Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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17,819 rows where party = "Republican" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending
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| http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-releases-year-end-report-constituents | Rep. Kelly Releases Year-End Report for Constituents | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the following letter today, to be e-mailed to his constituents throughout Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District, to serve as a year-end overview of his office’s legislative achievements and constituent relations throughout 2013. Dear Constituent: Over the past twelve months, I have had the enormous privilege of continuing to represent you in our nation’s capital during the first session of the 113th Congress. As with my first term in office, all of my work in the House of Representatives is guided by your values, your voices, and your priorities. Your goals are my goals, and every day I work hard to accomplish them. The most important of these, of course, is creating an environment that strengthens our economy and generates more jobs with family-sustainable wages for our region and our country. I’ve proudly supported every measure to secure this outcome, and opposed any obstacle to reaching it. You can learn more about every jobs bill passed in the House and follow their status here. With every new challenge that 2013 brought us – and there were many – there also came many opportunities. My staff and I worked diligently to meet all of them head-on. Fighting the IRS, Restoring Trust & Accountability in Washington When the news broke that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was targeting and harassing Americans based on their political leanings, I joined the nation in outrage. As member of the House Ways and Means Committee (and member of the Subcommittee on Oversight), I made it my personal responsibility to get answers about what went wrong and hold those responsible fully accountable for abusing the American people’s trust in such an unthinkable manner. Watch my remarks at two memorable committee hearings here and here. As a result of this scandal, during the summer I re-introduced the Government Employee Accountability Act. The legislation would give all federal agencies the power to effectively deal with delinquent Senior Executive Service employ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-announces-five-service-academy-nominations | Pittenger Announces Five Service Academy Nominations | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NC | Robert Pittenger | P000606 | pittenger.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 31, 2013 CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ANNOUNCES FIVE SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS CHARLOTTE - As the New Year begins, several students from the Charlotte area are set to start lives of service to their country. Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is honored to announce five young men have received appointments to United States service academies for the coming year. Mr. Connor Calvin, a senior at Charlotte Christian School, will join the Naval Academy. "Every day I want to go to work leading people who seek to craft a better world for their families and liberate those under oppression," Connor stated. He is the son of Leigh and John Calvin, and lives in Matthews. Mr. Peter Hetzel, who is homeschooled and also attends Grace Academy, will be a cadet at West Point. Peter has two brothers in the Naval Academy, and joins them in a tradition of service. He is from Weddington, and is the son of Whitney and James Hetzel. Mr. Ethan Mead, a senior at Charlotte Catholic, wanted to join the Air Force Academy. "I want to be able to put all of my efforts into making not only the United States a better place to live," Ethan said, "but the rest of the world as well." The son of Delaine and Mark Mead, Ethan is from Charlotte. Mr. Mitch Renfrow, a senior at Providence Day School, plans to join the Air Force Academy. As a lacrosse goalie and Sunday school teacher, Mitch believes "the best leader must also be a good follower," and hopes to become an Air Force chaplain. From Charlotte, he is the son of Georgene and William Renfrow. Mr. Emory Walls, a senior at Providence High School, will join the Air Force Academy. Emory has been interested in aviation from a young age, since his grandparents gave him a copy of The Encyclopedia of Modern Aircraft for his second birthday. He is the son of Alison and George Walls, and is from Matthews. "By serving a cause greater than their own self-interests, each of these young Americans are embarking on an inspiring course which will make America p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-2013-year-review | Rokita Report 2013 Year-in-Review | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IN | Todd Rokita | R000592 | rokita.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to update you on my work in the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well. As we are at the end of 2013, I wanted to use this Rokita Report as a quick "Year-in-Review" of some of the bigger accomplishments this year. In September, I, along with several Republican Study Committee colleagues, introduced the American Health Care Reform Act - a consumer-driven, commonsense health care reform bill designed to increase access and reduce costs for all Americans. We introduced this legislation because we believe it is important to improve health care, not just repeal ObamaCare. This bill now has nearly 120 cosponsors and I look forward to more of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle joining us in 2014. You can view my remarks from the press conference where we rolled out the legislation here. A brief summary of the bills reforms Encouraging a more competitive health care market - Allows Americans to purchase health care across state lines, increasing transparency in Medicare by making claims data public, and allowing small businesses to pool together to lower costs. Increasing access to portable, affordable health insurance - Implements an across-the-board standard deduction for all health insurance plans, and expanding access and options for Health Savings Accounts. Improving access to insurance for vulnerable Americans - Ensures affordable coverage for those with pre-existing conditions by funding state high-risk pools, and removing barriers that prevent continual insurance coverage. Reforming medical liability law - Caps non-economic damages, and placing a statute of limitations on liability cases. Respecting human life - Prohibits taxpayer funding for abortion. Repealing Obamacare We continue to seek input from anyone that wishes to constructively contribute to meaningful and responsible health care reform. You can read the full bill text, summaries of the bills, and learn more about the American Health Care Reform Act here.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202135/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2109 | State Journal: WV population down from 2012, new census estimates show | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | West Virginia was one of two states to lose population in the past year, according to estimates released by the Census Bureau on Dec. 30. Based on births, deaths and migration, the Census Bureau estimated the state's population as of July 1, 2013, as 1,854,304, a decrease of 2,376 from the 2012 estimate of 1,856,680, but still higher than the 1,852,994 people counted in the 2010 census. Maine was the other state to show a decrease, losing 199 people to drop to 1,328,302. Maine and Rhode Island are the only states whose most recent population estimates are lower than the 2010 census count. To read entire article, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140307001348/http://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=0e414404-d5e2-4216-bfdc-138a468e167b | Alexander: Unhappy New Year for Tens of Thousands of Tennesseans Whose Health Insurance on the Job Will Change Because of Obamacare | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | web.archive.org | legacy | December 31 2013 - Says enforcement of mandate requiring employers to provide insurance will lead to more canceled plans, higher costs *** “The president’s broken promise that ‘If you like your health insurance, you can keep it’ was an unwelcome Christmas present for 82,000 Tennesseans buying insurance on their own. Now, since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance on the job, Obamacare threatens to bring an Unhappy New Year for tens of thousands more Tennesseans.” – Lamar Alexander MARYVILLE, Dec. 31 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance through their employers as purchase their own individual plans, new Obamacare mandates on businesses mean that now Tennesseans receiving health insurance through employers will have to worry about Obamacare cancellations bringing an “Unhappy New Year.” “During 2014, many of the burdensome Obamacare mandates on businesses that the Obama administration delayed will be in full force,” Alexander said. “We’ve already seen how the president’s broken promise that ‘If you like your health insurance, you can keep it’ was an unwelcome Christmas present for 82,000 Tennesseans buying insurance on their own. Now, since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance on the job, Obamacare threatens to bring an Unhappy New Year for tens of thousands more Tennesseans." According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, there are more than 246,000 Tennesseans on the individual insurance market, and Alexander said at least 82,000 Tennesseans are scheduled to begin losing their current insurance because their plans were “outlawed” under Obamacare. About 3,175,000 Tennesseans get their insurance through their employers, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, or nearly 13 times as many as in the individual insurance market. Alexander said the “burdensome mandates on employers” could mean “tens of thousands more” Tennesseans will lose their current plans or see their cost… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lee.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/blog?ContentRecord_id=8826bd89-1c86-470a-a14b-5099ebe326b6 | Senator Lee has 100,000 Followers on Twitter - Top Tweets of 2013 | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | UT | Mike Lee | L000577 | www.lee.senate.gov | legacy | Early this morning, my following on Twitter surpassed 100,000. I would like to thank everyone that has joined the dialogue with me on Twitter. I have compiled a list of my most popular tweets from 2013. As you read through this list of tweets, you will see the important role you have all played in this dialogue. This year we have had important debates about controlling federal spending, protecting constitutional rights, protecting Americans from the negative effects of Obamacare, reforming immigration, and a variety of other topics. On January 1, 2013, I had ~15,700 followers on twitter. Surpassing 100,000 followers is a great benchmark, and it verifies that more and more Americans are becoming engaged in the debate about the future of our country. I am hopeful that we can continue to carry this dialogue forward into 2014 to even more people. I look forward to being a part of this debate. Here are the Twitter highlights from 2013. Retweet your favorites: Everything about the #fiscalcliff deal was a failure: what Congress did, how Congress did it, and what Congress failed to do. — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 2, 2013 Senator Ted Cruz has created his official Twitter account @SenTedCruz. You should follow him. Please RT #tcot #tlot #tgdn #txpol #pjnet — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 15, 2013 Unfortunately, the president is using Newtown tragedy to advance proposals that would do little to prevent such acts: http://t.co/SX7SjSKe — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 16, 2013 The president’s approach is inconsistent w/ #2ndAmendment rights, and it encroaches on state and local governments: http://t.co/7cRF13GR — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 16, 2013 #NLRB decision represents vindication of principled stand I've taken against President’s disregard of Constitution: http://t.co/jTHPsxr4 — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 25, 2013 The Budget Act requires president to submit budget to Congress by today. Not surprisingly, he failed to do so: http://t.co/Y6RqI4cT #tcot — … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365154 | <span class="kicker">Washington Post editorial</span>'In international abduction cases, quiet diplomacy is not working' | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | SEAN GOLDMAN was 4 years old when his Brazilian-born mother took him from their New Jersey home for what Sean’s father, David Goldman, thought would be a two-week vacation. Five years passed before the father again laid eyes on his son. “It was very painful,’’ David Goldman recalled. “The first time I saw him after nearly five years, he looked at me and asked me where have I been all this time. . . . He was told that I didn’t love him, that I abandoned him, that I never wanted him.” The only unusual feature of this story is that David Goldman eventually regained custody, though even after the boy’s mother died in 2008 her Brazilian family continued to resist his efforts. He succeeded in part because Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.) relentlessly focused attention and pressure on the case. Now a bill written by Mr. Smith, the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act, has been approved by the House, 398 to 0, and is set for consideration in the Senate. But the State Department doesn’t want the additional diplomatic tools the bill would provide. According to State, 1,144 children were reported abducted from the United States in 2012. There were 1,367 in 2011 and 1,492 in 2010. State Department officials say they work hard to get those children back — or at least to get the cases fairly adjudicated — but they can’t or won’t say how many of those abducted children remain overseas. That raises questions about their claims for success for “quiet diplomacy.” In a letter to Mr. Smith, Robert E. Wallace, executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), said the abduction of children by a separated spouse is a particular problem for service members, especially in Japan. Mr. Wallace said the service members’ appeals for help “are too often met with bad legal advice, misinformation or indifference. . . . It is time for the U.S. government to take concrete action.” An organization of victimized parents said that the result of quiet diplomacy is “that the Gov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/fiscal-times-five-members-congress-watch-2014 | Fiscal Times: Five Members of Congress to Watch in 2014 | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | The Fiscal Times - Eric Pianin Call it cockeyed optimism or simply battle fatigue, but we’re beginning to hear some loose talk from Capitol Hill and the White House about the prospects for more bipartisan deal-making in 2014 springing from the budget deal. Congress, of course, just concluded one of its least productive sessions in history and inflicted a 16-day government shutdown on the country that sent lawmakers approval ratings tumbling. With an important mid-term election looming next fall, renewed partisan squabbling would seem the order of the day. Yet President Obama and congressional leaders departed Washington earlier this month voicing cautious optimism that there were other deals to made before the 2014 congressional and gubernatorial campaigns really heat up. While the first order of business will be converting the bipartisan budget agreement into major spending legislation before a Jan. 15 deadline, there are other legislative prospects as well – including an extension of the expiring supplemental unemployment insurance, reauthorization of farm legislation, tweaking of the Affordable Care Act, renewal of expiring tax provisions, and even an overhaul of the immigration system. The usual suspects, including House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, will have a lot to say about future legislative successes or failures. And we can expect to hear a great deal from Tea Party bomb throwers such as Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rand Paul (R-KY) Here are five other important House and Senate members to watch as events in 2014 begin to unfold. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) Wyden, 64, a veteran lawmaker and fiscal policy wonk with something of a maverick streak, is moving to center stage as the new chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which is responsible for writing tax, entitlement and trade legislation. Wyden is certain to bring as much—if not more—energy and fresh ideas to the debate over tax and entitlement reform as his predecessor, Max Baucus, who was recently tapped by President Obam… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/looking-back-and-ahead | Looking Back and Ahead | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | It’s hard to believe that 2013 is already reaching an end. While Congress didn’t solve everything we could’ve hoped for this year, there were numerous victories for the country. Most importantly, I was encouraged to watch both sides work together on several occasions to find common ground and display true bipartisanship. It’s a reminder that when we start where we agree, we can function in divided government. We started off the year on the verge of a “fiscal cliff,” caused by the terms of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Without any congressional action, all Americans would have experienced a tax hike and reimbursement rates for doctors of Medicare and Medicaid patients would have seen severe cuts. In addition, sequestration, across-the-board spending cuts on every program in government, regardless of merit or efficiency, was scheduled to take place. I was pleased that we were able to pass the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which made the Bush tax cuts permanent for 98 percent of taxpayers. It also delayed devastating military cuts for two months and prevented other damaging tax policies. I wish we could’ve achieved more, but this agreement was a major victory for American workers and for the economy. In mid-January, just a couple months after Hurricane Sandy I supported legislation that would provide relief assistance for victims of the storm. At the time, the vote was a no-brainer, especially given our own state’s history and risk for severe weather. Little did we know, a few months later, Oklahoma would experience a horrific round of tornadoes that leveled entire neighborhoods, claimed precious lives and shook several communities, including my hometown of Moore. In the days that followed the disastrous tornadoes in Oklahoma, never once were we lacking assistance. Oklahoma felt the immediate support and prayers of individuals across the nation—a reminder that, in times of crisis, Americans of all parties and political points of view come together to help their fellow Americans. The same night that Moore was hit b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E71FF577-B64F-4BA4-A19F-07C1C496D7ED | Weekly Column: A Resolution to Succeed | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | By Rep. Kristi Noem ‘Tis the season for resolutions! January 1 is a new beginning, so it’s no surprise that setting New Year’s resolutions has become a holiday tradition for many. While we all know that commitment to upholding many of these resolutions often fades, Abraham Lincoln reminds us that “your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” I join many South Dakotans in being frustrated with the progress made in Washington over the last few years. But it is a new year, and I am coming to the table with a renewed resolution to succeed. Toward the end of 2013, Congress gained significant momentum on a number of issues that matter to South Dakota. That momentum has not been lost. First and foremost, Farm Bill negotiations continued through the holidays. The lead negotiators – Rep. Frank Lucas (a Republican) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (a Democrat) – have come to a consensus on an outline of the reforms they agree can be made in the Farm Bill. Right before Christmas, they were able to get estimates back to see how much these reforms would cost – or in some cases, save. Now, it is a matter of tweaking the bill to make sure all the numbers add up, but we are on track to finish a comprehensive five-year farm bill during the first part of 2014. We also began to make progress on new sex trafficking legislation. Sadly, this is an issue South Dakota has seen more of in recent years. Local law enforcement officers have done a good job of identifying and bringing into custody those who are selling the victims of human trafficking. Many of the convicts are brought to justice under federal law, as there are harsher penalties – namely, life in prison – for sex trafficking at that level. To ensure local law enforcement officers have all the tools they need and that there are no gaps in federal law, I’ve been driving the End Sex Trafficking Act in Washington. This legislation addresses sex trafficking from the demand side by strengthening the federal law when it comes to those who solicit,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=e775431b-bf47-4ba9-9363-e4912b854e56 | HOEVEN, HEITKAMP, CRAMER AND DALRYMPLE: FAA SELECTS GRAND FORKS TO BE UAS TEST SITE | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | John Hoeven | H001061 | www.hoeven.senate.gov | legacy | 12.30.13 Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site ND Leaders Worked to Secure Designation to Build GF as Premier Northern UAS Hub WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, Congressman Kevin Cramer and Governor Jack Dalrymple today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Grand Forks as one of six sites to test unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for integration into the National Airspace. The announcement comes after years of work by North Dakota’s leaders to position Grand Forks as the premier northern UAS hub. The FAA Reauthorization bill passed by Congress in February 2012 includes an amendment introduced by Hoeven that directed the agency to establish the test sites and integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. Hoeven’s amendment instructed the FAA Administrator to consider factors including geographical and climatic diversity, as well as the location of ground infrastructure, in selecting the test sites. Hoeven has worked, both as governor and now as U.S. Senator, with the state’s UAS community to establish and maintain North Dakota’s leadership in UAS technologies and to grow UAS operations in the Grand Forks region. In 2006, Hoeven and former Senator Byron Dorgan worked to seed the Center for UAS Research, Education and Training on the UND campus. Dorgan got the center designated as Department of Defense Center of Excellence for UAV Education. The same year, the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Program, initiated by then-Governor Hoeven, awarded the center $2.5 million, which it matched and leveraged to $15.8 million in federal and private-sector funding. “We’ve said all along that Grand Forks is an ideal location to test UAS integration, and now the FAA has agreed with us,” Hoeven said. “This test site designation, combined with Grand Sky, the Grand Forks region’s new aerospace technology and business c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=60d716f6-0e15-444d-b30a-ff915ffabd93 | Sen. Moran Calls on OSHA to Stop Unlawful Regulation of Family Farms | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | KS | Jerry Moran | M000934 | www.moran.