Press releases
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38,222 rows where year = 2013 sorted by date descending
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| http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1231 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/31 | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Mark Hartsell Library of Congress Christmas Tree Dear Friends, The 113th Congress will enter its second session on January 7th as 2013 comes to a close. Northland Community and Technical College will benefit from the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent decision to designate North Dakota as a test site for Unmanned Aerial Systems. The National Park Service is making national park entrance fees free for nine days next year, and Chippewa Forest will have a big role to play in next year’s Christmas celebrations. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District 2014 House Legislative Calendar Click here to view the tentative legislative calendar for 2014. Unmanned Aerial Systems This week the Federal Aviation Administration designated North Dakota as one of six test sites in the nation for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This is also good news for northwest Minnesota and for Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls which offers a UAS maintenance-training program that was first in the nation. Thanks to the leadership team at Northland College, and all the other partners in the region who worked hard for many years to develop and implement this technology and the programs that are experiencing unprecedented growth, we will see this region as a leader in UAS. Click here to read a UAS article written by the Grand Forks Herald. National Park Service The National Park Service announced that entrance to America’s 401 national parks will be free to the public on nine days in 2014. Dates of free admission are: · January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day · February 15-17: Presidents Day weekend · April 19-20: National Park Week’s opening weekend · August 25: National Park Service’s 98th birthday · September 27: National Public Lands Day · November 11: Veterans Day According to National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, more than 280 million people visit America’s national parks each year. “National parks not only protect and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-releases-year-end-report-constituents | Rep. Kelly Releases Year-End Report for Constituents | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the following letter today, to be e-mailed to his constituents throughout Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District, to serve as a year-end overview of his office’s legislative achievements and constituent relations throughout 2013. Dear Constituent: Over the past twelve months, I have had the enormous privilege of continuing to represent you in our nation’s capital during the first session of the 113th Congress. As with my first term in office, all of my work in the House of Representatives is guided by your values, your voices, and your priorities. Your goals are my goals, and every day I work hard to accomplish them. The most important of these, of course, is creating an environment that strengthens our economy and generates more jobs with family-sustainable wages for our region and our country. I’ve proudly supported every measure to secure this outcome, and opposed any obstacle to reaching it. You can learn more about every jobs bill passed in the House and follow their status here. With every new challenge that 2013 brought us – and there were many – there also came many opportunities. My staff and I worked diligently to meet all of them head-on. Fighting the IRS, Restoring Trust & Accountability in Washington When the news broke that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was targeting and harassing Americans based on their political leanings, I joined the nation in outrage. As member of the House Ways and Means Committee (and member of the Subcommittee on Oversight), I made it my personal responsibility to get answers about what went wrong and hold those responsible fully accountable for abusing the American people’s trust in such an unthinkable manner. Watch my remarks at two memorable committee hearings here and here. As a result of this scandal, during the summer I re-introduced the Government Employee Accountability Act. The legislation would give all federal agencies the power to effectively deal with delinquent Senior Executive Service employ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-announces-five-service-academy-nominations | Pittenger Announces Five Service Academy Nominations | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NC | Robert Pittenger | P000606 | pittenger.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 31, 2013 CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ANNOUNCES FIVE SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS CHARLOTTE - As the New Year begins, several students from the Charlotte area are set to start lives of service to their country. Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is honored to announce five young men have received appointments to United States service academies for the coming year. Mr. Connor Calvin, a senior at Charlotte Christian School, will join the Naval Academy. "Every day I want to go to work leading people who seek to craft a better world for their families and liberate those under oppression," Connor stated. He is the son of Leigh and John Calvin, and lives in Matthews. Mr. Peter Hetzel, who is homeschooled and also attends Grace Academy, will be a cadet at West Point. Peter has two brothers in the Naval Academy, and joins them in a tradition of service. He is from Weddington, and is the son of Whitney and James Hetzel. Mr. Ethan Mead, a senior at Charlotte Catholic, wanted to join the Air Force Academy. "I want to be able to put all of my efforts into making not only the United States a better place to live," Ethan said, "but the rest of the world as well." The son of Delaine and Mark Mead, Ethan is from Charlotte. Mr. Mitch Renfrow, a senior at Providence Day School, plans to join the Air Force Academy. As a lacrosse goalie and Sunday school teacher, Mitch believes "the best leader must also be a good follower," and hopes to become an Air Force chaplain. From Charlotte, he is the son of Georgene and William Renfrow. Mr. Emory Walls, a senior at Providence High School, will join the Air Force Academy. Emory has been interested in aviation from a young age, since his grandparents gave him a copy of The Encyclopedia of Modern Aircraft for his second birthday. He is the son of Alison and George Walls, and is from Matthews. "By serving a cause greater than their own self-interests, each of these young Americans are embarking on an inspiring course which will make America p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-2013-year-review | Rokita Report 2013 Year-in-Review | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IN | Todd Rokita | R000592 | rokita.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to update you on my work in the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well. As we are at the end of 2013, I wanted to use this Rokita Report as a quick "Year-in-Review" of some of the bigger accomplishments this year. In September, I, along with several Republican Study Committee colleagues, introduced the American Health Care Reform Act - a consumer-driven, commonsense health care reform bill designed to increase access and reduce costs for all Americans. We introduced this legislation because we believe it is important to improve health care, not just repeal ObamaCare. This bill now has nearly 120 cosponsors and I look forward to more of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle joining us in 2014. You can view my remarks from the press conference where we rolled out the legislation here. A brief summary of the bills reforms Encouraging a more competitive health care market - Allows Americans to purchase health care across state lines, increasing transparency in Medicare by making claims data public, and allowing small businesses to pool together to lower costs. Increasing access to portable, affordable health insurance - Implements an across-the-board standard deduction for all health insurance plans, and expanding access and options for Health Savings Accounts. Improving access to insurance for vulnerable Americans - Ensures affordable coverage for those with pre-existing conditions by funding state high-risk pools, and removing barriers that prevent continual insurance coverage. Reforming medical liability law - Caps non-economic damages, and placing a statute of limitations on liability cases. Respecting human life - Prohibits taxpayer funding for abortion. Repealing Obamacare We continue to seek input from anyone that wishes to constructively contribute to meaningful and responsible health care reform. You can read the full bill text, summaries of the bills, and learn more about the American Health Care Reform Act here.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-sjc-chairman-leahy-on-chief-justice-roberts-year-end-report-on-the-federal-judiciary | Comment Of SJC Chairman Leahy On Chief Justice Roberts' Year-End Report On The Federal Judiciary | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.31.13 Comment Of SJC Chairman Leahy On Chief Justice Roberts' Year-End Report On The Federal Judiciary “The Chief Justice's annual year-end report again focuses on the significant financial strain on our Federal courts. These cuts have a real impact for Americans seeking justice, and pose real threats to the dedicated public servants who work in our nation’s Federal courts as well as to members of the public. A return to regular order in our appropriations process will, I hope, ensure that our courts have the resources they require. “In his report, Chief Justice Roberts warns against the danger of reduced funding to public safety. Congress earlier this month passed an extension of the Supreme Court Police’s authority to protect Justices, their staff, and official guests when they are away from Supreme Court grounds. Our courts must have the resources they need not just to process litigation, but to protect those seeking justice. “One threat facing our courts which is unaddressed in the Chief's year-end report are the continuing vacancies plaguing the Federal courts. This year, the number of vacancies has hovered around 90 because obstruction in Congress has led to filibuster after filibuster of qualified nominees. We must not take for granted that we have the greatest justice system in the world, and ensuring this continues requires the Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty of advice and consent.” Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/photos/december-2013 | December 2013 | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.31.13 December 2013 View photos from various events in December. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202135/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2109 | State Journal: WV population down from 2012, new census estimates show | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | West Virginia was one of two states to lose population in the past year, according to estimates released by the Census Bureau on Dec. 30. Based on births, deaths and migration, the Census Bureau estimated the state's population as of July 1, 2013, as 1,854,304, a decrease of 2,376 from the 2012 estimate of 1,856,680, but still higher than the 1,852,994 people counted in the 2010 census. Maine was the other state to show a decrease, losing 199 people to drop to 1,328,302. Maine and Rhode Island are the only states whose most recent population estimates are lower than the 2010 census count. To read entire article, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140307001348/http://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=0e414404-d5e2-4216-bfdc-138a468e167b | Alexander: Unhappy New Year for Tens of Thousands of Tennesseans Whose Health Insurance on the Job Will Change Because of Obamacare | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TN | Lamar Alexander | A000360 | web.archive.org | legacy | December 31 2013 - Says enforcement of mandate requiring employers to provide insurance will lead to more canceled plans, higher costs *** “The president’s broken promise that ‘If you like your health insurance, you can keep it’ was an unwelcome Christmas present for 82,000 Tennesseans buying insurance on their own. Now, since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance on the job, Obamacare threatens to bring an Unhappy New Year for tens of thousands more Tennesseans.” – Lamar Alexander MARYVILLE, Dec. 31 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance through their employers as purchase their own individual plans, new Obamacare mandates on businesses mean that now Tennesseans receiving health insurance through employers will have to worry about Obamacare cancellations bringing an “Unhappy New Year.” “During 2014, many of the burdensome Obamacare mandates on businesses that the Obama administration delayed will be in full force,” Alexander said. “We’ve already seen how the president’s broken promise that ‘If you like your health insurance, you can keep it’ was an unwelcome Christmas present for 82,000 Tennesseans buying insurance on their own. Now, since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance on the job, Obamacare threatens to bring an Unhappy New Year for tens of thousands more Tennesseans." According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, there are more than 246,000 Tennesseans on the individual insurance market, and Alexander said at least 82,000 Tennesseans are scheduled to begin losing their current insurance because their plans were “outlawed” under Obamacare. About 3,175,000 Tennesseans get their insurance through their employers, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, or nearly 13 times as many as in the individual insurance market. Alexander said the “burdensome mandates on employers” could mean “tens of thousands more” Tennesseans will lose their current plans or see their cost… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/give-virginia-the-gift-of-strong-ethics-laws | Give Virginia the gift of strong ethics laws | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | legacy | Give Virginia the gift of strong ethics laws Washington Post Op-Ed Tuesday, December 31, 2013 The new year presents a superb opportunity to fix a major Virginia weakness: our lax ethical laws. Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe and the state legislature have a clear chance to do something right, popular and necessary. They should strike immediately and achieve a legacy accomplishment early in 2014. The principal fix needed is a dramatic restructuring of gift laws. Under current law, anyone can give anything to an elected official so long as it is reported. If the gift is from a “friend,” it need not be reported. If the gift is to an official’s spouse or other family members, it need not be reported. Virginia’s wide-open rule is justified by a smug attitude: We can trust ourselves to do the right thing, and transparency is all that is needed to keep the system honest. But since the 2011 prosecution of former Newport News delegate Phil Hamilton for bribery and extortion, the revelation that advocates of uranium mining in the commonwealth flew legislators to France and the recent controversy around gifts to the family of Gov. Bob McDonnell, we can no longer pretend Virginia’s law makes sense. Gifts to elected officials can create a subconscious sense of gratitude in even the most upright public servants. And the public probably will perceive such gifts as creating improper influence, whether or not that happens. With no limit on the amount of such gifts and with the exceptions for friends and family so broad, Virginia’s system is all but guaranteed to create problems. Meanwhile, many people who advocate for important positions and perspectives cannot afford to give gifts to officials. This puts them at a disadvantage when compared with those who can. I served under the Virginia law for nearly 15 y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/dartmouth-alumni-magazine-profiles-king-as-man-in-the-middle | Dartmouth Alumni Magazine Profiles King as “Man In The Middle” | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Dartmouth Alumni Magazine Profiles King as “Man In The Middle” Tuesday, December 31, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine last Friday published a profile of U.S. Senator Angus King (Class of ’66) entitled “Man In The Middle” in which author Matthew Mosk captures King’s role in resolving the student loan crises, his thoughts on the October government shutdown, and his broader efforts at tackling partisanship in the U.S. Senate. In addition to Senator King, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Rob Portman (R-OH) are also graduates of Dartmouth College. The profile is below and can also be read by clicking here. +++ Man In The Middle Independent Maine Sen. Angus King ’66 went to Washington, D.C., hoping to help opposing parties find common ground. Frustration has set in. It is the morning of September 11, 2013, and on this day, for a change, no one on Capitol Hill is talking about the looming impasse on the federal budget. Syria has been accused of using chemical weapons, and a fierce debate over the correct response is under way. On one side of Congress are the hawks who, like President Obama, say a red line has been crossed in a manner that demands a military response. On the other side, a sizable coalition that is weary of war and uneasy about the fallout of a strike in the Middle East. Then there is Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who finds himself in a familiar posture—standing in the middle. King arrived in Washington, D.C., last January as the newest of four U.S. senators from Dartmouth. After eight years as governor of Maine and an almost 10-year hiatus from public office, he won handily a tumultuous three-way Senate campaign with 53 percent of the vote, becoming only the second member of the chamber not affiliated with a major political party. (He caucuses with the Democrats.) King assumed the seat vacated by three-term moderate Republican Olympia Snowe, who left, she said, because Congres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lee.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/blog?ContentRecord_id=8826bd89-1c86-470a-a14b-5099ebe326b6 | Senator Lee has 100,000 Followers on Twitter - Top Tweets of 2013 | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | UT | Mike Lee | L000577 | www.lee.senate.gov | legacy | Early this morning, my following on Twitter surpassed 100,000. I would like to thank everyone that has joined the dialogue with me on Twitter. I have compiled a list of my most popular tweets from 2013. As you read through this list of tweets, you will see the important role you have all played in this dialogue. This year we have had important debates about controlling federal spending, protecting constitutional rights, protecting Americans from the negative effects of Obamacare, reforming immigration, and a variety of other topics. On January 1, 2013, I had ~15,700 followers on twitter. Surpassing 100,000 followers is a great benchmark, and it verifies that more and more Americans are becoming engaged in the debate about the future of our country. I am hopeful that we can continue to carry this dialogue forward into 2014 to even more people. I look forward to being a part of this debate. Here are the Twitter highlights from 2013. Retweet your favorites: Everything about the #fiscalcliff deal was a failure: what Congress did, how Congress did it, and what Congress failed to do. — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 2, 2013 Senator Ted Cruz has created his official Twitter account @SenTedCruz. You should follow him. Please RT #tcot #tlot #tgdn #txpol #pjnet — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 15, 2013 Unfortunately, the president is using Newtown tragedy to advance proposals that would do little to prevent such acts: http://t.co/SX7SjSKe — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 16, 2013 The president’s approach is inconsistent w/ #2ndAmendment rights, and it encroaches on state and local governments: http://t.co/7cRF13GR — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 16, 2013 #NLRB decision represents vindication of principled stand I've taken against President’s disregard of Constitution: http://t.co/jTHPsxr4 — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 25, 2013 The Budget Act requires president to submit budget to Congress by today. Not surprisingly, he failed to do so: http://t.co/Y6RqI4cT #tcot — … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365154 | <span class="kicker">Washington Post editorial</span>'In international abduction cases, quiet diplomacy is not working' | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | SEAN GOLDMAN was 4 years old when his Brazilian-born mother took him from their New Jersey home for what Sean’s father, David Goldman, thought would be a two-week vacation. Five years passed before the father again laid eyes on his son. “It was very painful,’’ David Goldman recalled. “The first time I saw him after nearly five years, he looked at me and asked me where have I been all this time. . . . He was told that I didn’t love him, that I abandoned him, that I never wanted him.” The only unusual feature of this story is that David Goldman eventually regained custody, though even after the boy’s mother died in 2008 her Brazilian family continued to resist his efforts. He succeeded in part because Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.) relentlessly focused attention and pressure on the case. Now a bill written by Mr. Smith, the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act, has been approved by the House, 398 to 0, and is set for consideration in the Senate. But the State Department doesn’t want the additional diplomatic tools the bill would provide. According to State, 1,144 children were reported abducted from the United States in 2012. There were 1,367 in 2011 and 1,492 in 2010. State Department officials say they work hard to get those children back — or at least to get the cases fairly adjudicated — but they can’t or won’t say how many of those abducted children remain overseas. That raises questions about their claims for success for “quiet diplomacy.” In a letter to Mr. Smith, Robert E. Wallace, executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), said the abduction of children by a separated spouse is a particular problem for service members, especially in Japan. Mr. Wallace said the service members’ appeals for help “are too often met with bad legal advice, misinformation or indifference. . . . It is time for the U.S. government to take concrete action.” An organization of victimized parents said that the result of quiet diplomacy is “that the Gov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/fiscal-times-five-members-congress-watch-2014 | Fiscal Times: Five Members of Congress to Watch in 2014 | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | The Fiscal Times - Eric Pianin Call it cockeyed optimism or simply battle fatigue, but we’re beginning to hear some loose talk from Capitol Hill and the White House about the prospects for more bipartisan deal-making in 2014 springing from the budget deal. Congress, of course, just concluded one of its least productive sessions in history and inflicted a 16-day government shutdown on the country that sent lawmakers approval ratings tumbling. With an important mid-term election looming next fall, renewed partisan squabbling would seem the order of the day. Yet President Obama and congressional leaders departed Washington earlier this month voicing cautious optimism that there were other deals to made before the 2014 congressional and gubernatorial campaigns really heat up. While the first order of business will be converting the bipartisan budget agreement into major spending legislation before a Jan. 15 deadline, there are other legislative prospects as well – including an extension of the expiring supplemental unemployment insurance, reauthorization of farm legislation, tweaking of the Affordable Care Act, renewal of expiring tax provisions, and even an overhaul of the immigration system. The usual suspects, including House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, will have a lot to say about future legislative successes or failures. And we can expect to hear a great deal from Tea Party bomb throwers such as Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rand Paul (R-KY) Here are five other important House and Senate members to watch as events in 2014 begin to unfold. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) Wyden, 64, a veteran lawmaker and fiscal policy wonk with something of a maverick streak, is moving to center stage as the new chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which is responsible for writing tax, entitlement and trade legislation. Wyden is certain to bring as much—if not more—energy and fresh ideas to the debate over tax and entitlement reform as his predecessor, Max Baucus, who was recently tapped by President Obam… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/looking-back-and-ahead | Looking Back and Ahead | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | It’s hard to believe that 2013 is already reaching an end. While Congress didn’t solve everything we could’ve hoped for this year, there were numerous victories for the country. Most importantly, I was encouraged to watch both sides work together on several occasions to find common ground and display true bipartisanship. It’s a reminder that when we start where we agree, we can function in divided government. We started off the year on the verge of a “fiscal cliff,” caused by the terms of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Without any congressional action, all Americans would have experienced a tax hike and reimbursement rates for doctors of Medicare and Medicaid patients would have seen severe cuts. In addition, sequestration, across-the-board spending cuts on every program in government, regardless of merit or efficiency, was scheduled to take place. I was pleased that we were able to pass the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which made the Bush tax cuts permanent for 98 percent of taxpayers. It also delayed devastating military cuts for two months and prevented other damaging tax policies. I wish we could’ve achieved more, but this agreement was a major victory for American workers and for the economy. In mid-January, just a couple months after Hurricane Sandy I supported legislation that would provide relief assistance for victims of the storm. At the time, the vote was a no-brainer, especially given our own state’s history and risk for severe weather. Little did we know, a few months later, Oklahoma would experience a horrific round of tornadoes that leveled entire neighborhoods, claimed precious lives and shook several communities, including my hometown of Moore. In the days that followed the disastrous tornadoes in Oklahoma, never once were we lacking assistance. Oklahoma felt the immediate support and prayers of individuals across the nation—a reminder that, in times of crisis, Americans of all parties and political points of view come together to help their fellow Americans. The same night that Moore was hit b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E71FF577-B64F-4BA4-A19F-07C1C496D7ED | Weekly Column: A Resolution to Succeed | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | By Rep. Kristi Noem ‘Tis the season for resolutions! January 1 is a new beginning, so it’s no surprise that setting New Year’s resolutions has become a holiday tradition for many. While we all know that commitment to upholding many of these resolutions often fades, Abraham Lincoln reminds us that “your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” I join many South Dakotans in being frustrated with the progress made in Washington over the last few years. But it is a new year, and I am coming to the table with a renewed resolution to succeed. Toward the end of 2013, Congress gained significant momentum on a number of issues that matter to South Dakota. That momentum has not been lost. First and foremost, Farm Bill negotiations continued through the holidays. The lead negotiators – Rep. Frank Lucas (a Republican) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (a Democrat) – have come to a consensus on an outline of the reforms they agree can be made in the Farm Bill. Right before Christmas, they were able to get estimates back to see how much these reforms would cost – or in some cases, save. Now, it is a matter of tweaking the bill to make sure all the numbers add up, but we are on track to finish a comprehensive five-year farm bill during the first part of 2014. We also began to make progress on new sex trafficking legislation. Sadly, this is an issue South Dakota has seen more of in recent years. Local law enforcement officers have done a good job of identifying and bringing into custody those who are selling the victims of human trafficking. Many of the convicts are brought to justice under federal law, as there are harsher penalties – namely, life in prison – for sex trafficking at that level. To ensure local law enforcement officers have all the tools they need and that there are no gaps in federal law, I’ve been driving the End Sex Trafficking Act in Washington. This legislation addresses sex trafficking from the demand side by strengthening the federal law when it comes to those who solicit,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-congratulates-alejandro-mayorkas-new-dhs-deputy-secretary | Kilili congratulates Alejandro Mayorkas, new DHS Deputy Secretary | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan says he applauds the recent promotion of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. Mayorkas previously served as Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and has had a critical, decision-making role in the transition to federal management of immigration in the Northern Marianas. He was sworn in as Deputy Secretary on December 23. “I congratulate Mr. Mayorkas on his nomination by the President and applaud the Senate for agreeing to fill this top leadership position at the Department of Homeland Security with someone who understands the challenges facing the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Congressman Sablan. “I also extend my deepest appreciation to Mr. Mayorkas for all he has done as USCIS Director over the last five years to help make the immigration transition as least difficult as possible.” Mayorkas played a critical role in the decision to extend humanitarian parole to persons who were born in the Northern Marianas between 1974 and 1978 but who did not have U.S. citizenship, to persons with Northern Marianas Permanent Resident status and their immediate relatives, and to the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. People in these situations previously had legal status under Commonwealth immigration law. The parole policy Mayorkas approved allowed these individuals the opportunity to remain and work in the Northern Marianas legally. Without parole they would have been forced to leave the after November 28, 2011. “Director Mayorkas called me personally on Thanksgiving Day in 2011 to tell me about that decision,” Sablan said. “I thought of all the families I had knew, who were facing separation until that moment. It is a Thanksgiving Day I will always remember.” Originally, the parole for these people was to be available through the end of 2012. At Congressman Sablan’s request, however, Mayorkas later provided a two-year extension of the parole eligibili… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/an-attitude-of-cooperation | An Attitude of Cooperation | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Scott Peters | P000608 | scottpeters.house.gov | legacy | As seen in UCCA December Newsletter - http://www.universitycitynews.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Dec-Jan-201314.pdf During my time on the San Diego City Council and as a Commissioner for the Port of San Diego, I was proud to work with members of both parties to address difficult problems facing the region. We worked with the mentality that while we wouldn’t always agree on every issue, we would put the interests of constituents above all else to reform our local government. Since taking office in January to represent San Diego in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have worked to bring that same attitude of cooperation to Washington to cut through gridlock, change the culture of dysfunction, and reform Congress. One major change that needs to be made in Congress is making our representatives live by the same rules as everyone else. That’s why one of the first pieces of legislation I supported was ‘No Budget No Pay,’ a bill that applies the commonsense concept that if members of Congress don’t do their job and pass a budget, they don’t get paid. To help fix Congress, I also became a member of the ‘No Labels Problem Solvers’ coalition made up of more than 80 Republican, Democrat, and Independent members of the House and Senate. I also joined the bipartisan United Solutions Caucus made up of newly elected House members. These groups are working to build the kind of bipartisan coalitions we expect in San Diego and need in Washington. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://titus.house.gov/press-releases/titus-announces-selection-of-nevada-as-uas-test-site | Titus Announces Selection of Nevada as UAS Test Site | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | NV | Dina Titus | T000468 | titus.house.gov | legacy | December 30, 2013 Las Vegas, NV - Today the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Nevada as one of the six sites selected to test integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into the national airspace. Congresswoman Dina Titus, a member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, has long-advocated for Nevada’s application for this vital program. “From the development of the U-2 spy plane in the 1950’s, to the MQ-1 and MQ-9 systems stationed at Creech Air Force Base, just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada has a decades-long, proud history advancing our nation’s aerospace industry,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “The selection of Nevada as a test site for the integration of UAS technologies is a perfect fit and I am proud to have advocated on behalf of our state. This decision will help grow local businesses already working in the UAS industry, as well as attract new ventures to Nevada.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=e775431b-bf47-4ba9-9363-e4912b854e56 | HOEVEN, HEITKAMP, CRAMER AND DALRYMPLE: FAA SELECTS GRAND FORKS TO BE UAS TEST SITE | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | John Hoeven | H001061 | www.hoeven.senate.gov | legacy | 12.30.13 Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site ND Leaders Worked to Secure Designation to Build GF as Premier Northern UAS Hub WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, Congressman Kevin Cramer and Governor Jack Dalrymple today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Grand Forks as one of six sites to test unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for integration into the National Airspace. The announcement comes after years of work by North Dakota’s leaders to position Grand Forks as the premier northern UAS hub. The FAA Reauthorization bill passed by Congress in February 2012 includes an amendment introduced by Hoeven that directed the agency to establish the test sites and integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. Hoeven’s amendment instructed the FAA Administrator to consider factors including geographical and climatic diversity, as well as the location of ground infrastructure, in selecting the test sites. Hoeven has worked, both as governor and now as U.S. Senator, with the state’s UAS community to establish and maintain North Dakota’s leadership in UAS technologies and to grow UAS operations in the Grand Forks region. In 2006, Hoeven and former Senator Byron Dorgan worked to seed the Center for UAS Research, Education and Training on the UND campus. Dorgan got the center designated as Department of Defense Center of Excellence for UAV Education. The same year, the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Program, initiated by then-Governor Hoeven, awarded the center $2.5 million, which it matched and leveraged to $15.8 million in federal and private-sector funding. “We’ve said all along that Grand Forks is an ideal location to test UAS integration, and now the FAA has agreed with us,” Hoeven said. “This test site designation, combined with Grand Sky, the Grand Forks region’s new aerospace technology and business c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=60d716f6-0e15-444d-b30a-ff915ffabd93 | Sen. Moran Calls on OSHA to Stop Unlawful Regulation of Family Farms | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | KS | Jerry Moran | M000934 | www.moran.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) have called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to immediately stop their unlawful regulation of family farms. Sens. Moran, Johanns and a bipartisan group of 41 their Senate colleagues have also directed OSHA to issue updated guidance correcting their misinterpretation of current law. The request was made in a joint letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, who oversees OSHA. "This is not the first time this administration has proved that Washington’s values are not rural America’s values through regulatory over-reach into the family farm," Sen. Moran said. "I am committed to working with my colleagues to protect the individual rights of farmers and make certain OSHA does not continue to misinterpret the law." Since 1976, Congress has exempted small, family-run farms from OSHA regulations, but in a 2011 memo OSHA asserted that on-farm grain storage and handling was not part of farm operations. The memo essentially expanded OSHA’s regulatory scope to nearly every farm in the country without going through the established rule making process that allows Congressional review and public comment, in defiance of the law. A copy of the senators’ bipartisan letter is below: December 20, 2013 The Honorable Thomas E. Perez Secretary U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20210 Dear Secretary Perez: We write to you regarding reports that regulators at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have begun taking regulatory actions against farms that are specifically exempted by Congress from regulatory enforcement conducted by OSHA. Since 1976, Congress has included specific language in appropriations bills prohibiting OSHA from using appropriated funds to apply requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1976 to farming operations with 10 or fewer employees. It has come to our attention that OSHA is now interpreting thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-calls-congress-extend-unemployment-benefits | Rep. Ron Kind Calls on Congress to Extend Unemployment Benefits | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) is calling on Congress to immediately return to Washington to vote on an extension of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, which expired for 1.3 million job-seeking Americans on December 28th. Congress needs to reconvene immediately and extend the benefits that so many job-seeking Americans and their families rely on, said Rep. Kind. Allowing UI benefits to lapse doesn't just hurt long-term unemployed workers; it directly harms entire communities, too. When families can't afford to buy groceries and other necessities at our Main Street businesses, our local economies feel the impact. In Wisconsin, approximately 23,700 people lost their benefits when the federal UI program expired last weekend. It's estimated that almost 100,000 people across the state will be affected by the loss of benefits over the course of the next year. The average job hunter in America needs 8 months to find employment, and nationwide there are three unemployed workers available for each job opening. Even though we are seeing positive changes in the economy, the job market has not recovered sufficiently to absorb all the job seekers who are trying to join the workforce, concluded Rep. Kind. And we know that if UI benefits aren't extended, almost 250,000 jobs could be lost due to reduced spending in our local economies. Job seekers are getting hit from all sides, and it's time for Congress to step up and fix this. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/price-praises-etheridge-appointment-head-nc-fsa | PRICE PRAISES ETHERIDGE APPOINTMENT TO HEAD NC FSA | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | NC | David Price | P000523 | price.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Representative David Price (D-NC) issued the following statement today after President Obama appointed former North Carolina Representative Bob Etheridge as the next North Carolina State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency. Bob Etheridge worked tirelessly in Congress to help farmers in his district and across North Carolina. A farmer himself, Bob will bring a wealth of practical and policy experience to bear as the State Executive Director of the FSA, a position that provides critical support to our state's largest industry. I applaud the Obama Administration for appointing not just a qualified individual, but a dedicated and diligent public servant. The Administration announcement is included below. We are pleased to make the following personnel announcement: Bob Etheridge State Executive Director (North Carolina), Farm Service Agency Bob Etheridge was born in Sampson County, North Carolina but spent all of his school-age years in Johnston County. He attended Cleveland School, a union school that housed grades K-12. He graduated with the class of 1959. The son of tenant farmers, Etheridge worked for two years after high school graduation saving enough money to enter Campbell College. In 1978, Etheridge was elected to the N.C. House of Representatives and served as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee from 1984-1988. He introduced the Basic Education Plan, which focused on providing millions of dollars to the public school budget for North Carolina and establishing a core curriculum for all students in K-12, in both rural and urban areas of the State. In 1988, Etheridge was elected as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, becoming the first non-educator since 1856 to hold that post. In eight years as superintendent, Etheridge quickly cut the state bureaucracy in the Department of Public Instruction by 25% and instituted an accountability system that has greatly improved student test scores. In 1996, Etheridge was elected to Congress from N.C.'s second district. He serv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1238 | Senator Stabenow Nominates 33 Michigan Students to Service Academies | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140104063829/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-files-amicus-brief-supporting-medical-associations-in-lawsuit-against-uhg_- | Blumenthal Files Amicus Brief Supporting Medical Associations In Lawsuit Against UHG | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | web.archive.org | legacy | In The Brief, Blumenthal Argues That Connecticut Patients Are Facing A “Hobson’s Choice” As A Result Of UHG’s Actions Monday, December 30, 2013 (Hartford, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) filed an amicus brief in support of the Fairfield County Medical Association and Hartford County Medical Association, both of whom filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare Group (UHG) in November alleging the nation’s largest insurer is breaking its contractual obligation with association members by dropping them from its Medicare Advantage network. In the brief, Blumenthal argues that Connecticut patients are facing a “Hobson’s Choice” as a result of UHG’s actions. “In the absence of an injunction, the patients of the over 2,200 terminated physicians will face irreparable harm by being effectively denied access to their long-standing and chosen physicians,” the brief states. “Connecticut patients will immediately face the Hobson’s choice of having to give up their current physicians, thereby risking medical errors arising from lack of continuity of care, or paying much higher rates to retain their current physicians.” In the brief, Blumenthal lists 11 examples of patients and providers who are facing “irreparable harm” as a result of UHG’s actions. In one example, a 75-year-old Branford, CT resident was informed that he would no longer be able to receive his medically necessary cancer treatment as a result of UHG dropping his treatment team from its network. In another example, a provider in Stafford Springs, CT states that his full-time family practice, the only one in Stafford Springs, is at risk of financial devastation, and that many of his patients, 38 percent of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, will be left without a primary care physician close to home as a result of UHG dropping him from its network. In all cases, the patients and providers reached out to Blumenthal’s office for help. “These examples confirm the District Court’s finding of irreparable harm inasmuch as ‘the di… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140104063839/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-ct-veteran-job-training-report | Blumenthal Statement On CT Veteran Job Training Report | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | web.archive.org | legacy | Monday, December 30, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued a statement following the release of a Connecticut Veterans Legal Center report calling for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to share military job training data with state and local occupational licensing boards in an effort to expedite the credentialing process for recent veterans seeking employment. “This report provides powerful evidence – and a roadmap for reform – for opening more job opportunities to veterans with specific skills gained through military training. This report could make Connecticut a national model in tailoring veteran job programs and targeting occupation and professional licenses that match military skills. More comprehensive data is needed from the Department of Defense and the VA in order to make veteran training programs more effective and to better assist veterans to find jobs. As a member of the Senate's Veterans Affairs Committee, I will use this report to help shape new national veterans employment efforts.” Blumenthal has long advocated for improving the credentialing process for recently returned veterans, having led the successful push to pass the Veteran Skills to Jobs Act, which requires acceptance of military training for all federal credentials. A link to the full report can be found here; key recommendations can be found below: 1. The DoD should share its MOS data with DoL, the VA, and the public to permit an analysis to determine which federal, state, or local occupational or professional licensing requirements should be reformed to maximize Gulf War II veteran employment by more fully crediting military training and experience. Stakeholders should also use these data to identify MOSes that are at risk for civilian unemployment. 