url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ADC670EA-3521-4543-84DF-43734DC38CD9,"Governor Beshear, Congressman Hal Rogers Launch Statewide Broadband Initiative, Beginning in Eastern Kentucky",2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"FRANKFORT, Ky. A new public-private partnership will develop a robust, reliable, fiber backbone infrastructure to bring high-speed Internet connectivity to every corner of the Commonwealth with the critical first components scheduled to be operational in less than two years. Governor Steve Beshear and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers announced the partnership with Macquarie Capital today. We are on an aggressive timeline and believe that the Macquarie team's technical capabilities and history of innovative solutions are the best fit for this important project, said Gov. Beshear. Kentucky's Internet speed and accessibility have lagged behind the rest of the nation far too long. This partnership puts us on the path to propel the Commonwealth forward in education, economic development, health care, public safety and much more. This infrastructure project is unlike any other seen in Kentucky in the last 50 years. Broadband, now considered an essential utility service, will improve Kentucky's dismal connectivity and slow speeds to some of the fastest and highest capacity service in the U.S. all with the potential to lower consumer costs and improve coverage as well. Just as important, this project will be paid for up front by leveraging private capital at no additional cost to Kentucky taxpayers. If we were to rely solely on state government funding to get this project off the ground, it would take years, if not decades. Those kinds of tax dollars just aren't available, said Gov. Beshear. In this technology-dependent economy, we can't afford to wait another minute. That's why this partnership is so valuable it ramps up this project to the speed of the private sector without any additional burden on our taxpayers. State to oversee main broadband lines The first stage of the project is to build the main broadband fiber lines across the state. These major fiber lines are called the middle mile. The open access network will allow the private sector to use the fiber to deliver services into communities. Once complete, other Internet service provider companies, cities, partnerships, or other groups may then tap into those middle mile lines to complete the last mile the lines that run to individual homes or businesses. Where already in place, the project will take advantage of existing infrastructure, thus partnering with local telecommunications companies, municipalities and major carriers to deliver the network more quickly and reduce construction costs. Improved cell phone coverage is anticipated as part of the initiative. Cell phone companies may choose to use the state's middle-mile fiber network to add capacity and broaden coverage areas throughout the Commonwealth that have traditionally had poor cell phone reception. Eastern Kentucky to be first priority When completed, the more than 3,000 miles of fiber will be in place across the state. This middle-mile fiber infrastructure is key to reaching much of Kentucky's large rural population. Fiber will be available in all 120 counties, and the underserved eastern Kentucky region will be the first priority area for the project. The Center for Rural Development in Somerset will partner with the Commonwealth, focusing on communities east of Interstate 75. The Center will also host education workshops to help communities learn how to connect to the new network. The push for reliable, accessible high-speed broadband is one recommendation that emerged from SOAR, the Shaping Our Appalachian Region initiative. We're laying the first bricks for what could be Silicon Holler.' This new Super I-Way is the cornerstone of SOAR's mission to diversify the economy in eastern Kentucky with improvements in business recruitment, fast-tracking telemedicine in the mountains, and adding high tech advancements in education, said Congressman Rogers. I commend all of our federal, state and local partners for working together on this project that will undoubtedly chart the course for a better future in the coalfields and across the Commonwealth. Over the past several months the Commonwealth, in conjunction with the Center for Rural Development, released the request for proposal solicitation and negotiated with private sector vendors including Macquarie Capital. Work on design, scope of fiber system to start right away Macquarie Capital has assembled a team of market-leading specialists to design, develop and operate the network over the next 30 years. While the private sector partners will bear developmental and operational risks of the project, the Commonwealth will retain ownership of the network. Macquarie will begin work immediately on phase one to design the overall statewide system and determine the project's scale. The design and cost estimates are due by the end of February 2015 with construction of the first segments expected to begin in the summer and completed by April 2016. The total cost of the project will depend upon the ability to leverage existing infrastructure versus deploying new routes, which will be determined during the design phase. Overall, the project is estimated to cost between $250 million to $350 million, and will be supported by approximately $30 million in state bonds and $15 to $20 million in federal grants. Work along I-75 from northern Kentucky to Williamsburg will form the spine of the network, with work in the priority region of southeastern Kentucky occurring simultaneously. More than 100 key facilities will be connected, including universities, state government buildings and community and technical colleges. Public-private partnership leverages private market, lowers costs The initiative will be a partnership of government at all levels and the private sector. The public-private partnership often referred to as a P3 allows the state to leverage resources to fill service gaps. In this case, private capital will be used to build the network at no additional cost to Kentucky taxpayers. This project likely would never be undertaken with traditional state financing methods. The state chose to use a P3 for several reasons. The P3 model is well-established and enables projects to be completed on an accelerated timetable while transferring risk to the private sector partners. These partners also bring expertise, innovation and flexibility to the project. Bringing private sector investment to build the network significantly decreases the time needed for design and construction, making broadband access available sooner for families and businesses. Finally, with the state's oversight of the main broadband lines, consumer costs may be lowered by eliminating the need for private providers to build duplicate network infrastructure; that means Internet service providers can instead invest in cell phone service or last-mile service. Macquarie Capital and its partners are extremely excited about the opportunity to develop this network under the public-private partnership model, bringing together a team of market leading specialists focused on implementing the network as quickly as possible, said Nick Hann, senior managing director at Macquarie Capital. We believe that this project will be the centerpiece of Kentucky's long-term economic infrastructure, demonstrating the core principles of value for money and risk transfer to the private sector that will translate into a successful long-term partnership with the Commonwealth. Macquarie's consortium partners include First Solutions, Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., Black & Veatch, and Bowlin Group. Broadband is an essential public utility; project expected to lower consumer costs In today's economy, high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury, but is as essential to a community as water or electricity. A modern, high-capacity fiber infrastructure allows businesses to compete globally, educators to expand their use of rich teaching resources, students to access the knowledge of the world, health care entities to collaborate and first responders to communicate easily in emergency situations. The project scope is similar to building other public utilities. Consider the broadband fiber lines to be like the main water lines in a community. The largest water lines are built in central community areas, and then smaller lines branch off the main line. Finally, someone connects the street line to an individual home or business. The broadband project will act in much the same way. The first phase of the project is to build the main broadband fiber lines across the state, then construct branches off the main line to deliver into communities. These major fiber lines are the middle mile, and other Internet service provider companies, cities, partnerships, or other groups may then tap into those lines to complete the last mile the lines that run to individual homes or businesses. The project will leverage state government's existing Internet networks to build a kind of high-speed delivery line throughout the state. One of the most important features is that the network will be truly open access, meaning many other Internet and cell phone service providers can lease portions of the network. More important, those leases will not be limited to one provider per county or community; several groups may lease the network, which will give consumers a choice in purchasing their broadband. By partnering with the network, providers will be able to reduce their costs when building out last mile service to customers. That competition should result in lower consumer costs. Internet access isn't high-speed broadband Kentucky ranks 46th in broadband availability and 23 percent of rural areas in Kentucky do not have access to broadband. Most households in the state have access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), but that's not the same as high-speed broadband. High-speed broadband is capable of carrying much larger amounts of information to a larger group of users at much faster speeds. As the federal definition of broadband changes, and minimum speed increases (often in megabits per second, or MBS), Kentucky falls further behind because the service available to citizens does not meet these minimum qualifications. Today, only about half of the state's households use broadband service, and nearly one-quarter can't access broadband at all. Click here to watchvideo of thebroadband contract announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYDwOWxz9qY ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barr.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barr-s-provision-to-protect-kentucky-jobs-and-equine-industry-approved,Barrs Provision to Protect Kentucky Jobs and Equine Industry Approved by House and Senate,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Andy Barrapplauded the Senate’s passage of H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, a legislative package designed to prevent a series of automatic tax increases at the end of the year. H.R. 5771 incorporates a provision advocated by Congressman Barr that is critical to Kentucky’s signature equine industry. Based off legislation Congressman Barr introduced last year known as H.R. 2212, the Race Horse Cost Recovery Act, Section 121 of H.R. 5771 extends through the end of 2014 the three-year depreciation schedule for all racehorses, which expired at the end of 2013. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 5771 on December 3 by a bipartisan vote of 378-46, with Congressman Barr’s support. The United States Senate followed suit last night, by a bipartisan vote of 76-16. “I appreciate Chairman Dave Camp’s support and was glad to work with the Ways and Means Committee to ensure the continued vitality of Kentucky’s signature horse racing industry,” said Barr. “This provision also reaches beyond the Bluegrass to protect the 1.4 million direct and indirect jobs that support America’s horse industry, as well as a large number of other agriculture industries that rely on a vibrant horse industry for their own survival. I am glad that this important provision has been included in H.R. 5771 and look forward to the President signing this bill into law. I will continue to advocate for a tax code that promotes economic growth and supports our signature equine industry.” Background: In addition to direct discussions between Congressman Barr and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp and their staff: In May 2013, Congressman Barr wrote a letter to Chairman Camp requesting that the Committee prioritize this tax provision in any upcoming legislation.   In November 2014, Congressman Barr wrote a letter to Chairman Camp asking that he give the three-year depreciation schedule every consideration as a critical component of the larger legislative package. He also reiterated the importance of this provision to his constituents, the signature industries of central and eastern Kentucky, and the American horse industry. In May 2013, Congressman Andy Barr introduced H.R. 2212, the Race Horse Cost Recovery Act, which would make permanent for all race horses the three-year depreciation schedule which expired at the end of 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=43E8E41F-69D2-48A9-9E72-0677A25D2890,2015 Federal Funding Law is a Win for Kentucky,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) praised members of the U.S. Congress for passing the consolidated federal funding bill for fiscal year 2015, to avoid a government shutdown, rein in government overreach, and fund most government agencies through September 30, 2015. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers worked tirelessly to ensure the legislation was a win for Kentucky. President Obama signed the Omnibus bill into law on Tuesday, December 16. ""This law includes funding for important programs that are priorities for communities in southern and eastern Kentucky,"" said Rogers. ""For example, the legislation provides specific economic development assistance for coal mining communities, funds much-needed rural housing loans, and supports a number of initiatives to fight the epidemic of prescription drug abuse. It also decreases the backlog of military veterans' claims and reins in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Let me be clear: this law does not include any new funding for the President's Executive Amnesty plan. We will address his amnesty plan with the new Congress in 2015."" Additional items to note in the law that will benefit Southern and Eastern Kentuckians: Drug Abuse The legislation supports a holistic, multifaceted approach to the scourge of prescription drug abuse, including funding for our federal law enforcement officers on the front lines, critical drug abuse treatment programs, and educational efforts to help states implement model drug laws that reduce diversion and abuse. $20 million is provided for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to partner with the states hardest hit by the prescription drug epidemic in developing and implementing strategies to combat addictions and abuse. It includes the following funding for treatment, law enforcement, education and other drug-related issues: Treatment $91 million for Drug Courts, plus an additional $1.4 million for technical training for the judges who administer these important courts $5 million for Veterans Treatment Courts to meet the unique needs of those who have bravely served in the U.S. Armed Forces Law Enforcement $367 million for DEA's diversion control program, with encouragement to intensify support for its Distributor Initiative $7 million for an anti-meth task force, plus $7 million to help state and local law enforcement agencies clean up meth labs $7 million for an anti-heroin task force $175, 465 million for National Guard Counter-Drug Operations, including support for the Kentucky National Guard to eradicate marijuana from the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Kentucky State Police reported nearly a half million plants were eradicated in Kentucky last year. $245 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). The Appalachian HIDTA, covering parts of Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, has been a national leader in the fight against prescription drug abuse. In partnership with Operation UNITE, AHIDTA recently launched a pilot voluntary program in southern and eastern Kentucky to distribute free oral drug testing kits for parents who suspect their children are abusing drugs at home. Education $1.25 million to help states develop and implement legislation to reduce drug abuse. Other The legislation includes a number of other provisions aimed at spurring federal action to reduce the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs. For example, the legislation: expresses opposition to the approval of the powerful painkiller, Zohydro, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and requires the agency to report to Congress on its ability to track usage of the drug once it is on the market, encourages the FDA to finalize guidance on Abuse Deterrent Formulations in order to incentivize innovation in this emerging field for manufacturing prescription narcotics, and encourages the Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) prescription drug take-back program. Coal The legislation demonstrates the Congress' commitment to reining in the EPA and beating back the Administration's devastating anti-coal policies. It cuts EPA funding by $60 million below the 2014 level, causing the agency to reduce its staffing to the lowest level since 1989. The Obama Administration is prevented from moving forward with a policy that would preclude U.S. investments in coal-fired generation plants overseas. By putting a halt to this regulation, the legislation ensures that U.S. coal will have a vibrant market in emerging economies around the world. It prevents the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers from changing the definition of fill material, which would be harmful to several U.S. industries, including the coal mining industry. The bill rejects a proposal from President Obama to spend $66 million on new or expanded job-killing regulatory programs at the EPA. $571 million is included for Fossil Energy Research to ensure that the U.S. is developing in the necessary technology to maintain coal as a part of its energy portfolio for the long term. It directs the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to submit monthly status reports on any Section 404 mining permit applications under review. These monthly reports will allow the House Appropriations Committee to oversee how many mining permit applications have been submitted, the number of days under review, and whether they are being approved. The law maintains Office of Surface Mining State regulatory grants at $68 million to allow states to implement programs without increasing fees on the mining industry. It also rejects the President's proposal to hire more Federal regulators to increase Federal oversight inspections of State programs. The law prevents the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers from regulating certain agricultural areas, including farm ponds and irrigation ditches, under the Clean Water Act. Economic and Community Development The legislation includes funding for a number of federal programs that support the efforts of southern and eastern Kentuckycommunities to create new opportunities through access to pre-school and post-secondary education, access to low-income housing opportunities, and supports grants for important programs in the region. It includes: Support for Economic Development $10 million for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to develop a comprehensive strategy to assist coal mining communities $90 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), including $10 million for broadband development in distressed Central Appalachian counties $2.5 million for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make micro-loans in small and rural communities to create new job opportunities $230 million to help Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) build their capacity to serve low-income individuals and communities that otherwise lack access to affordable financial products and services $3 million for the HubZone Program, which helps small businesses in rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities $3.4 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to keep families safe and healthy through initiatives supporting energy assistance $674 million for Community Services Block Grants, which help the region's Community Action Agencies further their mission to provide critical services $372 million for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), a program that provides funds to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes due to nontaxable federal lands within their jurisdictions $12.7 million for a competitive grant program to provide technical assistance for improved water quality or safe drinking water in rural communities Support for Rural Housing $900 million for Section 502 Direct Loans, which helps low-income individuals or households purchase homes in rural areas $27.5 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Section 523 Self-Home program, which helps very low-income families construct their own affordable homes $900 million for the HOME program, which provides formula grants to states and localities that can be used to build, buy and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or home ownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people A flat-rent provision was also included, allowing local market factors to be considered when flat-rent rates are determined. This will keep rental rates low for many of Kentucky's Fifth District Residents. Support for Education Programs $839 million for TRIO programs, which serves and assists low-income individuals and first-generation college students as they progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to college. $301 million for Gear Up Programs, which are designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. $8.5 billion for Head Start, which provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income families. The law reinstates student aid eligibility for students enrolled in career pathways programs. It provides an opportunity for laid off coal miners and other individuals that do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent to receive federal financial aid, if enrolled in an eligible career pathways program. Veterans Directs the DoD and VA to develop an interoperable health records management system, allowing agencies within each Department to be able to communicate regarding patient services and records. Funds VA medical services at $45.2 billion, including funding for mental health services, suicide prevention and treatment for homeless veterans Includes $2.5 billion for processing the disability claims backlog at the VA Provides $5 million to the VA Office of the Inspector General for the purpose of addressing the VA wait list scandal and continue auditing the VA hospital appointment scheduling process and lapses in patient care Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter @RepHalRogers or on Facebook @CongressmanHalRogers. ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5638F2E0-8CE1-464F-8021-7B316C8F0C1C,Mill Springs Battlefield Moves Closer to National Status,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (Ky-05) applauded another achievement in the effort to include Mill Springs Battlefield in the National Parks Service. Last week,Congress approved theNational Defense Authorization Actfor fiscal year 2015, which included language fromRogers' bill, H.R. 298. The legislation directs the Department of Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of adopting Mill Springs Battlefield into the National Park System. ""Rich with Civil War history, the Mill Springs Battlefield makes for an excellent addition to the National Park Service,"" said Rogers. ""This legislation puts us another step closer to educating the nation about this historic site in Kentucky and maintains this land for future generations."" In the early 1990s, the U.S. Department of Interior classified the site of the Battle of Mill Springs, located in Pulaski and Wayne Counties, as one of the most endangered battlefields in Kentucky. After years of work preserving the historic site, the Mill Springs Battlefield Association expressed its desire to turn the site over to the National Park Service and the people of the United States for future generations to enjoy. The bill gives NPS three years to conduct a study to evaluate incorporating the battlefield into the National Park System. The analysis would consider the impacts on surrounding communities, recreational activities, and the cost of federal government operation. The legislation passed the U.S. House by a vote of 325-98 on December 4 and was approved by the U.S. Senate, with the support of Republican Leader Mitch McConnell by a vote of 89-11, on December 11. The President is expected to sign the legislation into law before the end of the year. Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents.For more information, visithttp://halrogers.house.gov/or follow Rogers onTwitteror onFacebook. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=8ab26b4f-8a8c-415b-89ee-1b1fa88f140b,McConnell-Sponsored Bipartisan Bill to Assist Kentuckians with Disabilities Passes Senate; Now Goes to President for Signature,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McConnell praised by National Down Syndrome Society and Autism Speaks for his leadership on the ABLE Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced Tuesday that the United States Senate approved a bipartisan bill he co-sponsored to assist Kentuckians with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. Introduced by Senators Robert Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC), the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act will create a tax-advantaged savings account – very similar to a state qualified tuition program commonly known as a 529 plan -- that can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified disability-related expenses. The savings account will allow individuals and families to pay disability-related expenses without jeopardizing access to their federal and state disability benefits. Previously, Senator McConnell led a bipartisan effort to enact legislation to offer federal tax relief for 529 plans. “Over the past year I’ve heard from and met with a number of Kentucky parents of children with disabilities who are struggling to pay for medical and other disability-related expenses, and I was honored to work on their behalf to secure passage of this legislation in the United States Senate,” Senator McConnell said. “The ABLE Act will help Kentucky families, children, and individuals living with disabilities save money for the future.” National Down Syndrome Society DS-Ambassador Lynn Braker of Lexington, Kentucky said, “This is a monumental, landmark bill for people with Down syndrome and our families. This bill will change the way that families, including mine, will save for all their children and adults with Down syndrome and will ease the unnecessary burdens that are placed on families - all while allowing people with Down syndrome to work and save for the future. We look forward to the ABLE Act getting to the President's desk and becoming law this year. I sincerely thank Senator Mitch McConnell for his dedication and leadership on the ABLE Act, and all he does for people with disabilities. He's a true champion for us."" Anne Gregory, from Louisville and the Kentucky Autism Speaks state coordinator, who advocated on behalf of the ABLE bill during a visit to Senator McConnell’s office said, “I am so pleased to learn that Senator McConnell has helped pass this critical legislation benefiting families affected by autism and other disabilities. A family can save tax-free college funds for their children under a 529 plan; it makes sense that they should be able to do the same for the life-long expenses of their loved ones with disabilities, which typically far exceed the average college tuition.  I am grateful that Congress has acted and the bill is heading to the President’s desk.  This law will help families help themselves."" Earlier this year, Rachel Putnam of Frankfort, Kentucky, visited Senator McConnell and presented him with the National Down Syndrome Society’s Champion of Change Award.     ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1467,Guthrie Announces New Washington Office,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie today announced that his Washington, D.C. office has relocated. Since 2010, Congressman Guthrie’s Washington office has been located in Room 308 of the Cannon House Office Building.  Constructed in 1905, the Cannon House Office Building is preparing to undergo a 10-year renovation. Congressman Guthrie’s Washington Office will now be located in Room 2434 of the Rayburn House Office Building.  The phone number for the office will remain 202-225-3501. Congressman Guthrie’s new office was most recently occupied by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06).  Congressman Guthrie and Congresswoman Matsui currently serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Spectrum Caucus and have led bills to address the nation’s spectrum shortage. Other Members to call 2434 Rayburn their office include Marjorie Holt of Maryland and Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma.  Congresswoman Holt was known for her legislation to end busing as a means of racial desegregation and was nominated by President Reagan to serve as a member of the General Advisory Committee on Arms Control and Disarmament.  Congressman Edwards was the founding trustee of the Heritage Foundation and also served as the National Chairman of the American Conservative Union. The Rayburn House Office Building is named after Speaker Sam Rayburn of Texas.  The third of three buildings to hold offices for representatives in the House, construction of the Rayburn House Office Building began in 1962. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1260,Sen. Paul Statement on the Passing of Marshall County Judge-Executive Mike Miller,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1261,"Sen. Rand Paul Appears on Fox's Hannity - December 13, 2014",2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=546d7de1-c0ec-4ca6-8531-59f0eaa70ab0,McConnell on Surgeon General Confirmation,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Dr. Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General of the United States: “The Surgeon General is known as America’s doctor and the men and women chosen to fill that role in the past have usually been highly qualified individuals with substantial experience in patient care. Unfortunately, Dr. Murthy’s nomination had more to do with politics – he was a founder in 2008 of a group called Doctors for Obama, and has been an outspoken political advocate of Obamacare and gun control – than his medical experience. With America facing the challenge of Ebola and other serious health challenges, it’s unfortunate that the President chose a nominee based on the candidate’s political support instead of a long career delivering patient care and managing difficult health crises.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barr.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barr-statement-on-bill-to-keep-the-government-open,Barr Statement on Bill to Keep the Government Open,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Andy Barr released the following statement upon passage of FY 2015 Omnibus: “While I'm disappointed that the Senate continues to block legislation I voted for last week that would have nullified the President's Executive Order on immigration, this bill does successfully build upon the modest progress made in last year's Bipartisan Budget Agreement to further reduce spending, and it delivers on a number of important priorities for the people of Kentucky. The short-term nature of the portion of the bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security will allow the next Congress to effectively respond to the President's illegal immigration actions, once Republicans take control of the Senate.” The bill includes full Appropriations legislation and funding for 11 of the 12 annual Appropriations bills through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2015. The 12th bill, which funds the Department of Homeland Security, is also included in the legislation, but is funded under a temporary “Continuing Resolution” mechanism that expires on February 27, 2015.    Key Kentucky Priorities Agriculture: Cuts funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and rejects efforts to expand EPA regulatory programs. Prevents Army Corps from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches under the Clean Water Act. Provides increased funding for USDA Rural Development programs critical to central and eastern Kentucky. Provides flexibility for Kentucky schools facing hardships in meeting one-size-fits-all federal nutrition guidelines mandates that have increased costs for school districts. Blue Grass Army Depot: Provides full funding to complete construction of the Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) at the Blue Grass Army Depot. Provides full funding to Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternative Program (ACWA) to complete the demilitarization at the Blue Grass Army Depot. Provides funds to begin construction on a new consolidated shipping center that will create jobs and save money. Energy: Prohibits funding for the Obama Administration’s efforts to block the export of coal. Strategically targets funds to ensure balanced investment into fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy to improve our nation’s energy independence and fight high-energy prices. Increases oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to break the deadlock in the coal permitting process and prohibits a redefinition of “fill material” within the Clean Water Act that would effectively ban Appalachian coal mining.  Veterans: Increases funding to meet our obligations to our nation’s veterans. Increased funding will help improve the efficiency and interoperability of the combined Department of Defense (DoD)/Veteran Affairs (VA) medical records system, and reduce the claims backlog at the VA. Violence Against Women Act: Increases funding for the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act. Increases transitional housing assistance grants for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault  National Security: Provides funding for our nation’s security, military readiness, and resources for our troops at home and abroad. Funds important Department of Defense programs and projects, a pay raise for our troops, and the advancement of our military operations to protect the nation from current and future threats. Continues funding for Military Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs, and provides an additional $25 million to continue the expansion of the Sexual Assault Victims’ Counsel program to all the military services. Fully funds critical FAA air traffic control and aviation safety operations, while reducing overall department funding. Other: Provides no new funding for Obamacare, and holds the line on funding for the IRS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – the primary agencies responsible for the implementation of Obamacare. Maintains all existing pro-life policy and funding provisions that have been carried in Appropriations legislation in previous years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1258,"Sen. Rand Paul Appears on Fox's On the Record with Greta Van Susteren - December 10, 2014",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141217164235/http://www.paul.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1259,Sen. Paul Introduces Bill to Prevent President Obamas Executive Amnesty,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Home About Rand About Kentucky Issues Services News Contact Sen. Paul Introduces Bill to Prevent President Obama’s Executive Amnesty Senator Rand Paul today introduced the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act. This is companion legislation to Congressman Ted Yoho's bill (H.R. 5759) that passed the House of Representatives on December 4, 2014 on a 219-197 vote. This legislation would end President Obama's executive action on immigration and restore the Congress' constitutional role as the body to craft legislation. Article I of the Constitution places the legislative powers in Congress. The President does not have the power under the Constitution to rewrite immigration laws to exempt classes of people from a law that was passed by Congress and signed into law. ""I believe that the Constitution is clear that the legislative power resides in Congress. The President is not a king and he does not have the power to enact laws then execute his own laws. Our Constitution is being violated by this executive order and other actions by the Obama Administration to govern by executive fiat,"" Sen. Paul stated. A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. 15Dec 14 12Dec 14 9Dec 14 19Dec 12 16Nov 12 15Oct 12 15Dec 14 12Dec 14 3Dec 14",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=12b9aaee-363b-432f-a1aa-42ec31771de8,Senator McConnell Responds to Secretary Kerrys Comments on Coal-Fired Power Plants at UN Climate Change Conference in Peru,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell commented on remarks made by Secretary of State John Kerry during the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Lima, Peru regarding the future of coal-fired power plants. Secretary Kerry said the Obama Administration is going to “take a bunch of them out of commission.”  Secretary Kerry’s comments appeared in today’s edition of The New York Times. Senator McConnell in response to Secretary Kerry’s comments said: “Secretary Kerry was speaking for the Obama Administration when he pledged this week to put hundreds of coal-fired power plants ‘out of commission,’ but he was not speaking for Congress, and when I am Senate Majority Leader in January, the international community will have no doubt about that. It will soon be very clear that Congress disagrees not only with the EPA’s unilateral actions but also with the Administration’s entire international crusade against coal jobs. As Majority Leader, I will continue to take the War on Coal right back to the President and his EPA with laws aimed at protecting coal jobs, restricting the use of government funds for ill-conceived regulatory schemes, and robust congressional oversight of Washington bureaucrats. Given the change in management that’s coming to the Senate, overseas audiences may want to proceed with caution when it comes to Secretary Kerry’s recommendations and comments.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barr.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barr-s-commonsense-solution-to-protect-jobs-and-the-valley-view-ferry,Barrs Commonsense Solution to Protect Jobs and the Valley View Ferry Headed to Presidents Desk,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Legislation to provide relief from over-burdensome federal regulations that threaten the continued operation of the Valley View Ferry is headed to the President’s desk following bipartisan support from both houses of Congress.  On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S.2444, the Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2015 and 2016, legislation that includes a provision Congressman Andy Barr introduced to transfer the licensing authority for the Valley View Ferry from federal operating licensing to a state-based operating license. “Congressman Barr took the time to listen and truly understand the hardship these regulations were placing on our ability to continue operation of the Valley View Ferry,” said George W. Dean, Vice Chairman of the Valley View Ferry Authority. ""He quickly took on what seemed to be an impossible task, and now, after a year and a half advocating on our behalf in Washington, the Valley View Ferry Preservation Act will become law. We appreciate his hard work to resolve this issue. It will make it easier for us to preserve this historic Kentucky landmark and continue serving the local residents who rely on the Valley View Ferry.” “I’m thrilled that this long overdue solution that will make life easier for Kentuckians is now headed for the President’s desk to become law,” said Congressman Barr. “I look forward to building off this achievement and continue working to enact solutions on behalf of the people of central and eastern Kentucky.”   Background: In June 2013, Congressman Barr introduced H.R. 2570, the Valley View Ferry Preservation Act of 2013, after meeting with local officials and learning of the hardship imposed by federal regulations. In October 2013, Congressman Andy Barr spoke before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation about the stringent federal captain licensing requirements on the Valley View Ferry. He successfully encouraged them to support and advance his proposed legislation.  In April 2014, H.R. 4005, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, which contains the language in Congressman Barr’s bill, H.R. 2570, the Valley View Ferry Preservation Act of 2013, was passed by a bipartisan voice vote. On December 10, 2014, the House and Senate passed a bipartisan, bicameral agreement and the final version of this legislation, S.2444, the Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2015 and 2016, includes H.R. 2570, the Valley View Ferry Preservation Act of 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1466,House Passes Legislation to Fund Federal Government,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to continue funding for most government programs and services through September 2015.  The measure extends funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) only through February 2015. By only extending the Department of Homeland Security funding through February 2015, Congress will have an important opportunity to have serious discussions about the President’s executive action on immigration. “Make no mistake, the House will act in the new Congress to address President Obama’s massive overreach on immigration,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “The American people want Congress to take this effort head-on, and I look forward to having honest discussions about these policies in the coming months.  But until then, we must ensure the remainder of the government remains funded.” Included in the funding bill was language from H.R. 4351, the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act, which would encourage research and investigation into Alzheimer’s disease and prevention.  Introduced by Congressman Guthrie on April 1, 2014, H.R. 4351 gained 213 cosponsors and broad bipartisan support in the House.  “I’m pleased that this important language made it into the final bill,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “Alzheimer’s research and prevention has been a priority of mine and I’m glad to see that reflected amongst my colleagues.” More than five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death in the Unites States.  The legislation also included an additional $25 million for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health. The underlying appropriations bill cuts funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by $60 million below the FY 2014 level and does not fund the $66 million in new and expanded regulatory programs.  This is the fifth consecutive year of cuts to the EPA, totaling 21 percent, and staffing is reduced by more than 2,000 positions, the lowest level since 1989.  The bill also funds programs for advanced fossil fuel research and development and prohibits the Administration from blocking funding for international coal-fired power projects. The bill also strengthens the conservative stance on several social issues.  The Pro-Life movement is bolstered by the bill’s continued prevention of federal dollars from being used for abortions, as well as new language to expedite providers’ challenges over conscience violations in states that mandate abortion coverage in their exchange health care plans.  In addition, the bill prohibits funding to implement the UN Arms Trade Treaty, a significant win for Second Amendment rights. The bill also continues Congress’s work to improve care for veterans and active duty troops. Disability compensation programs, post-9-11 GI Bill education benefits and vocational rehabilitation and employment training are all fully funded.  Further, the bill takes an important step by providing advance appropriations for FY 2016 veteran medical services, support, and facilities, and additional funding to deal with the VA claims backlog, ensuring that veterans will have continued, full access to their medical care.  Funds are also included to fund the troop pay increase, military readiness programs and Overseas Contingency Operations for fighting ISIL and training Iraqi allies. “While not perfect, today House Republicans successfully advanced conservative policies, further cut federal spending, and placed significant limitations on the Obama administration’s liberal policies,” added Congressman Guthrie. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1465,Guthrie Votes to Reauthorize Terrorism Risk Insurance Act,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie today voted in support of S. 2244, a bill to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for six years. Passed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, TRIA was designed to create a backstop for insurance claims to be shared by the federal government when due to acts of terrorism. “TRIA promotes a stable and affordable terrorism risk insurance market and contributes to economic certainty,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “It is important we continue this program so that businesses will be better positioned when making plans for the future. Because TRIA was designed as a temporary program, it is also important that any renewal of the program be accompanied by appropriate reforms.” The law has been extended twice, and the most recent version would have expired at the end of this year.  The six-year extension also reduces the federal government’s share of the losses by one percent annually until it reaches 80 percent, and increases the mandatory amount that insurers must pay back to the federal government to $37.5 billion, an increase of $10 billion. “I support this long-term extension of TRIA because it is in our nation’s best interest and makes the necessary reforms to ensure that taxpayers are protected.  I encourage the Senate to quickly follow suit,” added Congressman Guthrie. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://massie.house.gov/press-release/press-release-sensenbrenner-massie-lofgren-introduce-secure-data-act,"Press Release: Sensenbrenner, Massie & Lofgren Introduce Secure Data Act",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Thomas Massie,M001184,massie.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Contact: Ben Miller (Sensenbrenner) 202-225-5101 Lorenz Isidro (Massie) 202-225-3465 Peter Whippy (Lofgren) 202-225-3072   Sensenbrenner, Massie & Lofgren Introduce Secure Data Act   (WASHINGTON) – A group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced H.R. 5800, the Secure Data Act of 2014, to protect Americans’ privacy and data security by prohibiting surveillance agencies from requiring or compelling surveillance “backdoors” in products and services. A similar amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act this year passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming 293-123 vote, but it was not included in the Continuing Resolution (CR)/omnibus spending legislation.  U.S. Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner (R- Wis.), Thomas Massie (R- Ky.), and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), sponsors of the Secure Data Act of 2014, issued the following statement: “Thus far, Congress has failed to rein in the Administration’s surveillance authorities and protect Americans’ civil liberties. Nevertheless, the Massie-Sensenbrenner-Lofgren amendment established an important record in the full House of Representatives—an overwhelming majority will no longer tolerate the status quo. Unwarranted and backdoor surveillance is untenable, and as Congress turns to address a multitude of expiring surveillance programs in the 114th Congress, the House will not allow unwarranted surveillance without meaningful reform. The Secure Data Act defends Americans’ constitutional rights and is an important next step in closing backdoor surveillance and rebuilding public trust in our intelligence agencies.”   Original cosponsors of the Secure Data Act of 2014 include Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Rush Holt (D- N.J.), Jerrold Nadler (D- N.Y.), Beto O’Rourke (D- Texas), Ted Poe (R- Texas).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-senate-intelligence-committee-report-on-cia-interrogation-methods/,Statement on Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Methods,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement on the release of the Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA interrogation practices: There is not much in the Senate Intelligence Committee report that people didn't already know or suspect, but it is important that we send a message to the world that we will hold ourselves to the highest possible standards of conduct, particularly to international legal standards that we worked to establish in the first place. The bottom line is that CIA officers and contractors went way too far in the interrogations, these torture methods resulted in little, if any, useful intelligence, and the people in charge intentionally misled the White House, Congress, and the American people about both. We are better than this America doesn't condone torture or hide from the truth.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1256,Sen. Paul Speaks in Defense of Christians in the Middle East,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1257,Sen. Paul Questions Secretary Kerry on Constitutional Authority to go to War with ISIS,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barr.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barr-lauds-passage-of-the-able-act,Barr Lauds Passage of the ABLE Act,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"On December 4, 2014, Congressman Andy Barr lauded House passage of the ABLE Act. FULL TRANSCRIPT: Mr. Speaker,   As the cosponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, also known as the ABLE Act, I rise today to commend the House for yesterday passing this important piece of legislation that will help millions of Americans reach their full potential.   As a brother of physically disabled sister who has lived with the challenges associated with being physically handicapped – over a dozen surgeries, hip and knee replacements, walking with crutches or walkers, and sometimes reliant on a wheelchair – I know how difficult it can be for millions of Americans with disabilities and their families. But I also know from my sister, who graduated from college, went on to seminary, married her college sweetheart, adopted a beautiful little girl, and now serves others as a priest in the Episcopal Church, that the challenges associated with being handicapped can be overcome.   The ABLE Act will help ease financial strains faced by millions of Americans with disabilities and their families and help them save for the future by creating tax-free savings accounts available to cover disability-related expenses.   This provides families with a severely disabled child some peace of mind by allowing them to save for their child’s long-term disability expenses. We are better off as a nation when disabled Americans are given the tools like the ABLE Act to not only achieve self-sufficiency, but contribute and give back to our society.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=95FB7C60-297C-434D-A8FA-F4EFDD054A4E,Rogers' Staff Meets with ARC,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"During a recent trip to Washington, D.C., Congressman Rogers' District staff met with Earl Gohl, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and nearly all of the ARC program managers to discuss resources that are available to local communities in Kentucky's Appalachian region. The ARC assists local communities with issues like broadband, housing, infrastructure, sewer and water. Congressman Rogers' staff members expressed their desire to help bridge communication between the federal agency and local communities in need.(PHOTO: Left to Right: Adam Rice, Field Representative; Nick Camic, Field Representative; Earl Gohl (ARC); Carlos Cameron, Field Representative; Karen Kelly, District Director) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C80AE22D-67B9-4E81-8923-385BCAF72DF2,Rogers Applauds House Passage of Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) applauded passage of the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act (H.R. 5759). Rogers co-sponsored the bill that passed by a vote of 219 to 197 in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, December 4. The bill reaffirms that the President does not have the authority to exempt more than four million illegal immigrants from deportation. ""This legislation puts an immediate halt on President Obama's executive amnesty and prevents any future orders that would attempt to bypass Congress on immigration,"" said Rogers. ""The American people spoke loud and clear - they want our immigration laws enforced rather than a suspension and override of our Constitution."" H.R. 5759 applies to all new and previously denied requests for exemptions and deferrals of removal from the United States, as well as any related work authorization. It also provides for necessary exceptional humanitarian and law enforcement exceptions. Additionally, this bill does not affect federal funding and will notput the country at risk ofa government shutdown. Rogers urged the Senate to take immediate action on this legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barr.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barr-statement-on-preventing-executive-overreach-on-immigration-act,Barr Statement on Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Andy Barr issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act: ""Today I joined a majority of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in response to President Obama’s unlawful Executive Order to pass H.R. 5759, the “Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act.” ""The President has ignored the will of the American people and circumvented Congress and taken unilateral action that fails to fulfill his duty to faithfully execute the laws. The legislation I voted for today reaffirms the constitutional principles that only Congress has the power to write immigration laws and that the President must enforce those laws; prevents the President from suspending our immigration laws; prohibits the Administration from unilaterally granting amnesty or work permits to undocumented immigrants and declares null and void the President’s recent Executive Action.  ""Kentuckians want Congress to secure our border first and the House has already passed legislation to do that with my support.  We must act to secure the border first, strengthen the immigration system and protect American citizens."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1463,Guthrie Backs Bill to Prevent Executive Overreach on Immigration,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie today voted in support of H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014. “Two weeks ago President Obama once again acted unilaterally – this time to alter our nation’s immigration laws,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “His flagrant disregard for the separation of powers and the role of Congress to make our nation’s laws disrespects the will of the American people.” “Article 2, Section 3 of the Constitution clearly dictates that the president is required to faithfully execute our nation’s laws. What we are seeing today is a president who picks and chooses which laws he wants to enforce,” added Congressman Guthrie. H.R. 5759 prevents President Obama (or any future president) from exempting the removal of specific groups of unlawful aliens, except when using Constitutional powers over foreign affairs or humanitarian and law enforcement circumstances.  In doing so, it also reaffirms that the Constitution only grants lawmaking powers to Congress, and that it is the president’s job to enforce such laws.   “Our nation’s immigration system is broken and need to be addressed, but just as Congress reviews other issues of concern, it must be done through regular order,” said Congressman Guthrie. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1464,"Guthrie Votes to Support & Fund U.S. Troops, Efforts to Combat Sexual Assault & Mental Health Programs",2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie today voted in support of the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides necessary authorization and funding for the U.S. military. “Despite increasingly scarce resources, this bill balances budget limitations with vital national security requirements and protections for our warfighters and their families,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “Our men and women in uniform will be able to continue their great work defending our country and know that they will continue to receive world class care and support.” The FY 2015 NDAA, the fifty-third consecutive version, builds on last year’s bill, which included substantial bipartisan reforms aimed to prevent and combat sexual assault in the military.  This measure will eliminate the “good soldier defense,” which previously allowed the court to consider general military character when weighing the probability of guilt or innocence in sexual assault prosecutions.  Victims of sexual assault will also be consulted about their preference for prosecuting offenders in a traditional court-martial or through civilian courts instead.  The FY 2015 NDAA also authorizes an additional $18.8 million for behavioral and psychological health programs, primarily focused on combating suicide, and including funds to immediately increase the number of embedded psychologists, social workers, nurse case managers and operational psychologists. Additionally, the defense bill authorizes supplemental funding to continue U.S. operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).  The funding is needed to continue U.S. operations and to continue training and equipping the Iraqi security forces, the Peshmerga, and moderate Syrian forces who are combating ISIL on the ground. “ISIL has proven that they are a dangerous and credible threat.  This bill ensures that we continue to have the necessary resources to destroy them and put a stop to their efforts across the globe.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1255,Sen. Paul Comments on Confirmation of David Hale and Greg Stivers as U.S. District Judges,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1462,Guthrie Supports Bipartisan Bill to Create Tax-Free Savings Accounts for Disabled Individuals,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie today voted in support of H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. H.R. 647 will create tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities.  These accounts will be able to be applied toward qualified expenses including: medical, post-secondary education, assistive technology, housing, transportation, legal fees and funeral expenses.  “This bipartisan legislation empowers disabled individuals and their families to save money for these necessary expenses, while transitioning away from government assistance,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “H.R. 647 not only allows individuals to better plan for the future, it will also improve their quality of life.” The tax-free savings accounts would be established and maintained at the state level.  Individuals who are diagnosed with a disability before the age of 26 would be eligible. “Across the country, the American people are looking for certainty, and that includes families of disabled individuals.  This commonsense legislation levels the playing field and allows families to better prepare for the future,” added Congressman Guthrie. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B1729D57-CAFC-41CA-B2BF-874954643C37,Rogers Co-Sponsors Bill to Prevent Obama's Executive Action on Immigration,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05)signed on as aco-sponsor ofthe Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act (H.R. 5759), reaffirming that the President does not have the authority to exempt more than four millionillegal immigrants from deportation. This legislation will apply to President Obama's recently announced executive actions and any futureorders that would also attempt to circumvent the law. ""Executive amnesty undermines the spirit of our Constitution, theintegrity of our immigration laws and discourages the thousands of people who are patiently working to achieve the American dreamthrough the legalimmigration process,"" said Rogers. ""This bill reiterates the authority of Congress and speaks for thousands of Americans who have widely rejected the President's blanket pardon of illegal immigrants."" The effective date of the billcoincides with the President's speech on November 20, and applies to all new and previously denied requests for exemptions and deferrals of removal from the United States, as well as any related work authorization. It also provides for necessary exceptional humanitarian and law enforcement exceptions. Additionally, this bill does not affect federal funding and will notput the country at risk ofa government shutdown. The billis scheduled to be considered by the Houseon Thursday, December 4, 2014. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1253,Sen. Paul Speaks in Support of Military Justice Improvement Act,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1254,Sen. Paul Introduces Declaration of War Against Islamic State,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1252,"Sen. Paul Appears on Fox's The Kelly File- December 2, 2014",2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9FEFFAC2-93C1-4612-98BE-5855CCEA2529,Rogers Rails Against EPA Power Plan,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Monday, U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) urged the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to withdraw a rule fromits Clean Power Plan that is designed to regulate emissions from existing coal-fired power plants and further crush the coal mining industry. ""Communities in southern and eastern Kentuckyalready feel the devastating impacts of these policies and currently have some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation,"" said Rogers. ""The continued imposition of strict regulations on coal-fired power plants is forcing companies to close their doors, and lay off hardworking individuals with few other employment options."" The proposed Section 111(d) rule will forceKentucky to reduce carbonemissions from its 20 coal-fired power plants by 18%by the year 2030. In 2012, two years before the EPA unveiled itsClean Power Plan, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet projected that electricity fees in the Commonwealth would increase 25% between 2011 and 2025, resulting in roughly 30,000 lost jobs. The Cabinet also warned that increasing energy costs would cause the Commonwealth to eliminate 17,500 full-time positions in the manufacturing sector alone. ""Rather than forging a realistic path toward a thriving energy economy, the EPA has wrapped reliable energy production in red tape and effectivelyshuttered a crucial domestic energy,"" said Rogers. ""This agency should join me in supporting atrue'all of the above' energy policy, and work with Congress to propel this nation forward on its path toward achieving energy independence."" Rogers' submitted his official statementregarding the costly rule during thecomment period for the agency's Clean Power Plan and reiterated his frustrationwith theEPA forrefusing to hold any of its four listening sessions in a coal producing region. ""The EPA's decision to make it difficult for those who work in the industry to express their concerns about a rule that will undoubtedly impacttheir livelihoods demonstrates this agency's lack of concern for the real world consequencesof its actions,""said Rogers. The EPA has stated that the final rule will be issued in June of 2015. Click here to read Congressman Rogers' full statementon the EPA Clean Power Plan. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=news&id=1251,Breitbart Op-Ed: Benghazi was the Definition of an Intelligence Failure,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=news&id=1250,TIME Op-Ed: Politicians Are To Blame in Ferguson,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=937cc7b9-408a-4316-8a1f-ff01d110bfac,Thanksgiving Greeting,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Louisville, KY—U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following message this week in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27th. The video is available here and a full transcript of the Senator’s Thanksgiving greeting follows: “Hello, I’m Senator Mitch McConnell. “Thanksgiving is a time for Kentuckians to gather together and express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, the many blessings we have received, and the family and friends who enrich our lives. “Kentucky is also home to many brave servicemembers, here and abroad, and we’re grateful for their sacrifice. “Despite the challenges we may face in our daily lives, we know all Americans give thanks today for those many gifts, and for our country. “Have a Happy Thanksgiving.