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://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-statement-lapse-appropriations-funding-department-homeland,Hartzler Statement on Lapse of Appropriations Funding for Department of Homeland Security and other Federal Agencies,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) made the following statement regarding the lapse of appropriations funding for the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies:
On December 20th I voted for a continuing resolution to fund the entire government through February 7th, 2019. This measure added much needed border security funding for the Department of Homeland Security while also funding other select federal agencies. Unfortunately, the Senate did not reach the required sixty votes necessary to approve this measure, putting some government operations on hold until funding is approved.
I encourage Democrats in the Senate and in the House to support legislation that funds our government and prioritizes our security by increasing funding to protect our border, stop the flow of deadly drugs into our communities, and curb the stem of illegal immigration into our country. I stand by, ready to support such a measure and to urge them to come alongside us to protect our communities.

-30

For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399157,Blaines Bulletin: The True Meaning of Christmas,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"From last minute Christmas shopping, to decorating the tree, to putting the finishing touches on our Christmas menus, December is often the busiest time of year for families in Missouri and across the nation. With a bustling house full of grandkids and increasing pressure to have beautiful gifts under the Christmas tree, I always urge my family to take a step back and appreciate the true meaning of the Christmas season.
Getting wrapped up in the expectations and pressures of Christmas can be overwhelming, but Christmas is truly a season of gratitude and giving. This year, I am grateful for a new addition to my family, a grandson, and for the opportunity to serve the great people of Missouri's third district for another term. I am grateful for my congressional Colleagues who have been fighting to keep our economy on track and ensure every American has the opportunity to achieve their American Dream.  

The excitement and hopefulness of children at this time of year is infectious. The look of pure joy on Christmas morning makes you forget about the late-night shopping trips or the stress of finding the perfect present, but we cannot forget to instill in our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Christmas. The holiday is not about the newest or most expensive gift, but about giving. Giving back to our family, giving back to our friends, and giving back to our communities.  

Even the smallest acts of kindness can mean so much to those around you. Missourians understand the spirit of the season, and I am always amazed by the generosity of those in our communities who are quick to step up to the plate. The holiday season is an opportunity for each and every one of us to reach out to our friends, neighbors and loved ones in the spirit of love, charity and hope.  

As a busy year comes to a close, I hope each of you gets the opportunity to rest and unwind with those you love the most. In the spirit gratitude and giving, please keep our brave armed forces in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. While many of us focus on the trivialities of the season, military families across the nation will spend the day without their loved ones who have made unbelievable sacrifices. Their selflessness and love of country serve as the purest embodiment of the Christmas spirit and set a shining example for all Americans to follow.  

I wish you all a safe, happy, and blessed holiday, Merry Christmas!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399162,"Luetkemeyer Cites Bipartisan Concerns, Introduces Legislation to Block CECL",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, has been at the forefront of the conversation surrounding the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) standard. Several months ago, Chairman Luetkemeyer co-hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the House Financial Services Committee, regulators and stakeholders to discuss possible implications for our economy. Just last week, Chairman Luetkemeyer held a hearing, bringing together a panel of expert witnesses to discuss concerns.
Today, Chairman Luetkemeyer has sent letters to FASB Chairman Russell Golden and SEC Chairman Jay Clayton urging them to reconsider the CECL rule. Additionally, Chairman Luetkemeyer has introduced legislation prohibiting federal financial regulators from requiring compliance with CECL:
CECL is the most significant accounting change to the banking industry in decades and frankly, a solution in search of a problem. I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have expressed strong concerns over the broad economic impacts of this rule, said Chairman Luetkemeyer. My legislation will ensure that financial institutions are not required to comply with CECL in its current form. Ultimately, we need a rule and enforcement mechanism that reflects the realities of banking, and I look forward to working with FASB, financial regulators and stakeholders to make that a reality. 
For the full text of Congressman Luetkemeyer's legislation please click here.
Letter from Chairman Luetkemeyer to FASB Chairman Russell Golden
Letter from Chairman Luetkemeyer to SEC Chairman Jay Clayton
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-supports-common-sense-prison-reform-measures,Hartzler Supports Common Sense Prison Reform Measures,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) supported S. 756, the First Step Act of 2018, which reduces mandatory minimum prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenders and expands programs to curb recidivism. Congress has finally acted to reform our justice system to reduce recidivism and give certain non-violent prisoners a second chance when they reenter society, Hartzler said. We still have work to do, but this bill takes a step in the right direction by remaining tough on crime while reworking our justice system. Hartzler added that the First Step Act would also reduce federal mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders and allow courts to impose a shorter sentence than required by a mandatory minimum if specific conditions are met. Additionally, the bill would authorize $75 million annually from FY2019 - FY2023 for programs that work to reduce prisoners' likelihood to reenter prison and allow certain federal prisoners to earn credits to serve their remaining sentences on home confinement (or a similar arrangement). Lastly, this legislation includes human rights protections like prohibiting the use of restraints on pregnant prisoners and limiting the use of solitary confinement on juveniles. The bill has wide bipartisan support, passed in the Senate and was endorsed by the Trump Administration. The bill is also supported by the Heritage Foundation, which said, The First Step Act starts by using a validated risk-and-needs assessment of every federal inmate to identify who poses a low, medium, and high risk of committing crime again when they are eventually released. The legislation would incentivize each inmate to participate in evidence-based and data-driven programming to target behavioral changes... in order to prevent crime farther down the line.'  
	
The First Step Act was signed into law by the President Friday afternoon.


-30

For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-supports-continuing-resolution,Hartzler Supports Continuing Resolution,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) made the following statement after voting yes on a continuing resolution to keep the government open while providing increased funding for border security:

In October of this year I traveled to the U.S - Mexico border to see firsthand the challenges facing our customs officials and Border Patrol agents working on the front lines. This fact-finding mission was the result of my work in Missouri dealing with the drug crisis that is decimating our communities and devastating families across our state. A primary source of these drugs is the U.S. - Mexico border, where illegal narcotics flow into America through highly manned and well-organized Mexican drug cartels. I cannot think of a more direct way to state this than to simply say that these cartels are killing our children. By not increasing security at the border, Congress is allowing this to happen.

The Continuing Resolution I voted for includes the President's request for border funding to address this problem. Instead of kicking the can down the road by continuing to inadequately fund homeland security, this legislation prioritizes our security by increasing funding to protect our border agents and stop the flow of deadly drugs into our communities.

The problems on our border are deadly and they are not going away  they are getting worse. From the flow of illegal drugs and the trafficking of women and children to the issues that stem from illegal immigration, it is apparent that inaction is threatening our way of life.

American families deserve better. I urge the Senate to pass this resolution to protect our families and communities.

-30

For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/elie-wiesel-genocide-and-atrocities-prevention-act-heads-president,"Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act Heads to President for Signature after Final House, Senate Passage",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-2), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY-14), and Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, lauded final passage Wednesday of bipartisan legislation that will strengthen America's global leadership in preventing mitigating and responding to genocides and human rights atrocities wherever they may occur. The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Trump.

The Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act, which was approved by the House today and by the Senate last week by unanimous consent, originally passed the House as H.R. 3030 on July 17, 2018 in a vote of 406-5 with 117 cosponsors. There were 34 Senate cosponsors. It is named in honor of the late Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, author, Nobel Laureate and inspiring spokesperson for humanity.

""We are haunted by repeated failures and missed opportunities to end global tragedies before they begin,"" said Rep. Wagner. ""There is more the United States can and must do to help vulnerable communities and persecuted people around the world. Good intentions and platitudes like ""Never Again"" have not prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians at the hands of the Assad regime, the genocide of Rohingya in Burma, or the brutalities against Muslim Bosniaks, many of whom fled to St. Louis from their childhood homes. I am proud that the Elie Wiesel Act is directing attention toward prevention so that we are better equipped to act before violence begins. Let me be clear: genocide IS preventable.""

""Eliminating genocide and similar atrocities throughout the world is a core moral and national security responsibility the United States government must constantly pursue,"" said Rep. Crowley. ""The Elie Wiesel Act will serve as an important tool in that effort by helping the U.S. identify the signs of potential genocide and work to end the violence. I'm grateful for the work of Rep. Ann Wagner and our Senate colleagues to ensure this legislation passed in the 115th Congress.""

""America's strength around the world is rooted in our values. It is in our national interest to ensure that the United States utilizes the full arsenal of diplomatic, economic, and legal tools to take meaningful action before atrocities occur,"" said Senator Cardin. ""Tragically, these atrocities are happening today; we simply cannot wait to act. The bipartisan Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act will help ensure that United States can do a better job of responding earlier and more effectively to these heinous crimes.""

""America's moral principles and national security interests require us to take proactive steps to prevent acts of genocide and other mass atrocities, and this legislation will help support that important objective,"" said Senator Young. ""The phrase ‘Never Again' must be more than just a phrase. I was proud to work with Senator Cardin on this important legislation, and I look forward to it being signed into law.""

The full bill text is at this link. The legislation:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/elie-wiesel-genocide-and-atrocities-prevention-act-heads-to-president,"Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act Heads to President for Signature after Final House, Senate Passage",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-2), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY-14), and Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, lauded final passage Wednesday of bipartisan legislation that will strengthen America's global leadership in preventing mitigating and responding to genocides and human rights atrocities wherever they may occur. The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Trump.
The Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act,which was approved by the House today and by the Senate last week by unanimous consent, originally passed the House as H.R. 3030 on July 17, 2018 in a vote of 406-5 with 117 cosponsors. There were 34 Senate cosponsors. It is named in honor of the late Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, author, Nobel Laureate and inspiring spokesperson for humanity.
We are haunted by repeated failures and missed opportunities to end global tragedies before they begin, said Rep. Wagner. There is more the United States can and must do to help vulnerable communities and persecuted people around the world. Good intentions and platitudes like Never Again have not prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians at the hands of the Assad regime, the genocide of Rohingya in Burma, or the brutalities against Muslim Bosniaks, many of whom fled to St. Louis from their childhood homes. I am proud that the Elie Wiesel Act is directing attention toward prevention so that we are better equipped to act before violence begins. Let me be clear: genocide IS preventable.
Eliminating genocide and similar atrocities throughout the world is a core moral and national security responsibility the United States government must constantly pursue, said Rep. Crowley. The Elie Wiesel Act will serve as an important tool in that effort by helping the U.S. identify the signs of potential genocide and work to end the violence. I'm grateful for the work of Rep. Ann Wagner and our Senate colleagues to ensure this legislation passed in the 115th Congress.
America's strength around the world is rooted in our values. It is in our national interest to ensure that the United States utilizes the full arsenal of diplomatic, economic, and legal tools to take meaningful action before atrocities occur, said Senator Cardin. Tragically, these atrocities are happening today; we simply cannot wait to act. The bipartisan Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act will help ensure that United States can do a better job of responding earlier and more effectively to these heinous crimes.
America's moral principles and national security interests require us to take proactive steps to prevent acts of genocide and other mass atrocities, and this legislation will help support that important objective, said Senator Young. The phrase Never Again' must be more than just a phrase. I was proud to work with Senator Cardin on this important legislation, and I look forward to it being signed into law.
The full bill text isat this link. The legislation:
 Affirms the importance of strengthening U.S. efforts around mass atrocities through interagency tools like the Atrocities Prevention Board (APB);
	States that preventing genocide and mass atrocities are core U.S. national interests and calls on the Administration to pursue a government-wide strategy to: strengthen U.S. diplomatic, risk analysis/monitoring, early warning, and response capacities around atrocity crimes; improve the use of U.S. foreign assistance to address the root causes of violent conflict; strengthen support to transitional justice mechanisms and local civil society groups in countries at risk of or experiencing mass atrocities; prioritize preventative diplomacy through unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral mechanisms;
	Requires specialized training for Foreign Service Officers who will be deployed to a country experiencing or at risk of mass atrocities; and
	Mandates annual reporting to Congress of Administration efforts to prevent and respond to mass atrocities and an assessment of countries and regions at risk of such violence.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399156,Luetkemeyer Introduces the Guidance Clarity Act,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Guidance and rulemaking have important, but distinct, roles at agencies across the federal government. Regrettably, over the last few years there has been a hazy distinction between guidance and rule. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced the Guidance Clarity Act and released the following statement: 
Across the federal bureaucracy, the application of guidance has been abused through so-called regulation by enforcement.' Our government prides itself on a transparent system of checks and balances, yet many agencies have used guidance in lieu of following the established rulemaking process to regulate industries. My bill will address the vast uncertainty surrounding the unique role of guidance in all federal agencies, ensuring small businesses and other regulated entities fully understand the rules they are subject to. 
Background: Guidance documents are intended to clarify an agency's policy or interpretation of a regulation but do not carry the weight of finalized rule or law. The official rulemaking process includes numerous steps that must be taken before final enactment. These steps can include public notice and comment, submission to Congress pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, and additional provisions to ensure the input of all stakeholders is included in the formation of a rule. Guidance documents skip over many of these checks and balances and can be published without review or comment.
The Guidance Clarity Act will require all federal agencies to include a guidance clarity statement that states the guidance is not issued in accordance with the rule-making process and therefore is not legally binding.
For the full text of the Guidance Clarity Act please click here.  

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-opposes-president-trump-s-announcement-of-new,Congressman Cleaver Opposes President Trumps Announcement of New Restrictions on SNAP,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C. ) - Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II opposes President Trump's proposal to change key components of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides assistance to families to help put food on the table. The Administration is now proposing to implement, through executive action, additional work requirements for some applicants and restrictions to SNAP.
House Republican leaders sought to secure these same changes to SNAP as part of the farm bill. But it didn't work. Congress just passed a revised farm bill without these damaging provisions to SNAP. Now the President wants to ignore the law passed by Congress and implement these restrictions with the swipe of a pen, said Congressman Cleaver.
SNAP is the nation's nutrition assistance safety net, providing billions of dollars in food benefits to people across the country.
In Missouri, in 2016, SNAP reached a little over 800,000 residents--more than 10% of the population, according to the USDA profile.
Those affected would be SNAP participants ages 18 through 49 who are not raising minor children in their homes. The people, whom the rule change would affect, are among the poorest of the poor, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data show. Only 18 percent of SNAP recipients had gross income above the poverty line, while 40 percent had income at or below half the poverty line, according to the USDA.
A longstanding, harsh provision of SNAP law already limits these 18-through-49-year-olds to just three months of SNAP benefits (in months that they're not employed at least 20 hours a week) out of every three years. If you can't find a 20-hour-a-week job, you're cut off SNAP.
Participation in a work or training program counts toward fulfilling this requirement, but states aren't required to provide work or training slots to these individuals  and most states don't. In addition, searching for a job does not count toward meeting the requirement.
The proposed changes also would restrict a critical provision that lets states seek waivers of this three-month cut-off in areas where jobs are scarce. From the provision's enactment in 1996 until now, Democratic and Republican administrations alike have operated under a common set of rules in considering and granting waivers from the three-month cut-off. Now, the Trump Administration is seeking to severely restrict the ability of states to apply for a waiver  an alternative that's certain to increase hunger and destitution.
Most working-age adults on SNAP who can work, already do so. Unfortunately, low-paying jobs with unreliable hours and little to no benefits are all too common.We should be doing more to help these families, not throw them to the wind. These provisions will force people out of a program that was put in place to help them when they need a helping hand, said Congressman Cleaver.
The President should be trying to help with policies such as better job training and employment programs and a higher minimum wage instead of denying people, who are already struggling, basic food and nutritional needs, said Congressman Cleaver.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/great-news-for-north-missouri-farmers,Great News for North Missouri Farmers,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
Farmers and rural landowners in North Missouri received several pieces of good news last week.
President Trump's EPA announced that the disastrous Waters of the United States rule, or WOTUS, is no more and a new Clean Water Rule will replace it.
With WOTUS, the Obama administration rewrote standing law to extend its authority onto farms and private property. It represented everything people distrust and resent about the federal government because it added more red tape for farmers and property owners who were simply trying to manage their land and make an honest living.
As a sixth-generation farmer, I found this to be a blatant abuse of our private property rights and I was disgusted that farmers and small businesses were forced to comply with overcomplicated regulations put in place by unelected bureaucrats.
I had the privilege of joining President Trump's EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler, to announce that the new definition of what constitutes Waters of the United States is far clearer.
Most importantly, dry creek beds, most ditches and other bodies of water that only occur when it rains have been excluded from federal regulation. The new rule will also enable private property owners to avoid spending thousands of dollars on engineers to find out if they need a federal permit for a project on their land.
While reducing onerous regulations will greatly benefit farmers, a piece of legislation that they depend on is finally finished. The Farm Bill has finally been completed, providing farmers the certainty they need to feed the world. This long-term bill preserves crop insurance, which was my number one priority, and makes improvements to commodity support programs, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). It also includes important changes to conservation programs that farmers use to maintain their land.
The Farm Bill doesn't just help farmers; it helps everyone in our rural communities. Whether it's hospitals, water systems or schools, the Farm Bill includes programs to help build critical rural infrastructure projects including connecting rural Missourians with the broadband speed and access they need. The days of no internet availability or average internet speeds being acceptable are over. Everything we do today, from the farm fields to the classroom, requires fast, functioning broadband internet. This bill makes grants and loans available to build out broadband infrastructure to the rural areas and requires those utilizing them to maintain 21st century internet speeds.
It was a very beneficial week for rural America. I'm pleased that our farmers have been given more certainty when it comes to both farm programs and regulations. Hopefully, this will provide some peace of mind as they continue to feed the world.
Sincerely,    
	Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/great-news-north-missouri-farmers,Great News for North Missouri Farmers,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
Farmers and rural landowners in North Missouri received several pieces of good news last week.
President Trump's EPA announced that the disastrous Waters of the United States rule, or WOTUS, is no more and a new Clean Water Rule will replace it.
With WOTUS, the Obama administration rewrote standing law to extend its authority onto farms and private property. It represented everything people distrust and resent about the federal government because it added more red tape for farmers and property owners who were simply trying to manage their land and make an honest living.
As a sixth-generation farmer, I found this to be a blatant abuse of our private property rights and I was disgusted that farmers and small businesses were forced to comply with overcomplicated regulations put in place by unelected bureaucrats.
I had the privilege of joining President Trump's EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler, to announce that the new definition of what constitutes Waters of the United States is far clearer.
Most importantly, dry creek beds, most ditches and other bodies of water that only occur when it rains have been excluded from federal regulation. The new rule will also enable private property owners to avoid spending thousands of dollars on engineers to find out if they need a federal permit for a project on their land.
While reducing onerous regulations will greatly benefit farmers, a piece of legislation that they depend on is finally finished. The Farm Bill has finally been completed, providing farmers the certainty they need to feed the world. This long-term bill preserves crop insurance, which was my number one priority, and makes improvements to commodity support programs, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). It also includes important changes to conservation programs that farmers use to maintain their land.
The Farm Bill doesn't just help farmers; it helps everyone in our rural communities. Whether it's hospitals, water systems or schools, the Farm Bill includes programs to help build critical rural infrastructure projects including connecting rural Missourians with the broadband speed and access they need. The days of no internet availability or average internet speeds being acceptable are over. Everything we do today, from the farm fields to the classroom, requires fast, functioning broadband internet. This bill makes grants and loans available to build out broadband infrastructure to the rural areas and requires those utilizing them to maintain 21st century internet speeds.
It was a very beneficial week for rural America. I'm pleased that our farmers have been given more certainty when it comes to both farm programs and regulations. Hopefully, this will provide some peace of mind as they continue to feed the world.
Sincerely,    
	Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-supports-legislation-focusing-prevention-and-treatment,Hartzler Supports Legislation Focusing on Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimers Disease,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) supported S. 2076, the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act. This bill would authorize $20 million annually from FY2020 to FY2024 to address the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's disease.

Currently 5.7 million people are living with Alzheimer's, and that number is only predicted to increase, said Hartzler, who worked to provide $2.3 billion for Alzheimer's research in the most recent defense funding bill. It is a heartbreaking disease that ravages families and this year alone cost our economy $277 billion in healthcare costs. This legislation advances our efforts towards finding a much-needed cure, added Hartzler, whose own mother passed away from Alzheimer's complications in 2015.

Once signed into law, the bill would authorize Health and Human Services (HHS) to award $20 million in grants per year to address Alzheimer's disease. The grants would go to higher education institutions, state health departments and American Indian tribes that are prioritizing the implementation of evidence-based practices, supporting early detection, reducing the risk of hospitalizations and cognitive decline, supporting caregivers, and reducing health disparities.

