Press releases
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9,171 rows where chamber = "Senate" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409099 | <span class ="kicker">Would create ambassador position to combat anti-Semitism</span>Smith anti-Semitism bill headed to Presidents desk | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Today, at the very last legislative session of the 116th Congress, the House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) that would elevate the State Department's Anti-Semitism Special Envoy positionfirst created by Smith's legislative provisions in 2004to an Ambassadorship, giving more clout to address the alarming rise in anti-Semitism worldwide. As the Senate has already approved the amended legislation, the bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. We've seen a rapid rise in anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric in many countries over the past decade: Jews harassed, assaulted and even murdered; synagogues attacked; graves and cemeteries desecrated; anti-Semitic slurs; and targeting the State of Israel with what my friend, the great Soviet refusenik and religious prisoner Natan Sharansky, calls the three Ds' demonization, double-standard, and de-legitimization, said Smith. My new law will raise the Special Envoy to the rank of Ambassador, and enable him or her to report directly to the Secretary of State, Smith said. That will give the Special Envoy more seniority and diplomatic accessboth inside the U.S. Government and when engaging foreign governmentsthat is needed do the job effectively. Especially with the rise of on-line anti-Semitism, we see that hate abroad easily crosses borders and impacts our communities here at home.Now more than ever we need to integrate our efforts both in the United States and abroad to stop the hate and keep our communities safe, said Smith, a founding member of both the House Anti-Semitism Caucus and the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism, which is comprised of legislative-branch members from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Smith's bill, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act (H.R. 221) will ensure that the U.S. leadership position in fighting anti-Semitism worldwidethe Special Envoy at the State Departmentwould not only be promptly filled, but would be … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402403 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 12.31.20 | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The year 2020 was a difficult one, but as the year draws to a close, I want to highlight something about the year that went right. Operation Warp Speed accomplished what had been considered nearly impossible: the development, manufacture, and distribution of a safe and effective vaccine to combat COVID-19. President Trump announced Operation Warp Speed in May. His Administration recognized that meeting the challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic would require the investment of Federal Government resources, partnership between the public, private, and scientific sectors, and cutting red tape that would impede delivery of a safe and effective vaccine. This effort was supported by almost $10 billion in funding included in the CARES Act passed by Congress with my support. The project focused on six vaccine candidates. Seven months after Operation Warp Speed was launched and less than one year after COVID-19 began spreading widely around the globe, two vaccine candidates were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use. On December 11, the FDA approved for emergency use the first vaccine created by Pfizer. After clinical trials including over 43,000 participants, the vaccine was found to be 95 percent effective. A vaccine developed by Moderna was subsequently approved for emergency use on December 18. Thirty thousand people participated in its clinical trials, and its efficacy rate is 94.5 percent. These vaccines are the fastest ever produced for a novel pathogen. In fact, the average development timeline for a vaccine is eight to twelve years. Operation Warp Speed reduced the time needed by maximizing the number of participants in Phase 3 trials and manufacturing vaccine doses while waiting for the FDA's emergency use authorization order. While bureaucratic hurdles were lowered, the vaccine development process did not skimp on safety. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over health matters, I was briefed repeatedly throughout the pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5539 | Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - In a year marked by unique challenges, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) proudly fought for more economic opportunity for millions of Texans, security for America and her allies, and freedom for all Americans to live, work, and worship as they choose. WATCH: Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit Reflecting on the past year, Sen. Cruz said: "Texans are strong and resilient and the American spirit has always been marked by courage and generosity. That spirit was on full display throughout this year as we dealt with the massive economic and public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We dealt with enflamed racial division and a polarized political environment. "Despite all of these difficulties, Texans and Americans alike rose to the challenge to help our neighbors and those in need by supporting our brave health care workers, first responders, grocery store clerks, and other critical workers on the front lines of this crisis, truly making a difference in our communities. People across this great nation exercised their fundamental rights to further the promises this nation was founded upon - freedom and equality. I am confident that we will come out of these troubled times stronger, more united, and renewed in pursuit of freedom and opportunity for every American. "As we look ahead to 2021, I am deeply honored to continue representing the great state of Texas, and I will continue fighting to reopen our economy and to get millions of Americans safely back to work, back to school, to strengthen America's national security, and to protect the religious liberty and the constitutional rights of each and every American." Sen. Cruz's 2020 Highlights: Combatting the Coronavirus Pandemic SIGNED INTO LAW: Helped secure passage of three coronavirus emergency response packages to address the public health crisis and deliver real relief for the American people. Launched the #CombatCOVID19Challenge, a social media challenge to encourage Americans t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5538 | Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=29C073CE-C8B5-41CD-B359-EB69F9831D94 | Feinstein to Park Service: Restart Lease Negotiations for San Franciscos Iconic Cliff House | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called on the National Park Service to negotiate a lease extension of the Cliff House building for use as a restaurant. I regret that an agreement has not yet been reached to extend the contract to use San Francisco's historic Cliff House building as a restaurant. This is an important San Francisco landmark, and the National Park Service should immediately renew negotiations to maintain its role in the community. A building has stood on this site for more than 150 years and has long served as a gathering place. That role should persist the building should not be converted to an office building. I urge the National Park Service, the Hountalas family and their proposed partner to return to the negotiation table. I encourage the National Park Service to explore all possible opportunities to maintain the historic role of this building as a restaurant and visitor destination. Our history is too important to set aside so readily. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B71E096B-03CB-4A08-BA59-8732EF16266E | McConnell Supports NDAA, Opposes Pelosi Plan for Socialism for Rich People | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Yesterday, the Senate was finally able to proceed to this year's National Defense Authorization Act. A few of our Democratic colleagues have pulled out all the stops to hold back this crucial bill. But last night, a big, bipartisan majority of 80 Senators voted to proceed. There should be nothing controversial about giving our brave men and women in uniform the tools and training they need to stay safe. There should be nothing controversial about continuing the work of rebuilding and modernizing our capabilities. It should be a nonpartisan proposition that America should keep pace with Russia and China rather than slip behind. We have enacted an annual NDAA for 59 straight years and counting. In the next few days, the easy way or the hard way, we're going to do our job once again. This body will fulfill our responsibility to the men and women who protect our country. The Senate will be here until we finish this bipartisan legislation. *** Now, for several days, we've heard some Senators say Congress must send more cash to high-earning households who haven't seen any income disruption during COVID-19. Our colleagues who purport to be the champions of vulnerable Americans now say that what struggling people really need is for Congress to stop focusing on targeted relief for them specifically, and to instead send thousands of dollars to people who don't need the help. Experts from across the political spectrum agree that our colleague from Vermont is dead wrong on this. Socialism for rich people is a terrible way to help the American families that are actually struggling. Let me say that again. Borrowing from our grandkids to do socialism for rich people is a terrible way to get help to families who actually need it. Washington Democrats took President Trump's suggestion and skewed it so the checks would benefit even more high-earning households. Imagin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatzs-medical-tele-training-bill-signed-into-law | Schatzs Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | legacy | Schatz's Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law Schatz's Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law Thursday, December 31, 2020 WASHINGTON This week, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) 2019 Act was signed into law as part of the annual government funding bill. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), establishes a $10 million per year grant program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to promote the use of technology to connect health care providers and deliver high-quality care in hard-to-reach regions. Technology hasn't just transformed how doctors care for patients, it has helped health care providers work and learn from with each other, said Senator Schatz. This new law will help connect more primary care providers in rural areas with specialists from across the country so that more families have access to the critical health care services they need." The new law will expand the use of the ECHO model an innovative medical education program that deploys interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural areas. This helps hard-to-reach communities access the health care services they otherwise would not be able to receive. During the pandemic, the ECHO model has been important to the public health response, used by states across the country to share best practices for treating COVID-19 patients as well as improve testing and contact tracing. In 2016, Schatz authored the first ECHO Act, which was signed into law and initiated a study of the model. The resulting report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that the ECHO model addresses important gaps in health care for underserved populations and recommended its expansion. Acting on this recommendation, Senator Schatz authored the current ECHO Act, which creates a program to provide grants and technical assistance to further develop the ECHO model and other similar models and expand their use n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bass.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-bass-lead-letter-president-elect-biden-combating-aircraft-noise | Norton, Bass Lead Letter to President-Elect Biden on Combating Aircraft Noise | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Karen Bass | B001270 | bass.house.gov | legacy | The disruption to human health and local economies by aircraft noise has long been overlooked or altogether ignored by the FAA, said Congresswoman Bass. I urge the Biden administration to appoint FAA officials who will finally address this issue that has plagued many of my constituents. The letter was also signed by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA), Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), Congressman Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Congressman Ed Case (D-HI), Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA), Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA). The full text is below. December 28, 2020 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President-elect of the United States Office of the Biden-Harris Transition Washington, DC 20500 Dear President-elect Biden: You will soon name several new appointees to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including the Deputy FAA Administrator, the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Organization, the Associate Administrator for Airports, and the Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, and Environment. While the FAA and the aviation industry face many high-profile challenges, as Members of the Quiet Skies Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives, we write to bring to your attention the overlooked problem of the disruption to human health and local economies from aircraft noise. We urge you to appoint officials who will include creative approaches to solving noise problems in the work ahead. We represent Americans from diverse locales across the country, united by grave concern over the toll that noise can take on the people living with a constant drone of aircraft. Planes fly low or late at night, near homes and schools; flights arrive and depart within minutes of each other; and the FAA's NextGen p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-will-object-certification-electoral-college-votes | Higgins Will Object to Certification of Electoral College Votes | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | LA | Clay Higgins | H001077 | clayhiggins.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement today after announcing that he will object to the certification of Electoral College votes on January 6, 2021. I will object to the certification of electoral votes on January 6th. Reports of voter fraud and actions by some states to alter election processes in an unlawful manner have not been properly reviewed. Evidence that a crime has been committed leads to an investigation. That standard is reasonable suspicion. Investigation into an alleged crime produces evidence either exculpatory or condemning. Investigations crossing multiple jurisdictional authorities are particularly complex and require time. Our Constitutional requirement to inaugurate a President on January 20th does not abrogate our Constitutional requirement to investigate reasonable suspicion of election fraud and violation of election laws within several of the sovereign states. I believe those actions of fraud and illegal election processes thwarted the true will of We, the People, and flipped the Presidential election to career politician Joe Biden. America is not a confederacy of states. We are a Union of States. We are a Representative Republic. Therefore, each sovereign state has a deep obligation to follow its own written election laws when that state participates in a federal election. Otherwise, the Union itself is violated, and the federal election is compromised. I warned of this prior to November 3rd, 2020. Six weeks ago, I instructed my Congressional staff to begin preparing for my formal objection to Electoral slates of several sovereign states. While the mainstream media and establishment forces want to ignore election irregularities that began coming to light in the days following the election, We, the People, will not stand idly by. For over a month now, I have been examining and researching the various allegations that have come forth, and I will take every legal and Constitutionally-available action to ensure a righteous outcome. That includes obj… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/we-will-object | We Will Object | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MO | Sam Graves | G000546 | graves.house.gov | legacy | Next week, your 117th United States Congress will convene for the first time. After the election of Speaker and the adoption of the Rules of Congress, theaction will quickly move to reading aloud the electoral votessubmitted by each state from this past November'selection - counting them, and declaring the vote tally for President and Vice President. During that process, the question will be put before your elected officials - does anyone object to the certificationof electoral votes of a state. We will object. Our hope is that others will join us. We don't take this decision lightly, but we must protect the integrity of each vote cast by every law-abidingMissourian. For every instance of Georgia failing to follow its own state law in verifying signatures, of Pennsylvania accepting mail ballots after the legal deadline set by its state legislature, or folks from outside Nevada casting a ballotin that state - the value of every Missourians' vote is diminished. That's not right. And we cannot simply look the other way. The right to freely cast yourvote in elections is a sacred privilegeafforded to us as Americans because of the sacrificesof the patriots who fought for that right. When that process is spoiled and abused by officials not following their own state law, it violates that right and jeopardizes the entire integrity and foundation of 'free and fair' elections. In such instances, where voting process changes are made without the consent of the voter, we know it is our duty and our obligation to serve as a backstop to protect the power of one person, one vote - to protect your vote as a Missourian. We must be able to have confidence in not only the agreement and expectation that this election would follow the law, but future ones will as well. We take the responsibilityof upholding the Constitutionseriously, and that is why we feel compelled to object to the electoral count taking place on January 6th. The reported results of this past November's Presidential election don't even pass the most basic eye test.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/56th-inauguration-ceremony-information | 56th Inauguration Ceremony Information | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Brian Higgins | H001038 | higgins.house.gov | legacy | Every four years, as has been for the past two-hundred and thirty-two years, the President and Vice President of the United States are sworn in before the American people. This remarkable ceremony in which the President swears an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, to bear true faith and allegiance to the nation, and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office is the foundation of our republic's commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful transition of power. On January 20th, 2021 President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take this very oath before the American public, as have so many before them. While this momentous and historic event is cause for celebration, the government has a mandate to act responsibly and protect the public from the present health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 16th, 2020 the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced guidelines for attendance at 59th Inaugural Ceremony. Unlike in previous years, Congressional offices will not receive any tickets to distribute to the public. The decision was reached by the JCCIC in consultation with the Presidential Inaugural Committee and public health officials in response to the global pandemic. As such, my office will be unable to provide in-person tickets to 59th Inaugural Ceremony. While I share your disappointment, this decision should not diminish the ceremony nor its importance. The United States of America, in its times of existence, has managed one of the most impressive, continuous, and peaceful democratic transitions of power in civilized history. The pandemic cannot take that from us. This inauguration will proceed like all before it, and the United States will begin the hard work of tackling the challenges facing our great nation and building a better future. Please continue to monitor the JCCIC's official website and social media for updates on where to view the 59th Inaugural Ceremony. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-members-congress-release-statement-regarding-certification | Pennsylvania Members of Congress Release Statement Regarding Certification of Electors | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | PA | Fred Keller | K000395 | keller.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) and seven Pennsylvania members of Congress released the following statement regarding the certification of electors on January 6, 2020: The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof' Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors' Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day. Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates. Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site. Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hours' notice. Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county. Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute. Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia. These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/pennsylvania-us-house-members-release-statement-certification-electors | Pennsylvania U.S. House Members Release Statement on Certification of Electors | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-16) today released this joint statement with Representatives Dan Meuser (PA-9), Glenn GT' Thompson (PA-15), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), John Joyce (PA-13), and Fred Keller (PA-12) regarding their intent to vote against certification of Pennsylvania's electors on January 6: The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure - Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day; Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates.Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site; Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice.Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county; Authorizing the use of unsecured drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia; These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/long-awaited-moynihan-train-hall-opens-within-historic-post-office-building | Long-awaited Moynihan Train Hall opens within historic post office building | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Carolyn Maloney | M000087 | maloney.house.gov | legacy | Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced the grand opening of Moynihan Train Hall, a 255,000-square-foot train hall withing the historic James A. Farley Building that will be a new gateway into Penn Station. The new train hall is expected to increase the existing Penn Station rail complex's concourse space by 50 percent. Thestation serves Amtrak, New Jersey Transit and Long Island Rail Road trains and connects to several subway lines. The facility is slated to go into service on New Year's Day. Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the New York BuildingCongress and former head of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, commented, Friday is a transformative day in NewYork City. The highly anticipated opening of the Moynihan Train Hall demonstrates the power of successful public private partnerships to accomplish great infrastructure projects. The Moynihan Train Hall has safely supported workers throughout the pandemic and stimulated the economy, and its opening will increase public transit capacity and accessibility in the city. The idea of converting the post office into a train hall was first proposed by the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan.Cuomo said, Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan was a man of true vision. He saw the potential in an underutilized post office and knew that if done correctly, this facility could not only give New York the transit hub it has long deserved, but serveas a monument to the public itself. The train hall's design is a unique blend of classical and contemporary, and featuresa one-acre sky-lit atrium, a signature clock, cutting-edge technology, clear wayfinding, full accessibility and museum-caliber public art. It also provides immediate benefits at this critical time while profoundly enhancing the convenience, health, and dailyexperience of hundreds of thousands of passengers, neighbors, and visitors, according to the Governor's Office. Led by Empire State Development (ESD), the $1.6 billion project was accomplished through a public-private partnership between ESD, Vornad… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/maloney-mail-2020-in-review | Maloney Mail: 2020 in Review | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Carolyn Maloney | M000087 | maloney.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, 2020 has certainly been a challenging year for our country, our city, and our families and my thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones to COVID-19. As we close out the year, and look forward to the start of the 117th Congress and Biden presidency, I am also taking a look back at all that we accomplished together in 2020. Even in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic and economic hardship, we accomplished important wins for the American people some of which are highlighted below. It has been an honor and privilege to serve our city and represent you in Congress this year and I look forward to our continued work together in 2021. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Protecting the United States Postal Service (USPS) Watch Congresswoman Maloney's floor speech on the Delivering for America Act here. In 2020, as Americans across the country became more reliant on the USPS for essential mail delivery, the Oversight Committee worked to ensure that the Postal Service received the support and funding it needed and continues to need to serve the American people and our democracy. I believe that the Postal Service should not become an instrument of partisan politics, but instead must be protected as a neutral, independent entity that focuses on one thing and one thing only delivering the mail.Millions of people rely on the Postal Service every day to communicate, access critical medications, and vote. A once-in-a-century pandemic is no time to enact changes that threaten service reliability and transparency. In August, following unprecedented changes proposed by the new Postmaster General to the operations and organizational structure of the Postal Service, I introduced the Delivering for America Act. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 257-150. Following this vote, I chaired an Oversight Committee hearing during which Postmaster General DeJoy testified, for the first time, th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-maloneygillibrand-legislation-to-rename-manhattan-va | Congress Passes Maloney/Gillibrand Legislation to Rename Manhattan VA After Revolutionary War Hero Margaret Corbin | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Carolyn Maloney | M000087 | maloney.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Both the House of Representatives and Senate have passed H.R.1925/S.898 to rename the Manhattan VA the "Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System. The bill was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and in the Senate by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Once signed into law, this would make the Manhattan VA the first in the country to be named after a woman veteran. I cannot wait until New York becomes the home of the first VA named after a woman veteran,said Congresswoman Maloney. This will ensure that American Revolutionary War hero Margaret Corbin's legacy of service endures in the tradition of empowering all veterans, regardless of gender. Although women have fought for our nation since its founding, women service members rarely receive the same recognition as their male counterparts. New Yorkers will be able to take great pride in leading the nation by having the first VA hospital named for a woman veteran right here in Manhattan. Margaret Corbin's legacy is a testament to all that women veterans have given to our country since its founding, said Senator Gillibrand. Corbin is an iconic New Yorker, who until now, has received little recognition for her sacrifices as a soldier on the battlefield. While we have a long way to go to ensure that women veterans get the same treatment and benefits that their male counterparts receive, I am proud to say that New York will soon be home to the first VA named after a woman veteran in the United States. Margaret Corbin was born in Pennsylvania on November 12, 1751. She accompanied her husband when he joined the Revolutionary Army and supported the Army's efforts by caring for injured and sick soldiers, cooking, cleaning, and helping her husband load his cannon. On November 16, 1776, Corbin took her husband's place at the Battle of Fort Washington in Manhattan after he was fatally wounded, where she was then shot by enemy fire and severely wounded. In recognition of her service and injuries, Cor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-closes-out-2020-with-legislative-wins | Maloney Closes Out 2020 with Legislative Wins | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Carolyn Maloney | M000087 | maloney.house.gov | legacy | This week, with the FY21 pandemic relief omnibus bill and H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, becoming law, and with the passage of H.R. 1925, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) closed out 2020 with four legislative wins. Included in the FY21 pandemic relief omnibus bill is the Congresswoman's H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act, and included in the FY21 NDAA are the Congresswoman's Corporate Transparency Act and a provision she authored securing paid leave for the birth, fostering, or adoption of a child for FAA and TSA employees, medical professionals working in VA facilities, and DC courts and public defender employees. H.R. 1925, now passed by both the House and Senate, would rename the Manhattan VA the "Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System. The Congresswoman issued the following statement on these accomplishments. Building a Smithsonian Women's History Museum, a testament to the women who helped build and shape this nation has been years in the making, and I am thrilled that we finally passed this legislation. It is so fitting that we passed this bill as we mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment and in the year in which we elected our first woman vice president. While I did not vote for the underlying bill, I am proud that the FY21 NDAA includes my Corporate Transparency Act, which is a critically important bill that will strengthen our national security by cracking down on anonymous shell companies that are used by terrorists and money launderers around the world. Also importantly, this package includes a correction to my paid parental leave bill that will give FAA and TSA employees, medical professionals working in VA facilities, and DC courts and public defender employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave in the event of the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child. Congress intended to guarantee paid parental leave for all Federal employees, and this bill honors that commitm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-maloney-gives-end-of-year-update-on-nycha-skilled-trades-pilot | Rep. Maloney Gives End of Year Update on NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Carolyn Maloney | M000087 | maloney.house.gov | legacy | NEW YORK, NY Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) joined Tenants' Association Presidents of Queensbridge and Astoria Houses; and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to give an end of year update on the NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program. NYCHA's Skilled Trades Pilot Program, launched on October 26, 2020 and set to run through mid-January, decentralizes the work order process with the goal of making repairs more timely and efficient. After two months of this three month pilot program, I am happy to report that 5,588 individual tasks have been completed across the pilot locations, with an 18% increase in overall productivity performance for Maintenance and Skilled Trades, said Congresswoman Maloney. I am proud to have worked with NYCHA to improve the repair process and thank them for agreeing to launch the NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program at three developments in my district. The NYCHA Skilled Trades Program aims to make sure residents get the repairs they need effectively and efficiently. Throughout the pilot program, I've spoken with residents through telephone town halls and in-person socially distanced meetings about their experiences with this program and how we can work to make things even better as NYCHA rolls out this new decentralized process across all five boroughs. I look forward to continuing my work with residents, the Residents' Associations, and NYCHA to make this program successful and ensure that NYCHA residents are given the safe and well-maintained homes they deserve. "NYCHA's Skilled Trades Pilot Program is central to our Blueprint for Change Transformation Plan and is already demonstrating improved staff performance and repair response time, resulting in better service for residents, said Greg Russ, Chair and CEO, NYCHA. NYCHA developed the pilot after rigorous engagement with residents, elected officials and other stakeholders, who provided their ideas and feedback to ensure the program's success. By assigning painters, plasterers, carpenters, plumbers, and electricia… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://norton.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norton-bass-lead-letter-to-president-elect-biden-on-combating-aircraft | Norton, Bass Lead Letter to President-Elect Biden on Combating Aircraft Noise | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | DC | Eleanor Norton | N000147 | norton.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus, and Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) led a letter this week urging President-elect Joe Biden to appoint Federal Aviation Administration officials who will use creative approaches to solve noise problems from aircraft. Norton has long led the effort in the House to combat airplane and helicopter noise in the nation's capital and across the country. Norton's community meetings on airplane and helicopter noise and residents' stories of interrupted sleep patterns, homes shaking and difficulty having conversations have guided Norton's efforts to quell airplane and helicopter noise. The disruption to human health and local economies by aircraft noise has long been overlooked or altogether ignored by the FAA, said Congresswoman Bass. I urge the Biden administration to appoint FAA officials who will finally address this issue that has plagued many of my constituents. The letter was also signed by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA), Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), Congressman Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Congressman Ed Case (D-HI), Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA), Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA). The full text is below. Congress of the United States Washington, D.C. 20515 December 28, 2020 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President-elect of the United States Office of the Biden-Harris Transition Washington, DC 20500 Dear President-elect Biden: You will soon name several new appointees to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including the Deputy FAA Administrator, the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Organization, the Associate Administrator for Airports, and the Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-house-filing-amicus-brief-in-gohmert-v-pence | Pelosi Statement on House Filing Amicus Brief in Gohmert v. Pence | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | Contact: Speaker's Press Office, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the House of Representatives filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in the case of Gohmert v. Pence, which attempts to unconstitutionally grant the Vice President the power to personally choose presidential electors, against the results of the popular vote and the certified Electoral College results: President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris decisively won the 2020 election, with a record number of votes and an historic margin of victory. Yet, President Trump and Republicans in Congress have refused to respect the will of the American people and instead have spread dangerous conspiracy theories and brought over fifty extreme, failed lawsuits in a brazen attempt to overturn the certified results of the 2020 election. The Gohmert lawsuit has zero legal merit and is yet another sabotage of our democracy. There is no doubt that, despite this desperate unpatriotic charade, on January 6, Joe Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance of the vote of the Electoral College as the 46th President of the United States. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://raskin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-raskin-announces-loss-son-tommy-raskin | Congressman Raskin Announces Loss of Son Tommy Raskin | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | MD | Jamie Raskin | R000606 | raskin.house.gov | legacy | TAKOMA PARK, M.D. With profound sorrow, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Sarah Bloom Raskin today announced the loss of their son Thomas (Tommy) Bloom Raskin, 25, who was a second-year student at Harvard Law School and a graduate of Amherst College. Tommy was pure magic. His brilliance and compassion knew no bounds. He passionately loved his family, friends, and animals, and was devoted to the cause of the global poor. We are devastated and demolished to be without him. Tommy is survived by his beloved sisters Hannah and Tabitha, dozens of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and grandparents Arlene Bloom and Lynn Raskin. The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and love from neighbors, constituents, and friends but asks everyone to observe strict COVID-19 protocols during this time of grief. Funeral and memorial service arrangements will be released in due course. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-refurbish-the-pillars-of-american | King Introduces Legislation to Refurbish the Pillars of American Exceptionalism | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Steve King | K000362 | steveking.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Steve King introduced a significant, capstone piece of legislation, The Refurbishing the Pillars of American Exceptionalism Act. The legislation, if enacted, would amend and improve Federal law in the areas of immigration, health care, the Constitution, education, trade, veterans' affairs, welfare, and tax, among numerous other areas. This large, comprehensive Act contains many of the bills Congressman King has championed during his nearly quarter century in the public service of Iowans and all Americans, including: H.R. 490, the Heartbeat Protection Act (the Heartbeat Bill) H.R. 140, the Birthright Citizenship Act H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act H.R. 185, the ObamaCare Repeal Act H.R. 385, Sarah's Law H.R. 902, the Protect American IPR Act H.R. 904, the New Illegal Deduction Elimination Act (New IDEA) H.R. 1319, the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act H.R. 1320, the Census Accuracy Act H.R. 4651, the American Future Healthcare Act King's legislation also includes the FAIR Tax, repeal of the 16th Amendment, and a prescription for substantive welfare reform, among many other important provisions. From the start of my service in elected office, I committed to my constituents that I would work tirelessly for them and stay true to my principles, said King. This legislation is a capstone of my legislative work to make good on those promises to my constituents, while always simultaneously endeavoring to refurbish the pillars of American Exceptionalism. It is significant because it not only includes a comprehensive selection of the most important bills I've worked on and spent countless hours advocating for, but moreover because I have no doubt that if enacted, this legislation would set the United States on a path of cultural and economic growth that perhaps is unparalleled in the life of our nation. I encourage new Members of Congress and leaders across our nation to never allow fear, opposition or lies to stop you from being… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-introduces-resolution-to-nullify-the-sham-impeachment-of-president | King Introduces Resolution to Nullify the Sham Impeachment of President Donald J. Trump | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Steve King | K000362 | steveking.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Steve King introduced a resolution which nullifies the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump, as if such impeachment had not occurred, due to a lack of a constitutional basis, the House of Representatives having failed to substantiate its allegations of Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors, which is required by the U.S. Constitution. With this resolution, I reiterate and emphasize my following statement from this past February, I commend the United States Senate for voting to acquit President Trump. The House impeachment effort was illegitimate from the outset, and President Trump was correct to describe it as a witch hunt' brought by bitter partisans who never accepted that Americans preferred him to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Since the Senate rightly acquitted President Trump last winter, subsequently released information, such as documents demonstrating no substantive basis for the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation into the Trump Campaign's very much nonexistent Russian collusion, has only reinforced the utter innocence of the President, his campaign staff and administration. As I stated in the complaint I submitted to the Ethics Committee before Christmas, the Constitution does not allow the people's House to be used as a cover for party machines and bosses. Using power and position to manufacture and perpetrate dishonest political narratives, complete with distortions and outright lies camouflaged as facts under the cover of official congressional business, is a gross and repugnant violation of the American people who are the very constituent parts of this government. President Trump has made great personal and professional sacrifices to lead our nation at this pivotal point in history when every objective standard, even truth itself, is being attacked, by those who continually seek to consolidate their own power and control through the devices of division, manipulation, fraud and outright lies. In his pursuit to provide the strong … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/carper-epa-s-censoring-science-rule-is-the-trump-administration-s-last-gasp-of-science-denial | Carper: EPAs Censoring Science Rule is the Trump Administrations Last Gasp of Science Denial | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its rule todrastically undermine the use of science in agency decision-making. In the final days of the Trump Administration, EPA has finalized its rule that will suppress scientific research and censor scientists and experts. It's just one last gasp of science denial. Amid an ongoing public health crisis a time when accessing the latest scientific research and embracing scientific advancements is a critical function of protecting human health the Trump EPA is trying to limit the use of scientific data, even data that could be used to address the growing link between exposure to air pollution and adverse outcomes of COVID-19. It's as absurd as it sounds. As I said earlier this year, it's hard to imagine a time when our nation needed to embrace science more than we do at this very moment. Almost a year into our battle against the coronavirus pandemic, that's even truer today. While I continue to be amazed by this administration's penchant for science denial, I am confident that this irresponsible rollback finalized in the last few days of the Trump Administration will not impede the incoming administration's efforts to restore the use of science in rulemaking. President-elect Biden has made clear that his administration will be guided by science. In March, Senator Carperasked the EPA Inspector General (IG)to open an investigation into potentially unlawful efforts and procedural problems related to the preparation and review of this supplemental proposal. Later that month, Senator Carper asked EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler towithdraw the rule, describing how thesweeping policy would limit the use of science in EPA rulemaking. As Senator Carper described in hisMarch 24letter to Administrator Wheeler, examples abound of research that would now at minimum require considerable review time to det… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-protect-patients-surprise-medical-bills-now-law | Legislation to Protect Patients from Surprise Medical Bills is Now Law | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills was signed into law as part of the government funding package. Americans increasingly pay more out-of-pocket for their health care, so it is crucial that they have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. The health and economic crisis we are currently experiencing due to COVID-19 has underscored the need for Congress to come together to increase the affordability and accessibility of medical care. Far too many Americans are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of health care, which places severe strain on family budgets and threatens access to the care and medications they need. The last thing patients should have to worry about while they are sick or recovering is receiving an unexpected bill because they were unaware they were receiving out-of-network care,said Senator Collins. Increasing the affordability and accessibility of health care is one of my highest priorities, and this new law ending the unfair practice of surprise medical billing will help provide significant relief. The proposal to end surprise medical billing will also allow approximately $18 billion in savings to be used to fully fund Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education, and Special Diabetes Programs for three years. As the lead sponsor of theTraining the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act, Senator Collins has long worked to bolster and expand this successful training program. As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, she has championed the Special Diabetes Program, which has been instrumental in promoting advances in diabetes care such as the artificial pancreas system. The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including: Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-500000-maine-housing-authorities-0 | Senator Collins Announces More Than $500,000 for Maine Housing Authorities | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that nine housing authorities in Maine will receive a total of $509,826 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). Maine's housing authorities provide an array of vital services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that the housing needs of all Mainers are met. By supporting public housing agencies, this funding will help connect individuals with the resources they need to achieve economic independence. The funding will be allocated as follows: Augusta Housing Authoritywill receive $32,484. Bangor Housing Authoritywill receive $63,709. City of Caribouwill receive $57,446. Housing Authority of Brewerwill receive $60,978. Housing Authority of Old Townwill receive $47,944. Lewiston Housing Authoritywill receive $58,873. Maine State Housing Authoritywill receive $62,467. Portland Housing Authoritywill receive $78,659. Westbrook Housing Authoritywill receive $47,266. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. Earlier this month, sheannounced$120,000 for housing authorities in Aroostook and Sagadahoc Counties. In addition, Senator Collins helped to secure a total of $46.5 million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communities throughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-counterfeit-vaccines-and-pandemic-fraud | Q&A: Counterfeit Vaccines and Pandemic Fraud | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | Q&A: Counterfeit Vaccines and Pandemic Fraud With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: What are you doing to protect taxpayer dollars included in the pandemic relief laws? A: Iowans work hard for their money. I work hard to protect hard-earned tax dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. In times of emergency, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provides urgently needed support and resources to help Americans who have lost homes, farms, livelihoods and paychecks. 2020 has produced one crisis after another. The virus has killed more than 300,000 Americans. Too many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Congress approved $4 trillion this year to accelerate vaccine production and send emergency assistance to help health care professionals, unemployed workers, student borrowers, foster youth, farmers, households and small businesses struggling to stay afloat. This historic federal spending will add to the nation's $27 trillion debt. As a fiscal conservative, it's a tough pill to swallow. Iowans don't want to pass the buck on to our children and grandchildren. Borrowing money means every dollar consumed by interest payments means one less dollar for national security, infrastructure, health care and tax relief. The same goes for money lost to waste, fraud and abuse. For example, in the most recent $900 billion pandemic relief package, Congress approved $26 billion to help fight hunger and replenish food assistance programs. Starting Jan. 1, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will get a 15 percent bump in benefits. Lawmakers owe it to taxpayers to ensure this money is spent to feed hungry kids and their families who have fallen on hard times. Rooting out corruption, theft and fraud tied to pandemic spending is as important as ever. When Congress passed the CARES Act in March, I worked to sharpen the federal government's anti-fraud and oversight tools. I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the federal wa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lee.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speeches?ContentRecord_id=7A188C6A-2DBE-4730-AC33-225D07FF5E1C | Gov. Gary Herberts Retirement | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | UT | Mike Lee | L000577 | www.lee.senate.gov | legacy | Mr./Madam President, I rise today to honor my friend, Gary Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah for the last 12 years, who after a long career in public service is embarking on a well-earned retirement. He has served the state of Utah with enthusiasm, dedication, and spirit; and I am grateful to have worked alongside him throughout his tenure. Gary was born in American Fork, Utah, and grew up in Orem. He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the East Coast, and later attended Brigham Young University. He first began his public service after college, serving in the Utah Army National Guard for six years and becoming a staff sergeant. After his time in the National Guard, he set up a real estate firm, and eventually became president of the Utah Association of Counties and Utah Association of Realtors. Starting in 1990, he served as a commissioner on the Utah County Commission for 14 years, and then began his service at the state level. In 2004, when Jon Huntsman ran for the Governor's seat, Gary became his running mate for Lieutenant Governor, with the pair going on to win the race that November. It was then that I first got to know him myself, when I was hired to be the general counsel for Governor Huntsman. One of my first memories of him was when we began to move into the governor's office suite. The day before he was sworn in, Gary came and gave a warm welcome to all the staff, along with sound advice about the importance of staying grounded as we entered the political fray. I soon learned that he was not only a skilled politician, but also a formidable ping pong player. Right after he and Governor Huntsman were sworn in, the staff got together as a team several times at the governor's mansion, where there was a ping pong table in the basement. I then learned the hard way that Gary's table-tennis skills are off the charts. While serving Governor Huntsman, I always found Gary to be friendly, approachable, and willing to tackle every assignment with eagern… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatzs-medical-tele-training-bill-signed-into-law | Schatz’s Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – This week, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) 2019 Act was signed into law as part of the annual government funding bill. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), establishes a $10 million per year grant program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to promote the use of technology to connect health care providers and deliver high-quality care in hard-to-reach regions. “Technology hasn’t just transformed how doctors care for patients, it has helped health care providers work and learn from with each other,” said Senator Schatz. “This new law will help connect more primary care providers in rural areas with specialists from across the country so that more families have access to the critical health care services they need." The new law will expand the use of the ECHO model — an innovative medical education program that deploys interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural areas. This helps hard-to-reach communities access the health care services they otherwise would not be able to receive. During the pandemic, the ECHO model has been important to the public health response, used by states across the country to share best practices for treating COVID-19 patients as well as improve testing and contact tracing. In 2016, Schatz authored the first ECHO Act, which was signed into law and initiated a study of the model. The resulting report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that the ECHO model addresses important gaps in health care for underserved populations and recommended its expansion. Acting on this recommendation, Senator Schatz authored the current ECHO Act, which creates a program to provide grants and technical assistance to further develop the ECHO model and other similar models and expand their use nationwide. These grants will be used for: Equipment to support the use and expansion of the models, including for the secure exchange of electronic health information; Supp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402050 | Herrera Beutlers Legislation to Strengthen Grid Security and Increase Energy Efficiency Signed into Law | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | jhb.house.gov | legacy | This week, the president signed into law two bipartisan bills led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to strengthen grid security and improve energy efficiency in Southwest Washington. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act and Grid Modernization Research and Development Act were included in the funding package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. These energy solutions I'm leading tackle two important needs: improving security of our energy grid from cyberattacks and natural disasters, and improving the durability of our energy sources, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased that Congress has approved these two critical pieces of bipartisan legislation to increase the security, reliability, and affordability of energy for Southwest Washington residents, which will help lead our region to a more secure energy future. Details on Herrera Beutler's legislation: Grid Modernization Research and Development Act, H.R. 5428. Refines and expands research and development programs aimed at increasing reliability and security of the grid. It also extends the Smart Grid Regional Demonstration initiative and authorizes a research, development, and demonstration program focused on: Enhancing grid resilience and emergency response; and Designing and developing advanced controls, operations, monitoring and visualization tools for the grid BEST Act, H.R. 2986. Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish a grid-scale storage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program to advance energy storage technologies and creates specific objectives for energy RD&D projects, and bolsters research with federal agencies and national labs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5537 | Sen. Cruz Condemns Jailing of Chinese Journalist Who Documented Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak, Vows to Reintroduce Sanctions Bill Against Chinese Medical Censorship | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in response to reports that China will jail journalist Zhang Zhan for four years, in retaliation for Zhan's efforts in early 2020 to document the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and announced his intention to reintroduce the "Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act," legislation to sanction Chinese officials involved in the ongoing suppression of medical experts, journalists, and political dissidents trying to disseminate medical information: "In the early days of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party did everything it could to cover up the severity of the outbreak, from lying about the origin of the virus and how it was being transmitted, to destroying evidence, to silencing the brave whistleblower doctors, scientists, journalists, and activists who tried to warn the world and prevent a global public health crisis. Had the CCP acted responsibly, there's a very real possibility the coronavirus could have been contained as a regional outbreak. Almost a year later, the CCP is continuing and deepening its repression of those whistleblowers. "The consequences of this censorship continuing are deadly - not just for those in China but for Americans and people around the world. That's why at the start of the next Congress I will reintroduce a version of my bill from the 116th Congress, the Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act, legislation to impose visa bans and asset blocks on those who punish or censor Chinese citizens for reporting accurate information about a disease. COVID-19 went global because of this sort of malign behavior, and it is imperative that those who conduct it are held accountable." Sen. Cruz has been leading the charge in the Senate to fundamentally reassess the U.S.-China relationship and counter Chinese censorship in the wake of the CCP coronavirus coverup. In May, Sen. Cruz first introduced the "Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act" after he delivered remarks on the Se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/columns?ContentRecord_id=F6699444-A32D-4656-8087-B6B30C56D44D | Joni Ernst: As we head into the New Year, I will always put Iowa first. | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | legacy | 2020 has presented unique challenges for folks all across our state. The global pandemic coupled with a devastating derecho has been tough, but through it all we've witnessed the resilient spirit of Iowans. As I safely and responsibly traveled Iowa on my sixth annual 99 County Tour visiting every county in our beautiful state I continued to listen to your stories, challenges, and successes to take your voices back to Washington. COVID-19 was certainly top of mind for so many, and that's why I prioritized getting relief to families, workers, small businesses, farmers, and folks in all walks of life. I worked swiftly with Democrats and Republicans to secure billions in relief for more than 60,000 of our small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). And in the newest COVID-19 relief package, I again worked across the aisle to bolster the PPP. I've continued to be a strong advocate for our families; fighting to expand access to child care services, provide financial relief for family caregivers, crackdown on scammers targeting our seniors, and support our nursing homes and senior care facilities. Through the bipartisan CARES Act, I helped secure nearly $32 million in relief for Iowa child care centers and pushed for more assistance for Iowa's diaper banks. In the newest aid package, I worked in a bipartisan way to make sure our child care industry continues to have support. When it comes to health care, I've also worked hard with Democrats and Republicans to support Iowa's hospitals and health care systems throughout this pandemic including expanded telehealth and mental health treatment to push for lower health care and drug costs, and to expand access to care, especially for rural Iowans. Having grown up on a farm in rural Iowa, the same community I still live in to this day, I understand the challenges our hardworking farmers face. With the pandemic and devastating derecho, things were that much tougher this year. That's why I pushed to secure immediate COVID help for our pork producers … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5AE9ABDD-1AEB-4DD0-9D61-9EDF34F20AB0 | Were Going to Continue Delivering on the Needs of Our Nation | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Today, the Senate was supposed to finish legislation securing critical tools, training, and support for America's armed forces. But the junior Senator for Vermont had other ideas. Remember, Senator Sanders spent this past summer literally trying to defund our military. Not my words, but the title of a piece he published: Defund the Pentagon: The liberal case. Our colleague authored an amendment to strip 10% of funding from our servicemembers and decimate our defense budget. The Russians aren't cutting military funding. China isn't cutting funding. But last summer, Senator Sanders and fellow Democrats, including the Democratic Leader, voted to make America unilaterally disarm and cut ours. The left took a break from trying to defund the police to try to defund our Armed Forces. Their amendment went down in a landslide. But now our colleague from Vermont is again putting political stunts before the needs of our men and women in uniform. Our colleague says he will slow down this vital bill unless he gets to muscle through another standalone proposal from Speaker Pelosi that would add roughly half a trillion dollars to the national debt. Which does not align with what President Trump has suggested. And which has no realistic path to quickly pass the Senate. Well, as I've said, the Senate will not let our national security be shoved off course. Certainly not by Senators who have spent years trying to gut America's capabilities while our adversaries continue ramping up. The Senate will stay on this important bill until we complete it, one way or another. *** Now let's talk about COVID-19 relief. Four days ago, President Trump signed the second-largest rescue package in American history. The largest one was the CARES Act in March. Due to this pandemic and our massive response, we now have a national debt far larger than our entire economy for the first time… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-releases-new-covid-19-federal-resource-guide-to-help-hawaii-small-businesses-access-new-funding-programs | Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawaii Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | legacy | Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawaii Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs Updated Resource Guide Includes Information On New Relief Funding, New Program To Support Live Venue Operators, Museums, Independent Movie Theaters; Schatz's Resource Guide Available At Schatz.Senate.Gov/Coronavirus/Small-Businesses Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today released an updated resource guide to help Hawaii small businesses better understand how to access federal loans and new federal funding. The new $900 billion relief package, which is the second largest aid package in American history and was signed into law on Sunday, includes a new round of federal funding for small businesses and nonprofits and a new program to support live venue operators, including museums and independent movie theaters. The new round of funding will help Hawaii small businesses meet their payroll and provide people with paychecks, said Senator Schatz. As more federal help becomes available, we'll continue to work to provide more information about how Hawaii families and businesses can access these new resources. The new COVID-19 relief funding includes $15 billion nationwide to a new Small Business Administration (SBA) grant program for live venues impacted by the public health crisis. Eligible grant recipients include live venue operators, promoters or theatrical producers, independent movie theatre operators, museum operators, and talent representatives. Of the total amount, $2 billion is set aside for eligible entities that employ fewer than 50 full-time employees. The new relief package also provides an additional $20 billion of targeted funding for the SBA's economic injury disaster loans (EIDL) emergency advance grants program and extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to March 31, 2021, providing $284 billion nationwide for additional first- and second-round PPP loans to small businesses and nonprofits. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-austin-scott-statement-fy21-ndaa | Rep. Austin Scott Statement on FY21 NDAA | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | GA | Austin Scott | S001189 | austinscott.house.gov | legacy | TIFTON, GA Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement on his vote to override President Trump's veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA), which authorizes spending for the Department of Defense. The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation our body passes each year, as it pays our warfighters and provides them with the resourcesthey need to tackle their missions and return home safely. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and as the grandson of a World War II POW, this is a task I take very seriously, said Rep. Austin Scott. President Trump ultimately vetoed the measure due the package not addressing concerns over Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which created federal immunity for providers and users of social media companies and generally prevents them from being held liable for hosting content that someone else created. While I believe the President is founded in his concerns over Section 230, it is in our nation's best interest to pass the NDAA to deliver much-needed resources to our men and women in uniform, including a 3% pay raise and critical resources for installations like Robins and Moody Air Force Bases in Georgia's Eighth District, said. Rep. Scott. Social media companies should be held accountable for their selective censorship and bias that in many cases impedes the First Amendment of American citizens, but this issue can and should be addressed separate from the defense bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and President Trump to address this measure. In November, Rep. Scott was chosen to serve on a conference committee which was charged with working through differences of the House and Senate versions of FY21 NDAA to comprise a final bill for passage. The final bill provided resources for Robins and Moody Air Forces Bases in Georgia's Eighth District, as well as a 3% pay raise for troops and resources to help the De… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/bam-fight-americas-republic-senator-josh-hawley-r-mo-joins-congressman-mo | Bam! The Fight for America's Republic is On! Senator Josh Hawley (R, MO) Joins Congressman Mo Brooks' Effort to Block Untrustworthy Electoral College Votes! | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AL | Mo Brooks | B001274 | brooks.