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) have called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to immediately stop their unlawful regulation of family farms. Sens. Moran, Johanns and a bipartisan group of 41 their Senate colleagues have also directed OSHA to issue updated guidance correcting their misinterpretation of current law. The request was made in a joint letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, who oversees OSHA. "This is not the first time this administration has proved that Washington’s values are not rural America’s values through regulatory over-reach into the family farm," Sen. Moran said. "I am committed to working with my colleagues to protect the individual rights of farmers and make certain OSHA does not continue to misinterpret the law." Since 1976, Congress has exempted small, family-run farms from OSHA regulations, but in a 2011 memo OSHA asserted that on-farm grain storage and handling was not part of farm operations. The memo essentially expanded OSHA’s regulatory scope to nearly every farm in the country without going through the established rule making process that allows Congressional review and public comment, in defiance of the law. A copy of the senators’ bipartisan letter is below: December 20, 2013 The Honorable Thomas E. Perez Secretary U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20210 Dear Secretary Perez: We write to you regarding reports that regulators at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have begun taking regulatory actions against farms that are specifically exempted by Congress from regulatory enforcement conducted by OSHA. Since 1976, Congress has included specific language in appropriations bills prohibiting OSHA from using appropriated funds to apply requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1976 to farming operations with 10 or fewer employees. It has come to our attention that OSHA is now interpreting thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011918/http://farenthold.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365158 | U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold Calls TAMUCC Designation as FAA Test Site for UAS a “Huge Win” | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TX | Blake Farenthold | F000460 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced its selection of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi as one of six public entities that will develop unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites around the country. U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold (TX-27) praised the FAA’s selection of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. “The combination of expertise from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and wide open airspace in Texas make this an excellent choice for UAS research and development,” said Congressman Blake Farenthold, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Unmanned Systems and Congressional Privacy Caucus. “This is a huge win for TAMUCC and the whole state of Texas. It gives our region the opportunity to take a leadership role in both the technology and policy challenges that will arise as these unmanned systems are developed, refined and deployed.” “As a longtime supporter and advocate for the use of unmanned systems along the border, I congratulate Texas A&M Corpus Christi for this victory in becoming one of only six national test sites for UAS,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Unmanned Systems. “It has been a long process bringing this test site to Texas and we in the caucus have had several conversations with the FAA. It has been my pleasure to work alongside Congressman Farenthold and the other members of the Caucus to secure this site.” Congressman Farenthold, along with Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Gene Green (D-TX-29), Pete Olson (R-TX-22), and John Carter (R-TX-31), have sent letters to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, the most recent in December highlighting Texas’ commitment to the promising technology of unmaned aircraft. “We believe Texas would be a strong partner with the FAA in carefully managing the research and development of the UAS technology,” the Congressmen said in the letter. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is moving steadily ahead to safely integrate unmanned aircraft sy… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222035637/http://lobiondo.house.gov/press-release/lobiondo-applauds-faa-selection-new-jersey-virginia-partnership-national-test-site | LoBiondo Applauds FAA Selection of New Jersey-Virginia Partnership for National Test Site of Unmanned Aircraft Systems | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Frank LoBiondo | L000554 | web.archive.org | legacy | MAYS LANDING, N.J. – U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, today applauded the announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the joint application by the states of New Jersey and Virginia has been selected as one of the six national test sites for integrating commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace. LoBiondo, working closely with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, led the New Jersey’s Congressional efforts to secure the designation. “Today’s announcement is a GREAT way to kick off the New Year, promising significant economic opportunities in the aviation field particularly for South Jersey,” lauded LoBiondo, chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee. “A years-long effort has been spent on putting forth the strongest application - including forming a solid working partnership with Virginia - to ensure the FAA recognized our existing assets for this project. I appreciate Governor Christie’s unwavering support throughout the process as well as the efforts of my Congressional colleagues and those working on the ground in South Jersey on our proposal.” The states’ joint application was put forth by Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) and Rutgers University with support from the Governors of New Jersey and Virginia. The other 5 test sites selected by the FAA are in: Alaska-Hawaii-Oregon; Nevada; North Dakota; Texas; and New York. UAS test sites will operate until February 2017 with the first site being operational within 180 days of today’s announcement. There is no federal funding from the FAA for any test site. The William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center will be the lead facilitator of data collected from each of the six test sites, working to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace as mandated by the 2012 FAA Authorization Act – a provision LoBiondo advocated for inclusion during the bill’s drafting and debate. While each test site will have specific regulations to protect the privacy of surrounding… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202200/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2105 | Exponent-Telegram: About 7,000 state resident set to lose federal jobless benefits Saturday | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | Federal unemployment benefits are set to expire on Saturday for nearly 7,000 West Virginians, officials said. In North Central West Virginia, 341 people are expected to be affected in the Clarksburg area, while 231 people in the Fairmont area would lose benefits, according to WorkForce West Virginia. Those individuals are among approximately 1.3 million Americans unemployed for 26 weeks or more whose benefits come from an account that is almost empty. To read entire article, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202209/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2104 | Charleston Gazette Mail: Photos show 'the other West Virginia' | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | Betty Rivard's upcoming lecture based on her book of photos of the state during the 1930s and '40s will focus on "the other West Virginia" -- not the one that garners mostly negative national attention. "When I say the other West Virginia, I'm talking about the positive part of West Virginia," Rivard said. "The book does include some images of people in very destitute situations, but that's not the major part of the book, and that was deliberate." Rivard's book, "New Deal Photographs of West Virginia: 1934-43," was produced by 10 professional photographers who visited the state as part of the Farm Security Administration Project. To read entire story, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140228010514/http://kinzinger.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=600 | Morris Daily Herald: Kinzinger kicks off District 16 Agriculture Advisory meeting | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | web.archive.org | legacy | OTTAWA – U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, met this month with representatives from throughout the 16th District in the first meeting of a new Agriculture Advisory Committee. The committee will serve as a forum for Kinzinger to hear from members of the agriculture community on policy issues that affect them most directly, according to a news release. “With Washington debating a whole host of issues affecting Illinois farmers, from the farm bill to renewable energy, this committee will be a great way to ensure the voices of Illinois’ farmers are heard,” Kinzinger said in the news release. Held Dec. 19 in Ottawa’s City Hall building, the meeting covered topics that included the reauthorization of the farm bill, pending legislation to streamline waterway projects, renewable energy mandates, crop insurance provisions and immigration reform, according to the news release. The committee, which consists of farmers and producers from all 14 counties of the 16th District, plans to meet once annually, with teleconference and local meetings throughout the year. For the full posting, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301024731/http://reed.house.gov/press-release/reed-highlights-district-successes-2013 | REED HIGHLIGHTS DISTRICT SUCCESSES IN 2013 | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NY | Tom Reed | R000585 | web.archive.org | legacy | Reflecting on the past year, Congressman Tom Reed pointed to the many community wide successes and the day to day stories of families and individuals helped through his office. “Working with constituents to provide solutions on problems big and small is what we are here to do and it is by far the most important part of the job,” Congressman Reed said. “We’ve held more than 110 town halls throughout our eleven counties and helped constituents work through more than 5,000 constituent cases as we continue to make their priorities our priorities.” Reed reflected on some of the district’s major victories in the past year, including keeping the NRG plant in Dunkirk, awarding Salamanca School District impact aid, maintaining the Elmira Psychiatric Center, working with the FAA and Corning Hospital to expedite construction, strides combating the invasive species Hydrilla and efforts to keep the tower at the Ithaca Tompkins airport open. He also reflected on working with families on the day to day issues that Reed says are so critical to the role of the office. “We were able to help one constituent who because of a medical condition, her father was not able to recall where he put his mortgage discharge paperwork in order to sell the business. In another instance, we helped a local organization recently get their 501c3 status that had been stalled since 2007. “It’s these kinds of issues we tackle on a daily basis that have the biggest impact and really stand out,” Congressman Reed continued. “There will undoubtedly be plenty of talk about politics but despite all of that talk, I will continue to focus on what really matters: constituents of the 23rd district and their needs and concerns.” ##### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=3aaf7260-065d-4191-a55b-803272a86c10 | Heller responde al anuncio de FAA nombrando Nevada un sitio de prueba de aviones no tripulado | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NV | Dean Heller | H001041 | www.heller.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos, Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, hoy respondió a la Administración Federal de Aviación (FAA) anuncio que Nevada ha sido designado como un sitio para sistemas de aviones no tripulado con la siguiente declaración: “Teniendo en cuenta que Nevada continúa liderando a la nación en el desempleo, la decisión de la FAA es bienvenido y oportuna. Nevada ha sido un líder en el desarrollo de sistemas de aviones no tripulado y también pruebas de esos sistemas. Dada la ubicación geográfica de nuestro estado, mano de obra muy calificada y sólidas alianzas con universidades, Nevada está bien posicionada para asegurar el éxito de estos programas. Estoy seguro que el FAA, el Congreso y el estado de Nevada pueden lograr un equilibrio entre la oportunidad y el desarrollo de normas de privacidad y las salvaguardias que garanticen los derechos constitucionales de los ciudadanos de Nevada y los estadounidenses en todo el país," dijo el senador Dean Heller. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6be35a83-83a2-4edb-930f-caf166d127d6 | Heller Responds to FAA Announcement Naming Nevada a Drone Test Site | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NV | Dean Heller | H001041 | www.heller.senate.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today responded to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) announcement that Nevada has been designated as an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) test site with the following statement: "Considering that Nevada continues to lead the nation in unemployment, the FAA’s decision is both welcome and well-timed. Nevada has long been a leader in UAS development and testing. Given our state’s geographic location, extremely qualified workforce, and strong partnerships with universities, Nevada is well-positioned to ensure the success of these programs. “I am confident that the FAA, Congress, and the State of Nevada can strike a balance between this opportunity and the development of privacy standards and safeguards that will guarantee the constitutional rights of Nevadans and Americans across the country,” said Senator Dean Heller. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-heitkamp-cramer-and-dalrymple-faa-selects-grand-forks-to-be-uas-test-site | Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | John Hoeven | H001061 | www.hoeven.senate.gov | legacy | 12.30.13 Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site ND Leaders Worked to Secure Designation to Build GF as Premier Northern UAS Hub WASHINGTON Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, Congressman Kevin Cramer and Governor Jack Dalrymple today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Grand Forks as one of six sites to test unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for integration into the National Airspace. The announcement comes after years of work by North Dakota's leaders to position Grand Forks as the premier northern UAS hub. The FAA Reauthorization bill passed by Congress in February 2012 includes an amendment introduced by Hoeven that directed the agency to establish the test sites and integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. Hoeven's amendment instructed the FAA Administrator to consider factors including geographical and climatic diversity, as well as the location of ground infrastructure, in selecting the test sites. Hoeven has worked, both as governor and now as U.S. Senator, with the state's UAS community to establish and maintain North Dakota's leadership in UAS technologies and to grow UAS operations in the Grand Forks region. In 2006, Hoeven and former Senator Byron Dorgan worked to seed the Center for UAS Research, Education and Training on the UND campus. Dorgan got the center designated as Department of Defense Center of Excellence for UAV Education. The same year, the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Program, initiated by then-Governor Hoeven, awarded the center $2.5 million, which it matched and leveraged to $15.8 million in federal and private-sector funding. We've said all along that Grand Forks is an ideal location to test UAS integration, and now the FAA has agreed with us, Hoeven said. This test site designation, combined with Grand Sky, the Grand Forks region's new aerospace technology and business complex … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=458f0cfe-49d1-4835-bd37-cf49cc55f1da | Portman Statement on Federal Aviation Administration's Decision Regarding Unmanned Aerial System Test Site Locations | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today released the following statement in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision not to select Ohio as a location for an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) test site: “I am deeply disappointed by the FAA’s decision not to select the Ohio/Indiana UAS Center as the location for one of the FAA’s six UAS test sites across the country. Ohio is a national leader in aerospace, and would have been an ideal location for one of the sites. Over one hundred thousand Ohioans work in aerospace, where they develop and build cutting-edge technologies and world-class commercial and military equipment. In addition, assets like Dayton’s U.S. Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, and industry partners throughout the state provide outstanding technical expertise and more than $9 billion in Research and Development and testing every year. I have worked extensively to strengthen these unique capabilities and increase Ohio’s leadership in defense and aerospace. “I remain committed to advancing Ohio’s leadership role in aerospace and unmanned systems. The Ohio/Indiana UAS Center will move forward with its plans to serve the needs of federal, state, local, and private entities as they continue research and development of UAS. Keeping Ohio’s aerospace industry strong and competitive is critical not only to our state’s economy, but to the national security of the United States.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gosar.house.gov/editorial/healthy-forests-key-averting-tragedies | Healthy forests key to averting tragedies | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AZ | Paul Gosar | G000565 | gosar.house.gov | legacy | When it comes to wildfires, recent years have proven devastating to Arizona and many of the western states. The tragic Yarnell Hill Fire, which claimed the lives of 19 elite Hotshot firefighters, is still a fresh and painful wound throughout Arizona. share: f t Healthy forests key to averting tragedies By Paul Gosar When it comes to wildfires, recent years have proven devastating to Arizona and many of the western states. The tragic Yarnell Hill Fire, which claimed the lives of 19 elite Hotshot firefighters, is still a fresh and painful wound throughout Arizona. Fires in other western states like Colorado's Black Forest wildfire and California’s Rim Fire also caused great destruction. We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent future tragedies. Although it is impossible to prevent all fires, federal, state and local land management policies can make them less frequent and less intense when they burn. By maintaining healthy forests, we can improve public safety, save endangered species and put people back to work. As a rural Arizonan and a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am fighting for policies that facilitate more active forest management on federal lands. This means smarter spending and better, more effective tools to implement ecological health projects like the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) and the White Mountain Stewardship Project. Overgrown forests are susceptible to wildfire, so prevention starts with responsible thinning. Approximately 80 million acres of forest across the West are overgrown. There are now hundreds of trees per acre on lands that once contained only 10 to 25 trees per acre. Our budgets should prioritize wildfire prevention instead of focusing primarily on response. Although the need to suppress fires is never going to go away, we must shift our priority towards proactive management of our federal lands. My bipartisan legislation, the Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act, addre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://roby.house.gov/roby-news/congress-could-reconsider-military-pension-cut-january | Congress could reconsider military pension cut in January | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AL | Martha Roby | R000591 | roby.house.gov | legacy | A cut to military retirement pay in the budget signed Thursday by President Obama has already triggered such a backlash that Congress may vote in January to toss it out. Some lawmakers who represent districts with a military presence — and who voted for the overall budget — are vowing to overturn the pension change as soon as the House and the Senate reconvene Friday. Several House and Senate lawmakers in both parties, responding to heavy lobbying from advocates for service members and veterans, already have introduced bills that would restore full cost-of-living increases for military retirees of working age. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Michael G. Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) have introduced a bill that would restore the annual cost-of-living adjustment for about 800,000 enlisted troops and officers who retire in their early 40s, then take other jobs outside the military. In the budget passed this month, the COLA for working-age retirees was reduced by 1 percentage point; once the retirees turn 62, they go back to receiving the full increase. The cut is expected to save the government about $6 billion over 10 years, and it is set to be phased in over three years. Davis and Fitzpatrick’s bill would find the savings instead by asking the Internal Revenue Service to crack down on Americans who file fraudulent claims for child tax credits. “I think we need to make the fix right now,” said Davis, whose Illinois district includes many former service members and employees at nearby Scott Air Force Base. At a meet-and-greet with constituents in his district recently, many voters were livid at the pension cut, Davis said. To them and him, he said, the federal government is unfairly breaking a promise it made to service members. “A lot of people joined the military and made huge sacrifices because they were promised a benefit,” he said. “To go back on that is wrong.” Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) said she is partnering with Fitzpatrick on the legislation. “I believe that this is a fix the Republican conference can rally around,” s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-2013-defense-authorization-becoming-law | Cramer Statement on 2013 Defense Authorization Becoming Law | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | Kevin Cramer | C001096 | cramer.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement on the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) being signed into law by President Obama: “The new defense authorization law is the result of a compromise reached by the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The House passed the NDAA with a bipartisan majority in June including an amendment I sponsored to keep the active Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) silos at Minot Air Force Base in a warm status. It is disappointing this protection against unilateral nuclear disarmament by the Obama Administration was stripped by Senate negotiators. “The defense appropriations bill passed by the House in July added even more protection by prohibiting the Obama Administration from going forward with an environmental impact study on deconstructing ICBMs, the first step toward reducing the fleet. Unfortunately the Senate has not passed a defense appropriations bill. “However, I am pleased the NDAA supports increased troop pay, rejects the Administration’s proposals to increase military medical fees, prohibits base closure, and addresses sexual assault. It also includes the new KC-46 tanker to be potentially stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, the new Long Range Strike Bomber to replace the B-52 bomber currently stationed in Minot, and prevents the premature retirement of the Global Hawk Bock 30 unmanned aircraft.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/fourth-deadly-and-unprovoked-attack-camp-liberty-residents-underscorres-need | Fourth Deadly and Unprovoked Attack on Camp Liberty Residents Underscores Need for Administration to Push Iraqi Government and the UN to Do More for their Protection, Says Ros-Lehtinen | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | R000435 | ros-lehtinen.house.gov | legacy | Fourth Deadly and Unprovoked Attack on Camp Liberty Residents Underscores Need for Administration to Push Iraqi Government and the UN to Do More for their Protection, Says Ros-Lehtinen Miami, Florida – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement today following the latest deadly, unprovoked attack against Camp Liberty yesterday that killed two and left a number more in critical condition. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “This latest attack is the fourth of its kind on Camp Liberty this year, and those responsible must be swiftly brought to justice. For over a year now, I have urged the Administration to take immediate action to ensure that the residents of the camp are provided the safety and the security they were guaranteed in a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Iraq and the UN. Sadly, neither party has been willing to live up to its obligations and the vicious and unprovoked attacks continue, both on Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf. Both the UN and the Iraqi government must take the steps necessary to protect the residents of Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf until they can be safely relocated. This includes the installation of t-walls and other measures that can be done to make the Camps more secure. Last month I pressed Secretary Kerry to use the full leverage of the State Department and the Administration to press the Iraqi government's swift action on this installation, and will continue to do so until these residents are sufficiently protected." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366351 | Only a few serve U.S. in office and in uniform | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OH | Steve Stivers | S001187 | stivers.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — About two days out of every month, Rep. Brad Wenstrup gets a gut check when he leaves Capitol Hill for his other job: surgeon for the Army Reserve. share: f t WASHINGTON — About two days out of every month, Rep. Brad Wenstrup gets a gut check when he leaves Capitol Hill for his other job: surgeon for the Army Reserve. He travels the 12 miles to Bethesda, Md., where the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has treated servicemen and women since 2011, and he pitches in where he can. Sometimes, that means talking to residents; other times, it means helping in surgery. Because he serves two days a month, he can’t develop long-term relationships with patients. On Memorial Day, he had planned to enjoy a recess from his congressional duties. Then he got a call: Many casualties were coming in from Afghanistan, could he help? The Cincinnati Republican changed his plans, staying Friday and Saturday to help with sometimes complicated surgeries that required multiple surgeons. Wenstrup, 55, is a rarity, one of just 14 members of the U.S. House who still serve in the military through the Guard or Reserves. One senator also serves in the Reserves, according to the Congressional Research Service. And yet Wenstrup isn’t the only Ohio lawmaker who balances military and congressional duties. Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Upper Arlington, is a member of the Ohio National Guard. He graduated from the Army War College last year and drills one weekend a month plus two weeks in the summer. “It’s Congress that has the ultimate authority to decide whether to declare war,” Stivers said. “ So having someone who understands what that means, and what that means in a human price for all these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, is a good thing.” Others in Ohio’s congressional delegation also have served. House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, enlisted in the Navy in 1968 but was honorably discharged after eight weeks because of back problems, and Rep… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramers-first-bill-signed-by-president-obama | Cramer's First Bill Signed by President Obama | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | Kevin Cramer | C001096 | cramer.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama signed Congressman Kevin Cramer's first bill into law yesterday, December 26. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Streamlining Act, House Resolution 767, passed the House of Representatives on May 15 and the Senate on December 20. The bill will improve the efficiency of processing federal oil and natural gas permits in North Dakota while retaining all existing standards for approval. While the legislation first passed the Senate after being introduced by Senator Hoeven in the 112th Congress and again by Hoeven with Senator Heitkamp in the 113th Congress, it was never considered by the House until Cramer introduced it in the 113th Congress. “North Dakota will join other states in a streamlining pilot project to alleviate the increased workload of federal permit review,” said Cramer. “I am pleased the President accepted these modest improvements and am hopeful we can build on this achievement to find more common ground in the future.” Congressman Cramer is a member of the Natural Resources and Science, Space and Technology Committees, including the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Subcommittee on Energy of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-applauds-enactment-kelly-amendment-ban-funding-un-arms-trade-treaty | Rep. Kelly Applauds Enactment of Kelly Amendment to Ban Funding for UN Arms Trade Treaty | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | Amendment included in final NDAA bill signed by president WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today commending the signing of the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 which included his amendment to ban funding for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The Kelly amendment requires a one year ban on the use of funds by the Department of Defense to implement the ATT unless the treaty receives the advice and consent of the Senate and is the subject of implementing legislation, as required, by the Congress. The NDAA agreement was passed by the House on December 12, 2013, by 350-69; passed by the Senate on December, 19, 2013, by 85-14; and signed by President Obama on December 26, 2013. “As I and many others have long stated, the ATT is a clear threat to our national sovereignty and the Constitutional rights of all Americans and should never have been signed. I am therefore glad to say that a major victory has been achieved in the fight to make sure this dangerous treaty never affects the United States in any capacity. Earlier this month, the House and Senate acted in a bipartisan manner to affirm my amendment’s resistance to the treaty by including it in the NDAA’s final passage. Now that the NDAA has been signed by President Obama, the White House has joined Congress in taking a belated stand for American strength and sovereignty by making this crucial amendment the law of the land.” NOTE: Rep. Kelly is a national leader of the movement to stop the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). On March 15, 2013, he introduced H. Con. Res. 23, a bipartisan concurrent resolution expressing opposition to the treaty on behalf of members of Congress. The resolution currently has 149 co-sponsors in the House and 36 supporters in the Senate. On May 30, 2013, Rep. Kelly submitted a bipartisan letter with 130 co-signers from Congress to both President Obama and Secretary Kerry urging them to reject the treaty. He sent a similar bipartisan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364759 | Blaine's Bulletin: Preserving Your Privacy | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | MO | Blaine Luetkemeyer | L000569 | luetkemeyer.house.gov | legacy | As I reflect on 2013, one of the issues that seemed to be of great concern to the people of the 3rd District was the government’s ever-growing presence in the private lives of American citizens. And over the course of the last 12 months, I have sought to work on your behalf to protect your privacy form the prying eyes of government. share: f t As I reflect on 2013, one of the issues that seemed to be of great concern to the people of the 3rd District was the government’s ever-growing presence in the private lives of American citizens. And over the course of the last 12 months, I have sought to work on your behalf to protect your privacy form the prying eyes of government. The first test we faced came earlier this spring when I met personally with U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) Inspector General Patrick O’Carroll, Jr. That meeting confirmed there was a violation of normal agency protocol when the agency requested and received sensitive data for more than 100,000 Missouri driver’s licenses and concealed carry permits. The admission was a stark one and I appreciated the quick work of the Social Security Administration, especially after it was learned that the information provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the fall of 2011 was unreadable on the SSA investigator’s computer and the data was destroyed. It was not long after, however, that we faced another privacy challenge that resurfaced amidst a national scandal involving the Internal Revenue Service. In May, the IRS confessed that it was targeting conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status while rubberstamping similar requests from liberal groups. At the same time, it seemed clear to me the IRS was refusing to look at similar liberal groups like the Humane Society of the United States. For three years, the IRS had stonewalled my attempts to get to the bottom of constituent concerns that HSUS was involved in political and lobbying activities that were in direct violation of its 501… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-military-transition-telemedicine-amendment-signed-law | Thompson Military Transition Telemedicine Amendment Signed into Law | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Glenn Thompson | T000467 | thompson.house.gov | legacy | BELLEFONTE, Pa. – President Obama Thursday signed into law the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan measure, which recently passed the House by a vote of 350 to 69 and the Senate by a vote of 84 to 15, authorizes funding and sets policy for the U.S. Department of Defense. Thompson, who voted to support the bill, successfully included an amendment that will expand health care coverage through telemedicine for service members transitioning to civilian life. “I am very pleased that members of the House and Senate were able to find common ground and pass this important bill that offers critical support to the military, our service members and their families,” stated Rep. Thompson. Under the previous policy, service members and their families could utilize 180 days of health care coverage during the transition from military to civilian life through what is known as the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP). Thompson’s amendment is designed to protect individuals coping with Post-Traumatic Stress, which may not present symptoms in some cases until 8-10 months after leaving the military (see: here and here). The amendment extends TAMP coverage by an additional 180 days for all services rendered through telemedicine. “For those who are burdened by physical and psychological injuries as a result of their service in uniform, we must take every action to help them rebuild,” Thompson added. “This bill takes meaningful steps to improve the support we offer these brave men and women as they transition to civilian life, especially those coping with behavioral health injuries, while also making it easier to access care.” The amendment builds on Thompson’s 2011 STEP Act, now Public Law 112-81, Section 713, which expanded service member health care services and the use of telemedicine at the Department of Defense. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365109 | Arkansas Delegation Supports Disaster Assistance for State Following Snow and Ice Storms | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), along with U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman and Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), and Tom Cotton (AR-4), today sent letters to President Obama and FEMA Administrator Fugate supporting Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a disaster declaration following devastating snow and ice storms in the state. The full text of the letters can be found below: We are writing in support of Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a major disaster declaration for the following counties in Arkansas: Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Polk, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, and Van Buren. Beginning on December 5, 2013, and continuing through December 8, 2013, these counties experienced overwhelming amounts of snow and ice. The winter storms brought freezing rain and sleet that covered entire roadways and created hazardous conditions. The winter storms caused power outages for 62,000 electrical customers, contributed to the loss of one life, and left the affected communities overwhelmed with tremendous amounts of storm debris. Preliminary assessments indicate that the most severe impact was to roadways and public facilities. This year has been a particularly difficult year for Arkansans impacted by natural disasters, and Governor Beebe’s request is the fourth major disaster declaration request for Arkansas in 2013. The compounded nature of the disasters across the state makes recovery efforts particularly difficult. Arkansas is working tirelessly to mitigate loss and recover from the winter storm, but further assistance is needed. Pursuant to the provision of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, we ask that Arkansas receive a major disaster declaration for these counties due to the damage assessed. We would also like to specifically request Public Assistance (Categories A-G) for the counties listed above and Hazard Mit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=358dd626-a17f-443c-8953-f009ae9a18a0 | Wreaths Across America | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | It’s hard not to be in the Christmas spirit when you smell the cookies baking, see the neighborhoods twinkling with lights and find yourself humming the familiar holiday tunes. This season of giving illustrates that we have a lot for which to be thankful. During the rush of the season as we check off our long ‘to-do- list’ it can be easy to forget about the men and women who gave us the gift of freedom. To show appreciation for the people who selflessly sacrificed for our way of life, communities across the country are joining in a new Christmas tradition to pay tribute to these heroes by placing a wreath on the graves of fallen servicemembers and veterans. “Wreaths Across America” started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and continues to grow nationwide. Since 2008, Congress has recognized the second Saturday in December as “Wreaths Across America Day.” This is a great opportunity to show our gratitude to the men and women who proudly served our nation. I’m proud to support this tradition that honors our veterans, fallen troops and their families. These events in Arkansas and throughout the country are sponsored by individual and corporate donations and there is overwhelming support. This is a testament to the sacrifice of those who wore our nation’s uniform and demonstrates our appreciation for their courage, service and commitment to protecting our nation. It’s inspiring to join veterans, families and volunteers, to place the wreaths on the graves. For families, it can be especially difficult knowing that their loved ones can’t celebrate Christmas with them. These Christmas symbols transformed cemeteries across the state at the Little Rock, Fort Smith and Fayetteville National Cemeteries and the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro and the State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye into a truly inspiring holiday scene. We commemorated this tribute at the U.S. Capitol with a wreath dedicated to honor the sacrifice of our veterans and remember the men an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ccd5642e-829f-4b91-81ef-ff69a81ca47c | STATEMENT BY SENATOR McCAIN ON THE GOVERNOR OF OKINAWA’S DECISION TO SIGN LANDFILL PERMIT FOR FUTENMA REPLACEMENT FACILITY | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AZ | John McCain | M000303 | www.mccain.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the Governor of Okinawa's decision to sign the landfill permit for construction of the Futenma replacement facility at Camp Schwab-Henoko Bay in Okinawa: “Governor Nakaima's decision to sign the landfill permit is a major achievement for Okinawa, for Japan, and for the U.S.-Japan alliance – an achievement for which Prime Minister Abe and his Administration also deserve much credit. “After 17 years of hard work and setbacks, today's action paves the way for the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at Camp Schwab, the redeployment of U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and the broader realignment of U.S. forces on Okinawa and in the Asia-Pacific region. “It is all the more important now for the Congress and the U.S. Department of Defense to continue working together to ensure that the necessary military plans and force requirements are in place to carry out and sustain the realignment of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also essential, in this time of constrained resources and increased scrutiny on spending, that the cost estimates for this realignment be responsible and strictly adhered to over the years ahead. I was pleased to continue working with my colleagues in the Congress this year to make additional progress toward these goals in the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. “The U.S.-Japan alliance is the foundation of the enduring U.S. commitment to the peace, prosperity, and freedom of the Asia-Pacific region. The United States will continue to work with Japan and our other friends and allies to maintain a favorable balance of power in this vital region. I commend Governor Nakaima and Prime Minister Abe for bringing us one important step closer to achieving our mutual vision of regional security.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=9c3f1633-3315-4701-8b3b-4863fc292fc8 | New Opportunities, New Priorities in a New Year | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Senator John Thune As we reflect on the highs and lows of 2013, we begin to chart course for the start of a new year. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." While the partisan divides of Washington remain a barrier to stimulating the lagging economy and reining in federal spending, more can be done in the new year to solve short-term problems and achieve long-term goals that will keep America secure and financially stable. South Dakota ranchers and farmers are in urgent need of a new five-year Farm Bill. An unfinished Farm Bill creates uncertainty for agriculture producers, ag-related businesses, consumers, rural economies, and the stewardship of our land and water. Numerous western South Dakota ranchers were hard-hit by the early October snowstorm, many losing high percentages of their breeding herds as well as the current year’s calf crop. The passage of a five-year Farm Bill, including the livestock disaster programs, will provide critically important economic assistance to these producers. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Senate Agriculture Committee and members of the conference committee to ensure the passage of a defensible five-year Farm Bill. Congress needs to create incentives for good jobs through a pro-growth tax structure. Comprehensive tax reform can make American businesses more competitive in the global economy and can benefit families who are dealing with a growing and increasingly complex tax code. Tax reform can also help to address our ever-expanding budget deficit by unleashing economic activity that will ultimately raise federal tax receipts, even at lower tax rates. I will continue my work in the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee to fight for a tax structure that will create wealth and improve take-home pay for the people of our state and nation. The new year holds important opportunities for our men and women stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Air Force record of decision is expected to reach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=A5C4F809-604D-4C84-AF6E-F7890D13C378 | Dent Works to Protect Pennsylvania Children from the Presidents Health Care Law | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Charlie Dent | D000604 | dent.