The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act passed the Senate last week and now awaits signature by the President.

-30

For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may call Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jasonsmith.house.gov/news//news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1019,Rep. Smith and Sen. Cruzs Bill to Help Families Save for Education Expenses Passes U.S. House,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Jason Smith,S001195,jasonsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-passage-first,STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING PASSAGE OF THE “FIRST STEP ACT OF 2018”,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MO,William Clay,C001049,lacyclay.house.gov,,,legacy,"NOTE: The following, in its entirety, is a first-person statement by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri.
Today's historic vote is a long-overdue down payment on fixing America's broken criminal justice system. The First Step Act of 2018, which I was proud to cosponsor, strikes a blow against racially-biased sentencing inequality, especially for the thousands of Black and Latino federal inmates who were victimized by outrageous sentencing disparities between convictions for possession and distribution of crack and powder cocaine.
Our bill also begins the process of curbing America's over-incarceration epidemic by easing mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent federal crimes. And it will provide many federal inmates the opportunity to earn a second chance by using training and good behavior to shorten their incarceration. The First Step Act also reduces the three-strike penalty to 25 years from life in prison. 
America has a mass incarceration problem. If we want a safer country and a fairer criminal justice system, we need to prioritize diversion, rehabilitation and education while making second chances possible for more inmates.
The massive bipartisan support for the First Step Act in both the House and the Senate shows that Congress still has the capacity to act together for the good of the American people. We have much more work to do, but this historic bill is a significant First Step towards equal justice for all, instead of just for some.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-colleagues-praise-final-passage-of-soar-act,"Wagner, Colleagues Praise Final Passage of SOAR Act",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) praised final passage of the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program (H.R. 767) today on a 386 to 6 vote, a measure to provide training to health care professionals on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking.
Congresswoman Wagner made the following statement:
As the lead Republican sponsor on H.R. 767, I worked closely with Congressman Cohen to draft this legislation so that services are better tailored to the needs of trafficking victims and put survivors on the road to recovery. I also worked hand in hand with healthcare providers across the St. Louis region who are leading the effort to assist trafficking victims in local clinics and hospitals. I am so proud of their leadership in establishing trainings and policies to identify and treat victims, and I am delighted that Congress is coming alongside them by passing the SOAR to Health and Wellness Act.
Congressman Cohen said:
I am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this important bill through Congress. I especially want to thank Representatives Ann Wagner, Tony Cardenas andAdam Kinzinger for their tireless efforts. This bill is the result of an event held at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2016 to discuss and promote human trafficking awareness training, attended by first responders, health care workers, faith-based groups, educators and state and local government officials. The energy, encouragement and support of those present inspired me to pursue this legislation. The SOAR Act encourages those on the front lines, our health care professionals, to be alert to possible instances of human trafficking when victims appear in clinics or doctors' offices for needed care. The measure's $4 million a year in training grants for health professionals to identify indicators of tell-tale signs of those who have been or are in captivity could end horrors for thousands of victims.
Congressman Cardenas said:
When I wasa Los Angeles City Councilman, I saw first-hand the danger and heartbreak of human trafficking taking place in our own communities, right under our noses. We need to give healthcare professionals the necessary tools to recognize human trafficking victims amongst their patients, give them the support that they need, and help bring the perpetrators to justice. Though Los Angeles is making progress in eradicating this despicablecrime, we still have so much work to do. I am grateful to my colleagues in the House and the Senate for supporting the SOAR Act, and hope that the President can sign it into law soon so we can save more lives.
Congressman Kinzinger said:
Hard to imagine, but human trafficking is happening here in the United States, within our communities, and it affects all of us. I'm proud to be a co-lead on H.R. 767, the SOAR Health and Wellness Act, and glad to see it pass the House today. By raising awareness and training our healthcare workers to identify and better care for victims, we can combat this heinous crime and help our most vulnerable. Thank you to my colleagues for their support, especially Representative Cohen, as we work to end human trafficking.
The bill passed the Senate early Thursday morning by voice vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-colleagues-praise-final-passage-soar-act,"Wagner, Colleagues Praise Final Passage of SOAR Act",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) praised final passage of the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program (H.R. 767) today on a 386 to 6 vote, a measure to provide training to health care professionals on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking.

Congresswoman Wagner made the following statement:

""As the lead Republican sponsor on H.R. 767, I worked closely with Congressman Cohen to draft this legislation so that services are better tailored to the needs of trafficking victims and put survivors on the road to recovery. I also worked hand in hand with healthcare providers across the St. Louis region who are leading the effort to assist trafficking victims in local clinics and hospitals. I am so proud of their leadership in establishing trainings and policies to identify and treat victims, and I am delighted that Congress is coming alongside them by passing the SOAR to Health and Wellness Act.""

Congressman Cohen said:

""I am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this important bill through Congress. I especially want to thank Representatives Ann Wagner, Tony Cardenas and Adam Kinzinger for their tireless efforts. This bill is the result of an event held at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2016 to discuss and promote human trafficking awareness training, attended by first responders, health care workers, faith-based groups, educators and state and local government officials. The energy, encouragement and support of those present inspired me to pursue this legislation. The SOAR Act encourages those on the front lines, our health care professionals, to be alert to possible instances of human trafficking when victims appear in clinics or doctors' offices for needed care. The measure's $4 million a year in training grants for health professionals to identify indicators of tell-tale signs of those who have been or are in captivity could end horrors for thousands of victims.""

Congressman Cardenas said:

""When I was a Los Angeles City Councilman, I saw first-hand the danger and heartbreak of human trafficking taking place in our own communities, right under our noses. We need to give healthcare professionals the necessary tools to recognize human trafficking victims amongst their patients, give them the support that they need, and help bring the perpetrators to justice. Though Los Angeles is making progress in eradicating this despicable crime, we still have so much work to do. I am grateful to my colleagues in the House and the Senate for supporting the SOAR Act, and hope that the President can sign it into law soon so we can save more lives.""

Congressman Kinzinger said:

""Hard to imagine, but human trafficking is happening here in the United States, within our communities, and it affects all of us. I'm proud to be a co-lead on H.R. 767, the SOAR Health and Wellness Act, and glad to see it pass the House today. By raising awareness and training our healthcare workers to identify and better care for victims, we can combat this heinous crime and help our most vulnerable. Thank you to my colleagues for their support, especially Representative Cohen, as we work to end human trafficking.""

The bill passed the Senate early Thursday morning by voice vote.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/blunt-backed-program-to-invest-1-million-to-expand-broadband-service-in-8-southeast-missouri-counties,Blunt-Backed Program to Invest $1 Million to Expand Broadband Service in 8 Southeast Missouri Counties,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-s-statement-on-the-federal-school-safety-commission,Congressman Cleavers Statement on the Federal School Safety Commission Report,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II condemns the recently released Federal School Safety Commission Report. The Trump administration's report is a NRA-backed proposal which recommends arming teachers instead of focusing on making schools safer.
The report ignores a common denominator of all of the tragic school shootings our country has suffered, and that is, easy access to assault style firearms designed for war, said Congressman Cleaver.
In 2017, there were nearly 40,000 gun deaths in the United States, the highest total in decades.
Putting guns in the hands of teachers is not an effective strategy and could easily lead to more senseless shootings in our schools,  said Congressman Cleaver.
The report is a missed opportunity to expand the use of evidence-based, comprehensive approaches to preventing violence in schools and building stronger relationships between students, educators, and the community. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), anti-bullying programs, mental health support are some of the many proven strategies to deescalate situations and help students before the get to the point of wanting to harm themselves or others.
The Commission also recommends full rescission of the Obama administration's 2014 school discipline guidance, which assists school districts in eliminating disparities in how Black students, boys, and students with disabilities are disciplined compared to their classmates.
The Trump Administration's School Safety Commission Report is not only a missed opportunity to ensure every student is both safe and supported in the classroom, but it is also a blatant affront to communities of color. Its suggestion that federal civil rights enforcement  and not the prevalence of firearms  is to blame for school shootings is baseless and wrong, said Congressional Black Caucus Chair, Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA).
We must do more to stop discrimination in our schools. This report will only cause further criminalization of students of color for non-criminal or minor offenses, said Congressman Cleaver.
The Department of Education's school safety report can be found here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=3C485A42-A02A-430D-B1FA-F44594BAC1EA,Blunt Statement on Alexanders Announcement that He Will Not Seek Re-election,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement today after U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) announced that he will not seek re-election to the Senate in 2020:
Sen. Alexander has a unique capacity to bring people together. He is a problem solver at a time when too many people in politics want to talk about a problem than solve a problem. I count him as a good friend and look forward to seeing how much we can get done with his leadership for another two years in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/blog?ContentRecord_id=0A92D249-CD59-4B1D-8EC7-377D28359939,Blunt Participates in USS St. Louis Christening,2018-12-16,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Roy Blunt speaking at USS St. Louis Christening (Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin)  <<< Click Here for High-Res Photos Courtesy of Lockheed Martin >>>
WASHINGTONYesterday, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) attended the christening of the future USS St. Louis in Wisconsin. Blunt released the following statement after the ceremony:
It was an honor to be part of the future USS St. Louis christening ceremony. This is the seventh ship to carry the name of this great Missouri city - from the early years of the American expansion as a Sloop-of-War, through the Civil War as an ironclad gunboat, to supporting the Allies as a troop transport and protected cruiser during WWI and supporting the Pacific theater as a light cruiser during WWII, and finally as an amphibious cargo ship between 1969 and 1991. I have no doubt the future USS St. Louis will continue that long, proud history. It is a symbol of the enduring connection between St. Louisans and the United States Navy. It is also part of our commitment, as a nation, to strengthening our defense and keeping America safe. President Truman once said, Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you.' The addition of the future USS St. Louis will enable the Navy to do just that.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399154,Blaines Bulletin: The Farm Bill is Headed to the Presidents Desk,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"This holiday season, families across America will gather around the table to enjoy wonderful holiday meals with their loved ones. As Americans, we are very fortunate to enjoy access to the safest and most abundant food supply in the world. During this season of reflection and thankfulness we must remember the hardworking farmers who work day in and day out to put food on our tables and in our grocery stores.
Over the last few years, Missouri's nearly 100,000 farms have faced drought conditions and tariff uncertainty. Congress faced an uphill battle as we sought to protect the programs that are working, while providing our farmers with meaningful reforms they desperately needed. After months of bipartisan negotiations to reauthorize the Farm Bill, it is finally headed to the President's desk.  

I was proud to support this legislation to provide the certainty Missouri farmers deserve while investing in the future of our rural communities. Missouri's third congressional district will benefit from many of the provisions included in this package.  

The 2018 Farm Bill safeguards crop insurance, provides additional funding for animal disease prevention, and supports agricultural trade and research. Protecting more than 290 million acres across the nation, crop insurance is a sound investment that supports America's abundant food supply. I know our Missouri soybean farmers needed this certainty after the drought conditions they faced, and I'm happy we were able to protect the program and make additional reforms. In meetings over the last few years, I have also heard from dairy farmers across our state who were worried about animal disease prevention. Thankfully, the 2018 Farm Bill includes additional funding for animal disease prevention and management initiatives, including the stockpiling of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines. Finally, the 2018 Farm Bill provides more than $400 million dollars in additional funding for ag trade, along with increased funding for land grant universities and special research initiatives to ensure we have the best and safest crops.  

Rural America is the heart of our nation and the heart of Missouri's third district. The 2018 Farm Bill prioritizes our rural communities, strengthening the Department of Agriculture's capacity to combat the opioid crisis and making significant investments in rural broadband infrastructure. Rural broadband availability is one of the top issues my constituents bring to my attention, and this legislation includes forward looking standards to meet the needs of rural communities across the nation.  

This Christmas, farmers are receiving the gift of certainty with a Farm Bill that prioritizes rural America and supports our Missouri farmers. As we gather for our holiday celebrations, I hope we all have a greater appreciation of those who work day in and day out to feed our nation and the world.  

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jasonsmith.house.gov/news//news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1011,"U.S. Rep. Smith Introduces Legislation to Enhance Care for Seniors, Remove Red Tape from Medicare",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Jason Smith,S001195,jasonsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/video/view/claires-goodbye-message,Claire's Goodbye Message,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/video/view/mccaskill-delivers-farewell-speech-on-senate-floor,McCaskill Delivers Farewell Speech on Senate Floor,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=0932A48B-4182-4241-91CB-67B0E60F939B,"Blunt, Klobuchar Bipartisan Sexual Harassment Bill is Headed to Presidents Desk",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, announced that their bipartisan legislation to reform the process to pursue claims of sexual harassment or other workplace discrimination experienced on Capitol Hill is headed to the president's desk. The final text of the bipartisan legislation was agreed upon yesterday by leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives and passed both chambers today with strong bipartisan support. The legislation would reform the dispute resolution process, protect workers, increase transparency and hold Members of Congress accountable.
Today, the House and Senate came together to end a broken process that failed victims for far too long, Blunt said. This bipartisan, bicameral agreement will protect the rights of victims and ensure perpetrators are held accountable for conduct unacceptable in the Congress or any workplace. I thank Senator Klobuchar and House and Senate leadership for getting this bill through Congress and on its way to the president's desk.
Sexual harassment goes far beyond the cases you read in the headlinesit's not just about the rich and famous, but also the nurse, or the teacher, or the line worker at the factory. Today, Congress sent a message that workplace harassment of any kind is unacceptable, Klobuchar said. The time has come to stop protecting politicians and to start supporting victims. All men and women deserve a workplace free from harassment.
This legislation would change the way harassment claims are handled in Congress by eliminating the required 30-day counseling period, the required 30-day mediation phase, and the 30-day cooling off period. The legislation would allow a victim to immediately pursue an administrative hearing or file a civil action. It would also hold Members of Congress personally liable by requiring them to reimburse the Treasury for awards and settlements stemming from acts of harassment they personally commit, including Members who leave office.
In addition, the legislation would:
 
Hold Members of Congress personally liable by pay for awards and settlements stemming from acts of harassment and related retaliation they personally commit, including Members who leave office.
Eliminate the required 30-day counseling period, the required 30-day mediation phase, and the 30-day cooling off period.
Provide employees with access to a dedicated advocate who will provide consultation and assistance regarding proceedings before the Office of Compliance.
Require public reporting of awards and settlements, including identifying if a Member of Congress was personally liable.
Require awards or settlements to be automatically referred to the Committee on Ethics for claims against Members of Congress and senior staff.
Extend protections under the Congressional Accountability Act to unpaid staff, including interns, detailees and fellows, and other Legislative Branch staff.
Provide opportunities for employees to work remotely or request paid leave without fear of retribution.
Require a survey of staff each Congress to examine the workplace culture on Capitol Hill.
Provide additional support for state, district and regional Legislative Branch staff to ensure they have the same access to Office of Compliance resources, training opportunities, guidance and advice as Washington D.C. based legislative branch workers.
Require the Office of Compliance to establish an electronic system for taking in claims by victims, tracking those claims throughout the process, and generating reports on various details of claims.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=2DC74C6A-5E73-4DD2-9028-556A5183074D,Blunt Statement on NGA West Land Transfer Ceremony,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement regarding the NGA West land transfer ceremony in St. Louis, Mo. earlier today:
Today is an important milestone in the years-long effort to ensure the NGA West facility and the thousands of jobs it supports remain in St. Louis, said Blunt. I'm grateful for the hard work of city and state officials, as well as the commitment by the federal government, to complete this land transfer. I will continue working in the Senate to move this critical project forward.
The FY19 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which was signed into law in September, included $291 million in further funding for the construction of the new NGA West facility. The omnibus funding bill that was signed into law in March 2018 provided $200 million for the facility. In June 2016, the NGA finalized its selection of North St. Louis as the site for the new NGA West headquarters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=F817F6E6-768E-4F6D-9E6E-69B01D0A5D25,"Blunt, Moran Challenge Flawed Changes to National Liver Distribution Policy",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  This week, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Jerry Moran (Kan.) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding their concerns over recent changes to the national liver distribution policy made by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).Under the new policy, midwestern and southern transplant hospitals, including hospitals located in St. Louis and the Kansas City area, could see patients from Missouri and Kansas waiting longer for a liver match.
This decision disregards expert opinion, overturns the current policy adopted in December 2017, and calls into question the OPTN process and whether it can fairly determine a policy for distributing livers nationwide, the senators wrote. Last week's decision to ignore the Liver and Intestine Committee's recommendation is extremely concerning. The Liver and Intestine Committee is comprised of a panel of transplant experts from some of the most prestigious institutions in the country charged with considering the medical, scientific, and ethical aspects related to liver procurement.As such, the Committee's recommendations should be followed unless there are specific, vetted, and justifiable reasons to do otherwise. The OPTN Board's decision to overturn the Liver and Intestine Committee's decision does not meet this standard. 
In the letter, the senators note that the most recent OPTN decision is fundamentally different than the decision reached by the OPTN Board last year, calling into question not only the policy itself, but raising serious concerns about the process by which it was reached.
The OPTN process needs to be open, transparent, and one that takes into consideration both the expertise of the Liver and Intestine Committee and the public comments submitted by the current liver distribution regions.  Last week's decision undermines the entire process and calls into question why the Department has ceded control.
In October, Blunt and Moran met with the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to discuss this issue.
Click here to read the full letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-delivers-farewell-speech-on-senate-floor,McCaskill Delivers Farewell Speech on Senate Floor,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Delivers Farewell Speech on Senate Floor 
				
			
			
				Thursday, December 13, 2018
			
			
	