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=407DC392-A034-4CF5-A8CF-B6F9ED0FBF27,SOAR Initiative Targets Action Plans for Region,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"As the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) initiative approaches its second year, executive board members welcomed the new SOAR executive director and considered ways for the initiative to move from information-gathering efforts into action plans. Governor Steve Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers, the initiative's co-chairs, called on the board to return to their communities with a renewed energy to tackle the more difficult work of implementing the recommendations gathered from a year's worth of regional conversations. We have always said that the SOAR initiative must be driven by the residents of eastern Kentucky. For the past year, the people of this region have met and talked about their hopes for their communities and families, and now we have to figure out a way to make those goals happen, said Gov. Beshear. We have an excellent road map now, and we must keep everyone engaged as we choose the best strategies to meet those goals. It's time to put action behind the innovative SOAR ideas that can spur job creation and help enhance our region, said Congressman Rogers. With Jared Arnett leading the way as SOAR's new Executive Director, I'm confident that this initiative is poised to be molded into a successful organization that will have long-term benefits for our future. In his first SOAR meeting as the Founding Executive Director, Jared Arnett presented the board with recommendations for next year's program of work, which includes strategies for enhancing education access, health, job training and tourism in the region. The daylong meeting included a reception for city and county elected officials, as well as state legislative members of the Coal Caucus, to encourage them to continue to participate and support SOAR. Local support is critical to keep SOAR as a priority not just in this board meeting, but also in every city council meeting and every fiscal court meeting across this region, said Arnett. Gov. Beshear and Congressman Rogers also recognized Chuck Fluharty, president and CEO of the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI), which has served as the interim administrative body for SOAR. The co-chairs gave Fluharty a formal commendation to thank him for his work in organizing and supporting SOAR over the past year. RUPRI will continue to support SOAR in a consulting role. Working groups transition to action groups For the past year, ten different working groups have held dozens of meetings across the southern and eastern Kentucky region to gather ideas about a range of topics including education, job training, tourism, infrastructure and private investment. Arnett announced that these working groups will transition into action groups, with the chairs forming an advisory team which will report directly to Arnett. Board actions promote tourism, attract jobs, enhance grassroots support The board passed a motion to send a letter of support to appropriate parties encouraging partnerships to enhance whitewater rafting tourism opportunities at the Breaks Interstate Park in Pike County. In planning for the upcoming legislative session, the board voted to support a bill to create the Kentucky Appalachian Regional Development Fund, which would be operated by the Kentucky Department for Local Government. SOAR will work to build an endowment to support development projects in Eastern Kentucky. The board also passed a motion to conduct a campaign for a SOAR license plate to further unify the regional grassroots effort, and provide a source of operating capital for the initiative. Local businesses now have an opportunity to become a SOAR corporate partner, which indicates that the business supports the goals of SOAR. Jim Host, an executive board member, announced SOAR's first four official partnerships. Forcht Bank and Booth Energy were named SOAR Founding Partners while Walters Automotive of Pikeville and Community Trust Bank, Inc. were named SOAR East Kentucky Sponsors. Businesses interested in becoming SOAR partners should contact Jared Arnett at the SOAR office at 66-437-5127. Next SOAR summit Plans are underway for the second SOAR summit, which is tentatively scheduled for President's Day, February 16, 2015 in Pikeville. The first summit last year attracted about 1,700 interested citizens for a daylong discussion of the possibilities for the region and for the SOAR initiative. Further plans for the summit will be announced as they become available. About the SOAR initiative The SOAR initiative was launched by Gov. Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers late last year, after a stunning downturn in the coal market exacerbated historic challenges in Eastern Kentucky related to unemployment and poverty. SOAR is intended to help the region develop and put into action new locally-oriented strategies to attack those persistent challenges. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1249,Sen. Paul Releases Declaration of War Against Islamic State,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206020010/http://whitfield.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/house-and-senate-committee-leaders-question-agency-coordination-seek,"House and Senate Committee Leaders Question Agency Coordination, Seek Action to Address Grid Reliability Concerns",2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), and Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) today wrote to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Cheryl LaFleur seeking information regarding any consultation between FERC and the Environmental Protection Agency in the development of EPA’s Clean Power Plan and other major rules impacting electric reliability. The letter also calls on FERC to convene a technical conference with federal agencies and stakeholders to discuss the reliability challenges posed by new federal environmental regulations. The request follows a recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) that raises concerns about EPA’s Clean Power Plan proposal and its potential impact on the reliability of the nation’s electric grid. In the report, NERC questioned EPA's assumptions and called for additional reliability analysis. Testimony from FERC commissioners at separate Senate and House hearings also suggests EPA did not properly consult with the commission when writing its proposed rule and ignored recommendations from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that a formal, documented process be established among relevant federal agencies to monitor reliability challenges. “New environmental regulations pose one of the most serious threats to our nation’s electric grid. This administration continues to regulate too much too fast without proper consideration of the consequences for American consumers,” said Rep. Upton. “It is imperative that we know how these rules will impact reliability before they are implemented and that we have a plan in place to ensure that American families and businesses can keep the lights on.” “The reliability of the grid is not optional,” said Sen. Murkowski. “It has been apparent for some time that we may need to protect the grid from our own federal actions and ensure the growing number of environmental rules do not negatively impact reliability. The challenge before us is maintaining and improving reliability and ensuring our energy supply remains affordable.""  ""Recent reports have raised significant concerns over the reliability impacts of EPA’s Clean Power Plan and other rules as to whether our grid can sustain the president’s proposed electricity sector overhaul. We can’t afford to play a guessing game when it comes to reliability, and we need to be assured that EPA won’t simply leave Americans in the dark,"" said Rep. Whitfield. To read the full letter to FERC, click HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206020021/http://whitfield.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/whitfield-congratulates-naval-academy-appointee,Whitfield Congratulates Naval Academy Appointee,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, today announced that Ms. Brittany Bongiovanni of Beaver Dam has received an offer of appointment to the prestigious United States Naval Academy. As part of the requirements for that appointment, Whitfield provided a Congressional Nomination for Ms. Bongiovanni. “It is my honor to nominate this outstanding individual for appointment to the United States Naval Academy,” said Whitfield. As this young lady now prepares to begin her promising career serving our country, I am confident she will represent the Commonwealth with diligence, honor, and class. I couldn’t be more proud of Ms. Bongiovanni and I wish her well.” Brittany Bongiovanni will graduate from Ohio County High School in May of 2015. She currently holds a 4.0 grade point average and is ranked 1st in her class out of 243 students. Her accomplishments include being a member of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Alumni,  Cross Country and Track & Field Captain, National Honor Society Vice-President, National Beta Club President, Civil Air Patrol Sergeant, American Red Cross Volunteer, NOAA Sky Warn Volunteer, Investigative Aide for the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, President of 4-H Teen Club, Teen Delegate to the 4-H Council, holding a 1st Degree Black Belt, and being Assistant Instructor in Tae Kwon Do. The United States Naval Academy located in Annapolis, Maryland has been educating, training, and inspiring leaders of character for our United States Navy and Marine Corps since it was established in 1845, and is the second-oldest of the United States five service academies. Students are officers-in-training and are referred to as midshipmen. Tuition for midshipmen is fully funded by the Navy in exchange for an active duty service obligation upon graduation. The United States Naval Academy has some of the highest paid graduates in the country according to starting salary. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206020033/http://whitfield.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/whitfield-weighs-in-on-hagel-stepping-down,Whitfield Weighs in on Hagel Stepping Down,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power made the following statement regarding Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.  “I thank Secretary Chuck Hagel for his honorable service to our country. He was a good Secretary of Defense that was given the daunting task of leading our military during a time of budget cuts, worldwide unrest, and with a White House that doesn’t seem to want to take the advice of our military leaders.” “The Obama Administration is now searching for its 4th Secretary of Defense, another example of this President’s failed leadership.”     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=513fec07-75e5-4f69-9e3a-f474ec00eccb,McConnell Statement on the Resignation of Chuck Hagel,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Louisville, KY – Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel: ""Secretary Chuck Hagel honorably served the United States as a combat soldier, a U.S. Senator, and as Secretary of Defense. We appreciate his service to the nation. ""It’s important to remember that Secretary Hagel’s departure comes at a moment of great peril for our country. His successor will confront the daunting challenges of: modernizing our conventional military forces to meet the challenges posed by Russia and China; restructuring the force after more than a decade of counterinsurgency warfare; maintaining our dominance in the air and at sea; investing in the next generation of weapons systems to preserve our nuclear triad; and combatting terror whether from Al Qaeda, associate forces, ISIL, or other groups seeking to exploit the ungoverned spaces created by revolt and unrest.  All of these challenges come at a time when the all-volunteer force faces a shortage of resources and investment.  It is imperative that the next Secretary of Defense possess a sharp grasp of strategy, a demonstrated ability to think creatively, and the willingness and ability to work with Congress. And it is critical that the President consider these qualifications and challenges as he considers such an important nomination.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=38b42d66-4969-4703-ba47-88ec00e56ef0,McConnell-Supported Bill to Update VFW Federal Charter Passes Senate; Now Goes to President for Signature,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced today that the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill he supported that would better reflect the service and sacrifice of women in the military by updating the federal charter for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States. The bill now goes to the President for his signature. Senator McConnell was the first Senate Republican to cosponsor the Senate version of the bill.  Senator McConnell worked with his colleagues and Kentucky’s VFW leaders in this effort to update the VFW’s Federal charter for our nation’s women veterans. “It’s always an honor to secure passage of legislation to honor our nation’s heroes and I will remain committed, through my new role as Senate Majority Leader in the next Congress, to build on efforts to best assist the men and women who served in our military,” Senator McConnell said. Senator McConnell has long been a leader in Congress for Kentucky veterans. He has been a vigorous advocate for Kentucky’s servicemembers and military families and has supported numerous pieces of legislation important to Kentucky’s veterans, including bills to reform the Veterans Administration (VA), reduce the VA claims backlog and increase cost-of-living-adjustment disability benefits for our veterans and their survivors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1460,"Guthrie Backs Manufacturing Bill that will Boost Transparency, Reduce Permitting Delays",2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie today voted in support of H.R. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act. “American manufacturing is an industry vital to growing our economy,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “These high-skill jobs are at the forefront of innovation and it is imperative that the laws and regulations governing manufacturers are up to code as well.” H.R. 4795 will increase transparency and reduce permitting delays by publicly announcing timelines for permit decisions and the number of permits issued on an annual basis.  The bill will also require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue timely guidance about how to comply with new or revised air quality standards that may affect the permit applications. “We’ve seen many examples lately of the EPA vastly overreaching their authority in a number of areas.  H.R. 4795 will put power back in the hands of America’s manufacturers to continue to expand and innovate, giving them the certainty they need in the regulatory process in order to grow their businesses and create new jobs,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This commonsense legislation will ensure American manufacturers have a clear path forward on future permitting decisions, and the opportunity to grow and succeed in the global marketplace,” added Congressman Guthrie. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1461,Guthrie Strongly Opposes President's Actions on Immigration,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie today issued the following statement in advance of President Obama’s address to outline his Executive Order regarding our nation’s immigration laws: “It is incredibly disheartening that President Obama is once again acting unilaterally and ignoring the legislative process with legally-questionable executive action.  The American people spoke earlier this month and elected a new Congress, whose responsibility it is to update and alter our nation’s laws.  The president’s repeated “go it alone” attitude flies in the face of the will of the American people. “There is no doubt our immigration system is broken, but the president’s efforts will do nothing to address our most pressing needs.   House Republicans put forward a strategy based on three key principles: establishing a safe and secure border, enforcing immigration laws efficiently and effectively, and reforming our system in order to attract talented and hardworking individuals who are striving to make better lives for themselves.  Congress and the American people firmly believe this process should go through regular order, and the actions the president will take today only hamper our ability to achieve meaningful solutions to our immigration problems.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=news&id=1245,TIME Op-Ed: What I'm Thankful For,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1248,Sen. Paul Issues Statement on the Presidents Abuse of Executive Amnesty,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1246,"Sen. Rand Paul Appears on Fox's On The Record with Greta Van Susteren - November 19, 2014",2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141202052345/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-from-mcconnell-paul-and-whitfield-on-army-aviation-force,"STATEMENT FROM MCCONNELL, PAUL, AND WHITFIELD ON ARMY AVIATION FORCE RESTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENT",2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul and Congressman Ed Whitfield today released the following statement regarding the Department of Defense announcing its Army Aviation Force Restructure removing the 159th Combat Aviation “Thunder” Brigade from Fort Campbell Army Base: “We are deeply disappointed by the Obama administration’s decision to remove the 159th CAB from Fort Campbell.  It is bad news for our nation’s security and for the local Fort Campbell community.  Our military’s readiness and national security must remain the highest priority for the American people, and for Fort Campbell’s troops and families in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky.  We believe that cuts need to be made in places other than deployable troops as a means to make smart cuts to government spending. We also must not allow our number of troops to fall to the dangerously low levels being sought by the Obama Administration, especially at a time of increasing instability in the world.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141202203623/http://www.paul.senate.gov:80/?p=press_release&id=1247,"Statement from McConnell, Paul, and Whitfield on Army Aviation Force Restructure Announcement",2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Home About Rand About Kentucky Issues Services News Contact Statement from McConnell, Paul, and Whitfield on Army Aviation Force Restructure Announcement Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul and Congressman Ed Whitfield today released the following statement regarding the Department of Defense announcing its Army Aviation Force Restructure removing the 159th Combat Aviation ""Thunder"" Brigade from Fort Campbell Army Base:   ""We are deeply disappointed by the Obama administration's decision to remove the 159th CAB from Fort Campbell.  It is bad news for our nation's security and for the local Fort Campbell community.  Our military's readiness and national security must remain the highest priority for the American people, and for Fort Campbell's troops and families in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky.  We believe that cuts need to be made in places other than deployable troops as a means to make smart cuts to government spending. We also must not allow our number of troops to fall to the dangerously low levels being sought by the Obama Administration, especially at a time of increasing instability in the world."" 1Dec 14 25Nov 14 24Nov 14 19Dec 12 16Nov 12 15Oct 12 20Nov 14 18Nov 14 17Nov 14",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206020046/http://whitfield.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/whitfield-opposes-obama-s-executive-amnesty-for-illegal-immigrants,Whitfield Opposes Obamas Executive Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC –  U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, issued the following statement today on the president's immigration announcement expected this evening: “In a direct affront to the message the American people sent us on November 4th, President Obama continues to make unilateral decisions that assault the very fiber of America and our Constitution. Unless this President changes his approach to addressing our country’s immigration problems, the situation at our borders will only get worse. President Obama has previously stated he would not issue an executive order on immigration because he would be ignoring the law. I agree with the President and call on him to stop making policy decisions solely at his discretion and to start working with Congress to pass immigration reforms that the American people desire such as securing our border.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206084559/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/morgan-participates-in-semester-internship,Morgan Participates in Semester Internship,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power welcomed David “Pete” Morgan to serve in his Washington, D.C. office this fall. Morgan, a resident of the greater Washington area, has served in the office since early September as part of an internship experience aimed at providing a multifaceted look at the legislative process and a first-hand understanding of how Congress works.  He will graduate from Trinity College in December where he is majoring in Economics.  Morgan is the son of David and Nancy Morgan. “I am grateful for this opportunity to work alongside and for such a distinguished representative of Congress,” Morgan said.  “This has been a once in a lifetime experience and I feel very fortunate to have been able to see how our government operates on a day-to-day basis.” Whitfield hosts interns throughout the year in his Washington, D.C. office.  Participants have the opportunity to attend legislative hearings and briefings, assist staff with research for the Congressman, and take on a number of administrative projects.  “I commend these young leaders of tomorrow for taking the time and making personal sacrifices in order to gain a better understanding of our government,” Whitfield said.  “I hope the experience provides them with an educational and cultural understanding that will be of great benefit to their future and am certainly proud to have them as a part of our dedicated team here in Washington.”  To learn more about interning in Congressman Whitfield’s Washington, D.C. office, visit his website at http://whitfield.house.gov/services/internships.  Pictured above: Congressman Whitfield and David “Pete” Morgan   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206085012/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/whitfield-works-to-cut-federal-red-tape-and-create-jobs-0,Whitfield Works to Cut Federal Red Tape and Create Jobs,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, led the charge today in support of H.R. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act that passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 238 to 172. As a key component of the Committee’s efforts to build the Architecture of Abundance, this legislation takes a critical step toward cutting red tape, supporting our country’s manufacturing renaissance, and creating thousands of high-paying jobs for hard-working Americans. The legislation facilitates construction of new factories by increasing transparency and promoting more timely issuance of permits required under the Clean Air Act’s New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction permitting program. Click HERE to watch the video of Whitfield’s remarks  “Our manufacturing renaissance is far from a done deal, especially given the cumbersome permitting process that these projects must go through,” said Whitfield. “It would be a great disservice to the American people if our nation’s natural gas advantage is squandered through an unnecessarily lengthy bureaucratic process that delays or even prevents these job-creating modern new facilities from being built. This bill includes reasonable steps to streamline the permitting process, something that the administration agrees needs to be addressed. It is a commonsense solution to ensure America’s manufacturing renaissance can commence as soon as possible.”  