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15th) spearheaded an effort to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (PA CHIP) from the effect of President Obama’s Health Care Law. Rep. Dent organized a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking her to accede to Governor Corbett’s request that the Department work with him to help preserve the program. “The practical impact of the Health Care law has been to compel thousands of families with income levels between 100% and 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to lose their PA CHIP coverage and be forced into a comparatively substandard Medicaid program,” Rep. Dent stated. “CHIP in Pennsylvania is a clear success story,” said the Congressman. “It is lauded as a national model by other states and consistently receives extremely high marks in customer satisfaction surveys,” Dent noted. “Forcing people out of this program and into the comparatively substandard Medicaid program is yet another harmful impact of the President’s Health Care law.” Rep. Dent was joined by ten fellow Pennsylvania Republicans on the letter. Some of them, including Rep. Dent, voted to establish the PA CHIP law in 1992. Rep. Dent also voted to strengthen and enhance the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) at the federal level. “President Obama heard the outcry of millions of Americans who lost their coverage as a result of the health care law and was forced to act and grant them the ability to maintain existing coverage. I, and my fellow Representatives, want the same opportunity for the thousands of Pennsylvania families that have received superior care through PA CHIP,” Dent concluded. Currently, PA CHIP covers over 188,000 children. Contact: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-supports-plan-protect-volunteer-firefighters-and-emergency | Greg Walden supports plan to protect volunteer firefighters and emergency responders from health law mandate | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OR | Greg Walden | W000791 | walden.house.gov | legacy | Greg Walden supports plan to protect volunteer firefighters and emergency responders from health law mandate December 26, 2013 HOOD RIVER U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) announced today that he has signed on as a co-sponsor of a bill to exempt volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians from the employer mandate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act (H.R. 3685) was introduced in the U.S. House on December 10 with bipartisan support. Volunteer fire firefighters and emergency responders serve their communities every day to protect lives and property and keep their neighbors safe. Their units shouldn't be forced to choose between buying life-saving equipment and complying with IRS mandates under the new health care law. I'm co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to protect these volunteer units from Obamacare's mandate so they can focus on their mission: keeping Oregonians safe, Walden said. Hood River Fire Chief Devon Wellsapplauded Walden for his support. I believe it is critically important that emergency service agencies not be required to offer health insurance to their volunteer personnel. Most of those agencies do not have the financial resources to provide that type of benefit to their volunteers. Also, most volunteers have no expectation of receiving health insurance from their fire agency, Wells said. The financial impact this could have on volunteer agencies would be devastating, potentially reducing the number of volunteers and the level of service provided to the citizens they are sworn to protect. The bill that has been introduced to exempt volunteer emergency service workers from the ACA provides an opportunity for volunteer fire agencies to continue providing exceptional service without worrying about the loss of volunteers or financial difficulties. The IRSwhich is charged with enforcing many of the mandates contained in the new health care lawconsiders volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians working 30 hours… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-military-sexual-assault-provisions-signed-into-law/ | WALORSKI MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT PROVISIONS SIGNED INTO LAW | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IN | Jackie Walorski | W000813 | walorski.house.gov | legacy | Thursday, December 26, 2013 Freshman HASC Member Authors Measures in NDAA to Encourage Reporting MISHAWAKA, IN Earlier today President Obama signed bipartisan provisions into law, authored by Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, to extend whistleblower protections to military sexual assault victims as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year's defense bill contains historic provisions to combat the growing military sexual assault epidemic and create an environment for safe reporting. I am pleased to see these bipartisan measures signed into law to begin eradicating this horrific problem, said Walorski, a freshman member of the House Armed Services Committee. Walorski's military sexual assault provisions specifically designate reports of sexual assault as a form of communication under existing whistleblower protections. Her provisions also require an Inspector General investigation into allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken against victims who have reported alleged instances of rape, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual misconduct in the military. Earlier this year, H.R. 1864 was passed as a standalone bill in the House by a vote of 423-0. Companion legislation was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Claire McCaskill and included in both the House and Senate versions of the NDAA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202435/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2101 | Charleston Gazette: DOE: Gas to outpace coal by 2040 | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | Natural gas will overtake coal to provide the largest share of U.S. electrical power generation by 2040, according to the latest projections from the federal Department of Energy. Natural gas will produce about 35 percent of total U.S. generation, compared to 32 percent for coal, in 2040, according to the department's Energy Information Administration estimates. "Projected low prices for natural gas make it a very attractive fuel for new generating capacity," the agency said in a preview of its 2014 Annual Energy Outlook. "In some areas, natural gas-fired generation replaces generation formerly supplied by coal and nuclear." Just last year, the EIA had projected coal to maintain its dominance over natural gas, with 35 percent of generation in 2040, compared to 30 percent for natural gas. To read entire article, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/a-special-holiday-message | A Special Holiday Message | 2013-12-25 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, On behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, Merry Christmas and best wishes to your family in the coming New Year! Please keep our service members and their families in your thoughts and prayers as you gather with loved ones in the coming weeks. They’re serving our nation far away from their families and in harm’s way. They put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and for this we're especially grateful. Please click here to watch my holiday messageAs always, you can follow everything I'm working on in California and Washington, DC, through my website https://cook.house.gov/, on Twitter @RepPaulCook, and through Facebook at Congressman Paul Cook. Happy Holidays, | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366428 | The Laker/Lutz News: Mobile Office Hours for Rep. Ross | 2013-12-25 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Dennis Ross | R000593 | dennisross.house.gov | legacy | The Laker/Lutz News: Mobile Office Hours for Rep. Ross f t # e Florida, December 25, 2013 The Laker'Lutz News MOBILE OFFICE HOURS FOR REP. ROSS December 25, 2013 By Mary RathmanU.S. Rep. Dennis Ross’s staff will host mobile office hours across Florida’s 15th Congressional District with a stop at the Lutz Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road on Jan. 14 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The staff will be on hand to assist with questions on seniors’ Social Security and disability, veterans’ VA claims and military service problems, students’ financial aid, small business loan applications, and taxpayers’ tax problems. For information, call (813) 752-4790. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/blog/?postid=365087 | Merry Christmas! | 2013-12-25 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends,As we celebrate Christmas, close out 2013, and look toward the New Year, I feel it’s appropriate to reflect on the blessings the year has brought. We live in the greatest country the world has ever known. And though we’ve been through a lot of tough times – wars, civil unrest, economic turbulence, acts of nature, acts of man – we’ve always landed on our feet. That’s what great countries do. That’s what Americans do. And I’m blessed with the comfort of knowing that, even in the times of uncertainty we face today, we will do so yet again. America faces many challenges. But the greatest challenge we face is leaving our country better than we found it so our children and grandchildren – like my new grandson, Kaden – can live the American dream, too. As we fight to restore fiscal responsibility and government accountability in Washington, I could not be more grateful to represent you and the people of Arkansas’s Third District. I look forward to serving you as we work toward getting America back on track and preserving our great nation for our children and grandchildren. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and blessed 2014. Congressman Steve Womack Arkansas Third District | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365091 | <span class="kicker">Trentonian Page 1</span>'Plainsboro mother seeks help from Congress to bring her kidnapped sons home' | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | By Sherrina Navani, The Trentonian - All Bindu Philips wants for Christmas are her two young sons back, and thanks to a new bill passed by the House of Representatives, she may be closer than ever to getting her wish granted. Members of the House voted unanimously, in early December, to pass a bill to help bring home American children abducted to overseas destinations. The legislation, dubbed, the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2013, will help left behind parents of American children abducted to India, Japan, Egypt, India, Brazil, Russia, England and other countries where most are forced to live overseas and never return, according to Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) — the author of the legislation and chairman of the House congressional panel which oversees human rights. Not all countries have signed The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the standing international treaty which addresses parental abductions via the justice system. The treaty provides for the quick return of abducted children, and access rights to both parents. Sadly, even Hague signatories, like Brazil, often don’t enforce its provisions. “What we are asking the State Department to do with this bill, is to start accounting for all the children who have been abducted to other countries,” said Jeff Sagnip, District Director for Smith, noting the State Department would be required to issue an annual report. “If this bill is passed, it cannot force abducting parents who have already taken their children to other countries, to bring them back, however it will start taking account of the thousands of U.S. children who are taken and held overseas. Also, local congressional leaders will become aware of all the children who are being kidnapped from their districts; it will help keep our government’s attention on the cases and work to bring them home.” The Plainsboro township mother, Philips, has not seen her five-year-old twin sons, Albert Philip Jacob and Alfred Willia… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365153 | Christmas Thanks and Hope for the New Year | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | MI | Fred Upton | U000031 | upton.house.gov | legacy | As we celebrate the season’s holidays, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives and say thank you to all those who make them a bit easier and a lot safer. In particular, I hope everyone will take a few minutes to think of the brave men and women in our armed services, especially those serving in hot spots around the globe, who help keep the peace and allow us to be safe during these troubled times. I want us to remember, too, their families, especially those living near us, who can’t be with their loved ones for Christmas. It’s my wish that all of us will let them know how much we appreciate the work they do to keep the home fires burning. And how grateful we are of the work these courageous service men and women do. We thank them for their work and sacrifice. I am so proud of them all. There are so many folks to thank for their work, from the cop walking the beat, to the bus driver who delivers passengers safely to their destinations, to the teacher who opens up a new world to a child as he or she masters a new skill. Even the barista at the coffee shop deserves an extra smile and thanks – that cup of joe may be the little extra boost that keeps you alert as you drive the family to the next Christmas gathering. Amidst all the hoopla, it can be challenging for some of us who have lost someone dear to our hearts. I can only hope that you find a moment of solace, a moment when something sparks a reminder of those earlier happy times and you can smile. Amey and I extend our best wishes to you and your loved ones and pray that the spirit of the season brings joy and happiness to your heart now and throughout the new year. May God bless us all. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-introduces-bill-to-repeal-aca-if-enrollment-numbers-are-not-met | YOHO INTRODUCES BILL TO REPEAL ACA IF ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE NOT MET | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Ted Yoho | Y000065 | yoho.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Yoho has introduced legislation to hold the Obama Administration accountable to the enrollment goals they set for the Affordable Care Act. According to estimates put out by the Congressional Budget Office, seven million people need to be enrolled in the healthcare exchanges by the end of the 2014 open enrollment period. The costs of insurance plans can be expected to increase if this figure is not hit, further burdening the American taxpayer. In order to hold the Administration accountable to these enrollment numbers, Congressman Yoho has introduced H.R. 3784, the Nullifying the Unconstitutional Mandate By Evaluating Results (NUMBER) Act. This legislation fully repeals the healthcare law if seven million people are not enrolled in the exchanges by March 31st. Congressman Yoho was joined by Reps. Bridenstine (OK), Duncan (SC), Franks (AZ), Graves (GA), Hall (TX), Hudson (NC), Hultgren (IL), Jones (NC), LaMalfa (CA), Massie (KY), Messer (IN), Pittenger (NC), Rice (SC), Salmon (AZ), Scott (GA), Stockman (TX), Weber (TX), Westmoreland (GA), and Wilson (SC). Upon introduction Congressman Yoho said, “The Obama Administration likes to claim that this healthcare law is hugely popular and is wanted by the American people. I disagree. If the Administration can’t even make their own target numbers then the American taxpayer should not be further burdened by this terrible law. This commonsense bill simply holds the Administration accountable to those numbers, and if they are not met the Affordable Care Act is fully repealed.” Congressman Yoho is also a cosponsor of H.R. 2300 and H.R. 3121, two alternative proposals to the Affordable Care Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365088 | South Sudan Fighting Endangers Many | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | The expanding fighting in the Republic of South Sudan has killed more than 500 people in recent days and injured four U.S. military personnel who were evacuating Americans and other foreigners from the country. The conflict endangers not only citizens of that country but threatens to negatively impact the country’s neighbors and the international community, said Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations. “Already more than 500 people are reported dead,” said Smith. “More could be killed or injured, and not only in South Sudan—the conflict may spread, threatening people in neighboring countries. The escalating fighting in South Sudan could likely lead to more terrorist activities in an already-volatile region. The Administration’s call for a Christmas season cease-fire must be augmented by intense diplomacy with both sides.” South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, borders countries already troubled with terrorist activity by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and various Islamic radical and other militia groups in the Central African Republic, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Analysts fear that a South Sudan distracted and divided by civil war would provide an easier operating ground for terrorist groups. The LRA terrorist group, notorious for kidnapping children and forcing them to serve as child soldiers, still operates in the region and poses a danger to the lives of civilians in all four countries. Meanwhile, Islamic radicals have infiltrated countries in the region, most notably Somalia, but also Ethiopia and even Uganda. An unstable South Sudan will only further empower them by providing the kind of chaos in which the radicals thrive. The entire Sahel region of north-central Africa has been targeted, with Mali having been torn apart by their violent activities and nations such as Niger, Chad and Central African Republic continuing to be adversely affected by their militant and terr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://duffy.house.gov/press-release/hunger-homelessness-summit-focuses-on-awareness | Hunger & Homelessness Summit Focuses on Awareness | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Wausau, WI – More than 100 registered participants joined U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy (WI-07) for his first Hunger & Homelessness Summit held in Wausau this past Wednesday. The daylong summit brought together volunteers and representatives from dozens of organizations from across the 7th Congressional District. The event included several panel discussions, a keynote address from Steve Berg from the National Alliance to End Homelessness and concluded with a “bright spots” session that challenged participants to implement a takeaway from the event. In his opening remarks to the attendees, Rep. Duffy offered: “My team and I wanted to do what we could to try to make a difference with those who have fallen on hard times and make sure we can collaborate together on community resources. Also collaborate on the Federal and state side to make sure resources don’t just flow to the urban parts of the country but can actually come to the parts of the country that have real problems but don’t have huge staffs to cut through the red-tape.” Offering his thoughts on the summit, Rep. Duffy said, “We found that by reaching out to each other and building a coalition within our community we can be more effective in our efforts to serve the neediest in our area.” Rep. Duffy’s office plans to post the entire summit on YouTube. Click here to watch and check back for updates from the daylong event. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365063 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.23.13 | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Faith and Action People of faith often take bold action. The Christmas season is a time to both notice and highlight the large and small acts of faith that make a difference in this world. I can only note a few, as there are too many such actions to note them all. One of those taking bold action this year is Congressman Frank Wolf (VA-10), who has announced that he will be retiring after having served in the House of Representatives for 17 terms. Frank has worked hard throughout the years to advance justice, human rights, and religious freedom. He went on a secret mission to Tibet in 1997, traveling not as a Congressman but as a tourist with a home video camera. After returning to the United States, Frank said Tibetans were living “…under unspeakably brutal conditions in the dim shadow of international awareness. I want the world to know what is going on in Tibet.” He has continued this work in numerous ways. Frank has traveled throughout Asia and the Middle East advocating for religious minorities such as Coptic Christians, and also has persistently pushed to uncover the truth about the 2012 attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Frank is a diligent and tireless advocate for those who may otherwise be passed by. I wish the best to Frank as he continues working on the issues important to him and to his family as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Reverend Ralph Shelba Horton was another man of deep faith, and I was saddened to learn of his December 19 passing. Reverend Horton served the Lord as Senior Pastor of the Richlands Tabernacle since 1971, but he looked for opportunities outside of his own backyard to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man of God and a friend to many, and his influence went well beyond Tazewell County. To paraphrase a friend of mine, “Who knows how many souls are in heaven because of the work of Reverend Horton.” My thoughts and prayers to Reverend Horton’s loved ones at this time. But not all people of faith have 700,000 constituents or a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365076 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of January. In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect. January 3, 2014 Martinsville: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm NCI Room 106 – Classroom Building 30 Franklin Street Martinsville, VA Lee County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Lee County Sheriff’s Office Conference Room – Suite U101 33640 Main Street Jonesville, VA Norton: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Norton City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA January 8, 2014 Radford: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Radford Public Library Meeting Room 30 West Main Street Radford, VA Pulaski County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Pulaski County Library Meeting Room 60 3rd Street NW Pulaski, VA January 9, 2014 Grayson County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Grayson County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room – Suite 206 129 Davis Street Independence, VA Russell County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center 141 Highland Drive Lebanon, VA Tazewell County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bluefield Town Hall – Council Chambers 112 Huffard Drive Bluefield, VA Galax: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Galax Municipal Building Conference Room 111 E. Main Street Galax, VA January 14, 2014 Giles County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pearisburg Town Hall 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA Salem: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Salem Library 28 East Main Street Salem, VA January 15, 2014 Henry County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bassett Historical Society 3964 Fairystone Parkway Bassett, VA Bland County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bland County Courthouse Admin. Office Room 2 612 Main Street Bland, VA Wythe County: 2:00 pm – 4:0… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-12-23-13 | Rokita Report 12-23-13 | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IN | Todd Rokita | R000592 | rokita.