			
			U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today delivered her farewell speech on the Senate floor. Her remarks as delivered:
It probably won't surprise my colleagues to know that I don't like much the idea of a farewell speech. I haven't spent a great deal of time contemplating it over the years I've been here. I'm not a big fan of the concept. But I want to respect the tradition, especially since I've witnessed so many Senate traditions crumble over the last 12 years. So I will do my best to get through this without breaking up.
A traditional farewell speech in the United States Senate is full of accomplishments and thanks. I'm gonna skip half of that. I'm extremely proud of my body of work over 34 years of public service, but it is for others to judge, and I won't dwell on it today other than to say it is a long list and a tangible demonstration of the value of hard work.
The wonderful Barbara Bush said, Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other peopleyour family, your friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.
So Rather than talk about what I've done, I want to speak a few moments about my familyand I have three different families I want to talk about today. My actual family. My family I like to call Missourior Missourah, we argue about it a lot. And my family here in the Senate.
First my actual family. Because they are the most important.
In the words of author Andre Maurois, Without a family, man, alone in the world, trembles with the cold.
I have been very warm my whole life. I have not trembled in the cold, because I've always had my family.
My parents taught me that caring about the community around us was noble and good, and that holding public office was an honorable endeavor, even though my parents were largely spectators and supporters, and not candidates or office holders. They just caredand they wanted me to care too.
And at the risk of going down too many family stories, it may explain a lot that my dad fell in love with my mom when he saw her smoking a cigar and belting out Won't you come home Bill Bailey at a party. And that my mother made me say, Trick or treat, and vote for JFK, when I was 7. And that my father insisted that I not only learn the rules of football, but that I also learn to tell a good joke and to learn to laugh at myself.
My siblings, my two sisters, my brother. They simply have been the port in every storm.
My children, we have a large blended family of many of children and grandchildren that is close and loving. I adore them all. But I need to specifically mention my three children: Austin, Maddie, and Lily. Because they were there from the beginning. Infants in car seats going to political events, toddlers sitting sometimes not so quietly as I gave a speech, and then amazing troopers in the almost decade of my career when I was a single working Mom, hauling them all over the state on campaigns.
They now have forgiven me for the missed recitals, and the missed field trips, and the fact that I couldn't be the homeroom mom. Today they have grown into amazing strong adults who make me very proud.
And yee howdy those grandchildren! I have 11, going on 12. I can't wait until they're all old enough to yell at them what my mom used to say to us when we were dawdling and too slow in getting to the car, Last one in is a Republican.
And my husband, Joseph. How lucky I am to have him as my best friend. We were married 16 years ago, after I was well in to my political career and after he had achieved great success in business. He is proud and supportive of me alwaysbut he certainly didn't bargain for the incredibly unfair treatment we got at his expense because of his business success.
Let the record of the Senate now say what my Republican colleagues did not during my campaigns. Thank you Joseph for your integrity, your honesty, your generosity, and your heartwhich has always directed you to do good as you do well.
And then there's my Missouri family. I love my state. All of it! Every corner of iteven the parts that aren't very crazy about me. My honor to work for Missourians has been immense, and I'm incredibly grateful to them for the opportunity I've had to get up every day and work my heart out in an interesting, challenging career of public service. And so lucky to have made many, many good friends along the way. I'm excited that I will now have more time for them.
David Stier said, Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. And that's how I feel about Missouri. That's why my office has tried very hard to help every individual who has come to us for helpevery veteran who has needed assistance, every senior caught in Social Security red tape. No matter who they were, or where they lived, or what their politics were.
And my staff family. Mr. President I ask unanimous consent that my staff's names be entered into the record.
My staff, here and in Missouri, in this job, my previous jobs, and many, many campaigns.
Richard Bach said it best, The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. They have been my rock, my compass, my inspiration, and my coach. The best and the brightest, looking not for money or fame, but just to make a difference.
To my Senate staff here today and watchingand all the staffs of my offices, of the prosecutor's office, the Auditor's office, county legislature, state legislatureI respect each of you immensely. As you go forth in the world, remember the McCaskill office motto, they could cite it for you right now if I ask them, If you work hard, you can do well. But if you're having fun, you'll do great.
We were happy, and it made a difference.
George Bernard Shaw said, A happy family is but an earlier heaven. Working with my staff was heaven.
And finally, to all of my fellow Senators, and all the many people who work here in the Senate. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was worried about this place. It just doesn't work as well as it used to. The Senate has been so enjoyable for me, but I must admit it puts the fun in dysfunction.
Peter Morgan, an author, said, No family is complete without an embarrassing uncle. We have too many embarrassing uncles in the United States Senate. Lots of embarrassing stuff.
The United States Senate is no longer the world's greatest deliberative body. And everyone needs to quit saying it until we recover from this period of polarization and the fear of the political consequences of tough votes.
Writing legislation behind closed doors, giant omnibus bills that most don't know what's in them, K Street lobbyists knowing about the tax bill managers package before even Senators. That's today's Senate. And no amendments.
Solving the toughest problems will not happen without tough votes. We can talk about the toughest problems. We can visit about them, we can argue about them, we can campaign on them. But we're not going to solve them without tough votes. It will not happen.
My first year in the Senate was 2007. We voted on 306 amendments in 2007. This year, as of yesterday, we voted on 36. That's a remarkable difference. Something is broken, and if we don't have the strength to look in the mirror and fix it, the American people are gonna grow more and more cynicaland they might do something crazy like elect a reality TV star President. I'm not kidding. That's one of the reasons this has happened.
Power has been dangerously centralized in the Senate. We like to say, Oh, we can't change the rules, we'll be just like the House. We kind of are like the House, guys. We kind of are. A few people are writing the legislation, a few people are making the decisions.
We have to throw off the shackles of careful, open the doors of debate, reclaim the power of members and committeesand most of all realize that looking the other way and hoping that everything will work out later is a foolish idea. And for gosh sakes, debate and vote on amendments.
But with all the problems I've outlined, know that I love this place and you. Almost all of you!
You have filled my life with interesting work and unforgettable memories. We have argued, we have sang, we have fought, we have cried, and we have laughed. Together. Just like family. You are family, and I will miss you terribly.
Desmond Tutu, a very wise man, said, God's dream is that you and I, and all of us, will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion.
Thank you very much. I yield the floor.
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http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399153,Luetkemeyer Votes to Send Farm Bill to the Presidents Desk,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Luetkemeyer Votes to Send Farm Bill to the President's Desk 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 12, 2018
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement in support of this critical legislation:
A few months ago, I voted in support of the House-passed farm bill to ensure stability for our Missouri farmers because I understand how hard they work day in and day out to put food on our tables and in our grocery stores. After months of bipartisan negotiations between the House and Senate the Farm Bill is finally headed to the President's desk, said Congressman Luetkemeyer. This package will provide the certainty Missouri farmers deserve while investing in the future of our rural communities. I'm proud to support this legislation.
Farmers and rural communities across Missouri's third district will benefit from the provisions included in this legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report:  

 
    Protects Crop Insurance and Livestock Disaster Programs while making several key improvements.
    Strengthens promotion of U.S. agricultural exports through the Market Access Program (MAP) and other trade initiatives.
    Includes forward-looking standards making significant improvements to rural broadband delivery.
    Helps rural communities combat the opioid crisis.
    Funds key animal disease prevention and management initiatives, including the stockpiling of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine.
 
For the full text of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report please click here.
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https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-in-favor-of-the-2018-farm-bill,Congressman Cleaver Votes In Favor of the 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II today voted in favor of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2, commonly referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill. Following months of bipartisan negotiations between House and Senate conferees, Congressman Cleaver was proud to help pass a comprehensive Farm Bill that maintains funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps producers weather the current trade war, expands rural broadband infrastructure, and provides more certainty to farmers during a volatile farm economy.
For over 80 years Democrats and Republicans from the most urban of cities and the most rural of towns have come together to pass a Farm Bill that provides stability to American farmers and a safety net for those who are struggling to put food on the table, said Congressman Cleaver. While negotiations were tough, it's refreshing to see Congress work together in a bipartisan fashion to get something done that will be beneficial to the state and country.
The bipartisan Farm Bill will reauthorize SNAP through 2023 with no cuts to benefits and no additional work requirements, a key to Congressman Cleaver's support for the bill. Additionally, through administrative modifications to SNAP, this bill will provide $1 billion in savings that will be reinvested into nutrition assistance programs.
One of my main concerns with the House version of this year's Farm Bill has always been the harmful restrictions to the nutrition assistance programs. I am very pleased to say that this bill not only protects SNAP recipients with no cuts to benefits and nobody kicked off the program, but, also, provides $1 billion in savings through administrative adjustments, said Congressman Cleaver.
Another critical component to the Farm Bill is its protection for American producers as they withstand the harmful trade war. Contained in the bill are provisions that would omit detrimental changes to foreign food aid programs and combine and establish mandatory funding for important programs to promote U.S. agricultural exports. Soybean producers have been affected particularly negatively by the trade issue with China. The Farm Bill fully funds the Foreign Market Development Program and the Market Access Program which helps soybean associations work with the USDA to develop and trade with emerging markets.
Our farmers have taken a beating over the past year thanks to this nonsensical trade war. I'm happy provisions were included to support American producers while we weather out the current trade storm, said Congressman Cleaver.
Here are a few other provisions Congressman Cleaver would like to highlight from the 2018 Farm Bill:
On research:
 Provides $40M in mandatory funding for scholarships at 1890 land-grant universities
	Strengthens mental health resources within the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network
	Provides permanent mandatory funding for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative at $50 million per year by FY23
	Provides $10 million in mandatory funding for research into issues facing urban/indoor ag production
	Provides $185 million in mandatory funding for the Foundation for Future Food and Agriculture Research
 On rural development:
 Authorizes $350 million per year for new broadband infrastructure
	Combats the opioid epidemic with authorized funds
	Helps struggling rural hospitals to gain better financial footing
 On dairy:
 Creates Dairy Margin Coverage to offer more coverage for lower cost when dairy farmers need it most
	Provides a partial refund or credit for Margin Protection Program premiums paid between 2014-2017
 Additionally, pork producers will be relieved to know that the Farm Bill authorizes USDA funds for a Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. This will provide for disease surveillance and diagnostic support as well as the ability for states to prepare for any foreign animal disease outbreak.
The relationship between America's urban and rural regions is a symbiotic one; we thrive when we work together. I'm proud to support a bipartisan Farm Bill that protects the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and funds programs critical to our nations agricultural producers.


Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is availablehere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-graves-bill-name-bevier-post-office-after-fallen-navy-seal,House Passes Graves Bill to Name Bevier Post Office After Fallen Navy SEAL,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC. Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves', (MO-06), bill to name the United States Post Office in Bevier, MO after Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Adam Olin Smith, a fallen Navy SEAL originally from Macon County. Smith died in 2010 as the result of a helicopter crash in Afghanistan during combat operations.
Petty Officer Smith paid the ultimate price so we can have the freedoms that we enjoy, said Graves. It is my great honor to put this bill forward to name this Post Office after him and I hope it will serve as a lasting memory and tribute to a truly selfless hero from North Missouri.
Smith was killed in action on September 21, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. The 2002 Bevier High School graduate was a member of SEAL Team Four and also served a tour of duty in Iraq. He had been in Afghanistan less than a month when he died. Smith was 26 at the time of his death.
During his service, Adam Olin Smith received the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Seal Insignia.
H.R. 5475 will designate the United States Postal Service facility at 108 North Macon Street in Bevier, Missouri, as the SO2 Navy SEAL Adam Olin Smith Post Office.
The bill passed the House by Unanimous Consent. It awaits Senate consideration.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-graves-bill-to-name-bevier-post-office-after-fallen-navy,House Passes Graves Bill to Name Bevier Post Office After Fallen Navy SEAL,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC. Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves', (MO-06), bill to name the United States Post Office in Bevier, MO after Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Adam Olin Smith, a fallen Navy SEAL originally from Macon County. Smith died in 2010 as the result of a helicopter crash in Afghanistan during combat operations.
Petty Officer Smith paid the ultimate price so we can have the freedoms that we enjoy, said Graves. It is my great honor to put this bill forward to name this Post Office after him and I hope it will serve as a lasting memory and tribute to a truly selfless hero from North Missouri.
Smith was killed in action on September 21, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. The 2002 Bevier High School graduate was a member of SEAL Team Four and also served a tour of duty in Iraq. He had been in Afghanistan less than a month when he died. Smith was 26 at the time of his death.
During his service, Adam Olin Smith received the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Seal Insignia.
H.R. 5475 will designate the United States Postal Service facility at 108 North Macon Street in Bevier, Missouri, as the SO2 Navy SEAL Adam Olin Smith Post Office.
The bill passed the House by Unanimous Consent. It awaits Senate consideration.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-graves-bill-name-bevier-post-office-after-fallen-navy-seal,House Passes Graves’ Bill to Name Bevier Post Office After Fallen Navy SEAL,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves', (MO-06), bill to name the United States Post Office in Bevier, MO after Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Adam Olin Smith, a fallen Navy SEAL originally from Macon County. Smith died in 2010 as the result of a helicopter crash in Afghanistan during combat operations.

""Petty Officer Smith paid the ultimate price so we can have the freedoms that we enjoy,"" said Graves. ""It is my great honor to put this bill forward to name this Post Office after him and I hope it will serve as a lasting memory and tribute to a truly selfless hero from North Missouri.""

Smith was killed in action on September 21, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. The 2002 Bevier High School graduate was a member of SEAL Team Four and also served a tour of duty in Iraq. He had been in Afghanistan less than a month when he died. Smith was 26 at the time of his death.

During his service, Adam Olin Smith received the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Seal Insignia.

H.R. 5475 will designate the United States Postal Service facility at 108 North Macon Street in Bevier, Missouri, as the ""SO2 Navy SEAL Adam Olin Smith Post Office.""

The bill passed the House by Unanimous Consent. It awaits Senate consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-smith-applaud-nih-movement-toward-ethical-research,"Hartzler, Smith Applaud NIH Movement Toward Ethical Research",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"HARRISONVILLE, MO  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) today applauded the Administration's movement towards utilizing ethical methods for human fetal tissue research at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced Monday that it would spend $20 million over two years to find and develop human tissue models without relying on the use of human fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions.

I'm pleased that the government is moving in the right direction when it comes to ethical research, Hartzler said. Using the remains of aborted babies for science experiments is abhorrent. Every human life has intrinsic value and should be treated with dignity, not as a means to an end.

NIH has taken an important step by encouraging the development of ethical alternatives to fetal tissue research, Smith said. Research that exploits even one unborn child is barbaric and unconscionable. I continue to urge HHS to stop funding research that uses fetal tissue from elective abortions.

The Administration's announcement Monday came in the wake of a letter Hartzler and Smith spearheaded, asking HHS to immediately stop approving research applications that required aborted fetal tissue. The letter also requested that HHS create a timeline for reviewing all research to ensure that ethical research methods are used. You can view the letter here.

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For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-final-farm-bill-agreement,House Passes Final Farm Bill Agreement,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"HARRISONVILLE, MO  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) today made the following statement about the House's passage of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report.

Today's passage of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report provides much needed certainty and flexibility for producers and consumers alike, said Hartzler, who was chosen as a conferee on the final negotiated version of the bill. This bill ensures consumers continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant food supply in the world by improving public/private risk management programs and supporting local, national and international efforts vital in protecting and promoting American agriculture. Significant investments in rural broadband, trade promotion, research and development, and conservation initiatives will positively impact rural America for years to come.

While we did not achieve all that we wanted in the final version of the bill, this legislation is a positive step for farmers, ranchers, consumers and rural America. I am pleased to see many of my priorities reflected in the legislation, and I applaud Congress for acting so quickly to secure a comprehensive Farm Bill for those facing difficult times in farm country, added Hartzler, who was unable to make the final vote due to the passing of her father back home in Missouri.

Specifically, the 2018 Farm Bill:
 Includes Hartzler language to increase minimum speed requirements for rural broadband and recognizes the importance of expanding rural broadband.
	Maintains crop insurance and improves insurance options for dairy producers, while also strengthening and providing flexibility for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs.
	Invests and streamlines conservation initiatives for farm families to continue to improve and protect our natural resources and includes language Rep. Hartzler authored to allow grazing on CRP lands.
	Enhances integrity of the SNAP program by improving education and training programs at the state level, reducing monthly work requirement exemptions from 15 to 12 percent, eliminating the ability for participants to receive benefits in multiple states.
	Includes language Rep. Hartzler authored to increase private investment in rural broadband, modifying Rural Utilities Service (RUS) broadband programs to include loan guarantees in addition to existing direct loans.
	Prioritizes funding for opioid prevention, treatment and recovery facilities in rural communities.
	Promotes American exports by enhancing and permanently funding trade promotion programs necessary for producers to secure additional markets.
	Improves clarity and consistency for small meat processors by including Rep. Hartzler's language requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to report on the effectiveness of existing regulations for small meat processors.
	Ensures agriculture is on the cutting edge of technology and innovation by investing over $600 million in funding for agriculture research, extension and education.
	Establishes new programs and funding to protect the health of our nation's livestock while also creating a feral swine eradication pilot program.
	Improves assistance for specialty crops and reduces fraud in organic imports.
	Helps beginning farmers and ranchers establish themselves in agriculture and provides support for youth to get engaged in agricultural careers.
	Recognizes the hardship currently facing farm families by reestablishing the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network to help combat farmer suicides.
 
The President is expected to sign the 2018 Farm Bill into law next week.

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For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=66E165C1-F66A-4DCB-9AF4-1E8BACB34741,"Blunt, Klobuchar Reach Final Deal on Bipartisan Bill to Reform Process for Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Claims in Congress",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, announced that they have reached an agreement on legislation to reform the process to pursue claims of sexual harassment or other workplace discrimination experienced on Capitol Hill. The final text of the bipartisan legislation was agreed upon by leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives today and would reform the dispute resolution process, protect workers, increase transparency and hold Members of Congress accountable. This bipartisan, bicameral agreement sends a clear message that harassment in any form will not be tolerated by the Congress, Blunt said. The reforms in this agreement will, most importantly, strengthen protections for victims and hold Members of Congress personally accountable for their misconduct. I appreciate Senator Klobuchar's partnership, and the efforts of leaders in the House and Senate, who have come together to get this done. I urge all of our colleagues to get this legislation to the president's desk. For too long, victims of sexual harassment in Congress have been forced into a process that lacks transparency and accountability, and fails them at a time when they need the most support, Klobuchar said. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislationwhich we expect to pass in the coming dayswill overhaul this broken process, ensure victims can immediately seek justice, and hold Members of Congress accountable. I thank Senator Blunt and leaders in the House and Senate for all the work they have done with me to finalize this critical legislation. This legislation would change the way harassment claims are handled in Congress by eliminating the required 30-day counseling period, the required 30-day mediation phase, and the 30-day cooling off period. The legislation would allow a victim to immediately pursue an administrative hearing or file a civil action. It would also hold Members of Congress personally liable by requiring them to reimburse the Treasury for awards and settlements stemming from acts of harassment they personally commit, including Members who leave office.
In addition, the legislation would:
 

Hold Members of Congress personally liable by pay for awards and settlements stemming from acts of harassment and related retaliation they personally commit, including Members who leave office.


Eliminate the required 30-day counseling period, the required 30-day mediation phase, and the 30-day cooling off period.


Provide employees with access to a dedicated advocate who will provide consultation and assistance regarding proceedings before the Office of Compliance.


Require public reporting of awards and settlements, including identifying if a Member of Congress was personally liable.


Require awards or settlements to be automatically referred to the Committee on Ethics for claims against Members of Congress and senior staff.


Extend protections under the Congressional Accountability Act to unpaid staff, including interns, detailees and fellows, and other Legislative Branch staff.


Provide opportunities for employees to work remotely or request paid leave without fear of retribution.


Require a survey of staff each Congress to examine the workplace culture on Capitol Hill.


Provide additional support for state, district and regional Legislative Branch staff to ensure they have the same access to Office of Compliance resources, training opportunities, guidance and advice as Washington D.C. based legislative branch workers.


Require the Office of Compliance to establish an electronic system for taking in claims by victims, tracking those claims throughout the process, and generating reports on various details of claims.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=8C5F6761-3773-42C2-87BB-2A7C19826D36,"Blunt, Coons Bill to Protect Victims of Child Abuse Unanimously Passes Senate",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Chris Coons (Del.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, commended unanimous Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which provides funding for Children's Advocacy Centers that serve child victims and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable.
Children's Advocacy Centers support and protect thousands of our nation's most vulnerable children every year, said Blunt. I appreciate my Senate colleagues coming together to help ensure these centers and law enforcement will continue to have an important tool to bring perpetrators to justice and keep kids safe. I urge our House colleagues to follow suit and get this bill to the president's desk.
Children's Advocacy Centers protect children in Delaware and all across the country, and I'm very glad that Senator Blunt and I have been able to work across the aisle to move forward a reauthorization of the Victims of Child Abuse Act, said Coons. This legislation will ensure that law enforcement, along with health and other service providers, have the resources they need to care for children who have been abused and quickly prosecute the perpetrators of these horrific crimes.
Blunt and Coons introduced the bill in May 2018. They previously introduced similar legislation, which was signed into law in 2014, to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Program through 2018.
Children's Advocacy Centers employ a multi-disciplinary team of trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews of children who have been victims of abuse. These interviews are designed to be admissible in court while also preventing children from being re-traumatized by having to tell their accounts multiple times. Use of Children's Advocacy Centers leads to faster criminal charging decisions in sexual abuse cases, increased felony prosecutions of child sexual abuse, and lower average per-case costs.
In addition to Blunt and Coons, original Senate cosponsors include U.S. Senators Todd Young (Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (W. Va.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Mike Rounds (S.D.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), Bob Casey (Pa.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii) and Dick Durbin (Ill.). U.S. Representatives Ted Poe (Texas) and Jim Costa (Calif.) introduced similar legislation in the House.
The bill has garnered widespread support from the nation's top advocacy groups, including the National Children's Alliance, National Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs' Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and National District Attorneys Association. The bill is also backed by the Major County Sheriffs' Association, the North East Regional Children's Advocacy Center, the Midwest Regional Children's Advocacy Center, the Western Regional Children's Advocacy Center, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the National Children's Advocacy Center, and the Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399151,Luetkemeyer Urges Reconsideration of CECL Rule,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, delivered the following opening statement at a hearing entitled Assessing the Impact of FASB's Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) Accounting Standard on Financial Institutions and the Economy.  

  

There has been much conversation over how to best calculate expected credit losses for financial firms. That conversation has taken place at the Financial Accounting Standards Board and in financial institutions of all sizes across the nation.
It has also been discussed in the halls of Congress. Several months ago, I co-hosted a roundtable discussion with several members of the Financial Services Committee, regulators and stakeholders to discuss FASB's Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL, standard. FASB leadership later commented to the press that the meeting had been contentious. That was an accurate statement; the meeting was contentious because this is an important issue, and one that could have serious implications for our economy. It deserves our full attention.  

