Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
- url
- Link to the original release on the member's official site
- text
- Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
- has_text
- 1 if body text was successfully extracted
- date_source
- How the publication date was determined
- bioguide_id
- Bioguide ID of the member
520 rows where party = "Republican", state = "TN" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-applauds-206-million-for-tennessee-from-rural-health-transformation-program | Blackburn Applauds $206 Million for Tennessee from Rural Health Transformation Program | 2025-12-29 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Trump administration announced a $206,888,882 award to strengthen rural health care in Tennessee. This funding comes from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which Senator Blackburn supported as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation that President Trump signed into law over the summer. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/video-blackburn-wishes-tennesseans-a-merry-christmas | VIDEO: Blackburn Wishes Tennesseans a Merry Christmas | 2025-12-24 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a video message wishing Tennesseans a Merry Christmas: “From all the Blackburns, I want to say Merry Christmas to you,” said Senator Blackburn. “There is nothing so special or nothing more wonderful than a Tennessee Christmas. Our wish is for all Tennesseans to know firsthand the blessings of the Christmas and holiday season. So, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/veterans/blackburn-resolution-recognizing-importance-of-community-care-for-veterans-passes-senate | Blackburn Resolution Recognizing Importance of Community Care for Veterans Passes Senate | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) released the following statements after their resolution recognizing community care as essential to meeting veterans’ health care needs unanimously passed the Senate: “Federal government bureaucracy should not get in the way of America’s veterans getting the health care they need,” said Senator Blackburn. “This resolution reaffirms my commitment to ensuring veterans in Tennessee and across America can access high-quality, affordable health care.” “Veterans deserve prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where and how to use the healthcare benefits they have earned through their service,” said Senator Moran. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to making certain that veterans have a choice in where they receive care – whether at VA or in the community – while acknowledging the essential role community care partnerships play in strengthening the VA health care system. I thank Sen. Blackburn for leading this resolution and for her continued dedication to supporting our nation’s veterans.” “Our veterans deserve the best care possible, and that means ensuring they can access timely, high-quality treatment through VA facilities and trusted community providers,” said Senator Tillis. “This resolution cuts red tape and makes sure no veteran is forced to wait for the care they’ve earned.” “Mississippi’s veterans rely on community care providers,” said Senator Wicker. “The VA health system cannot meet every imaginable need, and these providers stand in the gap for those who have given so much to our country.” This resolution is also co-sponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). BACKGROUND A decade ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faced a nationwide access-to-care crisis that left many veterans waiting too long for essential medical services. In response, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act, a bipartisan reform designed to ensure that vete… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ogles-announces-2025-app-challenge-winner | Rep. Ogles Announces 2025 App Challenge Winner | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Andrew Ogles | O000175 | ogles.house.gov | ogles | https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Columbia, TN – Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-05) has selected the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner for Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District, Rohan Gunasekar. Rohan, an 11th-grade student at Ravenwood High in Brentwood, designed an app called DermaTrack. The app would help families and individuals track medications and care for their skin conditions. (Pictured: left - Rep. Ogles' District Director, James Amundsen; right - 2025 Winner Rohan Gunasekar.) “Congratulations, Rohan! DermaTrack is a fantastic idea that could help countless families and individuals. I am convinced that Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District is home to some of the best and brightest youth in America,” said Congressman Ogles. “This type of ingenuity and thoughtfulness will serve you well throughout your life and in future endeavors. Again, my sincerest congratulations. Thank you for participating in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge!” WATCH ROHAN EXPLAIN HOW DERMATRACK WORKS! # # # | 1 | 2026-06-06T06:16:30Z | 2026-06-06T06:17:47Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-joins-hhs-secretary-kennedy-announcement-protecting-children-sex | Harshbarger joins HHS Secretary Kennedy for Announcement on Protecting Children from Sex-Rejecting Procedures | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) joined Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Mehmet Oz, and other senior HHS officials for a press conference announcing new federal actions to protect children from chemical and surgical sex-rejecting medical procedures and to ensure taxpayer dollars are no longer used to fund them. Harshbarger issued the following statement after the event: “As a mom, a grandmother, and a lifelong advocate for parental rights, I strongly support these actions to end the dangerous, unproven medical interventions being pushed on vulnerable children,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “For years, the Biden administration allowed ideology to override science and common sense while families paid the price. I’m grateful to see President Trump and HHS Secretary Kennedy restore accountability, reinforce biological reality, and put the wellbeing of children first. Protecting kids shouldn’t be controversial, and I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure parents are the decision makers when it comes to their child’s health.” BACKGROUND: Last week’s announcement includes several actions proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services to fulfill President Trump’s Week One commitment to protect children, including: A declaration from Secretary Kennedy stating that sex-rejecting medical interventions for minors do not meet professionally recognized standards of care. Proposed CMS rules prohibiting hospitals that receive Medicare or Medicaid funds from performing sex change procedures on individuals under the age of 18 and preventing Medicaid from covering such procedures. Revision of a Biden-era civil rights rule that suggested gender dysphoria could be treated as a disability. A public health message from the Assistant Secretary for Health explaining that current evidence does not support puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgical interventions as safe or effective treatments for … | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/blackburn-unveils-national-policy-framework-for-artificial-intelligence | Blackburn Unveils National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) unveiled a section-by-section summary of The Republic Unifying Meritocratic Performance Advancing Machine intelligence by Eliminating Regulatory Interstate Chaos Across American Industry (TRUMP AMERICA AI Act). This legislative framework would codify President Trump’s executive order to create one rulebook for artificial intelligence (AI) that protects children, creators, conservatives, and communities from harm while ensuring the United States wins the global race for AI supremacy. “Instead of pushing AI amnesty, President Trump rightfully called on Congress to pass federal standards and protections to solve the patchwork of state laws that have hindered AI innovation,” said Senator Blackburn. “I look forward to introducing the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act in the new year to create one federal rulebook for AI to protect children, creators, conservatives, and communities across the country and ensure America triumphs over foreign adversaries in the global race for AI dominance.” TRUMP AMERICA AI ACT Below is a summary of how Senator Blackburn’s TRUMP AMERICA AI Act would protect the “4 Cs” (children, creators, conservatives, and communities) from exploitation, abuse, and censorship and ensure American AI companies can innovate without cumbersome regulation. This framework includes legislation Senator Blackburn has previously introduced, the Kids Online Safety Act and NO FAKES Act, to protect children and creators. Protecting Children Places a duty of care on AI developers in the design, development, and operation of AI platforms to prevent and mitigate foreseeable harm to users. Requires AI platforms to conduct regular risk assessments of how algorithmic systems, engagement mechanics, and data practices contribute to psychological, physical, financial, and exploitative harms. Reforms Section 230 by incentivizing the development and utilization of blocking and filtering technologies that empower parents to restrict their children’s access to objectio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kustoff-applauds-senate-confirmation-mitch-graves-tva-board | Congressman Kustoff Applauds Senate Confirmation of Mitch Graves to TVA Board | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN-08) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted last night to confirm Mitch Graves to serve on the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors. "I applaud the U.S. Senate’s vote today confirming Mitch Graves to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)’s Board of Directors. President Trump made an outstanding choice nominating Mitch Graves for the TVA Board of Directors. With his experience leading as Chairman and President of the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLG&W) Board, Mitch has a deep and profound understanding of how energy policy and infrastructure impact our communities. Mitch’s executive leadership as the CEO of the West Cancer Center will be big benefit to the TVA Board as it makes critical and crucial decisions for the Mid-South. Mitch Graves will also bring a high level of expertise to the TVA Board of Directors. His confirmation is a win for Memphis, a win for West Tennessee, and a win for the entire TVA region. Thank you to Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Bill Hagerty for their support of this important nomination." ### | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z |
| https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-matt-van-epps-announces-senior-leadership-team | Congressman Matt Van Epps Announces Senior Leadership Team | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Matt Van Epps | V000139 | vanepps.house.gov | vanepps | https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Matt Van Epps (TN-07) today announced his senior leadership team, naming Sam Nienow as Chief of Staff, Alex Joyner as Senior Advisor, and Steve Allbrooks as District Director. Together, the team brings decades of experience serving Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District and deep institutional knowledge of both district and Washington operations. “From day one, my priority has been building a team that understands this district and knows how to deliver results,” said Congressman Van Epps. “Sam, Alex, and Steve bring unmatched experience and a shared commitment to serving the people of Tennessee.” Sam Nienow will serve as Chief of Staff, overseeing Congressman Van Epps’ Washington, D.C. operations. Nienow began serving under former Congressman Mark Green in 2019 as a Field Representative before becoming District Director, Deputy Chief of Staff, and ultimately Acting Chief of Staff during the final months of Green’s tenure. His experience across nearly every level of congressional office operations provides strong continuity and leadership. Alex Joyner will serve as Senior Advisor, overseeing district operations and providing guidance on communications, legislative strategy, and operational matters. Joyner previously served as Congressman Van Epps’ campaign manager and began his career with Congressman Mark Green in 2018 as a Field Representative for his initial campaign for Congress. He later served as Bodyman, Staff Assistant, and Special Assistant, and managed Green’s successful congressional campaigns in 2022 and 2024. Steve Allbrooks will serve as District Director. Allbrooks brings 23 years of experience serving Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District and has served as District Director for two previous Members of Congress, making Congressman Van Epps the third Member of Congress he has served in this role. His career includes service with then-Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn and later as District Director and Senior Advisor to Congressman Mark Green. His deep institutional kno… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-matt-van-epps-is-assigned-to-the-homeland-security-and-science-space-and-technology-committees | Congressman Matt Van Epps is Assigned to the Homeland Security and Science, Space, and Technology Committees | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Matt Van Epps | V000139 | vanepps.house.gov | vanepps | https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Matt Van Epps announced today that he has been appointed to serve on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology—two key committees that directly impact the safety, growth, and future of Tennessee’s Seventh Congressional District. “I am honored to serve on the Homeland Security Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee,” said Congressman Van Epps. “These assignments give me the opportunity to work on legislation that protects our communities, keeps our borders secure, strengthens our economy, and ensures Tennessee’s Seventh District has a strong voice in shaping our nation’s future.” As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Congressman Van Epps will work on legislation to protect communities, keep our borders secure, combat drug and human trafficking, secure critical infrastructure, and support the men and women who work every day to keep our nation safe. These issues are especially important to the Seventh District, where strong law enforcement partnerships, secure supply chains, and resilient infrastructure are essential to public safety and economic growth. Also serving on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Congressman Van Epps will focus on unleashing American innovation and supporting visionary industries that drive job creation and economic opportunity. The committee’s work supports STEM education, emerging technologies, and space and scientific research—areas that align with the district’s growing workforce, rich research institutions, and advanced manufacturing base. “Our district is full of hardworking Tennesseans who want safe communities, good-paying jobs, and opportunities for the next generation,” Congressman Van Epps added. “I look forward to serving on these committees to fight for the values and priorities of the people of Tennessee’s Seventh District and to deliver real results for our communities and for our country.” | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-statement-on-confirmation-of-tennesseans-jeff-hagood-and-mitch-graves-to-tva-board | Blackburn Statement on Confirmation of Tennesseans Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves to TVA Board | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves were confirmed to the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors: “Today, the Senate confirmed two outstanding Tennesseans to the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves,” said Senator Blackburn. “These two Tennesseans will help achieve America’s nuclear renaissance and deliver affordable and abundant energy. With Jeff and Mitch on the board, we will make certain Tennessee leads in next-generation nuclear and helps the United States win the global race for energy dominance.” RELATED VIDEO: Blackburn Introduces TVA Board Nominees Mitch Graves and Jeff Hagood at Senate Committee Nomination Hearing America’s Nuclear Renaissance: How the TVA Can Lead Our Energy Future | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/crime/jobs and economy/immigration/video-blackburn-highlights-republicans-accomplishments-in-2025 | VIDEO: Blackburn Highlights Republicans’ Accomplishments in 2025 | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting some of the accomplishments achieved by President Trump and Republicans in 2025. President Trump has made America safer and stronger, fixed the Biden border crisis, restored law and order in American cities, rooted out wokeness in our institutions, secured trillions in new investments, and restored peace through strength after the four years of weakness from Joe Biden. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts passed by Republicans and signed into law by President Trump, Americans’ tax refunds next year are projected to be about one-third larger than usual, or roughly an extra $1,000 per filer. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/blackburn-welch-introduce-legislation-to-empower-visual-artists-to-protect-their-work | Blackburn, Welch Introduce Legislation to Empower Visual Artists to Protect Their Work | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA), which would modernize copyright registration for visual artists to make it easier and less costly for high-volume visual artists to register and protect their works. “Visual artists produce incredible work that deserves to be protected, but current copyright law has fallen short,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act would modernize copyright registration so creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists can protect their work and enforce their rights. This bill would fix a broken system by cutting unnecessary costs and bureaucracy, helping America’s creative community thrive.” “Vermont’s visual creators make significant contributions to our country, and their work should be protected. But visual artists often struggle to protect the authenticity of their work because of the unique challenges facing high-volume artists,” said Senator Welch. “We’re working to modernize copyright processes and safeguard the creativity of visual artists.” BACKGROUND The Copyright Act offers the promise that copyrightable works are automatically protected the instant they are created. This is a cruel façade as those rights cannot be enforced unless each work is registered with the Copyright Office. The registration process is so bureaucratic and complicated that the time and expense of compliance is too high for high-volume creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists. The Copyright Office is aware of these shortcomings but has failed to address them. THE VISUAL ARTISTS COPYRIGHT REFORM ACT The VACRA would: Direct the Register of Copyrights to establish a process for an individual to submit a single application for copyright registration of a group of up to 3,000 photographs; Adopt a deferred copyright registration option. Under current law, the Copyright Office calculates registration fees based on their administrative c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kustoff-introduces-legislation-strip-tax-exempt-status-terrorist | Congressman Kustoff Introduces Legislation to Strip Tax-Exempt Status from Terrorist-Supporting Non-Profits | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman David Kustoff introduced legislation to revoke the tax-exempt status of any non-profit organization that provides material support to terrorist groups. Senator John Cornyn (TX) introduced the Senate companion bill. “Our tax laws should never be used to subsidize or shield organizations that help terrorists,”said Rep. David Kustoff.“There should be zero ambiguity and tolerance for non-profits that fund terrorists. This legislation ensures that groups providing material support to terrorist organizations lose their tax-exempt status and are held accountable. We must use every tool available to cut off support for terrorism and protect our national security.” “I’m introducing legislation to strip CAIR of its tax-exempt status because no organization who bankrolls terrorists should get a tax break, period,”said Senator Cornyn. “CAIR is a radical group of terrorist sympathizers with a long history of undermining American values and trying to unconstitutionally impose Sharia Law on Texas, which is why I stand behind Governor Abbott’s decision to designate it as a foreign terrorist organization. I also call on President Trump to do so at the federal level to ensure this breeding ground for anti-American hate is starved of funding and forced to close its doors once and for all.” Background: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations that provide material support to terrorist groups. It defines a terrorist-supporting organization as one that provides more than a de minimis level of support to a designated terrorist organization within a three-year period. The bill excludes lawful humanitarian aid approved by the Office of Foreign Assets Control or the State Department, with the concurrence of the Attorney General. It establishes a Treasury-led designation process that includes written notice, an opportunity to cure or contest the designation, administrative review through the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, and judicial review in fede… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z |