The Promoting New Manufacturing Act has received strong support from a broad array of manufacturers and other job-creators. Below is a sampling of the support for H.R. 4795. American Chemistry Council “The business of American chemistry is in the midst of an historic expansion made possible by plentiful and affordable natural gas from shale formations. To date, 211 chemical industry projects representing $135 billion in potential U.S. investment have been announced, 61 percent of it by companies based abroad. The new factories and expansions will create hundreds of thousands of well-paying new jobs, strengthen communities, and put money in the pockets of families. Unfortunately, all of these projects must undergo a lengthy and complex regulatory permitting process containing challenges that can delay and even derail the investment. … H.R. 4795 represents common-sense legislation that will expedite shale-related manufacturing in the United States.” Americans for Tax Reform “American manufacturing will be needed to rejuvenate the dismal state of the American economy. Unfortunately for Americans, overregulation stymies economic growth by requiring too many permits that take too long to acquire. H.R. 4795 would provide transparency and regulatory fairness which allows new manufacturers to enter the market and for existing businesses to thrive.” Chamber of Commerce “H.R. 4795 would be an important step in improving the federal environmental permitting process and reinforcing this country’s commitment to developing and building infrastructure projects and creating jobs.” Industrial Energy Consumers of America “The permitting process is antiquated, time consuming, expensive, and fails to meet the challenges faced today by U.S. industry who are in fierce competition with global competitors. H.R. 4795 will make EPA accountable to improve the permitting process.” National Manufacturers Association “This oft-overlooked aspect of the regulatory process can provide a great deal of headaches—and at times great cost and delays—for a manufacturer looking to build a new facility, expand an existing one, or even modify an already-operational plant so it can run better. … The Promoting New Manufacturing Act would take positive steps toward addressing several of the preconstruction permitting issues raised by manufacturers. It diagnoses the problem on GHG permitting (if one exists) and provides the best available information so that the EPA and Congress can then decide if steps are needed to improve the process.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=49908423-ba38-468f-957f-ea37921a3d04,McConnell: Congress Will Act if President Issues Immigration Order,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the President’s proposed executive action on immigration: “I’d like to say a few words this morning about President Obama’s proposed executive action on immigration. “And I’ll begin with a quote from the President. ‘Democracy is hard,’ he said during a commencement speech in Miami three years ago. “But it’s right. [And] changing our laws means doing the hard work of changing minds and changing votes, one by one.” “As someone who well understands just how difficult the work of changing minds and votes can be, I couldn’t agree more with the President’s statement.” “Americans accept that democracy’s blessings are only made possible by the constraints it imposes — both its legal contours and those imposed by popular election. We accept democracy’s messiness. We accept that we may not always get all of what we want exactly when we want it. And based on more of what the President said in Miami, this is something he seemed to understand too.” “He was talking about immigration that day, and here’s something else he said on the topic. ‘I know [that] some… wish that I could just bypass Congress and change the law myself. But that’s not how democracy works.’ “Indeed, it isn’t. “All of which makes the President’s planned executive action on immigration even more jarring. “If the President truly follows through on this attempt to impose his will unilaterally, he will have issued a rebuke to his own stated view of democracy. And he will have contradicted his past statements on this very issue. “The instances of President Obama saying that he does not have the power to do the kinds of things he now plans to do are almost too numerous to list. He tried to suggest otherwise last weekend. But a prominent fact-checker panned the spin as ‘Pinocchio-laden’ and clarified that the President has been asked ‘specifically…[about] the sorts of actions that he is contemplating now.’ The President’s previous answers seemed to be unequivocal: he lacked the legal authority to act. “As just one example, President Obama said last year that executive action was ‘not an option’ because ‘[he] would be ignoring the law.’ ‘There is a path to get this done,’ he said, ‘and that is through Congress.’ “He’s right. The action he’s proposed would ignore the law, would reject the voice of the voters, and would impose new unfairness on law-abiding immigrants — all without solving the problem. In fact, his action is more likely to make it even worse. “We’ve already seen the consequences of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, his most recent action in this area. It was a factor in encouraging young people to risk their lives on a perilous journey some would never complete. “The effects of this action could be just as tragic. “Just as the ‘Affordable Care Act’ had little to do with making health care more affordable, slapping the term “immigration reform” on something doesn’t mean it’s actually immigration reform. “And just as with Obamacare, the action the President is proposing isn’t about solutions. “It isn’t about compassion. “It seems to be about what a political party thinks would make for good politics. “It seems to be about what a President thinks would be good for his legacy. “Those are not the motivations that should be driving such sweeping action. And I think the President will come to regret the chapter history writes if he does move forward. “Because the plan he’s presenting is more than just, as the President himself has acknowledged, an overreach — it’s also unfair. “What does the President have to say to the countless aspiring immigrants who’ve spent years waiting patiently in line? To the people who’ve played by all the rules? “Where is his compassion for them? “What does the President have to say to the millions of Americans who still can’t find work in this economy? The President can’t reach across the aisle to secure a serious jobs plan for them, but he’s willing to put everything he’s got into this one executive action? “Where is the justice in that? “There is a larger point here too. “Some people seem to have forgotten this already, but we just had an election. “Before that election, the President told us about his plan to act unilaterally on immigration. “He reminded us that his policies were on the ballot. “And then the people spoke. “The President doesn’t have to like the result, but he has a duty to respect it. “The American people sent a message. They said they want to see us working together. They said they want to see more serious ideas pass through Congress. “What they didn’t say they wanted to see was the President sidestepping the very representatives they just elected. “That’s why so many Kentuckians have been calling my office in opposition to this plan. I know phones have continued to ring off the hook all week in other offices across Capitol Hill. “Our constituents want to be heard. President Obama needs to listen to their voices. “If nothing else, perhaps the President will at least consider the views of the Democrat Senators and Members of Congress who’ve urged him not to do this. These Democrats understand the consequences of a President from a different political party citing this precedent in the future. “Either way, he needs to understand something. “If President Obama acts in defiance of the people and imposes his will on the country, Congress will act. “We’re considering a variety of options. But make no mistake. When the newly elected representatives of the people take their seats, they will act. “Look: As the President has said, democracy is hard. “Imposing his will unilaterally may seem tempting. It may serve him politically in the short term. But he knows that it will make an already-broken system even more broken. “And he knows that this is not how democracy is supposed to work. Because he told us so himself.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1459,Guthrie Named Vice Chair of Health Subcommittee,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) was named Vice Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee. “I’d like to thank Chairman Upton for appointing me to this new post and I look forward to hitting the ground running,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “Next year, health care will be a central focus of the agenda and I’m looking forward to continuing my work on the Energy and Commerce Committee in this new capacity.” “I’m pleased that Congressman Guthrie will serve as the Health Subcommittee’s Vice Chair,” said Chairman Fred Upton (MI-06).  “I’ve seen firsthand Brett’s hard work on the committee and I am confident he will be a strong leader in the committee’s aggressive agenda in the coming Congress.” “Next year is going to be especially busy for the Health Subcommittee and I’m glad that we’ll have Congressman Guthrie helping to lead the charge,” said Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts (PA-16).  “We’ll be hard at work with 21st Century Cures and real health reform.  I rely on the Vice Chair to run the subcommittee, and I know Congressman Guthrie will bring great energy to the position.” “Chairman Upton and Chairman Pitts are strong leaders on the committee and I am looking forward to working more closely with them as we continue to hold the Administration accountable, address the burdens Obamacare has placed on American families and businesses, and explore ways we can improve the regulation of treatments and cures to spur innovation and save lives,” added Congressman Guthrie. The Subcommittee on Health has jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, and public health matters, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. ------------------------------------------------------------ Congressman Guthrie has served on the Energy and Commerce Committee since 2010.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=87F59830-CF55-4C1A-AA56-49DA559BE30B,Rogers Re-elected To Third Term As House Appropriations Committee Chairman,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House Republican Conference elected Congressman Hal Rogers to a third term as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. Chairman Rogers made the following statement: I am honored and humbled that the Republican Conference has entrusted me to lead the Appropriations Committee for another two years, Chairman Rogers said. So far as Chairman, I have been proud to oversee the Committee's important work funding federal government programs in a transparent, responsible way saving the American taxpayer more than $165 billion over the past four years. I intend to continue these accomplishments in the next Congress. Through a return to regular order, our Committee can continue to cut wasteful spending, rein in the Obama Administration's executive overreach, bring back responsible governing, and put our nation on a solid fiscal path. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1242,Sen. Paul Responds to Attacks in Israel,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1244,Sen. Paul Blocks the Renewal of Patriot Act,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1243,"Sen. Rand Paul Appears on Fox's Hannity - November 17, 2014",2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206084633/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lindsey-wilson-student-participates-in-semester-internship,Lindsey Wilson Student Participates in Semester Internship,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power welcomed Preston Lashley to serve in his Washington, D.C. office this fall. Lashley is a resident of Columbia, Kentucky and has served in the office since early September as part of an internship experience through Lindsey Wilson College.  He will be graduating this December with a major in Criminal Justice and is the son of Sergeant Major Paul and Nikki Crews. “I am humbled by the chance I have been given to intern in this office and the opportunity to broaden my views on government and gain a better understanding of how it works on a day to day basis,”  Lashley said.  “I appreciate all the office staff and the Congressman do for the people of the district and while my time in the office was brief, it will be an everlasting memory as one of the best times I have had in my life thus far.” Whitfield hosts interns throughout the year in his Washington, D.C. office.  Participants have the opportunity to attend legislative hearings and briefings, assist staff with research for the Congressman, and take on a number of administrative projects. “I commend these young leaders of tomorrow for taking the time and making personal sacrifices in order to come to our nation’s capital and gain a better understanding of our government,” Whitfield said.  “I hope the experience provides them with an educational and cultural understanding that will be of great benefit to their future and am certainly proud to have them as a part of our dedicated team here in Washington.” To learn more about interning in Congressman Whitfield’s Washington, D.C. office, visit his website at http://whitfield.house.gov/services/internships.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=1575e030-ace6-41b0-9578-d862e7692bc3,McConnell Urges Senate Democrats to Support Cassidy Keystone Bill,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate Floor urging his colleagues to support Keystone XL jobs: “Later today, the Senate will vote on whether or not to send Congressman Cassidy’s Keystone jobs bill to the President. It’s a vote that’s long overdue, but welcome.   “Keystone XL is just common-sense. It’s a shovel-ready jobs project that would help thousands of Americans find work. It would increase our supply of North American energy. And it would do all that with minimal net climate impact.   “That’s why the American people support it. That’s why Republicans support it. That’s why so many rank-and-file Democrats support it too.   “I wish the Senate would have followed the lead of Congressman Cassidy and his House colleagues in approving Keystone years ago. It’s just common sense. Those who took a serious look at the science and the potential benefits reached that conclusion long ago. They understand that the whole drama over Keystone has been as protracted as it is unnecessary. “We hope to turn the page on all that today.   “The reason we’re able to finally have this vote is because the American people sent a strong message earlier this month. They told us that they just want Washington to get on with approving serious policies like Keystone and then move on.   “That’s why — after years of delay and so many thwarted attempts to bring Keystone up for a vote — the Democrat leadership is finally allowing us a vote on passage of the Cassidy Keystone bill.   “That’s a good thing. It’s a step forward.   “Now it will be up to our friends on the other side to vote with us and actually pass the Cassidy Keystone bill through Congress. The President’s remarks opposing this bipartisan jobs legislation were not helpful. “Republicans are committed to getting Keystone approved. We want to see those jobs created as soon as possible. That’s what the people want. The House already acted long ago. And Congressman Cassidy and colleagues like Senator Hoeven deserve recognition for their years of hard work on this issue.   “So I urge a yes vote on the legislation to send Congressman Cassidy’s Keystone bill to the President and create more American jobs.   “And if not, then a new majority is committed to acting next year.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a87190ad-fe4e-4621-a791-365cb145e07f,McConnell Statement on Keystone Vote,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement tonight after Democrats defeated legislation to approve construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline: “Tonight, Senate Democrats once again stood in the way of a shovel-ready jobs project that would help thousands of Americans find work —  a remarkable stance after an election in which the American people sent a clear message to Congress to approve serious policies like the Keystone XL Pipeline and get the Senate working again. Unfortunately, many Senate Democrats failed to hear that message. But once the 114th Congress convenes, the Senate will act again on this important legislation, and I look forward to the new Republican majority taking up and passing the Keystone jobs bill early in the New Year.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1241,"Sen.Rand Paul Appears on Real Time with Bill Maher- Nov.14, 2014",2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1458,Guthrie Votes for 9th Time in Support of Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today voted in support of H.R. 5682, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. “It’s been more than six years since the permits to build the Keystone XL pipeline were filed,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “We have waited far too long to move forward on this shovel-ready project that would put thousands of Americans to work and allow us to safely develop secure and affordable energy.” H.R. 5682 authorizes the immediate construction, connection, operation and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline. “The President has stonewalled the pipeline for years and now it’s time to finally get this project across the finish line.  Incredibly, the House has voted nine times in favor of Keystone, but the Senate has never acted and the President continues to delay,” said Congressman Guthrie. “I have long supported an ‘all-the-above’ energy policy, and this pipeline has the capability to create quality and lasting jobs, while going a long way toward establishing energy security for our nation.  I encourage the Senate to quickly take up this legislation and follow in the House’s footsteps.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CF2E55CA-45CC-49EF-B272-FE90F9456DC3,Chairman Rogers Stands Firm Against Executive Amnesty,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. --U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) continues to stand firm against amnesty, while working diligently as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee on federal discretionary funding for the rest of the year. ""There's no one stronger than me againstunilateral action by the Presidenton immigration. (CNN, 11/13/14) If President Obama acts on immigration before the spending bill is done, there will be an explosion. (Fox News, 11/13/14) ""I don't want a shutdownand I don't want the threat of a shutdown. Because that doesn't serve our purposes."" (Associated Press, 11/13/14) House Appropriations Chairman Harold Rogers said Wednesday that he and House leaders arecommitted to passing an omnibus spending billby the end of the year. (CQ, 11/12/14) Read more about the state of play in Congress:GOP debates its immigration strategy as Obama prepares executive action.(The Washington Post, 11/13/14) Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter @RepHalRogers or on Facebook @CongressmanHalRogers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141114185630/http://www.paul.senate.gov/?p=video&id=1239,"Sen. Rand Paul Questions EEOC Nominees- November 13, 2014",2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Home About Rand About Kentucky Issues Services News Contact Sen. Rand Paul Questions EEOC Nominees- November 13, 2014 Nov 13, 2014 10Nov 14 28Oct 14 23Oct 14 19Dec 12 16Nov 12 15Oct 12 13Nov 14 5Nov 14 5Nov 14",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141115211349/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/simpson-county-named-county-of-the-month-for-november,Simpson County Named County of the Month for November,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, is pleased to announce Simpson County as November’s County of the Month.  All this month, visitors in Whitfield’s Washington D.C. office will enjoy a collection of items from Simpson County including postcards, brochures, local products, and even a golf hat signed by famed resident, Kenny Perry.  “Guests instantly notice our County of the Month displays and frequently share their experiences from these areas,” Whitfield said.  “I appreciate the help from the local organizations in showcasing these unique counties and am always delighted to  have a bit of ‘home’ in my Washington D.C. office.” The County of the Month program is an ongoing collaboration between Congressman Whitfield’s Washington D.C. office and local chamber of commerce organizations and tourism offices.     For more information on Simpson County, visit http://www.franklinsimpsonchamber.com/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205200641/http://www.paul.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1240,Sen. Paul Holds EEOC Nominees Accountable,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Home About Rand About Kentucky Issues Services News Contact Sen. Paul Holds EEOC Nominees Accountable WASHINGTON, D.C. -Earlier today, Sen. Rand Paul attended the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on the nomination of P. David Lopez to serve as General Counsel and Charlotte Burrows to serve as a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A clip of the exchange can be found below.   CLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL QUESTION EEOC NOMINEES   ### 4Dec 14 3Dec 14 3Dec 14 19Dec 12 16Nov 12 15Oct 12 3Dec 14 20Nov 14 18Nov 14",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=e717ae31-0ebb-4de4-af25-156cdb010a8a,Senate Republican Conference Elects Leadership for 114th Congress,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Republican conference elected the following leadership team for the 114th Session of Congress: Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) as Senate Republican Leader, John Cornyn (R-Texas) as Senate Republican Whip, John Thune (R-South Dakota) as Senate Republican Conference Chairman, John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) as Senate Republican Policy Chairman, Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) as Senate Republican Vice Conference Chairman, and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) as National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman.   “We’ve assembled a great leadership team that will focus on getting the Senate working again, and passing legislation to help create jobs, improve the economy and continue moving our nation towards energy independence,” said McConnell. “We are eager to work towards bipartisan agreements and to implement real legislative accomplishments.”   “I’m humbled to have been chosen by my colleagues to help lead the new majority in the U.S. Senate, and I pledge that those fundamental Texas values of personal liberty and limited government will continue to be my guide,” said Cornyn. “After years of gridlock and dysfunction in the Senate the work before us is considerable, but Republicans approach this opportunity with determination, with humility, and above all with a firm commitment to address the top priorities of the American people.”   “It’s an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as the Chair of the Republican Conference,” said Thune. “We will continue to speak directly to the American public about our solutions to create jobs, grow the economy, and strengthen the middle class. The new Republican majority is ready to roll up our sleeves and get the Senate back to working for them. With the House Republican majority, we will work to pass policies that lead to more jobs, lower energy costs, and a less intrusive, more efficient government.”   “I am grateful that my colleagues have given me this opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Policy Committee,” said Barrasso. “Our Republican majority of new and returning Senators will bring innovative ideas and fresh solutions to the challenges facing Americans. We will offer reforms that will help our party grow and our nation succeed.  In the New Year, we will have the important responsibility of passing legislation and sending it to President Obama for his approval.  Republicans will be focused on what the American people are focused on.  We will present our ideas, fully debate them and pass bills that make it easier for people to find good jobs, quality healthcare, and affordable energy.  We will also work to strengthen our national security and protect our homeland.  It is our duty to reflect the will of voters and get the policy right.” “I’m honored to be re-elected as the Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference for the 114th Congress,” said Blunt. “It’s been a privilege to serve in this position for the last two years, and I will continue to bring Missourians’ concerns to the leadership table in the new Republican majority,” said Blunt. “I believe we have the tools necessary to ensure the Senate will function again in a more transparent and accountable way for the American people. I urge President Obama and congressional Democrats to work with us to address the real challenges facing the nation, including putting people back to work, boosting American energy, fixing our broken health care system, and strengthening our national security.”   “I am thankful for the confidence and the support of my colleagues,” said Wicker. “I intend to roll up my sleeves immediately to ensure that we have the resources available to preserve our Republican majority. This Senate Republican leadership team is ready to go to bat for the American people, and I am proud to be a part of it.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141115211411/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/whitfield-responds-to-president-s-unfair-emissions-deal-with-china,Whitfield Responds to Presidents Unfair Emissions Deal with China,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. ��� Energy and Commerce Committee leaders today responded to President Obama���s announcement that he had struck a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping to reduce carbon emissions. House Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) stated, ���America's pain is truly China's gain - and if the president has his way, Americans will continue to be at a disadvantage for many years to come. The Chinese are promising to double their emissions while the administration is going around Congress to impose drastic new regulations inhibiting our own growth and competitiveness. Just when we are finally getting back on firmer economic footing, thanks in large part to our game-changing energy boom, a lame-duck president is working to stack the deck against American jobs, wage increases, and affordable energy. Our top priority must be jobs and the economy - plain and simple.��? �� ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=1e788747-14c3-4ec8-995c-013f291119a8,McConnell Reacts to President Obamas New Emissions Reduction Targets,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE, KY– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding the President’s unrealistic new emissions reduction targets: “Our economy can’t take the President’s ideological War on Coal that will increase the squeeze on middle-class families and struggling miners.  This unrealistic plan, that the President would dump on his successor, would ensure higher utility rates and far fewer jobs. The President said his policies were on the ballot, and the American people spoke up against them. It’s time for more listening, and less job-destroying red tape. Easing the burden already created by EPA regulations will continue to be a priority for me in the new Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=6e0015fe-f383-489e-a67e-731a725003b0,Democrats Drop Objection to Keystone Vote,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement on the agreement to hold a Senate vote on construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline: “The American people have elected a new Republican Majority in the Senate and that has already made a difference. I was glad to see that Senate Democrats have finally backed off trying to obstruct construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, the single largest shovel-ready project in America. I hope this post-election conversion on Keystone signals Democrat cooperation on a whole host of other energy bills they have blocked, and whose passage would help to make America more energy-independent.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=e0f2b053-ff31-42d6-8ec6-768a838eb704,Focus Must Be on Essential Tasks in Lame Duck,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate Floor regarding his priorities for the remaining session of Congress: “Last week, the American people sent a strong message to Washington. They voted for a new direction. They called for a change in the way we do things here in the Senate. And they sent a new team to Washington to carry their wishes forward. “We plan to do just that. “But several items remain for the outgoing Congress to consider. “That’s our immediate focus. “In the weeks that remain in this Congress, we should work to accomplish the essential tasks of funding the government and preventing retroactive tax hikes. “We must address the expiring authority passed earlier this session for the Department of Defense to train and equip a moderate, vetted Syrian opposition. “And we must continue to support efforts to address the Ebola crisis. “All of this will require cooperation from both sides of the aisle, from both sides of the Rotunda, and from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. “The actions of the next few weeks could help set a positive tone for the work of the next Congress — it’s a tone that will depend largely on the Administration’s willingness to respect the message sent last Tuesday. “That’s one of the things we discussed at the White House on Friday. It was a productive meeting. There’s a lot both parties can accomplish together over the next couple years. I hope that happens. I’m optimistic. But working together requires trust. “I think President Obama has a duty to help build the trust we all need to move forward together, not to double-down on old ways of doing business. “That’s why I think moving forward with the unilateral action on immigration he’s planned would be a big mistake. “As was last night’s announcement to essentially give China a free pass on emissions while hurting middle-class families and struggling miners here at home. “Last Friday, the President said that the American people would like to see more cooperation in Washington. “He said he thinks all of us have the responsibility, himself in particular, to try and make that happen. “That is the kind of tone the American people are looking for. Now it’s on folks in Washington to calibrate their actions accordingly. “So let’s not do things to hurt the possibility of cooperative partnership. “Let’s step back and focus on what can be accomplished together. “Let’s listen to the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=1c534c46-f9d9-40fa-9470-70c2c958cbda,Honoring Our Veterans,2014-11-11,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Louisville, KY—U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding Veterans Day, November 11: “Today we celebrate Veterans Day and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice on behalf of the common good. From the freedom fighters of the Revolutionary War to today's veterans who fought bravely in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere around the world, America has never lacked for brave men and women who were willing to stand for freedom. Today we give thanks for their service. “Kentucky has a proud and venerable military history as home to both Fort Knox and Fort Campbell, with thousands of soldiers and their families. The Commonwealth also looks with great pride upon the scores of brave National Guard members and Reservists who have given much to defend our nation. And Kentucky is home to more than 330,000 veterans who have served bravely in uniform. They were willing to sacrifice their all for their country, and I’m proud to represent them in the United States Senate. “So this Veterans Day, we recognize the service of every veteran who has served with honor and courage. We extend thanks to every man and woman in uniform. And we especially pay tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-veterans-day1/,Statement on Veterans Day,2014-11-11,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement marking Veterans Day: Every year on Veterans Day, we come together to honor those who have sacrificed for our liberty and our national defense. We pause from our everyday lives and reflect on those sacrifices made here at home and around the world sacrifices that make our prosperity possible and provide us with the security and stability on which to build strong futures. More than two million Americans have seen combat in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it's estimated that one-third of them are battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury. On average, we're losing 22 veterans to suicide every day. And the delayed care at VA medical facilities that made headlines during the past year is absolutely shameful. With more veterans than ever using VA medical facilities, Congress and the administration must investigate fully, make sure those responsible are held accountable, and reassess the federal investment in the agency to ensure all veterans are getting the care they need when they need it. I am encouraged by the commitment of VA Secretary McDonald to reorient the department and hold people accountable for the problems we've seen. After fighting for our nation, no veteran should have to fight for health care. No veteran should have to fight for housing, for job training, for a shot at a decent career. No veteran should have to fight to get a good education or a secure retirement. On behalf of the Third District, on this Veterans Day, I am proud to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice for our nation, and for their dedication to our community.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=news&id=1238,Daily Beast Op-Ed: Obamas ISIS War Is Illegal,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1237,"Sen. Rand Paul Appears on Fox's America's HQ- November 5, 2014",2014-11-05,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141105184802/http://www.paul.senate.gov/?p=video&id=1236,"Sen. Rand Paul Appears on CNN New Day- November 5, 2014",2014-11-05,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Home About Rand About Kentucky Issues Services News Contact Sen. Rand Paul Appears on CNN New Day- November 5, 2014 Nov 5, 2014 28Oct 14 23Oct 14 22Oct 14 19Dec 12 16Nov 12 15Oct 12 5Nov 14 5Nov 14 2Nov 14",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1233,"Sen. Paul Appears on CNN's State of the Union- November 2, 2014",2014-11-02,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1234,"Sen. Rand Paul Appears on CBS's Face the Nation- November 2, 2014",2014-11-02,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1235,"Sen. Paul Appears on NBC's Meet the Press- November 2, 2014",2014-11-02,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/code-louisville-will-expand-training-for-technology-jobs-with-new-29-million-federal-grant/,Code Louisville Will Expand Training for Technology Jobs With New $2.9 Million Federal Grant,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE -- Free training to prepare people for a rising number of computer software coding jobs will be expanded by a new $2.9 million federal grant, Mayor Greg Fischer and Congressman John Yarmuth announced today. The federal Workforce Innovation Fund Grant was awarded by the Department of Labor to KentuckianaWorks to expand the reach of its free software coding training program, Code Louisville, into an additional 12 counties in Kentucky and Southern Indiana using the Treehouse online learning platform. Ryan Carson, founder and CEO of Treehouse, joined Fischer and Yarmuth for the announcement. Earning these federal dollars shows the importance we place on giving our citizens the skills to succeed in higher-tech jobs which in turn attracts more technology and innovation-based companies to our city and region, Fischer said. The expansion of this valuable training also validates the pioneering partnership we created locally to launch Code Louisville. For the past year, Code Louisville has been partnering with the Louisville Free Public Library to use Treehouse, an online video and interactive learning platform, for its training. The Workforce Innovation Grant will allow KentuckianaWorks to expand Code Louisville to people outside of Louisville and offer the free coding education to hundreds of residents in Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties in Kentucky and Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Washington, Harrison and Scott counties in Southern Indiana. The grant also provides for helping graduates of the course find jobs with leading technology companies in the region with the help of career specialists at the Kentucky Career Centers and Work One in Southern Indiana. By 2020, there will be one million more computer programming jobs in the U.S. than workers to fill them, and 10,400 of those jobs will be in the Louisville Metro area the 13-county training region. Currently, the area has more than 1,700 technology job openings. Salaries start at $45,000-$60,000 with no degree necessary. Code Louisville was created to close the skills gap and prepare the region's residents to demonstrate those job-ready skills for these high-paying tech jobs. The goal for Code Louisville is to get a minimum of 850 coders trained and working for local companies over the next three years, Fischer added. When we prepare Louisvillians for the jobs of the future, we ensure our community remains vibrant and our economy continues to grow, Yarmuth said. I'm proud to support strong federal investments in Code Louisville and other job training programs that help our workforce stay ahead of the curve. Code Louisville courses last 12 weeks and cover skills such as front and back-end Web development, and development of software and applications for mobile devices. Students work independently on their own schedule and meet one day a week in the evenings for two hours to review their work, get unstuck and learn from experienced mentors in the tech community. At the end of each course, students have compiled a portfolio of work to show prospective employers at a job fair or interview. Code Louisville is part of Treehouse's national Code-to-Work movement, which will take someone with no computer programming experience, teach them how to code and help them land a job in the tech industry - all without a degree, said Treehouse's Carson. We can help anyone become a successful computer programmer, and in doing so through Code Louisville, we're also helping to establish this 13-county region as a software talent capital and create a more vibrant and diverse technology workforce. People interested in learning more about Code Louisville or enrolling in the next class can go to www.codelouisville.org/candidates/. Local software developers who would like to mentor a Code Louisville class can sign up to help at www.codelouisville.org/mentors/. KentuckianaWorks is Greater Louisville's Workforce Investment Board and an agency of Louisville Metro Government. For more information about its programs, go to www.kentuckianaworks.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=news&id=1232,Breitbart Oped: The Government Can Seize Your Property in Violation of the 5th Amendment,2014-10-28,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4426DA73-D41D-4A25-8745-E9DB3380F4E6,"Rogers Leads Tour of ""Silicon Holler""",2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) served as a tour guide on Wednesday, October 22, as 50 leaders from across southern and eastern Kentucky boarded a tour bus, dubbed by Rogers as the ""Silicon Holler Express."" The tour was designed to help leaders of the SOAR-Shaping Our Appalachian Regionorganizationlearn more about five sophisticated facilities currently utilizing high-speed Internet along I-75 in southern Kentucky.Each company displayedthe types of opportunities that could be created in the rest of the region with the development of the 3,000-mile broadband interstate,announcedby Congressman Rogers and Governor SteveBeshear,that is scheduled to begin in Eastern Kentucky before the end of the yearand will be extended to the rest of the Commonwealth. ""We're already doing high-tech business where high-speedInternet is available, butwithKentucky's new'Super I-way,' we will be able to recruit even more complex businesses, and draw them towhat I like to call Silicon Holler,"" said Rogers, referencing the high-tech jobs in thefamed Silicon Valley. ""The first phase of thebroadband projectis expected to be complete in the next 18 months, so now is the time to plan our work and work our plan."" ""Access to high-speed and high-quality Internet is no longer a luxury;it's a necessity in the 21st century economy. Businesses and schools demand it,"" said Gov. Beshear. ""That's why Congressman Rogers and I announced an ambitious state and federal investment earlier this year to extend critically-needed high-speed broadband Internet access to the furthest reaches of the Commonwealth. This tour shows the region's leaders the opportunities that reliable, accessible and affordable high-speed internet can bring to a community."" The underservedeastern Kentucky region will be the first priority area for the project, which will be supported by $60million in state bonds and $40 million in federal and private sources. ""This project will transform the future of eastern Kentucky.It will change the forefront of jobrecruitment, education, healthcare and tourism,"" said Jared Arnett, SOAR's newly named Founding Executive Director. ""Recruitment for companies seeking this fiber optic infrastructure andlow costs starts right now.Withnew resources allocated through SOAR and the collaboration of people from across all aisles, we are already engineering a new path forward for the people of this region."" First stop:Blackboard, Inc. in the Valley Oak Technology Park in Somerset. Blackboard employs more than 400 people and operates a call center to support college students with financial aid issues. Second stop:Source H.O.V. in the South Rockcastle Industrial Park in Mount Vernon. More than 400 employees are working to digitize Veterans benefits claims by converting and indexing millions of paper documents into electronic formats for loading to the Veterans Benefits Management System. Source H.O.V. has been operating in Mount Vernon for more than 20 years. Third stop:Senture, LLC in London. Senture maintains steady employment of over 400 people in London, with an additional facility in Wayne County that can house up to 500 employees at one time. In addition to call center operations, Senture provides clients with data management and reporting, order processing and literature fulfillment. Fourth stop:Kentucky Consular Center in Williamsburg. The Kentucky Consular Center is a centralized processing center for nonimmigrant visa applications approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, currently handling approximately 420,000 cases annually. Fifth stop:Troll and Toad, LLC in Corbin. In 1994, Jon and Lana Huston began selling collectible hobby games from their home. Thanks to expanded online sales, the company employs 145 people in a 26,000 square feet facility and has been named one of the fastest growing companies by Inc. Magazine. Click here to learn more about the broadband project For more information about SOAR, visithttp://governor.ky.gov/soar/and follow SOAR activities on Facebook@ShapingOurAppalachianRegionand on Twitter@SOAR_EKY. About the SOAR initiative The SOAR initiative was launched by Gov. Beshear and Congressman Rogers in late 2013, after a stunning downturn in the coal market exacerbated historic challenges in eastern Kentucky related to unemployment and poverty.More than 1,700 Kentuckians attended a one-day SOAR summit in Pikeville in December.SOAR is intended to help the region develop and put into action new locally-oriented strategies to attack persistent challenges. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1231,Sen. Paul Gives Foreign Policy Address at Center for the National Interest,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=news&id=1230,Breitbart Op-Ed: Religious Freedom Dying at Altar of Political Correctness,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024000933/http://www.paul.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1229,Dr. Rand Paul Addresses American Academy of Ophthalmology Conference,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dr. Rand Paul today presented a featured ""Views on Healthcare"" lecture during a symposium titled The Affordable Care Act: Present and Future Prospects for Ophthalmology at American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in Chicago, IL.   