The final CECL standard, set to be implemented in the coming years, represents, in my judgement, the most significant accounting change to the banking industry in decades. Under this new standard, institutions will recognize the expected lifetime losses at the time a loan or other financial product is recorded.  

This rule has been done under the guise of investor protection yet applies to every single financial institution in the nation regardless of whether they are publicly traded or privately held. If the purpose of CECL is to protect shareholders, it's my opinion that private firms, particularly community banks, should be exempt from this rule altogether.  

For publicly traded firms, FASB should amend the final rule so that it appropriately takes into consideration existing bank capital regimes which already require institutions to hold capital against expected losses.  

Ultimately, we need a rule and enforcement mechanism that reflects the realities of banking. We also need processes in place that offer greater clarity and collaboration.  

Since our roundtable, FASB has indicated a willingness to work with Congress and with stakeholders to make changes to the final standard. Some of the suggestions will be highlighted today by our panelists. I hope FASB's willingness is sincere, and I encourage the Board to take into account any and all alternative proposals discussed.
I also want to encourage the federal financial regulators to consider the dramatic challenges that will result from implementation of this standard, and to have their examiners exercise pragmatism and sensibility as banks and credit unions work toward compliance.  

We have a very distinguished panel of witnesses with us today and we thank them for appearing.                                  

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399152,Luetkemeyer Applauds Revised Definition of WOTUS,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Luetkemeyer Applauds Revised Definition of WOTUS 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 11, 2018
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule was one of the most egregious regulations stemming from the Obama Administration. When President Trump took office, he directed agencies of jurisdiction to review and replace the WOTUS rule, returning power back to the states. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new definition of WOTUS to end years of regulatory uncertainty. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement:
As we continue the fight for reasonable and responsible regulation, I applaud the EPA's revised definition of WOTUS. The revised definition rightly returns power over navigable waters to the states and eliminates the confusion that has plagued the regulation for years, said Congressman Luetkemeyer. Regulated entities such as our Missouri farmers, ranchers, and small businesses across the state deserve regulatory clarity, predictability, and consistency. I'm happy to see the Trump administration taking action.
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https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-celebrates-end-obama-s-wotus-rule,Graves Celebrates the end of Obamas WOTUS Rule,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  U.S. Representative Sam Graves, (MO06), joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Andrew Wheeler and members of the Trump Administration for the signing of the new definition of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. Graves released the following statement:
I am thrilled that the Trump Administration has listened to the people and kept their promise to get rid of WOTUS, said Graves. You can have a thriving rural economy and clean water. This rule accomplishes that.
This reworked rule will provide the certainty and flexibility rural Americans need to properly manage their land and benefit both the economy and the environment. I commend President Trump and his administration for following through on his commitment to protecting our rural way of life.
One of President Trump's earliest acts in office was an executive order directing EPA and the Army Corps to review and replace the Obama EPA's definition of the waters of the United States. The proposal would make it easier to understand where the Clean Water Act applies, and more importantly where it does not. The proposal would help business owners spend less money and time making decisions about whether their waters are Waters of the United States, and more time running their businesses and strengthening the nation's economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-celebrates-the-end-of-obama-s-wotus-rule,Graves Celebrates the end of Obamas WOTUS Rule,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  U.S. Representative Sam Graves, (MO06), joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Andrew Wheeler and members of the Trump Administration for the signing of the new definition of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. Graves released the following statement:
I am thrilled that the Trump Administration has listened to the people and kept their promise to get rid of WOTUS, said Graves. You can have a thriving rural economy and clean water. This rule accomplishes that.
This reworked rule will provide the certainty and flexibility rural Americans need to properly manage their land and benefit both the economy and the environment. I commend President Trump and his administration for following through on his commitment to protecting our rural way of life.
One of President Trump's earliest acts in office was an executive order directing EPA and the Army Corps to review and replace the Obama EPA's definition of the waters of the United States. The proposal would make it easier to understand where the Clean Water Act applies, and more importantly where it does not. The proposal would help business owners spend less money and time making decisions about whether their waters are Waters of the United States, and more time running their businesses and strengthening the nation's economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-celebrates-end-obamas-wotus-rule,Graves Celebrates the end of Obama’s WOTUS Rule,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Sam Graves, (MO06), joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Andrew Wheeler and members of the Trump Administration for the signing of the new definition of the ""Waters of the U.S."" (WOTUS) rule. Graves released the following statement:

""I am thrilled that the Trump Administration has listened to the people and kept their promise to get rid of WOTUS,"" said Graves. ""You can have a thriving rural economy and clean water. This rule accomplishes that.""

""This reworked rule will provide the certainty and flexibility rural Americans need to properly manage their land and benefit both the economy and the environment. I commend President Trump and his administration for following through on his commitment to protecting our rural way of life.""

One of President Trump's earliest acts in office was an executive order directing EPA and the Army Corps to review and replace the Obama EPA's definition of the ""waters of the United States. The proposal would make it easier to understand where the Clean Water Act applies, and more importantly where it does not. The proposal would help business owners spend less money and time making decisions about whether their waters are ""Waters of the United States,"" and more time running their businesses and strengthening the nation's economy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-praises-bill-enhance-veteran-care,Hartzler Praises Bill to Enhance Veteran Care,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) praised the House's passage of a bill that would improve transition assistance for veterans, bolster veteran health care, improve the GI Bill and enhance veterans' burial benefits, among other things. The bill includes many provisions from stand-alone legislation the House passed earlier this year.

I'm pleased to see common-sense reforms for our nation's veterans move forward, Hartzler said. This legislation makes practical changes to strengthen the way we care for those who have served and those who still serve our country today. I look forward to the Senate moving quickly on this bill that would improve how we care for our veterans and servicemembers.

This bill, S. 2248, the Veterans Benefit and Transition Act of 2018, would make changes to several veteran and service member benefits. One provision ensures that students using their GI Bill benefits are not penalized if the Veterans Administration is late making payments to their school. In addition, the bill would allow service members who are deployed or relocated to cancel television and internet service contracts without incurring a penalty and authorize the VA through 2024 to allow the burial of spouses and dependents of veterans in national cemeteries.

The bill is expected to be voted on by the Senate before the year's end and be sent to the President to become law.

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For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=457E91E2-1186-4E81-A811-1ED64F45BF5E,Blunt Commends EPAs Revised WOTUS Rule,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposal to rein in federal bureaucrats' jurisdiction over Missouri waters under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The new proposal provides a more clear and limited definition of which waterways are subject to federal regulation under the CWA and which ones are not.
Rolling back the previous administration's blatant EPA power grab is an important victory for our state, said Blunt. The previous WOTUS rule went far beyond any reasonable definition of navigable waterways and would have given the EPA jurisdiction over nearly every puddle, ditch, and pond in Missouri. This commonsense regulatory approach will protect Missouri families, farmers, and businesses from higher costs and burdensome red tape. I'll continue working with the administration to get rid of misguided regulations that hurt our state and have little to no positive impact.
In June 2017, Blunt praised the Trump administration's withdrawal of the previous Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Read more about Blunt's extensive efforts to stop the WOTUS rule here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=622BB353-95F5-43D7-AB0F-55B1D63D6EBD,Blunt Backs Bipartisan Farm Bill Conference Report,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement today after voting in favor of the farm bill conference report, which passed the Senate by a vote of 87 to 13. 
Passing a farm bill is one of the most important things we can do to give farm families the certainty they need to plan for the future, said Blunt. This isn't a perfect bill, but it does represent a balanced, bipartisan approach to strengthening farm safety net programs and increasing flexibility to address challenges facing producers. The bill also improves research and extension programs to support innovation in the ag industry. With world food demand expected to double in the next 30 to 40 years, we have to have the right policies in place to support continued growth in the ag industry and make sure farmers, ranchers, producers, and agribusinesses have the tools they need to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities ahead.
Blunt spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Senate-passed farm bill earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=04399652-6CCA-4FEC-9828-157BD84693C3,VIDEO: Blunt Highlights Missouri Impact of  Excellence in Mental Health Act,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) spoke on the Senate floor about how his Excellence in Mental Health Act has improved and expanded mental health services and benefited law enforcement in Missouri. The Excellence in Mental Health Act, which was signed into law in 2014, created a demonstration program to put community mental health centers on an equal footing with other health centers by improving quality standards, fully funding community services, and offering patients increased services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric care, counseling and integrated services for mental health treatment. Missouri is one of eight states selected to participate in the demonstration program created under the Excellence in Mental Health Act.
Following are Blunt's Full Remarks:
For too long, law enforcement and emergency room personnel have been, in effect, the de facto mental health delivery system for the country. The National Institutes of Health says that one in five Americans have a mental health or behavioral health issue and that one in nine adult Americans has a behavioral health issue that impacts how they live every single day. Two Congresses ago  Senator Stabenow and I worked to pass legislation, the Excellence in Mental Health Act. What that did was create eight state demonstration projects that would last for two years each to see what would happen if treated mental health like all other health, something that everybody knows, I believe, we should have been doing, something that in eight states we are doing, and, Mr. President, the good news was that 24 states, a number that exceeded every discussion that anybody had about how many states would step forward and say, we'd like to be the states that try to do this first.' Twenty-four states applied. I was certainly proud that Missouri was one of the eight states chosen to be in the demonstration project. We're about halfway through the two-year project, and in our state and in the seven other states, people have access to mental health services that they didn't have before. Most Missourians are within a relatively short drive of a facility that will treat their mental health problem like it was any other health problem. And as we begin to do that, I think we're going to see the kind of impact on law enforcement and the kind of help that law enforcement needs as well. Just a couple of years ago, I rode with both the crisis intervention teams in Kansas City and in my hometown in Springfield. In Springfield, what I saw there was officers dealing with a 24/7 linkup to the Burrell Mental Health Clinic, the local and regional mental health provider. Sixteen officers at that time had in effect, Mr. President, iPads, that linked them up to a mental health professional. Didn't take too long, and I think this would be indicative of what most law enforcement officials see almost every day. It didn't take too long before we came on someone huddled in the alcove of a building that was vacant who clearly had a behavioral health problem, wasn't at that point a drug problem or an alcohol problem. They were where they were because they had a mental health problem. The officer was able to Skype back immediately with a mental health professional. What I was really most interested in, even with a well-trained officer who knew exactly what they were doing and how to do it, even with that officer there, as that officer linked the person up with someone, in effect, a telemedicine linkup with a mental health professional, you could tell that person was more comfortable talking to the iPad and communicating that way than he was with the officer that was right there with him. And it wasn't because the officer was in any way intimidating or unprofessional, but it was just because of what it was, a linkup with someone at another site, but someone who clearly was well-prepared to deal with those kinds of issues. So we're going to see that benefited, the kind of things that the mental health community can do to provide more resources to the law enforcement community under Excellence in Mental Health is providing a service, and I think producing real results. And I'd also say, as I conclude my remarks on this topic, what we hope to see is a significant number of people, and remember, I said NIH said one out of five adult Americans has a behavioral health issue. What happens when you deal with that behavioral health issue in terms of how you deal with all the other health issues that that individual or that community would be dealing with? What happens if somebody is feeling better about themselves, taking their medicine, eating better, sleeping better, showing up for the doctor's appointment, showing up for the dialysis appointment, doing what they ought to be doing? I believe what we're going to find and what's been found in earlier big county studies of this kind, is that actually doing the right thing winds up saving money, not costing money. But also doing the right thing for police officers, for people in emergency rooms, for providing the kinds of connections and alternatives needed, make a big difference. And for all of the health care providers and the law enforcement individuals involved, I'm grateful for what they do, and I think we're seeing some real results from the bill that this body passed, President Obama signed, now in law, and producing great results. And with that, Mr. President, I would yield the floor.
CLICK HERE To Watch Senator Blunt's Remarks CLICK HERE For Audio",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399148,Blaine's Bulletin: Honoring the Life and Legacy of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"With temperatures near freezing in Washington D.C., thousands of Americans waited in hours-long lines for the opportunity to pay their final respects to President George Herbert Walker Bush this week. Lying in state in the United States Capitol rotunda is a rare honor afforded to a select few Americans who served our nation. President Bush, the forty-first President of the United States, earned the honor at least eight times over. 
His son, President George W. Bush said it best, Dad taught us that public service is necessary; that one can serve with integrity and hold true to the important values, like faith and family. As a young man, George H.W. Bush's call to serve superseded his personal ambitions. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy, becoming the youngest Navy pilot during WWII.
After his service in the Navy, he headed back to the United States where he married Barbara Pierce and attended Yale University. As the longest married presidential couple in American history, the tale of George and Barbara has become one of America's most cherished love stories. George and Barbara's love endured through personal tragedy, professional successes, and public defeats, all while keeping faith and family at the center of their lives.
With five children in tow, George H.W. Bush continued to answer the call to serve as a United States Congressman from Texas, Ambassador the United Nations, Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office to the People's Republic of China, and Director of the CIA. His deep understanding of international relations was unmatched, forging critical relationships with foreign nations across the globe and earning worldwide respect.
In 1980, President Bush put his own personal ambitions aside as he became President Ronald Reagan's running mate. As Vice President of the United States, he provided vital counsel to President Reagan, securing international wins throughout the President's two terms. Steadfastly loyal to President Reagan, George H.W. Bush was elected President in 1988. Possibly the most qualified man to ever serve as President of the United States, he continued his work on consequential diplomacy across the globe.
As President he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet his family continued to be at the center of his universe. President Bush's last words on Earth were I love you, too to his beloved first son, namesake and the 43rd President of the United States. To the entire Bush family, a mourning nation stands alongside you. We all gain some comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved wife Barbara and their daughter Robin. In death as in life, his extraordinary goodness and love of country and family will be a guiding light for Americans and people across the world.
We can all learn valuable lessons of service and selflessness thanks to the shining example of President Bush. This week, America has lost an honorable man who exemplified the greatest generation through his faithful commitment to our nation and to his loving family. Leaving a legacy of conservative leadership, as Jon Meachum said, George Herbert Walker Bush made our lives and the lives of nations freer, better, warmer, and nobler.
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https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Hartzler Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"HARRISONVILLE, MO  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) today announced the winners of the 2018 Congressional App Challenge in her district, Chengrui Hou and Shruti Gautam of Rock Bridge High School in Columbia.

I enjoyed the Nostalgia' app Chengrui and Shruti created that allows users to recall pleasant memories with the touch of a finger, Hartzler said. In today's social media saturated world, users can often be left feeling lonely and isolated. Chengrui and Shruti's creative app takes a step towards fixing that problem.

Chengrui and Shruti were awarded first place for their Nostalgia app, which allows users to capture positive moments in their life through photos and messages and to recall them when they feel down. The Rock Bridge High School students designed the app to help people enjoy personal memories. An explanation of their app can be viewed here.

The Congressional App Challenge was established by Congress in 2015 to encourage wider participation in the STEM fields of coding and computer science. We need more students with an interest in computer science and coding, and the Congressional App Challenge is a great way to encourage students across the country to get involved, Hartzler stated.

Two-hundred twenty-two Members of Congress had districts competing this year, with over 9,000 students competing in the Congressional App Challenge over the past three years.

Chengrui and Shruti's app will be eligible for display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the U.S. House of Representatives website. They, along with winners from other districts, will also be invited to a special reception in Washington, D.C. in the spring where they can interact with lawmakers and showcase their technology.

-30

For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-bill-honor-fallen-mo-soldier-signed-law,Hartzler Bill to Honor Fallen MO Soldier Signed into Law,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"HARRISONVILLE, MO  Today Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) announced that the bill she authored to name the downtown Columbia Post Office in honor of Spc. Sterling Wyatt was signed into law.

I'm thrilled that the President signed this bill into law, honoring Specialist Wyatt by naming our Columbia Post Office after him, Hartzler said. Sterling's service to his country set an amazing example to the rest of our nation, and he is worthy of this honor. Having his name is etched into the side of our post office will inspire future generations and allow us to commemorate his patriotism forever.

We are overwhelmed, honored and humbled by the continued outpouring of support and love by our community, family and friends as they remember and honor our son, Sterling, Spc. Wyatt's family said. Knowing our son's sacrifice is and will be remembered is such a blessing and comfort. Our family is so very grateful and blessed.

Born and raised in Columbia, Spc. Wyatt was an active participant in his youth group and church. He was also quite accomplished: he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a first-degree black belt in taekwondo, and certification as a Certified Nurse Attendant all before graduating from Rock Bridge High School in 2009.

Soon after graduating, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington. He was later deployed abroad to serve his country. Tragically, at only 21-years old, Spc. Wyatt was killed on July 11, 2012 while on patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan. His vehicle was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device (IED).

Spc. Wyatt's awards and decorations include the Medal of Valor, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Certificate of Achievement, and Combat Infantryman Badge.


After receiving letters from Columbia constituents requesting the Columbia post office be named in Wyatt's honor, and after she met with Wyatt's parents Randy and Sherry, Rep. Hartzler introduced this historic bill, H.R. 4960. It passed the House in July, the Senate in November, and the President signed it into law late Thursday night.

There will be a formal ceremony in Columbia to dedicate the downtown post office to Spc. Wyatt on a future date to be announced.

-30

For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-blunt-announce-sedalia-rail-industrial-park-grant,"Hartzler, Blunt Announce Sedalia Rail Industrial Park Grant",2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"HARRISONVILLE, MO  Today Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) and Senator Roy Blunt (MO) announced a $10.09 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to the City of Sedalia to extend its existing railroad tracks to the new Sedalia Rail Industrial Park.

I am pleased the City of Sedalia has received this important grant to spur economic growth in the Pettis County area. The city has worked hard alongside the Sedalia-Pettis County Community Service Corporation, Pettis County, Senator Blunt, and my office to obtain the funding, Hartzler said. The grant will allow it to expand the current railroad tracks to the new Industrial Rail Park, where Nucor Steel is building a new steel rebar micro-mil facility that is estimated to bring 250 new jobs. Ideally, the rail project will spur other companies to locate their facilities at the Industrial Park too, creating even more good-paying jobs for hardworking Missourians in the Fourth District.

This grant funding will help keep the Sedalia Rail Industrial Park on track to become the largest, exclusive rail-served industrial park in the Midwest, said Blunt. The new rail design and capacity will position the region to take advantage of the great economic opportunities ahead. I appreciate Congresswoman Hartzler's partnership and the advocacy of local officials who have worked hard to make this project a reality.

In 2016 the Rail-Served Industrial Sites Task Force was launched in Sedalia to determine ways to bring more manufacturing to the Pettis County area. The creation of the task force led to the establishment of a large collaborative project involving sixteen partners in both the public and private sector to create a rail-served industrial park. This park has the potential to be the Midwest's largest, exclusive rail-served industrial park, offering 2900 acres of development ready property for companies to invest in. To make this project possible, the task force would have to extend existing railways in the area to the industrial park so that plants at the park could easily ship their product.

Congresswoman Hartzler and Senator Blunt helped Sedalia win a BUILD Grant, which stands for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, from the U.S. Department of Transportation to extend the railroad to the new industrial park. You can view Hartzler's letter of support here and Blunt's letter of support here.

In November 2017, Nucor Steel LLC became the first tenant of the new industrial park. Nucor is currently in the midst of building a $400 million rebar micro mill facility there, which is estimated to bring 250 new jobs with an average salary of $65,000 to the area. The establishment of the plant in Sedalia is one of the largest recruitment projects central Missouri has landed in ten years.

-30

For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-administration-continues-expand-small-business-access-health-plans,ICYMI: Administration Continues to Expand Small Business Access to Health Plans,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"HARRISONVILLE, MO  Today Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) applauded the U.S. Department of Labor's recent actions to allow groups, associations, and sole proprietors to sign up for association health plans (AHPs). On December 3, 2018, the Department released updated filing forms and guidance, providing groups the first opportunity to register for AHPs under the more accessible system put into place by the Trump Administration. This follows up on the rule issued by the Department earlier this year in June that expanded the availability and accessibility to health plans for individuals associated through similar trades or organizations.
I'm thrilled the Administration is moving forward to ensure more Americans have access to affordable health care, Hartzler said. According to industry experts, 4.3 million people will leave the inadequate Obamacare exchanges over the next five years in favor of association health plans. These plans will put small businesses and solo entrepreneurs on a level playing field with large businesses when it comes to purchasing health insurance.
The Department of Labor's move to expand access to AHPs was prompted by the President's directive to his Administration in October 2017 to find ways to expand choices and alternatives to Obamacare and increase competition to bring down costs for consumers. The Department of Labor finalized a rule earlier this year expanding access to AHPs, which are a type of insurance arrangement allowing groups of individuals or small employers to band together to purchase health coverage, this summer.
AHPs allow small groups and individuals to pool their resources and purchase coverage at better rates than they would be able to do on their own, enabling them to obtain health insurance on similar terms as larger businesses. This is a great option for qualifying families seeking more affordable health insurance, Hartzler added.