| https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burchett-introduces-trump-tariff-rebate-act | Rep. Burchett Introduces the Trump Tariff Rebate Act | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Tim Burchett | B001309 | burchett.house.gov | burchett | https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | For Immediate Release: Today, Congressman Tim Burchett introduced the Trump Tariff Rebate Act (TTRA). The legislation would increase the standard deduction for all taxpaying Americans. By increasing the standard deduction, taxpayers would be placed in lower tax brackets, resulting in lower annual tax obligations. Thanks to President Trump’s tariff revenue, taxes could be lowered through the TTRA. The Trump Tariff Rebate Act (TTRA) includes the following standard deduction increases for all tax-paying Americans: $4,000 for joint filers and surviving spouses $3,000 for heads of household $2,000 for all other Americans “When I first decided to run for Congress, one of my top priorities was to ensure that folks spend less of their hard-earned dollars in taxes. That hasn’t changed.” said Rep. Burchett. “The Trump Tariff Rebate Act is simple: lower taxes, and more money in your pocket.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-real-healthcare-reform-harshbarger-votes-yes | House Passes Real Healthcare Reform, Harshbarger Votes Yes | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) today applauded passage of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a major Republican-led effort to lower premiums, expand choice, and address the structural failures that have caused the health care marketplace to deteriorate. “As premiums keep climbing thanks to the Unaffordable Care Act, Democrats continue defending a broken status quo that has failed working families,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “Republicans are advancing real reforms that finally lower premiums, expand choice, increase flexibility for small businesses, and save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. Democrats want to pour more money into a failed system they created; we’re fixing the root causes of rising costs. Our goals are simple: restore choice, lower premiums, strengthen program integrity, and build a health care system that actually works for every American.” BACKGROUND For years, Democrats have pushed a government-driven, one-size-fits-all health care model built on mandates, subsidies, and bureaucracy. That approach has failed working families and small businesses. Premiums have soared and big insurers have profited enormously, with revenues jumping from $245 billion when Obamacare passed to $1.4 trillion in 2023, while a GAO investigation found NEARLY 100%of fictitious applicants were approved for subsidies, exposing significant waste and fraud. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act delivers lower costs by reducing premiums, expanding choice, and empowering workers, families, and small businesses. Cracks down on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) middle-men, requiring transparency to help employers negotiate lower drug prices — saving taxpayers $1.9 billion. Ends “silver loading” and funds Cost Sharing Reductions (CSR), reducing ACA premiums by 11% (twice the reduction of Democrats’ temporary COVID subsidies), saving patients up to $1,871 per year and taxpayers $36.7 billion. Expands Association Health Plans, allowing small businesses and … | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ogles-introduces-bill-rename-post-office-after-tennessee-hero | Rep. Ogles Introduces Bill to Rename Post Office After Tennessee Hero | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Andrew Ogles | O000175 | ogles.house.gov | ogles | https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Congressman Andy Ogles introduced legislation to rename United States Post Office 38401-9998 in Columbia, Tennessee, after Columbia native and Medal of Honor recipient John Harlan Willis. Pharmacist's Mate First Class John Harlan Willis was born on June 10th, 1923. He joined the Navy at the age of 19 and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines when they landed on Iwo Jima on February 9th, 1945. On February 28, he was wounded while treating his fellow servicemen. Despite his injuries, he continued to assist his fellow soldiers. While he did this, the enemy began to assault his position with hand grenades. John threw back eight grenades before the ninth exploded in his hand, killing him. For his service, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. “John Harlan Willis embodied the very best of the American spirit. In the face of overwhelming danger, he chose courage, selflessness, and duty. Renaming this Post Office in his hometown ensures that future generations will remember a Tennessean who gave everything for his country,” said Congressman Ogles. “His heroism at Iwo Jima will never be forgotten, and our nation owes him a permanent place of honor,” Congressman Ogles said. “Pharmacist’s Mate First Class John Harlan Willis embodied the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and service, and I’m honored to support this effort to name a post office in his hometown in recognition of his heroism. As a Tennessean and a Medal of Honor recipient who gave his life caring for others in the heat of battle, his legacy deserves to be preserved and remembered. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in paying tribute to an American hero,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “It is an honor to co-sponsor this legislation to ensure that Pharmacist’s Mate First Class John Harlan Willis’s service and sacrifice are permanently recognized in the community he called home. Naming the Columbia Post Office after him is a fitting tribute to a Tennessean whose courage and dedication to country exemplify the very … | 1 | 2026-05-16T06:05:00Z | 2026-05-16T06:06:37Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/military/blackburn-applauds-final-passage-of-fy26-national-defense-bill-with-wins-for-tennessee | Blackburn Applauds Final Passage of FY26 National Defense Bill with Wins for Tennessee | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement following the final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes funding levels and sets policies for the U.S. military. Senator Blackburn secured multiple provisions for Tennessee in the NDAA. “This year’s national defense bill will help safeguard U.S. national security and support our men and women in uniform by enabling the Department of War to carry out President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda and ensuring we are prepared for the formidable threats posed by the New Axis of Evil,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennessee’s tens of thousands of service members and military installations play a vital role in that mission, and this legislation will ban harmful DEI programs, modernize critical infrastructure, fund important research programs, and strengthen national security.” BLACKBURN-SECURED NDAA WINS FOR TENNESSEE Below is a list of key priorities for Tennessee included in the FY26 NDAA: Fort Campbell Modernization Projects Replaces the current 49-year-old tower, which is the oldest tower on any power projection platform and is in desperate need of adequate height, space, and visibility for modern operations. Provides modern housing for the 101st Airborne Division. Army National Guard Projects Funding for planning and design to support the Smyrna Training Site. Research and Development in Tennessee Expands Vanderbilt’s Pathfinder-Air Assault project with the Army to include the Tennessee National Guard. Provides funding for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Vanderbilt-led program to build secure, robust, and dependable artificial intelligence models. Support for Oak Ridge Reservation Continues U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration funding to support national security operations, environmental cleanup, and long-term modernization across the Oak Ridge Reservation, including the Y-12 National Security Complex and Oak Ridge … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/blackburn-blumenthal-press-toy-makers-on-ai-powered-toys-exposing-children-to-inappropriate-content | Blackburn & Blumenthal Press Toy Makers on AI-Powered Toys Exposing Children to Inappropriate Content | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officers of Little Learners Toys, Mattel, Miko, Curio Interactive, FoloToy, and Keyi Robot sounding the alarm on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their toys. The Senators demanded answers on what safeguards these companies have in place to protect kids from sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate content for children. AI Chatbots in Toys Pose Serious Risk to Children’s Healthy Development “We write today to express our concern with the sale of toys powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI toys—specifically those powered by chatbots imbedded in everyday children’s toys like plushies, dolls, and other beloved toys—pose risks to children’s healthy development. While AI has incredible potential to benefit children with learning and accessibility, experts have raised concerns about AI toys and the lack of research that has been conducted to understand the full effect of these products on our kids. Many of these toys are not offering interactive play, but instead are exposing children to inappropriate content, privacy risks, and manipulative engagement tactics. These aren’t theoretical worst-case scenarios; they are documented failures uncovered through real-world testing, and they must be addressed.” AI-Powered Teddy Bear Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conversations and Explained Where to Find Knives “Most concerningly, many of these AI toys use the exact same AI systems that have been dangerous for older children and teens. Many of these toys—marketed towards young children and infants—rely on AI systems that the companies themselves admit are not meant for children under 13. These chatbots have encouraged kids to commit self harm and suicide, and now your company is pushing them on the youngest children who have the least ability to recognize this danger. In an example specific to AI toys, the teddy bear Kumma has been found to have sexually explicit co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rose-delivers-upper-cumberland-veterans-new-state-cemetery-funding | Rep. Rose Delivers for Upper Cumberland Veterans with New State Cemetery Funding | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | John W. Rose | R000612 | johnrose.house.gov | johnrose | https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | COOKEVILLE, TN—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has approved full federal funding for the establishment of the new Upper Cumberland State Veterans Cemetery in White County — less than a month after Rep. Rose led a letter urging the VA to prioritize the project. “I’m proud to have fought for the 25,000 veterans in the Upper Cumberland who’ve gone far too long without a nearby state-run cemetery,” Rep. Rose said. “This project will provide Tennessee’s veterans and their families with a dignified, no-cost resting place close to home. I’m grateful to Rep. DesJarlais and the Upper Cumberland Veterans Cemetery Association for their partnership and advocacy in making this possible.” “Tennessee is home to some of the finest men and women who have served our country with honor. I am thrilled to have worked with Rep. Rose and other federal and state partners to secure funding for a new veterans cemetery in the Upper Cumberland region,” Rep. DesJarlais said. Background: The Upper Cumberland region—spanning 14 counties and home to more than 25,000 veterans—currently has no state or national veterans cemetery. Families must travel to Nashville, Knoxville, or beyond for burial options, leaving the region effectively “unserved.” The new facility will close that gap by offering no-cost burials for veterans and no- or low-cost options for spouses and dependents, giving rural families a long-overdue local option. Once completed, the Upper Cumberland State Veterans Cemetery will become Tennessee’s sixth state-run veterans cemetery, ensuring the state’s heroes have a fitting final resting place near the communities they served. | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/veterans/blackburn-rosen-introduce-legislation-to-cut-red-tape-for-providers-to-take-care-of-america-s-service-members-and-veterans | Blackburn, Rosen Introduce Legislation to Cut Red Tape for Providers to Take Care of America’s Service Members and Veterans | 2025-12-16 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to cut red tape by eliminating duplicative credentialing and privileging when medical providers move between the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This bill would strengthen health care delivery for service members and veterans. “Health care providers shouldn’t be hindered by bureaucratic red tape when caring for the men and women who have bravely served our nation,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan legislation would end unnecessary duplication so that medical providers can move between the DoW and VA more quickly, ensuring service members and veterans get the high-quality care they need without delay.” “Health care providers who work at the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense do critical work in caring for the men and women who serve and have served our nation,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to remove bureaucratic red tape and allow medical providers to more easily practice between the two departments to improve care for veterans and servicemembers. As long as I’m in the Senate, I’ll always work to make sure everyone who has worn our nation’s uniform has the care, support, and hope they deserve.” U.S. Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.) and Susie Lee (D-Nev.) led the introduction of companion legislation in the House of Representatives. BACKGROUND Credentialing is the process of confirming a medical provider’s education, training, licenses, certifications, and professional history. Privileging determines what specific medical services that provider is authorized to perform based on their qualifications and experience. Currently, the DoW and VA use separate credentialing and privileging systems that do not transfer between Departments. As a result, when a provider moves from a DoW to a VA facility, or vice versa, they must often repeat the entire credentialing and privileging process from the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-obernolte-torres-vasquez-introduce-bipartisan-bill-protect | Harshbarger, Obernolte, Torres & Vasquez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Consumer Choice and Strengthen Vehicle Safety | 2025-12-15 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Norma Torres (D-CA), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) introduced the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Functionality and Integrity Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure Americans can safely modify their vehicles without compromising critical safety systems. “Personalizing a vehicle is part of American culture, and millions of drivers shouldn’t have to choose between the freedom to modify their car and the confidence that their safety systems will work properly,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “Our bill gives consumers the clarity they deserve by ensuring NHTSA, manufacturers, and the aftermarket industry are all working together to provide clear, data-driven guidelines for modern vehicle modifications. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act will strike the right balance between innovation, safety, and consumer choice, and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan solution.” Each year, approximately 8.6 million vehicles are modified across the United States, from lift kits and suspension changes to engine upgrades, as millions of drivers enjoy the ability to personalize and adapt their vehicles. At the same time, newer vehicles increasingly rely on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and collision-avoidance technology. Without clear guidance, routine modifications can unintentionally affect sensors and calibration, potentially undermining key safety features. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act addresses this challenge by strengthening safety while preserving consumer freedom. The bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop clear, data-driven guidelines for vehicle modifications on model year 2028 and newer vehicles, ensuring drivers understand how aftermarket changes may interact with ADAS technologies. The legislation is supported by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). “The right to modify is a quint… | 1 | 2026-04-30T06:05:15Z | 2026-04-30T06:07:09Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/blackburn-presses-cvs-on-driving-up-health-care-costs-and-forcing-taxpayers-to-fund-fraud | Blackburn Presses CVS on Driving Up Health Care Costs and Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Fraud | 2025-12-15 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter CVS Health CEO David Joyner, pressing him on the company’s lengthy record of fraud and regulatory violations at taxpayers’ expense and the role the company has played in driving up health care costs. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), such as CVS Caremark, wield extraordinary power over which drugs are covered by insurance and where patients can fill prescriptions. Senator Blackburn has led the charge to rein in PBMs by introducing the Patients Before Middlemen (PBM) act earlier this year. This legislation would bring down the cost of prescription drugs by delinking the compensation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from drug price and utilization. Taxpayers Have Funded Fraud, Overbilling, Unsafe Practices, and Regulatory Violations at CVS “President Trump has, rightfully, called for ending the massive taxpayer subsidization of big health insurance companies. CVS is the largest, most vertically integrated company in healthcare, and the federal government has quickly become CVS's largest funder. CVS Health, the fifth largest company in the United States by revenue, owns the second-largest pharmacy benefit manager (Caremark), the largest retail pharmacy chain (CVS), and the third-largest health insurer (Aetna), as well as other subsidiaries that extend into drug manufacturing and rebate aggregation. This vertical integration has not led to lower drug prices, but rather consolidated power that has enabled a lengthy record of fraud, overbilling, unsafe practices, and regulatory violations across the company, all subsidized by significant taxpayer funding. CVS itself acknowledges that programs funded by the U.S. government account for a ‘significant’ and growing share of its revenues… In 2024 alone, the federal government spent approximately $89.48 billion directly on CVS.” CVS Drives Up Costs by Steering Patients to CVS-Owned Pharmacies Instead of Community Pharmacies “As one of the largest PBMs in the United States, CVS Caremark wi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-weber-perry-introduce-driver-act-restore-americans-property-rights | Harshbarger, Weber, Perry introduce DRIVER Act to Restore Americans’ Property Rights and Protect Vehicle Data | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), along with her colleagues, Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) and Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA) introduced the Data Rights for Information and Vehicle Electronics in Real-time (DRIVER) Act, legislation that reaffirms a basic principle: if you own the vehicle, you should own the data it generates. “If you buy the car, you should own the data. It’s that simple,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “Automakers have quietly taken control of information that rightfully belongs to consumers. The DRIVER Act restores those property rights, strengthens privacy protections, and ensures no foreign adversary can access Americans’ sensitive vehicle data. This bill puts Americans back in the driver’s seat and protects our data and national security in the digital age.” "In a day and age where data collection is the new gold rush, Americans shouldn’t lose control over their own personal information just by turning the key in their car,” said Congressman Weber. "Drivers deserve clear ownership of the data their vehicles generate and the peace of mind that it isn’t being misused or sent overseas. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Harshbarger on the DRIVER Act to implement these common-sense protections, safeguard privacy, and ensure vehicle data stays in the driver's hands.” "Auto manufacturers are secretly tracking where, when, and how you drive - and it’s an obvious threat to your Constitutional right to privacy,” said Congressman Perry.“Our 'DRIVER Act' restores your property rights, ownership of your data, and revokes self-awarded, all-access pass to private property. When you buy a car, it's yours - to include your vehicle-generated data. The DRIVER Act is a win for common sense and drivers across America." Additionally, the DRIVER Act has the support of the American Vehicle Owners Alliance. "For too long, automakers have held the keys not just to our vehicles, but also to the data we generate by driving them. This bill is a critical step to restore trust and… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kustoff-panetta-introduces-bill-strengthen-americas-critical | Congressman Kustoff, Panetta Introduces Bill to Strengthen America’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the Restoring American Mineral Security Act, legislation aimed to reduce U.S. dependence on adversaries like China and Russia for critical minerals. Senators Bill Hagerty (TN) and Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) introduced the companion bill in the Senate. “The United States cannot afford to depend on foreign adversaries for critical minerals,” said Congressman Kustoff. “This legislation takes an important step to forge a strong partnership with allied countries, stop adversarial manipulation, and strengthen our U.S. national security. A reliable supply of critical minerals is essential for our economy, our military, and our long-term competitiveness.” “If we don’t want to lose out to the CCP and Russia in the race to control critical minerals, we need to get serious about strengthening our supply chains,” said Congressman Panetta. “The RAMS Act confronts the underhanded tactics of our foreign adversaries head-on by creating a formal alliance to ensure we have a hand on the wheel when it comes to the critical minerals market. This is a commonsense step towards protecting our economic and national security interests.” Background: Foreign adversaries have been flooding global markets with artificially cheap, low-quality minerals, undercutting American producers and gaining leverage over critical supply chains. China currently controls much of the world’s mining and processing capacity, leaving the United States vulnerable to unfair trade practices, price manipulation, and strategic pressure. The Restoring American Mineral Security Act addresses these challenges by establishing the Critical Minerals Security Alliance composed of trusted member nations. Members of the alliance would: Agree to raise tariffs on minerals from adversaries and enforce fair trade rules. Share information on mining and processing capacity. Be exempt from certain U.S. tariffs on critical minerals and related goods. Reinvest tariff reve… | 1 | 2026-06-10T06:36:00Z | 2026-06-10T06:37:32Z |