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well. For daily updates, please take a moment to "Like" my Facebook page by clicking here or follow me on Twitter if you prefer @ToddRokita. In this week's Rokita Report Putting Children First - Visit to Indiana Math& Science Academy Listening to Business, Fighting Red Tape - Indiana Motor Truck Association Engaging the Next Generation on our Debt - Harvard Institute of Politics ObamaCare - Lie of the Year - Sunday Interview on Fox News Putting Children First - My Visit to the Indiana Math& Science Academy In my role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, I visit schools throughout Indiana. This Thursday, I visited with students and teachers at the Indiana Math& Science Academy (IMSA) - North. The IMSA charter schools are free K-12 college prep schools that focus on math, science, and technology - the very subjects and skill sets that will be required of our students in the global marketplace they will be entering. IMSA is practicing many of the same tenets that drove the Student Success Act - the No Child Left Behind rewrite that I introduced and led to passage in the House earlier this year as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. The Student Success Act prioritizes the success of students by putting those closest to the children in direct guidance of their education - parents, teachers, and local communities - not Washington bureaucrats. Innovative education models that prioritize each student's unique learning style are leading the way to a brighter future for our young Hoosier students. I look forward to more school visits throughout 2014. Listening to Business, Fighting Red Tape - Indiana Motor Truck Association Directors' Meeting On Tuesday, I was the guest speaker for the Indiana Motor Truck Association Board of Directors' Meeting. I updated… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/la-decisi%C3%B3n-de-la-administraci%C3%B3n-de-no-a%C3%B1adir-nuevos-nombres-de-violadores-de-derechos | La Decisión de la Administración de no Añadir Nuevos Nombres de Violadores de Derechos Humanos Rusos es un Grave Error y una Concesión Para Vladimir Putin | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | R000435 | ros-lehtinen.house.gov | legacy | La Decisión de la Administración de no Añadir Nuevos Nombres de Violadores de Derechos Humanos Rusos es un Grave Error y una Concesión Para Vladimir Putin “Insto a la Administración a priorizar los derechos humanos no solamente en Rusia, sino en cualquier lugar donde el estado priva a sus ciudadanos de sus libertades básicas y sus derechos humanos.” (WASHINGTON) – La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Presidenta del Subcomité del Medio Oriente y África del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaración sobre reportes que la Administración de Obama no añadirá nuevos nombres a la lista de funcionarios rusos culpables de violar derechos humanos quienes pueden ser sancionados bajo la Ley de Responsabilidad y Estado de Derecho Sergei Magnitsky. Destacó Ros-Lehtinen: “Estoy decepcionada y confundida con la decisión de la Administración, de acuerdo a informes, de no incluir nuevos nombres a la lista de funcionarios rusos culpables de violar derechos humanos quienes pueden ser sancionados bajo la ley norteamericana. Esto es un error grave que representa una concesión para Putin y un golpe decepcionante para los defensores de los derechos humanos en Rusia cuyas libertades democráticas cada vez son más limitadas por el estado policíaco de Putin. “Debemos hacer todo lo posible para proteger los derechos humanos bajo la ‘Ley de Responsabilidad y Estado de Derecho Sergei Magnitsky,’ nombrada por el abogado ruso cuyas valientes investigaciones sobre la corrupción en el gobierno le llevaron a la cárcel donde murió después de haber sido torturado. Debemos urnirnos en solidaridad y apoyar a quienes quiere silenciar el gobierno de Putin. Insto a la Administración a priorizar los derechos humanos no solamente en Rusia, sino en cualquier lugar donde el estado priva a sus ciudadanos de sus libertades básicas y sus derechos humanos.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=87f7d346-9d51-45ae-bc3e-2036ff0e74a3 | Murkowski’s Advocacy Helps Reap Secure Rural Schools Payments “Holiday Gift” | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AK | Lisa Murkowski | M001153 | www.murkowski.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.13 Murkowski’s Advocacy Helps Reap Secure Rural Schools Payments “Holiday Gift” Administration: Next Round of Payments Will Not Be Reduced Senator Lisa Murkowski today commended the Administration for its decision to not reduce the next round of payments to be made to Southeast Alaska timber communities under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Earlier this year, Senator Murkowski was sharply critical of the Forest Service's decision to apply the automatic, across-the-board federal budget cuts commonly known as “sequestration,” to Secure Rural Schools payments that had previously been made for 2013. Alaska was asked to return the 5.1 percent of the timber payments received earlier this year to the U.S. Treasury. Secure Rural Schools requires the Forest Service to make payments to communities impacted by the severe decline in timber receipts from national forest lands. Communities that once had thriving timber industries now depend on the funds to pay for schools, emergency services and other local services. Funding for the next year of the program was provided in the High Technology Jobs Preservation Act, a bill sponsored and shepherded through the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Senate by Senator Murkowski. “While it would be preferable for the Forest Service to actively manage our forests so that our communities are not dependent on these payments,” Murkowski said. “The news that the 2014 payments will not be reduced by sequestration is a holiday gift." The Forest Service manages more than 22 million acres of national forest lands in Alaska, including nearly all of the land in Southeast. Print Email Tweet | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140110164209/http://www.grassley.senate.gov:80/news/Article.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1502=47871 | Grassley to Kick Off 99-County Tour | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley will begin holding meetings with Iowans in every county again next year with meetings in Floyd and Chickasaw counties on Friday, Jan. 3.“Representative government is a two-way street, and it’s strengthened by dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent,” Grassley said. “I look forward to events and meetings where I listen to comments, hear concerns and respond directly to questions. I’m committed to keeping in touch with Iowans.” Grassley has held at least one meeting with Iowans in each of the state’s 99 counties every year since he was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980. Grassley will be available for 15 minutes before the meeting at Nashua-Plainfield High School and 15 minutes after the meeting at Mitas Tires to answer questions from local reporters. Otherwise, members of the media should contact the individual host about each event, as Grassley is a guest of each organization. Here are the details of Grassley’s schedule for Friday, Jan. 3: 12:45-1:45 p.m. Q&A with students at Nashua-Plainfield High School 612 Greeley Street Nashua *The press availability from 12:30-12:45 p.m. will be in the main office. 2:15-3:15 p.m. Tour and Q&A with employees at Mitas Tires North America, Inc. 1200 Rove Avenue Charles City *The press availability from 3:15-3:30 p.m. will be in the conference room. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234305/http://southerland.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6E9A911A-C461-4D91-BCA1-0E09AEDEFF27 | A Christmas Message from Steve Southerland | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Steve Southerland | S001186 | web.archive.org | legacy | As we gather with our loved ones and reflect upon our personal blessings this Christmas holiday season, let us be mindful of those who are less fortunate. In reflection of the true Christmas spirit, please join me in reaffirming our commitment to those who are in need in our community and offering a special prayer for them this Christmas. Also as we celebrate and move into the New Year, we must not forget the American heroes who have been separated from their own families as they protect our freedoms overseas. I pray God blesses you with a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Sincerely, Steve Southerland, II | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221043045/http://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/Article.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1502=47867 | Grassley Joins Effort to Stop OSHA's Illegal Regulatory Actions | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON- Sen. Chuck Grassley has joined 42 other senators in requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to stop unlawful regulations on small family farms. Since 1976, Congress has exempted small, family-run farms with 10 or fewer employees from OSHA regulations. However, in a 2011 memo, OSHA asserted that on-farm grain storage and handling was not part of farm operations. By viewing grain storage as distinct from the farming operation, the senators’ request said OSHA is creating an artificial distinction that would subject virtually every farm to OSHA regulations without allowing for congressional review and public comment, and in defiance of the law. “OSHA is overstepping its bounds here,” Grassley said. “Grain storage is an essential part of farming. The federal government is expanding its reach to include farms that should be exempt, and is doing so despite the clear intent of Congress.” The request from senators was made in a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, who oversees OSHA, as well as to OSHA, asking that OSHA update guidance correcting its misinterpretation of the law. This bipartisan effort is led by Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.). The letter also was signed by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Jeanne … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221064602/http://woodall.house.gov/event/gwinnett-town-hall-meeting-1 | Gwinnett Town Hall Meeting | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | GA | Rob Woodall | W000810 | web.archive.org | legacy | Please join me for a Town Hall Meeting in the Council Chambers of the Suwanee City Hall on January 23rd. Thursday, January 23, 2014 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Suwanee City Hall Council Chambers 330 Town Center Avenue Suwanee, Georgia 30024 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221065609/http://woodall.house.gov/event/forsyth-town-hall-meeting-3 | Forsyth Town Hall Meeting | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | GA | Rob Woodall | W000810 | web.archive.org | legacy | Please join me for a Town Hall Meeting at the Forsyth County Administration Building on January 21st. Tuesday, January 21, 2014 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Forsyth County Administration Building Commissioners Meeting Room Suite 220 110 East Main Street Cumming, Georgia 30040 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084855/http://black.house.gov/press-release/case-you-missed-it-hiding-hacking-healthcaregov | In Case You Missed It: Hiding the Hacking at Healthcare.gov | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diane Black | B001273 | web.archive.org | legacy | In Case You Missed It: Hiding the Hacking at Healthcare.gov by John Fund Christmas shoppers were stunned to learn last Thursday that computer hackers had made off with the names and other personal info of some 40 million Target customers. Some of the pilfered information is reportedly being sold on the black market, prompting JP Morgan Chase to limit purchases and cash withdrawals on debit cards owned by recent Target shoppers. But at least Target informed its customers of the security breach, as it is required by federal law to do. HealthCare.gov faces no such requirement; it need never notify customers that their personal information has been hacked or possibly compromised. The Department of Health and Human Services was specifically asked to include a notification requirement in the rules it designed for the health-care exchanges, but HHS declined. The Federal Register tells the tale about what happened on March 27, 2012, at a meeting on the issue. At that meeting, two commenters asked HHS to ensure the exchanges would promptly notify affected enrollees in the event of a data breach or unauthorized access to the exchange’s databases. One commenter suggested that a full investigation be launched each time such a breach occurred, with the goal of holding hackers legally and financially accountable for breaking into the website. According to a report by the group Watchdog.org, HHS responded: “We do not plan to include the specific notification procedures in the final rule. Consistent with this approach, we do not include specific policies for investigation of data breaches in this final rule.” In other words, the government doesn’t have to tell you about a security breach unless it decides it wants to — despite the fact that private companies are required to publicly disclose any incidents. State laws also require many of the 14 state-run insurance exchanges to disclose such information, but no such law exists for the federally run exchange, which 36 states rely upon. The Watchdog report notes that it’s throug… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202248/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2097 | Dominion Post: Fed law may threaten VFDs | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | FAIRMONT — Area volunteer firefighters gathered around a table with Rep. David McKinley Thursday to ponder a federal health care measure that — they said — could close volunteer fire departments across the state and nation. McKinley, R-W.Va., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., are helping lead the charge to change the law — with the support of the rest of the state’s Congressional delegation. Tom Miller, with the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) holds positions in the National Volunteer Fire Council and the West Virginia State Fireman’s Association and explained the problem. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has an “employer mandate” requiring companies that employ 50 or more Full Time Equivalent workers (more than 30 hours per week) to offer health care coverage. Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told members of Congress and others that the mandate wouldn’t apply to VFDs, he said, the Internal Revenue Service general counsel has said it will — even though the firefighters aren’t paid. “They don’t understand we have to hold boot drives and hot dog sales and car washes to keep the lights on,” Miller said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140228094446/http://meadows.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=490 | Meadows Introduces Legislation Authorizing Park Service Payments to Swain County | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NC | Mark Meadows | M001187 | web.archive.org | legacy | Location Image Map URL Washington D.C. Office Washington D.C. Office 1516 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6401 Fax: (202) 226-6422 Hours: M-F, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM http://goo.gl/maps/bmdwE Avery County Office Avery County Office Avery County Sheriff's Office 300 Shultz Circle Newland, NC 28657 2nd Thursday of each month 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM http://goo.gl/maps/aWlVv Buncombe County Office Buncombe County Office Skyland Fire Department 9 Miller Road Asheville, NC 28776 1st Tuesday of each month 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM http://goo.gl/maps/E92EQ Burke County Office Burke County Office Morganton City Hall 305 East Union Street, Suite A100 Morganton, NC 28655 2nd Thursday of each month 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM http://goo.gl/maps/b4EFo Caldwell County Office Caldwell County Office Health and Human Services Bldg. 2345 Morganton Blvd. Lenoir, NC 28645 Phone: (828) 426-8701 Hours: M-F, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM http://goo.gl/maps/15e5n Cherokee County Office Cherokee County Office Cherokee County Courthouse 107 Peachtree Street Murphy, NC 28906 Phone: (828) 835-4959 3rd Tuesday of each month 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM http://goo.gl/maps/JT3GE Clay County Office Clay County Office Clay County Courthouse 261 Courthouse Drive Paul Jordan Conference Room Hayesville, NC 28904 3rd Tuesday of each month 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM http://goo.gl/maps/Yzu2l Graham County Office Graham County Office Graham County Courthouse 12 N. Main Street Robbinsville, NC 28771 2nd Tuesday of each month 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM http://goo.gl/maps/Cu7ux Haywoo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140307024611/http://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=098b4bab-73df-4565-aed7-1897194cb8ee | Alexander: Obamacare “Delivering an Unwelcome Christmas Present to Tennesseans” | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | web.archive.org | legacy | December 23 2013 - Says 82,000 Tennesseans are on track to lose individual insurance because “plans have been outlawed,” many others to see increasing costs under Obamacare *** “Between putting many health insurance plans on the naughty list, and increasing health insurance costs for many families, Obamacare’s mandates are delivering an unwelcome Christmas present to Tennesseans.” – Lamar Alexander MARYVILLE, Dec. 24 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the senior Republican on the Senate health committee, today said that at least 82,000 Tennesseans are on track to lose their individual health insurance Jan. 1, one of the many ways that the “historic mistake” of Obamacare is reducing choices and driving up insurance costs over the holiday season. “At least 82,000 Tennesseans will begin to lose their individual health insurance policies starting Jan. 1 because their plans have been outlawed under Obamacare,” Alexander said. “Between putting many health insurance plans on the naughty list, and increasing health insurance costs for many families, Obamacare’s mandates are delivering an unwelcome Christmas present to Tennesseans.” Alexander outlined several ways that Obamacare has led to fewer choices and higher costs for Tennesseans. The Obama administration recently acknowledged this by announcing that it would allow Americans unable to replace their canceled health care plans to instead purchase “catastrophic” coverage. Alexander said of that Dec. 19 announcement, “Republicans have suggested that to provide health coverage for more Americans, everyone should have the opportunity to buy affordable catastrophic insurance as part of a private-sector plan to create more competition, offer more choices, and lower costs. This is a completely different approach and would have been a better path than Obamacare. It was suggested by Republicans – and ridiculed by the president – at the 2010 White House health care summit.” The 82,000 Tennesseans who will begin to lose their individual health insurance plans starting … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.enzi.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a39393c3-9003-4911-93a8-ff7e0af08e90 | Senators: Congress should honor commitment to rural communities through PILT funding | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WY | Michael Enzi | E000285 | www.enzi.senate.gov | legacy | Where there’s federal land, rural and local communities must provide government services despite being unable to obtain property tax revenue from land owned by the federal government. To offset this loss in revenue, Congress should continue annually appropriating Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds to offset the cost of providing services related to public safety, housing, social services, transportation and the environment. That was the message of U.S. Senators Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) who sent a letter today to the chairs and ranking members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Interior subcommittee calling on them to fully support and fund the PILT program. In the letter, the senators highlighted how the program provides critical funding to nearly 1,900 counties in 49 states and 3 U.S. territories to help offset losses to local governments from the presence of non-taxable federal lands. Without that funding, counties across the nation would experience incredible economic hardship, according to the senators. “As you know, property taxes fund county governments allowing them to provide essential services such as law enforcement, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, education, and health services for local communities. A fully funded PILT program helps to offset the loss of these important revenues and fulfill the federal governments’ obligation to local communities with large amounts of federal land,” the senators wrote. Enzi and Udall also have concerns with the federal government trying to use a “rob Peter to pay Paul” scheme when it comes to compensating counties. Local communities should be paid what they are owed and that funding should not come at the expense of other compensation those communities receive, according to the senators. Annual PILT payments are computed by the Department of the Interior based on the number of acres of federal entitlement land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction. The lands include the Natio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.enzi.