url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-releases-2014-year-end-report-constituents,Rep. Kelly Releases 2014 Year-End Report for Constituents,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the following report today, to be e-mailed to his constituents throughout Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District, to serve as a year-end overview of his office’s legislative achievements and constituent relations throughout 2014. Dear Constituent: Over the past twelve months, I had the extraordinary privilege of continuing to represent you in our nation’s capital during the second and final session of the 113th Congress. Next week, I will be sworn in for a third time as the Representative of Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District. As with my first two terms in office, all of my work in the House of Representatives will be guided by Western Pennsylvania values—hard work, common sense, and straight talk. I see my service as bringing Western Pennsylvania’s voice to Washington, and never the other way around. As I prepare to enter the 114th Congress with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, please remember that your priorities are my priorities, and that every day I will continue to work as hard as possible to accomplish them for you. With every new challenge that 2014 brought us, there also came many great opportunities. My staff and I worked diligently to meet all of them head-on with the best results for you and your neighbors. The following report is meant to provide you with an overview of the most important legislative business that we conducted on behalf of Western Pennsylvania from last January until now. Meeting the Needs of Our Constituents All Year Round Here is a run-down of how my offices and staff were able to help me assist and communicate with my constituents in 2014. We… Toured 30 local businesses and factories to meet with employers and employees about issues affecting their industries; Helped 2,130 constituents with navigating the federal bureaucracy; Answered more than 46,300 pieces of mail, e-mail, faxes, and calls; Maintained 3 full-time constituent offices and 3 satellite offices; Hosted 5 tele-town hall meetings to address a range of issues including health care concerns, help with filing tax returns, and Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period; overall, the tele-town halls included 30,397 participants from the Third District; we left a total of 108,252 messages on constituents’ answering machines to invite them to join us; Attended/organized more than 200 constituent outreach meetings with different individuals, groups, schools, hospitals, etc. throughout the Third District; Sent 1,544 American flags to constituents; Assisted with 150 tours of the U.S. Capitol; 60 tours of the White House; 37 tours of the U.S. Supreme Court; 20 tours of the Library of Congress; and dozens of other tours to popular Washington destinations including the Kennedy Center, the FBI Education Center, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Expanded my social media presence, ending the year with more than 11,650 fans and 4,940 followers on Facebook and Twitter respectively; and Conducted hundreds of interviews with local, regional, and national newspapers, radio shows, and television programs. Strengthening Our Economy & Paving the Way for New, Family-Sustaining Jobs Since my very first day in office, my main priority has been to help foster an environment that strengthens our economy and generates more jobs with family-sustainable wages for our region and our country. I’ve proudly supported every measure to achieve this outcome, and opposed any obstacle to reaching it. Of course, having to deal with an obstructionist Senate has not been easy, since most of the jobs bills that we passed in the House – usually with bipartisan support – have ended up getting trapped on (soon-to-be-former) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s desk. That said, my House colleagues and I still did not hesitate to pass as many pro-jobs initiatives over the past year as possible. One of these was H.R. 4, the Jobs for America Act, which included a package of 15 commonsense, bipartisan bills to rebuild our economy by removing government barriers to private-sector job creation. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of many of these bills, a full list of which can be viewed here. Defending Coal & Promoting American Energy When President Obama ramped up his war on coal by commanding the Environmental Protecting Agency (EPA) to roll-out a controversial new regulatory plan for coal-fired power plants, a call to action was sounded. In addition to supporting more than 40,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, coal also provides 40 percent of America's electricity—more than any other fuel. The Associated Press has rightly called coal “the workhorse of the U.S. power system” that “helps keep prices stable and power flowing even when demand spikes.” When federal regulations force mines and power plants to shut down, as is already happening at a historic rate, manufacturing costs rise, employment plummets, and electricity bills skyrocket. In response to the EPA’s radical proposal, I joined with Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky to introduce H.R. 4808, the Coal Country Protection Act. The legislation would halt any new regulations by the EPA on America’s power plants until the following four outcomes are guaranteed: 1.) No job losses; 2.) No loss in GDP/economic growth; 3.) No higher electric rates; 4). No interruption in energy delivery. This bill was just the beginning. In addition to touting the need to defend coal multiple times on television, in a speech at the Heritage Foundation, in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, and at a public press conference with Sen. McConnell and dozens of other leaders from both parties, I formally extended an official invitation to President Obama to visit a Western Pennsylvania coal mine himself. Such a trip would allow him to meet and speak with the hardworking men and women whose livelihoods are most in jeopardy under his administration’s anti-coal crusade. When the EPA held a public hearing on its proposal in Pittsburgh, I made sure coal had its day in court. Even though the Coal Country Protection Act was not able to pass Congress this year, and despite the fact that President Obama declined my personal invitation to don a hard hat, I pledge to you that the fight for coal’s future will continue. After all, this battle is not just about coal country—it’s about our whole country. Speaking of our whole country, I spent much of 2014 continually promoting the possibility of a 21st century American energy renaissance—and the critical need to achieve it. In September, I was particularly thrilled to support H.R. 2, the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act. This bipartisan legislation included 14 separate bills to expand domestic energy production, including a bill to finally approve the construction of the widely popular Keystone XL Pipeline. A full list of these commonsense measures can be viewed here. Making the Tax Code Work for Western Pennsylvania As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am strongly committed to making our nation’s outdated tax code fairer, simpler, and less costly for individuals and families of all sizes. Pro-growth tax reform would simplify the tax code, lower tax rates, and make the United States the most attractive place to do business once again. This would no doubt strengthen our economy, which in turn would mean new jobs, higher pay, and more money in the pockets of American families and workers. While the momentum for major tax reform is still building, this past year I was able to introduce and/or co-sponsor the following individual bills to improve taxes especially for Western Pennsylvanians: The America Gives More Act (H.R. 4719), which was passed by a bipartisan vote of 277-130. The legislation includes a package of five bipartisan charity-related bills, including the text of H.R. 3134, the Charitable Giving Extension Act, which I originally introduced in September 2013. (According to Independent Sector, Pennsylvania is home to more than 68,500 non-profit organizations which employ 727,200 people, almost 13.3 percent of the state’s workforce; generate $96.8 billion in annual revenues; and hold assets of $208 billion. Pennsylvania foundations give a total of $1.3 billion annually.) The Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2013 (H.R. 2807). This bill was included in the passage of the America Gives More Act. (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, one of the largest land trusts in the country, has conserved more than 235,000 acres of farm and natural lands throughout Western Pennsylvania. H.R. 2807 would help the Conservancy continue preserving open spaces in the Third District and throughout Pennsylvania.) The Child Tax Credit Improvement Act of 2014 (H.R. 4935), which was passed by a bipartisan vote of 237-173. The bill would modify the child tax credit in several meaningful ways to help hardworking Pennsylvania families keep more of their hard-earned money. The Powering American Jobs Act of 2014 (H.R. 5775). This bipartisan legislation extends certain expiring tax incentives for the energy sector, including important propane and biodiesel provisions. Many of these extenders were included in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015 that was signed into law on December 16, 2014. The Kelly-Kind Retirement Provision, which was included in the Omnibus budget, and which codifies the definition of “normal retirement age” as either 30 years of service or the current tax code’s definition of 62 years old. Because the IRS changed its retirement definition to include only the latter description, 10,000 rural electric coop beneficiaries throughout the nation would have otherwise lost their retirement benefits, including 16 in the Third District. Pushing Back Against the Imperial Presidency This year saw President Obama take executive power to a frightening new level, from making unilateral changes to Obamacare, environmental policies, and immigration laws—all without any involvement from Congress, where laws are meant to be decided. At the beginning of the year, after President Obama pledged to use his “pen and phone” to “take executive actions and administrative actions,” I sent a letter co-signed by 20 Members of Congress to Attorney General Eric Holder seeking Constitutional justification for the president’s plans. In February, I discussed the letter with host Megyn Kelly on The Kelly File on Fox News. In March, the House took legislative action to rein-in the imperial presidency in the form of H.R. 4138, the Executive Needs to Faithfully Observe and Respect Congressional Enactments of (ENFORCE) the Law Act, and H.R. 3973, the Faithful Execution of the Law Act of 2014, both of which I was proud to co-sponsor. In July, the House took another stand against President Obama’s lawlessness by approving litigation against him. The system of checks and balances within our Constitution is far too precious and important to maintaining the freedom of our republic for any president to ever ignore or diminish. Speaker Boehner was left with no other option than to introduce H. Res. 676, a resolution to sue President Obama for his breach of authority. You can read more about it here. After President Obama announced his plan to grant amnesty to 5 million illegal immigrants in November, I publicly condemned it as outrageous and unconstitutional. I consider it a direct challenge to our system of government that must be opposed. That is why I voted to pass the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act (H.R. 5759) and co-sponsored an amendment to the Omnibus appropriations bill which would have banned any funding for the president's order. Because of the unlawful nature of the president's unilateral action, the House ultimately ensured that the budget only funds the Department of Homeland Security – which handles immigration – until the end of this coming February. By then, conservatives will fully control both houses of Congress and will have the stronger ground necessary to stop the president's illegal order without Harry Reid thwarting our actions. Most recently, I was proud to co-sign an amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice in support of the lawsuit brought by 24 states against President Obama's executive order earlier this month. Fighting Ebola Before It’s Too Late As you know, the second half of this past year saw the deadly Ebola virus finally reach our shores and claim American life. From the onset, I argued that this was a Paul Revere moment for the American people, and that every citizen from coast to coast should be alert, informed, and totally engaged in our nation’s fight to thwart this horrific disease. On October 7th, I sent a letter to President Obama urgently requesting information regarding his administration’s handling of the Ebola outbreak and details of a comprehensive strategy to stop the virus from affecting Americans. On October 9th, I sent a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Sylvia Burwell, and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tom Frieden, expressing my deep concern about the possibility of the Ebola virus spreading to Pennsylvania. (The letter was copied to Governor Tom Corbett.) On October 20th, I called on President Obama to finalize a rule proposed under the Bush administration in 2005 to update and revise regulations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to “prevent the introduction, transmission or spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the United States from one State or possession into another.” According to the federal register, the code of federal regulations that deals with foreign arrivals has not been updated since 1985. According to USA Today, the Obama administration scrapped the proposal in 2010 after objections by the American Civil Liberties Union over “potential passenger privacy rights violations and the proposal's ‘provisional quarantine’ rule.” On October 21st, I had an in-depth phone conversation with Dr. Peter Piot – the doctor who first discovered the Ebola virus in 1976 in the Republic of Congo – about necessary action to stop the virus and protect Americans. As a result of our discussion, I joined with Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to introduce H.R. 5746, the Keeping America Safe from Ebola Act, on November 20th (the same day Sen. Rubio introduced his Senate companion). Simply put, the bill would prohibit any alien from a country with a widespread Ebola virus outbreak from obtaining a visa to enter the United States. An extended list of the bill’s provisions can be viewed here. Standing Up for the Great Lakes As co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition, I am constantly involved in making sure the Great Lakes are properly cared for by the federal government. I consider the Great Lakes a gift from God—one that is directly tied to 128,000 American jobs, more than $33.6 billion in annual revenue, and three percent of our nation’s gross domestic product. In