press: releases: 1,169 rows where state = "CO" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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1,169 rows where state = "CO" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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url	title	date ▲	year	month	party	chamber	state	member_name	bioguide_id	domain	date_source	text	has_text	collected_at	updated_at
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3DE01CDD-69C8-2FFE-24E4-307D7AE55664	Bennet Announces Recommendations from Advisory Committee to Fill Federal Court Vacancies	2015-12-31	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced that the bipartisan advisory committee he convened to recommend applicants to fill an upcoming vacancy on the U.S. District Court of Colorado has selected three nominees. After interviewing 11 candidates the committee chose Magistrate Judge Kristin Mix, Regina Rodriguez, and Sam Walker. "We are very grateful to the committee for all of their work to select the most highly qualified candidates to serve," Bennet said. "We look forward to having the opportunity to review their applications and speak with each candidate in person." The upcoming vacancy is created by Judge Robert Blackburn's taking senior status in April of 2016. Given the overwhelming dockets currently faced by the courts, the advisory committee was formed in October in advance of Judge Blackburn's departure, to ensure the seat was filled in a timely manner. The committee was co-chaired by Hal Haddon, former co-chair of previous advisory panels and a Denver lawyer, and Candy Figa, a prominent attorney in the Denver metro area, who has also been active in civic affairs, including serving as a City Councilmember and Mayor Pro tem of Greenwood Village and on the 18th Judicial Nominating Commission. The bipartisan nature of the committee reflects Senator Bennet's interest in a nonpartisan, merit selection system that is consistent with the University of Denver's Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System's (IAALS) recommended process. "The entire applicant pool was exceptional. Each candidate had solid credentials and a unique set of experiences that would make them strong additions to Colorado's Federal Bench," said committee co-chair Candy Figa. "While it was difficult to make final selections, we feel very confident in our recommendations and are eager to see the process move forward." # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-usfs-ski-area-water-rights-directive	Tipton Statement on USFS Ski Area Water Rights Directive	2015-12-30	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement in response to the U.S. Forest Services publication of the final directive for the Ski Area Water Clause in the federal record. The Forest Services conditional use of permit for ski areas has been one of the Administrations most onerous attempts to hijack private water rights. While the latest version of the directive is improved from the original that sought to outright force the transfer of private water rights to the federal government, there still is room for improvement. The latest rendition of this ill-fated directive places unnecessary restrictions on private water rights holders, in an attempt to solve a problem that doesnt exist. By the Forest Service Chiefs own admission, there has not been an instance of ski area water rights being sold off for other uses. Furthermore, there is still ongoing concern that while the Forest Service may not require the outright transfer of private water rights in this directive, it is still enforcing manuals that do. Western water users are right to be wary of any action on water rights by this Administration, which has been dead set on slowly expanding federal control over water in the Western U.S. We continue to work on getting legislative protections in place to codify state water law and defend private water rights users from federal taking and interference as our Water Rights Protection Act seeks to do. Despite the Forest Services insistence that under the new ski area permit condition it will no longer require the transfer of water rights, Forest Service manual 2441.32 (Possessory Interests), which is currently being enforced, instructs the agency to continue to claim water rights of permittees. It is unclear if or how the Forest Service plans to reconcile the conflicting instructions. Section 2541.32 of the 2007 Forest Service Water Uses and Development Manual directs: Claim possessory interest in water rights in the name of the United States for water uses on National Forest System lands a…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=93C34490-DECB-4AF5-F958-620DD10290E9	Bennet Statement on Water Clause in Ski Area Permits	2015-12-30	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Denver, CO - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement in response to today's announcement from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on water in ski area permits: "Water is a precious resource on which Colorado's ski areas rely for economic sustainability and growth. We are lucky to live in a state with world class skiing right in our back yard and we want to keep it that way. The final directive, published today, seems more balanced than the Forest Service's original directive. We are hopeful that it will be workable for all sides by protecting private water rights and keeping Colorado's ski resorts sustainable long into the future." According to recent study by Colorado Ski Country USA and Vail Resorts, Inc., Colorado's ski industry generates $4.8 billion each year for our economy and supports more than 46,000 year-round equivalent jobs.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/3rd-district-students-receive-us-service-academy-nominations	3rd District Students Receive U.S. Service Academy Nominations	2015-12-29	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTONCongressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) announced that 24 students from Colorados 3rd Congressional District have received a nomination from his office to attend U.S. Service Academies in 2016. The students were selected based on meeting or exceeding the stringent requirements of the respective academy and of Tiptons office, which uses a merit-based, competitive nomination process. Students who applied were required to submit an essay, test scores, an application, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and complete a panel interview in order to be considered. It takes hard work, intelligence and determination to meet the high entrance standards of our nations Service Academies, traits that are critical for success as a leader in the Armed Forces. To earn a nomination, these students have met or exceeded these high standards and demonstrated a true passion to serve our country, said Tipton. On behalf of the 3rd Congressional District I commend these exceptional students for their selflessness and dedication, and wish them well in what will no doubt be a very bright future. Tipton called to personally notify each student of the nomination(s) last week. Congressman Tiptons Academy Nominations for Colorados 3rd Congressional District: U.S. Air Force Academy Alexandre Basagoita, Monte Vista, Sargent HS, currently attending Adams State University Kobi Betts, Pueblo, Pueblo Central HS Kyle Cox, Montrose, Montrose HS Jonathan Hints, Pueblo, Pueblo West HS, graduated 2012, currently active duty AF Lydia Knutson, Cedaredge, Cedaredge HS Jessica Tuttle, Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Springs HS Natasha Weimer, Grand Junction, currently attending Northwestern Prep School Noah Smith, Pueblo, Pueblo South HS Kamren McKee, Fruita, Fruita Monument HS Mary Hood, Alamosa, Sargent HS U.S. Naval Academy Connor Frasier, Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Springs HS Samuel Samberson, Pueblo West, Pueblo West HS Jacob Crouch, Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Springs HS Nolan Butcher, Grand Junction, Hill School (boarding…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-wishes-coloradans-a-merry-christmas	Gardner Wishes Coloradans a Merry Christmas	2015-12-24	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement marking Christmas: Jaime and Iwish all Coloradans andAmericans across the countrya Merry Christmas on this joyous day. We are so blessed to live in thegreatest nation on Earth,and it is important to take this time toreflect on all that we have to be thankful for andto spend time with family and friends. Iwant to recognize the men and women in uniformwhohave made enormous sacrifices to keep our country safe. Many of our servicemembers areaway from their families this Christmas, and it is important to remember theirdedication to this great nation. I thank them for their service and pray for their safety. Merry Christmas and happy New Year. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1454	Christmas 2015 Statement	2015-12-23	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Christmas 2015 Statement f t # e Colorado Springs, December 23, 2015 Christmas is a blessed time of year. During this marvelous season, we celebrate the birth of Christ and spend time with friends, family, and loved ones gathered around hearth and home. As we reflect on the year gone by and the days to come, let us be thankful for our blessings, mindful of the needs of the less fortunate, and conscious of the challenges ahead. I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E47FCB30-A060-CB05-5314-FD7625D7DFAC	Bennets Service Bill Offers New Opportunity to Make College More Affordable	2015-12-23	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Denver, CO Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet has introduced a bill to help put college back in reach for middle class families by giving students the opportunity to earn grant money or loan forgiveness by completing community or national service. A higher education is becoming a prerequisite to success in today's rapidly changing economy, Bennet said. Unfortunately, college is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many families. This bill can help by offering an earned benefit to students who commit to working hard, giving back to their community, and the betterment of their country. Along with steps we must take to drive down the costs of school, it puts a higher education and the chance at financial security and economic mobility back in reach. Bennet's Service for School bill builds upon the AmeriCorps program. Under Bennet's bill, students who complete 2,000 hours of service would become eligible for $10,000 in funding for college, roughly the average in-state tuition for four-year schools in the country. Each additional 2,000 hours would earn that student an additional $10,000, up to $40,000 maximum, or roughly four years of tuition. Students would have to complete their hours of service at an eligible organization certified by the Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS). Types of service could include: teaching, tutoring and mentoring in high-need communities, building affordable housing, helping communities respond to disasters, and environmental stewardship. CNCS would determine if a given service opportunity meets the eligibility definition. The Service for School bill is one of Bennet's proposals to make college more affordable and accessible as Congress prepares to reauthorize the Higher Education Act in 2016. They include simplifying the FAFSA, creating incentives to help create higher quality and lower cost options through competency based education and accreditation reforms as well as measures to help families save and pay for school before, during, and after college. This …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/column-solutions-nation%E2%80%99s-challenges-2016	Column: Solutions to the nations challenges in 2016	2015-12-21	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	By Congressman Scott Tipton As we enter President Obamas final year in office, our nation faces many complex challenges with tangible impacts on every Americans ability to live a prosperous and peaceful life. America is less secure and free than we were seven years ago. Thats the result of an indecisive foreign policy that did little as ISIS gained power in the Middle East, a suffocating economic policy that forced countless small businesses to close their doors and discouraged entrepreneurship with endless regulations, and a massive expansion of government that drove up the cost of healthcare and restricted access to care for many Americans, especially those living in rural communities. Looking into 2016 and beyond, I believe we can switch course, strengthen our national security and make the American Dream possible once more for this and future generations. In the House of Representatives we are making headway on solutions that reverse and unravel the Presidents big-government policies, and return power and prosperity to the hardworking American people. America is suffering the lowest labor participation rate since Jimmy Carter was president; nearly 95 million Americans have given up on finding fulltime employment. The reported unemployment rates are artificially low and dont take these tens of millions of people into consideration. This stark reality is apparent in communities throughout the 3rd Congressional District where the Presidents hollow economic promises have left rural Coloradans with their hands full and pockets empty. Jumpstarting growth on Main Street begins with getting government out of the way of job creation. Overregulation has precipitated the closure of community banks and led to the decline of small business, costing millions of good paying jobs. For the first time in American history, more small businesses are closing than starting up. Im not saying get rid of all regulation, there is sensible regulation that keeps people safe and ensures a free and fair marketplace. However, what we are s…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-celebrates-60-years-of-norad-tracks-santa	Gardner Celebrates 60 Years of NORAD Tracks Santa	2015-12-21	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released a statement today commemorating the 60th year of NORAD Tracks Santa, the North American Aerospace Defense Command's yearly tradition of tracking the movements of Santa Claus as he traverses the globe on Christmas Eve. The tradition began in 1955, when a misprinted Sears advertisement inadvertently instructed children to call Santa at the phone number of NORAD's predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), in Colorado Springs. CONAD's Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup, instructed his staff to check radar for Santa's movements down from the North Pole and relay the information to the children calling in. Since that first year, NORAD staff and friends have volunteered their time every Christmas to respond to phone calls from children around the world asking about Santa's whereabouts at Christmastime. NORAD's Santa-tracking has brought 60 years of joy to thousands of children worldwide on Christmas Eve. From their headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, NORAD staff and friends volunteer their time to help kids keep track of Santa's movement around the globe. The Santa tracker also brings important attention to the dedicated service of the men and women of NORAD, who work so hard to keep us safe every day of the year. I'm grateful for their service, and for all those who this year are dedicating part of their holiday to brightening someone else's. I look forward to hearing updates on Santa's whereabouts from my own kids after they call into the hotline, and I hope that all Coloradans keep the men and women who serve this country in uniform in their prayers this Christmas season. Santa can be tracked online at www.noradsanta.org/, or via telephone on December 24th at 1-877-HI-NORAD. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-passage-of-omnibus-appropriations-bill	DeGette Statement on Passage of Omnibus Appropriations Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Diana DeGette	D000197	degette.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill, which passed the House 316-113: "Last-minute rushes to pass omnibus bills are a flawed way to run our government and to make policy choices on behalf of the American people. Federal spending essentially defines our priorities as a nation, be they education, defense, health, or anything else. When we fail to give each of these priorities the individual attention they deserve, we inevitably make choices and funding decisions that are not as carefully thought out as they should be. "In addition, this bill carries dozens of policy provisions that should be considered on their own merit and not latched onto a funding bill. Doing so inevitably leads to passage of undeserving policy choices that would not stand on their own, and many of these policies will undermine the programs and efforts that this bill funds. This cheapens the investments the American people want us to make on behalf of virtually every priority the country has. "Both in its general approach and in many specific provisions, I find much to object to in this omnibus funding bill, but it is the only realistic option available to keep the federal government operating through the coming year. It also includes additional investments that will greatly benefit people in Colorado and across the country. Among the provisions worth highlighting are investments in biomedical research and development at the NIH and FDA, investments in clean energy at the National Renewable Energy Lab, and transportation investments that will help build Colorado infrastructure and continue our flood recovery efforts. I supported this omnibus to avoid greater damage to the country and in hope that the Congress, in particular its Republican leadership, will do better going forward." ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1452	Religious Freedom Applies to Everyone	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	This week, Congressman Doug Lamborn was joined by Congressmen Randy Forbes (VA-04), John Fleming (LA-04), Trent Franks (AZ-08), Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) in sending a letter to the United States Air Force Academy pointing out the importance of religious freedom and the vital freedom of religious expression. "Public religious expression is an essential pillar of our country's freedom and strength. All American citizens, including those who commit their lives to defending us, are bestowed with equal rights to religious freedom and expression. These rights should be upheld without discrimination." - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) Text of the Letter We are writing regarding your informal inquiry into a third-party complaint concerning members of the football team voluntarily kneeling in prayer at their games.We would like to express our strong continued support for the constitutionally-held rights to religious expression for all Americans, including Air Force cadets and other members of the U.S. Armed Forces. As you know, public religious expression has historically been an essential pillar of our countrys freedom and strength, ever since our Founding Fathers fought to secure these freedoms. The First Amendment ensures both that the government does not show preference to a certain religion, and that the government does not take away an individuals ability to exercise religion, including in public view. All American citizens, including those who commit their lives to defending us and our way of life, are bestowed with these rights to religious freedom and expression. These rights should be upheld without discrimination.Air Force Academy cadets maintain the same free exercise rights as all Americans, and thus have the right to publicly and voluntarily express their religious beliefs on the athletic field or anywhere else. We appreciate how the Air Force has recently worked with Congress to prioritize protections for free exercise of religion, including responding to recen…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1453	Voting NO on the Omnibus Spending Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Voting NO on the Omnibus Spending Bill f t # e Washington, December 18, 2015 Congressman Doug Lamborn issued the following statement after his vote against the 2016 Omnibus Spending Bill:"In a year-end omnibus spending bill, there are always a variety of good and bad provisions crammed into a multi-thousand page bill. In this instance, the bad outweighs the good.The bill does very little to advance the efforts to defund Obamacare and Planned Parenthood, to rein in the Environmental Protection Agency, to stop the Presidentsunconstitutional executive amnesty, or to reform ourflawed refugee resettlement program. I worked hard throughout the year to make real and impactful change on these vital issues. I have pushed for numerous conservative pieces of legislation designed to change the way we do business in Washington DC. Because we serve in a divided government, the other side gets a say in the final result. We must find a way to overcome allobstacles to turn our government around." - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-against-omnibus	Tipton Votes Against Omnibus	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTONCongressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued the following statement after voting against the Omnibus Appropriations Act for FY 2016: The House sent six appropriations bills to the Senate this year that included strategic and needed spending reforms. Yet the Senate did not hold a single vote on this appropriations legislation because of a self-imposed parliamentary rule that essentially nullifies the majority Republicans hold in that chamber. The result of this dysfunction is the omnibus. I voted against the underlying budget agreement in October that set the guidelines for this massive spending bill because it busts the budget caps, taking away our greatest tool to rein in spending. This omnibus reflects the results of that budget agreement. While some good provisions such as lifting the oil export ban are included, overall the omnibus doesnt do nearly enough to get Washingtons spending under control, and it fails to take action to block the implementation of overreaching Administrative policies that are disastrous for western statesincluding sage grouse designations and the Waters of the U.S. rule. To get Washingtons spending in check and rein in Administrative and bureaucratic overreach, we must have a functional appropriations process that allows for robust debate and negotiation so a fair deal is reached. I commend Speaker Ryan for his leadership and commitment to restoring regular order in the appropriations process next year so that we can better address the serious issues facing our nation, and I look forward to working with him to advance our shared conservative goals.