2. In the absence of DoD cooperation, state departments of veterans’ affairs should survey Gulf War II veterans by MOS and share the results with state policymakers, employers, and the public, so th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011918/http://farenthold.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365158 | U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold Calls TAMUCC Designation as FAA Test Site for UAS a “Huge Win” | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | TX | Blake Farenthold | F000460 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced its selection of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi as one of six public entities that will develop unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites around the country. U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold (TX-27) praised the FAA’s selection of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. “The combination of expertise from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and wide open airspace in Texas make this an excellent choice for UAS research and development,” said Congressman Blake Farenthold, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Unmanned Systems and Congressional Privacy Caucus. “This is a huge win for TAMUCC and the whole state of Texas. It gives our region the opportunity to take a leadership role in both the technology and policy challenges that will arise as these unmanned systems are developed, refined and deployed.” “As a longtime supporter and advocate for the use of unmanned systems along the border, I congratulate Texas A&M Corpus Christi for this victory in becoming one of only six national test sites for UAS,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Unmanned Systems. “It has been a long process bringing this test site to Texas and we in the caucus have had several conversations with the FAA. It has been my pleasure to work alongside Congressman Farenthold and the other members of the Caucus to secure this site.” Congressman Farenthold, along with Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Gene Green (D-TX-29), Pete Olson (R-TX-22), and John Carter (R-TX-31), have sent letters to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, the most recent in December highlighting Texas’ commitment to the promising technology of unmaned aircraft. “We believe Texas would be a strong partner with the FAA in carefully managing the research and development of the UAS technology,” the Congressmen said in the letter. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is moving steadily ahead to safely integrate unmanned aircraft sy… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221185436/http://maloney.house.gov/enewsletter/looking-back-2013 | Looking back on 2013 | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | NY | Carolyn Maloney | M000087 | web.archive.org | legacy | Saving consumers $21 Billion by Stopping Credit Card Industry Abuses A team of researchers, including one from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, has found that the 2009 Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD) I authored and worked to pass is saving consumers $21 billion every year. Thanks to the CARD Act, consumers have saved billions of dollars, young people are better protected from predatory practices, and people all across the country are more satisfied with their credit cards than they’ve been in years. Renewing the Violence Against Women Act A renewal of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was long delayed by conservatives in the House and Senate. n March, we finally passed an improved VAWA that includes the SAFER Act language I authored to reduce the nation’s untested DNA rape kit backlog. The legislation also included provisions of the Campus SaVE Act I authored to aid colleges in reducing sexual violence on campuses. Providing Resources for Hurricane Sandy Recovery After months of hard work, we secured $60 billion in federal funding that was desperately needed to help New Yorkers recover from Superstorm Sandy. The funds are being used to help people who lost their homes and assist business owners who suffered large losses. They will also help pay for repairing subway and commuter rail lines, fixing bridges and tunnels, and to undertake initiatives that will mitigate the effects of future natural disasters. Monitoring Progress on the 2nd Avenue Subway Building the Second Avenue Subway has been one of my top priorities since I was first elected to Congress. New York City’s subway system has not added capacity in over 60 years, and we need to expand. I secured $1.3 billion in federal funding for Phase I of this project, and all but $16.8 million has already been appropriated. We’re making progress—the MTA has completed all tunnel boring, awarded all ten of the project contracts, fulfilled three of the contracts, completed all blasting, and initiated dismantling of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222035637/http://lobiondo.house.gov/press-release/lobiondo-applauds-faa-selection-new-jersey-virginia-partnership-national-test-site | LoBiondo Applauds FAA Selection of New Jersey-Virginia Partnership for National Test Site of Unmanned Aircraft Systems | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Frank LoBiondo | L000554 | web.archive.org | legacy | MAYS LANDING, N.J. – U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, today applauded the announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the joint application by the states of New Jersey and Virginia has been selected as one of the six national test sites for integrating commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace. LoBiondo, working closely with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, led the New Jersey’s Congressional efforts to secure the designation. “Today’s announcement is a GREAT way to kick off the New Year, promising significant economic opportunities in the aviation field particularly for South Jersey,” lauded LoBiondo, chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee. “A years-long effort has been spent on putting forth the strongest application - including forming a solid working partnership with Virginia - to ensure the FAA recognized our existing assets for this project. I appreciate Governor Christie’s unwavering support throughout the process as well as the efforts of my Congressional colleagues and those working on the ground in South Jersey on our proposal.” The states’ joint application was put forth by Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) and Rutgers University with support from the Governors of New Jersey and Virginia. The other 5 test sites selected by the FAA are in: Alaska-Hawaii-Oregon; Nevada; North Dakota; Texas; and New York. UAS test sites will operate until February 2017 with the first site being operational within 180 days of today’s announcement. There is no federal funding from the FAA for any test site. The William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center will be the lead facilitator of data collected from each of the six test sites, working to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace as mandated by the 2012 FAA Authorization Act – a provision LoBiondo advocated for inclusion during the bill’s drafting and debate. While each test site will have specific regulations to protect the privacy of surrounding… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202200/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2105 | Exponent-Telegram: About 7,000 state resident set to lose federal jobless benefits Saturday | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | Federal unemployment benefits are set to expire on Saturday for nearly 7,000 West Virginians, officials said. In North Central West Virginia, 341 people are expected to be affected in the Clarksburg area, while 231 people in the Fairmont area would lose benefits, according to WorkForce West Virginia. Those individuals are among approximately 1.3 million Americans unemployed for 26 weeks or more whose benefits come from an account that is almost empty. To read entire article, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202209/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2104 | Charleston Gazette Mail: Photos show 'the other West Virginia' | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | Betty Rivard's upcoming lecture based on her book of photos of the state during the 1930s and '40s will focus on "the other West Virginia" -- not the one that garners mostly negative national attention. "When I say the other West Virginia, I'm talking about the positive part of West Virginia," Rivard said. "The book does include some images of people in very destitute situations, but that's not the major part of the book, and that was deliberate." Rivard's book, "New Deal Photographs of West Virginia: 1934-43," was produced by 10 professional photographers who visited the state as part of the Farm Security Administration Project. To read entire story, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140228010514/http://kinzinger.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=600 | Morris Daily Herald: Kinzinger kicks off District 16 Agriculture Advisory meeting | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | web.archive.org | legacy | OTTAWA – U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, met this month with representatives from throughout the 16th District in the first meeting of a new Agriculture Advisory Committee. The committee will serve as a forum for Kinzinger to hear from members of the agriculture community on policy issues that affect them most directly, according to a news release. “With Washington debating a whole host of issues affecting Illinois farmers, from the farm bill to renewable energy, this committee will be a great way to ensure the voices of Illinois’ farmers are heard,” Kinzinger said in the news release. Held Dec. 19 in Ottawa’s City Hall building, the meeting covered topics that included the reauthorization of the farm bill, pending legislation to streamline waterway projects, renewable energy mandates, crop insurance provisions and immigration reform, according to the news release. The committee, which consists of farmers and producers from all 14 counties of the 16th District, plans to meet once annually, with teleconference and local meetings throughout the year. For the full posting, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301024731/http://reed.house.gov/press-release/reed-highlights-district-successes-2013 | REED HIGHLIGHTS DISTRICT SUCCESSES IN 2013 | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NY | Tom Reed | R000585 | web.archive.org | legacy | Reflecting on the past year, Congressman Tom Reed pointed to the many community wide successes and the day to day stories of families and individuals helped through his office. “Working with constituents to provide solutions on problems big and small is what we are here to do and it is by far the most important part of the job,” Congressman Reed said. “We’ve held more than 110 town halls throughout our eleven counties and helped constituents work through more than 5,000 constituent cases as we continue to make their priorities our priorities.” Reed reflected on some of the district’s major victories in the past year, including keeping the NRG plant in Dunkirk, awarding Salamanca School District impact aid, maintaining the Elmira Psychiatric Center, working with the FAA and Corning Hospital to expedite construction, strides combating the invasive species Hydrilla and efforts to keep the tower at the Ithaca Tompkins airport open. He also reflected on working with families on the day to day issues that Reed says are so critical to the role of the office. “We were able to help one constituent who because of a medical condition, her father was not able to recall where he put his mortgage discharge paperwork in order to sell the business. In another instance, we helped a local organization recently get their 501c3 status that had been stalled since 2007. “It’s these kinds of issues we tackle on a daily basis that have the biggest impact and really stand out,” Congressman Reed continued. “There will undoubtedly be plenty of talk about politics but despite all of that talk, I will continue to focus on what really matters: constituents of the 23rd district and their needs and concerns.” ##### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=3aaf7260-065d-4191-a55b-803272a86c10 | Heller responde al anuncio de FAA nombrando Nevada un sitio de prueba de aviones no tripulado | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NV | Dean Heller | H001041 | www.heller.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos, Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, hoy respondió a la Administración Federal de Aviación (FAA) anuncio que Nevada ha sido designado como un sitio para sistemas de aviones no tripulado con la siguiente declaración: “Teniendo en cuenta que Nevada continúa liderando a la nación en el desempleo, la decisión de la FAA es bienvenido y oportuna. Nevada ha sido un líder en el desarrollo de sistemas de aviones no tripulado y también pruebas de esos sistemas. Dada la ubicación geográfica de nuestro estado, mano de obra muy calificada y sólidas alianzas con universidades, Nevada está bien posicionada para asegurar el éxito de estos programas. Estoy seguro que el FAA, el Congreso y el estado de Nevada pueden lograr un equilibrio entre la oportunidad y el desarrollo de normas de privacidad y las salvaguardias que garanticen los derechos constitucionales de los ciudadanos de Nevada y los estadounidenses en todo el país," dijo el senador Dean Heller. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6be35a83-83a2-4edb-930f-caf166d127d6 | Heller Responds to FAA Announcement Naming Nevada a Drone Test Site | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NV | Dean Heller | H001041 | www.heller.senate.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today responded to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) announcement that Nevada has been designated as an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) test site with the following statement: "Considering that Nevada continues to lead the nation in unemployment, the FAA’s decision is both welcome and well-timed. Nevada has long been a leader in UAS development and testing. Given our state’s geographic location, extremely qualified workforce, and strong partnerships with universities, Nevada is well-positioned to ensure the success of these programs. “I am confident that the FAA, Congress, and the State of Nevada can strike a balance between this opportunity and the development of privacy standards and safeguards that will guarantee the constitutional rights of Nevadans and Americans across the country,” said Senator Dean Heller. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-heitkamp-cramer-and-dalrymple-faa-selects-grand-forks-to-be-uas-test-site | Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | John Hoeven | H001061 | www.hoeven.senate.gov | legacy | 12.30.13 Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site ND Leaders Worked to Secure Designation to Build GF as Premier Northern UAS Hub WASHINGTON Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, Congressman Kevin Cramer and Governor Jack Dalrymple today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Grand Forks as one of six sites to test unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for integration into the National Airspace. The announcement comes after years of work by North Dakota's leaders to position Grand Forks as the premier northern UAS hub. The FAA Reauthorization bill passed by Congress in February 2012 includes an amendment introduced by Hoeven that directed the agency to establish the test sites and integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. Hoeven's amendment instructed the FAA Administrator to consider factors including geographical and climatic diversity, as well as the location of ground infrastructure, in selecting the test sites. Hoeven has worked, both as governor and now as U.S. Senator, with the state's UAS community to establish and maintain North Dakota's leadership in UAS technologies and to grow UAS operations in the Grand Forks region. In 2006, Hoeven and former Senator Byron Dorgan worked to seed the Center for UAS Research, Education and Training on the UND campus. Dorgan got the center designated as Department of Defense Center of Excellence for UAV Education. The same year, the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Program, initiated by then-Governor Hoeven, awarded the center $2.5 million, which it matched and leveraged to $15.8 million in federal and private-sector funding. We've said all along that Grand Forks is an ideal location to test UAS integration, and now the FAA has agreed with us, Hoeven said. This test site designation, combined with Grand Sky, the Grand Forks region's new aerospace technology and business complex … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-warner-and-kaine-applaud-faas-selection-of-virginia-tech-proposal-to-test-unmanned-aircraft-systems | Sens. Warner and Kaine Applaud FAA’s Selection of Virginia Tech Proposal to Test Unmanned Aircraft Systems | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | legacy | Sens. Warner and Kaine Applaud FAA’s Selection of Virginia Tech Proposal to Test Unmanned Aircraft Systems Region to be one of six U.S. sites chosen to test and research variety of UAS issues Monday, December 30, 2013 WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) released this statement today following the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selection of Virginia Tech’s proposal to spearhead a regional research effort on the safest and most effective ways to incorporate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the existing airspace. Virginia Tech’s proposal, one of six from across the country selected by the FAA today, includes a cooperative agreement to work with research institutions and facilities across Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. “We want to congratulate Virginia Tech and its partners for this success. Virginia’s selection provides an opportunity for the mid-Atlantic region to become a major hub for UAS research and testing, leveraging the growing private sector interest in UAS as well as incorporating military and NASA assets across our region. That’s why we have long supported Virginia's selection, and have worked to highlight the strengths of a Virginia-Maryland-New Jersey partnership with the FAA,” Sens. Warner and Kaine said. “We hope this FAA research and testing also helps sort-out the legitimate public concerns about privacy and air safety as we move toward a safe and responsible integration of unmanned aircraft.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=0fcf598a-e91b-42fb-9f5c-f2162f42e672 | Klobuchar Calls for Action to Crack Down on Cell Phone Thefts | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Nearly one-in-three robberies involve phone theft and consumers lose more than $30 billion each year to lost and stolen phones; in Minnesota, recent cell phone thefts at the Mall of America and the University of Minnesota have threatened public safety In a letter to wireless industry leaders, Klobuchar urges companies to take action to stem mobile device thefts by ensuring consumers have access to the most advanced security features such as a “kill switch” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today called on the wireless industry to take action to crack down on cell phone thefts. The thefts are becoming a growing problem across the country with nearly one-in-three robberies involving phone theft. It’s estimated that each year consumers lose more than $30 billion to lost or stolen phones. In Minnesota, recent cell phone thefts at the Mall of America and the University of Minnesota have threatened public safety. In a letter to wireless industry leaders, Klobuchar urged companies to take action to stem mobile device thefts by ensuring consumers have access to the most advanced security features, such as a “kill switch” that would deter criminals who intend to illegally resell the devices. “Mobile devices aren’t just telephones anymore – increasingly people’s livelihoods depend on them,” Klobuchar said. “That’s why we need to do more to crack down on criminals who are stealing and reselling these devices, costing consumers billions every year. The wireless industry needs to step up to the plate and address these thefts, and make sure consumers have the most advanced security technology at their fingertips.” Klobuchar is a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairs the Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, and has been a leader in standing up for consumers and boosting competition in the marketplace. She authored legislation—the Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act and the Wireless Consumer Choice Act—to strengthen consumer protections in the wireless industry, including looking at allowing consume… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=458f0cfe-49d1-4835-bd37-cf49cc55f1da | Portman Statement on Federal Aviation Administration's Decision Regarding Unmanned Aerial System Test Site Locations | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today released the following statement in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision not to select Ohio as a location for an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) test site: “I am deeply disappointed by the FAA’s decision not to select the Ohio/Indiana UAS Center as the location for one of the FAA’s six UAS test sites across the country. Ohio is a national leader in aerospace, and would have been an ideal location for one of the sites. Over one hundred thousand Ohioans work in aerospace, where they develop and build cutting-edge technologies and world-class commercial and military equipment. In addition, assets like Dayton’s U.S. Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, and industry partners throughout the state provide outstanding technical expertise and more than $9 billion in Research and Development and testing every year. I have worked extensively to strengthen these unique capabilities and increase Ohio’s leadership in defense and aerospace. “I remain committed to advancing Ohio’s leadership role in aerospace and unmanned systems. The Ohio/Indiana UAS Center will move forward with its plans to serve the needs of federal, state, local, and private entities as they continue research and development of UAS. Keeping Ohio’s aerospace industry strong and competitive is critical not only to our state’s economy, but to the national security of the United States.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0d57aa3a-821b-431a-acda-e3e1b79e1e93 | Sens. Warner & Kaine Applaud FAA Selection of VaTech Proposal on Unmanned Aircraft | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | VA | Mark Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) released this statement today following the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selection of Virginia Tech’s proposal to spearhead a regional research effort on the safest and most effective ways to incorporate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the existing airspace. Virginia Tech’s proposal, one of six from across the country selected by the FAA today, includes a cooperative agreement to work with research institutions and facilities across Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. “We want to congratulate Virginia Tech and its partners for this success. Virginia’s selection provides an opportunity for the mid-Atlantic region to become a major hub for UAS research and testing, leveraging the growing private sector interest in UAS as well as incorporating military and NASA assets across our region. That’s why we have long supported Virginia's selection, and have worked to highlight the strengths of a Virginia-Maryland-New Jersey partnership with the FAA,” Sens. Warner and Kaine said. “We hope this FAA research and testing also helps sort-out the legitimate public concerns about privacy and air safety as we move toward a safe and responsible integration of unmanned aircraft.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=a61cf7b4-5603-49bb-b0b0-9578e6756aa1 | Sen. Warner Calls for Hearing into Target Consumer Data Breach | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | VA | Mark Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today requested a hearing by the Senate Banking Committee to examine whether companies and financial service providers are taking all actions necessary to safeguard consumer data and protect against fraud and identity theft, and whether stronger industry-wide cybersecurity standards are needed. In the wake of Target’s recent account data breach affecting some 40 million U.S. customers, Sen. Warner and Banking Committee colleague Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) wrote to Chairman Tim Johnson and Ranking Member Mike Crapo: “With our economy and financial sector becoming increasingly information-based and data-reliant, consumers depend on the companies and financial service providers with whom they do business to protect their sensitive information. As companies collect, store, and process ever-greater quantities of consumer data, they—and our regulators—must become even more vigilant against breaches and improper use.” Just days before Christmas, Target announced that a data breach occurred between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15, affecting about 40 million credit and debit card accounts, compromising customers' names, card information and security codes. Target has yet to disclose how the hackers penetrated its data security. The Warner/Menendez letter follows: December 30, 2013 The Honorable Tim Johnson Chairman Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Mike Crapo Ranking Member Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Crapo: We write to request that the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hold a hearing as soon as reasonably possible regarding consumer financial data security. As you know, earlier this month, Target Corporation announced a data breach that affected roughly 40 million customer credit and debit card accounts – one of the largest such corporate security breaches in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gosar.house.gov/editorial/healthy-forests-key-averting-tragedies | Healthy forests key to averting tragedies | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AZ | Paul Gosar | G000565 | gosar.house.gov | legacy | When it comes to wildfires, recent years have proven devastating to Arizona and many of the western states. The tragic Yarnell Hill Fire, which claimed the lives of 19 elite Hotshot firefighters, is still a fresh and painful wound throughout Arizona. share: f t Healthy forests key to averting tragedies By Paul Gosar When it comes to wildfires, recent years have proven devastating to Arizona and many of the western states. The tragic Yarnell Hill Fire, which claimed the lives of 19 elite Hotshot firefighters, is still a fresh and painful wound throughout Arizona. Fires in other western states like Colorado's Black Forest wildfire and California’s Rim Fire also caused great destruction. We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent future tragedies. Although it is impossible to prevent all fires, federal, state and local land management policies can make them less frequent and less intense when they burn. By maintaining healthy forests, we can improve public safety, save endangered species and put people back to work. As a rural Arizonan and a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am fighting for policies that facilitate more active forest management on federal lands. This means smarter spending and better, more effective tools to implement ecological health projects like the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) and the White Mountain Stewardship Project. Overgrown forests are susceptible to wildfire, so prevention starts with responsible thinning. Approximately 80 million acres of forest across the West are overgrown. There are now hundreds of trees per acre on lands that once contained only 10 to 25 trees per acre. Our budgets should prioritize wildfire prevention instead of focusing primarily on response. Although the need to suppress fires is never going to go away, we must shift our priority towards proactive management of our federal lands. My bipartisan legislation, the Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act, addre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://juliabrownley.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/julia-brownley-urgent-need-to-extend-lifeline-to-unemployed | Julia Brownley: Urgent need to extend lifeline to unemployed | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | legacy | Everyone remembers what happened five years ago when our economy fell into the worst recession since the Great Depression. Everyone knows someone — or knows of someone — who lost their job through no fault of their own during this severe economic downturn. It’s not just our families and friends who have suffered, but our local businesses who depend on their customers doing a little home improvement, replacing an old refrigerator, getting their car fixed, or buying some new clothes for their kids. Yet, while we are still climbing back during this long and slow recovery, we have an extreme tea party faction in Congress who — despite the facts and history — refuses to help the 1.3 million Americans whose unemployment insurance was cut off just three days after Christmas. For 214,000 Californians, it’s anything but a happy holiday season. Families should be coming together to celebrate and enjoy the holidays, but they are worrying about whether they can afford to pay for food, rent or electricity. To most of us, $303.37 per week — the average weekly benefit — doesn’t seem like a lot. We can’t pay our monthly bills on that. But for our 4,600-plus friends and neighbors in Ventura County who rely on the benefit, it helps them make ends meet so they can look for work. We’ve all heard the statistics: there are three people looking for work for every job opening. Our country faces a jobs shortage, and the only way to solve it is to create more jobs and to prepare our workers for the jobs that do exist. Open up the classified section of this newspaper and others around the country. Every week, there are lots of job listings in computer programming, network administration, high-tech manufacturing, and nursing and medical support roles. Those are the very sectors for which we need to train those looking for work. Most people who depend on unemployment insurance can’t find employment because the jobs they once had will never return. We need to help them retool and retrain so they ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://roby.house.gov/roby-news/congress-could-reconsider-military-pension-cut-january | Congress could reconsider military pension cut in January | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AL | Martha Roby | R000591 | roby.house.gov | legacy | A cut to military retirement pay in the budget signed Thursday by President Obama has already triggered such a backlash that Congress may vote in January to toss it out. Some lawmakers who represent districts with a military presence — and who voted for the overall budget — are vowing to overturn the pension change as soon as the House and the Senate reconvene Friday. Several House and Senate lawmakers in both parties, responding to heavy lobbying from advocates for service members and veterans, already have introduced bills that would restore full cost-of-living increases for military retirees of working age. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Michael G. Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) have introduced a bill that would restore the annual cost-of-living adjustment for about 800,000 enlisted troops and officers who retire in their early 40s, then take other jobs outside the military. In the budget passed this month, the COLA for working-age retirees was reduced by 1 percentage point; once the retirees turn 62, they go back to receiving the full increase. The cut is expected to save the government about $6 billion over 10 years, and it is set to be phased in over three years. Davis and Fitzpatrick’s bill would find the savings instead by asking the Internal Revenue Service to crack down on Americans who file fraudulent claims for child tax credits. “I think we need to make the fix right now,” said Davis, whose Illinois district includes many former service members and employees at nearby Scott Air Force Base. At a meet-and-greet with constituents in his district recently, many voters were livid at the pension cut, Davis said. To them and him, he said, the federal government is unfairly breaking a promise it made to service members. “A lot of people joined the military and made huge sacrifices because they were promised a benefit,” he said. “To go back on that is wrong.” Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) said she is partnering with Fitzpatrick on the legislation. “I believe that this is a fix the Republican conference can rally around,” s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/dod-budget-has-293m-divert-airfield-nmi | DoD budget has $29.3M for divert airfield in NMI | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | President Barack Obama signed into law on Thursday (Friday, CNMI time) the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2014 that provides $29.3 million for the development of a U.S. Air Force divert airfield in the CNMI. The new law also requires the Pentagon to report to Congress by June 25 the feasibility of having a National Guard in the CNMI and American Samoa. The defense bill also includes almost $495 million in spending for military construction projects in Guam. “Our economy could definitely use that money,” Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) told Saipan Tribune, referring to the $29.3 million for the development of a divert airfield in the CNMI. The divert airfield is intended to be an alternative landing base for Air Force planes if Andersen Air Force Base in Guam becomes unavailable because of weather or war. Sablan worked with the U.S. House Armed Services Committee to place some limits on the Air Force, because there is still a question about where to put this facility: on Tinian or Saipan. “I think that Northern Marians officials decided long ago that Tinian would be the preferred location for military expansion in the Northern Marianas, but the Air Force has other ideas. So, at my request, the Committee report directs the Air Force to work with the governor to find a mutually agreeable resolution to this siting issue,” Sablan said. The delegate added that the Air Force is also barred from spending any of the $29.3 million until it reports to Congress on all the alternatives that have been considered, the overall construction requirements, and the cost/benefits of options for the land needed. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said last week that the CNMI remains unified in its voice to have a divert airfield on Tinian where two-thirds of lands are already leased to the U.S. Department of Defense, instead of Saipan where the U.S. military had planned on placing it. The governor told the Air Force that its request to lease 33 acres of land on Saipan for the next 50 years “is quite an undesirable con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/las-cruces-sun-news-op-ed-tom-udall-and-martin-heinrich-monument-will-preserve-lands-for-future-generations | Las Cruces Sun-News: OP-ED: Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich: Monument will preserve lands for future generations | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Las Cruces Sun-News: OP-ED: Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich: Monument will preserve lands for future generations By: Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich Sunday, December 29, 2013 The Organ Mountains and surrounding area form a beautiful and iconic backdrop for Las Cruces and are beloved by New Mexicans who visit Doña Ana County to hunt, picnic, hike, and explore. This month, we were proud to introduce legislation to ensure that future generations of New Mexicans can continue those traditions, while boosting tourism and recreation opportunities. Our Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Conservation Act would designate the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, putting a star on recreation maps around the world, highlighting the area's unique culture and history, and drawing tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The most recent study estimates that a national monument designation would generate $7.4 million in new economic activity every year. There's a reason a recent survey found that 83 percent of people in Doña Ana County support the creation of a monument. The biologically and culturally rich terrain stretches from the granite peaks of the Organ Mountains, to the cinder cones, lava flows, and increasingly rare grasslands of the Potrillo Mountains, and from the caves, limestone cliffs, and winding canyons of the Robledos to the Uvas Mountains and the secluded Broad Canyon. These landscapes define southern New Mexico. The protected habitat for deer, quail and javelina guarantees some of the best hunting in the state. The canyons are home to species of birds, cacti, daisies, grasshoppers and other plants and animals, some found nowhere else in the world. And the region has been important throughout history -- Billy the Kid and Geron… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=41ca79c9-be97-49db-9947-e020e5cca9de | Manchin named Statesman of the Year for willingness to compromise | Clarksburg Exponent | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | WV | Joe Manchin | M001183 | www.manchin.senate.gov | legacy | December 29, 2013 Manchin named Statesman of the Year for willingness to compromise | Clarksburg Exponent WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Manchin built his reputation at home in West Virginia as a politician who didn’t subscribe to the ideals of either major national party. With more than three years in the U.S. Senate now under his belt, Manchin, D-W.Va., is a fixture in national news for his efforts to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans. In both roles, the constant theme has been putting constituents first, according to those who’ve worked with him. “He has done a fantastic job in putting a face on West Virginia as a state where we care about people,” said West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Tim Miley, D-Harrison. “We care about balancing our budget. We care about doing the right thing, regardless of differences on the issues. ... He is a great ambassador for the state of West Virginia.” Miley, who was elected to the House of Delegates the same year Manchin was elected governor, said he’s learned a lot over the years from Manchin. When Miley was elected speaker, Manchin called him up. “The most poignant thing that he shared with me is that good policy always makes for good politics and good policy and good politics transcend party lines,” Miley said. West Virginia Senate Clerk Joe Minard described some other achievements from Manchin’s days in state politics, including work on medical malpractice reform and tort reform. “He’s always been fairly independent,” Minard said. “He never was a straight party man. I guess you might say he was always an independent thinker.” Now that the backdrop is one of the most fiercely divisive political landscapes of recent memory, Manchin’s attempts can sometimes seem like wishful thinking. But sometimes they work. Most recently Manchin, The Exponent Telegram Statesman of the Year, worked with a group of bipartisan senators on a proposal to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling. Manchin teamed up with Republican Sen. Susan Collins… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365150 | Hastings' Statement on the Expiration of Unemployment Benefits | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Alcee Hastings | H000324 | alceehastings.house.gov | legacy | Hastings' Statement on the Expiration of Unemployment Benefits f t # e Fort Lauderdale, FL, December 28, 2013 Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after emergency unemployment benefits lapsed for the first time since 2008: “Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for having left so many Americans out in the cold this holiday season. “Starting today, an estimated 1.3 million Americans will face new hardships because of Republicans’ failure to extend unemployment benefits. Millions more may lose their unemployment in the upcoming year, if Republicans do not allow Congress to extend these vital benefits. “Unemployment compensation is neither reckless nor wasteful spending – it is a lifeline for millions of families struggling to recover from the worst economic recession of our time. Congress’ first order of business in the new year must be to address this failure, and to ensure that Americans facing difficult times are provided with the support they need as they continue to look for work.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-expiration-unemployment-insurance | Cicilline Announces Bill to Extend Federal Unemployment Insurance and Calls on Speaker to Act Immediately | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET – Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) stressing the urgency of extending federal emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) at a press conference in his Pawtucket office this afternoon, announced that he will introduce a bill to extend EUC and called upon the Speaker to Act immediately. Cicilline was joined by several First District residents who discussed the impact this loss will have on them and their families. As of today, 1.3 million Americans including 4,900 Rhode Islanders will no longer received federal emergency unemployment benefits. “The day the Republican-led Congress skipped town for the holidays it left behind 1.3 million Americans who rely upon this assistance to survive as they continue to look for work. Nearly 5,000 Rhode Islanders who have already exhausted their state benefits are now without their last safety net," said Cicilline. "I'm not giving up this fight until we renew emergency unemployment benefits for people struggling to find work. We can't turn our back on more than a million Americans, especially in Rhode Island where our unemployment rate is the highest in the nation." Until today Rhode Islanders who had exhausted their 26 weeks of unemployment benefits from the state were eligible to receive an additional 47 weeks of federal benefits. If Congress fails to extend federal EUC, 4.9 million Americans, including 21,700 Rhode Islanders over the course of 2014 will be affected according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Analysis of Budget Deal. The Economic Policy Institute has estimated that failure to extend Unemployment Insurance could cost the national economy 310,000 jobs over the course of the coming year. "I voted against the budget, which was the last vote Congress took before adjourning for the year because it failed to include an extension of these critical benefits. The minute Congress is back in session on January 7th I will introduce a bill to retro-actively extend these benefits and make sure it is paid for by eliminating unnecessary subs… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-2013-defense-authorization-becoming-law | Cramer Statement on 2013 Defense Authorization Becoming Law | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | Kevin Cramer | C001096 | cramer.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement on the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) being signed into law by President Obama: “The new defense authorization law is the result of a compromise reached by the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The House passed the NDAA with a bipartisan majority in June including an amendment I sponsored to keep the active Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) silos at Minot Air Force Base in a warm status. It is disappointing this protection against unilateral nuclear disarmament by the Obama Administration was stripped by Senate negotiators. “The defense appropriations bill passed by the House in July added even more protection by prohibiting the Obama Administration from going forward with an environmental impact study on deconstructing ICBMs, the first step toward reducing the fleet. Unfortunately the Senate has not passed a defense appropriations bill. “However, I am pleased the NDAA supports increased troop pay, rejects the Administration’s proposals to increase military medical fees, prohibits base closure, and addresses sexual assault. It also includes the new KC-46 tanker to be potentially stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, the new Long Range Strike Bomber to replace the B-52 bomber currently stationed in Minot, and prevents the premature retirement of the Global Hawk Bock 30 unmanned aircraft.