| https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ogles-co-leads-charlie-kirk-act | Rep. Ogles Co-Leads “Charlie Kirk Act” | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Andrew Ogles | O000175 | ogles.house.gov | ogles | https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Congressman Andy Ogles introduced a companion bill to Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) “Charlie Kirk Act”. This bill will shut down taxpayer-funded propaganda aimed at the American people. Named for the great late American hero Charlie Kirk, the bill honors his commitment to fair and open debate. It restores the core protections of American citizens against false information from the government. These protections were removed by the Obama administration in amending the Smith-Mundt Act. This legislation creates a critical safeguard against an overreaching federal government. “The federal government has no business brainwashing the American people. For years, the government has controlled the media behind the scenes to spew globalist propaganda. The result has been a rightful erosion of trust in every institution. The United States government should never use its power to steer, shape, or censor the free flow of information in our own country. This bill begins the work of winning that trust back. I want to thank Senator Lee for his work on this, and I'm proud to co-lead his effort here in the House,” said Congressman Ogles. Cosponsors (1): Rep. Bryon Donalds [FL-19] READ THE BILL HERE # # # | 1 | 2026-04-16T05:48:36Z | 2026-04-16T05:50:08Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/blackburn-releases-fact-sheet-on-how-republicans-health-plan-would-make-health-care-more-affordable | Blackburn Releases Fact Sheet on How Republicans’ Health Plan Would Make Health Care More Affordable | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a fact sheet contrasting Republicans’ plan to lower health care costs with Democrats’ proposal to line the pockets of big insurance companies and fund pandemic-era health care subsidies riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. A recent Government Accountability Office report found that the pandemic-era health care subsidies backed by Democrats are a ‘mecca for fraud,’ including approved applications with false or missing records and nearly 100,000 duplicate Social Security numbers enrolled in the program. Click here to watch Senator Blackburn’s remarks about this report on the Senate floor. “Republicans want to put money back in taxpayers’ pockets and empower patients while Democrats are pushing to line the pockets of insurance companies and force taxpayers to foot the bill for fraud,” said Senator Blackburn. “Instead of expanding health savings accounts, Democrats want American taxpayers to spend $83 billion to extend pandemic-era subsidies that are riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse, including more than 6.4 million improper enrollees and 100,000 duplicate Social Security numbers.” Click hereto download this fact sheet. RELATED VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Democrats for Pushing to Extend Pandemic-Era Health Care Subsidies Riddled with Fraud Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Empower Families to Choose Health Care Coverage That Fits Their Needs | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rose-calls-usda-disaster-relief-huge-blessing-tennessee-farmers | Rep. Rose Calls USDA Disaster Relief a ‘Huge Blessing for Tennessee Farmers’ | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | John W. Rose | R000612 | johnrose.house.gov | johnrose | https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) announced his support of United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $38.1 million grant agreement with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) to cover losses from Hurricane Helene. The grant will target infrastructure and timber losses in addition to future economic losses and market losses. “Today’s announcement by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, a fellow Tennessean, is a huge blessing for East Tennessee agriculture producers,” Rep. Rose said. “Some areas of Tennessee received up to 15 inches of rainfall during Hurricane Helene, ruining crops and forage, littering fields with debris, and resulting in loss of equipment and other infrastructure. This is yet another example of the Trump Administration following through on its commitment to our nation’s farmers.” The finalized agreement between USDA, Governor Bill Lee, and TDA will cover qualifying losses not addressed by other USDA disaster programs. Tennessee agriculture producers should seek additional information through TDA. | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-introduces-bipartisan-pharmacists-fight-back-act-crack-down | Harshbarger Introduces Bipartisan Pharmacists Fight Back Act to Crack Down on Predatory Drug Pricing | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R, TN-01), Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04), and House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R, KY-01) introduced the Pharmacists Fight Back Act to tackle the manipulative practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) – the middlemen of drug pricing. PBMs are directly responsible for driving up drug costs by thousands of dollars, gouging community pharmacists, and limiting patient choice in federal health care plans. Patients, community pharmacies, and taxpayers have been forced to shoulder the burden of rising drug prices at the hands of PBMs. The lack of PBM accountability has inflated drug costs for families at the pharmacy counter and driven the closures of independent and community-based pharmacies. On average, one independent pharmacy closes every day in the US. The Pharmacists Fight Back Act prohibits PBMs from engaging in predatory behaviors. The bill implements a transparent pharmacy reimbursement model using market-based pricing benchmarked to the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). It also removes the ability of PBMs to limit the network of pharmacies patients may choose to use and protects community pharmacists by prohibiting PBMs from steering patients to PBM-affiliated pharmacies. It enforces stricter penalties and more stringent oversight of PBMs working with federal health plans. “Patients and community pharmacists are being hurt by a system that PBMs have distorted for years which drives up out-of-pocket costs and forces local pharmacies out of business,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “The Pharmacists Fight Back Act introduces the transparency and fairness needed to stop PBM abuses and protect patient choice. This bill is about putting patients over profits and restoring a system that works for everyone. "Americans want lower prices and a fair shot for small business. This bill delivers both. With support from the most progressive to the most conservative Members, Pharmacists Fight Back wil… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/ogles-responds-davidson-general-sessions-judges-dodging-oversight-alleged | Ogles Responds to Davidson General Sessions Judges Dodging Oversight on Alleged Somali Rapist | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Andrew Ogles | O000175 | ogles.house.gov | ogles | https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Andy Ogles issued a response to the Nashville Metropolitan General Sessions Court after it sent a letter to Governor Bill Lee seemingly criticizing Ogles for demanding accountability. The judges allowed a Somali migrant criminal to run free by dismissing his charges over 12 times before he raped and killed a young Nashville woman. Statement: "Instead of apologizing to the family of that young woman who was raped to death, instead of apologizing to the people of Nashville, these judges have the gall to publicly complain about my oversight and call it 'dangerous rhetoric.” A woman was raped and is now dead because of woke policies, and those on the Davidson County General Sessions Court who let off a dangerous migrant criminal more than twelve times,” said Congressman Ogles. These judges are asking Governor Lee to give them heightened security because they feel threatened by my comments. Where were these Judges when she was being raped? Where were they when she lay dying? Do they care at all about the safety of my constituents? Doubtful,” Congressman Ogles said. | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/blackburn-introduces-legislation-to-empower-families-to-choose-health-care-coverage-that-fits-their-needs | Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Empower Families to Choose Health Care Coverage That Fits Their Needs | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Health Coverage Across State Lines Act, which would allow health insurers to offer individual health insurance plans across state lines. This legislation would lower costs, expand options, and increase competition in the insurance marketplace. “Families shouldn’t be stuck with one or two overpriced insurance options just because of where they live,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Health Coverage Across State Lines Act would empower Americans to choose the health insurance plan that works for them by allowing insurers to sell plans across state lines. Opening up the marketplace would drive down costs, expand choice for families, and break up insurance monopolies.” BACKGROUND Currently, millions of Americans are left with only one or two options when it comes to purchasing a health insurance plan and are prevented from buying across state lines. Across-state-line purchases of health insurance would put consumers in the driver’s seat, letting families shop for coverage that fits their needs instead of being locked into one state’s limited offerings. Allowing health insurers to compete across state lines breaks up insurance monopolies, putting downward pressure on premiums. Small businesses and self-employed Americans face the highest premiums and fewest choices in today’s market. Across-state-line sales would allow them to access broader, more affordable enrollment options. THE HEALTH COVERAGE ACROSS STATE LINES ACT The Health Coverage Across State Lines Act would allow health insurance plans to be sold across state lines and ensure they are governed by the laws of the insurer’s “primary” state, even when sold in secondary states. This would remove regulatory barriers that currently fragment the insurance market along state boundaries and limit plan availability and affordability for consumers. This legislation would create real competition where none currently exists for millions of Americans living in one or two insurer states.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/video-blackburn-slams-democrats-for-pushing-to-extend-pandemic-era-health-care-subsidies-riddled-with-fraud | VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Democrats for Pushing to Extend Pandemic-Era Health Care Subsidies Riddled with Fraud | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor slamming Democrats for pushing to extend pandemic-era health care subsidies that are riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse and would cost taxpayers $35 billion per year. Senator Blackburn highlighted a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office report that shows just how easy it is to commit fraud with these subsidies. Excerpts of Senator Blackburn’s remarks are below, and video can be downloaded here. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. EXCERPTS OF REMARKS | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/military/blackburn-leads-tennessee-delegation-in-urging-national-guard-bureau-to-make-greece-a-partner-nation-to-tennessee-national-guard | Blackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Urging National Guard Bureau to Make Greece a Partner Nation to Tennessee National Guard | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), along with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the entire Tennessee Congressional delegation, sent a letter to General Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, urging him to support assigning Greece as an additional partner nation to the Tennessee National Guard under the State Partnership Program. This decision would support U.S. priorities in the region, give the Tennessee National Guard access to new training opportunities, and improve regional stability and military readiness. This partnership is a natural fit for Tennessee, given the state’s existing air refueling mission with the 134th and the Hellenic Air Force’s standing as one of NATO’s largest and most capable air forces. Together, these strengths create meaningful opportunities for future training and cooperation. Adding Greece as a Tennessee National Guard Partner Would Improve Military Readiness “We write in support of assigning the Hellenic Republic of Greece as an additional partner nation to the Tennessee National Guard under the State Partnership Program (SPP). For more than thirty years, the Tennessee National Guard has demonstrated exceptional success and strategic value through its longstanding partnership with the Republic of Bulgaria, one of the earliest and most effective relationships in the SPP. Tennessee is uniquely positioned to expand this success by partnering with Greece to enhance regional interoperability while improving Guard readiness.” Partnership with Greece Would Give the Tennessee National Guard Additional Training Opportunities and Advance American Interests “Tennessee would also benefit from a partnership with Greece. We understand that the Tennessee National Guard would gain access to additional training opportunities across air, land, maritime, and cyber missions, improving readiness here at home. A new partnership would also open doors for Tennessee businesses and strengthen academic collaboration, research, and studen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/video-blackburn-grills-broadcast-radio-executive-for-hurting-artists-and-creators | VIDEO: Blackburn Grills Broadcast Radio Executive for Hurting Artists and Creators | 2025-12-10 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearing, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) grilled Henry Hinton, the CEO of Inner Banks Media and a member of the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors, on his opposition to the American Music Fairness Act. This legislation would ensure artists are paid when their music is played on AM/FM radio stations. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s opening remarks, and click here and here to download her exchanges with Henry Hinton. On the Need to Pass the American Music Fairness Act Senator Blackburn: “When you look at the civilized world and you look at all the countries that compensate our artists, we are unfortunately in a league with North Korea and Cuba and Iran in not valuing what the creator comes up with.” “The American Music Fairness Act fixes this issue by closing a loophole in copyright law and ensuring that artists and music creators are paid for the use of their songs on terrestrial radio stations.” “This bill is about common sense and fairness… We have some big radio that doesn't agree with this... This bill protects small and local radio stations… They have created the soundtrack of our lives.” “In my state of Tennessee, from Music Row to Beale Street to the hills of East Tennessee… We have an obligation to protect them and to ensure that they have the right to be paid for the product that they create. It is as simple as that.” Blackburn Calls Out Big Radio for Causing Harm to Artists Senator Blackburn: “Let me ask you this, not paying artists for their sound, their voice being on radio, they're getting zero money. Do you think that causes harm to the artist? Henry Hinton: “The reality is we American radio reaches 79% of Americans every week. 226 million people listen to radio every week.” Senator Blackburn: “I asked you about causing harm, not about your audience. So let me move on because you are causing harm. You’ve got an oldie station you've never paid Sam Moore's estate a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rose-introduces-ndaa-amendment-strike-senate-payday-provision | Rep. Rose Introduces NDAA Amendment to Strike Senate Payday Provision | 2025-12-10 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | John W. Rose | R000612 | johnrose.house.gov | johnrose | https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, the bill that sets policies and authorizes programs for the United States’ national defense, Department of War, and related programs. The amendment would repeal a provision of the government funding bill, signed into law on Nov. 12, that permits eight U.S. Senators to sue taxpayers for $500,000 or more following subpoenas of their phone data executed by the Biden-era FBI. Rep. Rose released the following statement: “The House passed a bill repealing this unconstitutional money grab 20 days ago – 426 to 0 – and Leader Thune has yet to bring it to a vote,” Rep. Rose said. “Since the Senate sees fit to shove a self-serving money grab into a must-pass funding bill to reopen the government, then the House should do the same and shove a repeal into the must-pass NDAA.” The amendment is co-sponsored by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA). Background: | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z |
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-kustoff-moore-and-cuellar-introduce-legislation-strengthen | Congressmen Kustoff, Moore, and Cuellar Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Enforcement of Carjacking | 2025-12-09 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – On November 19th, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN), Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL), and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation updates federal statute to give prosecutors the tools they need to charge criminal carjackers and get them off our streets. "Current federal statute makes carjacking cases difficult to prosecute,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The bill changes that by requiring prosecutors to prove that a person knowingly took a motor vehicle by force, violence, or intimidation. This change closes a loophole that has allowed violent offenders to avoid being charged and held accountable.” “Carjackings have increased across the country, particularly in our Nation's capital, and families are paying the price for Washington’s failure to address this growing problem,” said Congressman Moore. “Federal prosecutors shouldn’t have to read minds to put dangerous criminals behind bars. I thank Rep. Kustoff and Rep. Cuellar for partnering with me to restore common sense to the law by removing a decades-old drafting error that has handcuffed law enforcement and emboldened offenders. Every American deserves to know they can drive to work, church, or school safely, and this bipartisan legislation brings us one step closer to restoring law and order.” "Our bipartisan bill fixes a longstanding error in federal law that’s made it harder to go after dangerous carjackers, and I want to thank my friend and colleague from Alabama, Rep. Barry Moore, for working with me on this effort," said Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28). "I’m focused on the rise in violent crime that families are seeing across the country. I want to make sure law enforcement has the resources they need to respond to these trends and keep our communities safe. I’ll keep fighting for stronger public safety laws that support our communities." The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Nehls (R-TX), Guest (R-MS), Luna (… | 1 | 2026-04-24T05:51:25Z | 2026-04-24T05:53:00Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/kosa/technology/video-blackburn-speaks-with-mom-who-lost-her-child-to-suicide-after-he-was-targeted-in-sextortion-scheme | VIDEO: Blackburn Speaks with Mom Who Lost Her Child to Suicide After He Was Targeted in Sextortion Scheme | 2025-12-09 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with Tamia Woods, whose only son tragically died by suicide in 2022 after he was sexually extorted, about the importance of kids’ online safety. Senator Blackburn has led the charge to pass the Kids Online Safety Act to stop Big Tech from turning a blind eye while criminals use their platforms to prey on innocent children like James Woods. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s exchange with Tamia Woods on protecting kids online. On the Need to Pass the Senate Version of the Kids Online Safety Act Senator Blackburn: “There are laws in the physical space that protect children. You cannot endanger a child, you can't sell them alcohol, you can't sell them tobacco, you cannot expose them to pornography. If you were a liquor store and you were selling to kids, they would padlock your store and take away your license. But in the virtual space, our children are vulnerable 24/7, 365”. “Ms. Woods, I'm just heartbroken for you as a mother and a grandmother and having teenage grandsons. This is a fear, an absolute fear, that parents have because the sextortion schemes and the targeting of young boys. It's like something that happens within a matter of hours and days.” “Your son… was literally cyberbullied to death, and this is why we need to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Ms. Woods, talk about why these platforms should be required to force safety by design and to put that burden on these social media platforms to root out these bad actors.” Tamia Woods: “Did anyone know that on Google, if your child is 12 years old, and once they turn 13, Google directly messages your child and tells them that they no longer need parental control, and they can click here to opt out?” “Parental controls are not enough… The other thing too is that by social media actually making sure that we have laws… making sure that our we can monitor our kids better… Like when my son said, ‘I'm going to kill myself,’ it would have … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/blackburn-van-hollen-moolenaar-and-krishnamoorthi-grill-wada-on-reports-of-agency-intimidating-and-suppressing-whistleblowers | Blackburn, Van Hollen, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi Grill WADA on Reports of Agency Intimidating and Suppressing Whistleblowers | 2025-12-08 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | ‘Whistleblowers are not the enemy, but instead are the reason doping scandals come to light in the first place’ ‘When global institutions like WADA allegedly target those who come forward, they… shatter public trust and harm every athlete who competes honestly’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) sent a letter to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) demanding answers over allegations that its officials have launched an internal operation called “Operation Puncture” to intimidate and suppress whistleblowers who have sounded the alarm about corruption and misconduct within the agency. Earlier this year, Senator Blackburn led a hearing following WADA’s refusal to investigate Chinese swimmers testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs before the Tokyo Olympics. Reports Say WADA Is Intimidating and Suppressing Whistleblowers “We write to express our concern over allegations that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has been searching for whistleblowers who helped reveal the swimming doping scandal in 2021 involving People’s Republic of China athletes. According to the reporting, WADA officials have launched an internal operation, ‘Operation Puncture’ to investigate the leak of the 2021 doping allegations. While WADA claims that their motivations are innocent, it appears this investigation’s intent is to intimidate and suppress whistleblowers. If these allegations are accurate, WADA is not defending clean sport but is continuing to defend a cover-up.” Blackburn Led Colleagues in Demanding Accountability from WADA for Chinese Doping Scandal “The signers of this letter have been leading the effort to demand accountability from WADA for its handling of the case of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for the banned substance Trimetazidine before the Tokyo Olympics. We have urged full transparency and cooperation with investigators. Instead, WADA has met those calls with defe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/blackburn-cantwell-introduce-legislation-to-help-college-athletes-save-for-the-future-by-investing-nil-earnings | Blackburn, Cantwell Introduce Legislation to Help College Athletes Save for the Future by Investing NIL Earnings | 2025-12-08 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Helping Undergraduate Students Thrive with Long-Term Earnings (HUSTLE) Act, which would create first-of-its kind name, image, and likeness (NIL) tax-advantaged investment accounts for student athletes, require trustees to provide financial education, and establish regulations to prevent abuse. In 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) allowed student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, which has now become a multibillion-dollar marketplace. With these NIL agreements opening the door to new economic freedoms, the HUSTLE Act would ensure college athletes have strong protections, clear guidance, and financial literacy to help them better navigate the world of college athletics. “College athletes are now earning billions of dollars from their name, image, and likeness—and rightly so. We must empower these students to safeguard their financial future and protect themselves against rogue agents,” said Senator Blackburn. “The HUSTLE Act would allow college athletes to invest their earnings in a tax-advantaged account that grows over time, strengthen financial education, and create safeguards to prevent exploitation by dishonest agents.” “This bill focuses in on the financial security and safety of college athletes who – finally – are earning compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL),” said Senator Cantwell.