Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,025 rows where state = "KY" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B71E096B-03CB-4A08-BA59-8732EF16266E | McConnell Supports NDAA, Opposes Pelosi Plan for Socialism for Rich People | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Yesterday, the Senate was finally able to proceed to this year's National Defense Authorization Act. A few of our Democratic colleagues have pulled out all the stops to hold back this crucial bill. But last night, a big, bipartisan majority of 80 Senators voted to proceed. There should be nothing controversial about giving our brave men and women in uniform the tools and training they need to stay safe. There should be nothing controversial about continuing the work of rebuilding and modernizing our capabilities. It should be a nonpartisan proposition that America should keep pace with Russia and China rather than slip behind. We have enacted an annual NDAA for 59 straight years and counting. In the next few days, the easy way or the hard way, we're going to do our job once again. This body will fulfill our responsibility to the men and women who protect our country. The Senate will be here until we finish this bipartisan legislation. *** Now, for several days, we've heard some Senators say Congress must send more cash to high-earning households who haven't seen any income disruption during COVID-19. Our colleagues who purport to be the champions of vulnerable Americans now say that what struggling people really need is for Congress to stop focusing on targeted relief for them specifically, and to instead send thousands of dollars to people who don't need the help. Experts from across the political spectrum agree that our colleague from Vermont is dead wrong on this. Socialism for rich people is a terrible way to help the American families that are actually struggling. Let me say that again. Borrowing from our grandkids to do socialism for rich people is a terrible way to get help to families who actually need it. Washington Democrats took President Trump's suggestion and skewed it so the checks would benefit even more high-earning households. Imagin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5AE9ABDD-1AEB-4DD0-9D61-9EDF34F20AB0 | Were Going to Continue Delivering on the Needs of Our Nation | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Today, the Senate was supposed to finish legislation securing critical tools, training, and support for America's armed forces. But the junior Senator for Vermont had other ideas. Remember, Senator Sanders spent this past summer literally trying to defund our military. Not my words, but the title of a piece he published: Defund the Pentagon: The liberal case. Our colleague authored an amendment to strip 10% of funding from our servicemembers and decimate our defense budget. The Russians aren't cutting military funding. China isn't cutting funding. But last summer, Senator Sanders and fellow Democrats, including the Democratic Leader, voted to make America unilaterally disarm and cut ours. The left took a break from trying to defund the police to try to defund our Armed Forces. Their amendment went down in a landslide. But now our colleague from Vermont is again putting political stunts before the needs of our men and women in uniform. Our colleague says he will slow down this vital bill unless he gets to muscle through another standalone proposal from Speaker Pelosi that would add roughly half a trillion dollars to the national debt. Which does not align with what President Trump has suggested. And which has no realistic path to quickly pass the Senate. Well, as I've said, the Senate will not let our national security be shoved off course. Certainly not by Senators who have spent years trying to gut America's capabilities while our adversaries continue ramping up. The Senate will stay on this important bill until we complete it, one way or another. *** Now let's talk about COVID-19 relief. Four days ago, President Trump signed the second-largest rescue package in American history. The largest one was the CARES Act in March. Due to this pandemic and our massive response, we now have a national debt far larger than our entire economy for the first time… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D8C20728-AB93-4D18-9A39-9A9391888F92 | McConnell on NDAA: I Urge My Colleagues to Support This Legislation | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief: Congress has returned to work this week to enact the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act into law. Yesterday, a bipartisan supermajority in the House voted to reapprove the conference report of this must-pass legislation. Today, the Senate will set up a final vote for tomorrow Wednesday for this chamber to follow suit. Soon this important legislation will be passed into law. President Trump has rightly noted this year's defense bill doesn't contain every provision that we Republicans would have wanted. I'm confident our Democratic colleagues feel the same way. But that is the case every year. And yet, for 59 consecutive years and counting, Washington has put our differences aside, found common ground, and passed the annual defense bill. Not once in six decades has a Congress let its differences prevent it from completing this work for our national security and our men and women who wear the uniform. This year's NDAA will continue our momentum in rebuilding and modernizing our armed forces. It will authorize the personnel, equipment, tools, and training we need to reinforce the National Defense Strategy and deter great-power rivals like China and Russia. It will cement our advantage on the seas, on land, in the air, in cyberspace, and in space. And the bill will help us continue to recruit, retain, and support the men and women who keep us safe. It provides a pay raise for the troops, improvements for military housing, childcare, and more. For the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, failure is not an option. So when it is our turn in Congress to have their backs, failure is not an option here either. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation one more time when we vote tomorrow. *** On Sunday, President Trump signed into law another historic, bipartisan rescue package. It will provide major support to American f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=262CBFC7-9779-498F-B9FB-0A9CA56D9657 | Congressman Barr Secures Major Investments for Rural Broadband Expansion | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Lexington, KY – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) secured major federal investments for the expansion of rural broadband connectivity. Over $7 billion for rural broadband initiatives were included as part of the COVID-19 relief bill signed by President Donald Trump on Sunday evening. This includes $300 million for the construction of rural broadband connectivity and $250 million for expanding telehealth services. “I have worked diligently to enhance internet connectivity for rural communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many Kentuckians are working or learning remotely,” said Congressman Barr. “Additionally, by expanding telehealth services we embrace technology as a powerful weapon in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Together, these investments will provide a huge boost to Central and Eastern Kentucky as we fight to defeat the COVID-19 virus and deliver widespread and reliable broadband access for all.” In April, Congressman Barr led the effort to persuade the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services to expand coverage of telehealth services to include same-location services. This helped conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) and cut down on exposure for frontline doctors, nurses and healthcare workers to possible COVID-19 positive patients. Furthermore, Congressman Barr introduced H.R. 8368, the Rural Broadband Expansion Act of 2020. The proposal provides local governments the flexibility to use funding from the Coronavirus, Aid, Recovery and Economic Security (CARES) Act to develop rural broadband infrastructure in their communities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=36F48083-1BD7-48E0-A3CD-B2E22AC69D4E | McConnell Statement on Billy Goodman | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | LOUISVILLE, KY U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Billy Goodman of Hart County: Billy Goodman was a trusted and loyal friend anyone would be lucky to know. Our shared values brought us together more than three decades ago. I have cherished our friendship every day since. Billy was an invaluable presence in Horse Cave. He comforted families during their most trying moments and was often the force behind the community's many successes. At every step, he brought a kindness and good humor that may be missed most of all. Although he was passionate about his business and his hometown, Debra and Nick were always at the center of his life. Elaine and I send our sincere condolences to them and everyone who loved Billy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=28D7AC03-DD9B-4EA2-96B0-163FF42AABE7 | Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act Championed by Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell Signed into Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) championed by U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) in Congress for over a half decade, was signed into law by President Donald Trump. Congressman Barr partnered with U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) to gather over 200 cosponsors and lead HISA through the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the bill to passage in the U.S. Senate. “After six long years of engaging with industry stakeholders, equine advocates and lawmakers, historic reform to strengthen the thoroughbred horseracing industry is finally here,” said Congressman Barr. “This legislation is the most significant reform to Kentucky’s signature industry in over four decades, providing a uniform standard of competition as well as protection for equine athletes to ensure the industry thrives for generations to come. I want to thank Leader McConnell and Congressman Tonko for their partnership on this bill.” “Kentucky’s cherished horseracing traditions deserve to be protected. I’m proud our legislation to preserve our signature racing industry and the 24,000 workers who support it is now law,” said Senator McConnell. “With the leadership of Congressman Andy Barr and the partnership of sport leaders, horse advocates, and fans, we’re one step closer to promoting fairness and safety across Thoroughbred racing. As Majority Leader, I made this Kentucky-focused legislation a top priority in the Senate.” “It’s been a long journey, but Thoroughbred racing will finally have national uniformity in its rules and regulations, and the sport will be safer for its athletes, both equine and human, thanks to the efforts of Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY),” said Stuart S. Janney III, chairman of The Jockey Club. “I’d also like to thank Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for their support of this bipartisan legislation.” “Now that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B6B38401-176E-4AFC-803F-12A98D0B8FE1 | Statement from Congressman Andy Barr on National Defense Authorization Act Vote | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) submitted the following statement for the record following the U.S. House of Representatives vote to override President Donald Trump’s veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act: “On December 8, I voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to bolster funding, equipment and resources to our military to ensure the military continues to be a lethal and effective fighting force defending our freedoms. The NDAA also provides military servicemembers a much deserved 3% raise as well as continued hazardous pay for servicemembers serving in combat zones. “The NDAA also includes significant COVID-19 relief for National Guard units, including the Kentucky National Guard—who answered the call of duty during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve their fellow Kentuckians and their country. “Additionally, Congress phases out the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) ability to finance through the World Bank and launches a historic $2.2 billion Pacific Deterrence Initiative designed to facilitate investments in the Indo-Pacific region and directly combat the rise of the CCP. This policy prescription strengthens America’s position against the threat posed by the CCP, which represents America’s greatest foreign policy challenge since the Cold War.” “Although I was unable to vote tonight on the NDAA, for these reasons and many more, I would have voted again in support of the NDAA passing the U.S. House of Representatives.” The COVID-19 relief included in the NDAA package for the National Guard includes more diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities and personal protective equipment needed to combat the pandemic within military ranks. Furthermore, the NDAA provides that servicemembers in the National Guard who were activated to fight the COVID-19 pandemic will also receive federal health insurance benefits if they got sick during their service. For the Sixth District, the bill allows the United States to fulfill international treaty obligatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CCAB3A64-E964-47BF-AA1F-9DED90B6D266 | Congressman Rogers Stands with President Trump on COVID Relief Bill | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers applauds President Trump for signing the bipartisan COVID relief and federal funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, ensuring Americans receive critical resources as we enter a new year. President Trump signed the COVID relief package into law on Sunday evening, while also requesting an amendment to increase stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000 per person. Congressman Rogers voted in support of President Trump's amendment and released the following statement: "Americans will be provided with much more than a second stimulus check as a result of this comprehensive bipartisan legislation. It is the first step to reopening our schools and businesses, reuniting families and protecting the health of our nation. It provides $900 billion in COVID relief funding for Americans, including $20 billion dedicated to vaccine distribution, an extension of the Payroll Protection Program, additional support for our veterans, and much more to protect the American people and bring an end to this pandemic," said Congressman Rogers. "We need to get America back on her feet and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law to ensure we begin 2021 with great strides for our families and businesses. This massive legislation is far from perfect, but it protects vital programs at home in outhern and eastern Kentucky and paves the way for a better year ahead." The U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump's amendment to the COVID relief package, increasing economic impact checks from $600 to $2,000. The measure now moves on to the Senate for consideration. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C0B7C968-ACF1-4F69-A3F5-B3143A859A29 | McConnell Applauds President Trump for Signing Crucial Relief Legislation into Law | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | LOUISVILLE, KY U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation being signed into law this evening: I applaud President Trump's decision to get hundreds of billions of dollars of crucial COVID-19 relief out the door and into the hands of American families as quickly as possible. The bipartisan rescue package that Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration negotiated with the Democrats will extend another major lifeline to workers at struggling small businesses, renew major relief for laid-off Americans, invest billions more in vaccine distribution, send cash directly to households, and more. The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now. I thank the President for signing this relief into law, along with full-year government funding legislation that will continue the rebuilding and modernization of our Armed Forces that his Administration has championed. His leadership has prevented a government shutdown at a time when our nation could not have afforded one. I am glad the American people will receive this much-needed assistance as our nation continues battling this pandemic. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-applauds-president-trump-for-signing-crucial-relief-legislation-into-law | McConnell Applauds President Trump for Signing Crucial Relief Legislation into Law | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.republicanleader.senate.gov | legacy | 12.27.20 McConnell Applauds President Trump for Signing Crucial Relief Legislation into Law LOUISVILLE, KY U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation being signed into law this evening: I applaud President Trump's decision to get hundreds of billions of dollars of crucial COVID-19 relief out the door and into the hands of American families as quickly as possible. The bipartisan rescue package that Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration negotiated with the Democrats will extend another major lifeline to workers at struggling small businesses, renew major relief for laid-off Americans, invest billions more in vaccine distribution, send cash directly to households, and more. The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now. I thank the President for signing this relief into law, along with full-year government funding legislation that will continue the rebuilding and modernization of our Armed Forces that his Administration has championed. His leadership has prevented a government shutdown at a time when our nation could not have afforded one. I am glad the American people will receive this much-needed assistance as our nation continues battling this pandemic. Related Issues: America's Military, Appropriations, Health Care, Small Business, Economy, COVID-19 Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-congratulates-christopher-ii-x-pardon-president-trump/ | Dr. Rand Paul Congratulates Christopher II X on Pardon from President Trump | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 23, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the below statement following the announcement of Christopher II X’s pardon by President Trump: “I just finished speaking with Christopher II X to congratulate him on receiving a full pardon from President Trump. This pardon is the culmination of hard work and perseverance on the part of many, including the diligent work of my staff and me for the last several years. As someone who made a choice to change his life for the better and then dedicated that life to lifting up his community, there is truly no one more deserving of this honor. We are so appreciative of all he has done for Louisville, and I’m honored to call him a friend,” said Dr. Paul. “I’m extremely grateful to be pardoned by President Trump. I’ve worked hard for the past 20 years for peace and justice and to help those impacted by gun violence, especially children. I’m proud to continue this work which is needed more than ever. I thank U.S. Senator Rand Paul, former U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Rob Givens, and special thanks to Spalding University President Tori Murden McClure, and University of Louisville Hospital’s Chief of Surgery Dr. J. David Richardson for their support,” said Christopher II X, Executive Director of Christopher 2X Game Changers. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-congratulates-christopher-ii-x-pardon-president-trump | Dr. Rand Paul Congratulates Christopher II X on Pardon from President Trump | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE: December 23, 2020 Contact:Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) releasedthe below statement followingthe announcement of Christopher II X's pardon by President Trump: "I just finished speaking with Christopher II X to congratulate him on receiving a full pardon from President Trump. This pardon is the culmination of hard work and perseverance on the part of many, including the diligent work of my staff and me for the last several years. As someone who made a choice to change his life for the better and then dedicated that life to lifting up his community, there is truly no one more deserving of this honor. We are so appreciative of all he has done for Louisville, and I'm honored to call him a friend,"said Dr. Paul. I'm extremely grateful to be pardoned by President Trump. I've worked hard for the past 20 years for peace and justice and to help those impacted by gun violence, especially children. I'm proud to continue this work which is needed more than ever. I thank U.S. Senator Rand Paul, former U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Rob Givens, and special thanks to Spalding University President Tori Murden McClure, and University of Louisville Hospital's Chief of Surgery Dr. J. David Richardson for their support, said Christopher II X, Executive Director of Christopher 2X Game Changers. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=96200116-3AFE-4640-85B3-A71CEB185B2B | McConnell Statement on Pastor Don Stayton | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Pastor Don Stayton of Rockcastle County: Don Stayton was a beloved shepherd who preached with humble sincerity. He welcomed me into his Mount Vernon church with the same kindness and compassion he showed every person who walked through his door. With his entire congregation, we grieve his loss. But we also take comfort in the promises of our faith. Elaine and I will keep Donna and the entire church family in our prayers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E4A30BB8-EA04-478A-8FF3-5706EF6B2332 | Congress Passes Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act led by Congressman Andy Barr and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), legislation U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) has authored, introduced and advocated for, in one form or another, for the last six years. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the Senate today in passing HISA, which also passed in the House as part of the year-end government funding bill. The legislation now goes to President Trump’s desk to become law. Congressman Barr and U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) shepherded this final version of the bill through the U.S. House of Representatives. “With today’s passage of HISA in Congress we are in the final stretch of achieving the most transformational and consequential reform of the thoroughbred horseracing industry since enactment of the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978,” said Congressman Barr. “For almost a decade, I have worked with industry stakeholders and my Congressional colleagues to build consensus around reforms that will protect equine athletes and strengthen confidence and international competitiveness in the sport. I am proud to champion this historic, bipartisan legislation with Congressman Paul Tonko and Leader McConnell and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.” “Kentucky’s cherished horseracing traditions deserve to be protected. I’m proud the Senate agreed to my legislation to preserve our signature racing industry and the 24,000 workers who support it,” said Senator McConnell. “With the leadership of Congressman Andy Barr and the partnership of sport leaders, horse advocates, and fans, we’re one step closer to promoting fairness and safety across Thoroughbred racing. As Majority Leader, I made this Kentucky-focused legislation a top priority in the Senate. I look forward to this major advancement for our beloved sport becoming law.” U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)—Senators representing states with prominent racetracks—were original cospon… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387312 | Guthrie Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winners | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today announced the 2020 winners of the Congressional App Challenge from Kentucky's Second District. Students in congressional districts across the country compete in the annual Congressional App Challenge. Congressman Guthrie encourages middle school and high school students in the Second District to participate in the app challenge to provide new coding and computer science experience. Gracelyn Deweese, Cathern Goodman, Collin Graves, and Melena Hughes from Barren County High School won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge with their app, ShowLocal. Congratulations to Barren County High School students Gracelyn, Cathern, Collin, and Melena for being this year's Second District Congressional App Challenge winners, said Guthrie. Recognizing the challenges small businesses face, the students teamed up to create an app called ShowLocal to help showcase local businesses in rural communities. I applaud them for working on solutions to boost local economies dealing with hardships during these difficult times. I'm excited to see ShowLocal displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Each year I'm impressed with the STEM skills and creativity of the students from the Second District, and this year's competition submissions were no exception, even with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without the dedication of teachers and our volunteer judges, this competition would not be possible. To all of the students from this year's challenge, thank you for participating and keep up the good work harnessing your coding skills. The winners of the Congressional App Challenge are determined by a panel of computer science experts in the Second District. Winning teams from across the country will have their app showcased in the U.S. Capitol and also have the opportunity to participate in a virtual #HouseOfCode event next spring. A team of students from Barren County High School also won the 2019 Congressional App Challenge with their app, ThriveAB, to help mothers with postpartum depre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-2020-festivus-report-government-waste/ | Dr. Rand Paul Releases 2020 ‘Festivus’ Report on Government Waste | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management (FSO) Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), released his 2020 “Festivus” Report, totaling over $54 billion in government waste. This marks Dr. Paul’s sixth edition of the Festivus Report as he continues working to alert the American people to how their federal government uses their hard-earned money. This year, each story received a “Platinum Pig Award” that ranked the waste on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most wasteful). Sections are broken down into Health Care; Foreign Aid; Environment, Energy, Science; Military; and Miscellaneous, and highlights include lizards on treadmills, losing over 100 drones in Afghanistan, and combating binge-watching. You can find Dr. Paul’s 2020 Festivus Report HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-releases-2020-festivus-report-government-waste | Dr. Rand Paul Releases 2020 ‘Festivus’ Report on Government Waste | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE: December 22, 2020 Contact:Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY),chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management (FSO)Subcommitteefor the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), released his 2020 Festivus Report, totaling over $54 billion in government waste. This marks Dr. Paul's sixth edition of the Festivus Report as he continues working to alert the American people to how their federal government uses their hard-earned money. This year, each story received a Platinum Pig Award that ranked the waste on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most wasteful). Sections are broken down into Health Care; Foreign Aid; Environment, Energy, Science; Military; and Miscellaneous, and highlights include lizards on treadmills, losing over 100 drones in Afghanistan, and combating binge-watching. You can find Dr. Paul's 2020 Festivus Report HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=109AE2C6-93A1-41AA-A48E-BA6F2E96E45F | WHAT KENTUCKIANS ARE SAYING | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | Another targeted COVID-19 relief package to provide more assistance to Kentuckians: Senator McConnell heard our calls for help during this crisis, and he delivered. We are so grateful for his leadership in allowing Louisville Tourism to access the PPP. This will ensure that I can keep my team employed now and in the future, said Karen Williams, President of Louisville Tourism. Our city and our Commonwealth have a powerful friend leading the Senate and looking out for us. Along with other tourism organizations across Kentucky, we look forward to a safe reopening when we can begin showing travelers all our community has to offer. Supporting those in recovery and stopping the flow of illegal drugs in Kentucky communities I appreciate Leader McConnell's continued commitment to Kentucky's law enforcement community, said Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Time and again he's stood up for the men and women in uniform, and he unequivocally supports their important work to keep communities across the Commonwealth safe. This funding will meet a critical need for law enforcement, and I'm grateful that Leader McConnell looks out for the interests of Kentuckians in Washington. Senator McConnell is an unmatched partner to Kentucky law enforcement in our mission to keep the Bluegrass safe,"said Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue, President of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police."His leadership in the Senate has brought millions of dollars to Kentucky to protect officers in the line of duty and to promote professionalism in their service. We are grateful one of the most powerfulpeoplein Washington is looking out for Kentucky and its law enforcement. Even as Senator McConnell was delivering the critical support to help St. Elizabeth's professionals combat the coronavirus pandemic, he also kept focus on the persistent substance use disorder crisis. We are grateful for his continued leadership on behalf of those working toward long-term recovery in Kentucky,said Garren Colvin, St. Elizabeth Healthcare CEO. Since he i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1002D267-F35B-4C88-9C8C-2160983EBC2D | McConnell Celebrates Historic Bipartisan Agreement on Pandemic Relief and Government Funding | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding appropriations and COVID-19 relief: Yesterday, leaders in the Senate, in the House, and the Secretary of the Treasury reached the major agreement that struggling Americans have needed for months. We are going to pass another historic rescue package to help American families through this pandemic. We are going to pass full-year government funding so the Armed Forces and all federal departments have the resources and the certainty they need. And we are going to do both these things as soon as possible. *** Senate Republicans have been trying since July to get more targeted, bipartisan relief into the hands of the American people. In July, we proposed to send about $1 trillion to priorities including a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program, direct checks for households, and funding for healthcare providers, testing, and K-12 schools. Democrats said no. They said they'd block anything short of their multi-trillion-dollar left-wing wish list. Here was one headline: $2 trillion or bust: Democrats draw red line in coronavirus spending battle.' So in July and August, when Republican Senators tried to extend expiring federal unemployment benefits, Democrats blocked us. Laid-off workers lost their benefits. In September and again in October, as people kept hurting, the virus kept spreading, and schools tried to find footing, every Republican voted for a multi-hundred-billion-dollar package. Both times, Democrats blocked the relief. All-or-nothing. But a few days ago, with a new President-elect of their own party, everything changed. Democrats suddenly came around to our position that we should find consensus, make law where we agree, and get urgent help out the door. In a few days of hard work, we've assembled another historic, bipartisan, rescue package. Just under $900 billion of relief targeted toward our fellow Americans who need help the most. *** I'll begin w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=422F5C97-3C40-4A8B-AC21-1D79DB8AF0DF | Kentucky Benefits from Legislation Senator McConnell Led to Passage | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the Senate to pass the Fiscal Year 2021 government-funding bills that deliver necessary resources to provide for our national defense, continue important federal programs, and benefit Kentucky families and communities. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell secured the Kentucky priorities in the legislation, which now goes to President Donald Trump to be signed into law. Kentucky's priorities are once again at the center of the federal government funding bill. I was proud to lead the Senate to pass bipartisan legislation with vital coronavirus assistance as well as critical resources to support our farmers, address substance abuse, promote Kentucky's role in our national defense, facilitate broadband deployment, and combat invasive Asian Carp, said Senator McConnell. My roles as Majority Leader and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee mean Kentucky has a front-row seat when major decisions are made. As a result, worthy causes across the Bluegrass State will receive the investments necessary to encourage growth and lift up families. To help get more assistance to Kentuckians, Senator McConnell negotiated another targeted COVID-19 relief package that includes: Funding for vaccine distribution, so the success of Operation Warp Speed can save as many American lives as possible as fast as possible; A second round of job-saving Paycheck Protection loans to prevent layoffs at the hardest-hit small businesses; Additional federal unemployment benefits for laid-off Kentuckians, and extensions for several jobless programs that would otherwise have expired; More direct impact payments for Kentucky households, at the particular emphasis and leadership of President Trump; More resources for K-12 schools to reopen safely and get our kids' educations back on track; and Increased funding for broadband and rural broadband to help students learn during the pandemic. To date, the Coronavirus Aid, Rel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4917BA28-45FF-405A-835F-FD657C7E6042 | McConnell on The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined The Daily Briefing' today to discuss the COVID-19 relief agreement and the vaccine rollout. See below for highlights or click here to watch the full interview. On the Targeted COVID-19 Relief Agreement: I said back in July, what the country needed was a package roughly of a trillion dollars focused on kids in school, small businesses, health care providers, and direct cash payments. We tried to pass -- we started advocating that in July and August and the talks were unproductive. So I essentially put that bill on the floor of the Senate in both September and October. Not a single Democrat supported it. Their view was give us everything we want or we would not give you anything, so it is noteworthy that at the end that they finally gave us what we could have agreed to back in July. I think what held it up was they did not want was to do anything before the presidential election, they felt that that would disadvantage the president, but look, we finally got it done, in exactly the same amount with the same configuration that we would have been able to do back in the summer, but for all of the intervening election shenanigans on the side of the Speaker and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. On the Vaccine Rollout: I think it's important for the leaders in the country to step up, take the vaccine, and help reassure the American public, because polls indicate about half the public is either skeptical about taking the vaccine or does not want to take it at all. That has to change, because we can't solve this problem until large numbers of Americans are vaccinated. As a polio victim myself, I fully understand the significance of vaccines. It took decades to develop the polio vaccine. This vaccine was developed in under a year, a modern medical miracle, and we need to take the vaccine. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6B44C333-1ECF-42B2-AB08-10F3C2E6F292 | McConnell Delivers Senate Passage of Kentucky Water Priorities | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Senate passed several provisions he championed to invest in Kentucky's water infrastructure. The legislation will go to President Trump to be signed into law. Kentucky's inland waterways are critical infrastructure that provide good jobs for tens of thousands of workers and cherished recreation for so many more. I was proud to deliver for communities across Kentucky in this legislation to strengthen our waterways, increase access to safe drinking water, and protect against the dangers of floods, said Senator McConnell. At the heart of our nation's inland waterways system, Kentucky communities have tapped into our waters' great potential. It's been my privilege to secure billions in federal funding for projects that continue to pay dividends in our Commonwealth. Preserving West Kentucky's Inland Waterways and Outdoor Recreation 1. Kentucky Lock:Senator McConnell secured an increase in the federal funding authorization for Kentucky Lock to more than $1.1 billion. The improvement project was expected to reach its previous authorization limit as early as 2022. Senator McConnell has delivered $600 million to construct a new and larger lock since Congress first authorized the project in 1996. In October, Senator McConnell joined Kentuckians in the Jackson Purchase to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Kentucky Lock and Dam. On behalf of inland waterways operators in Kentucky and across the county, we are appreciative of Leader McConnell's leadership in passing the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, said Matt Ricketts, Chairman of Waterways Council Inc. and President and CEO of Crounse Corporation in Paducah, Kentucky. The bill includes a construction cost-share adjustment for inland waterways infrastructure that will allow for inland waterways projects to be completed more efficiently, and a reauthorization of Kentucky Lock that will allow for its work to continue to completion. Inland waterways … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D2885679-F155-496A-A9D9-F181205FB0C8 | McConnell Leads Senate Passage of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the Senate today in passing his Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which was included in the year-end government funding bill. The legislation now goes to President Trump's desk to become law. Senator McConnell introduced the bipartisan legislation in September, only days after the 146th Kentucky Derby, to recognize a uniform, national standard for Thoroughbred racing. Kentucky's cherished horseracing traditions deserve to be protected. I'm proud the Senate agreed to my legislation to preserve our signature racing industry and the 24,000 workers who support it, said Senator McConnell. With the leadership of Congressman Andy Barr and the partnership of sport leaders, horse advocates, and fans, we're one step closer to promoting fairness and safety across Thoroughbred racing. As Majority Leader, I made this Kentucky-focused legislation a top priority in the Senate. I look forward to this major advancement for our beloved sport becoming law. The House of Representatives passed the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act in September led by U.S. Congressmen Andy Barr (KY-06) and Paul Tonko (NY-20). U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)Senators representing states with prominent racetrackswere original cosponsors in the Senate. With today's passage of HISA in Congress we are in the final stretch of achieving the most transformational and consequential reform of the Thoroughbred horseracing industry since enactment of the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, said Congressman Barr. For almost a decade, I have worked with industry stakeholders and my Congressional colleagues to build consensus around reforms that will protect equine athletes and strengthen confidence and international competitiveness in the sport. I am proud to champion this historic, bipartisan legislation with Congressman Paul Tonko and Leader McConnell and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law. In August, Senator McConnell and Cong… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A5361901-A0EE-4BAB-8B75-6C6F667B0040 | Statement from Congressman Andy Barr on COVID-19 Relief Package and Government Funding Bill Vote | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after voting in support of legislation to fully fund the government for fiscal year 2021 and provide much needed and long delayed COVID-19 relief: “Tonight, I voted in support of critical COVID-19 relief for small businesses, families and workers throughout the United States. For months, I have led calls in Congress to deliver more resources to the American people to defeat the COVID-19 virus and relief from government-imposed lockdowns of the economy. “Building on the success of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Operation Warp Speed, this package makes important investments in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, delivers another round of job-saving forgivable loans to small businesses and provides much needed assistance to families, schools and healthcare providers. “Ultimately, no amount of government spending can substitute for a fully functioning economy free of lockdowns. However, I am confident this relief package will help bridge the gap until COVID-19 vaccines are widely distributed.” This package includes a desperately needed second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds for distressed small businesses, including enhanced loans for restaurants, hotels, hospitality and travel-related businesses, which have experienced severe revenue reductions. It also extends PPP loan eligibility to 501(c)6 organizations like chambers of commerce and destination marketing organizations such as VisitLex, which also have been hard hit by the pandemic, but were not eligible for the first round of PPP loans under the CARES Act. Since early July, House Republicans attempted to force a vote on this latest round of COVID-19 relief no less than forty times. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blocked these efforts every time. In October, the Trump Administration offered a $1.8 trillion relief package that Speaker Pelosi rejected, a decision the Speaker later admitted was politically motivated. Tonight, Spe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387310 | Guthrie Praises New Kentucky Apprenticeship Entity | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Apprenticeship Caucus, released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announcing the recognition of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Workforce Investment as an approved Standards Recognition Entity (SRE). This SRE recognition will allow the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Workforce Investment to assist employers in overseeing current and designating new Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAP) throughout the state, while partnering with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and Kentucky Career Center. I'm thrilled the Department of Labor has entrusted the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Workforce Investment to evaluate and expand high-quality apprenticeships in numerous industries across Kentucky, said Guthrie. As co-chair of the Congressional Apprenticeship Caucus and member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I have continuously worked to make apprenticeships more accessible. Apprenticeships provide opportunities for hardworking Kentuckians to learn new skills that lead to high-paying jobs. With years of manufacturing experience, I know the importance of effective apprenticeship programs firsthand. This announcement for Kentucky's workforce is welcome news as we are starting to defeat the virus with safe and effective vaccines to come back stronger than ever. More information on Standards Recognition Entities can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387311 | Guthrie Statement on Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | Guthrie Statement on Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) released the following statement after the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus and COVID Relief Package passed the U.S. House of Representatives. I'm relieved this package finally came together to provide additional relief for Kentucky families and workers from the impact of COVID-19, said Guthrie. I voted in support of much-needed aid for Kentuckians, including unemployment benefits and relief for small businesses. Our community health centers and other health care providers on the front lines of this public health emergency will receive additional funding, and Kentucky will be given more resources to help with distributing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines across the Commonwealth. Thankfully, families, workers, and health care professionals can go through this holiday season knowing COVID-19 relief and vaccines are on the way. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BC8CDBE1-7EF5-4887-872D-224D846D6816 | Congressman Rogers Supports Comprehensive COVID-Relief & 2021 Federal Funding Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the $1.4 trillion appropriations bill to fund the federal government through fiscal year 2021, in addition to a $900 billion COVID-relief package which includes a second round of stimulus checks for the American people and urgent support for small businesses. The legislation also advances $20 billion for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, extends the Payroll Protection Program and provides critical funding for all discretionary government operations. Congressman Rogers gave the following remarks, encouraging his House colleagues to pass H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021: "This bill is not perfect, but it reflects a fair compromise that includes funding for many important priorities at home and abroad, and vital assistance for all those negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. "As Ranking Member of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee, this bill provides critical funding for our national security. This includes $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Israel, and robust support to combat transnational crime and the flow of illegal drugs. "The bill is also tough on China, as it commits serious resources behind our Indo-Pacific strategy. This includes exposing the censorship and propaganda wielded by the Chinese Communist Party, and countering Beijing’s debt-trap diplomacy through well-funded, open and transparent U.S. development by the Development Finance Corporation and the Countering Chinese Influence Fund. "This bill also protects our core values. It maintains all pro-life protections from last year and rejects efforts to undo the President’s historic policies that protect the sanctity of life. "This bill is also great for my district in Kentucky. It provides the resources we need to continue to fight the opioid epidemic—which is now more important than ever. It fully funds my AML Pilot Program, which is truly breathing life back into my so… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-stop-piling-debt-future-generations-open-economy-and-cut-waste-budget-pay/ | Dr. Rand Paul: Stop Piling Debt on Future Generations, Open the Economy, and Cut Waste in the Budget to Pay for Priorities | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Shortly before legislators received a nearly 5,600-page government funding/COVID-19 response bill that they are expected to quickly digest and vote on, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) condemned Congress’ fiscal recklessness on the U.S. Senate floor and called for opening the economy so Americans can rebuild their livelihoods. Dr. Paul also once again proposed cutting waste and finding savings in the current budget to pay for the pandemic response and other priorities. “We are $27 trillion in debt today. How do we expect a child to have the economic opportunity when this crushing debt is their inheritance from Congress?” asked Dr. Paul. “We are borrowing and worsening this debt crisis, in part, because too many governors and mayors have imposed heavy handed restrictions that crush business,” he later observed. “The need for help is real. I hear it every day from Kentuckians and across the country. But it’s clear that government has worsened the economic damage and acted as the biggest obstacle to economic recovery,” said Dr. Paul. “The answer is not printing up and distributing ‘free money.’ It’s opening the economy,” he later added. You can watch Dr. Paul’s speech HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-stop-piling-debt-future-generations-open-economy-and-cut-waste-budget-pay | Dr. Rand Paul: Stop Piling Debt on Future Generations, Open the Economy, and Cut Waste in the Budget to Pay for Priorities | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Shortly before legislators received a nearly 5,600-page government funding/COVID-19 response bill that they are expected to quickly digest and vote on, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) condemned Congress' fiscal recklessness on the U.S. Senate floor and called for opening the economy so Americans can rebuild their livelihoods. Dr. Paul also once again proposed cutting waste and finding savings in the current budget to pay for the pandemic response and other priorities. We are $27 trillion in debt today. How do we expect a child to have the economic opportunity when this crushing debt is their inheritance from Congress? asked Dr. Paul. We are borrowing and worsening this debt crisis, in part, because too many governors and mayors have imposed heavy handed restrictions that crush business, he later observed. The need for help is real. I hear it every day from Kentuckians and across the country. But it's clear that government has worsened the economic damage and acted as the biggest obstacle to economic recovery, said Dr. Paul. The answer is not printing up and distributing free money.' It's opening the economy, he later added. You can watch Dr. Paul's speech HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-on-the-daily-briefing-with-dana-perino-december-2020 | McConnell on ‘The Daily Briefing’ with Dana Perino | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.republicanleader.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 McConnell on The Daily Briefing' with Dana Perino On the Targeted COVID-19 Relief Agreement: I said back in July, what the country needed was a package roughly of a trillion dollars focused on kids in school, small businesses, health care providers, and direct cash payments. We tried to pass -- we started advocating that in July and August and the talks were unproductive. So I essentially put that bill on the floor of the Senate in both September and October. Not a single Democrat supported it. Their view was give us everything we want or we would not give you anything, so it is noteworthy that at the end that they finally gave us what we could have agreed to back in July. I think what held it up was they did not want was to do anything before the presidential election, they felt that that would disadvantage the President, but look, we finally got it done, in exactly the same amount with the same configuration that we would have been able to do back in the summer, but for all of the intervening election shenanigans on the side of the Speaker and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. On the Vaccine Rollout: I think it's important for the leaders in the country to step up, take the vaccine, and help reassure the American public, because polls indicate about half the public is either skeptical about taking the vaccine or does not want to take it at all. That has to change, because we can't solve this problem until large numbers of Americans are vaccinated. As a polio victim myself, I fully understand the significance of vaccines. It took decades to develop the polio vaccine. This vaccine was developed in under a year, a modern medical miracle, and we need to take the vaccine. Print Email Tweet Next … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-distillery-excise-tax-relief-included-omnibus-spending-bill | Yarmuth Statement on Distillery Excise Tax Relief Included in Omnibus Spending Bill | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | KY | John Yarmuth | Y000062 | yarmuth.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth, Co-Chair and Founder of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, released the statement below regarding inclusion of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in the year-end omnibus spending bill. The measure, cosponsored by Yarmuth, will make permanent the excise tax relief for distilled spirits producers, craft brewers, and winemakers. This is a major victory for American jobs and the entire distilled spirits and craft beverage industries. As Founder of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, I've fought for the inclusion of this provision that will significantly benefit America's native spirit and the lives and livelihoods that depend on its production, distribution, and consumption. To finally provide certainty on what would have been a costly tax burden will allow producers to invest in their businesses, invest in their workers, and continue to produce some of the most celebrated spirits around the world. We can all say cheers to that. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-house-passage-bipartisan-covid-relief-omnibus-spending-package | Yarmuth Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan COVID Relief-Omnibus Spending Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | KY | John Yarmuth | Y000062 | yarmuth.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package: For so many Kentuckians and tens of millions of Americans, this compromise relief bill is woefully insufficient. For months, my Democratic colleagues and I have fought to get as much as we could from Mitch McConnell's Senate majority, and as families suffered, all they could ask is what was in it for them. Unfortunately, at this point, this is the most we could get for families in need. We got some direct payments for those in need and were able to extend critical emergency unemployment benefits and rental assistance for Americans who've lost their income through no fault of their own though this isn't nearly enough. This package provides new money for schools, hospitals and vaccine distribution, and will make badly needed investments in government operations, small and mid-sized businesses, and industries that were ravaged first by the pandemic and then by the failed federal response. We also withstood Republican demands to shield corporations from total legal liability when they harm or kill their workers, as well as efforts to hamper President-elect Biden's ability to help those in need next year. I am glad that we were able to pass something to help the American people today, but as governments around the world rise to meet the needs of their struggling citizens, I am frustrated and angry that the richest country in the world is hamstrung by a Senate majority content to let the American people suffer. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3AAF1CBA-D0CF-46A3-B170-64E3321434C0 | McConnell Announces COVID-19 Relief Agreement: More Help Is On The Way | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: For the information of all Senators, and for the information of the American people, we can finally report what our nation has needed to hear for a long time: More help is on the way. Moments ago, in consultation with our committees, the four leaders in the Senate and the House finalized an agreement. There will be another major rescue package for the American people. As our citizens continue battling the coronavirus this holiday season, they will not be fighting alone. We've agreed to a package of nearly $900 billion. It is packed with targeted policies to help struggling Americans who have already waited too long. For workers at the hardest-hit small businesses, there will be a targeted second draw of the Paycheck Protection Program. We have not worked so hard to save as many jobs as possible, all these months, only to fumble the ball with vaccinations already underway. Speaking of vaccines, we can't nullify the success of Operation Warp Speed by falling asleep at the switch on distribution. So this agreement will provide huge sums for the logistics that will get these life-saving shots to our citizens as fast as possible. Of course, many millions of Americans have lost their jobs and are continuing to lose them through no fault of their own. This package will renew and extend a number of the additional important federal unemployment benefits that have helped families stay afloat. Across all kinds of families, in all kinds of situations, this has been a difficult time across the board. So, at the particular request and emphasis of President Trump and his Administration, our agreement will provide another round of direct impact payments to help households make ends meet and continue our economic recovery. We all know this crisis has tested our healthcare providers. This legislation will continue to fund the front lines. But the crisis in American e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=741CF29F-1E2F-4334-AD94-8CBBDBD9605C | Lets Make Today the Day We Join Together, Put Differences Aside, and Finally Get it Done | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: Our bipartisan, bicameral discussions on another major pandemic rescue package continued all night and all morning. We are winnowing down the remaining differences. I believe I can speak for all sides when I say that I hope and expect to have a final agreement nailed down in a matter of hours. Yesterday evening, our Democratic colleagues agreed to important language authored by the junior Senator for Pennsylvania, Senator Toomey. Back in March, in the CARES Act, Congress funded several new emergency lending facilities, to be operated by the Federal Reserve. Their purpose was simple: To backstop the basic foundations of our economy and prevent any kind of sweeping financial paralysis. Our actions worked. The other historic relief that Congress passed, combined with the existence of these lending facilities, staved off any systemic collapse. American workers and families still need much more help, but a total financial meltdown never materialized. These new emergency lending facilities were always intended to sunset at the end of this year. Senator Toomey and our Democratic colleagues have landed on compromise language that ensures this will happen; redirects the dormant money in these accounts toward the urgent needs of working Americans; and ensures that these expiring programs cannot be simply restarted or cloned without another authorization from Congress. All while preserving both the independence of the Federal Reserve and the proper authority of Congress. Yet another example of the good-faith bipartisan collaboration that has defined our discussions this week. *** At this point, we are down to the last few differences that stand between struggling Americans and the major rescue package they need and deserve. These days and nights of negotiations have been encouraging. But our citizens need this waiting game to be over. Yesterday alone, anothe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A46028FB-2FF1-474C-B07F-EBAA84BA6857 | McConnell Statement on Former Laurel County Sheriff Gene Hollon | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Laurel County Sheriff Gene Hollon: Former Sheriff Gene Hollon lived in courageous service to his neighbors and our Commonwealth. He was devoted to improving local public safety, both as a law enforcement officer and a volunteer fire chief. Gene's leadership in Laurel County and across the region made real progress in tackling our biggest challenges. Today, brave officers continue to follow Gene's example in keeping Kentucky families safe. Elaine and I join Sheriff Root and the entire department in sharing our sincere condolences with Edna and the Hollon family. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8460EBAE-A37A-4DF8-89F1-2E2DFCF0A485 | We Need to Conclude Our Talks, Draft Legislation, and Land This Plane | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: Our nation stands at a crossroads in our months-long battle with the new coronavirus. Tracking recent developments lately has felt like watching a split-screen television. On one hand, Operation Warp Speed has fostered a modern medical miracle. The genius of science has brought forward safe and effective vaccines at a pace which, just months ago, many claimed would be impossible. For about nine months now, our nation has been treading water together. Now the road to victory is in sight. But at the same time, even as we see this hopeful sunrise on the horizon, in the here-and-now, we are still facing an ongoing, five-alarm national crisis. The virus is surging across our country. Two days ago my home state of Kentucky set yet another bleak new record -- the most Kentuckians lost in a single day of this pandemic so far. Nationwide, since the start of December, we have lost around 3,000 of our fellow Americans to this disease every day. Meanwhile, although the American people have built our economic recovery with more speed and resilience than anyone had anticipated, we've known all along that recovering prosperity would come hand in hand with defeating the virus. Thus millions of working families across the nation are still under terrible strain. Last week, economists thought we'd see a slight downward tick in new unemployment claims. Instead, the number shot up, logging 885,000 new claims in just one week. Almost 900,000 newly laid-off Americans in one week alone. Senators on both sides know what we need to do. In the springtime, when the country needed a bridge, we passed the largest rescue package in American history on a unanimous bipartisan basis. Now, what Americans need is another bridge. Fortunately, this time, we do not need a bridge over an unknown and frightening future, but a bridge through the next several months while the life-saving vaccin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=10B3D866-1747-4EFC-94E5-80EA47189979 | Majority Leader McConnell Honors Personal Office Chief of Staff Phil Maxson | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor today paying tribute to his departing personal office Chief of Staff, Phil Maxson: I jump at any opportunity to praise my incredible staff. I'm just sorry that one natural occasion is when great people head toward the exits. Phil Maxson of Lexington, Kentucky has mastered one of the toughest jobs on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for my personal office, he oversees the operation that delivers for Kentucky families and Kentucky priorities. Here's what that role means in our tight-knit organization. It's like being the player-coach on an old baseball teamwho's also a utility player at the same time. Phil wears about ten hats each day, orchestrating a seamless operation. He's mastered policy. Political strategy. Messaging. Constituent services. He's budgeted and managed the office itself. And Phil is also a liaison and colleague to my leadership office here in the Capitol. He's the linkage between the two sides of my operation; the single person most responsible for helping me harmonize home-state priorities with my national duties and keep the Commonwealth at the center of all I do. It's a tall order. It takes the best of the best. Someone who's so capable that every important issue will involve them, but so humble that situations never become about them. Enter Phil Maxson. A kind, cheerful, and unbelievably competent servant leader whom I'm convinced nobody on this planet dislikes. Phil climbed the Capitol Hill ladder the old-fashioned way. He joined my team as an intern a decade ago. Actually, I think Phil may have snuck a late application into a last-minute opening. If I'm right about that, then his good fortune was ours as well. He's done every job legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, legislative director, and then the top spot. As one of his old bosses reminded me recently, every time a gap in the office appeared, Phil was the natural choice.' It's not like he elbowed his… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3E6DC804-1165-47D6-A84F-861DB39E2D6C | Lets Finish Our Business for the American People | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: Our bipartisan discussions are continuing to make significant headway toward another relief package for the American people. The Democratic Leader, Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, and I have been working around the clock for several days now. The talks remain productive. In fact, I am even more optimistic now than I was last night that a bipartisan, bicameral framework for a major rescue package is close at hand. But let's face it. It doesn't help struggling Americans keep their jobs, or endure unemployment, or pay their rent, or get vaccines any faster to keep hearing that we're having good discussions. What families across the country deserve what they have needed and deserved for many months now is an outcome. Another targeted relief package to get more assistance into their hands as fast as possible. Struggling small-business owners have already waited too long for the targeted second round of the PPP. Laid-off workers have already waited too long to have expiring programs extended. Kids, teachers, and families have already waited too long for funding to help schools reopen safely. We've already waited too long to fully fund vaccine distribution, so our scientists' historic sprint towards a safe and effective vaccine is followed up by the equally important logistics. This has been an unbelievably hard year for our country. We've seen normal daily life grind to a halt and take a record-setting economy down with it. And even as we've watched doctors, nurses and researchers make life-saving history, we have lost more than 300,000 Americans too soon. Like I've said, the Senate will be right here until an agreement is passed, whenever that may be. We'll just continue voting. There are more well-qualified nominees for important posts that we can confirm in the meantime. Let's finish our business for the American people. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2DF3E93B-0D83-46A4-B35B-A44A41173C07 | Congressman Andy Barr Receives Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination today on Capitol Hill. Congressman Barr was one of many Congressional Members to be immunized at the Capitol on Friday. “The Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed was an extraordinary success and I want to thank researchers and scientists for their tireless efforts to deliver a potentially lifesaving vaccine to the American people,” said Congressman Barr. “Furthermore, I am fully confident in the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA after thorough and rigid clinical trials that included thousands of American volunteers participating of many different ages and demographics with diverse health histories.” Congressman Barr voted for over $10 billion in funding for Operation Warp Speed in Congress at the beginning of the pandemic. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2020/12/comer-davis-hice-raise-concerns-about-padilla-misusing-federal-funds-benefit | Comer, Davis, Hice Raise Concerns About Padilla Misusing Federal Funds to Benefit Pro-Biden Firm | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), House Committee on Administration Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), and Government Operations Subcommittee Ranking Member Jody Hice (R-Ga.) today wrote Election Assistance Commission Inspector General Patricia Layfield to spur immediate action on the previously requested investigation into California Secretary of State Alex Padilla awarding a contract to Joe Biden’s main election campaign advisory firm, SKD Knickerbocker (SKD), to contact voters. This $35 million no-bid contract appears to violate the law, wastes taxpayer money, and presents numerous conflicts of interest. “Secretary Padilla’s decision to fast-track a no-bid contract to a pro-Biden firm raises serious ethical and legal questions and we must have answers immediately. It appears taxpayer funds were illegally allocated by Padilla’s office to enable Democrat operatives to contact voters and potentially have access to sensitive voter information. Secretary Padilla must be held accountable for this gross misuse of Americans’ taxpayer dollars. Given Mr. Padilla is rumored to be appointed to Senator Kamala Harris’ seat, the Inspector General must immediately investigate and report findings to Congress before he is entrusted with upholding the integrity of all federal elections and safeguarding taxpayer dollars,” said House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member Comer. In October, the lawmakers previously wrote to Inspector General Layfield calling for an investigation into this shady contract after obtaining documents showing potential violations of the law. They also wrote to Secretary Padilla in September but he has not provided a response to the letter. “Three weeks after Election Day, California had multiple congressional races that still had not been called because ballots were still being counted. This mismanagement could, and should, have been avoided,” said Davis. “California received millions of federal dollars to help run their elections, but… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2020/12/comer-demands-california-return-federal-funds-treasury-due-padilla-s-unlawful | Comer Demands California Return Federal Funds to Treasury Due to Padilla’s Unlawful Contract with Pro-Biden Firm | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), House Administration Committee Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Subcommittee on Government Operations Ranking Member Jody Hice (R-Ga.) demanded the State of California return all federal money to the U.S. Treasury that California Secretary of State Alex Padilla is attempting to use for an unlawful contract with a pro-Biden firm to contact voters. Earlier this year, Secretary Padilla awarded a $35 million no-bid contract to SKD Knickerbocker, Joe Biden’s main election campaign advisory firm. Documents appear to show that the Secretary of State’s Office attempted to inappropriately fund the contract with federal Help America Vote Act money from the CARES Act to target specific voters and encourage voting, which is a violation of the law. According to a media report, Secretary Padilla has received $34 million worth of invoices from SKD for the voter contact contract, but the California State Controller’s Office says he lacks the state budget authority to pay for it. “Instead of using taxpayer money to enrich political allies of Secretary Alex Padilla with a contract that likely violates the law, we request that you immediately return the federal money to the United States Treasury… The Secretary’s attempt to pay SKD with federal money appears to be unlawful and an effort to influence the federal election. Instead of using federal grant money to benefit all Californians during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Secretary has decided to skirt the law by pushing an unnecessary and frivolous contract for his political allies to influence the federal election. As it stands, the Secretary’s decisions ensured no Californians benefited from this appropriation,” wrote the Republican Members. The Republican members previously called on the Election Assistance Commission Inspector General to investigate this contract and also called on Secretary Padilla to provide answe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2020/12/comer-federal-investigation-hunter-biden-must-continue-unimpeded | Comer: Federal Investigation into Hunter Biden Must Continue Unimpeded | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today issued the following statement on the federal investigation into Hunter Biden’s taxes: “There have been serious concerns about Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings and potential conflicts of interest for years, and the mainstream media’s lack of reporting during the election and Big Tech’s censorship didn’t erase these facts. Joe Biden’s naïve approach to his son’s foreign business dealings and refusal to answer basic questions are a disservice to the American people. The Oversight Committee must be vigilant in ensuring Joe Biden is not influenced by his family’s foreign interests. “The U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware’s investigation must continue unimpeded. Joe Biden must not replace the current U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware now that his son is under federal investigation. Any interference would be meddling in the Department of Justice’s affairs.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://comer.house.gov/2020/12/top-republicans-call-fbi-provide-information-about-ccp-s-infiltration-us | Top Republicans Call on FBI to Provide Information about CCP’s Infiltration in U.S. Government Institutions | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), Subcommittee on Government Operations Ranking Member Jody Hice (R-Ga.), Subcommittee on National Security Ranking Member Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy Ranking Member Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Ranking Member Chip Roy (R-Texas), and Subcommittee on Environment Ranking Member Mark Green (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Christopher Wray, expressing concerns regarding recent reports that indicate a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spy targeted a Member of Congress on the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees to gain access and influence. The letter also highlights various methods the CCP is actively using to gather important, sensitive information from Americans and calls on the FBI to hold an immediate briefing on the depth and breadth of the CCP’s infiltration in U.S. government institutions. “On our own soil, Chinese Communist Party intelligence operatives are strategically implementing new, creative ways to gain access and influence. We already know that the CCP seeks to infiltrate our academic institutions, allowing China to spew propaganda and potentially steal America’s intellectual property. Unfazed, the CCP is now targeting our most distinguished institutions and high-profile government officials,” said Ranking Member Comer. “Just this past week, it was revealed that a U.S. Representative with access to sensitive information developed a close relationship with an undercover Chinese spy. We must ensure Members of Congress remain uncompromised from the attempts of our adversaries to plunder classified intelligence and influence American leadership. Going forward, understanding the scope of the CCP’s whole operation is critical to combating and preventing any future attempts to undermine our U.S. government institutions.” Earlier this year, Ranking Member Comer was joined by H… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387308 | Guthrie Encourages Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, released the following video message after receiving the first of two injections of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. I'm Congressman Brett Guthrie. I'm on the Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, the ranking member. I had responsibility for the legislative oversight of the development of the vaccines, so I've been following these vaccines since the inception of Operation Warp Speed (OWS). I wanted to say that I took the vaccine today. I took it for the purpose of illustrating that I find it extremely safe, extremely effective, and I have no concerns about taking the vaccine. Always talk with your health care provider who provides it for you, but the vaccine is safe and effective. I'm willing to take it, and I encourage everybody to take the vaccine when it becomes available because we need to make sure that we beat this coronavirus. The Office of the Attending Physician received Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doses and strongly recommended the vaccine. While Guthrie has oversight of federal health agencies and COVID-19 vaccine development, this distribution to Congress was not his decision. Click HERE for Rep. Guthrie's video message. A video and photo of Rep. Guthrie receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can be found HERE and HERE, respectively. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387309 | E&C Republican Leaders: Second EUA is a Testament to American Ingenuity | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader for the 116th Congress Greg Walden (R-OR), Republican Leader for the 117th Congress Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Republican Leader Brett Guthrie (R-KY) released the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its second emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine, this time authorizing Moderna's vaccine for distribution. In just one week, we've gone from zero authorized vaccines to two that have both exceeded the strong safety and efficacy standards set by the FDA. This is a true testament to American ingenuity and the work of President Trump's Operation Warp Speed, the scientific and public health communities, and the patients who have volunteered their time to participate in clinical trials. This week, all Americans felt hope when we saw brave front line health workers receive the first vaccines. As we said last week, this is the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we owe it to every essential worker to continue handwashing and wearing masks. The United States of America will lead the world out of this pandemic, but we must continue doing our part to keep each other safe, said Walden, Rodgers, Burgess, and Guthrie. The EUA follows a strong 20-0 vote by a panel of non-political scientific experts tasked with reviewing Moderna's clinical trial safety and efficacy data. Last Friday, the Republican Leaders commented on the authorization of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine. Read that statement here. To read more about FDA's EUA process for vaccines click here. Read more about Operation Warp Speed here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C276DC5E-14FA-49F4-A2D0-0254553BD402 | Congressman Rogers is Hopeful About the COVID-19 Vaccines | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement about COVID-19 vaccines and distribution in Kentucky: “This has been a historical week for Southern and Eastern Kentucky as front-line healthcare workers and others received some of the first coronavirus vaccinations in the country. "The fact that a vaccine is already available is a true testament to the monumental efforts of President Trump and Operation Warp Speed, which developed this vaccine in record time. "My hope in the vaccine is two-fold: to save lives, and to provide a safe path forward to reopen our schools and businesses, and allow nursing home residents to see their loved ones face-to-face again. "Today, the Capitol physician began administering the vaccine to Members of Congress, encouraging us to take the vaccine due to the nature of our frequent legislative meetings and travel between Washington and our home states. "While many have reservations about the vaccine, I received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination today with confidence, knowing that this is the first step for America to beat this pandemic and revive our economy. "We must ensure that the distribution process is successful across Kentucky and around the United States, and I will continue to work to make sure it is available to everyone who wants to receive it.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-introduces-local-news-and-broadcast-media-preservation-act/ | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act, S. 5058, which would give local broadcasters and newspapers much-needed relief from outdated government restrictions that are currently threatening their ability to succeed in an evolving media environment. “With the rise of social media and an ever-changing media landscape, it is imperative that our local newspapers and broadcasters are given the freedom to adapt. My Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act gets government out of the way and frees broadcast media from the chains that restrict their ability to better serve their customers,” said Dr. Paul. The Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act would exempt newspapers from federal antitrust laws to allow them to compete with and negotiate with national tech companies. Additionally, the legislation would allow local broadcast companies to merge without government interference to allow those broadcasters to better compete against these tech giants. Lastly, the bill would eliminate the local and national caps on radio and television ownership. You can read S. 5058, Dr. Paul’s Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act, HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-introduces-local-news-and-broadcast-media-preservation-act | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE: December 18, 2020 Contact:Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Local News and BroadcastMediaPreservation Act, S. 5058, which would give local broadcasters and newspapers much-needed relief from outdated government restrictions that are currently threatening their ability to succeed in an evolvingmediaenvironment. With the rise of socialmediaand an ever-changingmedialandscape, it is imperative that our local newspapers and broadcasters are given the freedom to adapt. My Local News and BroadcastMediaPreservation Act gets government out of the way and frees broadcastmediafrom the chains that restrict their ability to better serve their customers, said Dr. Paul. The Local News and BroadcastMediaPreservation Act would exempt newspapers from federal antitrust laws to allow them to compete with and negotiate with national tech companies. Additionally, the legislation would allow local broadcast companies to merge without government interference to allow those broadcasters to better compete against these tech giants. Lastly, the bill would eliminate the local and national caps on radio and television ownership. You can read S. 5058, Dr. Paul's Local News and BroadcastMediaPreservation Act, HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A7B89D9A-EB5E-4B7B-B0DD-11E17137E9C3 | COVID-19 Relief Update: Lets Make Law As Soon As Possible | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding appropriations and COVID-19 relief: We in Congress are no strangers to December funding deadlines or the occasional pre-Christmas cliffhanger. In that respect, the situation we face now is familiar. Funding for the federal government is hanging in the balance. In the next few days, Congress will either succeed or fail at providing secure and stable funding for our military commanders, our federal departments, and key investments for our future. Fortunately, our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee and their House counterparts have been on the case. Bipartisan, bicameral committee work hasfull-year government funding legislation on the one-yard line. I'm optimistic that if we can close out our other, parallel business, we should be able to fund the government and move forward together. But that brings me to the way in which this year is unlike anything we've seen before. It's been more than nine months since our nation began to feel the full force of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American people have done what Americans do when crises come knocking. Essential workers have kept our nation running. Healthcare professionals have worked day and night to care for strangers. Heroic American businesses have adapted, reinvented, and obeyed the advice of medical experts. Now we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Operation Warp Speed has given us safe and effective vaccines in record time. But the American people need another bridge to those better days that are not so far off. The country needs Congress to come through with another, targeted rescue package. They've waited months. They've waited, and suffered, and some have died while needless political games have played out.The American people's wait for more emergency assistance ought to be over. For months, I've called for a targeted, bipartisan package that would put hundreds of billions of dollars into payroll suppo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B2B7DF38-C3F8-4805-8355-5B422F9261B4 | McConnell: Kentuckians and All Americans Should Accept the COVID-19 Vaccine | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the COVID-19 vaccine: Since last spring, following health guidelines, I have advocated mask wearing, social distancing and other best practices. Because of the health professionals at the FDA, Operation Warp Speed, and provisions of the CARES Act that I was proud to get signed into law, we now have a vaccine that is ready for use. But I am disappointed to see early public sentiment that shows some hesitation towards receiving a vaccine. A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll shows about a quarter of U.S. adults aren't sure if they want to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. Roughly another quarter say they won't. It is concerning that half of Americans feel this way. The only way to beat this pandemic is for us to follow the advice of our nation's health care professionals: get vaccinated and continue to follow CDC guidelines. As a polio survivor, I know both the fear of a disease and the extraordinary promise of hope that vaccines bring. I truly hope all Kentuckians and Americans will heed this advice and accept this safe and effective vaccine. Because of government continuity requirements, I have been informed by the Office of the Attending Physician that I am eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, which I will accept in the coming days. Even with a vaccine, I will continue following CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing my hands frequently. I would strongly encourage everyone to continue following these important guidelines. It is the only way we will defeat COVID-19 once and for all. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C8094067-5AC6-4A27-A339-46DEB01834B2 | McConnells CARES Act Sends Another $143 Million to Kentucky to Help Fight COVID-19 | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Kentucky is receiving an additional $2,500,325 to be used to help fight COVID-19. Of the funding, $1,584,325 will go towards vaccine preparedness and $916,000 for testing and contact tracing. These federal resources, distributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), were made available by Senator McConnell's Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. To date, Kentucky has received more than $120 million from the CDC for COVID-19 response. Additionally, Senator McConnell announced $141,828,054 will also be provided to 598 Kentucky healthcare providers. This federal funding, distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), was made available through Senator McConnell's CARES Act Provider Relief Fund which has sent more than $1.4 billion to Kentucky's healthcare heroes on the frontlines of this pandemic. There's a genuine feeling of excitement throughout the country over the delivery of the Coronavirus vaccine. I'm proud to announce today the incredibly urgent, targeted funding to get Kentuckians vaccinated and support our healthcare heroes to finish this fight, said Senator McConnell. Since May, I've visited more than 30 Kentucky healthcare providers to personally thank frontline healthcare heroes. Especially now with vaccines on the way, my CARES Act is providing critical federal resources so that healthcare providers can keep our communities safe from this terrible virus. To date, Senator McConnell's CARES Act has had a more than $13 billion impact in Kentucky. Senator McConnell's legislation has delivered $4 billion in relief to address urgent housing, transportation, healthcare, education and economic development priorities. Kentucky small businesses, farmers, and nonprofits accessed more than $5.2 billion in assistance through 50,000PPP loans. Kentucky families have also received $4 billion in Econom… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CF1BBCA9-1ED5-4DCB-8B34-6ADAFE954BD5 | Kentucky to Receive $5 Million for Substance Abuse Prevention Efforts | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today eight Kentucky communities will receive a total of $5 million over five years for their substance abuse prevention efforts. Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) James Carroll, also known as the Drug Czar, contacted Senator McConnell to share the recipients of the funding from the Drug-Free Communities Program. Across Kentucky and the country, we're investing in our comprehensive response to opioid and substance abuse. I'm grateful to Director Carroll and the dedicated Kentuckians who are working to keep drugs away from our children, said Senator McConnell. Tragically, substance abuse is an ongoing problem in Kentucky. The multi-year federal resources for these programs can help educators and local leaders develop a long-term strategy to fight abuse and save lives. The following entities will each receive $125,000 annually for five years for their addiction prevention efforts: Butler County Educational Foundation Campbell County Drug Free Alliance Erlanger-Elsmere Board of Education Family & Children's Place (Louisville) Graves County Fiscal Court Muhlenberg County Health Department Shawnee Transformation Youth Coalition (Louisville) Spencer County Public Schools Earlier this year, Senator McConnell applauded ONDCP's announcements of $2.25 million into Kentucky's substance abuse prevention efforts. The E3C Drug Free project and the Erlanger-Elsmere Schools are humbled and proud to be a recipient of the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant, said Erlanger-Elsmere Superintendent Chad D. Molley. Thanks to Senator McConnell, this funding will provide an incredible opportunity for our school district to increase community partnerships and to offer valuable resources to our students and families. These partnerships and resources will enable us to deepen our district's whole-child, whole-family approach to public education, which will, in turn, have a long-term positive im… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9CB97D9F-582E-4C21-AE43-F6626B3CA193 | Congressman Barr Calls on Congress to Pass COVID-19 Relief During Fox Business Network Appearance | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr implored Congress to deliver COVID-19 relief to small businesses, families and workers today. Congressman Barr was the headline guest on Fox Business Network’s Making Money with Charles Payne to discuss the latest COVID-19 relief talks in Congress. “No stimulus can replace a fully functional, open economy that has open schools, businesses and people who have confidence to go back to work,” said Congressman Barr. “These government lockdowns have weakened our economy and that is why we need to deliver COVID-19 relief for small businesses, families and workers to sustain our economy until the COVID-19 vaccines can be widely distributed.” For months, Congressman Barr has been leading the charge to extend Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding for small businesses to receive a second loan. Forty times, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives voted to bring legislation providing PPP relief to the floor and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blocked it from consideration. Small businesses in Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District have received over $966 million in forgivable loans, impacting 118,459 jobs and reaching almost 10,000 different businesses. One business, MVC manufacturing in Jessamine County, worked with Congressman Barr’s Office and successfully obtained PPP funds, a loan from U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and a loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program. This funding allowed them to stay open and save 400 jobs in Nicholasville. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-kentuckians-and-all-americans-should-accept-the-covid-19-vaccine | McConnell: Kentuckians and All Americans Should Accept the COVID-19 Vaccine | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.republicanleader.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.20 McConnell: Kentuckians and All Americans Should Accept the COVID-19 Vaccine The only way to beat this pandemic is for us to follow the advice of our nation's health care professionals: get vaccinated and continue to follow CDC guidelines.' WASHINGTON, D.C- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the COVID-19 vaccine: Since last spring, following health guidelines, I have advocated mask wearing, social distancing and other best practices. Because of the health professionals at the FDA, Operation Warp Speed, and provisions of the CARES Act that I was proud to get signed into law, we now have a vaccine that is ready for use. But I am disappointed to see early public sentiment that shows some hesitation towards receiving a vaccine. A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll shows about a quarter of U.S. adults aren't sure if they want to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. Roughly another quarter say they won't. It is concerning that half of Americans feel this way. The only way to beat this pandemic is for us to follow the advice of our nation's health care professionals: get vaccinated and continue to follow CDC guidelines. As a polio survivor, I know both the fear of a disease and the extraordinary promise of hope that vaccines bring. I truly hope all Kentuckians and Americans will heed this advice and accept this safe and effective vaccine. Because of government continuity requirements, I have been informed by the Office of the Attending Physician that I am eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, which I will accept in the coming days. Even with a vaccine, I will continue following CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing my hands frequently. I would strongly encourage everyone to continue following these important guidelines. It is the only way we will defeat COVID-19 once and for all… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=999D6650-CE05-4943-8662-044DBD979488 | Congressional Leaders on Both Sides Are Going to Keep Working Until We Get it Done | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: The Democratic Leader and I worked into the evening alongside the Speaker of the House and the House Republican Leader. We made major headway toward hammering out a targeted pandemic relief package that would be able to pass both chambers with bipartisan majorities. We committed to continuing these urgent discussions urgently until we have an agreement. And we agreed we should not leave town until we've made law. The American people need more help. It's that simple. Further targeted relief is now months overdue. We need vaccine distribution money. We need to re-up the Paycheck Protection Program to save jobs. We need to continue to provide for laid-off Americans. Congressional leaders on both sides are going to keep working until we get it done. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B9FF6D2A-5E46-4973-9B0E-85D096E7F2C1 | McConnell Announces $450,000 for Infrastructure Upgrades in Bell County | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the City of Middlesboro will receive $450,000 to upgrade aging infrastructure at a wastewater treatment plant. The federal funding comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) Central Appalachian Distressed County Infrastructure Program, which was established by Senator McConnell. These communities have received more than $40 million from this ARC fund. Every Kentucky family deserves access to reliable water service. I am proud the ARC infrastructure and water program I established continues to deliver for thousands of families in Eastern Kentucky, said Senator McConnell. This major investment is welcome news for Bell County and will provide vital benefits for years to come. Along with my friend Congressman Hal Rogers, we're continuing to invest in this wonderful region's bright future. According to ARC, the investment will provide reliable wastewater treatment to 4,345 households and 605 businesses. The current water treatment facilities were built in 1986, and the aging equipment is subject to frequent failures and costly repairs. The threat of overflows from electrical and mechanical failures is high. The renovations funded by this ARC announcement will promote uninterrupted service and could save the city $17,000 annually. Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson said: The citizens of Middlesboro appreciate the efforts of Leader McConnell and Congressman Hal Rogers for their help in securing this important funding for the citizens of Middlesboro." In September, Senator McConnell joined U.S. Congressmen Hal Rogers (KY-05), Andy Barr (KY-06) and James Comer (KY-01) to announce $3.9 million for water infrastructure projects from this ARC fund. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1AD55419-4341-4535-A678-2EC4AB740B58 | Congressman Andy Barr’s Veterans’ Bills Head to President’s Desk for Signature | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr’s legislation improving veteran access to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims system and enhancing opportunities for veterans pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives after inclusion in H.R 7105, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. This comprehensive veterans’ legislation passed both chambers of Congress and will now be sent to the President to be signed into law. Versions of the Veterans Benefits Fairness and Transparency Act of 2020 (VBFTA) and the Veteran STEM Scholarship Enhancement Act, which Congressman Barr led to passage in the House, were included in the final veterans’ package. Congressman Barr introduced the VBFTA in July and led it to unanimous passage in House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) with Democrat Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA). The bill protects veterans filing for disability claims by requiring the VA to restore the availability of disability benefit questionnaires (DBQs) to their publicly available website. This allows veterans to use their own personal healthcare provider when filling out their DBQs outside the VA. Furthermore, the bill cuts red tape and bureaucracy by preventing a veteran’s claim from being rejected just because the VA updated the DBQ form. The idea for this legislation came from a member of the Sixth District Veterans Coalition, a veterans’ advisory group that regularly advises the Congressman on veterans’ issues. Additionally, the Veteran STEM Scholarship Enhancement Act allows the VA to improve processing times for veteran scholarship applications for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM scholarship. The bill achieves this by lifting the requirement for priority groups among eligible veterans applying for the scholarship unless the VA determines that it is nearing the scholarship’s yearly funding limit. This bill also prevents the Rogers STEM sch… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1B14BB7E-B185-48A2-A5C9-8BEAD6A42ECB | Barr, Gorton Secure $511,078 Federal Grant for the City of Lexington Fire Department to Fight Opioid Epidemic | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Lexington, KY – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton secured a $511,078 federal grant for the City of Lexington’s Fire Department to assist the Department in fighting the opioid epidemic. The grant funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP). This award will enable Lexington to continue services for survivors of substance abuse overdoses, which includes casework management, treatment providers, housing assistance and other mental health resources. “During the pandemic, it is important now more than ever to maintain our investments in substance abuse prevention, response and recovery efforts,” said Congressman Barr. “In the past, I have accompanied the Department on ride-along visits to Kentuckians recovering from overdoses and seen first-hand the impact these services have. I was happy to support this grant request and I applaud the DOJ for stepping up to help local governments meet this challenge. Together, we will defeat this epidemic.” “Substance use disorders have been sapping the life out of our City, and having an impact on quality of life, workforce and city services,” said Mayor Gorton. “The isolation many people are experiencing because of COVID-19 has driven up overdose rates, erasing much of the progress we made in recent years.” The Lexington Fire Department grant award is the latest in a slew of federal grants Congressman Barr helped deliver to combat the opioid epidemic in the Sixth District. In October, Congressman Barr announced a $433,903 DOJ grant for the Shepherd’s House in Lexington. Shepherd’s House has over three decades of experience providing multiple recovery programs to rehabilitate dozens of recovering addicts per year. Additionally, Congressman Barr also supported the $87 million grant awarded to the University of Kentucky’s HEALing Communities research, designed to reduce opioid overdose death by 40%. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0BD928C7-84CE-4DA4-BE90-464312BB56E3 | McConnell Applauds Attorney General Bill Barr | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding Attorney General Bill Barr Attorney General Barr is one of the most dedicated and capable public servants I have ever seen in action. For nearly two years, he's provided wise counsel to President Trump and rendered outstanding service to our country. He has helped keep America safe from criminals and terrorists and advanced the bedrock American value of equal justice under law. When his country came calling two years ago, Bill Barr did not have to answer. He had already completed a distinguished career in government. He had already led the Department of Justice, having been confirmed by a voice vote to serve President Bush 41 as one of the youngest Attorneys General in our nation's history. He had a wildly successful private-sector career. Fortunately for the nation, his dedication to the men and women of the Department of Justice compelled Attorney General Barr to clock back in. In a time of intense polarization, and notwithstanding unfair criticism from the far left and the media, Attorney General Barr did his work with clarity, principle, and professionalism. He fostered greater accountability in the DOJ and confronted the egregious abuses surrounding the FBI's handling of the 2016 election. He worked to protect innocent Americans from violent crime and protected our nation's capital and its historic monuments when peaceful protests were hijacked by violent rioters. He fought against China's lawbreaking and corrosive influence. He was a warrior for religious liberty and free speech who ensured that DOJ safeguarded these liberties even during a pandemic. And he stood for the simple but apparently controversial proposition that the federal government should actually enforce the laws on the books, in subjects from immigration and border security to the death penalty that federal law reserves for the gravest offenses. Now, for a second time, Attorney General Barr will leave the Department and the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9635BDBC-D677-4491-9B40-65B8103FD711 | Senator McConnell Names New State Director | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is welcoming Robbin Morrison Taylor back to his team to serve as his State Director for Kentucky. She previously worked for Senator McConnell from 1991 to 2000 as the South Central Kentucky Field Representative in Bowling Green. Taylor, currently a Principal at McCarthy Strategic Solutions in Frankfort, will transition and begin her new role as State Director in January. Taylor will succeed Terry Carmack, who McConnell recently named as his new Chief of Staff in his Washington, D.C. personal office. Robbin is known across Kentucky for producing results. I'm glad she accepted my offer to bring her ability and leadership back to my team as State Director, said Senator McConnell. Robbin's years of experience will be invaluable as she leads my state staff to connect Kentucky families with their government. Working with my new Chief of Staff Terry Carmack, she'll help keep our Commonwealth's priorities front and center in the Senate. Taylor spent 18 years at Western Kentucky University in several prominent roles including as Vice President of Public Affairs. She represented WKU's interests in Washington, D.C. and across the state with special focus in Frankfort directing development, alumni, corporate, and government relations. Taylor earned a Master's of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Relations from Western Kentucky University.After graduating from WKU in 1990, Taylor began her career as an intern in Senator McConnell's press office. Senator McConnell's main state office is in Louisville. Click HERE for contact information and a full list of his field offices across the Commonwealth. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D35F949B-EAB4-40D8-93D6-7FDBC10BB22A | McConnell Applauds President Trump & Congratulates President-Elect Biden | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding President Trump and President-Elect Biden: Over the last four years, our country has benefitted from a presidential term filled with major accomplishments. President Donald Trump has repeatedly surprised the skeptics, confounded his critics, and delivered significant policy victories that have strengthened our country. Case in point: Back in May, when the President set the goal of finding a pandemic-ending vaccine by the end of this year, his timeline was dismissed by people who assumed they knew better. Quote: Trump promises coronavirus vaccine by end of the year,' scoffed one headline, but his own experts temper expectations.' Fact check,' complained another headline, Coronavirus vaccine could come this year, Trump says. Experts say he needs a miracle' to be right.' End quote. Well, with the genius of science, support from Congress, and the bold leadership of the Trump Administration, that medical miracle arrived right on schedule. Americans on the front lines are receiving vaccinations as we speak. This episode offers a kind of microcosm of the last four years. On so many subjects from economic prosperity to foreign policy to protecting American families the skeptics doubted him, the critics derided him, but President Trump has delivered. *** When President Trump ran for office, he promised to help open a new chapter for working families. After eight years of failed policies that concentrated wealth and optimism among a lucky few, prosperity was going to flow to all kinds of workers in all kinds of communities, he said. And that is exactly what happened. Before this pandemic spread from China and the world had to slam on the brakes, the American people had the best job market in living memory. With help from the policies of President Trump and Republicans in Congress, American workers dynamited the stagnation that experts had said was the new normal. Unempl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5032D916-B266-4CAE-93D0-CBD4529E44DD | Congressman Andy Barr Announces $180,000 Grant for Shepherd’s House | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Lexington, KY – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced that Shepherd’s House in Lexington received a $180,000 grant to expand their Recovery Community Center (RCC). This facility will be used to provide housing services to Kentuckians in substance abuse recovery. For over three decades, Shepherd’s House has provided multiple recovery programs to rehabilitate dozens of people in recovery per year. Shepherd’s House received this grant award through the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE). “This grant award is a tremendous boost to Shepherd’s House and a testament to the results they have been able to produce in helping so many Kentuckians bounce back from addiction,” said Congressman Barr. “I supported this grant project, and I will continue to support Shepherd’s House going forward because they are an invaluable asset to our community as we fight to defeat the opioid epidemic together.” “Shepherd’s House is grateful for this grant and opportunity to use these funds to build on the success of our organization,” said Jerod Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Shepherd’s House. “I want to extend my appreciation to Congressman Barr and his team for their support and assistance in receiving this grant as well as their partnership on previous grant efforts.” “KORE is happy to support the establishment of additional recovery community centers to build on our infrastructure of support services in Kentucky,” said Dr. Katherine Marks, KORE Project Director. “RCCs provide an array of services that help individuals get the support they need within their own communities to build recovery capital and sustain long-term recovery. We are grateful for Shepherd’s House and the City of Nicholasville for partnering with us to expand access to evidence-based recovery services in the Commonwealth.” KORE is administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services with federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Congressman Barr voted for H.R. 1865, the Further Consolida… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BD063FBF-ED10-4AB0-9C5B-5947809ABDD1 | Congressman Rogers Announces $1 Million Grant for a New Medical Clinic in McCreary County | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WHITLEY CITY – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) applauds a $1 million grant that was recently awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Cumberland Family Medical Center (CFMC) to build a new healthcare clinic in Whitley City, Kentucky. “This is great news for the future of healthcare services in McCreary County. The addition of this medical clinic in the midst of a national pandemic will go a long way to provide urgent care to local folks who need immediate medical attention in a county without a local hospital emergency room,” said Congressman Rogers, who supported the CFMC’s grant application. “I applaud Dr. Eric Loy and his team at the Cumberland Family Medical Center for their diligent efforts to expand healthcare opportunities for our people in Southern Kentucky.” “We are fortunate to have been awarded this grant and look forward to working with the local government and the residents of McCreary County as we move forward with the project,” said Dr. Eric Loy, CEO of Cumberland Family Medical Center, Inc. “As a non-profit, our mission of providing affordable, accessible health care to all patients is the backbone of this project; we are pleased to be able to expand our services in McCreary County.” Currently, CFMC is designing the new clinic in Whitley City that will increase the capacity and capability of the area to respond to and recover from future emergencies and disasters. It will also support the continuity of access to high quality primary care services for the underserved and vulnerable populations in McCreary County. The new clinic will be an immediate care facility that will be open with extended days and hours of operation.The clinic will be open 365 days per year, 8 AM - 8 PM and offer a combination of health care services including acute care/walk-in treatment in addition to Family Practice services for those with chronic medical care needs. “This will clearly fill a need for a community without access to a local emergency department,” concluded Loy. Th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-introduces-hemp-act-relieve-unnecessary-constraints-hemp-industry-provide/ | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces HEMP Act to Relieve Unnecessary Constraints on Hemp Industry, Provide Transparency and Certainty | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) continued his efforts to address Kentucky hemp farmers’ concerns with federal overreach and bring clarity, transparency, and certainty to regulation by introducing the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act of 2020. In response to concerns raised by Kentucky hemp farmers and processors, Dr. Paul’s HEMP Act would change the legal definition of hemp to raise the THC limit from 0.3% to 1%. Currently, any hemp crops testing above 0.3% have to be destroyed. The legislation would require testing of the final hemp-derived product instead of the hemp flower or plant itself, as the 15-day window for testing the hemp flower or plant does not take potential testing backlogs, lack of personnel to collect samples, harvesting time, or