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCWednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) praised Senator Josh Hawley's (R, MO) announcement to object to untrustworthy electoral college submissions on January 6th. Congressman Brooks said, "I thankSenator Hawley for joining dozens of Congressmen's fight for an honest and accurate election system that is the underpinning of America's Republic! With America's Republicat stake,we are fortunate to have leaders like Senator Hawley stand up and do what is right to ensure America remains the greatest nation in world history." Brooks continued,"AsMissouri's former Attorney General,an experiencedlitigator,and renowned legal and constitutional scholar,Senator Hawley understands that Congress (not federal courts) is the final and ultimate judge, jury and arbiter of all contested federal elections." Brooks concluded,"Too many states have blatantly violated Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, violated federal election statutes, or willfully failed to obey their own state election laws, thereby opening the door to massive voter fraud, casting of illegal ballots, and election theft. These combined failures render some states' election results untrustworthy. With a Senatecosponsornowjoiningthis fight, Congressmen and Senators will face an easy vote: you can either acquiesce to and support voter fraud and election theft, or you can stand and fight for an honest and accurate election system that is the underpinning of America's Republic. On January 6, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I choose to fight!!!" Senator Hawley's December 30th statement follows: "Following both the 2004 and 2016 elections, Democrats in Congress objected during the certification of electoral votes in order to raise concerns about election integrity. They were praised by Democratic leadership and the media when they did. And they were entitled to do so. But now those of us concerned about the integrity of this election are entitled to do the same. I cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on January 6… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/voting-increase-direct-payments-coronavirus-relief | Voting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Many constituents received my end-of-year postcard in the mail. The card featured a powerful photograph of the airport by Memphis photographer Jeffrey Jacobs but the artist was not properly credited as he is here. Thanks to Mr. Jacobs for such fine work representing our city. Dear Friend, This week, I voted to increase economic impact payments under our coronavirus relief measure passed earlier this month from $600 to $2,000 per individual ($4,000 per couple and $2,000 for each dependent). I voted to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides assistance to Vietnam-era victims of Agent Orange and mandates the removal of names that honor the Confederacy from military installations; offered some guidance about the new coronavirus vaccines; appeared on national television to discuss the relief bill and the horrific bombing on Second Avenue in Nashville; and announced a significant sickle cell research grant to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I'm doing as it happens. Voting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief Voting to Override Presidential Veto of the Defense Bill Offering Guidance about Access to Coronavirus Vaccine Addressing Relief Bill and Nashville Bombing on MSNBC Announcing a Significant Grant for Sickle Cell Research to St. Jude Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year 2021 Quote of the Week Voting to Increase Direct Payments for Coronavirus Relief On Monday, the House convened to pass a bill increasing direct payments to individuals from $600 to $2,000 under the coronavirus relief measure that passed both Chambers last week to deal with the pandemic and its dire financial consequences. This means that those eligible will receive $2,000 for each person, including children and non-child dependents. Democrats have consistently pushed for larger relief checks, but Republicans refused to accept it before voting for the original … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-30 | Coronavirus Daily Update: December 30 | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Wednesday, December 30, 2020 Dear Constituent The coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below. These are incredibly stressful times for all Michiganders. I am working, along with my staff, around the clock, seven days a week to answer your questions, provide community resources and provide up-to-date, accurate information. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office anytime by calling (810) 238-8627. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere. The Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere. The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE On December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere. On October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, resta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-statement-cash-act | Hartzler Statement on the CASH Act | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MO | Vicky Hartzler | H001053 | hartzler.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) issued the following statement on the CASH Act. A coronavirus relief bill should be directed to helping those who have been negatively impacted by the virus. The bill passed last week accomplishes this by helping struggling businesses, families, and individuals without work due to the pandemic. It also sends $600 to every person in a household who makes under $75,000 whether or not they have been impacted by the virus. This was a reasonable compromise. Increasing these across the board payments to $2000 without even having to demonstrate a need would further America's out of control debt. With a debt of $27 trillion, our focus should remain on getting people back to work and defeating the virus. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-leads-effort-calling-on-fda-to-end-discriminative-blood-donor | Higgins Leads Effort Calling on FDA to End Discriminative Blood Donor Guidelines | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Brian Higgins | H001038 | higgins.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and fellow colleagues on the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus, Congressmembers Judy Chu and Jose Serrano, are calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove guidelines barring men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating plasma and other blood products. In a letter to the FDA Commissioner, Reps. Higgins, Chu and Serrano write, Outdated and arbitrary guidelines that discriminate against people attempting to donate plasma unnecessarily constrains its supply during a time when it is more important than ever to increase the donor pool. Plasma donation is an act of generosity that helps save lives, and FDA's policies should be informed by the best science available to ensure that the maximum number of people who can donate safely can do so. During the COVID-19 pandemic doctors are using convalescent plasma plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID to treat people currently fighting COVID. Plasma is also regularly used as an effective tool to treat trauma, burns, hemophilia, and other clotting factor deficiencies. As a comprehensive cancer center where patients rely on donated blood products to help them endure their cancer treatments and rebuild strength, Roswell Park knows firsthand that the need for plasma is higher than ever. Thank you to Congressman Higgins for calling on the FDA to end this discriminatory rule, says Candace S. Johnson, PhD, President and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, which operates an onsite Donor Center. Blood product donations have decreased due to the ongoing pandemic and recent winter storms which have forced the cancellation of blood drives and outreach events.The demand for plasma far exceeds donations. On December 10, 2020 the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), American Red Cross and America's Blood Centers issued a joint statement warning: the country's supply of COVID-19 convalescent plasma is depleting and indicating the demand for plasma has exceeded collections by between 1,000 and 1,500 un… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-plans-object-electoral-college-certification | Duncan Plans to Object to Electoral College Certification | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SC | Jeffrey Duncan | D000615 | jeffduncan.house.gov | legacy | Laurens, S.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) plans to formally object to the Electoral College certification in the House of Representatives on January 6, 2021. He released the following statement: I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States as a Member of Congress, and with that oath comes the vital role of ensuring the legality and integrity of our free and fair election system. The 2020 election saw unprecedented institutional issues like states changing their voting systems in violation of their state constitutions, unelected bureaucrats changing election law instead of lawmakers themselves, poll watchers prohibited from doing their jobs, failure to properly scrutinize the validity of mail-in voting, and the list goes on. We need to shed light on the issues that took place during the 2020 election to preserve our electoral system for generations to come. Our mission is simple: Count every legal vote, throw out every illegal vote, and investigate every irregularity and allegation. All Americans should be on board with this mission. On January 6, 2021, I plan to object to the Electoral College certification from states that experienced these unprecedented issues like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. I plan to object for the people of the Third District of South Carolina and the millions of Americans who are demanding transparency into the 2020 election. We the People know this is a pivotal decision for our great country. May God bless the United States of America. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-hails-passage-2021-government-funding-and-covid-19 | Congressman Krishnamoorthi Hails Passage of the 2021 Government Funding And COVID-19 Stimulus Bill, Which Included His Priority Provisions | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Krishnamoorthi hailed the $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus bill and the $1.4 trillion fiscal 2021 Appropriations bill that passed Congress and were signed into law by President Trump this week. I am thankful that Congress was able to negotiate a bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus package that will provide much needed relief to Americans across the country and that the 2021 omnibus spending bill was signed into law as well, which will allow our government agencies and services to continue operations uninterrupted, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said. The country has been awaiting the passage of this crucial legislation, and I'm proud to have supported it. Some of the main provisions included in the COVID-19 Emergency Relief package include: Economic Impact Payments: $166 billion Payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year, $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, and $600 payment for each child dependent. Small Business: $325 billion Provides first and second forgivable PPP loans, dedicated set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions, and expanded PPP eligibility for 501(c)(6) nonprofits New EIDL Grants for businesses in low-income communities, continued SBA debt relief payments, and enhancements to SBA lending. Unemployment Insurance: $120 billion Provides an additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits, through March 14, 2021. Extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, with expanded coverage to the self-employed, gig workers, and others in nontraditional employment Extends the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks of federally-funded unemployment benefits to individuals who exhaust their regular state benefits. Vaccines, Testing and Tracing, Community Health and Health Care Provider Support: $69 billion Sc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-announcement-former-chief-staff-lee-slater-named-special | Larson Applauds Announcement that Former Chief of Staff, Lee Slater, is Named as Special Assistant to President-elect Biden | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | John Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | legacy | Hartford, CT Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the announcement that his former Chief of Staff, Lee Slater, has been named as a Special Assistant to President-elect Biden. I am thrilled that Lee Slater as been named as a Special Assistant to President-elect Biden. I've had the pleasure of knowing Lee for more than a decade and having him as my Chief of Staff for nearly five years. Over the course of his career, Lee has earned the respect of members throughout the Caucus who turn to him for advice on the floor and in the Ways and Means Committee. Lee embodies what it means to be a public servant from his work in the House, his tours in Afghanistan and Iraq in the Army, and now onto the White House. I know Lee will serve President-elect Biden and the American people well, said Larson. Slater has served on Larson's staff from 2008 to 2017. He served as his Chief of Staff from March 2012 to January 2017. Since 2017, Slater has served Director of Outreach and Member Services for the Ways and Means Committee, on which Larson sits. He previously worked for Congressman Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania, and served in the United States Army Reserves, including deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-presents-glastonbury-student-congressional-award-0 | Larson Presents Glastonbury Student with Congressional Award | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | John Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | legacy | Hartford, CT - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) presented Jay Srivastava, a student from Glastonbury, CT with a Bronze and Silver Congressional Award Medal. I'm honored to congratulate Jay and present him with the Bronze and Silver Congressional Award today. Jay has proven to be selfless and resilient. His dedication in continuing to challenge himself and his commitment to community service is inspiring to see in someone so young. I'm proud to have Jay in the First Congressional District. I am excited to see all the wonderful things he will continue to do in the future, said Larson. Jay is receiving the Bronze and Silver Congressional Award medal for achieving his goals in voluntary public service, personal development, personal fitness, and expedition/exploration. To complete his Voluntary Public Service, Jay volunteered through the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to serve his community and honor the service of our veterans. He also volunteered helping middle school children with their homework and Math and English work. Jay has also accomplished his personal goals by participating in aircraft build project to learn about aviation, improved his speed for the 5K, and took the lead on planning a family trip to Ecuador where he had to organize his return home when his trip was interrupted by the COVID19 pandemic. The Congressional Award was established by Congress in 1979. It recognizes students who have committed to bettering and challenging themselves and to give back to their local communities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/12-times-celebrities-fought-for-equal-pay-in-their-starring-roles | 12 times celebrities fought for equal pay in their starring roles | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Carolyn Maloney | M000087 | maloney.house.gov | legacy | On January 1, 2018, spurred by the revelation of Harvey Weinstein's widespread sexual misconduct and the #MeToomovement, celebrities came together to protest sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination in Hollywood and beyond. They founded a movement of their own calledTime's Upto fight for safer workplaces and equal pay in the entertainment industry. Even before the Time's Up movement, women in Hollywood have spoken out about being paid less thantheir male co-stars. Sometimes, they have been able to negotiate fair compensation. Other times, they didn't even know they werebeing paid less until after the fact. Here are 12 times actors fought for the equal pay they deserved. Even after Patricia Arquette's viral Oscars acceptance speech, in which she called out America's gender pay gap, she told The Daily Beast that she's still offered less for her work than men. Arquette's2015 Oscars acceptance speechgalvanised women everywhere to demand equal pay. To every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else's equal rights, it's our time to have wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for women in the United States of America,she said to thunderous applause. She took her activism to Capitol Hill, as well. In 2016, Arquettemarked Equal Pay Day with Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D- NY)by highlighting the results of a Congressional report that found women make $US10,800 less per year than men. She also testified in front of the House Judiciary Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee about the Equal Rights Amendment in 2019. Still, Arquette finds herself fighting for equal pay in her acting work. I've walked away from several jobs because they were giving me really bullsh** deals that were really sh**** anddifferent from men in a really f***** up way, she told The Daily Beast in 2018. [...] | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-applauds-housing-and-rent-relief-provisions-in-covid-relief-and | Maloney Applauds Housing and Rent Relief Provisions in COVID Relief and Omnibus Spending Bill | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Carolyn Maloney | M000087 | maloney.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, today highlighted the importance of provisions in the COVID-19 relief and omnibus spending package to provide direct assistance to renters and extend the CDC's eviction moratorium. Housing is a human right and no New Yorker no American should be worried about keeping a roof over their head in the midst of a pandemic. In a city filled with renters, I am relieved that House Democrats were able to establish a $25 billion emergency rental assistance program to help renters pay their rent and utility bills. By providing this relief directly to renters, we are also making sure that small property owners can continue to cover their costs, including those necessary to ensure residents' health and safety. Importantly, on the federal level, we have extended the CDC's eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021 helping to ensure that millions of renters across America are not evicted while waiting to receive the additional assistance we are fighting for. I'm grateful that New York State also acted this week to extend our eviction mortarium for at least another 60 days. House Democrats were also able to secure $43.4 million in new, targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness among families with children, individuals, the unsheltered, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence. I am hopeful that we can build on these programs under the Biden-Harris Administration and ensure that housing is not a cause for concern during this unprecedented crisis. Background Congresswoman Maloney secured a moratorium on all foreclosures and evictions from properties owned, insured, or overseen by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in March after making a request to these agencies, in which she was joined by 106 of her House colleagues. Emergency Rental Assistance Program Elig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mcnerney-announces-2020-congressional-app-challenge-winner | Rep. McNerney Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Jerry McNerney | M001166 | mcnerney.house.gov | legacy | Stockton, CA Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) announced that the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for the 9th Congressional District is Mountain House High School student, Advithi Kethidi. Advithi's app, HourShop, enables students to receive community service hours and help those in need. Advithi came up with the idea for her app during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she realized the danger and difficulty high-risk populations encounter when running typical errands, such as getting groceries. She also found that students were being deprived of the opportunities to collect volunteer hours because of stay-at-home orders. Advithi designed her app as a solution for both of these situations: to provide an efficient way for students to earn community service hours during the pandemic while allowing high-risk individuals and families to stay home and stay safe. The promise of technology and this generation's acute familiarity with these tools opens a world of possibilities to address our most pressing issues, while also presenting people with new opportunities, said Congressman McNerney. Advithi saw a need in our community one that many are currently facing and she designed a solution to not only connect people, but to provide a new way to give back. That is the beauty of technology: it can be harnessed to expand access to much needed services and revolutionize how members of our community engage with one another. I commend her for her thoughtfulness and hard work throughout the development of this award-winning app. The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition intended to engage students' creativity and encourage their participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. Students compete with peers by creating and exhibiting their software application for web, PC, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi or any other platform of their choice. The contest was open to all middle school and high school students who reside in California's 9th Congressional District. You can w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-helps-make-co-ops-and-condos-eligible-for-coronavirus-relief-funds | Meng Helps Make Co-ops Eligible for Coronavirus Relief Funds | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NY | Grace Meng | M001188 | meng.house.gov | legacy | QUEENS, NY U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she helped make housing co-ops and condominiums eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is the Small Business Administration's (SBA) signature coronavirus relief initiative to assist struggling small businesses during the national health crisis. This change was included in the $900 billion coronavirus relief package that was signed into law on December 27. In March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created PPP which provides forgivable loans provided certain conditions are met, but SBA subsequently rendered housing co-ops and condominiums ineligible to participate in the program. Since then, Meng worked with her congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Councilto reverse this omission. Financial relief is finally available to housing co-ops and condominiums in Queens who have faced declining revenues and increasing costs during COVID-19. I am relieved that they will soon be able to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and get the assistance they need, said Meng. COVID-19 has placed an unprecedented strain on the over 100,000 affordable cooperative and condominium housing units in New York City alone. Leaving out co-ops and condominiums from PPP was a disservice to them despite their economic hardship. I was proud to press the Administration on this issue, and to help secure language in the Heroes Act and Heroes Act 2.0, which passed the House in May and October, respectively. While the Senate Republicans needlessly held up for months any relief for working families, I am glad that we finally secured eligibility for co-ops and condos in the recent coronavirus relief package. Cooperatives remain a critical source of affordable housing for Queens and New York families and they must be made whole in the midst of this unprecedented public health and economic crises. Opening up the PPP to these entities will give them this lifeline. I want to thank my congressiona… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-announces-creation-of-select-committee-on-economic-disparity-fairness-in | Pelosi Announces Creation of Select Committee on Economic Disparity & Fairness in Growth | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | Contact: Speaker's Press Office, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement announcing the creation in the 117th Congress of the new Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth: As House Speaker, I am proud to announce the creation of the new, bipartisan Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, which will be an essential force in Congressional Democrats' action to combat the crisis of income and wealth disparity in America. It is molded after the mission of the Temporary National Economic Committee, founded by President Roosevelt and the Congress after the Great Depression to study and combat the concentration of wealth in America and its role in triggering economic collapse. As President Roosevelt said before founding this Committee, The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself the liberty of a democracy is not safe if its business system does not provide employment and produce and distribute goods in such a way as to sustain an acceptable standard of living.' The past several decades have shown with devastating clarity the marked imbalance between the financial fortunes of CEOs and workers. The reverence of those who amass profits by stagnating wages has seriously undermined the lives and livelihoods of many Americans, while slowing economic growth in our country. This year, the disturbing, dangerous trend of economic disparity has also been accelerated by the coronavirus economic crisis. The devaluing of work has had a negative impact on consumer confidence, job creation and economic growth. And the situation of families no longer believing that their children will have a brighter future than they is seriously damaging and demoralizing to our society. That is why we are creating this Select Committee, which will be a resource to the Congress to make policy related to economic fairness, access to education and workforce … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/transcript-of-pelosi-weekly-press-conference-today-90 | Transcript of Pelosi Weekly Press Conference Today | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | Contact: Speaker's Press Office, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi held her weekly press conference today in the Capitol Visitor Center. Below are the Speaker's remarks: Speaker Pelosi. Good morning. Welcome to the last weekly of this year of this year, of this session of Congress and of this Congress. Until next week, when we'll be in a new Congress. I wish you a Happy New Year as we go forward. Sadly, the Congress received the news last evening of the passing of a new Member of Congress, Luke Letlow from Louisiana, due to be sworn in this Sunday, but taken by the coronavirus yesterday. He leaves his wife and two babies, and we extend great sympathy to his family. So sad. Forty-one years old, coronavirus, blood clot complication. Could happen to anyone. And it has happened to nearly 350,000 Americans. Many of those deaths could have been avoided. As we go forward, we must, we must make sure that we are scientific and determined to crush the virus in whatever form it takes. In the meantime, though, let us extend deepest sympathy to their family and to to those little babies who have lost their daddy. So, here we are in time, as I mentioned, the last meeting of the year for us. Let's just talk about the last week or so. In the last week or so, we sent to the President the legislation, it took some time for it to be enrolled because it was a lot a big bill. He received it on Christmas Eve, 3:30 in the afternoon. He did sign it on Sunday evening and we were very pleased with that because it had very strong bipartisan vote in the House and in the Senate. In the course of, though, of that week, the President announced his support for the $2,000 direct payment, which we madly embraced, and said, We join with the President in supporting this,' came in on Christmas Eve, were blocked by the Republicans for having a Unanimous Consent to bill bring up that legislation. But on Monday, in regular session, we brought it forth and it passed with strong bipartisan support. We were very pleased then to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/transcript-of-pelosi-weekly-press-conference-today-91 | Transcript of Pelosi Weekly Press Conference Today | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | Contact: Speaker's Press Office, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi held her weekly press conference today in the Capitol Visitor Center. Below are the Speaker's remarks: Speaker Pelosi. Good morning. Welcome to the last weekly of this year of this year, of this session of Congress and of this Congress. Until next week, when we'll be in a new Congress. I wish you a Happy New Year as we go forward. Sadly, the Congress received the news last evening of the passing of a new Member of Congress, Luke Letlow from Louisiana, due to be sworn in this Sunday, but taken by the coronavirus yesterday. He leaves his wife and two babies, and we extend great sympathy to his family. So sad. Forty-one years old, coronavirus, blood clot complication. Could happen to anyone. And it has happened to nearly 350,000 Americans. Many of those deaths could have been avoided. As we go forward, we must, we must make sure that we are scientific and determined to crush the virus in whatever form it takes. In the meantime, though, let us extend deepest sympathy to their family and to to those little babies who have lost their daddy. So, here we are in time, as I mentioned, the last meeting of the year for us. Let's just talk about the last week or so. In the last week or so, we sent to the President the legislation, it took some time for it to be enrolled because it was a lot a big bill. He received it on Christmas Eve, 3:30 in the afternoon. He did sign it on Sunday evening and we were very pleased with that because it had very strong bipartisan vote in the House and in the Senate. In the course of, though, of that week, the President announced his support for the $2,000 direct payment, which we madly embraced, and said, We join with the President in supporting this,' came in on Christmas Eve, were blocked by the Republicans for having a Unanimous Consent to bill bring up that legislation. But on Monday, in regular session, we brought it forth and it passed with strong bipartisan support. We were very pleased then to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-governor-lemanu-and-lieutenant-governor-talauega | Amata Congratulates Governor Lemanu and Lieutenant Governor Talauega | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AS | Amata Radewagen | R000600 | radewagen.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Wednesday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amatareleased a statement of congratulations for the inauguration of Governor Lemanu Peleti Sialega Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Talauega Eleasalo Va'alele Ale. American Samoa is adding a new chapter in our history. Each successive administration strengthens our tradition of governing ourselves, and choosing our own leadership and representation from among our own people that began a generation ago. I appreciate the collected experience of the new administration that will guide American Samoa Government for this four year term. I also want to thank Governor Lolo Moliga for his dedication. In Governor Lemanu, the people chose a Governor who served in the military and has built experience as Lieutenant Governor. Serving with him, the next Lieutenant Governor has a lawyer's expertise and experience as Attorney General. Congratulations to them both as they take on these important responsibilities and decisions. As always, I am optimistic about our beautiful island home and all we can see accomplished together. Congratulations to the people of American Samoa as we exercised our freedom to vote and decide together the direction of our islands' government. I look forward to working with the American Samoa Government as I represent the people in Congress. As Members of Congress meet the first few days of January to begin the next session, I remain in Washington. I join you in prayer for guidance and blessing for our government at all levels so that our people can live in health and happiness. Once again, my warmest congratulations to Governor Lemanu and Lieutenant Governor Talauega upon this special occasion. May God bless American Samoa, and the United States. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://raskin.house.gov/media/press-releases/raskin-recognizes-40-local-heroes-2020-announces-local-hero-year | Raskin Recognizes 40 Local Heroes in 2020, Announces Local Hero of the Year | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | MD | Jamie Raskin | R000606 | raskin.house.gov | legacy | ROCKVILLE, M.D. This year, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) launched a weekly video series featuring Marylanders across the 8thDistrict who are acting creatively and bravely to help others through the coronavirus crisis.Today, he honors the 40 constituents that he recognized as2020 Local Heroesover the course of the year. He is also proud to announce theLocal Hero of the Year: everyone in the 8th District and beyond for their exemplary resilience and solidarity in a challenging year. Since April 2020, Rep. Raskin has highlighted 8thDistrict Local Heroes every week for their critical efforts to support Maryland during this time of public health crisis and upheaval. He has interviewed a wide range of community members, including medical professionals; first responders; frontline workers such as letter carriers, grocery store clerks, and bus drivers; small business owners and more. To view all of Rep. Raskin's 2020 Local Heroes, clickhere. To view a video playlist of all of Rep. Raskin's interviews with Local Heroes, clickhere. I'm grateful beyond measure to be representing the remarkable people of Montgomery, Frederick and Carroll Counties who we have honored this year,said Rep. Jamie Raskin.From doctors and nurses to frontline workers and teachers, from firefighters and postal personnel to students and champions of human rights, my constituents have shown great vision, unyielding service and exemplary dedication to our community and nation in this year of trial and dread. Whether tending to sick patients through the night, delivering food to the hungry or standing up against corruption and tyranny, these local heroes have helped us surpass the challenges of COVID-19 in extraordinary ways. I look forward to continuing this video series in 2021 and working with our people to see our country and state through the end of the pandemic. As the nation and the Administration carry the fight against the coronavirus into the new year, Rep. Raskin will continue recognizing and honoring 8thDistrict Local Heroes in 2021. To no… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-reflects-tragic-loss-congressman-elect-luke-letlow | Scalise Reflects on Tragic Loss of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sFox and Friendsto reflect on the tragic loss of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow. Whip Scalise remembered Luke as a friend and highlighted his positive spirit and excitement to begin serving the people of Louisiana in Congress. Scalise offered his prayers to Luke's wife, Julia, and their two young children during this incredibly difficult time. Clickhereor on the image above to watch the interview. On the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow: It's just such devastating news last night. I know I've been talking to Luke the last few days. He's been fighting, he was battling in the hospital up in Shreveport and, you know, had taken a turn for the worse right before Christmas. It was going up and down. And, you know, it was just heartbreaking. I mean, Luke is a young guy, 41 years old, in great health, and looking forward to a bright future. He had just gotten elected to Congress three weeks ago. We would talk a lot about the things he wanted to do, the committees he wanted to get on. Boy, talk about a loss of someone with so much energy. He's got a beautiful young family. I know my prayers are with Julia, his two young kids. You know, everything about this is just heart breaking. Our whole delegation is devastated. Luke is just, you know, one of those people that everybody liked and, boy, he was really looking forward to the opportunity to serve in Congress and just a tragic loss. On reforming Section 230: "Well, first of all, I'm very encouraged that Mitch and the Senate are working on reforms to Section 230. This is a law that's been abused by the Big Tech companies shielding themselves with legal protections while they go out and this was intended for any social media platform, it was a town square if you just let people post whatever their thoughts are, the company would be protected from liability. And yet some of these tech companies are censoring data. Primarily conservative data, by the way, where they now would be co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/carper-celebrates-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-clean-air-act | Carper Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Air Act | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | DE | Thomas Carper | C000174 | www.carper.senate.gov | legacy | WILMINGTON, Del. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Clean Air Act on December 31, 2020. Signed into law in 1970, the Clean Air Act created a national framework to reduce pollution and improve air quality, entrusting the Environmental Protection Agency with leading efforts to ensure everyone in this country has clean air to breathe. For fifty years, this landmark law has ushered in dramatic improvements in air quality. It has saved hundreds of thousands of lives from deadly air pollution while improving the health of millions more. During that same time, our economy has expanded and more than tripled its gross domestic product while EPA has worked with states and businesses alike to dramatically reduce harmful emissions. The progress made under the Clean Air Act is proof that improvements in public health and environmental quality goes hand in hand with economic growth and job creation. In fact, the benefits of the Clean Air Act outweigh its costs by a margin of 30 to one. This sweeping law will continue to endure because its regulations can adapt and evolve with the latest science to help us meet the most pressing air quality challenges of our day. For example, advances in science continue to elucidate the link between air pollution and human health. As our country continues to suffer from the scourge of the coronavirus pandemic, research shows that stronger safeguards for clean air can protect people from pollution that is causing more severe and even deadlier cases of COVID-19. Stronger Clean Air Act regulations can help us better protect public health. As our nation reckons with decades of systemic racism, stronger air protections can also help us address the air pollution that is disproportionately harming communities of color and reinforcing unjust disparities in health and environmental quality. Stronger Clean Air Act regulations can help us further the cause … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-protect-funding-nearly-200-rural-low-income-school-districts | Collins, Hassan Protect Funding for Nearly 200 Rural, Low-Income School Districts | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced that they successfully reversed a Department of Education decision that jeopardized funding for nearly 200 rural, low-income school districts. A provision they negotiated that was included in the year-end government funding bill that was signed into law prevents a funding cliff for the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), the only dedicated federal funding stream to support rural schools. The Department of Education's abrupt change in eligibility for REAP funding would have forced many ruralschools in Maine and throughout the country to forgo essential activities and services,said Senator Collins.REAP helps deliver an equitable and enriching education to thousands of students living in rural America. This bipartisanprovisionI pushed forwill ensure that students in rural communities continue to have access to these critical programs. Rural schools in New Hampshire rely on this critical funding coming every year so that they can serve their students, and the bipartisan provision that Senator Collins and I worked on will help ensure that these resources aren't pulled out from under them,said Senator Hassan.This funding is particularly important now amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has presented unprecedented challenges to remote and in-person learning. REAP was created in 2002 by Senator Collins and former Senator Kent Conrad to help rural schools overcome the increased expenses caused by geographic isolation. It consists of two programs the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program and the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program. Many states have qualified for RLIS because the Department of Education has allowed school districts to measure poverty by the percentage of students receiving free lunch. Earlier this year, however, the Department abruptly announced that it would no longer accept the poverty measurements it had received from participating states in years past, threatening the eligibility and funding f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/provision-senator-collins-championed-prevent-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-signed-law | Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law Posted Wed, 12/30/2020 - 09:18 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the year-end government funding bill that was signed into lawincludesaprovision based onbipartisanlegislation sheco-authoredto prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021. These reimbursement cutswould have fallenprimarily on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties from radiology to physical therapy toorthopaedicsurgery andcould have hada devastating effect on health care practices and, most important, patient access to care,said Senator Collins. I am pleased that this provisionincluded in the government funding billwill halt theseill-timedpayment cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic. Senator Collins has long been a champion of improving access to health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Inaddition tosponsoring legislationto avert destabilizing cuts to medical providers that would have harmed patients' access to health care, Senator Collinssent a letterto Senate leaders in October, urging them to advance legislation to prevent these sharp reductions in payment. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-marks-policy-oversight-accomplishments-2020 | Grassley Marks Policy, Oversight Accomplishments in 2020 | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments of 2020. While this past year has been challenging for us all, serving the people of Iowa is my first priority and it's an honor that I take seriously. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and through my extensive oversight efforts, my work focuses on making the government more transparent, efficient and accountable to Iowans and all Americans, Grassley said. Grassley holds at least one question-and-answer session in each of Iowa's 99 counties every year to hear concerns and answer questions on any subject from Iowans. In 2020, Grassley completed his annual county meetings for the 40th year in a row. Grassley holds meetings in a variety of settings to ensure that a broad cross-section of Iowans can participate, including businesses, schools, town hall meetings, hospitals and factory floors. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have made some of Grassley's meetings look a little different this year, the format remained the same: Iowans set the agenda. Grassley moved forward with his meetings in a safe and responsible way while following public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Iowa. In addition to his annual meetings, Grassley attended or convened a variety of events and forums, including: In 2020, Grassley continued his annual social media series called #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch. These give followers an inside look at farming operations and to track the progression of corn and soybean crops grown on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa, from planting through harvest. When the Senate is in session, Grassley sets aside at least eight 15-minute meetings every Monday through Thursday to meet with Iowans in Washington, D.C., including advocacy groups, associations, chambers of commerce and local business leaders, students and families. While there were limitations this year due to the pandemic, Grassley was able to meet with Iowans virtually.