“Many of these athletes will be in a unique situation where they will earn NIL income during a relatively brief period of their careers. Our bill will set up a specific NIL Account where they can set aside some of that income and build long-term savings. The bill also will protect athletes and their NIL earnings against financial exploitation by unscrupulous agents. Since athletes have been able to earn NIL, some have been victimized by agents who have charged shockingly high commissions or have tried to take ownership of the athlete’s intellectual property rig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rose-congratulates-east-tennessee-airmen-garnering-historic-usaf | Rep. Rose Congratulates East Tennessee Airmen on Garnering Historic USAF Designation | 2025-12-07 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | John W. Rose | R000612 | johnrose.house.gov | johnrose | https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | COOKEVILLE, TN—On Sunday, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) joined a crowd of servicemembers in East Tennessee to celebrate the recent decision by the United States Air Force to designate McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base as Main Operating Base (MOB) 7, equipping the 134th Air Refueling Wing with eight new KC-46 aircraft. Photos from the event can be found here. The announcement follows years of advocacy by Rep. Rose. Since coming to Congress in 2019, Congressman Rose and his team have heard from many stakeholders, including 134th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Ronald Selvidge and Tennessee National Guard Adjutant General Warner Ross. He’s also raised the importance of this designation and the potential impact on national security, for years, to his House colleagues who serve on the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Rose released the following statement: “The 1,350 servicemembers that make up the 134th Air Refueling Wing in East Tennessee make it possible for the United States to project power around the world,” Rep. Rose said. “Those men and women stand ready to defend liberty and freedom whenever they’re needed, wherever they’re needed. Bringing eight state-of-the-art aircraft to East Tennessee means their critical mission can be carried out with greater capacity and with more versatility, securing our nation—and the globe.” Background: The KC-46 Pegasus will enable the 134th Air Refueling Wing to service a wider variety of aircraft and execute non-fuel related aid, improving operations during peacetime mobility or times of conflict and rapid deployment. In November, USAF announced that the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base was selected as the preferred location for MOB-7. | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z |
| https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-burchett-writes-letter-president-trump-requesting-investigation | Congressman Burchett Writes Letter to President Trump Requesting an Investigation into NGOs | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Tim Burchett | B001309 | burchett.house.gov | burchett | https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (December 4, 2025) — Today, US Congressman Tim Burchett wrote to President Trump about the wrongful use of taxpayer money to support non-government organizations (NGOs). With the creation of DOGE, the American public can now see where their money is going. These NGOs have diverted our tax dollars to organizations such as the Taliban and have played a significant role in the importation of over 80,000 Somalians, many of whom are currently under investigation for allegedly stealing over a billion dollars from child nutrition and social services programs. “Some NGOs are continuing to rip off the American people and our hard-earned tax dollars.” Said Congressman Burchett, “I hope that President Trump can clean this mess up.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-tn-colleagues-introduce-house-companion-bill-secure-permanent | Harshbarger, TN Colleagues Introduce House Companion Bill to Secure Permanent Hospital Support and Protect Care for Low-Income Patients | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) introduced the Delivering Support for Hospitals in Tennessee Act or the “DSH in Tennessee Act” (H.R. 6393), a House companion bill to legislation U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty introduced this week (S.3299). The landmark legislation would finally provide Tennessee with a permanent, modernized Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) allotment. Original House cosponsors include Tennessee Reps. Chuck Fleischmann, Scott DesJarlais, David Kustoff, John Rose, Tim Burchett, and Steve Cohen. “For too long, Tennessee has been the only state in the nation forced to operate without a stable, permanent DSH allotment. That uncertainty has put tremendous strain on hospitals that serve our most vulnerable neighbors, especially rural providers. This bill finally ends the patchwork approach and delivers the long-term clarity and predictability Tennessee hospitals deserve.” – Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger Additionally, The DSH in Tennessee Act has the support of The Tennessee Hospital Association. “Medicaid DSH provides critical funding to hospitals treating large numbers of low-income patients. These funds help offset hospitals’ uncompensated care costs and improve access for Medicaid and uninsured patients. Unfortunately, Tennessee is at a unique disadvantage as the only state without a permanent Medicaid DSH allotment, and the state’s most recent short-term appropriation expired in October, but has now been extended through January 30, 2026 as part of the continuing resolution package passed by Congress in November. The Tennessee Hospital Association appreciates the strong, bipartisan support from the Tennessee delegation to secure temporary, partial DSH payments for over two decades. The Delivering Support for Hospitals (DSH) in Tennessee Act will bring Tennessee hospitals back into statute and help provide relief and long-term certainty that hospitals in other states enjoy. On behalf of hospitals across Tennessee, THA applauds Senator Bla… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-david-kustoff-deborah-ross-reintroduce-bipartisan-do-not-call-act | Reps. David Kustoff, Deborah Ross Reintroduce Bipartisan DO NOT Call Act | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced the bipartisan Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageous Telephone Calls (DO NOT Call) Act. This legislation is aimed at cracking down on unsolicited robocalls by increasing penalties for bad actors who harass and defraud consumers. Nevada Senator Cortez Masto introduced the Senate companion version of this bill. Americans received more than 52.8 billion robocalls in 2024 and lost over $40 billion to scams and fraudulent schemes. That number continues to climb, even after years of work by Congress, regulators, and the telecommunications industry to curb illegal calls. “Americans are receiving these disruptive robocalls every day. Scammers are using artificial intelligence to mimic voices and spoof Caller ID, making these calls even harder to detect,” said Congressman Kustoff. “This bipartisan bill gives our justice system more power to crack down on these bad actors and protect vulnerable people from fraud.” “Robocalls are becoming more aggressive, and North Carolinians are feeling the impact every day,” said Congresswoman Ross (NC-02). “As technology advances, scammers find new ways to misuse personal information and to deceive the public – particularly targeting seniors and other vulnerable people. Congress has a responsibility to step up with stronger protections and clear consequences for those who profit from these harmful tactics. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill with Representative Kustoff and will keep working with our partners in the Senate to see it signed into law.” “Spam calls and texts are not just a nuisance – they erode public trust and have real consequences for everyday Nevadans,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I fought them on behalf of consumers as Attorney General, and it’s past time to protect the seniors and vulnerable Americans that these scammers prey on and give our law enforcement the tools they need to bring them to justice.” “Alabamians are fed up with incessant scam… | 1 | 2026-04-11T05:33:44Z | 2026-04-11T05:34:52Z |
| https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/newest-member-of-congress | Newest Member of Congress | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Matt Van Epps | V000139 | vanepps.house.gov | vanepps | https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | December 4, 2025 New Member stands ready to join the 119th Congress. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/taking-the-oath-of-office | Taking the Oath of Office | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Matt Van Epps | V000139 | vanepps.house.gov | vanepps | https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps to be sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House. The Honorable Matt Van Epps was elected to serve as Representative of Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Representative Matt Van Epps to be added to the rolls of the House upon executing the oath of office. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/crime/blackburn-klobuchar-introduce-legislation-to-combat-cargo-theft | Blackburn, Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Combat Cargo Theft | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Cargo Security Innovation Act, which would ensure that those on the front lines of the fight against cargo theft have state-of-the-art technology to protect their operations: “Cargo theft is a pressing issue impacting businesses in Tennessee, and we need to shut down these organized crime groups that steal essential goods from Tennesseans to traffic drugs and weapons,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Cargo Security Innovation Act would help law enforcement bring more of these criminals to justice and disrupt these sophisticated cargo theft rings to protect our supply chains.” “Cargo theft significantly impacts the supply chain, harming American businesses and consumers, especially food shippers. When criminals break into shipments, businesses are forced to return containers and dispose of compromised products,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation would equip law enforcement with the resources to combat these crimes — creating a pilot program that invests in technology to curb cargo theft.” BACKGROUND Cargo theft committed by sophisticated theft rings tied to organized crime is exploding across the U.S. targeting the busiest intermodal hubs. Cargo theft jumped 57% in 2023, with reported losses topping $400 million. In Memphis, cargo theft jumped nearly 60% in the first six months of 2024 compared to all of 2023. From food to electronics to pharmaceuticals, criminals are stealing essential goods in transit and disappearing without a trace. These aren’t random heists; they’re coordinated missions using fake IDs, GPS blockers, encrypted communications, and surveillance teams. Organized crime groups treat cargo theft as a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise, funding violent drugs and weapons trafficking. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are coordinating to stop these crimes that have a direct impact on the American consumer, but they often lack the technol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/general/photo-blackburn-hosts-tele-town-hall-with-davidson-and-shelby-county-residents | PHOTO: Blackburn Hosts Tele-Town Hall with Davidson and Shelby County Residents | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after hosting a telephone town hall with residents of Davidson and Shelby County: “It was wonderful to hear from Tennesseans in Davidson and Shelby County tonight about the work to make our communities safe again, make life more affordable, and return to regular order to rein in wasteful spending,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennesseans are thrilled by the historic success of President Trump’s Memphis Safe Task Force that has made over 3,500 arrests, including gang members, sexual predators, and murderers.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-applauds-house-passage-her-medical-supply-chain-security-provision | Harshbarger Applauds House Passage of Her Medical Supply Chain Security Provision in Rep. McCaul’s Give Kids A Chance Act | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) applauded the House’s unanimous passage of H.R. 1262, the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act led by Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX), which includes her bipartisan provision to strengthen and “friend-shore” America’s medical supply chains through deeper cooperation with Abraham Accords nations. “I am proud the House passed this bipartisan bill led by my colleague Congressman McCaul that included my provision to establish an FDA office in the Abraham Accords region and begin shifting critical medical supply chains to trusted allies,” said Rep. Harshbarger. “This is an important step toward reducing our reliance on China and securing access to life-saving medicines. I want to thank Rep. McCaul for his leadership on this bill and for championing the children and families it will help.” “I introduced the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act with one overarching goal: saving lives. Congresswoman Harshbarger’s provision will advance that mission by strengthening our collaboration with trusted Abraham Accord nations on medical research and development,” said Rep. McCaul. “This partnership will not only bolster President Trump’s successful Abraham Accords, but it will also diversify our supply chains and reduce our dangerous dependence on the CCP for critical medical treatments. I’m grateful for the congresswoman's leadership on this important issue and am proud to have played a role in its passage through the House.” Background on Harshbarger’s Provision Harshbarger’s bipartisan language in Section 9 of H.R. 1262: Establishes an FDA office in the Abraham Accords region to support regulatory cooperation, technical assistance, and joint development of life-saving drugs. Reduces U.S. reliance on China, which currently dominates global active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production and poses significant national security risks. Strengthens America’s resilience by diversifying medical supply chains and building production capacity with stable, truste… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/immigration/video-blackburn-slams-biden-administration-s-failure-to-vet-afghan-migrants-following-national-guard-shooting | VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Biden Administration’s Failure to Vet Afghan Migrants Following National Guard Shooting | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor slamming former President Joe Biden’s scheme to make illegal immigration legal through “Operation Allies Welcome,” a program his administration launched following his disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal. Despite the Biden administration’s claim that Afghan nationals were properly vetted, a 2022 Inspector General report found that evacuees who were not fully vetted were admitted or paroled into the U.S. The suspect charged with the murder of National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom and the shooting of Guardsman Andrew Wolfe entered the country through this program. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED Suspect Charged in Shooting of Two National Guard Members Is an Afghan National Let in Under Biden | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/video-blackburn-calls-on-congress-to-pass-senate-version-of-kosa-following-latest-meta-scandal | VIDEO: Blackburn Calls on Congress to Pass Senate Version of KOSA Following Latest Meta Scandal | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor calling on Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act, which currently has a veto-proof majority of 69 co-sponsors. Earlier this week, Senator Blackburn penned an op-ed in TIME following new reporting that revealed sex trafficking on Meta platforms was both difficult to report and widely tolerated. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED It’s No Secret Big Tech Has Sold Out Kids’ Safety for Profit We have known for years that Big Tech has sold out children’s safety online for profit. Their algorithms connect children with drug dealers and flood their feeds with pro-suicide content. Their AI chatbots sexualize children in roleplaying fantasies. Their design features allow children to share their precise, real-time location on a map with anyone, including predators eager to track them down. Their entire profit model depends on addicting children to their products—no matter the consequences. And every day, we learn more about this appalling abuse. New Court Filings Reveal Meta Had “17x Strike” Policy for Individuals Who Engaged in Sex Trafficking A recent brief filed by more than 1,800 plaintiffs, including parents and children, shows how Meta knowingly exposed children to unthinkable harms. According to the brief, Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, conducted internal studies showing that social media addiction among minors fuels anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. But when those findings surfaced, Meta buried the research and misled Congress about the results. As a matter of policy, Meta allegedly refused to remove individuals who engaged in sex trafficking on its platforms until users reported the offender at least 17 times. Even when the company detected child sexual abuse material with “100% confidence,” Meta often failed to remove the content. An internal audit even showed that the company… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-joins-president-trump-white-house-signing-major-addiction-recovery | Harshbarger Joins President Trump at the White House for Signing of Major Addiction Recovery Legislation | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House, along with families who have lost loved ones from addiction, as he signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, landmark legislation that continues critical programs to combat drug addiction and expand treatment options. “Thanks to President Trump and Republicans, we are delivering real solutions to help combat the opioid and fentanyl crisis here in America,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “This law will continue to provide prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery options for those struggling with addiction. I’m proud to stand with President Trump in delivering this critical support for Tennessee’s First District and communities across the country.” BACKGROUND: The bill builds upon the original 2018 SUPPORT Act—also signed into law by President Trump—which marked one of the most significant federal responses to the opioid epidemic in U.S. history. The 2025 reauthorization strengthens and expands those efforts, ensuring families and communities continue receiving the tools they need to prevent addiction and support recovery. According to preliminary CDC data, opioid-related overdose deaths dropped sharply—from an estimated 83,140 deaths in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024. This progress reflects years of targeted Republican leadership—and that passing the SUPPORT Act reauthorization was essential to sustaining that momentum. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 will: Ensure first responders maintain access to lifesaving Naloxone Expand treatment options for pregnant and postpartum women Strengthen state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) Encourage workforce participation for individuals in recovery Continue support for Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers, which provide a full spectrum of treatment and recovery services. Additionally, more than 60 national advocacy organizations supported the original SUPPORT Act… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/energy/blackburn-applauds-funding-for-tva-to-deploy-small-modular-reactors | Blackburn Applauds Funding for TVA to Deploy Small Modular Reactors | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R. Tenn.) joined U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Tennessee Valley Authority President and CEO Don Moul in applauding today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) of the selection of TVA and Holtec Government Services to support early deployments of next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the United States. “Tennessee is leading the way to deliver reliable, affordable, and secure energy for the American people,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Tennessee Valley Authority will play a critical part in shaping our country’s nuclear energy future, and I’m thrilled the TVA has been selected for a grant from the Department of Energy to accelerate the deployment of a small modular reactor at the Clinch River site.” “As Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, and Tennessee’s Appropriator in Congress, I have made it my mission to not only expand new nuclear nationwide but ensure that Tennessee leads our nation in developing and deploying cutting-edge nuclear technologies that will create America’s New Nuclear Future,” said Representative Fleischmann. “There is no denying the reality that America needs more power. The only way that we will meet our future energy demands is through a robust ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy that puts nuclear power at the forefront. TVA and East Tennessee are primed to spearhead the deployment of next-generation SMRs that will fundamentally change America’s energy future. Today’s grant announcement from DOE is further proof that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are unleashing American Energy Dominance and ushering in a Golden Age for new nuclear. I also want to congratulate Holtec Government Services, which intends to deploy two SMRs in Michigan, on being chosen for this award. The road to get to today began when Congress passed my historic Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water bill to strengthen our domestic nuclear i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/health care/blackburn-introduces-bills-to-support-and-expand-tennessee-s-medicaid-innovation | Blackburn Introduces Bills to Support and Expand Tennessee’s Medicaid Innovation | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced a package of three bills to support and expand Tennessee’s Medicaid innovation. The legislation includes the Access to New Community Health Opportunities and Recovery (ANCHOR) Act, the Delivering Support for Hospitals (DSH) in Tennessee Act, and the Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act. “Tennessee is leading the way when it comes to Medicaid innovation, and these bills would expand that effort to improve the lives of Tennesseans,” said Senator Blackburn. “This package would strengthen support for our hospitals, give states the flexibility to use more effective primary care models, and allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to those battling serious mental illness or substance use disorder.” THE ANCHOR ACT The ANCHOR Act would: Create a state plan option to provide Medicaid coverage to those suffering from severe mental illness or substance use disorder for a period of up to one year; and Require states to create a care plan for individuals within 60 days of enrollment. The ANCHOR Act is endorsed by Mental Health America (MHA), the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),Tennessee Hospital Association, Texas Academy of Family Physicians, and the Texas Hospital Association: “Mental Health America commends Congressman Pfluger and Senator Blackburn for their leadership in introducing the ANCHOR Act,” said Tim Clement, Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at Mental Health America. “People with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders who lack insurance coverage are at great risk of suicide and overdose, and this bill will help them receive treatment and begin their journey to recovery.” “The ANCHOR Act provides states with a means to expand Medicaid coverage for uninsured individuals facing significant behavioral health issues, guaranteeing timely and coordinated care to enhance health outcomes,” said Brian Hepburn, M.D., Executive Dire… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/energy-and-water-chairman-chuck-fleischmann-applauds-funding-to-deploy-us-small-modular-reactors | Energy and Water Chairman Chuck Fleischmann Applauds Funding to Deploy U.S. Small Modular Reactors | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | fleischmann | https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, applauded today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) of the selection of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Holtec Government Services to support early deployments of next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the United States. Chairman Fleischmann established the $800 million federal cost-shared funding grant program in his Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Energy and Water bill. “As Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, and Tennessee’s Appropriator in Congress, I have made it my mission to not only expand new nuclear nationwide but ensure that Tennessee leads our nation in developing and deploying cutting-edge nuclear technologies that will create America’s New Nuclear Future. There is no denying the reality that America needs more power. The only way that we will meet our future energy demands is through a robust ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy that puts nuclear power at the forefront,” said Chairman Chuck Fleischmann. “TVA and East Tennessee are primed to spearhead the deployment of next-generation SMRs that will fundamentally change America’s energy future. I also want to congratulate Holtec, which will deploy two SMRs in Michigan, on being chosen for this award. The Clinch River Site and Palisades Nuclear Generating Station both have proud nuclear energy legacies and are deservedly at the forefront of this next step forward for American nuclear power. Today’s grant announcement from DOE is further proof that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are unleashing American Energy Dominance and ushering in a Golden Age for new nuclear.” “The road to get to today began when Congress passed my historic Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water bill to strengthen our domestic nuclear industry, and I commend TVA, DOE, and the Trump White House for their work in making today’s announcement a reality. We cannot slow down in our progress to create our New Nuclear Future, and I will… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z |
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-david-kustoffs-bill-provide-relief-victims-identity-theft-passes | Congressman David Kustoff’s Bill to Provide Relief to Victims of Identity Theft Passes the House | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman David Kustoff’s bill, the Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (H.R. 5345), by unanimous consent. This legislation creates a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals whose Social Security numbers have been stolen. “Victims of identity theft shouldn’t have to fight their way through government bureaucracy just to get their identity restored,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act is a commonsense bill that will improve government efficiency and ensure victims get access to timely relief." “Instead of adding more red tape, callbacks, and confusion, our government should make it easier to help victims of identity theft. The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act ensures families have a single point of contact at the SSA when their Social Security number is compromised,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “I want to thank Representative Kustoff for sponsoring this important bill, which will deliver much-needed help to victims of identity theft.” Background: Identity theft continues to pose a serious challenge across the country. In 2024 alone, there were more than 3,000 reported data breaches, including many leaks which involved Social Security Numbers. When that information is exposed, the fallout for victims can last for years, and dealing with federal agencies often adds to the frustration. H.R. 5345 gives victims a single, dedicated contact at the SSA to help them resolve issues tied to identity theft. This change gives Americans a more effective way to protect their assets when their information is compromised. It replaces a confusing, bureaucratic reporting process at the SSA with one that is far easier to navigate. Congressman Kustoff’s bill now moves to the Senate for further action. Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff’s remarks on the House Fl… | 1 | 2026-04-05T05:34:57Z | 2026-04-05T05:36:03Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/jobs and economy/photo-blackburn-hosts-tele-town-hall-with-east-tennesseans | PHOTO: Blackburn Hosts Tele-Town Hall with East Tennesseans | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after hosting a telephone town hall with residents from Knox, Anderson, Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Sevier, and Union counties: “Tonight, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tennesseans in the eastern part of the Volunteer State about what we are doing to restore regular order to rein in wasteful spending, protect our kids online and in schools, support Tennessee veterans, and make our communities safe again,” said Senator Blackburn. “It was also wonderful to share the news of the Air Force selecting McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base as the seventh main operating base for the next generation KC-46 Pegasus refueler, which will improve national security and create jobs for Tennesseans.” Click here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn. RELATED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/12/technology/icymi-in-time-blackburn-makes-case-for-kosa-following-latest-allegations-against-meta | ICYMI in TIME: Blackburn Makes Case for KOSA Following Latest Allegations Against Meta | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) penned an op-ed in TIME making the case for the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act following new reporting that revealed sex trafficking on Meta platforms was both difficult to report and widely tolerated. Read the op-ed here and below. We Need to Protect American Kids Online Senator Marsha Blackburn TIME Imagine a major U.S. company—let’s call it "Big Corp." It is one of the highest-valued businesses in the world, yet its entire profit model depends on addicting children to its products. And the consequences of this addiction are catastrophic. Big Corp’s own internal studies show that this addiction fuels anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation among minors. But when those findings surface, the company buries the research and lies to Congress about the results. At the same time, Big Corp exposes children to unthinkable harms, failing, and often outright refusing, to stop the abuse. Such appalling behavior from a U.S. company would demand immediate accountability. Yet, according to a recent brief filed by more than 1,800 plaintiffs, including parents and children, Meta has allegedly committed these very offenses for years. The only difference: Instead of throwing our children to the wolves in the physical world, the Big Tech giant has allegedly sold out children’s safety for profit in the virtual space. The brief, first reported by TIME, provides just the latest evidence documenting how tech companies such as Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, have targeted children with addictive features—no matter the consequences. According to the lawsuit, and Instagram’s former head of safety and well-being Vaishnavi Jayakumar, Meta has a policy to not remove individuals who engage in sex trafficking on its platforms until users report the offender at least 17 times. In September, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, which I chair, heard from courageous former Meta employees like Jayakumar who worked… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/general/video-blackburn-wishes-tennesseans-a-happy-thanksgiving | VIDEO: Blackburn Wishes Tennesseans a Happy Thanksgiving | 2025-11-27 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement and video wishing Tennesseans a happy Thanksgiving and thanking law enforcement, first responders, and military families for their service this holiday season: “Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones to celebrate all of life’s blessings,” said Senator Blackburn. “In Tennessee, we are so grateful for our strong communities, our religious freedom, and President Trump’s work to strengthen our economy, secure the border, and Make Memphis Safe Again. We are also grateful for the local law enforcement officers, first responders, and military families who are working overtime to make certain our communities, our state, and our nation are safe this holiday season. From the Blackburn family to yours, happy Thanksgiving.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/general/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-adopt-act-to-protect-adoptive-families-from-exploitation | Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan ADOPT Act to Protect Adoptive Families from Exploitation | 2025-11-26 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R. Tenn.) joined Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and their Senate colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act to protect adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries. This legislation would ensure that adoption providers and attorneys operate only in states where they are licensed to do so. “Unlicensed ‘baby brokers’ are exploiting vulnerable Americans who hope to adopt a child and grow their families,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan ADOPT Act would protect expectant mothers and adoptive families from exploitation by ensuring they have access to licensed and trustworthy providers in their states.” “Adoption changes lives — for kids and adoptive parents alike. Unfortunately, unlicensed ‘baby brokers’ prey on vulnerable mothers and families, hurting everyone in the process,” said Senator Klobuchar, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption. “That’s why Senator Britt and I are introducing the bipartisan ADOPT Act, which protects expecting mothers and adoptive families from exploitation by ensuring that parents pursuing private, domestic adoption are working with trusted, licensed professionals.” This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Katie Britt (R.-Ala.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Jon Husted (R-Ohio). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.). THE ADOPT ACT The ADOPT Act would protect adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by: Prohibiting adoption advertising and the provision of private adoption services for compensation by any entity not licensed as a child-placing agency or attorney; and Restricting payments to expectant mothers unless made through a provider li… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/crime/photo-blackburn-joins-attorney-general-bondi-for-memphis-safe-task-force-briefing-serves-dinner-to-task-force-members | PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Attorney General Bondi for Memphis Safe Task Force Briefing, Serves Dinner to Task Force Members | 2025-11-25 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta, and other elected officials in Memphis for a briefing on the success of the Memphis Safe Task Force. In just 56 days, the Task Force made 3,151 arrests, seized 501 illegal firearms, apprehended 327 known gang members, and located 121 missing children. Following the briefing, Senator Blackburn served dinner to members of the task force to thank them for their hard work and dedication to making Memphis safe again. She also delivered remarks during the press conference led by Attorney General Bondi. “Memphis is an iconic and historic city that has been held back by violent crime for too long,”said Senator Blackburn. “It was wonderful to have Attorney General Bondi and other members of the Trump administration join us today in Memphis to recognize the historic success achieved by the Memphis Safe Task Force. The success of this task force would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the brave men and women on the ground taking violent criminals off the street.” Click here to download photos of Senator Blackburn’s trip to Memphis. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks at the press conference. RELATED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rose-introduces-bill-lower-housing-costs-increase-supply-nationally | Rep. Rose Introduces Bill to Lower Housing Costs, Increase Supply Nationally | 2025-11-25 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | John W. Rose | R000612 | johnrose.house.gov | johnrose | https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) introduced the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025. The legislation, which has broad bipartisan support, will remove a federal chassis requirement that has served to unnecessarily raise the price of manufactured housing. Since 1974, federal law has required that manufactured homes include a permanently installed chassis that allows it to be moved even after installation. This has significantly reduced the ability of young and low-income families to buy their own homes. Removing the permanent-chassis requirement for manufactured homes will lower construction costs, unlock modern design flexibility, and open far more locations for quality, affordable housing. Rep. Rose released the following statement: “Manufactured housing is a great way to get more families into homes that they own,” Rep. Rose said. “Rent prices across Tennessee continue to soar because demand for housing still far exceeds supply. By striking this outdated restriction on manufactured homes, my legislation will increase supply and ultimately help bring home prices down for everyone.” The legislation is being co-led by five Members of the House, including House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chairman, Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), Ranking Member Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Vice-Chair Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA). Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), Chairman, FSC Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, released the following statement: “In order to get more young families on the path towards achieving the American Dream, we need more single-family homes at affordable price points. Manufactured homes are one type of product that can help fill that void in our market,” said Congressman Flood. “The Housing Supply Expansion Act updates outdated rules applying to manufactured housing, and it makes changes that will ultimately get more supply on the market. I am proud to join Congressman John Rose, Congressman Emanuel Clea… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:22Z |
| https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ogles-introduces-charlie-kirk-gold-medal-act | REP. OGLES INTRODUCES “CHARLIE KIRK GOLD MEDAL ACT” | 2025-11-24 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Andrew Ogles | O000175 | ogles.house.gov | ogles | https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Congressman Andy Ogles introduced a resolution to posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his contributions to civic leadership, Christian ministry, and the revitalization of American youth culture. Founded at age 18, Turning Point USA grew under Kirk’s leadership to more than 900 campuses nationwide, promoting civic engagement, constitutional literacy, and public debate at institutions often hostile to dissenting views. “Charlie Kirk deserves the Congressional Gold Medal because he devoted his life to strengthening the moral and cultural foundations of this nation. He equipped young Americans to defend their Christian faith, uphold family values, and embrace their responsibility as citizens. This honor recognizes not just his accomplishments, but the lasting impact he left on a generation,” said Congressman Ogles. “This medal acknowledges a man who transformed student engagement in public life. Charlie gave young Americans the confidence to speak boldly, think critically, and stand for what is right, even when culture demanded silence. This is not merely a memorial. It is a national declaration that Charlie Kirk’s legacy deserves to be preserved, honored, and held up as an example for future generations,” Congressman Ogles said. Cosponsors (29): Reps. Anna Paulina Luna [FL-13], Vern Buchanan [FL-16], Jimmy Patronis [FL-01], Greg Murphy [NC-03], Chris Smith [NJ-04], Clay Higgins [LA-03], Lauren Boebert [CO-04], Josh Brecheen [OK-02], Andy Biggs [AZ-05], Diana Harshbarger [TN-01], Paul Gosar [AZ-09], Marjorie Taylor Greene [GA-14], Andy Harris [MD-01], Eric Burlison [MO-07], Randy Fine [FL-06], Riley Moore [WV-02], Andy Barr [KY-06], Russell Fry [SC-07], Sheri Biggs [SC-03], Erin Houchin [IN-09], Monica De La Cruz [TX-15], Vince Fong [CA-20], Stephanie Bice [OK-05], Derrick Van Orden [WI-03], Mike Flood [NE-01], Mike Lawler [NY-17], Barry Loudermilk [GA-11], Mike Collins [GA-10], Juan Ciscomani [AZ-06] # # # | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/women/blackburn-merkley-urge-fifa-to-recognize-afghan-women-united-as-afghanistan-s-women-s-football-team | Blackburn, Merkley Urge FIFA to Recognize Afghan Women United as Afghanistan’s Women’s Football Team | 2025-11-24 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) sent a letter to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino urging FIFA to formally recognize Afghan Women’s United as Afghanistan’s national women’s football team and to stop the Taliban from erasing Afghan women from international competition. Their letter calls on FIFA to enforce its human rights commitments and ensure these athletes can continue representing the women of Afghanistan on the world stage. FIFA Must Recognize Afghan Women United as Afghanistan’s National Women’s Football Team “We write to urge the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to take decisive action to formally recognize Afghan Women United as Afghanistan’s national women’s football team and to ensure that Afghan women athletes are not erased from international competition by the Taliban’s repressive regime. These players have continued to train and compete in exile despite being banned from their own country. FIFA’s support and recognition are essential to safeguard their right to play and to uphold the integrity of the sport.” The Afghan Women’s Team, Now in Exile, Has Shown Extraordinary Courage “Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, women and girls in Afghanistan have been stripped of their most basic freedoms, including the right to receive an education, travel freely, and participate in sports. Yet, the Afghan women’s team, now in exile, has shown extraordinary courage and perseverance by continuing to train, compete, and represent the spirit of their nation under unimaginably difficult circumstances. Their recent participation in a FIFA-supported tournament marked a powerful symbol of hope, but it also underscored a glaring truth: without formal recognition and consistent opportunities to compete, these women remain sidelined from the international stage. FIFA’s creation of an Afghan women’s refugee squad was an important step forward, but the players’ ultimate goal is to represe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-marks-national-rural-health-month-calls-continued-investment-rural | Harshbarger Marks National Rural Health Month, Calls for Continued Investment in Rural Care | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, delivered remarks on the House Floor celebrating National Rural Health Month and reaffirming her commitment to strengthening healthcare access in America’s small towns and rural communities. Image Harshbarger recognized the nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and first responders who “keep healthcare alive in America’s small towns and rural communities,” noting that in East Tennessee, “rural healthcare, it’s a lifeline.” “They [Rural Americans] depend on a nurse to drive during the night and before dawn to check on a patient, or the pharmacist who knows every family by name and stretches every dollar to keep medicine affordable. It’s the doctor who stays late to see one more patient because there’s no one else to take the next shift — these are the people who form the backbone of our rural healthcare communities,” said Harshbarger. “They deserve a system that works as hard for them as they do for us.” Harshbarger highlighted the challenges facing rural communities, including hospital closures, strained workforces, and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) driving independent pharmacies out of business. She underscored her bipartisan work to bring transparency and accountability to PBMs and to support domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, including facilities like USAntibiotics in Bristol, TN. As Co-Chair of the Rural Health Caucus, Harshbarger celebrated this year’s passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts, signed into law by President Trump, which contains the largest rural healthcare investment in American history — a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund. “This critical legislation included the single largest investment in rural healthcare in history, Harshbarger said. “That’s $50 billion for a rural healthcare transformation fund to reinvest federal savings directly into the communities who need it most, expand telehealth, and recruiting and retaining rural healthcare workers.… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/blackburn-holds-google-s-feet-to-the-fire-after-company-dodges-accountability-for-gemma-scandal | Blackburn Holds Google’s Feet to the Fire After Company Dodges Accountability for Gemma Scandal | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn.– U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a follow-up letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, blasting the company for failing to meaningfully respond to her deep concerns about its large language model, Gemma, fabricating criminal allegations against her. Senator Blackburn’s push for accountability follows a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, where she grilled a Google representative on Gemma’ fabrication of news articles linking conservative activist Robby Starbuck and Senator Blackburn to false child abuse allegations. Senator Blackburn then discovered Gemma also manufactured links to fake news articles in response to the question, “Has Marsha Blackburn been accused of rape?” Gemma’s Defamatory Outputs Are a Catastrophic Failure of Oversight “Your reply fails to meaningfully address the core issues I raised. Google asserts that Gemma’s defamatory outputs are unavoidable ‘hallucinations’ inherent to all large language models and that removing Gemma from Google AI Studio sufficiently mitigates the risk. Neither is accurate, and neither addresses the underlying problem. This is not simply a technical glitch; it is a catastrophic failure of oversight of an AI model downloaded by more than 200 million people. It is also emblematic of a broader pattern of bias against conservatives within Google’s products.” Removing Gemma from AI Studio Does Nothing to Prevent Defamatory Content “Google acknowledges that Gemma remains fully accessible to developers, who have already exported and deployed the same underlying model weights across hundreds of downstream applications and interactive tools. Removing Gemma from AI Studio does nothing to prevent those developers from continuing to deploy and distribute variations of the same model that generated patently false and defamatory statements about me and other conservatives. In other words, the model that produced the defamatory content has not been contained. It continues to be re-packaged and re-distributed across platforms you do not control but which y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/blackburn-luj-n-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-fast-track-telecommunications-and-broadband-expansion-across-america | Blackburn, Luján Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fast-Track Telecommunications and Broadband Expansion Across America | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the bipartisan Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act that would streamline the process to deploy telecommunications and broadband equipment in public and railroad rights-of-way. Rights-of-way are the corridors alongside public roads and railroad tracks where utilities can install infrastructure. “Access to reliable, high-speed telecommunications and broadband is a necessity for working families, schools, and businesses,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act would cut red tape to streamline the installation of telecommunications and broadband equipment in public and railroad rights-of-way, expanding essential connectivity for rural communities in Tennessee and across America. “I’m proud to introduce legislation that will make it easier to expand broadband in rural and Tribal communities across New Mexico. Expanding broadband access strengthens local economies and opens the door to better education, job opportunities, and health care,” said Senator Luján, Ranking Member of Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media. “With nearly 2,000 miles of freight rail across our state, this bill streamlines broadband construction along rail corridors to help connect regions that have long been underserved.” BACKGROUND 22.3 percent of Americans living in rural areas lack broadband coverage, compared to only 1.5 percent of Americans who live in urban areas. Getting permission to install broadband near railroads can be slow, inconsistent, and expensive. This causes delays in expanding telecommunications and broadband access, especially in rural communities that need it most. THE BROADBAND AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RAIL ACT The Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act would streamline the deployment of telecommunications and broadband equipment in public and railroad rights-of-way by establishing two separate processes: Notification: In public rights-of-way, broadband providers wi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burchett-introduces-three-new-crime-bills | Rep. Burchett Introduces Three New Crime Bills | 2025-11-20 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Tim Burchett | B001309 | burchett.house.gov | burchett | https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Today, US Congressman Tim Burchett introduced three bills to make everyday American life safer. The Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets Act codifies President Trump’s Executive Order 14321 and aims to address the growing crisis of homelessness and vagrancy by helping states implement stricter enforcement and better treatment options. The Public Transit Crime Prevention Act imposes fines and up to five years in prison for individuals who vandalize transit property. More importantly, it increases the mandatory minimum of at least five years in prison for simple assault, and 15 years for aggravated assault. The End Cashless Bail to Protect Americans Act codifies President Trump’s Executive Order 14342 by prohibiting funding to states and localities that use cashless bail. Funding may be reinstated only after the U.S. Attorney General determines that the state or locality has stopped using cashless bail systems. “I am confident that these three bills will help protect innocent Americans from violent criminals, reduce the revolving door of justice, and clean up our streets” said Congressman Burchett. “I am sick and tired of Washington politicians talking a big game about addressing crime and homelessness; I’m going to stand up for innocent Americans.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/crime/video-blackburn-blasts-democrats-for-blocking-resolution-recognizing-historic-success-of-memphis-safe-task-force | VIDEO: Blackburn Blasts Democrats for Blocking Resolution Recognizing Historic Success of Memphis Safe Task Force | 2025-11-20 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) urged her colleagues to support her resolution recognizing the incredible success already achieved by President Trump’s Memphis Safe Task Force. Following Senator Blackburn’s remarks, Senate Democrats blocked the resolution from passing, objecting to the arrest of nearly 2,900 criminals, including sex offenders and murders, the rescue of 116 missing children, and the seizure of 470 illegal firearms. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s resolution. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor, and click here to download herresponse to Senate Democrats blocking the resolution. REMARKS AS DELIVERED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcghee-tyson-air-national-guard-base-receives-kc-46a-pegasus | McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base Receives KC-46A "Pegasus" | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Tim Burchett | B001309 | burchett.house.gov | burchett | https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Knoxville, TN (November 19th, 2025) — Today, the Department of the Air Force announced that McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base will be home to eight new KC-46A “Pegasus” and will be utilized by the 134th Air Refueling Wing. This announcement adds another major event to the state’s rich military history and continues to strengthen the arsenal of aircraft already stationed in Knoxville. “There is no better place for these aircraft to call home than East Tennessee.” Said Congressman Burchett, “Thank you to Secretary Meink for trusting the men and women of the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard to carry on their remarkable work.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burchett-introduces-social-security-guarantee-act-2025 | Rep. Burchett Introduces The Social Security Guarantee Act of 2025 | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Tim Burchett | B001309 | burchett.house.gov | burchett | https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC (November 19th, 2025) — Today, US Congressman Tim Burchett introduced H.R. 6079, the “Social Security Guarantee Act of 2025,” into the US House of Representatives. This bill guarantees individuals the right to receive Social Security benefits under title II of the Social Security Act in full, with an accurate annual cost-of-living adjustment. “It is important that folks have assurances that they will get their Social Security benefits that they have paid into their whole lives,” said Congressman Burchett. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/military/blackburn-announces-selection-of-mcghee-tyson-ang-base-as-main-operating-base-for-kc-46-aircraft | Blackburn Announces Selection of McGhee Tyson ANG Base as Main Operating Base for KC-46 Aircraft | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn released the following statement announcing the U.S. Air Force has selected McGhee Tyson Air National Guard (ANG) Base outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, as the seventh main operating base for the KC-46 Pegasus. Senator Blackburn spearheaded the push for the U.S. Air Force to select McGhee Tyson ANG Base and the 134th Air Refueling Wing to host the next generation KC-46 Pegasus refueler. She led the entire Tennessee congressional delegation in sending multiple letters urging senior U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of War officials to advocate for this outcome. “McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base has a long, distinguished record of excellence, and today’s announcement reaffirms what we’ve known all along,” said Senator Blackburn.“Designating McGhee Tyson as a main operating base for the KC-46 Pegasus will strengthen our national security by providing rapid access to key operational areas at home and abroad while supporting jobs for Tennesseans. After two years of sustained advocacy, I’m pleased to see this decision come to fruition and appreciate Senator Hagerty, Representative Burchett, Representative DesJarlais, and the entire Tennessee delegation for their partnership on this effort. I look forward to watching our airmen of the 134th Air Refueling Wing continue their outstanding service to our nation.” Click here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn with Airmen of Tennessee’s 134th Air Refueling Wing. BACKGROUND The KC-46 Pegasus is the U.S. Air Force’s newest aerial refueling aircraft, designed to replace the KC-135 Stratotanker, which first entered service in 1957. KC-46 Pegasus offers advanced boom and drogue refueling, secure communications, defensive systems, and support for cargo, passengers, and aeromedical evacuation. Its expanded range and modern systems enable the Air Force to meet mission demands in today’s complex global environment. McGhee Tyson ANG Base boasts over 68 years of volunteer excellence and service to the Air Force.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ogles-appointed-chairman-house-homeland-cybersecurity-subcommittee | REP. OGLES APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF HOUSE HOMELAND CYBERSECURITY SUBCOMMITTEE | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Andrew Ogles | O000175 | ogles.house.gov | ogles | https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-05) has been appointed Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection. The Subcommittee oversees federal efforts to secure America’s critical infrastructure, defend against cyber threats, and safeguard national security systems. As Chairman, Congressman Ogles will lead oversight of key agencies and programs responsible for protecting the nation’s digital and physical infrastructure from foreign adversaries, terrorist organizations, and emerging technological threats. His leadership will focus on strengthening the nation’s resilience against both foreign and domestic attacks. “American national security rests on secured cyber infrastructure. As chairman of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, I vow to leverage every federal asset to fortify the cyber capabilities of every American city. I vow to hold accountable the hackers, doxxers, and cyber terrorists waging war against our land. America First cybersecurity is my mission, and I will not waver,” said Congressman Ogles. “Thank you to Chairman Garbarino for the appointment and for trusting me to carry this mantle forward,” Congressman Ogles said. “I am proud to announce Congressman Ogles will lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee moving forward, a role that is vital to the Committee’s efforts to protect the resilience of our federal civilian networks and the critical infrastructure that Americans rely on,” House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Garbarino said. “At a time when our nation faces unprecedented cyber threats from sophisticated adversaries, Congressman Ogles is already leading legislation to reauthorize and enhance the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and create a whole-of-government effort to defend against cyber threats from the Chinese Communist Party. As the Committee continues to work with the Trump administration to refocus CISA back to its core mission, Congressman Ogles’ leade… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ogles-pillar-act-and-hr-2659-pass-house-representatives | REP. OGLES’ PILLAR ACT AND H.R. 2659 PASS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Andrew Ogles | O000175 | ogles.house.gov | ogles | https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Andy Ogles announced the House passage of two major cybersecurity measures, "H.R. 2659" and the "Protecting Information by Local Leaders for Agency Resilience Act," known as the PILLAR Act. H.R. 2659 enhances the federal government’s ability to identify and counter state-sponsored cyber operations by improving coordination across national security agencies. The PILLAR Act strengthens long-term support for state and local cybersecurity needs, directing one billion dollars toward upgrading networks and improving resilience in communities that often lack the resources to keep up with evolving cyber threats. Together, these bills give federal, state, and local partners a stronger, more unified defense posture against the growing wave of foreign cyber aggression. “I am honored that H.R. 2659 and the PILLAR Act have passed the House and are now on their way to the Senate. H.R. 2659 takes direct aim at the Chinese Communist Party’s state-sponsored cyber operations by creating a coordinated federal task force to confront actors like Volt Typhoon. The PILLAR Act locks in long-term support for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program so American communities are not left defenseless when foreign adversaries probe their systems. said Congressman Ogles. “I want to thank House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino for his leadership and partnership on this mission. President Trump has called for unmatched American strength in every arena of modern warfare. With these bills, we bring that vision to reality. I urge my Senate colleagues to take up these bills as soon as possible so we can begin to fortify our nation from cyber threats,” Congressman Ogles said. On the “PILLAR Act,” Chairman Garbarino said: “As sophisticated nation-state adversaries and criminals target our nation’s critical infrastructure and government agencies in cyberspace, it is essential that states and localities have the necessary tools to protect the networks our communities rely on. The PILLAR Act… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/general/photo-blackburn-hosts-tele-town-hall-with-upper-east-tennesseans | PHOTO: Blackburn Hosts Tele-Town Hall with Upper East Tennesseans | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after hosting a telephone town hall with residents from Carter, Claiborne, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties: “Tonight, I spoke with folks in Upper East Tennessee about what Republicans are doing to overcome Democrats’ obstruction, lower health care costs for Americans, and make life more affordable,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennesseans are also encouraged by the tremendous success of President Trump’s Memphis Safe Task Force, which has locked up violent criminals, seized illegal firearms, dismantled criminal gangs, rescued missing children, and restored law and order for those who call Memphis home.” Click here for the latest data on the Memphis Safe Task Force. A recent poll found that the vast majority of Tennesseans support President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Memphis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-diana-harshbargers-statement-voting-reopen-federal-government | Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger’s Statement on Voting to Reopen the Federal Government | 2025-11-13 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) released the following statement after the longest government shutdown in history, driven by Democrats’ absurd political motivations, comes to an end: “Democrats caused unnecessary pain for families, farmers, federal workers and our service members during their shutdown charades. As the government opens back up, I hope Democrats have learned their lesson that the lives of the American people should never be used as political bargaining chips.” – Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rose-introduces-bill-prohibit-senators-suing-taxpayers-over-rogue-biden | Rep. Rose Introduces Bill to Prohibit Senators from Suing Taxpayers over Rogue Biden DOJ | 2025-11-13 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | John W. Rose | R000612 | johnrose.house.gov | johnrose | https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—Ahead of the passage of H.R. 5371, a funding bill to reopen the federal government, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) introduced the Repealing Enrichment for Senators Exploited by Targeting Act (RESET Act), legislation which would undo a provision of the bill which enables eight U.S. Senators to seek $500,000 (per occurrence) in compensation following subpoenas of their phone data executed by the FBI under former President Joe Biden. Rep. Rose released the following statement: “The Senate should know better than to ask American taxpayers to foot the bill for the rogue actions of the DOJ under Joe Biden’s leadership,” Rep. Rose said. “Tennesseans have suffered enough because of the many failed policies of the last administration – and they shouldn’t be forced to pay more. I voted in favor of this funding bill because the government simply had to reopen. However, I am committed to making sure no Senator can enrich themselves from this vital bill to reopen the government.” Background: | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:22Z |
| https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burchett-votes-end-democrat-shutdown | Rep. Burchett Votes to End the Democrat Shutdown | 2025-11-12 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Tim Burchett | B001309 | burchett.house.gov | burchett | https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. (November 12th, 2025) — Today, U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett voted in favor of a funding package to reopen the federal government. After 42 days of Senate Democrats holding the government and the American people hostage, the House has passed a bill to fully reopen the federal government. The resolution includes no additional spending, maintaining current federal funding levels and extending funding through January 30th, 2026. It also includes three of the twelve appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026. “This is a win for all Americans, including the most vulnerable among us who rely on federal safety net programs, as well as federal workers who protect our borders and ensure safe air travel,” said Rep. Burchett. “After 42 days, we have finally reached the end of the Democrat-led shutdown, and I hope we can now work together to pass the remaining appropriations bills in a timely manner that reduces the deficit.” | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-fleischmann-statement-on-end-of-the-democrat-government-shutdown | Chairman Fleischmann Statement on End of the Democrat Government Shutdown | 2025-11-12 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | fleischmann | https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | "From the beginning of the Democrats' Government Shutdown, beginning on September 19, when I voted for the clean, non-partisan Continuing Resolution (C.R.) to keep our government open, I have said that this government shutdown - purposely caused by Democrat politicians like Chuck Schumer – was indefensible and a farce on the American People. Shutting down the government is always wrong, yet Democrats chose to cause innocent Americans unnecessary pain for over 42 days, said Congressman Fleischmann." "For 42 days, Americans who rely on SNAP benefits have been in turmoil. For 42 days, federal workers like air traffic controllers, TSA agents, Border Patrol, and patriots in Oak Ridge who keep our nuclear deterrent secure have not been paid. For 42 days, Democrats have chosen to grind the basic functions of government to a halt, regardless of the consequences. For 42 days, the American People have paid the price for Democrats' political games. We cannot ever let a shutdown of this magnitude and length ever happen again." "Tonight was one of the easiest votes I have taken in Congress. I will never vote to shut down our government and cause Americans needless pain. I am glad some Democrats have seen the error of their ways and worked with me and my Republican colleagues in the House and Senate to reopen our government." "With passage of this bill to reopen our government, we now have time before the new January 30 deadline to pass the remaining Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations bills, including my FY26 Energy and Water bill, which passed the House earlier this year. I hope Democrats will work with us to pass commonsense, bipartisan FY26 appropriations bills that meet the American People's needs and will not force another needless government shutdown on our nation." | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:22Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/military/veterans/video-blackburn-pays-tribute-to-tennessee-veterans | VIDEO: Blackburn Pays Tribute to Tennessee Veterans | 2025-11-11 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video honoring the patriotism and service of more than 400,000 veterans across the Volunteer State on Veterans Day. In January, Senator Blackburn introduced the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would place veterans at the center of the community care referral process, empowering them to seek care from providers in their communities rather than being forced to rely solely on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Click here for a compressive overview of Senator Blackburn’s work to support Tennessee veterans. “Tennessee is home to 400,000 veterans of our U.S. military who choose to call Tennessee home,” said Senator Blackburn. “On this Veterans Day, I encourage all of our citizens, when you see a veteran, stop and say thank you for the sacrifices that they have made. It’s an honor to represent these veterans as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.” Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s video recognizing Tennessee veterans. RELATED Blackburn, Tuberville Support Expanding Veterans’ Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Blackburn, Booker, Boozman, Rosen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Female Veterans | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kustoff-announces-military-service-academy-nominations-2026-2027 | Congressman Kustoff Announces Military Service Academy Nominations for 2026 – 2027 School Year | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Last week, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) nominated students from West Tennessee to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Military Academy. "Each year, it is an honor to nominate exceptional students from West Tennessee to attend our country’s military academies," said Congressman Kustoff. “These young men and women have demonstrated character and leadership in their schools and communities. I applaud each of them for their willingness to serve.” Congressman Kustoff personally called each nominee to offer his congratulations and tell them which academies they would be nominated to attend. See the full list of nominations below. U.S. Air Force Academy: Harold Anderson (Houston High School), Blake Bryson (Collierville High School), Dev Dalsania (St. George's Independent School), Victoria Davidson (Tipton-Rosemark Academy), Chase Ellingsworth (Evangelical Christian School), Brodi Lichliter (Collierville High School), Gray Patterson (Briarcrest Christian Academy), Parker Pounds (Briarcrest Christian Academy), Tristan Strauss (Nile C. Kinnick High School), Russell Wilson (Lexington High School) U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Tristan Strauss (Nile C. Kinnick High School) U.S. Naval Academy: Harold Anderson (Houston High School), Blake Bryson (Collierville High School), Makayla Bullock (Houston High School), Chloe Bush (U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School), Dev Dalsania (St. George's Independent School), Victoria Davidson (Tipton-Rosemark Academy), Chase Ellingsworth (Evangelical Christian School), Lyle Grant (Collierville High School), Brodi Lichliter (Collierville High School), Sam Miraglia (St. George's Independent School), Andrew Painter (Briarcrest Christian Academy), Gray Patterson (Briarcrest Christian Academy), Jett Pickens (Lakeland Preparatory School), Tristan Strauss (Nile C. Kinnick High School), Russell Wilson (Lexington High School) U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Harold Anderson (Houston High School), Blake Brys… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/general/blackburn-cruz-hawley-scott-call-on-doj-to-release-arctic-frost-grand-jury-materials-on-republicans-phone-records | Blackburn, Cruz, Hawley, Scott Call on DOJ to Release Arctic Frost Grand Jury Materials on Republicans’ Phone Records | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) sent a letter asking U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to unseal the application for a non-disclosure order signed by Obama-appointed Judge James Boasberg that required phone carriers to keep the Biden DOJ and Jack Smith’s subpoenas secret for one year. Judge Boasberg Ordered Phone Carrier Companies to Keep Biden DOJ’s Subpoenas for Republicans’ Phone Records Secret “As you know, the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) sought and ultimately obtained cell phone ‘tolling data’ from at least eleven members of Congress. While we have learned more about the corrupt nature of this investigation in the weeks that have followed this disturbing revelation, there is still much that we do not know. In May 2023, the Biden DOJ—at the direction of Special Counsel Jack Smith—issued grand jury subpoenas to several telecommunications companies regarding our cell phone records, gaining access to the time, recipient, duration, and location of calls placed on our devices from January 4, 2021, to January 7, 2021. As we have recently learned, attached to that subpoena was a non-disclosure order, signed by Chief Judge James Boasberg.” Judge Boasberg Had No Right to Issue Non-Disclosure Order “Astoundingly, Judge Boasberg found ‘reasonable grounds’ to conclude that, if we were notified of these unlawful subpoenas, ‘such disclosure will result in destruction of or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the [Arctic Frost] investigation.’ In short, without citing any factual basis to support these supposed ‘reasonable grounds,’ Judge Boasberg determined that multiple United States Senators would destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses—a conclusion that defies both logic and the facts. Plain and simple: we did nothing wrong, and there is zero evidence to conclude that we would have destroyed evidence or intimidated witnesses. We write because the American people deserv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/jobs and economy/blackburn-statement-on-senate-passage-of-government-funding-bill-to-end-schumer-shutdown | Blackburn Statement on Senate Passage of Government Funding Bill to End Schumer Shutdown | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after voting for the funding package to reopen the federal government after 41 days of the Schumer Shutdown: “Today, Senate Republicans defeated Chuck Schumer’s demands for $1.5 trillion in wasteful far-left spending and passed a clean government funding extension to reopen the federal government,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennesseans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will once again receive essential services, our brave service members will be paid, and families will get the paychecks they rely on after Democrats inflicted needless pain on the American people for more than a month to appease the radical left. Democrats forced the country into the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, and Americans will not forget this.” BACKGROUND The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act will extend government funding at Fiscal Year 2025 levels through January 30, 2026, or until full-year appropriations bills are enacted. The Continuing Resolution maintains funding across federal agencies with standard restrictions, such as prohibitions on new program starts, multi-year contracts, or production increases. It also authorizes limited exceptions to sustain critical operations, including national security programs, disaster relief, and mandatory entitlements. Additional provisions address retroactive pay for furloughed federal employees, reimbursement to states for maintaining federal services during the lapse, and specific anomalies allowing agencies to meet operational or safety needs. This legislation includes a package of three full-year appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026, including the: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. RELATED With the Schumer Shutdown, Democrats Are Trying to Bring… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/military/ahead-of-veterans-day-blackburn-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-recognizing-importance-of-community-care | Ahead of Veterans Day, Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Recognizing Importance of Community Care | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced a resolution recognizing community care as essential to meeting veterans’ health care needs: “Federal government bureaucracy should not get in the way of America’s veterans getting the health care they need,” said Senator Blackburn. “This resolution reaffirms my commitment to ensuring veterans in Tennessee and across America can access high-quality, affordable, and veteran-centered health care.” “Veterans deserve prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where, and how to use the healthcare benefits they have earned through their service,” said Senator Moran. “This resolution restates our dedication to making certain that all veterans have a choice in where they receive care – whether at VA or in the community – and the importance of strong community care partnerships to the VA healthcare system. I thank my colleague, Sen. Blackburn, for leading this resolution and for her continued support of our nation’s veterans.” “Our veterans deserve the best care possible, and that means ensuring they can access timely, high-quality treatment through VA facilities and trusted community providers,” said Senator Tillis. “This resolution cuts red tape and makes sure no veteran is forced to wait for the care they’ve earned.” Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) co-sponsored this resolution. BACKGROUND A decade ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faced a nationwide access-to-care crisis that left many veterans waiting too long for essential medical services. In response, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act, a bipartisan reform designed to ensure that veterans could access timely, high-quality care, including through community providers when the VA could not meet veterans’ needs. Community care has become an indispensable part of the VA health care system, expanding veterans’ options and improving access, especially for thos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/military/blackburn-introduces-respect-the-chief-act-to-ensure-military-bases-display-current-commander-in-chief-portraits | Blackburn Introduces “Respect the Chief Act” to Ensure Military Bases Display Current Commander-in-Chief Portraits | 2025-11-07 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Respect the Chief Act following reported failures to display portraits of President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on chain-of-command boards at U.S. military bases. This legislation would formalize a long-standing custom by requiring military bases to update chain-of-command boards to reflect leadership changes. “The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief, and chain-of-command boards at America’s military bases should reflect current leadership,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Respect the Chief Act would ensure military bases continue this longstanding tradition and prevent leftists from disrespecting the chain of command.” BACKGROUND In April, the U.S. Army suspended the commander of Fort McCoy, Colonel Sheyla Baez Ramirez, after the base failed to update its chain-of-command board to display photos of President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. This incident highlighted how there are no federal statutes or formal service-wide regulations governing the requirement, content, or oversight of Command Boards, except within the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command. Instead, the practice remains largely a matter of custom, grounded in military tradition and shaped indirectly by service regulations on chain of command and protocol. THE RESPECT THE CHIEF ACT The Respect the Chief Act would require the separate military branches within the U.S. Department of War to submit reports to the executive branch to certify that all chain-of-command boards have been updated to reflect the current Commander-in-Chief and other leadership changes. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-griffith-vice-chair-harshbarger-celebrate-inaugural-fda-voucher | Chairman Griffith, Vice Chair Harshbarger Celebrate Inaugural FDA Voucher to USAntibiotics in Bristol | 2025-11-06 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Thursday, November 6, 2025 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it will provide USAntibiotics — located in Bristol, Tennessee — a National Priority Voucher for the company’s Augmentin XR (Amoxicillin Clavulanic Potassium) product. This medication treats community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial sinusitis caused by penicillin-resistant bacteria. USAntibiotics was selected as part of the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) Pilot Program, which is designed to expedite the review of pharmaceuticals that advance critical public health and national security priorities, including domestic drug manufacturing. U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, and U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Vice Chair of the Health Subcommittee, welcomed this news and applauded the work of USAntibiotics. “The FDA created the CNPV Pilot Program to help American prescription drug and biological product developers meet the moment to power domestic drug manufacturing,” said Chairman Griffith and Vice Chair Harshbarger. “With this recent announcement, Bristol’s USAntibiotics can grow as a leading American pharmaceutical manufacturer of amoxicillin to help treat American communities. As Health Subcommittee Chairman and Vice Chair, we remain steadfast in pushing for ‘America First’ policies that attract companies to invest in the United States and help them manufacture safe, effective and serviceable drugs for the American people.” BACKGROUND In 2021, USAntibiotics opened its facility in Bristol, Tennessee. Chairman Griffith and Vice Chair Harshbarger toured USAntibiotics in June 2024. Key benefits of the CNPV Pilot Program include faster review times, collaborative and robust review efforts and advancement of U.S. national health priorities. Following submission of a complete application, the new voucher promises a review decision within 1-2 months as opposed to the typical 10-12 months. This… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/crime/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-crack-down-on-violent-juvenile-crime | Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Violent Juvenile Crime | 2025-11-06 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Violent Juvenile Offender Accountability Act, which would make it easier to bring federal criminal charges against certain violent juvenile offenders who are over the age of 16: “Violent criminals shouldn’t be let off the hook just because they are under the age of 18,” said Senator Blackburn. “We must hold violent juvenile offenders accountable for their actions while also working to prevent youth crime in the first place. The Violent Juvenile Offender Accountability Act would build upon my work to combat juvenile crime by empowering prosecutors to bring federal criminal charges against offenders aged 16 and older.” “Age should not absolve someone of a heinous crime like murder, armed robbery, or assault on a federal officer,” said Senator Cornyn. “Our bill would ensure U.S. Attorneys have sole discretion to try a juvenile who commits certain violent crimes as an adult, ensuring no criminal is let off easy because of their age by a light-on-crime court.” “Our bill will help keep Arkansas communities safe by holding teenagers over the age of 16 accountable for violent crimes,” said Senator Cotton. “All Americans deserve safe streets where they do not have to worry about violent criminals robbing, assaulting, or murdering them or their families, but for too long, these crimes have gone unpunished and terrorized far too many communities,” said Senator Sheehy. “Ensuring Americans have safe communities to live in is both common sense and one of government’s most basic duties, and we’re working to deliver with this bill to restore law and order and protect hardworking, law-abiding families across the nation.” BACKGROUND Very few juveniles between the ages of 16 and 18 are currently prosecuted in the federal criminal system because the process to move a case from the juvenile system to the adult system is long and complicated. This “transfe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/human trafficking/blackburn-cortez-masto-introduce-legislation-to-crack-down-on-human-trafficking-in-transportation-industry | Blackburn, Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Human Trafficking in Transportation Industry | 2025-11-06 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Trafficker Restrictions for Aviation, Federal Freight, and Interstate Carriers (TRAFFIC) Act, which would strengthen federal efforts to combat human trafficking by ensuring that individuals convicted of human trafficking crimes are permanently prohibited from holding any professional transportation license issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): “Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing illicit industries, and anyone convicted of these despicable offenses should be permanently barred from holding a federally issued transportation license,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan TRAFFIC Act would strengthen federal law to better prevent and combat human trafficking and expand protections for vulnerable individuals.” “I have been fighting against human trafficking since my time as Nevada’s Attorney General,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Transportation workers should be focused on safety and security. People who have been convicted of human trafficking should never be allowed to fly commercial planes or conduct passenger trains – it’s just common sense.” BACKGROUND DOT’s Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking’s 2024 report estimates that the exploitation of victims of commercial sex and forced labor across all modes of transportation generates $150 billion in illicit profits annually. The report found that nearly 80% of international human trafficking cases involved crossing official border entry points, including approximately 34% by bus, 33% by train, 20% by airplane, 11% by car, and 1% by boat. The report also found that among those who crossed unofficially, 28% traveled by car, 26% by bus, 15% by train, and 12% by boat. Human trafficking is not confined solely to commercial motor vehicles, and the law must be updated to expand lifetime bans of transportation credentials to all modes of transportation. THE TRAFFIC ACT The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-john-rose-visits-those-hit-hardest-government-shutdown | Congressman John Rose Visits Those Hit Hardest by Government Shutdown | 2025-11-06 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | John W. Rose | R000612 | johnrose.house.gov | johnrose | https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | GALLATIN, TN—On day 37 of the government shutdown, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) continues to hear from concerned constituents, unpaid federal workers, farmers, aspiring homebuyers, and air travelers about the impact the shutdown is having on their lives and livelihoods. Congressman Rose spoke with Terri Turner, co-owner of Turner & Sons Nursery in Smithville. Prior to the shutdown, Turner was anticipating a crew of 50 H-2A workers arriving on Nov. 14. Now, she's preparing for the possibility of an arrival date in late December or next year. "There's been a lot of sleepless nights for my husband and two sons," Turner said. "We just need them here. They love to work for us, and we love to have them." She also noted delays to their operation will hurt independent garden centers, landscapers, and orchards in the region. Rep. Rose also heard from LaNelle Godsey, Deputy Director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA). Funding for three of their programs has been suspended as a result of the shutdown, including a program aimed at providing home visits to vulnerable seniors. A lapse in funding, for that program alone, has already resulted in six layoffs. “These clients are some of our most vulnerable clients," Godsey said. "I think, emotionally, it's starting to get people down.” Godsey is also concerned about how the shutdown will impact LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) in the coming weeks, particularly with freezing temperatures on the way. Dean Selby, Vice President of the Tennessee Aviation Association and Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, fears the shutdown could result in months or years of delays in airspace and environmental reviews and processing of grant applications. “We've got to be thinking about the long-term problem that's being created,” Selby said. Rep. Rose released the following statement: “This has gone on for far too long. Senate Democrats have put food assistance for millions at risk. They’ve put our skies at risk. They’ve wit… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:31:22Z |