Dr. Paul has championed ophthalmology priorities such as repeal of the sustainable growth rate, preserving office-use access to compounded drugs, and derailing problematic quality measures for ambulatory surgical centers. Dr. Paul also serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.   The transcript of his remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below.   TRANSCRIPT: Good morning. It really is a pleasure to be here with you all today. It's great to be with normal people for a change. I work in a city where logic is the exception and dysfunction the norm.  DC is so dysfunctional we can't even pass things we agree on. I have a bill that I co-sponsor with Harry Reid and I can't even get a vote on that. When I think of how screwed up DC is, I think of what Groucho Marx said about politics: ""The art of politics is looking for problems everywhere, finding them, misdiagnosing them, and applying the wrong remedies."" Being here in Chicago with fellow physicians is a big improvement over DC any day of the week. I would like to thank the American Academy of Ophthalmology for inviting me here today. It is an honor to address you. People often ask if being a physician affects my view of our nation's problems. Absolutely. I think physicians tend to be problem solvers. Physicians typically analyze a problem and apply the remedy based on the facts, not preconceptions. Today I want to examine our healthcare system and look at ideas for making healthcare less expensive and more accessible. Many years ago when my father first entered politics, he wrote an essay on Kwashiorkor. As you may remember Kwashiorkor is a stage in chronic starvation when protein deficiency becomes so severe that there is not enough intravascular colloid to maintain osmotic balance and fluid leaks into the abdomen creating ascites, the swollen bellies of starvation. As a medical student, my father dreamed of a cure for Kwashiorkor, but the more he read, the more he discovered that the answer was economic, not medical. I traveled to Guatemala this summer with the John Moran Eye Center and had a wonderful experience. Likely, nothing in my career has been more satisfying than seeing the smiles spread as the patches were removed the day after surgery. I'll never forget the Guatemalan man, who'd been blind before his cataract surgery, who fell to his knees to thank God. He told of how his life had been ruined by his blindness: His wife left him, he lost 40 pounds, he lost his job. In his jubilation the day after cataract surgery, he hoped to get his life back. The team was lead by Alan Crandall from the John Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. While we were in Guatemala, Alan gave me a copy of 'Second Suns' --- the story of two remarkable ophthalmologists and their ambitious goal of eliminating preventable blindness worldwide. I read with fascination of the exploits of two great surgeons, Sanduk Ruit and Geoffrey Tabin, and their quest to basically create a process whereby cataracts could be removed and vision restored throughout the developing world. Dr. Ruit introduced the small incision sutureless extracap cataract surgery performed with an IOL in under five minutes. A phenomenal medical accomplishment...but a large part of their success was also an economic breakthrough --- discovering how to manufacture intraocular lenses cheaply and locally in Nepal. I was fascinated to read of Dr. Ruit and the accomplished phaco surgeon, Dr. David Chang, going head to head and Ruit's technique not only competing successfully for speed, but also for outcome. Ruit had discovered how to perform cataract surgery as quickly as we do in America, but at one-tenth of the cost. His surgery gave just as good a result but didn't require phacoemulsification. The medical advance of bringing sight to tens of thousands of the blind people in the developing world was as much an economic miracle as it was a medical breakthrough. In our country we have had a debate over what system best delivers the highest quality of healthcare to the most amount of people, at the least cost, and the least time spent waiting for it. Though the debate over Obamacare may appear, at times, to be a debate over healthcare, it is really a debate over what type of economic system distributes goods the most efficiently. Which really, when you think about it, is extraordinary that the debate is necessary at all. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, most economists have acknowledged that only when the marketplace determines the price of goods and services can the goods and services be distributed efficiently. What does that mean? It means that the Soviet Union failed because when prices are set by a central planner, mistakes inevitably occur. The Soviet Union failed because they couldn't determine the price of bread.  If they set the price too low, bread would fly from the shelves and there would be shortages and scarcity. If they set the prices too high, the bread would rot on the shelves and bread would again be in shortage. Only democratic capitalism, where millions of consumers vote daily, can determine the price of any good. The correct price of good is the price at which the most stuff is distributed to the most people. There is no moral price. There is no correct price that any one individual can discover.   The Nobel Prize winning economist, Frederick Hayek, called this the fatal conceit, that any one individual would be so presumptuous as to believe they had sufficient knowledge to discover a ""correct"" price. Every time a Washington bureaucrat sets a price, the consumer suffers. You might respond that food or healthcare is too precious to let consumers decide its price. If you believe that, realize you cannot escape economic truths. If you insist that healthcare is somehow different from all other goods and services, you will still suffer the consequences of economic fallacy. If you set the price of cataract surgery too low, let's say free, the demand will be infinite and there will be shortages of cataract surgeries and cataract surgeons....and the only way to sort this out is by having the patients wait in line until supply can catch up with demand. Adjusting supply to meet demand is not just a theoretical concept. It is the new normal in societies that reduce the apparent price of medical services to zero. In Canada, over a million people, at any point in time, wait in line for elective surgery. When LASIK first arrived on the scene, I remember hearing of a prominent Canadian eye surgeon who would run through his government allotted number of surgeries by September and then come to the U.S. for the rest of the year and perform refractive surgeries. But proponents of government intervention will argue, ""Vision is too important a goal to be treated as a mere commodity. We could never leave something so precious as vision up to the vagaries of the cold, immutable marketplace."" Yet, look at what happens in the LASIK marketplace and the contact lens marketplace. Prices fall and both LASIK surgery and contact lens are available in abundance. But emotions run high when we talk of healthcare or basic needs such as food. Some argue that healthcare and food and water are too vital to be left up to capitalism. Only the government can distribute them fairly. If you believe that, realize that the laws of economics, like the laws of thermodynamics, are inescapable... there will be consequences. Rationing, either by mandate or by waiting in line, is an inevitable side effect of government distribution of goods. But how would we take care of the poor? Isn't the civilized way to have government be in charge of healthcare and foodcare and the necessities of life? I think there is another option: free up prices. Allow a marketplace of freely fluctuating prices for everyone. The consequences would startle you. The beauty of capitalism is that it distributes the greatest amount of goods at the cheapest price. The economist, Joseph Schumpeter, once remarked, ""The capitalist achievement does not typically consist in providing more silk stockings for queens, but in bringing them within the reach of factory girls in return for steadily decreasing amounts of effort..."" The wonder of Capitalism is not in producing a silk stocking that the Queen can purchase, but in producing silk stockings that even a shop girl can buy. But wouldn't capitalism leave some people behind? Wouldn't some people be left without healthcare? Yes, but instead of destroying a system that works efficiently for the vast majority, why not address the needs of those left behind?   Instead of taking capitalism and pricing out of healthcare, why not let capitalism distribute most of healthcare and then devise ways of taking care of the indigent. When poverty is the exception not the rule, the government and charities could get involved to fix the exception, but not screw up the system for the vast majority. Competition, when allowed to thrive, drives prices down. How would we do this practically? Get government out of the business of setting prices.  End the SGR, the government system that sets fees. It was wrongheaded policy from the beginning. It's been temporarily suspended over dozen times. Let's not temporarily fix SGR, let's abolish it once and for all! Once prices are free to be set by millions of consumers, bidding instantaneously, will we free up choice. For Medicare, we could still allow taxes to pay for the healthcare of senior citizens, but allow seniors the same choices that federal employees get. Federal employees get over 250 different insurance plans to choose from. If you did that, there would be no need for government to fix either physician fees or patient prices. Let consumers decide what kind of insurance they want and where they want to purchase it. It is a crime against nature to give unmarried young adults, insurance that covers pregnancy for the wife they don't have, in vitro fertilization for the kids they are not ready for, and pediatric dental coverage for the kids they don't have. True freedom of choice would let patients buy any type of insurance they want, including inexpensive insurance. Shouldn't every American get to decide whether they'd rather buy expensive insurance or save that money for something they prefer? To allow the marketplace to work in healthcare, we should allow the purchase of insurance with lifelong tax-free savings accounts. Health Savings Accounts started at birth would accumulate such remarkable amounts that health insurance costs would plummet to approach the costs that we associate with term life insurance. For the exceptions to the rule, for those who live in poverty or are afflicted with expensive chronic medical conditions, government and charity can find a cure. As physicians, we think of healthcare as medical problem. Only when we begin to understand that the most vexing medical problems are really economic problems will we be closer to a cure. I think it would be an improvement if politicians acted more like doctors---- and if doctors became more involved in politics. We've been put through the meat grinder in the last few years, and no one in government seems to ask physicians how to improve healthcare. America leads the world in so many medical innovations. I hope we don't lose that edge I hope the medical devices tax doesn't drive American medical companies overseas. Our system wasn't perfect before Obamacare but I fear it's much worse now.  There was nothing inherently wrong with medicine in our country.   The old system before Obamacare was not perfect, but I fear the new system with more government intervention will be worse. We are already reading of newly empowered patients who have subsidized health insurance and a $6,000 deductible. We are in for a rude awakening when we discover that free or subsidized health insurance provides an incentive to seek care but with a $6,000 deductible, many of these new patients will still be non-payers. As we discover the number of non-payers, we will also discover that premiums must rise to cover that cost. Unfortunately, the premiums will be paid by fewer and fewer non-subsidized purchasers of insurance. We can search around for blame, and there is plenty. But the fact is, everyone in this room can help. The voices in this room belong to experts in ophthalmology and leaders in communities across the United States. You should stand up and be heard. Don't let the powers that be ruin medicine.  Become part of the solution.  Help fix the process. Support candidates who understand the problem and offer proper solutions. Support policies that enable doctors and treat patients like consumers, while minimizing government.   If you don't like what you see, be part of the next round of diagnosis and treatment. I plan to be, and I would love to see you all with me. Maybe it's time for a doctor to fix the problem. I hope you'll join me and be part of the solution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/scientists-mountaintop-removal-dust-promotes-lung-cancer/,Scientists: Mountaintop Removal Dust Promotes Lung Cancer,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"For the first time, scientists have shown a direct connection between mountaintop removal coal mining dust and cancer. The team of scientists, mainly from West Virginia University's Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Science, posted the peer-reviewed study Appalachian Mountaintop Mining Particulate Matter Induces Neoplastic Transformation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Promotes Tumor Formation on Oct. 14. The report is accepted for publication in the American Chemical Society's journal Environmental Science & Technology. The report prompted renewed calls for passage of the Appalachian Community Health Emergency (ACHE) Act. Dr. Michael Hendryx, now at Indiana University's School of Public Health and one of the study's authors, said ""This study shows that dust collected from MTR [mountaintop removal] communities promotes lung cancer. Previous studies have shown that people who live in these communities have higher lung cancer rates not due just to smoking, but with this study we now have solid evidence that dust collected from residential areas near MTR sites causes cancerous changes to human lung cells."" We have clear scientific evidence that mountaintop removal coal mining jeopardizes the health of coalfield residents, and today's study is more proof that we can no longer ignore the dangerous impact of this destructive practice, said Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), who introduced the Appalachian Community Health Emergency (ACHE) Act, along with Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-25), this Congress. No one should have to breathe the dirty air or drink the polluted water in mountaintop removal communities, but as long as we allow this public health hazard to continue, we are forcing the residents of Appalachia to do exactly that. ""We've known for a long time that mountain top removal mining has a deleterious impact on human health and this study is yet another heartbreaking reminder,"" Rep. Slaughter said. ""We shouldn't have to wait for more studies or sickened communities before we do something about it - we need to pass the Appalachian Community Health Emergency (ACHE) Act now. I thank Bo Webb at the ACHE Campaign for his tireless work to raise awareness of the negative health impacts of MTR mining and my colleague John Yarmuth for carrying the ACHE Act with me in Congress."" Coal River Mountain Watch board member Lisa Henderson Snodgrass said, This study validates our long-held suspicions, but the fact remains that my mom is still dead. My friends are still dead. The mountains are blown to pieces, the communities have been scattered, and the few of us who have stayed and tried to save what is left are facing death from the polluted air. The only way to fix this, the only justice we can be given, is the passage of the ACHE Act. Snodgrass's mother, Goldman Environmental Prize winner and Coal River Mountain Watch executive director Julia Judy Bonds, died of cancer in 2011. Bo Webb, ACHE campaign coordinator, said, Our politicians cannot ignore or deny this report. Mountaintop removal blasting dust promotes lung cancer. The report supports prudent adoption of prevention strategies and exposure control,' so Congress urgently needs to protect public health by passing the ACHE Act immediately. Short of that, protective respirators should be provided to every man, woman, and child living near mountaintop mining."" Mountaintop removal involves the clear-cutting of mountain forests and then blasting the layers of rock over the coal. Coal companies detonate over five million pounds of explosives, the equivalent of over 4,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles, per day in the region. Used in West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia, the process has eliminated over a million acres of the Appalachian Mountains. Cancer, lung disease, heart disease, birth defects, and other illnesses are alarmingly higher in communities near mountaintop removal sites. The Appalachian Community Health Emergency (ACHE) Act, HR 526, would halt new or enlarged mountaintop removal permits unless and until the federal government completes a definitive health study determining that the process does not harm residents' health. Links: Study abstract: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es504263u Full report (free registration required): http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/es504263u Appalachian Community Health Emergency (ACHE) campaign: http://acheact.org ACHE Act summary and text: http://acheact.org (Bill Summary) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-returns-to-washington-for-hearing-on-ebola-response/,Yarmuth Returns to Washington for Hearing on Ebola Response,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) returned to Washington Thursday morning to take part in a hearing to examine the national public health response to Ebola in the United States. The hearing is scheduled to begin at noon. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will conduct the hearing, which will focus on public health agencies' work to prevent the spread of Ebola in the U.S. In addition, members will seek to gauge the preparedness of health care facilities, ports, points of entry, and other institutions in identifying cases of Ebola and responding with appropriate caution, procedure, and care. Witnesses who will testify before the committee: -Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health -Dr. Luciana Borio, Assistant Commissioner, Counterterrorism Policy, U.S. Food and Drug Administration -Dr. Robin Robinson, Director, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -John P. Wagner, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security -Dr. Daniel Varga, Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Vice President, Texas Health Resources The hearing begins at noon and will be streamed live at CSPAN.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141115211439/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/media-advisory,MEDIA ADVISORY,2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, will attend public events in Hopkinsville and Albany.  Schedule details are listed below.  Friday, October 17, 2014  10:00am-11:00am:  HOPKINSVILLE:  Visit the Hopkinsville YMCA to learn about the Y’s expansion, ministry, and fitness programs. 7805 Eagle Way Bypass, 270-887-5382. 5:00pm-6:30pm:  ALBANY:  Ride in the Foothills Festival Parade   ***MEDIA ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND*** ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141115211500/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ed-whitfield-honored-with-award-for-manufacturing-legislative,Rep. Ed Whitfield Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The award is based on his votes in the 113th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States. “Manufacturers in Kentucky and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Whitfield who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.” Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence can be found here.  -NAM- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.08 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for two-thirds of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1228,Sen. Paul Holds Listening Session in Ferguson,2014-10-10,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a22c3cc9-9228-45d9-b74c-00377a14b8a3,Senator McConnell Announces Nelson Countys Inclusion into National Anti-Drug Program,2014-10-10,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BARDSTOWN, KY – During an event in Bardstown, Kentucky, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced that Nelson County is now included in the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. A HIDTA designation provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug production and trafficking. Earlier this year, Senator McConnell spoke directly with the Acting Drug Czar Michael Botticelli to advocate on behalf of Nelson County’s HIDTA designation.  