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1274	Perlmutter Statement on Passage of Omnibus Appropriations Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Ed Perlmutter	P000593	perlmutter.house.gov	legacy	U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) issued the following statement after voting to support the government funding bill, H.R. 2029, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016: I voted to support the government funding bill because it is good for Colorado and good for the 7th Congressional District. While not a perfect deal, the legislation reflects a true bipartisan compromise. The bill is largely free of dangerous policy provisions that would have undermined both economic and environmental progress made under the last several years. With this spending bill, Congress ensures economic certainty for businesses and families by averting a government shutdown and avoids creating needless chaos before the holidays. We secured funding for major Colorado priorities including education, national security, the National Renewable Energy Lab, and the aerospace industry. This legislation also includes achievements supporting Colorado's diverse energy economy. In return for lifting the outdated 40 year old crude export ban, we were able to extend the Wind Energy Production Tax Credit and the Solar Investment Tax Credit. The crude export ban was originally passed in the 1970's at a time when the world was facing an energy supply shortage and prices soared. Nothing could be further from the truth today which is why I believe Colorado stands to benefit from lifting the ban. That's why I've led the effort to repeal the crude oil export ban by cosponsoring legislation earlier this year to lift the ban. Technology and innovation have enabled vast energy production and the U.S. is no longer dependent on foreign sources of energy. I look forward to continuing to advocate for Colorado priorities in the year ahead. See below for several specific items included in the Omnibus that will have a positive impact for Colorado and our country: Orion Spacecraft Includes $1.27 billion to accelerate development of the Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle as well as requires NASA's future budget submissions to adequately assess the resources …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=441A0F98-FD64-AA95-203B-61C36498DE1B	Bennet, Congress Pass Year-End Bill with Colorado Priorities	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today helped pass a year-end bill to fund the government and extend tax provisions crucial to Colorado's economy. The bill includes numerous Colorado priorities Bennet helped secure in the bill. "Our office fought to include many important priorities for Colorado that will help families and businesses across the state and boost our economy, but Washington must get out of the bad habit of last minute bills and manufactured crises," Bennet said. "This is no way to govern. Congress must stop allowing politics to block progress for our country." Bennet secured funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, PILT, crucial infrastructure projects like Eagle P3 and the Southeast Rail extension, and Colorado's schools, among other priorities for Colorado. The bill also includes extensions of important tax provisions like the wind PTC and solar ITC for our diverse energy industry, the teacher tax deduction, and the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit for Colorado's hardworking families. Colorado Priorities Included in the Bill: INFRASTRUCTURE Eagle P3 Project: The bill includes $150 million for the light rail project from Union Station to Denver International Airport. This is the full amount requested per RTD's Full Funding Grant Agreement. Southeast Rail Extension: The bill has full funding at $92 million for the light rail project from I-25/Broadway to Lone Tree. TAXES Wind Production Tax Credit ("PTC"): Bennet helped secure a five-year extension of the wind PTC. Earlier this year, Bennet secured a two-year extension of the PTC in a bill considered by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill passed today slowly phases down the credit over those five years. Solar Investment Tax Credit ("ITC"): Bennet also helped secure a five-year extension of the solar ITC, which will now be granted when projects "commence construction." The "commence construction" language is based on a bipartisan bill Bennet introduced with Senator Dean Heller (R-NV). Any project that…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=A8400259-944A-D9EB-EB9F-1848A2080C68	Bennet: High-Speed Internet Will Provide New Opportunities for Silverton Kids, Community	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Bennet Worked with Community to Ensure Fiber Connection Came to Silverton Silverton is Last County Seat to Connect to Fiber-Optic Network Silverton, CO - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet applauded news that Silverton School is now able to access high-speed Internet following the successful completion of a project to run a fiber-optic connection to the school. Following an Internet speed test this morning, they reported an extremely quick connection of 96 mbps download speed. "It's great to see this project finally come to fruition for the kids at Silverton School," Bennet said. "This is a result of the hard work put in by school leaders and community officials to connect these kids to the Internet. This access will help open doors and give students new opportunities to learn about the world around them." Silverton is the state's last county seat to connect to a fiber-optic network. Since 2011, Bennet has worked with federal, state, and local leaders to bring high-speed Internet to the school. He continued to raise the issue with federal officials and local stakeholders to ensure the project was completed and highlighted how improved broadband access in Silverton and along the Western Slope could benefit the entire region. "We appreciate the support and work from Senator Bennet and the many, many people who have stood by us and helped us achieve our long-standing goal of a fiber connection to our community," said Pete McKay, San Juan County Commissioner. "To have our public school connected to high-speed Internet is the best Christmas present our community could ever receive." "Senator Bennet's consistent support and direct advocacy efforts over the past two years have been a critical component in helping to bring a long needed fiber connection to the Silverton School District and the Silverton community at large," said Kim White, superintendent of Silverton Public Schools. "We are deeply grateful to Senator Bennet and his staff for the hours of conversation and intervention with various entities at both the …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C72D33BB-59E9-4AA0-B3AD-065E24FC6A0D	Bennet Improvements to Teacher Tax Deduction Included in Tax Extenders	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet secured improvements to the teacher tax deduction in a bill to fund the government and extend several tax provisions. The improvements stem from an amendment Bennet introduced and passed in the Senate Finance Committee earlier this year. "Teachers across the country are too often underpaid, and many of them even pay out of their own pockets to provide kids in their classrooms with supplies like pencils and paper," Bennet said. "This tax deduction is a modest tool to help provide a little relief. Increasing its value and making new expenses eligible for the deduction will help alleviate some of this burden that teachers should not bear in the first place." The $250 deduction will now be indexed to inflation and will allow teachers to use the deduction for professional development expenses, which is often costly for teachers. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1451	Protecting You From Tax Hikes	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Protecting You From Tax Hikes f t # e Washington, December 17, 2015 Congressman Doug Lamborn issued the following statement after his vote in support of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act:'There are six very straightforward ways that this bill is good for the American taxpayer. First, it provides certainty to citizens because it makes a variety of tax reduction and relief provisions permanent. Second, by make this tax relief permanent, it prevents an end-of-year tax increase on millions of Americans. Third, it will help grow our economy by providing clarity and predictability and tax relief to job creators and entrepreneurs. Fourth, the stabilization puts us on sounder footing for fixing and reforming our broken tax code. Fifth, the bill helps reduce waste, fraud, and abuse by strengthening the language surrounding these tax credit programs. Last, and certainly not least, reforms placed in this bill will help curtail the politically motivated and inappropriate behavior of the IRS." - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-provide-permanent-tax-relief-families-and-businesses	Tipton Votes to Provide Permanent Tax Relief for Families and Businesses	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTONCongressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued the following statement after voting in the House to pass H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (Tax Extenders), which makes permanent tax relief provisions amounting to $550 billion in relief for American families and businesses over the next ten years. Living under a looming threat that taxes might spike if Congress fails to pass short-term extensions at the end of each year has created uncertainty for families and businesses across the nation. Ending the dysfunction of annual short-term extensions of tax code provisions on which families and businesses rely will restore certainty, create greater economic opportunity, and encourage sustainable growth. Washington doesnt have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. This legislation acknowledges that reality by including conservative policies that implement reforms to reduce fraud and abuse, and provide families and businesses with permanent tax relief amounting to over $550 billion in savings over the next decade, said Tipton. The ultimate goal remains broad tax reform to create a simpler, flatter and fairer tax code. To get there, we need to remove the politically-charged environment that is pervasive in these annual short-term patches and often results in undesirable policies being forced through because of an artificially imposed deadline, further convoluting the tax code. By making many of these annually-enacted tax relief provisions permanent for families and businesses, this bill sets the stage for broader tax reform. A section by section breakdown of H.R. 2029 can be viewed HERE. Summary of the H.R. 2029 courtesy of the House Ways and Means Committee: Delivers Certainty to American Taxpayers By making a number of temporary taxprovisions permanent, this legislation delivers predictability, clarity, and certainty for individuals, families and job creators. Americans will no longer have to worry each December if Congress will take action to extend certain tax relief policies. Preve…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/just-show-news	Just for Show In the News	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Ken Buck	B001297	buck.house.gov	legacy	GREELEY, Colo. (CBS4)– Colorado Congressman Ken Buck wants to make assaulting a police officer a federal hate crime. “There are more officers being targeted because of the fact that they’re police officers,” said Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican representing Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=352D39FC-2836-7E17-B34E-8550AC1B75E4	Twenty-One Senators Express Profound Concern over Second Iranian Ballistic Missile Test in Letter to President Obama	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Ben Cardin, Chuck Schumer, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Coons, Gary Peters, Ron Wyden, Jeanne Shaheen, Debbie Stabenow, Heidi Heitkamp, Tim Kaine, Bill Nelson, Ed Markey, Kirsten Gillibrand, Bob Casey, Mark Warner, Cory Booker, Maria Cantwell, Martin Heinrich, Barbara Mikulski, and Jeff Merkley in expressing profound concern in a letter to President Obama regarding a second ballistic missile test conducted by Iran on November 21st. In the letter, the Senators write: "We are deeply concerned by Iran's continued violations of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1929 by testing a second ballistic missile on November 21, 2015...If there are no consequences for this violation, Iran's leaders will certainly also question the willingness of the international community to respond to violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and UN Security Council Resolution 2231." The letter sent to President Obama today by the 21 U.S. Senators appears below. Dear Mr. President: We are deeply concerned by Iran's continued violations of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1929 by testing a second ballistic missile on November 21, 2015. Once again, the international community has an opportunity to demonstrate its resolve in the face of Iranian violations of its international obligations. On December 15, a panel of expert monitors working on behalf of the United Nations Security Council reported that, "On the basis of its analysis and findings the Panel concludes that the Emad launch on October 10th is a violation by Iran of paragraph 9 of Security Council Resolution 1929." Unfortunately, some members of the UN Security Council failed to condemn this violation and failed to take steps collectively to enforce Resolution 1929. If there are no consequences for this violation, Iran's leaders will certainly also question the willingness of the international community to respond to violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3CCD28B9-B17D-D21D-3F36-D89087937AF0	Bennet Ensures LWCF, PILT Included in Year-End Bill	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Bill Fully Funds PILT for FY 2016 Bennet Pledges to Continue Fight for Permanent Reauthorization, Full Funding for LWCF Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet secured funding for both the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program - both of which are top Colorado priorities - in a bill to fund the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2016. "We've heard from Coloradans about how important both LWCF and PILT are to their communities," Bennet said. "PILT ensures that rural communities throughout our state have the resources they need to provide crucial services like road maintenance, emergency response, and law enforcement to their residents. "LWCF is one of our country's most successful conservation programs. It has benefitted both urban and rural communities alike, helping to preserve parks, rivers and forests and increasing the public's access and recreational opportunities in these places. We're glad it received a three-year extension, but we will continue to fight for its permanent reauthorization and full funding in the years to come," Bennet added. Since coming to the Senate, Bennet has fought to secure funding for both LWCF and PILT. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill to permanently fund both programs. He also introduced a bipartisan bill with Republican Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire to permanently reauthorize the LWCF. PILT, which is fully funded at $452 million for FY 2016, provides federal payments to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes because of nontaxable federal land within their boundaries. The formula used to calculate PILT payments is based on population, receipt sharing payments, and the amount of federal land within an affected county. In late November, Senator Bennet led a bipartisan coalition of 37 Senators urging Senate leaders to fully fund PILT in the bill. Authorization for LWCF expired on September 30, 2015. This bill extends the Fund for three year…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6708A757-FC86-668A-ECD6-2C286085DF2D	Bennet Secures Extensions of Wind PTC, Solar ITC	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet secured extensions for the wind production tax credit (PTC) and the solar investment tax credit (ITC) in a bill Congress is considering to fund the government and extend several tax-related provisions. The long-term extensions finally give certainty to renewable energy manufacturers and producers in Colorado and around the country. "Renewable energy like wind and solar are major parts of Colorado's diverse energy industry and support thousands of real, brick and mortar jobs up and down the supply chain," Bennet said. "We're still reviewing the full bill, but these extensions would provide more certainty than we've had in some time for the wind and solar industries and the Coloradans who depend on them. This can help support thousands of jobs across the state. That being said, we need to keep working to extend the ITC for small wind projects." The bill extends the wind PTC for five years, while phasing it down over that same period. In 2015 and 2016, wind energy producers are eligible to receive the full credit of 2.3 cents per kilowatt-hour of energy produced. In 2017, producers can take 80 percent of the credit, followed by a phase down to 60 percent of the credit in 2018 and 40 percent of the credit in 2019. Earlier this year, Bennet secured a two-year extension of the PTC in a bill considered by the Senate Finance Committee. The solar ITC is also extended for five years beyond 2016 when it is currently set to expire, and it has been modified to include language from a bipartisan bill Bennet introduced to allow projects to take the credit as soon as they have "commenced construction." Any project that starts construction before January 1, 2022 and is completed before January 1, 2024 will be eligible to receive the credit. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/foreign-relations-committee-hearing-reveals-obama-administrations-permissive-attitude-towards-iran	Foreign Relations Committee Hearing Reveals Obama Administrations Permissive Attitude Towards Iran	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Click here to watch. Washington, DC In a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) asked witnesses from the State Department to lay out the Administration's plan for dealing with two critical developments regarding with Iran; the Iranian regime's recent illegal ballistic missile tests, and the impending transfer of 25,000 pounds of nuclear material from Iran to Russia. State Department officials were unable to articulate a plan to deal with either event. In response to the transfer of material to Russia, a State Department official could only state that we are in the midst of negotiating such a plan, but that today we don't have one (exchange begins at 1:41 in above video). In response to Iran's illegal ballistic missile tests, officials stated only that we are considering active measures, active consequences (4:15) and we are actively considering what steps to take in response to the October 10th test. (5:11). Senator Gardner responded to the Administration's lack of action at the end of his questioning (beginning at 6:35): This permissive environment that we have created, in which we acknowledge that Iran is going to continue a program of ballistic missile development regardless of the consequences, that we've referred these violations to a committee, that we've talked about it, that we've sternly reprimanded them, we've wagged our finger, has done nothing to protect the American people. This committee has, I think, done an incredible job of making sure that we understand the facts. But the fact is, we don't have the response and the actions to back it up when Iran has clearly violated. In fact, we haven't taken any of the steps necessary to prevent them from growing their ballistic missile program, which they will and has been admitted here. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Smal…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-bennet-hickenlooper-tipton-send-letter-to-secretary-jewell-in-support-of-trapper-mine	Gardner, Bennet, Hickenlooper, Tipton Send Letter To Secretary Jewell in Support of Trapper Mine	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO)and Michael Bennet (D-CO),along with Governor John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Sally Jewell urging DOI to complete the court-orderedEnvironmentalAssessment (EA) for Trapper Mine in Craig, Colorado prior to April 30, 2016. Trapper Mine's permit was covered under the sameenvironmentalreview that the U.S. District Court in Colorado deemed deficient for Coloywo Mine, but Trapper Mine was initially believed to be unaffected. Further review led to a negotiation with the Office of SurfaceMiningReclamation andEnforcement(OSMRE) that requires a new environmental assessment in order to keep Trapper Mine operational. Trapper employs more than 180 employees with wages and benefits totaling $22 million annually, making it one of the largest employers in Northwest Colorado and a strong component of the local economy,the letter says. "The mine generated in excess of $10 million in tax and royalty revenues in 2014; funds which are vital for community infrastructure and education. Further, the Trapper Mine contributes approximately 50% of the total fuel for the Craig Power Generating Station, which is another significant employer in the area, and a critical facility for regional electricity production and transmission. The mine also has a track record of developing its resources in a safe and environmentally sound manner,the lawmakers wrote. "We are confident that your Department fully understands the importance of completing the environmental review in a timely manner, and we commend OSMRE efforts thus far on the Environmental Assessment." The letter reads in full: We write to support the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's (OSMRE) work regarding the court-ordered Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Trapper Mine in Craig, Colorado, and urge you to complete the assessment as quickly as possible. Trapper Mine's permit was covered under the same EA that the U.S. Dis…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-responds-to-president-obamas-statements-on-national-security	Gardner Responds to President Obamas Statements on National Security	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement today following President Obama's remarks at the National Counterterrorism Center: Today, we heard more rhetoric from President Obama about his record on national security. The same President who called ISIS a 'jayvee team', who declared that ISIS was 'contained', and whose Administration just months ago was bragging about their 'strategic patience' in Syria is now seeking to reassure the American people that he has the situation under control. Coloradans and Americans are not buying it. Administration policy on both terrorism and national security seems aimless. At a hearing today, I was told that the State Department has no plan in place to respond to Iranian ballistic missile tests, nor to inspect 25,000 pounds of nuclear material being transferred from Iran to Russia. Last week, I joined with a group of Senators to urge the President to more aggressively pursue the fight against ISIS. Why these plans are not already in place and being executed is a mystery. I'm glad the President visited the Pentagon last week and the National Counterterrorism Center this week. But we need more than lofty rhetoric, weneed concrete action. The world is waiting. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/cfpb-information-collection-creates-data-security-risk-millions-americans	CFPB Information Collection Creates Data Security Risk for Millions of Americans	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) raised concerns about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus (CFPB) mass collection of consumer data and overall lack of accountability at CFPB during a hearing in the House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Watch Tiptons exchange with the witnesses HERE. The CFPB is collecting massive amounts of consumer data, including sensitive personal identifiers, on millions of Americans without their knowledge, and to make matters worse, CFPB does not have the infrastructure or capability to properly secure that data, Tipton said. This speaks to the larger problem that CFPB is an institution without accountability to Congress or any other entity that is run by a single director who presumes to have all of the answers. Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the CFPB to collect data for its supervisory and monitoring efforts, although their needs can be addressed almost entirely with data already publicly available. However, the CFPB has collected much more than publicly available data, with one example being the National Mortgage Database (NMDB). The CFPB is compiling the type, term and sales price of the mortgage as well as the borrowers income and credit history for the NMDB. Disturbingly, the NMDB even specifies a borrowers gender, age, and ethnicity. A 2014 Government Accountability Office report warned that the CFPB had two key deficiencies, including the CFPBs lack of written procedures for a number of processes and a failure by the CFPB to implement a number of privacy control steps and information security practices. Unfortunately, after assurances that the CFPB would rectify these mistakes, a 2015 CFPB Office of Inspector General report found that the CFPBs data security program still has several notable weaknesses. The CFPB is once more overstepping its authority and in doing so, jeopardizing the security of Americans sensitive personal data, said Tipton. This committee is committed to providing oversight of t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1447	Partnering to Protect Christmas	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Partnering to Protect Christmas f t # e Washington, December 15, 2015 Congressman Doug Lamborn has joined with over three dozen House Republicans in supporting H.Res. 564. This resolution seeks to defend religious liberty and to protect the symbols and traditions of Christmas for use by those who celebrate the holiday. Furthermore, this resolution also disapproves of efforts to ban references to Christmas. Please click HERE for text of the resolution "Seasonal religious expression must continue to be protected for all Americans. The efforts to remove religious aspects of Christmas from the public square are not only misguided, they are unconstitutional. Christmas is a wonderful time of year when a majority of Americans take time to remember the humble birth of Jesus Christ on a holy night more than 2,000 years ago. The message of Christmas is one of love, hope, and peace. It is a message that our country and this world needs more than ever in the midst of ever increasing conflict and chaos. Regrettably, there has been a troubling effort by some in America to ban any and all Christmas celebrations and traditions from the public arena. These attacks on Christmas clearly violate the rights of religious expression our Founding Fathers deliberately provided for us in the Constitution." - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-epa%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98covert-propaganda%E2%80%99-campaign-wotus-despicable	Tipton: EPAs Covert Propaganda Campaign on WOTUS Despicable	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) underscored that even the Administrations illegal covert propaganda effort has failed to build support for the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS), an attempt to expand federal control over private and state-governed surface water rights. A report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) this week concluded that the EPA broke the law by engaging in covert propaganda when rolling out its controversial WOTUS rule. Its despicable, but not surprising, that the EPA broke the law by engaging in a covert propaganda campaign in an attempt to desperately manufacture support for the Presidents widely opposed Waters of the U.S. rule. This type of dishonesty is exactly why there is such deep mistrust in government. Despite the illegal action and continued attempts by the Administration to force its massive federal water grab on the American people, WOTUS continues to face staunch opposition across the nation. While implementation of WOTUS has been put on hold by a court ruling, we continue to work in the House to implement legislative protections to ensure it never goes into effect, said Tipton. Furthermore, just like private citizens, those in government who are responsible for breaking the law need to face consequences. House and Senate oversight hearings and investigations are ongoing to hold Administrators accountable, and as part of that, this lawless action will be a topic on which we will focus. In May, the House passed the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act (H.R. 1732), which would prohibit WOTUS from going into effect. Tipton has reintroduced the Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 1830) this Congress which seeks to protect private water rights holders from federal takings. Learn more about that bill HERE. The House also passed a rider as part of H.R. 2028, the FY 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations bill that would prohibit the implementation of the EPA rule. There is also speculation that end of the year funding l…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E3B48616-D29C-275F-B205-9A3D66088D4F	Bennet Calls for Social Media Background Checks in Visa Screening Process	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined 21 other senators in calling for the Department of Homeland Security to immediately require social media background checks as part of the screening process for all foreigners seeking an American visa. In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, the senators also requested more information from the agency on the existing screening process, such as if the agency faces any resource barriers to implementing these background checks, to ensure the process is as rigorous and comprehensive as possible. The letter comes in the wake of reports that the female assailant involved in the San Bernardino terrorist attack may have expressed radical jihadist sentiments on social media platforms before her fianc -- the male attacker and a U.S. Citizen -- applied for a K-1 fianc visa on her behalf. The letter was led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and also signed by: Senators Charles E. Schumer of New York, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Gary Peters of Michigan, Dianne Feinstein of California, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Barbara Boxer of California, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Angus King of Maine, and Tom Carper of Delaware. The full text of the letter can be found below: December 15, 2015 The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary Department of Homeland Security 3801 Nebraska Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 We write to express our deep concern regarding reports that critical background information of individuals participating in American visa programs has been largely omitted from the visa security screening process. According to recent reports, the female assailant involved in the San Bernardino terrorist attack may have expressed radical…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-commends-passage-of-tribal-energy-development-act	Gardner Commends Passage of Tribal Energy Development Act	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released a statement today following the Senate's passage last week of the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2015, of which he is a co-sponsor. This legislationwould amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to simplify the Tribal Energy Resource Agreement (TERA) process and allow for more energy development on tribal lands, including renewable energy: Tribal lands have the potential to make a significant contribution to America's energy independence. Unfortunately, unnecessary barriers to energy development on tribal lands are holding back that contribution and hindering job creation. Our bill breaks down many barriers to job growth and clears a path for tribes to more fully harness the resources available on their lands. Colorado has been home to tremendous advances in the new energy economy, and I'm proud to support this effort to ensure that tribes can play a vital role in the energy revolution. More information about this legislation, including a summary and full text, can be found here. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-kerrys-syria-remarks	Gardner Statement on Kerrys Syria Remarks	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	404 We're sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The address may have been typed incorrectly or the page may have been moved during the recent redesign of our site. Thank you.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-thanks-colorado-law-enforcement-during-holiday-season	Gardner Thanks Colorado Law Enforcement During Holiday Season	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) sent a letter to Colorado law enforcement officers honoring the sacrifices they make to keep Colorado communities safe. In light of recent tragedies in Colorado Springs, Denver, and San Bernardino, California and the law enforcement's active role in each of them, Gardner expressed the importance of recognizingthe heroism that law enforcement officers display on a daily basis. Their commitment to protect and serve communities provides comfort to families across Colorado and the United States, and Gardner's letter thanks them for their heroic sacrifice. Driven by courage and the desire to serve, you fulfill a great need throughout our communities.Carrying these values with you as you begin your watch each daywhen you leave your family to protect mine and so many others, Gardner wrote. Your badge identifies you as a source of help in vulnerable times, and behind each badge of police officers, sheriff deputies, correctional officers, and patrol men and women is a heart that extends beyond its own bounds. The letter reads, in full: Dear Members of the Law Enforcement Community, As we prepare our hearts and homes for the holiday season, I want to take a few moments to express my sincere gratitude for the service and protection you provide the citizens of our wonderful state. In the best of times, patrolling the roadways, being present in our neighborhoods, and maintaining order can be a difficult and dangerous duty. I am proud of the work that the men and women who make up each law enforcement office carry outacross the state. On watch in precincts, correctional facilities, and along our highways, you diligently fight to protect our state. Colorado families, including mine, from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope, remain safe in large part because of each of you. As the guardians of our communities, you prepare to respond to things that most of society simply hopes will not happen to them.Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman wrote that American law enforcement is the …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/at-planned-parenthood-shooting-commemoration-hope-for-a-new-chapter-at	At Planned Parenthood shooting commemoration, hope for a new chapter at Colorado Capitol	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Diana DeGette	D000197	degette.house.gov	legacy	Looking to wrestle something positive from the Black Friday shooting attack at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, the organizations top regional executive said she wants to work with conservative lawmakers in Colorado to tame the escalating political rhetoric that has grown around the organization. One of the organizations top critics at the Capitol didnt reject the notion out of hand. Vicki Cowart, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Rocky Mountains, told The Colorado Statesman that she is dedicated to opening up the conversation at the Capitol in the coming months. We look forward to meeting with the legislators, she said. We will keep talking and we will keep listening. Cowart acknowledged that abortion and reproductive health are emotional topics, but that reproductive health is also an everyday practical matter that concerns everyone at one time or another in their lives. This fact, she argued, should help free the topic from ideological excess. One in five women in Colorado has received care at a Planned Parenthood, she said. Everyone at the Capitol knows someone who has visited a Planned Parenthood. They may not know they know someone, but I bet they do. Anti-abortion legislators told The Statesman theyre open to greater dialogue and, in fact, are counting on it. State Rep. Gordon Klingenschmitt, R-Colorado Springs, lauded the sentiment of Cowarts remarks. Thats nice, he said slowly. But he was quick to point out that the Legislatures Republican Study Committee invited Planned Parenthood to appear at a hearing on the hot-button issue of fetal tissue sales and research at the beginning of November and that the organization refused to attend. The executives responded through their lawyer that they were too busy to come, he said. Have they changed their position? Klingenschmitt, a former Navy chaplain and online preacher who has made headlines for expressing his vehement opposition to abortion, often using the language of the Old Testament, said Planned Parenthood would have to commit to act…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1446	A Congressional First in Colorado	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Information Courtesy of the House Natural Resources Committee Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a legislative field hearing at the Colorado School of Mines' Edgar Experimental Minein Idaho Springs, Colorado on H.R. 3734, the Mining Schools Enhancement Act, introduced by Rep. Cresent Hardy (R-NV). This bill, in combination with H.R. 3843 (Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO)), the Locatable Minerals Claim Location and Maintenance Fees Act, and H.R. 3844 (Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA)), the Energy and Minerals Reclamation Foundation Establishment Act, comprise a larger mining development and reclamation bipartisan reform package. While all three reforms offer a proactive and positive set of solutions, they are now even more critical, in light of the EPA-caused Animas River spill, which occurred last August some 325 miles from here at the Gold King Mine not far from Silverton, Committee Chairman Rob Bishop stated. Mr. Hardys common sense bill H.R. 3734 encourages and provides support to Americas mining schools that produce and help train the experts needed on the technical side to do this work in the future. The education component is particularly important given that the EPA does not employee any mining engineers and that a majority of the United States mining industrys technical leaders will reach retirement age within the next decade. Our nation needs more mining engineers, said Hardy. To ensure that more mining engineers are produced, our mining schools must be sustained. To sustain our mining schools, they need a strong faculty. To ensure a strong faculty, new professors need to make it through the tenure process. To make it through the tenure process, new professors need to conduct research. To conduct research, professors need funding. The Mining Schools Enhancement Act will attack the shortage of mining engineers in this country head-on by supporting key educational programs, and involving more students in critical research. The innovative three-pronged approach to mining reform legislation provide…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1272	Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Bipartisan Mining Reform Legislation in an Underground Mining Classroom	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Ed Perlmutter	P000593	perlmutter.house.gov	legacy	Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a legislative field hearing in Idaho Springs, Colorado on H.R. 3734, the Mining Schools Enhancement Act, introduced by Rep. Cresent Hardy (R-NV). This bill, in combination with H.R. 3843 (Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO)), the Locatable Minerals Claim Location and Maintenance Fees Act, and H.R. 3844 (Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA)), the Energy and Minerals Reclamation Foundation Establishment Act, comprise a larger mining development and reclamation bipartisan reform package. While all three reforms offer a proactive and positive set of solutions, they are now even more critical, in light of the EPA-caused Animas River spill, which occurred last August some 325 miles from here at the Gold King Mine not far from Silverton,CommitteeChairman Rob Bishop stated.Mr. Hardy's common sense bill H.R. 3734 encourages and provides support to America's mining schools that produce and help train the experts needed on the technical side to do this work in the future. The education component is particularly important given that the EPA does not employee any mining engineers and that a majority of the United States' mining industry's technical leaders will reach retirement age within the next decade. Our nation needs more mining engineers,said Hardy. To ensure that more mining engineers are produced, our mining schools must be sustained. To sustain our mining schools, they need a strong faculty. To ensure a strong faculty, new professors need to make it through the tenure process. To make it through the tenure process, new professors need to conduct research. To conduct research, professors need funding. The Mining Schools Enhancement Act will attack the shortage of mining engineers in this country head-on by supporting key educational programs, and involving more students in critical research. The innovative three-pronged approach to mining reform legislation provides a path to clean up the more than 400,000 abandoned mines across the Western states. Today marks the secon…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=38B1AB00-5ADE-419D-AD97-E97D881611EA	Senate Passes Bennet-Backed Bill to Break Down Barriers to Energy Development in Indian Country	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - The Senate last week passed a bipartisan bill introduced by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Jon Tester (D-MT), to give Indian tribes more tools to develop their energy resources and to remove unnecessary barriers to economic development in Indian Country. "This commonsense bill gives tribes the autonomy they should have to develop their own energy resources," Bennet said. "It will cut red tape and allow tribes to create jobs and boost economic development on their lands. The House should quickly take up and pass this bipartisan bill." In addition to Senators Bennet, Barrasso, and Tester, the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2015 (S. 209) is cosponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Enzi (R-WY), and Cory Gardner (R-CO). Background The Energy Policy Act of 2005 included an Indian Energy title - Title V. Title V was enacted to deal with the delays and uncertainties inherent in the Bureau of Indian Affairs' energy leasing process. Title V was intended to provide Indian tribes with an alternative way to develop their energy resources. The bipartisan bill includes a number of amendments to the process established in 2005. The legislation cuts red tape and makes it easier for Indian tribes to develop their own resources. It also improves the process for approving "tribal energy resource agreements" (TERAs) and makes the TERA approval process more predictable for Indian tribes. The bill addresses other aspects of Indian energy development, including a "biomass demonstration project" for biomass energy production from Indian forest lands, rangelands and other federal lands in accordance with program requirements developed by the secretaries of Interior and Agriculture after consultation with Indian tribes. It would facilitate the development of tribal biomass projects by providing Indian tribes with access to more reliable a…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-colleagues-call-for-answers-on-homegrown-terror	Gardner, Colleagues Call for Answers on Homegrown Terror	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with ten Senate colleagues, announced today that they have sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, and Secretary of State John Kerry asking for answers on several questions related to domestic terror. Following a failure of the background check system which in 2013 allowed two terrorists affiliated with al Qaeda to settle in Bowling Green, Kentucky, numerous calls to reform the system emerged. The Senators' letter asks the recipients whether any recommendations for changes were made as a result of these events, what the results were of the FBI's subsequent investigation of related terrorists, and whether there are any former or current known terrorists who are currently part of the refugee program. The full letter, also signed by Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), John Cornyn (R-TX), David Vitter (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tim Scott (R-SC), is below: Dear Director Comey, Secretary Johnson, and Secretary Kerry: In 2013, a failure to screen Iraqi refugees allowed two al Qaeda-linked terrorists to settle in Bowling Green, KY. ABC News reported that these arrests led to a 6-month suspension of the refugee program and an FBI investigation of dozens of suspected terrorists.