May, my House colleagues and I passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, by an astounding bipartisan vote of 412-4. Through WRRDA, Congress authorizes the key missions of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, including developing, maintaining, and supporting the nation’s economically vital waterway infrastructure and supporting effective and targeted flood protection and environmental restoration needs. This major package will guarantee that our port in Erie is dredged, which in turn will make sure that the workers at Donjon’s shipyard in Erie can keep doing their job. It will ensure that Presque Isle’s pristine beaches are protected, which will keep tourists coming and commerce flowing for generations to come. Overall, three of the Third District’s most important industries – tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture – are directly improved by this incredibly important bill. That’s why Ray Schreckengost, Executive Director of the Erie-Western PA Port Authority, referred to WRRDA as “groundbreaking legislation for the Great Lakes.” On July 10th – the same day President Obama signed WRRDA into law – I introduced an amendment to H.R. 4923, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 2015, to ensure that the bill complies with a provision in WRRDA that requires 10 percent of federal dollars allocated for harbor maintenance funding be prioritized for the Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS). The amendment, co-authored by Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI), was passed unanimously. Earlier this month, I was proud to co-sponsor H.R. 5764, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014, which was also passed by the House unanimously. This bipartisan legislation amends the Clean Water Act to authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for Fiscal Years 2015 – 2019. The GLRI was an inter-agency program launched by President Obama in 2009 to implement a regional collaboration strategy developed in 2005 through a process established by an executive order from then-President George W. Bush in 2004. The GLRI had not previously received congressional authorization. Without increasing federal spending, this bill would authorize the GLRI at $300 million (the amount already appropriated over the past four fiscal years) each year for the next five years. Last year, with the help of GLRI, Presque Isle Bay was removed from the EPA’s list of Areas of Concern. Additionally, the GLRI has been instrumental in keeping Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes and threatening its world class fisheries.  Keeping the Internet Free, Our Sovereignty Secure, & Our Rights Protected Much like last year, 2014 saw the First and Second Amendments of our Bill of Rights – along with the spirit of liberty they represent – come to the forefront of some very important legislative initiatives. * * * * * In March, the Obama administration announced that it will not renew the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), thereby turning over America’s stewardship of the Internet’s crucial functions to “the global multistakeholder community.” According to media expert Gordon Crovitz, writing in The Wall Street Journal, “Russia, China and other authoritarian governments have already been working to redesign the Internet more to their liking, and now they will no doubt leap to fill the power vacuum caused by America's unilateral retreat.” In June, I authored a guest op-ed for Red Alert Politics describing the stakes of surrendering American stewardship of the Internet to a multinational body or any other entity. In July, I hosted a policy briefing on Capitol Hill on the future of Internet governance in light of the Obama administration’s announcement. The hearing was attended by dozens of Congressional staffers and featured professional analysis by three field experts. On November 19th, I introduced H.R. 5737, the Defending Internet Freedom Act of 2014. The legislation would prevent the Obama administration, or that of any future president, from relinquishing the critical functions of the Internet to any other entity without enhanced congressional oversight and until explicit, freedom-protecting requirements are met. It is being co-sponsored by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), who also serves as chairman and co-founder of the Congressional High Tech Caucus. Under our care and our values, the Internet has been able to safely expand to unthinkable horizons, enabling new ideas to spread and new markets to grow all over the world. Keeping the Internet free and safe from hostile powers overseas who by their very nature despise freedom is not just a moral responsibility—it is a thoroughly American duty. * * * * * Over the summer, I joined with Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming to introduce H.R. 5285, the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014, which would ensure that all faith-based institutions and individuals can continue to provide child welfare services to those who need them. For decades, faith-based organizations have played a downright heroic role in caring for the most vulnerable among us, including infants, expectant mothers, children, teens, and needy families in Western Pennsylvania and across our country. Our bill would simply prevent these service providers from ever being denied federal assistance based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. Ultimately, it is about defending religious liberty as well as ensuring that everyone who wants to help provide foster or adoptive care to our nation’s children is able to have a seat at the table * * * * * In September, the House passed three new pieces of legislation to limit the power of the IRS in the wake of ongoing investigations into the agency’s unlawful targeting of conservative organizations. As a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, I was very proud to be the sole original co-sponsor of each bill. * * * * * Just last week, the dangerous United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) went into effect on Christmas Eve, 90 days after it was ratified by 50 nations. Thanks to our opposition in Congress, the United States is not one of them (even though the Obama administration misguidedly signed the treaty in 2013). As I have long argued, the ATT is an outrageous agreement that would force the United States – the world’s most important defender of peace and democracy – onto equal footing with the world’s worst dictatorships and terror-sponsors. Ominously, the treaty excludes any specific protection for, or even mention of, the fundamental right of individuals to keep and bear arms, which only opens the door wider to future gun control impositions. Most recently, I was able to secure a provision in the final version of the FY 2015 Omnibus budget that bans any federal funding for the implementation of the treaty for one full year. * * * * * As I’ve said time and again, representing you and your neighbors in the House of Representatives has been the honor of my lifetime. Any time my staff can help you with a federal matter in any specific way, please do not hesitate to contact me via the information and locations listed below. I humbly thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and look forward to having your back in Congress in 2015. Happy New Year! Sincerely, Mike Kelly   ERIE DISTRICT OFFICE 208 E. Bayfront Parkway Suite 102 Erie, PA 16507 Phone: (814) 454-8190 Fax: (814) 454-8197   BUTLER DISTRICT OFFICE 101 East Diamond St Suite 218 Butler, PA  16001 Phone: (724) 282-2557 Fax: (724) 282-3682   SHARON DISTRICT OFFICE 33 Chestnut Street Sharon, PA  16146 Phone: (724) 342-7170 Fax: (724) 342-7242   WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 1519 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5406 Fax: (202) 225-3103   CRAWFORD COUNTY OFFICE By appointment on Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 908 Diamond Park Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: (814) 454-8190   ARMSTRONG COUNTY OFFICE By appointment on Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 300 South McKean Street Kittanning, PA 16201 Phone: (724) 282-2557   LAWRENCE COUNTY Every Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4: 00 p.m. Lawrence County Courthouse 430 Court Street New Castle, PA  16101",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-passing-of-kernie-anderson,Casey Statement on Passing of Kernie Anderson,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following the passing of Kernie Anderson. “This week my thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family as they mourn the loss of Kernie Anderson. Kernie is being rightly remembered as a giant of the radio industry who blazed a trail that many follow today. Kernie Anderson was an important voice for the African American community in Philadelphia and throughout the country. He fought vigorously to ensure that millions of Americans who quietly struggle had a voice. His role in helping to found Philadelphia’s Unity Day will serve as an enduring legacy of the kind of community he worked to create.”   ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-statement-on-the-new-year-of-2015,Barletta Statement on the New Year of 2015,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued the following statement regarding the New Year of 2015: ""The year that has just passed has presented the people of this country with many challenges – some unique to our current circumstances, and some with which we have continued to struggle.  In the end, I have faith that we, the people of the greatest nation the world has ever known, will pull together and overcome whatever adversity we encounter. ""The new year presents us with a fresh start, and hopefully a chance to build on our successes.  But we can also learn from our mistakes.  Each victory is a mark in the win column, and each failure is a chance to do better.  The great Babe Ruth once said, ‘Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.’  The Babe was right to be optimistic about life.  ""On behalf of my wife, Mary Grace, our four daughters, and two beautiful grandchildren, I wish the people of Pennsylvania’s 11th District a healthy and prosperous new year.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-lou-barletta-2014-year-in-review,Rep. Lou Barletta: 2014 Year in Review,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today looked back on the year 2014 in the United States House of Representatives and highlighted some notable improvements and achievements.  Among the important issues covered during the year were fighting illegal immigration, protecting volunteer firefighters from Obamacare, saving billions of taxpayer dollars on federal office space, reducing regulations, and promoting domestic energy.  Most of those policy advancements encouraged private sector job growth.  Barletta indicated that he would continue the fight on those and other important issues as the 114th Congress begins in January. “We made a lot of important advances in the last twelve months, all with the idea of improving the lives of everyday citizens,” Barletta said.  “Government can sometimes solve problems, but in many cases, the best thing government can do is get out of the way.” Battling Illegal Immigration The United States has immigration laws for two primary reasons: to protect national security and to protect American jobs.  For too long, the immigration laws that we currently have on the books have been ignored, and there remain too many holes in the system.  Throughout 2014, Rep. Barletta fought to fix the system. By his unlawful executive action on amnesty, the president is introducing five million more competitors into an already tight job market, at a time when 20 million Americans are either unemployed or underemployed.  Barletta is looking forward to fixing the problems in the next Congress. “I have been personally assured by Speaker Boehner that I will play an integral role in crafting new, strong national immigration policies beginning in January,” Barletta said. Barletta proposed or supported a variety of pieces of legislation to strengthen immigration laws, and protect national security and American jobs: Defense of Legal Workers Act Barletta’s legislation removes a $3,000 per job incentive created by President Obama for employers to hire amnesty recipients over legal American workers.  Obamacare and the president’s recently announced amnesty program for illegal immigrants combine to make it financially more attractive for businesses to choose illegal immigrants when making hiring decisions.  Barletta’s bill removes the incentive by clarifying that illegal immigrants granted amnesty by executive action cannot be issued work permits.  Unaccompanied Alien Minors In response to the illegal immigrant surge at the southern border over the summer, Barletta introduced legislation to empower governors and local elected officials to control whether or not the federal government can place unaccompanied minors, who have illegally entered the country, into their communities.  H.R. 5409, the “Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act” would require the federal government to inform states and localities of relocation plans in advance, and would require the federal government to certify to the states that the minors will not pose a health or public safety risk to the community.  It would also require the federal government to provide information such as the costs associated with the housing and education of these minors.  Over the summer, Rep. Barletta learned of a proposal by the non-profit U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants to house unaccompanied minors in Hazleton.  Once Barletta released this information to the public, the organization cancelled its plans following community opposition.  Had Barletta not been informed of the situation by Hazleton officials, the plan would have proceeded without public notice. DACA Barletta was key in the House passage of legislation to stop President Obama’s policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), under which the administration has refused to deport illegal immigrants up to the age of 30, if they claim they have been present in the country since the age of 16, among other factors.  Obama’s DACA policy is a key reason for the recent influx of illegal immigrants, who believe that if they arrive safely in the United States, they will be allowed to stay. “From the first day I came to Congress, I have been asking that we do something about illegal immigration,” Barletta said.  “For a long time I got nowhere, but with the situation growing worse, and with the president acting unilaterally, more and more people now understand the scope of the problem.” In the 114th Congress, Barletta will continue to fight for these improvements, such as making it a criminal offense for someone to overstay a visa, and instituting a biometric entry and exit system. Protecting Volunteer Firefighters One of the many side effects of Obamacare was the public safety impact it could have on thousands of communities because of its treatment of volunteer firefighters.  