At the event, Senator McConnell said he believes Nelson County’s HIDTA designation “will be a significant moment in this community’s ongoing fight against those who seek to benefit from the misery wrought by illegal drug use. I want to thank HIDTA Executive Director Frank Rapier for his leadership. I also want to thank our hosts, Chief Rick McCubbin and Sheriff Stephen Campbell. We are glad today to announce that Nelson County has been included in the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or ‘HIDTA’ program.” Photo Courtesy of Fallon Glick of WDRB-TV Senator McConnell’s prepared remarks are below: “I’m pleased to be in Bardstown today to mark what I hope and believe will be a significant moment in this community’s ongoing fight against those who seek to benefit from the misery wrought by illegal drug use. I want to thank HIDTA Executive Director Frank Rapier for his leadership. I also want to thank our hosts, Chief Rick McCubbin and Sheriff Stephen Campbell. “We are glad today to announce that Nelson County has been included in the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or “HIDTA” program. “Far from just another federal government acronym, the HIDTA model is one that works. It couples federal law-enforcement personnel with state and local task forces, and supplies needed training and technology to this fight. That is why when Kentucky cops and prosecutors sought my assistance in getting Nelson County included in the HIDTA program, I was all in. “As each officer in this room can unfortunately attest, Nelson County has seen a significant increase in drug-related crime over the last few years. As is the case in other Appalachia HIDTA counties, methamphetamines, prescription drug abuse, and heroin pose a significant threat to Kentucky law enforcement and those they are sworn to protect. “Nelson County is contiguous to Hardin County, which I was proud to see included into the HIDTA Program in 2012, and is only a few miles from the Commonwealth’s largest municipality, Jefferson County, which is also part of HIDTA. The Bluegrass Parkway which runs through Nelson County connects with I-65 and leads to Lexington where I-75 and I-64 are accessible. These are main travel routes for drugs coming into and out of this community. “Tragically, this iconic county, world famous for the song “My Old Kentucky Home,” has become a haven for drug trafficking. The county saw a dramatic rise in methamphetamine production from just three clandestine laboratories dismantled in 2011 to 29 in 2012. The threat continues to be high. “That threat is exemplified by the tragic May 2013 assassination of Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis. Officer Ellis was killed when he was en route home from his shift, in uniform and driving a marked vehicle. It is believed he was ambushed by someone who deliberately placed debris in the roadway, causing Officer Ellis to stop and exit his vehicle. “As Officer Ellis removed the debris, the killer or killers opened fire from a nearby hilltop, shooting him multiple times and killing him instantly. The crime remains unsolved, but case investigators believe his assassination was retaliation from drug traffickers against him or the police department as a whole. Officer Ellis was one of the department’s top officers when it came to drug arrests. “I know that Kentucky law enforcement will not rest until this murder of their brother officer is brought to justice. “At the same time that drugs are ravaging this region, we face an unprecedented debt and spending challenge in Washington. Across the full spectrum of government, we must be prepared to do more with less. That is why I have invested so much time working with the nation’s drug czar, Michael Botticelli, just as I did with his predecessor. “A few years ago, the former Drug Czar accepted my invitation to visit Kentucky and see firsthand the scope of our problem, and to explore how best to leverage every federal dollar we spend to maximize our impact. This effort is what eventually led to Hardin County being included in the HIDTA program, and now Nelson, and Madison far to our east. “Drugs are no respecter of borders or county lines. Given the force multiplier effect that inclusion in HIDTA will bring to Kentucky law enforcement and those they serve and protect, my hope is the decision we’re celebrating today will have positive ripple effects not only throughout the county but across the Commonwealth. “Out of respect for Officer Ellis’s legacy and to protect families across this county, we must do all we can to combat the scourge of illicit drug use. The lives of our fellow Kentuckians and the future of our neighborhoods and communities are at stake. “Today with the inclusion of Nelson County in the Appalachia HIDTA program, I believe we are making a positive difference. Thank you.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=be353706-c360-4fd8-a856-4d77ffd2d276,Senator McConnell Announces Madison Countys Inclusion into National Anti-Drug Program,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Richmond, KY – During an event in Richmond, Kentucky, U. S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced that Madison County is now included in the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. A HIDTA designation provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug production and trafficking. Earlier this year, Senator McConnell spoke directly with the Acting Drug Czar Michael Botticelli to advocate on behalf of Madison County’s HIDTA designation.  At the event, Senator McConnell said he believes Madison County’s HIDTA designation “will be a significant moment in this community’s ongoing fight against those who seek to benefit from the misery wrought by illegal drug use.” Senator McConnell’s prepared remarks are below: “I’m pleased to be in Richmond today to mark what I hope and believe will be a significant moment in this community’s ongoing fight against those who seek to benefit from the misery wrought by illegal drug use. I want to thank HIDTA Executive Director Frank Rapier for his leadership. I also want to thank our host, Sheriff Mike Coyle. “We are glad today to announce that Madison County has been included in the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or “HIDTA” program. “Far from just another federal government acronym, the HIDTA model is one that works. It couples federal law-enforcement personnel with state and local task forces, and supplies needed training and technology to this fight. That is why when Kentucky cops and prosecutors sought my assistance in getting Madison County included in the HIDTA program, I was all in. “As each officer in this room can unfortunately attest, Madison County has seen a significant increase in drug-related crime over the last few years. As is the case in other Appalachia HIDTA counties, methamphetamines, prescription drug abuse, and heroin pose a significant threat to Kentucky law enforcement and those they are sworn to protect. “Madison County is only a few miles from Lexington in Fayette County, the Commonwealth’s second-largest city and a central location for the drug trade. Fayette County connects with I-75 and I-64. These are main travel routes for drugs coming into and out of the community. “Tragically, this wonderful and vibrant community has therefore become a haven for drug trafficking. The county saw a dramatic rise in methamphetamine production, with a reported 540 percent increase in meth labs from 2010 to 2012. The threat continues to be high. “The violent crime rate in Madison County is more than triple the state average and close to double the national average. Property crimes have increased. Prescription drug importation and distribution have reached a level never before experienced within this region. “In September of 2013, a heroin overdose led to the death of an Eastern Kentucky University student. Unfortunately, this is far from the only overdose death in the area. More shockingly, in March of 2014, the director of a day care center was arrested on heroin trafficking charges. Let me repeat that: this March, the director of a day care center was arrested on heroin trafficking charges. “At the same time that drugs are ravaging this region, we face an unprecedented debt and spending challenge in Washington. Across the full spectrum of government, we must be prepared to do more with less. That is why I have invested so much time working with the nation’s drug czar, Michael Botticelli, just as I did with his predecessor. “A few years ago, the former Drug Czar accepted my invitation to visit Kentucky and see firsthand the scope of our problem, and to explore how best to leverage every federal dollar we spend to maximize our impact. This effort is what eventually led to Madison County being included in the HIDTA program, as well as Nelson County far to the west. “Drugs are no respecter of borders or county lines. Given the force multiplier effect that inclusion in HIDTA will bring to Kentucky law enforcement and those they serve and protect, my hope is the decision we’re celebrating today will have positive ripple effects not only throughout the county but across the Commonwealth. “To protect families across this county, we must do all we can to combat the scourge of illicit drug use. The lives of our fellow Kentuckians and the future of our neighborhoods and communities are at stake. “Today with the inclusion of Madison County in the Appalachia HIDTA program, I believe we are making a positive difference. Thank you.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paul.senate.gov?p=video&id=1227,"Sen. Paul Appears on Fox's Sean Hannity Show- October 6, 2014",2014-10-07,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Services for Kentucky It is an absolute honor to represent the people of Kentucky in the United States Senate. One of my responsibilities is to assist individuals with federal agencies. As a resident of Kentucky, you may contact my State Office in Bowling Green at (270) 782-8303 to receive help with any federal government agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-announces-major-federal-investments-to-prevent-substance-use-among-atrisk-youth/,Yarmuth Announces Major Federal Investments to Prevent Substance Use Among At-Risk Youth,2014-10-07,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE On Tuesday, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced $1.25 million in federal funding for two Louisville coalitions working to reduce and prevent substance use among youth. The announcement made at Family and Children's Place in Louisville comes in conjunction with National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, which began October 1. The grants, provided through the federal Drug-Free Communities Support Program, were awarded to the 7th Street Corridor PAL Coalition and the Louisville Alliance for Youth. Each organization will receive $625,000 over the next five years for prevention efforts. According to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, 90 percent of adults who have addiction problems began using before the age of 18, suggesting that addiction is a disease with its roots in adolescence. We have the opportunity to stop the addiction cycle before it starts and help create healthier futures for young Louisvillians and their families, Yarmuth said. I'm proud to support these community coalitions leading the way in preventing substance use among some of our most at-risk youth populations. For the past five years, the Louisville Alliance for Youth has worked with the South Jefferson Neighborhood Place Community Council to reduce and prevent youth use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs in Fairdale and Valley Station. The organization's outreach and prevention efforts include back-to-school events, prescription-drug throwaways, alcohol and tobacco compliance checks in nearby stores, and informational town hall meetings for parents. This funding is one of the few remaining supports for youth substance abuse prevention, and we are grateful to CongressmanYarmuth for his help in securing resources at a time when they are so limited, saidDodie Huff-Fletcher, Project Director for the Drug-Free Communities Grant with the Louisville Alliance for Youth, and Prevention Specialist at Seven Counties Services, Inc.These funds are critical to help reduce and prevent youth use of alcohol and other drugs. Patricia Cummings, Co-Chair of the Alliance for Youth, said, These funds will be used to meet the two goals of the Drug-Free Communities grant supporting the community collaboration with the use of environmental strategies, and reducing and preventing youth use of alcohol and drugs. The 7th Street Corridor PAL Coalition serves the Park Hill, Algonquin, and Old Louisville neighborhoods. The organization, housed and partnered with Family and Children's Place, engages youth in prevention efforts and works to bridge the gaps between community, school, and home life. The coalition uses a strengths-based and community-based approach to prevention, responsive to community needs and directly involving community members in developing and implementing prevention activities. Youth play a major role in coalition work and are given leadership positions in coalition programs and activities. The goal is to create environments where the kids want to stay engaged with healthy activities and where they can learn something about themselves that they might not normally learn, or be encouraged to learn about themselves in their homes and community,said Tomy Molloy, Coalition Coordinator for the 7th Street Corridor PAL Coalition. This grant gives us the opportunity to collaborate in the community by creating prosocial activities among youth, said Nancy Carrington, Program Director for the 7th Street Corridor PAL Coalition. These introduce creativity to the youthful brain and stimulate thought processes that produce positive change. According to the JCPS Safe and Drug-Free Schools report, usage of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana has declined among PAL students during the past two years. The Drug-Free Communities Program was created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, and reauthorized by Congress in 2001 and 2006. The DFC Support Program is a matchingfederal grant that uses government investment to leverage local support, with communities providing at least a one-to-one match of federal funds. The program mobilizes nearly 9,000 community coalition members throughout the U.S.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barr.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barr-honored-with-award-for-manufacturing-legislative-excellence,Barr Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     CONTACT: Jamie Hennigan (202) 637-3090   Barr Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Nation’s Largest Industrial Trade Association Names Barr “Champion of Manufacturing”   Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded Congressman Andy Barr (KY-6) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The award is based on his votes in the 113th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States. “Manufacturers in Kentucky and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Congressman Barr who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.” “I am honored to receive the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence for my work to promote Kentucky’s signature manufacturing industry and support for policies that promote a healthy economy and spur job creation,” said Congressman Barr. “I will continue fighting to rein in Washington’s ability to impose burdensome taxes and regulations that would increase the cost of doing business for job-creating manufacturers.” Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence can be found here. -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.08 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for two-thirds of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D59D2C27-5B94-4E88-BCD1-80DBD8D4445D,SOAR Names Southeast Kentucky Business Leader as Founding Executive Director,2014-10-03,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Media Center Press Releases The Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) executive board today announced the hiring of Jared Arnett, of Harold, as the regional initiative's founding executive director. Arnett, the CEO of the Southeast Kentucky (SEKY) Chamber of Commerce, has been involved with the SOAR initiative since its start last December and currently serves as the chair of the business incubation working group. He will begin the new position Nov. 1. SOAR co-chairs Gov. Steve Beshear and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers cited Arnett's passion for the future of eastern Kentucky, energy, vision and entrepreneurial business skills as key factors in his hire. I'm proud to say that SOAR's founding leader is first and foremost an eastern Kentuckian who knows firsthand the greatest needs and challenges of our region, said Congressman Rogers. Jared's experience exemplifies our mission at SOAR through his work to promote regionalism, job creation and strategic planning for the future. I have great confidence in his ability to take this organization to the next level and I encourage leaders across the region to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him as we work collectively for a better eastern Kentucky. Jared Arnett has been a believer in SOAR since it started last year, and his enthusiasm for the potential of eastern Kentucky is infectious, said Gov. Beshear. He's a relentless innovator, he's well-connected to the people and institutions of eastern Kentucky, and he is deeply committed to advancing this region. He's the right person to carry the SOAR initiative forward. Arnett has deep ties to Appalachia, especially to the entrepreneur and business communities. He helped transition the Pike County Chamber of Commerce into the regional Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in 2011, and was later named CEO. Since then, the chamber has grown to include more than 500 regional businesses with a 40 percent increase in budget. I am humbled to be selected for this historic position, Arnett said.I have tremendous respect for Gov. Beshear and Congressman Rogers for their continued commitment to implement a change in trajectory for Kentucky's Appalachian region. I have spent much of my professional career to this end, and I am excited to continue that mission.I believe the best way to predict the future is to create it, and that is the essence of SOAR. I am honored to serve the executive board and to continue to build the region's capacity for job creation. A native of Salyersville, Arnett has spent his professional career in Pikeville. He earned a bachelor's degree and an MBA from Morehead State University. House Speaker Greg Stumbo, of Prestonsburg, said, The SOAR initiative has come a long way in a short period of time, and this hire represents the next major step in that process. I'm pleased to see Jared take on this responsibility and know he will do an outstanding job as we all work toward helping the region take full advantage of our ideas and resources. I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead. SOAR has already brought together numerous resources and people, crossing county lines and putting aside differences to work for common goals the economic survival and renewed growth of eastern Kentucky, said Senate President Robert Stivers, of Manchester. Hiring the executive director is a commitment that the momentum achieved so far continues forward, and ensures the mission of SOAR remains focused. The Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI), which has served as the interim administrative body for SOAR over the last year, will continue to support SOAR in a consulting role. RUPRI has been humbled and honored to play a small role in the development of SOAR, which now stands as one of our nation's most innovative regional rural governance models, said Chuck Fluharty, president and CEO of RUPRI, who has served as interim executive director. SOAR must achieve results in a collective impact' framework, and Jared is an absolutely perfect selection to lead this region and its people in this approach. Jared's leadership is already evidenced in his career achievements, which reflect his unique vision, collaborative approach, inclusive decision making, and understanding that lifting all sectors and all people is essential to fully achieving the region's potential. He is also a servant leader, which must be evident if this region is to achieve the amazing impact it is poised to deliver. Jared will be an outstanding leader for the SOAR initiative because it suits his strengths and interests in supporting eastern Kentucky, said John Blackburn, chair of the SEKY Chamber. I'm happy for the opportunity Jared has been given, but we will miss the leadership he has provided during some stormy times in the past two years. Arnett will be responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of strategic, operational and financial goals through strong management, leadership and communication with the wide array of citizens and stakeholders engaged in the mission to improve the economy and quality of life for the future of the region. He will develop and implement the SOAR Program of Work, as described in the Jan. 13, 2014, Final Report to the Region. The director reports to the SOAR executive board. Arnett will work with the executive board to host a follow-up SOAR Summit in early 2015. Last December's summit brought 1,700 people to Pikeville to discuss their vision for the region. Since that time, more than 2,500 citizens have been involved in providing detailed input for how to make positive changes in education and retraining, tourism, economic development, broadband, health, agriculture, regional collaboration, infrastructure and youth engagement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141115211523/http://whitfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/russell-county-named-county-of-the-month-for-october,Russell County Named County of the Month for October,2014-10-02,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Edward Whitfield,W000413,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, is pleased to announce Russell County as October’s County of the Month.  All this month, visitors in Whitfield’s Washington D.C. office will enjoy a collection of items from Russell County including postcards, brochures, and other lake-themed handouts.  “Guests instantly notice our County of the Month displays and frequently share their experiences from these areas,” Whitfield said.  “I appreciate the help from the local organizations in helping showcase these unique counties and am always delighted to  have a bit of ‘home’ in my Washington D.C. office.” The County of the Month program is an ongoing collaboration between Congressman Whitfield’s Washington D.C. office and local chamber of commerce organizations and tourism offices.    For more information on Russell County, visit http://www.lakecumberlandvacation.com/ Pictured above: The Russell County display in Congressman Whitfield’s Washington D.C. office   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1457,"Guthrie Receives ""Friend of Farm Bureau"" Award",2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) recently received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of Farm Bureau” award. “Agriculture is a key industry in our Commonwealth and plays a major role in our local economy,” said Congressman Guthrie. “It truly is an honor to receive this award from the American Farm Bureau Federation.” ""Congressman Brett Guthrie's 2014 ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ Award was earned, not given,” said Mark Haney, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau. “The American Farm Bureau Federation presents this honor to Members of Congress who are accessible and responsive to volunteer leaders, listen to and vote in favor our organization’s priority issues, and keep agricultural and rural communities in mind when proposing and supporting legislation in Washington.” According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, “this award is given to individuals who have supported Farm Bureau issues, as demonstrated by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureau and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation. The voting records were based on issues selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z