[1] An ABC News investigation in 2013 reported that a flawed system of U.S. background checks allowed Waad Ramadan Alwan and Mohanad Shareef Hammadi, two al Qaeda in Iraq (now called ISIS) terrorists who were part of a bomb-making group responsible for dozens of roadside bombs, one of which killed four members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. After a tip led the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to begin investigating Alwan and Hammadi, the FBI's Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) managed to match Alwan's fingerprints to those found on a…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=991A3B6C-457E-7BE5-77B3-DDA83FC31988	FRA Must Reopen Train Horn Rule Following Denial of Fort Collins Request	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Fort Collins, CO - Following news today that the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) has initially denied the City of Fort Collins' application for a waiver from federal train horn noise regulations, Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner and Representative Jared Polis are calling on the FRA to immediately reopen the train horn noise rules. The lawmakers are urging FRA Administrator Sarah Feinberg to include more flexibility for Colorado communities like Fort Collins to establish quiet zones through town centers where train horn noise is stifling economic development. "We understand and agree that safety is a top priority for your agency. Fort Collins officials have made significant investments in grade crossing improvements that have resulted in a strong safety record. They have also demonstrated a willingness to do more," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Administrator Feinberg. "Although this is not a complete denial and an opportunity remains for the City to reapply, we believe that today's decision is proof that the regulations need to be re-examined. Yet, we've been waiting for years for the agency to act. In 2013, the FRA announced its intent to reevaluate the Train Horn Rule, which your predecessor pledged to reopen it by the spring of 2015. After that deadline passed, the agency pledged to reopen it by the end of this year. Yet, two weeks before the end of the year, the FRA has not taken steps to reopen the rule. This timeline is unacceptable." Communities throughout Colorado, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Greeley, Commerce City, Arvada, Castle Rock, Westminster, and Windsor, have expressed concerns with the application of the FRA's train horn noise rules. At the request of Bennet, Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) asked former FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo if the agency was willing to work with communities to provide flexibility around train horn noise regulations. Szabo indicated a willingness to work with Congress to ensure its train-noise and quiet-zone rules protect public safety an…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F24909C1-3853-8E5F-6ED6-A23A95A9B78A	Bennet, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Waterway LNG Parity Bill	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Waterway LNG Parity Act of 2015. This bipartisan bill would ensure that excise taxes on liquefied natural gas (LNG) for marine transportation on the inland waterways are levied at a rate consistent with their energy output relative to diesel and gasoline, respectively. LNG is a cheaper, cleaner, domestic energy source and the current financing mechanism for the inland waterways system puts its use at a disadvantage. This legislation would change the inland waterways financing rate to provide equal treatment within the federal tax code. "Natural gas is a growing part of Colorado's diverse energy industry, and this bill recognizes the shift to alternative fuels in across transportation technologies," Bennet said. "Providing parity to LNG for marine transportation - just as we recently did for cars and trucks - creates an opportunity to grow this market and encourages the use of domestically produced natural gas as a cleaner burning transportation fuel." "It takes about 1.7 gallons of LNG to provide the same amount of energy as a gallon of diesel. Those who use LNG to power marine vessels would have to pay 50 cents in tax for the same amount of energy contained in a gallon of diesel fuel that is only taxed at 29 cents-that doesn't make sense," said Dr. Cassidy. "By ensuring equal tax treatment for LNG, it encourages its use and its production-benefiting Louisiana's economy and workers." This legislation is supported by many, including: "The United States has the most efficient and robust natural gas transportation system in the world. We support this bill to create additional demand for natural gas, which has the potential to benefit producers nation-wide. Natural gas as a marine fuel has a dual benefit of cleaner air in our harbors and more drilling in western Colorado in the decades to come." - David Ludlam, Executive Director of West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association "NGVAmerica commends Senators Bill Cassidy,…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1442	Supporting the VA Committee's Accountability Check	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	This week, the House Veterans Affairs Committee held an end-of-year review with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Representing the VA were Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson and Meghan Flanz, Deputy General Counsel of Legal Operations and Accountability. Chairman Miller opened the hearing with a call for the VA to accept responsibility for its misdeeds and proactively pursue widespread changes to stop corruption and abuse. During the hearing, committee members pressed VA officials on such topics as: - Whistleblower protection - Disciplinary actions for corrupt employees - The hiring and firing process - Training local offices on new practices - External healthcare providers The status quo at the VA should be a cause of concern for ethical people everywhere. As more individual cases come to light, thanks to whistleblowers, the media, and individual cases handled by Members of Congress, we must not lose sight of the fact that there remain massive, systemic issues within the VA that they have not addressed in any meaningful way. Our brave veterans should not have to fight for our country and then return home only to fight a government bureaucracy to receive the care they deserve. I stand with my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs Committee and demand more for our veterans. - Congressman Doug Lamborn, CO-05 To read a personal account of how Veterans are mistreated by the VA, read Jason Katzs article VAs lost sense of mission.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/freshman-class-president-ken-buck-announces-class-project	Freshman Class President Ken Buck Announces Class Project	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Ken Buck	B001297	buck.house.gov	legacy	For Immediate Release Contact: Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676 Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Ken Buck, president of the Republican Freshman Class, announced that the class will pursue a project to reassert the Constitutional powers of Congress. In a time when Executive Branch overreach is at an all-time high, this project will encourage Congress to fulfil its purpose set out in Article I of the Constitution. We heard from the Speakers Chief of Staff, who told us that our continual reliance on big, bloated omnibus bills steals from Congress 90% of its Power of the Purse, Congressman Ken Buck stated. To reassert Congressional power, we need to return to a regular appropriations process with multiple, separate funding bills. The freshman class is eager to restore Constitutional order to our government, Congressman Buck stated. The people elected us to balance out Executive overreach. President Obama has issued hundreds of executive orders to date, including granting amnesty to 5 million illegal immigrants, increasing the minimum wage for federal contractors, disregarding welfare reform laws with broad waivers, unilateral land grabs under the guise of designating national monuments, and ignoring both the deadlines and clear language of the Affordable Care Act. Congress must hold the Executive Branch accountable for enforcing the laws it passes and must rein in abuses of power through executive orders. Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04) is the Freshman Class President. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He serves on the OGR Subcommittees on Government Operations and the Interior and is a member of the Judiciary Subcommittees on Immigration and Border Security and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations. Follow him onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397992	President signs K-12 education bill into law	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Jared Polis	P000598	polis.house.gov	legacy	President Obama today signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act, a bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and replace the existing law known as No Child Left Behind. The rewrite which hasnt been done since 2001 will move states beyond the stringent, outdated policies of No Child Left Behind, help reduce the amount of testing in our nations schools, and give more decision-making power back to states and districts. Today is a triumphant day, Polis said. This morning, I joined President Obama as he signed the Every Student Succeeds Act into law and put the nearly 15-year era of No Child Left Behind officially in the past. Every student and every school in the country has been affected by the well-intentioned, but outdated policies of No Child Left Behind. Today, we finally replaced it with a law built on the principle that we should empower schools to help students achieve, not subject students and teachers to a one-size-fits-all system that bogs our education system down with endless red tape. As a senior member of the House Education Committee, Rep. Polis was chosen last month to serve on the conference committee that negotiated the final version of the bill after separate ones passed the House and Senate over the summer. The final bill includes several measures championed by Polis that reflect Colorado priorities, including: A dual-enrollment amendment Polis successfully offered in conference committee that allows federal funds currently devoted to English language learners to be used for dual or concurrent enrollment, a model that has been employed with widespread success across Colorado. A grant program for innovation and evidence-based learning modeled off a bill Polis re-introduced in February. This program has helped schools across the country, including St. Vrain Valley School District, which received a $3.6 million innovation grant in 2010 to expand programs for at-risk students in seven schools. Because of the innovation grant, St. Vrain was able to exte…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=9DAC13E2-7152-6D5D-90E0-64DC430D7A2F	President Signs K-12 Education Overhaul into Law	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Bennet Attends Signing Ceremony New Law Includes Bennet-Authored Provisions Secured during Committee, Floor Debate, Conference Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today attended a bill-signing ceremony at the White House where the President signed into law a bill to fix No Child Left Behind. The bill, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the chief federal law addressing K-12 education, reforms many of the broken policies from No Child Left Behind, the previous version of the bill, while maintaining several key provisions that have proved successful. Bennet is a member of the Senate's education committee and the conference committee that negotiated the final bill. The final language includes a number of provisions he secured during the initial drafting, the committee process, the Senate's debate, and the conference committee's final negotiations. "For teachers and principals and for students and families in Colorado and all across the country, this new law will come as a great relief," Bennet said. "Congress has finally done its job to pass a bipartisan bill that fixes No Child Left Behind. And it is proof that we can overcome our differences and come together and actually solve problems. We wrote this bill with help from people all across Colorado, and it brings us one step closer to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive a great education." As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Bennet played a significant role in writing the Senate-passed bill. The final bill includes a number of provisions he secured based on input from Colorado, including: State-Driven Accountability Systems: Reducing the prescriptive, top-down approach of No Child Left Behind; re-empowering states to design accountability systems that maintain statewide annual testing requirements and break down data to identify achievement gaps; ensuring English learners are included in state accountability systems; and requiring states to ident…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-roberts-scott-emphasize-dangers-of-closing-guantanamo-following-news-of-former-detainee-becoming-al-qaeda-leader	Gardner, Roberts, Scott Emphasize Dangers of Closing Guantanamo Following News of Former Detainee Becoming al-Qaeda Leader	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and Tim Scott (R-SC) released the following statements regarding reports that a former detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Ibrahim al-Qosi, has become a senior leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Al-Qosi, transferred from Guantanamo to his native Sudan in 2012, appears in a video released this week by AQAP that encourages small cell terror attacks in the West. The President's rush to empty the cells at Guantanamo recklessly endangers our national interests abroad and our safety here at home, Gardner said. This news confirms what we've known all along: Guantanamo Bay houses some of the world's deadliest terrorists, and the secure facility at Guantanamo is exactly where they belong. They do not belong back on the battlefield fighting against us, nor do they belong on U.S. soil. It's time for the President to recognize that simple fact, which is already enshrined in U.S. law." Just seven days after the terrorist attack in San Bernardino and at a time when our nation is vulnerable to both home grown threats and those from abroad, I see no reason to add to these security concerns by placing terrorists currently held at Guantanamo in American communities, Roberts said. As we were reminded with these attacks, we are still very much at war with terrorism. Guantanamo should remain open and we should not underestimate the zeal of these terrorists to return to the battlefield. Look no further than former Guantanamo detainee, Ibrahim al-Qosi. As the President rushes to transfer detainees out of Guantanamo Bay, we have been given a clear picture of exactly the type of terrorist he is talking about releasing, Scott said. These terrorists want another San Bernardino, another Paris, and by basing his national security policies on a political promise to close Guantanamo, I fear the President is only increasing the danger to our nation and our people. Guantanamo is the perfect place to hold some of the world's most dangerous terrorists, and any effort to…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-slaughter-lead-house-and-senate-colleagues-to-introduce	DeGette, Slaughter lead House and Senate Colleagues to Introduce Resolutions Condemning Violence Against Womens Health Providers and Patients	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Diana DeGette	D000197	degette.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Louise Slaughter (NY-25) along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) announced resolutionsthey have introducedin the House and Senate, respectively,to condemn violence against womens health providers and patients across the United States following the horrific attack outside of a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood that left three dead and nine wounded. The resolutions recognize that violence, intimidation, and threats against womens health care providers and their patients has persisted for decades, with an increase in incidents of arson, vandalism, and threats over the past six months, further recognizing the serious impact that demonizing, extreme rhetoric has on creating a climate that is dangerous for those who would provide or seek access to comprehensive health care services. The members reiterated a womans constitutional right to make her own health care decisions and have access to health care services without fear of violence or harassment. No one should have to face intimidation or violence when going to the doctor, but for too many women, threats and attacks have been a reality simply because they have sought reproductive health care, said Rep. DeGette. This is simply unacceptable, and I am joining colleagues in both the House and Senate to say that such threats and attacks must stop. The recent attack in Colorado Springs and other incidents across the country underscore the urgency we all feel that this violence must stop right away. No American should feel intimidated or threatened because of where they choose to access health care, said Rep. Slaughter. The violence directed toward patients and doctors at a health clinic in Colorado Springs is unconscionable, as are the hateful rhetoric and lies that have been hurled against Planned Parenthood by those who seek to do away with Americans right to choose. These despicable acts are an attack on the one-in-five women who have received…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=044A3DE7-6874-95F5-56E5-18C1D011C3AE	Bennets Bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Bill Passes Senate	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - The U.S. Senate this week passed the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage, or RAISE Family Caregivers Act. The bill introduced by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet along with Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and sustain a National Family Caregiving Strategy to support family caregivers. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. "The reality is that most of us will act as a family caregiver or need care at some point in our lifetimes," Bennet said. "Family caregivers are providing billions of hours of unpaid care, to ensure that loved ones can perform daily activities and continue living independently. As the population continues to age the need for family care will only increase, adding to the physical, emotional, and financial stress on caregivers. This bill will help promote policies that support these caregivers." At present, there are about 40 million family caregivers in the United States, who, in 2013, provided an estimated $470 billion in uncompensated long-term care. This is more than the total Medicaid spending that year. In addition, Americans 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of the population. This population is most at risk of multiple and interacting health problems that can lead to disability and the need for round-the-clock care. Bennet is the co-chair of the bipartisan Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) Caucus that provides education about family caregivers and ways to support people living independently in addition to advocating for action in Congress on these issues. Learn more about the RAISE Family Caregivers Act here. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=0FC148C1-722B-B2EA-E601-43AF57361DBD	Senate Gives Final Approval to K-12 Education Overhaul	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined 84 of his colleagues today to give final approval to a bill to fix No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The bill, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the chief federal law addressing K-12 education, now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. It reforms many of the broken policies from No Child Left Behind, the previous version of the bill, while maintaining several key provisions that have proved successful. Bennet is a member of the Senate's education committee and the conference committee that negotiated the final bill. The final language includes a number of provisions he secured during the initial drafting, the committee process, the Senate's debate, and the conference committee's final negotiations. "Congress has finally done its job to pass a bill that fixes No Child Left Behind," Bennet said. "This bill helps us end NCLB's top-down, one-size-fits-all approach and re-empowers those closest to our kids to make decisions about their education. This bipartisan bill makes meaningful progress to help our students, teachers, and schools across Colorado and the country, but it is just one step toward addressing the inequities in our education system. We must keep working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive a great education." As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Bennet played a significant role in writing the Senate-passed bill. The final bill includes a number of provisions he secured based on input from Colorado, including: State-Driven Accountability Systems: Reducing the prescriptive, top-down approach of No Child Left Behind; re-empowering states to design accountability systems that maintain statewide annual testing requirements and break down data to identify achievement gaps; ensuring English learners are included in state accountability systems; and requiring states to identify at least the bottom five percent of low-performing schools and…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-praises-passage-of-education-reform-law	Gardner Praises Passage of Education Reform Law	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement following the Senate's passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bipartisan overhaul of the No Child Left Behind Act and federal education policy: The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act represents a stepforwardinfederal education policy, and I'm proud to have worked with members of both parties on its passage. While not perfect, this act makes progresstowards getting Congress out of the classroom, rolling backCommon Core, and returning more power tothestates and local communities where it belongs. I'm especially pleasedthat this legislation includesseveral amendmentsIauthored and co-sponsored which will make meaningful changes to federal policy, helping talented high schoolers earn college credit before graduation, giving charter schools a seat at the table in educational development planning, and promoting more transparency and better access to education data for lawmakers and researchers looking to improve the system.Also included is an amendment I co-sponsored protecting children from the practice of 'passing the trash', where problem employees, including sex offenders, are transferred from school to school without proper background checks being conducted. Along with last week's long-term Highway Bill, the passage of this major bipartisan education legislation is a sign that, after years of dysfunction, the Senate is starting to work again. We've made progress on education, transportation, energy policy, entitlement reform and more. While we still have much work to do, I'm excited to be a part of a Senate that is starting, once again, to do the real work we were sent here to do. In addition to his work on the ESSA, Senator Gardner alsosubmitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Courtthis month urging them to support the Douglas County School District's Choice Scholarship Program from an anti-school-choice lawsuit. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-address-national-security-gaps-visa-waiver-program	Tipton Votes to Address National Security Gaps in Visa Waiver Program	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	Continues call for Sen. Bennet to lead WASHINGTON Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted to pass legislation in the House to address national security concerns in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Each year over 20 million people from 38 participating countries take advantage of the VWP, which allows participants to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without going through embassy or customs screening. With thousands of citizens from participating European countries estimated to have traveled to Iraq or Syria to fight for ISIS, there are numerous security challenges posed by the VWP that could potentially allow for these individuals to enter into the U.S. under the programs eased screening procedures for their countries of origin. The Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, which passed the House, would address those challenges. Following the Paris attacks, Tipton has been Colorados leading voice on addressing national security gaps that could be exploited by ISIS terrorists looking to come to the U.S. to inflict harm. "There are vulnerabilities in the visa waiver program and in the Syrian refugee program that need to be addressed, and the House has taken action on both fronts. We have now passed legislation in the House to better ensure stringent verification of Syrian refugees takes place, and to address vulnerabilities in the Visa Waiver Program, said Tipton. These issues are not mutually exclusive, and the Senate needs to take up both of these important bills. While I welcome Senator Bennets commitment to address concerns with the Visa Waiver Program, I continue to call on Senator Bennet to give equal consideration to the serious challenges posed by the current inability to stringently vet refugees coming from Syria, and join me in prioritizing the safety and security of Coloradans and all Americans. This is a significant gap in our national security that shouldnt be ignored. The Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, H.R. 158, would ensure that cit…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-gop-senators-urge-obama-to-pursue-additional-military-options-to-combat-isis	Gardner, GOP Senators Urge Obama to Pursue Additional Military Options to Combat ISIS	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today joined a group of Senators in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to pursue additional military options to fight ISIS and protect Americans both at home and abroad. The American people are understandably concerned in the aftermath of the horrific attack in San Bernardino and increasingly apprehensive about the prospect of another terrorist attack on American soil,the Senators wrote. To safeguard our own national security, we must step up the military fight against ISIS as soon as possible, but it will require sustained, long-term American engagement to resolve the deeper problems that have allowed ISIS to incubate and gather strength in Syria and Iraq. The full text of the letter is below: The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama: In the wake of the recent wave of devastating terrorist attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on Paris, Beirut, and the Russian airliner flying over Egypt, as well as last week's attack in San Bernardino that appears to have been inspired by ISIS, we write today to both express support for your stated objective to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIS and to urge you to employ more effective means to accomplish that worthy goal. ISIS poses a direct threat to our country, and the magnitude of thatthreat is growing as a result of this terrorist army's expanded operational reach. The recent attacks prove that ISIS now has the ability to carry out mass-casualty terrorist attacks well beyondits self-proclaimed caliphatein Syria and Iraq.The Director of theCentral Intelligence Agency recently warned that ISIS likely has additional attacks planned, and the group has publicly declared its intention to strike the mainland United States. We also know that ISIS is aggressively pursuinga more robust chemical weapons capability and, to that end, has recruitedscientists and other technical experts. The American people are …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-on-iranian-belligerence-inaction-is-no-longer-an-option	Gardner on Iranian Belligerence: Inaction is no longer an option	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement following reports of another ballistic missile test conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran in violation of United Nations (U.N) Security Council resolutions: When the President was pursuing his misguided nuclear deal with Iran, many of us warned that Iran would cheat. We warned that Iran, the world's largest state sponsor of terror, would take billions in sanctions relief while continuing to build up their arsenal, prop up the Assad regime, and arm terror groups dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Iran has done exactly that. The Obama Administration has been stunningly indifferent. Iran has violated U.N. travel sanctions by sending General Qassem Soleimani, a man responsible for the death of American troops in Iraq, on a visit to Russia. They've repeatedly violated U.N. resolutions prohibiting the testing of ballistic missiles, which could be topped with a nuclear warhead. The American people were told to trust that the Obama Administration could hold Iran accountable for bad behavior. Iran's recent conduct, and the Administration's lack of response, prove that the current U.S. policy of engagement with this murderous and deceitful regime is a dangerous farce. I have no confidence that Iran will abide by the terms of the nuclear deal reached this past summer. It's time for the Administration to respond to Iranian belligerence. Inaction is no longer an option. Senator Gardner has been a vocal opponent of the President's deal with Iran. He warned before the deal was struck about the dangers of a nuclear Iran, and denounced the deal when it was announced as a bad deal with the murderous Iranian regime. After reports of Iranian violations of U.N. sanctions, Gardner sent a letter to President Obama asking for a response to those actions. On the floor of the Senate, Gardner spoke out about the troubling aspects of the deal and urged his colleagues to reject it. And in October, Gardn…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1438	Denver Post Op-Ed: Gold King Mine Is Just Tip Of Iceberg	2015-12-07	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	By Congressman Doug Lamborn Imagine kayakers drifting through the neon waters of the Animas River. Or, think about toxic, heavy metals seeping into Crested Butte's drinking water and Indian reservation waters downstream. Unfortunately, these scenarios aren't figments of your imaginationthey're a reality. With the recent Gold King Mine and Standard Mine spills, Colorado has suffered more than its fair share of environmental disasters caused by abandoned mines. But the abandoned mine problem is bigger than just Colorado. It is estimated that there are as many as 400,000 abandoned mines in the western United States. Many of these mines contain heavy metals and other chemicals that could seriously damage the surrounding environment and jeopardize the health of nearby residents. To prevent future catastrophes not just for the next few years but well into the futurewe need to adopt a multifaceted solution. We need a plan that addresses the financial hardship of mine cleanup, incentivizes the private sector to do its part without fear of crushing liability or overregulation, and teaches the next generation of engineers the best environmental and engineering practices. To address these concerns, I have introduced new legislation as part of a larger package of bills that offers protection and incentives to well-intentioned private companies who can assist in the recovery of abandoned mine land. The Locatable Minerals Claim Location and Maintenance Fees Act, H.R. 3843, would require the EPA to create "Good Samaritan" permits to provide limited liability protections for industry and non-profit groups who have the technical expertise to responsibly remediate abandoned mine lands. Under my legislation, organizations that clean up abandoned mine lands would also find relief under the Clean Water Act and CERCLA. This step is critical to encourage volunteer clean-up of both coal and non-coal abandoned mine land sites provided that their actions are not grossly negligent and are performed in good faith. The bill also autho…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-sends-letter-chairman-hal-rogers-calling-congress-reassert-its	Ken Buck Sends Letter to Chairman Hal Rogers Calling on Congress to Reassert its Constitutional Authority	2015-12-07	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Ken Buck	B001297	buck.house.gov	legacy	For Immediate Release Contact: Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676 Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Buck led a letter signed by 11 of his colleagues in Congress calling on Congressman Hal Rogers, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, to include several policy provisions in the Omnibus Appropriations Act. The letter explains that Article I of the Constitution should serve as the basis and structure for funding priorities in appropriations bills. Unfortunately, Congress rightful power to legislate has been sidelined by bureaucratic regulations and judicial activism. The letter suggests the inclusion of several of Congressman Bucks colleagues policy provisions as a way to reassert Congressional authority. The following Members of Congress joined Congressman Buck in signing the letter: Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03), Earl L. Buddy Carter (GA-01), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Sean Duffy (WI-07), Mark Meadows (NC-11), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Dave Brat (VA-07), Alex Mooney (WV-02), Matt Salmon (AZ-05), and Louie Gohmert (TX-01). Congressman Buck released the following statement regarding the letter: Congress must use the Omnibus Appropriations Act to reassert its Power of the Purse. The provisions wed like to include in the Act will rein in the overreach that has become all too commonplace in President Obamas administration. Below is the text of the letter: December 7, 2015 The Honorable Hal Rogers Chairman House Committee on Appropriations H-305, The Capitol Washington D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Rogers: Article I is the Constitutional basis and structure for Congress to set funding priorities and policies in the pending Omnibus Appropriations Act. Decades of unchecked bureaucratic regulations and judicial activism has relegated Congress, particularly, the House of Representatives to the sidelines. With over $19 trillion in debt and job killing regulations routinely implemented by Administrations of both parties, the House of Representatives must lead and protect individual rights through the Power of…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=94100CC1-E20E-A495-91D7-215D200093B6	Bennet Applauds Dedication of USS Arizona Relic on Behalf of Hugo Hero	2015-12-07	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Hugo, CO - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today applauded the dedication of a piece of the wall of the USS Arizona, which sunk in Pearl Harbor, on behalf of Lincoln County resident Joe Will who was killed in the tragic attack. Lincoln County Commissioner Greg King reached out to Bennet's office at a town hall meeting in 2014 asking for help in securing the relic. Bennet's office worked with the Department of the Navy for more than 9 months to bring a piece of the ship to Colorado, which was recognized in a dedication ceremony Monday afternoon in Hugo. "Joe Will is a hometown hero, who bravely sacrificed his life in one of the most horrific attacks on U.S. soil in our history," Bennet said. "Commissioner King and the local community did excellent work to bring a piece of this ship back to Hugo where it will serve as a memorial to Joe Will and his family. Today, on the 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor we also remember the service of Joe Will and all of the brave Coloradoans who have served." Bennet's office was notified in the spring of this year that the relic would be making its way from Hawaii to Hugo. The ceremony took place at the local VFW named in Will's honor. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/planned-parenthood-supporters-gather-for-day-of-solidarity	Planned Parenthood Supporters Gather For Day Of Solidarity	2015-12-05	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Diana DeGette	D000197	degette.house.gov	legacy	DENVER (CBS4) Hundreds of Planned Parenthood supporters gathered for a day of solidarity. They remembered lives lost in the deadly Nov. 27 shootout at a Colorado Springs clinic. Leaders of the organization said they will not be deterred by the violence, and will continue providing all services. Planned Parenthoods remembrance at an Englewood church was one of nearly 50 rallies and vigils across the country Saturday. Supporters joined in song, and took a moment of silence to remember the victims. (Planned Parenthood) provides safe and compassionate care to women across this country, said Christine Breen, a longtime Planned Parenthood patient. Community leaders called for action. Lets work together to make sure that all patients can continue to have the wonderful care that those patients in Colorado Springs two Fridays ago were receiving, said Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat representing Colorado. To ensure that every person has the ability to make their own decision when it comes to pregnancy, parenting, and abortion, and to obtain the healthcare that we need without threats to our safety, added Cristina Aguilar of COLOR, Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights. Garrett Swasey, a University of Colorado Colorado Springs police officer, was shot after rushing to the campus to help. The other two victims KeArre Stewart, an Army veteran who served in Iraq, and Jennifer Markovsky, 36, a mother of two originally from Hawaii were both accompanying friends to the clinic and its not clear where they were when they were killed. During the remembrance, pro-life activists gathered and prayed outside of a local Planned Parenthood. Abortion is not healthcare, said Aaron Hollst, a practicing Christian. When its called healthcare, I think thats insulting to people who are pro-life and to people who are not pro-life. Youre ending a life. Its as simple as that. In the wake of the Colorado Springs attack, security at the remembrance was tight. Increased police presence scared some next door vendors away…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-joins-members-of-house-and-senate-to-file-amicus-brief-in-us	DeGette Joins Members of House and Senate to File Amicus Brief in U.S. Supreme Court to Support Obama Administrations Immigration Executive Actions	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Diana DeGette	D000197	degette.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) joined 184 House Democrats and 34 Senate Democrats to file an amicus brief last night in support of the petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court seeking review of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which blocked the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program and expanding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. These programs were announced by President Obama last November as part of his Executive Actions on Immigration. President Obamas decision to review immigration enforcement priorities and re-focus our resources on national security threats and violent criminals is both in line with the Constitution and with the views of the majority of Americans, said Rep. DeGette. I am proud to file this amicus brief in support of the Presidents actions, and I look forward to working with my colleagues here in the House to finally address the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Too many aspiring Americans have been forced to live in limbo while Republicans in Congress drag their feet and ignore reality; the time to fix our broken immigration system is now. The brief makes the case, from the perspective of 218 Members of Congress, that DAPA and expanded DACA are consistent with Congressional intent and the Executives longstanding legal authority to establish national immigration enforcement priorities and exercise discretion in the enforcement of our immigration laws. As stated in the brief: Congress has granted the Secretary [of Homeland Security] broad discretion in determining how to carry out the immigration laws, and has explicitly directed the Secretary to establish policies and priorities for enforcement of those laws. Rep. DeGette and her congressional colleagues are deeply concerned that the Fifth Circuit Court decision interferes with Congresss ability to grant the Executive the flexibility and discretion as necessary to enfo…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1427	Voting Against the FAST Act	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Voting Against the FAST Act f t # e Washington, December 4, 2015 This week, Congressman Doug Lamborn voted against H.R. 22, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act."A bill designed to fix our roads should be limited to just that, providing money for asphalt and concrete. However, unfortunately, this bill is full of hundreds of billions of dollars of budget gimmicks that don't save money. Indeed, instead of focusing like a laser on pure infrastructure needs, the bill includes money for Amtrak and other mass transit programs. The bill includes language reauthorizing the expired Export-Import Bank also, which is not a transportation agency at all. I simply could not support a bill containing this many structural flaws." - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397985	President Signs Five-year Highway Bill, Includes Polis I-70 Amendment	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Jared Polis	P000598	polis.house.gov	legacy	An amendment authored by Rep. Jared Polis (CO-02) to designate I-70 from Denver to Utah as a Corridor of High Priority was signed into law today as part of a five-year highway transportation bill. Its the first long-term transportation bill to be signed into law in more than a decade. With this Congressional designation, I-70 will now be eligible for certain federal funding streams to help with maintenance and improvements on what is a notoriously congested highway, especially during peak ski travel times. High-priority corridors are given preferential consideration when applying for discretionary grant programs like the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) and newly established Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects, as well as financing opportunities like those established under the Transportation Infrastructure and Financing Act (TIFIA). We all know what its like to sit in miles of traffic heading up to, or back from, our world-class ski areas, Polis said. While this amendment doesnt fix that problem immediately, its an important first step in freeing up federal funds to help alleviate traffic and congestion, and hopefully make us all a little saner on our mountain getaways. In September, Polis wrote the leaders of the House Transportation Committee outlining Colorado priorities, such as maintenance and improvement projects along I-70, in this major highway bill.