After being alerted to a potential problem in 2013, Barletta investigated and discovered that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had been counting volunteer firefighters as employees for federal tax purposes, which could trigger the Employer Mandate Provision of Obamacare.  Under pressure from Barletta, the IRS relented and issued a new set of regulations in February that included a section using the same definition of a “bona fide volunteer” as Barletta’s bill.  Unwilling to leave such an important public safety issue in the hands of unelected bureaucrats at the IRS, Barletta continued to pursue his legislation.  In a rare unanimous vote, the House approved the bill 410-to-0 on March 11, 2014. Disappointingly, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) added controversial unemployment benefits language to the bill, effectively killing its chances for the full approval of Congress.  Barletta, however, said he has not yet given up the fight and plans to reintroduce the measure in the 114th Congress. “While we have won the short-term battle and shielded volunteer firefighters and the communities they protect, there is still work to be done,” Barletta said.  “This is a public safety issue that is too important to be left to the whims of a federal agency like the IRS.” Combating Obamacare Barletta and the House of Representatives voted more than 50 times in the 113th Congress – not just in 2014 – to delay, defund, or dismantle all or parts of Obamacare, because it failed to live up to its name.  President Obama has signed ten pieces of legislation defunding or repealing parts of Obamacare into law.    The bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress continues Republican efforts to: Provide no new funding for Obamacare. Require Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury to report to Congress on improper payments of ObamaCare tax subsidies. Reduce funding to the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Maintain all existing pro-life policy and funding provisions. Include three new pro-life provisions:  Obamacare Transparency - requires Obamacare healthcare plans to inform customers if they provide abortion services. Conscience Protection - requires HHS Office of Civil Rights to address complaints of violations. Provides $12 million in unused abstinence education funds. Reining in the EPA Barletta supported legislation that curbs proposed expansion of the federal definition of Waters of the United States, and defends the relationship between federal and state governments established by the Clean Water Act.  He co-sponsored H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, which blocks the expansion proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  “For four decades, the Clean Water Act has worked as a strong partnership between the federal government and the states,” Barletta said.  “However, the new definition of federal waters is so vague that it’s impossible to know what standards you need to prove.  The result would be higher legal fees, increased costs to farmers and builders, and fewer jobs.  Local farmers I have talked to said the legal fees alone would probably run them out of business.  Simply put, sometimes a mud puddle is just a mud puddle.” In addition, the bipartisan spending bill adopted by Congress: Cuts EPA by $60 million, representing the 5th consecutive year of cuts – a total reduction of 21 percent since Fiscal Year 2010. Reduces EPA staffing by 2,000 positions, which is equivalent to 1989 levels. Prohibits regulation of farm ponds and irrigation ditches. Protects Second Amendment rights and prohibits EPA from regulating lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle. Restraining the IRS The bipartisan spending bill adopted by Congress continues Republican efforts to: Cut IRS funding by $345.6 million ($1.5 billion below the president’s request and below Fiscal Year 2008 levels). Prohibit IRS targeting of organizations based on their ideological beliefs or for exercising their First Amendment rights. Prohibit the White House from ordering review of tax-exempt status. Prohibit use of IRS funds for inappropriate videos and conferences. “No federal agency strikes more fear into the hearts of citizens than the IRS,” Barletta said.  “It is time to stop the use of federal tax collectors as political enforcers.”  Saving Billions on Federal Office Space Rep. Barletta used his position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to save taxpayers more than $2 billion by more efficiently using federal office space.  Barletta is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.  In some cases, the changes involved reconfiguration or alteration of existing federal sites.  In others, it involved better leasing arrangements. “This can really be just the beginning,” Barletta said.  “As these decisions are made, we ought to be asking every time: can we do this better, and how can we save the taxpayers money?” Promoting Domestic Energy Barletta supported measures designed to ease American dependence on foreign sources of oil and create private sector jobs: Barletta cosponsored legislation to authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a project which has been more than six years in the works through many studies, delays, and rejections from the Obama Administration.  The pipeline, which would run from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska, would allow crude oil to flow all the way to the Gulf Coast.  The completion of the pipeline is expected to create tens of thousands of construction jobs in the United States and establish a reliable supply of energy. Construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will increase manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania. The bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress requires the Department of Defense to use anthracite coal to heat the Army and Air Force Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany.  Improving Transportation Highway Bill Congress passed the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, which addressed a potential expiration of surface transportation authorization and the Highway Trust Fund shortfall predicted to occur.  Barletta still supports a highway bill of at least five years to allow for contractors and employers to better plan for the future. “There are more than 5,000 bridges in Pennsylvania that are structurally deficient, and countless roadways that are in desperate need of repair,” said Barletta, who is a subcommittee chairman in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  “If Congress had failed to act, the money to fund surface transportation projects would have run dry.  That could have resulted in the stoppage of more than 7,000 projects and the loss of countless jobs across the country, including Pennsylvania.” Safer Trucks and Buses Barletta introduced the Safer Trucks and Buses Act (H.R. 5532), which halts the publication of flawed safety scores for carriers and directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to revamp its scoring system.  The legislation addresses a problem with the Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) program, which was rushed into usage, and often does not reflect changes made by carriers to improve their approaches to safety. “As a father of four daughters, I worry every day about the safety of my girls, and I strongly believe that unsafe vehicles should not be on the road,” Barletta said. “Unfortunately, companies across the country and in Pennsylvania are being unfairly misrepresented by their safety scores, causing economically devastating impacts to these bus and truck companies, many of which are small businesses.” Keeping Promises to Veterans Barletta supported legislation that overhauls the Veterans Administration and provides veterans with more responsive and accessible health care.  The legislation follows revelations of long wait times at VA medical facilities, falsified records, and the resulting deaths of veterans.  The legislation: Allows veterans to seek medical attention outside the VA system if an appointment is not available within 30 days, or if a veteran resides more than 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility. Provides funding to hire additional doctors, nurses, and medical staff. Extends several existing pilot programs, including those increasing access to care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and victims of sexual assault.  Requires an independent assessment of VA medical care and establishes a Congressional Commission on Care to evaluate access in the VA health system. Permits the VA Secretary to fire or demote employees in an expedited fashion based on performance or misconduct, while also including due processes rights. Requires public colleges to provide in-state tuition to veterans and eligible dependents in order for the school to remain eligible to receive G.I. Bill education payments. Expands the Sgt. Fry Scholarship Program to provide full post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/11. “The problems discovered in the VA system needed to be addressed, and we are addressing them now,” Barletta said.  “From the beginning, this was not a Republican or Democrat issue.  This was an American issue.” Maintaining Waterway Infrastructure Barletta backed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which promotes American competitiveness and economic growth by maintaining an effective waterway infrastructure, while also supporting strong flood protection.  The legislation originated in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Barletta is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.  It passed the House by a vote of 412-to-4. “This strengthens Congressional oversight, restricts executive overreach, cuts red tape, and provides transparency in the selection of projects,” Barletta said.  “And critically for our part of Pennsylvania, WRRDA helps with flood risk management.”  Helping the Disabled Barletta supported the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which amends the IRS code to establish tax-exempt accounts for individuals with disabilities to assist in paying for certain expenses, including higher education, primary residence, transportation, employment assistance, health and wellness, and other personal support expenses.    “So many times, families have been left in the difficult position of choosing between taking care of children’s special needs and planning for their future,” Barletta said.  “The ABLE Act helps families avoid that predicament and lets them plan ahead.” Serving the 11th District Contained within the bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress are a number of items that directly benefit the 11th District of Pennsylvania: $900 million to address military funding shortfalls, including depot maintenance at facilities such as Tobyhanna Army Depot. Restored funding zeroed out under President Obama’s budget request for State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which reimburses localities who house criminal illegal immigrants in local jails (increases funding from $180 million to $185 million rather than president’s request of $0.) $200 million more than original budget request for Community Development Block Grants. $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Increase for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Increase funding for flood prevention under the Streamflow Information Program. Connecting to Main Street In 2014, Congressman Barletta continued his Main Street Tours, during which he visited local businesses and heard the concerns and ideas of small employers and citizens.  Barletta has conducted more than twenty Main Street Tours since 2013, including stops this year in Tunkhannock, Elizabethville, Plymouth, Carlisle, Danville, Kingston, Millersburg, Sunbury, Bloomsburg, Mechanicsburg, Linglestown, and Berwick.  “As a former mayor, I know without question that all wisdom does not reside in Washington, D.C.,” Barletta said.  “Most of the best ideas come from the people who are dealing with real issues in their real lives every day.  I will always continue to be accessible and listen to the people whose lives are affected by the laws we pass.” While Barletta indicated that while he was pleased with the successes of 2014 and the 113th Congress, which has concluded, he will continue to fight for the 11th District of Pennsylvania. “If 2014 taught us anything, it’s that it is much better to get half a loaf of bread than no loaf at all”, Barletta said.  “With the new Congress taking shape in January, I am optimistic about even more advancements in the coming months.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly%E2%80%99s-legislative-priorities-2015-featured-pittsburgh-tribune-review,Rep. Kellys Legislative Priorities for 2015 Featured in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pro-growth tax reform, energy main focuses for congressman WASHINGTON — The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review published a story on December 28, 2014, following an exclusive interview with U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) regarding his legislative priorities for 2015 and the upcoming 114th Congress. The full article can read here. Highlights from the article: The 114th Congress gets under way Jan. 3, and with Republicans set to control the House and Senate, it's time to show the American people that the federal government can govern, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly said. “I'm excited about this next year,” said Kelly, a Butler Republican. “We have not had a Senate we could work with in six years. I'm hoping that the results of (the general election) sent a message to both sides, that the American people want to see a body that can govern.” During an interview with the Tribune-Review, Kelly outlined his priorities for the upcoming session. He will continue to serve on the influential Ways and Means Committee, which is the chief tax-writing committee of the House, and serve on the [select revenue], oversight and Social Security subcommittees. … The country needs tax reform, he said, including simplifying the tax code into “something much flatter and much fairer,” while also offering corporate tax reform, saying that U.S. companies have “the highest corporate tax in the world,” at about 39 percent, factoring in state taxes. … Kelly, who owns a Butler car dealership, was first elected to Congress in 2010. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio picked him to deliver the Republican weekly address Dec. 20 in response to President Obama's, an assignment of which Kelly said he was “sincerely honored.” “There's no doubt his stature is growing in Congress. People are really starting to pay attention to the issues he espouses,” said Jeff Brauer, a professor of political science at Keystone College in Lackawanna County. Brauer added that energy independence is Kelly's biggest issue. “He's really made a name for himself in that sphere,” Brauer said. “He's giving great speeches, getting standing ovations. To have a spokesperson like that, the (Republican) leadership is appreciative of that and is rewarding him accordingly.” … Kelly told the Trib he supports the Keystone XL Pipeline project, which he said could create upward of 50,000 construction jobs and many ancillary jobs. A pipeline would run between Canada and Nebraska, connecting with existing pipe. Delays may have hurt it, Kelly added. “We're running against the clock as the cost of energy goes down,” he said.