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2,265 rows where state = "PA" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending

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  • 2017 · 2,265 ✖

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https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-announces-town-hall-residents-chester-county REP. COSTELLO ANNOUNCES TOWN HALL FOR RESIDENTS OF CHESTER COUNTY 2017-12-29 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy West Chester, PARep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today announced that as part of his public schedule for the upcoming week, he will host a town hall at the Downingtown West High School on Thursday, January 4, 2018. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for check-in. Constituents from Chester County will be given the first opportunity to reserve tickets for the session. Everyone who wants to attend this town hall must registerhereor by calling Rep. Costellos West Chester Office at 610-696-2982 by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2.Confirmation will be issued by Wednesday, January 3. Details: What:Town Hall with Rep. Ryan Costello When:Thursday, Jan. 4; doors open at 5:30 p.m. and event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Where:Downingtown West High School Auditorium 445 Manor Avenue Downingtown PA 19335 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/fiesta-bowl-festivities-senators-casey-cantwell-place-friendly-wager-on-fiesta-bowl Fiesta Bowl Festivities: Senators Casey, Cantwell Place Friendly Wager On Fiesta Bowl 2017-12-29 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. With the Penn State Nittany Lions and the University of Washington Huskies set to square off in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have placed a friendly wager on the outcome. The senator with the losing team will deliver a home state product to the other. Casey has wagered an assortment of ice cream from Penn States Berkey Creamery. Cantwell has wagered smoked Pacific salmon from Pike Place Market and craft beer from Elysian Brewing Company. While Id love for my colleague to try some of Pennsylvanias finest ice cream, I have total confidence in the Nittany Lions ability to beat the Huskies, said Senator Casey. I look forward to watching Penn State complete their season with a win. More information on Penn State Berkey Creamery here: http://creamery.psu.edu. More information on Pike Place Market and Elysian Brewing Company can be found here: http://pikeplacemarket.org and http://elysianbrewing.com. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-44-million-in-hhs-funds-for-luzerne-county-head Cartwright Announces $4.4 million in HHS Funds for Luzerne County Head Start 2017-12-28 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Luzerne, Pennsylvania Today, Representative Matt Cartwright announced that Luzerne County Head Start received $4,448,810 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These funds are used for the continuation of high quality, comprehensive, early childhood education. Head Start is a federal program created in 1965 to address the educational and developmental needs of low-income, pre-school children.Head Starts comprehensive service system provides social, nutritional, and educational services for thousands of children and their families across the United States. Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher. Head Start and Early Head Start programs are an important investment in our community and our economy, said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. I applaud Luzerne County Head Start on their continued award and their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for children and families in Luzerne and WyomingCounties." Over the past 51 years, Head Start programs have been operating at the local, grassroots level across the country. Through Head Start's comprehensive service system for both children and their families, thousands upon thousands of children have been given the chance to be and to do their best in order to achieve their potential in school. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-ryan-costello-talks-taxes-immigration-and-infrastructure-video Congressman Ryan Costello talks taxes, immigration and infrastructure (VIDEO) 2017-12-28 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy READING, PA -- U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello talked about the politics and policy of recently passed tax reform, a pathway to citizenship and improving U.S. infrastructure during a meeting Wednesday with the Reading Eagle editorial board. The Chester County Republican, who represents part of Berks County, is confident the new tax code will not lead to a deeper deficit. He believes the changes will stimulate enough growth over 10 years to offset the loss of tax dollars in the nation's coffers. Costello had expected the tax bill, which passed with no Democratic votes, to receive bipartisan support. "There are those on the left that will say Republicans never let us in the room," Costello said. "There are those on the right who would say Democrats never made any good-faith effort to engage on tax reform. "Three weeks before the tax bill was even introduced, the Democratic Congressional Committee, the super PAC related to (House) Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, was in my district polling, figuring out what the two or three best attacks against the tax bill were, even though the bill had not even been introduced yet. "Obviously, the Democrats want to win back the House. I think the Democrats have decided they are not interested in consensus-building." Individual mandate's demise Costello said he supported the tax reform law's repeal of the individual mandate - a tax penalty in President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act that sought to force young and healthy Americans to purchase health insurance by imposing a tax penalty for failing to do so. About 80 percent of those who paid the minimum $695 penalty for not having insurance in 2017 earn less than $50,000 a year, Costello said. "To me that is a tax on low-income Americans," he said Wednesday. Many Republicans thought the mandate was unconstitutional when the act was enacted. "The reason was, you were taxing someone who chose not to purchase something," Costello said. "The Supreme Court held that the reason the mandate was constitutional is because it was a tax."… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/muhlenberg-township-veteran-receives-medals-66-years-after-service-marine Muhlenberg Township veteran receives medals 66 years after service as Marine 2017-12-28 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy Sixty-six years ago, Earl Swartz, a Marine Corps reservist from Reading called to active duty during the Korean War, returned to Pennsylvania by train from the West Coast, where a troublesome appendix kept him from going overseas. After a year at Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he had waited to be shipped to Asia, he arrived at the train station in Harrisburg in 1951, greeted by his parents and wife-to-be, believing that he had earned medals for his service. He never got them. Years went by and Swartz got married, got a job, bought a house in Muhlenberg Township and raised a family - children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. He told them stories about his time in the military, including the medals that he never received. But though the war was long over, Swartz's family was determined to get him the medals that he was due. With help from the staff at U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello's office, they obtained them, then staged a surprise ceremony to give Swartz, now 88, the recognition he had earned decades ago. On Wednesday, Swartz was led into Costello's Wyomissing office on the pretense that he had to tend to a health insurance issue. When the doors opened, he was surprised by relatives, several local Marines home on leave and Costello, who awarded Swartz the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal six decades after he served his country. How did it feel to finally get his medals? "I tell you, don't ask me or I'll start to cry about it," Swartz said, holding them after posing for photos with family. "This is unbelievable." Wearing a Marine Corps cap that's part of his casual attire, Swartz climbed out of a son's vehicle and was greeted at Costello's door by two saluting Marines from Recruiting Sub-Station Reading. He returned their salute. Inside, more Marines stood with Swartz's family, and Swartz, short and gregarious, told them stories about his boot camp training at Parris Island, S.C. Costello presented the medals, and afterward Swartz was treated to dinner by his family. "H… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/local-veteran-receives-purple-heart Local veteran receives Purple Heart 2017-12-27 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A local veteran who bears the scars of his heroism now proudly wears a different reminder. The Action Cam was in West Chester Wednesday as Congressman Ryan Costello pinned the Purple Heart on Private First Class Justin Radbill. The Army veteran was wounded when his patrol came under attack in Baghdad back in 2003. Despite being struck by shrapnel and suffering significant injuries, PFC Radbill jumped into action, taking aim at the enemy to save his fellow soldiers. Radbill stayed in a turret until every wounded soldier was attended to. Though he earned the Purple Heart 14 years ago, he never formally received it until now. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/costello-lauds-passage-firefighter-grant-legislation Costello lauds passage of firefighter grant legislation 2017-12-26 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy West Chester >> U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6 of West Goshen, applauded House passage of H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act, which passed this week on a bipartisan, unanimous basis. The legislation reauthorizes grant programs for six years, including the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The legislation also provides for better oversight of the grants and training for grant administration. These programs provide critical support for firefighter and emergency response companies. Both of these grants are awarded through a competitive process to career and volunteer fire departments, and both grants are intended to help meet equipment, training, and staffing needs. In Pennsylvanias 6th Congressional District, firefighters and first responders have used these grants for self-loading stretchers for ambulances, coats, portable radios, boots, and gloves, among other resources. Communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania and across the country rely on brave first responders, and firefighters and emergency response officials need the appropriate equipment to safely and effectively do their work, said Costello. I have been proud to support federal grants that help provide vital resources to our local fire departments. Since coming to Congress, Costello has signed onto funding requests for the AFG program and the SAFER Grant program. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-issues-statement-after-attack-on-police-in-harrisburg Barletta Issues Statement After Attack on Police in Harrisburg 2017-12-23 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy HAZLETON Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) issued the following statement after a gunman attacked Pennsylvania law enforcement officers outside the Statehouse in Harrisburg, PA: The heroic actions of Pennsylvanias law enforcement averted a sure tragedy. I am very proud the swift and effective response from those on the ground who neutralized the suspect before any lives were taken. This demonstrates the immense bravery of Pennsylvania law enforcement. They protect our schools and neighborhoods, keeping all our families safe, while risking their own lives every day. In the face of violence and destruction, we must always back the blue. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I will continue to monitor the situation for potential links to terrorism. Mary Grace and I will continue to pray for the speedy recovery of the officer who was injured, and for the continued safety for Pennsylvanias law enforcement. Read more on the attack HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-wishes-all-a-merry-christmas Barletta Wishes All a Merry Christmas 2017-12-23 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy HAZLETON Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) released the following statement: Mary Grace and I would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas! ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/breaking-fitzpatrick-spend-christmas-day-us-troops-afghanistan BREAKING: Fitzpatrick to Spend Christmas Day with U.S. Troops in Afghanistan 2017-12-23 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy AFGHANISTANTen years ago, on Christmas Day 2007, then-FBI Special Agent Brian Fitzpatrick was deployed to Iraq as an Al-Qaeda Interrogator as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A decade later to the day, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) is returning to the region to spend Christmas Day with United States troops serving in Afghanistan, ground zero in the global fight against terrorism. Fitzpatrick, a member of the House Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees, says the bipartisan trip not only provides an opportunity to thank these brave women and men in our military who will be missing their families on this holiday, but will also serve as an important examination of our counter-terrorism efforts, force posture and threat dynamics in the region. As families across our district enjoy another holidays season safe at home, it is often easy to forget that there are thousands of women and men serving our country in battlefields and barracks across the globe including combat zones like Afghanistan. We owe a debt of gratitude to these brave servicemembers who stand ready to protect our freedom, even when it means being deployed overseas during this special season,said Fitzpatrick. This trip provides the opportunity to not only say thank you to these heroes, but to speak directly with our troops, military generals and governmental and diplomatic officials about the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and throughout the region. As we enter a new phase in the War on Terror, it is crucial that Congress continue to work with our military and civilian partners to keep our homeland safe and to defeat the threat of terrorism; this mission will play an important part in shaping this strategy. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-anti-fentanyl-bill-passes-senate-heads-white-house Fitzpatrick Anti-Fentanyl Bill Passes Senate, Heads to White House 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Bipartisan legislation authored by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA) aimed at combating the opioid epidemic passed the Senate Thursday night and now heads to the White House to be signed into law. The International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology (INTERDICT) Act [H.R. 2142] provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The measure passed the House in October by a vote of 412-3. Companion Senate legislation was introduced by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). As communities across my district and across our nation continue to deal with the crisis of opioid abuse and addiction its hard to imagine a synthetic drug up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, said Fitzpatrick. The INTERDICT Act is bipartisan legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) access to the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids before they can cause more harm. I am pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, first in the House and now the Senate, have voted to advance this important measure. I urge the president to quickly sign my INTERDICT Act into law so we can keep this poison off our streets. Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Although pharmaceutical fentanyl can be misused, most fentanyl deaths are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl and illicit versions of chemically similar compounds known as fentanyl analogs. Between 2014 and 2015, deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl rose 72 percent, amounting to 9,500 deaths. The primary source of fentanyl is outside of the United States, in Mexico or C… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-sends-annual-christmas-message-constituents Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Mike Kelly K000376 kelly.house.gov     legacy Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents Dec 21, 2017 WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-03) released the enclosed video today as his annual Christmas greeting to the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Rep. Kelly: It is truly the most special time of the year. Now I want to wish all of you and your families the merriest Christmas of all and the happiest of holidays, and thank you so much for allowing me to represent you in Washington, D.C.. So God bless, and merry Christmas to everyone! The full video message can be viewed via YouTube here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398616 Congressman Perry Opposes Federal Spending Plan 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Scott Perry P000605 perry.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Scott Perry opposed the stop gap funding measure, the Continuing Resolution (CR), which would keep the government funded through January 19, 2018, citing deep concerns about the last minute inclusion of certain controversial provisions. The final bill was a conglomeration of bills which incorporated a carte blanche extension of surveillance powers for the National Security Agency (NSA).This is an appalling violation of every Americans Fourth Amendment rights. We must keep the homeland safe, but we cant do it at the expense of our constitutionally guaranteed privacy from the government. You have the right to be secure and the NSA continues to flout that right, with little to no oversight, leaving every American without protection from faceless government bureaucrats, said Perry. Our citizens ought to be outraged that this is happening, especially under the guise of national security. Even worse, this surveillance hasnt been responsible for stopping a single act of terrorism but has caused Americans to sacrifice our liberty in untold ways. This provision should never have been included in this spending package and Im disappointed with the Leadership in both Chambers for refusing to correct it. Perry went on to discuss the need for the Senate to establish a long-term spending plan for the federal government. As Ive said before, the House has gone through the process of appropriating funds to meet the needs of our military and every other government program through the normal appropriations process. The Senate's actively chosen not to engage in this process and insists on moving the Country from short-term crisis to short-term crisis. Its unacceptable. Ive repeatedly called for the Senate to get to work on either the House proposal or one of their own; I've even gone as far as requesting that both Chambers spend the August District Work Period in Washington to get the job done. The Senate will not budge and its unfair to the American People, said Perry. In September 2017, the House pass… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2077 Senator Toomey Statement on Keeping the Government Open 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that funds the government through January 19, 2018: "This continuing resolution keeps the government open through the new year while continuing authorization for a vital foreign intelligence program and providing additional funds for national defense needs. The resolution also ensures the Children's Health Insurance Program is funded and available for the immediate future. "That said, it is a terrible shame that the Senate shirks the appropriations process in favor of waiting until the 11th hour, with a potential government shutdown looming overhead, to pass stop-gap measures like these. The Senate could have-and should have-approved essential federal funding through the proper appropriations process months ago." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2079 In Boost for Residents and Economy, Local Businesses Will Soon Again be Permitted to Travel Through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and U.S. Congressman Tom Marino (R-Pa.) announced today that Congress has passed legislation that will allow local businesses to resume using Route 209 through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in both Monroe County and Pike County. The bill now awaits President Trump's approval. In September 2015, a more than 30 year old exemption expired that had permitted local commercial traffic to travel on Route 209 through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is owned and operated by the National Park Service (NPS). The absence of this exemption left commercial traffic serving the area with limited or no acceptable alternative routes. Senator Toomey and Congressman Marino worked with local stakeholders to re-instate this exemption through September 2021. "Ensuring that local business vehicles are able to travel on Route 209 through Monroe and Pike Counties is essential to providing services to residents and for local economic growth," said Senator Toomey. "Congressman Marino has been a terrific partner in this effort and I certainly appreciate the role of local stakeholders in supporting the re-instatement of this exemption." "When a stretch of Route 209 closed to commercial vehicles in Pike and Monroe Counties, many of my constituents were left in a state of uncertainty, said Congressman Marino. "Business owners were fearful of having to close their doors and with jobs being threatened, homeowners were trying to figure out how to keep food on the table. When the House passed my bill to reopen this stretch of Route 209 last January, I was optimistic that we would see it clear the Senate by years end. Today I am happy to see that after much hard work we are sending this bill to the President's desk. I would like to thank Senator Toomey for working closely with me and being such a strong advocate for its passage in the Senate. I would also like to thank all of the local stakeholders who helped shape this bill. I am confident that this bill will… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-and-collins-demand-information-on-age-targeting-in-online-job-advertisements-following-concerning-investigation Casey and Collins Demand Information on Age Targeting in Online Job Advertisements Following Concerning Investigation 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, wrote to Facebook, Google and LinkedIn to express serious concern over the use of advertising targeting tools on these platforms that allow employers to recruit potential employees in specific age ranges. The senators penned the letter in light of recent news reports on how targeted online job postings can become an avenue for age-based hiring discrimination if not properly managed. Age discrimination continues to occur, and changes in technology and the methods employers use to recruit, hire and manage workers have introduced new avenues by which employers may engage in illegal conduct, the senators wrote. As Americas workforce continues to age, it is imperative that protections for older workers are enforced and updated when necessary. In their letter, Sens. Casey and Collins also request information on how often age-targeting is occurring in employment advertising on Facebook, Google and LinkedIn, and information on what steps these companies are taking to prevent age discrimination. In February, Sens. Casey, Collins, Grassley and Leahy introduced the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA), which would fully restore the protections of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and make it easier to fight back against age discrimination. In 2009, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Gross v. FBL Financial Services re-interpreted ADEA and weakened it. As a result, workers that allege age discrimination must meet an undue legal burden not faced by workers alleging discrimination based on race, sex, national origin or religion. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ADEA. Earlier this month, the Special Committee on Aging held a hearing on aging and employmentduring which Sen. Casey highlighted the issue of age discrimination and released a report that examines ways in which employers, workers and policymakers can work together to ensure that … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-secures-major-disaster-recovery-reform Barletta Secures Major Disaster Recovery Reform 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4667, which makes further supplemental appropriations for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as wildfire damage in the 2017 calendar year, by a bipartisan vote of 251 to 169. Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of this legislation, which includes $81 billion in disaster funding for the historic storms striking Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico earlier this year. Barletta was able to secure major reforms in the bill to improve how America approaches and recovers from future disasters. Language from his bill, H.R. 4460, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, was incorporated into the package that ultimately passed the House. The language marks one of the largest overhauls to disaster mitigation in generations. In 2017, eight percent of the U.S. population was affected by at least one disaster, Barletta said. This startling statistic highlights the importance of investing in mitigation techniques before catastrophe strikes. Studies have repeatedly shown that for every $1 invested on the front end, we can save between $4 and $8 on the back end in avoided disaster recovery costs. My bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, would allow the U.S. to realize those savings by revolutionizing how we approach disaster spending. We will now place a premium on saving lives and taxpayer dollars by investing in resilient infrastructure on the front end to protect our neighborhoods, schools, religious institutions, and businesses. Whether it was fighting for flood recovery funding for my district in 2011, or fighting for major reforms to disaster spending as chairman of the transportation subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA, I have been on the front lines of our nations disaster response and recovery process, and recognize serious improvements are needed. I envision a much brighter future for our communities with the passage of this bill, and will continue to work to improve our nations disaster recovery response. In 2017, more than 4.7 million Amer… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-supports-legislation-to-keep-government-open Barletta Supports Legislation to Keep Government Open 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a package (House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1370) to keep the government open through January 19, 2018. Federal programs would be funded at current levels, but additional funding would be provided for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Veterans Choice Program. The measure also temporarily extends government surveillance programs. Rep. Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of this legislation, which passed by a vote of 231 to 188. Congress has a responsibility to ensure our government remains open, Barletta said following the vote. Despite historic obstruction, we followed through on our responsibility to the American people to keep the lights on and fund national defense, critical health care programs for our children and communities, and anti-terror programs. When we return next year, I hope, and expect, the Senators who have stood on a platform of obstruction to return with a new years resolution which stands behind the American people. Blindly fighting President Trump because of personal vendettas does nothing for our constituents. No matter who is in the White House, I will always work past personalities for my constituents. Specifically, the measure would provide $4.49 billion in emergency funding requested by the president on November 6, 2018, for missile defense and defeat enhancements primarily targeting North Korea. The emergency funding would also include $673.5 million to cover the cost of repairing damage to two Navy ships, USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald. The bill would also provide $2.85 billion for CHIP since funding for the program expired on September 30, 2017. In early November, House Republicans passed a bill to provide five years of funding for CHIP, but Senate Democrats refused to take up the measure, leaving millions of American children, including 290,000 in Pennsylvania, vulnerable to funding shortfalls. Community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, the Teaching Health Center … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/engel-kinzinger-boyle-royce-offer-bill-support-future-security-syrian Boyle, Engel, Kinzinger, Royce Offer Bill to Support Future Security of Syrian People, Hold Assad Regime Accountable 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Brendan Boyle B001296 boyle.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTONRepresentative Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a member of the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce;and Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs today introduced legislation to ensure that the security of the Syrian people will be central to reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Syria. The No Assistance for Assad Act (H.R. 4681) would condition American support for such efforts in Assad-controlled territories on Syrian commitments to human rights; a political transition; and the safe, unfettered and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people. Assad purposely and systematically destroyed Syrian communities in order to retain his political power, with the help of his Russian and Iranian supporters, said Rep. Boyle. As co-chair of the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus, I believe we in Congress must do all we can to ensure that the welfare of the Syrian people remains the top priority of our involvement in the region, and condition any engagement with the Assad regime as such. This legislation is a critical safeguard to that end. Until Assad respects the rights of his people, until theyre on the path toward a better future for themselves, and until theres accountability for the regimes war crimes, the United States shouldnt spend a dime on reconstruction efforts in areas controlled by the regime, said Rep. Engel. Buoyed by his patrons in Moscow and Tehran, the Butcher in Damascus broke Syria. Now he and his regime have to pay the price. We should not support any scenario that leaves him in power to continue his violence and oppression against the Syrian people. The genocide of the Syrian people by Bashar al Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers may be the worst humanitarian crisis of our generation. We cannot and must not allocate any resources to t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-boyle-and-graves-introduce-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-us-israel Reps. Boyle and Graves Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen US-Israel Cooperation on High-tech Weapons 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Brendan Boyle B001296 boyle.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-13) and Congressman Tom Graves (R-GA-14) introduced H.R. 4707, the Procure PGMS for Israel Act, which would authorize the Department of Defense to add precision-guided munitions into the United States War Reserve Stockpile in Israel, enabling it to transfer the high-tech weaponry to Israel in the event of a conflict. Israelis live each day under the threat of attack by rockets, missiles and armed drones. Israel is our steadfast ally and the only strong democracy in the Middle East, said Congressman Boyle, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. We must be exceedingly vigilant about the constant threat it faces from bad actors in the region such as Hezbollah and Hamas. That means improving access to our most advanced weaponry for Israels military in the event of a deadly conflict. This bill would ensure that the U.S. stockpile in Israel includes precision-guided munitions that are constantly at the ready and within reach for Israeli forces, significantly improving their security capabilities and safeguarding millions of lives. The United States and Israel share an unbreakable bond, which Congress is committed to guarding and strengthening, said Congressman Graves. By ensuring Israel has access to precision-guided munitions, were improving security for Israelis, discouraging conflict in the region and reaffirming our sacred relationship with Israel. The United States maintains a War Reserve Stockpile in Israel, authorized by Congress in 1989, which it can draw upon to augment Israeli weaponry in the event of war. Precision-guided munitions (PGMs) are not currently explicitly a part of that stockpile. PGMs are guided projectiles that can reach precise targets with significant accuracy and decreases collateral damage to save civilian lives. During the 2006 war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the United States granted Israel access to the stockpile. Additionally, in July 2014, during Israeli military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-start-of-next-round-of-assistance-to-firefighter-0 Cartwright Announces Start of Next Round of Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Application Period 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Offers Local Hose Companies, EMS and Fire Departments Assistance in the Application Process Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright announced the Fiscal Year 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) application period will open on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 8AM ET and will close on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 5 PM ET. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) prior to beginning the application. It contains the latest updates to the FY 2017 AFG Grant Program. Theprimary goal of the AFG is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Ensuring first responders have reliable and up-to-date equipment should be one of our highest national priorities, said Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Caucus and the House Appropriations Committee. I annually advocate for full funding to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. We need programs like this to help communities with limited budget reserves get the equipment and training they need to protect lives and property. This year, the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) Grant Program will award $310,500,000 to assist first-responder organizations that need to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types. The goal of the AFG Program is to enhance, through direct financial assistance, the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel and to provide a continuum of support for emergency responders regarding fire, medical, and all-hazard events. The AFG Program awards grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations, and State Fire Training Academies for critically needed resources to protect the public, train e… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-reauthorize-chip-now Fitzpatrick: Reauthorize CHIP Now 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) took to the House floor Thursday and urged Congress to take action to extend federal funding of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Fitzpatricks complete remarks are below. You can watch or download HERE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to once again implore this Congress to take bipartisan action to extend federal funding of the Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. In my home state of Pennsylvania, more than 176,000 children have gained access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage through CHIP - providing them with age appropriate medical and developmental care. Since the program became law, the percentage of uninsured children nationwide has decreased by more than half, from 13.9 percent in 1997 to 6.6 percent in 2016. As a result of its reliability and effectiveness, CHIP has consistently enjoyed strong bipartisan support. In September, I joined a bipartisan group from across Pennsylvania in urging leaders of both parties to take action to ensure that children have access to high-quality health insurance coverage during their formative years a move we know yields an abundance of positive outcomes: fewer hospitalizations, increased earning power and better health outcomes as an adult. While this chamber has already taken action passing legislation last month to fund CHIP the Senate has yet to act. It is crucial we provide certainty and security for children, parents, and providers and move to sign into law CHIP extension legislation as soon as possible. The time is now to act. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/another-day-another-delay-house-votes-another-short-term-government Another Day, Another Delay: House Votes for Another Short-term Government Funding Bill 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Keith Rothfus R000598 rothfus.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Today I supported the short-term government funding bill, and I am glad to see the Childrens Health Insurance Program extended into the coming year, said Congressman Rothfus. However, continuing resolutions like the bill we passed today disenfranchise voters and deprive their representatives the ability to make tough choices about our spending priorities and make necessary changes to important government programs. For example, earlier this year the House passed a much needed military appropriations package that sufficiently provides military resources vital to improving and restoring the readiness of our Armed Forces. By not passing the Houses militarys spending package, the Senate continues to fail our brave men and women in uniform. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2075 Toomey, Casey Applaud Nomination of Three Candidates to U.S. District Courts of Pennsylvania 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - Following the announcement of President Trump's intent to nominate Judge Susan P. Baxter and Judge Marilyn J. Horan to the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Judge Chad Kenney to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released the following statements: "I am pleased that President Trump will nominate Judge Susan P. Baxter, Judge Marilyn J. Horan, and Judge Chad Kenney to serve on the federal district court in Pennsylvania," said Senator Toomey. "Along with a wealth of legal experience from their work in both the public and private sectors, these nominees possess the acumen needed to excel as federal judges. Today's announcement is especially welcome news for Erie, as Judge Baxter will finally fill the city's judicial seat, which has been vacant for far too long." "I applaud the White House for announcing the nominations of Judges Baxter, Horan and Kenney for the federal bench in Pennsylvania," said Senator Casey. "These are critically important federal seats that have been vacant for far too long, and I am thankful that these three distinguished jurists are willing to serve the people of Pennsylvania in a new role. Judges Horan and Kenney are highly experienced legal professionals, and I am confident that they will continue to serve as District Judges with the fairness and honor these positions require. I am also particularly pleased to hear that Judge Baxter has been nominated to the Western District seat in Erie that has been vacant since 2013. In her two decades as a Federal Magistrate Judge, Susan Baxter has demonstrated an admirable commitment to justice, integrity and public service, a record and reputation that will serve her well as she is elevated to become a Federal District Judge." Since Senator Toomey joined the Senate in 2011, Senators Toomey and Casey have worked together, in a bipartisan fashion, to fill vacancies on the federal bench in Pennsylvania.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2076 Senator Toomey Statement on Keeping the Government Open 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that funds the government through January 19, 2018: "This continuing resolution keeps the government open through the new year while continuing authorization for a vital foreign intelligence program and providing additional funds for national defense needs. The resolution also ensures the Children's Health Insurance Program is funded and available for the immediate future. "That said, it is a terrible shame that the Senate shirks the appropriations process in favor of waiting until the 11th hour, with a potential government shutdown looming overhead, to pass stop-gap measures like these. The Senate could have-and should have-approved essential federal funding through the proper appropriations process months ago." ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-floor-remarks-on-national-security Casey Floor Remarks on National Security 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Senator Robert P. Casey About Issues Get Help Make a Request … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-gop-rushes-home-for-holidays-leaving-long-to-do-list-behind Casey: GOP Rushes Home For Holidays, Leaving Long To-Do List Behind 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, DC U.S. Senator Bob Casey is releasing the following statement after Continuing Resolution vote: Its outrageous that Republicans in Congress are rushing to go home for Christmas instead of fully reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program and addressing other vital priorities. The Republicans who run Congress had all the time in the world to cut taxes for the super-rich and big corporations and now are urgently skipping town before families who rely on CHIP have peace of mind in knowing that their kids health care coverage will continue beyond a matter of weeks. Instead of passing this bill, which stiffs kids, our law enforcement officers and fails to protect the Dreamers, members of Congress should stay in town and address these issues. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-isakson-ending-global-hunger-remains-crucial-to-our-national-security Casey, Isakson: Ending Global Hunger Remains Crucial To Our National Security 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced a five-year reauthorization of their Global Food Security Act. The Senators 2016 legislation, which is now public law, ensures that the life-saving food security programs managed under the Feed the Future Initiative will continue through 2018. This reauthorization is crucial to ensuring the success of the program beyond next year. Feed the Future and the Global Food Security Act have helped the United States more effectively address hunger around the world and in the process created greater international stability, said Senator Casey. This bipartisan effort was widely supported last Congress. I look forward to my colleagues continued support and urge swift passage of this reauthorization. The Global Food Security Act has not only helped our neighbors abroad, but also has been an investment in our own national security, said Senator Isakson, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The strategy helps ensure that every dollar thats invested in our foreign assistance is getting a maximum return for the American taxpayer, including Georgias farmers. Im proud to introduce legislation to reauthorize this program that has already saved lives. Specifically, the Global Food Security Act: Requires the Administration to develop a whole-of-government strategy to address global food insecurity and hunger. The strategy would emphasize agricultural development, improving maternal and child nutrition, building the resilience of communities, and civil society engagement. Ensures the alignment of U.S. assistance with country-owned strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, household income, local economies, and food and nutrition security to work toward the ultimate goal of transitioning countries and communities away from the need for U.S. assistance under this Act. Improves upon existing monitoring and evaluation practices to ensure the effective use of U.S. taxpayer dollars. This includes a requirement for the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-continues-to-push-rare-earth-element-opportunities-for Barletta Continues to Push Rare Earth Element Opportunities for Pennsylvania 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order to boost production of domestically sourced critical minerals. This announcement comes after the Department of Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey released a report yesterday which found that in 2016, the U.S. was partially or fully reliant on imports for 23 mineral commodities. The report states that the U.S. is most reliant on China, where at least 20 critical minerals are exclusively sourced to the nation. I am very excited with the presidents executive order to boost our domestic production of critical minerals, Barletta said in response to the presidents announcement. I have been actively working to promote extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) right here at home, and earlier this year, helped secure grant funding for a pilot program to extract REEsfrom anthracite coal mined in Northeastern PA. My hope is that the Department of Interior will include REEs as critical minerals so we can stop relying on the Chinese for these vital elements that are in everything from cell phones to the weapons used by our troops. Domestic production of REEs will strengthen national security and bring good paying jobs and economic growth to Pennsylvania, and I hope the administration will take a seriously look at including them in the scope of this executive order. Barletta has been a strong proponent of REE development in Pennsylvania. On January 17, 2017, Barletta sent a letter to then Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, in support of an application jointly submitted by Penn State University, Texas Mineral Resources Corporation, and Indenture Renewables/K Technologies to receive financial assistance through the Department of Energys (DOE) Production of Salable Rare Earth Element Materials from Coal and Coal By-Products funding opportunity. Following the letter, DOE awarded the $1 million grant to the consortium. In September, Barletta brought Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry, to see the important work happening at the REE extraction site in Ebervale, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blue-collar-caucus-co-chairs-slam-passage-gop-tax-scam Blue Collar Caucus Co-Chairs Slam Passage of GOP Tax Scam 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Brendan Boyle B001296 boyle.