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397986	Polis, Amash urge House leaders to stop warrantless surveillance in year-end spending legislation	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Jared Polis	P000598	polis.house.gov	legacy	Representatives Jared Polis (D-CO) and Justin Amash (R-MI) senta letter to House leaders today calling for provisions restricting warrantless government surveillance in any upcoming government-funding legislation. Thirty-five of their House colleagues also signed the letter. The letter which is addressed to Speaker Paul Ryan, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers, and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Nita M. Lowey specifically requests the inclusion of five privacy-focused amendments that passed the House earlier this year with bipartisan support. The amendments would stop taxpayer dollars from being used to fund activities including warrantless bulk data collection and backdoor searches by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Security Agency (NSA). Though there are many divergent views among Republicans and Democrats on a variety of spending matters, the need to safeguard the Constitutions Fourth Amendment and protect Americans rights is an issue on which there is far-reaching consensus,the representatives wrote.Republican and Democratic members of Congress and, more importantly, the constituents we all represent overwhelmingly agree that tax dollars should not be used to fund the warrantless surveillance of American citizens. The five privacy measures for which the letter advocates all passed the House of Representatives with far-reaching bipartisan support over the summer during consideration of H.R. 2578, the Commerce, Justice Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016, and H.R. 2685, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016. Three of the measures passed on voice vote, indicating that approval in the chamber was unanimous or near unanimous. The measures are as follows: An amendment to H.R. 2578 to prohibit the DOJ or Federal Bureau of Investigation from using federal funds to require technology companies to weaken the security of their products for the purpose of government surveillance. An amendment to H.R. 2…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=23E65266-FC5F-E63E-791B-38F72B1D0D5D	Senate Passes Bennet-Backed National Bison Legacy Act	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today applauded the Senate's passage of the National Bison Legacy Act. The bill, cosponsored by Bennet, establishes the North American bison as the national mammal of the United States. It passed the Senate unanimously. "Colorado has a rich agricultural heritage that includes a strong bison ranching tradition," Bennet said. "This bill helps commemorate the legacy of these creatures and their importance to our country's heritage and our state's agricultural economy. The North American bison is a vital part of our history and bison ranchers and conservationists in Colorado have played a significant role in their resurgence." "Senate passage of the Bison Legacy Act moves us one step closer to giving this majestic animal proper recognition as our National Mammal," said Dave Carter of the National Bison Association. "Bison ranchers appreciate Senator Bennet's leadership in helping to navigate this legislation to final passage." Colorado is home to more than 500 bison ranches raising more than 11,000 bison. The bison is North America's largest land mammal that once numbered 20-30 million across the continent. However, westward expansion almost reduced the bison population to extinction. Conservationists and bison ranchers have helped rejuvenate the species, bringing the current population to approximately 500,000 in North America. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=66F55CC1-1BAC-F8F4-9CDE-485C534DF4D6	Bennet Joins 217 Congress Members to Support Presidents Immigration Executive Actions	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet signed an amicus brief Thursday in support of the President's executive actions on immigration. He joined 33 Senators and 184 members of the House of Representatives who filed an amicus brief in support of a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court seeking to review the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which blocked the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program and expanding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. These programs were announced by President Obama last November as part of his Executive Actions on Immigration. "There's bipartisan agreement that our immigration system is broken," Bennet said. "We believe that the Supreme Court will agree that it is most important to break up threats to our national security, rather than breaking up families. Fixing the flaws in our immigration system will strengthen our economy and our families. The creation of DAPA and expansion of DACA will give hard-working families the relief to come out of the shadows and financially contribute to our tax base." The brief makes the case, from the perspective of 218 Members of Congress, that DAPA and expanded DACA are consistent with Congressional intent and the Executive's longstanding legal authority to establish national immigration enforcement priorities and exercise discretion in the enforcement of America's immigration laws. As stated in the brief: Congress has "granted the Secretary [of Homeland Security] broad discretion in determining how to carry out the immigration laws, and has explicitly directed the Secretary to establish policies and priorities for enforcement of those laws." Members of Congress are concerned that the Fifth Circuit Court decision interferes with Congress's ability to grant the Executive Branch the flexibility and discretion necessary to enforce the law in a rational, effective, and efficient manner. The ruli…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C87A1305-2C42-C402-6CAB-0382400F306D	Bennet Applauds Reauthorization of Export-Import Bank through 2019	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Following yesterday's action to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet welcomed Congress's action to renew the bank's charter through 2019. The Ex-Im Bank is an economic engine that has helped Colorado businesses finance the export of domestically-made products to international markets for more than 80 years. The measure was included in the five-year highway and transit funding bill that passed through both houses of Congress yesterday. "Today's victory is long overdue. For the past five months, Congress denied Colorado businesses the support and expertise they needed to help them compete globally and prosper locally," Bennet said. "While today's outcome is positive, we still need to address the dysfunction and partisanship in Washington that is impeding progress. As we work to boost our economic competitiveness, we need more people to recognize that bipartisanship' is a good word, not a bad word." Though the reauthorization is an important step, the bank will not be able to approve transactions valued at more than $10 million due to vacancies on the board of directors. Currently only two of the five director positions are filled, and at least three board members are required in order to approve large loans. President Obama has nominated a third board member, but the Senate has yet to schedule a confirmation hearing to consider the nomination. Bennet has led the fight to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank. In May, Bennet led a group of Colorado businesses in calling on Congressional leadership to extend the charter prior to its expiration. More than 100 Colorado businesses have used the Bank to facilitate the sale of their products overseas, generating exports of $815 million since 2007. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1425	Speaker Paul Ryan: Let's Make Fixing Our Mental Health System A Priority	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Speaker Paul Ryan: Let's Make Fixing Our Mental Health System A Priority f t # e Washington, December 3, 2015 At a press conference today, Speaker Ryan took a moment to express his condolences to the families of the victims of the recent shooting in Colorado Springs. Clearly we can do more, he added, calling for a renewed focus on fixing the nations mental health system. Here are his full comments: I also want to express my condolences to the families of the victims of Fridays shooting in Colorado Springs. What happened is appalling, and justice should be swift. Clearly we can do more. And one common denominator in these tragedies is mental illness. Thats why we need to look at fixing our nations mental health system. An exampleTim Murphy, congressman from Pennsylvania, has a bill that is working its way through the Energy and Commerce Committee. Im sure that members of both parties have lots of ideas in this area, but we should make this a priority to prevent violence and protect our citizens. f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1426	Updating American Energy Laws	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn voted in favor of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. "H.R. 8 is an important piece of legislation that will allow us to fully harness the positive impacts of the ongoing American energy revolution. It will also help create an environment for more American jobs and greater energy exports to our allies." - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) More Information (Courtesy of the Energy and Commerce Committee) H.R. 8 is a broad energy bill that seeks to maximize Americas energy potential. The legislation seeks to update and modernize outdated policies rooted in an era of energy scarcity to reflect todays era of energy abundance, and make our energy infrastructure more resilient and create jobs. Modernizing Energy Infrastructure The United States has undergone an energy renaissance driven by newly discovered resources, technological innovation and our skilled workforce. The U.S. is now the worlds leading energy producer, but our pipelines and electric grid havent kept pace with the rapid transition. The private sector is eager to invest in new projects to put people to work, but there is simply too much government red tape slowing down the siting and permitting process. Likewise, our electricity sector is constantly evolving in the light of new challenges, such as changing markets, costly environmental regulations, and increasing grid security threats. H.R. 8 focuses on the transmission, distribution, and storage of energy to ensure we have the necessary infrastructure to meet todays modern energy challenges. Protecting the Electricity System Ensuring the electric grid is secure, resilient, and reliable is another top priority of H.R. 8. Changing market dynamics, a barrage of regulations, and external threats have created new energy security and reliability challenges. Disruptions in the delivery of electricity have far-reaching economic and public health impacts. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that power outages cost Americans at…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buck-votes-improve-energy-security	Buck Votes to Improve Energy Security	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Ken Buck	B001297	buck.house.gov	legacy	For Immediate Release Contact: Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676 Washington, D.C. Congressman Ken Buck voted today for the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. This important legislation impacts energy accessibility and production in the United States, rolling back government regulation so that America can modernize its energy infrastructure and strengthen its energy security. The bill lifts the crude oil export ban, reforms the permitting process for energy projects, and improves the approval process for energy exports. After many months of calling for legislation to lift the crude oil export ban, Im thankful the House passed this bill, Congressman Ken Buck stated. In an increasingly volatile world, securing Americas energy infrastructure should be a top priority. The North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015 will now go to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04) is the Freshman Class President. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He serves on the OGR Subcommittees on Government Operations and the Interior and is a member of the Judiciary Subcommittees on Immigration and Border Security and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations. Follow him onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-votes-return-transportation-decisions-states	Ken Buck Votes to Return Transportation Decisions to States	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Ken Buck	B001297	buck.house.gov	legacy	For Immediate Release Contact: Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676 Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Ken Buck voted to support local transportation decisions in the conference report on H.R. 22, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (FAST Act). This legislation increases surface transportation spending levels beyond the bills passed in both the House and Senate, blowing past Highway Trust Fund expected revenue by $70 billion. Further, Highway Trust Fund dollars are still used on non-highway projects. Funding for the bill is achieved through budget gimmicks, including another raiding of Americas Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Additionally, the legislation includes a reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, a crony-capitalist government financing program. With the FAST Act, Washington, D.C. voted to continue its tight-grip on transportation spending in America, Congressman Ken Buck stated. I trust the commissioners in the 4th Congressional District to build a better, cheaper road than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04) is the Freshman Class President. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He serves on the OGR Subcommittees on Government Operations and the Interior and is a member of the Judiciary Subcommittees on Immigration and Border Security and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations. Follow him onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1266	Perlmutter Supports Long-Term Surface Transportation Bill	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Ed Perlmutter	P000593	perlmutter.house.gov	legacy	Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) voted to support the bipartisan conference report on H.R. 22, Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act which included reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. In addition, Rep. Perlmutter authored two provisions included in H.R. 22 to benefit the people of the 7th Congressional District. I'm pleased Congress worked together to achieve the first long-term surface transportation bill in ten years. This bipartisan legislation will provide $281 billion in guaranteed funding for highway, transit and transportation safety programs over the next five years, including more than $3.4 billion in direct highway and transit formula funds for Colorado. This will provide certainty to help create jobs, repair our aging infrastructure, improve public transit, and strengthen oureconomy. In addition, reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank will help promote exports by U.S. companies including at least 18 small businesses in my district and support more than 160,000 U.S. jobs. I'm also pleased that H.R. 22 includes two provisions I authored which will have tangible benefits for the people of the 7th Congressional District. One measure will help ease the regulatory requirements placed on housing authorities and their tenants while still ensuring accountability, while the other measure will work to update and modernize train horn requirements to provide communities flexibility and keep the public safe. H.R. 22 includes two provisions Rep. Perlmutter introduced to benefit the people of the 7th Congressional District: In March 2015, Rep. Perlmutter introduced H.R. 233, the Tenant Income Verification Relief Act to allow tenants on a fixed income have their income certified and/or verified once every three years rather than annually.The legislation helps streamline and reduce the burdens placed on tenants for purposes of determining their eligibility for certain Federal assistance housing programs, including seniors and other individuals and families who consistently main…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=01A08684-A1F4-1062-363F-F91CF16D2CC9	Bennet: Congress Should Quickly Pass Long-Term Transportation Bill that Finally Provides Certainty	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today called on Congress to quickly pass the five-year surface transportation bill agreed upon by House and Senate leaders this week. The bill increases funding to states for highway and transit projects over the five-year authorization. "For more than a decade, Congress has been stuck in neutral when it comes to passing a long-term bill to fund our highways and transit systems, only managing to pass dozens of short-term extensions," Bennet said. "This bill gives Colorado communities the benefit of five years of certainty to maintain our roads and bridges and begin construction on new projects to support our growing economy. It will help complete crucial projects around the state, including the expansion of I-25 through Fort Collins and the Southeast Rail Line extension. "While this bill funds our transportation needs for five years, it does not address the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. Congress needs to use this time to come up with a realistic solution that will help us build and maintain the infrastructure needed to be competitive in the 21st century global economy," Bennet added. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6A3FB1C8-AD65-769B-D9C2-9A819887D27C	Bennet Statement on DOD Announcement that All Combat Positions will be Open to Women	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement following Department of Defense Secretary Ash Carter's announcement that all combat positions will be open to women: "The Pentagon's announcement is a welcome acknowledgment that women have earned the right to serve in any military role they are qualified to perform. It's encouraging the Pentagon has recognized both the contributions women in uniform have been making for years and their potential to make an even greater difference to our country's safety and security. Today's announcement will make both our military and nation stronger." # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=8985C2E6-F584-CD6D-78D6-AD281BF55E72	Pentagon to Begin Investigation into Potential Wrongful Discharges of Servicemembers with Mental Health Diagnoses	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - The U.S. Army is responding to a request from Senator Michael Bennet to conduct an investigation into recent allegations that the Army wrongfully discharged soldiers for misconduct who had been diagnosed with mental health issues after returning from deployment. Army Secretary Erik K. Fanning announced that he has instructed senior Army leaders, including the Inspector General of the Army and the Auditor General of the Army, to thoroughly review the issues raised by Bennet and 11 other senators. "We've heard serious concerns that soldiers have been wrongfully discharged for actions related to their behavioral health diagnoses," Bennet said. "We're glad this investigation will move forward so we can learn more facts. Our brave men and women in uniform sacrifice so much in service to our country, and we need to ensure they are treated fairly and receive the quality care they need." In November, Bennet urged the Army investigate allegations that since 2009, it has separated more than 22,000 soldiers who have been diagnosed with mental health problems or Traumatic Brain Injury. A joint investigation by National Public Radio and Colorado Public Radio reported that the U.S. Army has discharged tens of thousands of servicemembers previously diagnosed with mental health disorders or TBI. In December of 2014, Bennet passed a bill requiring the Government Accountability Office to study whether service members are being discharged for conduct related to Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), or other mental health diagnoses. The report also evaluates whether protocols, training, counseling, and treatments are in place relating to recognize and address mental health issues. The bill stemmed from concerns brought to him by Colorado veterans, including some members of his Veterans Working Group, who believed some service members may be receiving less than Honorable discharges due to behavior related to mental trauma, such as PTS. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F866D9B4-89F7-7CC7-A86C-3FB6787D06F3	Bennet Introduces Amendment to Improve Veterans Access to Health Care	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today introduced an amendment to improve access to care for veterans across the United States. The amendment provides funding to hire more doctors, nurses, social workers, and mental health professionals for facilities that serve our veterans like the one being constructed in Aurora. It will also help improve VA medical facilities that need upgrades and minor construction improvements. "In Colorado, our VA system has been plagued by long wait times. Across the state, we have a shortage of physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals, particularly in our most rural areas such as the San Luis Valley," Bennet said. "We also know all too well in Colorado we need much more accountability within the VA and our office will continue to work to improve the horrendous bureaucracy that has plagued access to quality care. As we fight for that accountability, we owe it to the hundreds of thousands of veterans in Colorado and the 22 million across the country to provide the best care we can offer." # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-ensures-highway-bill-reflects-colorado-priorities	Gardner Ensures Highway Bill Reflects Colorado Priorities	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement today following his vote in favor of the Highway Bill passed by the Senate: This Highway Bill is the result of hard work from members of both parties in the House and the Senate. It gives states and local communities five years of certainty in planning transportation projects, allowing them to save money through longer-term budgeting. I'm proud that I was able to secure several provisions in the Highway Bill that are especially relevant to Colorado and will help ensure that our priorities are a part of national transportation policy. Colorado is growing fast, and it's absolutely critical that our infrastructure keeps up with that growth. Among the provisions Senator Gardner secured in the Highway Bill were: Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Improvements Three major Colorado road projects were under threat of not moving forward with construction as the result of changes that were initially considered to the TIFIA program as the bill was being drafted. Senator Gardner worked with members in both parties to make changes improving the program, and ensure that the three Colorado road projects would be able to use the program and move forward with construction. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has plans for the construction of three major projects: C470 Express Lanes, Interstate 70 East of Denver, and, critically, North Interstate 25 expansion. TIFIA could be used as a financing mechanism for construction of these projects. Population Growth Consideration The bill included the creation of a new grant program: the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects (NSFHP) program. Senator Gardner included a change to the NSHFP program which would require the Department of Transportation to consider the impact of population growth when awarding the authorized grants. The language will assist Colorado, one of the…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-highlights-obamacares-broken-promises-	Gardner Highlights Obamacares Broken Promises	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Click here to view Senator Gardner's Floor Speech Washington, DC In a speech this week on the Senate floor, Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) laid out the broken promises of Obamacare and how the law is continuing to be a burden to Colorado families and businesses. When Obamacare was passed, Coloradans were made three major promises. First, that if they liked their plans, they could keep them. Second, that the new law would reduce healthcare costs for families, businesses, and government. And third, that Obamacare CO-OPs would create more competition in the marketplace. All three of these promises were broken. Coloradans have had to bear the consequences. A transcript of the Senator's remarks is below: Mr. President, I come to the Senate floor today to talk about the broken promises of ObamaCare and the negative impacts that this poorly written law have had on my State of Colorado. While there have been many broken promises of ObamaCare, there have been three major broken promises that are the center of focus for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. I want to start with broken promise No. 1. If you liked your plan, you can keep it. The President said over 35 times that Americans shouldn't worry about ObamaCare because if you liked your plan, then you could keep it. And it wasn't just the President; time after time, supporters of ObamaCare came to the floor of the House or the Senate or before townhalls in their States or districts and repeated those words: If you liked your plan, you can keep it. In fact, these words were used to justify the reason they supported ObamaCare in the first place. But Coloradans quickly learned that this promise was far from the truth. In late 2013, roughly 335,000 insurance policies in Colorado were canceled because of ObamaCare. These cancellations also affected my family health care plan. Unfortunately, the cancellations in 2013 were just the very beginning. In January of 2014, the Colorado Division of Insurance canceled an additional 249,000 plans because these plans didn't meet …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-urges-supreme-court-to-allow-expanded-school-choice	Gardner Urges Supreme Court to Allow Expanded School Choice	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) announced today that he has submitted an amicus curiae brief to the United States Supreme Court in support of the Douglas County School District. The District is appealing a ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that would prevent parents in Douglas County from sending their child to a religious school through the Choice Scholarship Program (CSP), which empowers parents to choose the right school for their kids. The CSP gives scholarships worth up to 75% of the state per-pupil revenue received by the district to eligible families wishing to enroll their child in a private school, thereby offering parents more choice while saving taxpayer money. The CSP is designed to assist students, and does not favor any particular kind of school so long as those schools meet specific standards. Offering parents more control over where their children go to school is good for students, good for schools, and good for the State of Colorado, Gardner said. I've worked towards expanding school choice throughout my entire career in public service because it's the right thing to do for kids, and I'm proud to stand with the Douglas County School District as it takes its case to the United States Supreme Court. Parents deserve the choice to send their children to the school that's best for them. I hope that my briefmoves the Justices toward a decision that puts students first, allowing this innovative scholarship program to continue benefiting the students of Colorado and paving the way for more school choice nationwide. You can read Senator Gardner's full brief to the Supreme Court here. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Small Business &amp…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-votes-to-repeal-obamacare	Gardner Votes To Repeal Obamacare	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement today after voting to repeal Obamacare in the United State Senate: As I travel throughout Colorado, I continue to hear about Obamacare's devastating impact. Whether it's a family on the Western Slope who saw their premiums shoot through the roof, or a business owner in the San Luis Valley who would like to hire and expand but can't afford to due to the law's mandates, Coloradans are suffering from Obamacare's broken promises. The Obama Administration promised Americans that this law would bring down costs, expand choices, and allow them to keep the plans and doctors they liked. Instead, more than five years after the law passed, thousands in our state have faced huge premium increases, reductions in benefits, and the cancellation of their plans. Obamacare added billions in government spending and raised taxes on millions of Americans, but we have precious little to show for it. Even the healthcare CO-OP established in Colorado by Obamacare has collapsed, taking millions in taxpayer loans with it and causing thousands to lose coverage. It's time for a new approach, one that is patient-centered and focuses on reducing costs and increasing choices. Coloradans have endured massive increases in health care costs. In October, the Denver Business Journal reported that individual health insurance costs are rising steeply, while KJCT8 in Grand Junction reported that rates for some people could increase by as much as 30%. The Durango Herald reported that the Western Slope was hit especially hard, with rates up by an average of 26% in the individual market. And Colorado Public Radio reported that 82% of business owners in Colorado cited health insurance rates as their top concern about benefits. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Small Business & Entre…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-democrats-seek-to-disband-planned-parenthood-investigative-panel	House Democrats seek to disband Planned Parenthood investigative panel	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Diana DeGette	D000197	degette.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON Pointing to Friday's shooting in Colorado Springs, congressional Democrats on Tuesday urged Republican leaders to disband a panel created just weeks ago to investigate Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. In a press conference attended by the six U.S. House Democrats assigned to the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives, the lawmakers drew a line between the rhetoric used by anti-abortion legislators and Friday's attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, in which three people were killed and 12 injured. "Since July, the phrase 'baby parts' or similar phrases have been used by the eight (Republican) member of this committee just those eight members 33 times," said Diana DeGette of Denver, one of the Democrats on the panel. "And isn't it interesting that this lone shooter used that same phrase," DeGette said. DOCUMENT: Read the House Democrats letter to Speaker Ryan. Authorities have not said publicly that the issue of abortion was what motivated accused killer Robert Lewis Dear, but a law enforcement official has been widely quoted as saying the suspect said "no more baby parts" following his arrest. Republican lawmakers did not immediately respond to the Democratic calls to dissolve the committee, though the chair of the select panel U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., previously has defended its creation and criticized opponents for "playing politics" with the killings in Colorado Springs. "We are focused on a fact-finding mission into abortion practices and fetal tissue procurement and the relationship between the two businesses," said Blackburn in a statement. The latest criticism builds on weeks of condemnation by Democrats. When Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi named the six Democrats to the panel last month she referred to it as the "Select Committee to Attack Women's Health." Its creation has its roots in several covert videos released this summer by the Center for Medical Progress, an anti-abortion group. The videos including one filmed in Colorado show Plann…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-in-huffington-post-the-relationship-between-political-and-public	DeGette in Huffington Post: the Relationship Between Political and Public Debates and Violence in Our Communities	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Diana DeGette	D000197	degette.house.gov	legacy	In a column published today in the Huffington Post, Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) called for anti-choice activists and politicians to cease the use of vitriol that may have inspired last Fridays shootings at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs. Statements by the alleged shooter to law enforcement bear close resemblance to incendiary phrases pushed by lawmakers since this summer. I certainly do not think that my colleagues intended to condone or encourage violence. Still, the connection between the words used by both public officials and the alleged shooter is chilling, and it demands that we examine the vitriol used in debates about womens reproductive health, particularly coming from anti-choice activists, said Rep. DeGette. You can read the full piece at the link here and pasted below. Words Matter: the Relationship Between Political and Public Debates and Violence in Our Communities By Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) As last Fridays attack at a Planned Parenthood facility unfolded, news reports showed a dangerous and chaotic situationone that sadly took the lives of KeArre Stewart, Jennifer Markovsky, and Officer Garrett Swasey and injured nine others. As I watched the now all-too-familiar reports, I feared this attack was connected to the controversy around Planned Parenthood that anti-choice groups created and promoted since this summer. Reports suggest that this was indeed the case, as the alleged shooter apparently made a comment about no more baby parts to law enforcement officials. That this attack was carried out at a Planned Parenthood facility is sadly unsurprising. This past September, the FBI reported increased threats to reproductive health care facilities. At the same time, an FBI Intelligence Assessment warned that attacks were "consistent with the actions of lone offenders using tactics of arsons and threats all of which are typical of the pro-life extremist movement." The report went on to caution that "likely criminal or suspicious incidents will continue to be directed against reproducti…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-supports-local-control-over-education	Ken Buck Supports Local Control Over Education	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Ken Buck	B001297	buck.house.gov	legacy	Washington is broken. Donors and insiders have too much influence, and too often backroom deals trip up good legislation. Political party has nothing to do with good governance, which is why Im proud to be joined by my friend, Rep. Kathleen Rice, and a bipartisan group of colleagues who all want a Congress that works for the people.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1265	Science, Space & Technology Committee Holds Live Downlink with Astronauts from International Space Station	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Ed Perlmutter	P000593	perlmutter.house.gov	legacy	Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology hosted a showcase of NASA research exhibits and a live communications downlink with the two astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station, Capt. Scott Kelly and Dr.Kjell Lindgren. Members had the opportunity to speak with the astronauts for about twenty minutes. They covered a range of topics such as, the challenges of long duration space travel, including the limitations of remote medical capabilities; the strength and interdependencies of the international partnership; the goal of sending humans to Mars; and the inspirational value of human spaceflight. During the hearing, Rep. Perlmutter thanked the Astronauts for their service to the nation and to the future, and asked them about the probability of getting astronauts to Mars by 2033. Thank you to NASA Astronauts Scott Kelly and Kjell Lindgren for spending time with the Science, Space and Technology Committee this morning, said Rep. Perlmutter. I've been pushing our Committee to support getting American astronauts to Mars by 2033, and I'm pleased Commander Kelly agrees this is an achievable goal worthy of the investment and support of our nation. To view the full conversation with Capt. Scott Kelly and Dr.Kjell Lindgren from the International Space Station, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKsrWvFpnOg&feature=youtu.be&t=55m22s For more information about the Science, Space and Technology Committee, visit http://democrats.science.house.gov. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397987	Sweeping K-12 education bill passes House	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Jared Polis	P000598	polis.house.gov	legacy	On a vote of 359-64, the House of Representatives just passed a bill that would reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and replace the existing law known as No Child Left Behind. The bill will move states beyond the stringent, outdated policies of No Child Left Behind, help reduce the amount of testing in our nations schools, and give more decision-making power back to states and districts. House passage is one of the final steps in the process to update the nations most sweeping K-12 law, which hasnt been done since 2001. The bill now goes to the Senate, where a vote is expected next week, and if it passes that chamber, will be sent to the President to be signed into law. "Todays passage is a huge milestone for improving our countrys public schools" Polis said. Education is the single most powerful tool for creating opportunity and lifting people out of poverty. But our countrys current education policy, No Child Left Behind, while well-intentioned, has been failing our students by imposing a one-size-fits-all flawed accountability system on states. The Every Student Succeeds Act while not perfect represents principled compromise that will move our education system forward. It reduces the emphasis on testing, provides greater flexibility for state accountability systems, and maintains ESEAs original intent as a civil rights law first and foremost. "The Every StudentSucceeds Act gives schools the flexibility they need to innovate and improve, but not the flexibility to do nothing and allow failing schools to continue to leave kids behind." Tackling big challenges like fixing No Child Left Behind is exactly what our constituents sent us to Washington to do and Im proud to work across the aisle with my colleagues in the House to finally get this done, Polis added. As a senior member of the House Education Committee, Rep. Polis was one of seven House Democrats chosen earlier this month to serve on the conference committee charged with crafting the bill. The conference committee negotiated th…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=294B1FE7-64CD-2F06-5029-86F499324B25	Houses Passes Final Bill to Overhaul K-12 Education, Bill Heads to Senate	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet applauded House passage of a compromise bill to fix No Child Left Behind. Bennet is a member of the Senate's education committee and the conference committee that negotiated the final bill. The final language includes a number of provisions he secured during the initial drafting, the committee process, the Senate's debate, and the conference committee's final negotiations. The Senate is expected to vote next week to send the bill to the president's desk to be signed into law. "Today's vote in the House brings us one step closer to ending No Child Left Behind's top-down, one-size-fits-all approach and re-empowering those closest to our kids to make decisions about their education," Bennet said. "This bill represents meaningful progress to help our students, our teachers, and schools across Colorado. Passing this bill has been a long time coming, and it's encouraging we've been able to do it with overwhelming bipartisan support." As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Bennet played a significant role in writing the Senate-passed bill. The final bill includes a number of provisions he secured based on input from Colorado, including: State-Driven Accountability Systems: Reducing the prescriptive, top-down approach of No Child Left Behind; re-empowering states to design accountability systems that maintain statewide annual testing requirements and break down data to identify achievement gaps; ensuring English learners are included in state accountability systems; and requiring states to at least identify the bottom five percent of low-performing schools and make necessary changes to improve achievement at these schools Improving Equity and Addressing Inequalities: Including provisions to promote equity, address inequities and help ensure high-need schools can attract and retain great teachers and leaders by improving their support systems; including a new reporting requirement to increase transparency on the resources sch…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3ED0FEB3-1F36-81A4-8009-EB980EFF861F	Bennet, Markey Introduce Bill to Protect Alaskas Arctic National Wildlife Refuge	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) today introduced a bill with 32 other senators to designate the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness and protect the land from future development. The Coastal Plain represents 1.56 million acres of the 19.6 million-acre wildlife refuge. The introduction of the bill comes just days ahead of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the Arctic National Wildlife Range by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. "Coloradans and Westerners take seriously the need to protect our nation's pristine landscapes - like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Yosemite Valley in California, and the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. Among other benefits, these lands drive a $700 billion outdoor recreation economy, a sector that includes a many Colorado-based companies," Bennet said. "The Arctic Refuge in Alaska is one of these pristine landscapes. Sportsmen, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the political spectrum have long supported protections for this iconic area. With this bill, supported by more than one-third of the Senate, we continue the proud bipartisan conservation tradition started over 50 years ago by President Eisenhower." "The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the natural wonders of America, worthy of the highest level of protection as wilderness. Its pristine landscape, ecological integrity, wildlife, recreational opportunities, and Alaska Native cultural and subsistence values are unmatched," Markey said. "Action is long overdue to fully realize President Eishenhower's visionary action in first protecting the Arctic Refuge in 1960. The Coastal Plain is the biological heart of the Refuge, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to pass legislation that would ensure full wilderness protection for the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge forever." The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the largest unit in the National Wildlife Refuge System. In 1960, President Eisenhower established the or…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-introduces-bill-to-expand-access-to-care-telehealth-services	Gardner Introduces Bill To Expand Access To Care, Telehealth Services	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today introduced the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act, legislation that would expand access to health care in rural areas by paving the way for Medicare to cover additional telehealth services. Currently, Medicare covers limited telehealth services, setting a poor industry standard, discouraging innovation, and restricting access to specialized services. The Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allow eligible hospitals to test telehealth services through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI). Additionally, it directs CMI to review and independently evaluate telehealth models for cost, effectiveness, and improvement in quality of care without increasing the cost of delivery. If the telehealth model meets this criteria, then the model will be covered through the greater Medicare program. People living in rural Colorado should have access to the same health care services as those living in urban areas, said Senator Gardner. "Telemedicine has the power to increase access to specialized services in underserved communities, and potentially lower costs and improve patient outcomes. The Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act would pave the way for Medicare to expand coverage to additional telehealth services, and potentially provide those living with life-threatening conditions in rural America with more opportunities and more options to receive the care they need. At the same time, this legislation would incentivize the industry to develop cutting edge technology that could revolutionize health care delivery. As we work toward a health care system that lowers costs and increases choices for consumers, it is important that we advance commonsense legislation like the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act to achieve those goals." Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare, helping more patients receive life-saving treatment, and we must ensure that people li…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1424	Congressman Lamborn Leads a Moment of Silence on the House Floor	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Congressman Lamborn Leads a Moment of Silence on the House Floor f t # e Washington, December 1, 2015 Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn, joined by the other members of the Colorado Delegation, took to the Floor of the House to lead a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the 11/27/15 shooting in Colorado Springs. Please click HERE to watch Congressman Lamborn's remarks f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/event/silverton-listening-session-congressman-scott-tipton	Silverton Listening Session with Congressman Scott Tipton	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) will hold a meeting in Silverton on Saturday, December 5th, to gather input from members of the Silverton community on potential options to cleanup abandoned mine contamination. Those options include Good Samaritan legislation, funding a water treatment facility, and an EPA Superfund designation. The meeting will last approximately one hour.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-house-colleagues-push-affordable-electricity-americans	Tipton, House Colleagues Push for Affordable Electricity for Americans	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Scott Tipton	T000470	tipton.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTONToday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two resolutions (S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res. 24) disapproving of the Obama Administrations regulations to stunt the responsible production of affordable and reliable energy. The House is also expected to vote this week on the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 8) which seeks to update outdated energy policies to meet Americas energy needs and encourage economic growth. This week, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) spoke on the House floor in support of responsible coal production, citing its critical importance to providing a source of affordable and reliable electricity for Americans, and underscoring the significant impact it has on Colorados economy. It is no secret that American coal production and coal-fired electric generation meet with regulatory and legal obstacles at every turn. In 2008, the President famously outlined an energy vision in which he stated, If someone wants to build a coal-fired power plant, they can. Its just that it will bankrupt them. There is no ambiguity in that statement the Administration is certainly not seeking to encourage coal production. Indeed the opposite. The Environmental Protection Agency just finalized its so-called Clean Power Plan, a carbon emissions rule that will force states to submit complex plans to meet federally mandated emissions goals. The EPA estimates the annual cost of this rule to be anywhere from $5.5 billion to $8.8 billion annually[1], but other estimates are much higher ranging from $366 billion to $479 billion from 2017 to 2031[2]. Now, why is this important? Oftentimes when were talking about fees and taxes that will be applied, we assume that someone else gets to pay. The reality is that these costs are shouldered by hardworking Americans who will see their energy bills increase. They impact the most vulnerable people in our society including senior citizens on fixed incomes and low income families who will have to make tough decisions in their already tight househo…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1264	Perlmutter Recaps 2015 Activities in End of the Year Video	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Ed Perlmutter	P000593	perlmutter.house.gov	legacy	Perlmutter Recaps 2015 Activities in End of the Year Video f t # e Lakewood, CO, December 1, 2015 LAKEWOOD, CO Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released a video recapping his activities throughout 2015. The 2015: Year in Review video showcases Rep. Perlmutter's work on behalf of the people of the 7th Congressional District, including securing $148,686 in owed benefits and savings and $33 million in grants supporting organizations, research and jobs in the 7th District. The video also highlights a variety of events hosted by Rep. Perlmutter's office which attracted more than 18,900 constituents over the course of the year. Click below to see the full video. Rep. Perlmutter was first elected to represent the 7th Congressional District in Congress in 2006 and is currently serving in his fifth term. In the 114th Congress, Rep. Perlmutter is proud to serve on both the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and the Financial Services Committee. ### f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397988	Polis responds to House Judiciary Committee Hearing on His Email Privacy Act	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Jared Polis	P000598	polis.house.gov	legacy	Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) released the following statement today following the House Judiciary Committees hearing on H.R. 699, the Email Privacy Act, which would require the government to obtain a warrant before searching Americans emails. With 304 cosponsors, the bipartisan bill, which is sponsored by Polis and Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS), is the most popular legislation in Congress not to receive a vote on the House floor. Todays hearing reinforced the overwhelming support the Email Privacy Act has gained across the technology sector, among civil liberties advocates, and from lawmakers on all sides of the political spectrum. It simply makes no sense that our homes, cars, and mailboxes are protected from unwarranted government searches but the government can sift through our email inboxes with impunity. This morning we also heard from federal officials who are asking for special carve-outs that would allow federal agencies to continue to subpoena Americans private emails without a warrant based on probable cause. The far-reaching support for the Email Privacy Act as written both inside and outside Congress suggests that, save for a handful of government bureaucrats, there is no support for undermining the reforms in the bill in this way. Moreover, there is simply no constitutional basis for exempting digital correspondence from our privacy laws. The Email Privacy Act is a simple, bipartisan, and broadly popular way to protect Americans from warrantless government intrusion when they go online. The Judiciary Committee should favorably report this bill so that it can finally receive a vote on the House floor, where it will pass with overwhelming support from both parties. Because of a loophole included in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, the government is not required to get a warrant in order to access emails stored on third-party servers if the emails are older than 180 days. The Email Privacy Act eliminates that loophole and brings the protections afforded to Americans digital correspondence into al…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=23305CF2-DB0B-9151-D35D-6D9D8ABB82A8	Bennet Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Security of Visa Waiver Program	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined a bipartisan group of senators led by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) to introduce a bill to strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program to help prevent terrorists from entering the United States. "Our visa waiver program contains vulnerabilities that terrorists and our enemies could exploit to enter this country. This bill addresses those security gaps. The House-passed refugee bill is inadequate to solve the problem. If we are serious about protecting our borders and keeping the country safe, we should strengthen the process where it is weak. We can protect our national security and maintain our American values," Bennet said. "We should also enact the 2013 Senate-passed immigration bill that would significantly enhance border security and internal enforcement so we can tell who is in this country and who means to do us harm. That legislation includes a $40 billion investment to double the number of border agents, expand fencing, implement new technology and resources, and provide for full monitoring of our southern border." The Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act would improve the security of the Visa Waiver Program. It would: Require individuals who have traveled to Syria or Iraq in the past five years to acquire a traditional tourist visa instead of traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. This process requires an in-person interview with an American consular official and the submission of the traveler's biometric information. Require travelers using the Visa Waiver Program to submit biometric information, in the form of fingerprints and a photograph, before they travel to the United States. Require all visa waiver travelers to use an electronic passport, which are more secure and harder to tamper with. Require increased intelligence-sharing between Visa Waiver Program countries and the United States. Security enhancements in the bill would be paid for by increasing the Visa Waiver travel…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=8B592E0F-53D2-38FB-0B81-471BEB1112FD	House Passes Bennet-Backed Rural Water Bill	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet applauded the passage of the Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Act by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill-passed unanimously by the Senate in June - will help small and rural communities comply with safe drinking water regulations. Bennet helped introduce the bill earlier this year with Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). It now heads to the White House to be signed into law. "In their efforts to provide clean drinking water to Coloradans, rural water providers often don't have access to the tools and resources needed to comply with drinking water regulations," Bennet said. "This bill ensures that technical assistance and training is available to help these providers find the support they need and provide clean drinking water for Colorado families." The bipartisan bill reauthorizes the Safe Drinking Water Act's technical assistance and training provisions for $15 million per year over the next six years - the same as was previously authorized - to assist small and rural public water systems in complying with drinking water standards. More than 50,000 small and rural communities, comprising more than 90 percent of the drinking water supplies in the country, are responsible for providing safe, clean water to their citizens. The Environmental Protection Agency's technical assistance and training programs assist these communities in securing the necessary technical expertise to improve and protect their water resources. Colorado has approximately 2,200 small rural water systems, and the Colorado Rural Water Association has provided technical assistance through this program to more than half of them. The last authorization of the bill expired in 2004. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F6B3734A-9AF6-6B40-D397-70142D9E0B26	Bennet Remembers Victims of Colorado Springs Shooting	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Bennet Remembers Victims of Colorado Springs Shooting December 01, 2015	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-amendments-included-in-conference-agreement-to-strengthen-childhood-education	Gardner Amendments Included in Conference Agreement to Strengthen Childhood Education	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) announced today that the House-Senate conference committee reached an agreement on legislation to overhaul the No Child Left Behind Act, andincluded amendments he introduced to strengthen and improve childhood education. The conference committee,which was tasked with reaching a compromise between the Senate-passed Every ChildAchievesAct and the House-passed Student Success Act,has referred its proposal to the House and the Senate to receive a vote before it is sent to President Obama to be signed into law. I'm pleased the House-Senate conference committee reached an agreement swiftly and included provisions I authored that will not only benefit students in Colorado, but throughout the country, said Gardner. A bipartisan compromise, the legislation represents a significant step forward toward removing Congress from the classroom and updating federal education policy to refocus on students, the very people it was designed to help succeed. I look forward to this legislation moving through the legislative process, and I applaud the conference committee for producing an agreement that members from both sides of the aisle can support. It's time we return responsibility to the states and empower those who know how to best ensure student's thrive in the classroom: school districts, parents, teachers, and students." Language authored by Gardner and included in the House-Senate conference committee proposal include: -Expanding Concurrent and Dual Enrollment Amendment: Allows local educational agenciesto use funds for concurrent enrollment and dual enrollment programs at eligible schools, enabling high school students to simultaneously receive college credit from courses taught by college-approved teachers in secondary education. Additionally, it requires a partnership between the school district and college or university to promote teacher professional development to ensure quality standards are being met and provides flexibility funds to cover expenses for concurrent enrollmen…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1422	Statement on Shooting at Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood.	2015-11-30	2015	2015-11	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	Statement on Shooting at Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood. f t # e Washington, November 30, 2015 Following the shooting that claimed the lives of UCCS Police Officer Garrett Swasey, Iraq War veteran Ke'Arre Stewart, and mother of two Jennifer Markovsky, Congressman Doug Lamborn issued the following statement:"As speculation swirls about a possible motive for the shooting, we must remember that senseless violence should never be used to settle differences of conscience or political opinion. Please join me in praying for the police officers and civilians who are the victims of this attack. I wish to extend a special thanks to our brave first responders and law enforcement officers for their heroic actions on this difficult day." - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397989	House, Senate Education Committees Release Text of No Child Left Behind Rewrite	2015-11-30	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	CO	Jared Polis	P000598	polis.house.gov	legacy	Today, the House Education and Workforce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee released final, legislative text for a bill that would reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and replace the existing law known as No Child Left Behind. The release is the next step in a process to update the nations most sweeping K-12 law, which hasnt been done since 2001. As a senior member of the House Education Committee, Rep. Polis was one of seven House Democrats chosen earlier this month to serve on the conference committee for the bill. The conference committee negotiated the final version of the bill after separate ones passed the House and Senate over the summer. Im thrilled that were now one step closer to making an historic improvement to our nations most important education law, Polis said. This bill corrects the many flaws of No Child Left Behind while preparing our students for the demands of a 21st century global economy. It also successfully maintains the original intent of ESEA as a civil rights law first and foremost one that provides a world-class education to all students, no matter their zip code or economic background. The House plans to vote on the negotiated bill later this week while the Senate is expected to take up the bill next week. Polis has spent his career in public service fighting for a strong education system. He is the founder and former superintendent of the New America School, a network of charter schools in Colorado and New Mexico, and hes the former chair of the Colorado Board of Education. He also co-founded the Academy of Urban Learning, a charter school in Denver.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=0E923651-60DD-668B-0AD1-2079334395EC	Conference Committee Releases Final Language of Bill to Fix No Child Left Behind	2015-11-30	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC - The conference committee charged with reconciling the House- and Senate-passed versions of legislation to fix No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has released the final bill to be approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the conference committee, secured several key Colorado priorities in the final bill. The conference report is expected to be approved by the conference committee, and a vote in the House of Representatives could occur later this week followed by final approval in the Senate. "Reaching this long overdue bipartisan agreement to fix No Child Left Behind is a significant step toward helping teachers and schools ensure our kids are receiving a great education," Bennet said. "The updates to this law roll back NCLB's massive federal overreach, while maintaining its core strengths. There are teachers and kids all over Colorado and the country working as hard as they can to teach and to learn. It's time Congress does its job to provide them with the support they need to succeed." As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Bennet played a significant role in writing the Senate-passed bill. The final bill includes a number of provisions he secured based on input from Colorado, including: State-Driven Accountability Systems: Reducing the prescriptive, top-down approach of No Child Left Behind; re-empowering states to design accountability systems that maintain statewide annual testing requirements and break down data to identify achievement gaps; ensuring English learners are included in state accountability systems; and requiring states to at least identify the bottom five percent of low-performing schools and make necessary changes to improve achievement at these schools Improving Equity and Addressing Inequalities: Including provisions to promote equity, address inequities and help ensure high-need schools can attract and retain great teachers and leaders by improving their support systems; i…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=42678376-10A5-2E8B-5EEF-9B0C1F311DEA	Bennet Statement on Tragic Colorado Springs Shooting	2015-11-27	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	CO	Michael Bennet	B001267	www.bennet.senate.gov	legacy	Denver, CO - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting in Colorado Springs today: "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, Planned Parenthood, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and the City of Colorado Springs. We are grateful to the first responders who kept the situation from becoming worse and saved lives. Our office is in touch with local officials and has offered any assistance we can provide the community." # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-colorado-springs-tragedy	Gardner Statement on Colorado Springs Tragedy	2015-11-27	2015	2015-11	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DCSenator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement following the tragic events in Colorado Springs today: "Jaime and I are deeply saddened by the events that unfolded in Colorado Springs earlier today. This senseless act of violence is truly tragic and our hearts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. "The Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department,El Paso County Sheriff's Office, State Patrol, and federal law enforcement agencies bravely responded to the initial call for help, and quickly worked to contain and stabilize the situation. Our first responders displayed tremendous bravery, and I am grateful for their service and ongoing sacrifice to keep our local community safe. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1421	2015 Thanksgiving Statement	2015-11-26	2015	2015-11	Republican	House	CO	Doug Lamborn	L000564	lamborn.house.gov	legacy	2015 Thanksgiving Statement f t # e Washington, November 26, 2015 As we appreciate this time with friends, family, and loved ones, please take the time to reflect on everything we have to be thankful for. God has richly blessed our nation and the people who live here. Even as we face the challenges of a dangerous and difficult world, let us not lose sight of the gracious and the good in our lives. Please enjoy a safe, restful, and Happy Thanksgiving. - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-marks-celebration-of-thanksgiving	Gardner Marks Celebration of Thanksgiving	2015-11-26	2015	2015-11	Republican	House	CO	Cory Gardner	G000562	www.gardner.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement marking the celebration of Thanksgiving: As Coloradans gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we're reminded that we have much to be grateful for. We live in the greatest state in the freest, most prosperous country that has ever existed. We are a nation founded upon the first principles of opportunity, liberty, and freedom; a nation built upon the chance to succeed. Still, these are hard times for many. An uneven economic recovery has left too many unemployed or underemployed, struggling to pay bills and save for the future. I'm grateful for the millions of Americans who devote their time and energy to helping the less fortunate and lifting up their fellow citizens in a time of need. As we in this country sit down to dinner with loved ones, it's also important to remember the men and women of the United States military. Many of them are spending this holiday far from home, without the company of friends and relatives. The Americans who serve in our armed forces sacrifice so much for our country, all to ensure that we are kept safe and free. To all who serve, and have served our nation, we give our eternal thanks. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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Press releases

1,169 rows where state = "CO" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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