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e2c8e7fe-9af2-4ea4-87eb-061093929ef1 | Enzi: Where has the year gone? | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WY | Michael Enzi | E000285 | www.enzi.senate.gov | legacy | In a recently recorded video, U.S Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., reflected on the past year and how he’s reminded of all the special moments he and his wife Diana spent with family and friends. Click the picture above to watch a special end-of-the-year message from Senator and Diana Enzi. The full transcript from the video is included below. “We’re now at the end of the year, and looking back over the past, oh, 12 months or so, we are reminded of the special moments we’ve shared with family and friends. Each one will serve as an instant replay memory we will look back on for years to come. “Yes, it’s that time of year – and we shouldn’t be surprised. It’s taken almost 12 months to get here and the signs of the season are everywhere. Snow, smiling faces and the ultimate proof – the store windows in Gillette, Cheyenne, and Casper and all around Wyoming -- are dressed up in their holiday best. This is the time of year when we’re all shopping and preparing to celebrate the coming days with friends and family. “This is also the time of year when children of all ages are preparing their lists. Diana and I are making a list, too, of some of the things for which we’re most grateful. It’s one of our family traditions -- something you never outgrow. “So -- here’s our list of just a few of the ways we have been blessed this year-- “By our veterans and those who currently serve in our armed forces – thanks to them, our freedoms will continue to be protected and preserved. We owe them all a great debt for what they have always done to ensure that our American way of life will always be ours to enjoy. God bless and be with them all as they spend their holiday far away from home and family and friends. We pray that when they have completed their service God will bring them all safely home again. “By those who serve every day on our volunteer fire departments and our emergency and rescue personnel -- they have a very difficult and dangerous job to do and we appreciate the peace of mind they bring to all of us ev… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-joins-effort-stop-oshas-illegal-regulatory-actions | Grassley Joins Effort to Stop OSHA's Illegal Regulatory Actions | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- Sen. Chuck Grassley has joined 42 other senators in requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to stop unlawful regulations on small family farms. Since 1976, Congress has exempted small, family-run farms with 10 or fewer employees from OSHA regulations. However, in a 2011 memo, OSHA asserted that on-farm grain storage and handling was not part of farm operations. By viewing grain storage as distinct from the farming operation, the senators' request said OSHA is creating an artificial distinction that would subject virtually every farm to OSHA regulations without allowing for congressional review and public comment, and in defiance of the law. OSHA is overstepping its bounds here, Grassley said. Grain storage is an essential part of farming. The federal government is expanding its reach to include farms that should be exempt, and is doing so despite the clear intent of Congress. The request from senators was made in a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, who oversees OSHA, as well as to OSHA, asking that OSHA update guidance correcting its misinterpretation of the law. This bipartisan effort is led by Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.). The letter also was signed by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Rich… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-kick-99-county-tour | Grassley to Kick Off 99-County Tour | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley will begin holding meetings with Iowans in every county again next year with meetings in Floyd and Chickasaw counties on Friday, Jan. 3. Representative government is a two-way street, and it's strengthened by dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent, Grassley said. I look forward to events and meetings where I listen to comments, hear concerns and respond directly to questions. I'm committed to keeping in touch with Iowans. Grassley has held at least one meeting with Iowans in each of the state's 99 counties every year since he was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980. Grassley will be available for 15 minutes before the meeting at Nashua-Plainfield High School and 15 minutes after the meeting at Mitas Tires to answer questions from local reporters. Otherwise, members of the media should contact the individual host about each event, as Grassley is a guest of each organization. Here are the details of Grassley's schedule for Friday, Jan. 3: 12:45-1:45 p.m. Q&A with students at Nashua-Plainfield High School 612 Greeley Street Nashua *The press availability from 12:30-12:45 p.m. will be in the main office. 2:15-3:15 p.m. Tour and Q&A with employees at Mitas Tires North America, Inc. 1200 Rove Avenue Charles City *The press availability from 3:15-3:30 p.m. will be in the conference room. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-heitkamp-cramer-urge-federal-agencies-to-quickly-review-proposals-for-highway-expansion-project-between-williston-and-watford-city | Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer Urge Federal Agencies to Quickly Review Proposals for Highway Expansion Project Between Williston and Watford City | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | John Hoeven | H001061 | www.hoeven.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.13 Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer Urge Federal Agencies to Quickly Review Proposals for Highway Expansion Project Between Williston and Watford City WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, as well as Congressman Kevin Cramer urged federal agencies to review in a timely manner state proposals to expand US-85 highway between Williston and Watford City from two lanes to four lanes. The federal delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) encouraging the agencies to approve the highway expansion project. The project aims to make the road safer for travelers after expanded energy development of the Bakken formation has led to increased traffic on the highway and heightened public safety concerns. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has committed more than $300 million to expand US-85, however, if the federal agencies do not approve the NDDOT's proposals in a timely fashion, the project may be delayed, putting more drivers at risk. The expansion of US-85 is essential for the safety of all North Dakotans, said the delegation. Each day, workers and local residents must share the already heavily congested road with large, commercial trucks carrying materials to and from oil fields. In order to make the road safer, it is critical that the expansion of US-85 highway is completed on time, which requires responsiveness from the federal agencies reviewing the project. We strongly urge the USACE, USCG and USFWS to review the NDDOT's proposals within a suitable timeframe so that North Dakotans soon complete this expansion project. A full copy of the letter sent from the delegation follows: Dear Commander Cross, Administrator Weibusch, Mr. Cimarosti and Mr. Towner; As federal partners involved in the approval of plans for a four lane widening of US-85 from Williston to Watford City, North Dakota, we write to urge a timely review of both the Environmental Assessment and Biologi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=016a31a1-2028-41e6-af60-f56911edc0e4 | McCAIN APPLAUDS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE QUIET TECHNOLOGY AIRCRAFT AT GRAND CANYON | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AZ | John McCain | M000303 | www.mccain.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on new incentives at Grand Canyon National Park to promote the use of quiet technology air tour aircraft: “I applaud the Park Service for creating this new initiative to encourage the use of quiet-technology aircraft at Grand Canyon National Park. This is the first step toward meeting the requirement set by Congress to convert all aircraft at the Park to quiet technology in a way that protects tourism jobs and allows all visitors to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. I’m hopeful the Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration will soon implement more meaningful initiatives already under development, including improving access to popular flight corridors for quieter aircraft.” According to a notice issued by the National Park Service, air tour fees will be reduced from $25 to $20 per flight for flights conducted using quiet technology aircraft. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowskis-advocacy-helps-reap-secure-rural-schools-payments-holiday-gift | Murkowskis Advocacy Helps Reap Secure Rural Schools Payments Holiday Gift | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AK | Lisa Murkowski | M001153 | www.murkowski.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.13 Murkowski's Advocacy Helps Reap Secure Rural Schools Payments Holiday Gift Administration: Next Round of Payments Will Not Be Reduced Senator Lisa Murkowski today commended the Administration for its decision to not reduce the next round of payments to be made to Southeast Alaska timber communities under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Earlier this year, Senator Murkowski was sharply critical of the Forest Service's decision to apply the automatic, across-the-board federal budget cuts commonly known as sequestration, to Secure Rural Schools payments that had previously been made for 2013. Alaska was asked to return the 5.1 percent of the timber payments received earlier this year to the U.S. Treasury. Secure Rural Schools requires the Forest Service to make payments to communities impacted by the severe decline in timber receipts from national forest lands. Communities that once had thriving timber industries now depend on the funds to pay for schools, emergency services and other local services. Funding for the next year of the program was provided in the High Technology Jobs Preservation Act, a bill sponsored and shepherded through the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Senate by Senator Murkowski. While it would be preferable for the Forest Service to actively manage our forests so that our communities are not dependent on these payments, Murkowski said. The news that the 2014 payments will not be reduced by sequestration is a holiday gift." The Forest Service manages more than 22 million acres of national forest lands in Alaska, including nearly all of the land in Southeast. Print Email Tweet | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=11e3f186-fae9-427e-ac4b-2a385764f4b1 | Portman Meets with Mayors of Findlay, Ottawa & Tiffin in NW Ohio to Discuss Path Forward Following Blanchard River Flooding | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – In the midst of flooding in Northwest Ohio, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) traveled to Findlay, Ohio today to meet with City of Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik, Village of Ottawa Mayor J. Dean Meyer, and City of Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz, along with other public officials attempting to mitigate the flood damage to the community. "As I saw firsthand today, flooding in the Findlay and Ottawa region continues to plague local residents and businesses. This is a threat to Northwest Ohio's safety and economy that only seems to be intensifying. The local community and the Federal government must work together to protect against future flooding. I will continue to urge the Army Corps of Engineers to provide the necessary funding to expedite its flood mitigation efforts,” said Portman. In October, Portman and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), along with Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to include funding for the Blanchard River Flood Risk Management Project (BRFRMP) for fiscal years 2014 and 2015. In July of this year, USACE reprogrammed funding for the project for fiscal year 2013, which assisted with the Chief’s Report, and more importantly ensured that the BRFRMP would be eligible for funding in fiscal year 2014. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/comfort-joy | Comfort & Joy | 2013-12-22 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear friends, During this season of joy, I find myself more aware than maybe ever before of the people in our community who are in need of great comfort this Christmas. Whether it is a mother who is struggling to pay her utility bill, or a father who is dealing with the loss of his family’s health insurance plan, this week I have been fortunate to work with many people from our community on ways we can help the neediest among us and hopefully make life a little more comfortable for them. Building Effective Awareness: A year ago I sat down with many of the pastors in Wausau and asked them, “What are the needs in our community?” I was taken back when all of them commented on the issues of hunger and homelessness in our community. I think I’m like a lot of people in our community who don’t know the issues that a lot of people who are having a tough time are facing. I wanted to do what I could with my team to make sure we can make a difference with those who have fallen on hard times and make sure we can collaborate together on community resources. Also collaborate on the Federal and state side to make sure resources don’t just flow to the urban parts of the country but can actually come to the parts of the country that have real problems but don’t have huge staffs to cut through the red-tape. This week, more than 100 people came together for our first Hunger & Homelessness Summit. It was an honest conversation and ultimately a productive one as well. We found that by reaching out to each other and building a coalition within our community we can be more effective in our efforts to serve the neediest in our area. We are in the process of uploading the entire summit on YouTube. Click on the image below to watch it and keep checking back for more from the day long event. They need an Obamcare exemption too: I joined with a bipartisan group of Wisconsin Congressmen to ask U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to extend the federal Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP) through March 31, 20… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://paulryan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365156 | Why We Must Reform Military Compensation | 2013-12-22 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | paulryan.house.gov | legacy | The Bipartisan Budget Act that Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and I drafted will soon become law. We think it's a small step toward fiscal discipline in Washington. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will reduce the deficit over the next ten years by over $20 billion. And unlike current law, it will provide much-needed relief to our already strained defense budget. One part of the bill has become particularly controversial: the reduction in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for working-age military retirees. The federal government has no greater obligation than to keep the American people safe and we must take care of the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line. For that reason, Congress is understandably hesitant to make changes to military compensation. But even hesitance has a cost. The need for reform is undeniable. Since 2001, excluding the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the cost per service member in the active-duty force has risen by 41% in inflation-adjusted dollars. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, a combat vet himself, has said "that we can no longer put off military compensation reform. DOD's leadership, Chairman Dempsey, the service chiefs, the service secretaries, and myself, we all know that we need to slow cost growth in military compensation. Otherwise, we'll have to make disproportionate cuts to military readiness and modernization." Here's what the new law will do. We make no changes for those currently at or above age 62. This reform affects only younger military retirees. Right now, any person who has served 20 years can retire —regardless of age. That means a serviceman who enlists at 18 becomes eligible for retirement at 38. The late 30s and early 40s are prime working years, and most of these younger retirees go on to second careers. All this reform does is make a small adjustment for those younger retirees. If they retire before age 62, the annual increase in their retired pay will be 1% less than the inflation rate. In other words… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20150110100102/http://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a555444c-c926-42a6-9f6b-e9116daa3b88 | Alexander Cosponsors Bill to Protect U.S. Interests, Keep Pressure on Iran Over Nuclear Weapons | 2013-12-22 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | web.archive.org | legacy | Says “best solution is a diplomatic solution,” but U.S. should remain skeptical of “untrustworthy regime” *** “This legislation allows Congress to take an active role in making sure the Obama administration holds Iran accountable, and provides a safeguard if a final deal with the Iranians falls apart.” – Lamar Alexander MARYVILLE, Dec. 22 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced that he would cosponsor legislation proposing sanctions that the United States would enact if the Iranian government violates the terms of its interim deal to slow its nuclear program, or does not complete a final agreement with the Obama administration. “Sanctions are what brought Iran to the negotiating table in the first place, and we should remain skeptical of this untrustworthy regime until we permanently halt its progress towards a nuclear weapon,” Alexander said. “The best solution is a diplomatic solution, but we need to keep the pressure on Iran. This legislation allows Congress to take an active role in making sure the Obama administration holds Iran accountable, and provides a safeguard if a final deal with the Iranians falls apart.” The legislation was introduced by Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of 27 senators, including Alexander and Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.). The legislation lays out prospective sanctions to be enacted if the Iranian government violates the terms of its interim nuclear agreement with the Obama administration, or if a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program is not completed. The prospective sanctions include limitations on Iran’s petroleum sector and new sanctions on its engineering, mining, and construction sectors. In November, the Obama administration announced a six-month deal to relieve some sanctions in return for the Iranians slowing their nuclear program. Alexander said of the Obama administration’s interim deal, “I am skeptical of any agreement that does not require Iran to permanently halt … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full.cfm?id=349260 | Statement From Idaho Senator Mike Crapo On The Passing Of Bethine Church | 2013-12-22 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ID | Michael Crapo | C000880 | www.crapo.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2013 Statement From Idaho Senator Mike Crapo On The Passing Of Bethine Church Idaho Falls, ID - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released the following statement on the passing of Bethine Church, wife of the late U.S. Senator Frank Church: "Idaho has lost a great friend and advocate. Bethine had a way to mix civility with politics that is too often forgotten on the national scene. I will miss her input and charm and I join with all Idahoans in mourning the passing of this Idaho legend." # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=bffbdc53-5b00-4362-900c-0cae535a2573 | Portman Discusses Budget, Trade & Tax Reform on Bloomberg Television’s "Political Capital with Al Hunt" | 2013-12-22 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) appeared on Bloomberg Television’s “Political Capital with Al Hunt," where he discussed the recent bipartisan budget agreement and the need to do more to reform our important but unsustainable entitlement programs. In addition, Portman urged Congress to approve new free trade agreements and move forward with an overhaul of our inefficient and antiquated tax code in the new year. Watch the full interview here. Excerpts are included below. Portman on the Bipartisan Budget Agreement and the Debt Limit Debate: PORTMAN: I hope what it is, is a first step toward further collaboration, because our country’s in trouble. You know, we have a fiscal crisis looming. We still have an economy that’s too weak, and we need to work together to solve these problems. So I like to view it as a very small step, a baby step in the right direction. It did reduce the deficit a little bit. It did it without raising taxes. It kept us from going into a government shutdown in January, but also in September of next year. And finally, it put the United States Congress back on track to do appropriations bills. ... PORTMAN: It did not address the underlying problem. And it’s so obvious. The problem is that two-thirds of spending, as you know, is on autopilot. That part of our spending goes to 76 percent in the next 10 years. It’s where all the growth is. If we don’t address it, it will bankrupt the country. These incredibly important programs, like Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, are not sustainable in their current form. We’ve got to get at those. The only time we’ve done it in the last three decades, Al, has been through a debt limit discussion. So let’s use the debt limit, not to spook financial markets - in fact, to give them more assurance we’re actually going to do the right thing." Portman on Trade: HUNT: Big news this week. Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is going to be designated as the ambassador to China. He’s been the leading Democr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://billjohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365071 | GOP needs healthcare ideas | 2013-12-21 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OH | Bill Johnson | J000292 | billjohnson.house.gov | legacy | Now is not the time for Republicans to be celebrating Obamacare's struggles. It's time for the Republican Party to offer specific ideas that will improve America's health care system without picking winners and losers among the American people. It's time for the Republican Party to lead. share: f t Marietta Times By Rep. Bill Johnson Published December 21, 2013 Most Americans - regardless of their political affiliation - agree that the rollout and early implementation of Obamacare has been a disaster. The website doesn't work well, many Americans are seeing significant premium increases, and millions more are losing the health insurance they like - all because of the president's health care law. I've voted numerous times to delay, defund, and repeal this misguided and costly law. But, now is not the time for Republicans to be celebrating Obamacare's struggles. It's time for the Republican Party to offer specific ideas that will improve America's health care system without picking winners and losers among the American people. It's time for the Republican Party to lead. Prior to Obamacare, our health care system was far from perfect. Too many of our fellow Americans were uninsured, healthcare costs were rising, and health insurance was becoming increasingly unaffordable for others. Those with pre-existing conditions were often unable to obtain affordable coverage, and recent college graduates struggling to find work in this economy couldn't afford health insurance and weren't able to remain on their parents' plan. Improvements to the existing system were definitely needed, but a total government overhaul of it was not the answer. It's important to acknowledge that we have the best caregivers - doctors and nurses - in the world. America remains home to the most advanced medical procedures and medicine. Millions from around the world needing critical care who have the means come to America. We must ensure that we continue to have the best medical … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-announces-nominees-us-military-academies | Rep. Kelly Announces Nominees to U.S. Military Academies | 2013-12-21 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) announced the names of his nominees for the United States Military Academies, class of 2018, earlier today. The candidates met all application requirements with diligence, securing themselves an interview with Representative Kelly's independent Military Academy Advisory Board. Statement by Rep. Kelly: “This year we have proudly nominated seventeen remarkable candidates to the elite United States Military Academies. These young men and women have demonstrated that they are dedicated, poised, and highly capable of serving as leaders in our nation's military. These individuals were chosen to humbly represent the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania and furthermore the United States of America, if offered an appointment.” Nominees: Max Campoli, Schreiner University Jason Clark, Sharon High School Sebastian Coburn, Greenville High School Daniel Dukleth, Slippery Rock University Brett Foster, Seneca Valley High School Melodie Harnett, Jamestown High School Dylan Hoffman, Seneca Valley High School Tyler Huston, Cochranton High School Cody Mahen, Lakeview High School Austin Malencia, Evangel Heights Christian Academy Mercer Martin, Greenville High School Thomas Pierre, Mars High School Alexander Pollaci, Seneca Valley High School Dante Policicchio, Freeport High School Bryan Sack, Butler High School George Staudacher, Mars High School Alexandra Steighner, Seneca Valley High School If you are interested in seeking a congressional nomination to one of the United States Military Academies for the class of 2019, applications will be accepted from May 1, 2014 until October 1, 2014. For more information please visit www.Kelly.house.gov or contact Stephanie Stevenson, Academy Coordinator, at Stephanie.Stevenson@mail.house.gov. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/coats-donnelly-rokita-young-are-friends-indianas-electric-cooperatives | Coats, Donnelly, Rokita, Young are 'Friends of Indiana's Electric Cooperatives' | 2013-12-21 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IN | Todd Rokita | R000592 | rokita.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Senators Dan Coats (R) and Joe Donnelly (D) as well as U.S. Rep. Todd Young (R-9) and U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita (R-04), were recently recognized by the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives as a “Friend of Indiana’s Electric Cooperatives.” Coats, Donnelly, Rokita and Young along with five other members of Indiana’s congressional delegation, received this honor for their steadfast leadership and support of the issues and policies important to Indiana’s electric cooperatives. “Indiana’s electric cooperatives are grateful to count Sen. Coats and Sen. Donnelly as strong friends and allies,” said Scott Bowers, vice president of government relations for the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. “Whether seeking support on key votes or assistance with federal agencies, they consistently step forward in a bipartisan way to lend a helping hand. This award is one way of expressing our appreciation and acknowledging Sen. Coats’ and Sen. Donnelly’s impact on the 1.3 million Hoosiers we serve.” The “Friends of Indiana’s Electric Cooperatives” award was unveiled this year to recognize members of Indiana’s congressional delegation who have consistently supported policies, issues and regulatory reforms important to Indiana’s electric cooperatives and their mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Important votes in support of the Coal Ash Bill (H.R. 2218), the Farm Bill (S. 954 & H.R. 2642) and the REINS Act (H.R. 367) coupled with the congressional representative’s willingness to engage various federal regulatory agencies on behalf of electric cooperatives were some of the considerations for this honor in 2013. “The safe and affordable energy provided by Indiana’s electric cooperatives is vitally important to Hoosier families and businesses,” said Sen. Coats. “I am honored to receive this award, and I will continue to support the efforts of Indiana’s electric cooperatives to provide cost-effective, reliable electricity.” Sen. Donnelly also shared h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221063035/http://schock.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=368677 | Schock Delivers Weekly Republican Address | 2013-12-21 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IL | Aaron Schock | S001179 | web.archive.org | legacy | Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) delivered this week’s Republican Address in response to President Obama’s weekly remarks. Schock’s message came from Eureka College in Eureka, IL.Schock’s message focused on the President’s healthcare law and the financial strain it was causing on the youth who have enrolled. In his remarks Schock said, “…typically, based on health and age, it costs about six times more to insure a 64-year old than it does an 18-year old. This health care law, however, says insurers can only charge their costliest beneficiaries three times more than they do their cheapest customers. In other words, the president needs a lot of young people – about 2.7 million to be exact – to sign up so he can shift the costs onto them and keep premiums from skyrocketing. In Washington, they call this a “community rating,” but where I’m from, we call it a ripoff”. Schock continued, “Young people helped put the president in office, and with this health care law, he’s pushing them into years of less choice, fewer opportunities, and larger bills. It’s just not right.” The full transcript is below, and the can be found here: As Prepared for Delivery:Good morning from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois – the proud alma mater of Ronald Reagan. On campuses like this, young people are just beginning to make the choices that will shape their future. Right now – even in the middle of finals week – they’re being told that to make that future better, they should rush to get covered under the president’s health care law. Not only that, they’re being told to “spread the word” about what a great deal it is. The state of Illinois is spending a million dollars- just this week - on television advertising to try and sell this health law. This is on top of the $684 million already being spent nationwide to promote it. But no matter how many actors, rappers, and rock stars the president rolls out, the best sales pitch in the world can’t sell a bad product. And this health care law is a bad product for young people. Ho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://adriansmith.house.gov/optimism-new-year | Optimism for the New Year | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NE | Adrian Smith | S001172 | adriansmith.house.gov | legacy | During the holiday season we gather with family and friends to celebrate our many blessings, remember the past, and look forward to the future. This year, it would be easy to be pessimistic about the future of our country. Our nation and our government face many challenges. However, President Reagan’s Christmas Address in 1981 reminds us of the many great obstacles we have overcome before. In the spirit of President Reagan, I believe our nation’s best days are ahead of us. I remain grateful to our men and women in uniform and their families for defending our freedom, which makes us the greatest nation on Earth. I wish all Nebraskans a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. President Ronald Reagan Radio Address to the Nation December 23, 1981 Tonight, in millions of American homes, the glow of the Christmas tree is a reflection of the love Jesus taught us. Like the shepherds and wise men of that first Christmas, we Americans have always tried to follow a higher light, a star, if you will. At lonely campfire vigils along the frontier, in the darkest days of the Great Depression, through war and peace, the twin beacons of faith and freedom have brightened the American sky. At times our footsteps may have faltered, but trusting in God's help, we've never lost our way. ... Like the National Christmas Tree, our country is a living, growing thing planted in rich American soil. Only our devoted care can bring it to full flower. So, let this holiday season be for us a time of rededication. Even as we rejoice, however, let us remember that for some Americans, this will not be as happy a Christmas as it should be. I know a little of what they feel. I remember one Christmas Eve during the Great Depression, my father opening what he thought was a Christmas greeting. It was a notice that he no longer had a job. Over the past year, we've begun the long, hard work of economic recovery. Our goal is an America in which every citizen who needs and wants a job can get a job. ... A few months before he took up r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://carter.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=40&itemid=1855 | Carter Fights to Protect Veterans and Improve America's Budget | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Carter | C001051 | carter.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – To further improve the Bipartisan Budget Act, Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) cosponsored two bills to eliminate changes to military retiree benefits. After four years of gridlock, Congress finally passed a budget that brings more than $30 billion back to the Department of Defense, and prevent future cuts that would be devastating to Fort Hood – all while lowering deficits without raising taxes. “While the budget is far from perfect, it is a good first step to put our country back on the right path,” said Congressman John Carter, Representative of Fort Hood and member of the Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. “Passing a budget is a necessary step towards fiscal sovereignty, but we must not balance our budget on the backs of disabled veterans. I have cosponsored two bills to improve the Bipartisan Budget Act. The first measure would remove the Bipartisan Budget Act’s COLA reduction for all military retirees. The second measure would eliminate the Act’s COLA reduction only for veterans who are medically retired, receiving Combat Related Special Compensation, and/or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments, as well the Survivor Benefits Program. H.R. 3789: To amend title 10, United States Code, to exempt the retired pay of certain disabled veterans from the reduced adjustment of retired pay and retainer pay amounts for retired members of the Armed Forces under age 62, to prevent any adverse impact of the reduced adjustment on annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan based on retired or retainer pay, and for other purposes. H.R. 3790: To repeal of annual adjustment of retired pay and retainer pay amounts for retired members of the Armed Forces under age 62. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/time-tradition | A Time of Tradition | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | December is a time of family traditions, holiday celebrations and generosity. During the last month on our calendar, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas parties, gift shopping and other commitments. But as we reach the height of the holiday season this week, I encourage you to stop for just a moment and reflect on all the great gifts we have received as individuals and as a nation. This year, I’m reminded of a very different Christmas, just five months after the colonists broke away from Great Britain to form the United States of America. As we remember, signing the historical Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, immediately launched the 13 colonies into war with the British crown. Tested by the trials of war and defeat, it was on this Christmas that General George Washington led the Continental Army to a critical victory at Trenton, New Jersey that altered the course of the war. Leading hundreds of soldiers across the icy waters of the Delaware River to surprise the opposition, this win boosted American morale when it was needed most, reminding the colonists that independence was not an empty cause or out of reach. Today, our hard-fought freedom is still treasured and our liberty still precious, inspiring thousands to volunteer their service and risk their lives to serve in our military. They know the true meaning of sacrifice, especially during the holidays when many are away from their families and loved ones. Join me in thinking of our troops overseas, praying for their safety and supporting their families here at home. We are blessed to live in country where gifts abound and blessings are numerous. As we celebrate the greatest gift of all this year, I encourage you to slow down and not miss the meaning of the season. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramers-first-bill-passes-senate | Cramer's First Bill Passes Senate | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | Kevin Cramer | C001096 | cramer.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer welcomed the U.S. Senate passage of the first legislation he introduced as a Congressman. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Streamlining Act (H.R. 767) will improve the efficiency of processing federal oil and natural gas permits in North Dakota. Cramer and Senator John Hoeven introduced the bill in their respective chambers in February. Since the Hoeven/Cramer bill passed the House on May 15, it will now be sent to the president for his consideration and signature. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), tasked with the purpose of improving the handling of oil and gas permits by combining the resources of involved federal agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USDA Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, North Dakota was not a part of the original pilot project. The BLM Streamlining Act amends the project to include North Dakota by renaming the Miles City BLM field office as the “Montana/Dakotas State Office”, and allowing North Dakota permits to be streamlined. While the legislation was first introduced by Senator Hoeven in the 112th Congress and again by Hoeven with Senator Heitkamp in the 113th Congress, it was never taken up by the House until Cramer introduced it in the 113th Congress. “I appreciate Senator Hoeven originating this legislation and guiding it to passage in the Senate so it can go to work for North Dakota. It takes 10 to 20 days to receive a drilling permit from the state of North Dakota, but a permit from the U.S. government can take over 300 days. I don’t advocate bringing the federal land waiting period down to 10 or 20, but I do think we can do better by bringing all the federal agencies under one roof. This will help bring the federal government closer to the standard of efficiency set by our state while maintain… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364938 | Bipartisan Budget Agreement | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Dennis Ross | R000593 | dennisross.house.gov | legacy | Many of you have contacted me through email, letters, Facebook, or by calling my office regarding the bipartisan budget agreement. On December 12, 2013, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan budget agreement reached between Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Patty Murray by a vote of 332-94. I joined the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee in helping to pass this legislation because it will provide the Department of Defense with more than $30 billion in sequester relief over the next two-year period – allowing them to enhance our defense readiness. However, like any major bill, there were provisions I opposed. Specifically, I opposed the changes in this bill made to the retirement benefits of working-age Military retirees (younger than 62 years old). Unfortunately, amendments to the budget agreement were restricted which is why my colleagues and I immediately joined together following its passage to introduce legislation that would prevent any reductions to COLAs attached to all military retirement payments brought about by the bipartisan budget agreement. I also cosponsored legislation that would exempt all veterans who medically retire, those who receive Combat Related Specialty Compensation (CRSC), and those who receive Concurrent Receipt Pay (CRDP) from any changes brought about by the bipartisan budget agreement. Although I will urge my colleagues to help me pass these measures immediately, the changes included in the bipartisan budget agreement are still delayed from taking effect until January of 2016. That means before these changes are ever implemented, Congress will have significant opportunities to find the savings generated by this provision in other areas of the budget. For instance, there is a Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (http://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/about) required to report by May 1, 2014. Congress will have an opportunity to use recommendations from this report, or consider policy … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364980 | Delegation Land Transfer Passes Congress, Benefitting Native Health Efforts | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AK | Don Young | Y000033 | donyoung.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Senate unanimously passed H.R. 623, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act. The bill directs the Indian Health Service to transfer a 2.79 acre parcel of federal land located in Anchorage to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). The bill now heads to the President, and will allow ANTHC to strengthen critical healthcare delivery for Alaska Natives by constructing a patient housing facility on the parcel. The patient housing facility will expand the Consortium’s ability to offer health services to patients, particularly for those who live in rural areas and villages that are unconnected to the road system. ANTHC plans for a 170-room housing facility which will adjoin the Alaska Native Medical Center and provide a temporary living space for Alaska Native patients traveling from rural communities to receive health services in Anchorage. The facility will also allow families to stay closer to their loved ones during difficult times. Congressman Don Young championed the bill in the House of Representatives, securing final passage in the House on October 29, 2013. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich introduced companion legislation in the Senate, and worked to move the House passed bill through the Senate. “Many Alaskans living in rural communities travel long distances to receive medical care in Anchorage, but are unable to house themselves during their stay,” Congressman Don Young said. “This land transfer will allow ANTHC to expand patient housing, maximize care by locating patients near the Medical Center and its resources, and save millions of dollars in transportation and housing costs. It’s a common sense solution that empowers ANTHC to uphold the federal trust responsibility that the Consortium currently fulfills on behalf of the IHS. I am pleased that the Senate unanimously approved this legislation and appreciate the hard work of both Senators in securing final passage of this bill.” “The construction of a patient housing facility wi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://duffy.house.gov/press-release/duffy-5-wisconsin-congressmen-to-sebelius-extend-hirsp-federal-plan | Duffy & 5 Wisconsin Congressmen to Sebelius, "Extend HIRSP Federal Plan" | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | "Not offering this extension nationwide could leave some of our poorest and most medically vulnerable Americans without coverage.” Washington D.C. - U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, with a bipartisan group of Wisconsin Congressmen, asked United States Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to extend the federal Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP) through March 31, 2014. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed legislation on Friday to extend current coverage for Wisconsin citizens under several medical assistance programs, including HIRSP, through March 31, 2014 citing the failed rollout of Obamacare. The group of Federal lawmakers pleaded with the Secretary to offer all Americans with pre-existing and, in some cases, life threatening conditions to be afforded the same courtesy. Rep. Duffy offered the following comments: "Not offering this extension nationwide could leave some of our poorest and most medically vulnerable Americans without coverage. These individuals should not lose their healthcare coverage due to technical difficulties. This Administration is delaying multiple pieces of its signature legislation on an almost daily basis because it is politically convenient for them. It is our hope that the Secretary will also offer an extension to the numerous Americans who have had their lives inconvenienced by this ill-conceived law." Rep. Duffy was joined on the letter by Representatives Paul Ryan (WI-01), Ron Kind (WI-03), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), Tom Petri (WI-06) and Reid Ribble (WI-08) Full text of letter to Sec. Kathleen Sebelius: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://hartzler.