-30

For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here. Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/blog?ContentRecord_id=AB869E0B-DF0A-441D-87C3-42505B5A9FBC,Blunt Receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Roy Blunt with Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst  <<< Click Here for High-Res Photo >>>
WASHINGTON  Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) attended the Missouri Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, where he received the Friend of Farm Bureau award for his work supporting Missouri farmers and the agriculture community. Blunt released the following statement after receiving the award:
As the son of dairy farmers, I know firsthand how hard our farmers work to feed and fuel the world. Given our unique location as a hub for the nation's highways, railways, and waterways, Missouri is well-positioned to continue expanding our role as a global ag leader. To take advantage of the opportunities ahead, we must have an effective and sustained federal farm policy. I always appreciate the input the Farm Bureau provides when it comes to making sure we have the right policies in place to support continued growth in the ag industry. I'm honored to receive this award, and grateful for the opportunity to represent Missouri's farm families in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=1E72810A-DF26-4B41-9057-BEA22DAA35C5,Blunt Statement on Barr Nomination to Serve as U.S. Attorney General,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement on President Trump's announcement that he will nominate William P. Barr to serve as United States Attorney General:
Bill Barr is exceptionally well-qualified. He understands the job and will have the confidence of the Congress as well as the president.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=ACB106D7-6052-4700-A96D-92B2FB67530F,"Blunt, Hartzler Announce Sedalia Rail Industrial Park Grant",2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, Missouri U.S. Senator Roy Blunt and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler announced the $10.09 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to the City of Sedalia to extend its existing railroad tracks to the new Sedalia Rail Industrial Park. This grant funding will help keep the Sedalia Rail Industrial Park on track to become the largest, exclusive rail-served industrial park in the Midwest, said Blunt. The new rail design and capacity will position the region to take advantage of the great economic opportunities ahead. I appreciate Congresswoman Hartzler's partnership and the advocacy of local officials who have worked hard to make this project a reality. I am pleased the City of Sedalia has received this important grant to spur economic growth in the Pettis County area. The city has worked hard alongside the Sedalia-Pettis County Community Service Corporation, Pettis County, Senator Blunt, and my office to obtain the funding, Hartzler said. The grant will allow it to expand the current railroad tracks to the new Industrial Rail Park, where Nucor Steel is building a new steel rebar micro-mil facility that is estimated to bring 250 new jobs. Ideally, the rail project will spur other companies to locate their facilities at the Industrial Park too, creating even more good-paying jobs for hardworking Missourians in the Fourth District. In 2016, the Rail-Served Industrial Sites Task Force was launched in Sedalia to determine ways to bring more manufacturing to the Pettis County area. The creation of the task force led to the establishment of a large collaborative project involving sixteen partners in both the public and private sector to create a rail-served industrial park. This park has the potential to be the Midwest's largest, exclusive rail-served industrial park, offering 2900 acres of development ready property for companies to invest in. To make this project possible, the task force would have to extend existing railways in the area to the industrial park so that plants at the park could easily ship their product. Senator Blunt and Congresswoman Hartzler helped Sedalia win a BUILD Grant, which stands for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, from the U.S. Department of Transportation to extend the railroad to the new industrial park. You can view Blunt's letter of support here and Hartzler's letter of support here. In November 2017, Nucor Steel LLC became the first tenant of the new industrial park. Nucor is currently in the midst of building a $400 million rebar micro mill facility there, which is estimated to bring 250 new jobs with an average salary of $65,000 to the area. The establishment of the plant in Sedalia is one of the largest recruitment projects central Missouri has landed in ten years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399149,Luetkemeyer Statement on Kraninger Confirmation,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Luetkemeyer Statement on Kraninger Confirmation  
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Today, Kathy Kraninger was confirmed to serve as Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, issued the following statement:
Under Acting Director Mulvaney's guidance, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection has become a vastly more accountable agency. I congratulate Ms. Kraninger on her confirmation and look forward to working alongside her as she prioritizes transparency and leads the Bureau to meet its mission to protect consumers.  

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https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-announces-new-grant-for-the-buck-o-neil-bridge,Congressman Cleaver Announces New Grant for the Buck ONeil Bridge,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is pleased to announce that the Buck O'Neil bridge located in Kansas City, Missouri has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant in the amount of $25 million.
The grant will go towards replacement of the Buck O'Neil Bridge which carries US 169 over the Missouri River in Kansas City. This project includes a wider bridge span, separated facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, connector ramps including a direct connection between US 169 and Interstate 35, and approaching roadway.
This is great news for a bridge that is in desperate need of replacement. This will ease the concern of drivers who use the bridge daily and open doors for new economic opportunities in my district, said Congressman Cleaver.
The Buck O'Neil bridge first opened in 1956 as the Broadway Bridge. It was renamed in 2016 after the great Kansas City Monarch player, John Buck O'Neil. Today over 45,000 vehicles a day cross the bridge between downtown Kansas City and surrounding communities.
The Missouri Department of Transportation applied for the BUILD grant.
For the last several years, Congressman Cleaver worked with other members the Missouri Congressional Delegation, MODOT, and the city to find a solution that would allow for replacement of the bridge, rather than repairs only. Last year, Congressman Cleaver wrote to the Secretary of Transportation to support a TIGER grant application that would allow funding to replace the bridge.
I'm glad we could all work together to make this happen. The bridge is an example of what we can accomplish when we focus on the betterment of our communities, said Congressman Cleaver.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-announces-buck-o-neil-bridge-receive-25-million-build-grant,Graves Announces Buck ONeil Bridge to Receive $25 Million BUILD Grant,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), incoming Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Buck O'Neil Bridge has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant, or BUILD grant.
The Buck O'Neil Bridge project will receive a BUILD grant for $25 million.
I am thrilled that this project has received a BUILD grant. This is a great program that really represents our renewed focus on infrastructure and there is no doubt that the Buck O'Neil Bridge is in desperate need of attention, Graves said.
The Buck O'Neil Bridge project has obviously been a priority of mine from the start and this money will kickstart the much-needed replacement of this aging bridge. Congratulations to all those who worked hard for this grant including MODOT, MARC, and the surrounding communities that have pulled together to make this project possible.
The current Buck O'Neil Bridge is 62 years old and serves as an important connection with 40,000 vehicles crossing between the northern Kansas City suburbs and the downtown area each day as well as serving as the predominant connection between the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport and Kansas City.
In addition to the Buck O'Neil Bridge project, the City of Maryville will receive a $10.4 million BUILD grant for their South Main Corridor Improvement Project.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao informed Graves of the grant awards earlier today.
The Department is committed to following through on the President's commitment to rebuild our country's infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life, said Chao.
The Administration's continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities.
Earlier this year, Congress made $1.5 billion available for BUILD Transportation Discretionary grants. Projects for BUILD were evaluated based on merit criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, state of good repair, innovation, partnership, and additional non-Federal revenue for future transportation infrastructure investments.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-announces-buck-o-neil-bridge-to-receive-25-million-build-grant,Graves Announces Buck ONeil Bridge to Receive $25 Million BUILD Grant,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), incoming Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Buck O'Neil Bridge has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant, or BUILD grant.
The Buck O'Neil Bridge project will receive a BUILD grant for $25 million.
I am thrilled that this project has received a BUILD grant. This is a great program that really represents our renewed focus on infrastructure and there is no doubt that the Buck O'Neil Bridge is in desperate need of attention, Graves said.
The Buck O'Neil Bridge project has obviously been a priority of mine from the start and this money will kickstart the much-needed replacement of this aging bridge. Congratulations to all those who worked hard for this grant including MODOT, MARC, and the surrounding communities that have pulled together to make this project possible.
The current Buck O'Neil Bridge is 62 years old and serves as an important connection with 40,000 vehicles crossing between the northern Kansas City suburbs and the downtown area each day as well as serving as the predominant connection between the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport and Kansas City.
In addition to the Buck O'Neil Bridge project, the City of Maryville will receive a $10.4 million BUILD grant for their South Main Corridor Improvement Project.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao informed Graves of the grant awards earlier today.
The Department is committed to following through on the President's commitment to rebuild our country's infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life, said Chao.
The Administration's continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities.
Earlier this year, Congress made $1.5 billion available for BUILD Transportation Discretionary grants. Projects for BUILD were evaluated based on merit criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, state of good repair, innovation, partnership, and additional non-Federal revenue for future transportation infrastructure investments.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-announces-city-maryville-receive-104-million-build-grant,Graves Announces City of Maryville to Receive $10.4 Million BUILD Grant,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), incoming Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the City of Maryville has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant, or BUILD grant.
The City of Maryville will receive a $10.4 million BUILD grant for their South Main Corridor Improvement Project.
I am thrilled that this rural project has received a BUILD grant. This is a great program that really represents our renewed focus on infrastructure, specifically in the rural areas and this project is a perfect example of that, Graves said.
The South Main Corridor Improvement Project will improve safety, decrease gridlock and provide a beautiful new corridor through Maryville. I'm thrilled that city leaders and businesses were forward-thinking in applying for this grant and I look forward to seeing the completed project.
Additionally, the Buck O'Neil Bridge Project in Kansas City will receive a $25 million BUILD grant.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao informed Graves of the grant awards earlier today.
The Department is committed to following through on the President's commitment to rebuild our country's infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life, said Chao.
The Administration's continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities.
Earlier this year, Congress made $1.5 billion available for BUILD Transportation Discretionary grants. Projects for BUILD were evaluated based on merit criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, state of good repair, innovation, partnership, and additional non-Federal revenue for future transportation infrastructure investments.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-announces-city-of-maryville-to-receive-104-million-build-grant,Graves Announces City of Maryville to Receive $10.4 Million BUILD Grant,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), incoming Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the City of Maryville has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant, or BUILD grant.
The City of Maryville will receive a $10.4 million BUILD grant for their South Main Corridor Improvement Project.
I am thrilled that this rural project has received a BUILD grant. This is a great program that really represents our renewed focus on infrastructure, specifically in the rural areas and this project is a perfect example of that, Graves said.
The South Main Corridor Improvement Project will improve safety, decrease gridlock and provide a beautiful new corridor through Maryville. I'm thrilled that city leaders and businesses were forward-thinking in applying for this grant and I look forward to seeing the completed project.
Additionally, the Buck O'Neil Bridge Project in Kansas City will receive a $25 million BUILD grant.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao informed Graves of the grant awards earlier today.
The Department is committed to following through on the President's commitment to rebuild our country's infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life, said Chao.
The Administration's continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities.
Earlier this year, Congress made $1.5 billion available for BUILD Transportation Discretionary grants. Projects for BUILD were evaluated based on merit criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, state of good repair, innovation, partnership, and additional non-Federal revenue for future transportation infrastructure investments.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-buck-oneil-bridge-receive-25-million-build-grant,Graves Announces Buck O’Neil Bridge to Receive $25 Million BUILD Grant,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), incoming Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Buck O'Neil Bridge has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant, or BUILD grant.

The Buck O'Neil Bridge project will receive a BUILD grant for $25 million.

""I am thrilled that this project has received a BUILD grant. This is a great program that really represents our renewed focus on infrastructure and there is no doubt that the Buck O'Neil Bridge is in desperate need of attention,"" Graves said.

""The Buck O'Neil Bridge project has obviously been a priority of mine from the start and this money will kickstart the much-needed replacement of this aging bridge. Congratulations to all those who worked hard for this grant including MODOT, MARC, and the surrounding communities that have pulled together to make this project possible.""

The current Buck O'Neil Bridge is 62 years old and serves as an important connection with 40,000 vehicles crossing between the northern Kansas City suburbs and the downtown area each day as well as serving as the predominant connection between the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport and Kansas City.

In addition to the Buck O'Neil Bridge project, the City of Maryville will receive a $10.4 million BUILD grant for their South Main Corridor Improvement Project.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao informed Graves of the grant awards earlier today.

""The Department is committed to following through on the President's commitment to rebuild our country's infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life,"" said Chao.

""The Administration's continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities.""

Earlier this year, Congress made $1.5 billion available for BUILD Transportation Discretionary grants. Projects for BUILD were evaluated based on merit criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, state of good repair, innovation, partnership, and additional non-Federal revenue for future transportation infrastructure investments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-city-maryville-receive-104-million-build-grant,Graves Announces City of Maryville to Receive $10.4 Million BUILD Grant,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), incoming Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the City of Maryville has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant, or BUILD grant.

The City of Maryville will receive a $10.4 million BUILD grant for their South Main Corridor Improvement Project.

""I am thrilled that this rural project has received a BUILD grant. This is a great program that really represents our renewed focus on infrastructure, specifically in the rural areas and this project is a perfect example of that,"" Graves said.

""The South Main Corridor Improvement Project will improve safety, decrease gridlock and provide a beautiful new corridor through Maryville. I'm thrilled that city leaders and businesses were forward-thinking in applying for this grant and I look forward to seeing the completed project.""

Additionally, the Buck O'Neil Bridge Project in Kansas City will receive a $25 million BUILD grant.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao informed Graves of the grant awards earlier today.

""The Department is committed to following through on the President's commitment to rebuild our country's infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life,"" said Chao.

""The Administration's continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities.""

Earlier this year, Congress made $1.5 billion available for BUILD Transportation Discretionary grants. Projects for BUILD were evaluated based on merit criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, state of good repair, innovation, partnership, and additional non-Federal revenue for future transportation infrastructure investments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=379,Members of Arkansas & Missouri Congressional Delegations Announce $25 Million Grant for Critical Segment of I-49,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Billy Long,L000576,long.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=6A694F6F-CC1B-4EAD-97FE-3EA55455E8BA,Blunt Announces $10.4 Million BUILD Grant for City of Maryville,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Department of Transportation has awarded the City of Maryville a $10.4 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant. The funding will be used for the South Main Corridor Improvement Project. Blunt sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao earlier this year urging funding for the project.
Strong infrastructure and strong economies go hand in hand, especially in our rural areas, said Blunt. Making sure customers can move through Maryville's busiest retail area is key to attracting new development and making sure local businesses continue to thrive. I was glad to weigh in with the Department of Transportation in support of this project and look forward to seeing it move ahead.
Blunt helped secure $1.5 billion for BUILD Grants, formerly known as TIGER Grants, in the FY2018 omnibus appropriations bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=6F7E9213-A9A0-4B68-8D0F-F44AEC7ABCAE,"Blunt, Smith Announce $19.8 Million Grant for Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Missouri U.S. Senator Roy Blunt and U.S. Representative Jason Smith today announced that the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority will receive a $19.8 million grant through the Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program. This funding will be used to finish the port loop track terminal, providing more efficient transfers between railroad unit trains and river barge transportation.
The Semo Port plays a critical role in in our state's economy, especially when it comes to moving our ag products to market, said Blunt. This project will help ensure the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority is able to continue building upon the steady growth they've achieved over the years. I appreciate Congressman Smith's partnership in securing this funding, and look forward to continuing to work with the port authority to make sure they have the support they need.
I've been happy to fight for and support this project along with Senator Blunt, said Congressman Smith. This investment in southeast Missouri will allow our farmers, ranchers, and workers to move more of their products to market more efficiently and boost the local economy. I've always believed our area is home to the finest farmers and workers in the world, and I'm excited that more businesses will be attracted to southern Missouri as we continue to bring our infrastructure into the 21st century.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=C52248EB-4BE5-4C69-A18B-BE9A0F0A789D,Blunt Announces $25 Million Grant for Buck ONeil Bridge Replacement,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, today commended the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding a $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant to replace the Buck O'Neil Bridge, which carries US 169 over the Missouri River in Kansas City. Blunt sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao earlier this year urging funding for the project. Replacing the decades-old Buck O'Neil Bridge is great news for the region and the thousands of people who travel over the Missouri River every day, said Blunt. The new bridge will have a wider span to reduce congestion and separate lanes for pedestrians and bicyclists to improve safety. I've been proud to advocate for funding for this much-needed infrastructure project, which will pave the way for stronger economic growth in the region. Blunt helped secure $1.5 billion for BUILD Grants, formerly known as TIGER Grants, in the FY2018 omnibus appropriations bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=D6BAE623-B312-4C25-9AB2-B2C350F20AC6,Members of Missouri & Arkansas Congressional Delegations Announce $25 Million Grant for Critical Segment of I-49,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.), John Boozman (Ark.) and Tom Cotton (Ark.), along with U.S. Representatives Billy Long (Mo.) and Steve Womack (Ark.), announced that $25 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has been awarded to complete work on a critical segment of Interstate 49 that will connect Arkansas and Missouri. The Arkansas/Missouri connector, often referred to as the Bella Vista Bypass, is the only portion of the more than 290-mile route between Kansas City, Missouri and Fort Smith, Arkansas that is not interstate quality. Traffic signals in Bella Vista and just across the state line in Missouri cause major traffic congestion and dramatically slow travel time. The states have worked to complete this 18.9-mile section of I-49 at the Missouri-Arkansas line for more than 25 years. Funding for the project is being awarded from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program which is allocated for nationally and regionally significant projects. Completion of the critical stretch of the I-49 Arkansas-Missouri Connector is 25 years in the making and I'm thrilled we're one step closer to getting it done, said Blunt. Completing this project will increase safety, improve the quality of life, and strengthen local economies in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Missouri's transportation networks are our greatest competitive advantage, and I appreciate the partnership of our Arkansas colleagues in moving this project forward. This is exciting news for Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. Securing these funds for this shovel-ready project has taken years of vigorous and persistent advocating from my team. Our hard work has finally resulted in funding for a project that will yield dividends when it comes to economic growth and quality of life in the region, Boozman said. I appreciate Secretary Chao's leadership in recognizing the importance of a project that I have championed throughout my time in Congress. Interstate access heralds the continued economic growth of any area, which is why completing the Bella Vista bypass is vital for Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. Many businesses and future infrastructure projects depend on its finalization, and this funding will allow that project's construction finally to move forward. I am grateful to Secretary Chao and the Trump Administration for their dedication to improving Arkansas infrastructure, said Cotton. The completion of the I-49 corridor is long overdue, Long said. Today's announcement is great news for individuals and businesses in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas who have been waiting for this for more than 25 years. I am incredibly thankful for my colleagues in both Missouri and Arkansas who have long been strong advocates of I-49's completion, and their understanding of the numerous benefits it will bring to local economies in both states. Today's funding announcement is a game changer that will do more than just upgrade the I-49 corridor  it will transform and modernize our local transportation system to support Arkansas families and the growth of our state. This investment, which I have tirelessly advocated for, will increase travel safety, decrease congestion, create jobs, and enhance the economic vitality of our region. I am grateful to Secretary Chao for listening to the concerns I brought to USDOT, and for moving this important and long overdue project forward, said Womack.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/a-winning-week-for-trade,A Winning Week for Trade,2018-12-05,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
Free trade needs to be fair trade and farmers received several pieces of good news last week on that front.
President Trump announced that negotiations with China have taken a major step forward. Because of some very important concessions from China, the President struck an agreement that he won't raise the tariffs on Chinese goods while negotiations continue. As a result, China has agreed to purchase a very substantial amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States. These purchases are designed to reduce the trade imbalance between our two countries and put us in a much better position than we have been for quite some time.
Most importantly, China has agreed to begin purchasing US soybeans immediately.Prices have surged. This is welcome news across rural America. Meanwhile, negotiations with President Xi will continue in the hopes that China will quit ripping off our country. We continue to play the long game knowing that the best deal isn't going to happen overnight.
Closer to home, the trade long game is just about over and it looks like a win.
President Trump, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pea Nieto, signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It replaces NAFTA, which had put the US at a disadvantage in several key areas.
The new agreement will increase market access for America's farmers and ranchers, incentivize billions in new auto production, install new protections to safeguard America's intellectual property against foreign competitors, and create a new chapter to benefit America's small and medium sized businesses.
The President kept his promise to deliver a new agreement and getting his counterparts in Mexico and Canada to the table to sign the agreement was a huge win for America. The ball is now in Congress' court and I hope we will act quickly in the new year to ratify the agreement.
Trade is critical to North Missouri and these developments are huge.Our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and businesses are one step closer to having the certainty and market access they need. We've still got a long way to go but I am committed to helping us get the best possible trade deals we can get. With a little patience, I think we can even out the imbalances and right the ship.
  