| https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burchetts-visit-second-harvest-food-bank | Rep. Burchett's Visit to Second Harvest Food Bank | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | House | TN | Tim Burchett | B001309 | burchett.house.gov | burchett | https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: With the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (TN-02) visited Second Harvest, where he met with CEO Elaine Streno and her team. Congressman Burchett toured their warehouse, where volunteers have already packed 1.3 million meals this year. They discussed how the organization relies on community support, with food and funding provided by local donors, corporate sponsors, and food partners. If you or someone you know needs assistance, Second Harvest can be a lifeline for families, children, and seniors who don’t qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or who have temporarily lost access to those benefits during the government shutdown. For more information about available programs, please visit feedtn.org. “Second Harvest is one of many food banks serving East Tennessee, providing hungry families with nearly 23 million meals last year,” said Rep. Tim Burchett. “They work with 789 partner agencies to deliver food to our neighbors across the region. I’m proud to see Tennesseans living up to the standard of the Volunteer State.” “I’ve visited food banks across my district to see firsthand the harm Democrats have caused in East Tennessee. This is exactly why I voted yes to pass a clean government funding package, which would have fully funded SNAP and paid our federal workers, and I call on my Democrat colleagues in the Senate to end the government shutdown.” | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/video-blackburn-blasts-google-for-targeting-conservatives-demands-accountability | VIDEO: Blackburn Blasts Google for Targeting Conservatives, Demands Accountability | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on her recent letter to Google demanding answers after the company’s AI large language model, Gemma, fabricated criminal allegations against her: Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS PREPARED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/blackburn-presses-facial-recognition-company-for-evading-responsibility-for-activists-using-its-technology-to-dox-ice-agents | Blackburn Presses Facial Recognition Company for Evading Responsibility for Activists Using Its Technology to Dox ICE Agents | 2025-11-04 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a follow up letter to Giorgi Gobronidze, the CEO of PimEyes, after the company failed to adequately address her concerns and take responsibility for its facial recognition technology being used by leftist activists to dox Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Senator Blackburn introduced the Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act, which would make it illegal to publish the name of a federal law enforcement officer with the intent to obstruct a criminal investigation or immigration operation. Death threats against ICE officers have increased by 8,000% in fiscal year 2025. Blackburn Calls Out PimEyes for Downplaying the Role It Plays in Increasing Threats Against ICE Agents “Your response sidesteps the role that your platform specifically plays in perpetuating and broadening the range of these harms. As technology continues to outpace lawmaking, your overreliance on regulatory compliance is an insufficient defense. Additionally, I disagree that this platform empowers the reclaiming of identities more than it compromises them. I am following up in writing to reiterate these concerns. Your claim that, ‘[f]ollowing full cooperation, authorities identified no violations of applicable data protection law,’ places too little emphasis on ethical responsibility and too much on regulatory compliance. Current regulatory frameworks lack sufficient data protection, and mere compliance is not a strict enough threshold in comparison to the possible harms.” PimEyes Cannot Hide Behind Technicalities “Second, you rely heavily on the distinction between biometric identifiers and photographic analysis, which is a semantic rather than substantive distinction. A photo of an individual’s face is perhaps one of the best likeness and identity matches, regardless of whether it is arrived at through pixel comparison or biometric data. You have stated in your response that the larger risk to officer safety is already public information that is not generated… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/crime/video-blackburn-u-s-marshals-director-discuss-historic-progress-in-making-memphis-safe-again | VIDEO: Blackburn, U.S. Marshals Director Discuss Historic Progress in Making Memphis Safe Again | 2025-11-03 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a new episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ with U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta to discuss the historic success during the first month of the Trump administration’s Memphis Safe Task Force. Director Serralta told Senator Blackburn the number of criminals arrested in Memphis will surpass the number of those arrested during the same time frame during the crime crackdown in Washington, D.C. They also discussed how the U.S. Marshals Service is coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to rescue missing children, put violent criminals behind bars, and dismantle criminal networks. Click here to download this episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha.’ On the Latest Arrest Numbers from the Memphis Safe Task Force: Senator Blackburn: “Over the last month, the stats are just amazing because you've had nearly 1,700 arrests, more than 350 illegal guns, you have found over 80 missing children, and you've got 119 of these gang leaders that have been apprehended. So, this is absolutely fantastic… When I talk to people in Memphis, they are absolutely thrilled that they have this here.” Director Serralta: “I believe today we hit the 84 missing children mark… As far as the criminal arrests, we are crossing the 1,700 mark… The FBI, they're a great partner. Their prior work [in Memphis] in the summer has been the driving force for the intelligence that we use to hit the ground running… In contrast to the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, you know, today, we hit 5,000 arrests. We're over 5,000 arrests and 500 guns. Well, Memphis, Tennessee, is going to surpass those numbers in the same amount of time because, as you mentioned, it is a target rich for violent crimes because it's been too long since we since we focused on that beautiful city.” On the U.S. Marshal Service’s Role in Making Memphis Safe Again: Senator Blackburn: “I know the U.S. Marshals under your direction, kind of are coordinating a lot of this work from the different age… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/11/technology/icymi-in-techcrunch-google-pulls-gemma-from-ai-studio-after-senator-blackburn-accuses-model-of-defamation | ICYMI in TechCrunch: Google Pulls Gemma from AI Studio After Senator Blackburn Accuses Model of Defamation | 2025-11-03 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after Google reportedly removed Gemma from its AI studio following a letter Senator Blackburn sent to Google CEO Sundar Pichai demanding answers after Gemma manufactured fake criminal allegations against her: “Google has a long history of targeting, censoring, and smearing conservatives, and Gemma’s so-called ‘hallucinations’ are both dangerous and deeply concerning,” said Senator Blackburn. “It is absolutely unacceptable that Google did not prevent its large language model from pulling heinous criminal allegations out of thin air and presenting them as fact to unknowing users. Google owes the American people answers, and I will be eagerly awaiting the company’s response to my letter.” Google pulls Gemma from AI Studio after Senator Blackburn accuses model of defamation Anthony Ha TechCrunch Google says it has removed Gemma from its AI Studio after a U.S. senator accused the AI model of fabricating accusations of sexual misconduct against her. In a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Senator Marsha Blackburn — a Republican from Tennessee — said that when Gemma was asked, “Has Marsha Blackburn been accused of rape?” it responded by falsely claiming that during a 1987 state senate campaign, a state trooper alleged that Blackburn “pressured him to obtain prescription drugs for her and that the relationship involved non-consensual acts.” “None of this is true, not even the campaign year which was actually 1998,” Blackburn wrote. While there are links to news articles that supposedly support these claims, she said, “The links lead to error pages and unrelated news articles. There has never been such an accusation, there is no such individual, and there are no such news stories.” The letter also said that during a recent Senate Commerce hearing, Blackburn brought up conservative activist Robby Starbuck’s lawsuit against Google, in which Starbuck claims Google’s AI models (including Gemma) generated defamatory clai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/senate-passes-blackburn-kaine-resolution-designating-october-as-national-country-music-month | Senate Passes Blackburn, Kaine Resolution Designating October as “National Country Music Month” | 2025-10-31 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) released the following statements after their resolution designating October as “National Country Music Month” passed the Senate. This resolution honors the contributions of country music to the story and history of the U.S. and encourages the American people to observe “National Country Music Month” with appropriate ceremonies and activities. “Tennessee is the heart of country music, from the birthplace of country in Bristol to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville,” said Senator Blackburn. “Country music captures the spirit of our nation, reminding every American of the importance of faith, family, freedom, hope, opportunity, and patriotism. It is my honor to recognize October as National Country Music Month.” “Whether listening with my family or playing harmonica with friends, music has always played a major role in my life,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed this bipartisan resolution to designate October as National Country Music Month so we can honor and celebrate the history of an incredible genre that was born in Bristol.” Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s video recognizing October as “National Country Music Month.” Click here to read the resolution. RELATED | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/technology/blackburn-demands-answers-from-google-after-gemma-manufactured-fake-criminal-allegations-against-her | Blackburn Demands Answers from Google After Gemma Manufactured Fake Criminal Allegations Against Her | 2025-10-31 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) demanded answers from Google CEO Sundar Pichai after discovering the company’s large language model, Gemma, manufactured serious criminal allegations against her, generating fake links to fabricated news articles in response to the question, “Has Marsha Blackburn been accused of rape?” Senator Blackburn requested a detailed explanation for how and why Gemma generated these false accusations, what steps Google has taken to eliminate political bias, and a list of concrete measures Google will take to remove defamatory material from Gemma. This follows the Senate Commerce Committee hearing earlier this week, where Senator Blackburn grilleda Google representative on Gemma’s fabrication of news articles linking conservative activist Robby Starbuck and Senator Blackburn to false child abuse allegations. Blackburn Outraged Over Defamatory and False Material Generated by Google’s Gemma “I write to express my profound concern and outrage over defamatory and patently false material generated by Google’s large language model, Gemma. Yesterday, during a Senate Commerce Hearing titled, ‘Shut Your App: How Uncle Sam Jawboned Big Tech Into Silencing Americans, Part II,’ I raised the issue of Google’s repeated failures to prevent its AI systems from fabricating malicious stories about conservative public figures. I referenced the example of Gemma fabricating a narrative about Robby Starbuck, falsely claiming he was accused of child rape and that I publicly defended him. At the hearing, Google’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, Markham Erickson, responded that ‘hallucinations’ are a known issue in large language models and Google is ‘working hard to mitigate them.’” Blackburn Sounds the Alarm on the Grave Consequences of Gemma Disseminating Fake News “The scope of this problem is far broader than mere technical errors, and the consequences of these so-called ‘hallucinations’ cannot be overstated. I have since learned of another example where G… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=1F798233-AC5F-4911-96E0-C3107E1ABDC5 | DESJARLAIS EXPRESSES CONCERN TO USDA & DHS OVER ILLEGAL MIGRANT SNAP BENEFIT USE | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | House | TN | Scott DesJarlais | D000616 | desjarlais.house.gov | desjarlais | https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center | scraper | (WASHINGTON, DC) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) authored a letter to United States Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressing concern over illegal migrants potentially using SNAP benefits. Rep. DesJarlais expressed his gratitude for the work President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Noem have done so far to ensure those who are in the U.S. illegally are unable to take advantage of social programs. He highlighted his concern that progressive state leaders across the country may still be gaming the system due to a lack of reporting requirements. “I write to you today to express my concern that the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is continuing to be utilized by illegal aliens, despite multiple Trump Administration directives, when we have American citizens who are in need. I strongly believe that without strict reporting requirements from states that manage their individual SNAP programs, corruption will occur from progressive governors and state leaders,” said DesJarlais in his letter. The Tennessee Congressman placed blame on former President Biden’s failed open border policies for the reason the current SNAP system is being utilized by illegal migrants. He says in the letter, “President Biden stopped the enforcement of former President Trump’s Public Charge Rule in March of 2021, which denied migrants’ entrance into the U.S. if they possessed the potential to need government welfare assistance. This enticed even more migrants to flood our southern border. We are also aware that under the direction of Biden, many migrants were granted asylum or asylum-seeking status without proper investigation or adjudication into these claims.” Rep. DesJarlais requested answers to the following questions: Questions for the United States Department of Agriculture: How many Americans are currently enrolled in SNAP benefits? How many non-American citizens are currently enro… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/video-blackburn-debunks-democrats-lies-about-obamacare-biden-covid-credits | VIDEO: Blackburn Debunks Democrats’ Lies About Obamacare, Biden COVID Credits | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor debunking Democrats’ lies about the Biden COVID credits and laid out how Obamacare mandates and regulations have increased the cost of individual health insurance for Americans. Senator Blackburn called on her Democrat colleagues to stop lying to the American people and reopen the government. Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. REMARKS AS DELIVERED Chuck Schumer Is Holding Government Hostage to Ram Through Reckless Spending “Today marks nearly a full month since the Schumer Shutdown started. That's really a time where the Democrats decided to just go on strike and filibuster a clean C.R. And what has happened is our federal law enforcement is being forced to work without pay. Air traffic control towers are understaffed. Flights are delayed, and it has jeopardized nutritional programs for millions of low-income families. And this crisis is something that was entirely, completely unavoidable. “Yet the Democrats have voted over and over to keep the government closed, and the reason that they are doing this is the Democrat doing this is the Democrat leader, Chuck Schumer, is holding government hostage to ram through hundreds of billions of dollars in inflationary spending. In other words, we're not spending enough. $38 trillion in debt is not enough. They want to run it up some more.” Democrats Are Lying About the Affordable Care Act, Putting Politics Over the American People “He claims this action is needed to stop Republicans, in his words, and I'm going to quote him,’ from taking health care away,’ end quote, from Americans by allowing health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, as it is known and more appropriately known because there's nothing affordable about this thing, and he's saying these subsidies would expire. The problem is that is a falsehood, and it shows you how our friends across the aisle are willing to put the American people and th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/technology/video-blackburn-eviscerates-meta-for-lobbying-against-kids-online-safety-act-grills-google-on-gemma-ai-technology-fabricating-news-stories | VIDEO: Blackburn Eviscerates Meta for Lobbying Against Kids Online Safety Act, Grills Google on Gemma AI Technology Fabricating News Stories | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) pressed representatives from Meta and Google during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing. She blasted Meta for spending millions of dollars to lobby Congress against legislation like her Kids Online Safety Act and grilled Google for its open-source large language model (LLM) “Gemma” fabricating news articles linking conservative activist Robby Starbuck and Senator Blackburn to false child abuse allegations. Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks at the Senate Commerce Committee hearing. Blackburn Presses Meta on Lobbying Against Legislation to Protect Kids’ Online Safety Senator Blackburn: “Mr. [Neil] Potts [Vice President of Public Policy at Meta], I want to come to you since my colleague, Senator Klobuchar, was talking about kids and safety online… You all have spent $20 million lobbying against what we've tried to do to make the virtual space safe for kids. 20 million bucks in the first nine months of this year. You have 87 lobbyists fighting against any regulation because kids are the product for you all. 87 lobbyists, one for every six members of Congress. “I hope you're getting your money's worth because you are killing kids, and we know it, and we know what you are doing. I am so sick of what you all are doing. You should be ashamed of how you are putting kids at risk, and you should be coming to the table to work with us because we're trying to protect people in the virtual space. “There are rules in the physical space, but not in the virtual space… money hungry, that is what you all are. Your valuation is built on eyeballs, and you come in here and want to soft talk this. It is infuriating. It is absolutely infuriating.” Blackburn Presses Google on Its AI Chatbot Fabricating News Articles About Conservative Activist Robby Starbuck Senator Blackburn:“Mr. [Markham] Erickson [Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google], I want to come to you please, sir… Let’s talk about Gemma, and I want to bring up the issue… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/ogles-leads-charge-denaturalize-and-deport-zohran-mamdani | Ogles Leads Charge to Denaturalize and Deport Zohran Mamdani | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | House | TN | Andrew Ogles | O000175 | ogles.house.gov | ogles | https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-5) has sent a letter requesting that the Department of Justice provide an update on investigating New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani’s naturalization documents over his publicized support for the five convicted jihadists running the “Holy Land Foundation,” an organization that funneled millions of dollars to Hamas, a designated terrorist group. Congressman Ogles initially sent a letter on June 26th, 2025, to the Department of Justice detailing Mamdani’s previous ties and vocal support for terrorist organizations, and requested the Attorney General investigate. “If Mamdani lied on his naturalization documents, he doesn’t get to be a citizen, and he certainly doesn’t get to run for mayor of New York City,” said Congressman Ogles. "A great American city is on the precipice of being run by a communist who has publicly embraced a terroristic ideology. The American naturalization system REQUIRES any alignments with communism or terrorist activities to be disclosed. I’m doubtful he disclosed them. If this is confirmed, put him on the first flight back to Uganda,” Congressman Ogles said. Read The Letter Here | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases/harshbarger-democrats-vote-13th-time-keep-government-shut-down-food-and | Harshbarger: Democrats Vote for the 13th Time to Keep the Government Shut Down as Food and Paychecks Run Out | 2025-10-28 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | House | TN | Diana Harshbarger | H001086 | harshbarger.house.gov | harshbarger | https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the thirteenth time, Senate Democrats have voted to continue the government Shutdown – rejecting a clean, bipartisan funding bill they themselves have supported in the past. As a direct result of their obstruction, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will expire on November 1, leaving nearly 700,000 Tennesseans uncertain about how they’ll put food on the table. The WIC program is projected to run out of funding, jeopardizing nutrition support for women, infants, and children across the state. And troops, TSA agents, and air traffic controllers face missed paychecks even as they work to protect our freedom and keep our nation running. “Democrats had yet another opportunity to reopen the government today. Instead, they voted to punish American families—starving children of food assistance, stiffing our troops, and calling it ‘leverage.’ It’s despicable. Families who depend on food assistance, service members who protect our freedom, and the workers who keep our skies safe continue to pay the price for the Democrats’ political games and negligence.” – Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger BACKGROUND: The big picture: For the 13th time, Democrats voted to keep the government closed, blocking a clean, bipartisan bill that would restore funding for food assistance, pay our troops, and keep essential operations running. It’s important to note, Democrats promoted the exact same funding bill when they were in the Majority, but now they’ve rejected this same funding bill 13 separate times. Why it matters: SNAP benefits begin expiring November 1, affecting nearly 700,000 Tennesseans. The WIC program—which supports mothers and infants—is within days of running out of money. Military families, TSA agents, and air traffic controllers face uncertainty about their next paycheck. What Democrats are saying on the shutdown: “Every day gets better for us.” — Sen. Chuck Schumer “There are going to be families that are going to suffer... but this is one of the few leverage points … | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/10/general/blackburn-resolution-marking-day-of-remembrance-for-nuclear-workers-unanimously-passes-senate | Blackburn Resolution Marking Day of Remembrance for Nuclear Workers Unanimously Passes Senate | 2025-10-28 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | TN | Marsha Blackburn | B001243 | www.blackburn.senate.gov | blackburn | https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after her resolution designating October 30, 2025, as a “National Day of Remembrance for the Workers of the Nuclear Weapons Program of the United States” passed the Senate unanimously: “It is my honor to lead the resolution designating October 30 as a National Day of Remembrance for nuclear workers, just as the Senate has done every year since 2009,” said Senator Blackburn. “In Tennessee, we recognize and honor the many scientists, engineers, and other workers at Oak Ridge National Lab and the Y-12 National Security Complex. America is grateful for all of our nuclear workers and their service to our country.” Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s video recognizing the National Day of Remembrance for Nuclear Weapons Program Workers. This resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). BACKGROUND Since 2009 the Senate has recognized the contributions, services, and sacrifices that the workers of the nuclear weapons program made for the defense of the United States on October 30 of each year. The Nuclear Weapons Workers Day of Remembrance Resolution: Honors the hundreds of thousands of patriotic men and women that have served the United States by building nuclear weapons for the defense of the United States since World War II; Recognizes the contributions, services, and sacrifices that those patriotic men and women made for the defense of the United States; Designates October 30, 2025, as a national day of remembrance for the workers of the nuclear weapons program of the United States, including uranium miners, millers, and haulers, plutonium processors, and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
CREATE TABLE [releases] (
[url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
[title] TEXT,
[date] TEXT,
[year] TEXT,
[month] TEXT,
[party] TEXT,
[chamber] TEXT,
[state] TEXT,
[member_name] TEXT,
[bioguide_id] TEXT,
[domain] TEXT,
[scraper] TEXT,
[source] TEXT,
[date_source] TEXT,
[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);