environmental factors that farmers cannot control into account. Dr. Paul’s HEMP Act would also protect legitimate hemp farmers, processors, and transporters by requiring hemp shipments to contain a copy of the seed certificate showing the hemp was grown from 1% THC seed, and it would address current uncertainty by defining a margin of error for testing THC levels. Neither current law nor the USDA’s interim final rule provide such a margin. “For years, I’ve led the fight in Washington to restore one of Kentucky’s most historically vital crops by legalizing industrial hemp. We achieved a hard-won victory, but there is still work to do to prevent the federal government from weighing down our farmers with unnecessary bureaucratic micromanaging. My legislation will help this growing industry reach its full economic potential, and I am proud the bill has strong support all the way from local Kentucky farmers and activists to national groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation,” said Dr. Paul. “The U.S. hemp industry has had its share of roadblocks, but we continue to push forward and make changes that will help hemp producers thrive. Senato… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-introduces-hemp-act-relieve-unnecessary-constraints-hemp-industry-provide | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces HEMP Act to Relieve Unnecessary Constraints on Hemp Industry, Provide Transparency and Certainty | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE: December 15, 2020 Contact:Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) continued his efforts to address Kentucky hemp farmers' concerns with federal overreach and bring clarity, transparency, and certainty to regulation by introducing the HempEconomicMobilizationPlan(HEMP) Act of 2020. In response to concerns raised by Kentucky hemp farmers and processors, Dr. Paul's HEMP Act would change the legal definition of hemp to raise the THC limit from 0.3% to 1%. Currently, any hemp crops testing above 0.3% have to be destroyed. The legislation would require testing of the final hemp-derived product instead of the hemp flower or plant itself, as the 15-day window for testing the hemp flower or plant does not take potential testing backlogs, lack of personnel to collect samples, harvesting time, or environmental factors that farmers cannot control into account. Dr. Paul's HEMP Act would also protect legitimate hemp farmers, processors, and transporters by requiring hemp shipments to contain a copy of the seed certificate showing the hemp was grown from 1% THC seed, and it would address current uncertainty by defining a margin of error for testing THC levels. Neither current law nor the USDA's interim final rule provide such a margin. For years, I've led the fight in Washington to restore one of Kentucky's most historically vital crops by legalizing industrial hemp. We achieved a hard-won victory, but there is still work to do to prevent the federal government from weighing down our farmers with unnecessary bureaucratic micromanaging. My legislation will help this growing industry reach its full economic potential, and I am proud the bill has strong support all the way from local Kentucky farmers and activists to national groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation,said Dr. Paul. The U.S. hemp industry has had its share of roadblocks, but we continue to push forward and make changes that w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-applauds-attorney-general-bill-barr | McConnell Applauds Attorney General Bill Barr | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.republicanleader.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.20 McConnell Applauds Attorney General Bill Barr WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding Attorney General Bill Barr: Attorney General Barr is one of the most dedicated and capable public servants I have ever seen in action. For nearly two years, he's provided wise counsel to President Trump and rendered outstanding service to our country. He has helped keep America safe from criminals and terrorists and advanced the bedrock American value of equal justice under law. When his country came calling two years ago, Bill Barr did not have to answer. He had already completed a distinguished career in government. He had already led the Department of Justice, having been confirmed by a voice vote to serve President Bush 41 as one of the youngest Attorneys General in our nation's history. He had a wildly successful private-sector career. Fortunately for the nation, his dedication to the men and women of the Department of Justice compelled Attorney General Barr to clock back in. In a time of intense polarization, and notwithstanding unfair criticism from the far left and the media, Attorney General Barr did his work with clarity, principle, and professionalism. He fostered greater accountability in the DOJ and confronted the egregious abuses surrounding the FBI's handling of the 2016 election. He worked to protect innocent Americans from violent crime and protected our nation's capital and its historic monuments when peaceful protests were hijacked by violent rioters. He fought against China's lawbreaking and corrosive influence. He was a warrior for religious liberty and free speech who ensured that DOJ safeguarded these liberties even during a pandemic. And he stood for the simple but apparently controversial proposition that the federal government should actually enforce the laws on the books, in subjects from immigration and border security to the death penalty that federal law reserves for the gravest offenses. Now, for a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C1C75507-ADB1-4734-A4E8-C47F978BB7EE | McConnell on Targeted COVID Relief: Lets Get This Done | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: This past weekend we saw that the historic, nationwide effort to bring this pandemic to heel has begun a critical final chapter. After months of development, the first U.S. doses of a COVID-19 vaccine rolled off the assembly line, bound for treatment facilities across the country. I'm particularly proud that an important waypoint on that journey is my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Yesterday alone, Pfizer shipped 2.5 million vaccine doses. And less than an hour after their airlift began, shipments bound for the eastern United States were passing through the UPS Worldport logistics hub at Muhammed Ali International Airport. In the days and weeks ahead, the hard work of Kentuckians at UPS's new Healthcare Command Center in Louisville will play a critical role in finishing this fight. Already, they've helped direct tens of thousands of doses to Kentucky hospitals, where they're being administered to the Commonwealth's healthcare workers and most at-risk residents. There's a historic success story being written today along the vaccine supply chain, from Missouri to Massachusetts to Michigan to Kentucky to front lines across the country. And it's emblematic of an approach that has been helping our country since the earliest days of this crisis. From the personal precautions that helped save our health system. To the bravery of the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who spent sleepless nights tending to victims of the virus. To the ingenuity of entrepreneurs who have spun out masks and sanitizer or kept serving their customers safely. To the patience of parents and schoolkids who have had to adapt in extraordinary ways. To our economic efforts to blunt the pain of a self-inflicted slowdown without precedent. All along the way, it has been the heroic, resilient American people fighting and winning this battle with the government providing sm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/leaders-mcconnell-and-mccarthy-on-urgent-need-for-covid-relief | Leaders McConnell and McCarthy on Urgent Need for COVID Relief | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.republicanleader.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.20 Leaders McConnell and McCarthy on Urgent Need for COVID Relief WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) issued the following statement regarding COVID relief legislation: Congress has two critical items to tackle this week: funding the government and delivering crucial COVID relief to families, workers, and businesses across the country. It is time for Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House to find consensus on COVID relief before the holidays. We hope our Democrat counterparts share our sense of urgency. Related Issues: COVID-19 Print Email Tweet Next Previous | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387306 | Guthrie, Engel Bipartisan Bill to Protect Public Health Heads to President’s Desk | 2020-12-12 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, and Congressman Eliot Engel (NY-16), senior member of the Health Subcommittee, released the following statements after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate amended Safeguarding Therapeutics Act (H.R. 5663). This bill is headed to President Donald Trump's desk. Sadly, even during the COVID-19 public health emergency, bad actors are trying to bring counterfeit medical devices into our country, including fake COVID-19 testing kits, said Guthrie. I've seen the dangers these counterfeit devices pose to public health firsthand when I visited the International Mail Facility at John F. Kennedy Airport. I introduced this bill with Congressman Engel to protect patients by giving the FDA the authority needed to destroy fake medical devices coming into our country. I want to thank my House and Senate colleagues for supporting this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to President Trump signing this important public health bill into law. "The COVID-19 vaccine is top of mind for millions of Americans right now, but ensuring the vaccine is delivered safely must include steps to protect the public from counterfeit medical devices and medications, said Engel. The Safeguarding Therapeutics Act that Congressman Guthrie and I authored will give the FDA the tools needed to seize and destroy counterfeit medical products, which pose significant threats to people's health. Its passage this week, just days before the first COVID-19 vaccines are administered in the U.S., is an important step forward in the battle against this awful pandemic, and I am hopeful that the President will move swiftly to sign this bill before the end of the year." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5AC40B1F-99DA-49DA-A2D8-42D00791C1D4 | Senate Passes Critical Defense Bill with Kentucky Priorities | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the U.S. Senate to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. The Senate vote marks the 60th consecutive year Congress has passed the defense policy bill. Senator McConnell secured critical provisions in the legislation for Kentucky's servicemembers, military installations, and defense programs. The Senate has continued rebuilding and modernizing the world's greatest fighting force to protect Americans, our interests, and our allies. I was proud to vote in support of our men and women in uniform and their families, said Senator McConnell. This legislation is a victory for Kentucky's role in our national security. From the reactivation of the historic V Corps at Fort Knox to the stationing of a new C-130J aircraft squadron for the Kentucky Air National Guard, Kentucky's military installations continue to be recognized for their elite contributions to our Armed Forces. This year also brought landmark progress in chemical weapon destruction at the Blue Grass Army Depot as well as a deployment of Fort Campbell soldiers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a high honor to provide for our military heroes as they sacrifice to keep our country safe. In addition to a well-deserved pay raise for our servicemembers, Senator McConnell secured authorizations for these Kentucky priorities: $69.3 million for construction of the Van Voorhis Elementary School at Fort Knox; $20 million for the NSA Workforce Transformation Cyber Initiative Pilot Program, which supports the University of Louisville's recently-announced healthcare cybersecurity certificate programs; and $15 million for an Army National Guard/ Reserve Center building in Frankfort. The NDAA also includes the following provisions to support military families: Resources and authorities to support the U.S. Armed Forces' COVID-19 response and protect the health of our servicemembers; $50 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-reintroduces-government-shutdown-prevention-act/ | Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces the Government Shutdown Prevention Act | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Government Shutdown Prevention Act under Rule 14 to make it available for quick consideration. The bill incentivizes Congress to properly consider and debate spending legislation in the future, as it is the only shutdown prevention plan that immediately cuts spending if an agreement is not reached. Instead of Congress risking government shutting down operations, Dr. Paul’s plan would keep government open but institute a one-percent cut to then-current funding levels for any agency, program, and activity that Congress failed to fund by the start of the fiscal year (October 1). Funding would be reduced by another one percent every 90 days thereafter that an agreement is still not enacted. “My Government Shutdown Prevention Act would help ensure Congress starts hitting its deadlines, making it a more responsible steward of the American people’s resources,” said Dr. Paul. Currently, Congress does not face any consequences for failing to pass appropriations bills on time, which has helped lead to it pursuing procrastination over prudence and risking shutdowns due to impasses. Along with ensuring government honors its obligations and maintains its operations, Dr. Paul’s proposal would give agencies the certainty of knowing that, in a worst-case scenario, they will always be able to operate with a full year of funding at no less than 96 percent of their then-current levels. You can read Dr. Paul’s Government Shutdown Prevention Act HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-reintroduces-government-shutdown-prevention-act | Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces the Government Shutdown Prevention Act | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE: December 11, 2020 Contact:Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Government Shutdown Prevention Act under Rule 14 to make it available for quick consideration. The bill incentivizes Congress to properly consider and debate spending legislation in the future, as it is the only shutdown prevention plan that immediately cuts spending if an agreement is not reached. Instead of Congress risking government shutting down operations, Dr. Paul's plan would keep government open but institute a one-percent cut to then-current funding levels for any agency, program, and activity that Congress failed to fund by the start of the fiscal year (October 1). Funding would be reduced by another one percent every 90 days thereafter that an agreement is still not enacted. My Government Shutdown Prevention Act would help ensure Congress starts hitting its deadlines, making it a more responsible steward of the American people's resources,said Dr. Paul. Currently, Congress does not face any consequences for failing to pass appropriations bills on time, which has helped lead to it pursuing procrastination over prudence and risking shutdowns due to impasses. Along with ensuring government honors its obligations and maintains its operations, Dr. Paul's proposal would give agencies the certainty of knowing that, in a worst-case scenario, they will always be able to operate with a full year of funding at no less than 96 percent of their then-current levels. You can read Dr. Paul's Government Shutdown Prevention Act HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=52C50045-7DB5-4DA2-9DC8-418107BE0C2B | McConnell Celebrates Truly Exceptional Senator Cory Gardner | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO): It's my honor today to pay tribute to a truly exceptional U.S. Senator. Someone who arrived in this body with a full head of steam; a determination to cram as much service as possible into every day he got to wake up and serve his neighbors who sent him here. Our good friend Cory Gardner, the junior Senator for Colorado, has been a man on a mission from the day he arrived. He already knew the institution. He was already one of the highest-energy high-achievers that anybody who knew him had ever met. So he got to work. And he's spent six years delivering a dizzying list of accomplishments. If you've heard about Cory Gardner's early days, you know this high-speed can-do attitude is nothing new. Case in point: One evening when Cory was a boy, he and his friends got tired of their hoop sessions ending at sundown, because the public basketball court lacked sufficient lighting. The group of friends considered how to remedy this. Cory's dad happened to be a town councilman. So a little government relations took place around the dinner table. Well, no Senator who Cory's ever pressed for a vote will be surprised to hear that the lighting infrastructure was soon adjusted, and the kids could take their pick-up games into primetime. So young Cory was no stranger to persistence, or to public service. But it was in high school that he scored an opportunity to taste a level beyond Yuma's local government. He won admission to the U.S. Senate Youth Program. It's a scholarship that brings promising students from around the country to these halls for a quick immersion experience. Teenaged Cory Gardner liked the looks of this place. He made a mental note. By the way, to this day, Cory, along with his fellow alumna Senator Collins, continue to make sure that special experience is paid forward. It didn't take Cory long to come back and begin strolling these hall… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7F063CCA-E3DF-4618-A4CC-236C21D8C848 | McConnell on National Defense Authorization Act | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA: Yesterday, we began moving the conference report of the National Defense Authorization Act toward the floor. For the information of all Senators, we should expect the potential for a late night tonight and the possibility of votes tomorrow. Back in July, the Senate passed our version of this crucial annual bill. Now our colleagues on the conference committee have done their tough job and reconciled two different approaches so we do not leave our military in the lurch. On Tuesday, the House passed the conference report with overwhelming bipartisan support. Now it's the Senate's turn to make it an unbroken 60-year-streak of passing this legislation to keep our military strong and our homeland safe. This NDAA will unlock more than $740 billion for the training, tools, and cutting-edge equipment that our servicemembers and civilian employees need to defend American lives and American interests. It will give our troops the 3% pay raise they deserve.It'll keep our forces ready to deter China and stand strong in the Indo-Pacific. And it will secure President Trump's major progress at modernizing our capabilities, our technologies, and our strategic nuclear deterrent. This legislation will secure wins on priorities that all of us share. It does not contain every policy that either side would like to pass. But a huge number of crucial policies are included and a lot of bad ideas were kept out. I encourage all our colleagues to vote to advance this must-pass bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FBB8E7A5-31FF-437A-9B81-47BCD5FBBC5F | Americans Cannot Afford To Wait for Targeted COVID-19 Relief | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: We learned a few minutes ago that new unemployment claims just hit their highest weekly total since mid-September. It's the largest one-week jump since back in March. And the number of continuing claims people struggling with joblessness on an ongoing basis which had plateaued for months but at least not increased, just ticked back up as well. Our economic recovery thus far has been faster than expected. Americans are tough and resilient. But our people need another dose of support as we hope to close out our battle with this virus. We should be doing everything we can to prevent layoff, create jobs where possible, and race toward the vaccines that will end this nightmare. While Democrats hold the Paycheck Protection Program hostage over controversial state government bailouts, family businesses are closing their doors. While Democrats resist the kinds of common-sense legal protections that we've put in place during past emergencies, our re-opening and recovery is threatened by according to one estimate more than 6,500 lawsuits and counting. Here's what one litigator told one reporter a couple days ago: These lawsuits are, quote, pretty common these days. I have seen 10 like this over the past 30 days.' The American Council on Education told Congress in May that colleges and universities need temporary but strong legal protections. Our Democratic colleagues want to pretend they are bravely fighting big corporations, but they're really bullying small-business owners and college presidents, who've been pleading for these protections for months. Our Democratic colleagues have not even let us pass non-controversial money to invest in vaccine distribution. Not unless the two parties settle a whole list of issues that are controversial the way they want. I hope our colleagues let Congress deliver more help soon. A lot of Americans cannot afford to wait. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387305 | Guthrie Announces Butler County Drug-Free Coalition Grant | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | Guthrie Announces Butler County Drug-Free Coalition Grant WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today announced that the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is awarding the Butler County Drug-Free Coalition a $125,000 grant to help prevent youth substance use. This grant is awarded from the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, which aims to reduce youth substance use by empowering community coalitions with resources through grants. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on the mental health of Americans and worsen substance use disorder crises, said Guthrie. Sadly, the youth in our communities also face the negative impact of the pandemic, especially with changes in schooling. I thank the Trump administration for providing this $125,000 grant to give Butler County additional resources and tools to help keep our youth from falling victim to substance use. I know the Butler County Drug-Free Coalition will keep up the good work in implementing local strategies to support our youth in the community. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FA53AA77-07A7-4B78-9873-68EDD77A048C | Congressman Rogers calls on House Democrats to extend the Paycheck Protection Program | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Harold Rogers | R000395 | halrogers.house.gov | halrogers | https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) joins House Republicans to call for an immediate extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, which would provide critical relief for small businesses who desperately need it. House Democrats have blocked more than 40 attempts by House Republicans to deliver much needed aid to American small businesses and workers. “Our small businesses are on the brink of shutting their doors forever. In fact, some of them have already made that difficult decision. The best thing we could do right now to save small businesses is release the $138 billion that we previously approved for the Paycheck Protection Program that expired in August," said Congressman Rogers. "We know additional relief will be necessary, but let’s get this money out the door. There is nothing controversial about releasing funding that is readily available to make sure these employers can keep paying their workers.” Speaker Pelosi has refused to consider the legislation, H.R. 8265, for a vote and House Democrats have refused to sign a discharge petition that would allow the legislation to receive a simple vote on the floor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-condemns-effort-prevent-president-trump-stopping-endless-war/ | Dr. Rand Paul Condemns Effort to Prevent President Trump from Stopping Endless War | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) condemned a provision in the U.S. House-passed 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that is aimed at preventing President Trump from withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and that could instead extend the war indefinitely. Dr. Paul specifically called out the hypocrisy of those who would at any other time argue for virtually unlimited presidential power to start a war without congressional authorization now seeking to prevent a president from ending one. Currently, language in the 2021 NDAA would tie the president’s hands in red tape before troops could be withdrawn and the war ended. It would also cut off funding for those aims in the meantime. “The hawks and the neocons somehow want you to believe, in contrast to all logic, that the President of the United States has the unitary power to go to war anytime he wants, anywhere, free from interference from Congress. That’s their stated position anytime war comes up. Yet, today, in the NDAA, they say they now want a president that cannot leave a war without their permission,” said Dr. Paul. “This Defense Authorization bill could more aptly be called, ‘A Bill to Prevent the President from Ending the Afghan War,'” he later observed. You can watch Dr. Paul’s speech HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-condemns-effort-prevent-president-trump-stopping-endless-war | Dr. Rand Paul Condemns Effort to Prevent President Trump from Stopping Endless War | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) condemned a provision in the U.S. House-passed 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that is aimed at preventing President Trump from withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and that could instead extend the war indefinitely. Dr. Paul specifically called out the hypocrisy of those who would at any other time argue for virtually unlimited presidential power to start a war without congressional authorization now seeking to prevent a president from ending one. Currently, language in the 2021 NDAA would tie the president's hands in red tape before troops could be withdrawn and the war ended. It would also cut off funding for those aims in the meantime. The hawks and the neocons somehow want you to believe, in contrast to all logic, that the President of the United States has the unitary power to go to war anytime he wants, anywhere, free from interference from Congress. That's their stated position anytime war comes up. Yet, today, in the NDAA, they say they now want a president that cannot leave a war without their permission, said Dr. Paul. This Defense Authorization bill could more aptly be called, A Bill to Prevent the President from Ending the Afghan War,' he later observed. You can watch Dr. Paul's speech HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=39040CB7-C8C6-4B98-BD94-F218D4389E0A | We Cant Do A Thing Unless Democrats Decide They Want to Make Law | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: The American people are hurting. We're in the thick of one of the worst national crises in modern memory. And people's eyes are fixed on Congress. They need the House and the Senate to stop chasing our tails and make law. There are small-business employees who've held onto their job all this time because of the Paycheck Protection Program but are facing the prospect they might be laid off now, with vaccines around the corner, because Washington fumbles the ball in the red zone. There are medically-vulnerable Americans who've watched Operation Warp Speed appear to succeed at an historic pace but Congress can't even agree to fully fund the distribution efforts that will get the vaccine to you. There are Americans who've been thrown out of work through no fault of their own who are watching federal aid programs tick toward expiration in a few weeks even though neither side in Congress opposes extending them! Senate Republicans have made one offer after another after another to try and make law on all the significant areas where nobody even disagrees. We have spent July, August, September, October, and November trying different ways to create common ground. But the Speaker of the House and the Senate Democratic Leader have been just as consistent. At every turn, they have delayed, deflected, moved the goalposts, and made the huge number of places where Congress agrees into a hostage of the few places we do not. Back in the summertime I pointed out the obvious. I said leading Democrats simply didn't want any more help to reach American families before the election. The other side claimed great offense. How insulting to even suggest that much cynicism might be at play. But now they're admitting it. Out loud. Yesterday, on CNN, the Democratic Whip was asked point-blank why the Speaker and the Democratic Leader were so unwilling to play ball in the autumn.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3E39CACB-B3F1-4039-971F-13E4CCAAAC23 | Kentucky Nursing Homes Receive Nearly $11 Million in Additional Coronavirus Relief | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today 139 Kentucky nursing homes received a total of $10,947,338 in additional federal funding to combat the coronavirus. The funding, distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), was made available by the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator McConnell introduced the CARES Act, which became the largest economic rescue package in history, and led it to enactment in about a week. With promising signs of a vaccine on the horizon, now is not the time to lose focus on slowing the spread of this virus. I'm proud my CARES Act is continuing to invest in protecting Kentucky seniors and frontline workers, said Senator McConnell. Kentucky's healthcare heroes have received over $1.3 billion so far to fight the coronavirus. I'd like to applaud these medical professionals for their excellence in keeping our Commonwealth's seniors healthy. As Senate Majority Leader, I will continue working to deliver additional relief for families, workers, small businesses, doctors and nurses. In October, HRSA awarded $5.3 million to Kentucky nursing homes through performance-based incentive payments to slow the virus' spread. Today's payments recognize the nursing homes that have successfully reduced COVID-19 related infections and fatalities. To date, Kentucky nursing homes have received more than $180 million from the CARES Act. This most recent monetary bonus for our quality outcomes and clinical success fighting COVID-19 helped bring much needed public recognition and stabilization to our industry in Kentucky at a very critical point in time! said Joe Steier, President and CEO of Signature HealthCARE. The $10 million funding assistance for quality COVID-19 care to all Kentucky centers helps save our elders and our staff at a time when our front line healthcare heroes are fighting the hardest amidst great uncertainty. This much needed reward lets everyone… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B6A793FA-6285-4734-A669-8AB8E58816F7 | McConnell Pays Tribute to Superintendent Manny Caulk | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following tribute today on the Senate floor in memory of Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Emmanuel Manny Caulk, M.Ed., J.D.: Last week, students and families in Kentucky were met with tragic news. On Friday, Manny Caulk, the Superintendent of Fayette County Schools, passed away unexpectedly. Manny was the first member of his family to graduate college. In 2015, he assumed responsibility for the second-largest school district in Kentucky. An education had changed his life and he wanted to share that gift with others. By all accounts, he did just that. Manny encouraged his students to aim high and helped them exceed expectations, starting with his first students in a county detention center. And in 2018, his colleagues chose him as Kentucky's Superintendent of the Year. I was glad to have Manny's partnership as we worked to protect Kentucky families from COVID-19. At every step, he kept focus on the well-being of Lexington students. Over the weekend, condolences poured in as we reflected on Manny's lasting contributions. I'd like to add the Senate's gratitude for this top-tier educator. Our prayers are with Manny's wife, Christol and their children at this difficult time. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FA78ADF5-F8F8-4020-A1CD-0B3F8854C9C6 | McConnell Condemns Treatment of Jimmy Lai and Continued Crackdown on Hong Kongers | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding China: Last week, the struggle to preserve freedom and autonomy in Hong Kong was dealt another disturbing blow. On Thursday, Jimmy Lai, a prominent media figure and pro-democracy activist, was denied bail. The Chinese Communist Party continues cracking down on dissent and free speech. Not long ago, the international community hoped China's modernization would create more respect for basic freedoms. Unfortunately, the CCP has just marshaled new tools for making its oppression even more stifling. And internationally, we've seen the CCP find more success exporting its warped vision into the global public square than the free world has had getting Beijing to respect the rules of the road. For the last four years, thanks to this Administration's leadership and this Senate, we've begun exchanging the old naivete about China for a smarter and tougher approach. Through new National Security and National Defense Strategies, the United States has committed to deterring a new wave of threats from near-peer competitors like China and Russia. Reforms to our budgets and policies are underway. We've used NDAAs and appropriations to invest in a military that is prepared to meet and defeat these threats. Maintaining our edge will mean sustaining these reforms, along with strong diplomacy to counter China's influence. In coordination with the executive branch, our Intelligence Committee has highlighted the need for everyone to strengthen their defenses against the CCP's espionage, intellectual property theft, and political influence campaigns. Senators Cornyn and Feinstein, in particular, have led bipartisan efforts to reform CFIUS and protect against predatory foreign investments aimed at threatening or stealing high-tech and critical infrastructure. Allied countries are following our lead. And public- and private-sector cooperation has improved, to defend the institutions, alliances,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387304 | Guthrie Energy Efficiency Bill Passes House | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie's (KY-02) Ceiling Fan Improvement Act (H.R. 5758) passed in the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 396 to 2. This commonsense bill would update energy conservation standards from the Department of Energy (DOE) to better regulate and acknowledge the efficiency of large-diameter fans. The Ceiling Fan Improvement Act was advanced to the House floor from the Energy and Commerce Committee. Guthrie, who serves as the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), the chair of the committee's Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, introduced this bipartisan legislation. In January 2017, the Department of Energy finalized energy conservation standards for ceiling fans that unfortunately, did not account for the different airflow dynamics of large ceiling fans, said Guthrie on the House floor. Under the current regulations, some of the most efficient large-diameter fans would have to be taken off the market in the U.S. He continued, The Ceiling Fan Improvement Act is a bipartisan, commonsense bill that will ensure large-diameter fans are properly regulated. Technical innovation and new products will be the key to improving energy efficiency and protecting our environment for generations to come, and the Ceiling Fan Improvement Act seeks to ensure that high performing, large-diameter ceiling fans can remain on the market and help achieve real energy savings. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-dr-rand-paul-urges-senate-block-us-arms-sales-united-arab-emirates/ | ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Urges Senate to Block U.S. Arms Sales to the United Arab Emirates | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator and Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Rand Paul (R-KY) urged the U.S. Senate to support two bipartisan joint resolutions of disapproval he offered with Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) to block proposed U.S. arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sale includes 50 F-35A fighter jets (costing an estimated $10.4 billion), 18 MQ-9B drones (costing an estimated $2.97 billion), and Hellfire missiles, among other weapons and associated training and support. Currently, Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has the F-35. In his speech, Dr. Paul cited his concerns with the UAE’s record on attacking free speech in the country, discussed the humanitarian crisis the Saudi-UAE coalition helped create in Yemen, and talked about a report that some of the weapons and vehicles that were sent to the coalition ended up in the hands of terrorists. Dr. Paul stated his support for the recent advance toward peace between Israel and the UAE in his speech, but he asked, “Can a lasting peace be purchased with more weapons? Will selling sophisticated fighter jets and weaponized drones bring more stability to the Middle East?” Regarding concerns about how the sales will impact Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME), Dr. Paul observed, “The easiest way, if you favor protecting Israel’s QME, or military edge, is to stop sending military assets to other countries in the region.” “I would urge my colleagues to consider the possible consequences of this sale. We should not accelerate an arms race in the Middle East. We should not jeopardize the security of our military technologies, and we should not reward a decade-plus of undesirable behavior by the UAE,” Dr. Paul said. You can watch Dr. Paul’s speech HERE. Unfortunately, a majority of the Senate chose to support the sales, further fueling a Middle East arms race. The Arms Export Control Act of 1976 provides … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/icymi-dr-rand-paul-urges-senate-block-us-arms-sales-united-arab-emirates | ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Urges Senate to Block U.S. Arms Sales to the United Arab Emirates | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2020 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator and Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Rand Paul (R-KY) urged the U.S. Senate to support two bipartisan joint resolutions of disapproval he offered with Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) to block proposed U.S. arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sale includes 50 F-35A fighter jets (costing an estimated $10.4 billion), 18 MQ-9B drones (costing an estimated $2.97 billion), and Hellfire missiles, among other weapons and associated training and support. Currently, Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has the F-35. In his speech, Dr. Paul cited his concerns with the UAE's record on attacking free speech in the country, discussed the humanitarian crisis the Saudi-UAE coalition helped create in Yemen, and talked about a report that some of the weapons and vehicles that were sent to the coalition ended up in the hands of terrorists. Dr. Paul stated his support for the recent advance toward peace between Israel and the UAE in his speech, but he asked, Can a lasting peace be purchased with more weapons? Will selling sophisticated fighter jets and weaponized drones bring more stability to the Middle East? Regarding concerns about how the sales will impact Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME), Dr. Paul observed, The easiest way, if you favor protecting Israel's QME, or military edge, is to stop sending military assets to other countries in the region. I would urge my colleagues to consider the possible consequences of this sale. We should not accelerate an arms race in the Middle East. We should not jeopardize the security of our military technologies, and we should not reward a decade-plus of undesirable behavior by the UAE, Dr. Paul said. You can watch Dr. Paul's speech HERE. Unfortunately, a majority of the Senate chose to support the sales, further fueling a Middle East arms race. The Arms Export Control Act of 1976 provides the special proce… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2B709023-6E4C-4B6F-BEE0-D641A7A35AD8 | McConnell Speaks Against Efforts to Block Sales to the UAE | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding UAE arms sales: This week, some Senators indicate they may attempt to move a privileged resolution to disapprove of the Administration's proposed sale of advanced armaments to the United Arab Emirates, a critical partner in the fight against terrorists. It's a little baffling to suggest that, now of all times, a protest gesture with no chance of obtaining a veto-proof majority is a valuable use of the Senate's time. But above and beyond that, the strategic realities dictate that Congress should not stand in the way of this sale. In August, the UAE reached the first of the Abraham Accords, the landmark peace deal with Israel, brokered by the Trump Administration, which Bahrain soon went on to reprise. That step, the first normalization of relations between an Arab nation and the state of Israel in nearly 30 years, cemented an important new chapter in the UAE's international relations and its close relationship with the United States. Of course it is a key American objective to preserve and protect Israel's quantitative military edge. Fortunately, Israel's Ambassador, Defense Minister, and Prime Minister have all made clear they are comfortable with this deal. Senators considering this sale need to consider a reality we cannot escape. A significant competition for influence in the Middle East is underway, and China and Russia will be more than happy to meet the demand for advanced capabilities if the U.S. simply takes our ball and goes home. If our colleagues make the Senate vote on this measure, I urge all my colleagues to vote against it. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=96B7695D-5489-4E1A-9E53-FAD54F117EB6 | Senator McConnell Names New Personal Office Chief of Staff; Thanks Phil Maxson for Decade of Service | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today he has named Terry Carmack as the next Chief of Staff in his personal office in Washington, D.C. Carmack currently serves as Senator McConnell's State Director. McConnell's outgoing Chief of Staff, Phil Maxson, is leaving after nearly 10 years with the office to return to Kentucky to raise his family. Phil has led by example and with good humor as my Chief of Staff, creating one of the best teams on Capitol Hill, Senator McConnell said. His wise counsel and masterful knowledge of legislative procedure, the committee process, and Kentucky projects have produced a lengthy record of accomplishments of which he should be proud. Phil has my sincere thanks for his decade of service in my office. I wish him, Sarah Beth, and their family the very best for their future. Maxson, of Lexington, has served as Senator McConnell's Chief of Staff since 2017. He previously served as Legislative Director and oversaw the appropriations portfolio for the office as the Director of Projects. He was also responsible for defense and military legislative affairs. Terry Carmack has been a friend and trusted advisor for more than 30 years. I'm grateful he will continue to serve Kentucky as my new Chief of Staff, said Senator McConnell. He's the perfect mixture of talent and hard work. For the last decade as my State Director, Terry has traveled to every corner of Kentucky to listen to families' stories and concerns. Now, he's the best choice to help me advance our Commonwealth's priorities in the Senate. Terry is ready to lead my DC and state staffs, in coordination with my leadership office, to deliver for Kentucky and Middle America. Carmack, who grew up in Marshall County, has served as Senator McConnell's State Director since June 2010. He previously worked as the Political Director at the National Republican Congressional Committee and served as Chief of Staff for two Kentucky Members of Congress, Anne Northup and Ed Whitfield. Carmack also has exp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C2DC2A3A-9044-4A11-B91D-A8852098E408 | Statement from Congressman Andy Barr on National Defense Authorization Act Vote | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Andy Barr | B001282 | barr.house.gov | barr | https://barr.