	Sincerely,    
	Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/winning-week-trade,A Winning Week for Trade,2018-12-05,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
Free trade needs to be fair trade and farmers received several pieces of good news last week on that front.
President Trump announced that negotiations with China have taken a major step forward. Because of some very important concessions from China, the President struck an agreement that he won't raise the tariffs on Chinese goods while negotiations continue. As a result, China has agreed to purchase a very substantial amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States. These purchases are designed to reduce the trade imbalance between our two countries and put us in a much better position than we have been for quite some time.
Most importantly, China has agreed to begin purchasing US soybeans immediately.Prices have surged. This is welcome news across rural America. Meanwhile, negotiations with President Xi will continue in the hopes that China will quit ripping off our country. We continue to play the long game knowing that the best deal isn't going to happen overnight.
Closer to home, the trade long game is just about over and it looks like a win.
President Trump, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pea Nieto, signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It replaces NAFTA, which had put the US at a disadvantage in several key areas.
The new agreement will increase market access for America's farmers and ranchers, incentivize billions in new auto production, install new protections to safeguard America's intellectual property against foreign competitors, and create a new chapter to benefit America's small and medium sized businesses.
The President kept his promise to deliver a new agreement and getting his counterparts in Mexico and Canada to the table to sign the agreement was a huge win for America. The ball is now in Congress' court and I hope we will act quickly in the new year to ratify the agreement.
Trade is critical to North Missouri and these developments are huge.Our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and businesses are one step closer to having the certainty and market access they need. We've still got a long way to go but I am committed to helping us get the best possible trade deals we can get. With a little patience, I think we can even out the imbalances and right the ship.
  
	Sincerely,    
	Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399147,Luetkemeyer Attends White House Bill Signing for Delta Queen Bill,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Luetkemeyer Attends White House Bill Signing for Delta Queen Bill 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 4, 2018
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Last week, the House passed the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, which includes language allowing the Delta Queen steamboat to return to Missouri's rivers. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) joined President Trump at the bill signing ceremony and released the following statement:
Today's bill signing is the culmination of years of hard work and bipartisan, bicameral cooperation to preserve a piece of American history. It was an honor to stand alongside my colleagues as President Trump signed legislation to provide the United States Coast Guard with resources to support its mission and a critical exemption for the Delta Queen. Missourians across the state are thankful for President Trump's actions to spur economic growth along Missouri's riverbanks and safeguard the Delta's Queen's storied history by returning her to our rivers.  

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      e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=5729AD7A-67E6-4C31-A949-0F74DE193145,"Its Anchors Aweigh for the Delta Queen, Blunt, McCaskill Announce",2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Missouri Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill today announced that their legislation to bring the historic 1920's riverboat Delta Queen back to the Mississippi River was signed into law. The bill reinstates a decades-long exemption to allow the boat to operate from its new home port of Kimmswick, in Jefferson County - creating jobs and strengthening economic growth and tourism.  The return of the historic Delta Queen is great news for our state and the St. Louis region, said Blunt. This important part of our nation's history will create jobs and strengthen our state's growing tourism industry. I thank our House colleagues, local officials, and community leaders who have been great partners in our effort to bring this one-of-a-kind riverboat back to Missouri. I'm thrilled the Delta Queen will once again part the Mississippi as I depart the Senate, McCaskill said. This historic landmark will highlight the rich history of the state I love, supporting local communities up and down the river. Working with Senator Blunt and my colleagues in the House to make this a reality has been a privilege."" According to the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, returning the Delta Queen to the St. Louis area will create more than 170 local jobs. The Delta Queen is expected to begin and end a number of its cruises each year in Kimmswick, and will visit up to 80 other ports in the United States. Built in the 1920s, the Delta Queen is an historic, wooden American steamboat that carried dignitaries (including three U.S. Presidents) and thousands of other passengers through the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The boat also served as a naval ship during World War II. For more than 40 years, the Delta Queen was exempted from a law passed by Congress regulating passenger vessels carrying 50 or more passengers overnight on domestic U.S. waters. That exemption expired in 2008. The bill passed by the Senate today restores the long-running exemption and requires the Delta Queen, which is fully compliant with all other Coast Guard safety regulations, to annually modify at least ten percent of the wooden portions of the vessel's superstructure to comply with the federal safety law requirements. The Delta Queen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is classified as a National Historic Landmark. In 2013, it was designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=53D8F7C1-5BA6-48F6-A9C7-349DD435D093,VIDEO: Blunt Honors Life and Service of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) spoke on the Senate floor to honor the life and service of President George H.W. Bush. In his remarks, Blunt talked about the Bush family's Missouri ties and some of the times they spent together in the state.


Following are Excerpts From Blunt's Remarks:
Certainly in Missouri, we claim part of the Bush family. His mother grew up in Missouri. The Walkers were from Missouri, and he treated Missouri like it was one of the states that he was connected to by relationship. His uncle Herbert, along with his grandfather and later his uncle Herbert and the rest of the family, would go in the summer to Walker's Point, named after that Missouri part of his family, just like the Walker's Cup is named after that part of his family. The impact of his mother is pretty great. I heard the president talking the other day on an interview with Jenna Bush about who he would look for when he got to heaven and that was a couple years ago I think, and he said, well, if Barbara has gone there first, I think the right answer would be, I'm going to look for her first. But then he said, and I think my mom and my dad. He said their daughter that they had lost when she was three, Robin, but his mother was an important part of his life. And you could tell that in talking to him or his children that remembered their grandmother and you could see a lot of what she taught him in him.  Another part of his upbringing was sort of the upbringing of, in many ways, the best values of that World War II generation. Stand up straight, take responsibility, share credit, take blame. Those were all part of who George Herbert Walker Bush had become. That idea that you should do what you're supposed to do; that idea of the importance of service to others.  If you're going to be part of the team, but if you're President Bush, I heard Jon Meacham, his biographer say, that he tried to kind of get into the depth of that. What about this commitment to service and aren't there lots of ways to do that, and can't you have service without recognition? But President Bush, understanding the conflict actually in what he believed and the profession he had pursued, said, well, there's nothing wrong if you're going to be on the team to want to be captain of the team.' Whether it is captain of the Yale baseball team, which he was, or President of the United States. The Yale baseball team, Mr. President, leads me to another thing that you and I know when we think about him, the willingness as a young man to serve and to serve immediately. In fact, at 17, still in high school, after Pearl Harbor, he talked about going to Canada to join the Canadian Air Corps because you could do that at 17, but in our country you couldn't join the Air Corps until 18.  And he was persuaded by, I assume, his mom and dad and others, well, let's finish high school. Let's finish high school first and then when you're 18, you can join the U.S. Air Corps,' which he did, I believe, on his 18th birthday or really close to his 18th birthday, to become then the youngest aviator in the war at the time he got his flying credentials and serving in that way. That was part of that generation. But then the war is over and he and Barbara get married right before the end of the war and then he goes to college. Then he goes to college. That young man with a wife and a baby goes to college, becomes the captain of the baseball team. A man of really always great athletic ability, great grace in so many ways, grace under pressure, grace with others, but grace in sports as well and the ability to do that. Now, when you're the captain of the Yale baseball team, you can talk a lot about the team instead of yourself. When you decide to enter politics, there's an almost total contradiction between pursuing political office and not talking about yourself. It just doesn't quite work that way, you have to be willing to do that and you could always see in President Bush that reluctance to cross the line his mother had taught him and talk about himself. Talk about the accomplishments and even at his best he was held back in many ways by that reluctance to what he would see as bragging on himself, but his public service was significant and broad based. I believe you could make the case that perhaps no one had ever been better prepared to be president than George Herbert Walker Bush.  He was a man of appreciation and thank you notes and sympathy notes, and that network of friends and family eventually became very important. Now, where I live in Missouri, we were the ultimate bellwether state for about 100 years.  But for 100 years we voted from 1904 to 2004, we voted for the winner every time but one. So that last 20 years of that time period very much is the time period where President Bush 41 and Bush 43, for that matter, were part of national politics. So Missouri would have been a significant place for him anyway, but his brother lived there, his younger brother Bucky, who passed away in the last few years. Future Ambassador Burt Walker was there. Lots of sort of interrelated and connected family members. So we saw candidate Bush and then Vice President Bush and then President Bush in our state a lot. I was the elected secretary of state when he was vice president and was the secretary of state when he was president, and so I had the chance to benefit from knowing him, the chance to go to Walker's Point a few times, to go to church with the Bushes. And if you were with the Bushes on a Sunday, either you were going to be left by yourself or you were going to go to church because that was as much a part of who President Bush was as anything else, maybe a bigger part than anything else. He said in his faith, the Episcopal faith, maybe he wasn't as sharing publicly of his faith, but he was absolutely, Mr. President, committed to his faith. In fact, a chapel, he raised the money to build a chapel at Camp David during his presidency.  The Missouri connection goes a little bit further. Not only did Missouri vote for President Bush in 1988... But after Desert Storm, President Bush looked around to find a place to do the first 4th of July parade after Desert Storm and he came to Marshfield, Missouri, in the county where I was born, in Webster County. I was going to be the grand marshal of the parade that year, as I recall, but when it became apparent that the president wanted to come to be in that parade, I was more than willing to concede that he should be the grand marshal of that parade and walked not too far behind him. And then in 1992 after the convention, I believe the first kickoff, the first campaign kickoff was at Branson, Missouri, and I had the chance to be there with him. We went to a country music show at the Moe Bandy Theater, and Loretta Lynn was sitting with the president and Mrs. Bush, and their good friend from Texas Moe Bandy was performing, and that was a part of America and a part of our music that the president loved.  There was nowhere in that matrix that I just talked about where President Bush didn't leave with more friends than he had when he came, and friends in many times that he figured out how to develop a lifelong connection to. All of us could use more of that skill.  Let me just say, in terms of preparation and how it paid off, CIA Director, a Member of Congress, one of the very first envoys to China before we had official relationships, the envoy to the United Nations, Vice President of the United States, making connections and contacts and friendships. 
And then, Mr. President, the collapse of the Soviet Union. We have just enough time now to look back and I've heard many others in the last few days talk about how that could have gone so badly wrong for all of the other countries that were trying to emerge from the domination of Russia and the Soviet Union. But George Herbert Walker Bush, on the phone, reaching out, talking to leaders, seeing the things that had just been predicted by the West Germans themselves to be impossible, that somehow East Germany could become part of West Germany, is exactly what happened. The president encouraged, stood beside, went out of the way to be sure that Helmut Kohl, the leader of West Germany, had the kind of support that he and his government needed to reach out and bring this country that had been isolated for 40 years, this part of the country back into the country, that all of these East European countries that were emerging from Soviet domination had a chance to move from domination to democracy. That would not have happened the way it happened if somebody less prepared and less capable had been there.
CLICK HERE To Watch Senator Blunt's Remarks CLICK HERE For Audio",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=2749BDCE-376A-493C-958C-71E1FCB38E8D,"VIDEO: On Fox News Sunday, Blunt Discusses Latest Developments on Trade, Russia & More",2018-12-02,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday this morning to discuss trade and Russia's continued aggression toward Ukraine.
Following is a transcript of the interview: 
On Trade Developments at the G-20 Summit: 
Well, Chris, first let me join all the Americans who are expressing such gratitude for President Bush in his life and his great example. But on this topic, people like me who have really been concerned about the president's stated trade policy can take some encouragement about what happened in the last couple of days, the signing of the U.S., Canada, Mexico agreement. That's a big step that six months ago or even just a few weeks ago we were concerned we would not be making that kind of progress. And on the Chinese front, you're exactly right. We need more specifics here. The ag products that come from my state, that come from the middle of the country, I think the soybean exports to China have gone to virtually zero from about one out of every three rows of Missouri soybeans were being exported to China. So whether it's those kinds of crops, or pork, or beef, or chicken, we need to see some real specific figures here. This has hurt a lot of Missouri farm families and farm families all over the country, but the president's goal to get China in a better and fairer place in trade is the right goal. I'm just hoping that what we've seen in the Canada-Mexico side of the ledger is now going to have the same kind of impact as we are negotiating seriously with China.
On the Future of Trade Negotiations: 
I am concerned about it and the president knows that. He's been very open to talking with me about it but I think it's hard to win a trade war and I also think though that the facts on the table with China are stronger than any other country in terms of our legitimate concerns and the more other things that the president can move off the table, whether it's Canada, Mexico, the E.U., Japan, the more of those things he can move off the table, the more flexibility he has with China. But I would like to see China become the market that they should be for us, but I would also like to see China create the opportunities for American companies that invest there, to do things besides just steal our intellectual property and violate the agreements that China has clearly made and doesn't stand up to.
On the Senate Intelligence Committee's Russia Investigation: 
Well, you know I haven't thought a lot about the Mueller timing here. I certainly do think that lying to the Intelligence Committee that I'm part of is a big mistake for whoever does it and creates lots of problems for the committee itself. You know, when you lie to a congressional committee, when you lie to an investigation where hundreds and thousands of man hours, people hours are being spent, the question you asked the next witness may be different, a witness you don't call may be somebody you would have called if you had gotten the right answer. I'm glad to see the special prosecutor taking that particular crime seriously.
On Russian Aggression Toward Ukraine: 

But on the Russian front, I hope if the president did have any words to exchange with President Putin it was outrage about what the Russians are doing in Ukraine. It is totally unacceptable. The president, I think, announced that he wasn't going to have that meeting pretty quickly after what happened in Ukraine, as opposed to in response to anything else. And if the president had a chance to talk to President Putin, I hope his talk was very frank and no holds barred that we are not going to accept the kind of activity that the Russians are looking at in Ukraine and Crimea and we better send a strong message about the rest of Eastern Europe.

CLICK HERE To Watch Senator Blunt's interview",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399146,Luetkemeyer Statement Remembering President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Luetkemeyer Statement Remembering President George H.W. Bush 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement remembering the life and legacy of President George H.W. Bush:
  
""America has lost an honorable man who leaves a legacy of conservative leadership. President George H.W. Bush exemplified the Greatest Generation through his faithful commitment to our nation as a war hero, Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Director of the CIA and President. Along with my fellow Americans, I send my sincere condolences to the entire Bush family on this difficult day. We all gain some comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved wife, First Lady Barbara Bush.""

    
  
  
  
    
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https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-statement-president-george-hw-bush,Hartzler Statement on President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) today made the following statement about the passing of President George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States of America.
Like Americans all across our nation, I was saddened to learn of the news of the passing of President George H.W. Bush. Bush 41,' as he was affectionately known, served his country in World War II as a combat pilot, then extended his service to America as an envoy to China, U.S. Representative, CIA Director, Vice President, and finally President of the United States. America has lost a true statesman. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family at this time.
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For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=5E74396D-CB5E-475C-AA4B-793C1CA8D9CA,Blunt Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement on the passing of President George H.W. Bush:
George H.W. Bush had the best qualities of his generation; stand up straight and take responsibility, share the credit and take the blame. He loved his country and served it with capacity, modesty and dignity. His mastery of foreign policy was most evident as the Soviet Union collapsed and Eastern Europe moved toward democracy. His example and service made a world changing difference.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399145,Blaines Bulletin: Full Steam Ahead,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"In 1927, the most lavish and expensive river steamboats of their time, the Delta King and Delta Queen entered service. After many years on the rivers in California, the Delta Queen was utilized to ferry troops in the waters around San Francisco during World War II. The Delta Queen even transported some of the wounded from the attack on Pearl Harbor to onshore hospitals in San Francisco. Following the war, the Delta Queen was a mainstay of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers for more than 60 years, enjoying immense popularity as it carried tourists throughout the Midwest. 
As the oldest overnight passenger steamboat still fully intact and able to travel America's inland waterways, the Delta Queen is a historical gem of Missouri's rivers. Unfortunately, it was inadvertently caught in a technical provision of the Safety of Life at Seas Act (SOLAS) which was passed by Congress in 1966. Because the provision was originally intended for ocean-going ships, the Delta Queen was granted a Congressional exemption from SOLAS for more than 40 years due to her impeccable safety record and close proximity to land at all times. Unfortunately, in 2008 the exemption expired.
Since then, the Delta Queen's new owners, management, and labor union have been united in an effort to save the ship. As a lifelong Missourian, I appreciate the importance of the Delta Queen's historic contributions to Missouri and the economic impacts along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri Rivers. Throughout my time in Congress I have worked with local officials, the great advocates in Missouri, and my colleagues in the House and Senate to get the ship back in the river. Fortunately, this week the hard work of so many paid off.
On Tuesday, the House passed the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize, strengthen, and support the United States Coast Guard in its critical mission. Thanks to the advocacy of Senators and Representatives from Missouri, we secured the inclusion of language allowing the Delta Queen to finally return to the river.
I'm happy to see Congressional cooperation at work in passing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation. However, it's important to note that while the exemption was ultimately accomplished in a bill, local leaders and Delta Queen supporters up and down the river played an enormous role in this long-awaited success. Along with the positive economic impacts of the Delta Queen's return, I hope that future generations of Missourians will be able to enjoy the history of the Delta Queen as it traverses Missouri's waterways for years to come!
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https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-elected-republican-leader-of-ti-committee,Graves Elected Republican Leader of T&I Committee,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Representative Sam Graves, (MO-06), was elected by members of the House Republican Conference to lead the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as Ranking Member. Graves released the following statement:
I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to lead this important Committee at such a critical time for our nation's infrastructure, said Graves. Infrastructure seems to be at the forefront of everyone's to-do-list and I believe my experience as a professional pilot and legislator coupled with my policy depth and conservative values will serve the conference well as we begin discussions on an infrastructure bill.
Addressing our crumbling infrastructure has long been a bipartisan issue, and I am intent on working with all my colleagues, the Senate, and President Trump to craft an infrastructure proposal that includes finding a long-term funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund. Infrastructure drives every aspect of our economy and at the end of the day, this effort will save people's lives, time and money.
Background:
Congressman Sam Graves represents North Missouri  a district that includes two major waterways, over 9,000 highway miles, 2,500 bridges, 13 general aviation airports, one international airport, major cross-country freight railways, and 853 levee miles. He has served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee throughout his entire 18 years in Congress, led several of the T&I Committee's subcommittees, most recently as Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman, and was the former Chairman and Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee. Congressman Graves is also a professional pilot. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-elected-republican-leader-ti-committee,Graves Elected Republican Leader of T&I Committee,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Representative Sam Graves, (MO-06), was elected by members of the House Republican Conference to lead the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as Ranking Member. Graves released the following statement:
I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to lead this important Committee at such a critical time for our nation's infrastructure, said Graves. Infrastructure seems to be at the forefront of everyone's to-do-list and I believe my experience as a professional pilot and legislator coupled with my policy depth and conservative values will serve the conference well as we begin discussions on an infrastructure bill.
Addressing our crumbling infrastructure has long been a bipartisan issue, and I am intent on working with all my colleagues, the Senate, and President Trump to craft an infrastructure proposal that includes finding a long-term funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund. Infrastructure drives every aspect of our economy and at the end of the day, this effort will save people's lives, time and money.
Background:
Congressman Sam Graves represents North Missouri  a district that includes two major waterways, over 9,000 highway miles, 2,500 bridges, 13 general aviation airports, one international airport, major cross-country freight railways, and 853 levee miles. He has served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee throughout his entire 18 years in Congress, led several of the T&I Committee's subcommittees, most recently as Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman, and was the former Chairman and Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee. Congressman Graves is also a professional pilot. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-elected-republican-leader-ti-committee,Graves Elected Republican Leader of T&I Committee,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Sam Graves, (MO-06), was elected by members of the House Republican Conference to lead the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as Ranking Member. Graves released the following statement:

""I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to lead this important Committee at such a critical time for our nation's infrastructure,"" said Graves. ""Infrastructure seems to be at the forefront of everyone's to-do-list and I believe my experience as a professional pilot and legislator coupled with my policy depth and conservative values will serve the conference well as we begin discussions on an infrastructure bill.