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-announce-bipartisan-legislation-rename-nasas-plum-brook | Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASAs Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASA's Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law December 30, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that President Trump has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Ithouses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community. From his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight.In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate.In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space. Before Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, he was an u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-votes-support-national-defense-bill | Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill December 30, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement in support of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act: The defense bill provides needed resources that build on President Trump's successful efforts to restore our military after years of underfunding and deterioration of our readiness.It also supports the National Defense Strategy, gives a needed pay raise to our troops, and provides critical upgrades and support to Ohio's defense installations. Ohio is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force base, the Lima tank plant, and other important military facilities that help support our troops around the globe.This legislation directly impacts our Ohio defense community. I agree with President Trump that we need to take a serious look at Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, but a defense bill isn't the place for those reforms. Our country faces significant security threats around the world, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure that our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and space professionals have the vital resources they need to accomplish their national security missions. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-releases-new-covid-19-federal-resource-guide-to-help-hawaii-small-businesses-access-new-funding-programs | Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawai‘i Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released an updated resource guide to help Hawai‘i small businesses better understand how to access federal loans and new federal funding. The new $900 billion relief package, which is the second largest aid package in American history and was signed into law on Sunday, includes a new round of federal funding for small businesses and nonprofits and a new program to support live venue operators, including museums and independent movie theaters. “The new round of funding will help Hawai‘i small businesses meet their payroll and provide people with paychecks,” said Senator Schatz. “As more federal help becomes available, we’ll continue to work to provide more information about how Hawai‘i families and businesses can access these new resources.” The new COVID-19 relief funding includes $15 billion nationwide to a new Small Business Administration (SBA) grant program for live venues impacted by the public health crisis. Eligible grant recipients include live venue operators, promoters or theatrical producers, independent movie theatre operators, museum operators, and talent representatives. Of the total amount, $2 billion is set aside for eligible entities that employ fewer than 50 full-time employees. The new relief package also provides an additional $20 billion of targeted funding for the SBA's economic injury disaster loans (EIDL) emergency advance grants program and extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to March 31, 2021, providing $284 billion nationwide for additional first- and second-round PPP loans to small businesses and nonprofits. The full small business resource guide is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-local-elected-officials-and-environmental-stakeholders | Rep. Zeldin, Local Elected Officials and Environmental Stakeholders Celebrate New Federal Law to Save Plum Island | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Lee Zeldin | Z000017 | zeldin.house.gov | legacy | SOUTHOLD, NY - On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), hosted a virtual press conference via Zoom with Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Agular, Shelter Island Supervisor Gerry Siller and Deputy Supervisor Amber Brach-Williams, Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Assemblywoman-Elect Jodi Giglio, John Turner of the Plum Island Coalition, Louise Harrison, Chris Cryder and Leah Schmalz of Save the Sound, Greg Jacob of The Nature Conservancy, Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Bob DeLuca of Group for the East End, and others to celebrate the repeal of a 2008 federal law that required Plum Island to be sold to the highest bidder. Senator Ron Johnson (R, WI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, had opposed reversing this federal law due to long standing opposition by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the past three weeks, as Congressional funding was being negotiated, Congressman Zeldin worked closely with Senator Johnson and White House and DHS leadership to successfully advocate for their assistance to remove the opposition and get this extremely high priority over the finish line for the First Congressional District of New York. Due to Congressman Zeldin's efforts, the 2008 federal law has now been reversed. Congressman Zeldin also worked with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D, NY) who maintained direct contact with Congressman Zeldin during this effort. "Not only does Plum Island offer diverse wildlife, a precious ecosystem and critical habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, and rare plants, but it is an essential cultural and historical resource as well, said Congressman Lee Zeldin following passage of this legislation. The law which mandated the sale of the island to the highest bidder was the wrong path forward. It's an honor to deliver this huge win that reversed that law and preserves Plum Island's rich history and taps into… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403002 | Burgess: Presidents should be in command of our troops | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting against overturning President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief and should have the ability to bring our troops home. President Trump committed to America that he would end the endless wars our country has been fighting. Over the last four years, he has kept his promise. The NDAA placed restrictions on the President's ability to bring troops home from commitment overseas. Rather than restrict the President's authority, Congress should do more to see how we can support our troops as they defend this great country while evaluating how to swiftly remove them from harm's way, said Burgess. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403003 | Burgess: Vote puts Americans First | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting in support of the CASH Act. Americans are hurting. This Coronavirus has affected more than our physical health. Americans have suffered from job and financial losses. When putting together the appropriations for this year and the next COVID-19 response legislation, the priority should have been to help the American people. Congress should have gone through each of the appropriation bills in a bipartisan way so that we were not left at the end of the year having to cram everything in one bill. When Speaker Pelosi decided to combine the two bills, there should have been cuts to other parts of our budget to ensure we could have included more money going directly to Americans first. Through this pandemic, Congress' focus should be America's needs, said Burgess. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401221 | Huizenga Celebrates Completion of $6.6 Million Great Lakes Restoration Project in Muskegon, $2.9 Million Project in Detroit | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MI | Bill Huizenga | H001058 | huizenga.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force, released the following statement after the EPA announced the completion of a $6.6 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Project in Muskegon as well as the completion of a $2.9 million project on the Detroit Riverwalk. The Ryerson Creek Outfall is a 12-acre site located on the shores of Muskegon Lake that has been contaminated with petroleum, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This GLRI funded project successfully dredged 10,600 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, removed over 2,000 tons of mill debris, and covered a two-acre area with clean sand.Along the Detroit River, EPA dredged approximately 13,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment just downstream of the MacArthur Bridge that leads to Belle Isle. The EPA then isolated and stabilized the contaminated sediment with a cap made of clean material. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continues to successfully rehabilitate areas impacted by legacy pollution, said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. Today's announcement by the EPA marks another critical step forward in the efforts to restore Muskegon Lake and the Detroit riverfront. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has played a leading role in strengthening the ecology as well as the economy of communities across Michigan. The continued recovery of Muskegon Lake and the Detroit Riverwalk is not only great news for Muskegon and Detroit, it is great news for Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Region. This is another great example of how effective this agency has been following the priorities of this Administration the completion of these Great Lakes Legacy Act projects demonstrate that when federal, state, local, and industry partners work together collaboratively, we can solve complex environmental problems and get the job done, said Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager Kurt Thiede. These cleanups in the Muskegon Lake and Detroit River … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402048 | Herrera Beutler-Led Measure to Provide Hardship Waivers for Unemployed Workers Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | jhb.house.gov | legacy | This week, the president signed into law COVID relief legislation that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler led bipartisan measure to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. With Herrera Beutler's bill now law, states may waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. Folks who are already struggling to make ends meet should not find themselves in debt or have paychecks garnishedbecause of Washington's Employment Security Department's own mistakes in issuing unemployment benefits, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased this legislative effort to give struggling residents relief from this type of financial burden is now law and I will keep working to assist Southwest Washington citizens with unemployment benefits however I can. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402049 | Herrera Beutlers Columbia River Infrastructure Projects Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | jhb.house.gov | legacy | This week, the president signed into law the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler-authored provision to construct a turning basin navigation improvement project in the Columbia River. Herrera Beutler's provision will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the necessary feasibility study of establishing a turning basin on the Lower Martin Bar near Kalama, as well as the improvement of two turning basins near Longview and Vancouver. The addition of the turning basin near the Lower Martin Bar and improvements of the two existing turning basins will increase cargo volume capacity and spur economic development in the region. The Columbia River supports millions of tons of cargo each year and thousands of local jobs, which is why it's important to invest in and upgrade the river's infrastructure. I was pleased to help champion the construction of the Kalama turning basin which is going to support those vital jobs, and I'm pleased this infrastructure bill I helped shape has now been signed into law, said Herrera Beutler. The Port of Kalama appreciates the determined efforts by Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and our Senators to include the Columbia River Turning Basin language in the WRDA legislation.The Lower Martin Turning Basin is an important Columbia River asset to the Port of Kalama as well as all commercial traffic on the river, said Mark Wilson, Executive Director of the Port of Kalama. "Establishing a new federal turning basin near Kalama and improving the existing turning basins near Longview and Vancouver will enable more efficient operations for our lower Columbia River ports and terminals, making them even more productive gateways for U.S. goods headed overseas. We appreciate Congresswoman Herrera Beutler's continued leadership on these projects, which are so important to our trade competitiveness and our regional and national economy, said Kristin Meira, Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA). The… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0221051A-F1E6-43CF-B61D-00D023FE4CE3 | In 2020, Joni Keeps Fighting, Delivering for Iowa | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON From securing critical, bipartisan COVID relief for Iowa families, small businesses, hospitals, and farmers, to continuing to hear directly from and be accessible to Iowans across the state on her annual 99 County Tour, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) continued to fight relentlessly and deliver for her home state of Iowa in 2020. This past year, we Iowans have experienced trying times, but we've also seen the resilient spirit of our state. Whether securing critical COVID relief, fighting tooth and nail to defend the RFS, or continuing to be accessible to Iowans across our statethroughout it all, I've never stopped fighting relentlessly and delivering for all Iowans. Of course, the work doesn't stop here, and as we head into the New Year, I'll continue fighting for our families, farmers, and small businesses, being your voice in Washington, and always putting Iowa first said Senator Joni Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate. Click here or on the image above to watch my video. Some highlights of 2020: Fighting for Iowa Small Businesses Delivered billions of dollars of COVID relief to more than 60,000 Iowa small businesses through the first installment of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); pushed Congress and delivered additional support for Iowa small businesses. Accessibility and the 99 County Tour Completed her sixth 99 County Tour; has held a public town hall or event in every county in Iowa from the most populated county, Polk County, to the smallest, Adams County. Standing Up for Farmers, Securing Trade Deals Fought tooth and nail for Iowa pork producers by securing immediate COVID assistance and strengthening the supply chain; successfully pushed for support for Iowa dairy, turkey, egg, and cattle producers; worked across the aisle to bolster support for farmers through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC); and finalized the USMCA, supported the Phase One China trade deal, and pushed for a trade deal with the UK. Defending the RFS, Fig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=4D9828DA-9F91-4640-8A66-6267AB268F90 | Washington has to help with L.A.'s meth addiction | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Originally published in the Los Angeles Times By Dianne Feinstein Although opioids especially oxycodone and fentanyl dominate addiction news, another deadly drug has been lurking in the background, causing tens of thousands of fatalities: methamphetamine. Meth addiction isn't new, but it has quickly emerged in recent years as a particularly deadly threat, and Los Angeles has been hard-hit. Between 2008 and 2018, meth-related deaths in L.A.increased tenfold, from 43 to 435, according to county statistics. By 2018, meth was involved in 44% of all drug overdose deaths in Los Angeles County. Last summer, Mark Casanova, of Homeless Health Care Los Angeles,told The Timesthat meth accounted for 70% of drug use among L.A.'s homeless population. Between 2005 and 2019, according to county data, more than 185,000 individuals who entered publicly funded treatment programs in Los Angeleswere admitted for meth. It's way cheaper [than many other street drugs], it lasts longer, you can smoke it or inject it, it's easy to get, Casanova said. In September, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) and I introduced the Methamphetamine Response Act. The bill, which would direct the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to develop and implement a plan to address the growing use of meth, passed the Senate in November. Unfortunately, the House has not yet addressed the bill and likely will not pass it before the 116th Congress ends. What did pass the House and Senate, as part of the massive omnibus end-of-year legislation that was signed into law Sunday, was a directive to the drug control policy office to finalize regulations for designating emerging drug threats. The office began the process in May; now it should finish that work as quickly as possible. The meth surge isn't confined to California, of course. According to ananalysisby researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2008 and 2017, the number of people admitted nationwide for meth-related treatment rose from 260,000 to 373,000, a 4… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D8C20728-AB93-4D18-9A39-9A9391888F92 | McConnell on NDAA: I Urge My Colleagues to Support This Legislation | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Congress has returned to work this week to enact the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act into law. Yesterday, a bipartisan supermajority in the House voted to reapprove the conference report of this must-pass legislation. Today, the Senate will set up a final vote for tomorrow Wednesday for this chamber to follow suit. Soon this important legislation will be passed into law. President Trump has rightly noted this year's defense bill doesn't contain every provision that we Republicans would have wanted. I'm confident our Democratic colleagues feel the same way. But that is the case every year. And yet, for 59 consecutive years and counting, Washington has put our differences aside, found common ground, and passed the annual defense bill. Not once in six decades has a Congress let its differences prevent it from completing this work for our national security and our men and women who wear the uniform. This year's NDAA will continue our momentum in rebuilding and modernizing our armed forces. It will authorize the personnel, equipment, tools, and training we need to reinforce the National Defense Strategy and deter great-power rivals like China and Russia. It will cement our advantage on the seas, on land, in the air, in cyberspace, and in space. And the bill will help us continue to recruit, retain, and support the men and women who keep us safe. It provides a pay raise for the troops, improvements for military housing, childcare, and more. For the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, failure is not an option. So when it is our turn in Congress to have their backs, failure is not an option here either. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation one more time when we vote tomorrow. *** On Sunday, President Trump signed into law another historic, bipartisan rescue package. It will provide major support to American f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-provision-to-begin-process-for-stronger-protection-national-marine-sanctuary-designation-for-papahanaumokuakea-signed-into-law | Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | legacy | Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law Tuesday, December 29, 2020 WASHINGTON On Sunday, the president signed a bipartisan government funding bill which included a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will strengthen protections for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument by starting the process to designate it as a National Marine Sanctuary. A new sanctuary designation means more resources and stronger protections for Papahanaumokuakea, said Senator Schatz. This will give us more opportunities to better understand and conserve one of our most important natural resources. The Schatz provision directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to commence the process to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary. Following this initiation, NOAA can begin public meetings and the formal legal process to complete the requirements to finalize an official designation. Sanctuary status for the Monument would make it more difficult to weaken the protections in the Executive Orders signed by Presidents Obama and Bush. Schatz also secured $1.2 million for research and management activities at the marine monument in this year's appropriations bill, which is a $200,000 increase from last year. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep the Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris. Papahanaumokukea was first established as a marine national monument in 2006. It was expanded by President Obama in 2016 following a formal proposal from Senator Schatz. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BE3D2463-5C2C-44AD-906A-88A0BE03A55C | Delegation Bill to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education Signed Into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing theirlegislationthat will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at least the employer's share of the premiums. This change will free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance and more on education-specific items. The bill was included in the broader COVID-19 relief and government funding package, which was signed into law earlier this week. As the son of two educators, I understand how critical it is to have adequate resources available to schools and how it can have a positive effect on their success, said Thune. I'm glad that our bill to ensure tribal grant schools can participate in federal health insurance programs is now law and that these schools will soon be able spend more of their money on our top priority the students. Our legislation will enhance teacher benefits at South Dakota's 19 tribal grant schools and, at the same time, save the schools thousands of dollars annually, said Rounds. This will not only help improve teacher and administrator retention rates at tribal grant schools, it will allow these schools to redirect resources to the students in the classroom. It's a commonsense law that benefits everyone. Tribal schools have enough challenges without having to deal with unnecessary red tape, said Johnson. Ensuring this fix is made has been a longtime coming, and I'm grateful to Cecelia Fire Thunder for working for years to get this done. The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Actprovides a simple fix that allows funding to flow directly to the students instead of healthcare costs. Currently, tribal schools are operated either directly by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); by trib… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bass.