and learning during the pandemic. While assessments are a critical piece in helping our students stay on track, we know things will continue to look different through the spring. W… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-thompson-optimistic-covid-relief-will-be-passed-soon Congressman Thompson Optimistic COVID Relief Will Be Passed Soon 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Congressman Glenn GT Thompson, incoming GOP leader of the House Ag Committee, says it's critical that lawmakers pass a coronavirus relief bill soon. Our farmers and ranchers are still needing assistance and so are our agriculture businesses, he says. That's why it's so important that, if not within days, within the week that we pass a COVID-19 relief act that offers support to farmers and ranchers and neighbors in need that are struggling from a nutritional perspective. He tells Brownfield he is optimisticI'm planning on sticking around through the weekend and I'm hoping we'll get this done. Leadership on both sides of the aisle are looking at tying the next covid relief package in with the federal funding. The Pennsylvania Republican was elected by his colleagues to serve as Ranking member of the House A Committee in the 117thCongress. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-ernst-introduce-legislation-to-seal-low-level-nonviolent-criminal-records Casey, Ernst Introduce Legislation to Seal Low-Level, Nonviolent Criminal Records 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) are introducing the Clean Slate Act to give more than 70 million Americans, with nonviolent criminal records, a second chance to fully participate in society. This bipartisan legislation would remove major barriers for many Americans in finding employment, securing housing and accessing education by automatically sealing the federal records of individuals convicted or arrested for simple drug possession. More than 1 in 3 adults have some form of a criminal record, keeping them from participating in many facets of everyday life as nearly nine in ten employers, four in five landlords and three in five colleges utilize background checks to screen applicants. Automated record sealing is a critical step in the ongoing fight for criminal justice reform. Too many Americans are not given a second chance at life because they are burdened by criminal records for nonviolent convictions or arrests that did not result in a conviction. With nearly half of U.S. children having at least one parent with a criminal record, automatically sealing these records helps us invest in our Nation's future by ensuring millions of parents with minor criminal histories, and their families, aren't prohibited from achieving a successful life, said Senator Casey. Those who have been charged with low-level, nonviolent misdemeanors oftentimes face significant barriers to employment, housing, and other necessities, even after they've paid their debt to society. This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense criminal justice reform to give these individuals a second chance, while keeping our communities safe, said Senator Ernst. Many states have ways to either seal or expunge some types of criminal records, but there is a considerable gap between those eligible to apply for clearance and those who actually complete the process. The Clean Slate Act aims to reduce this gap by automatically sealing federal arrest records for individuals not convicted and records for individuals con… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-applauds-616054-research-grant-awarded-to-university-of Cartwright Applauds $616,054 Research Grant Awarded to University of Scranton Professor 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Scranton, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) applauded a National Science Foundation (NSF) $616,054 federal grant awarded to a University of Scranton professor to fund an atmospheric research project. Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at The University of Scranton, was awarded the CAREER grant, a highly competitive award. NSF CAREER grant is a special funding program that is only available to early-career, tenure track faculty members and must include tightly integrated research and education components. Dr. Frissell's research will build on his previous studies of how space weather events affect the communications and GPS technologies that Americans rely on every day. The funding supports two research assistants at Scranton who will conduct data analysis and run models and code implementation using a new server that the grant will also fund. America's leadership in technology is due in large part to the work that goes on in places like the University of Scranton, said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.This kind of research not only moves us forward on innovation, the students who take part in it can then become part of a highly skilled workforce that attracts space and technology businesses to our area. I applaud Dr. Frissell and the University of Scranton for their pioneering work. In Congress, I will continue to support National Science Foundation initiatives that lift up Northeastern Pennsylvania's best minds. I am excited about the opportunities this grant gives for scientific discovery, engineering development, and the education and training of future technological leaders of America. This grant will bring new cutting-edge research to the University of Scranton while furthering America's ability to lead in the fields of space science, space weather, climate, and communications, said Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at The University of Scranton. The Nationa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/republican-members-oversight-and-reform-commission-demand-emergency-hearing-about Republican members of Oversight and Reform Commission demand emergency hearing about online censorship 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-Pa.) has joined his colleagues from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in demanding that Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) hold an emergency hearing about online censorship in light of the news that Hunter Biden's business dealings are under federal investigation. House Oversight Republicans claim that a New York Post article regarding Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings was censored by Facebook and Twitter. The committee further expressed concerns of political bias among large tech companies and the silencing of conservative voices and values. Chairwoman Maloney refused to hold a hearing about the issue. Last week, Hunter Biden confirmed that his taxes are indeed under federal investigation. In response, the Oversight Republicans sent a second letter to Chairwoman Maloney demanding an emergency hearing about censorship. On the second letter, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Despite Big Tech's censorship of Americans' free speech in the Hunter Biden cover-up, we now know he is under federal investigation. This level of unchecked censorship is unacceptable and has no place in the United States. I urge Chairwoman Maloney to hold an emergency hearing to hold Big Tech accountable for its clear violations of Americans' free speech. The full text of the letter follows: Dear Madam Chairwoman: On October 15, 2020, we requested you hold an emergency hearing on Big Tech's repeated efforts to interfere in the 2020 election. At that timejust days before the November 3, 2020 presidential electionFacebook and Twitter censored a news article about Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, regarding his Ukrainian business dealings while his father was Vice President.These Big Tech companies both limited and/or denied distribution of the New York Post's report, and Twitter locked the New York Post's account. Last week, both Hunter Biden and the Biden-Harris Transition Team acknowledged Hunter Biden is under federal investigation for his tax affairs. Reporting … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-announces-2020-congressional-app-challenge-winner Congressman Fred Keller announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge winner 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) today announced that Loyalsock Township High School junior Hibah Khan has been selected as the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for Pennsylvania's 12th District. The Congressional App Challenge is designed to engage student creativity and encourage participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. The Congressional App Challenge is sponsored by the Internet Education Foundation (IEF), which assists offices in hosting the challenges in their individual districts. Khan created a web application for a new community group, the Williamsport Youth Organization (WYO). She built a responsive website using HTML, CSS and JavaScript to inform the community of WYO's mission, activities and partnerships. Khan's winning creation will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle school and high school students in participating districts. Information on the 2021 contest will be announced next spring. On the award, Congressman Keller made the following statement: Congratulations to Ms. Khan on this wonderful achievement and for using her passion for coding to make a difference in our community. It is my hope that Ms. Khan's success inspires other students to get involved in STEM fields and use their creativity and innovation to solve the problems of tomorrow. I am confident that Ms. Khan will continue to be an active leader in our community, and I have no doubt she will do great things in the future. Thank you to the Internet Education Foundation for sponsoring the Congressional App Challenge and elevating the importance of STEM in our nation. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/lamb-announces-pa-17-winner-2020-congressional-app-challenge LAMB ANNOUNCES PA-17 WINNER OF 2020 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Conor Lamb L000588 lamb.house.gov     legacy (PITTSBURGH, PA) Today, Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) announced that Ananth Kashyap, a student at Fox Chapel Area High School, is the winner of the Congressional App Challenge for Pennsylvania's 17th District for their development of the Covid Scanner app. Lamb hosted the Congressional App Challenge in order to give middle and high school students in PA-17 an opportunity to practice coding and computer science skills. A panel of independent judges from the Pittsburgh region chose the winning app which will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. Health and safety are top of mind for all of us during this public health crisis, and the Covid Scanner app is a smart use of technology in these challenging times, said Lamb. Congratulations to Ananth for winning the Congressional App Challenge. Thanks to all of the talented students who participated and the teachers for encouraging students to pursue and explore STEM skills. Ananth is a sophomore at Fox Chapel Are High School. The Covid Scanner app runs on the iOS system, and asks users who believe they have contracted COVID-19 a set of question about symptoms and underlying health conditions to determine if they are experiencing recognized symptoms of the virus before advising testing and listing local testing sites. The app utilizes data and resources from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in its analysis. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide competition sponsored by the Internet Education Foundation to inspire students to explore STEM, coding and computer science through hands-on practice. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@repmgs/scanlon-helps-pass-bill-to-support-mental-health-treatment-for-incarcerated-individuals-c3a04815be11?source=rss-c2708a5a087------2 Scanlon Helps Pass Bill to Support Mental Health Treatment for Incarcerated Individuals 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Mary Scanlon S001205 medium.com     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Yesterday, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) helped to pass The Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act of 2020, a bipartisan bill led by Representative David Trone (D-MD), which would support mental health treatment for incarcerated individuals. This bill, which unanimously passed the House, was introduced with original co-sponsors Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), and Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), and Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-RI). According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1 in 7 individuals incarcerated in state and federal prisons and 1 in 4 individuals in jails self-reported experiences of serious psychological distress. The Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act would allow for correctional institutions to partner with mental health providers to provide mental health treatment and crisis stabilization for incarcerated individuals and promote warm handoffs to community-based care upon reentry. Far too often, we criminalize mental health challenges in our country, Rep. Scanlon said. This is a small step in breaking that cycle by ensuring people have the resources they need to successfully re-enter society. I am grateful to my colleague, Rep. Trone, for this leadership on this important issue and look forward to this critical piece of legislation becoming law. We are facing a mental health crisis that has only been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, and incarcerated populations are bearing the brunt of it due to the lack of social distancing and safety measures, said Rep. Trone. Every American deserves access to high-quality mental health care, and this bill will help us make this a reality by ensuring that incarcerated individuals can access treatment should they need it. In my time as a district judge, I often handled the cases of reoffenders who were suffering from untreated mental illness or substance abuse, conditions which made it nearly impossible for them to successfully reintegrate i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/top-gop-lawmakers-call-swalwell-be-removed-intelligence-committee Top GOP lawmakers call for Swalwell to be removed from Intelligence Committee 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Top Republicans in the House are calling for Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) to be removed from the Intelligence Committee following reports that he was allegedly targeted by a woman believed to be a Chinese spy. In a letter sent Tuesday to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the lawmakers, including House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (Wyo.), said Swalwell's contacts posed a national security risk. Because of Rep. Swalwell's position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, his close interactions with Chinese intelligence services, however unintentional they may be, are an unacceptable national security risk, they wrote. It said the panel handles some of the most sensitive information our government possesses," and that as a result Swalwell should be removed from his position. Axios first reported that Swalwell had been targeted by an alleged Chinese Ministry of State Security operative named Christine Fang, who also goes by Fang Fang. The woman, according to the report, helped Swalwell's fundraising during his 2014 reelection campaign and she also helped place an unpaid intern inside his office. The Republicans drew a parallel to Democratic calls for former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after he met with a Russian ambassador without alerting Congress. The lawmakers said that Swalwell should be held to the same standard as Sessions, arguing that his interactions with the Chinese agent were more dangerous. Rep. Swalwell withheld information for five years from the House Intelligence Committee about an ongoing Chinese espionage operation targeted at him and his own colleagues, they wrote. Obviously, Rep. Swalwell's interactions with a Chinese spy were more dangerous and unusual than AG Sessions' meetings with a Russian diplomat. But to make matters worse, Rep. Swalwell kept this information to himself while repeatedly using his position on [the Intelligence Committee] to peddle damaging and baseless conspiracies about President Donald Tru… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-announces-head-start-grant-tuscarora-intermediate-unit Congressman Fred Keller announces Head Start grant to Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a grant to Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 in Mifflin County. A Head Start grant in the amount of $839,202 will be administered by HHS to Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 to support comprehensive childhood development and better meet the needs of area children and families in need. On the awarding of the grants, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 is an outstanding service agency dedicated to bettering children's lives and providing them with the education and tools necessary for future success. I am confident that this grant will go a long way to support their important mission. I commend HHS for continuing to connect our community with federal resources that to improve the lives of those living in our region. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keller-oversight-republicans-renew-call-emergency-hearing-big-tech Congressman Keller, Oversight Republicans renew call for emergency hearing on Big Tech censorship 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today joined his colleagues from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in demanding Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) hold an emergency hearing on Big Tech censorship, in light of the news that Hunter Biden is under federal investigation. In October, House Oversight Republicans called for an emergency hearing after a New York Post articlehighlighting Hunter Biden's foreign business dealingswas censored by Facebook and Twitter, raising significant concerns of political bias and the silencing of conservative voices and values by Big Tech companies. Chairwoman Maloney refused to hold a hearing. Last week, Hunter Biden confirmed that he is under federal investigation regarding his taxes, prompting Oversight Republicans to send a second letter to Chairwoman Maloney demanding an emergency hearing to hold Big Tech accountable for suppressing free speech and censoring conservative voices. On the second letter, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Despite Big Tech's censorship of Americans' free speech in the Hunter Biden cover-up, we now know he is under federal investigation. This level of unchecked censorship is unacceptable and has no place in the United States. I urge Chairwoman Maloney to hold an emergency hearing to hold Big Tech accountable for its clear violations of Americans' free speech. Full text of that letter can be found below. Dear Madam Chairwoman: On October 15, 2020, we requested you hold an emergency hearing on Big Tech's repeated efforts to interfere in the 2020 election.[1] At that timejust days before the November 3, 2020 presidential electionFacebook and Twitter censored a news article about Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, regarding his Ukrainian business dealings while his father was Vice President.[2] These Big Tech companies both limited and/or denied distribution of the New York Post's report, and Twitter locked the New York Post's account.[3] Last week, both Hunter Biden and the Biden-Harris Transition Team a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/lamb-bill-help-medal-honor-spouses-and-families-headed-president-s-desk LAMB BILL TO HELP MEDAL OF HONOR SPOUSES AND FAMILIES HEADED TO PRESIDENTS DESK 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Conor Lamb L000588 lamb.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC) Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate amendment to the bipartisan Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (H.R. 7105) to increase access to health care and services for women veterans, provide for training opportunities for unemployed veterans, provide assistance for homeless veterans and increase oversight and accountability within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The final legislation includes the Veterans Valuing our Widows and Widowers (VOW) Act (H.R.1826), introduced by Representatives Conor Lamb (PA-17) and Brian Mast (FL-18), which would ensure that the widows and widowers of Medal of Honor recipients receive the same support that was given to the veteran. Spouses and families sacrifice so much in support of our men and women in uniform, said Lamb. We owe the families of our Medal of Honor recipients the financial security their spouse has earned. I look forward to the President signing this commonsense, bipartisan bill into law. Currently, veterans who receive the Medal of Honor are entitled to an additional monthly pension. However, when the recipient passes away the pension stops. The VOW Act would ensure the surviving spouses of the Medal of Honor recipients continue receiving the pension that their spouse was awarded, even if the Medal of Honor is awarded posthumously. The Medal of Honor represents the highest recognition for valor in combat that a member of the Armed Forces can earn. It is awarded very rarely and only to those whose service and sacrifice far exceed the call of duty. H.R. 7105 passed the U.S. Senate with unanimous consent last week and now goes to the President for his signature. Click here to learn more about the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-releases-statement-following-meeting-with-deputy-treasury-secretary-nominee Casey Releases Statement Following Meeting with Deputy Treasury Secretary Nominee 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. -U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing a statement following his meeting with U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary nomineeWally Adeyemo: Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet virtually with Wally Adeyemo, who has been nominated to serve as Deputy Treasury Secretary in President-elect Biden's Administration. I commended Mr. Adeyemo for his service during President Obama's Administration and his willingness to once again serve our Nation during this challenging time. Mr. Adeyemo expressed his desire to ensure that our Treasury Department focuses on the economic needs of working families. I am confident that he will focus his efforts on promoting policies that raise wages for workers and help American families make ends meet. Mr. Adeyemo has the experience and vision to serve as Deputy Treasury Secretary during this economic crisis. He, working together with Janet Yellen, who has been nominated to be Treasury Secretary, will help America build back better. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-releases-statement-following-meeting-with-surgeon-general-nominee Casey Releases Statement Following Meeting with Surgeon General Nominee 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing a statement following his meeting with U.S. Surgeon General nominee Dr. Vivek Murthy: Today, I had the opportunity to virtually meet with Dr. Vivek Murthy, President-elect Biden's nominee to be our Nation's next Surgeon General. During President Obama's Administration, Dr. Murthy was a Surgeon General who worked to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Americans. As our Nation faces its most dire health crisis in more than 100 years, I am grateful to Dr. Murthy for his willingness to serve in this role once again and lend his considerable skills and experience to the incoming Biden Administration. If confirmed, I am confident that he will play a critical role in helping to lead our Nation through the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge stronger. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-releases-statement-following-meeting-with-treasury-secretary-nominee Casey Releases Statement Following Meeting with Treasury Secretary Nominee 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing a statement following his meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen: On Friday, I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet virtually with the Treasury Secretary nominee, Janet Yellen. I thanked Chair Yellen for her lifetime of public service and her willingness to once again work on behalf of our Nation and its families during this difficult time. We discussed Chair Yellen's vision for the Treasury Department in President-elect Biden's Administration and how she will work to ensure our Nation builds back better. Janet Yellen has the experience and vision to ensure the Treasury Department is at the forefront of the fight for working families. If confirmed, I am confident she will once again serve the Nation with distinction. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-urges-house-and-senate-leaders-to-forge-covid-19-relief Cartwright Urges House and Senate Leaders to Forge COVID-19 Relief Compromise 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Scranton, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) sent a letter to Democratic and Republican leaders in both parties urging them to reach a bipartisan deal that provides urgently needed economic relief for Northeastern Pennsylvanians, as the Pennsylvania state government issued new restrictions intended to mitigate the latest surge of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. As time runs short for a bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal to come together before the remaining CARES Act programs expire, I wish to express the urgency of putting aside our differences and coming together to provide relief for all Americans who desperately need us to act. We need to find common ground and pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill immediately, Cartwright writes in the letter. Cartwright outlined the concerns of some of the constituents have raised with him since many of the CARES Act relief programs expired. While the vaccine offers hope, he pointed out that the latest coronavirus surge still threatens lives and livelihoods. The emergency authorization and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine is reason for hope that this public health and economic crisis will soon be behind us. However, we are experiencing by far the worst COVID-19 surge our nation has endured since the outbreak began, and the trendlines are looking worse, He wrote. He added that economic support is critical in light of the new business and travel restrictions implemented by the state government over the weekend. In my home state of Pennsylvania, new lockdowns have been imposed to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and to ensure those who contract the disease can be treated in a hospital if necessary. While these painful measures are needed, they are untenable without robust economic support to protect families, jobs and businesses, Cartwright wrote. Read the full letter below or HERE. Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell, and Leader Schumer: As time runs short for a bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal to come together before the remaining CAR… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/injured-usp-allenwood-corrections-officer-released-hospital Injured USP Allenwood corrections officer released from hospital 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Danville, Pa. A corrections officer at the United States Penitentiary at Allenwood who was injured last week during an assault by an inmate has been released from the hospital. A spokesperson at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville confirmed Dale Franquet Jr., 51, was discharged on Sunday. Franquet Jr. was transported to the hospital on Monday, December 7, after an inmate assaulted him and another staff member. The inmate reportedly stabbed Franquet Jr. in the eye with a shank. Franquet Jr. underwent surgery on Wednesday to remove his right eye. The federal Bureau of Prisons did not release the identity of the second staff member, but The Daily Item reports that corrections officer was Sara Harvey. She reportedly was injured but has since returned to work. Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12), who serves on the federal Bureau of Prisons Reform caucus, said in a media release that Franquet Jr.'s father said he is expected to be fitted with a prosthetic eye within three months. Shane Fausey, the national president of the Council of Prison Locals and an employee at Allenwood prison complex, said the assaults are a stark reminder of the unpredictable and violent nature of the vital work the Bureau of Prisons correctional professionals do every day, according to Keller's release. Details regarding the attack are not being released pending an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Franquet Jr.'s brother, Jeffrey Franquet, of New Jersey, and his sister, Corie Kline, started a Go Fund Me campaign. The pair stated on the campaign page that the inmate who assaulted their brother was serving a sentence for terrorism. The Go Fund Me, which had raised more than $29,000 by Monday afternoon, is to help support Franquet Jr.'s family including his two daughters during a time of financial distress. Unfortunately, our brother will have to learn a whole new way of life and a whole new normal. Doing the simplest of task will be a struggle until Dale adjusts to this new way of life, Franquet and Kline wrote in the campaign… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-wild-bill-would-ensure-that-emergency-preparedness-protocols-in-schools-include-needs-of-students-with-disabilities Casey, Wild Bill Would Ensure that Emergency Preparedness Protocols in Schools Include Needs of Students with Disabilities 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is introducing the Promoting Responsible Emergency Protocols (PREP) for all Students Act to keep all students safe when extreme weather strikes or on-campus violence occurs. During the 2017-2018 school year, 16 to 18 percent of children had a disability or developmental delay. As natural disasters such as flooding and wildfires rise in the United States and on-campus violence spikes, safety recommendations for schools and child care settings must evolve to integrate the needs of young children and youth with disabilities. The PREP for all Students Act would ensure that public schools, early child care education centers and institutions of higher education have the tools they need to develop inclusive emergency preparedness protocols. U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-7) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. No student should feel unsafe or unprotected in a learning environment, said Senator Casey. We must do more to meet the needs of all children and youth, regardless of age, developmental stage and ability. The PREP for all Students Act would ensure that young children and students with disabilities are not left out of emergency preparedness and would support schools and child care centers by providing the resources they need to keep young people safe. All too often, emergency protocols are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach not properly accounting for the unique needs of persons with disabilities, mental health needs, or young children, said Congresswoman Wild. As natural disasters and on-campus violence continue to rise, every level of schooling from child care centers to institutions of higher education need the resources to be able to develop trauma-informed emergency preparedness plans to protect young students and students with disabilities. I'm proud of this legislation that would ensure students with disabilities and mental health challenges are included in their schools' emergency planning and creates a … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-calls-immediate-small-business-relief Congressman Fred Keller calls for immediate small business relief 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today on the steps of the Capitol, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) joined Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Whip Steve Scalise, Conference Chair Liz Cheney, and other House Republicans for a press conference on the need to immediately extend the Paycheck Protection Program and deliver much needed relief to America's small business, workers, and hardest hit industries. The Paycheck Protection Program expired 124 days ago, yet Speaker Pelosi has yet to take legislative action to reopen this highly effective program, which has served as a lifeline for thousands of small businesses nationwide. In Pennsylvania, more than 73,000 small businesses received PPP loans totaling over $20.7 billion in forgivable loans that helped them keep workers employed. In a video immediately after the press conference, Congressman Keller called on Speaker Pelosi to put partisan politics aside and join House Republicans' effort to reopen the Paycheck Protection Program and deliver the remaining $138 billion in relief to those who need it the most. Here a few excerpts from Congressman Keller's video: H.R. 8265 would provide relief to small businesses and the people who work for them. Speaker Pelosi has admitted that, for political purposes, she's held up relief negotiations, and she's done so more than 40 times. It's time to end the [political] games; it's time to get to work. Let's get this bill done, and let's get relief to the people who need it most. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-responds-gov-wolf-s-latest-shutdown-orders Congressman Fred Keller responds to Gov. Wolfs latest shutdown orders 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. In response to Governor Tom Wolf's latest shutdown order announcement, Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) made the following statement: Since the start of the pandemic, small businesses and workers across Pennsylvania have suffered due to Governor Wolf's chronic mismanagement and heavy-handed shutdown mandates. Now, two weeks before Christmas, the governor is once again taking unilateral action that will further devastate our economy and threaten the livelihoods of countless Pennsylvanians simply trying to earn a living. To put it plainly, shutdowns do not work. As with his previous order, the governor's latest shutdown will advantage big box stores, destroy countless small businesses and restaurants, and cause more harm than it solves. Today's announcement shows a stunning lack of confidence in the people of Pennsylvania who have been living and learning through this pandemic for nearly a year. Pennsylvanians are smart, hardworking people capable of following common-sense guidance from healthcare professionals. The last thing Pennsylvania needs are more mandates and a one-size-fits-all shutdown order. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congressman-fred-keller-responds-rise-covid-19-cases-union-county-federal-prisons Congressman Fred Keller responds to rise in COVID-19 cases in Union County federal prisons 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Union County, Pa. As cases of coronavirus continue to rise at federal prisons across the country, Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) released a statement calling the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inadequate in containing outbreaks. The statement was released in conjunction with Andy Kim, (NJ-03), who also has prisons in his district that have experienced outbreaks. Keller's district includes Union County, where federal prisons in Allenwood and Lewisburg previously experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. The coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges for the federal prison system tasked with keeping inmates and correctional officers safe. However, it is clear that the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) COVID-19 response plan has been inadequate in containing outbreaks at a number of facilities across the country. Despite Members of Congress raising the alarm about the spread of the virus under its watch, BOP leadership has failed to effectively respond to growing outbreaks in the federal prison system. Despite the uptick in cases in certain facilities, the BOP continues to transfer inmates between facilities, in many cases transferring COVID-19 positive inmates into new facilities, exposing staff and other personnel to the virus. It is irresponsible to continue to risk exposure through inmate transfers from various parts of the country. We firmly believe that during the coronavirus pandemic, all inmate transfers between BOP facilities should be halted in order to protect the health and well-being of inmates, as well as the thousands of BOP correctional officers across the country. Allenwood United States Penitentiary previously had an outbreak, with 120 inmate and five staff cases reported on the BOP website on Nov. 24. As of Dec. 7, the website shows there are now three inmates who tested positive and 11 staff. A total of 132 inmates and two staff have recovered. Allenwood Medium shows shows 45 current inmates cases and nine staff cases. Allenwood Low shows 20 inmates with active COVID-19 cases and six staff. Related Reading:… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/keller-and-wild-introduce-nurses-care-act Keller and Wild Introduce Nurses CARE Act 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy A pair of Pennsylvania elected officials on opposite sides of the aisle are teaming up for a bipartisan effort to bolster the workforce pipeline for essential healthcare workers. On Monday, Reps. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) introduced the Nurses CARE Act, (H.R. 8874). The bipartisan legislation aims to prevent workforce shortages in long-term care facilities and allow America's essential healthcare workforce to do its important work uninterrupted. According to a press release, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Section 1135 waivers to provide states with greater flexibility to direct personnel and resources to patients in need, in response to COVID-19. Although the release touts this regulatory flexibility as being an essential tool in preventing health care shortages by employing Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to offer care during the pandemic, it is set to expire when the national emergency declaration is lifted. The Nurses CARE ACT works to build on the success of CMS's Section 1135 waivers and provide states with the necessary flexibility to ensure that competent TNAs who provided critical services during the pandemic can retain their certification after the national emergency declaration has expired. The release also adds that this legislation would allow states and facilities to offer on-the-job experience as a partial substitute for certification courses, testing, and other evaluations, thus providing a pathway to full-time employment for TNAs who answered the call during the COVID-19 pandemic and have already received extensive on-the-job training. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about how we deliver health care at nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care centers, Keller said. We need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable populations, like our seniors and those with pre-existing conditions. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that gives American families across our nation the peace of mind that their loved on… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/oppose-section-230-big-tech-censorship Injured corrections officer undergoes surgery to remove damaged eye 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy U.S. Penitentiary at Allenwood corrections officer and Midd-West head wrestling coach Dale Franquet Jr. underwent surgery to remove an eye Wednesday, two days after he was assaulted by an inmate. A second staff member was also injured in the inmate assault at the high-security prison Monday morning but neither the identity nor health condition of the officer were released by the Bureau of Prisons. Dale Franquet Sr., of Orwigsburg, said the surgery to remove his son's injured eye went well at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, according to the younger Franquet's wife, Angela. "There was no damage to the eye socket. In three months he could be fitted with a prosthetic," said Franquet Sr. Shane Fausey, the national president of the Council of Prison Locals and an employee at the Allenwood prison complex, said the assaults "are a stark reminder of the unpredictable and violent nature of the vital work the Bureau of Prisons correctional professionals do every day." While the details of the attacks are not being released pending an FBI investigation, Fausey added that the "quick and decisive actions of both officers, even at the risk of their own personal safety, are nothing short of heroic and resulted in quickly bringing an end to a potentially deadly situation." U.S. Rep. Fred Keller expressed his hope for the injured officers' speedy recovery and echoed Fausey in saying on Twitter that the incident "is a reminder of the challenging job that our corrections officers are tasked with." Franquet Sr. expects his son will rebound quickly. "He's a tough individual and will be stronger for it," he said, recalling how at the age of 16 Dale Jr. wrestled in high school with a broken hand. For several years Franquet Jr. has served as varsity head coach at Midd-West High School. Assistant wrestling coach A.J. Steininger described him as being dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential. "It's going to be tough" starting the wrestling season without Franquet Jr., Steininger said. "He's an integral part of our wre… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/representative-kellys-statement-governor-wolfs-latest-pennsylvania-lockdown Representative Kelly's Statement on Governor Wolf's Latest Pennsylvania Lockdown 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Mike Kelly K000376 kelly.house.gov     legacy Representative Kelly's Statement on Governor Wolf's Latest Pennsylvania Lockdown Dec 10, 2020 Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) released this statement following Governor Tom Wolf's latest lockdown of the Keystone State: "Pennsylvanians have endured the coronavirus pandemic for nearly a year and are fully capable of determining what activities they are comfortableengaging in. Governor Wolf's latest order demonstrates that he does not trust us to make our own decisions. In mandating more business closures, he has guaranteed that more hard-working Pennsylvanians will lose their jobs as additional small businesses will close permanently. This is unacceptable and the governor should lift this lockdown immediately." ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@repmgs/scanlon-garcia-introduce-bill-to-facilitate-voter-registration-in-subsidized-housing-bd30a1e48762?source=rss-c2708a5a087------2 Scanlon, Garcia Introduce Bill to Facilitate Voter Registration in Subsidized Housing 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Mary Scanlon S001205 medium.com     legacy WASHINGTON, DC On December 9, 2020, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) introduced the Our Homes Our Votes Act, a bill that facilitates voter registration for residents of federally subsidized housing by allowing them to register to vote as they sign their lease. The bill has 18 original cosponsors. The provisions of the Our Homes Our Votes Act mirror the popular National Voter Registration Act of 1993 or Motor Voter Law, which allows eligible voters to register to vote directly at the DMV as they obtain or renew their drivers' license. This bill extends the concept to tenants in subsidized housing administered by a public housing authority who, like customers at the DMV, have already had their identity and residence vetted by public authorities. Low-income voter turnout regularly lags higher-income turnout by 20 percentage points, though low-income voters made gains in the last election. The Our Homes Our Votes Act: Allows eligible and interested tenants in subsidized housing administered by a Public Housing Agency (PHA) to register to vote as they sign their lease document without providing duplicate information;Requires PHA's to transmit these voter registration forms to local election authorities in a timely manner;Designates private landlords of subsidized housing as voter registration agents responsible for distributing voter registration forms and helping tenants fill them out if needed. When we make it easier for eligible voters to register and vote, more people are able to make their voices heard and claim their power in our democracy, Congresswoman Scanlon said. This bill builds upon the foundation established by the National Voter Registration Act by expanding voter registration opportunities. If you can register to vote while updating your driver's license, why can't you when signing a lease at a Public Housing Agency? It's just that simple. The best way to achieve our country's promise of one person one vote' is to make it easier for everyone to vote. That'… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-to-introduce-police-overhaul-that-would-reform-the-way-law-enforcement-interacts-with-people-with-disabilities- Casey to Introduce Police Overhaul that Would Reform the Way Law Enforcement Interacts with People with Disabilities 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. As the Nation reckons with the high profile killings of Black Americans at the hands of police officers and growing calls for policy changes to prevent future violence, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is launching the Law Enforcement Education and Accountability for People with Disabilities (LEAD) Initiative, to help bring about racial justice and address the high incidence rate of police violence involving people with disabilities. The LEAD Initiative is comprised of two bills the Safe Interactions Act and the Human-services Emergency Logistic Program (HELP) Act which would reduce calls to 9-1-1 call systems regarding non-criminal emergencies and provide robust training to law enforcement on interacting with people with disabilities, including those experiencing a mental health crisis. The families of Walter Wallace, Jr., Ricardo Munoz and Osaze Osagie needed mental health crisis support and they didn't get it, said Senator Casey. We must take action to ensure that someone's ethnicity or mental ability does not preclude them from receiving protection and fair treatment. My LEAD initiative aims to protect the promise of liberty and justice for all by reforming our emergency systems so that people and police are connected with the resources they need. United Way and the 211 network are deeply grateful to Senator Casey for introducing the HELP Act, said Suzanne McCormick, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. 211 is a vital resource supporting over 95 percent of communities in the U.S. and this expansion of coverage means that more people can get the help they need, particularly those with mental health illnesses and other disabilities. United Way looks forward to working with Senator Casey to expand critical services to the American people during these difficult times. The Washington Post database of police shootings estimates that at least 25 percent of shootings involve a person with a mental health disability. A 2016 Ruderman Foundation report estimated that between one-third and half of 20… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-doyle-ferguson-introduce-pasteur-act-promote-new-antimicrobial Congressmen Doyle & Ferguson introduce PASTEUR Act to promote new antimicrobial drugs 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Mike Doyle D000482 doyle.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA) introduced the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act to encourage the development of critically needed antimicrobials and antibiotics and to ensure their appropriate use and domestic supply. Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent public health threat that requires a comprehensive, bipartisan solution, said Congressman Doyle.Infectious disease experts agree that our next public health crisis could be caused by drug-resistant infections, and we mustn't be caught flat-footed. The PASTEUR Act will help scientists and researchers bring better antimicrobials to the market, and it will help hospitals and doctors ensure these drugs are used properly. The public health, economic, and national security threats of antimicrobial resistance could have serious implications if left unresolved, said Congressman Ferguson. Pandemic preparedness is first and foremost about having the right preventative tools available, and antibiotics are without question one of these key tools. The PASTEUR Act brings together the public and private sectors to research and develop strong and effective antibiotics. This important piece of legislation will safeguard new antibiotic developments and prevent R&D from falling behind. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reportAntibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, and at least 35,000 people die as a result. Unfortunately, financial incentives to develop drugs to treat many of these life-threatening infections are lacking. The PASTEUR Act would address these market failures and increase public health preparedness by keeping novel antibiotics on the market and improving appropriate antibiotic use across the health care system. While current contracts between the government and drug makers base payment on volume, the PASTEUR Act would establ… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/lawmakers-negotiate-possibility-stimulus-checks-next-covid-19-relief-bill Lawmakers negotiate possibility of stimulus checks in next COVID-19 relief bill 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Congress appears to be closer to bringing a COVID-19 relief bill to a vote in the House and Senate, but direct stimulus checks are, so far, absent from the compromise plan. There's continued conversation around direct stimulus checks, which I think is important, Virginia Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger said. Spanberger fears including direct payments in the bill could prevent the plan from crossing the finish line. Finish line means a bill passed through the House and the Senate and signed on the president's desk so that we can ensure that extended unemployment, rent support, and food assistance among other things are delivered to the American people, Spanberger said. Pennsylvania Republican Congressman Fred Keller says another round of $1,000 checks is not the answer. This stimulus payment will run out. Once that's gone, what are they going to do next? Keller said. Keller says instead, Congress needs to focus on jobs. The best stimulus is a job. And what we need to do going forward is support our small businesses and our working families, Keller said. Many Republican lawmakers say the us can't afford another round of direct payments. For every penny that we spend is borrowed, Kentucky Republican Congressman Brett Guthrie said. That's hundreds of billions of dollars borrowed from our children and grandchildren. If stimulus checks are not included in the compromise, some lawmakers say they will work on a standalone bill, although that would be unlikely to pass until after the first of the year. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/reps-keller-and-wild-introduce-nurses-care-act-help-prevent-care-facility-worker Reps. Keller and Wild introduce Nurses CARE Act to help prevent care facility worker shortages 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. On Dec. 7, Congressman Fred Keller (R-Pa.) and Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-Pa.) introduced House Resolution 8874, also called the Nurses CARE Act. The bipartisan proposal would help prevent workforce shortages in long-term care facilities. In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Section 1135 waivers to give states more flexibility to direct personnel and resources to patients in need. The waivers have allowed Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to offer care during the pandemic, but it is set to expire when the national emergency declaration is lifted. The Nurses CARE Act builds on the waivers, providing states with the necessary flexibility to let TNAs who provided critical services retain their certification after the national emergency declaration expires. In addition, states and facilities could offer on-the-job experience as a partial substitute for certification courses, exams, and other evaluations, allowing the aides who stepped up during the crisis a quicker path to full-time employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about how we deliver health care at nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care centers, Keller said. We need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable populations, like our seniors and those with pre-existing conditions. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that gives American families across our nation the peace of mind that their loved ones in long-term care are receiving the care they need to remain safe and healthy. Throughout this entire pandemic, so many have selflessly joined the front lines in our nursing homes and long-term care facilities to get our most vulnerable through this health care crisisand they deserve their work and on-the-job training to be fully recognized, Wild said. I'm proud to join this bipartisan, commonsense effort to help prevent critical health care shortages or gaps in Pennsylvania and ensure those who answered the call in this emergency h… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-house-ag-leaders-push-active-bipartisan-panel New House Ag leaders push for active, bipartisan panel 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy The Georgia Democrat and Pennsylvania Republican poised to take the reins of the House Agriculture Committee next year have shared priorities, including climate policy, but different timelines and approaches. Reps.David Scott, D-Ga.,andGlenn GT Thompson, R-Pa.,were both selected by their respective caucuses as their party's House Ag leaders for the next two years. Scott by virtue of a slim Democratic majority will chair the committee, and Thompson will serve as the panel's top Republican. Both men indicate they wantcommittee members to continue to work in a bipartisan way across regional differences. As I told Speaker Pelosi I have served on the committee when we had Republican chairmen and we had Democratic chairmen, and I've achieved things on that committee underneath both, Scott said in an interview withAgri-Pulse. Agriculture has been and will be a bipartisan committee because we have a history of that; I have a history of that. Our numbers will be as close as ever, Thompson said in a separate conversation withAgri-Pulse. Which I think is going to help us continue to work in the bipartisan way we do in agriculture. The official committee rosters and party splits will be determined at a later date, but the committee's Democratic majority could be as slim as two or three votes. For Scott, the close divide shouldn't slow down anambitious agenda that includes action on climate change, disaster readiness, and of course preparation for the next farm bill. Reflecting a top priority of President-elect Joe Biden, Scott said that climate change has got to be our top priority in this committee. He wants to bring in scientists and other expert witnesses to discuss the subject and help producers navigate the subject, but also to lower the temperature on what can often be a very heated debate. Carbon sequestration, no-till farming, all of these things we've got to be able to have as part of the discussion, Scottsaid. We're going to have to bring that climate change issue away from all of this politicization it is ou… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/inmate-transfers-fort-dix-resume-despite-lawmakers-objections-amid-covid Inmate transfers to Fort Dix resume despite lawmakers' objections amid COVID 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy More local lawmakers are joining the call for the federal Bureau of Prisons to halt inmate transfers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Reps. Andy Kim of New Jersey and Rep Fred Keller of Pennsylvania issued a joint statement on Friday calling for the end to all inmate transfers between BOP facilities during the current health crisis. Both Kim and Keller represent districts home to BOP facilities FCI Fort Dix in Kim's third legislative district, and FCI Allenwood in Keller's 12 legislative district. Despite Members of Congress raising the alarm about the spread of the virus under its watch, BOP leadership has failed to effectively respond to growing outbreaks in the federal prison system, the statement read. Kim was part of an earlier delegation made up of New Jersey lawmakers who sent a letter to BOP Director Michael Carvajal outlining grave concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak at FCI Fort Dix, and asking BOP to extend a moratorium on inmate transfers to the low-security prison on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The BOP issued at the beginning of November a moratorium on inmate transfers to the prison through Nov. 23 as the number of positive cases at the prison neared 250. BOP officials said Friday the moratorium was not extended. The 3,000 people at FCI Fort Dix live in units of up to 300 people, according to a complaint. FCI Fort Dix is a low-security federal correctional institution with an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. The congressmen were not happy with the decision. It is irresponsible to continue to risk exposure through inmate transfers from various parts of the country. We firmly believe that during the coronavirus pandemic, all inmate transfers between BOP facilities should be halted in order to protect the health and well-being of inmates, as well as the thousands of BOP correctional officers across the country, Kim and Keller's statement read. As of Monday, there are 103 active cases among inmates and 35 active cases among staff members, according to BOP data. BOP reported 266 inmates… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-national-defense-authorization-act-conference-report-fiscal-year HOUSE PASSES NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Conor Lamb L000588 lamb.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC) Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6395) Conference Report to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2021 for the U.S. Department of Defense's (DOD) military activities, in order to ensure the security of the country and the men and women who serve to defend it. In July, H.R. 6395 passed the House (295-125) and S. 4049, the companion version passed the U.S. Senate (86-14). In November, Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17), who serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, was appointed to the conference committee that worked to reconcile the two bills, and reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement. This agreement is scheduled to be voted on in the Senate and head to the President's desk later this week. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report authorizes a three percent pay increase for servicemembers while making key investments to military infrastructure and provides crucial support to training and sustainment activities that enhance military operations. The legislation also authorizes funding that will strengthen the country's ability to respond to potential COVID-19 resurgence and other infectious diseases in the future. In addition, it adds three new diseases to the presumptive list for Agent Orange exposure, calling for increased data collection of toxic exposures for veterans building on the passage of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (H.R. 299). This is a good bill. Congress worked on a bipartisan basis to provide our troops with a much-needed pay raise and give Vietnam era veterans additional health care benefits, said Lamb. I look forward to this legislation getting signed into law as soon as possible to help improve the lives of our servicemembers and veterans across the country. Lamb led three amendments and secured a key provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report, including: An amendment adapted … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-water-resources-development-act-2020 HOUSE PASSES WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Conor Lamb L000588 lamb.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC) Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (S. 1811) to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works mission areas for the next two years, which include projects on: navigation, flood damage reduction, hurricane and storm damage reduction, shoreline protection and ecosystem restoration. A member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) supported the legislation which passed the House with broad bipartisan support. This legislation is a major investment in jobs and infrastructure in my district and across the country, said Lamb. We are prioritizing investment in projects that will help protect the health and safety of all Americans, including clean drinking water and flood mitigation. Lamb fought for multiple provisions which were included in the final legislation. In April, Lamb co-led a bipartisan letter with Representative Brian Babin (TX-36) signed by 78 Members advocating for an adjustment to the cost-share for inland navigation projects. This policy change lays the groundwork for faster repairs to western Pennsylvania's critical locks and dams, and the final legislation ensures the cost-share is maintained for the next decade. Three inland navigation facilities in the Upper Ohio Navigation Project the Emsworth, Dashields, and the Montgomery Locks and Dams are at risk of catastrophic failure. WRDA 2020 is vital to completing these long-overdue repairs and modernization efforts. In an additional letter to Committee leadership, Lamb advocated for raising the funding authorization threshold for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address widespread problems specifically in rural and small communities pertaining to inadequate wastewater treatment, contaminated drinking water, and insufficient water supply. The bill also allows for Beaver County to access these funds for the first time. Click here to learn more about the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 and visit Lamb's website … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-honors-memory-of-wwii-hero-and-nepa-native-george-c-yurek-sr Cartwright Honors Memory of WWII Hero and NEPA Native George C. Yurek, Sr. 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) spoke on the House floor to honor the late Technical Sergeant George C. Yurek, Sr., of West Wyoming, PA, who recently passed away at the age of 98. Cartwright spoke of TSgt. Yurek's bravery in volunteering for the unit that diffused hundreds of landmines on the Island of Corregidor in the Philippines, which paved the way for American forces to recapture the island from Japanese control. Watch Cartwright's floor speech: 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/central-susquehanna-intermediate-unit-receives-federal-grant-offer-resources Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit receives federal grant, offer resources to families during COVID-19 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Milton, Pa. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $1,755,707 Head Start grant to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) to support early childhood education and development initiatives as part of CSIU's Head Start and Early Head Start Programs in Northumberland county. "We prepare our most vulnerable young children to succeed in school, and in life beyond school. Our services are at no cost, and are for children ages birth to 5 from low-income families, as well as pregnant women," said Jamie Bartlett Head Start/Early Head Start Programs Manager in Northumberland County. The services offered focus on core areas of Early Learning and Development, Health, and Family Well-Being and CSIU provides transportation to the centers to ensure enrolled children and family members can regularly participate. In Northumberland County, CSIU's programs have the following: - Head Start has 168 federally funded and 72 HSSAP funded preschool children. We have 14 center-based classrooms. - Early Head Start has 83 infants, toddlers and pregnant women. It is a home-based program providing weekly, 1.5 hours home visits. - 90 percent of enrolled families live below the federal poverty level (2020 guidelines: $26,200 for a family of four). - A minimum of 10 percent children enrolled are identified as special needs. Congressman Fred Keller expressed his enthusiasm for CSIU after the grant was announced. Now more than ever, we must ensure our children are not left behind. Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit plays a critical role in providing quality education to help our children thrive and I am confident that this grant will support its mission and expand its reach in our communities, said Keller. The Head Start/Early Head Start Programs have done their best to continue providing their services virtually during COVID-19, but it hasn't been easy to connect with all the families, according to Bartlett. Program staff have offered both synchronous and asynchronous classes through Google classroom and the Early … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congressmen-kim-and-keller-release-statement-covid-19-risks-bureau-prisons Congressmen Kim and Keller Release Statement on COVID-19 Risks at Bureau of Prisons Facilities 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) released the following statement on the continued increase of COVID-19 spread in Bureau of Prison (BOP) facilities across the country. Both Congressmen Kim and Keller represent districts that are home to BOP facilities. The coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges for the federal prison system tasked with keeping inmates and correctional officers safe. However, it is clear that the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) COVID-19 response plan has been inadequate in containing outbreaks at a number of facilities across the country. Despite Members of Congress raising the alarm about the spread of the virus under its watch, BOP leadership has failed to effectively respond to growing outbreaks in the federal prison system. Despite the uptick in cases in certain facilities, the BOP continues to transfer inmates between facilities, in many cases transferring COVID-19 positive inmates into new facilities, exposing staff and other personnel to the virus. It is irresponsible to continue to risk exposure through inmate transfers from various parts of the country. We firmly believe that during the coronavirus pandemic, all inmate transfers between BOP facilities should be halted in order to protect the health and well-being of inmates, as well as the thousands of BOP correctional officers across the country. The BOP must also clearly outline, and make public, the steps that it will take to improve its response to outbreaks in its facilities. We have heard deep concerns from our constituents for the health and safety of their friends or family in federal prisons, or that serve as staff in the facilities. Every day that the BOP refuses to take action, is a day that more Americans are put at risk. We stand ready to work alongside the BOP to find common ground and solutions that will save lives. Congressman Kim and Congressman Keller are members of the Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, of which Congressman Keller is the founder and chairman… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/fred-keller-votes-no-marijuana-big-cats Fred Keller votes No on marijuana, big cats 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement Friday afternoon: Instead of addressing the plight of millions of Americans across the country who are struggling during this pandemic, this week Speaker Pelosi decided to once again put politics over people and hold votes on legalizing marijuana and exotic animals instead of COVID relief measures. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to do their jobs and join House Republicans in delivering targeted relief to our families, businesses, and industries who need it the most. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/latest-covid-relief-framework-includes-billions-dollars-high-speed-broadband Latest COVID relief framework includes billions of dollars for high-speed broadband 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The new COVID relief compromise is gaining traction on Capitol Hill and 10 billion dollars will pay for a public/private partnership to improve Americans' internet service I say this as somebody who spent longer in the wireless industry than I have in politics. We can provide some of that much need relief, Virginia Democratic Senator Mark Warner said. Warner says while there was money for broadband in the Cares Act, that's a potential short term solution. He says the new money will help build lasting high-speed internet service for more Americans. And one of the things we found is that broadband is now an economic necessity, Warner said. Pennsylvania Republican Congressman Fred Keller agrees, the pandemic showcased the need for reliable internet access. It takes care of education, it takes care of the delivery of healthcare, and it takes care of commerce, Keller said. This is not just in rural communities. There are many suburban communities that have very slow internet or no internet, Warner said. Both Warner and Keller agree this money will help provide high-speed broadband to millions of more Americans. We need these things. And I'm all for making sure that we have the resources to adequately build out an infrastructure system in broadband, Keller said. If Congress approves this plan, four billion dollars of the broadband fund would go to supporting connectivity to low-income households. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-introduces-bipartisan-bill-bolster-workforce-pipeline Congressman Fred Keller introduces bipartisan bill to bolster workforce pipeline for essential healthcare workers 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) joined Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA) in introducing H.R. 8874, the Nurses CARE Act, bipartisan legislation that would help prevent dangerous workforce shortages in long-term care facilities and allow America's essential healthcare workforce to do its important work uninterrupted. In response to COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Section 1135 waivers to provide states with greater flexibility to direct personnel and resources to patients in need. While this regulatory flexibility has been an essential tool in preventing critical health care shortages by employing Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to offer care during the pandemic, it is set to expire when the national emergency declaration is lifted. The Nurses CARE Act works to build on the success of CMS's Section 1135 waivers and provide states with the necessary flexibility to ensure that competent TNAs who provided critical services during the pandemic can retain their certification after the national emergency declaration has expired. Additionally, this legislation would also allow states and facilities to offer on-the-job experience as a partial substitute for certification courses, testing, and other evaluationsthus providing a pathway to full-time employment for TNAs who answered the call during the COVID-19 pandemic and have already received extensive on-the-job training. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about how we deliver health care at nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care centers, Keller said. We need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable populations, like our seniors and those with pre-existing conditions. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that gives American families across our nation the peace of mind that their loved ones in long-term care are receiving the care they need to remain safe and healthy. Throughout this entire pandemic, so many have selflessly joined the front lines in our nursing homes… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@repmgs/scanlon-fitzpatrick-introduce-bill-to-stop-drivers-license-suspensions-for-non-payment-307f954a6783?source=rss-c2708a5a087------2 Scanlon, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bill to Stop Drivers License Suspensions for Non-Payment 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Mary Scanlon S001205 medium.com     legacy WASHINGTON, DCToday, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) introduced the Driving for Opportunity Act of 2020, the House companion to a bill introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MI), to encourage states to stop debt-based driver's license suspensions. This bill, co-led by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), was introduced with bipartisan support from Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14). Every year, millions of Americans have their licenses suspended for unpaid court fines and fees, not based on conduct related to driving. This makes it harder to get to work and pay off the fines while also placing an unnecessary burden on our courts, jails, and law enforcement agencies. Punishing people for failing to pay debts in a way that limits their ability to obtain gainful employment only sets up a cruel cycle of failure and results in the criminalization of poverty, said Rep. Scanlon. Particularly during the ongoing global pandemic, we need to work to eliminate barriers to employment and find legislative solutions to break the cycle of poverty. I'm proud to be joined by Rep. Fitzpatrick in introducing this common sense bipartisan legislation. For too long, many Americans have had their driver's licenses suspended for non-public safety reasons and have suffered the economic setback of debt-based driver's license suspensions, said Rep. Fitzpatrick. Incentivizing states to end the suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid fines is a commonsense reform that will improve livelihoods across this country and has widespread support from law enforcement, civil rights, and criminal justice reform organizations. I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Driving for Opportunity Act. Suspending driver's licenses for unpaid fines and fees makes it harder for Americans to hold down a job and care for their families, and places an undue burden on our police officers, said Senator Coons. Today's introduction of the Driving for Opportunity Act in the Hou… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/caseys-bipartisan-rosie-the-riveter-congressional-gold-medal-act-signed-into-law Casey’s Bipartisan Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act Signed Into Law 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Yesterday, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)'s bipartisan Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act was signed into law. This legislation honors American women who joined the workforce in support of the war effort during World War II by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. These Rosie the Riveters answered the Nation's call to action and learned new skills, many building the vehicles, weaponry and ammunitions that were critical to the war effort. Senator Casey led the effort along with U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA-14) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1). 76 senators co-sponsored the Senate bill, including every female senator. Millions of women helped support our troops during WWII, whether they worked on assembly lines, addressed the troops' medical needs or tended to ships and farms. These Rosie the Riveters' have set an example of the We Can Do It' spirit for decades, and this recognition of their tremendous service and patriotism is long overdue, said Senator Casey. I am glad to announce that the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act is now law and I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and the House of Representatives for their partnership in moving this legislation forward. The percentage of women in the workforce jumped from 27 percent to nearly 37 percent between 1940 and 1945. By the end of the war, nearly one out of every four married women worked outside the home. These Rosie the Riveters' took positions across various industries, but the aviation industry saw the biggest increase of female workers with more than 310,000 working in the aircraft industry in 1943, representing 65 percent of its workforce. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-honors-frontline-healthcare-workers-house-floo Congressman Fred Keller honors frontline healthcare workers on House Floor 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) recently spoke on the House Floor to celebrate the valiant efforts of frontline healthcare workers in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District and across America, as they continue their dedicated service amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. During his remarks, Congressman Keller invoked the storied reverence of frontline workers, drawing a parallel between pandemic-era health care workers and the Americans who helped fuel wartime manufacturing efforts during World War II. Following his floor remarks, Congressman Keller made the following statement: The outstanding men and women who go to work every day in our hospitals and health networks are worthy of our utmost admiration and respect. Though their job is not easy, these individuals have persisted through truly demanding times and they continue to provide critical services to our region. And though they don't do it for recognition, they deserve recognition nonetheless. I am dedicated to continuing to support them and their noble work. Congressman Keller's full remarks are below. Madam/Mr. Speaker, Throughout American history, generations of American frontline workers have answered the call of duty to support our nation, states, and local communities. From those in the factories who fueled the Allied advance in World War Two, to the men and women who cleared the rubble after the attacks of September 11th, there is a storied reverence that comes with being a frontline worker. Today, across Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district and America, our nurses, doctors, and health care providers are answering that call to duty. In the face of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and global uncertainty, our health care professionals have not wavered in their mission, exemplifying compassion, determination, and resilience. Most importantly, our health care workers have given our nation reassurance that there is light at the end of this tunnel, and we can beat this pandemic. To our frontline healthcare workers at: Ev… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-votes-no-speaker-pelosi-s-out-touch-priorities Congressman Fred Keller votes NO on Speaker Pelosis out-of-touch priorities 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. This week, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) voted against the MORE Act and the Big Cat Public Safety Act, legislation brought forth by Speaker Pelosiin the midst of a global pandemicthat aims to legalize marijuana and revise protections for exotic animals, respectively. The MORE Act passed the House by a vote of 228-164 while the Big Cat Public Safety Act passed by a vote of 272-114. By contrast, House Democrats took no legislative action this week to join House Republicans in supporting H.R. 8265, legislation that would deliver the $138 billion in remaining Paycheck Protection Program funds to American families, small businesses, and workers. In a video, Congressman Keller highlighted Speaker Pelosi's unwillingness to bring real relief to the American people and details how she instead chose to push trivial and nonurgent legislation through the House. (Click to watch video) Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement in response House Democrats' legislative priorities: Instead of addressing the plight of millions of Americans across the country who are struggling during this pandemic, this week Speaker Pelosi decided to once again put politics over people and hold votes on legalizing marijuana and exotic animals instead of COVID relief measures. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to do their jobs and join House Republicans in delivering targeted relief to our families, businesses, and industries who need it the most. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-keller-and-kim-release-statement-covid-19-risks-bureau-prisons Congressmen Keller and Kim release statement on COVID-19 risks at Bureau of Prisons facilities 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the continued increase of COVID-19 spread in Bureau of Prison (BOP) facilities across the country. Both Congressmen Keller and Kim represent districts that are home to BOP facilities. The coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges for the federal prison system tasked with keeping inmates and correctional officers safe. However, it is clear that the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) COVID-19 response plan has been inadequate in containing outbreaks at a number of facilities across the country. Despite Members of Congress raising the alarm about the spread of the virus under its watch, BOP leadership has failed to effectively respond to growing outbreaks in the federal prison system. Despite the uptick in cases in certain facilities, the BOP continues to transfer inmates between facilities, in many cases transferring COVID-19 positive inmates into new facilities, exposing staff and other personnel to the virus. It is irresponsible to continue to risk exposure through inmate transfers from various parts of the country. We firmly believe that during the coronavirus pandemic, all inmate transfers between BOP facilities should be halted in order to protect the health and well-being of inmates, as well as the thousands of BOP correctional officers across the country. The BOP must also clearly outline, and make public, the steps that it will take to improve its response to outbreaks in its facilities. We have heard deep concerns from our constituents for the health and safety of their friends or family in federal prisons, or that serve as staff in the facilities. Every day that the BOP refuses to take action, is a day that more Americans are put at risk. We stand ready to work alongside the BOP to find common ground and solutions that will save lives. Congressman Keller and Congressman Kim are members of the Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, of which Congressman Keller is the founder and chairm… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-lamb-statement-more-act LAMB STATEMENT ON MORE ACT 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate PA Conor Lamb L000588 lamb.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC) Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) statement following the passage of the MORE Act: I support decriminalizing marijuana. It's a big, serious issue that needs to be done the right way. This is a small, non-serious bill that wasn't done the right way and will never be signed into law, regardless of who is President. And everyone knows that. This was an opportunity for people to say they voted to legalize marijuana' without doing any of the work to actually accomplish that. I hope we do take this up in a serious way in the future. For now I'm focused on the fact that an American is dying every minute, people are losing jobs and going broke, and we're in a recession. People say you can do two things at once' well, Congress usually can't even do one thing at once. Which is why we still haven't gotten a COVID relief deal. So maybe for now we should stay focused on the deadly, devastating health and economic crisis that's raging in every single one of our districts. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/pa-congressman-gets-top-spot-house-ag-committee Pa. Congressman gets top spot in House Ag Committee 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Pennsylvania Congressman Glenn GT Thompson was elected as the top Republican in the House Agriculture Committee. Thompson was elected ranking member Dec. 2. The full House GOP Conference ratified the decision Dec. 3. He is succeeding the retiring Rep. Mike Conway (R-Texas). The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet, said Thompson, who was elected in 2008. National Milk Producers Federation and National Cattlemen's Beef Association put out statements in support of Thompson's new role in Congress and praised his track record of bipartisan legislative victories. GT has been a vocal and effective advocate for the needs of dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and throughout the country, said Jim Mulhern, National Milk Producers Federation president, in a statement. Thompson served as chairman of the conservation and nutrition subcommittees during the writing of the last two farm bills. Most recently he's been the ranking member of the general farm commodities and risk management subcommittee. His district is the state's geographically largest congressional district, in north western and north central Pennsylvania. It covers portions of Armstrong, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, McKean, Venango and Warren counties. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-lead-agriculture-committee Thompson to lead agriculture committee 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, has been elected by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve as GOP leader of the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress. As a lifelong resident of a small town in rural central Pennsylvania and the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers, I am incredibly humbled to have been elected by my Republican colleagues, Thompson said Wednesday. Thompson, also known as GT, represents Indiana, Armstrong, Clearfield, Jefferson and all or part of Cambria and nine other counties in the 15th Congressional District. The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet, Thompson said. Overall, he has served in Congress since 2009, from the old Fifth Congressional District, and in November was easily chosen for a second term in Indiana County and other areas moved by state Supreme Court order into a reapportioned 15th District. Thompson said he was very appreciative of the vote of confidence he received, as he became the most senior Republican on the House Agriculture Committee and second most senior Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee. On election night he pledged to continue to work closely with the Indiana County Farm Bureau, saying, my goal is really to become a part of the communities I serve. Among key issues listed on his website is rural development, or, as he writes: Creating jobs and expanding technology, such as broadband and cellphone coverage, is a major challenge that must be met in order to improve and sustain rural Pennsylvania. As he expanded upon that in answering questions from the Gazette during the recent election campaign, COVID-19 has shown those of us living in more rural settings the importance of high-speed internet connectivity, for businesses and homes. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-lead-republican-caucus-us-house-agriculture-committee Thompson to lead Republican caucus of U.S. House Agriculture Committee 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Earlier this week, Rep. Glenn GT Thompsonwas elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve asRepublican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, replacing Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, whom he worked under as vice ranking member in the current Congress. Thompson is a familiar face to farmers and ag leaders in Pennsylvania. His district covers a big swath of north-central Pennsylvania, just east of Erie and west of Williamsport, going south to Altoona, and he is a familiar face at many agricultural events in the state, including the Pennsylvania Farm Show and Ag Progress Days. He's been an advocate for forestry-related programs, especially when it comes to the farm bill, and he has been an outspoken supporter of getting whole milk back in schools.Earlier this week, Rep. Glenn GT Thompsonwas elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve asRepublican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, replacing Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, whom he worked under as vice ranking member in the current Congress. Thompson will be leading the committee's Republican coalition, which he says will likely have four openings for new members when the 117th Congress gets sworn in next month. He says that he's worked with incoming committee Chairman DavidScott on two previous farm bills and calls him someone he can work with. Thompson says that he intends to work across the aisle when it comes to pushing agricultural legislation. With very few exceptions, every bill I introduce is bipartisan," he says. "I reach across the aisle. That's my style with committee work as well." Thompson says that he recently spoke to Rep.-elect August Pfluger of Texas, who told him that the No. 1 requested committee assignment by incoming freshman representatives is agriculture. He also says the committee will be focused on passing mandatory livestock price reporting legislation, working to expand domestic and foreign markets, passing bills to make agriculture more resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and expanding rural broadband.Inc… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/western-pa-congressmen-join-rebuke-us-attorney-general-william-barr Western Pa. congressmen join rebuke of U.S. Attorney General William Barr 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy A bloc of 39 congressmen including five Pennsylvania Republicans who were reelected Nov. 3 lashed out at Attorney General William Barr in a letter expressing dismay at the shocking lack of action stemming from the Justice Department's investigation of allegations of fraud in the election. The letter was posted the same day Barr announced that Justice Department investigators had uncovered no evidence of fraud that would change the outcome of the election. To date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election, Barr told The Associated Press. U.S. Reps. John Joyce, R-Blair County, and Guy Reschenthaler, R-Peters Township were among those who urged Barr to take a closer look at what they claim are election irregularities. Both are staunch supporters of President Trump who appeared on stage with the president at campaign rallies in Western Pennsylvania. Neither Joyce nor Reschenthaler responded to requests to detail what they believe threw the Pennsylvania election into question. Tuesday's announcement from Barr, who previously warned of the potential for fraud in widespread mail-in balloting, left many of the president's supporters stunned. The congressmen joined Trump and his attorney, Rudy Giuliani, in discounting Barr's findings. The president continues to claim he won and has repeated unfounded claims of widespread fraud and sweeping conspiracies to steal the election. Like Joyce and Reschenthaler, Pennsylvania Republican Reps. Fred Keller, R-Snyder, Scott Perry, R-York, and Dan Meuser, R-Luzerne, signed off on the letter. All five of them were re-elected as Trump suffered an 81,000 vote defeat to Democrat Joe Biden in Pennsylvania. There are a number of anomalies, statistical improbabilities and accusations of fraud that bring the election results in several states into question, the congressmen wrote. Affidavits of irregularities in the voting and tabulation processes have been sworn in a number of jurisdictions. Threats of retribution by leftist groups with … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/climate-trade-top-gop-pick-thompson-s-farm-panel-priorities Climate, Trade Top GOP Pick Thompsons Farm Panel Priorities 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Glenn GT Thompsonwill serve as the top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee next year, the party conference announced. Thompson will succeed ranking memberMike Conaway(Texas) following his retirement. The Republican steering committee recommended the Pennsylvania lawmaker over Reps.Austin Scott(Ga.) andRick Crawford(Ark.), who were also vying for the position. His selection will help solidify Republican priorities for the panel next year, as the chairmanship remains in flux after current leaderCollin Peterson(D-Minn.)'s election loss. Thompson's roots in dairy farming help him understand what needs to be done to take America's agriculture industry to the next level, and he knows the needs of the hard working Americans who will get us there, the GOP conference's Thursday announcement said. Thompson's Priorities Thompson, who is heading into his seventh congressional term, has previously served as the committee's vice chairman and ranking member of three subcommittees. The Republican conference announcement pointed to his commitment to speaking up as one of his best leadership skills, making him the most frequent speaker on the House floor for the past seven years. In his new role, Thompson pledged to restore a robust rural economy, help develop precision agriculture, identify climate solutions through voluntary conservation, and expand agricultural market opportunities with strong trade deals. Farmers and ranchers also need a stronger safety net to mitigate weather-related disasters, such as Southern agriculture producers' losses during hurricanes and Iowa farmers' crops flattened by an August derecho, he said. There's no other committee that probably touches the lives more frequently in a day's time of the American family than the Agriculture Committee, Thompson said in an interview before the November election. Thompson highlighted his ability to work with his Democratic colleagues, having served as a co-sponsor on several of Peterson's bills, such as assistance for meat processors (H.R. 7490) and who… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-gop-selects-several-new-ranking-members-next-congress House GOP selects several new ranking members for next Congress 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) announced Thursday that the GOP caucus has selected several new ranking members for the incoming Congress, including Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.) for the Energy and Commerce Committee. Other leading committee Republicans who will be new to their posts include Reps. Glenn Thompson (Pa.) for Agriculture; Mike Rogers (Ala.) for Armed Services; Jason T. Smith (Mo.) for Budget; Bruce Westerman (Ark.) for Natural Resources; Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.) for Small Business; and Mike Bost (Ill.) for Veterans Affairs. The top Republicans on other committees will remain the same as in the current Congress. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/pennsylvanias-glenn-thompson-lead-us-house-ag-republicans Pennsylvania's Glenn Thompson to Lead U.S. House Ag Republicans 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., was elected Wednesday to be the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee for the 2021-2022 term. The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet, saidThompson, who represents a heavily forested but sparsely populated swath of Pennsylvania stretching from Centre County to Venango County and the New York border. Since entering Congress in 2009, Thompson has spoken effusively about farmers. In recent years he has led efforts to return whole milk to the School Lunch Program. Thompson's ascension to Ag Committee leadership is somewhat unusual. The posts often go to lawmakers from Western states. Thompson, known as G.T., was chosen by the Republican Steering Committee. The committee's current ranking member, Texas Rep.Mike Conaway, is retiring. The Democrats, who will maintain control of the House next session, have not announced the next Ag Committee chairman. The incumbent, Rep.Collin Petersonof Minnesota, was defeated in November's election, and one of the most senior members of the committee, Rep.Marcia Fudgeof Ohio, is being discussed for U.S. ag secretary. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-elected-top-republican-ag-committee Thompson Elected Top Republican on Ag Committee 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy A Pennsylvania Republican will lead his GOP colleagues in the House Agriculture Committee for the 117th Congress. On Wednesday, Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Centre) was elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve as the GOP leader of the House Agriculture Committee for the upcoming Congress. As a lifelong resident of a small town in rural Central Pennsylvania and the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers, I am incredibly humbled to have been elected by my Republican colleagues to be their leader on the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress, Thompson said in a release. The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet. Thompson is taking over for Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX), who is retiring at the end of the current Congress. According to theJohnstown Tribune-Democrat, Thompson is currently serving as the ranking member of the Agriculture Committee's General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Committee. Thompson was the lone Pennsylvanian serving on the House Agriculture Committee during the 116th Congress. Thompson was first elected to Congress in 2008 to serve in the old 5th Congressional District after besting Democrat Mark McCracken by15 points. He cruised to reelection in 2020 after defeating Democrat Robert Williams by52 pointsin the GOP friendly 15th Congressional District. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-named-top-republican-house-agriculture-committee Thompson named top Republican on House Agriculture Committee 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy His new role allows him to determine which policies the GOP introduces and supports on the ag committee for the next two years. Rural broadband, and everything that goes with that, Thompson said of his priorities during an interview on the topic last month. Rural health care, rural commerce. Rural economic development, whether its rural utilities, all of that happens through the Farm Bill. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congressman-keller-announces-childhood-development-grant-bradford-tioga-counties Congressman Keller announces childhood development grant for Bradford, Tioga counties 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a grant to Bradford-Tioga Head Start. A grant in the amount of $1,638,062 will be administered by HHS to support childhood education and development programs in northcentral Pennsylvania. On the awarding of the grant, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: The programs offered by Head Start give local children essential opportunities to learn and grow while also supporting area families in need. Over the past 35 years, Bradford-Tioga Head Start has helped improve thousands of children's lives right here in PA-12. I thank HHS for its continued support of these critical programs and applaud the outstanding work that the people of Bradford-Tioga Head Start do to educate our children, strengthen our families and better our community. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-announces-head-start-grant-central-susquehanna Congressman Fred Keller announces Head Start grant to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a grant to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in Milton, Northumberland County. A Head Start grant in the amount of $1,755,707 will be administered by HHS to support Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in early childhood education and development initiatives. On the awarding of the grants, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Now more than ever, we must ensure our children are not left behind. Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit plays a critical role in providing quality education to help our children thrive and I am confident that this grant will support its mission and expand its reach in our communities. Background: In the 116th Congress, Congressman Keller has made child care a priority as the nation recovers from the pandemic, co-sponsoring two key bills: The EnsuringChildren andChildCareWorkers Are Safe Act of 2020, which provides federal support to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in child care provider settings; and the Back to Work Child Care Grants Act of 2020, which establishes a grant program to help child care providerswho were in operation prior to March 1, 2020pay for fixed costs and operating expenses for up to nine months. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keller-calls-ag-barr-address-lack-action-doj-address-election Congressman Keller calls on AG Barr to address lack of action by DOJ to address election integrity 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. This week, Congressman Fred Keller joined 36 Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to Attorney General Barr, highlighting concerns over the lack of transparency in actions taken by the Department of Justice following the AG's directive to pursue allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. The letter explains that the Department of Justice has not made a transparent effort to address cases of anomalies and inconsistencies in the tabulation of election results in several states, last-minute changes in balloting and counting requirements, and threats of retribution made by leftist groups against election officials. A copy of the letter is available here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-join-scott-house-ag-committee-leadership Thompson to Join Scott in House Ag Committee Leadership 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Both parties have now selected their leaders for the House Ag Committee. The Republican steering committee voted Wednesday and chose Glenn GT Thompson from Pennsylvania to take over when Texas Congressman Michael Conaway retires. Democrats selected Georgia Congressman David Scott Tuesday, replacing Minnesota's long-time chair Collin Peterson. After Wednesday's vote, Thompson said he is humbled to have been elected by his colleagues. The descendant of generations of dairy farmers says, The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet. Both Scott and Thompson must be approved by the full party caucuses before assuming their new roles. Democrats plan to vote on Scott's selection Thursday. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-named-top-republican-agriculture Thompson named top Republican on Agriculture 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson (Pa.) won the race to take over as the top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee. Thompson edged outReps.Austin Scott(R-Ga.) andRick Crawford(R-Ark.). Thompson, who was first elected to Congress in 2008, is the most senior member on the panel and the ranking member of the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee. Thompson is slated to succeed outgoing Rep.Mike Conaway(R-Texas), who announced his retirement in July 2019. The panel has jurisdiction over issues including food assistance programs and aid for farmers. Under House GOP rules, lawmakers are allowed to serve three terms as a ranking member or chairman before being term-limited out of the role. Thompson said he highlighted his experience on the panel while making his pitch to members, noting his work on two farm bills and his leadership on issues including conservation, forestry and nutrition. Thompson said he is ready to hit the ground running next year, placing a strong emphasis on policies to boost economic growth. My vision is basically looking to restore a robust economy. Certainly, that is an important part of that is markets for all of our commodity groups, all those farmers and farm families that work so hard to produce us the food and the fiber that we need but also what we need in rural America," he said. The House GOP conference is slated to ratify the Steering Committee's ranking member selections on Thursday. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-selected-lead-republicans-house-ag Thompson selected to lead Republicans on House Ag 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy The House Republican Steering Committee on Wednesday selected Rep. Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania to serve as ranking member for the House Agriculture Committee. Pending formal approval of the full House GOP conference, he will succeedTexas Rep. Mike Conaway,who is retiring from Congress. "As a lifelong resident of a small town in rural central Pennsylvania and the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers, I am incredibly humbled to have been elected by my Republican colleagues to be their leader on the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress, Thompson said in a statement. The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet." Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia (no relation topresumptive Democratic Chair David Scott, who got the nod from that party'ssteering committee Tuesday)and Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, were alsovying to be the top Republican on the panel. Thompson has served 11 years on the House Agriculture Committee and serves as ranking member of the general farm commodities and risk management subcommittee. He also was the vice chair of the full committee and chair of the nutrition subcommittee during the development of the 2018 farm bill. His vision to lead the committee has two parts: having a robust rural America and serving the next generation of family farms. We need to make sure that we provide the right kind of policies so folks can find opportunity in rural America, Thompson toldAgri-Pulsein November 2019. At the time, Thompson said his priorities include expanding new markets for agricultural products, improving the farm safety net, improving Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage to be more effective and affordable for producers, and improving rural broadband connectivity. He also wants to expand access to commodity purchases through The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP,a federal program providing low-income Americans with emergency food… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/losing-spikes-was-not-option-entering-their-15th-year-state-college-spikes-brace 'Losing the Spikes was not an option' | Entering their 15th year, the State College Spikes brace for rebrand 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy After the State College Spikes' 2020 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was a degree of uncertainty surrounding the team's future. The Spikes previously the Short Season Class A affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals quelled that uncertainty and announced their direction as a franchise Tuesday morning as they enter their 15th season in State College. As first released in a tweet by Major League Baseball, the Spikes will be joining the brand new MLB Draft League, which will hold its inaugural season in 2021, and will no longer be affiliated with a Major League club. A few months ago, I don't think we were quite sure how things were going to play out for the Spikes, but to be able to share the news today, it's very, very exciting, Scott Walker, the General Manager of the Spikes, said at the beginning of the press conference. Walker and the Spikes' uncertainty stemmed from a proposed agreement between Major League and Minor League Baseball that would reduce the number of club affiliates from 160 to 120, and called for the elimination of Short Season Class A, the level the Spikes were previously. State College Spikes Chairman and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg followed Walker's statement and expressed how he believes the club's visions both on the field and off, will not only continue, but will be taken to the next level. This is an updated, more intense version of everything that's made Spikes baseball great. All of the things that have made it a great experience [will continue], Greenberg said. From a big picture standpoint, it's going to be all the things we've had, with an even greater concentration of talent. The Draft League's primary focus will be on giving MLB exposure to draft-eligible collegiate players. Greenberg is excited to bring college players to one of the ultimate college towns in Happy Valley to improve their draft stock and make the case for themselves to get drafted, calling it an extraordinary set of circumstances. He also acknowledged the fact that the league will at… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/state-college-spikes-other-new-york-penn-league-teams-will-join-new-league-2021 State College Spikes, other New York-Penn League teams will join a new league for 2021 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy After a year of uncertainty, the State College Spikes announced their path forward Monday. The Spikes will be one of the founding members of Major League Baseball's Draft League, which will feature top prospects who are eligible for the baseball draft. The Spikes will be joined by the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Williamsport Crosscutters and West Virginia Black Bears, all from the New York-Penn League; and the Trenton Thunder, of the Eastern League. The league expects to add a sixth team in the next few weeks. The new format affirms MLB's commitment to the region and assures that communities of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New Jersey will continue to host high-caliber baseball and future Major Leaguers for years to come, MLB said in a statement. Chuck Greenberg, Spikes chairman and managing partner, said the league will provide a chance for players to compete at an elite level in the weeks leading up to the draft and bring a higher level of talent. I truly believe this is a step forward for the Spikes, Greenberg said during a virtual news conference. I couldn't be more excited about it. Reports first emerged a year ago that the Spikes, then a St. Louis Cardinals farm team, could lose their affiliation as part of Major League Baseball's plan to restructure the minor leagues. In response, the team launched Save Our Spikes, a campaign to harness the community's support. In June, the entire minor league season was canceled. The team's future was not clear until Monday's announcement. The last year, obviously, has been pretty stressful in so many ways. Even before the pandemic hit, Greenberg said, the questions about the future of the Spikes, the questions about the future of the New York-Penn League, they weighed heavily. Greenberg was sure the Spikes would continue, he said, but he was concerned about what form that would take. The Draft League and the team's continuing affiliation with MLB are what I hoped for and more, he said. U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, said he joined a bipartisan letter in the Hou… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/williamsport-new-prospects-league Williamsport in new prospects league 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Williamsport and State College will have professional baseball again this summer after Major League Baseball announced Monday it is creating a minor league for top eligible prospects leading to the summer draft. The wood-bat MLB Draft League is launching with five teams and could add a sixth, MLB said Monday. Teams will play a 68-game regular season that includes an All-Star break coinciding with the draft in early July. The founding members of the MLB Draft League are located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New Jersey: the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears, and the Williamsport Crosscutters. MLB said it is in discussions with a sixth team that it hopes to announce soon. Teams in the MLB Draft League are going to communities that lost franchises when MLB began shrinking the affiliated minor leagues from 160 to 120 teams. The reduction this offseason followed the expiration of the Professional Baseball Agreement, which governed the relationship between the majors and minors. MLB has planned to eliminate the separate governing body of minor league baseball. We are ecstatic to have Williamsport continue to be a gateway to the Majors in the all-new MLB Draft League, and cannot wait for another season of Crosscutters baseball, Peter Freund, president and principal owner of the Crosscutters said. Ask anyone from Williamsport and they will tell you that the Cutters are more than just a baseball team, U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, whose 12th District covers Lycoming and parts of Centre county. They are a cornerstone of our community, providing affordable family entertainment for our region. This partnership will bring new life to the Cutters and ensure that Williamsport remains the baseball capital of the world. The season will run roughly from late May through mid-August, broken into halves. The first half will be a showcase for draft-eligible high school, college and junior college players. Following a multi-day break for the draft, rosters will be… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-announces-childhood-development-grant-bradford-tioga Congressman Fred Keller announces childhood development grant for Bradford, Tioga counties 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a grant to Bradford-Tioga Head Start. A grant in the amount of $1,638,062 will be administered by HHS to support childhood education and development programs in northcentral Pennsylvania. On the awarding of the grant, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: The programs offered by Head Start give local children essential opportunities to learn and grow while also supporting area families in need. Over the past 35 years, Bradford-Tioga Head Start has helped improve thousands of children's lives right here in PA-12. I thank HHS for its continued support of these critical programs and applaud the outstanding work that the people of Bradford-Tioga Head Start do to educate our children, strengthen our families and better our community. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@repmgs/weekly-recap-what-you-might-have-missed-c06f036fc79d?source=rss-c2708a5a087------2 Weekly Recap: What You Might Have Missed 2020-11-30 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate PA Mary Scanlon S001205 medium.com     legacy I hope you all had a restful and happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for doing your part during this difficult time to keep your loved ones and community safe. With two promising vaccines now moving towards approval, there is light at the end of the tunnel. But, we have some months to go before they are generally available. With cooler weather and holidays where we would ordinarily gather indoors with loved ones, we cannot let our guard down. Please. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, wash your hands, and be safe. Here is how I spent the past week fighting for you: Spoke on the House floor about the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color More than 1 in 4 residents of PA05 is Black, and our communities have been devastated by the disparate impact of this virus. Each day that we don't deliver relief for families, businesses, local governments, and our frontline workers, the impact of this pandemic grows that much more disastrous and disproportionately so for communities of color. After 7 months of inaction, the Senate needs to come to the table to pass a relief bill. Listen here: https://twitter.com/repmgs/status/1329126591809646596?s=21 Observed Transgender Day of Remembrance by lifting up the names and stories of Black transgender women who faced violence this year in Philadelphia We've lost at least 36 transgender or gender non-conforming people to fatal violence motivated by anti-transgender bigotry. The intersections of employment, housing, and other forms of discrimination put too many transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, at risk. We cannot address this violence if we do not acknowledge it, so today, and every day, we must recommit ourselves to honor those lost, and the survivors, with action. Listen to my remarks here: https://twitter.com/repmgs/status/1329784005110206467?s=21 Voted to pass the National Apprenticeship Act Historically, apprenticeships made up the backbone of our vocational education programs, and unions and building trades have done amazing work to lead these effo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-nearly-5-million-for-early-childhood-education-in Cartwright Announces Nearly $5 Million for Early Childhood Education in Luzerne County 2020-11-27 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Wilkes-Barre, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced that Luzerne County Head Start received $4,897,038 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These funds will be used for the continuation of high quality, comprehensive, early childhood education for children in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. This grant is an investment in our children the future of our country. Early childhood learning is vital to strengthening our economy and our country,said Rep. Cartwright,a member of the Appropriations Committee. I applaud Luzerne County Head Start on receiving this award and their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for children and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Head Start programs provide children with education services focused on early learning, health and family well-being. These programs promote children's growth and development and give parents an opportunity to become actively engaged in their child's education. Head Start and Early Head Start have served over 36 million children, providing them with the skills they need to succeed in school and in their lives. Head Start services are funded and overseen by The Office of Head Start (OHS), within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the Department of Health & Human Services. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-pa-reaching-10000-covid-19-deaths Casey Statement on PA Reaching 10,000 COVID-19 Deaths 2020-11-25 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Scranton, PA Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement as Pennsylvania surpassed 10,000 COVID-19 deaths: COVID-19 has reached every corner of our Nation and every county in our Commonwealth. Today, I am thinking about the 10,000 Pennsylvanians who have lost their lives to this virus, and all those who loved them. We mourn for those we have lost and pray for those still suffering, as well as for their friends and families who are grieving. Pennsylvanians, especially our frontline health care workers, have been fighting this relentless pandemic for more than eight months. COVID-19 has now claimed the lives of more than 10,000 Pennsylvanians, and over a quarter of a million Americans. We are now seeing the largest wave of cases to date, and I am saddened to know that there will be more deaths in the weeks to come. It is critical that we all follow the guidance from public health authorities to stay home, wear a mask and avoid gatherings with people outside our families, in order to protect each other and do our part to stop the spread of this vicious virus. Furthermore, it is past time for Senate Republicans to work with Democrats, including the incoming Biden Administration, on robust legislation to provide states and the health care system with the resources they need to mitigate the spread of the virus. We must work together for the health and safety of the American people to protect frontline workers, implement a national testing strategy, advise people across all states to wear a mask and safeguard the seniors, people with disabilities and workers in nursing homes and other long-term care settings, who are among those put most at risk amid the pandemic. We must secure resources for state and local officials who are desperately in need of more resources and logistical support to prepare for vaccine distribution. Elected officials owe much more than condolences to the people who entrusted us with public office. The time to act is long overdue, and we cannot waste another day. We mu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/penn-state-receives-over-1-million-research-grant-through-ultimate-program Penn State receives over $1 million research grant through the ULTIMATE program 2020-11-25 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy State College, Pa. The U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Resource Projects Agency-Energy has awarded Pennsylvania State University a $1,200,000 grant to fund research into certain alloys. The grant was funded through the Ultrahigh Temperature Impervious Materials Advancing Turbine Efficiency (ULTIMATE) program. The research project funded by the grant is titled, "Design and Manufacturing of Ultrahigh Temperature Refractory Alloys." The project will help develop materials and technologies for use in the aviation and power generation industries. On the awarding of the grants, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Congratulations to Penn State for receiving this grant which will fund its important work in developing new energy advancements. I commend ARPA-E for being an important, forward-thinking partner in unlocking new technologies that will help America meet its energy needs for future generations. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that the ULTIMATE program will have for Penn State and our region. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/blog-posts/much-be-thankful Much to Be Thankful For 2020-11-25 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate PA Lloyd Smucker S001199 smucker.house.gov     legacy As appeared in the November 25, 2020 edition of the Ephrata Review, Elizabethtown Advocate, and Lititz Record Thanksgiving is a time for friends and families to come together and give thanks for the blessings that we enjoyed throughout the year. Like much of 2020, Thanksgiving will likely look different for many of us this year. As we take a moment to reflect on the past year, let us be thankful for all who have helped us in our battle against COVID-19 and keep in our prayers those who may be alone or suffering. Medical professionals in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers have worked to keep us all healthy. They have committed long hours away from their families to put the needs of others first. I speak on behalf of all residents of the Eleventh District in sharing how thankful I am for their dedication and continued hard work. Throughout this year, we saw numerous times that Lancaster and southern York Counties came together to support medical professionals and our community's health. Local companies switched their operations to produce hand sanitizer, volunteers began sewing masks to be donated, a company produced more hospital beds to help the potential for a case surge in hospitals, and local charitable organizations provided exceptional support to those in need. When challenged, our community has shown exceptional strength and care for one another. I am thankful for the farmers, producers, truck drivers, and manufacturers who worked without pause to provide for us all. Farmers and agricultural producers adjusted to changes in supply chain operations. Truck drivers and logistics professionals ensured deliveries of essential goods and personal protective equipment. Educators have also faced significant challenges this year, but they have continued to provide students with the best education possible. Adapting to the challenges of remote instruction meant educators and school districts had to adjust quickly to make sure students are still receiving a quality education. We must als… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@repmgs/open-enrollment-information-adc512872fb?source=rss-c2708a5a087------2 Securing Health Insurance Coverage During the Open Enrollment Period 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate PA Mary Scanlon S001205 medium.com     legacy As we continue to grapple with this public health crisis, it has never been more clear that access to healthcare is crucial to ensuring our health and safety. I wanted to reach out to make sure you had all the resources you need to secure health insurance coverage during the open enrollment period. There are several ways to obtain coverage: Between now and December 15, you can visit healthcare.gov to review your options, make changes to your current plan, or sign up for a new plan on the healthcare marketplace. Coverage begins on January 1, 2021. For PA residents, you can also choose to enroll through Pennie, the state health insurance network, between now and January 15. Visit pennie.com to easily compare health insurance options, and then shop for the plan that is best for you. Our office is here to help. Our office can act as a liaison between constituents and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to assist with issues related to Medicare part A, B, C, and D. We can inquire about Issues related to a beneficiary having problems with Original Medicare (fee-for-service) including, claims payment, coordination of benefits, and also Medicare as a secondary payer. If constituents are Issues related to a beneficiary having problems with a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare prescription drug plan our office can also inquire about resolving those issues. We are able to assist with enrollment and eligibility, however, that is handled by the Social Security Administration. For individuals who are serviced through the Marketplace Health Insurance, initial contact should first be directed to the Marketplace Call Center at 8003182596 to verify enrollment. If issues persist, our office can send an inquiry to follow up as well. To sign up/ change your Medicare plan https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans. If you have any questions about this information, don't hesitate to reach out to our office. Give us a call at 6106262020 or visit us at scanlon.house.gov. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@repmgs/scanlon-fights-to-protect-bankruptcy-filers-from-employment-discrimination-with-new-bill-1619d08efc5d?source=rss-c2708a5a087------2 Scanlon Fights to Protect Bankruptcy Filers From Employment Discrimination with New Bill 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate PA Mary Scanlon S001205 medium.com     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) introduced the Ending Bankruptcy Discrimination Act of 2020 to protect bankruptcy filers from employment discrimination, a bill co-sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (NY-10) and Congressman David Cicilline (RI-01). As COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly throughout the country, Americans face a multitude of economic crises, including the prospect of a tidal wave of bankruptcies. Currently, private employers have the right to refuse employment to individuals who have filed for bankruptcy relief. While prospective government employees are protected from this form of discrimination, ambiguity in Section 525 of the U.S. bankruptcy code has left the courts to decide with respect to the private sector, resulting in these employers being allowed to refuse employment based on current or past bankruptcy status. As we navigate the challenges presented by the global health and economic crisis, we cannot allow private employers to discriminate based on bankruptcy status, Congresswoman Scanlon said. We must do everything we can to ensure our families are not prevented from accessing employment. The Ending Bankruptcy Discrimination Act of 2020 will clarify that private employees are protected from discrimination based on their current and/or past bankruptcy status, extending the same rights afforded to prospective government employees to individuals in the private sector. This critical legislation is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA). A copy of the bill can be found here: https://scanlon.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Ending_Bankruptcy_Discrimination_Act_of_2020.pdf 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-thompson-peterson-and-comer-push-leadership-delay-ligado Reps. Thompson, Peterson, and Comer Push Leadership to Delay Ligado Application 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy HOWARD, PA Today, U.S.Representatives Glenn GT' Thompson (R-PA), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and James Comer (R-KY)sent aletterto House Leadership and the Appropriations Committeerequesting language delaying implementation of the April 2020 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Order granting Ligado's application to deploy a terrestrial nationwide network to provide 5G services.In July, the Congressmenexpressed serious concernssurrounding the FCC's decision, questioning the reliability of GPS for millions of Americans, especially the farmers and ranchers who rely on this technology each and every day for precision agriculture."Investments in 5G and GPS are critically important to the American economy, especially the agriculture industry," saidRep. Thompson. "However, the Ligado decision will have negative impacts on GPS and satellite communications, hindering reliability and slowing progress on current and future innovation of this technology. I urge my colleagues in Leadership and on the Appropriations Committee to delay this harmful implementation."There is no room for error when discussing safety and reliability of service for GPS signals. Aviation, agriculture, and other vital industries rely on consistent signal quality," saidRep. Peterson. "Safety and national security issues remain unresolved under the current order, which is why it is vital that we delay Ligado's 5G deployment.Our farmers are vitally important to providing the food supply for America and the world, and a reliable GPS network is critical to precision agriculture, saidRep. Comer. I understand the importance of improving telecommunications operations, especially for advancing rural economies. But critical tools like GPS technology must not be disrupted, as our farmers are essential workers who must have the tools they need to do their jobs. It is our responsibility as policymakers to fight to ensure that federal agency decisions do not negatively impact Americans' livelihoods. It is my hope that this language to delay implementation of the Lig… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/infrastructure-improvements-must-be-priority Infrastructure improvements must be a priority 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy State Rep. Tim Hennessey, the chairman of the House Transportation committee, said the proposal to toll Pennsylvania bridges is still in the preliminary stages. It's not something people need to be alarmed about now, he said. That means it is exactly the time to be worried, or at least very aware of the proposal. Lawmakers across the party spectrum said last week they support a move by a public-private partnership board that would allow tolling of traffic on major bridges in Pennsylvania. The move, they said, is necessary to help pay for repairs to bridges and roads across the state's expansive road map. How about instead of that movement, we make sure the tax dollars already allocated to repairing roads actually do it, while also finding a way to make rehabilitating the nation's crumbling infrastructure a national priority? The needs of the interstate system are staggering, State Rep. Mike Carroll, a Democrat from Luzerne County said. There's a reason so many states are raising the gas tax and looking to increase tolls. Among the issues hindering bridge and road renovation in Pennsylvania are the continued allocating of liquid fuel funds to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars a year away from repairs and to the state police, and a lack of funding from the federal government. The first issue is something the General Assembly in Harrisburg is going to have to fix on its own and sooner rather than later. Pennsylvanians, we have stated in this space previously, were amendable to the nation's highest gas tax now second-highest behind California as long as the money was spent fixing potholes and repairing crumbling bridges. The second will require a federal initiative. All of the lawmakers The Daily Item hosted for editorial boards during the lead up to the election, from state Rep. David Rowe to state Sen. John Gordner and Congressmen Fred Keller and Dan Meuser all said infrastructure roads, bridges, rail and even broadband internet is something every politician at every level of government supports. It… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/meuser-keller-other-reps-seek-clarification-mask-order-athletes Meuser, Keller, other reps seek clarification on mask order for athletes 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Seven members of the Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation including Valley Reps. Dan Meuser and Fred Keller wrote to Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Rachel Levine seeking new information on the state's masking order and it relates to interscholastic athletics. "The updated universal masking order issued by the Department of Health lacks clarity as to how it applies to interscholastic athletics. We urge you to provide guidance for student athletes reflective of different sports and the athletes that participate in them," the letter states. It is clear that the updated masking order appears to apply to athletes regardless of the nature of competition they are engaged in. No neighboring state has seen the need to apply a mask mandate that does not include reasonable exceptions for individuals engaged in varying degrees and modes of physical activity." The letter notes at the PIAA, the governing body for scholastic sports in Pennsylvania, has sought clarification but has not heard a response from state officials. Winter sports practices began Friday in Pennsylvania as the PIAA conducts championships in soccer and field hockey this weekend and the state playoffs continued for football. "This is a time-sensitive issue affecting more than 650 schools in Pennsylvania," the letter says. "Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we encourage your office to specify how this new mandate may apply to individual sports as well as empower local school districts to develop and enforce safe practices that fit their communities." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-fred-keller-election-covid-19-vaccine-pennsylvania-s-home-mask-mandate Rep. Fred Keller on the Election, COVID-19 Vaccine, Pennsylvanias In-Home Mask Mandate 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy In this episode, we sit down with Pennsylvania Congressman Fred Keller to discuss the election, COVID-19 vaccine developments, and Pennsylvania's newly expanded mask mandate which requires people wear masks inside their homes under certain conditions. This is American Thought Leaders, and I'm Jan Jekielek. Jan Jekielek: Congressman Fred Keller, it's such a pleasure to have you on American Thought Leaders. Rep. Fred Keller: I'm glad to be here today. Mr. Jekielek: Congressman Keller, this is news that's hot off the presses. As we're conducting this interview, President Trump just gave a press conference about new rules of lowering prescription drug prices for Americans. I know you've been looking at this. Your reaction? Rep. Keller: I would look at what the President has done over his first three years in office. But this is just continuing on, him keeping the promises he made to the American people. Seeing lower drug prices last year for the first time in over 50 years, looking at what he can do to be effective to help the American people. Right now, I believe the order is that states can go to Canada and shop for drugs and look for lower price medications for people that are in their states. So I look at that as a huge win for the American people. He will continue to do that with the most favored nation status. He's looking to make sure that we have lower drug prices here in America. Mr. Jekielek: Again, fairly recent news, the Pennsylvania General Assembly has approved now an audit of the 2020 election results. Again, your thoughts on this? Rep. Keller: That's actually Jesse Topper's legislation. I served in the House of Representatives in Pennsylvania with Representative Topper. And what he wants to do isn't something that [anyone] should be concerned about. It's not a Republican or Democrat issue; it's an American issue. What he wants to do is he wants to take a look and have an audit of the election and see what things went right and what things maybe didn't go right and could be improved upon. And we should… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/ten-bradford-county-veterans-receive-overdue-korean-ambassador-peace-medals Ten Bradford County veterans receive overdue Korean Ambassador of Peace Medals 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate PA Fred Keller K000395 keller.house.gov     legacy Towanda, Pa. On Friday, November 13, Congressman Fred Keller made a trip to Towanda, Bradford County, to present Korean Ambassador of Peace Medals to 10 local Korean War veterans and their families. Korean War veterans often feel unrecognized, as the war took place between World War II and the Vietnam War, which generally take prominence in the public eye. Making matters worse, the Korean Ambassador of Peace Medal was once only given to American veterans who traveled to South Korea to receive it. Distribution of medals to veterans unable to make the trip to South Korea has been so delayed that many veterans died before receiving the recognition; the medals are being presented to their surviving families instead. The ten medal recipients in Towanda are: Patrick Leo Beirne Marines, Cpl Kenneth Edsell Marines, Cpl Glen Ellis Jr. Navy, SN Keith Spear Haight Sr. Marines, GySgt Earl Leroy Mayo Army, Sgt (T) Charles Francis Miller Army, Sgt (T) Silas Leo Mills Sr. Army, Cpl Edward Moritz Army, Cpl Carlton Thomas Repsher Jr. Army, Cpl George Frederick Webb Air Force, AIC Nicholas Williams Navy, SN 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-booker-call-on-trump-administration-to-halt-deportation-of-vulnerable-migrant-children-in-family-detention- Casey, Booker Call on Trump Administration to Halt Deportation of Vulnerable Migrant Children in Family Detention 2020-11-21 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) called on the Trump Administration to halt the planned deportation of vulnerable migrant children and their parents held at the Berks Family Residential Center and the South Texas Residential Center. Despite having U.S. sponsors willing to take them in and not having had a fair chance to present their cases for asylum, the Trump Administration has held them in detention and is seeking to deport them into danger. In their letter, Senators Casey and Booker highlighted the voices of the immigrant children and made the case that sending them and their families back to the countries they fled would be tantamount to a death sentence. The Senators wrote, These families fled unspeakable violence in their home countries. For many of these children, deportation is tantamount to a death sentenceWith more pressing issues facing ICE and the need to spend our limited federal resources wisely, there are more cost effective and humane approaches to this situation than family detention. We urge you to release these families to their sponsors and allow them a fair hearing of their case. The full text of the letter can be seen below: November 20, 2020 The Honorable Chad F. Wolf Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf: We write to urge you to stay the removals of twenty eight children and their families detained at the Berks County Residential Center (BCRC) in Leesport, Pennsylvania and at the South Texas Family Residential Center (STFRC) in Dilley, Texas, immediately release them from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, and allow them the opportunity to present their claim for asylum or related relief. These families fled unspeakable violence in their home countries. For many of these children, deportation is tantamount to a death sentence. This group of children includes a 15-year-old girl who fled Honduras after gang members tried to torture, rape, and murder her; a 14-year-… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

Next page

Advanced export

JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 327.087ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press