""Addressing our crumbling infrastructure has long been a bipartisan issue, and I am intent on working with all my colleagues, the Senate, and President Trump to craft an infrastructure proposal that includes finding a long-term funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund. Infrastructure drives every aspect of our economy and at the end of the day, this effort will save people's lives, time and money.""

Background:

Congressman Sam Graves represents North Missouri – a district that includes two major waterways, over 9,000 highway miles, 2,500 bridges, 13 general aviation airports, one international airport, major cross-country freight railways, and 853 levee miles. He has served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee throughout his entire 18 years in Congress, led several of the T&I Committee's subcommittees, most recently as Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman, and was the former Chairman and Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee. Congressman Graves is also a professional pilot.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/vickys-view-local-health-clinics-receive-multi-million-federal-grant,VICKY'S VIEW: Local Health Clinics Receive Multi-Million Federal Grant,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Local Health Clinics Receive Multi-Million Federal Grant 
Last year I had the opportunity to visit with the staff at Katy Trail Community Health and learn what services they offer to Missouri's Fourth District.
Katy Trail Community Health (KTCH) clinics serve a vital role in Missouri's Fourth District, especially in areas that lack health care professionals and affordable care. I'm happy to announce that KTCH, which has several clinics in Missouri (including in Sedalia, Versailles and Warsaw), received a $3.5 million federal grant this month to continue its delivery of comprehensive, affordable, quality primary care services to low income families. This includes providing doctor appointments, performing routine check-ups, providing treatment for chronic diseases like diabetes, and diagnosing and treating illnesses like strep throat or the common cold.
This grant will also help KTCH continue its recent efforts to integrate pain management services into its primary care, which is especially helpful for those struggling to manage chronic pain without the use of opioids. I got a front row view of this operation when I visited the KTCH Sedalia clinic last year. During my tour, I met with staff and learned firsthand about the chronic pain program, which provides evidence based interdisciplinary treatment, including behavioral health treatment, to patients suffering from chronic pain.
The grant KTCH received will also help the clinics maintain their partnerships with local organizations to prevent people with mental illness from being incarcerated. Additionally, the funding will sustain their school based behavioral health services initiatives in three school districts, which I hope will ultimately lead to safer schools in Missouri's Fourth District.
If you would like to see if a Katy Trail Community Health clinic is located near you, please clickhere for a map.
 Mo Business for MO 
I had a great meeting with Missouri's Procurement Technical Assistance Program, which has helped create or retain an estimated 87,000 jobs in the Show Me State.
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with the representatives of Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (MO PTAC), which assists businesses in obtaining government contracts at the federal, state, and local levels. There are numerous government contracts available, but many small businesses lack the expertise they need to win them. MO PTAC solves this problem by helping small businesses in Missouri identify opportunities and then navigate the red tape to actually win government contracts.
This program already has many success stories in Missouri's Fourth Congressional District. One of them is Veterans Worldwide Sales and Services in Gravois Mills. With the help of MO PTAC, this business secured $2 million worth of federal contracts, including work for the Army at Fort Leonard Wood.
Several businesses in Columbia have also benefited from MO PTAC's assistance, including Midway Development Company, which recently completed one of the largest national cemetery synthetic turf installations in the country on the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
If you are wondering which goods or services you provide that the government needs, you can sign uphere to receive a streamlined daily customized bid email from MO PTAC, outlining all the opportunities available each day that match your interests. Once you find an opportunity on which you would like to bid, MO PTACT staff stands by to assist you. Their counselors will help you unravel guidelines and understand the government's expectations for accounting capabilities, a delivery/performing schedule, and integrity and ethics, to name a few.
Government buyers are looking for what you have! To learn more, visit MO PTAC'shomepage or sign uphere. 
 Helping Those Who Have Suffered at the Hands of ISIS 
Minority groups in Iraq and Syria, especially Christians and Yazidis, have suffered unspeakable atrocities at the hands of ISIS. So much so, that in 2016, our State Department designated the crimes committed against them as genocide. Despite this designation, the existential threat to Christians and Yazidis and other minorities continues to this day. Even worse, these groups feel abandoned by America and other countries around the globe.
This week, we took steps to bring them urgently needed aid. The House passed legislation that the Senate also approved called H.R. 390, the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act. This bill would support groups who are already on the ground in Iraq and Syria delivering aid to groups persecuted by ISIS and increase accountability for perpetrators of war crimes. Specifically, it would encourage and support countries and organizations collecting evidence on perpetrators of war crimes, so they can be prosecuted. Congress is doing everything we can to help these communities that have suffered unspeakable atrocities for their faith. I hope this aid package will begin to provide the security and justice these persecuted people so desperately deserve after years of suffering under ISIS. 

 Photos to Share 
One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to sit down with people like Sherrie Laurie, who directs the Hope Center in downtown Anchorage. The Center feeds the homeless during the day and provides shelter to battered women at night. Sherrie is doing amazing work.

It's been an honor to serve alongside my colleague from Guam, Madeleine Bordallo (D), as co-chair of the Long Range Strike Caucus. Rep. Bordallo is leaving Congress and has been a strong advocate for the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet. She will truly be missed.

A photo of Lowell and me trying to finish the soybean harvest a week ago. A misty rain moved in at about 9pm that night and shut us down, but we finished the week of Thanksgiving and are truly thankful harvest is done and the crops are in. The beans pictured were planted behind wheat that was cut in June. 

 Weekly Dose of Good News 
As Christmas shopping begins, small business confidence remains at a near-record high. A National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) survey credits a strong labor market, high profit trends, and historically low inflation for that high confidence. This survey is taken monthly, looking at the practices of small businesses nationwide, and is considered to be a reliable indicator of hiring and wage trends across the country. Additionally, wages in October rose at the fastest rate we've seen in nearly a decade. We can all be glad about this great news for Americans who are looking for jobs and those seeking better jobs and higher pay!

 Clickhereto recieve my enewsletter in your inbox!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-applauds-president-signing-usmca,Hartzler Applauds President Signing USMCA,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) today made the following statement about the President's signing of the U.S.- Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) at the G20 Summit in Argentina.
I am pleased with the President's signing today of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement. We are moving in the right direction in providing certainty for our farmers, consumers, businesses and workers across the nation. There are several important wins in the agreement for producers back home, including the manufacturing and dairy industries.
Autoworkers will benefit from updated rules of origin and higher wages. Dairy will benefit from increased market access and the elimination of Class 6 and 7 milk pricing while businesses in general will thrive with stronger intellectual property right protections.
Throughout this negotiation process I have worked with Ambassador Lighthizer to help ensure our agriculture sector is empowered by this new deal. The administration should be given credit for working with our two closest trading partners to provide a deal at a time when our producers needed it most.
I look forward to studying this agreement further and seeing Congress swiftly review and vote on it in the new year.
-30-
Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov.For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/caravan,THE CARAVAN,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
				Earlier this week, a caravan of Central American immigrants tried to storm the United States border after making their way across Mexico. The point all along was to demand asylum from the United States or simply try to cross the border illegally. They know our laws well enough to exploit the loopholes to gain entry.
				President Trump responded to caravan members rushing one of the busiest border crossings by threatening to close the border permanently. In fact, one of our border crossings was closed for a while after our Border Patrol Agents were reportedly hit by rocks thrown by caravan members. Sometimes drastic times call for drastic measures.
				As long as we don't have a wall on the border and our immigration laws aren't fixed, immigrants will continue to try to find ways to get across the border illegally and stay here. We are encouraging folks to break the law. It's not sustainable.
				Certainly, these Central American countries have problems and I understand that our country offers a better life. However, that isn't what this is about. If we are to maintain the sovereignty of our nation, we cannot just allow countless folks from other countries to enter our country without going through the legal process that we have in place.
				Because of the catch and release loopholes we currently have in place, more than 94,000 Central Americans were apprehended and released into the country last year.Manyof them remain in the country today! This is de facto amnesty and it only makes our illegal immigration problem that much worse.
				Allowing these catch and release loopholes to remain in place is just another step towards open borders. It should come as no surprise that Nancy Pelosi and her friends are just itching to make these ridiculous loopholes even more generous when she gets power in January. This simply cannot happen and I will join my colleagues in blocking any attempt to loosen our immigration laws. Our immigration laws must strengthen the legal immigration process, not aid lawbreakers.
				In the meantime, I've got a simple solution. You may have heard of it. It's known as the WALL.
				We need to build it right now. No more games, no more dragging our feet - let's get it built. And while we're building it, we need to fix the loopholes that force us to spend resources on catching illegals just so we can turn them loose, instead of sending them back to their country.
				In North Missouri, illegal still means illegal and I will continue fighting to make sure our broken immigration laws are fixed.
				  
					Sincerely,    
					Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/honoring-our-heroes,Honoring our Heroes,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
Folks from across the district gathered in schools, at Legion Hall's, outside courthouses and elsewhere earlier this week to pay tribute to the selfless heroes who have defended our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Many of our veterans didn't get the thank you they deserved when they returned from deployment but thankfully, programs like the Honor Flight have given many of them the opportunity for a proper celebration.
The Honor Flight is a nationwide program which takes our veterans on a whirlwind trip to Washington, DC to see the memorials that remember the wars they served in. Originally started to enable World War II veterans to be able to see the World War II Memorial, many Honor Flights are now taking veterans from the Korea and Vietnam Wars.
I generally get to personally thank our veterans on the Honor Flight when they arrive in Washington. It's an awesome opportunity to visit with them and see the joy, and some sadness, as they see the memorials dedicated to their respective wars. However, I know the entire trip from the airport to the memorials to the bus ride home and final arrival is filled with the celebration they deserve.
It's an emotional moment when a group of Honor Flight veterans comes through the airport. Everyone stops what they are doing to acknowledge them as they board their flight. It's quite a sight to see motorcycle and police escorts accompanying their bus as it travels the interstate. Final arrival home, which doesn't take place till late in the evening, is an incredible celebration after a long day. Friends, family and community members wait with American flags and cheer for the veterans as they and their escorts are announced and presented with tokens of appreciation.
Our North Missouri veterans are served by several Honor Flight Networks across the district including the Great River Honor Flight, Central Missouri Honor Flight, Heartland Honor Flight, and the Honor Flight Network of Kansas City. Local organizations raise money to fund the Honor Flight so the veterans get to go free of charge. I'm thankful that our veterans are given this unique opportunity.
We always say that there is no way we can adequately thank our veterans for their service and that is certainly true. However, programs like the Honor Flight and the countless Veterans Day ceremonies and breakfasts that take place across North Missouri continue to serve as a reminder that freedom isn't free. I'm glad that the busyness of life has yet to stand in the way of taking time each year to remember those who have enabled us to go about our daily life unencumbered.
Sincerely,    
	Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/the-caravan,THE CARAVAN,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
				Earlier this week, a caravan of Central American immigrants tried to storm the United States border after making their way across Mexico. The point all along was to demand asylum from the United States or simply try to cross the border illegally. They know our laws well enough to exploit the loopholes to gain entry.
				President Trump responded to caravan members rushing one of the busiest border crossings by threatening to close the border permanently. In fact, one of our border crossings was closed for a while after our Border Patrol Agents were reportedly hit by rocks thrown by caravan members. Sometimes drastic times call for drastic measures.
				As long as we don't have a wall on the border and our immigration laws aren't fixed, immigrants will continue to try to find ways to get across the border illegally and stay here. We are encouraging folks to break the law. It's not sustainable.
				Certainly, these Central American countries have problems and I understand that our country offers a better life. However, that isn't what this is about. If we are to maintain the sovereignty of our nation, we cannot just allow countless folks from other countries to enter our country without going through the legal process that we have in place.
				Because of the catch and release loopholes we currently have in place, more than 94,000 Central Americans were apprehended and released into the country last year.Manyof them remain in the country today! This is de facto amnesty and it only makes our illegal immigration problem that much worse.
				Allowing these catch and release loopholes to remain in place is just another step towards open borders. It should come as no surprise that Nancy Pelosi and her friends are just itching to make these ridiculous loopholes even more generous when she gets power in January. This simply cannot happen and I will join my colleagues in blocking any attempt to loosen our immigration laws. Our immigration laws must strengthen the legal immigration process, not aid lawbreakers.
				In the meantime, I've got a simple solution. You may have heard of it. It's known as the WALL.
				We need to build it right now. No more games, no more dragging our feet - let's get it built. And while we're building it, we need to fix the loopholes that force us to spend resources on catching illegals just so we can turn them loose, instead of sending them back to their country.
				In North Missouri, illegal still means illegal and I will continue fighting to make sure our broken immigration laws are fixed.
				  
					Sincerely,    
					Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=BB5EB2DE-DEB9-41F7-A4D0-DD7B53E7AD28,St. Joseph News-Press: Blunt aims to boost services for adoptions,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Ken Newton 
	
	
	
	
	
	
		
		Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt and Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar stand far apart on the conservative-liberal spectrum. Their embrace of adoption issues, however, has nothing to do with partisanship. They have partnered for years on these issues, and the two co-chair the Congressional Coalition on Adoption whose large membership (42 percent of U.S. senators, 27 percent of U.S. representatives) advocates for policies that work toward all children having families. This week, Blunt and Klobuchar introduced the Supporting Adoptive Families Act, legislation meant to strengthen adoption support services. That help would come in the form of training and counseling on behavioral issues, peer mentoring and crisis services for adoptive parents. The idea that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable home with a loving family is something that I think everyone can agree on, Blunt said on the Senate floor Wednesday in discussing the legislation. Klobuchar, in a statement, said that her home state has a rich tradition of adoptions. Our bipartisan (legislation) will help provide families with counseling and support throughout the adoption process to ensure a smooth and successful transition for children and their parents. she said. Among other things, the legislation calls for the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary to give grants to states that develop post-adoption mental health services for young people. Such treatment efforts are needed, said Lauren Arnold, chief executive officer of The Adoption Exchange. This multi-state organization, which includes Missouri, wants to enhance the connection between children in foster care and families that adopt. What we find is that there are many mental health professionals that aren't fully trained either in trauma or in the issues around adoption from foster care, she said. So having that expertise pushed, and support for our mental health professionals, is incredibly important. Arnold praised the federal lawmakers for their attention to adoption. It's really important to have the feds leading that charge, she said. Broad coalitions at the federal level drive policy at the local level. November is National Adoption Month. Blunt pointed out that there are more than 400,000 children in the American foster care system, including about 13,000 in Missouri. The senator said he views adoption in very personal terms. I'm an adoptive parent myself, and I look forward to seeing more people have the experience of what happens when you change somebody's life and they change your life, the lawmaker said. I hope more families will take this time, not only in Adoption Month but also at the holidays, to consider adoption. Click here to read more",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=0D5D64D1-D738-4AF5-8B7D-886F32DD3175,"During National Adoption Month, Blunt & Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Support Adoptive Families",2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  During National Adoption Month, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA), introduced legislation to support adoptive families. The senators reintroduced their bipartisan bill, the Supporting Adoptive Families Act, which would provide pre- and post-adoption support services, including mental health treatment, to help adoptive families stay strong. Every child deserves a loving family and the stability of a permanent home, Blunt said. This bill will provide families additional tools and support services to help them achieve a successful adoption. I'll continue advocating for policies that will help ensure adoption remains a viable option for families who are able to give children a safe, caring home. Minnesotans have a long and proud tradition of adoption, providing loving homes to children from all around the globe, Klobuchar said. Our bipartisan Supporting Adoptive Families Act will help provide families with counseling and support throughout the adoption process to ensure a smooth and successful transition for children and their parents. The Supporting Adoptive Families Act would help prevent children from entering the foster care system through the provision of pre- and post-adoptive support services. Specifically, the bill promotes:
 
Training and counseling on behavioral issues, including issues relating to emotional, behavioral, or developmental health needs;
Peer-to-peer mentoring and support groups that permit a newly adoptive parent to communicate and learn from more experienced adoptive parents, including programs that enhance communication between adoptive parents with children of similar geographic, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds;
Treatment services specialized for adopted children, including psychiatric residential services, outpatient mental health services, social skills training, intensive in-home supervision services, recreational therapy, suicide prevention, and substance abuse treatment; and
Crisis and family preservation services, including crisis counseling and a 24-hour emergency hotline for adoptive parents.
 