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-hartzlers-christmas-greeting-0 | Congresswoman Hartzler's Christmas greeting | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | MO | Vicky Hartzler | H001053 | hartzler.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has released the following greeting to mark the Christmas holiday: “Christmas is certainly a time for family and friends. It’s time for older Americans to relive memories of Christmas past and for younger ones to cherish the moments that will become the memories they’ll cherish as they grow older. But first and foremost the focus of the season must be on the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke’s account of how the birth of Christ was announced to shepherds in the field is familiar to so many of us: ‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’ My wish is that the light Jesus brought to the world shines upon you this Christmas and that it shines on our men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much to keep us safe, to bring them home to us soon. From my family to yours, we wish you the merriest of Christmases." Congresswoman Hartzler and her family live on a working farm near Harrisonville in Cass County. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamarsmith.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-smith-questions-white-house-knowledge-of-security-concerns | Chairman Smith Questions White House Knowledge of Security Concerns Prior to Healthcare.gov Launch | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TX | Lamar Smith | S000583 | lamarsmith.house.gov | legacy | Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) along with Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Paul Broun M.D. (R-Ga.) and Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.) today sent a letter to the White House, requesting all records of actions surrounding the security of the Healthcare.gov website. The letter, addressed to President Obama’s top advisor for Science and Technology, Dr. John Holdren, outlines a number of security concerns and questions the extent to which those concerns were understood by the administration prior to the website’s launch on October 1, 2013. “In its haste to launch the Healthcare.gov website, it appears the Obama Administration cut corners that leave the site open to hackers and other online criminals,” the lawmakers wrote. “As a result, Americans who have already entered personal information into Healthcare.gov are vulnerable to identity theft.” The data passing through the Healthcare.gov website is one of the largest collections of personal information ever assembled, linking social security numbers, birth dates, tax and other financial information from seven different federal agencies, along with state agencies and government contractors. At a hearing held on November 19, the Science Committee received troubling testimony from online security experts regarding the flaws and vulnerabilities in the Obamacare website that put the personal data of Americans at risk. One witness, Mr. David Kennedy, a so-called ‘white hat hacker,’ gave a demonstration showing how hackers are attempting to access personal information on the website. According to his testimony, not only is the website vulnerable, it is under active attack. Even more troubling, Mr. Kennedy testified that there are “clear indicators that even basic security was not built into the Healthcare.gov website.” Moreover, the administration’s recent efforts to address the flaws with the website’s capacity do not appear to address the larger security and privacy issues raised in our … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364758 | Blaine's Bulletin: An American Christmas | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | MO | Blaine Luetkemeyer | L000569 | luetkemeyer.house.gov | legacy | As we prepare for Christmas, many of us return to traditions as a way to celebrate the season. Christmas in America is a unique experience and over the centuries our nation has created many unique traditions. But as a student of our nation’s history, I recently came across some research that indicates that the first Christmas celebrated in the New World was observed in what many would deem an odd place. share: f t As we prepare for Christmas, many of us return to traditions as a way to celebrate the season. Christmas in America is a unique experience and over the centuries our nation has created many unique traditions. But as a student of our nation’s history, I recently came across some research that indicates that the first Christmas celebrated in the New World was observed in what many would deem an odd place. According to historians, the first Christmas celebrated on land that is now part of the United States took place near Tallahassee, Fl., in 1539. The publication Discovery News reports that Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernando de Soto established his winter encampment site of 1539-40 near what is now Tallahassee, where he and his men celebrated the first U.S. Christmas. Based on excavations and other historical research, the first Christmas meal would have included pork, local vegetables, fruits, seafood and possibly even turkey. Researchers also found that it was likely the first Christmas mass would have been held outside and would have been very similar to those held in a Franciscan chapel. I think it’s important during this time of year, when presents and parties and all the other trappings of the season seem to consume so much of our time, that Christmas is first and foremost the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. And I find it truly remarkable that 250 years before we became a nation, Christmas was celebrated as part of the Christian faith. Even as many of our Christian traditions seem to be under attack this time of year,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-encourages-governor-corbett-state-legislature-act-rising-flood-insurance | Marino encourages Governor Corbett, state legislature to act on rising flood insurance premiums | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Tom Marino | M001179 | marino.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) heard firsthand from dozens of residents across Lycoming County over the past week about the negative effects of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act. Today, Marino sent a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Pennsylvania General Assembly leadership members, encouraging them to take action. “Unfortunately, Congress has neglected to delay, reform, or repeal Biggert-Waters prior to the end of year looming deadline,” Marino said in the letter. “Consequently, insurance premiums are set to dramatically increase in less than two weeks time – causing families and small businesses to decide between wiping out their bank accounts to purchase the federally mandated plans, or facing foreclosure proceedings. Although I supported the original intention of Biggert-Waters to make the flood insurance program once again solvent, it has clearly proven to have drastic unforeseen consequences with new skyrocketing insurance premiums.” Marino went on to request that members of the General Assembly come together to mitigate the unintended effects this law is having on low- and middle-income families across Pennsylvania. Specifically, he referenced a Mississippi lawsuit that challenges the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s failure to complete an affordability study before increasing insurance rates, as required by Biggert-Waters. “These premiums threaten the vibrancy and very existence of these towns as property values plummet, the real estate market dries up, and strong local tax bases vanish.” While thousands of homes, businesses and properties across the 10th Congressional District are facing dramatic increases in their flood insurance premiums, the effects of this legislation have been felt nation-wide. “The issue at hand was undoubtedly created at the federal level and should be fixed at the federal level as well,” Marino added. “As I continue to put pressure on my leadership and colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to bring legislation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-urges-house-leadership-act-rising-flood-insurance-premiums | Marino urges House leadership to act on rising flood insurance premiums | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Tom Marino | M001179 | marino.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. –U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) urged House Speaker John Boehner in a letter to bring legislation related to the increases in flood insurance premiums to the House floor for consideration as soon as possible. “Many of my constituents have contacted me in support of these legislative proposals,” Marino said in the letter, citing what he has heard from residents across Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. “One individual who purchased a home valued under $150,000 last year is facing a premium increase of more than $8,000. An elderly man who purchased several properties as a retirement investment is considering abandoning the homes and walking away from the mortgage obligations, while another couple in Jersey Shore who similarly invested in several Main Street properties is facing a $40,000 flood insurance bill.” Marino, along with several colleagues who also have large constituencies affected by the increases to flood insurance premiums, urged House leadership to bring legislation to the floor for debate before the House adjourned for the legislative session but were unsuccessful. “As a co-sponsor of several pieces of legislation related to the premium rate increases currently awaiting further action in the House Committee on Financial Service, I ask that Members have the opportunity to debate and vote on legislation that could assist our constituents as we continue efforts to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to make the program financially stable for taxpayers without becoming overly burdensome on homeowners and small businesses,” Marino added. The 113th Congress will convene on January 7, 2014 to start its second legislative session. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-cbp-pilot-program-is-innovative-will-help-grow-south-florida | Diaz-Balart: CBP Pilot Program is Innovative, Will Help Grow South Florida Economy | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Mario Diaz-Balart | D000600 | mariodiazbalart.house.gov | legacy | MIAMI, FL — Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), member of the House Committee on Appropriations, released the following statement after the launch of the Reimbursable Services Program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Miami International Airport. “I am pleased to be part of the launch of CBP’s Reimbursable Services Program. Miami International Airport has a serious understaffing problem, and the airport’s participation in this pilot program will be a step towards helping to fix that. My colleagues and I have been working with Miami-Dade County to support MIA and express the dire need for more staff at the airport. “This partnership will help alleviate the long wait times at MIA. The quicker we can get our international travelers through passport control, the quicker they can get to our hotels, eat at our restaurants, see our attractions, and help pump money and jobs into our local economy. Although it doesn’t solve the entire problem, it is a significant step towards addressing it. I commend CBP and the County for coming together to find a solution that is not only innovative, but will also help grow South Florida’s economy.” This pilot program, the CBP Reimbursable Services Program, was authorized as part of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, which passed Congress in March. Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) Federica Wilson (D-FL) and Congressmen Diaz-Balart and Joe Garcia (D-FL) sent a letter to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano in May supporting the County’s request to participate in this program. See the letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1F93E2D1-15AD-4177-9AC3-572E8111B409 | Farm Forum: Noem says farm bill nearly done | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | After a long and frustrating wait, Congress will pass a bipartisan farm bill that covers a full five years, Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., told reporters on Dec. 12. “The basic framework has been agreed to. There are some details to work out,” Noem said. “Knowing it’s coming provides us with certainty.” Noem repeated the conventional wisdom that a farm bill won’t be passed by the House and Senate and signed by the president until January, but she is confident this drawn-out chapter in farm bill history will close in a positive way. “This has been the poster child for a messy process,” Noem said. “I am looking forward to making sure that vote happens. ... We know a five-year bill is coming. We are going to have a farm bill that works for South Dakota.” Noem said lawmakers have sent their policy agreements to the Congressional Budget Office for “scoring,” in which analysts calculate how much programs will cost and how much cuts will reduce spending. “What we’re waiting for at this point is to get the actual numbers,” Noem said, “so when everybody is placing their final vote on the floor, they really know the details.” The House has adjourned and will not return to work until 2014. Noem called the delay into the new year “unfortunate” but praised the agreed-upon farm bill for having the most significant reforms of any farm bill “in decades.” “This eliminates controversial farm programs like direct payments that have been so highly criticized,” she said, also noting provisions to tighten up food stamp eligibility requirements. She said the bill will include retroactive livestock disaster programs, using language that she introduced as a standalone bill, and said ranchers who lost cattle in the October blizzard will get some payments. Noem said she won’t know exactly what affected ranchers will be eligible for until after the CBO sends back its analysis. Noem said she hopes there can be a one-month extension of the previous farm bill, which expired Oct. 1 after an earlier one-year extension. She is worried that m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=F70CD0DE-AEC6-4674-BA2B-FF144B538140 | Argus Leader: $633B defense bill protects South Dakota interests | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | Lawmakers say a comprehensive, nearly $633 billion defense bill that cleared the Senate on Thursday will protect South Dakota priorities, including the long-term future of Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Senate approved the defense policy bill late Thursday, a week after the House passed the same measure. It now goes to President Barack Obama. The bill deals with several policy issues that South Dakota’s congressional members have worked on, including covering the costs of combat pay for members of the military, funding for equipment and efforts to stop the epidemic of military sexual assaults. All of South Dakota’s delegation — Sens. John Thune, a Republican, and Tim Johnson, a Democrat, as well as GOP Rep. Kristi Noem — supported the sweeping legislation. Thune said the bill will have a broad impact on South Dakota because it has a large military and retired military population. “I’ve always described South Dakota as punching above its weight for military service,” Thune said. “For a small state, we have a pretty big impact on military readiness.” The most important element of the bill for South Dakota, he said, was including language that expresses Congress’ support for building long-range bomber aircraft in the future. He said that is critical because it’s a part of Ellsworth’s core mission. “There are so many different weapons systems and priorities that people have when it comes to a defense bill,” Thune said. “The capability for a long-range strike is something we think will be critical with the threats that are over the horizon.” The bill doesn’t authorize funding for new bombers, but Thune said an expression of congressional support will send an important message. Johnson has said he supports the bill for much the same reasons. Johnson said the long-range bomber program is crucial for South Dakota and the country’s strategic defense. For Noem, the defense bill contains a personal legislative victory: She worked on language included in the final bill that addresses military sexual assaults, one of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6F9509D4-3EF3-4D6C-936D-2B2AF45F0EBC | Weekly Column: Home for Christmas | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | By Rep. Kristi Noem Christmas 1943 carried with it a lot of optimism. Unemployment numbers were falling fast due to World War II-related employment, meaning the Great Depression was all but over. Manufacturers had successfully transitioned from making things like automobiles to producing essential military materials, further growing the U.S.’s influence over the manufacturing industry. The year had also been seen as a turning point in the war, largely due to the success of U.S. military operations in Europe. Nonetheless, the optimism that accompanied the year was singed with the harsh realities of wartime America. Canned goods, meat, cheeses, butter and cooking oils were rationed due to shortages of certain materials. And millions of American service members were deployed to serve in the grisly war. It is no surprise that Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” also debuted in 1943 and became an instant Christmas classic. It characterized what many families in America were going through. There was an undeniable optimism that the war would soon be over, but those emotions were mixed with the reality that soldiers serving abroad would be home for Christmas “only in their dreams,” as Bing Crosby sings. Today, we are again fighting to defend our nation and the values we represent. Just last week, I participated in an activation ceremony for members of the South Dakota Army National Guard, who will first head to Fort Hood, Texas, for training and then to Afghanistan. For some of them, it is their first deployment. Others have already served tours in Iraq. Regardless of their service record, when our country needed their expertise in Afghanistan, they answered the call. Now, it is our collective responsibility to come together as a community around their families – not only during the holidays, but throughout the deployment. We must be there to cheer their kids on when they win a basketball game or nail that solo at a school concert - just as we are when they need a shoulder to lean on. And we mu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365028 | Benghazi investigation continues | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | CA | Devin Nunes | N000181 | nunes.house.gov | legacy | Benghazi investigation continues f t # e Washington, December 20, 2013 I spoke to Fox News this week about the ongoing investigation into the Benghazi attack. You can read the article and watch a video clip here. Separately, the Nunes Digest is updated for your weekend reading here. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pearce.house.gov/event/carlsbad-staff-office-hours-10 | Carlsbad: Staff Office Hours | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NM | Steve Pearce | P000588 | pearce.house.gov | legacy | I will have staff in Carlsbad on Wednesday May 7th, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have, or assist you with casework or an issue related to a federal agency. For details or to set up an appointment, Please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE May 7th, 2014 Carlsbad, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month - 2:00pm - 4:00pm Eddy County Administration Building 101 W. Greene St. Carlsbad, NM | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pearce.house.gov/event/carlsbad-staff-office-hours-9 | Carlsbad: Staff Office Hours | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NM | Steve Pearce | P000588 | pearce.house.gov | legacy | I will have staff in Carlsbad on Wednesday April 2nd, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have, or assist you with casework or issue related to a federal agency. For details or to set up an appointment, please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE April 2nd, 2014 Carlsbad, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month - 2:00pm - 4:00pm Eddy County Administration Building 101 W. Greene st. Carlsbad, NM | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pearce.house.gov/event/hobbs-staff-office-hours-10 | Hobbs: Staff Office Hours | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NM | Steve Pearce | P000588 | pearce.house.gov | legacy | I will have staff in Hobbs on Wednesday May 7th, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have or assist you with casework or an issue related to a federal agency. For details or to set up an appointment, Please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE May 7th, 2014 Hobbs, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month - 10:00am - 12:00pm Office of Steve Pearce 200 East Broadway, Suite 200 Hobbs, NM | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pearce.house.gov/event/hobbs-staff-office-hours-9 | Hobbs: Staff Office Hours | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NM | Steve Pearce | P000588 | pearce.house.gov | legacy | I will have staff in Hobbs on Wednesday April 2nd, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have or assist with casework or an issue related to a federal agency. For details or to set up an appointment, Please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE April 2nd, 2014 Hobbs, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month - 10:00am - 12:00pm Office of Steve Pearce 200 E. Broadway, suite 200 Hobbs, NM | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pearce.house.gov/event/portales-staff-office-hours-7 | Portales: Staff Office Hours | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NM | Steve Pearce | P000588 | pearce.house.gov | legacy | I will have staff in Portales on Wednesday April 23rd, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have or assist with casework or an issue related to a federal agency. For details or to set up an appointment, Please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE April 23rd, 2014 Hobbs, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month 10:00am - 12:00pm Portales/Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce 100 South Ave A Portales, NM | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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