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Blue Collar Caucus co-chairs Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) released the following statement in response to the final passage of the Republican tax overhaul: The GOP Tax Scam is a shameful betrayal of the middle class and a conscious punch to the gut of the American worker. Despite overwhelming opposition from the vast majority of the American public, President Trump and Republicans in Congress jammed through a bill that slashes taxes for corporations and their mega-wealthy executives while asking 86 million hardworking middle class families to foot the bill. They cross their fingers that workers might eventually get a trickle of the benefits, but we all know better. This legislation represents an explicit reversal from Mr. Trumps many promises to the American worker. Rather than close loopholes, end outsourcing, or invest in infrastructure, the bill actually undermines each priority: it creates new loopholes, further enables outsourcing, and squanders our best chance at financing infrastructure investment while simultaneously ballooning our debt a deficit and fueling cuts to discretionary spending. As leaders of the Blue Collar Caucus, we have stood ready to work with anyone to lift up the middle class and the American worker, strengthen their hand and help make the American Dream of a higher paycheck and better future for our children attainable again. We introduced the Patriot Employer Act to close loopholes that encourage corporations to send jobs overseas, and provide tax credits to employers that invest in American workers, pay fair wages, and provide employees with robust benefits. This was the kind of tax reform and investment in America that Mr. Trump promised as a candidate. Instead, today he and Congressional Republicans passed legislation that gives a staggering 83% of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent; raises health insurance premiums; and undermines critical funding for schools, firefighters, and law enforcement agencies … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-slams-final-passage-gop-tax-scam-handout-mega-wealthy Boyle Slams Final Passage of GOP Tax Scam, Handout to the Mega-Wealthy 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Brendan Boyle B001296 boyle.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13), a member of the House Budget Committee and co-chair of the Blue Collar Caucus, released the following statement after final passage of the Trump-GOP tax scam in Congress: We may be in the holiday season, but today Republicans controlling Washington ruined the nations good cheer by jamming through a cruel, partisan, $1.5 trillion-plus tax overhaul that will decimate the middle class while further advantaging the mega-wealthy and super rich. Rather than work with Democrats to truly lift up the middle class, the American worker, and domestic industries even close loopholes and reinvest in our infrastructure this GOP tax scam is filled with their typical wish list of giveaways and actually creates new loopholes that the mega-wealthy and well-connected will exploit for years to come. Today, President Trump and Republicans in Congress officially showed their true colors by throwing middle class families under the bus out of sheer desperation for a political win and the satisfaction of their donor base the only clear winners under this bill. Today, theyve officially raised taxes on 86 million middle class families giving 83 percent of its tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent and to strip critical middle class tax deductions in order to bankroll massive giveaways to big banks and multinational corporations who ship jobs overseas. This tax plan is a scam, a lesson in budget hawk hypocrisy, and a direct assault on the middle class. And, as if the bill is not harmful enough, it will endanger key funding for fire fighters, law enforcement and schools; force 13 million more Americans to lose health insurance and spike premiums for the rest; and, in the words of Speaker Ryan himself, its cost will now be used as justification for fulfilling his vision of cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Merry Christmas to all. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-57570-hud-grant-to-the-housing-authority-of-the Cartwright Announces $57,570 HUD Grant to the Housing Authority of the City of Easton 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Easton, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the Housing Authority of the City of Easton a $57,570 Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) grant. HUDs FSS program helps local public housing authorities hire service coordinators who work directly with residents to connect them with programs and services that already exist in the local community. The program encourages innovative strategies that link housing assistance with a broad spectrum of services that will enable participating families to find jobs, increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for rental and/or welfare assistance, and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am a strong advocate for programs aimed at helping families find better paying jobs and making progress toward economic independence,said Rep. Cartwright. I will continue to support grants like these that provide the opportunities and tools needed to improve the quality of life in our communities. On behalf of the Housing Authority of the City of Easton, we are grateful for the continued support and assistance from Congressman Matt Cartwright, said Gene Pambianchi, executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Easton. Once again we are delighted to be given resources that will give families the opportunity to achieve economic independence and housing self-sufficiency. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-70000-eda-grant-to-nepa-alliance Cartwright Announces $70,000 EDA Grant to NEPA Alliance 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Pittston, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA Alliance) received a $70,000 Cooperative Agreement grant for a partnership-planning project from the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA). This EDA grant supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for the region served by the NEPA Alliance, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Schuylkill counties. The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. These funds advance our communities by bringing together public and private sectors to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region, said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. I am proud to support programs that enhance economic expansion and generate family-sustaining jobs. NEPA Alliance appreciates our partnership with Economic Development Administration (EDA) in providing regional economic development planning, said Jeff Box, President and CEO of NEPA Alliance. We greatly appreciate the support from Congressman Cartwright in our efforts to promote economic growth in Northeastern PA. As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. The EDA investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States. This foundation builds upon two key economic drivers - innovation and regional collaboration. The EDA encourages its partners around the country to develop initiatives… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-evans-statement-second-vote-pass-hr-1-gop-tax-scam-2017 Congressman Evans Statement on Second Vote to Pass H.R. 1, the GOP Tax Scam of 2017 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Dwight Evans E000296 evans.house.gov evans https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Today Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) released the following statement after voting ‘No' on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act again because the report sent to the Senate violated the Senate's Byrd rule, which prohibits the tax overhaul package from losing revenue outside the budget window. Not only was the Byrd Rule violated, but so were the American people with this job-killing tax bill which relied on jaded budget gimmicks in order to pass. As I noted in my release yesterday, our country has not seen bipartisan tax reform since 1986, yet my colleagues in the GOP missed the last chance to avert a massive shift of wealth to the rich, while gouging the poor. The way the Republican Party and the Trump Administration are going about tax reform is all wrong. Real tax reform, not the phony charade that we just witnessed, must be comprehensive, simplify our tax code, and ensure a progressive tax code that helps move everyone in our neighborhoods forward, without arbitrarily picking winners and losers. Today, the American people lost and the owners of foreign banks won because that's where many deposits will go as corporations continue to game the system with the advent of territorial taxation, parking money offshore instead of putting it into plant and equipment, and most critically, new American jobs. "Governing is all about choices. And once again, we see the Republican Party and the Trump Administration make a choice that I firmly believe is a step in the wrong direction for the people of Philadelphia and America. Their bill H.R.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, does absolutely nothing to move our country forward—it is a bridge to nowhere. I've said it many times before and I'll say it again there is no such thing as a free lunch. It is our most vulnerable who will pay the price under this bait-and-switch tax scam. The Republican Party always talks a big game about how Democrats are the party of taxing and spending but today it was the Republican Party who peddled a sham bill to hard-working Americans that shifts the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-backed-anti-harassment-language-included-tax-measure Fitzpatrick-Backed Anti-Harassment Language Included in Tax Measure 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Historic tax reform legislation passed by the House and Senate this week includes language advocated for by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) to prohibit the deductibility of legal settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment as business expenses. The measure mirrors H.R. 4495, the Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act (STOP Act), which Fitzpatrick originally sponsored. Whether its Hollywood, Congress or a corporate boardroom, there is no place for sexual abuse or harassment in the workplace. Just as Im committed to protecting taxpayer dollars from being misused in Washington to cover up sexual misconduct allegations, Im also committed to preventing private sector businesses from using tax breaks to sweep these heinous acts under the rug, said Fitzpatrick at the time. This Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title. Under previous tax law, companies could deduct as ordinary and necessary business expenses any legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. In allowing businesses to write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct. The language included in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act would prohibit deduction of these expenses in cases where the allegations are public or in cases involving a non-disclosure agreement. Fitzpatrick has been a leader on efforts to end the culture of corruption in D.C., including: Cosponsoring the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act [HR 4494] - bipartisan legislation seeks to prevent sexual harassment/assault within the Congress, empower survivors, and eliminate the congressional hush fund that is currently being used to settle such claims with taxpayer money. To those ends, this legislation will: prohibit the use of public funds to pay settlement… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-gop-tax-scheme-is-a-gut-punch-to-the-middle-class Casey: GOP Tax Scheme Is A Gut Punch To The Middle Class 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, DC U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing the statement below following tonights passage of the Republican tax plan: The GOP tax scheme is a raw deal for Pennsylvania families. The middle class is getting the short end of the stick while the super-rich and big corporations get a windfall. Instead of reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which has now expired, or investing in infrastructure like our roads and bridges to create jobs, congressional Republicans have passed a tax plan that gives over $36 billion dollars in 2019 to the countrys richest 572,000 households those making over $1 million a year. The 90 million American households making under $50,000 a year will only see a fraction of that. By 2027, the Republican tax plan gives 83% of the cuts to the top 1%. To make matters worse, the GOP tax plan creates an incentive to offshore jobs. This whole scheme is a gut punch to the middle class. And now, Republicans in the House and the Senate are saying their next step is to go after Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. I will not stand by as Republicans in Washington plot to cut these vital programs for the middle class, especially after they passed into law these tax giveaways for big corporations and the super-rich. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-rubio-wyden-press-freedom-resolution-passes-senate-unanimously Casey, Rubio, Wyden Press Freedom Resolution Passes Senate Unanimously 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced the unanimous passage of a resolution recognizing the pervasive threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world. The bipartisan resolution calls on governments to investigate and resolve cases of violence against journalists and calls on the President and Secretary of State to commit to making freedom of the press a central pillar of U.S. democracy promotion. With passage of this resolution, the Senate has made clear that persistent attacks on the media and minimization of journalism as fake news are unacceptable, said Senator Casey. Journalists take incredible risks to tell the truth about major events in the world, and face intimidation and violence for shining light on corruption and exposing abuse. This resolution recognizes the importance of press freedom for both strong and nascent democracies, and affirms that it should be a central pillar of U.S. policy at home and abroad. Press freedom and freedom of expression are under assault globally, said Senator Rubio. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to promoting democratic values and human rights around the world by reinforcing the vital role of a free press. Cases like that of Emilio Gutierrez make it clearer than ever that freedom of the press and journalists are under attack at home and abroad, said Senator Wyden. My father was a journalist, and I was raised on the foundational notion that free societies depend upon a free and open press. I will never stop working to uphold the rights of journalists to ask the hard questions and report the facts. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=879 House Passes Historic Tax Reform 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Bill Shuster S001154 shuster.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The House of Representatives voted 227-203 to pass the conference report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. U.S. Representative Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) voted in favor. For too long, a complicated and broken tax code has held back American workers and families. That changes today, said Congressman Bill Shuster. Thanks to President Trumps leadership, middle-class America will notice immediate relief next year, and a modernized rate for American businesses will increase stagnant wages for American workers and create jobs nationwide. When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) becomes law, Americans at every income level will see tax relief. The Tax Foundation found in its analysis of the TCJA a reduction in tax liability in 2018 for every scenario we estimated, with some of the largest changes in after-tax income accruing to moderate-income families with children. A typical family of four with the median household income will see a tax cut of more than $2,000, nearly a 58 percent reduction in their tax bill. A single parent with one child, earning $41,000 a year will see a tax cut of more than $1,300, a reduction of nearly 73 percent in their tax burden. The 47,750 taxpayers in Pennsylvanias 9th Congressional District who claim the child tax credit will see the credits doubled, from $1,000 to $2,000, with $1,400 being refundable. Currently, more than 55,000 taxpayers in the 9th Congressional District itemize their taxes. Under the TCJA, many taxpayers will have their annual taxes simplified to postcard filing, as a result of the nearly doubling the standard deduction, from $6,500 to $12,000 for individuals, and from $13,000 to $24,000 for married couples. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce found the TCJA will create 975,000 jobs nationwide and nearly 40,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. A summary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found here, and the bill text can be found here. The Senate will be voting on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act later this evening. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-votes-for-historic-tax-reform Barletta Votes for Historic Tax Reform 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Its been 31 years since the last significant reform to the U.S. tax code was undertaken. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the conference committee report on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, by a vote of 227 to 203, cementing a once in a generation win for the American people. Barletta voted in favor of the legislation. Today Congress gave millions of American families a renewed and revitalized shot at prosperity, Barletta said. For a generation, Americans have seen good paying jobs leave our shores and their wages stagnate, while the government continued to take more and more money out of their paychecks. Washington forgot the American family and worker. Instead of fighting for Americans, Washington has been fighting to fill the coffers of faceless, nameless bureaucrats. Today, we made clear to Washington the old way of doing business is over. This is a new era of American prosperity. The plan will bring higher wages, create more employment opportunities, and deliver a tax cut to every income group. This tax plan is a much needed Christmas gift every American family. I am very excited to have been part of such a historic event. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides significant relief for the workers and middle income families of Pennsylvania by simplifying and lowering rates for individuals, making America the global jobs magnate, and cutting red tape and taxes on small businesses, the backbone of our countrys economy. According to estimates provided by the Tax Foundation, this legislation will lead to a 1.7 percent increase in GDP over the long term, 1.5 percent higher wages, and an additional 339,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Specifically, this legislation provides significant relief to American families by doubling the standard deduction to $12,000 for single filers, and $24,000 for joint filers. The expansion of the standard deduction will dramatically lower the tax liability for the average American taxpayer. This is a significant change for the Commonwealth as 70.8 percent of Pe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-casey-meehan-and-fitzpatrick-fight-bring-clean-water-funding Boyle, Casey, Meehan and Fitzpatrick Fight to Bring Clean Water Funding Increases Over the Finish Line 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Brendan Boyle B001296 boyle.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Yesterday, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) joined three of his fellow members of Congress representing constituents on or near the former Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster and the former Naval Air Station in Horsham in their latest joint bipartisan effort to ensure that the final defense funding bill for fiscal year 2018, currently being negotiated, retains the funding increases they secured in earlier versions of the legislation. These communities and others like them across the country are grappling with water contamination due to the past and persistent use of AFFF firefighting foam (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) by the Department of Defense. Boyle led the House effort with Congressmen Patrick Meehan (PA-7) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8) to increase environmental remediation funding for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and secured a successful bipartisan vote on his amendment on the floor of the House in July. Senator Casey has spearheaded efforts in the Senate. The members also secured language authorizing and funding a nationwide health study on the human health impacts of the contaminants. The letter reads as follows: The Honorable Thad Cochran The Honorable Kay Granger Chair Chair Subcommittee on Defense Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations S-128, The Capitol H-305, The Capitol U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Richard Durbin The Honorable Pete Visclosky Ranking Member Ranking Member Subcommittee on Defense Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-statement-supporting-tax-relief-middle-income Rep. Costello Statement on Supporting Tax Relief for Middle Income Pennsylvanians 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today issued the following statement regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: American workers are the lynchpin of a healthy economy. Employers provide the capital and take the risk to create value in services and products. Families are the backbone of our society. For all of them, we need an economy that invests in people and rewards hard work. To start, and to be clear, this tax bill cuts taxes for low income Americans, and it does so by doubling the standard deduction. Middle income families will benefit from lower rates and doubling the child tax credit to name just a few policies. And for those itemizing on their tax return, up to $10,000 is still able to be deducted from property and income taxes, along with the mortgage interest deduction; when you combine this with lower income tax brackets and higher income thresholds, the overwhelming majority of my constituents will get a tax cut. This means hard earned money back in your wallet to be saved, invested, and spent at businesses in Southeastern Pennsylvania. I believe hardworking taxpayers deserve a tax cut and that is why Im proud to support this tax relief bill. On the business side, small businesses will have more capital to invest in their workers through higher wages and with more job creation and in their equipment and machinery, which will also have a positive economic impact. This bill will create jobs. And a tighter labor market means companies compete for workers and wages rise. We are losing jobs and investment to other countries. Today, the U.S. corporate tax rate remains at 35 percent while the worldwide average corporate tax rate is 22.5 percent. Did you know that the average rate among U.S. trading partners, the vast majority of which have converted to territorial tax systems, is 24.6 percent? This tax bill makes us competitive for future investment and growth in the global economy. There are so many myths that persist, and I would like to clear up a few of them. The teacher supplies deduction rema… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dent.house.gov/2017/12/dent-tax-reform-will-benefit-the-people-of-the-15th-district Dent: "Tax Reform Will Benefit the People of the 15th District" 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Charlie Dent D000604 dent.