The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to develop and implement state-sponsored post-adoption mental health service programs for all adopted children.As co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Blunt and Klobuchar have been leaders in the fight to give every child a permanent home. Earlier this month, they encouraged Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Lynn Johnson, to raise awareness for National Adoption Month, which began November 1st. In August, Blunt and Klobuchar introduced legislation to improve the intercountry adoption process. The bipartisanIntercountry Adoption Advisory Committee Actprovides the Secretary of State the authority to establish an Intercountry Adoption Advisory Committee within the Bureau of Consular Affairs to focus on coordinating the development, refinement, and implementation of policies and programs on intercountry adoption. In June, they sent a letter urging the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to ensure that the dialogue between the DOS, Congress, and the Adoption Service Providers (ASPs) continues and that members and experts in the adoption community are consulted in efforts to develop and implement policies that advance intercountry adoption.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=51F83473-950F-48FF-84D9-B3710D759944,VIDEO: Blunt Highlights National Adoption Month & National Adoption Day,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA), spoke on the Senate floor to highlight National Adoption Month. Earlier this week, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Blunt and CCA co-chair Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) recognizing November as National Adoption Month and November 17th as National Adoption Day. Blunt shared stories of Missouri foster children in need of forever homes and discussed legislation he and Klobuchar introduced today to assist families with adoption.
Following are Blunt's Full Remarks:
Mr. President, I want to move now to the reason I'd scheduled this time today, which was to simply take a few moments to talk about November as National Adoption Month, as November draws to a close, but to also point out that every month should be Adoption Month. I'm pleased to work with my colleague and the co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Senator Klobuchar. We look forward to passing this resolution supporting National Adoption Month. This is the fourth year we've worked together on this resolution, and I thank all of my colleagues for the unanimous support of this resolution as it passed earlier this week. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption is the largest bipartisan, bicameral coalition in the Congress. We have our friends leading on the House side, as well as the opportunity for many of us to join together on the Senate side. The idea that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable home with a loving family is something that I think everyone can agree on and in fact, we year after year have that agreement here in the Senate and in the House. Unfortunately right now, more than 400,000 children in the U. S. foster care system and more than 100,000 children waiting in that system to be adopted don't have the benefit of a permanent family they can call their own. There are many more children all over the world who need families in settings that no one believes are ideal settings for those children to be on. But for those who reach out, for those who reach out in charitable institutions to have a place for children to go where their mother or family can no longer keep them, we are grateful for that. But for those families that create a home in the foster system in my state and around the country, we're grateful as well. There are over 13,000 children in foster care in Missouri and I'd like to share just a couple of those stories of people in foster care, who'd like to have a family that became their permanent family, their family that they would always be able to know that they were going to be secure in and be part of. Brooklyn is a creative girl in the fourth grade who loves arts and crafts. She is an active girl. She likes to play outdoors. She makes friends easily. She's inquisitive by nature. She loves to ask questions and discover how things work. Brooklyn needs a home. Levelle is a sixth grader who is an adventure seeker and animal lover, a Lego enthusiast. He has a knack for math and science and wants to work in a children's hospital when he grows up. Levelle also would like a home that's his permanent home. Kiara and Devin are siblings who hope they can be placed together. Kiara loves music and singing her favorite songs. When she isn't singing, Kiara loves reading a good book or playing outdoors. She wants to be a surgeon or a lawyer and a fulltime foster parent when she grows up. She knows how important that foster family has been for her. She'd like to have a family that she knows she would always be able to relate to in a more permanent way. Her brother Devin is also a sixth grader and enjoys learning and playing sports. He especially loves puzzles and figuring out how to put things together. He'd like to figure out how to put a family together and be part of that along with his sister. He likes singing and playing and reading. The two siblings have a lot of fun together. They'd like to have a forever family. There are a lot more stories that could be shared, and that's why it's so important on National Adoption Month to think about how important it is, year in and year out, that we're looking for ways to make it easier for families to come together in a permanent way. Nearly a quarter of the people living in our country have considered adoption. Many of those have misperceptions and concerns about adoption that aren't real. A lot of people believe that foster care adoption is expensive, if you adopt out of the foster care system when in reality, there's almost no cost to adopting from foster care. Financial support is available in many cases, adoptive parents can get that support to make their adoption of a new family more final. Ensuring that adoption remains a viable option for families is central to our efforts in the Adoption Caucus. And this week Senator Klobuchar and I will be introducing the Supporting Adoptive Families Act to provide adoptive families additional tools and supportive services to help them achieve a successful adoption and prevent adoptive children from reentering the foster care system. Since National Adoption Day started in 2000, more than 70,000 children have been adopted into permanent homes. Now, I'm an adoptive parent myself and I look forward to seeing more people have the experience of what happens when you change somebody's life and they change your life. I hope more families will take this time, not only in adoption month but also at the holidays to consider adoption. I can say that, without exception, one of the most rewarding things you could possibly do is create that environment. My wife and I have benefited from it. Our son has benefited from it, as have his brothers and sisters, and others in our family. So, Mr. President, it's an important time to think about ways to reach out and make a permanent difference in people's lives. It's, frankly, hard to imagine a greater way to make a more permanent difference than considering adoption and Senator Klobuchar and I, and others in the Adoption Caucus, would certainly encourage that that is something that people are thinking about as kids need a safe and permanent family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=5BBFB328-9E74-46BE-B4BF-F2882A647B28,VIDEO: Blunt Speaks Out Against Russian Aggression Toward Ukraine,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, spoke on the Senate floor against Russia's continued aggression toward Ukraine.
Following are Excerpts From Blunt's Remarks:
[I] want to talk for just a minute about the continued outrageous behavior of Russia in Ukraine. The most recent incident where Russia, in all, has manufactured another crisis so they could take advantage of whatever they think the moment is to take advantage of. Clearly, this has been allowed to go on too long. While Ukraine is not a member of NATO, I think the NATO countries, including ours, have great interest in what's happening in Ukraine and the continued aggressive behavior of Putin. You know, we had a joint session, the only joint session the President of Ukraine has spoken at. A few years ago he made the point that while they appreciated the humanitarian help, I thought the most telling moment in that speech was when the President of Ukraine said we appreciate the humanitarian help. We appreciate the blankets,' but he said you can't fight the Russians with blankets.' That was a time, where under the Obama administration, we were not giving Ukraine either the defensive or offensive capacity they needed. President Trump has made a different decision, which I support, in helping the Ukrainians defend themselves, but I also support whatever we can do at this moment to let it be known to Putin that we are supportive of Ukraine's efforts to have an independent, democratic government, that we will continue to be supportive of that, we will continue to be helpful in that effort, and President Putin had better be careful that he doesn't take one step too far. In fact, he's already taken steps further than should have been allowed but those steps, the seizure of Crimea, the invasion of Eastern Ukraine by people that were clearly Russian soldiers in plain green uniforms should not have been allowed. [The] President has to deal with that, but we need to deal with that in a way that gives Ukraine every help they need in dealing with that themselves. Whether the president should make that point by not meeting with Putin or whether he should make that point by meeting with Putin and clearly express not only our concern, but our absolute rejection of the efforts that the Russian government has made toward Ukraine in that aggressive way, I don't know, but I do know it's time for us to be very clear of how we feel about that and our commitment to the NATO countries involved along the Russian border that we absolutely would respond if there is any aggression toward those NATO countries and, frankly, should be aggressive in our efforts to help Ukraine defend itself.
CLICK HERE To Watch Senator Blunt's Remarks CLICK HERE For Audio",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399144,Full Steam Ahead: Delta Queen Legislation Headed to Presidents Desk,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Delta Queen steamboat, the oldest overnight passenger steamboat still able to travel America's inland waterways, was known as a mainstay of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers for more than 60 years. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) recently sent a letter to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure leaders, urging the inclusion of language to preserve history and support American jobs by providing the Delta Queen steamboat an exemption from a rule originally intended for ocean-going ships. 
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018. After years of bipartisan, bicameral cooperation, S. 140 includes language allowing the Delta Queen steamboat to return to Missouri's rivers. Congressman Luetkemeyer released the following statement:
As a lifelong Missourian, I appreciate the significance of the Delta Queen's historic contributions to Missouri. For many years, local leaders have fought alongside Missouri's Congressional delegation to preserve this piece of American history. With the passage of this important legislation, we have provided the United States Coast Guard with adequate resources to support its mission, and provided a critical exemption allowing the Delta Queen steamboat to return to Missouri's rivers, said Congressman Luetkemeyer. When the President signs this legislation, we will have succeeded in spurring economic growth along Missouri's riverbanks and safeguarding the Delta Queen's storied history. I hope future generations of Missourians will be able to enjoy the historic Delta Queen as it traverses Missouri's waterways for years to come.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-for-federal-facial-recognition-technology,Congressman Cleaver Calls For Federal Facial Recognition Technology Testing Standards,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II sent a letter today to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), encouraging NIST to endorse industry standards and ethical best practices for the independent testing of demographic-based biases in facial recognition technology. NIST is a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
In the letter to Dr. Walter Copan, NIST Director and U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, Congressman Cleaver wrote:
Facial recognition is a powerful tool that is permeating American life, and yet, the propensity of the technology to misidentify individuals, particularly in regard to variances in skin-type and gender, is well-documented, said Congressman Cleaver. The potential for illegal discrimination and/or unfair practices resulting from such bias continues to concern lawmakers.
Congressman Cleaver has been a prominent voice in growing calls for diversity and regulatory reform in the rapidly-expanding tech industry:
 In August 2018, Congressman Cleaver called on the Department of Justice to investigate law enforcement's use of facial recognition technologies.
 In August 2018, following a year-long investigation into FinTech small business lending practices, Congressman Cleaver announced his findings and called for the implementations of industry-wide practices to prevent discriminatory lending.
 In May 2018, Congressman Cleaver sent a letter to Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, inquiring about the company's Rekognition technology.
 In May 2018, with the support of Congresswomen Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Congressman Cleaver wrote a letter to Amazon expressing frustration at the company's refusal to institute a Rooney Rule that would improve the board's racial diversity.
 In February 2018, Congressman Cleaver urged cryptocurrency companies to do more in efforts to prevent extremists from using cryptocurrency to fund campaigns of hate and violence.
 In November 2017, along with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Congressman Cleaver demanded the Internet Associationa trade association representing tech behemoths like Amazon, Facebook, and Googleaddress gender and racial biases among its members.
 In October 2017, in conjunction with Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman, Congressman Cleaver penned a letter to Facebook Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, and Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, encouraging them to take immediate action to combat the racially divisive content on their platforms.
As technology and the tech industry as a whole continue to evolve, it is imperative that standards are created to ensure that technology is being used responsibly and without the potential for discrimination. I look forward to the opportunity to work with NIST on formulating these recommended guidelines, said Congressman Cleaver.
Read the full letter here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=7A3C5CE7-6C4E-43D3-8A67-A8B8C4A67AAD,"Blunt, Klobuchar Resolution Marking November as National Adoption Month Unanimously Passes Senate",2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA), today announced that their resolution marking November as National Adoption Month and November 17 as National Adoption Day passed the Senate last night with unanimous support. As co-chairs of the bipartisan CCA, Blunt and Klobuchar work to engage Members of Congress on issues pertaining to children in need of permanent homes, children in the foster care system, and domestic and international child welfare.
As an adoptive parent, I know how much joy and pride welcoming a child into your family can bring, said Blunt. With more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, it's vital that we continue efforts to improve the adoption process and ensure adoptive families have the support they need. Sen. Klobuchar has been a great partner in advancing policies to encourage adoption and raise awareness around children in need of families. I'm proud we were once again able to bring the entire Senate together in support of National Adoption Month and Day, and hope families across America will take time to consider what they may be able to do to help more children find the stable, loving home they deserve.
This is the fourth consecutive year that Blunt and Klobuchar have led legislation to recognize November as National Adoption Month.
Every kid deserves so much more than just a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep inthey deserve nurturing families, bright futures, and of course, a loving home, said Klobuchar. Recognizing November as National Adoption Month honors the big hearts and hard work of adoptive families and focuses our attention on the ways we can provide these families with the support they need.
Blunt and Klobuchar are strong advocates for adoptive families and children. In August, Blunt and Klobuchar introduced the Intercountry Adoption Advisory Committee Act, which would provide the Secretary of State the authority to establish an Intercountry Adoption Advisory Committee within the Bureau of Consular Affairs to coordinate the development, refinement, and implementation of policies and programs focused on intercountry adoption. In May, Blunt and Klobuchar, along with CCA co-chairs U.S. Representatives Kay Granger (Texas) and Brenda Lawrence (Mich.), introduced the bipartisan Vulnerable Children and Families Act to help make international adoptions a more central part of U.S. foreign policy and international diplomacy.
Blunt and Klobuchar previously introduced the Supporting Adoptive Families Act to provide pre- and post-adoption support services, including mental health treatment, to help adoptive families stay strong.
The full text of the resolution is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/shop-small-saturday,Shop Small this Saturday,2018-11-24,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"The hustle and bustle of the holidays are officially upon us. Whetheryou're spending time with family this weekend or recovering from your marathon Black Friday shopping spree, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you to think about a great opportunity to support businesses in the community by ""shopping small"" when you are looking for some of this years' gifts.        
Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has taken place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, right in the middle of a weekend that is seemingly dedicated to shopping for Christmas. This year is no different.
Communities around North Missouri will have special events and sales designed to encourage you to get out and visit your local, independently-owned merchants. Last year, an estimated 108 million people visited their local retailers during Small Business Saturday and this year looks to be even bigger due to a booming economy!
Your friends and neighbors have put a tremendous amount of blood, sweat and tears into creating a business that is needed in your community. From antique shops, jewelry stores or clockmakers to home dcor, kitchen supplies and wood workers; there are so many different unique options out there. If you've never taken a moment to see what businesses are hidden in plain sight, Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to do so.
There are 30 million small businesses across the country creating 2 out of every 3 net new jobs. That's about 1.9 million net new jobs! Undoubtedly, these businesses are the backbone of our communities. Rural America thrives when our small businesses thrive which is why it's so critical that we support them.
Whether you do your shopping in St. Joe, Maryville, Kirksville, Hannibal or anywhere in between, make plans to visit your local small businesses this Saturday and ""shop small."" You'll be amazed at what you might find and you'll be supporting your community and the American Dream in the process.
  
	Sincerely,    
	Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/shop-small-this-saturday,Shop Small this Saturday,2018-11-24,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,,,legacy,"The hustle and bustle of the holidays are officially upon us. Whetheryou're spending time with family this weekend or recovering from your marathon Black Friday shopping spree, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you to think about a great opportunity to support businesses in the community by ""shopping small"" when you are looking for some of this years' gifts.        
Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has taken place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, right in the middle of a weekend that is seemingly dedicated to shopping for Christmas. This year is no different.
Communities around North Missouri will have special events and sales designed to encourage you to get out and visit your local, independently-owned merchants. Last year, an estimated 108 million people visited their local retailers during Small Business Saturday and this year looks to be even bigger due to a booming economy!
Your friends and neighbors have put a tremendous amount of blood, sweat and tears into creating a business that is needed in your community. From antique shops, jewelry stores or clockmakers to home dcor, kitchen supplies and wood workers; there are so many different unique options out there. If you've never taken a moment to see what businesses are hidden in plain sight, Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to do so.
There are 30 million small businesses across the country creating 2 out of every 3 net new jobs. That's about 1.9 million net new jobs! Undoubtedly, these businesses are the backbone of our communities. Rural America thrives when our small businesses thrive which is why it's so critical that we support them.
Whether you do your shopping in St. Joe, Maryville, Kirksville, Hannibal or anywhere in between, make plans to visit your local small businesses this Saturday and ""shop small."" You'll be amazed at what you might find and you'll be supporting your community and the American Dream in the process.
  
	Sincerely,    
	Sam Graves",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/vickys-view-happy-thanksgiving,VICKY'S VIEW: Happy Thanksgiving,2018-11-22,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you're getting to spend today with family and friends counting your blessings, eating yummy food, and maybe watching a little football.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It usually starts off cooking with Tiffany in the kitchen while watching the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade, and sometimes we catch the Purina National Dog Show on TV afterward. (Who knew there were so many unusual-looking dog breeds?!) It ends surrounded by family, sitting around a table enjoying turkey with all the trimmings accompanied by one of our family's delicious pies. However, the best part is taking time at some point to reflect on the blessings I have been blessed with and to thank the One who sent them.
I am thankful the Pilgrims started this tradition almost 400 years ago. In 1621, they had endured much since coming to Americaa tough winter with no food and ravaging disease cost them over half their colony. They weren't sure if any would survive and then the spring came, along with help from Native Americans who taught them how to plant, hunt, and survive. After harvest the next fall, the Pilgrims decided to invite their new friends to celebrate their abundant crop and to give thanks to God for His provision. We carry on this tradition today.
It seems that gratitude often comes out of hard times. The Pilgrims appreciated life, each other, and the blessings of God more after suffering tremendous loss. As we commemorate this Thanksgiving Day, let us pause to think of those who have lost much -by fire, hurricane, or tragedy -and say a prayer for them. In the same breath, let us be thankful anew for a warm place to live, a safe homeland, and the love of family and friends. I'm thankful for all these things, the good people of the 4th District of Missouri I have the honor of representing, our men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much to defend and protect us, and for the blessing of living in the greatest country in the world. Thank you to each of you for reading this email. May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving Day and may He continue to bless the United States of America.

 Clickhereto recieve my enewsletter in your inbox!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399141,Blaine's Bulletin: Thanksgiving Traditions,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"From Memorial Day barbecues to Fourth of July Fireworks to Thanksgiving meals, Americans across the nation cherish the tradition of togetherness. With 2018 winding down and the holiday season upon us, I hope Americans from coast to coast will focus on the tremendous good in the world and the true blessings in our lives.
This time of year always seems to bring out the best in folks. It is always so encouraging for me to hear stories from my friends, neighbors, and constituents who stand together to support those in need. With many of our fellow Americans facing devastating fires in California or still rebuilding from the disastrous hurricanes in the southeastern U.S., this Thanksgiving is a time to put the little things in perspective and be grateful for what we have.
Growing up in St. Elizabeth, I always looked forward to my big family holidays. And, each year I am reminded of how thankful I am for my growing family. For us, Thanksgiving is a time for turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and gathering around to watch football with our children and grandchildren. Over the years, our Thanksgiving table has grown, but many of our traditions have stayed the same. I always look forward to a house full of grandchildren, turkey in the oven, and my wife Jackie's sweet potato casserole.
As a lifelong Missourian, I often think of my constituents as part of my extended family. In that spirit, I have shared my favorite recipe with all of you, and I hope you and yours will enjoy it as much as the Luetkemeyer family does!
  

During this season of reflection, I ask you to join me in giving thanks for the many blessings and freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. I hope we will all take this time to keep our brave military members and their families in our thoughts and prayers and do what we can to help others during this holiday season. On behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, I hope everyone has a safe, joyous, and blessed Thanksgiving.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399142,"Luetkemeyer Applauds Efforts, Encourages Further Action to Root Out Abuses",2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Luetkemeyer Applauds Efforts, Encourages Further Action to Root Out Abuses 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Last month, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Chairman of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, sent letters to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) Chairman Jelena McWilliams and Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting, calling on them to investigate and take action against those who have abused power at the agencies. Chairman Luetkemeyer released the following statement after receiving responses from both Chair McWilliams and Comptroller Otting:
Since Chair McWilliams and Comptroller Otting took over their respective agencies, I have enjoyed open and honest communication with both of them. They understand the important missions of the agencies and have shown a commitment to working alongside Congress to do what is best for Americans across the nation, said Chairman Luetkemeyer. I have lead the charge against Operation Choke Point for the last five years, and I'm happy see the regulators' willingness to ensure regulation is never again borne of personal biases or political motivations. I thank Chair McWilliams and Comptroller Otting for their swift responses. I hope we can continue working together to root out abuses in the financial services sector and restore the integrity of their agencies.
Response from McWilliams to Luetkemeyer  
Response from Otting to Luetkemeyer
    
  
  
  
    
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https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-applauds-local-health-program-receiving-35m-grant,Hartzler Applauds Local Health Program Receiving $3.5M Grant,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"HARRISONVILLE, MO  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) today announced that Katy Trail Community Health (KTCH), which has several clinics in Missouri, including in Sedalia, Versailles and Warsaw, has been awarded a $3.5 million Health Center Program continuation grant. The grant was authorized by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which Congress passed and Hartzler supported.
I'm thrilled Katy Trail Community Health once again won this generous grant, Hartzler said. Katy Trail's Community Health Centers provide an invaluable service to our community, especially in areas with increased poverty and fewer physicians. I look forward to seeing how Katy Trail will continue to deliver high quality, comprehensive primary care in Missouri's Fourth District with this grant.
The grant KTCH received will enable it to continue to support the delivery of comprehensive, affordable, quality primary care services. KTCH has multiple locations in Missouri and received the Health Center Quality Award for services rendered in 2017. The clinics are cost effective, saving the national health care system an estimated $24 billion a year by reducing costly emergency, hospital and specialty care.
We are grateful for the continued federal funding and appreciate congresswoman Hartzler's commitment to the Health Center program, said Christine Stewart, CEO of Katy Trail Community Health, which employs 126 people. We will continue to provide high quality care and work with our partners to improve the health of our most vulnerable people in west central Missouri.
Most recently, Katy Health integrated pain management services into their primary care, partnered with local organizations to prevent people with mental illness from being incarcerated and initiated school based behavioral health services in three school districts. They also established a suicide prevention program in Pettis County through a partnership with the local hospital, Sedalia School District and two mental health agencies.
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Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov. For the latest official portrait of Congresswoman Hartzler, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=371C12F1-9F20-4465-8BEE-67AFA0ACE243,Blunt Statement on the Passing of Former Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, released the following statement on the passing of Dr. James Billington, who served as the Librarian of Congress from 1987 to 2015:
Dr. James Billington brought a commitment to academic excellence to the Library of Congress. His decades of leadership brought a new focus on sharing our history and literary heritage with the American people, and especially with students at every level. Dr. Billington was also significant in moving philanthropic support of the library to a higher level.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=C5D4817B-6E61-4EE8-A3CA-C1F75ADABF29,Excerpts from Blunts Appearances on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures and ABCs This Week,2018-11-18,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MO,Roy Blunt,B000575,www.blunt.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) appeared on ABC's This Week with Martha Raddatz and Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo to discuss the Senate's progress on confirming judicial nominees and strengthening the military, and the Mueller investigation. Following are excerpts from Blunt's interviews:
Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures: 
[WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE]
On Senate Progress on Judicial Confirmations: 
Well, I think in the new Congress one of our priorities is going to continue to be to confirm judges.  We made great impact on the judicial branch, not just the two Supreme Court seats, but one out of six of the Court of Appeals judges are now people who have been nominated by President Trump, confirmed by the Republican Senate. We're going to continue this year, between now and December 31, to try to clear the calendar of those judges and others who are out of committee. And then to try to give the president the team he needs to implement what he was elected to do. It's been one of the big obstacles that Democrats in the Senate have thrown in our way - something that has never happened before - the denial of a president to have his team and they have effectively used every tool they had to slow that process down.
On the Importance of Rebuilding Our Military:
Well you know the headquarters for the Boeing defense operations is in St. Louis. We're proud of the workers there and proud of what happens there in our state and in our neighboring state. Certainly, we do see more of a commitment to long-term planning in terms of defense, where you not only have some orders for this year but also orders for future years so you can keep that line open in a more efficient way. We got way behind in the previous decade, the Obama decade, in our defense capacity. It's showing and everybody who understands the military knows we've got some significant catching up to do. And I think we began that in a significant way this year, but we are committed to maintain that as a Senate and I believe as a country and look forward to the importance of doing that - and also being sure that we're doing what we need to do to have the kind of investments to protect the military advantage we have. What the Chinese particularly are doing with their efforts to try to get inside our systems more effectively than we can defend our system, would lose our significant military advantage if we let that happen and we can't let it happen. Again, we never want Americans to be in a fair fight. We want them to be in an unfair fight with every advantage on their side. And what we do in the next couple of years is likely to determine whether that continues to be the case or not.
ABC's This Week: 
[WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE]
On the Need for the Mueller Investigation to Come to a Conclusion: 
Blunt: [President Trump] has engaged in this in that way from the very start, just like virtually every member of the Senate. And I think most members of the House have engaged, saying Mr. President, it would be a huge mistake not to let the Mueller investigation come to a conclusion. We need to get beyond this, we don't need to start - have this starting again.' ABC's Martha Raddatz: So you have confidence in the Mueller investigation? Blunt: I do. I do.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z