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-issues-statement-moshannon-valley-correctional-facility-contract-renewal,Thompson Issues Statement on Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility Contract Renewal,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bellefonte, PA – U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) issued the following statement upon news that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has awarded Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility (MVCF), in Philipsburg, Clearfield County, as the BOP’s preferred facility for the Northeastern United States.   “This announcement is tremendous news for our community and the Commonwealth,” stated Rep. Glenn Thompson. “The Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility has been an economic engine for our region, providing jobs for area residents, new tax revenue to support local services, including investments in our schools, and a host of other opportunities that have benefited all area residents. I am proud of the work we have done, including efforts at all levels of government and within the community, to protect local jobs and ensure the Moshannon Valley facility remains in operation for years to come.” Over the past year, Rep. Thompson has led efforts at the federal level to help secure the contract’s renewal.  In January of 2014, Thompson garnered the support of 12 Members of Congress from Pennsylvania and Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, in sending a letter to BOP, urging the bureau to renew the contract with MVCF. The BOP’s existing contract with MVCF, which is set to expire in 2016, has been renewed for a period of 5 years, with one year renewal options for the following five years, according to Rep. Thompson. BOP’s Criminal Alien Removal Procurement Regulations, require one facility in the Northeastern U.S. and another facility to be located anywhere in the country.  MVCF, which is operated by the GEO Group, Inc., has served as the region’s preferred facility since 2006. The MVCF currently employs approximately 260 area residents and provides approximately $600,000 each year in local property taxes, $445,000 of which directly benefits local schools.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/rep-marino-backs-amicus-brief-challenging-president%E2%80%99s-amnesty,Rep. Marino Backs Amicus Brief Challenging the Presidents Amnesty,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County signed on to support the amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) last week. The brief is supported by more than two dozen states and 68 Members of Congress in challenging President Obama’s recent Presidential Memorandum -- Modernizing and Streamlining the U.S. Immigrant Visa System for the 21st Century dubbed “executive amnesty.” ACLJ also created the Committee to Defend the Separation of Powers of which more than 60,000 citizens joined in an additional effort to halt Obama’s unconstitutional move towards illegal immigrant legalization. The case, State of Texas v. United States of America, argues the president’s directive to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is in contradiction with Congress’ authority to create immigration policy. It states Congress has a standing classification system for aliens and DHS’s new directive changes those laws and sets new policy without the authorization of Congress which has interrupted the balance of power among the three branches of government. It further argues the executive branch has abdicated one its chief responsibilities to “faithfully execute the law” and thereby “exceeded the bounds of their prosecutorial discretion.” Congressman Marino said the following of the brief: “I have said it before and I will say it again; the best way to stop President Obama’s executive overreach in our immigration policies, and even healthcare for that matter, is through the courts. I firmly believe through our legal system we will achieve the results Americans demand. We have the best legal system in the world. The public trusts decisions made in courts through rigorous analysis and interpretation. What they do not trust is the relentless political jockeying over serious issues that have detrimental impacts on our nation’s future. I am grateful for the opportunity to register my support of ACLJ’s efforts with the court as a result of my longstanding legal background and I am confident we can move this forward in conjunction with additional congressional actions coming soon in the 114th.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-receives-response-from-epa-following-letter-on-potential-keystone-landfill-expansion-in-dunmore,Casey Receives Response from EPA Following Letter on Potential Keystone Landfill Expansion in Dunmore,2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has received a response from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following his letter regarding the potential expansion of the Keystone Landfill in Dunmore. In his letter to the EPA, Casey asked the agency to address concerns raised by his constituents and conduct the appropriate oversight should the proposal fall within the federal government’s jurisdiction. “I will continue to monitor this issue closely and urge the EPA and state agencies to be responsive to concerns raised by residents,” Senator Casey said. “It’s critical that EPA continue to examine this issue and conduct any appropriate oversight of the landfill consistent with the agency’s jurisdiction.” The full response to Senator Casey is attached. Please note: the names of constituents mentioned in the letter have been redacted in order to protect their privacy. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-sends-annual-christmas-message-constituents-third-district,Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents in Third District,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents in Third District Dec 23, 2014 WATCH HERE WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the enclosed video today as his annual Christmas greeting to his constituents in Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District.  Rep. Kelly: “I wanted to take a few moments just to wish you all a very merry Christmas. … I’ll be thinking of you on Christmas morning. And again, I want to thank you for the honor and the privilege to serve you.” The full video message can be viewed here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-joins-bipartisan-effort-rescind-proposed-rule-electric-power-generation,Thompson Joins Bipartisan Effort to Rescind Obama Admin. Proposed Rule on Electric Power Generation,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bellefonte, PA – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) has joined with nearly one hundred fellow Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Obama to express concerns regarding the proposed rule announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 2, 2014, entitled “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units.” “The EPA’s new rule on electric power generation is yet another unworkable policy from the Obama Administration that will threaten America’s access to affordable and reliable energy,” stated Rep. Thompson.  “While protecting the environment is a shared goal, this must be attained realistically and not by burdening families with rate hikes and potential brownouts. It is my hope the Obama Administration will rescind this rule and work with Congress on a bipartisan basis to address the concerns that we’ve outlined.” In the letter, the Members assert the rule would negatively impact the nation’s ability to reliably generate and transmit electric power sources.  “Due to market factors and existing environmental requirements, significant power plant shutdowns are already underway across the country, and these closures raise concerns about the continued reliability of the grid and electricity rates in the absence of EPA’s recently proposed rule. Under the proposed rule, EPA projects there would be additional power plant retirements and electricity rate increases,” the letter states.    If this were to occur, the Members stress, it would ""threaten electricity reliability and drive up energy costs for consumers, including the elderly, poor, and those on fixed incomes, at a time when over 50 million Americans are currently living in poverty.” The Members conclude the letter by recognizing that although some of their own views may vary on the statutory authority of the regulations they are ""all concerned that this rule is simply unworkable as proposed and, if finalized, would effectively give EPA control over a state’s generation, supply, and consumption of power. Accordingly, we respectfully ask that you direct the EPA to withdraw its proposed rule.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-ends-2014-with-major-accomplishments-on-behalf-of-pennsylvanians,Casey Ends 2014 with Major Accomplishments on Behalf of Pennsylvanians,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Amid partisan gridlock, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) ended 2014 with significant accomplishments on behalf of Pennsylvanians. Casey secured passage of a landmark law to help the families of children with disabilities save for their long term care through tax-advantaged, 529-style savings accounts. Casey successfully pushed into law measures that bolstered children’s hospitals throughout the state, improved the emergency medical services that are provided to children and strengthened programs to support individuals living with traumatic brain injuries. Casey successfully urged the Obama Administration to invest in job creating projects throughout Pennsylvania. Casey pressed for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, for justice for coal miners being denied black lung claims and for improvements to the ways colleges are required to report instances of sexual violence on campus.     Casey’s ABLE Act Now Law  Since 2009, Senator Casey has championed the ABLE Act, which creates tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. On December 16, 2014, the Senate passed the ABLE Act (76-16) into law, following action by the House of Representatives (404-17) earlier in the month. With its passage, millions of Americans will be able to save for their futures, creating peace of mind for individuals and families across the Nation. Casey’s Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Support Reauthorization Act Now Law  The Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program provides freestanding children’s hospitals with federal graduate medical education (GME) support similar to the funding that other teaching hospitals receive through Medicare. Casey’s bill reauthorized the program for five years at $300 million a year.  The legislation also makes important changes to the program by giving the Secretary authority to include in the program a small number of freestanding children’s hospitals who have been ineligible to participate in the past for technical reasons.  The bill allows the Secretary to use a portion of the funds appropriated over $245 million for these children’s hospitals that train pediatric providers and meet the same general qualifications as existing participants but currently do not qualify for Medicare GME or CHGME. The amount of this pool in a given year would be 25% of enacted CHGME funding over $245 million, up to a maximum of $7 million, and hospitals would have to undergo a normal application process. Three Pennsylvania hospitals receive funding through this program.  Casey’s Emergency Medical Service for Children Act Now Law Pediatric patients have important physical, developmental, and mental differences from adults.  From smaller-sized medical equipment to different dosage requirements for medicine, the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program helps medical professionals meet the unique needs of pediatric patients and provide state of the art emergency medical care for ill and injured children and adolescents.  Since the program was created in 1984, pediatric injury-related death rates have been reduced by more than 40 percent.  There are approximately 26,000,000 child and adolescent visits to the Nation’s emergency departments each year.  Approximately 90 percent of children requiring emergency care are seen in general hospitals, not in free standing children’s hospitals, with one-quarter to one-third of the patients being seen in hospitals with no separate pediatric ward. Casey Bill on Traumatic Brain Injuries Now Law The Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2014 (S. 2539) reauthorized the Prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury program and the National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries. The prevention program funds educational programs and materials for health departments, community-based organizations, parents, teachers and coaches; and research into effective prevention strategies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also conducts surveillance work to identify TBI rates of death and rates of hospitalization, and is working to develop pediatric mild TBI guidelines. S 2539 also reauthorizes the following two grant programs: The State Implementation Partnership Grants fund the development and implementation of statewide systems that ensure access to comprehensive and coordinated TBI services. Since FY 1997, 48 States, 2 Territories and the District of Columbia have received funding under the TBI State Grant Program. There are 20 states currently funded under the TBI State Grant Program with an average grant of $250,000. The Protection and Advocacy Grant Program for Individuals with TBI funds 57 states and territories with an average grant amount of $50,000 to prevent abuse and neglect and safeguard the well-being of individuals with TBI living in institutions, nursing homes, jails and prisons and community-based settings. All P&A agencies monitor, investigate, and attempt to remedy adverse conditions in public and private facilities. S. 2539 also required HHS to develop a Traumatic Brain Injury Coordination Plan, for federal activities with respect to TBI, which shall review existing interagency coordination and identify areas for improvement. Finally, the law requires CDC to conduct a review of the scientific evidence relating to brain injury management in children, identifying ongoing and potential further opportunities for research, and provide to Congress the results of this review within two years. Investing in PA Western Pennsylvania’s job-creating waterways infrastructure will see upgrades that have been sought for decades thanks to measures Casey passed in two separate bills: The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and the end of year tax extenders bill. Additionally the effort to bolster job creation in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the deepening of the Delaware River received significant support following Casey efforts.   Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) The final version of WRRDA that was signed into law contained four major pieces of Senator Casey’s RIVER Act: Olmsted Federalization: Permanent Cost-Sharing for the remaining cost of the Olmsted project will be 85% General Fund, 15% Inland Waterways Trust Fund. Definition of Major Rehabilitation: increased from current law level of $14 million to $20 million and adjusted annually for inflation. Prioritization of Projects: This will ensure projects are prioritized based upon risk of failure and economic benefit to the Nation Project Delivery: New reforms to achieve on-time and on-budget performance. With the Olmsted cost-share adjustment, it is estimated over $124 million will be freed up for the Lower Mon and other priority projects. Pennsylvania’s locks and dams play a vital role in creating and sustaining jobs and supporting economic growth throughout the country. In Southwestern Pennsylvania alone, over 200,000 jobs rely on the proper functioning of the region’s inland waterways system Inland Waterways User Fee Senator Casey’s bill to increase the inland waterways user fee from 20 cents to 29 cents per gallon was included in the Tax Extenders package which passed into law by a vote of 76 to 16. This increase will be matched by general treasury funds and will add an additional estimated $60-80 million annually for lock and dam projects in western Pennsylvania and across the country. With a more reliable funding stream the cost for these projects will also be lower, saving taxpayers money. Delaware Deepening Project Since he has come to the Senate, Senator Casey has helped to secure over $125 million for the project through appropriations.   Senator Casey advocated for inclusion of this project in the President’s FY 2015 budget. It received $35 million in the omnibus which represented a significant increase from the $20 million level in FY 2014. The project is over 60% percent complete as of December 2014. Vice President Biden came to visit the project and tour a dredge at Senator Casey’s invitation. During the visit, the Vice President expressed support for completing the project as quickly as possible. Once the channel is deepened to forty-five feet, there will be an increase of 2.5 million tons of cargo annually to the Port of Philadelphia, which will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in addition to providing short term jobs in the construction industry which has been hard hit in this economy. Helping PA Small Businesses and Fighting for His Constituents Tax Relief for Small Businesses Senator Casey has led efforts on the Senate Finance Committee to provide small businesses with tax relief that will allow them to grow their businesses and create jobs. Senator Casey is the Senate champion for legislation making permanent 15-year depreciation schedule for restaurants and retail establishments, thereby allowing these businesses certainty that they can update their facilities on a reasonable timeline. Senator Casey also introduced the Small Business tax Certainty and Growth Act, which would permanently extend Section 179 expensing, extend 15-yr depreciation and bonus depreciation by one year, double the cash accounting threshold and increase the start-up deduction. Legislation extending Section 179, 15-year depreciation and bonus depreciation was passed by Congress in December 2014. Preventing Access to Social Security Benefits for War Criminals Senator Casey led efforts in the Senate to close a loophole that allowed Nazi war criminals to receive Social Security benefits. The Senate passed legislation closing the loophole on December 4, 2014.  National Guard Counterdrug Centers Senator Casey has been a longtime advocate for the National Guard’s Counterdrug Training Centers.  He visited the center in Ft. Indiantown Gap in October 2014 and led his colleagues in two bipartisan letters, one to Secretary Hagel and one to the Armed Services Committee leadership, arguing for continued funding of the Centers. In July 2014, Senator Casey introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the Defense Department to identify a sustainable funding solution for the Centers.  The final NDAA report includes the following language that supports the National Guard counterdrug effort: “We note the role of the National Guard Counter-drug mission in ensuring the security of the U.S. Homeland. As part of that mission, the National Guard Counter-drug Schools continue to play an important role in training and educating local, state, and federal law enforcement and other entities on counter-drug-related matters. We recognize the benefits of maintaining and supporting the National Guard counterdrug strategy.”  Combatting Hunger for Vulnerable Children Senator Casey’s support for The Emergency Feeding Assistance Program (TEFAP), which assists food banks in providing food to people in need, garnered $250 million in additional funding for the program.  Senator Casey helped to authorize a Healthy Food Financing Initiative in the Farm Bill, which will help improve access to healthy foods year round, across the nation in underserved areas; and would revitalize communities by developing and renovating stores, generate local tax revenue, create and retain jobs, and bring development to low-income neighborhoods. Fighting for Justice for PA Coal Miners   Following a groundbreaking investigation by leading news organizations into the processing of black lung claims, Casey chaired a hearing to explore the challenges that former coal miners have with this backlogged and broken system. Senator Casey also sent a letter to the Administration calling for additional resources to combat the claims backlog which has left some Pennsylvania residents waiting years for the benefits they desperately need and are owed. Casey introduced legislation proposing sweeping reforms to the federal program that provides benefits to coal miners suffering from black lung disease to give miners better access to the benefits they deserve. Combatting Sexual Violence on College Campuses   This year the Obama Administration wrote regulations to strengthen reporting standards on college campuses so that instances of sexual violence are reported in a uniform manner and victims are provided with appropriate support. The Administration’s efforts largely emanate from Casey’s Campus SaVE Act which was passed into law as part of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Foreign Policy Press Freedom Resolution Senator Casey introduced S.Res.447, a resolution on global press World Press Freedom Resolution, with Senator Rubio on May 15. It passed the Senate unanimously on July 8. The resolution recognizes the dangers that reporters face and reaffirms freedom of the press as a priority for the U.S. government. In 2014, Senator Casey wrote three letters to Secretary Kerry on various press freedom issues, including the ongoing detention of American journalist Jason Rezaian in Iran. Advancing Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Afghanistan Senator Casey was invited to deliver keynote remarks at the Oslo Symposium on Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Afghanistan on November 23. He emphasized that the rights of Afghan women and girls must be non-negotiable during this critical transition period in Afghanistan.  At the Symposium, Senator Casey met with Afghanistan’s First Lady, Rula Ghani, and other Afghan women leaders to discuss the challenges they are facing. Much of the language from Senator Casey’s amendment to promote the safety, security, and rights of Afghanistan’s women and children was included in the final NDAA, especially the section about how the FY14 $25 million carve-out in the Afghan Security Forces Fund should be used to promote the recruitment and retention of women in the ANSF. The three key provisions in the NDAA include: prioritize the recruitment and retention of women in the Afghan National Security Forces; support police units that are specially trained to work with female or adolescent victims; ensure the adequate staffing of polling stations by female officers. Fighting for PA Veterans 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act and Report  The 21st Century Veterans Benefits Reform Act was introduced on March 6, 2014 along with the release of the report. The report and bill includes three initiatives to make the necessary policy changes to reduce the backlog of veterans’ disability claims. The three main provisions: improving the claims submission process, improve VA Regional Office Practices, requiring the federal government, across-the-board, to make Veteran benefits claims a priority. Senate Veterans Backlog Working Group  Senator Casey convened the Veterans Backlog Working Group with Senator Heller on September 9, 2014 to bring the issue of reducing the benefits claims backlog back to the forefront and stressing the importance of the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act. The attendees included Senators Blumenthal, Walsh, and Toomey. The VA was represented by Beth McCoy, the Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Field Operations for the Veterans Benefits Administration and Dave McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance. Most major accredited Veterans Service Organizations were also in attendance, including: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, and the American Federation of Government Employees. Casey-Heller Letter to Veterans Affairs Committee on the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act On November 10, 2014, Senator Casey sent a letter with Senator Heller to the Veterans Affairs Committee urging the Committee to hold a hearing on the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-pledges-continued-opposition-un-arms-trade-treaty,Rep. Kelly Pledges Continued Opposition to UN Arms Trade Treaty,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Treaty will enter into force on Christmas Eve WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today regarding the imminent entry into force of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which will occur on December 24, 2014 — 90 days, as required, after the 50th nation ratified the treaty. The United States signed the treaty on September 25, 2013, but has never ratified it. “As the ATT soon enters into force, the United States Congress continues to stand with the American people in total opposition to this dangerous treaty. I applaud my colleagues for continuing to prohibit federal funding for the treaty’s implementation, and am glad to see the president once again sign legislation affirming this important ban. However, even with the ban in place, there are still plans being proposed for the US to pay up to 22 percent of UN ‘activity’ to manage the treaty — even though our Senate (rightly) refuses to ratify it! Going forward, vigilance is crucial. Congress must maintain its strong opposition while ensuring that the Obama administration is not tempted to act unilaterally in the treaty’s favor. We must not stand by and allow the ATT to threaten our constitutional rights at home or our closest allies abroad, as the world’s worst actors are surely counting on.” BACKGROUND:  Rep. Kelly is a national leader of the movement to stop the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). On March 15, 2013, he introduced H. Con. Res. 23, a bipartisan concurrent resolution expressing opposition to the treaty on behalf of members of Congress. The resolution currently has 149 co-sponsors in the House and 36 supporters in the Senate. On May 30, 2013, Rep. Kelly submitted a bipartisan letter with 130 co-signers from Congress to both President Obama and Secretary Kerry urging them to reject the treaty. He sent a similar bipartisan letter to the president following Secretary Kerry’s signing of the treaty on October 15, 2013, which was signed by 181 members of Congress, including multiple committee chairmen. A follow-up letter was sent to the White House on April, 20, 2014. On June 14, 2013, Rep. Kelly introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 to prohibit federal funding for the implementation of the ATT for one year by the Department of Defense. The amendment was adopted unanimously by a voice vote and included in the final passage of the NDAA by the House of Representatives. The House-Senate compromise NDAA, which included an updated version of the Kelly amendment, was passed by the House on December 12, 2013; passed by the Senate on December, 19, 2013; and signed by President Obama on December 26, 2013. On July 24, 2013, the House Appropriations Committee approved the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2014 which imposes a one-year ban on the use of federal funds for the implementation of the ATT by the State Department. The ban is based on language from a bipartisan letter which Rep. Kelly authored and submitted to the State and Foreign Operations subcommittee on April 18, 2013. A version of this ban was integrated into H.R. 3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, which temporarily funded the government between October 1, 2013 and January 15, 2014. On April 1, 2014, Rep. Kelly authored and submitted four separate letters to the bipartisan leaders of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies requesting updated and strengthened language prohibiting federal funding of the ATT in each of the subcommittees’ respective appropriation bills for fiscal year 2015, including an explicit ban on the use of funds to engage in domestic prosecutions on the basis of the ATT. Each letter was co-signed by more than 80 members of Congress. On May 22, 2014, the House passed H.R. 4335, the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2015, which included Rep. Kelly’s amendment to continue the Defense Department’s ban on funding for the ATT. On May 30, 2014, the House passed the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015, which included language requested by Kelly to ban ATT funding by the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other related agencies. On June 20, 2014, the House passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015 by a bipartisan vote of 340-73, which included language requested by Rep. Kelly to prohibit any funding by the Department of Defense for the implementation of the ATT for one year. On June 24, 2014, the full Appropriations Committee approved language to ban ATT funds in the FY 2015 State and Foreign Ops bill following Rep. Kelly’s letter to the subcommittee. On September 5, 2014, Rep. Kelly submitted a letter to President Obama voicing opposition to the planned First Conference of State Parties (CSP) to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) – a UN-backed gathering to shape the future of the ATT – due to its exclusion of any organizations critical of the treaty. On December 16, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015, which includes a ban on federal funding for the ATT’s implementation. The president signed the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2015 (H.R. 3979) on December 19, 2014, which included a similar ban.