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) voted for the first major rewrite of the Federal Tax code in 31 years. This legislation provides much needed tax relief for millions of American families and will make American businesses, large and small, more competitive so that they can grow and create more jobs in the United States, said Dent. Dent cited a key provision in the reform bill and its impact on his constituents as a major factor in his decision. Tax data show that nearly 70 percent of the taxpayers in the 15th Congressional district of Pennsylvania do not itemize on their federal tax returns. That makes the near doubling of the standard deduction ($12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples), tied to lower income tax rates, a great benefit to the overwhelming majority of them, noted Dent. Under this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. He also applauded the doubling of the Child Tax Credit and the provision that raised the fully refundable portion of the credit to $1,400. Representative Dent also pointed to the business tax provisions in the bill and the benefits that would accrue to Americans workers and business owners. This bill provides the key element necessary for economic growth and for curtailing corporate inversions a competitive, stable corporate tax rate, said Dent. Our previous corporate tax rate of 35% was not competitive and it resulted in the creation of tens of thousands of pages of loopholes used by companies to reduce their effective rate, he said. Id rather see American businesses invest their time and capital in Research and Development, new equipment, new factories and hiring American workers and not on tax attorneys and compliance costs, he observed. For these reasons, I support this important legislation and look forward to the Senates prompt approval and the Presidents signature, Dent concluded. Policy Highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) include: Lowers i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/doyle-votes-against-republican-tax-bill Doyle Votes Against Republican Tax Bill 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Mike Doyle D000482 doyle.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) released the following statement after the House voted 227 203 today to approve the final version of H.R 1, the GOPs $1.5 trillion tax bill."I voted against the Republican bill cutting more than a trillion dollars in taxes for corporations and the rich and putting the burden of paying for it on the middle class, the poor, and our grandchildren. "Under the GOP tax bill, more than 80 percent of the cuts will go to households making more than $5 million a year. Thats no Middle Class tax cut. "But there are many other reasons behind my vote against this misguided bill: it will actually raise taxes on most Middle Class households after a few short years, with more than half of all taxpayers - 86 million households - paying more; it wont raise wages; it gives a new tax break to corporations for shipping US jobs overseas; it will cause a $25 billion cut in Medicare next year; and it will cause federal budget deficits to explode, increasing the national debt by more than $1.5 trillion. "Enactment of the Republican tax bill will leave most households worse off in the long run. Their tax cuts will be replaced with tax increases, and Republicans plan to use the increased national debt as justification to cut programs like Medicare and Medicaid that most Americans rely on. "Moreover, rather than providing the greatest tax relief to families who need it the most who will pump that money right back into the economy the GOP tax bill provides the lions share of its tax cuts to corporations and the households that are the most well off. "This tax bill is a scam perpetrated on the American People by Republicans in Congress and the White House. When the American People discover what this bill really does, they will hold those who are responsible for it accountable. "I will continue to work in Congress to curb these unsustainable giveaways to corporations and the rich and to redirect federal resources to the millions of families who are struggling to get by. Th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-evans-statement-house-passage-hr-1 Congressman Evans Statement on House Passage of H.R. 1 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Dwight Evans E000296 evans.house.gov evans https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Today Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) released the following statement after voting ‘No' on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Our country has not seen bipartisan tax reform since 1986, and I believe we can all agree that the U.S. tax code is in need of a major facelift. The way the Republican Party and the Trump Administration are going about tax reform is all wrong. Real tax reform, not the phony charade that we just witnessed, must be comprehensive, simplify our tax code, and ensure a progressive tax code that helps move everyone in our neighborhoods forward, without arbitrarily picking winners and losers. "Governing is all about choices. And today we saw the Republican Party and the Trump Administration make a choice that I firmly believe is a step in the wrong direction for the people of Philadelphia and America. Their bill H.R.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, does absolutely nothing to move our country forward—it is a bridge to nowhere. I've said it many times before and I'll say it again there is no such thing as a free lunch. It is our most vulnerable who will pay the price under this bait-and-switch tax scam. The Republican Party always talks a big game about how Democrats are the party of taxing and spending but today it was the Republican Party who peddled a sham bill to hard-working Americans that shifts the financial burden on generations to come. Where is the Tea Party which was up in arms when President Obama and Congress worked to stabilize our economy? I thought they cared about the debt and deficit," Congressman Evans said. Before the champagne is uncorked I would like my colleagues on the other side to consider this fact: corporate revenues as a percent of total revenues fell for 14.5 percent to 9.2 percent from 2006 to 2016. Despite concerns expressed about the size of the corporate tax rate, current corporate taxes are extremely low by historical standards, whether measured as a share of output or based on the effective tax rate on income, based on historical CBO research. With the huge drop… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fitzpatrick-s-bipartisan-ukraine-cybersecurity-bill-advances-full-house Fitzpatricks bipartisan Ukraine cybersecurity bill advances to full House vote 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy Bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) that supports cybersecurity cooperation between the United States and the Ukraine on Dec. 14 unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill, which has 25 cosponsors, awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives. Cybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation, Fitzpatrick said, and the United States must play an important role in this fight. The Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, H.R. 1997, was introduced Apr. 6 by U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) and Fitzpatrick following an increased number of cyberattacks in the country. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyberattacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society, said Fitzpatrick, who serves on the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. In December 2015, for example, cyberattacks resulted in unscheduled power outages at Ukrainian power companies that impacted many customers across the country. And during the 2014 presidential election in the Ukraine a failed cyberattack attempted to disrupt the countrys election system software. The United States, which established diplomatic relations with the country in 1992, subsequently sent interagency teams to the Ukraine to check the countrys infrastructure safety and to help with investigations. Since that time, both countries have cooperated on mitigating future attacks. Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedoms cause is libertys best defense, Fitzpatrick said. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyberthreats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally, as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself, he added. Specifically, H.R. 1997 encourages U.S.-Ukraine cybersecurity information sharing and would require the U.S. State Department to report to Congress on the two nations cyber cooperation and cyberattack prevention strategies. The State Department also … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-statement-tax-reform-1 Fitzpatrick Statement on Tax Reform 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Small Business Committee, released the following statement Tuesday regarding the passage of historic tax reform legislation: A 21st century economy requires a 21st century tax code, making tax reform a crucial part of any pro-growth governing strategy. With todays vote, our nation has taken a historic step to invest in American families and support American businesses and workers. More than just allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, this legislation maintains important parts of existing policy like deductions for student loan interest payments, strengthens and expands provisions like the Child Tax Credit, and takes new action to increase economic competitiveness at home and abroad. While this is an important piece of the puzzle, we cannot stop here. It is time Democrats and Republicans work together to take meaningful action on a wide range of priorities, from infrastructure to ending the culture of corruption in Washington. POLICY HIGHLIGHTS: For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income or sales taxes to best fit their unique circumstances Takes action to support more American families by: Expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for fam… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-votes-final-passage-tax-cuts-jobs-act Rep. Kelly Votes for Final Passage of Tax Cuts & Jobs Act 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Mike Kelly K000376 kelly.house.gov     legacy Historic tax reform bill on its way to White House WATCH HERE WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) a member of the House Ways and Means Committee voted this afternoon in support of the House-Senate Conference Committee Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 227-203. The U.S. Senate is expected to consider the legislation this evening. Once passed, the bill will advance to the White House to be signed into law by President Donald J. Trump. Statement by Rep. Kelly following House vote: I think I cast the most important vote Ive ever cast while representing you, Pennsylvanias Third Congressional District: I just voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs bill. It is an incredible piece of legislation that means more take-home pay for everyday working people. It also makes us competitive globally so jobs dont leave the countrythey come back home and they stay home. What a great day for America, what a great day for every one of us!. NOTE: The full text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be read here. Rep. Kellys floor speech in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report Rep. Kelly discusses the bills benefits on Fox Business Network Rep. Kellys full statement on the bills initial House passage Rep. Kellys full statement after the bills approval by the Ways & Means Committee Rep. Kellys full statement on the bills introduction ICYMI: A full compilation of Rep. Kellys recent national TV appearances in support of pro-growth tax reform can be found here. For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. Continues to allow people to write off the cost of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://meehan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-middle-class-tax-relief House Approves Middle-Class Tax Relief 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Pat Meehan M001181 meehan.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The House of Representatives this afternoon approved the House-Senate Conference Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement after the vote: This bill brings needed tax relief to middle-class families, said Congressman Meehan. It doubles the standard deduction, meaning the first $24,000 a married couple earns will be tax free. It lowers rates overall and it doubles the size of the child tax credit. The end result will be a lower tax bill for the vast majority of middle-class taxpayers. Importantly, the compromise reached between the House and Senate preserves deductions for state and local property or income taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Im particularly pleased that this bill preserves and makes more generous the deduction for medical expenses so important to many Pennsylvania seniors with expensive medical bills. It also repeals Obamacares harmful individual mandate tax, which disproportionally hits working families. In Pennsylvania, 83% of taxpayers hit by the individual mandate penalty earned less than $50,000 a year. This legislation doesnt just mean more money in the pockets of middle class families. It means more jobs, too. Its the most significant revamp of our broken business tax code in decades, and it will bring thousands of jobs back to our shores from overseas. It also gives small businesses a tax cut. One study, by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, indicates the bill will generate more than 13,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. An analysis of the legislation released this morning by the left-leaning Tax Policy Center found that more than 80% of tax filers will receive a tax cut next year a cut, on average, of almost $1,600. Our tax code today is broken. Pennsylvania taxpayers spend too much time and money each year struggling to comply with a tax code that doesnt work for them. Taxpayers will be able to decide how to spend more of what they earn instead of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398613 Perry Supports Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Scott Perry P000605 perry.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Scott Perry voted in favor of the final conference report on the House GOP Tax Plan, the Tax CutsandJobs Act. The version of the bill was an agreed-to compromise of House and Senate leaders who spent weeks reconciling the difference between each chambers Tax Plans. Tax reform is critical to growing our economy and breaking free of the lackluster economic conditions weve endured - slow-growth, stagnant wages and jobs fleeing overseas. Our Tax Code was last updated more than 30 years ago; our world and our economy have changed drastically since then, while the Code has grown increasingly outdated. This bill helps us keep more of what we earn especially for working families and small businesses - and modernizes our Code to help American companies compete abroad, create jobs here at home and help bring back companies from overseas thats why I supported this bill, said Congressman Perry. The proposal is expected to be taken up by the Senate later this week. If it passes without changes, it goes to President Trump for his signature, after which it will become law. The Plan: doubles the standard deduction for both individuals and married couples, which means that the first $12,000 or $24,000 dollars of earnedincomeistax-free for these groups, respectively; expands the Child Tax Credit up to $2,000 per child; preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child; leaves in place existing benefits for grad students; expands the medical expense deduction; leaves in place the Mortgage Interest Deduction for homes that cost under $750,000; and, repeals the individual mandate established in the Affordable Care Act. No one should ever be forced by the Government to purchase a product or service; that directly contradicts the fundamental notion of American liberty enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, Perry said regarding the individual mandate. We need to s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothus-votes-pass-historic-tax-reform-legislation-1 Rothus Votes to Pass Historic Tax Reform Legislation 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Keith Rothfus R000598 rothfus.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Today the House passed the Conference Report for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 1, by a vote of 227-203. Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) issued the following statement after voting for this historic legislation to give hardworking Americans the financial relief they deserve: Todays tax reform bill represents a historic shift of wealth and power away from Washington, D.C. and back to the American people, said Congressman Rothfus. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides meaningful relief to Americans of all walks of life. For instance, a single mom with one child earning $41,000 a year will see a tax cut of more than $1,300 to help her make ends meet, while a family of four making $73,000 a year will get more than $2,000 back. Thanks to this bill, a competitive tax code will stop American businesses from packing up and sending jobs overseas. Todays bill will unleash the power of the American people and allow the economy to grow at a much healthier and more dynamic pace, bringing prosperity back again. Watch Congressman Rothfus Floor Statement HERE. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-statement-house-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-conference-report Smucker Statement on House Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lloyd Smucker S001199 smucker.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) today issued the following statement on House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Every American deserves the opportunity to pursue his or her own version of the American Dream. Today, our complex and outdated federal tax code leaves families feeling like theyre doing everything right, but still struggling to make ends meet. The status quo on taxes is failing the middle class. Throughout this past year, I have been hearing from constituents about what tax reform should do for them and their families. They want a simpler, more honest federal tax code that lets them keep more of their paycheck and restores American competitiveness and thats what this bill does. I have also had conversations with constituents about specific provisions in our tax bill that have been good for our community. Our older population has been able to reduce its tax liability because of the deduction for medical expenses. Cities like Lancaster, Reading, and Coatesville have taken advantage of the New Market and Historic Tax Credits to jumpstart economic activity and put people back to work. I fought to retain these important provisions to help ensure this tax plan works for our district. The IRS has told President Trump that, if signed into law before Christmas, the lower rates will be effective as soon as February. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation so hardworking Americans can keep more of their own money. Rep. Smucker sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady in late November urging them to preserve the New Market and Historic Tax Credits in the final version of tax reform legislation. You can read that letter here. Rep. Smucker also sent a letter to Tax Policy Subcommittee Chairman Peter Roskam that highlighted the concerns shared by residents of a retirement communities in the district and the value of being able to deduct medical expenses. You can read that letter here. You can read the bill text and policy highlights of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-appointment-erica-hetrick-us-naval-academy-annapolis Thompson Announces Appointment of Erica Hetrick to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov thompson https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Clarion-Limestone senior accepts fully-qualified appointment WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) today announced that Ms. Erica Lynn Hetrick of Clarion, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Erica is a senior at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High School, and she is the daughter of Derry Hetrick and Virginia McKisson, both of Clarion. “Ms. Hetrick has excelled in the classroom, on the playing field and in service to her community,” Rep. Thompson said. “I know that Erica’s high honors will lend to her becoming a leader at the Naval Academy in Annapolis in the same fashion as she did at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High. I was pleased to nominate Ms. Hetrick, and I wish her the best of luck as a midshipman.” Hetrick is Vice President of the National Honor Society, she founded the Political Science Club and serves as President, works part-time as Bob’s Sub and Sandwich Shop, and she has volunteered her time with numerous clubs and organizations including Future Teachers of America where she tutored other students. She is currently ranked second in her class. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-supports-tax-overhaul Thompson Supports Tax Overhaul 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov thompson https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Legislation maintains important education provisions, significantly increases standard deduction for individuals, families WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, produced by the bicameral Tax Conference Committee. U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson(PA-05) voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 227 to 203. Earlier in the morning, Rep. Thompsonspoke on the House floor in support of the measure. Upon approval by both the House and Senate, the legislation will be sent to President Donald J. Trump for his signature and will become law, taking effect January 1, 2018. Rep. Thompson released the following statement: “I am proud to support this long-overdue tax reform that will bring immediate relief to American taxpayers across the board, families and businesses around the nation. For the first time since 1986, we are challenging the status quo and simplifying the tax code. Under this final legislation, low- and middle-income families, who have been struggling for a long time, will see their tax burden lowered, by nearly doubling the standard deduction. “As it pertains to the Fifth Congressional District, according to the IRS, the 18 percent of taxpayers who choose to itemize on average about $21,000 in deductions. The bill will automatically allow for a $24,000 standard deduction – up from $12,700 – for those filing jointly. That’s nearly 82 percent of the taxpayers in the 5th District. This proposal truly strives to help families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. “I also am also pleased that the final legislation maintains current tax preferences for education assistance. Specifically, the bill maintains the deduction for student loan interest payments and graduate tuition waiver exemptions for working students. I – and many of my colleagues – urged the Conference Committee to keep these provisions intact. “I encourage my Senate colleagues to act swiftly, pass the bill and send it to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-announces-appointment-erica-hetrick-us-naval-academy-annapolis-md Thompson Announces Appointment of Erica Hetrick to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Clarion-Limestone senior accepts fully-qualified appointment WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson (PA-05) today announced that Ms. Erica Lynn Hetrick of Clarion, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Erica is a senior at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High School, and she is the daughter of Derry Hetrick and Virginia McKisson, both of Clarion. Ms. Hetrick has excelled in the classroom, on the playing field and in service to her community, Rep. Thompson said. I know that Ericas high honorswill lend to her becoming a leader at the Naval Academy in Annapolis in the same fashion as shedid at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High. I was pleased to nominate Ms. Hetrick, and I wish her the best of luck as a midshipman. Hetrick is Vice President of the National Honor Society, she founded the Political Science Club and serves as President, works part-time as Bobs Sub and Sandwich Shop, and she has volunteered her time with numerous clubs and organizations including Future Teachers of America where she tutored other students. She is currently ranked second in her class. Hetrick is also a member of the track and field team, and volleyball team where in 2017 she was co-captain and named Most Valuable Player. Hetricks maternal grandparents are Henrietta and Bill Kodrich of Clarion. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-supports-tax-overhaul Thompson Supports Tax Overhaul 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Legislation maintains important education provisions, significantly increases standard deduction for individuals, families WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, produced by the bicameral Tax Conference Committee. U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson (PA-05) voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 227 to 203. Earlier in the morning, Rep. Thompson spoke on the House floor in support of the measure. Upon approval by both the House and Senate, the legislation will be sent to President Donald J. Trump for his signature and will become law, taking effect January 1, 2018. Rep. Thompson released the following statement: I am proud to support this long-overdue tax reform that will bring immediate relief to American taxpayers across the board, families and businesses around the nation. For the first time since 1986, we are challenging the status quo and simplifying the tax code. Under this final legislation, low- and middle-income families, who have been struggling for a long time, will see their tax burden lowered, by nearly doubling the standard deduction. As it pertains to the Fifth Congressional District, according to the IRS, the 18 percent of taxpayers who choose to itemize on average about $21,000 in deductions. The bill will automatically allow for a $24,000 standard deduction up from $12,700 for those filing jointly. Thats nearly 82 percent of the taxpayers in the 5th District. This proposal truly strives to help families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. I also am also pleased that the final legislation maintains current tax preferences for education assistance.Specifically, the bill maintains the deduction for student loan interest payments and graduate tuition waiver exemptions for working students. I and many of my colleagues urged the Conference Committee to keep these provisions intact. I encourage my Senate colleagues to act swiftly, pass the bill and send it to the Presidents de… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2074 Senator Toomey Statement on Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy This bill fundamentally shows that we believe in the capacity of the American people to restore the vibrant economic growth that we used to take for granted. Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the Senate passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: "Tonight the Senate passed the most historic reform to our tax code in over three decades. In doing so, we've achieved two major accomplishments for the American people. "First, we lowered the tax burden on hardworking individuals and families. The vast majority of lower and middle-income taxpayers will pay less in federal taxes. Second, we fundamentally restructured the business tax code which will enable American workers and businesses to compete globally, encourage a surge in economic growth, and create better paying jobs. This bill fundamentally shows that we believe in the capacity of the American people to restore the vibrant economic growth that we used to take for granted. "I thank Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hatch, and Chairman Brady for their leadership throughout this process and my colleagues in the Senate for their hard work and perseverance. I am excited the President will soon sign this bill into law, making good on the promise we made to the American people." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-introduces-legislation-stabilize-health-insurance-markets Rep. Costello Introduces Legislation to Stabilize Health Insurance Markets and Ensure Affordable Coverage for Pennsylvanians 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today introduced H.R. 4666, the Premium Relief Act, legislation that would stabilize the individual health insurance marketplace, provide relief from soaring insurance premiums, and ensure access to affordable coverage by funding Cost Sharing Reduction payments (CSRs) and creating a Patient and State Stability Fund to give states flexibility in how they provide assistance for healthinsurance costs. CSRs lower cost-sharing for thousands of Pennsylvanians who purchase low-deductible, high-quality health insurance through the individual marketplace. The Administration announced in October it would end these payments after concluding the program could not be lawfully funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasurys refundable tax account. This legislation would provide funding for CSRs for 2017, 2019, and 2020. Rep. Costello has been outspoken in his support of funding CSRs to provide stability in the marketplace. The Premium Relief Act would also provide immediate certainty to the health insurance market by creating a Patient and State Stability Fund. The Stability Fund is guaranteed through the federal government.This is also known as a federal fallback,and it gives certainty to insurers when setting rates, which will result in lower premiums. While 2018 rates have already been set, insurers will consider this fund before calculating their 2019 rates. Importantly, the Stability Fund gives states the ability to provide financial assistance for individuals and families who need help accessing non-employer coverage. The Stability Fund can provide funding for copayments, coinsurance, preventative care, maternity care, treatment for mental health disorders, and substance disorders, among other needs. While Rep. Costello supports expanding state flexibility through other avenues, Pennsylvania stakeholders have emphasized the Stability Fund requires less of a bureaucratic process and will be implemented before insurers set their 2019 rates. To ensure transparency of this fund… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-named-health-it-pioneer-work-expand-access-telemedicine Thompson Named ‘Health IT Pioneer’ for Work to Expand Access to Telemedicine for Veterans 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov thompson https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Award recognizes legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson was recently presented with a Health IT Pioneer award for his bill, H.R. 2123 the VETS Act, which expands access to telemedicine in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical system. Rep. Thompson introduced the VETS Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) earlier this year and the House passed the bill in November. Health IT Now is a broad-based coalition of patient groups, provider organizations, employers, and payers supporting health information technology to improve patient outcomes. It recently presented its annual Health IT Pioneer awards, the organization’s highest honor, to select Members of Congress. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-named-%E2%80%98health-it-pioneer%E2%80%99-work-expand-access-telemedicine-veterans Thompson Named Health IT Pioneer for Work to Expand Access to Telemedicine for Veterans 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Glenn Thompson T000467 thompson.house.gov     legacy Award recognizes legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson was recently presented with a Health IT Pioneer award for his bill, H.R. 2123 the VETS Act, which expands access to telemedicine in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical system. Rep. Thompson introduced the VETS Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) earlier this year and the House passed the bill in November. HealthITNowis a broad-based coalition of patient groups, provider organizations, employers, and payers supportinghealthinformation technology to improve patient outcomes.It recently presented its annual Health IT Pioneer awards, the organizations highest honor, to select Members of Congress. The Health IT Pioneer awards recognize legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare.Lawmakers were also recognized for their support of the VETS Act and the Increasing Telehealth Access in Medicare Act,measures endorsed by HITN to make telehealth services more readily available within the Veterans Administration and MedicareAdvantage programs. I am pleased the House passed the VETS Act, which will allow our servicemen and women greater access to care especially those in rural areas, Rep. Thompson said. The VETS Act will ensure that our veterans receive timely health care no matter where they live. I thank Health IT Now for its unwavering support of the legislation and for presenting me with the Health IT Pioneer award. At Health IT Now, our members recognize the transformative potential ofhealth IT to empower patients, support providers, and lower overall healthcare costs and so do each of this years Health IT Pioneer award recipients, said HITN Executive Director Joel White. These legislators are truly our Congressional champions; pushing for a future-focused healthcare system that leverages the power of technology to improve care coordination, simplify administrative bu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2070 Senator Toomey Statement on Conference Agreement for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the agreement reached by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Committee: "I am elated that my colleagues and I have reached an agreement on a tax bill because it puts us one step closer to delivering both direct tax relief and a better economy to all Pennsylvanians. "In just a few weeks, the vast majority of my constituents will get a pay raise because less of their hard-earned money will be going to Uncle Sam. Workers and employers will see a surge of new investment as this agreement takes the industrialized world's worst business tax code and makes it one of the best. At the beginning of this process, I promised that I would work hard in support of pro-growth principles that deliver a brighter economic future for Pennsylvanians and all Americans. I am thrilled that the conference bill achieves that goal. "I thank Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hatch, and Chairman Brady for their leadership throughout this process and I am optimistic the full Senate will approve this measure next week." Read the full legislative text and the policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2072 Toomey, Blumenthal Statement on Passage of PACT Act 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - The Senate unanimously agreed to Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Blumenthal's (D-Ct.) bipartisan bill, the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act. The PACT Act would outlaw a heinous form of animal abuse known as "crushing," where deranged individuals maim and torture animals. Despite taking steps in 2010 to ban the sale of videos depicting animal crushing, Congress failed to make the underlying act of crushing a federal crime. This means that--even when there is overwhelming evidence that torture is taking place--federal law enforcement is unable to protect animals from abuse or even arrest known abusers. The PACT Act would ensure that individuals found guilty of torturing animals face felony charges, fines, and up to seven years in prison. "Animal crushing is absolutely disgusting and there is no place for this behavior in our society," said Sen. Toomey. "It is long past time this abhorrent practice came to an end and I am glad the Senate once again took the next step towards advancing that goal. I am hopeful that this bipartisan bill will pass the House and finally get enacted into law." "This bipartisan measure finally prohibits a heinous, inhumane practice--stating emphatically once and for all that there is no place in a civilized society for the maiming and torturing of animals," said Sen. Blumenthal. "Thanks to the long overdue action of the Senate, the barbaric individuals who commit these crimes will no longer walk free. I call on the House to pass this important legislation immediately." "Our nation should have a zero tolerance policy for malicious cruelty to animals or sexual exploitation of defenseless creatures," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "We are immensely grateful to Senators Toomey and Blumenthal for leading this fight and securing this enormous win for animal welfare." The PACT Act is endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, National Sheriffs' Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Associa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-leads-bipartisan-effort-in-calling-on-congressional-leadership-to-commit-resources-to-opioid-epidemic Casey Leads Bipartisan Effort In Calling On Congressional Leadership To Commit Resources To Opioid Epidemic 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - As the Nations opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in calling on Senate leadership to provide states with the resources they need to tackle this ongoing public health emergency. Senator Casey was joined by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). In their letter, the bipartisan group urge Leaders McConnell (R-KY) and Schumer (D-NY) to include additional funding dedicated to addressing the crisis in the upcoming supplemental and omnibus appropriations legislation. Opioid misuse is not a partisan issue. It is ravaging communities in every state and preys upon individuals and families regardless of party affiliation, wrote the Senators. We have worked together on this issue in the past, and with the clear statement from Acting Secretary Hargan that the administration is looking for Congress to lead the way, it is time for us to work together again. As the Senate considers pending supplemental and omnibus appropriation legislation, please make every effort to ensure that new, substantial and sustained funding for the opioid epidemic is included in any legislative package. The full text of the letter can be seen below: Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer: We write today to discuss our Nations opioid misuse epidemic and the urgent need for Congress to provide our states with the resources they need to deal with this public health emergency. In light of recent statements from the administration asking Congress to act on this issue, we believe the upcoming supplemental and omnibus appropriations legislation present significant opportunities for additional funding. As you are aware, the opioid misuse epidemic is taking a toll on individuals, families and communities across the Nation. It is tearing apart families and stra… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/senators-urge-administration-to-outline-real-plan-to-address-outsourcing Senators Urge Administration To Outline Real Plan To Address Outsourcing 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressional Republicans tax plan includes provisions that may encourage companies to move production and jobs overseas. To ensure the Administration adheres to its numerous promises to put American workers first, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) have penned a letter asking the Administration to prevent the inclusion of provisions in the tax bill that encourage outsourcing and outline meaningful steps it plans to take to prevent outsourcing. Specifically, the GOPs plan will reward U.S. companies that offshore jobs with a large tax cut on old profits unavailable to companies who keep their production in the United States. And it may allow future profits from outsourced manufacturing to never be taxed in the United States. Outsourcing causes job loss and wage decline and the Administration must have an effective strategy to combat it, wrote the Senators. The tax policies being pursued by Republicans in Congress are at odds with these objectives. We urge you to take steps to ensure that your statements on outsourcing are reflected in the positions Treasury takes in negotiations over the international components of the tax legislation with Senate Republicans. The full text of the letter can be seen below: Dear President Trump: We write to express our support for the goal of curbing policies that encourage outsourcing and hope the United States Trade Representative will negotiate commitments in the NAFTA that contribute to this objective. However, we are concerned that the tax policy currently being drafted by Treasury and Republicans in Congress may not only undermine any such efforts, but could actually create new and more substantial incentives to outsource that far outweigh any disincentives created by the Administrations trade policies. Outsourcing causes job loss and wage decline and the Administration must have an effective strategy to combat it. The tax policies being pursued by Republicans in … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-foreign-affairs-committee-passes-boyle-bill-bolster-cybersecurity House Foreign Affairs Committee Passes Boyle Bill to Bolster Cybersecurity, US-Ukrainian Cooperation 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Brendan Boyle B001296 boyle.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, legislation introduced by Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) and Brian K. Fitzpatrick (PA-8). The bill, H.R. 1997, would encourage cooperation between the United States and Ukraine on matters of cybersecurity and require State Department reporting to Congress on best practices to protect against future cyber attacks. The legislation may now go to the House floor for a vote on final passage. I am proud to advance this important bipartisan legislation with Congressman Fitzpatrick and our HFAC colleagues, said Congressman Boyle, a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. It is past time we recognize the need and opportunity to work more closely with our great friend and ally Ukraine, which is on the frontlines for nation state-directed cyber attacks. Helping Ukraine buttress its cyber defenses will also help the United States in developing new and more effective technologies and strategies in dealing with cyber security on the modern battlefield. Our cooperation towards this goal will send a strong, important signal of Western support for Ukraine at a time when it is literally fighting to protect its democratic identity from Putin. Cybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyber attacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society. The United States must play an important role in this fight. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyber-threats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself, said Fitzpatrick, also a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedom's cause is liberty's best defense. Im proud to work with my colleague, Mr. Boyle, in encouraging cooperation between the U.S. and Ukra… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costello-doyle-introduce-bipartisan-bill-establish-investment-tax-credit Costello, Doyle Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Investment Tax Credit for Energy Storage 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Reps. Ryan Costello (R-PA) and Mike Doyle (D-PA), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the bipartisan Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017. This bill, H.R. 4649, would establish a separate investment tax credit (ITC) for energy storage infrastructure for utilities, businesses, and homes. The legislation is cosponsored by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA). “Supporting and encouraging the use of innovative energy technologies can help lower energy costs and improve grid resiliency. When paired with recent advancements in clean and renewable energy choices, energy storage can strengthen the security of our electric grid, offer consumers greater choice, and lower the cost of energy bills,” said Rep. Costello “This legislation encourages the use of emerging energy storage technologies and incorporating them into the electric grid. Energy storage technologies are critical to the increased adoption of renewable energy and the improvement of electric grid resilience,” said Rep. Doyle. “This bipartisan bill will facilitate greater investment and research in energy storage technologies, bolster the advanced energy economy, and support clean energy jobs across Pennsylvania.” Energy storage systems often serve as complementary reserves to renewable resources like wind and solar power. They can provide backup power and also help lower costs for electricity during peak demand, when energy is most expensive. Energy storage ultimately makes our electric grid more sustainable and resilient, and can help provide power when we need it most – like the hottest afternoons or cold snaps in winter. Additionally, energy storage systems are integral to increasing deployment of advanced grid technologies and enhancing the operation of all types of generating resources.  The Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017 is modeled on the existing investment tax credits for solar energy and can apply to large, utility-scale energy storage projects or smaller battery sy… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/congressmen-doyle-and-costello-introduce-bipartisan-bill-establish-investment-tax Congressmen Doyle and Costello Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Investment Tax Credit for Energy Storage 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Mike Doyle D000482 doyle.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON DC U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Ryan Costello (R-PA), both members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the bipartisan Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017. This bill, H.R. 4649, would establish a separate investment tax credit (ITC) for energy storage infrastructure for utilities, businesses, and homes. The legislation is cosponsored by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA). This legislation encourages the use of emerging energy storage technologies and incorporating them into the electric grid. Energy storage technologies are critical to the increased adoption of renewable energy and the improvement of electric grid resilience, said Congressman Doyle. This bipartisan bill will facilitate greater investment and research in energy storage technologies, bolster the advanced energy economy, and support clean energy jobs across Pennsylvania. Supporting and encouraging the use of innovative energy technologies can help lower energy costs and improve grid resiliency. When paired with recent advancements in clean and renewable energy choices, energy storage can strengthen the security of our electric grid, offer consumers greater choice, and lower the cost of energy bills, said Representative Costello. Energy storage systems often serve as complementary reserves to renewable resources like wind and solar power. They can provide backup power and also help lower costs for electricity during peak demand, when energy is most expensive. Energy storage ultimately makes our electric grid more sustainable and resilient, and can help provide power when we need it most like the hottest afternoons or cold snaps in winter. Additionally, energy storage systems are integral to increasing deployment of advanced grid technologies and enhancing the operation of all types of generating resources. The Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017 is modeled on the existing investment tax credits for solar energy and can apply to large, utility-scale energy storage … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/members-congress-condemn-fcc-vote-kill-net-neutrality Members of Congress Condemn FCC Vote to Kill Net Neutrality 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Mike Doyle D000482 doyle.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, joined a number of other Members of Congress in condemning the Federal Communications Commission’s vote today to kill the Open Internet Order, which guarantees Net Neutrality.   Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA-18), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Richard M. Nolan (D-MN-08), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Jerry McNerney (D-CA-09), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), and Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) joined Congressman Doyle in condemning the FCC’s action and announcing their intention to introduce legislation to overturn the “Restoring Internet Freedom” order the Commission adopted with that vote. Companion legislation will be introduced in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA).   “The Open Internet Order has been effective at preserving a level playing field where consumers have access to the content and services they want – and online businesses are able to compete on the basis of cost and quality of their product rather than how much they can pay Internet Service Providers to block or throttle their competition,” Congressman Doyle said in response to the FCC vote. “I’ve tried repeatedly to convince Chairman Pai to abandon his plans to dismantle the Open Internet Order – most recently by organizing a letter from 118 Members of Congress urging him not to take this vote today – and now that the FCC has voted to kill Net Neutrality and give ISPs a green light to control access to the Internet, I will introduce legislation under the Congressional Review Act to overturn today’s order and restore Net Neutrality.” “It’s clear that the Chairman’s idea to destroy the free and open Internet has been rejected in the court of public opinion, with tens of millions of Americans weighing in,” Representative Eshoo said. “As representatives of those millions, it is our responsibility to fight this march to folly. I… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/committee-passes-fitzpatrick-boyle-ukraine-cyber-security-bill Committee Passes Fitzpatrick-Boyle Ukraine Cyber Security Bill 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C – Bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8) and Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee Thursday, setting the stage for a crucial floor vote. The Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act [H.R. 1997] encourages cooperation between the United States and Ukraine on matters of cybersecurity and require State Department reporting to Congress on best practices to protect against future cyber attacks. “Cybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyber-attacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society. The United States must play an important role in this fight. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyber-threats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself,” said Fitzpatrick, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedom's cause is liberty's best defense. I’m proud to work with my college, Mr. Boyle, in encouraging cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine on this front, and look forward to continuing to work with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee to keep our focus on this 21st century battle.” In recent years, Ukraine has been the target of an increasing number of cyber-attacks that have infiltrated state institutions and critical infrastructure to the effect of undermining its democracy. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/marino-calls-clarity-and-effective-action-justice-department-and-drug Marino Calls for Clarity and Effective Action from Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration on Opioid Suspension Orders 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Tom Marino M001179 marino.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) called for greater clarity from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the appropriate standards to trigger opioid distribution immediate suspension orders (ISOs) and echoed calls from witnesses at a hearing for more effective actions to combat the opioid crisis.  Marino noted the frustrations expressed by members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee at the testimony of Demetra Ashley, Acting Assistant Administrator of the DEA’s Diversion Control Division, that the agencies favored a change from the current “substantial likelihood of an immediate threat” standard to trigger ISOs, but could not articulate what that change should be. Ashley also commented multiple times that the agency has used “foreseeable risk” for years in investigations. The “substantial likelihood” standard was instituted, after negating with the agencies, in the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, authored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)  and passed unanimously by both Houses of Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.  Congressman Marino observed Ms. Ashley’s expression of the DEA’s current preference for the “foreseeable risk” standard in the initial version of the Act he had introduced in the House. “I share the frustrations of my Senate colleagues over the shifting and unclear positions of the DOJ and DEA on the appropriate standard for immediate suspension orders,” stated Congressman Marino.  “That’s especially true given the near-unanimous agreement of witnesses at the hearing on the need to balance enforcement and access for pain patients and the fact that the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act has not hampered the agencies’ effectiveness in any way.” “I agree with the Senators who called for DOJ and DEA to provide clear suggestions on the standard for ISOs, and believe that if a change is needed, the ‘foreseeable risk’ standard would be a reasonable starting pla… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothus-praises-house-passage-legislation-increase-transparency-and Rothus Praises House Passage of Legislation to Increase Transparency and Oversight over Iran-U.S. Business Transactions 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Keith Rothfus R000598 rothfus.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - As a member of the Financial services committee where these two bills originated, Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) released the following statement after voting for the successful passage of the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, H.R. 1638, and the Strengthening Oversight of Iran’s Access to Finance Act, H.R. 4324: “Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism and is ruled by corrupt leaders.  The Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act targets Iran’s corrupt elite, who have amassed significant wealth at the expense of their fellow citizens. This bill shines the light on assets held by Iran’s top government and military leaders so the average Iranian has a better understanding of how their elites fail them. It also gives Non-governmental organizations, Americans, and other observers in the private sector a more transparent picture of Iran as the destabilizing force and adversary it is.” Representative Rothfus Continued, “Similarly, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran’s Access to Finance Act gives the United States government greater oversight regarding certain business transactions with Iran. It safeguards the U.S. financial system from Iran’s illicit activities. Iran’s destructive influence continues to pervade the broader Middle East, and the U.S. must be vigilant to scale back their treacherous actions.”   -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2069 Toomey Issues Statement on Fifth Anniversary of Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the five year anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. "Five years ago today, 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut were senselessly murdered. In the weeks and months following that awful tragedy, I sat down with some of the families of the victims. Those meetings were the most emotional and moving experiences I've had since joining the Senate. "These families and their stories of lost loved ones inspire me to work across the aisle on common-sense gun safety legislation. For years, members of Congress have talked past one another on gun safety issues. We can and should do more to prevent guns from getting into the hands of criminals, terrorists, and the dangerously mentally ill while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. Both sides of the aisle need to come together to achieve common-sense solutions to gun safety." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2071 Toomey and Casey Laud Confirmation of Scott Brady to Serve as U.S. Attorney for PA's Western District 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Patrick Toomey T000461 toomey.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.- Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Brady to serve as the next U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Brady was nominated to serve as the U.S. Attorney by President Trump in September and was supported by Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). "Scott Brady has a vast amount of legal experience. In addition to previously serving in the U.S. Attorney's office, Mr. Brady has also clerked for Judge Thomas Hardiman and worked in the private sector," said Senator Toomey. "With his experience and sterling reputation, I am confident that Mr. Brady will be a terrific U.S. Attorney and will serve the people of Western Pennsylvania with honor. I thank my Senate colleagues for their support of his nomination." "I am pleased to see this important office being filled," said Senator Casey. "I am confident that Mr. Brady will build on his previous experience in the U.S. Attorney's Office to serve the Commonwealth honorably." About Scott Brady: Scott Brady currently serves as Corporate Counsel for Federated Investors in Pittsburgh. He has previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, where he investigated and prosecuted cases in the violent crimes and white collar crimes sections. Brady is a graduate of Harvard University and the Pennsylvania State University School of Law, and served as a law clerk for Judge Thomas Hardiman on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The Western District of Pennsylvania covers 25 Pennsylvania counties with federal courthouses in Erie, Johnstown, and Pittsburgh. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-on-urgent-need-to-pass-the-dream-act Casey on Urgent Need to Pass the Dream Act 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Casey on Urgent Need to Pass the Dream Act In September, President Trump insulted our American values by announcing his cruel decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA). Congress must move immediately to pass the bipartisan DREAM Act, a bill Senator Casey was proud to vote for in 2007 and 2010. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/reauthorize-the-childrens-health-insurance-program Reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Bob Casey C001070 www.casey.senate.gov     legacy Reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, expired on September 30th. We have a bipartisan bill ready to go: the Keep Kids’ Insurance Dependable and Secure Act of 2017 (KIDS) Act reauthorizes CHIP for five years. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-backs-american-bred-explosive-detection-dogs Barletta Backs American-bred Explosive Detection Dogs 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security passed a bill supporting the use of American-bred canines for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  H.R. 4577, the Domestic Explosives Detection Canine Capacity Building Act of 2017 would direct TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a domestic dog breeding network to produce high quality, American-bred explosive detection dogs.  Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), an original cosponsor of the bill, sees an upside for the University of Pennsylvania, one of two major American universities with expertise related to explosive detection dogs and dog breeding.  “The University of Pennsylvania is a national leader in dog detection research,” Barletta said.  “They have trained 75 dogs over the past five years with a very high, 93 percent graduation rate for detection work.  I think if we leverage the expertise of universities like UPenn, we can really develop a robust American-bred dog network for explosive detection.  In a time of increasing dangers from terrorism, America needs to focus resources on combatting that threat.  This bill will utilize our nation’s tremendous knowledge and research expertise, provided by schools like UPenn, to develop a critical resource in America’s fight against terrorism.”  Dr. Cindy Otto, Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine, also sees the benefits of American-bred explosive detection dogs.  “We know that detection dogs represent one of the most effective means to combat terrorism, but these dogs are in short supply and many programs rely on foreign sources of dogs,” Dr. Otto said.  “An American-bred Explosive Detection Dog network represents a tremendous opportunity to apply scientific principles to increase the availability, health, and success of detection dogs in support of national security. The knowledge that we have gained over the past 5 years at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center gives us the confidence that a coll… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-a-6000-neh-grant-to-quiet-valley-living-historical Cartwright announces a $6000 NEH Grant to Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Stroudsburg, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in the Pocono Mountains received a $6,000 Preservation Assistance Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This grant will help Quiet Valley develop a better emergency disaster response plan. NEH grants are typically awarded to cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, and radio stations as well as to individual scholars. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a non-profit, living-history museum preserving 19th century Pennsylvania German agricultural heritage. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offer a host of tours as well as re-enactments of daily life on the farm. With the support from the NEH, Quiet Valley is able to update their emergency plan to ensure visitor safety and to care for their artifacts and farm animals, said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. I will continue to be an advocate for grants that help organizations like Quiet Valley preserve our regional history and provide access to educational experiences in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Quiet Valley plans to use the funds from this grant to hire a consultant to help develop a more current and all-encompassing Emergency Preparedness Plan to improve the museums ability to respond in a time of extraordinary circumstances such as a fire, flood, or other event. We aspire to do this because it shows a commitment to best practices in our field, said Katherine Muller, Project Director of Quiet Valley. Quiet Valley is excited to receive this award as it moves us one-step closer to accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums. Quiet Valley has received several federal and state grants in the past including the three part Museum Assessment Program, a Department of Environmental Protection grant, and a United States Department of Agriculture grant. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/house-members%E2%80%99-letter-fcc-don%E2%80%99t-kill-net-neutrality House Members Letter to FCC: Dont Kill Net Neutrality 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Mike Doyle D000482 doyle.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced today that he and 117 other Members of Congress had sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging the Commissioners NOT to vote on FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s “Restoring Internet Freedom Order” at the Commission’s scheduled meeting tomorrow.    Chairman Pai recently released this proposed regulation and announced that it would be voted on at the FCC’s December 14 meeting. Congressman Doyle, many Members of Congress, and millions of Americans support Net Neutrality and oppose Chairman Pai’s “Restoring Internet Freedom Order, which would repeal the Open Internet Order, which regulates Internet Service Providers (ISPs) under Title II of the Communications Act and protects Net Neutrality.  Congressman Doyle believes that Net Neutrality rules protect consumers who use the internet, promote competition among online business service providers, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship – all leading to increased economic growth and improved standards of living. He believes that if the FCC’s Net Neutrality rules are eliminated, Internet Service Providers with block or throttle content, provide faster transmission to businesses that pay them more (“paid prioritization”), and charge consumers more for a number of internet services. He believes that the “Restoring Internet Freedom” Order is profoundly anti-competition and ant-consumer. Congressman Doyle organized the letter to the FCC urging the Commission to delay its vote on the Restoring Internet Freedom Order – in other words, to not vote on the draft order tomorrow. He announced yesterday that if the FCC does vote to adopt the Restoring Internet Freedom Order tomorrow, he would introduce legislation to overturn it. Click here to see the text of the letter and the list of signers.         ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-evans-statement-net-neutrality Congressman Evans Statement on Net Neutrality 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Dwight Evans E000296 evans.house.gov evans https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper I support a free and open internet for all Americans. I have been and will continue to be a strong supporter of Net Neutrality and the opportunities a fair and open internet affords to each and every American in our neighborhoods nationwide. I believe limiting internet access and giving priority to those who can afford to pay more will only hurt the open marketplace of our internet and turn it in to yet another platform for the rich to get ahead and potentially spur inequality. I will continue to do all I can to oppose the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman's unilateral attempt to roll back the carefully crafted rules put in place under the Obama Administration to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have an on-ramp to the information superhighway. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-congratulates-cathedral-prep-winning-state-high-school-football-championship Rep. Kelly Congratulates Cathedral Prep for Winning State High School Football Championship 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Mike Kelly K000376 kelly.house.gov     legacy Ramblers bring home historic second straight PA Class 4A title WATCH HERE WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) formally congratulated Cathedral Preparatory School of Erie, Pennsylvania, on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday morning for winning the 2017 PIAA Class 4A Football Championship last Thursday, the team’s second consecutive title win and fourth overall. He also recognized the football teams of Wilmington High School and Pine-Richland High School for their respective seasons and for their added contributions to Western Pennsylvania’s high school football legacy. Text of Rep. Kelly’s floor statement as prepared for delivery: “Today I’d like to congratulate the Cathedral Prep Ramblers in Erie County on winning their second straight Pennsylvania Class 4A State Championship by beating Imhotep Charter last week by 38-28. This year’s championship makes the Ramblers back-to-back state champs, and it is their fourth state football title overall. Led by Coach Mike Mischler, the Ramblers have now gone 42-2, appearing in the finals each year, and racking up 28 consecutive wins over the last three seasons! “Achieving back-to-back state titles sets these Ramblers apart even in the storied history of Western Pennsylvania high school football. They deserve every bit of adulation that they’ve received and are a great source of pride for our entire commonwealth. “It is also worth mentioning the Wilmington High School Greyhounds in Lawrence County, who gave it their all in last week’s PIAA Class 2A state title game at Hershey Park stadium. “This was the Greyhounds’ third trip to the title game under legendary coach Terry Verrelli, who announced his retirement after 40 years on the job right after the game. In those 40 years, Coach Verrelli amassed 314 wins, making him only the 15th high school football coach in Pennsylvania’s esteemed history to reach the 300-win plateau. More valuable than any of his victories on the field are the countless victories he helped his young players achieve in t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://meehan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meehan-urges-wolf-to-address-mariner-east-ii-pipeline-concerns Meehan Urges Wolf to Address Mariner East II Pipeline Concerns 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Pat Meehan M001181 meehan.house.gov     legacy Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) this week urged Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to take action in response to constituent concerns regarding the ongoing construction of the Mariner East II Pipeline. Meehan penned a letter to the governor following meetings with area residents on the pipeline issue. “Constructed safely, pipelines have the potential to generate good-paying jobs and benefit the energy economy in Pennsylvania,” Meehan wrote. “However, over the past several months I have taken numerous meetings with constituents alarmed about the potential safety implications of the construction and operation of the ME2 pipeline. The nature of the pipeline and its route is such that primary regulatory responsibility for the pipeline rests with the Commonwealth and your administration” Specifically, Meehan urged the Governor to conduct and publicize a risk assessment that takes into consideration the potential hazards of a pipeline leak. “Our communities have a significant interest in seeing the responsible development of our energy sector and southeastern Pennsylvania has particularly benefitted from middle-class jobs supported by our refineries” Meehan continued. “Pipeline construction is an important component of this industry, but the highest priority in pipeline construction must be the safety of the communities and workers involved. I hope that you will address the concerns of our shared constituents in a timely, fair, and appropriate matter.” The full text of Meehan’s letter to the governor is below and a PDF copy of the letter is available here:     December 12, 2017 Governor Tom Wolf 508 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120   Dear Governor Wolf, I write to you to with concern regarding the Sunoco Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipeline, which will carry natural gas liquids (ethane, propane and butane) through portions of southeastern Pennsylvania and is presently under construction as approved by your administration in February 2016. Constructed safely, pipelines have the potential to generate good-paying jobs a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-community-banks-key-to-local-prosperity Barletta: Community Banks Key to Local Prosperity 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3971, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act of 2017 by a bipartisan vote of 294 to 129.  The bill directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to exempt smaller community banking institutions with assets of $10 billion or less, from onerous reporting requirements on escrow and mortgage servicing.  Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of the legislation. “The heartbeat of the American free market starts with our community bankers,” Barletta said.  “I started my business for $29.95 and with a dream, I secured credit to keep growing.  I can tell you for a fact that this was made possible by the relationship based services provided by local lending institutions.  Unfortunately, the passage of Dodd-Frank has crippled this critical resource for local communities and small businesses across the nation.” “While larger banking institutions can hire a fleet of lawyers and compliance officers to process the extra paperwork, the customers at community banks are left defenseless.  This is exactly the sort of top down, one-size-fits-all decree of nameless, faceless Washington bureaucrats that cripple America’s economic growth.  Americans are seen as a statistic.  Regulation should punish bad behavior, not crush the free market and the dreams millions of Americans have to start their own business or own their own home.  I’m happy the House continues to take steps that grow the economy and open doors for Americans after years of closing off opportunity.” The Dodd-Frank Act and CFPB’s expansion of escrow and mortgage servicing requirements have pushed community banking institutions out of the mortgage market since the law’s passage.  According to a report from the Federal Reserve of Dallas from December 2015, since 2010, the United States has seen only one newly chartered bank which wasn’t a conversion of a thrift, an alarming development. In 1992, community banks accounted for 64 percent of $4.6 trillion in total banking assets.  By … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-helps-to-lead-fight-against-opioid-related-employment Barletta Helps to Lead Fight Against Opioid Related Employment Challenges 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing titled, “The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region.”  The hearing examined the impact of the opioid crisis on efforts in Appalachia to spur economic development and growth in distressed communities.  A representative of Pennsylvania’s 11th District, Barletta held the hearing to explore possible solutions through federal economic development programs such as the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in addressing this epidemic.  Barletta directed a series of questions to the Honorable Earl Gohl, federal co-Chair of the ARC.  Barletta asked, “What would help ARC’s work on opioids to be more effective?” “I would say a seat at the table is probably the most effective thing that works in this town,” Gohl responded.  “When ARC is part of the discussion, when ARC is part of the development, when ARC is part of hearings like this, it makes sure that the rural voice is heard.” Barletta asked, “What is the role of ARC in helping to address the opioid problem?” “I think we have several roles,” Gohl said.  “I think it is important for us to work with our state partners, who really are the agenda setters of the commission in terms of the investment of dollars, to work with them and make sure that the issue of opioids, the workforce and how it effects communities is a challenge that they focus on and use their resources to invest in.  I think that we need to continue the work around community organizations and being able to empower them… I think one of the other issues that we really need to focus on is making sure that people understand that this is a disease, and that we need to treat it like a disease.” The ARC, specifically, was created in the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.  The primary function of ARC is to provide economic development ass… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-barletta-statement-hearing-on-the-opioid-epidemic-in-appalachia Chairman Barletta Statement: Hearing on "The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region" 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy "The purpose of today’s hearing is to examine the impact of the opioid crisis on economic development in Appalachia. The opioid crisis has touched the lives of countless Americans.  This public health emergency has taken the lives of far too many of our nation’s citizens, and has had significant adverse effects on our economy and labor force participation. As the subcommittee with jurisdiction over a number of economic development agencies – including the Appalachian Regional Commission – we are specifically focusing today on the ways the opioid crisis has affected the Appalachian workforce, and efforts to promote economic development in the region. The opioid epidemic has profoundly affected all of our districts and uprooted the lives of so many of our constituents.  Ninety-one Americans die every single day from an opioid overdose.  In my home state of Pennsylvania, 4,642 drug-related overdose deaths were reported in 2016. In 2015, there were 5,594 overdose deaths in Appalachia – a drug-related death rate 65% higher than the rest of the nation.  Sixty-nine percent of these deaths were caused by opioids.  An overwhelming majority of these deaths throughout Appalachia were individuals between the ages of 25 and 44, people who were in their prime working years. These troubling statistics make it clear that the opioid crisis is not only destroying lives, it has created a significant challenge to workforce expansion and economic development throughout Appalachia. This crisis is economically disastrous for our nation. This past month, the White House office of economic advisers released a report that estimated the opioid epidemic cost our nation $504 billion dollars in 2015.  That is an important number to remember as we begin today’s hearing because it points to the lost potential for economic activity and productivity in communities battling opioid addiction – that is our focus here today. To that end, I remind our witnesses and my fellow Members that this subcommittee’s jurisdiction is economic development program… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-boyle-fights-defend-endangered-species-protections Congressman Boyle Fights to Defend Endangered Species Protections 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Brendan Boyle B001296 boyle.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle sent a letter to Greg Shaheen, acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), demanding action to close a pay-to-play loophole that compromises critical protections for animals under the Endangered Species Act.  Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973 to protect species through strict regulation and enforcement, including a ban on exporting endangered creatures. The law allows for a narrow exception to this prohibition in the event the transfers would “enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species.” However, the FWS has long allowed far too many applicants seeking these permits to violate the ESA so long as they make a monetary contribution to entities, often unvetted and foreign, that merely purport to have a conservation mission that constitutes a benefit to the species.  “Every permit exemption granted by taking advantage of this loophole has the potential to push endangered species closer to extinction,” said Congressman Boyle. “Commercial trafficking of endangered species using this loophole is absolutely anathema to the spirit of the ESA and deeply undermines conservation efforts across the globe. I will continue to object and call attention to this practice until the Fish and Wildlife Service brings it to an end.” Congressman Boyle first contacted FWS to express his concerns about the loophole in June of 2016 in a letter requesting a commitment from FWS to end the practice, as well as the full details of which companies and countries have profited from the pay-to-play exemptions. His office received no formal response and the practice has not been ended. The full text of his most recent letter is below.   December 12, 2017 Greg Sheehan U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1849 C. Street, NW, ROOM 3331 Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Sheehan,   I am writing to follow up on my letter to your agency dated June 27, 2016, as well as to express my concerns with what appears to be another example of “pay-to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/doyle-announces-legislative-effort-save-net-neutrality Doyle Announces Legislative Effort to Save Net Neutrality 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Mike Doyle D000482 doyle.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – December 12, 2017 –, U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced today that he would introduce legislation to reverse FCC regulations to kill the Open Internet Order if the FCC votes to proceed with those regulations at its scheduled meeting on Thursday, December 14.  “Net Neutrality is essential for promoting innovation, competition, and economic growth on the Internet,” Congressman Doyle said earlier today in announcing his plans. “The Open Internet Order, which currently protects Net Neutrality, was adopted only after years of efforts by Internet Service Providers to circumvent previous net neutrality rules in order to stop potential competitors and extract greater profits from their choke-hold on the “last mile” connecting consumers to online services. All you have to do is look at what went on over the last 10 or 15 years to see how the ISPs repeatedly sought to crush potential competitors and challenged the FCC’s previous Net Neutrality rules in court to understand why the Open Internet Order was needed – and to see what will happen if the Open Internet Order is repealed.  “I was a vocal advocate for strong Net Neutrality rules for years before that, and I strongly supported the Open Internet Order when it was proposed in 2015,” Congressman Doyle added. “This year, I’ve been a vocal opponent of FCC Chairman Pai’s misnamed “Restoring Internet Freedom Order,” which would repeal the Open Internet Order and abdicate the FCC’s responsibility to ensure the kind of real competition that would increase Broadband speed and capacity, improve customer service, reduce prices, and promote innovation. Today, tens of millions of American homes have only one option for Internet Access. We used to call that a monopoly. Monopolies are notorious for charging high prices, providing lousy customer service, fighting off potential competitors, and stifling innovation and economic growth. The… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-ndaa-language-signed-law Fitzpatrick NDAA Language Signed Into Law 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 [H.R. 2810] into law Tuesday – including six amendments authored or sponsored by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08). “From addressing water contamination from former and active military installations to putting American leadership and security first, I’m proud that the House accepted my amendments in overwhelming bipartisan fashion,” said Fitzpatrick. “When it comes to protecting our homeland, our families and our allies abroad, there is no room for partisanship. Each one of these measures strengthened the overall bill and deserved to be enacted into law. I’m proud to deliver these results for the people of our district.” Fitzpatrick’s amendments included in the final legislation: Water Contamination: Amendment #37: Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the related health effects of exposure to PFOS/PFOA at military installations. Amendment #290:  Requires a report on the Department’s progress developing and implementing alternatives to AFFF firefighting foam that do not contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as the Department has already begun. China: Amendment #40: Requires DOD to include a description of any Chinese laws, regulations, or policies that could jeopardize the economic security of the United States in their Congressionally-required annual report on Chinese military and security development. Amendment #56: Ensures the full reporting of freedom of navigation operations, including maritime claims that go unchallenged. Terror Financing: Amendment #282: Requires the Report on United States Strategy in Syria to include a description of amounts and sources of ISIL financing in Syria and efforts to disrupt this financing as part of the broader strategy of the United States in Syria. Departmental Reform: Amendment #39: Ensures that DOD's biennial core reporting procedures align with the reporting requirements in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-fitzpatrick-announces-internship-opportunities Rep. Fitzpatrick Announces Internship Opportunities 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) is currently seeking motivated college or post-graduate students to intern at both the Langhorne, PA or Washington, D.C. offices for the Spring 2018 semester. Congressional internships are great opportunity for Bucks and Montgomery county students interested in the legislative process, public service and learning more about the inner-workings of our federal government. Interns will join with Pa-08 staff in performing a variety of tasks, including: answering phones, writing letters, assisting with constituent casework or helping with projects of importance to our community. Interns may also have the opportunity to engage in policy discussions and meetings pertaining to their areas of study or personal interest. Applicants should be available for a minimum of 10 hours per week through the Spring semester. For consideration, please submit a resume and two letters of recommendation - one from an academic instructor and a second from a direct supervisor (ie: boss, coach, or community leader) – along with a response to the prompt; “What is the role of the Legislative Branch in the United States Federal Government?” (no-longer than a two pages, double-spaced). More information and an application checklist can be found at http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/internships LANGHORNE: Those interested in internships at the District Office located at 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Rd., Langhorne, PA 19047 should contact Staff Assistant Tyler Vandegrift at Tyler.Vandegrift@mail.house.gov or (215) 579-8102 with questions or to submit your application.  WASHINGTON, D.C.: Those interested in internships at the Capitol Hill Office located at 514 Cannon HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 should contact Staff Assistant Chris Auray at Christopher.Auray@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4276 with questions or to submit your application. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-marino-s-statement-record-senate-judiciary-committee-s Congressman Marinos Statement for the Record on the Senate Judiciary Committees Oversight Hearing on the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Tom Marino M001179 marino.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.—Today, the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing titled “Oversight of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.”  Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) submitted the following statement for the record: Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Feinstein and other esteemed Members of the Committee, thank you for offering me the opportunity to submit a statement for the record today on my legislation, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act. As this Committee is aware, I was nominated to be the next Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, or ONDCP.  Following an expose by the Washington Post and a report on 60 Minutes, I withdrew my nomination so that I would not be a distraction to this Administration in the fight against the opioid epidemic.  I am here today to correct the record on these reports filled with flat out untruths and false statements. One particular detail that 60 Minutes failed to inform their audience of is that their star source, Joe Rannazzisi, is currently working as a trial lawyer actively pursuing lawsuits against drug distributors.  At the bare minimum this shows a severe conflict of interest and a disturbing bias. In 2012 I visited with pharmacies in my district where I learned that it was becoming difficult for legitimate patients to access needed medication.  I directed my staff to do some research on the issue and find out more regarding the supply chain.  I wanted to learn more about why the opioid problem was worsening and yet individuals suffering with pain were unable to access medications. One problem I identified was that the term “imminent danger” was not defined in the Controlled Substances Act. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2015 also issued a report stating that there needed to be more clarity regarding DEA authorities.  Utilizing this vague, undefined language the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Office of Diversion Control overzealously utilized suspension orders and ran roughshod o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/in-the-news/prosper-act-would-expand-opportunities-after-high-school PROSPER Act would expand opportunities after high school 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lloyd Smucker S001199 smucker.house.gov     legacy In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Higher Education Act — a pillar of his domestic agenda intended to “strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education.”  