Press releases
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1,262 rows where state = "TN" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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- 2018 · 1,262 ✖
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| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsarticles?ContentRecord_id=6393F1C3-85F1-4E2E-AE1F-9167144E2017 | Washington Post: Alexander seeks to stay the course of bipartisanship in his final Senate stretch | 2018-12-29 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | In baseball, .400 puts you in the Hall of Fame. Alexander declined to single out any colleagues who stayed too long in the Senate, but it's clear that had an impact on his decision. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) won a seventh Senate term in 2014, at the age of 77, and earlier this year had to retire amid a physical and mental decline. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) won a seventh term in 2012, at 78, and decided to retire this year. Lately he has struggled to articulate some points, leading to staff statements more fully describing his thoughts. Alexander, in fine health, did not want to risk tainting his reputation. Another term was an eight-year commitment, he said two years to run for reelection and six years to serve out the term. At that point, he would be 86. He has known McConnell for decades, but he only hinted to the leader months ago that he would likely retire. The two men did not seek each other's advice about their own futures. It's such a personal decision, Alexander said. As of now, McConnell, 76, is running hard for a seventh term which would end when he is 84. Alexander wasn't afraid of a challenge from a hard-line conservative in a GOP primary. I actually like defeating evil forces where I can find them in politics, Alexander said. That's about as intemperate as Alexander will ever sound, which makes him an outlier in this political era of shouting into the winds of cable news and social media. But that style has made him indispensable inside the Senate, where some things have not changed. It's still based on relationships, he said. Alexander, a former Tennessee governor who twice ran for president, built strong enough relationships early in his Senate career to climb to the No. 3 post in leadership. But he voluntarily jumped off the leadership ladder in 2012 so that he could refashion himself as an across-the-aisle dealmaker. He worked with Schumer on easing the cumbersome process for confirming presidential nominees and then spent the past four years chairing th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/criticizing-trumps-government-shutdown | Criticizing Trump's Government Shutdown | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, the federal government remained partially shutdown by an unnecessary demand by the President for funding for a border wall. In addition to pushing back against the Trump shutdown, I met with constituents and went on CNN to emphasize the need for overdue oversight of the Trump administration, announced a grant for Early Head Start programs at Porter-Leath, expressed concern at the death of a second child migrant in U.S. custody this month, and offered a holiday health tip about getting enough sleep. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Criticizing Trump's Government Shutdown Talking Future Oversight of Trump Administration on CNNAnnouncing $2.3 million Early Head Start Grant to Porter-LeathExpressingConcernat a Second Death of a Child Migrant in U.S. CustodyAppearing on MSNBC on SundayOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Criticizing Trump's Government Shutdown This week, for the third time in Trump's presidency, portions of the federal government shut down. This time it was because of Trump's 11thhour demand for a border wallthat the President said Mexico would pay for, not taxpayers.As he boasted how proud he was to shut down the government,I spoke out against it. The public deserves and expects the programs and services it pays for to stay open and work. I will continue to work to reopen the government, and get federal employees back to work for the American people. Talking Future Oversight of Trump Administration on CNN On Wednesday, I went on CNN with Dana Bash who asked me about oversight of the Trump administrationafterDemocrats take the Majority in the House on January 3. I told her oversight is a basic duty of Congress that has been neglected during the past two years and that that will change in the year ahead. See theinterview here. Announcing $2.3 million… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A7D3A133-078D-4BAC-B9AA-278F4DBC74B9 | Alexander: Mercury Rule Has Kept Tennessees Air Clean | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tenn.,December 28,2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Mercury Rule is important to help keep Tennessee's air clean. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a proposed rule to revise regulations related to the Mercury Rule. Ever since being elected to the Senate, I have worked to clean up our aircleaner air means better jobs as well as better health for Tennesseans,Alexander said.The Mercury Rule, which was finalized in 2012, required utilities to install pollution control equipment to reduce emissions of mercury and hazardous air pollutants in order to keep our air, waters and streams cleanwhich has been good for our state and its economy. I will review the Trump Administration's proposed rule in the coming weeks to determine its potential impact on Tennessee. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (the Mercury Rule) was finalized in February 2012 to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants from power plants. In June 2012, Alexandervoted to supportthe Mercury Rule on the Senate floor. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=DBFE6666-2B3C-4EFD-A346-21293A6E0C8C | Corker Announces Portman Will Lead Congressional Efforts to End Modern Slavery Worldwide | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON As his time in Congress comes to a close, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today announced that Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) will take the helm of congressional efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. For years, Senator Portman has been a champion in Congress in the fight against human trafficking here at home, and I can think of no one better to take up the mantle in the global fight against this scourge on humanity as I depart the Senate, said Corker. With passage of the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act and launch of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, we have made great progress in this fight, but much more work remains. While I plan to continue to play a role in this fight as a private citizen, I am incredibly grateful that Rob has agreed to take the helm in Congress to ensure this important work continues as we strive to end modern slavery once and for all. I am honored that Senator Corker has entrusted me with this role and I want to thank him for his tireless and courageous efforts to combat this horrific crime around the globe, said Portman. Over the past decade we have made progress but there is much more to do both in the U.S. and in other countries to help end this scourge once and for all. BACKGROUND: More than 27 million people are enslaved around the world, more than at any time in history. While U.S. government agencies and non-profit organizations have taken significant steps to end this scourge on humanity, much more work remains. Recognizing the United States could not meet this challenge alone, three years ago, Senator Corker proposed a bold, bipartisan initiative to end modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. Not unlike the role PEPFAR has played in fighting AIDS across the globe, the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act was designed to leverage limited foreign aid dollars and galvanize tremendous support and investment from the public sector, philanthropic organizations, and the private s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-23-million-early-head-start-grant-porter | Congressman Cohen Announces $2.3 Million Early Head Start Grant for Porter-Leath | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that Porter-Leath will be receiving a $2,330,982 Early Head Start grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Office, and made the following statement: Early Head Start helps at-risk children under three years old develop the necessary skills to give them a shot at the American Dream. I'm pleased to announce this continuing grant funding for Porter-Leath which has helped meet the needs of Memphis' children and their families since 1850. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-senate-passage-open-book-equal-access-justice | Congressman Cohen Applauds Senate Passage of Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act | 2018-12-26 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) applauded today's Senate passage of the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act he and Congressman Doug Collins (R-Georgia) introduced last year and passed by the House in February 2017. The measure will increase accountability from federal agencies. TheEqual Access to Justice Act(EAJA) was enacted to bring relief to veterans, retirees, small businesses, and other individuals whose limited resources would prevent them from seeking redress against the government.EAJArequires federal agencies to reimburse plaintiffs for legal fees incurred through suits in which the agency pursued an unsupportable position. Since 1995, federal agencies have not been required to publish records ofEAJAreimbursements or the legal justifications behind them, meaning that the public has no access to how much agencies are paying out and whether the payments are justified. TheOpen Book on Equal Access to Justice Actwould bring transparency to theEAJAprocess by requiring the Administrative Conference of the United States to maintain an online database that makesEAJAdata from every federal agency available to the public and to Congress, which has oversight over government spending. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I thank the Senate for passing this important piece of legislation and thank Representative Collins for his steadfast effort to help us get it through the House. Americans have a right to know what their government is doing, and their government has a duty to be as transparent as possible.Without adequate reporting, citizens' rights cannot be fully protected, and the government risks failing in its duty to its people. I am pleased that the Senate saw the wisdom in joining the House in this important reform that calls for the government to reopen its books to help ensure that all Americans have access to this information. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E35F537-A1A1-4900-A804-1A8F0004AB12 | Alexander: Shutdown Is a Failure of Negotiators, Both Democrat and Republican | 2018-12-25 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | A government shutdown should be as off limits in budget negotiations as chemical weapons are inwarfare.- Lamar Alexander NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 25, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement: I want to make sure Tennesseans know, as I have said from itsbeginning, that I believe there is no excuse whatsoever for this partial government shutdown.When the government shut down under President Obama, I said that I was elected to make the government work for taxpayers, not to shut it down.The same is true under President Trump.This shutdown wastes taxpayer dollars, adds uncertainty to the economy and hurts small businesses around our national parks. A government shutdown should be as off limits inbudget negotiations as chemical weapons are inwarfare.This shutdown is a failure by negotiators, both Democrat and Republican,and will produce a success for no one. On December 22, as the federal government was being partially shut down, Sen. Alexander said: Senator Lamar Alexander Statement on Partial Government Shutdown WASHINGTON,December 22, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the partial government shutdown: There is no excuse for even a short-term, partial government shutdown. Shutting down the government should be as off limits to budget negotiations as chemical weapons are to warfare. I was not for a government shutdown under President Obama. I'm not for a government shutdown under President Trump. I was not elected to shut down the government, I was elected to make it work for taxpayers.This is a complete failure of negotiations and a success for no one. In 2015, when the government was shut down under President Obama, Sen. Alexander said: Shutting the government down as a way of expressing opposition to Planned Parenthood or any other contentious issue is not the right thing to do. The U.S. Congress is in the business of dealing with contentious issues. If we shut down the government every time a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-fleischmann-government-shutdown | STATEMENT: Fleischmann on Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann | F000459 | fleischmann.house.gov | fleischmann | https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to the partial government shutdown: "I will never be in favor of a government shutdown. The House took action to prevent a shutdown over border security, and it is a shame the Senate did not follow suit. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to fund the government and we also have a duty to protect the American people. These two priorities should never be contradictory to one another. The time is now for Senate Democrats to come to the table and provide the border security funding America needs." The following information is courtesy of the House Committee on Appropriations: The lapse in appropriations affects 25 percent of the federal government, including funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Treasury, State, and Homeland Security, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the federal judiciary, and other related government programs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398419 | Roe Statement on Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Phil Roe | R000582 | roe.house.gov | legacy | Roe Statement on Government Shutdown f t # e Washington, December 22, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement on the government shutdown: No one wants to see the government shut down. On Thursday, I proudly supported legislation to continue funding the remaining government agencies, provide an additional $5 billion to construct a wall at our southern border and provide $7.8 billion in disaster relief. The president's request for funding for a wall on our southern border is entirely reasonable and necessary for our security. I hope the Senate and House Democrats will work in good faith to come together with the president and work out their differences as soon as possible so we can end this shutdown. Note: Currently the government is partially funded through Fiscal Year 2019. Funding has already been signed into law through September 30, 2019 for the following departments: Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Labor, Department of Energy, Legislative Branch, and Department of Veterans Affairs. The remaining departments and agencies were funded by a continuing resolution which expired at midnight on December 21. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3EA8F94C-B7CA-4DB0-8D40-5BB66E6D28B8 | Senator Lamar Alexander Statement on Partial Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON,December 22, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the partial government shutdown: There is no excuse for even a short-term, partial government shutdown. Shutting down the government should be as off limits to budget negotiations as chemical weapons are to warfare. I was not for a government shutdown under President Obama. I'm not for a government shutdown under President Trump. I was not elected to shut down the government, I was elected to make it work for taxpayers.This is a complete failure of negotiations and a success for no one. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/expressing-my-concern-about-more-bad-decisions-impulsive-president | Expressing My Concern about More Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I grew even more concerned about our erratic President and his sudden and reckless decisions on withdrawing troops from Syriathat resulted in the Defense Secretary quitting, and his insistence on a $5 billion border wall that, as I write, has us approaching another partial government shutdown.I also saw our Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Act passed by both the House and Senate, planned for my January 18 District Issues Meeting, voted for a significant criminal justice reform bill that will now become law, questioned the Homeland Security Secretary about the rise in hate crimes,asked Governor Bill Haslam to look at possible clemency fora juvenile victim of sex trafficking, praised Senator Lamar Alexander's long service to our state following his announcement that he will retire in 2020, and offered a health tip about drinking and driving during the holidays. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Expressing Concern aboutMore Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President Passing the SOAR Act Holding a District Issues Meeting January 18 Passing the First Step Act Questioning Homeland Security Secretary about Hate Crimes Asking Governor Haslam to Consider Clemency forCyntoiaBrown Praising Senator Alexander for his Service Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Expressing Concern aboutMore Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President This week we faced more alarminglyimpulsivedecisions by President Trump. After indicating he would support a bipartisan compromise to keep the government open, he suddenly reversed course, and now, as I write this, it appears we may be heading for a partial governmentshutdown. Even more alarming, the President surprised our allies, Republican members of Congress and even his own advisors byannouncing that ISIS had been defeated and that he would hastily withdraw American troops from Syria.The move was so alar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4AB7909D-E7B4-4859-AF69-59FE16BD70BF | Alexander: If the Senate Doesnt Follow Its Own Rules, How Can We Expect Americans to Follow the Rules We Write? | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 21, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) defended the legislative filibuster tonight on the Senate floor saying, We are a nation that prizes the rule of law. How can we expect Americans to follow the rules when their number one rule making institution, the United States Senate, will not follow its own rules? This is a country that prizes the rule of lawI've heard President Trump say that, and I've heard President Obama say that. I've heard most of us say that, and I would ask if we don't follow our own rules, why would we expect the American people to follow the rules that we write? We are the main rule-writing organization in the United States, and we ought to follow our own rules. Alexander continued: When we didn't and used the so-called nuclear option in 2013, a democratic senator who is greatly respected, Senator Carl Levin, said a Senatein which a majority can always change the rules is a Senate without any rules.' A Senate in which the majority can always change the rules without following the rules is like a football game where the home team can say, if you gain nine yards, that's a first down or if you make a three-point shot, they count it as four points. That's not the rule of law. Alexander concluded: I want to put a stop to this practice of the Senate breaking its rules to change its rules.I will not vote to turn the Senate into a rule-breaking institution, and I hope that my colleagues will not either. Senator Alexander inserted into the Congressional Record an April 2017 letter to Senate leadership led by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) that was signed by 61 Senators29 Republicans and 32 Democratswhich said: We are mindful of the unique role the Senate plays in the legislative process and we are steadfastly committed to ensuring that this great American institution continues to serve as the world's greatest deliberative body. Therefore, we are asking you to join us in opposing any effort to curtail the existing r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7BD95936-CF3B-4554-AF1D-02F38816DBE0 | Alexander Statement on Senate Filibuster | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 21, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the Senate filibuster: In 1978, a young conservative Republican senator, Orrin Hatch of Utah, used six legislative filibusters to block the number one objective of American labor unionsone that would have forever changed the rights of employers and employeeseven though there was a Democrat President, 292 Democrat House members and 62 Democrat Senators. The legislative filibusterthe requirement that it takes 60 votes to pass major legislationprotects the minority, and for most of the last 70 years, conservatives and Republicans have been in the minority. Since World War II, Democrats have controlled the Presidency and both houses of Congress for 22 years; Republicans have had such complete control for only 8 years. We are a nation that prizes the rule of law. How can we expect Americans to follow the rules when their number one rule making institution, the U.S. Senate, will not follow its own rules? When Democrats used the nuclear option in 2013 to break the Senate rules in order to change the rules, Democrat Senator Carl Levin of Michigan said, A senate majority that can change the rules anytime it wishes, is a Senate without any rules.' It is like allowing the home team to change the rules in the middle of the game, saying a nine yard gain is a first down, or a three point shot counts for four. We have rules to follow. I want to put a stop to this practice of the Senate breaking its rules to change its rules.I will not vote to turn the Senate into a rule-breaking institution and I hope that my colleagues will not. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F8FCE036-FB67-4F86-989F-7BA9550C5EB9 | Alexander: New Law Will Help Improve Justice System, Reform Prisons | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON,December 21, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after President Trump signed theFirstStepAct, bipartisan prison reform legislation he cosponsored that was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa): This new law will help improve the federal criminal justice system and reform federal prisons. Senator Grassley, working with the Trump Administration, has led this important legislation to takefirststeps to help non-violent offenders re-enter their communities and reduce the likelihood that they would commit another crime. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=0E280A38-D892-4916-A5AE-F780F5A60704 | Corker, Menendez Praise House Passage of Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | Legislation Strengthens U.S. Global Leadership in Fight to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised House passage of legislation that strengthens U.S. global leadership in the fight to end modern slavery and human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, which amends and reauthorizes international provisions of the Trafficking Victims Protect Act, will modify the criteria for determining whether countries are meeting the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, highlight the importance of foreign governments taking concrete actions to abolish trafficking, and extend authorizations for U.S. programs to combat trafficking, including the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The legislation, which passed the Senate earlier this week, now awaits the president's signature before becoming law. Our collective efforts to place the U.S. at the forefront of the global movement to end modern slavery have the potential to positively impact the lives of millions throughout the world who suffer in bondage, said Corker. Now on its way to being signed into law, this legislation will enhance accountability by requiring governments to show concrete action based on credible evidence to stop human trafficking. This scourge on humanity knows no borders or boundaries, and as I leave the Senate, I will remain committed to supporting U.S. and global initiatives to end modern slavery once and for all. Passage of this bill ensures that the United States remains a strong, credible leader in the global fight to end human trafficking, said Menendez. After years of political manipulation of the State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act makes clear that Congress, on a bipartisan basis, will not allow the report to be politically manipulat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://black.house.gov/media/in-the-news/fight-life-will-continue-no-matter-what-challenges-lie-ahead-dc | Op-ed: The Fight for Life Will Continue No Matter What Challenges Lie Ahead in DC | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Diane Black | B001273 | black.house.gov | legacy | Editor's note: This column was co-authored by Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of theSusan B. Anthony List. Over the last few decades, advances in science and medical technology have given us a window into the womb. Through ultrasounds, doctors monitor the movements and heartbeats of babies at their earliest stages, and parents can see their child breathing, kicking, wiggling their toes, and stretching their arms. A growing body of medical studies tells us that at least by 20 weeks or 140 days of gestation, a baby responds to stimulation because the brain can receive pain signals. Long before that 20-week mark, a baby has a beating heart and their eyes, ears, and nose have begun to take shape. At 17 weeks, joints and bones are starting to harden and the skeleton is forming. At just 10 weeks, a baby's tiny limbs can bend and move with nails beginning to grow. Abortion brutally destroys a developing child each one unique and special from the moment of conception. This is simply a scientific reality that compels us to fight for the protection of every unborn life, to ensure each child is welcomed and protected under the law. We've made strides lately on Capitol Hill as the House of Representatives voted to end late-term abortions by passing the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and mandated that doctors give the same care to a child who survives an abortion as they would for a child born any other way by passing the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act but we still have a long way to go. The radical status quo in the United States is still legal abortion on demand through birth, and taxpayers are forced to prop up the abortion industry. The new pro-abortion House majority, led by Nancy Pelosi, threatens to stymie and even undo the progress we've made. We must fight to overcome this setback not getting discouraged, continuing to expose the cruelty of abortion and show the way of true compassion. The good news is that when the American people are educated about the extreme agenda of the abortion lo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-first-step-act | Congressman Cohen Votes for First Step Act | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) voted for the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that passed the House today on a 358 to 36 vote after clearing the Senate late Tuesday night. When enacted, the First Step Act will shorten sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, give judges more latitude to work around mandatory sentences where appropriate, and allow offenders who were sentenced before Congress reduced the disparity between penalties for crack and powder cocaine in 2010 to petition to have their cases re-evaluated for possible sentence reductions. It will also enable certain prisoners to participate in evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to earn credits to complete the last portion of their sentence in a residential reentry center or home confinement, and encourage the placement of offenders at prisons closer to their homes where possible. The bill will also prohibit the shackling of pregnant women. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: The First Step Act just that a good first step. It will bring long overdue relief to nonviolent drug offenders who endured unfair, unduly harsh sentences that Congress disavowed in 2010, but failed to make the new law retroactive. It will also enable nonviolent offenders to earn reductions to their time in prison by taking part in programs that will help them become law-abiding citizens when they reenter society, encourage offenders to be placed in facilities closer to their homes, and stop the barbaric practice of shackling pregnant prisoners. More needs to be done to reform our criminal justice system, and I will continue to work to make that happen, but I am grateful Congress has taken this important First Step. Congressman Cohen has long pressed for criminal justice reform, including reforms to bad policies with racially disparate impacts like mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenders and differential treatment of crack versus powder cocaine. In 2015, he voted for the Sentencing Reform Act, a bipartisan package of cr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-cohen-kinzinger-cardenas-and-wagner-praise-final-passage | Representatives Cohen, Kinzinger, Cardenas, and Wagner Praise Final Passage of SOAR Act | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) praised final passage of the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program (H.R. 767) today on a 386 to 6 vote, a measure to provide training to health care professionals on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this important bill through Congress. I especially want to thank Representatives Ann Wagner, Tony Cardenas andAdam Kinzinger for their tireless efforts. This bill is the result of an event held at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2016 to discuss and promote human trafficking awareness training, attended by first responders, health care workers, faith-based groups, educators and state and local government officials. The energy, encouragement and support of those present inspired me to pursue this legislation. The SOAR Act encourages those on the front lines, our health care professionals, to be alert to possible instances of human trafficking when victims appear in clinics or doctors' offices for needed care. The measure's $4 million a year in training grants for health professionals to identify indicators of tell-tale signs of those who have been or are in captivity could end horrors for thousands of victims. Congresswoman Wagner said: As the lead Republican sponsor on H.R. 767, I worked closely with Congressman Cohen to draft this legislation so that services are better tailored to the needs of trafficking victims and put survivors on the road to recovery. I also worked hand in hand with healthcare providers across the St. Louis region who are leading the effort to assist trafficking victims in local clinics and hospitals. I am so proud of their leadership in establishing trainings and policies to identify and treat victims, and I am delighted that Congress is coming alongside them by … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-announces-tn-05-congressional-app-challenge-winners-0 | Cooper Announces TN-05 Congressional App Challenge Winners | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced that two students from Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School are this year's Congressional App Challenge winners for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. The high school juniors are Zavier Miller and Bob Qian. Zavier and Bob used computer programming to create a user-friendly digital scheduling apparatus for students and teachers. They also produced a video that describes the app's inner workings. Each day, students at the winners' school get a block of time to choose and attend one class in which they feel they need extra time or instruction. The winning app provides students an easy way to secure space in desired classes and eliminates a cumbersome paper process. The app also gives teachers a high-tech way to communicate their daily course offerings to students and track student attendance. Zavier and Bob did what Congress should do more often they simplified a complicated process and solved a problem, Rep. Cooper said. Both students clearly have a bright future. Thinking big is what will keep America on top! The Congressional App Challenge is a national effort to encourage students to learn computer programming through annual district-wide competitions hosted by members of Congress. Students participate in technology and math programs, and have the opportunity to create and code. Winning apps will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol. Although the competition has closed for this year, it opens back up in 2019, and all middle and high school students in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District are eligible to participate. The district includes Cheatham, Davidson, and Dickson counties. Click here to learn more about the Congressional App Challenge. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-denounces-trump-s-decision-to-withdraw-american-troops-in-syria-0 | Cooper Denounces Trumps Decision to Withdraw American Troops in Syria | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05)today denounced President Trump's decision to withdraw Americantroops from Syria. President Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria is impulsive and irresponsible. National security experts believe ISIS is still a threat, and the removal of our troops will create a power vacuum in the Middle East. We also should not abandon our Kurdish allies who have been working tirelessly beside us in the fight against ISIS, Rep. Cooper said. Revealing our military strategy to everyone in the world, including our enemies, is an avoidable error Trump himself has mocked in the past. The fact that Putin is supportive of this decision should be an indication that it is an alarming idea. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398418 | President Trump Signs 2018 Farm Bill Into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Phil Roe | R000582 | roe.house.gov | legacy | President Trump Signs 2018 Farm Bill Into Law f t # e Washington, December 20, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement after President Trump signed the conference report to H.R. 2, the Farm Bill into law: Much of our nation's greatness is founded on the hard work of the men and women that put in the long hours in order to feed a grateful nation; and I'm pleased to see the 2018 Farm Bill signed into law today. As a representative of rural Tennessee, one of my top priorities is making sure farmers in the First District are able to continue producing. The 2018 Farm Bill does many things, but most importantly it sends the message that America has its farmers backs. I was also pleased, as lead sponsor of the House version, to see the text of the Tennessee Wilderness Act included in the final bill to protect 20,000 acres of land in East Tennessee as federally-protected wilderness. Over the past four years, I've spoken with farmers and agriculture stakeholders to learn about how to better serve farmers in the district, and I am hopeful this legislation will give farmers in East Tennessee the support they need. Note: The conference report to the 2018 Farm Bill passed the House by a vote of 369 to 47 on Wednesday, December 12. This bill includes the language of the Tennessee Wilderness Act, legislation Rep. Phil Roe introduced in the House on April 27, 2017, and Senators Alexander and Corker introduced in the Senate on the same day. This legislation will designate 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as a wilderness area, to preserve the land with federal protection. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1DA46DED-93FE-4A33-9760-DA2D48EA90D6 | Chairman Alexander: This Congress, HELP Committee Produced 18 Laws Including Landmark Opioid Legislation to Combat Nations Most Pressing Public Health Crisis | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said, over the last two years, this committee has produced solutions that will have an impact on the lives of virtually every American. Chairman Alexander continued: Most recently, in October, President Trump signed into law what Senate Majority Leader McConnell called landmark' legislation to fight the opioid crisis. President Trump said that this new law is the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country.' That legislation included more than 40 proposals from this committee and contributions from 70 senators, many on this committee. In July, President Trump signed the Perkins CTE Act, which we passed through this committee to strengthen the career and technical education programs that train the skilled workers employers tell us they need. And last August, the president signed into law the FDA user fee agreements that will help bring new drugs and devices to patients more quickly. We have also passed bills such as the PREEMIE Act, to prevent preterm births and reduce infant deaths, and the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, to encourage pediatric cancer research. Those are just a few of the important pieces of legislation this committee has worked on and passed. Alexander concluded: While we have accomplished quite a bit working together this Congress, looking towards next year, there are some things I hope to work on. This includes finding real ways to lower the cost of health care for Americans and updating the Higher Education Act to ensure the education students receive is worth their time and money. The HELP Committee approved 18 bills that are now public law: 1. Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash) (H.R.6): This bipartisan package of landmark legislation to fight the opioid crisis included more than 40 HELP Committee proposals. It deals with the nation's worst public health challenge by… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5A80BCB0-4B25-4289-BF0A-49E757194E0A | Alexander, Corker, Roe: New Law Protects 20,000 East Tennessee Wilderness Acres | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) saida new law signed today by President Trump will protect20,000 East Tennessee wilderness acres. Today, President Trump signed into law theTennesseeWildernessAct. The new law will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness,' where we can roam and enjoy nature,Alexander said.This is land in EastTennesseethat's already managed aswilderness, but not made a part of thewildernesslaw. Designation aswildernesswill not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of EastTennessee's economy. I thank Senator Corker, Congressman Roe and the many Tennesseans who've gotten in touch with us about making theTennesseeWildernessAct law, and I'm glad President Trump made it law today. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible God-given outdoor amenities, and it's important that the Cherokee National Forest be preserved for future generations of Americans to enjoy, said Corker. I thank Senator Alexander and Representative Roe for their commitment to protecting our wilderness and am glad to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act signed into law. I am very pleased to see President Trump sign the Tennessee Wilderness Act into law today as a part of the 2018 Farm Bill, Roe said. I am fortunate to represent a district blessed with natural beauty, and as an avid outdoorsman, I strongly believe we must protect the beautiful lands we have in East Tennessee. This legislation will ensure protection for Big Laurel Branch in Carter and Johnson Counties and Sampson Mountain in Washington and Unicoi Counties for generations to come. I was very proud to join Senator Alexander and Corker in this important effort, and I want to thank President Trump for signing it into law. TheTennesseeWildernessAct legislation introduced by Alexander, Corker and Roe … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8724DBCA-F095-490D-9B32-4D10FE360B26 | Alexander, Corker, Roe: New Law Protects 20,000 East Tennessee Wilderness Acres | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) saida new law signed today by President Trump will protect20,000 East Tennessee wilderness acres. Today, President Trump signed into law theTennesseeWildernessAct. The new law will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness,' where we can roam and enjoy nature,Alexander said.This is land in EastTennesseethat's already managed aswilderness, but not made a part of thewildernesslaw. Designation aswildernesswill not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of EastTennessee's economy. I thank Senator Corker, Congressman Roe and the many Tennesseans who've gotten in touch with us about making theTennesseeWildernessAct law, and I'm glad President Trump made it law today. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible God-given outdoor amenities, and it's important that the Cherokee National Forest be preserved for future generations of Americans to enjoy, said Corker. I thank Senator Alexander and Representative Roe for their commitment to protecting our wilderness and am glad to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act signed into law. I am very pleased to see President Trump sign the Tennessee Wilderness Act into law today as a part of the 2018 Farm Bill, Roe said. I am fortunate to represent a district blessed with natural beauty, and as an avid outdoorsman, I strongly believe we must protect the beautiful lands we have in East Tennessee. This legislation will ensure protection for Big Laurel Branch in Carter and Johnson Counties and Sampson Mountain in Washington and Unicoi Counties for generations to come. I was very proud to join Senator Alexander and Corker in this important effort, and I want to thank President Trump for signing it into law. TheTennesseeWildernessAct legislation introduced by Alexander, Corker and Roe … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=91AABAE0-4824-49A6-A943-8F94F1B6797E | Chairman Alexander: This Congress, HELP Committee Produced 18 Laws Including Landmark Opioid Legislation to Combat Nations Most Pressing Public Health Crisis | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said, over the last two years, this committee has produced solutions that will have an impact on the lives of virtually every American. Chairman Alexander continued: Most recently, in October, President Trump signed into law what Senate Majority Leader McConnell called landmark' legislation to fight the opioid crisis. President Trump said that this new law is the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country.' That legislation included more than 40 proposals from this committee and contributions from 70 senators, many on this committee. In July, President Trump signed the Perkins CTE Act, which we passed through this committee to strengthen the career and technical education programs that train the skilled workers employers tell us they need. And last August, the president signed into law the FDA user fee agreements that will help bring new drugs and devices to patients more quickly. We have also passed bills such as the PREEMIE Act, to prevent preterm births and reduce infant deaths, and the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, to encourage pediatric cancer research. Those are just a few of the important pieces of legislation this committee has worked on and passed. Alexander concluded: While we have accomplished quite a bit working together this Congress, looking towards next year, there are some things I hope to work on. This includes finding real ways to lower the cost of health care for Americans and updating the Higher Education Act to ensure the education students receive is worth their time and money. The HELP Committee approved 18 bills that are now public law: 1. Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash) (H.R.6): This bipartisan package of landmark legislation to fight the opioid crisis included more than 40 HELP Committee proposals. It deals with the nation's worst public health challenge by… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DE4E7848-27F4-40C6-822E-173FEF6BA5A0 | Alexander: New Farm Bill Will Help 340,000 Tennessee Farmers | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | This new law will help provide much-needed certainty to farmers in Tennessee and across the country, which is one of the reasons it is supported by the Tennessee agriculture community, including the TennesseeFarmBureau, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee Cattleman's Association, TennesseeFarmer's Cooperative and other agriculture andconservation groups. WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said President Trump signed into law important legislation that will providemuch-needed certainty to Tennessee's 340,000farmers. Agricultureis one of Tennessee's most important industries, with more than 66,000farmscontributing approximately $74billion each year to our state's economy,Alexander said.I'm glad President Trump signed into law this critical legislation today it's good news for Tennessee's 340,000farmers because it supports U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)agriculture, rural development, and conservation programs that benefitfarmers across Tennessee as well as agricultural research at Tennessee's universities to help find ways forfarmers to grow better crops. This new law will also help provide much-needed certainty tofarmers in Tennessee and across the country, which is one of the reasons it is supported by the Tennessee agriculture community, including the TennesseeFarmBureau, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee Cattleman's Association, TennesseeFarmer's Cooperative and other agriculture and conservation groups. Tennessee is home to more than 66,000farms and nearly 11 million acres offarmland. The new law also includes Alexander'sTennessee Wilderness Act, which he introduced in 2017 with Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) andU.S. Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.). The law will designate nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as a wilderness area. Designation as a wilderness area is the highest level of conservation protection to preserve federal land. TheSenate passedthefinal conferenced version of theFarmbillon December11, 2018 by a vote o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=EBCF94C7-16E3-4DC6-A79A-BF66DB8A8A2F | Senate Passes Alexander, Whitehouse, Murray, Gardner Bill That Allows Families to Answer 22 FAFSA Questions With Just One Click | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December20, 2018 The UnitedStatesSenatelast nightpassed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.),Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.),Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) andSenatorCory Gardner (R-Colo.)that will allowthenearly 20 million students that complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to answerat least 11 and up to 22questionson the formwithjustone click. The bill will allow students to have the IRS securely send the Department of Education their federal tax information with oneclick.The bill will also help simplify the process for getting through income-driven repayment applications and the student aid verification process.Now that the Senate has passed the legislation, it will head to the U.S. House of Representatives. Theformerpresident of Southwest Community College in Memphis once told me he believes that he loses 1,500 students each semester because of the complexity of theFAFSA,said Alexander.Over and over families have asked me, I've already given most of this information to the federal government when I paid my taxes, why do I have to do it againonce is enough.' This legislation will make completing the complicatedFAFSAmuch easier for studentsand familiesallowing them to answer up to 22 questionson the formwith one simple click, while securing the applicant's data. It is my hope that the U.S. House of Representatives swiftly passes this legislation. Our nation's outdated and overly complicated financial aid system is forcing students and student loan borrowers to jump through too many hoops to access federal financial aid, verify the tax returns they've already filled out, or get help if they're struggling to pay their student loans,said Murray.I'm pleased to work with my colleagues on this needed fix to federal financial aid, and I urge the House to pass this quickly so students and borrowers are able navigate their financial aid through a streamlined and efficient process. Putting prospectiv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FD52C2B0-5E07-4252-BF3E-BF97CF17B2BE | Senate Passes Alexander, Whitehouse, Murray, Gardner Bill That Allows Families to Answer 22 FAFSA Questions With Just One Click | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December20, 2018 The UnitedStatesSenatelast nightpassed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.),Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.),Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) andSenatorCory Gardner (R-Colo.)that will allowthenearly 20 million students that complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to answerat least 11 and up to 22questionson the formwithjustone click. The bill will allow students to have the IRS securely send the Department of Education their federal tax information with oneclick.The bill will also help simplify the process for getting through income-driven repayment applications and the student aid verification process.Now that the Senate has passed the legislation, it will head to the U.S. House of Representatives. Theformerpresident of Southwest Community College in Memphis once told me he believes that he loses 1,500 students each semester because of the complexity of theFAFSA,said Alexander.Over and over families have asked me, I've already given most of this information to the federal government when I paid my taxes, why do I have to do it againonce is enough.' This legislation will make completing the complicatedFAFSAmuch easier for studentsand familiesallowing them to answer up to 22 questionson the formwith one simple click, while securing the applicant's data. It is my hope that the U.S. House of Representatives swiftly passes this legislation. Our nation's outdated and overly complicated financial aid system is forcing students and student loan borrowers to jump through too many hoops to access federal financial aid, verify the tax returns they've already filled out, or get help if they're struggling to pay their student loans,said Murray.I'm pleased to work with my colleagues on this needed fix to federal financial aid, and I urge the House to pass this quickly so students and borrowers are able navigate their financial aid through a streamlined and efficient process. Putting prospectiv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-governor-haslam-consider-clemency-cyntoia-brown | Congressman Cohen asks Governor Haslam to Consider Clemency in Cyntoia Brown Case | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) last week wrote to Governor Bill Haslam asking him to consider potential clemency for Cyntoia Brown, a juvenile victim of sex trafficking convicted of murder as an adult and currently serving a life sentence. The letter, sent December 10, can be seen here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398416 | Chairman Roe Statement on the Conclusion of the 115th Congress | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Phil Roe | R000582 | roe.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. ICYMI, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released the following statement in advance of the end of the 115th Congress: "As we conclude the 115th Congress, I know that every committee member can go back to their district proud of what we achieved on behalf of our nation's veterans. This Committee worked in a true bipartisan fashion and was blessed with committee members who are committed to veterans. In total, the House passed over 80 veterans bills, and President Trump signed over two dozen into law.I am honored and grateful to have had the privilege to serve as the Chairman of such a successful committee and on behalf of our nation's veterans. "This Congress, we ensured accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by passing the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 into law last year and again when we held an oversight hearing on the first anniversary of its enactment this past July. This law protects whistleblowers and provides the secretary with the tools necessary to hold VA employees accountable. "We also passed the VA MISSION Act, which improves the health care of our veterans. The legislation streamlines VA's many community care programs into one cohesive program, removes arbitrary eligibility criteria that was developed under the Choice Program, funds the Choice Program for one year while Congress implements the new program created in this bill, expands VA's Caregiver Program, includes provisions that strengthen VA's internal capacity to provide timely and quality care, and creates a non-partisan process for reviewing VA's assets to ensure veterans are receiving the care they need where they need it. "Another critical focus of this Congress was the education of our student veterans. In August of 2017, the Forever GI Bill was signed into law. While we have faced some missteps with the implementation of this bill, it is still something to be proud of and will tremendously help our veterans once properly… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7D3FC0AA-F998-4B35-A0C0-0DFD9AA64137 | Alexander: Because Hes A Songwriter Too, In Nashville, We Think of Orrin Hatch as Our Third United States Senator | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Click here for video of Sen. Alexander's floor speech about Sen. Hatch WASHINGTON, December 19, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) paid tribute on the Senate floor to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) saying, Because he's a songwriter too, we think of him in Nashville as our third United States Senator. Alexander said: Of all the bills that Senator Hatch has worked on, my favorite is the Music Modernization Act. We call it the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act because of his role in it. And he likes it because it's a bill to help songwriters, and he's a songwriter too. We have thousands of them in Tennesseeall around Nashville, Memphis, and Upper East Tennessee. Songwriters are typically taxi drivers, music teachers, waitresses, all not making very much money but all with the idea of writing a number one song. Alexander continued: The problem is that as the internet arrived, more than half of the money in the music industry came from songs played online, and songwriters, number oneweren't getting paid often, and number twoweren't getting paid a fair market value. So a number of us took that on. And the result was the Music Modernization Act. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent, and in the House unanimously. It had over 80 cosponsors here, but it was a very complex billa once in a generation copyright law change. And the principal sponsor was Orrin Hatch. He's chairman of the Senate Finance Committeebut more than that, he's a songwriter himself. He's had a gold record and a platinum record. So we think of him in Nashville as our third United States Senator. He's welcome to come back anytime in his retirement after January and sit down and write some more songs because his Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act is going to help thousands of songwriters and make this a more joyful country, with more good songs. Alexander concluded: So I come to the floor today simply to express my respect and appreciation for our senator who is retiring, Orrin Hatch. He served 42 years, longer than an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=89AFEDB4-3582-40B4-A78A-5CB613F3C072 | Alexander: Because Hes A Songwriter Too, In Nashville, We Think of Orrin Hatch as Our Third United States Senator | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Click here for video of Sen. Alexander's floor speech about Sen. Hatch WASHINGTON, December 19, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) paid tribute on the Senate floor to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) saying, Because he's a songwriter too, we think of him in Nashville as our third United States Senator. Alexander said: Of all the bills that Senator Hatch has worked on, my favorite is the Music Modernization Act. We call it the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act because of his role in it. And he likes it because it's a bill to help songwriters, and he's a songwriter too. We have thousands of them in Tennesseeall around Nashville, Memphis, and Upper East Tennessee. Songwriters are typically taxi drivers, music teachers, waitresses, all not making very much money but all with the idea of writing a number one song. Alexander continued: The problem is that as the internet arrived, more than half of the money in the music industry came from songs played online, and songwriters, number oneweren't getting paid often, and number twoweren't getting paid a fair market value. So a number of us took that on. And the result was the Music Modernization Act. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent, and in the House unanimously. It had over 80 cosponsors here, but it was a very complex billa once in a generation copyright law change. And the principal sponsor was Orrin Hatch. He's chairman of the Senate Finance Committeebut more than that, he's a songwriter himself. He's had a gold record and a platinum record. So we think of him in Nashville as our third United States Senator. He's welcome to come back anytime in his retirement after January and sit down and write some more songs because his Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act is going to help thousands of songwriters and make this a more joyful country, with more good songs. Alexander concluded: So I come to the floor today simply to express my respect and appreciation for our senator who is retiring, Orrin Hatch. He served 42 years, longer than an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8DFC3004-E296-43F6-AC63-9C5C6137F462 | President Signs Alexander, Bennet Bill to Help Prevent Premature Births | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C., December 19, 2018 President Trump has signed into law legislation sponsored by Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to reduce infant deaths and improve infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act on December 11, 2018. The Senate passed the legislation September 12, 2018 and the Senate health committee approved it on June 26, 2018. In Tennessee, about 11 percent of babies are born preterm, said Alexander. Since it was first signed into law in 2006, this legislation has helped improve our understanding of premature births and support health care professionals caring for these infants. I am glad President Trump has signed this vital legislation so we can continue to give more babies the chance at long and healthy lives. Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and this law will increase those odds for babies at risk of premature birth, Bennet said. Because the PREEMIE Act is now reauthorized, more research, education, and treatment will be available to reduce premature births and support expectant mothers and their children. Senator Alexander introduced the PREEMIE Actto help reduce infant mortalityin 2003, and it was first signed into law in 2006. The law was reauthorized in 2013 and was also sponsored by Alexander and Bennet. The legislation that the president signed this week reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) research and data collection on infants born premature and reauthorizes programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed at improving the treatment and outcomes of infants born premature for the next five years. This includes grants to help providers and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, and grants to screen and treat expectant mothers for substance use disorders, including opio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=97F23015-1690-4B09-9A84-063B9CABE0C6 | President Signs Alexander, Bennet Bill to Help Prevent Premature Births | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C., December 19, 2018 President Trump has signed into law legislation sponsored by Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to reduce infant deaths and improve infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act on December 11, 2018. The Senate passed the legislation September 12, 2018 and the Senate health committee approved it on June 26, 2018. In Tennessee, about 11 percent of babies are born preterm, said Alexander. Since it was first signed into law in 2006, this legislation has helped improve our understanding of premature births and support health care professionals caring for these infants. I am glad President Trump has signed this vital legislation so we can continue to give more babies the chance at long and healthy lives. Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and this law will increase those odds for babies at risk of premature birth, Bennet said. Because the PREEMIE Act is now reauthorized, more research, education, and treatment will be available to reduce premature births and support expectant mothers and their children. Senator Alexander introduced the PREEMIE Actto help reduce infant mortalityin 2003, and it was first signed into law in 2006. The law was reauthorized in 2013 and was also sponsored by Alexander and Bennet. The legislation that the president signed this week reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) research and data collection on infants born premature and reauthorizes programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed at improving the treatment and outcomes of infants born premature for the next five years. This includes grants to help providers and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, and grants to screen and treat expectant mothers for substance use disorders, incl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=890259EE-CFE4-41A0-B0F4-8D256C719F53 | Alexander: Near Unanimous Agreement on Bill to Provide Biggest Help to National Parks in 50 Years | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Bipartisan bill would fill potholes, fix bathrooms, maintain trails and campgrounds, repair visitors' centers When an idea this good fixing our national parks for generations of Americans to enjoy gets this much bipartisan support, it's going to happen sooner or later. It's hard to think that it will happen sooner before the end of this year with the only few weeks left in the session. But I hope that later is no later than the beginning of next year." Sen. Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 18, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Republicans and Democrats who often disagree are in near unanimous agreement on legislation to help fix our national parks. "Today, too many of our National Parks are in bad shape and American families spending their vacations in our National Parks are often shocked to find that so many of the roads, picnic areas, trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers are in such bad shape or even closed,Alexander said.In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited national park in the country visitors spend 400,000 nights camping in 9 front-country campgrounds and 100 backcountry camp sites. Five thousand families used to enjoy Look Rock Campground every year, but, in 2013, the park had to close the campground and the picnic area due to funding shortfalls in replacing the water treatment facilities. The Restore Our Parks Act would be the biggest help to the National Park Service in 50 yearsit would cut in half the maintenance backlog at our 418 national park sites. The legislation would help fill potholes, fix bathrooms, maintain trails and campgrounds, repair visitors' centers, and restore our 418 national parks so Americans can enjoy them.In the Senate, we have 37 bipartisan cosponsors. The House version of the bill has over 230 bipartisan cosponsors, including the chairman and ranking member of the committee. The House Natural Resources Committee approved their version of the bill unanimously, and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Commi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C172F350-679A-4C38-AADF-60C294C0CE7B | Alexander: Senate Passes Prison Reform Legislation | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 18, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after the Senate passed the First Step Act, bipartisan prison reform legislation he cosponsored that was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and supported by President Trump: Today, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation that will help improve the federal criminal justice system and reform federal prisons. This legislation will take some important first steps to help non-violent offenders re-enter their communities and reduce the likelihood that they would commit another crime. I commend President Trump and Chairman Grassley for their leadership and I look forward to the House passing the bill and the president signing it into law. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-praises-senator-alexander-announced-retirement | Congressman Cohen Praises Senator Alexander on Announced Retirement | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) responded to today's announcement by Senator Lamar Alexander that he will be retiring in 2020 with the following statement: On all occasions, Senator Alexander has been a gentleman, is knowledgeable about issues and is honest and above board. I worked with then-Governor Alexander as a state senator on the Tennessee State Scenic Highway legislation and, in Congress, on the 21st Century Cures Act, part of the National Institutes of Health package that delivered important resources to medical research, particularly on Alzheimer's. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years. I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wonderful family. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-announcement-by-sen-lamar-alexander | Cooper Statement on Announcement by Sen. Lamar Alexander | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement after U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said he would not seek re-election in 2020: Lamar is finishing a stellar career in Tennessee politics, Rep. Cooper said. I honor him for his service, but I also hope he will use his last two years in office to challenge President Trump the way that Bob Corker has done. I am worried that the Tennessee Republican Party is losing the legacy of Howard Baker: his willingness to investigate his own president, to insist on fiscal discipline, open markets, and civil rights. America needs that fair-mindedness now more than ever. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/kustoff-statement-retirement-senator-lamar-alexander | Kustoff Statement on Retirement of Senator Lamar Alexander | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Germantown, Tennessee – December 17, 2018 – U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today released the following statement after U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced he will not seek re-election in 2020. "Senator Lamar Alexander is the definition of a Statesman," said Kustoff. "His public service of almost 50 years to the state of Tennessee and our nation will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. I join my colleagues in thanking him for his leadership and thoughtful approach to public policy. Roberta and I wish Lamar, his wife, Honey, and their entire family the very best in all their future endeavors." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398415 | Roe Statement on Senator Alexander's Retirement | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Phil Roe | R000582 | roe.house.gov | legacy | Roe Statement on Senator Alexander's Retirement f t # e Washington, December 17, 2018 JOHNSON CITY, TENN. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2020: Tennessee and our country have been blessed to have been represented by Lamar Alexander. As Governor, Secretary of Education, University of Tennessee's President, presidential candidate and U.S. Senator, he has exemplified what it means to be a public servant by working tirelessly to make our state and nation the best it can be. I still remember his first campaign for governor, where he walked across the state in his signature red-and-black flannel and inspired many in Tennessee to become Republicans. He is not only a great man, but a loving father and husband to his wife and family. Knowing the senator, I'm sure there is still a lot that will be accomplished, and I look forward to continuing to work with him over these next two years. I want to thank him for all his hard work, and I wish Lamar, Honey and their family the best. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D00D0EED-BC1F-439E-9E5C-B9210FCB5DF2 | Alexander Statement on 2020 Senate Election | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 17, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement: I will not be a candidate for re-election to the United States Senate in 2020. The people of Tennessee have been very generous, electing me to serve more combined years as Governor and Senator than anyone else from our state. I am deeply grateful, but now it is time for someone else to have that privilege. I have gotten up every day thinking that I could help make our state and country a little better, and gone to bed most nights thinking that I have. I will continue to serve with that same spirit during the remaining two years of my term. Alexander is the only Tennessean everpopularly electedboth Governor and U.S. Senator. His 2008 general election vote total of1,579,477is the largest ever received by a statewide candidate. Alexander is chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. He authored opioids legislation signed into law in October which President Trump called the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country. In 2016, hewrote the 21st Century Cures Act, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called the most important law of this Congress. In 2015, Alexander authored the Every Student Succeeds Act, fixing No Child Left Behind. President Obama called the new law a Christmas miracle, and theWall Street Journalsaid it was the largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter century. As chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations subcommittee, Alexander provided four years of record funding for national laboratories, supercomputing and waterways, including restarting Chickamauga Lock.You can read more about the senator's workhere. A seventh-generation Tennessean born and raised in Maryville, Alexander was twice elected governor of Tennessee. He was chairman of the National Governors Association and of President Ronald Reagan's Commission on Americans Outdoors. He then served as presid… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=69D4DF69-6184-4B13-9B34-B3F362C93200 | Corker Statement on Alexander Announcement | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) announced he will not seek re-election in 2020. One of the highlights of my time in the Senate has been working with Lamar Alexander, said Corker. I often tell him he is the legislator of the decade because of the effective way he has worked across the aisle to pass legislation that directly affects the lives of so many throughout our state and around the country. As one of the finest statesmen our state has ever seen, Lamar will leave behind a remarkable legacy. I know he will press through the next two years with great vigor, and I look forward to all he will accomplish on behalf of Tennesseans as he completes his service in Washington. I thank Lamar for his friendship and am excited for Honey and him as they begin to think about their next chapter together. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=35FAF2C4-1D74-4AC6-889A-91487AAD833F | Johnson City Press: Lamar Alexander: Protecting our mountain wilderness, heritage | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | By Lamar Alexander https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Column/2018/12/15/Protecting-our-mountains-and-heritage.html This week, Congress passed the Tennessee Wilderness Act, which will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest for camping and hiking, and roaming and enjoying nature.The bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Senator Corker, Congressman Roe and I have been trying for the last 8 years to ensure future generations of Tennesseans have the opportunity to enjoy some of the wildest, most pristine and beautiful areas in our state, and this legislation will help do that. There is something very special about East Tennessee's Appalachian Mountains from Roan Mountain to the Great Smokies, which is our nation's most visited national park. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible outdoor amenities, and it's important that we preserve these areas for future generations of Americans to enjoy. The Tennessee Wilderness Act designates nearly 20,000 acres within the Cherokee National Forest in Monroe, Polk, Washington, Unicoi, Carter, and Johnson Counties as wilderness. The acres are all already owned by the federal government and are within the boundary of the Cherokee National Forest. As a result, no local tax revenues will be lost by local communities. And because these lands have been managed by the Forest Service as Wilderness Study Areas since 2004, there will be no change in the management of the lands from current operations. Specifically, the bill designates the 9,038 acre Upper Bald River Wilderness, adds 348 acres to the Big Frog Wilderness, adds 966 acres to the Little Frog Mountain Wilderness, adds 2,922 acres to the Sampson Mountain Wilderness, adds 4,446 acres to the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, and adds 1,836 acres to the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. These lands were recommended for wilderness designation by the U.S. Forest Service as part of their comprehensive 2004 forest plan, which included extensi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/announcing-russell-b-sugarmon-post-office-becoming-law | Announcing Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Becoming Law | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, I announced that my bill to name the post office on Autumn Avenue for Judge RussellB.Sugarmonhas been signed into law. I also questioned Google's CEO about protecting free speech;voted to pass a Farm Billwhich protects important food assistance,animal protection and conservation programs;expressed my concern about developments in the Special Counsel Robert Muellerinvestigation;visited with students at Hamilton High School's pre-K program, welcomed new American citizens, noted that open enrollment for HealthCare.gov policies ends this Saturday, December 15;remembered Shelby County Election Commissioner O.C. Pleasant Jr., offered Capitol Historical Society 2019 calendars and made a health tip about preparing for wintry cold snaps. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Announcing Russell B.SugarmonPost Office Becoming Law Questioning Google about Protecting Free Speech Protecting Food Assistance Expressing Concerns About Developments in the Mueller Probe Visiting with Hamilton High SchoolPre-KStudents Welcoming New American Citizens in Memphis Flagging Open Enrollment Ending Soon at HealthCare.gov RememberingO.C. Pleasant Jr. Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Announcing Russell B.SugarmonPost Office Becoming Law On Monday, I announced that my bill to rename the post office at 1325 Autumn Avenue for Russell B.Sugarmon, the civil rights leader, lawyer and judge, had been signed into law. No one deserves this honor more than JudgeSugarmonand I look forward to dedicating thismonumentto a great man's achievements soon. Questioning Google about Protecting Free Speech On Tuesday,Google CEO Sundar Pichaitestified beforethe House Judiciary Committee on which I serve and took questions about baseless claims of bias against conservatives in its search functionandconcerns about privacy and tracking people's physical locations… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2B8B3A17-FF87-4B05-963B-4D90B291E794 | Alexander: DENSOs Success Means More Good Jobs and Stronger Families | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Just as Alcoa did in the last century, in this century DENSO has provided better jobs that mean stronger families, better schools, stronger communities and safer neighborhoodssomething for which every single Blount Countian can be grateful. Senator Lamar Alexander ** For high resolution photos, please email Ashton_Davies@alexander.senate.gov ** MARYVILLE, Tenn., December 14, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said at the grand opening ceremony of a new DENSO manufacturing facility in Maryville that, in this century the company has provided better jobs that mean stronger families, better schools, stronger communities and safer neighborhoods for Blount County. In 1917, Alcoa came from Pittsburgh and built a big aluminum smelting plant in Blount County. The residents were so upset they tarred and feathered the mayor and ran him out of town,Alexander said.But, it wasn't long before Blount Countians realized Alcoa was good for the community the company brought good-paying jobs to East Tennessee and suddenly families found themselves making good wages. Alcoa created more jobs, stronger families, better schools and stronger communities for Blount County in the last century, and DENSO is having the same effect in this century. Of course, DENSO has been part of our state's auto industry from the beginning. Alexander told the story of how DENSO came to Blount County when he, as governor, received a call from Toyota that it would bring a small, 100-employee auto supplier called Nippon Denso to his hometown of Maryville as a consolation prize after deciding to build its plant in Lexington, Kentucky. And now, 30 years later, that consolation prize' has 4,350 full-time employees in Blount County, and 1,900 more at two other Tennessee DENSO plants in Athens and Jackson,Alexander said. Alexander continued,Because of Tennessee's central location, our right-to-work law, our top-notch roads, good governors and state leadership, and our strong workforce, DENSO is one of nearly 1,000 auto suppliers t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-scott-desjarlais-votes-for-farm-bill-that-improves-food-stamp | REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS VOTES FOR FARM BILL THAT IMPROVES FOOD STAMP PROGRAM, RURAL BROADBAND AND EDUCATION | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Scott DesJarlais | D000616 | desjarlais.house.gov | legacy | REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS VOTES FOR FARM BILL THAT IMPROVES FOOD STAMP PROGRAM, RURAL BROADBAND AND EDUCATION STRONG STANCE ON TRAINING AND WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PRODUCES MORE CONSERVATIVE BILL WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, voted for the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The House-Senate agreement sets national agriculture policy for the next five years, and the President will likely sign it. Rep. DesJarlais, a House Freedom Caucus member, was an outspoken proponent of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, which would help more Americans gain job training and employment in an economy where an estimated six million job openings outnumber unemployed. Especially in Tennessee's Fourth District, where Rutherford County is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., the economy requires skilled workers to fill good-paying jobs. But able-bodied, working-age adults receiving food stamps, many for long periods of time, are missing opportunities to learn nursing, welding, computer coding and other professions, said Rep. DesJarlais. Unfortunately, Democrats are dead-set against reform, and even some Republicans seem to prefer the failing status quo, despite large majorities of our constituents who favor better training and education for our out-of-work friends and neighbors. But conservatives made progress in this bill, such as better data collection to inform future action. There will be fewer exemptions and waivers allowing states to game the system, and we have eliminated bonuses to states for performing basic administration. The Congressman cited other provisions to improve rural broadband, telemedicine and education. A Democrat-controlled Congress next year, if we simply extended the deadline until then, would produce more bloat and bureaucracy. Passing this farm bill now gives us the opportunity to make positive changes and prevent big mistakes later on. Tennessee farmers and ra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=12FF329D-07A9-49AA-8920-322A21353E3E | REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS VOTES FOR FARM BILL THAT IMPROVES FOOD STAMP PROGRAM, RURAL BROADBAND AND EDUCATION | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Scott DesJarlais | D000616 | desjarlais.house.gov | desjarlais | https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center | scraper | STRONG STANCE ON TRAINING AND WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PRODUCES MORE CONSERVATIVE BILL WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, voted for the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The House-Senate agreement sets national agriculture policy for the next five years, and the President will likely sign it. Rep. DesJarlais, a House Freedom Caucus member, was an outspoken proponent of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, which would help more Americans gain job training and employment in an economy where an estimated six million job openings outnumber unemployed. “Especially in Tennessee’s Fourth District, where Rutherford County is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., the economy requires skilled workers to fill good-paying jobs. But able-bodied, working-age adults receiving food stamps, many for long periods of time, are missing opportunities to learn nursing, welding, computer coding and other professions,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “Unfortunately, Democrats are dead-set against reform, and even some Republicans seem to prefer the failing status quo, despite large majorities of our constituents who favor better training and education for our out-of-work friends and neighbors. But conservatives made progress in this bill, such as better data collection to inform future action. There will be fewer exemptions and waivers allowing states to game the system, and we have eliminated bonuses to states for performing basic administration.” The Congressman cited other provisions to improve rural broadband, telemedicine and education. “A Democrat-controlled Congress next year, if we simply extended the deadline until then, would produce more bloat and bureaucracy. Passing this farm bill now gives us the opportunity to make positive changes and prevent big mistakes later on. Tennessee farmers and ranchers also need our help coping with unfair foreign trade practices,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “They … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=8B6464A6-2172-4B05-9EC6-DA15764EF9E7 | Corker Offers Resolution Condemning Murder of Jamal Khashoggi | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today will introduce a Senate joint resolution holding Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a former Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post. The resolution condemns Khashoggi's killing and insists on accountability for those involved in his death. Cosponsors of the resolution include Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). The resolution is expected to be considered by the full Senate. Text of the resolution is below and available online here. Title: Supporting a Diplomatic Solution in Yemen and Condemning the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Whereas the ongoing civil war in Yemen has exacerbated that country's humanitarian crisis, in which nearly 12,000,000 people are suffering from severe hunger, according to the United Nations' World Food Programme; Whereas there is no military solution to the conflict; Whereas the United States-Saudi Arabia relationship is important to United States national security and economic interests; Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has, in recent years, engaged in concerning behavior, including its conduct in the civil war in Yemen, apparent detention of the Prime Minister of Lebanon, undermining the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council, expulsion of the Canadian ambassador, suppression of dissent within the Kingdom, and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi; Whereas misleading statements by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi have undermined trust and confidence in the longstanding friendship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and Whereas such erratic actions place unnecessary strain on the United States-Saudi Arabia relationship, which is an essential e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-congratulates-kaywin-feldman-national-gallery-art | Congressman Cohen Congratulates Kaywin Feldman on National Gallery of Art Appointment | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) congratulated former Brooks Museum of Art director Kaywin Feldman on her appointment as the fifth director and first women to lead the national Gallery of Art that she has called arguably America's greatest treasure. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: The National Gallery is the home of priceless Rembrandts, Titians, Picassos, Monets, Modiglianis, Pissarros, classic statuary, and many of the greatest and best-known works of art on earth, including Memphis' own William Eggleston's. Kaywin Feldman is just the person to oversee this great American art institution located on America's front yard, the National Mall. I congratulate her for this huge achievement and look forward to walking the storied galleries with her soon. Feldman has been the director of the Minneapolis Institute of Art since 2008. Before that, she was director of Memphis' Brooks Museum of Art from 1999 to 2007. She takes over in March from longtime National Gallery Early Rusty Powell III, who has led the museum since 1992 and announced his plan to retire last year. Feldman will be overseeing a museum that receives more than five million visitors a year, has a staff of 1,100 and has an annual operating budget of $167 million. It was founded in 1937 for the American people by billionaire philanthropist Andrew Mellon. It can be visited free of charge. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/farm-bill-passage-great-west-tennessee | Farm Bill Passage, Great for West Tennessee | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – December 12, 2018 – Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) today released the following statement following the passage of the conference report for H.R.2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. Also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, this bipartisan legislation supports our nation's farmers and foresters by reauthorizing farm programs and directing the nation's agricultural policy for the next five years. Congressman Kustoff said: "When I ran to represent West Tennessee, I promised to listen to our farmers and fight for their priorities. Across the nation, farmers and ranchers have been struggling as incomes have dropped nearly 50 percent over the last 5 years. I have visited farms all throughout West Tennessee and heard directly from those farmers about how this Farm Bill would make a huge positive impact on their operations. "That is why I am proud to have voted in favor of the Farm Bill that provides stability for some of the hardest working families in America. The Farm Bill has wins for rural communities including protections against natural disasters and unfair foreign trade practices. It also stimulates rural development programs like broadband, research, and extension of USDA's ability to support those who work hard to put food on our tables and clothes on our backs." Among many important provisions, the 2018 Farm Bill: • Supports the cotton industry by addressing overly restrictive family farm eligibility requirements and allowing and full access to the marketing loan program; • Maintains and strengthens the Crop Insurance program; • Preserves the Administration's regulatory flexibility on SNAP benefits, including USDA's ability to reign in states who abuse the waiver process; • Creates new broadband standards and provides new incentives for borrowers to develop high-speed broadband networks; and • Provides all rural communities access to guaranteed lending programs that finance critical infrastructure projects. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1E9181F2-163C-40A5-BD67-31241D1C2E37 | Alexander at Axios Event: The Debate Should Move From Health Insurance to Health Care Costs | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | I'm going to focus on making the system more of a market, getting rid of barriers, andif I couldfind a way to make it possible for those of us who buy health care services every day to know the price of what we're paying for.Sen. Lamar Alexander *You can watch Senator Alexander's discussion with Axios' Mike Allenhere* WASHINGTON, December 12, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the health care debate should move from health insurance to health care costs. At an event hosted by Axios today, Alexander discussed his 2019 health care policy priorities, specifically reducing the cost of health care, with Axios co-founder and Executive Editor Mike Allen. My focus over the next two years is to see if we can do one or two big things to reduce healthcare costs and maybe 10 or 12 little things and try to move the whole debate from health insurance where we've been stuck for eight years arguing about six percent of the health insurance market, that's Obamacare, to health care costs,Alexander said.You'll never get lower-cost health insurance until you have lower-cost health care. He added:We've had five hearings on reducing health care costs and Dr. Brent James, who is a member of the American Academy ofMedicinesaid that 30 to 50 percent of what we spend on health care is unnecessary. So I was so startled by that, that I asked the other witnesses, they agreed with him, and I asked the next panel of witnesses and the next, and they agreed with him too. That means that, of the huge amount we spend on health care, we unnecessarily spend an amount of money that's more than the gross domestic product of every country in the world, but nine. Mike Allen:You said that one of the biggest problems is people don't know the true cost of their health care. Alexander:Well, that's it. The first thing is to get rid of the barriers in the way of innovators, but nobody knows the cost. Secretary Azar is going to be here. He's got a great story about how he went for a procedure and found out it co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-russell-b-sugarmon-post-office-bill-becomes | Congressman Cohen Announces Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Bill Becomes Law | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) is pleased to announce that his bill renaming the post office at 1325Autumn Avenue for Judge Russell B. Sugarmon, the civil rights leader, attorney and judge, has been signed into law. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: No one deserves this honor more than Judge Sugarmon, whose lifetime achievements include being the first African-American to run for a major city office in 1959 and the second African-American elected to the Tennessee General Assembly after Reconstruction, in 1966. Before becoming a judge in 1987, he practiced with Memphis' and the South's first integrated law firm Ratner, Sugarmon, Lucas, Willis and Caldwell after attending Morehouse College and Rutgers University and receiving a law degree from Harvard University. Working alongside Maxine and Maxine Smith, Jesse Turner and other NAACP leaders in the fight for racial justice and equality, Judge Sugarmon was instrumental in using the courts to desegregate public transportation, restaurants, public facilities and the Memphis public schools. The Russell B. Sugarmon post office on Autumn Avenue will be a lasting Memphis monument to this great man's many achievements, and I look forward to celebrating this honor with him and his many friends. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-oc-pleasant-jr | Congressman Cohen Remembers O.C. Pleasant Jr. | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted the passing of his longtime friend, Shelby County Election Commissioner O.C. Pleasant Jr., and made the following statement: O.C. and I became friends when we were elected as delegates to the 1977 Tennessee State Constitutional Convention. We got to know each other well during the five months the convention lasted and we maintained that friendship over the next 40 years. He was a stand-up member of the county election commission who served with great distinction and heroism, and was noted for speaking truth to power. He dearly loved his wife Barbara and his children and was a good family man and a good citizen. His was a life well lived. He will be missed. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=823C25E8-EFC1-4A1E-928D-F8CEF2D0FBC2 | CQ: Alexander Seeks Proposals for Health Costs Legislation | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Alexander said he is also seeking input from the health care industry and state officials who handle health issues, which could help shape legislation next year. In the letter, Alexander asked AEI's James Capretta and the Brookings Institution's Paul Ginsburg to suggest specific ways Congress could lower health care costs, incentivize care that improves the health and outcomes of patients, and increase the ability for patients to access information about their care to make informed decisions, as well as how those would work and what Congress or the administration needs to do to implement such steps. He also asked about what shortcomings such steps could have, and why it may be worthwhile to implement them, anyway. Alexander said he'd share the proposals with committee ranking member Sen.Patty Murray, D-Wash., as well as Sens.Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, andRon Wyden, D-Ore., who are expected to lead the Finance Committee next year. A legislative focus on health care costs could include a focus on prescription drug prices, which members of both parties consider an area for potential bipartisan work next year. Still, Alexander's remarks on Tuesday suggested he would take a much broader scope, raising issues such as surprise billing and price transparency. The federal government is not going to lower the cost of health care overnight, but I believe there are steps we can take that would make a real difference to American families, he added. That might be two or three big steps, or a dozen smaller ones, but we shouldn't let this opportunity to make progress pass us by. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=080AFB47-9EA5-47A8-A928-E1FC717CAB6D | Alexander, Corker, Roe: Tennessee Wilderness Act Passed by Senate, On Track to Become Law | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) today said the Tennessee Wilderness Act is on track to becoming law, after it passed the Senate today as a provision in the Farm bill. Today, the United States Senate passed the Tennessee Wilderness Act, and it now heads to House of Representatives and then to President Trump's desk to become law. The legislation will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness,' where we can roam and enjoy nature,Alexander said.This is land in East Tennessee that's already managed as wilderness, but not made a part of the wilderness law. Designation as wilderness will not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of East Tennessee's economy. I thank Senator Corker, Congressman Roe and the many Tennesseans who've gotten in touch with us about making the Tennessee Wilderness Act law. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible God-given outdoor amenities, and it's important that the Cherokee National Forest be preserved for future generations of Americans to enjoy,saidCorker.I thank Senator Alexander and Representative Roe for their commitment to protecting our wilderness and am glad the conference committee included the Tennessee Wilderness Act in the final farm bill. I am fortunate to represent a district blessed with natural beauty, and as an avid outdoorsman, I strongly believe we must protect the beautiful lands we're fortunate to have in East Tennessee,Roe said.That's why I am pleased to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act be included in the Farm Bill that is set to be voted on later this week in the House, which will preserve thousands of acres in East Tennessee. As the House sponsor of this legislation, I commend Senator Alexander for his tireless efforts to pass this bill and join with Senator Corker in strongly supporting th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0C5BE995-C3B0-4D1D-91AE-715C76372E1E | Chairman Alexander: Up to Half of Health Care Spending is Unnecessary | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | ** Click here for video of Senator Alexander's remarks ** The five hearings we held reminded us of something else we should agree on: one major reason for the unnecessarily high cost of health care is that the health care system does not operate with the discipline and cost saving benefits of a real market. Too many barriers to innovation drive up costs. And most Americans have no idea of the true price of the health care services they buywhich alsodrives up costs. Sen. Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Up to half of health care spending is unnecessary. Alexander today sent a letter to leading health care experts at the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution, economists, doctors, nurses, patients, hospital administrators, state regulators and legislators, governors, employers, insurers, and innovators asking them to identify specific ideas about how to reduce health care costs for taxpayers, employers, and families after concluding a series of five Senate health committee hearings exploring the same topic. The five hearings we held reminded us of something else we should agree on: one major reason for the unnecessarily high cost of health care is that the health care system does not operate with the discipline and cost saving benefits of a real market. Too many barriers to innovation drive up costs. And most Americans have no idea of the true price of the health care services they buywhich alsodrives up costs, Alexander said in a speech delivered on the Senate floor. Last July, at the Senate health committee's second in a series of five hearings on reducing health care costs, Dr. Brent James, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, testified that 30 percent, and probably as much as 50 percent, of all the money spent on health care is unnecessary. That startled me, as I hope it startles you, Alexander continued. So I asked another witness, Dr. David Lanksy, from the Pacific Business Group on Health… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2CD7CA78-E208-46C8-A6B5-6EECD304AF31 | Alexander, Bennet Bill to Help Prevent Premature Births to Become Law | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C., December 11, 2018 The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation sponsored by Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to reduce infant deaths and improve infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births. The Senate passed the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act on September 12, 2018. The Senate health committee approved the legislation on June 26, 2018. In Tennessee, about 11 percent of babies are born preterm, said Alexander. Since it was first signed into law in 2006, this legislation has helped improve our understanding of premature births and support health care professionals caring for these infants. Now that the House has passed this vital legislation, I look forward to President Trump signing it into law soon so we can continue to give more babies the chance at long and healthy lives. Our colleagues in the House made the right decision to pass this important legislation for the roughly 10 percent of babies born premature this year, Bennet said. Expanding on the progress already made, reauthorizing this bill will increase research and education on premature births, and promote screenings and treatment for expectant mothers with substance use disorders. Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and this law will help ensure that. We welcome today's vote on the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act and thank Chairman Alexander and Senator Bennet for their continued leadership in ensuring babies in this country are born strong and healthy, said March of Dimes President Stacey D. Stewart. After a decade of decline, the preterm birth rate has risen the past three years, which is unacceptable for a country with our vast resources. This bill will go a long way in reducing the number of babies that are being born too sick and too soon. Senator Alexander introduced the PREEMIE Actto help reduce infant mortalityin 2003, and it was first signed into law in 2006. The law was reauthorized in 2… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4D78614C-36CE-4BC6-86D2-6281CABD9957 | Alexander: Trump Administration Takes Next Step to End Washingtons Excessive Regulation of Tennessee Farmers Mud Puddles | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Trump Administration has taken the next step to end Washington's excessive regulation of Tennessee farmers' mud puddles. The Trump Administration's new proposed Waters of the U.S. rule is good news for Tennessee farmers it would end Washington's excessive regulation on waters, streams and wetlands, Alexander said. I've been the fighting the Obama Administration regulation since it was announced in 2015 because it gave the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the ability to regulate nearly all of the water in the country, and raised costs for Tennessee families, farmers and businesses. I'm glad the Trump Administration has changed course. Alexander, who is chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has cosponsored legislation to prohibit and voted in support of legislation to prohibit the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from implementing the Obama Administration's Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation. The Obama Administration regulation went into effect on May 27, 2015, and expanded federal control over waters that were previously not subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act. On June 27, 2017, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a proposed rule to rescind the Obama Administration's WOTUS rule. The Administration announced today its new proposed Waters of the U.S. rule that clarifies the federal government's authority under the Clean Water Act and helps provide certainty to states, landowners, farmers and businesses. The proposed rule, which will go through a public notice and comment period, would limit federal control over waters to only traditional navigable waters that flow year-round or intermittently throughout the year and would not include streams that flow only after rainfall. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DB54E910-9F3C-4425-8376-24C1CE09ACBD | Alexander, Corker, Roe: Tennessee Wilderness Act One Step Closer to Becoming Law | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) today said the Tennessee Wilderness Act is one stepcloser tobecoming law, after it was included as a provision in theFarm bill, which is expected to be voted on beforeCongress adjourns later this month. The Tennessee Wilderness Act has been included in theFarm bill that Congress is expected to vote onsoon,which means it is one stepcloser tobecoming law. The legislation will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness,' where we can roam and enjoy nature,Alexander said. This is land in East Tennessee that's already managed as wilderness, but not made a part of the wilderness law. Designation as wilderness will not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of East Tennessee's economy. I thank Senator Corker, Congressman Roe,and the many Tennesseans who've gotten in touch with us about making the Tennessee Wilderness Act law. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible God-given outdoor amenities, and it's important that the Cherokee National Forest be preserved for future generations of Americans to enjoy,said Corker.I thank Senator Alexander and Representative Roe for their commitment to protecting our wilderness and am glad the conference committee included the Tennessee Wilderness Act in the final farm bill. I am fortunate to represent a district blessed with natural beauty, and as an avid outdoorsman, I strongly believe we must protect the beautiful lands we're fortunate to have in East Tennessee, Roe said. That's why I am pleased to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act be included in the Farm Bill that is set to be voted on later this week in the House, which will preserve thousands of acres in East Tennessee. As the House sponsor of this legislation, I commend Senator Alexander for his tireless efforts to pass thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F59D3A38-079B-4506-9406-22D4F260A463 | Alexander: Farm Bill is Good News for Tennessees 340,000 Farmers | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | It's supported by the Tennessee agriculture community, including the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee Cattleman's Association, Tennessee Farmer's Cooperative and other agriculture andconservation groups. WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Senate passage of the Farm bill will helpprovidemuch-needed certainty to Tennessee's 340,000 farmers. It is no question thatagriculture is one of Tennessee's most important industries, with more than 66,000 farmscontributing approximately $74 billion each year to our state's economy,Alexander said.Passage of the Farm bill is good news for Tennessee's 340,000 farmers it supports U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)agriculture, rural development, and conservation programs that benefit farmers across Tennessee as well as agricultural research at Tennessee's universities to help find ways for farmers to grow better crops. This legislation will help provide much-needed certainty to farmers in Tennessee and across the country, which is one of the reasons it is supported by the Tennessee agriculture community, including the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee Cattleman's Association, Tennessee Farmer's Cooperative and other agriculture and conservation groups. I look forward to the House passing the bill and President Trump signing it into law. Tennessee is home to more than 66,000 farms and nearly 11 million acres of farmland. The legislation also includes Alexander'sTennessee Wilderness Act, which he introduced in 2017 with Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) andU.S. Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.). The legislation would designate nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as a wilderness area. Designation as a wilderness area is the highest level of conservation protection to preserve federal land. TheSenate passedthefinal conferenced version of the Farm bill on December 11, 2018 by a vote of 87-13. It will now head to the U.S. House of Representatives. ### L… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speechesfloorstatements?ContentRecord_id=81920164-A2EC-43E8-AE74-28569C3498DA | Health Care Cost Floor Speech | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Mr. President, today, I am asking experts at the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution as well as other leading health careexperts, for specific ideas about how Congress and the president can work together to reduce the cost of health care in the United States. Here is why: Last July, at the Senate health committee's second in a series of five hearings on reducing health care costs, Dr. Brent James, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, testified that 30 percent, and probably as much as 50 percent, of all the money spent on health care is unnecessary. That startled me, as I hope it startles you. So I asked another witness, Dr. David Lanksy, from the Pacific Business Group on Health, if he agreed with Dr. James' estimate, and he said yes. And then at our next hearing not one witness on our distinguished panel disagreed with Dr. James. That means we are spending as much as half of all that we spend on health care on unnecessary treatment, tests, and administrative costs. As a country, we spend a huge amount on health care$3.5 trillion in 2017 according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. When we use Dr. James' estimates, that means we spent between roughly $1-$1.8 trillion on unnecessary health care in 2017. That is more money than the Gross Domestic Product of every country in the world except for the top nine. That is three times as much as we spend on all of our national defense, 60 times as much as we spend on Pell grants for college students, and about 550 times as much as we spend on national parks. For the last eight years, most of the debate about health care has not been about this extraordinary fact that we may be spending up to half of what we spend on health care unnecessarily but instead on health insurance, and in fact on six percent of the health insurance market. The truth is we will never have lower cost health insurance until we have lower cost health care. Instead of continuing to argue over a small part of the insurance market, what we sh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/paying-respects-late-president-george-h-w-bush | Paying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, This week, Ijoined my colleaguesin the Capitol Rotundaandat Washington's National Cathedral, and a nation in mourning, to pay my respects to the late President George H. W. Bush. Ialsoled a letter with 96 of my colleagues urging the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to act swiftly to investigate, address and hold a hearing to review allegations of pregnancy discrimination at the Memphis XPO Logistics warehouse and usher in national legislation to protect pregnant workers,wrote to the federal regulator of motor coaches after Monday's fatal accident involving an Orange Mound youth football team, noted that the December 15 deadline is looming for signing up for coverage at HealthCare.gov, participated in the Judiciary Committee'sdepositionof former FBI Director James Comey, remembered Creole Chef Gary Williams, noted the passing of Collierville Municipal Judge William Craig Hall, announced a $11.8 million grant for Head Start, scheduled four appearances on MSNBC, moved my Washington office, offered Capitol Historical Society 2019 calendars and made a health tip about getting a timely flu shot. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Paying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush Calling for Hearing onXPO Logistics Labor Practices Seeking answersabout Fatal Bus Crashin Arkansas Flagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov Questioning former FBI Director Comey Remembering Creole Soul Food Chef Gary Williams Noting the Passing of Collierville Municipal Judge William Craig Hall Announcing $11.8 Million Head Start Grant Appearing on MSNBC Tonight, Saturday, Sunday and Monday Moving My Washington Office Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Paying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush OnMonday,I joined my colleagues in the Capitol Rotunda to pay my respects to President G… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-members-commemorate-one-year-anniversary-of-president-donald | House Members Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of President Donald Trump's Official Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Scott DesJarlais | D000616 | desjarlais.house.gov | legacy | House Members Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of President Donald Trump's Official Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Andy Biggs and 42 cosponsors introduced a resolution to commemorate the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump's official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and the announcement of his intention to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem. Congressman Biggs, along with many of the cosponsors, released the following statements: Israel is one of the United States' most enduring allies, and President Trump kept a significant promise by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and announcing his intention to move our embassy to Jerusalem. That embassy was opened in Jerusalem earlier this year. These milestones signify our commitment to our ally. I thank my many colleagues who joined me in this resolution. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) I am pleased to be an original cosponsor on this important legislation. This year has marked a restoration of the U.S.-Israel relationship. President Trump's moving of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was monumental not because he is the first president to promise this move, but because he is the only president who made good on that promise. I have supported moving the embassy since my start in Congress and am proud to have seen it come to fruition. I want to thank my colleague Rep. Biggs for initiating this great commemoration and for working with me collaboratively on the final bill. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) Today, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of President Trump's momentous decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the recognized capital of Jerusalem. During his campaign, President Trump committed to finally make this move, and I applaud him displaying strong leadership and courageous action in support of one of America's closest allies in the world. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01) My support remains unwaveri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=9373FBE1-560B-4E28-9449-58593FD3CB3E | House Members Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of President Donald Trump's Official Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Scott DesJarlais | D000616 | desjarlais.house.gov | desjarlais | https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Biggs and 42 cosponsors introduced a resolution to commemorate the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and the announcement of his intention to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem. Congressman Biggs, along with many of the cosponsors, released the following statements: “Israel is one of the United States’ most enduring allies, and President Trump kept a significant promise by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announcing his intention to move our embassy to Jerusalem. That embassy was opened in Jerusalem earlier this year. These milestones signify our commitment to our ally. I thank my many colleagues who joined me in this resolution.” – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) “I am pleased to be an original cosponsor on this important legislation. This year has marked a restoration of the U.S.-Israel relationship. President Trump’s moving of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was monumental not because he is the first president to promise this move, but because he is the only president who made good on that promise. I have supported moving the embassy since my start in Congress and am proud to have seen it come to fruition. I want to thank my colleague Rep. Biggs for initiating this great commemoration and for working with me collaboratively on the final bill.” – Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) “Today, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s momentous decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the recognized capital of Jerusalem. During his campaign, President Trump committed to finally make this move, and I applaud him displaying strong leadership and courageous action in support of one of America’s closest allies in the world.” – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01) “My support remains unwavering for President Trump’s courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision is… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F0DA4107-08F7-4831-A81F-66D250F8A418 | Alexander Statement on the Nomination of William Barr to Serve as Attorney General of the United States | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, December 7, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on President Donald Trump's nomination of William Barr to serve as Attorney General of the United States: Bill Barr and I served together in President George H.W. Bush's cabinet. He has demonstrated that he knows how to serve as an effective Attorney General of the United States. He should be confirmed promptly again. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-118-million-head-start-grant | Congressman Cohen Announces $11.8 Million Head Start Grant | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) received notice today of a Department of Health and Human Services grant of $11.8 million to the Shelby County Board of Education for its Head Start programs and made the following statement: Head Start is one of the best programs for young children whose parents have limited means. Its proven record shows it gives these children a shot at the American Dream. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2B93C4C9-5AB6-4B3A-AB37-DB66CE95D82E | Alexander: Agreement Between President Trump and President Xi to Control Deadly Fentanyl Will Save Thousands of American Lives | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Click here for video of Sen. Alexander's floor speech What President Trump and President Xi announced this weekend is the single most important step that could be taken to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl from China to the United States. Sen. Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 6, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said, Out of all the news about the discussions that the President of the United States and the President of China had last weekend, one thing is certain: the agreement to schedule deadly fentanyl as a controlled substance will save thousands of American lives. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be 100 times stronger than opioid prescription pills and is the source of the greatest increase in opioid overdoses in our country. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, almost all the fentanyl coming to the United States is produced in China. The agreement reached between the United States and China makes the selling of fentanyl subject to the maximum penalty under Chinese law. Let me tell you one story about how we got here, Alexander said in a speech delivered today on the Senate floor. About four weeks ago, I led a senior delegation of five Senators and two Members of the House of Representatives, to Beijing to meet with Chinese leaders. At the urging of U.S. Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, we made fentanyl and the opioid crisis the primary point of our visit. President Trump had in an earlier meeting spoke with the Chinese president about this.China had already taken steps to stem the flow of fentanyl into our country by controlling 25 different substances of fentanyl. What we asked the Chinese officials, including the Premier, to do is to control all forms of fentanyl. Controlling all forms of fentanyl allows Chinese narcotics agents to go after anyone in China who uses or produces fentanyl illegally or improperly. When we returned from China, I spoke about our trip on the Senate floor and said that China had the opportunity to become the global le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=40ED6AA1-FF37-43E7-AA35-BC87AF95FD88 | Alexander: Bob Corker is Always a Man on Mission | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | *Alexander's full remarks are available here.* WASHINGTON, December 6, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today paid tribute on the Senate floor to Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) saying he is always a man on a mission with little regard of the obstacles in the way. As an example of that, Alexander told the story about how Corker was curious about smuggling supplies from Egypt to Gaza, so he hailed a Jeep, rode to the border, inspected the tunnels, took photographs and showed them to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when they met that afternoon. The prime minister might have been surprised by Bob Corker's conduct, but none of us who knew Bob Corker were surprised, Alexander said. Alexander, who has known Corker for 25 years, referenced the senator's many accomplishments, including his stint as mayor of Chattanooga: Now, he [Corker] would be the first to tell you that Chattanooga was already on a roll -- that a lot of people had a lot to do with Chattanooga success -- but everybody else will tell you that he was the best, fastest runner to have on the last stage of the relay team because he took what was already beginning to happen in Chattanooga and put it into high gear. Bob laid the groundwork for what eventually attracted Volkswagen to put his North American manufacturing plant there, and to have the country generally regard Chattanooga as one of the most, if not the most, desirable midsized cities in America. Alexander continued, Bob was elected to the United States Senate in 2006 he has voted with the majority of Republican senators 85 percent of the time, but he always has been a conservative who prizes results over speeches. Bob and I followed the old rule that Senators Howard Baker and Robert Byrd followed -- I won't surprise you if you won't surprise me. We not only didn't surprise each other, we looked out for each other. We respected each other's work even though we didn't always agree. Our staffers saw that, so they worked the same way, and I'm convinced the people of t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7FE3E99E-7D6C-42E8-B0BB-408CEF34CDD5 | Alexander: $25 Million Federal Grant Will Help Fix Middle Tennessees Traffic Jams | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | It's not a secret, traffic congestion in and around the Nashville area is a headache-- right now, if you take I-65 from Spring Hill to Nashville, you're probably late to work because you're sitting in at least an hour of traffic. This $25 million federal grant will create a new avenue for Middle Tennesseans to get to work more quickly. Senator Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 6, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said a $25 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the city of Spring Hill will help reduce traffic congestion in Middle Tennessee. It's not a secret, traffic congestion in and around the Nashville area is a headache-- right now, if you take I-65 from Spring Hill to Nashville, you're probably late to work because you're sitting in at least an hour of traffic. This $25 million federal grant will create a new avenue for Middle Tennesseans to get to work more quickly, Alexander said. This was a highly competitive grant and Spring Hill will receive $25 million, which is the most any applicant can receive. This award is a great compliment to our state and its leadership. The city of Spring Hill will receive a $25 million federal grant to construct a new interchange between I-65 and I-840 and an extension of Buckner Road from Bunker Lane to Lewisburg Pike to connect the new interchange. The federal grant is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, which awards competitive grants to communities in Tennessee and across the country to fund significant transportation projects, including highways and bridges, public transportation systems, passenger and freight railroads and port infrastructure. The BUILD grant program is funded by the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations subcommittee, of which Alexander is a member. In Fiscal Year 2018, the BUILD grant was federally funded at $1.5 billion. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=01050844-9704-4D93-865C-FEB0DFB4A4A2 | Alexander: America is Fortunate to Produce Leaders Who Bring Out the Best in Us, As President George H.W. Bush Did | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | *Click here for video of the senator's full remarks.* WASHINGTON, December 4, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today paid tribute on the Senate floor to President George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. All of us have shared memories and stories about the president, but I want to talk about three aspects of his service very briefly, Alexander said. When I think of President George H.W. Bush I think of a gentleman, I think well-prepared, and I think of a pioneer, especially a pioneer in education. First, a gentleman his temperament and conduct while he won and while he lost in war and in peace, with adversaries and friends, reminds us that you can be tough, but you can win the presidency and that you can be a combat pilot in a world war, and you can still treat others with respect, which he unfailingly did. Alexander continued, I was thinking about that last night as we stood outside on the [Capitol] steps and watched the casket being brought up, a beautiful evening -- the sunset looking out over the Library of Congress and over the Supreme Court -- and I was thinking that with all the rancor we sometimes have here as we work out difficult problems, we're pretty lucky to have this form of government we have. And we're extraordinarily fortunate that we can produce men and women like President George H.W. Bush who bring out the best in us. Second, what we had in President George H.W. Bush may have been the best prepared president in our history a congressman, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, head of the national Republican Party, the first ambassador to China, head of the United Nations, Vice President of the United States, head of the Central Intelligence Agency and the youngest aviator in a world war. I think how fortunate we were that he happened to be the one who came along then, because the things that he accomplished in his four years and the things that he presided over and led us to do weren't that easy. He served at a time when we needed that preparation becau… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C36BA1D6-2EFE-4C2F-B002-D47806499457 | Alexander: I Do Not Know Many Public Servants More Accomplished Than A.B. Culvahouse | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | The English are our ancestors. The Australians are our cousins, and I would suggest they are our first cousins. They deserve to have, as the representative of our country to them, one of our finest. Sen. Lamar Alexander *Video of the senator's full remarks is available here.* WASHINGTON, December 4, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced Tennessean A.B. Culvahouse, Jr., at his confirmation hearing to serve as Ambassador of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of Australia before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It is my privilege today to introduce to the committee Arthur B. Culvahouse, Jr. He is the most accomplished lawyer I know, and I do not know many public servants more accomplished than he is. That might sound like an extravagant claim, but I mean it sincerely, Alexander said. He had the great advantage of being born and raised in Ten Mile, Tennessee, so that got him off to a good start. Alexander continued, Culvahouse became legislative counsel to Howard Baker, our senator [from Tennessee] who later became majority leader of the United States Senate. He became counsel to both John McCain and Donald Trump during their campaigns as they began to consider vice presidential selections. He was counsel to President Ronald Reagan while he was in the White House. And in the midst of all of that, he has been the chairman of one of the world's largest law firms, O'Melveny and Myers. All of [these] activities have established him as enormously well-qualified for this position. I'm more than a little jealous that he is the Tennessean who gets to be the Ambassador to Australia. If he's confirmed by the Senate, which I hope he will be, he will have a wonderful experience ahead of him. After completing his second term as governor, Alexander lived six months with his family in Australia in 1987. Alexander told a story about Australia at today's hearing: The English are our ancestors. The Australians are our cousins, and I would suggest they are our first … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-saddened-youth-football-bus-accident | Congressman Cohen Saddened by Youth Football Bus Accident | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed his condolences to the family of the youth football playerwho diedin the predawn bus accident in Arkansas this morning and said his thoughts arealsowith the children injured in the accident and their families. Congressman Cohen released the following statement: I am saddened to learn about the terrible accident that cost the life of an Orange Mound youth football player this morning.My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends.The team was representing one of the heartbeats of our community, historic OrangeMound,and mythoughts are with the many reportedly injured in the accident and theirfamilies. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=4C586DEA-4E97-4FD0-9058-A9D96180BFD6 | Washington Times: 'Game changer': China agrees to crack down on fentanyl after pressure from Trump | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | One week before the midterm elections, seven members of Congress jetted toChinawith specific marching orders from the Trump administration and Ambassador Terry Branstad: Urge Beijing to crack down on fentanyl, the No. 1 killer in the U.S. overdose crisis. Trade was also on the agenda, said Senate Health Committee ChairmanLamar Alexander, Tennessee Republican, but every meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, state police and Politburo members began by asking the Chinese government to make all forms of the synthetic opioid illegal. Mr. Branstad and the White House wanted the delegation to act as table-setters for President Trump, the self-styled dealmaker in chief, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this weekend on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Argentina. The delegation's lobbying campaign appears to have worked. The White House said Mr. Xi over the weekend agreed at the summit to control all forms of fentanyl as both countries try to improve relations and end a thorny trade war. Officials said the change, if implemented swiftly and firmly, will fill a critical enforcement gap. If they get caught, they have the highest level of punishment, Mr. Trump said while returning to the U.S. on Air Force One. That could be a game changer. Roughly 30,000 Americans died last year from overdoses traced back to fentanyl, which is far more deadly than regular heroin. The drug is smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico or even mailed directly through the U.S. Postal Service but invariably is traced back toChina. Chinese authorities have made other efforts at crackdowns by banning 25 compounds, but crafty traffickers riffed on formulas to duck authorities and continue shipping their products. Chinese weren't yet convinced it was that important to us,Mr. Alexandertold The Washington Times. They don't have an opioid problem inChina. Mr. Alexanderand other lawmakers hailed the weekend's developments, saying the crackdown is a long time coming and should work hand in hand with a new law that forces the U.S.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AB2E9DCF-7CA6-42B5-976B-37CDDE6908BC | Alexander Statement on President Trump and President Xi of China Agreement to Control Fentanyl (Synthetic Opioids) | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tenn., December 2, 2018 U.S. Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the agreement between President Trump and President Xi of China to control fentanyl (synthetic opioids): President Trump's agreement yesterday with President Xi of China is the single most important step that could be taken to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, from China into the United States. It will save thousands of American lives. The president deserves great credit for persuading China to make the selling of fentanylsubject to the maximum penalty under Chinese law. Opioid abuse is the number one U.S. public health epidemic, killing more Americans last year than automobile accidents.Fentanyl can be 100 times stronger than opioid prescription pills and is the source of the greatest increase in opioid overdoses and deaths. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency says that almost all fentanyl that comes to the U.S. is, one way or the other, produced in China. Atthe urging of U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad four weeks ago, I led a delegation of seven members of the United States Congress to Beijing to meet with Chinese leaders, including the Premier, asking that China control all forms of fentanyl as a way of stopping the flow of this dangerous syntheticopioid into the United States both by mail and by smuggling through Mexico and Canada. China's response today to President Trump is precisely the action our Congressional delegation asked for, and I am grateful to the Chinese leaders for listening to us and taking this action. Alexander spokeabout his recent visit to China on the Senate floor. Alexander was principal sponsor of opioids legislation President Trump signed into law in October that he called the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called landmark legislation to fight the opioid crisis. That legislation included proposals from five different Senate… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C4B13CAB-21D3-49BE-AEBF-566D1EBA373C | Alexander Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | MARYVILLE, Tenn., December 1, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today made the following statement on the passing of President George H.W. Bush, the 41stPresident of the United States: George H.W. Bush may have been the only person ever elected President of the United States primarily by being nice. I have dozens of handwritten notes from himas do, I suspect, hundreds of Americans. His presidency is increasingly admired for his courage and restraint: for unifying Germany, for making hard decisions that balanced the budget, and for challenging aggression in Kuwait with decisive but measured military action. Alexander served as President Bush's Education Secretary from 1991-1993. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=D63E2710-F1F7-4819-B748-7445C2A13B5B | Corker Announces Plans to Support First Step Act | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today announced plans to support S.3649, the First Step Act, legislation to reform America's criminal justice system. This legislation is an important first step as we work to reform our nation's criminal justice system, said Corker. The First Step Act will allow us to better prepare offenders for successful reentry into their communities and makes important strides toward enhancing prison security and officer safety. I plan to support this legislation and am hopeful some of the changes being proposed to make this an even better piece of legislation are made before a vote on the floor. The legislation, authored by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), endorsed by President Donald J. Trump, and cosponsored a bipartisan group of 28 senators, aims to reduce federal recidivism and crime, prepare inmates for successful returns to society, enhance prison security and officer safety, and reform federal criminal sentencing. The bill has been endorsed by a number of law enforcement groups, including the nation's largest police group. It also is now supported by 172 former federal prosecutors, including two former Republican U.S. attorneys general, two former deputy attorneys general and a former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with sheriffs from 34 states across the country. The National Governor's Association, which represents the governors of all 50 states, praised the bill last week, and a broad coalition of conservative, progressive, and faith groups also support the legislation. More information on the legislation is available here: ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-president-george-hw-bush | Congressman Cohen Remembers President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted the passing of President George H. W. Bush today with the following statement: President Bush was a statesman and a gentleman who served his country in a several important roles with dedication. As a fighter pilot in World War II, congressman, CIA director, vice president and president, he led a life of public service. On a rainy day in late November 1989, President Bush spoke from the front lawn of The Commercial Appeal on Union, extolling the newspaper and its editor, Lionel Linder, for their work focusing on individuals in the Memphis region making a difference as volunteers. His One Thousand Points of Light' initiative still thrives and will be part of his lasting legacy. He was a class act. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to his children and their families and his many friends. His was a life well led. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-president-george-hw-bush | Cooper Statement on President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Jim Cooper | C000754 | cooper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement. President George H.W. Bush embodied a bygone American era of civility, respect and bipartisanship, Rep. Cooper said. The leader of a patriotic family, he was a war hero, CIA director, honorable commander-in-chief, and the proud father of a fellow President and a governor. No President is perfect, but it's certain we've lost a national hero. President Bush and his beloved Barbara are deeply missed. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398411 | Roe Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Phil Roe | R000582 | roe.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement after the passing of President George H. W. Bush: "I am saddened to hear of the passing of President George H. W. Bush. He served bravely during World War II as a Navy pilot and was a true American hero. Not only did he serve our country, but he was the youngest Naval aviator our nation had ever seen. He answered the call to serve and exemplified what it means to be a true American hero. President George H. W. Bush is a reason why we must remain committed to serving our veterans. "Even when President Bush was shot down during his service, he persevered on behalf of our nation. He looked evil in the face and stood tall. I am grateful for the commitment the President made on behalf of this nation, we are a better country because of it. "Lastly, beyond his service to country was his commitment to his family. He raised his children to be strong, committed leaders like himself and loved his wife Barbara until his last breath. And while we mourn the loss of this great man, I take solace in the fact that he is now reunited with his beloved wife. "Clarinda and I are keeping the entire Bush family in our prayers as we mourn the loss of this incredible man." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=AEFCE331-FF0A-4D4E-AEEA-9FA24AEB5ECE | Corker Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. George H.W. Bush's life was defined by service to the country he loved, and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy, said Corker. His selfless service and devotion to family set an important example, not only during his time in elected office but long afterward of what it really means to lead. His character and decency were unparalleled, especially in the way he befriended political foes, reminding Americans that there is always more that unites us than divides us. Elizabeth and I cherish the memories we have of hosting George and Barbara at our home in Chattanooga and join the nation in celebrating the life of a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and statesman. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398410 | Chairman Roe Statement on 116th Congress Committee Leadership Role | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Phil Roe | R000582 | roe.house.gov | legacy | Chairman Roe Statement on 116th Congress Committee Leadership Role f t # e Washington, November 30, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after he was ratified by the House Republican Conference as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for the 116th Congress. I am honored for the opportunity to continue to lead my fellow Republicans in the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for the 116th Congress. This past Congress, we have had an incredible number of bipartisan achievements on behalf of our nation's veterans. I look forward to continuing the bipartisan nature of this Committee, and to work with all members to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and support they deserve. I know that President Trump and Secretary Wilkie will also continue to work with Congress on behalf of America's heroes. I am grateful to the members of the Republican Steering Committee who recommended me for this leadership role. I also want to thank current Committee Members, as well as my staff, for their support and dedication to our nation's veterans this past Congress. I hold a special place in my heart for America's servicemembers and it is a true honor to work on behalf of them every single day. I am excited to continue to advance legislation on behalf of these brave men and women during the 116th Congress and I remain wholeheartedly committed to ensuring our nation's veterans receive nothing short of what they deserve. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5E20BFED-BB4B-4307-AC75-205240D73E28 | Alexander: Goal is for Electronic Health Records to Become What Patients, Doctors Had Hoped For | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | I hope, more than anything, we see consumers who say, Thank you, for my electronic health care records, this is amazing, it's simple.' People say that about how easy it is to make an airline reservation. Sen. Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, D.C., November 30, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) this week said he hopes that implementation of the 21stCentury Cures law will mean electronic health records become what patients and doctors and hospitals had hoped for would be when the technology was developed. I would [also like] to see doctors believe that the amount of time that they're spending on recordkeeping, and this isn't all directed toward electronic records they believe they're spending 40 or 50 percent of their time filling out forms while they ought to be treating patients. I'd like for them to believe that that 40 or 50 percent has dropped to 20 or 30percent or 10 or 20 percent. Alexander made his comments at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's (ONC) 2018 Annual Meeting,in a discussion with Adam Boehler, Senior Advisor to the Secretary, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Innovation Center. Excerpts from his remarks are below: Senator Alexander discussed a meeting he had with Apple: Apple came in to see me the other day, and they're trying to make it easier to put your electronic medical records on your phone.And that's what should happen. But the government's not going to do that. We need to make it possible for Apple or Google or anybody who wants to try to do that Tom Friedman in his book, his most recent book, talked about Steve Jobs and John Doerr,the venture capitalist, at a soccer game in 2007 and the issue was, would Apple make the apps.Doerr said, No, don't do that, let the world make the apps.'And of course that was an awfully smart thing for Apple to do.So that's what we want to happen with health care as well, and we tried to do that. So those are some of the things that we try to do.But basically our whole… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-elected-regional-seat-steering-and-policy-committee | Congressman Cohen Elected to Regional Seat on Steering and Policy Committee | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON -- Congressman Cohen (TN-09) was elected by acclamation to the powerful Democratic Steering and Policy Committee this evening for the new Congress that convenes in January by Democratic Congressional colleagues from the 7th Region which encompasses Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Congressman Cohen has served as a member of the committee in an appointed capacity since January 2017 when he was named to it by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. The Steering and Policy Committee nominates Democratic Members for committee assignments and has both elected and appointed positions. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I am honored to receive this vote of confidence from my colleagues from the 7th Region and the opportunity to serve on the Steering and Policy Committee, and want to thank them for their support. I was honored to serve on the committee after my appointment almost two years ago by the once and future House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, I look forward to using my experience in Congress to help advise the House Democratic Caucus. Democrats must remain committed to ensuring civil rights and voting rights for all Americans, preserving the Affordable Care Act, protecting Medicare and Social Security, exercising oversight over the current administration's culture of corruption and creating jobs to build a stronger economy, among other issues. I am grateful my colleagues have placed their trust in me. Congressman Cohen was the first Congressman from the Ninth District of Tennessee to serve on the committee since Harold Ford Sr. served from 1988-1990 and the first Tennessean to serve on the committee since John Tanner served from 1996-2004. In 2008, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to Congressman Cohen as the conscience of the freshman class. Congressman Cohen also serves of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Ethics, and the Commission … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-will-reintroduce-constitutional-amendment-limit | Congressman Cohen Will Reintroduce Constitutional Amendment to Limit the Presidents Pardon Power | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, announced today his intention to reintroduce his constitutional amendment to limit the President's pardon power when the new Congress convenes in January. Last year, following the indictment of Paul Manafort, Congressman Cohen introduced H. J. Res. 120, a constitutional amendment that would prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, as well as members of their family, their administration and campaign staff. President Trump's overtures to his convicted former campaign chairman Paul Manafort pose a dangerous threat to the rule of law and are not what the Founders intended when they included the pardon power in the Constitution. The pardon power is supposed to serve justice, not thwart it. It was never meant to immunize presidents' families and close advisors against laws the rest of us must obey. That's what kings and dictators do, and if there is one thing the Founders made clear, it was that we don't have kings in the United States of America. Manafort is not the only convicted former Trump advisor facing serious questions about the legality of their conduct. Michael Flynn, Michael Cohen, George Papadopoulos have all been convicted or pleaded guilty, and questions remain about the conduct of Roger Stone and even Trump's son and son-in-law. We need to limit the scope of the pardon power to protect the rule of law. The amendment would apply to the current as well as future presidents. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398409 | Roe Supports Passage of Bill Naming Johnson City Post Office In Honor of Major Homer L. Pease | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Phil Roe | R000582 | roe.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement after the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 6621, legislation to rename the post office located at 530 E Main Street, Johnson City, Tennessee, in honor of Major Homer L. Pease: I am very pleased to see the House unanimously pass my legislation to name the downtown Johnson City, Tennessee post office after a true hero, Major Homer L. Pease. Major Pease's tireless service to this nation exemplifies the qualities of a great patriot and he deserves this great honor in recognition of his bravery and love for our country. I want to thank the entire Tennessee delegation for supporting this endeavor, and I am hopeful the Senate will follow suit. Background: A native of Johnson City, Tennessee, Major Homer L. Pease served the United States during World War II and the Vietnam War. In 1942, Homer Pease enlisted at the age of 13 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division where he volunteered as a paratrooper. Pease joined his fellow servicemen in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944 and continued to support the Allied Soldiers until he was wounded. His valor was recognized by the presentation of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Upon recovery, he rejoined his unit at Bertesgarten, Germany, where he was again wounded and received his second Purple Heart at the age of 15. Following his second injury, Pease was sent home to Johnson City where he attended Science Hill High School and graduated in 1950. Pease served in the National Guard for over a decade after his high school graduation, ultimately returning to active military duty. After initially being stationed in Radcliff, Kentucky, his unit, the 37th Armored Regiment, was relocated to Schweinfurt, Germany, in 1961. When his enlistment concluded in 1965, he volunteered and was accepted by the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. As part of his duties, he became a U.S. Army Ranger at the age of 36. Homer Pease arrived in Vietnam on March 14, 1966, where he advised a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5EA2BA09-DD59-4B7A-8A77-DFD75EDA1831 | HELP Committee Concludes Productive 115th Congress by Passing Five Additional Bills and Approving Four More Qualified Nominations | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, November 29, 2018 The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) today concluded a productive 115th Congress by passing five additional bills and approving four more qualified nominations. At today's markup, which was the committee's final of this Congress, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said, the work this Committee has done over the last two years will have an impact on the lives of virtually every American. In October, President Trump signed into law what Leader McConnell called landmark' legislation to fight the opioid crisis. That legislation included more than 40 proposals from this Committee, and contributions from 70 senators, many on this Committee. In July, President Trump signed the Perkins CTE Act, which Senators Enzi and Casey worked on and we passed through this Committee. This legislation funds the career and technical education programs that train the skilled workers employers tell us they need. And last August, the president signed into law the FDA user fee agreements that will help bring new drugs and devices to patients more quickly. Today, the committee approved five additional bills: S.2076, BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act offered by Senators Collins, Kaine, Capito, and Cortez Masto, which will create Centers of Excellence to advance public health knowledge and ensure public health professionals, doctors and nurses, and patients and their families have the support and updated information on Alzheimer's and related dementia diseases they need.The bill also establishes cooperative agreements to support state public health departments in taking what is learned from these centers of excellence and implementing that knowledge to help the individuals and families in their states. S.3657, Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 offered by Senators Hatch and Casey, which reauthorizes state grants and programs related to surveillance, prevention, care, and research of traumatic brain injuries, and encourages data collect… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speechesfloorstatements?ContentRecord_id=441F584E-8BCD-45E3-B0C6-9DF3CF5D3186 | S. 2076, S.3657, Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018, H.R.315, S.3482, S.3530, and Nominations | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Posted on November 29, 2018 The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will come to order. Senator Murray will now have an opening statement, and if any of the sponsors of the bill would like to speak, I'm happy to stay after we vote. We plan to vote on the five bills en bloc at 11 a.m., and then vote on the four nominees after. Today, we are holding the Committee's final markup of this Congress years 2017 and 2018. The work this Committee has done over the last two years will have an impact on the lives of virtually every American. Most recently, in October, President Trump signed into law what Leader McConnell called landmark legislation to fight the opioid crisis. That legislation included more than 40 proposals from this Committee, and contributions from 70 senators, many on this Committee. Also in October, the president signed Senator Collins' bill to ban the gag clauses that prevented a pharmacist from telling a patient their prescription would be cheaper if they paid with cash instead of using their insurance. In July, President Trump signed the Perkins CTE Act, which Senators Enzi and Casey worked on and we passed through this Committee. This legislation funds the career and technical education programs that train the skilled workers employers tell us they need. And last August, the president signed into law the FDA user fee agreements that will help bring new drugs and devices to patients more quickly. We have also passed bills such as the PREEMIE Act, to prevent preterm births and reduce infant deaths, and the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, to encourage pediatric cancer research. Those are just a few of the important pieces of legislation this Committee has worked on and passed. All in all, this Congress, the Committee: Has approved14 bills that have been signed into law. Reported to the Senate floor 10 additional bills, six of which the full Senate has sent to the H… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-endorses-pelosi-next-speaker-house | Congressman Cohen Endorses Pelosi as Next Speaker of the House | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) enthusiastically and proudly endorsed Nancy Pelosi of California to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, as he has prior to every new Congress since the 2007 leadership elections that made her the first woman Speaker. Congressman Cohen wrote his colleagues on November 16 offering his full support for what he called a skilled and experienced tactician, a steel hand in a silk glove. See the letter here. Congressman Cohen also made the following statement: Going into 2019 with Trump in the White House and a partisan Senate leader, the people need a strong, experienced House Speaker and negotiator on their side. When you're in the seventh game of the NBA Finals, you want Lebron in the paint. When you're in the final game of the World Series, you want Sandy Koufax on the mound. And when you have a country in crisis, you want Nancy at the negotiating table. Nancy has already proven to be one of the greatest Speakers in our history and has shown she can work with but also stand up to a President and get the people's work accomplished. With a unified leadership team, we can confront the ongoing culture of corruption and the harm done to our nation's standing in the world. I urge my colleagues and the American people to support Nancy Pelosi as the next Speaker of the House. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2C73FE0A-9112-455A-8D3B-3549ACE93143 | Alexander: Washington Should Get Out of the Way of Private Sector Innovation to Reduce Health Care Costs | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Going forward, I plan to take what we've learned today and from our previous four hearings, and ask leading health care policy experts for specific ideas on how the federal government can reduce the cost of health care. WASHINGTON, D.C., November 28, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Washington should get out of the way of private companies that are disrupting the health care system with cost-cutting innovations. The cost of health care is an issue that is at the front of every Americans' mind according to a Gallup poll released days before the midterms, 80 percent of registered voters rated health care asextremely'orvery important'to their vote a higher percentage than any other issue polled,Alexander said. While there may be a role for government to play, the private sector is on the frontlines working to address America's high health care costs, and I would like to know what Washington should do to get out of the way of that innovation. Alexander continued:For example,HCA Healthcare has 178 hospitals and 119 freestanding surgery centers located in 20 U.S. states and the United Kingdom. HCA has implemented new techniques to reduce the spread of MRSA, a drug-resistant bacterial infection, in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). These new techniques have reduced cases of MRSA by 37 percent in HCA hospitals, and have been so effective that the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have added them to their best practices. According to HCA, this reduction in MRSA infections saves $170,000 for every 1,000 patients. Those savings are shared among the hospital, insurers, and patients. Dr. Perlin, our witness from HCA Healthcare, has been on the frontlines of this and other innovations, showing what a smart doctor can do when given the resources to impact an entire system, such as one as large as HCA. Alexander made his remarks today at the fifth hearing in a series on how to reduce health care costs, focused on finding ways private sector inn… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F58D67B6-D5A3-4BB0-A462-7C4019E62F97 | Alexander: Cliff Corker Will Be An Asset to the Federal Bench | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | I want to take this opportunity to express my strong support for his [Corker's] nomination. WASHINGTON,November 28, 2018United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced Tennessean Cliff Corker at his confirmation hearing to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. It is my pleasure to introduce Cliff Corker to the committee today. His background is well-known to the committee, so I won't go into extensive detail, but I want to take this opportunity to express my strong support for his nomination,Alexander said.Cliff Corker currently serves as a United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. He was selected by the District Court Judgesof the Eastern District of Tennessee a testament to his qualifications to be a District Court Judge and to his support from the community. Alexander concluded, Cliff Corker will be an asset to the federal bench, in my opinion. Tennessee is fortunate that President Trump chose to nominate him, and I urge the members of the committee to support his nomination so he can be quickly considered by the full Senate. Video of Alexander's remarks is available here. After President TrumpannouncedCorker's nomination on October 11, Alexander said he would serve Tennessee with distinction. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speechesfloorstatements?ContentRecord_id=55517EB4-805D-4AEC-8A45-C946580E27E3 | Reducing Health Care Costs: Improving Affordability Through Innovation | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will please come to order. Senator Murray and I will each have an opening statement, and then I will introduce the witnesses. Then we will hear from the witnesses and senators will each have 5 minutes to ask questions. International Paper, a 120-year old company headquartered in Memphis, has, since 2004, used a variety of tools to manage the cost of health care for their 33,000 employees. One tool International Paper uses is encouraging employees to use, at no cost, Best Doctors, an independent company International Paper works with. For example: when an International Paper employee's doctor recommends a hip replacement, the employee can call and ask for a second opinion from Best Doctors. Best Doctors reaches out to get the necessary medical records from the employee's doctor, sends the records to medical professionals who review the case, and then either reaffirm the hip replacement or recommend a different course of treatment, such as physical therapy. The use of this voluntary program saved International Paper over half a million dollars in 2017 by preventing unnecessary treatment. In June, this Committee launched a series of hearings on the rising cost of health care an issue that is at front of every Americans' mind. According to a Gallup poll released days before the midterms, 80 percent of registered voters rated health careas extremely or very important to their vote a higher percentage than any other issue polled, including the economy, immigration, and taxes. At our first four hearings, we looked at: first, how much health care costs in America; second, how to reduce what we spend on unnecessary health care tests, services, procedures, and prescription drugs, and, how to increase preventive care; third, how to reduce administrative burdens imposed by the federal government; and fourth how to make information on the cost and quality of care more easily available. Secretary Azar has been passionate about giving patients more infor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=08BD2AED-E0E8-463D-8729-55F682067C57 | Corker Convenes Hearing on Progress in Global Fight to End Modern Slavery | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered the following remarks during a hearing on progress in the global fight to end modern slavery. The hearing featured testimony from Ambassador John Richmond, heard of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons; Natalie Grant, a singer-songwriter and the co-founder of Hope for Justice, a nonprofit devoted to ending modern slavery; and Shawna Bader-Blau, the executive director of the Solidarity Center, a workers' rights organization focused on eliminating forced labor. Today, we will once again shine a light on the global fight to end modern slavery. This could be my last legislative hearing as chairman, and of all of the work that we have done together on this committee, the fight against modern slavery stands out. I am proud that Senator Menendez and I worked to pass legislation with the entire committee establishing the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery that has finally launched a truly global effort to end it, with major contributions from the United States, the United Kingdom, and now private donors and others. I will say that amount has now reached over $110 million dollars in a global, public-private partnership, something that I think this committee and our country should be very proud of. All of the senators on this committee have helped to lead this work, and we are hopeful that what we have done will make a big difference in the lives of so many people who suffer in bondage throughout the world. As I turn the gavel over to my successor here in the next few weeks, I only ask that you all continue to carry on this fight with us and those who are appearing before us today on this committee. And I know John is very committed to this effort and has been involved personally for many, many years in the same effort. Our time this morning will be short. We have another commitment at 11 o'clock. I know that Senator Menendez and I both want to be there before it be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=44DCE781-033A-4C71-BC22-B831CFE0E377 | Corker Invites Natalie Grant to Testify at Hearing on Global Fight to End Modern Slavery | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today invited Nashville singer-songwriter Natalie Grant to testify at a hearing on progress in the global fight to end modern slavery. Grant offered compelling testimony about what caused her to get involved in the anti-slavery movement and co-found Hope for Justice, a nonprofit devoted to ending modern slavery. Her testimony follows. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for inviting me to be here. I'm so honored to be here, and honestly, I woke up this morning thinking I am going to be so out of my depth with this. I am used to a microphone being in my mouth. I sing all the time, and I have no problem speaking, but it's not usually in an environment quite like this. So it really is an incredible honor for me to be here today. You know, as I was thinking on the plane here, and I was listening to Ambassador Richmond, and I see your notes, and I'm thinking, Oh my goodness, I don't even have notes to talk about this.' But what I do have is just a story. I have my own personal story about how this issue has forever wrecked my life. And I never thought I would say that television changed my life. I never thought I would say Law & Order changed my life. But it truly was an episode of Law & Order that I was watching on a day off from touring when I was home in my home in Brentwood, Tennessee. And they depicted a gentleman who had an underage girl in his basement on the television show. And I just remember them always saying that Law and Order was ripped from the headlines, and as I was sitting there in my family room watching this television show, I thought, What headline is this ripped from?' This was from 2004. I had never heard the term human trafficking before, and so as I was watching it, I thought, Well, this is ridiculous. Why are they trying to convince us that there's people holding people in their basements in the middle of New York City?' So I literally googled, What is human trafficking?' And that was t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=EB7AD33A-09F3-448B-9977-7C455BAFCB71 | Corker Votes to Discharge Yemen War Powers Resolution From Senate Foreign Relations Committee | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today voted in favor of discharging a resolution from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to the Senate floor on the U.S. role in Yemen. The Senate advanced S.J.Res.54 by a vote of 63 to 37. Next week, absent a unanimous consent agreement, the Senate will hold a second procedural vote on the resolution. If agreed to, the Senate will then debate and potentially amend the resolution before a final vote would occur. Corker's remarks on the Senate floor prior to the vote follow. Mr. President, I rise to speak of the issue before us. And I too have on every occasion done what is necessary to keep us from alienating an ally, Saudi Arabia. I think I was the last man standing here under the Obama administration in trying to make sure that that the JASTA bill at the time ended up being corrected in such a manner that it wouldn't have unintended consequences. Did so unsuccessfully. But on multiple occasions have stood with others to make sure that we did not block arm sales and that we did not do those things that might undermine our relationship. Let me walk through for those who are tuning in what the process is. Today we have a vote on discharging this piece of legislation out of the foreign relations committee. That is all that is happening today. There's an executive calendar where we have cloture votes pending on nominees. That will burn off. And sometime next week, after this is discharged today, if it is so successfully, there will be another vote to actually proceed to this bill. If we proceed to the bill, then what happens is a series of amendments are voted upon, and then there's another vote at the end of that as to whether people actually support the product that is created. So, I just want to make it clear today what I'm not doing today is voting for the substance that is before us. I reserve the right to do so. But I'm voting on our ability to have a debate as it relates to our relationship with Saudi … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/west-tennessean-confirmed-usda-general-counsel | West Tennessean Confirmed to USDA General Counsel | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | David Kustoff | K000392 | kustoff.house.gov | kustoff | https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – November 27, 2018 – Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) today released the following statement on the U.S. Senate's confirmation of West Tennessee native Stephen Vaden to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Vaden will serve as General Counsel. Congressman Kustoff said: "Today the U.S. Senate voted to confirm President Trump's nominee and Union City native, Stephen Vaden, to serve as general counsel of the United States' Department of Agriculture. As a third generation farmer and an attorney, Stephen is uniquely suited for this position at USDA. "I have known Stephen for years and have had the pleasure of working with him on a number of initiatives to support our farmers in West Tennessee. I am confident that under his counsel, West Tennessee Agriculture will be well represented in this Administration. I look forward to continuing to work with him and Secretary Perdue to help rural America thrive. "I would like to extend my thanks to President Trump and our Senators, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, for all of their work to fill this position with such a qualified Tennessean." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3AB5498B-EF31-4E8D-B840-F8B26149DD4B | Alexander: Senate Confirms Tennessean Stephen Vaden to Be Agriculture Department General Counsel | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | *Click here forVIDEOof the Senator's remarks.* WASHINGTON,November 27, 2018United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Tennessean Stephen Vaden to be general counsel at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Stephen Vaden grew up on a family farm in Union City, Tennesseewhere his father was a farmer,so he has hands-on experience for this job. He attended Vanderbilt University and Yale Law School, and he practiced lawat two distinguished Washington firms.Based on hisexperienceon his family's farm, his strong academic credentials, his mentorships and hislegal experience-- both in the private sector and atUSDAoverthe last few months, he's very well-qualified toserve as the Department of Agriculture's GeneralCounsel.I'm glad the Senate confirmed his nomination today. On November 9,Alexander introduced Vaden at his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=81225B06-2F68-40DE-9D3E-CB3A0FB01451 | Alexander Cosponsors Prison Reform Legislation | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, November 27, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced he is cosponsoring the First Step Act, prison reform legislation introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and endorsed by President Trump: The First Step Act will help improve the federal criminal justice system and reform federal prisons. I applaud President Trump and Chairman Grassley for their leadership on this bipartisan legislation, which takes some important first steps to help non-violent offenders re-enter their communities and reduce the likelihood of returning to prison in the future. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=D1EF3DCD-9AC3-418D-832B-CC1143B51C03 | Corker Statement on Confirmation of Stephen Vaden as General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Bob Corker | C001071 | www.corker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Union City native Stephen A. Vaden to serve as general counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Stephen Vaden's experience in law and understanding of the needs of farmers will be an important asset as USDA and Congress work to help rural America prosper and grow, said Corker. Under Stephen's tenure as acting general counsel since March of last year, the Office of General Counsel has promoted department accountability and improved its responsiveness to civil rights issues, and it is my belief that Stephen will continue to do so. I am pleased to see the Senate act on Stephen's nomination and thank my colleagues for supporting his confirmation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0E09E1A4-4076-47C1-B644-5DF1A10E3038 | Alexander: Chickamauga Lock Construction Funded for Fifth Consecutive Year | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Says Army Corps Work Plan includes $89.7 million for Chickamauga Lock, which is $13 million more than last year, and keeps the project on schedule MARYVILLE, November 21, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Chickamauga Lock construction will continue for the 5th consecutive year under the work plan released today by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which reflects Alexander's priorities as chairman of the appropriations committee overseeing the agency. This funding will keep construction of the new Chickamauga Lock on schedule, and is the fifth consecutive year of federal funding for the project. This is great news for East Tennessee since it will help keep up to 150,000 trucks off I-75 and keep the cost of shipping goods low for manufacturers across the state, Alexander said. More U.S. senators ask to increase funding for the Army Corps of Engineers than any other part of the budget. This year, Congress worked hard to provide record funding for the Corps to ensure we could keep federal lock and dam projects on track, which was important for Chickamauga Lock after the project was restarted in 2015. Alexander has made completion of Chickamauga Lock one of his top priorities as chairman of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which is responsible for recommending funding levels for the Army Corps of Engineers. This year, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law an appropriations bill that included $6.999 billion for the Army Corps of Engineersa record funding level in a regular appropriations bill. According to the Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, the $89.7 million for Chickamauga Lockwill be enough to efficiently continue engineering, design, and construction of the lock, which is $13.2 million above last year. The Work Plan also includes $2.6 million, which is $475,000 above the President's budget request, for dredging at Memphis Harbor McKellar Lake, which is good news for West Tennesseans. The Work Plan also makes full use of the Inla… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DEDA3E8E-A96D-4CAE-A0B5-9AD0748F1C6E | Alexander: This Thanksgiving, Tennesseans Can Be Grateful for New Smokies View and the Clean Air to See It | 2018-11-20 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | www.alexander.senate.gov | legacy | Says in the 1990's, on clear days, you could see 50 miles in the Smokies; today, you can see 90 miles If you are looking for something else to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, try being grateful for the many visionaries, park officials, road builders, engineers, scientists, editors and political leaders who had the foresight to have made it a priority to build the Foothills Parkway and clean up the air so we can see the view.Lamar Alexander *Click here for video of the senator's remarks.* MARYVILLE, Tenn., November 20, 2018 In an address on the Senate floor, United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) suggested two things that Tennesseans can be grateful for this Thanksgiving: One, the views from the new 16-mile section of the Foothills Parkway; and two, because the air is cleaner, you can actually see the Great Smoky Mountains. The new section of the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Wears Valley that opened this month is one of the prettiest drives in America. If you want the best view of the highest mountains in the eastern United States, you'll drive the Foothills Parkway, Alexander said. When my wife and I drove the parkway on a clear, sunny day, it was packed mostly with local people taking in a view so magnificent that is surprises even those of us who grew up admiring the Smokies, but two decades ago, these visitors did not have such a fine view. In the 1990's, on the clearest of days, you could see for around 50 miles in the Smokies. Today, you can see over 90 miles on the clearest days. And even on the haziest days, visibility has improved. In the 1990's, visibility was less than 10 miles; today, you can see over 30 miles on the haziest days. While that's still less than the natural visibility of 150 miles on the clearest days and 90 miles on the haziest days, we've made great improvements in the last two decades and visibility is continuing to improve in the park. Alexander continued, In 2002, a report by the National Parks Conservation Association, Appalachian Voices, and Our Children… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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