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-condemns-attacks-nyc-police,Marino Condemns Attacks on NYC Police,2014-12-21,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Cogan Station, PA—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County issued the following statement in the wake of the assassination of two New York City Police Officers: “As I see photos of officers and citizens praying at a makeshift memorial, my heart sinks. I have had the honor and privilege to work with law enforcement throughout my entire career and I have the utmost respect for them. I ask myself what more can be done to quell this senseless violence and preserve life. Inevitably I pray togetherness among us will ensue before we must endure more division and needless loss of life. These two officers died tragically in the line of duty while serving their communities. They were assassinated only because they wore a uniform and badge. Their death was retaliation for incidents which they had no part in. It is deeply troubling to me to understand officers everywhere go to work each day knowing the danger to them has never been greater. I call on every religious leader, every political leader, every public servant and every citizen to come together and speak out about this kind of behavior and sickening violence. We must be unified in our efforts to stop this from happening again because it has been our recent divisions which have allowed it happen in the first place.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-hails-victories-western-pa-113th-congress-concludes,Rep. Kelly Hails Victories for Western PA as 113th Congress Concludes,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kelly-sponsored provision to secure retirement benefits included in final FY 2015 omnibus budget; extension of pro-jobs energy tax incentives signed by president; Kelly-sponsored ABLE Act now law WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) – a member of the House Ways and Means Committee – issued the following statement today highlighting three legislative victories for the Third District that were achieved in Washington over this past week. The first is the inclusion of a bipartisan retirement provision introduced by Reps. Kelly, Jim Gerlach (R-PA), and Ron Kind (D-WI) in the final version of the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015, which was signed by President Obama on December 16, 2014. The provision codifies the definition of “normal retirement age” as either 30 years of service or the current tax code’s definition of 62 years old. Because the IRS changed its retirement definition to include only the latter description, 10,000 rural electric coop beneficiaries throughout the nation would have otherwise lost their retirement benefits, including 16 in the Third District. The second is the passage by the U.S. Senate and signing into law of a package of extenders for multiple expiring tax incentives for propane and biodiesel which were included in Rep. Kelly’s Powering American Jobs Act. The incentives were extended retroactively through the end of 2014, which will cover the 2014 tax filing season for this year’s tax liabilities. This package was signed by President Obama this afternoon. The third is the signing into law of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, also known as the ABLE Act, of which Rep. Kelly is a co-sponsor. The law aims to provide families of a severely disabled child with added peace of mind by allowing them to save for their child's long-term disability expenses in the same way that families of able-bodied children can currently save for college through popular 529 investment plans.  Statement by Rep. Kelly: “I am thrilled that our bipartisan retirement provision is now federal law. By working together and putting our constituents’ needs first, we have successfully stopped the IRS from eliminating retirement benefits for more than 10,000 rural electric co-op employees of more than 300 co-ops throughout the nation—including 16 in the Third District. “I am also very happy to see President Obama sign into law a major portion of the Powering American Jobs Act, which will help keep taxes from being raised and help create jobs in Western Pennsylvania. “The signing of the ABLE Act, along with its overwhelming popular and bipartisan passage in Congress, should serve as proof that with the right goals and principles leading the way, Washington can still get necessary work done for the American people.” Statement by National Rural Electric Cooperative CEO Jo Ann Emerson: ""On behalf of our 10,000 members whose benefits were saved with the inclusion of the critical normal retirement age provision in the FY 2015 Omnibus, thank you Representative Mike Kelly for working so diligently on this major accomplishment. Our members are even further blessed this holiday season and have additional reminders to give thanks.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-mike-kelly-deliver-weekly-gop-address,Rep. Mike Kelly Delivers the Weekly National GOP Address,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) was selected by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) to deliver the weekly Republican address to the nation on Saturday, December 20, 2014. Rep. Kelly represents Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District, and his holiday-themed message focused on the importance of developing all forms of American energy for the sake of spurring new job creation and robust economic growth. “I am sincerely honored to be selected by Speaker Boehner to deliver this week’s national address on behalf of our colleagues,” said Rep. Kelly. “My message will echo the American people’s strong support for unleashing our nation’s vast energy potential in order to usher in new jobs, lower energy costs, and a much stronger economy. Especially as Americans gather with loved ones during this season of hope, it’s crucial that we chart an optimistic course for the future that seizes all of the abundant, affordable, and accessible energy resources that we’ve been blessed with. From coal production to the Keystone Pipeline construction, it’s time for President Obama to work Republicans to give the American people the energy future they want and deserve.”        The Weekly Republican Address is also available at Speaker.gov and GOP.gov. TEXT OF REP. KELLY'S ADDRESS: Good morning, I’m Mike Kelly, and I have the tremendous privilege of representing Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District. Today I’m offering President Obama a lump of coal for Christmas. Not because he’s been bad this year – though I’ll get to that.   No, I’m offering the president a lump of coal because this product right here holds the potential for a 21st-century economic revival.  You see, coal is our most abundant and valuable resource.  It lights our homes, keeps our electric bills low, and puts food on the table for countless families.  More than 40,000 jobs in my state alone are tied to coal. But this isn’t just about coal country – no, it’s about our whole country.  Because no other nation in the world has been blessed with such abundant, affordable, and accessible resources.  And with all that God has given us, we shouldn’t be just trying to keep up with the pack.  My goodness, we should be leading the world. Now if only we had a president willing to seize this opportunity. He tells us he’s for ‘all of the above’ but then he leaves out everything that’s below. The president said he would bankrupt the coal industry and he’s spent his presidency trying to do just that.  Federal regulations have already forced two coal-fired power plants in my district to close over the past two years.  Hundreds more are set to shut down around the country.  He’s put up so many roadblocks to American energy that all our production is coming from state and private lands. Now even when the president’s own party stopped him from imposing his cap-and-trade tax, he said it was ‘just one way of skinning the cat’ and then he directed the EPA to do his bidding for him. Instead of forcing our workers to live with less, the president should let us use our God-given resources and talents to help Americans get back to work and make our nation the energy superpower it can be – and quite frankly, that it needs to be.  So whether it’s stopping these regulations, expediting infrastructure, or expanding production, there’s so much we can do to encourage the development of all forms of American energy.  These aren’t just Republican solutions – these are common-sense American ideas that have support in both parties.  You’re going to see them again in the new Congress, starting with a vote to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Because manufacturing things, making things – and doing it better than anyone else in the world – that’s what America’s always been about.  That’s how we’ve built such a robust and dynamic economy.  If we all pull together, we can make 2015 the year we restore our nation of builders.   But that’s next year.  Right now, we are getting ready to celebrate Christmas.  And as we do, I hope you’ll set aside a moment to remember all those who gave their lives this year for the cause of freedom, and pray for those spending this holiday season away from their families and loved ones. Merry Christmas everyone, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/us-army-reverses-policy-involuntary-separation-following-thompson-led-effort,US Army Reverses Policy on Involuntary Separation Following Thompson-led Effort,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bellefonte, PA – Secretary of the Army John McHugh has announced that prior-enlisted officers selected for involuntary separation from the service will be allowed to remain on active duty or retire at their current commissioned rank with full benefits. The policy reversal follows efforts by Members of Congress to prevent commissioned officers from being forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank, including legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-PA) and Tim Walz (D-MN), H.R. 5832, the Proudly Restoring Officers of Prior Enlistment Retirement (PROPER) Act. ""Under the criteria for officer separations, these soldiers should not have been considered,"" Secretary McHugh stated yesterday afternoon, following the announcement. ""This is an issue of fundamental fairness, and today we have taken appropriate action. These soldiers have served their country honorably both as enlisted soldiers and, now, as officers.  We owe them nothing less. We appreciate that this oversight was brought to our attention, and are glad we were able to take corrective action in the best interests of these soldiers."" Under the Obama Administration’s force restructuring and end strength reduction plan, many prior-enlisted commissioned officers were being involuntarily retired at their highest enlisted rank, despite years of service in commissioned status.   Under current law soldiers must serve a minimum of 20 years to become eligible for retirement. In order to retire with officer rank, at least 8 of those years must come after receiving a commission. Some soldiers who have served over 20 years total, but less than 8 years as commissioned officers, were being involuntarily retired at their highest enlisted rank, which equated to forced demotions and large reductions in retirement benefits. The PROPER Act, which is supported by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the American Military Retirees Association, and the National Guard Association (NGAUS), would have enabled soldiers to keep their commissioned rank in retirement by lowering the eligibility threshold from 8 to 4 years. The Army Secretary’s decision effectively waives the eight year requirement for this small group of experienced and dedicated officers. “Secretary McHugh made the right decision and we stand by that action,” stated Rep. Thompson. “From the start this was a flawed policy that devalued the service and sacrifice of soldiers who stepped up to lead as commissioned officers at a time when the Armed Forces needed them most. I thank Secretary McHugh for acting quickly to correct this injustice, taking lead from the PROPER Act, to assure these servicemembers are able to retire with the rank and benefits they have earned.” “This is a welcome move and will no doubt benefit our enlisted men looking to become officers get the benefits they have earned,” Rep. Walz, the highest ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress, said. “I’m proud to have worked with Rep. Thompson and our veteran service organizations to bring this issue to light and help right a wrong.” “MOAA applauds the actions of Secretary McHugh and the Army to rectify this inequity for prior enlisted “mustang” officers. As a former Chief of Naval Personnel, I’d particularly like to thank Reps. Thompson and Walz for their quick response to protect these servicemembers who repeatedly answered the call of duty to our nation,” stated MOAA President Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, USN (Ret). “Together, these actions right a wrong and provide these officers with the respect and compensation they deserve for their decades of selfless service and sacrifice.” ""The American Military Retirees Association is very pleased with the decision that Secretary McHugh has made and is proud to have partnered with the National Military Veterans Alliance and to have supported Congressman Thompson's legislation in our combined efforts to influence the Secretary to modify the current policy affecting these officers,” stated Ted Painter, National Legislative Director, American Military Retirees Association. “This decision will relieve these officers and their families of a substantial emotional and financial burden and it will restore their faith and trust in the Army that they have dedicated much of their lives to serving.