More than five decades later, federal aid programs are a chaotic maze full of outdated requirements and red tape that have driven up the cost of college and make postsecondary education too difficult to access for too many people. Meanwhile, more jobs today require postsecondary credentials or technical skills to fill these good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. Reforms are crucial to ensuring our higher education system is preparing the next generation of high-skilled workers to succeed in a 21st-century economy. Today, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce — of which I am a member — is debating the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act. I want to share three critical priorities from this bill that I believe will transform our higher education system to promote access, innovation, affordability, and completion. First, the PROSPER Act will improve and simplify federal student aid. We’re streamlining student aid programs into one grant program, one loan program and one work-study program to make it easier for students to pay for college in a responsible manner. Instead of facing a maze of repayment options, we’re transitioning the system to one standard 10-year repayment plan and one income-based repayment plan so students can better manage their debt when they graduate and enter the workforce. For those students who take enough credits to put them on track to graduate on time, we’re providing a Pell Grant bonus to encourage completion. Second, the PROSPER Act empowers students and parents to make better-informed decisions about what institution to attend. Too often, students decide where to attend college with incomplete information. The U.S. Depa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/education-and-workforce-committee-unanimously-adopts-smucker-amendment-prosper Education and the Workforce Committee Unanimously Adopts Smucker Amendment to PROSPER Act to Help Combat Opioid Epidemic 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lloyd Smucker S001199 smucker.house.gov smucker https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – The House Education and the Workforce Committee, during a markup of the PROSPER Act, unanimously agreed to U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker's (PA-16) amendment that would help higher education institutions combat the opioid epidemic on their campuses. Rep. Smucker's amendment will require the U.S. Secretary of Education to work with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other outside experts to identify successful addiction recovery programs on college campuses. The Secretary of Education will also share best practices with colleges and universities to increase the number and capacity of high-quality programs to help prevent and combat addiction, as well as help students recover from addiction. "Now more than ever, we must prioritize the fight against rampant drug and opioid abuse. It is a nationwide epidemic that none of us can ignore, and it requires our action," said Rep. Smucker. "I am glad this committee could come together in a bipartisan manner to help stem the tide of addiction that has swept across this nation and our schools." Click here to watch the video. A copy of Rep. Smucker's can be found here: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/national-defense-authorization-act-including-smucker-amendment-signed-law National Defense Authorization Act, Including Smucker Amendment, Signed Into Law 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lloyd Smucker S001199 smucker.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, President Trump signed into law the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY18 which included U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker’s (PA-16) amendment to expand opportunities for active-duty military men and women to learn career skills and occupational training. This expansion will assist them in their transitions back to civilian life. In July, Rep. Smucker worked across the aisle with Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) to introduce a bipartisan amendment to the FY18 NDAA that would expand eligibility for the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) to include all members of the uniformed services. Previously the program was only available to Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps personnel. “America’s military is made up of hardworking men and women who wake up every day to serve others,” said Rep. Smucker. “We should be making it easier for them to transition to civilian life with a steady job, and infuse our workforce with leadership skills only the military can provide. But right now, less than half of our nation’s military personnel have access to USMAP and the completion rate for those who do enroll is falling at an alarming rate. This amendment will open up USMAP to any member of the uniformed service. I’m proud to work in a bipartisan manner with Reps. Gottheimer and Sinema to get this amendment included in the conference report, and I am glad President Trump has signed this legislation into law.” Background Today, USMAP is available only to active duty Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps personnel. This bipartisan amendment would expand eligibility to include all uniformed service members: Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Public Health Services (PHS). The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program was created in 1976 in an effort to improve the skills and training that active duty service members receive before transitioning back to civilian life. USMAP is conduct… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-america-must-work-aggressively-to-combat-terror Barletta: America Must Work Aggressively to Combat Terror 2017-12-11 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lou Barletta B001269 barletta.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the attempted terror attack in New York City this morning: “I am very thankful innocent Americans avoided a close call in New York City this morning.  New York’s amazing first responders again quickly arrived at the scene to address a potential catastrophe – luckily a major attack was avoided.  As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, this again affirms the cold reality that radical Islamic terror is a threat to all Americans across the United States.  The Trump Administration has made exceptional strides to secure the border and aggressively combat terrorism.  As we gather more information about the attacker, I will continue to push Congress to provide all the resources the administration needs to combat this evil in order to preserve the peace and well-being of our great nation.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-orthotic-and-prosthetic Cartwright Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Orthotic and Prosthetic Care for Veterans 2017-12-11 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Matt Cartwright C001090 cartwright.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Last week, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced a bipartisan bill to fund and advance orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) research for veterans. The Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 4587) would establish the first centralized collection of outcomes-based research on O&P. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) serves approximately 40,000 individuals with limb loss due to combat-related injuries or chronic illness each year. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have greatly increased the survival rate for these wounded servicemembers, but our country is facing a shortage of O&P-trained practitioners. There are just over 7,100 practitioners specially trained in O&P nationwide. Of those, one in five is either past retirement age or eligible to retire in the next five years. Many O&P practitioners rely on personal experience and trial-and-error methods, rather than empirical data, to determine which prosthetic device would work best for a patient. The Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act would award $30 million in grants to establish a centralized O&P outcomes-based research collection in order to capture the useful information gained by today’s seasoned practitioners. “We have a moral obligation to provide our soldiers with the best quality health care available,” said Rep. Cartwright. “With a large portion of orthotic and prosthetic practitioners facing retirement, we need to harness this tremendous resource of institutional knowledge before we lose it forever. Comprehensive research would save time and money by providing practitioners with the knowledge they need to improve the likelihood that a veteran’s first prosthetic device will also be the best match.” Earlier this year, Rep. Cartwright introduced the Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act (H.R. 3696), which would support colleges and universities seeking to establish degree programs to train specialists in O&P. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced companion legislation to H.R. 4… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/op-ed-getting-serious-about-cyberstalking OP-ED: Getting serious about cyberstalking 2017-12-11 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy The internet and social media has done everything from giving a voice to the oppressed and inspiring democratic change in totalitarian states, to connecting old friends. However, these mediums can be used — and abused — by those pursuing more nefarious purposes. In the 21st century, these platforms have digitized crimes from robbery to stalking, forcing lawmakers and law enforcement to open a new front against criminals untethered to geographic locations and hidden behind virtual screens. Such is true of cyber-stalking — including cases right here in our community. For the Zezzo family, it was their teenaged daughter who, at the age of just 13, was cyber-stalked by a friend’s father through social media. Despite the stalking being sexual in nature, the then-51-year-old stalker pleaded guilty only to a misdemeanor stalking charge and was sentenced to probation and counseling. Three years later, in 2016, the same stalker began making contact again. Hiding behind social media, the predator created a perverted library of over 15,000 posts, detailing his warped vision to marry her and his insistence that no one would ever stop him from being with her. Thankfully, following a sting operation, local police arrested him and sentenced him to between 18 months and seven years in a state prison. Stories like this are, unfortunately, too common in this country, and they do not always end with the stalker in custody. The Office of Women’s Health defines stalking as repeated contact that makes one feel afraid or harassed. Each year this crime affects an estimated 7.5 million people, including many children. Stalking disproportionally impacts women: stalking victims are 50-percent more likely to be female and, according to the CDC, one in six women have experienced some form of stalking during their lives. In the days before technology, stalking was usually restricted to uninvited visits or gifts; however, the dawn of the internet has provided stalkers with new means to facilitate their harassment. Unfortunately, as the nature … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-smucker-desaulnier-defazio-and-davis-announce-bipartisan Representatives Smucker, DeSaulnier, DeFazio, and Davis Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Parity for Electric Vehicle Technology 2017-12-11 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lloyd Smucker S001199 smucker.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, as leading American manufactures continue to design, develop, and unveil commercially-available electric trucks, U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Rodney Davis (R-IL) announced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 4421) that would allow the testing of trucks powered by electric batteries. Federal law caps the weight limit on trucks at 80,000 pounds. Since electric battery systems are heavier than diesel fuel tanks, this straightforward bill would allow for a modest weight increase of 2,000 pounds for electric trucks. “Electric trucks can provide great benefits to both our transportation system and our environment. We should be incentivizing the development of and investment in new technologies to improve our freight system, and one way to do that is to extend the 2,000-pound exemption for natural-gas powered trucks to battery-powered electric trucks. I want to thank Reps. DeSaulnier, Davis, and DeFazio for their work on this issue, and look forward to working together to help this new technology thrive,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker. “In order to maintain America’s competitive edge well into the twenty-first century, this bipartisan effort is a necessary first step. By adjusting federal law to account for new technological advances we can help spur innovation, support manufactures, and promote public health and safety,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. “As a long-time member of the California Air Resources Board and advocate for environmental protection, I am pleased to partner with my colleagues on an effort that will help test energy-efficient transportation technologies.” “American manufactures are leading the world in emerging transportation technology, and the recent advances in electric heavy-duty trucks could drastically change the industry for shippers, manufactures, and consumers in the years ahead. This bipartisan bill will encourage the growth of the electric truck industry and the creation of good-paying American jobs, while promoting a transition … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-and-dent-local-school-districts-need-aid-help-provide-displaced-puerto Smucker and Dent: Local School Districts Need Aid to Help Provide for Displaced Puerto Rican Students 2017-12-11 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Lloyd Smucker S001199 smucker.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) and Charlie Dent (PA-15) are teaming up to bring attention and aid to local school districts dealing with the substantial influx of Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria. Reps. Smucker and Dent wrote to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calling for additional disaster funding for these school districts. In the letter, Reps. Smucker and Dent said: “Eastern Pennsylvania has a large Puerto Rican population, and as a result of Hurricane Maria, many people are moving from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania to start over. While we are proud to provide support to the victims of this crisis and thankful for the federal government’s ongoing assistance to the island, greater assistance to this issue is necessary to provide for individuals who are traveled to our districts in search of relief, and especially for children who have been affected by this natural disaster.” Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District has enrolled more than 500 Puerto Rican students following Hurricane Maria, and the 15th Congressional District has enrolled more than 300 students. Reps. Smucker and Dent praised the financial response thus far by the federal government, but continue to call for more action. The full letter is below. November 29, 2017 Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi, We write today regarding our support for supplemental disaster relief funding from the Administration to support school districts and individuals within Pennsylvania. As a result of the destructive impact of Hurricane Maria, communities, and especially school districts are currently dealing with an influx of Puerto Rican students who are fleeing devastated homes. Eastern Pennsylvania has a large Puerto Rican population, and as a result of Hurricane Maria, many people are moving from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania to start over. While we are proud to provide support to the victims of this crisis and thankful for the federal government’s ongoing assistance to the island, greater assistance … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-congratulates-winner-pa-6-congressional-app-challenge Rep. Costello Congratulates Winner of PA-6 Congressional App Challenge 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Ryan Costello C001106 costello.house.gov     legacy West Chester, PA – Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today, during Computer Science Education Week, congratulated Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District winner of the Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition to encourage students to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The apps were judged by a panel of computer science professionals and congressional representatives from the district. This year’s winner is Prophexy, an app created by Surya Ramanathan from Downingtown STEM Academy. By using an algorithm, the goal of the app is to predict future test scores and provide insight for teachers as to how their teaching methods are resonating with students. The runner-up of the Challenge was a team of students from Owen J. Roberts, Ahmed Alveed, Justin Schwenk, Syder Defibaugh, and Josh Diamond. They designed the app Playmakerz Plus, which would allow sports teams to create a virtual playbook by hand-drawing plays and saving them in the app.  “Each year, I am impressed by the creativity of students who participate in the Congressional App Challenge. I have been a strong advocate of supporting students’ ability to participate in STEM education and after-school programs, and believe we should continue to encourage these opportunities to innovate. I also want to thank each of the judges for their participation and for providing valuable insight as they reviewed each app,” said Rep. Costello, a member of the STEM caucus. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dent.house.gov/2017/12/dent-local-school-districts-need-aid-to-help-provide-for-displaced-puerto-rican-students Dent: Local School Districts Need Aid to Help Provide for Displaced Puerto Rican Students 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Charlie Dent D000604 dent.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) joined with his colleague, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16), to bring attention and aid to the costs facing local school districts dealing with the substantial influx of Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria. Representatives Dent and Smucker wrote to Speaker Ryan and Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calling for additional disaster funding for these school districts. “We have to recognize that the children impacted have been through an unbelievable amount of stress and they need help,” said Rep. Dent. “Many have emotional issues as a result of having to deal with the disaster of losing their family homes. They need to develop their fluency in English and are facing adapting to a new school environment. The schools are doing amazing work providing for them and meeting their educational needs, but the schools themselves need additional support,” Dent concluded.  The Allentown School District has enrolled over 200 new students from Puerto Rico students since the hurricane. Bethlehem Area School District has now accepted over 100 students. Rep. Smucker’s district has enrolled over 500 new students. Dent and Smucker praised the financial response by the Federal government thus far to the disaster, but called for action on this issue. “These districts are facing financial challenges in order to help these new students. The Federal government should provide the supplemental disaster relief funding necessary to help alleviate the financial pressure on them and that’s why we raised the issue with House leadership,” said Dent. *** CONTACT: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-evans-statement-house-impeachment-vote Congressman Evans Statement on House Impeachment Vote 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Democrat House PA Dwight Evans E000296 evans.house.gov evans https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper This week, Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) released the following statement after voting not to table a House resolution calling for the impeachment of President Trump. A decision the Congressman reached on the basis that Congress should have a discussion as to whether the impeachment process should move forward. Under the U.S. Constitution, impeachment is the responsibility of the House of Representatives, where a simple majority can approve the articles. The Senate then tries the impeachment with two-thirds required for conviction. It applies only to the "President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States." The grounds for impeachment are limited to "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors". In the current situation, it is the job of this Congress to fully ascertain whether any of the conduct by the president has demonstrated falls within three impeachable zones, and those are improperly exceeding or abusing the powers of the presidency, acting in a manner that is incompatible with the function and purpose of the office, and misuse for personal gain. "My vote this week reflects my sincere belief and the feedback that I have received from residents in the Second Congressional District of Pennsylvania that President Trump's conduct infringes on the laws, standards, and values our nation holds dear. The Liberty Bell which sits in the middle of downtown Philadelphia is a constant reminder of our nation's humble origins and how we continue our march towards equality and fairness for all. I do not take this vote lightly, and indeed it is with a heavy heart but clean conscience that I made my decision," Congressman Evans said. Our nation faces, "…an Article I, Section I moment." Over the past few months several prominent individuals have pointed out President Trump's vulnerabilities: Senator Bob Corker stated the President could be leading our nation down a path to World War III. Venture capitalist Tom Steyer called Mr. Trump a "clear and present danger to the republic" and h… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-calls-increased-transparency-ethics-committee-regarding Fitzpatrick Calls for Increased Transparency by Ethics Committee Regarding Sexual Assault Settlements 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Republican House PA Brian Fitzpatrick F000466 fitzpatrick.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) led a group of 14 freshman Republican and Democrat members Friday in calling for the House Ethics Committee to undertake a “full and complete investigation into allegations that Members of Congress have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment lawsuits.” Additionally, the bipartisan letter calls for the names of those involved in these instances. “Specifically, we request information regarding all instances of Members using office funds to settle claims with alleged sexual assault victims.  The information requested should include the identity of the Members involved.,” reads the letter in part. “American taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability on this matter, and we must deliver for them.”  The text of the letter is below. A signed copy can be found HERE. Dear Chairwoman Brooks and Ranking Member Deutch: The Freshman class of the 115th Congress, request a full and complete investigation into reports that Members of Congress have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment for years.  Assuming these allegations are true, this is yet another example of politicians playing by a different set of rules, and is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers forced to foot the bill for these heinous actions.  As Members of Congress, we must set the highest standard of moral character, have zero tolerance for deviant behavior, and hold one another accountable. Specifically, we request information regarding all instances of Members using office funds to settle claims with alleged sexual assault victims.  The information requested should include the identity of the Members involved.  Furthermore, we propose implementation of severe penalties for this behavior to prevent future offenses.  American taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability on this matter, and we must deliver for them.   Our Freshman Class will, and this entire Congress must, demand full transparency and shine a light on this issue.  We stand with t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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