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bass-issues-statement-regarding-arrest-international-boxer-justin | Rep. Bass Issues Statement Regarding Arrest of International Boxer Justin Juuko | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Karen Bass | B001270 | bass.house.gov | legacy | "The Ugandan government must stop unlawfully arresting, detaining, and beating citizens who have opposing views. This action is clearly trying to intimidate Ugandans who oppose the government before the upcoming presidential elections. "On December 12th, the government arrested international boxer Justin Juuko, a Ugandan citizen and California resident. Reportedly, Juuko was arrested along with Garrypaul Mayanja, an FDC activist in Masaka, a district in south-central Uganda. The two were were reportedly conducting training for polling agents ahead of the general election on January 14. The charges must be investigated, and the government should release Mr. Juuko unharmed at once. "Just last week, international human rights activist and attorney Nicholas Opiyo was arrested and is still being unjustly held in custody until January 11th. Opiyo's work on human rights has earned him numerous international awards. He founded Chapter Four Uganda, an organization that advocates for legal protections to human rights, provides training and support for other Ugandan human rights law organizations, and coordinates legal responses to civil rights violations. Mr. Opiyo is being targeted and denied bail for his tireless efforts in advancing human rights and must be released immediately. "Both of these men are being detained simply for their human rights advocacy and their right to peacefully challenge the current government. The Ugandan government must make the safety of all activists and opposition of the current regime a priority. The continued repression of civil society ahead of the upcoming elections cannot be tolerated. "I urge the Ugandan government to release Mr. Juuko, Mr. Opiyo, and all other activists and opposition leaders at once, listen to the will of the people, and have free and fair presidential elections in January." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/116th-congress-in-review-bustos-delivers-historic-accomplishments-in-unprecedented-term/ | 116th Congress in Review: Bustos Delivers Historic Accomplishments in Unprecedented Term | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Washington Over the course of the 116th Congress, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos worked to deliver historic accomplishments in an unprecedented Congressional term. From delivering hundreds of millions in federal funding for the communities she serves to helping Illinois navigate a global pandemic to giving the Heartland a seat at the House leadership table, Congresswoman Bustos has been a tireless advocate for Northwestern and Central Illinois over the past two years. Whether working to increase access to affordable health care or prioritizing rebuilding our economy in the midst of the largest economic downturn since the Great Depression, it has been my honor to fight for our corner of Illinois during these last two historic years, said Congresswoman Bustos. The fact is that whether you are an underserved family living in an urban community or an underserved family living in a rural community, we all want the same thing the chance to work hard and earn a good living. That's why, this Congress, I was proud to have worked to invest in our infrastructure, help our Gold Star families and injured veterans, work to lower prescription drug costs and help our communities navigate an unprecedented global pandemic. INCREASING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE Beginning with helping to pass legislation to protect Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions, Congresswoman Bustos has worked tirelessly to increase access to health care. In 2019, the Congresswoman convened local roundtable discussions in Peoria and Rockford and lifted up the stories of Illinoisans (VIDEO) to highlight the need for lower prescription drugs, worked to include a permanent repeal of the Cadillac Tax in a year-end spending bill, secured millions in federal funding for rural health centers and helped pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (VIDEO) to rein in skyrocketing drug prices and allow Medicare to negotiate prescription costs. For rural communities, the Congresswoman pushed the USDA to hire their first-ever Rural Health Liaison, whose sole focus is to improve health… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-to-override-president-s-veto-of-the-ndaa | Congressman Cleaver Votes to Override Presidents Veto of the NDAA | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | MO | Emanuel Cleaver | C001061 | cleaver.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) Last night, the House of Representatives voted to override the President's veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA) by a vote of 322-87. With the requisite two-thirds majority supporting the measure, the President's veto has been overridden in the House of Representatives. United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of the legislation, which will provide a 3% pay raise for servicemembers, authorize and increase hazardous duty pay for servicemembers in harm's way, provide long-overdue benefits to Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange, strengthen our nation's cybersecurity, remove all names and symbols honoring the Confederacy from Department of Defense installations, and more. The NDAA will become law if the Senate also votes to override with a two-thirds majority. For 59 consecutive years, the U.S. Congress has passed the NDAA to ensure the needs of our military personnel and their families are met so that they have the tools necessary to continue defending the freedoms we hold so dearly, said Congressman Cleaver. While there are certainly provisions I would have personally taken out and others I would have liked to see included, this year's NDAA is a solid compromise that provides our military members with the pay raise and hazard pay they deserve, some critical benefits that are long-overdue, and the means to protect our nation in every field from the seas to the latest cyber threats. Despite the President's latest temper-tantrum, I'm pleased we were able to pass this critical legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support. Included in this year's NDAA was the Coordinating Oversight, Upgrading and Innovating Technology, and Examiner Reform (COUNTER) Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Cleaver to update and overhaul the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which dictates banks' responsibilities to help the government detect and root out illicit financial transactions from nefarious actors domestically and abroad. The COUNTER Act woul… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/delivering-safe-and-effective-vaccines | Delivering Safe and Effective Vaccines | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | While 2020 has certainly been one of the most challenging years in modern history and recent memory, there is hope on the horizon that better days are ahead. Although the world is still reeling from the destruction caused by the coronavirus pandemic, glimmers of hope are brightening more each day with the discovery, development and delivery of safe and effective vaccines to save lives and eliminate COVID-19's stranglehold on society. Indeed, this scientific achievement is coming faster than any other time in human history, and for that, we can and should be exceedingly grateful. As you might know, vaccines to fight infectious diseases normally take several years to develop and distribute. However, thanks to Operation Warp Speed (OWS), the United States has miraculously been able to race toward discovery of lifesaving vaccines, treatments and therapeutics for COVID-19 in a matter of months. Initiated by the Trump Administration in mid-May, OWS established a public-private partnership between relevant federal agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense and pharmaceutical companies. Since it was created, OWS has not only supported some of the scientific research but it has enabled more rapid development and testing of vaccine candidates, allowing promising candidates to undergo clinical trials at essentially the same time as regulatory approval and preparation for mass production. Delivering a vaccine in record time has led some to have concerns about safety. However, I want to assure you that the accelerated turnaround is not the result of cutting corners or ignoring the existing safety standards required by statute. Indeed, from research and development to clinical trials to emergency use authorization (EUA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has remained closely involved every step of the way. In fact, clinical trials on promising vaccine candidates cannot even proceed without the FDA's clearance to do so. Moreover, a Data Safety Monitoring Board advises pharmac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-29 | Coronavirus Daily Update: December 29 | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Dear Constituent The coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below. These are incredibly stressful times for all Michiganders. I am working, along with my staff, around the clock, seven days a week to answer your questions, provide community resources and provide up-to-date, accurate information. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office anytime by calling (810) 238-8627. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere. The Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere. The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE On December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere. On October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/washington-dc-wric-americans-are-hopeful-covid-19-vaccines-will-make-2021 | ABC News8: Congressman calls for FDA to continue vaccine trials | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Lloyd Doggett | D000399 | doggett.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (WRIC) Americans are hopeful that the COVID-19 vaccines will make 2021 a better year than 2020. However, there are concerns that Pfizer and Moderna will stop their clinical trials and immediately treat everyone in their placebo group. Some scientists, doctors and now a Congressman argues that can be dangerous because they said there is still so much unknown about the vaccines. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging for the clinical trials to continue. the continuation of clinical trials is critical to our understanding of the efficacy and length of immunity the vaccines offer, Doggett wrote. In the letter, Doggett said while the initial results received from Pfizer and Moderna are showing positive results, it's not definitive given the limited data. Clinical trials have suffered from a lack of diverse participant enrollment and evaluation of subpopulations, Doggett said. Including individuals with comorbidities, children, pregnant and breastfeeding patients, long-term care residents and individuals with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Diana Zuckerman, President of the National Center for Health Research, a non-partisan think tank in Washington D.C., agrees that the clinical trials should continue. She said healthcare workers who volunteered for the clinical trials should have immediate access to the vaccine if they want it. Like most public health experts, I've been very concerned that Pfizer and Moderna told the FDA that they want to stop their clinical trials of the COVID vaccine and instead immediately inoculate everyone in their placebo groups, Zuckerman said. While I understand the desire to reward the clinical trial volunteers for their service, it would be a huge loss of information from a public health point of view. Losing the placebo group means we'd have no way to scientifically determine which of the vaccines if any have 95% efficacy rates that last more than 2 or 3 months. Or how long the vaccine works on people over 75. … | 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://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-votes-override-trump-veto-defense-bill | Langevin Votes to Override Trump Veto of Defense Bill | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | WARWICK, R.I. Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, today voted to override President Trump's veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The measure passed the House by a vote of 322-87. The following statement may be attributed to Congressman Langevin: For sixty consecutive years, members of Congress have reached across the aisle to pass a bipartisan defense bill to ensure our country is protected against threats and that our service members and their families are adequately supported. This year's national defense authorization bill contains critical provisions to provide well-deserved pay raises for troops, support programs vital to national security like the Virginia-class submarines built in Rhode Island, and promoteinclusiveness and diversity among our armed forces. In the wake of what could be one of the most consequential cyber intrusions in our nation's history, this bill also contains several provisions I authored to better defend Americans and our systems against evolving cyber threats. Most notably, this bill will establish a National Cyber Director to ensure there is someone leading cyber policy andstrategy development and coordinating incident response in the Executive Office of the President. Having someone in charge of cybersecurity at the highest levels of government is critical to help prevent an incident of significant consequence that could impact our economy and our way of life. Unfortunately, despite these important victories, the President chose to veto this bill. By vetoing the National Defense Authorization Act, the President offered a parting gift to our adversaries. Tonight, Congress has voted to override the President's veto because we won't allow him to undermine our nation's readiness and because we refuse to turn our backs on our troops who sacrifice so much. I'm glad that the House could once again put politics aside and prioritize the common defense. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-releases-end-of-congress-report | Thompson Releases End of Congress Report | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CA | Mike Thompson | T000460 | mikethompson.house.gov | legacy | Washington Today Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) released a report on the 116th Congress, outlining important constituent service and legislative milestones over the last two years. A statement from Thompson is below. It's the greatest honor of my life to represent my community in Congress and I work hard every day to ensure that my staff and I are serving our district. Despite the tough year we have all had, I am proud to have continued my work solving problems for people and responding to their concerns and questions. Through our outstanding casework operation, we resolved more than 3,000 cases for constituents and returned over $5.3 million to them in the 116th Congress, critical funding in such a hard economic year. This includes over $40,000 in economic impact payments to constituents who did not initially receive their payments as intended from the CARES Act. On the legislative side, 13 of my bills were signed into law.From expanding access to telehealth during the pandemic, to providing low-income tax credits, to expanding access to affordable housing in our disaster counties, my legislation is helping our constituents confront the multiple disasters facing our communities.As Chair of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, I was able to move legislation to help green the tax code, create incentives to hires veterans and disadvantaged employees and support the hardworking men and women in our district.I look forward to continuing to serve our district and provide the best service possible through my legislative and casework operations. Thompson reported 13 bills signed into law, 175,843 responses to constituent mail, 39 Town Halls and 657 Capitol and White House tours in the 116th Congress. He also was able to resolve 3,017 constituent cases and return $5,378,754.33 to constituent through the casework process over the past two years. ### Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-john-iosefo-prestigious-rangel-fellowship | Amata Congratulates John Iosefo on Prestigious Rangel Fellowship | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AS | Amata Radewagen | R000600 | radewagen.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Tuesday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amatais delighted to congratulate John Iosefo of American Samoa upon the announcement of the prestigious Charles B. Rangel Fellowship in International Studies from Howard University. Congratulations to John upon earning this superb opportunity, said Congresswoman Amata. We're always so happy to see one of our own succeeding and taking on new challenges. John served in the American Samoa congressional office as an intern, and did an excellent job. Now he's making American Samoa proud with this new educational step into diplomatic public service with the U.S. State Department. Congratulations also to his parents Tauiliili Silivelio and Juliana Ah-Ching Iosefo, and his many teachers, professors and influencers along the way. Congresswoman Amata and Rangel Fellowship winner John Iosefo (file photo) This highly regarded Fellowship is part of a career and academic path to becoming a Foreign Service Officer and to earning a Master's degree in security studies. As part of the Rangel Program, John will intern with a Member of Congress on issues related to foreign affairs in summer 2021. In summer 2022, the U.S. Department of State will send him overseas to intern in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get hands-on experience in U.S. foreign policy and the work of the Foreign Service. Upon successful completion of the program, John will become a U.S. diplomat in summer 2023, embarking on one of the most challenging and rewarding careers of service to his country. John is from Tafuna and Lauli'i villages of American Samoa, and graduated Tafuna High School. He is the youngest of eight children. John now attends the University of San Francisco, and is completing his final year of undergraduate studies. He also serves in student government as President of the ASUSF Senate. The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, administered by Howard University, selects outstanding Fellows yearly in a highly competitive nationwide selection process, then supports them through two ye… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-issues-statement-following-vote-to-increase-covid-19-stimulus | Ruppersberger Issues Statement Following Vote to Increase COVID-19 Stimulus Checks to $2000 | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | MD | C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger | R000576 | ruppersberger.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, DC) Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives last evening passed legislation boosting COVID-19 stimulus checks authorized in a previous relief package from $600 to $2000: Last night's bipartisan vote, if upheld in the Senate, will help sustain our economy as we continue to claw our way through this worsening pandemic. It puts money into the pockets of struggling Americans and builds on the relief package signed into law by President Trump Sunday night. Calls to offset' economic stimulus efforts by reducing annual expenditures like direct foreign aid, which were passed in routine appropriations bills simultaneously last week, are misguided. These are mostly funds that President Trump requested in his annual budget and fall within spending parameters adopted by both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. In fact, Democrats had to convince the White House to commit to spending at least an equal amount on domestic programs here at home at the height of a pandemic as we do on defense funds primarily utilized overseas. If Congress does not pass our annual spending bills, the government shuts down. The President knows this, which is why he ultimately signed the bill. In addition to direct aid to Americans, we need to invest in recovery efforts like keeping Americans in their homes, keeping small businesses open and distributing the vaccines as fairly and quickly as we can. I look forward to supporting any legislation to that end, including desperately-needed relief to our state and local governments, which are on the frontlines of this pandemic. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/louisiana-delegation-statement-passing-congressman-elect-luke-letlow | Louisiana Delegation Statement on the Passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Congressman Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.), Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), Congressman Clay Higgins (R-La.), and Congressman Mike Johnson (R-La.) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow: "We are devastated to hear of Luke Letlow's passing. Luke had such a positive spirit, and a tremendously bright future ahead of him. He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our Nation. More than anything, Luke was a loving husband, father, brother, and son, and his family like so many others who have been affected by this evil disease needs our prayers. "We all join in sending our strongest support to Luke's wife Julia and their young family, and are keeping them in our prayers." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2020/12/sensenbrenner-announces-2021-academy-nominees | Sensenbrenner Announces 2021 Academy Nominees | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | BROOKFIELD, WI Today,Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner(WI-05) announced the nomination of 31 candidates from Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District for appointment to the U.S. service academies. Rep. Sensenbrenner:This year Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District yielded another outstanding group of students interested in attending the academies. They have demonstrated the ability to serve our nation, and I wish them all tremendous success. I would like to thank our Academy Selection Committee for the work they put into interviewing and assessing this year's applicants. Their efforts play a vital role in this process. As I approach my retirement from Congress in a few short days, I can say the ability to nominate students to our nation's service academies has been one of the highest honors. This year, Congressman Sensenbrenner nominated a total of 31 students, including six principal nominees. They are as follows:Principal Nominees Jocelyn Heckenkamp of Delafield has been named a principal nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jocelyn, daughter of Jason and Jennifer Heckenkamp, attends the University of Texas at Dallas, and is a graduate of Kettle Moraine High School. Jane Yoo of Menomonee Falls has been named a principal nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jane, daughter of Chang and Eun Yoo, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School. Allyson Davis of Pewaukee has been named a principal nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Allyson, daughter of Michael and Nicole Davis, is a senior at Arrowhead High School. Kye Yu of New Berlin has been named a principal nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Kye, son of Ben and Karen Yu, is a senior at New Berlin Eisenhower High School. Alec Malone of Pewaukee has been named a principal nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Alec, son of Dan and Trudy Malone, is a senior at Marquette University High School. Timothy Rauh of Hartland has been named a principal nominee to the US Nava… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reps-action-dec-29-2020 | Reps in Action: Dec. 29, 2020 | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | December 29th, 2020 Press Republican | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-bigger-stimulus-checks-trump-veto-override | Stefanik votes for bigger stimulus checks, Trump veto override | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | December 28th, 2020 NCPR | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-boost-stimulus-checks-override-trump-military-veto | Stefanik votes to boost stimulus checks, override Trump military veto | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NY | Elise Stefanik | S001196 | stefanik.house.gov | legacy | December 28th, 2020 WWNY | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-improving-hope-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-act-signed-law | Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimers Act Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Shelley MooreCapito(R-WV)and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced that theImproving HOPE (Health, Outcomes, Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer's Actpassed Congress as part of the year-end omnibus package and has been signed into law. Following the lawmakers' successful bipartisan push in 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in November 2016 that Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017. TheImprovingHOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to make more health care providers aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates of utilization and barriers to access. "It is imperative that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their families receive the resources they need, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available,said Senator Collins.Fortunately, following our advocacy, CMS implemented a new rule in 2018 that allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive a care planning session.Our legislation will expand access to this service by increasing awareness of this policy change among physicians.As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer's Task Force, I will continue to support those living with Alzheimer's diseaseand their caregivers. Care plans are an important tool to ensure that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones who help care for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating disease,said Senator Stabenow.TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill help make sure patients, their families, and their health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available resources. While we work towards the goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer's by 2025, we must also ensure seniors with Alzheimer's get the best care possible. Developing care plans that assist families, caregivers, and seniors understand diagnosis and avail… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-provision-to-begin-process-for-stronger-protection-national-marine-sanctuary-designation-for-papahanaumokuakea-signed-into-law | Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – On Sunday, the president signed a bipartisan government funding bill which included a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will strengthen protections for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument by starting the process to designate it as a National Marine Sanctuary. “A new sanctuary designation means more resources and stronger protections for Papahanaumokuakea,” said Senator Schatz. “This will give us more opportunities to better understand and conserve one of our most important natural resources.” The Schatz provision directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to commence the process to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary. Following this initiation, NOAA can begin public meetings and the formal legal process to complete the requirements to finalize an official designation. Sanctuary status for the Monument would make it more difficult to weaken the protections in the Executive Orders signed by Presidents Obama and Bush. Schatz also secured $1.2 million for research and management activities at the marine monument in this year’s appropriations bill, which is a $200,000 increase from last year. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep the Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris. Papahanaumokukea was first established as a marine national monument in 2006. It was expanded by President Obama in 2016 following a formal proposal from Senator Schatz. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BE3D2463-5C2C-44AD-906A-88A0BE03A55C | Delegation Bill to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education Signed Into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing their legislation that will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at least the employer’s share of the premiums. This change will free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance and more on education-specific items. The bill was included in the broader COVID-19 relief and government funding package, which was signed into law earlier this week. “As the son of two educators, I understand how critical it is to have adequate resources available to schools and how it can have a positive effect on their success,” said Thune. “I’m glad that our bill to ensure tribal grant schools can participate in federal health insurance programs is now law and that these schools will soon be able spend more of their money on our top priority – the students.” “Our legislation will enhance teacher benefits at South Dakota’s 19 tribal grant schools and, at the same time, save the schools thousands of dollars annually,” said Rounds. “This will not only help improve teacher and administrator retention rates at tribal grant schools, it will allow these schools to redirect resources to the students in the classroom. It’s a commonsense law that benefits everyone.” “Tribal schools have enough challenges without having to deal with unnecessary red tape,” said Johnson. “Ensuring this fix is made has been a longtime coming, and I’m grateful to Cecelia Fire Thunder for working for years to get this done. The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act provides a simple fix that allows funding to flow directly to the students instead of healthcare costs.” Currently, tribal schools are operated either directly by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); by tribes, th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409097 | Rep. Smith votes 'YES' to increase COVID-19 relief assistance checks to $2,000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) today said: The increase of COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000 coupled with yesterday's extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), expanded unemployment benefits and other assistance are justified and necessary to assist tens of millions of people devastated by the pandemic and like previous COVID relief packages are a bridge to a post-COVID world. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406003 | Rep. Cuellar Votes to Increase Economic Impact Payments to $2,000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Cuellar Votes to Increase Economic Impact Payments to $2,000 Washington, D.C.Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) voted for the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020 to increase the amount of money struggling Americans receive in a second round of direct payments to $2,000. Millions of Americansare struggling to put food on the table, to pay their rent or mortgage, or to keep up with medical bills that they have accumulated over this difficult year, said Congressman Cuellar. I voted to pass the CASH Act to put $2,000 into the pockets of Americans in need and help alleviate some of the economic hardship they are currently facing. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to bring this important legislation to the floor before the legislative session ends. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for the additional support that Americans require as we continue to battle the COVID-19 crisis. After the President changed his mind last week and decided to support Democrats' call for increasing direct payments to $2,000, HouseDemocrats immediately went to the Floor to askfor Unanimous Consent to bring a stand-alone bill to increase the payments. On Christmas Eve, House Republicans blocked the request depriving the American people of the increased $2,000 check that the President supported. The CASH Act: Increases the value of the economic impact payments (EIPs) provided in the end-of-year COVID relief package so that each eligible family member receives $2,000, up from $600. Applies the same, broader eligibility established in the end-of-year package to mixed-status families where one spouse has a Social Security Number (SSN). As specified in the latest COVID relief legislation, these families are eligible for the EIP amount for each family member with an SSN, and can claim the corresponding amount for the first round of economic impact payments when they file their 2020 taxes. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399897 | Rep. Gohmert Issues Statement on Pence Lawsuit | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement regarding the lawsuit filed against the Vice President: The 2020 presidential election was one we'd expect to see in a banana republic, not the United States of America. In fact, the rampant fraud and unconstitutional actions that took place were so egregious that seven contested states-- Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin all sent dueling slates of electors to Congress. This puts Vice President Mike Pence in a position where some argue he has to choose between morality and the law. That is not the case. It is also critical to note that as many formerly in the mainstream media, now the Alt-Left media, continue to say that every court has said there is no evidence of fraud. That is disingenuous, deceitful, and flat out dishonest. The truth is that no court so far has had the morality and courage to allow evidence of fraud to be introduced in front of it. We continue to hold out hope that there is a federal judge who understands that the fraud that stole this election will mean the end of our republic, and this suit would insure that the Vice-President will only accept electors legitimately and legally elected. There must be an opportunity for a day in court when fraud was this prevalent. It is for this reason that I and other plaintiffs have filed a complaint for expedited declaratory and emergency injunctive relief to seek judgement from the court on the Vice President's authority when presiding over the Senate during the Joint Session of Congress. We are asking the court to uphold the powers laid out in the United States Constitution which grant the Vice President the exclusive authority and sole discretion in determining which electoral votes to count. As outlined in the filing, the Electoral Count Act is unconstitutional because it directs Vice President Pence to legitimize electoral votes in violation of the Electors Clause and limits or eliminates his Twelfth Amendment authority to determine which… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401220 | Huizenga Discusses Supporting Troops, American Families, and Fiscal Responsibility | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | MI | Bill Huizenga | H001058 | huizenga.house.gov | legacy | Huizenga Discussing Supporting Troops, American Families, and Fiscal Responsibility Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga spoke in a Facebook Live conversation with constituents across West Michigan to explain his support for our men and women in uniform. In the live video, Congressman Huizenga also explains why he did not support an additional $464 billion in COVID relief because he believes those dollars should be offset by reductions in federal spending. The video is embedded below. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402402 | Griffith Statement on CASH Act | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding the CASH Act of 2020: Yesterday, the President signed the more than $2.3 trillion Omnibus, which includedCOVID relief. After signing it, the President issued a statement calling on Congress to increase the amount of money going to individuals AND to cut bloated government spending. Today, the Democrats in the House put forward a bill to increase the size of the individual checks, BUT did not put forward any of the President's cut suggestions OR cuts to spending that they preferred. This is a typical Democrat compromise. We will give you increased spending, but we will not give you the cuts requested. Accordingly, I could not support this increased spending, at this time, without legitimate cuts as requested by the President. Hopefully with vaccines being distributed, our businesses and our economy will be back in operation soon. If not, we will have to examine additional relief in the new year. Background Congressman Griffith supported the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations (HR 6074), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (HR 748), and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 266). Click here for his statement on the Omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2021. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392831 | Schrader, McKinley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Spur Innovation, Reduce Power Sector Emissions | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Kurt Schrader | S001180 | schrader.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Reps. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) today introduced theClean Energy Future through Innovation Act of 2020,a bipartisan proposal to accelerate the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies and establish clear and durable standards for their use in the electric power sector. The legislation would make significant investments in energy innovation and infrastructure, including carbon capture, advanced nuclear, renewables, efficiency, and storage. After a decade of innovation, it establishes a technology-neutral clean energy standard that would reduce CO2 emissions 80% by 2050. America needs energy policy that can endure, rather than one that changes after each election and judicial decision,said Rep. McKinley.No policy can succeed without certainty, and certainty requires bipartisan consensus. Our approach will reduce carbon emissions while ensuring affordable and resilient power generated from all sources. Furthermore, by positioning America as a leader in innovation it will allow us to export technology to the rest of the world and provide a global solution to this problem. Climate change puts us all at risk, including the rural, coastal, and agricultural communities in my district,said Rep. Schrader.Americans are tired of the partisan fighting; they want and deserve a government that solves problems. We need a climate bill that can pass the Senate, be signed into law, and make a real differenceand the legislation that Rep. McKinley and I have introduced is it. We can keep fighting each other, but I'd rather tackle some problems. This bill will cut carbon emissions quickly, it will invest in a better energy system, and it will empower entrepreneurs and industry to create new technologies and new jobs. The bill introduction comes after Reps. McKinley and Schrader released a discussion draft in September and solicited input from a broad array of stakeholders. They are continuing to receive feed… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392832 | Rep. Schrader Issued the Following Statement | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Kurt Schrader | S001180 | schrader.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Schrader Issued the Following Statement f t # e Washington, December 28, 2020 For Immediate Release December 28th, 2020 Contact:Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711 WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) issued the followingstatement today: This is an ineffective and poorly targeted approach to aiding Americans in distress. It is clearly a last-minute political maneuver by President Trump and extremists on both sides of the political spectrum who have been largely absent during months of hard negotiations. These funds would be better used for programs like PPP and unemployment insurance that directly benefit small businesses and hardworking families who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.This is a gratuitous political gesture that threatens our children's future for short term political gain. I feel for all of those who are suffering today due to financial hardship and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on a bipartisan, bicameral basis to find ways to provide relief during these difficult times. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5536 | Sen. Cruz Applauds Trump Administration for Providing Emergency Learning Scholarships | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement applauding the administration's move to expand educational opportunity: "With far too many Democrat officials flexing their authoritarian instincts, millions of families across the country are hurting right now. Arbitrary shutdowns of public and private K-12 schools have left a generation of students behind. I'm grateful the administration has taken this step to provide emergency learning scholarships for students, empowering parents with the resources they need to support their children's education during these unprecedented times. I'll continue working with my colleagues to reopen the economy, and get Americans safely back to work and school." Read the executive order here. Sen. Cruz has fought to provide American families with the resources needed to provide for their children's public, private, or homeschool education during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, Sen. Cruz introduced the School Choice Now Act with Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), legislation that ensures all students will return to their pre-pandemic educational institutions. In September, three of Sen. Cruz's education proposals were included in the Senate Republicans' targeted COVID-19 relief bill. Throughout his career, Sen. Cruz has led the fight to expand school choice and educational opportunities for American students. Learn more about his efforts here and here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/emergency-coronavirus-spending-bill-signed-into-law-includes-hirono-backed-education-priorities | Emergency Coronavirus Spending Bill Signed Into Law Includes Hirono-Backed Education Priorities | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | legacy | December 28, 2020 Emergency Coronavirus Spending Bill Signed Into Law Includes Hirono-Backed Education Priorities Bill includes substantial funding for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood programs to respond to COVID-19 HONOLULU Senator Mazie K. Hirono successfully advocated for education programs in the emergency coronavirus relief bill that will support K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood programs as they respond to COVID-19. The bill also includes provisions from Senator Hirono's Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act to strengthen and expand the federal Pell Grant program and improve financial aid for students. Students and educators in Hawaii and elsewhere need support as they continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. This legislation includes provisions I have worked on to strengthen and expand the federal Pell Grant program, which will improve college affordability for lower income students. It also includes funding to support K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood providers,Senator Hirono said.While this bill provides much-needed funding, the scope of this pandemic means that we will need to take further action, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues to provide additional investments in education and child care. The legislation includes the following funding for education priorities; the Hawaii-specific estimates below were calculated by the Congressional Research Service using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Education: K-12 Schools: $183.6 million for Hawaii schools to address the pandemic's consequences on K-12 schools, with flexibility to address learning loss for at-risk and marginalized students through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF).The legislation provides $54.3 billion in total funding for the ESSERF, and includes flexibility for schoo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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