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1462,President Signs Two Toomey Veterans Bills Into Law,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The President signed into law two bills introduced by U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to honor a Philly hero and veterans of past wars. First, the Woodland Avenue Veterans Affairs Medical Center has been renamed after Corporal Michael J. Crescenz, Philadelphia's only Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. At the beginning of this Congress, Sen. Toomey introduced a bipartisan bill to change the name of the Woodland Avenue center. The bill, which was cosponsored by Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.), cleared the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee last July and passed both houses of Congress in December. Corporal Crescenz's full Medal of Honor citation is here. ""I am delighted that the President has signed this bipartisan legislation to ensure the name of Philly's own ‘Michael Crescenz' will be above the door at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""I realize this is a small gesture on our part given the nature of his great actions. We do this with profound respect and deepest gratitude for his sacrifice."" Second, President Obama signed another bipartisan bill into law which was introduced bySen. Toomey to make it easier for veterans to travel and visit the national war memorials dedicated in their honor. The new law directs the Transportation Security Administration to provide expedited and dignified passenger screening services for veterans traveling via the Honor Flight Network. Honor Flight is a national organization that arranges all-expense paid flights for veterans to Washington. Funded by donations, it began in 2005 when retired Air Force captain Earl Morse and five other pilots brought 12 World War II veterans to see the National World War II Memorial in D.C. Since then, the organization has helped approximately 100,000 veterans travel to the national memorial. ""Honor Flight helps ensure that our vets are given the accolades they deserve while visiting the National World War II Memorial and other D.C. landmarks,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""Fortunately, it will now be easier for them to make the trip. Streamlined screening services at the airport will facilitate their travel and show our World War II veterans respect and appreciation."" Honor Flight now has 127 hubs in 41 states. Pennsylvania is fortunate to have two such hubs in Montgomery County and York. Background: JT Hand, the director of the York chapter of Honor Flight (jth@yorkwater.com), and David Polk, the President of the York Rotary Club that sponsors the local Honor Flight chapter (Davidtpolk@comcast.net), are available to discuss the importance of these measures to Pennsylvania veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=newsletter&id=1461,A Prayer For Our Troops,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Johnstown Richland Square III, Suite 302 1397 Eisenhower Blvd Johnstown, PA 15904 Phone: (814) 266-5970 Fax: (814) 266-5973 Map: Get Directions Please call for an appointment before visiting our Johnstown office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/11-senators-urge-congress-to-preserve-strong-net-neutrality-protections,11 Senators Urge Congress to Preserve Strong Net Neutrality Protections,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In a letter today, 11 Senators led by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) urged leaders of the 114th Congress to preserve net neutrality principles when considering reforms to the nation’s communications law. “To the extent that any Communications Act reforms are considered in the next Congress, those reforms must be fully consistent with and protective of net neutrality principles,” the Senators wrote in the letter to incoming Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator John Thune, (R-SD), who will take over as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “The FCC can and should take strong action to protect consumers as soon as possible. We would forcefully oppose any reforms that would undermine the FCC’s authority to act to adopt meaningful net neutrality rules to protect consumers.” The 11 Senators who signed the letter were: Reid, Cantwell, Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Robert Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Al Franken (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The Senators laid out four essential elements to net neutrality rules: Prohibiting fast lanes; Preventing discrimination against and blocking of lawful content; Prohibiting throttling; and; Increasing transparency. “A two-tiered Internet that allows Fortune 500 companies to pay for special Internet access imperils the innovation that drives the Internet economy, while leaving slow lanes for the rest of us,” the Senators wrote. “We stand with the American people in their desire to keep the Internet open and free. And we stand ready to work with you in ensuring that any reform of our communications laws is consistent with strong net neutrality protections.” Below is the full text of the letter. Dear Leader McConnell and Senator Thune, We wholeheartedly agree with Senator Thune’s assertion that any action Congress takes to reform our nation’s communications laws must make sense “for today’s converged, competitive, and Internet-powered world.” Keeping the Internet free and open is essential to this goal. To the extent that any Communications Act reforms are considered in the next Congress, those reforms must be fully consistent with and protective of net neutrality principles. The FCC can and should take strong action to protect consumers as soon as possible. We would forcefully oppose any reforms that would undermine the FCC’s authority to act to adopt meaningful net neutrality rules to protect consumers. To be effective, net neutrality rules must provide maximum protection to consumers and maximum flexibility to promote the Internet economy. Such net neutrality rules contain at least four essential elements: they must prohibit fast lanes, prevent discrimination against and blocking of lawful content, prohibit throttling, and increase transparency. We hope the FCC will adopt such rules without delay. The Internet has created a $684 billion economic force, accounting for nearly 5 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. For example, between 2007 and 2012, the development and use of applications for smartphones and tablets, created 466,000 high-tech jobs and generated more than $20 billion in annual revenue. We cannot allow Internet service providers to implement practices that threaten this economic force. A two-tiered Internet that allows Fortune 500 companies to pay for special Internet access imperils the innovation that drives the Internet economy, while leaving slow lanes for the rest of us. This is unacceptable. All consumers and all innovators deserve equal access to an open Internet. Americans understand this. When the FCC first sought comments on its net neutrality rules, four million Americans registered their views with the FCC, the highest number on any issue in FCC history. These comments deliver one message overwhelmingly—most are in favor of the strongest net neutrality protections. We stand with the American people in their desire to keep the Internet open and free. And we stand ready to work with you in ensuring that any reform of our communications laws is consistent with strong net neutrality protections. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-carper-collins-begich-mccaul-release-gao-report-laying-out-gaps-in-us-emergency-preparedness-opportunities-to-close-capability-gaps-,"Casey, Carper, Collins, Begich, McCaul Release GAO Report Laying Out Gaps In U.S. Emergency Preparedness, Opportunities to Close Capability Gaps",2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Co-Chair of the National Security Working Group; Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Susan Collins (R-ME), former Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee; Mark Begich (D-AK); and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report laying out gaps in the nation’s emergency preparedness and identifying opportunities to close capability gaps. The GAO analyzed the federal government’s preparedness for so called ‘no-notice’ catastrophic disasters which pose one of the greatest challenges to national emergency preparedness. The report finds that steps need to be taken to increase coordination among federal agencies so that federal officials are more consistently carrying out emergency preparedness activities. The Department of Homeland Security said that it will implement GAO’s recommendations, in coordination with other agencies. “This report shows that additional steps and better coordination are needed at the federal level to make sure our agencies are prepared to respond to emergencies,” Senator Casey said. “I’m hopeful that the Administration will use this report to improve current policies and ensure that federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction are working with one another to enhance our nation’s preparedness.”   “Disasters can strike at any time and at any place. Whether a disaster is natural or man-made, large or small, our federal government needs to be prepared,” said Chairman Carper. “This report makes it clear that federal agencies need to do a better job of coordinating and sharing information with each other and providing that information to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Responding to a disaster is a shared responsibility by a number of agencies. While FEMA plays a central role in this effort, it’s crucial that other agencies are prepared and coordinate their response. I will continue to monitor agencies’ progress in implementing the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) recommendations to improve overall coordination and collaboration. I will also continue to work with our partners at GAO as the agency conducts follow-up work to this report.” “I am concerned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has not been tracking the efforts by agencies to address their capability gaps in responding to ""no-notice emergencies,"" Senator Collins said. “As the name implies, these emergencies come with no advance warning and no time to prepare.  It is vitally important that DHS address the findings of this report to ensure that we are as prepared as we possibly can be for any disaster.  After observing the poor response at all levels of government to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, especially by FEMA, I led the effort to reshape and improve FEMA's response to emergencies with limited notice.  I hope this report will act as a catalyst for similar improvements in the ‘no-notice’ area.” “The Secretary of Homeland Security is the principal federal official responsible for domestic incident management. Yet, according to GAO, cross-government coordination on preparedness efforts between DHS and other federal agencies are insufficient,” said Chairman McCaul. “As such, there is no way to know just how prepared the whole of our federal government is to respond to a terrorist attack or natural disaster. More than thirteen years after the terrorist attack on 9/11, this is unacceptable. I look forward to working with the Secretary and FEMA Administrator to address GAO's recommendations, including through my committee's efforts to authorize the Department of Homeland Security next year."" GAO’s report can be found here: LINK   ### Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367 Jennie Westbrook (HSGAC) 202-224-2627 Kevin Kelley (Collins) 202-224-2523 Lauren Claffey (McCaul) 202-226-8477",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-state-department-to-redouble-efforts-to-secure-release-of-journalist-jason-rezaian,Casey Urges State Department to Redouble Efforts to Secure Release of Journalist Jason Rezaian,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the National Security Working Group and former Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, urged the State Department to redouble its efforts to secure the release of jailed journalist Jason Rezaian. Rezaian was arrested by Iranian authorities in July and has remained detained for over 137 days. Casey, in a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, called Rezaian’s detention an affront to due process and urged the Administration to work to secure his release.  This year Senator Casey helped lead a Senate effort to pass a resolution to highlight the importance of press freedom and has previously weighed in with the State Department to urge the Administration to work to secure Rezaian’s release. Casey wrote, “I respectfully request that you redouble your efforts to secure Rezaian’s release and prioritize his case in your discussions with Iranian officials.  Iran’s treatment of Rezaian is not only an affront to due process, but to journalists around the world working in difficult environments. “ The full text of Casey’s letter can be seen below: The Honorable John Kerry Secretary U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Secretary Kerry: I wrote to you over the summer regarding Jason Rezaian, an Iranian-American journalist who was arrested in Tehran with his wife and two others in July.  I write to you again with deep concern that the Iranian regime continues to detain Rezaian. According to his family, Rezaian has now been detained for more than 137 days, which I understand is the longest period of time that Iran has held a foreign journalist.  Human Rights Watch (HRW) found that Iranian prosecutors “have not allowed the lawyer hired by Rezaian’s family to defend him, to speak with him, or to review his case file.” He is reportedly being held in solitary confinement within the notorious Evin prison, in a section patrolled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. We know that the terrible conditions in Evin can take a significant toll on detainees’ health and well-being. I welcomed your recent statement, in which you expressed the United States’ disappointment and concern regarding Rezaian’s mistreatment at the hands of the Iranian regime.  I am particularly concerned that the Iranians are refusing to permit the Swiss, which represent U.S. interests in Tehran, to gain consular access to Rezaian to ensure that he has legal representation and proper medical care.  As you stated, Rezaian does not in any way pose a threat to Tehran, which makes the regime’s refusal to grant him bail that much more offensive. I respectfully request that you redouble your efforts to secure Rezaian’s release and prioritize his case in your discussions with Iranian officials.  Iran’s treatment of Rezaian is not only an affront to due process, but to journalists around the world working in difficult environments.  As noted in my resolution on global press freedom, S. Res. 447, which passed the U.S. Senate this summer, Iran is one of the most prolific jailers of journalists globally.   Rezaian’s reporting for the Washington Post has been helpful to many in shedding light on one of the most repressive governments in the world.  I ask you to unequivocally reject any efforts by the Iranian regime to use him as a pawn in other negotiations and insist that the Iranian regime does not continue to unjustly punish him for his reporting. Sincerely,                                                                    Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/caseys-able-act-becomes-law-with-president-obamas-signature,Casey’s ABLE Act Becomes Law with President Obama’s Signature,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that his Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was signed into law this afternoon by President Obama. The bill will allow families who have a child with a disability to save for their long-term care through 529-style savings accounts. The ABLE Act passed the Senate on Tuesday with a final vote of 76-16, and it passed the House last week with a final vote of 404-17. This legislation has been called “…the broadest legislation to help [people with disabilities] in nearly a quarter-century.” Below is a statement from Senator Casey: “Eight years ago, a group of parents came to Congress, asking for help with a pressing issue—adequately saving for their children’s future.  These parents, including a gentleman named Steve Beck, knew firsthand the challenges many families face when a loved one has a disability.  Faced with a lifetime of extraordinary expenses, parents are told not to save or put assets in their child’s name.  