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released a statement following his vote tonight on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Today, I voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA to provide our military with the funding, equipment and resources necessary to continue being a lethal and effective defense of our country and our freedoms. The NDAA includes a well-deserved 3% pay raise for our military servicemembers as well as continued hazardous pay for servicemembers serving in combat zones. “The NDAA offers significant COVID-19 relief for National Guard units, including the Kentucky National Guard—who answered the call of duty during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve their fellow Kentuckians and their country. “Additionally, Congress phases out the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) ability to finance through the World Bank and launches a historic $2.2 billion Pacific Deterrence Initiative designed to facilitate investments in the Indo-Pacific region and directly combat the rise of the CCP. This policy prescription strengthens America’s position against the threat posed by the CCP, which represents America’s greatest foreign policy challenge since the Cold War.” The COVID-19 relief included in the NDAA package for the National Guard includes more diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities and personal protective equipment needed to combat the pandemic within military ranks. Furthermore, the NDAA provides that servicemembers in the National Guard who were activated to fight the COVID-19 pandemic will also receive federal health insurance benefits if they got sick during their service. For the Sixth District, the bill allows the United States to fulfill international treaty obligations by destroying chemical weapons and authorizes continued chemical agent and munitions destruction activity that occurs at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County. This NDAA continues to support the partnership between the National Guard and local authorities, authorizing funding for drug interdiction and coun… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=387303 | Guthrie Supports Fort Knox and Pay Raises for Troops in NDAA | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Brett Guthrie | G000558 | guthrie.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) released the following statement after the House passed the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). I proudly voted to support our brave service members and their families who are serving at Fort Knox and all around the world. The National Defense Authorization Act increases pay for our troops and ensures that our military has the resources necessary to help keep our competitive edge against our adversaries like China and Russia. I am very pleased that the NDAA approves more than $69 million in funding for the construction of Fort Knox's new Van Voorhis Elementary School. Throughout Kentucky, I am thankful for our National Guard's efforts to help with COVID-19 response efforts, and this NDAA will provide much-deserved health benefits for these hardworking men and women serving in the National Guard. Our service members have been stepping up to the plate during the COVID-19 health public emergency to protect our national security and public health, and this legislation provides COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment, and other critical supplies needed for our troops. Additionally, this NDAA expands benefits for families of service members, such as improved access to childcare and mental health care. It was an honor to be appointed and to serve on the conference committee this year to ensure Fort Knox and all of our armed forces have the support and resources needed to complete their mission and protect our national security. For decades, we have supported our troops each year in a bipartisan manner through the NDAA, and I am glad to see this bipartisan tradition continue in order to support of our service members and their families, said Guthrie. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=700F6E79-EBD6-47F5-BFC2-A9E99185A312 | Even Prominent Democrats Most Urgent COVID Priorities Are Already Addressed in Republican Proposal | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: We've reached the time of year when the Senate has more important outstanding business than we have days to complete it. Delivering for the American people will take focus, dexterity and real bipartisanship. On government funding, as I've said for weeks, it's my hope that our committees' work will bear fruit and a full-year funding package will come to the floor in both chambers. I anticipate that the Senate will take up a one-week extension this week so the government does not close on December 11th and work can continue through the end of next week. The nation needs our Democratic colleagues to resist the temptation to play brinkmanship with long-settled policy issues or push poison-pill riders that they know would tank the process. We also expect to receive and pass a conference report of the annual defense authorization. And we need to continue confirming impressive nominees to vacancies in the judiciary and the executive branch. We Senators are no strangers to end-of-year drama. But this time, the stakes are far higher. We're up against another, even steeper surge in COVID-19 cases than we saw in the spring. Workers and small businesses are once again struggling to make ends meet as states and localities step up precautions. And while the latest news on vaccine trials suggests that that victory over this virus may soon be within reach, our work in that area is far from complete. As one recent article put it, State [and] local officials plead for vaccine distribution funds'. Our nation's historic sprint to victory through vaccines seems poised to succeed in record time. But the critical last step -- getting hundreds of millions of doses out to the American people -- is still in front of us. Congress cannot stay on the sidelines. *** Now yesterday, our colleague from Illinois, the Democratic Whip, gave an interview in which he named three exampl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AC9A0DEA-80A5-4A9F-88A7-1B9AE0DB1C88 | McConnell, Paul, and 36 Senate Republicans File Brief Urging Supreme Court to Reaffirm Religious Liberty Still Exists in a Pandemic | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | LOUISVILLE, KY- U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Rand Paul (R-KY), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), David Perdue (R-GA), John Thune (R-SD) ,John Barasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Todd Young (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AZ), Mike Braun (R-IN), Richard Burr (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), issued the following statement Friday regarding the amicus brief they are submitting to the Supreme Court concerning Danville Christian Academy v. Beshear: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), and 36 of their fellow Republican Senators announced Friday they are submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron's religious liberty lawsuit, Danville Christian Academy v. Beshear. In the brief, Senators McConnell, Paul, Loeffler (R-GA), Perdue (R-GA), and their colleagues explain that the Constitution cannot permit the selective and overzealous targeting of religious institutions by local officials who seek to impose stricter restrictions in the name of public health than the restrictions enforced against similar but non-religious establishments. In this case, Governor Beshear in Kentucky has unconstitutionally ordered K-12 schools including religious schools to shut their doors while permitting preschools, colleges, business offices, entertainment venues, and many other secular institutions to remain open. Everyone understands this has been a challenging time for local leaders, but pandemics don't erase our First Amendment rights,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-paul-and-36-senate-republicans-file-brief-urging-supreme-court-to-reaffirm-religious-liberty-still-exists-in-a-pandemic | McConnell, Paul, and 36 Senate Republicans File Brief Urging Supreme Court to Reaffirm Religious Liberty Still Exists in a Pandemic | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.republicanleader.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.20 McConnell, Paul, and 36 Senate Republicans File Brief Urging Supreme Court to Reaffirm Religious Liberty Still Exists in a Pandemic LOUISVILLE, KY- U.S. Senators McConnell (R-KY), Rand Paul (R-KY), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), David Perdue (R-GA), John Thune (R-SD) ,John Barasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Todd Young (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AZ), Mike Braun (R-IN), Richard Burr (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), issued the following statement Friday regarding the amicus brief they are submitting to the Supreme Court concerning Danville Christian Academy v. Beshear: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), and 36 of their fellow Republican Senators announced Friday they are submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron's religious liberty lawsuit, Danville Christian Academy v. Beshear. In the brief, Senators McConnell, Paul, Loeffler (R-GA), Perdue (R-GA), and their colleagues explain that the Constitution cannot permit the selective and overzealous targeting of religious institutions by local officials who seek to impose stricter restrictions in the name of public health than the restrictions enforced against similar but non-religious establishments. In this case, Governor Beshear in Kentucky has unconstitutionally ordered K-12 schools including religious schools to shut their doors while permitting preschools, colleges, business offices, entertainment venues, and many other secular instituti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=18A6653F-A80E-4E8A-9BAD-5CCD72961B4A | Senator McConnell Comments on Former Kentucky State House Republican Caucus Chair Bob DeWeese | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Rep. Bob DeWeese of Louisville: For more than two decades, Bob DeWeese's leadership in Frankfort helped chart the course for a stronger Kentucky. His team laid the foundation for the Commonwealth's first Republican House Majority in nearly a century. Today, that Majority stands as a testament to Bob's vision and determination to fight for our families and values. Bob poured himself into his work, both as a legislator and a surgeon. But Angie and their children always remained at the center of his life. Elaine and I are grateful they shared him with us for so many years. With Bob's former colleagues and his many friends, our sincere condolences are with Angie and the entire family. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F2B76DA0-EED7-4597-8C84-67E3E9C6F0AF | Congress Should Deliver Consensus COVID-19 Relief Right Away | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: Anyone who's heard me speak about coronavirus relief going back months has heard one central principle: Let's deliver right away on all the subjects where everybody agrees, and argue over the rest later. That solution to this impasse has been in plain sight for anyone willing to see it. Agree where we agree, bank that progress, make law, take a whole lot of pressure off struggling people, and then keep debating the areas where we don't agree. There is no actual reason why the fates of common-sense policies like a second round of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program had to be linked to the fates of fringe proposals like stimulus checks for illegal immigrants. There's no reason why the fate of funding for vaccine distribution, or extending unemployment aid, or legal certainty for universities, should have been tied to radical ideas like paying people more not to work than essential workers earn on the job. Those linkages have been totally arbitrary. Just a political decision that Democratic leaders made many months back. Democratic leaders have tried to create a narrative where it's taken for granted that the most bipartisan, commonsensical relief policies would live or die with their side's most outlandish ideas. But that isn't so. They have tried to create a dynamic where they move from one made-up number to a second, slightly smaller arbitrary number and call it a meaningful concession. The truth is simple. This has always been about policy differences. We have two sides with different visions for the best way to support our nation through what we hope will be the last chapter of the pandemic. That's not new. We have disagreements all the time. Our system can handle it. But both sides have to be willing to compile their commonalities and make law there. And up to now, our Democratic colleagues have declined to do that. Remember, their side said… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comer.house.gov/2020/12/comer-named-ranking-member-house-oversight-and-reform-committee-117th-congress | Comer Named Ranking Member of House Oversight and Reform Committee for 117th Congress | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | James Comer | C001108 | comer.house.gov | comer | https://comer.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today issued the following statement after he was selected to continue serving as Ranking Member in the 117th Congress. “I am honored to continue serving Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District and the American people as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. Throughout my time in public service, I have been committed to holding accountable those who misuse taxpayer dollars and engage in corruption. Oversight Republicans will continue working on behalf of Americans to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the federal government and provide a check and balance on the role and power of Washington. “Unfortunately, Democrats have failed to conduct credible oversight of government waste, fraud, and abuse and have instead launched partisan attacks against President Trump. As Ranking Member, Oversight Republicans will keep their eye on the ball, knowing that we ultimately report to hard working taxpayers to ensure their investment in government is spent wisely. We will work to identify problems, hold the federal government accountable, propose common-sense reforms, and ensure the federal government is transparent, effective, and efficient.” The Committee on Oversight and Reform is the principal oversight committee of the U.S. House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-dr-rand-paul-holds-hearing-state-and-local-cybersecurity-during-pandemic/ | ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Holds Hearing on State and Local Cybersecurity During the Pandemic | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management (FSO) Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), held a hearing on “State and Local Cybersecurity: Defending Our Communities from Cyber Threats Amid COVID-19.” “Effective cybersecurity is an ongoing, everyday line of effort. The threat landscape is diverse. The best practices are constantly changing. The information you get may not always be reliable. The maintenance tasks can seem overwhelming, and, most importantly, the stakes are high. And in this context, I have often found myself thinking: effective cybersecurity cannot move at quote ‘the speed of government,'” Dr. Paul said in his opening statement. As Americans continue to conduct more of their activities online due to the pandemic, including going virtual for school and sensitive needs such as consultations with physicians, the subcommittee hearing examined cybersecurity threats faced by state and local governments, with a focus on concerns about ransomware attacks/cyber extortion in critical sectors such as health care and public education. Over the past several months, a number of school districts around the country have been victims of ransomware attacks, including Fairfax County Public Schools in Northern Virginia — one of the largest public school districts in the country. Unfortunately, Fairfax County Public Schools declined to appear at the hearing or to give a reason for turning down the opportunity. Earlier this year, the first day of school for Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut had to be postponed due to a ransomware attack, and, just this week, Baltimore County Public Schools were forced to close for multiple days for the same reason. On September 17, the Associated Press reported that a Düsseldorf, Germany, woman died en route to a hospital in a neighboring city because the hospital in Düsseldorf had been taken off-line by a ransomware attack. While this hearing was … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/icymi-dr-rand-paul-holds-hearing-state-and-local-cybersecurity-during-pandemic | ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Holds Hearing on State and Local Cybersecurity During the Pandemic | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY),chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management (FSO) Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), held a hearing on State and Local Cybersecurity: Defending Our Communities from Cyber Threats Amid COVID-19. Effective cybersecurity is an ongoing, everyday line of effort. The threat landscape is diverse. The best practices are constantly changing. The information you get may not always be reliable. The maintenance tasks can seem overwhelming, and, most importantly, the stakes are high. And in this context, I have often found myself thinking: effective cybersecurity cannot move at quote the speed of government,'Dr. Paul said in his opening statement. As Americans continue to conduct more of their activities online due to the pandemic, including going virtual for school and sensitive needs such as consultations with physicians, the subcommittee hearing examinedcybersecuritythreats faced by state and local governments, with a focus on concerns about ransomware attacks/cyber extortion in critical sectors such as health care and public education. Over the past several months, a number of school districts around the country have been victims of ransomware attacks, including Fairfax County Public Schools in Northern Virginia one of the largest public school districts in the country. Unfortunately, Fairfax County Public Schools declined to appear at the hearing or to give a reason for turning down the opportunity. Earlier this year, the first day of school for Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut had to be postponed due to a ransomware attack, and,justthisweek, Baltimore County Public Schools were forced to close for multiple days for the same reason. On September 17, the Associated Press reported that a Dsseldorf, Germany, woman died en route to a hospital in a neighboring city because the hospital in Dsseldorf had been taken off-… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2CA21114-BE97-4C4B-9669-3B0D92F88DF7 | Leader McConnell Pays Tribute to Friend and Colleague Chairman Lamar Alexander | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN): The Senate revolves around people. The body consists of 100 individuals. One of our key duties concerns the personnel whom we examine and confirm. And there are all the dedicated staff professionals who make this place go. Today, it is both my great honor and my regrettable task to honor someone who secured all three parts of that senatorial Triple Crown. The senior Senator for Tennessee the Chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Lamar Alexander. Lamar first set foot here as a talented young staffer. Decades later, he appeared before us as a super-successful former Governor and university president with a nomination to the Cabinet. And for the past 18 years, the other 99 of us have gotten to serve alongside one of the most impactful Senators in modern history. I've known Lamar for more than 50 years. We first met in 1969, when I was working for the freshman Senator Marlow Cook and he worked in the executive branch. We met at the suggestion of his previous boss and mentor, Senator Howard Baker, Jr. Either he suspected our paths might cross again later, or he just saw two serious young guys in need of some livelier social lives. Now this may shock you, but I'm afraid young Lamar Alexander and young Mitch McConnell did not exactly go crazy and paint the town red. But I'll take a five-decade friendship any day. Both of us headed back home to continue our careers. It was already clear that a bright future in elected office likely lay in store for him. Lamar's reverence for public service started early. I believe he was about 10 years old when his father, himself a long-time local official, took him to meet his hometown congressman, Howard Baker, Sr. The father of his future boss shook the boy's hand and handed him a dime. I think Lamar was hooked, then and there. *** Decades later, when Lamar announced his 1996 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5163BA71-647F-4080-AA05-BD88B0B6DAC3 | We Need to get More Bipartisan, Targeted Coronavirus Relief out to the American People | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19 relief: When I opened the Senate on Monday, I repeated something Republicans have stated for months now: We need to put partisanship aside and get more bipartisan, targeted coronavirus relief out to the American people. Dating back to the summer, and all fall, Senate Republicans tried repeatedly to advance hundreds of billions of dollars to prevent layoffs, protect small businesses, fund vaccine distribution, and continue assisting workers who've already lost their jobs due to this crisis. Every time, the Speaker of the House and the Democratic Leader blocked our efforts. It had to be the entirety of their left-wing wish list or nothing at all. But finally, this week, we are seeing cracks starting to form in the Democratic leaders' stone wall. And thank goodness for the country that is happening. In the last several days, the Democrats' leaders have signaled a new willingness to engage in good faith. And yesterday, a number of Senate Democrats proposed a different compromise. But at the risk of repeating something we all know, making law will require not just the Senate's approval, but also the signature of the President of the United States. So, after several conversations with the Secretary of the Treasury and the White House Chief of Staff, I put forward yesterday another proposal reflecting what the President is ready to sign into law. What we've proposed would give universities and nonprofits the legal certainty they need. It would create a second draw of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program to prevent more layoffs. And it would extend two important emergency unemployment benefit programs that were created by the CARES Act and which will expire in December without action. These programs have been championed by our Democratic colleagues, particularly the senior Senator for Virginia, and we made sure they were included in this framework. I hope our Dem… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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