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=966 | Gwen Moore Pushes for Unemployment Insurance Extension | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | Jamil Smith, @JamilSmith Even after facing backlash for effectively killing an act historically seen as a bi-partisan non-issue, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is short on answers explaining precisely why he and a number of his fellow Republicans opposed the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. “Majority Leader Cantor has worked hard seeking to move the bill forward so we can protect all victims and prosecute offenders,” Cantor’s office told Melissa Harris-Perry Thursday in a written statement. “The majority leader has been working with our members and directly with Vice President Biden to seek common ground across party lines and put an end to violence against women.” But the House version Cantor supports, by definition, does not protect “all victims.” That description would apply more accurately to the more inclusive version, which added provisions granting legal protections to American Indians, undocumented immigrants, and lesbian and trans women, and passed with a supermajority in the Senate. But per a new report today from Talking Points Memo‘s Sahil Kapur, what happened when it got to the House was vintage GOP obstructionism: Republican leaders deployed their female members to make the case for it, notably Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), a leadership member, and Rep. Sandy Adams (FL), herself a victim of domestic violence. Over the objections of advocates for abused victims, but with the support of a so-called men’s rights group, House GOP leaders passed their version on a partisan vote, despite a White House veto threat. And that’s when the legislation stalled, never to recover. A Republican source who complained of House Democratic tactics to TPM pointed to a Dec. 7 letter from the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women applauding Cantor’s “good faith” negotiations with Democrats like Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont concerning the new VAWA provisions. Dec. 7 was a while ago; what are they s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://meeks.house.gov/press-release/end-year-report | End of the Year Report | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | NY | Gregory Meeks | M001137 | meeks.house.gov | legacy | NY State of Health New York State’s official health plan marketplace, NY State of Health, is in full swing! As of last week over 350,000 New Yorkers have completed their applications and over a hundred thousand have chosen their plans and coverage will begin for them on January 1, 2014. This is a 34% increase in the enrollment rates from December 9 and those who have purchased their health plan have seen a 53 percent decrease in their premium rates. In addition to this cost savings, it is estimated that nearly three-quarters of individual enrollees will qualify for financial assistance. If you have not done so already please visit https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov, call toll-free 1-855-355-5777, or in-person through a navigator and sign up for healthcare today! Farm Bill and Food Stamps The House and Senate both passed their versions of the Farm Bill this year and now conference committee deliberations are underway to come to an agreement between these bills. A major point of contention in conference is undoubtedly the major disparity in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps. Over the 10-year budget window, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Senate bill would cut spending for SNAP by approximately $4 billion and that the House’s version would reduce spending by approximately $39 billion. SNAP currently helps more than 48 million Americans, nearly half of whom are children, meet their basic food needs. This program has suffered enough already due to sequestration and at the expense of millions of children and working families. The deep cuts to SNAP whether in the form budgetary reductions, categorical eligibility calculations, new work-related requirements, or mandatory drug testing are all unnecessary and unfair attacks against millions of Americans who rely on these benefits to feed their families. Below is a statement I made on the House floor earlier this year on the issue. Sandy Related News and Flood Insurance FEDERAL FUNDS APPROVED TO REBUILD ELEVA… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/fourth-deadly-and-unprovoked-attack-camp-liberty-residents-underscorres-need | Fourth Deadly and Unprovoked Attack on Camp Liberty Residents Underscores Need for Administration to Push Iraqi Government and the UN to Do More for their Protection, Says Ros-Lehtinen | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | R000435 | ros-lehtinen.house.gov | legacy | Fourth Deadly and Unprovoked Attack on Camp Liberty Residents Underscores Need for Administration to Push Iraqi Government and the UN to Do More for their Protection, Says Ros-Lehtinen Miami, Florida – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement today following the latest deadly, unprovoked attack against Camp Liberty yesterday that killed two and left a number more in critical condition. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “This latest attack is the fourth of its kind on Camp Liberty this year, and those responsible must be swiftly brought to justice. For over a year now, I have urged the Administration to take immediate action to ensure that the residents of the camp are provided the safety and the security they were guaranteed in a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Iraq and the UN. Sadly, neither party has been willing to live up to its obligations and the vicious and unprovoked attacks continue, both on Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf. Both the UN and the Iraqi government must take the steps necessary to protect the residents of Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf until they can be safely relocated. This includes the installation of t-walls and other measures that can be done to make the Camps more secure. Last month I pressed Secretary Kerry to use the full leverage of the State Department and the Administration to press the Iraqi government's swift action on this installation, and will continue to do so until these residents are sufficiently protected." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366351 | Only a few serve U.S. in office and in uniform | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OH | Steve Stivers | S001187 | stivers.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — About two days out of every month, Rep. Brad Wenstrup gets a gut check when he leaves Capitol Hill for his other job: surgeon for the Army Reserve. share: f t WASHINGTON — About two days out of every month, Rep. Brad Wenstrup gets a gut check when he leaves Capitol Hill for his other job: surgeon for the Army Reserve. He travels the 12 miles to Bethesda, Md., where the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has treated servicemen and women since 2011, and he pitches in where he can. Sometimes, that means talking to residents; other times, it means helping in surgery. Because he serves two days a month, he can’t develop long-term relationships with patients. On Memorial Day, he had planned to enjoy a recess from his congressional duties. Then he got a call: Many casualties were coming in from Afghanistan, could he help? The Cincinnati Republican changed his plans, staying Friday and Saturday to help with sometimes complicated surgeries that required multiple surgeons. Wenstrup, 55, is a rarity, one of just 14 members of the U.S. House who still serve in the military through the Guard or Reserves. One senator also serves in the Reserves, according to the Congressional Research Service. And yet Wenstrup isn’t the only Ohio lawmaker who balances military and congressional duties. Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Upper Arlington, is a member of the Ohio National Guard. He graduated from the Army War College last year and drills one weekend a month plus two weeks in the summer. “It’s Congress that has the ultimate authority to decide whether to declare war,” Stivers said. “ So having someone who understands what that means, and what that means in a human price for all these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, is a good thing.” Others in Ohio’s congressional delegation also have served. House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, enlisted in the Navy in 1968 but was honorably discharged after eight weeks because of back problems, and Rep… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2138 | Gwen Moore Pushes for Unemployment Insurance Extension | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | After the New Year, I urge my colleagues to act in the best interests of our constituents and make this extension a priority. share: f t Contact: Staci Cox (202) 225- 4572 Milwaukee, WI Today, approximately 1.3 million Americans will lose their unemployment insurance. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released this statement: This holiday season, Congressional Republicans have given Americans a gift' of uncertainty they did not ask for and did not deserve. Today approximately 23,700 Wisconsinites will lose their unemployment insurance benefits. In the first six months of 2014, these benefits will expire for approximately 41,800 more Wisconsinites. "Each day, struggling families across our nation wonder how they will feed their families and warm their homes. Unemployment insurance helps to reduce this anxiety and increase the well-being of many. In our slowly recovering economy, the decision to extend these benefits to assist our families, friends and neighbors should not be difficult. "After the New Year, I urge my colleagues to act in the best interests of our constituents and make this extension a priority. As lawmakers, we should give a hand to struggling American families, not remove their resources." To watch Rep. Moore support unemployment insurance on MSNBC, please click here. ### For Moore News Updates | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221184342/http://bass.house.gov/press-release/statement-calling-ugandas-president-veto-anti-homosexuality-legislation | Statement Calling on Uganda's President to Veto Anti-Homosexuality Legislation | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Karen Bass | B001270 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today, Congressmember Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Africa, released the following statement calling on Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to veto the recently passed Anti-Homosexuality Bill: "I join with Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) in calling on Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to veto the Uganda's parliament recently passed Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Rights of LGBT people around the world are human rights, and I am deeply concerned regarding the harassment, discrimination and violence that Uganda's LGBT community will certainly face should this legislation become law. "As the world moves forward on ensuring equality under the law of the LGBT community, this proposed law is a giant step backwards. It sets a 14-year jail term for a first-time conviction for men who are convicted of engaging in sexual relations with other men, and a life imprisonment for committing aggravated homosexuality. The bill also criminalizes 'promotion and recognition' of homosexuality that will cause unnecessary harassment to health care workers who are working in Uganda to provide services to those living with HIV/AIDS. "One of the great lessons of human history-- and one certainly that the United States knows all to well-- is that any government which legalizes the subjugation of a portion of its citizenry ultimately regrets that decision and will have to face the judgement of the world." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/time-to-pass-a-farm-bill | Time To Pass A Farm Bill | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | legacy | Time To Pass A Farm Bill Daily News-Record Op-Ed Saturday, December 28, 2013 As we give thanks this holiday season, it’s important to remember the family farms that produce the food we will enjoy with friends and relatives. But farmers’ hard work deserves more than recognition — Congress owes it to farmers here in the Valley and across the country to swiftly pass a final farm bill. Among all sectors of our economy, agriculture, the largest industry in Virginia, is unique for a simple reason — its output supports our very lives. The market may wax and wane, but we will always need food. A drought or a heavy flood means a bad year for the farmer, whose output is reduced, and a bad year for the consumer, who has to pay more for groceries. In any given year, the impact of unpredictable events on agriculture could send a domino effect of either prosperity or hardship through the economy. This inherent volatility means it is in everyone’s interest to ensure there is a stable, predictable market for agricultural goods. That is why farm bills have traditionally maintained a system of payments tailored to the varying needs of different regions and crops along with federal support for crop insurance premiums. Clear flaws in this system have emerged, such as direct payments to millionaires, or to property caretakers who aren’t even farmers but qualify for payments through legal loopholes. I’m pleased that along with other important reforms, both the Senate and House farm bills end direct payments, expand crop insurance, and restructure the commodity title. But that won’t help if we fail to pass a final bill — or if we pass another one-year extension. Whether it’s peanut and cotton farmers in Southside or poultry growers in the Valley, farmers deserve certainty from their government. That’s why … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-calls-for-extension-of-unemployment-benefits-as-first-order-of | CASTRO CALLS FOR EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AS FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Joaquín Castro | C001091 | castro.house.gov | legacy | San Antonio, TX – 1.3 million Americans, including over 64,000 Texans, are losing all of their federal unemployment insurance tomorrow, December 28. An additional 106,900 Texans will lose their unemployment insurance in the first 6 months of 2014. Rep. Joaquin Castro is calling on Speaker Boehner to bring up this important piece of legislation for debate as the first order of business in the new year. U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro along with 173 other members of Congress urged Speaker Boehner to not adjourn before extending this crucial program for millions of struggling Americans. “As the economy recovers, the American people deserve a Congress that puts their needs first. As folks continue to look for jobs and strengthen our economy, we must ensure that they are supported. Yet, at a time when families should be coming together to celebrate and enjoy the holidays, hundreds of thousands are seeing their entire lifeline cut-off because the Speaker decided to adjourn before dealing with this important program,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro. “I am calling on Speaker Boehner to make extending this vital program the first order of business when Congress returns in January. This will restore hope for folks who have worked hard, played by the rules, and continue to look for a job.” The federal unemployment insurance program – formally called Emergency Unemployment Compensation – took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since as the economy continues its recovery. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began and long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed is 37 percent, far higher than during previous recessions. On average, nationwide, the program provides about $300 a week to recipients. Failure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth locally and throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramers-first-bill-signed-by-president-obama | Cramer's First Bill Signed by President Obama | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | ND | Kevin Cramer | C001096 | cramer.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama signed Congressman Kevin Cramer's first bill into law yesterday, December 26. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Streamlining Act, House Resolution 767, passed the House of Representatives on May 15 and the Senate on December 20. The bill will improve the efficiency of processing federal oil and natural gas permits in North Dakota while retaining all existing standards for approval. While the legislation first passed the Senate after being introduced by Senator Hoeven in the 112th Congress and again by Hoeven with Senator Heitkamp in the 113th Congress, it was never considered by the House until Cramer introduced it in the 113th Congress. “North Dakota will join other states in a streamlining pilot project to alleviate the increased workload of federal permit review,” said Cramer. “I am pleased the President accepted these modest improvements and am hopeful we can build on this achievement to find more common ground in the future.” Congressman Cramer is a member of the Natural Resources and Science, Space and Technology Committees, including the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Subcommittee on Energy of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-applauds-enactment-kelly-amendment-ban-funding-un-arms-trade-treaty | Rep. Kelly Applauds Enactment of Kelly Amendment to Ban Funding for UN Arms Trade Treaty | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Mike Kelly | K000376 | kelly.house.gov | legacy | Amendment included in final NDAA bill signed by president WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today commending the signing of the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 which included his amendment to ban funding for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The Kelly amendment requires a one year ban on the use of funds by the Department of Defense to implement the ATT unless the treaty receives the advice and consent of the Senate and is the subject of implementing legislation, as required, by the Congress. The NDAA agreement was passed by the House on December 12, 2013, by 350-69; passed by the Senate on December, 19, 2013, by 85-14; and signed by President Obama on December 26, 2013. “As I and many others have long stated, the ATT is a clear threat to our national sovereignty and the Constitutional rights of all Americans and should never have been signed. I am therefore glad to say that a major victory has been achieved in the fight to make sure this dangerous treaty never affects the United States in any capacity. Earlier this month, the House and Senate acted in a bipartisan manner to affirm my amendment’s resistance to the treaty by including it in the NDAA’s final passage. Now that the NDAA has been signed by President Obama, the White House has joined Congress in taking a belated stand for American strength and sovereignty by making this crucial amendment the law of the land.” NOTE: Rep. Kelly is a national leader of the movement to stop the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). On March 15, 2013, he introduced H. Con. Res. 23, a bipartisan concurrent resolution expressing opposition to the treaty on behalf of members of Congress. The resolution currently has 149 co-sponsors in the House and 36 supporters in the Senate. On May 30, 2013, Rep. Kelly submitted a bipartisan letter with 130 co-signers from Congress to both President Obama and Secretary Kerry urging them to reject the treaty. He sent a similar bipartisan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364759 | Blaine's Bulletin: Preserving Your Privacy | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | MO | Blaine Luetkemeyer | L000569 | luetkemeyer.house.gov | legacy | As I reflect on 2013, one of the issues that seemed to be of great concern to the people of the 3rd District was the government’s ever-growing presence in the private lives of American citizens. And over the course of the last 12 months, I have sought to work on your behalf to protect your privacy form the prying eyes of government. share: f t As I reflect on 2013, one of the issues that seemed to be of great concern to the people of the 3rd District was the government’s ever-growing presence in the private lives of American citizens. And over the course of the last 12 months, I have sought to work on your behalf to protect your privacy form the prying eyes of government. The first test we faced came earlier this spring when I met personally with U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) Inspector General Patrick O’Carroll, Jr. That meeting confirmed there was a violation of normal agency protocol when the agency requested and received sensitive data for more than 100,000 Missouri driver’s licenses and concealed carry permits. The admission was a stark one and I appreciated the quick work of the Social Security Administration, especially after it was learned that the information provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the fall of 2011 was unreadable on the SSA investigator’s computer and the data was destroyed. It was not long after, however, that we faced another privacy challenge that resurfaced amidst a national scandal involving the Internal Revenue Service. In May, the IRS confessed that it was targeting conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status while rubberstamping similar requests from liberal groups. At the same time, it seemed clear to me the IRS was refusing to look at similar liberal groups like the Humane Society of the United States. For three years, the IRS had stonewalled my attempts to get to the bottom of constituent concerns that HSUS was involved in political and lobbying activities that were in direct violation of its 501… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/divert-field-nmi-national-guard-pay-raise-sexual-assault-all-part-new-defense-law | Divert field, NMI National Guard, pay raise, sexual assault all part of new defense law | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | On Thursday, the President signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, which contains important provisions specific to the Northern Mariana Islands. $29.3 million will be available for a divert airfield in the NMI to use if Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base is closed by weather or war. But I also worked with the House Armed Services Committee to place limits on the money because of the question of siting: Tinian or Saipan? I think we decided long ago that Tinian is the preferred location for military expansion in our islands, but the Air Force has other ideas. So, at my request the Committee report directs the Air Force to work with the Governor to find a mutually agreeable resolution to this siting issue; and the law bars any expenditure of the $29.3 million until Congress gets a look at all the alternatives that have been considered. The NDAA also gives the Defense Department 180 days to report to Congress on the feasibility of a Northern Marianas National Guard, just like Guam and all of the other states and territories, except American Samoa, have. We have 16 of our people deployed with the Guam National Guard – and returning safely home soon. So, clearly, there is an interest. But do we have enough people for a full Guard unit? Do we have the needed infrastructure? Will our local legislature support establishing a Northern Marianas National Guard? These are the questions the report will answer. I introduced legislation in 2011 to set up an NMI unit. If the feasibility study comes back positive, we could push towards that goal. We should know by June 25. Besides these Northern Marianas specific provisions the annual defense authorization makes some other changes worth noting: Our military personnel will be getting a 1 percent raise. And the new law addresses the issue of sexual assault in the military, which is a problem that seems to be increasing and puts anyone in the armed service – men and women, including our people from the Northern Marianas – at risk. The new law bars com… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-military-transition-telemedicine-amendment-signed-law | Thompson Military Transition Telemedicine Amendment Signed into Law | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Glenn Thompson | T000467 | thompson.house.gov | legacy | BELLEFONTE, Pa. – President Obama Thursday signed into law the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan measure, which recently passed the House by a vote of 350 to 69 and the Senate by a vote of 84 to 15, authorizes funding and sets policy for the U.S. Department of Defense. Thompson, who voted to support the bill, successfully included an amendment that will expand health care coverage through telemedicine for service members transitioning to civilian life. “I am very pleased that members of the House and Senate were able to find common ground and pass this important bill that offers critical support to the military, our service members and their families,” stated Rep. Thompson. Under the previous policy, service members and their families could utilize 180 days of health care coverage during the transition from military to civilian life through what is known as the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP). Thompson’s amendment is designed to protect individuals coping with Post-Traumatic Stress, which may not present symptoms in some cases until 8-10 months after leaving the military (see: here and here). The amendment extends TAMP coverage by an additional 180 days for all services rendered through telemedicine. “For those who are burdened by physical and psychological injuries as a result of their service in uniform, we must take every action to help them rebuild,” Thompson added. “This bill takes meaningful steps to improve the support we offer these brave men and women as they transition to civilian life, especially those coping with behavioral health injuries, while also making it easier to access care.” The amendment builds on Thompson’s 2011 STEP Act, now Public Law 112-81, Section 713, which expanded service member health care services and the use of telemedicine at the Department of Defense. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-swalwell-urges-immediate-extension-federal-unemployment-insurance | Rep. Swalwell Urges Immediate Extension of Federal Unemployment Insurance | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Eric Swalwell | S001193 | swalwell.house.gov | swalwell | https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | 0 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | |
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140113181229/http://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/release/carper-coons-carney-to-host-kent-county-job-fair | Carper, Coons, Carney to host Kent County job fair | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | DE | Christopher Coons | C001088 | web.archive.org | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 27, 2013 CONTACT: Brian Cunningham at 302-573-6054 Carper, Coons, Carney to host Kent County job fair Delegation will host first job fair of 2014 at Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus DOVER, Del. – Committed to continuing to help out-of-work Delawareans find employment, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney in partnership with Brandywine Counseling and Community Services, announced Friday that they will host their first job fair of the year in Kent County. The job fair will take place on Thursday, January 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Delaware Technical Community College on the Terry Campus (North Delaware Tech Drive, Dover, DE 19904) at the Education Technology Building Conference Center. Interested companies seeking to fill positions can contact Senator Coons’ office at 302-573-6345 or via email at workshop@coons.senate.gov. Businesses will be on hand at the fair to interview potential new employees. Delawareans are encouraged to come dressed for success with resumes in hand. “Last year, we held job fairs in all three counties to connect out-of-work Delawareans with good-paying jobs, and we’re doing it again in 2014,” said Senator Tom Carper. “I always say the role of government is not to create jobs, but to provide a nurturing environment for job creation and job growth, and I’ll continue my work to do just that in Washington each and every day.” “With continued gridlock in Washington making it harder and harder to pass legislation that would meaningfully help the tens of thousands of Delawareans still looking for work, this job fair is a small way to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives,” Senator Coons said. “Like the job fairs we've hosted in previous years, our goal for these fairs is to help Delawareans connect with real job opportunities.” “Putting Delawareans back to work is my top priority. Too many qualified Delaware workers are having … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365109 | Arkansas Delegation Supports Disaster Assistance for State Following Snow and Ice Storms | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), along with U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman and Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), and Tom Cotton (AR-4), today sent letters to President Obama and FEMA Administrator Fugate supporting Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a disaster declaration following devastating snow and ice storms in the state. The full text of the letters can be found below: We are writing in support of Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a major disaster declaration for the following counties in Arkansas: Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Polk, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, and Van Buren. Beginning on December 5, 2013, and continuing through December 8, 2013, these counties experienced overwhelming amounts of snow and ice. The winter storms brought freezing rain and sleet that covered entire roadways and created hazardous conditions. The winter storms caused power outages for 62,000 electrical customers, contributed to the loss of one life, and left the affected communities overwhelmed with tremendous amounts of storm debris. Preliminary assessments indicate that the most severe impact was to roadways and public facilities. This year has been a particularly difficult year for Arkansans impacted by natural disasters, and Governor Beebe’s request is the fourth major disaster declaration request for Arkansas in 2013. The compounded nature of the disasters across the state makes recovery efforts particularly difficult. Arkansas is working tirelessly to mitigate loss and recover from the winter storm, but further assistance is needed. Pursuant to the provision of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, we ask that Arkansas receive a major disaster declaration for these counties due to the damage assessed. We would also like to specifically request Public Assistance (Categories A-G) for the counties listed above and Hazard Mit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=358dd626-a17f-443c-8953-f009ae9a18a0 | Wreaths Across America | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | It’s hard not to be in the Christmas spirit when you smell the cookies baking, see the neighborhoods twinkling with lights and find yourself humming the familiar holiday tunes. This season of giving illustrates that we have a lot for which to be thankful. During the rush of the season as we check off our long ‘to-do- list’ it can be easy to forget about the men and women who gave us the gift of freedom. To show appreciation for the people who selflessly sacrificed for our way of life, communities across the country are joining in a new Christmas tradition to pay tribute to these heroes by placing a wreath on the graves of fallen servicemembers and veterans. “Wreaths Across America” started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and continues to grow nationwide. Since 2008, Congress has recognized the second Saturday in December as “Wreaths Across America Day.” This is a great opportunity to show our gratitude to the men and women who proudly served our nation. I’m proud to support this tradition that honors our veterans, fallen troops and their families. These events in Arkansas and throughout the country are sponsored by individual and corporate donations and there is overwhelming support. This is a testament to the sacrifice of those who wore our nation’s uniform and demonstrates our appreciation for their courage, service and commitment to protecting our nation. It’s inspiring to join veterans, families and volunteers, to place the wreaths on the graves. For families, it can be especially difficult knowing that their loved ones can’t celebrate Christmas with them. These Christmas symbols transformed cemeteries across the state at the Little Rock, Fort Smith and Fayetteville National Cemeteries and the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro and the State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye into a truly inspiring holiday scene. We commemorated this tribute at the U.S. Capitol with a wreath dedicated to honor the sacrifice of our veterans and remember the men an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/article/man-in-the-middle | Man In The Middle | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Man In The Middle Independent Maine Sen. Angus King ’66 went to Washington, D.C., hoping to help opposing parties find common ground. Frustration has set in. By: Matthew Mosk Friday, December 27, 2013 It is the morning of September 11, 2013, and on this day, for a change, no one on Capitol Hill is talking about the looming impasse on the federal budget. Syria has been accused of using chemical weapons, and a fierce debate over the correct response is under way. On one side of Congress are the hawks who, like President Obama, say a red line has been crossed in a manner that demands a military response. On the other side, a sizable coalition that is weary of war and uneasy about the fallout of a strike in the Middle East. Then there is Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who finds himself in a familiar posture—standing in the middle. King arrived in Washington, D.C., last January as the newest of four U.S. senators from Dartmouth. After eight years as governor of Maine and an almost 10-year hiatus from public office, he won handily a tumultuous three-way Senate campaign with 53 percent of the vote, becoming only the second member of the chamber not affiliated with a major political party. (He caucuses with the Democrats.) King assumed the seat vacated by three-term moderate Republican Olympia Snowe, who left, she said, because Congress had become an impossible place from which to govern effectively. King’s campaign promised not just a moderate, business-friendly agenda that was left-leaning on social issues but also to do what Snowe considered impossible: provide a bridge between the increasingly factionalized parties to get things done. “He’s independent and a problem solver,” actor Sam Wate… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-introduce-legislation-to-assist-maine-veterans-who-trained-at-cfb-gagetown | Senators Collins, King Introduce Legislation to Assist Maine Veterans Who Trained at CFB Gagetown | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Collins, King Introduce Legislation to Assist Maine Veterans Who Trained at CFB Gagetown Friday, December 27, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have introduced legislation that would help Maine veterans with claims made to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contending they have suffered from health problems as a result of being exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange during military training at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown. For years, veterans who trained at Gagetown have attempted to gain recognition from the VA that their health problems stem from exposure to Agent Orange, which was previously sprayed there in 1966 and 1967. The bill would direct the VA to establish a registry of U.S. veterans who have served or trained at CFB Gagetown and who have subsequently experienced health problems, which may be related to this chemical exposure. The establishment of a registry will provide veterans with a way to make their claims known to the VA and to identify commonalities among their shared experiences. It also provides the VA with a mechanism to reach out to veterans concerned with this specific issue. In addition, the Collins-King bill requires the VA to commission an independent study tasked with investigating the linkage between service at Gagetown and the development of health problems and disease associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Unfortunately, a previous study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relied exclusively on previous Canadian studies and included no new research, such as interviews with those who trained at CFB Gagetown. “Protecting the health of those who have served our nation is a solemn responsibility, and I have raised this issue directly with Secretary of the VA Eric Shinseki,” said Senator Collins. “Just as the Government of Canada found a way to offer compensation to service members exposed to toxic herbicides at Gagetown, the VA should likewise be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ccd5642e-829f-4b91-81ef-ff69a81ca47c | STATEMENT BY SENATOR McCAIN ON THE GOVERNOR OF OKINAWA’S DECISION TO SIGN LANDFILL PERMIT FOR FUTENMA REPLACEMENT FACILITY | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AZ | John McCain | M000303 | www.mccain.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the Governor of Okinawa's decision to sign the landfill permit for construction of the Futenma replacement facility at Camp Schwab-Henoko Bay in Okinawa: “Governor Nakaima's decision to sign the landfill permit is a major achievement for Okinawa, for Japan, and for the U.S.-Japan alliance – an achievement for which Prime Minister Abe and his Administration also deserve much credit. “After 17 years of hard work and setbacks, today's action paves the way for the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at Camp Schwab, the redeployment of U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and the broader realignment of U.S. forces on Okinawa and in the Asia-Pacific region. “It is all the more important now for the Congress and the U.S. Department of Defense to continue working together to ensure that the necessary military plans and force requirements are in place to carry out and sustain the realignment of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also essential, in this time of constrained resources and increased scrutiny on spending, that the cost estimates for this realignment be responsible and strictly adhered to over the years ahead. I was pleased to continue working with my colleagues in the Congress this year to make additional progress toward these goals in the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. “The U.S.-Japan alliance is the foundation of the enduring U.S. commitment to the peace, prosperity, and freedom of the Asia-Pacific region. The United States will continue to work with Japan and our other friends and allies to maintain a favorable balance of power in this vital region. I commend Governor Nakaima and Prime Minister Abe for bringing us one important step closer to achieving our mutual vision of regional security.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=9c3f1633-3315-4701-8b3b-4863fc292fc8 | New Opportunities, New Priorities in a New Year | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Senator John Thune As we reflect on the highs and lows of 2013, we begin to chart course for the start of a new year. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." While the partisan divides of Washington remain a barrier to stimulating the lagging economy and reining in federal spending, more can be done in the new year to solve short-term problems and achieve long-term goals that will keep America secure and financially stable. South Dakota ranchers and farmers are in urgent need of a new five-year Farm Bill. An unfinished Farm Bill creates uncertainty for agriculture producers, ag-related businesses, consumers, rural economies, and the stewardship of our land and water. Numerous western South Dakota ranchers were hard-hit by the early October snowstorm, many losing high percentages of their breeding herds as well as the current year’s calf crop. The passage of a five-year Farm Bill, including the livestock disaster programs, will provide critically important economic assistance to these producers. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Senate Agriculture Committee and members of the conference committee to ensure the passage of a defensible five-year Farm Bill. Congress needs to create incentives for good jobs through a pro-growth tax structure. Comprehensive tax reform can make American businesses more competitive in the global economy and can benefit families who are dealing with a growing and increasingly complex tax code. Tax reform can also help to address our ever-expanding budget deficit by unleashing economic activity that will ultimately raise federal tax receipts, even at lower tax rates. I will continue my work in the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee to fight for a tax structure that will create wealth and improve take-home pay for the people of our state and nation. The new year holds important opportunities for our men and women stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Air Force record of decision is expected to reach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-expresses-concern-over-allegations-misconduct-against-fishery-council | Kilili expresses concern over allegations of misconduct against fishery council | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | THE Western Pacific Fishery Management Council has not acted on recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office and U.S. Congressmen Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and Henry A. Waxman have expressed concern over allegations of misconduct. In a letter to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration acting administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, and acting administrator for fisheries Samuel D. Rauch III, Kilili and Waxman wrote: “We understand that the Council has taken some positive steps, such as clarifying its record-access policy in their Statement of Organization and Practices and Procedures guidelines. Unfortunately, in the four years since the GAO report, the Western Pacific Council has failed to comply with all the GAO recommendations.” They said they are troubled by reports that WESPAC is not adequately fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of the territories. In 2009, GAO issued a report that looked into the allegations and made the following recommendations: (1) GAO recommended that NOAA direct the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council or WESPAC to maintain documentation of all requests for information from federal and state legislators. This was to help ensure compliance with OMB Circular A-122 requirements governing federal grant recipients. GAO also stated that to reduce the risk of loss or unauthorized use associated with reimbursing meeting participant expenses with cash, it asked that NOAA direct WESPAC to pay per-diem costs for meeting participants by check to the extent practicable. It also called for WESPAC to implement actions such as (1) notifying NOAA regional counsel before meeting with federal or state legislators or testifying before one of their committees; (2) asking NOAA regional counsel to provide an annual briefing to council members and staff on the rules governing their conduct, including limits on contacts with legislators; (3) adopting procedures that require council meeting minutes to include not only a council member’s statement of recusal from vot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-old-moe-formula-remains-intact-pss | Kilili: Old MOE formula remains intact for PSS | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan says the central government is still required to give the Public School System $7 million in unremitted maintenance-of-effort funds, pursuant to the mandates of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This comes after Sablan confirmed that the U.S. Department of Education issued no response or action to the proposal of the CNMI government to change the formula in calculating the MOE award. The CNMI received in 2009 $44 million in SFSF funds, of which $32.3 million is for public education. When the CNMI was awarded the SFSF grant, one of the conditions was that PSS must be given a specific amount of the overall budget of the CNMI government—at the time equivalent to 40 cents to $1 dollar or 25 percent of the overall CNMI government budget. The issue over the MOE formula came to light after the CNMI government filed a waiver application for it in 2012. The USDOE has not issued a response up to now. “The fact that there’s no decision [by USDOE] means we have to live with the first decision, which is good for PSS. The MOE’s first formula remains and that has not changed,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune. Saipan Tribune learned that in PSS books, the central government owes it $7 million in unremitted MOE for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan just wants the whole matter done and over with. “For me, I wanted it resolved. I just want that MOE issue out of the way. The whole issue here is that the central government owes us millions of money that is badly needed in our classrooms. It’s the government’s responsibility to pay us,” she said. Once they receive the funds, it will all be utilized for the classroom and instructional needs of schools. She is firm that there’s no way all or a portion of this unremitted MOE will be used to pay CUC arrears. “Whatever federal money we get from MOE will go to the classrooms where it belongs,” she added. As to when this money will go to PSS is uncertain up to this time. Saipa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/feinstein-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=c9d00393-37ca-45da-a1cd-b06da8afd09a | Transfer of planes a good start against wildfire - Oakland Tribune | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Being from opposing parties as well as opposite ends of the political spectrum, it is not surprising that Sens. Dianne Feinstein and John McCain don't agree on many issues. But when they do agree on one, it should warrant our close attention. Such is the case when the pair co-sponsored language -- inserted into a defense bill by Feinstein -- that will double the size of the U.S. Forest Service fleet of large air tankers used to help fight wildfires. It is an upgrade that is desperately needed. The Government Accountability Office reports that federal air tanker fleet that had once topped 40 planes had dwindled to eight. Those of us who live in the West know that the nation's wildfires have not waned in a like manner. We know firsthand the devastation that can be caused by wildfires and know what tremendous benefit air tankers bring to firefighting, especially in rugged terrain. Just last week the 500-acre wildfire in Big Sur destroyed more than a dozen homes, but it was tiny compared to the 250,000-acre Rim Fire that scorched parts of Yosemite National Park for two months, leaving more than $50 million in damage. In the East Bay, we saw a fire that engulfed the southside of Mt. Diablo as it burned more than 3,000 acres and cost more than $5.3 million to extinguish. Air tankers were used in fighting that blaze and we can only image how much more devastating it would have been without them. But property damage and equipment costs are trivial compared to the death of the 19 members of an elite firefighting crew last June near Prescott, Ariz. It is important to be clear that this bill is not some government spending boondoggle. In fact, we believe it is smart fiscal policy. Instead of purchasing new aircraft, the bill merely transfers seven HC-130H Hercules U.S. Coast Guard aircraft that have been deemed surplus to the Forest Service. The transfer effectively doubles the size of the air tanker fleet virtually overnight. That should be of significant help to the service. Feinstein says the p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=A5C4F809-604D-4C84-AF6E-F7890D13C378 | Dent Works to Protect Pennsylvania Children from the Presidents Health Care Law | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | PA | Charlie Dent | D000604 | dent.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15th) spearheaded an effort to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (PA CHIP) from the effect of President Obama’s Health Care Law. Rep. Dent organized a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking her to accede to Governor Corbett’s request that the Department work with him to help preserve the program. “The practical impact of the Health Care law has been to compel thousands of families with income levels between 100% and 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to lose their PA CHIP coverage and be forced into a comparatively substandard Medicaid program,” Rep. Dent stated. “CHIP in Pennsylvania is a clear success story,” said the Congressman. “It is lauded as a national model by other states and consistently receives extremely high marks in customer satisfaction surveys,” Dent noted. “Forcing people out of this program and into the comparatively substandard Medicaid program is yet another harmful impact of the President’s Health Care law.” Rep. Dent was joined by ten fellow Pennsylvania Republicans on the letter. Some of them, including Rep. Dent, voted to establish the PA CHIP law in 1992. Rep. Dent also voted to strengthen and enhance the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) at the federal level. “President Obama heard the outcry of millions of Americans who lost their coverage as a result of the health care law and was forced to act and grant them the ability to maintain existing coverage. I, and my fellow Representatives, want the same opportunity for the thousands of Pennsylvania families that have received superior care through PA CHIP,” Dent concluded. Currently, PA CHIP covers over 188,000 children. Contact: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=112 | President Obama Signs Frankel Provision on Military Sexual Assault into Law | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | President Barack Obama today signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes Congresswoman Lois Frankel's provision that directs the military to examine the need for a new definition of rape and sexual assault in cases when someone abuses their position in the Military Chain of Command. Frankel's provision was inspired by constituent Elisha Morrow, a former Coast Guard recruit and victim of sexual harassment in the military, who brought her harrowing story to Frankel and they worked together to try to strengthen the flawed military justice system. The measure in the national defense bill seeks to address a flaw in current military law, which requires proof of physical harm or threat of life in order to prosecute a commanding officer for serious sexual crimes. The current law does not account for situations in which the superior abuses his or her position to take advantage of victims. Senator Bill Nelson introduced a companion measure to Frankel's. The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House earlier this month and the Senate last Thursday night. Our sons and daughters who put on the military uniform deserve a new day for justice, said Frankel, who is the mother of a Marine war veteran. No military recruit or service member should endure what Elisha and countless other men and women have. This national defense bill is a significant step forward, however we cannot rest until the men and women who protect us know that we will protect them. I cannot put into words how much it means to see this bill signed into law, said Elisha Morrow, a Boynton Beach resident. Though the opportunity for justice in our case has passed, it is truly healing to know future military members will now be able to receive the justice due to them. Additional resources on Frankel's provision: Sun-Sentinel Boot-camp hell leading to new law WFLX-Elisha Morrow's Quest for Justice for Military Sexual Assault Victims with Rep. Frankel Frankel's Floor Speech on the Provision Inspired by Elisha Morrow ##… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-supports-plan-protect-volunteer-firefighters-and-emergency | Greg Walden supports plan to protect volunteer firefighters and emergency responders from health law mandate | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | OR | Greg Walden | W000791 | walden.house.gov | legacy | Greg Walden supports plan to protect volunteer firefighters and emergency responders from health law mandate December 26, 2013 HOOD RIVER U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) announced today that he has signed on as a co-sponsor of a bill to exempt volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians from the employer mandate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act (H.R. 3685) was introduced in the U.S. House on December 10 with bipartisan support. Volunteer fire firefighters and emergency responders serve their communities every day to protect lives and property and keep their neighbors safe. Their units shouldn't be forced to choose between buying life-saving equipment and complying with IRS mandates under the new health care law. I'm co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to protect these volunteer units from Obamacare's mandate so they can focus on their mission: keeping Oregonians safe, Walden said. Hood River Fire Chief Devon Wellsapplauded Walden for his support. I believe it is critically important that emergency service agencies not be required to offer health insurance to their volunteer personnel. Most of those agencies do not have the financial resources to provide that type of benefit to their volunteers. Also, most volunteers have no expectation of receiving health insurance from their fire agency, Wells said. The financial impact this could have on volunteer agencies would be devastating, potentially reducing the number of volunteers and the level of service provided to the citizens they are sworn to protect. The bill that has been introduced to exempt volunteer emergency service workers from the ACA provides an opportunity for volunteer fire agencies to continue providing exceptional service without worrying about the loss of volunteers or financial difficulties. The IRSwhich is charged with enforcing many of the mandates contained in the new health care lawconsiders volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians working 30 hours… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-military-sexual-assault-provisions-signed-into-law/ | WALORSKI MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT PROVISIONS SIGNED INTO LAW | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | IN | Jackie Walorski | W000813 | walorski.house.gov | legacy | Thursday, December 26, 2013 Freshman HASC Member Authors Measures in NDAA to Encourage Reporting MISHAWAKA, IN Earlier today President Obama signed bipartisan provisions into law, authored by Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, to extend whistleblower protections to military sexual assault victims as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year's defense bill contains historic provisions to combat the growing military sexual assault epidemic and create an environment for safe reporting. I am pleased to see these bipartisan measures signed into law to begin eradicating this horrific problem, said Walorski, a freshman member of the House Armed Services Committee. Walorski's military sexual assault provisions specifically designate reports of sexual assault as a form of communication under existing whistleblower protections. Her provisions also require an Inspector General investigation into allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken against victims who have reported alleged instances of rape, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual misconduct in the military. Earlier this year, H.R. 1864 was passed as a standalone bill in the House by a vote of 423-0. Companion legislation was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Claire McCaskill and included in both the House and Senate versions of the NDAA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131231153442/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-ups-to-provide-refunds-to-customers-whose-christmas-shipments-did-not-arrive-on-time | Blumenthal Calls On UPS To Provide Refunds To Customers Whose Christmas Shipments Did Not Arrive On Time | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | web.archive.org | legacy | Thursday, December 26, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today called on United Parcel Service (UPS) to provide refunds to consumers across the country who were quoted arrival dates before Christmas, but whose packages and gifts did not arrive at their destinations on time. “I am disappointed to learn that so many consumers in Connecticut and across the country made purchases this holiday season expecting their gifts to arrive in time for Christmas, but instead were left empty-handed. The men and women of UPS – as well as the United States Postal Service and FedEx – do tremendous work this time of year, putting in grueling, long hours delivering gifts, and we are all grateful for their efforts. It is incumbent upon these companies, however, that when a customer is quoted a delivery date ahead of Christmas, gifts arrive on time. In a very real sense, Christmas is on the line. I call on UPS to do the right thing and provide refunds to people whose Christmases were a little less cheery as a result of their late deliveries.” Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202435/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2101 | Charleston Gazette: DOE: Gas to outpace coal by 2040 | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WV | David McKinley | M001180 | web.archive.org | legacy | Natural gas will overtake coal to provide the largest share of U.S. electrical power generation by 2040, according to the latest projections from the federal Department of Energy. Natural gas will produce about 35 percent of total U.S. generation, compared to 32 percent for coal, in 2040, according to the department's Energy Information Administration estimates. "Projected low prices for natural gas make it a very attractive fuel for new generating capacity," the agency said in a preview of its 2014 Annual Energy Outlook. "In some areas, natural gas-fired generation replaces generation formerly supplied by coal and nuclear." Just last year, the EIA had projected coal to maintain its dominance over natural gas, with 35 percent of generation in 2040, compared to 30 percent for natural gas. To read entire article, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301153307/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-obama-signs-frankel-provision-on-military-sexual-assault-into | President Obama Signs Frankel Provision on Military Sexual Assault into Law | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | web.archive.org | legacy | President Barack Obama today signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s provision that directs the military to examine the need for a new definition of rape and sexual assault in cases when someone abuses their position in the Military Chain of Command. Frankel’s provision was inspired by constituent Elisha Morrow, a former Coast Guard recruit and victim of sexual harassment in the military, who brought her harrowing story to Frankel and they worked together to try to strengthen the flawed military justice system. The measure in the national defense bill seeks to address a flaw in current military law, which requires proof of physical harm or threat of life in order to prosecute a commanding officer for serious sexual crimes. The current law does not account for situations in which the superior abuses his or her position to take advantage of victims. Senator Bill Nelson introduced a companion measure to Frankel’s. The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House earlier this month and the Senate last Thursday night. “Our sons and daughters who put on the military uniform deserve a new day for justice,” said Frankel, who is the mother of a Marine war veteran. “No military recruit or service member should endure what Elisha and countless other men and women have. This national defense bill is a significant step forward, however we cannot rest until the men and women who protect us know that we will protect them.” “I cannot put into words how much it means to see this bill signed into law,” said Elisha Morrow, a Boynton Beach resident. “Though the opportunity for justice in our case has passed, it is truly healing to know future military members will now be able to receive the justice due to them.” Additional resources on Frankel’s provision: Sun-Sentinel Boot-camp hell leading to new law WFLX-Elisha Morrow’s Quest for Justice for Military Sexual Assault Victims with Rep. Frankel Frankel’s Floor Speech on the Provision Inspired by Elisha Morrow ##… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140328084221/http://brady.house.gov/creativity-2013 | Creativity 2013 | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | PA | Robert Brady | B001227 | web.archive.org | legacy | Creativity 2013 Dec 26, 2013 [...] April U.S. Rep. Robert Brady, who maintains an office at 1907-1909 S. Broad St., was on hand at Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. Third St., to dole out Congressional Award medals to area students for achievements in service. The Pennsport institution fostered many of the day’s honorees and all of them participate in the Migrant Education Program that operates out of United Communities Southeast Philadelphia, 2029 S. Eighth St. The medals are given out based on a student’s accumulated hours of service and horizon-broadening adventures: bronze medal winners are responsible for collecting 200 hours of service in three areas (voluntary community service, tending to personal development and physical fitness, and executing an expedition or exploratory adventure), with silver medal recipients doubling those totals, and gold medal winners tripling them. The Congressional Medal Act of 1979 has been celebrating 14- to 23-year-olds for decades, and over the last 34 years the Congressional Award Foundation has honored more than 50,000 youths. [...] December 26, 2013, Bill Chenevert, South Philly Review | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/a-special-holiday-message | A Special Holiday Message | 2013-12-25 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, On behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, Merry Christmas and best wishes to your family in the coming New Year! Please keep our service members and their families in your thoughts and prayers as you gather with loved ones in the coming weeks. They’re serving our nation far away from their families and in harm’s way. They put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and for this we're especially grateful. Please click here to watch my holiday messageAs always, you can follow everything I'm working on in California and Washington, DC, through my website https://cook.house.gov/, on Twitter @RepPaulCook, and through Facebook at Congressman Paul Cook. Happy Holidays, | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366428 | The Laker/Lutz News: Mobile Office Hours for Rep. Ross | 2013-12-25 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Dennis Ross | R000593 | dennisross.house.gov | legacy | The Laker/Lutz News: Mobile Office Hours for Rep. Ross f t # e Florida, December 25, 2013 The Laker'Lutz News MOBILE OFFICE HOURS FOR REP. ROSS December 25, 2013 By Mary RathmanU.S. Rep. Dennis Ross’s staff will host mobile office hours across Florida’s 15th Congressional District with a stop at the Lutz Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road on Jan. 14 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The staff will be on hand to assist with questions on seniors’ Social Security and disability, veterans’ VA claims and military service problems, students’ financial aid, small business loan applications, and taxpayers’ tax problems. For information, call (813) 752-4790. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/blog/?postid=365087 | Merry Christmas! | 2013-12-25 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends,As we celebrate Christmas, close out 2013, and look toward the New Year, I feel it’s appropriate to reflect on the blessings the year has brought. We live in the greatest country the world has ever known. And though we’ve been through a lot of tough times – wars, civil unrest, economic turbulence, acts of nature, acts of man – we’ve always landed on our feet. That’s what great countries do. That’s what Americans do. And I’m blessed with the comfort of knowing that, even in the times of uncertainty we face today, we will do so yet again. America faces many challenges. But the greatest challenge we face is leaving our country better than we found it so our children and grandchildren – like my new grandson, Kaden – can live the American dream, too. As we fight to restore fiscal responsibility and government accountability in Washington, I could not be more grateful to represent you and the people of Arkansas’s Third District. I look forward to serving you as we work toward getting America back on track and preserving our great nation for our children and grandchildren. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and blessed 2014. Congressman Steve Womack Arkansas Third District | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365091 | <span class="kicker">Trentonian Page 1</span>'Plainsboro mother seeks help from Congress to bring her kidnapped sons home' | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | By Sherrina Navani, The Trentonian - All Bindu Philips wants for Christmas are her two young sons back, and thanks to a new bill passed by the House of Representatives, she may be closer than ever to getting her wish granted. Members of the House voted unanimously, in early December, to pass a bill to help bring home American children abducted to overseas destinations. The legislation, dubbed, the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2013, will help left behind parents of American children abducted to India, Japan, Egypt, India, Brazil, Russia, England and other countries where most are forced to live overseas and never return, according to Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) — the author of the legislation and chairman of the House congressional panel which oversees human rights. Not all countries have signed The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the standing international treaty which addresses parental abductions via the justice system. The treaty provides for the quick return of abducted children, and access rights to both parents. Sadly, even Hague signatories, like Brazil, often don’t enforce its provisions. “What we are asking the State Department to do with this bill, is to start accounting for all the children who have been abducted to other countries,” said Jeff Sagnip, District Director for Smith, noting the State Department would be required to issue an annual report. “If this bill is passed, it cannot force abducting parents who have already taken their children to other countries, to bring them back, however it will start taking account of the thousands of U.S. children who are taken and held overseas. Also, local congressional leaders will become aware of all the children who are being kidnapped from their districts; it will help keep our government’s attention on the cases and work to bring them home.” The Plainsboro township mother, Philips, has not seen her five-year-old twin sons, Albert Philip Jacob and Alfred Willia… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lowenthal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365266 | Holiday Greetings from Congressman Lowenthal | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Alan Lowenthal | L000579 | lowenthal.house.gov | legacy | Holiday Greetings from Congressman Lowenthal f t # e Washington, D.C., December 24, 2013 The holiday season is a time when most of us find it just a little easier to smile, perhaps a little easier to give of ourselves, and a little easier to think the best of each other. But let us not forget that there are too many Americans who may pass this time of year worrying about where the most basic things might come from: a solid meal, a warm bed, or a change of clothes. Be fortunate for the love and compassion in your life, and, please, consider sharing that same love and compassion with the people in your community. It will mean a happier and more joyous season for everyone. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/26677-awarded-diesel-emission-reduction | $26,677 awarded for diesel emission reduction | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $26,677 awarded for diesel emission reduction Dec 24, 2013 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation $26,677 to reduce unsafe diesel emissions in the Northern Marianas Islands. CUC will use the money to help retrofit its generators, improving efficiency and cutting pollution. Congratulations to CUC. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/progress-in-dc-but-hold-off-celebrating | Progress in D.C., but hold off celebrating | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Scott Peters | P000608 | scottpeters.house.gov | legacy | Pomerado News Chieftan - http://www.pomeradonews.com/2013/12/24/guest-column-progress-in-d-c-but-hold-off-celebrating/ When I ran for Congress, I was tired of the crisis-to-crisis pattern that Congress had adopted. I called for “No Budget – No Pay” — if Congress didn’t pass a budget, they shouldn’t get a paycheck. Well, maybe we weren’t the only ones who felt that way. For the first time in four years, Congress passed a budget, and it looks like we’ll avoid another irresponsible shutdown that cost our economy jobs. This budget is not the solution to every problem facing our country nor is it perfect, but it is a step in the right direction. Most important, the budget provides stability and predictability for the next two years to agencies, the military and the large and small businesses that interact daily with the federal government. Finally the two sides are talking, and working, together. To San Diegans that’s not a novel concept, but bipartisan collaboration has been sadly uncommon in Washington, D.C. There is optimism that Congress may avoid further self-inflicted crises, a fact that should give the economy a chance to grow and expand at a greater rate. It’s not yet time to celebrate, however. Everyone knows that Congress has significant issues to address, but this Congress remains on pace to be among the least productive in history and was in session fewer hours in 2013 than in any recent year. Logic and common sense would bring both sides together to address the overly burdensome tax code, replace the foolish across-the-board sequester cuts with smarter ones that don’t undercut our future competitiveness or national security, cut waste and fraud, ensure a fair and sustainable safety net and fix the broken immigration system. These are areas where a vast, bipartisan majority of Congress agrees action is needed, and finding productive solutions to any of them would yield huge economic benefit for the country. It is no secret that I have been frustrated with the gridlock and lack of bipartisan progress in Was… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365153 | Christmas Thanks and Hope for the New Year | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | MI | Fred Upton | U000031 | upton.house.gov | legacy | As we celebrate the season’s holidays, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives and say thank you to all those who make them a bit easier and a lot safer. In particular, I hope everyone will take a few minutes to think of the brave men and women in our armed services, especially those serving in hot spots around the globe, who help keep the peace and allow us to be safe during these troubled times. I want us to remember, too, their families, especially those living near us, who can’t be with their loved ones for Christmas. It’s my wish that all of us will let them know how much we appreciate the work they do to keep the home fires burning. And how grateful we are of the work these courageous service men and women do. We thank them for their work and sacrifice. I am so proud of them all. There are so many folks to thank for their work, from the cop walking the beat, to the bus driver who delivers passengers safely to their destinations, to the teacher who opens up a new world to a child as he or she masters a new skill. Even the barista at the coffee shop deserves an extra smile and thanks – that cup of joe may be the little extra boost that keeps you alert as you drive the family to the next Christmas gathering. Amidst all the hoopla, it can be challenging for some of us who have lost someone dear to our hearts. I can only hope that you find a moment of solace, a moment when something sparks a reminder of those earlier happy times and you can smile. Amey and I extend our best wishes to you and your loved ones and pray that the spirit of the season brings joy and happiness to your heart now and throughout the new year. May God bless us all. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-introduces-bill-to-repeal-aca-if-enrollment-numbers-are-not-met | YOHO INTRODUCES BILL TO REPEAL ACA IF ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE NOT MET | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | FL | Ted Yoho | Y000065 | yoho.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Yoho has introduced legislation to hold the Obama Administration accountable to the enrollment goals they set for the Affordable Care Act. According to estimates put out by the Congressional Budget Office, seven million people need to be enrolled in the healthcare exchanges by the end of the 2014 open enrollment period. The costs of insurance plans can be expected to increase if this figure is not hit, further burdening the American taxpayer. In order to hold the Administration accountable to these enrollment numbers, Congressman Yoho has introduced H.R. 3784, the Nullifying the Unconstitutional Mandate By Evaluating Results (NUMBER) Act. This legislation fully repeals the healthcare law if seven million people are not enrolled in the exchanges by March 31st. Congressman Yoho was joined by Reps. Bridenstine (OK), Duncan (SC), Franks (AZ), Graves (GA), Hall (TX), Hudson (NC), Hultgren (IL), Jones (NC), LaMalfa (CA), Massie (KY), Messer (IN), Pittenger (NC), Rice (SC), Salmon (AZ), Scott (GA), Stockman (TX), Weber (TX), Westmoreland (GA), and Wilson (SC). Upon introduction Congressman Yoho said, “The Obama Administration likes to claim that this healthcare law is hugely popular and is wanted by the American people. I disagree. If the Administration can’t even make their own target numbers then the American taxpayer should not be further burdened by this terrible law. This commonsense bill simply holds the Administration accountable to those numbers, and if they are not met the Affordable Care Act is fully repealed.” Congressman Yoho is also a cosponsor of H.R. 2300 and H.R. 3121, two alternative proposals to the Affordable Care Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221213512/http://adamsmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365089 | Congressman Smith Urges Extension of Unemployment Benefits | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | web.archive.org | legacy | Congressman Smith released the following statement on unemployment insurance: “Despite consecutive months of job growth, our economy is still recovering from one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression. Through no fault of their own, millions of hardworking Americans continue to struggle to find employment. Yet, even with rates of long-term unemployed Americans near historic highs, federal unemployment insurance is set to expire three days after Christmas for 24,400 Washingtonians and for 40,000 more in the first half of 2014 if Congress does not act. That is unacceptable. “Unemployment insurance benefits provide essential support for individuals and families while they are searching for work. Congress should extend unemployment benefits for hardworking Americans, not stand idly by as they expire.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140222062516/http://lorettasanchez.house.gov/2014-fafsa-workshops-making-college-affordable | 2014 FAFSA Workshops - Making College Affordable | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Loretta Sánchez | S000030 | web.archive.org | legacy | Applying for federal aid for college can be overwhelming and complicated, which is why our office will be hosting workshops across Orange County in January and February to help students and families file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and explore scholarship opportunities. There is no registration is necessary. For more information, please contact Beatriz Fernández in my Garden Grove office at (714) 621-0102. Thursday, January 16 6:30 pm Godinez Fundamental High School 3002 W Centennial Rd, Santa Ana, CA 92704 Tuesday, January 21 6:00 pm Valley High School 1801 S Greenville St Santa Ana, CA 92704 Wednesday, January 22 6:30 pm Segerstrom High School 2301 W MacArthur Blvd Santa Ana, CA 92704 Thursday, January 23 6:00 pm Saddleback High School 2802 South Flower Street Santa Ana, CA 92707 Monday, January 27 5:30 pm Century High School 1401 S Grand Ave Santa Ana, CA 92705 Thursday, February 6 6:00 pm Anaheim High School 811 W Lincoln Ave Anaheim, CA 92805 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0986c8c9-01e5-412a-b293-69ef5d837547 | Manchin: Democratic Success in Republican State | The Associated Press | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | WV | Joe Manchin | M001183 | www.manchin.senate.gov | legacy | December 24, 2013 Manchin: Democratic Success in Republican State | The Associated Press FRIENDLY, W.Va. (AP) — Many locals around here see Sen. Joe Manchin as one of them, so much so they greet the 30-year veteran of West Virginia politics by his first name more often than by his title. But in the Senate, the 66-year-old upstart stands out as a rare breed: A back-slapping, gun-owning Democrat who attracts widespread support from working class whites in an increasingly Republican state. Last November, two years after winning a special election to succeed the late Robert Byrd, Manchin won his first full term with more than 60 percent of the vote. He ran 25 percentage points ahead of President Barack Obama, posting the Senate's top crossover spread in two election cycles. That success could offer Democrats a road map in other GOP strongholds, particularly Southern states that share West Virginia's conservative makeup. The grandson and great-grandson of immigrants, Manchin — taken from the Italian "Mancini" — calls his delicate walk between his party and his own identity a journey of "balance" and "common sense." And he attributes his success to his small-town upbringing and experience as a state legislator, secretary of state and governor dating back to 1982. In a whirlwind of stops across the state, Manchin praises federal programs, implemented under Democratic presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Lyndon Johnson, which helped West Virginia over the years; but he's also quick to tout the work ethic of beneficiaries of such programs, telling one crowd, "If you think government should do everything for you, I'm the wrong person for you." He turns questions about party and philosophy into indictments of Washington acrimony: "I'm a proud West Virginia Democrat, but I'm willing to work with anybody." On the revolving fiscal fight in Congress, Manchin bemoans Republicans who reject all tax hikes and Democrats who blast most spending cuts. "They're both right and they're both wrong," he says, offering … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bera.house.gov/media-center/amis-updates/grateful | Grateful | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | legacy | I sent an e-mail update today to express my thanks for such an incredible year and give an update about my office during the Holidays. Join my e-newsletter now so you don't miss out on any future updates! With Christmas almost here and 2013 quickly coming to an end, I want to thank you for such an incredible year. I am grateful for all of your letters and emails, your questions at my Congress on Your Corner meetings, your input on my surveys and social media, and most of all, for allowing me to serve as your representative. Listening to you is my most important job. It’s your advice, suggestions, and constructive criticism that inform my work for you in Washington. If you should need help from my office between Christmas and New Years Day (December 25th through January 1st) or if you would like to share your views with me, please call my Rancho Cordova office at (916) 635 0505 or my Washington DC office at (202) 225 5464. My staff will be checking messages frequently throughout the holidays so that we can continue serving you, but like many local businesses and government offices, my offices will be closed during this time. Best wishes for a happy holiday season, and a happy and healthy 2014! Be well, Ami Bera, M.D. Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bera.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bera-applauds-local-manufacturer-siemens-usa-in-win-for-a-multi | Rep. Bera applauds local manufacturer, Siemens USA, in win for a multi-state contract to build new locomotives, creating jobs in Sacramento | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | legacy | Sacramento – The Siemens USA's facility in Sacramento has won a contract from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to build and assemble approximately 35 new electronic locomotives for several Midwestern and West Coast states, the company announced Friday. The high-performance, 125 mile per hour, diesel-electric locomotives will be built using funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. visited Siemens in July during the Congress at your Company tour and advocated for the project with the U.S. Department of Transportation. “This is a huge win for Sacramento County and exactly the kind of project that both creates jobs, and improves our infrastructure safety for the American people," said Bera. "It will bring jobs to our region, and help spur our local economy. As we continue to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families, we must work to attract high-tech jobs to the region, improve our infrastructure, and invest in education that prepares our children for the jobs of the 21st century economy." Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rail Systems in the U.S., said "We are extremely proud to have been selected as a rolling stock partner to help bring the next era of passenger rail service to Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, California and Washington State. Leveraging Siemens’ proven rail expertise and technology, we look forward to building the most energy-efficient, advanced technology, diesel-electric locomotives in North America at our solar-powered transportation manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California.” Siemens Rail Systems is bringing one of the most modern and efficient passenger rail, diesel electric locomotives in the world to the U.S. marketplace. Cummins' QSK95 diesel engines will be used in Siemens' diesel electric locomotives in the U.S., resulting in one of the most energy-efficient, lightweight, smart, diesel electric locomotives available today in North America. Leveraging Siemens proven rail technology, these locomotives will be desi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365088 | South Sudan Fighting Endangers Many | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | The expanding fighting in the Republic of South Sudan has killed more than 500 people in recent days and injured four U.S. military personnel who were evacuating Americans and other foreigners from the country. The conflict endangers not only citizens of that country but threatens to negatively impact the country’s neighbors and the international community, said Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations. “Already more than 500 people are reported dead,” said Smith. “More could be killed or injured, and not only in South Sudan—the conflict may spread, threatening people in neighboring countries. The escalating fighting in South Sudan could likely lead to more terrorist activities in an already-volatile region. The Administration’s call for a Christmas season cease-fire must be augmented by intense diplomacy with both sides.” South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, borders countries already troubled with terrorist activity by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and various Islamic radical and other militia groups in the Central African Republic, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Analysts fear that a South Sudan distracted and divided by civil war would provide an easier operating ground for terrorist groups. The LRA terrorist group, notorious for kidnapping children and forcing them to serve as child soldiers, still operates in the region and poses a danger to the lives of civilians in all four countries. Meanwhile, Islamic radicals have infiltrated countries in the region, most notably Somalia, but also Ethiopia and even Uganda. An unstable South Sudan will only further empower them by providing the kind of chaos in which the radicals thrive. The entire Sahel region of north-central Africa has been targeted, with Mali having been torn apart by their violent activities and nations such as Niger, Chad and Central African Republic continuing to be adversely affected by their militant and terr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cohen.house.gov/press-release/cohen-announces-more-13-million-help-prepare-shelby-county-children-school | Cohen Announces More Than $13 Million to Help Prepare Shelby County Children for School | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | TN | Steve Cohen | C001068 | cohen.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Shelby County has been awarded a $13,161,380 grant from the Department of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) to support Head Start projects that help promote school readiness of children from birth until the age of 5 by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. “Today’s funding is an investment in our children, an investment in our families, and an investment in our future,” said Congressman Cohen. “Because of this important funding, children from low-income families throughout Shelby County’s will be healthier and better prepared to learn when they enter school. We will see countless benefits down the line as today’s children grow into tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, and productive members of our society. This is an important program that I am proud to support.” Head Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social services and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to education and cognitive development services. Shelby County Head Start provides these services to over 3,000 children in Memphis and Shelby County. Today’s funding will complete the funding needed for the school year that ends in May 2014. An announcement about who will administer the Head Start grant for the 2014-1015 school year is expected within the next few months, along with additional funding for this vital program. The Head Start program was founded as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty in 1965 as an eight-week demonstration project. Since its founding, Head Start has served over 30 million children and their families in urban and rural areas in every corner of the nation and has grown to include full day as well as year services and numerous program options. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://duffy.house.gov/press-release/hunger-homelessness-summit-focuses-on-awareness | Hunger & Homelessness Summit Focuses on Awareness | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Wausau, WI – More than 100 registered participants joined U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy (WI-07) for his first Hunger & Homelessness Summit held in Wausau this past Wednesday. The daylong summit brought together volunteers and representatives from dozens of organizations from across the 7th Congressional District. The event included several panel discussions, a keynote address from Steve Berg from the National Alliance to End Homelessness and concluded with a “bright spots” session that challenged participants to implement a takeaway from the event. In his opening remarks to the attendees, Rep. Duffy offered: “My team and I wanted to do what we could to try to make a difference with those who have fallen on hard times and make sure we can collaborate together on community resources. Also collaborate on the Federal and state side to make sure resources don’t just flow to the urban parts of the country but can actually come to the parts of the country that have real problems but don’t have huge staffs to cut through the red-tape.” Offering his thoughts on the summit, Rep. Duffy said, “We found that by reaching out to each other and building a coalition within our community we can be more effective in our efforts to serve the neediest in our area.” Rep. Duffy’s office plans to post the entire summit on YouTube. Click here to watch and check back for updates from the daylong event. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-higgins-presents-family-of-wwii-veteran-simon-zulia-with | Congressman Higgins Presents Family of WWII Veteran Simon Zulia with Bronze Star | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | NY | Brian Higgins | H001038 | higgins.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Brian Higgins presented the family of United States Army veteran Simon Zulia with a Bronze Star and additional military recognitions for his exemplary service in two of World War II’s most prominent campaigns. Also, in a surprise to the family, Simon’s son, Steve Zulia was presented with a medal he never received for sustaining life threatening injuries while on duty as a Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputy. “Simon Zulia demonstrated great courage and commitment as a member of the United States Army and it is our honor to pay tribute and express gratitude for the contributions he made to this great nation,” said Congressman Brian Higgins, a member of the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security. “Simon’s love for his country was matched only by his love for his family and the medals they are receiving today will stand as a lasting legacy of this patriarch’s noble character.” City of North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt added, “It is great to see Simon Zulia receive the recognition he deserves due to his service and sacrifice for our country. It is never too late to say thank you to our veterans. As a recipient of the Bronze Star, I know what it takes to earn this medal and am proud that our government has finally recognized Simon for his service to our nation. We should all be proud of North Tonawanda veterans and Americans such as Simon.” Senator George Maziarz said, “Earning the Bronze Star is no easy feat, and today’s presentation shows that Simon played a notable role in helping to win the Second World War. This is the season of giving, and Simon Zulia gave so much to our country and our community that he deserves to be recognized and honored.” Born December 4, 1925 in Lockport, NY, Simon Zulia, “Slim” to those who knew him best, attended Lockport High School before entering into the United States Military service on July 28, 1944 amidst the nation’s involvement in World War II. Simon completed basic training at Ft. McClellan in Alabama and then went to Ft. Meade in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jeffries.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jeffries-lauds-decision-to-keep-interfaith-medical-center-open | Rep. Jeffries Lauds Decision To Keep Interfaith Medical Center Open | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | NY | Hakeem Jeffries | J000294 | jeffries.house.gov | legacy | Brooklyn, NY – Today, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) released the following statement on the postponement of Interfaith Medical Center’s closure: “The community is thankful that Governor Cuomo and the State Department of Health have recognized the need to continue supporting Interfaith Medical Center at this difficult moment. The hospital remains on life support, but today we have taken a significant step forward by avoiding closure. Bedford-Stuyvesant and the communities of Central Brooklyn deserve a thriving medical institution, and we will not rest until that vision becomes a reality.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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