Thanks to Steve and countless other concerned parents, we stand ready to forever change this dynamic.    The ABLE Act has been a collaborative effort. The bill was first introduced by Senators Hatch and Dodd in 2008, under the name of the Disabilities Savings Act.  In each session since, Senator Burr and I have introduced the bill under the name of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act.   Today, we are proud to say that we will pass the ABLE Act with the support of over 480 members of Congress.  Beyond this lengthy legislative history, the story of the ABLE Act is also the story of individuals like Sara Wolff, a fellow Pennsylvanian who has been one of the bill’s most vocal advocates. Several years ago, Sara was an intern in my Scranton office. Today, Sarah is 31 years old and has two jobs – she works at Keystone Resources in the Office of Advocacy and is also a Law Clerk at a firm in my hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania. She also serves on the board of several organizations including the National Down Syndrome Society. Sara happens to have Down syndrome. She a productive member of society and has goals and ambitions just like any other hard-working American. But a set of unfair rules has held Sara back by making it difficult for her to save money. In order to avoid being cut off from critical benefits, Sara has had to carefully avoid amassing more than two thousand dollars in assets and has made arrangements with her employers to keep her monthly pay below seven hundred dollars a month.  For years, this disincentive to save has stood in the way of Sara’s efforts to plan for future costs, her desire to live a fuller and more productive life, and her wish to pursue her own dreams and aspirations. Stories like Sara’s are common across the country. Millions of Americans are currently living with disabilities, and many of them have also had to endure significant uncertainty about their ability to cover basic expenses in the future. They have struggled to keep up with the rising cost of housing, transportation and medical assistance. A growing number of Americans with disabilities are outliving their parents, and are forced to rely on government assistance when family support disappears. This is partly because Americans with disabilities have not had the same incentives to save that other Americans enjoy. The ABLE Act changes this unfair situation by creating tax-advantaged plans for disability-related incentives, and by allowing Americans with disabilities to save without losing eligibility for government programs. Sara has told me that the ABLE Act will change her life for the better. With an ABLE account, she will be able to save for future expenses including transportation, housing, healthcare and community-based support, without worrying that her hard work will make her ineligible to receive government benefits. The immediate impact of the ABLE Act will be to give Sara financial peace of mind. In the long run, this savings vehicle will also make it easier for Sara to live independently, and pursue her goals. That is why since 2009, Sara has been a leading champion of the ABLE Act. She has traveled all over the country advocating for this legislation, and has visited Washington countless times. Earlier this year, she authored a change.org petition calling on Congress to pass the ABLE Act.  This petition earned the support of over 268,000 individuals from across the country. In July, she testified before the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, stressing the importance of the ABLE Act to her and millions of other Americans with disabilities. It is thanks to the commitment of disability advocates like Sara that we stand ready to pass this important piece of legislation. I am particularly grateful for the leadership of the National Down Syndrome Society, Autism Speaks, the Arc of Pennsylvania, and numerous others who have put the full resources of their organizations behind this effort.  I am also grateful for the leadership of Senator Burr, who has been a tireless advocate for the ABLE Act.  I remember earlier this year, my friend remarking that ABLE is ‘one train you don’t want to get in front of.’  His determination and that of his staffer Natasha Hickman were instrumental to the ABLE effort.  We could not have passed the ABLE Act without the support of Finance Committee leadership and staff.  I would like to give special recognition to Chairman Wyden and numerous members of his staff who have worked on this bill, including Tiffany Smith on the Chairman’s tax team who worked for years on the ABLE Act.  Senator Hatch, an early supporter of this idea deserves a lot of credit as well.  Thank you to your entire team for their hours of work on ABLE.   I also want to extend my gratitude to our bipartisan team in the House of Representatives, led by Representatives Crenshaw and Van Hollen and with incredible support from Representatives McMorris Rogers and Sessions.  Watching the big, bipartisan vote a couple of weeks ago in the House of Representatives is a testament to your efforts.   I want to thank the Senate Leaders, Senators Reid and McConnell, for their support.  Your determination and the assistance of your staffers Cathy Koch and Brendan Dunn have been key to the success of this effort.  I am grateful to everyone on my staff who worked on this bill, especially to my legislative director, Dick Spiegelman and our lead policy advisor, Jennifer McCloskey. Jennifer shepherded this bill through countless hours of meetings and negotiations in the House and Senate, and she worked tirelessly with many advocates to ensure that their voices were heard in the crafting of this legislation. I thank her for her determination and hard work to get the ABLE Act across the finish line. Finally, I want to thank one of those concerned dads who brought the idea for ABLE to Congress—Steve Beck.  Steve worked for years on this issue.  When the House passed ABLE, I understand issued the loudest cheer came from Steve.  Steve passed away last week but his legacy lives on through the Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act.  Thank you to Steve and his family for your efforts to provide millions with a better future.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398019,Perry Amendment to Secure Chemical Facilities Expected to be Signed into Law,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,perry.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Senate amendment H.R. 4007, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act - bipartisan legislation to reinforce the protection and security of chemical facilities from terrorist attacks. During the Homeland Security Committee markup of H.R. 4007 earlier this year, Congressman Perry offered an amendment that was accepted into the final bill. The amendment would allow the audit and inspection of chemical facilities to be carried out by non-Department or nongovernment entities, as approved by the Secretary. The addition of this amendment would allow DHS to complete its inspection of chemical facilities in a timely fashion so we can ensure that the products stored in these facilities are not used for terrorist purposes. With the growing strength of terror groups like ISIS it is critically important that we guard our chemical facilities from a terrorist attack, said Rep. Scott Perry. The ability to audit and inspect chemical facilities by government or approved nongovernment entities is vital to ensure that all facilities are as secure as possible. H.R. 4007 is the second recent legislative measure sponsored by Rep. Perry that is expected to be signed into law. His legislation to preserve the Lincoln Train Station, where President Abraham Lincoln arrived prior to delivering the Gettysburg Address, was adopted by the U.S. Senate last week. Rep. Perry has also sponsored several measures that passed the U.S. House during his first term, including a bi-partisan amendment to reform State Department bureaucracy to better protect the lives of American diplomats serving overseas, and amendments condemning Russian violations of Ukrainian sovereignty and limiting government surveillance of citizens and reducing wasteful federal spending. Residents of the 4th District are welcome to contact Congressman Perry and his staff at any of the offices or via Perry.House.Gov, where they can sign up for e-mail updates and for his Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-statement-on-obama-cuba-announcement,Barletta Statement on Obama Cuba Announcement,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued a statement regarding President Obama’s announcement that the United States will begin normalizing relations with Cuba following the negotiated release of American Alan Gross and an unnamed U.S. intelligence asset in exchange for three Cubans convicted of spying in 2001. The statement is as follows: “I join all Americans in celebrating the release of Alan Gross after years of unjust imprisonment.  It is in keeping with our tradition of leaving no one behind. “That said, the negotiated release should have come about without normalizing relations with the same nation which has oppressed its own people for decades.  These are enormous concessions extended to a country that does not allow its citizens simple, basic freedoms that we, as Americans, too often take for granted.  Instead, I fear this will only embolden the dictatorship, and teach others the lesson that all oppressive regimes need do is wait until the United States tires of standing firm for freedom.  Further, I am concerned that the Obama Administration will use this move as the pretext for closing our facility at Guantanamo Bay, which would cause either the release of known terrorists, or the housing of them within our own borders.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/doyle-statement-mass-arrest-journalists-turkey,Doyle Statement on the Mass Arrest of Journalists in Turkey,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pittsburgh, PA – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) issued the following statement today about human rights violations by the Turkish government:   On Sunday, December 14, Turkish police arrested nearly 30 journalists whose only offenses appear to be their association with an opposition movement and their allegations of corruption in the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The arrests included the general editor of the largest daily newspaper in the country.    The senior expert on Turkey at Human Rights Watch concluded that “The timing and the limited evidence made public suggests these arrests are politically motivated, not based on reasonable suspicion of a criminal offense.”    These arrests appear to be just the latest actions in a long series of attempts to maintain the ruling AKP party’s hold on power in the face of corruption allegations and mass protests. Turkey will cease to be a democracy and a partner with the free countries in NATO if it continues to jail journalists and opposition politicians and shuts down its free press.   I deplore the suppression of free speech in Turkey. I condemn the politicization of the judiciary and the subversion of the legal system by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the AKP. The United States must insist that President Erdogan release the journalists and others his government has arrested for political reasons.    I have sent a letter to Secretary of State Kerry expressing my great concern about these human rights abuses in Turkey and urging the U.S. State Department to take immediate action to convince the Erdogan regime to release its political prisoners and respect human rights, freedom of the press, and the other essential foundations of democracy.   Click here to read a copy of the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-announces-annual-nominees-us-military-academies,Rep. Kelly Announces Annual Nominees to U.S. Military Academies,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) today announced the names of his nominees to the United States Military Academies for the class of 2019. These candidates met all application requirements and were interviewed by Rep. Kelly’s independent Military Academy Advisory Board, comprised of local academy alumni and veterans. Statement by Rep. Kelly: “After an extensive application process, we have awarded congressional nominations to 21 distinguished candidates who will now move forward in seeking an appointment to one of the United States Military Academies. It is an absolute privilege to nominate individuals from Pennsylvania’s Third District to these elite academies, and I am confident that these nominees possess the abilities and dedication necessary to become proud American leaders. I sincerely congratulate these fine young men and women and applaud their eagerness to serve our great nation.” Nominees: Collin Adamson, West Shamokin High School Thomas Anderton, Conneaut Area High School Richard Arlington, Northwestern PA Collegiate Academy Jonathan Asseff, Seneca Valley High School Lauren Barber, Wilmington Area High School Max Campoli, University of Texas William Drambel, Seneca Valley High School Karita Ford, McDowell High School Derek Gengler, Butler Senior High School Benjamin Learn, Meadville Area Senior High School Alex Madonna, Vincentian Academy Oscar Manjerovic, Mars Area High School Reed McDonough, Mars Area High School Sonya McLaughlin, Shady Side Academy Michael Palaski, Seneca Valley High School Norman Stark, Cathedral Preparatory School George Staudacher, Northwestern Preparatory School Michael Tappe, Aquinas Academy John Timon, Fairview High School Anthony Valenza, Grove City Area High School Mary Wadding, West Shamokin High School NOTE: Rep. Kelly will honor all nominees during a ceremony in the spring of 2015. Any constituent interested in seeking a congressional nomination in the future (or more information regarding the application process) is encouraged to visit Rep. Kelly’s website or contact Stephanie Stevenson, Academy Coordinator, at Stephanie.Stevenson@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1460,More of Crime Victims Fund to Go to Crime Victims,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Congressmen Ted Poe (R TX-2nd) and Jim Costa (D CA-16th) issued the following statement regarding enactment of a provision to increase disbursals from the Crime Victims Fund: ""We are pleased that Tuesday night the president signed into law a requirement that a larger share of already-available dollars go to crime victims. The Crime Victims Fund receives no taxpayer dollars; it is funded by criminal fines and penalties assessed in federal court. For over a decade, Congress has unfortunately capped the total amount of dollars that can be allocated to assist victims of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes. ""This bipartisan measure represents a step in the right direction. Next Congress, we will continue to fight for crime victims by introducing a bipartisan, permanent fix that will increase the amount of money allocated to serve crime victims each year."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/article/congress-must-act-to-ensure-safety-of-children,Congress must act to ensure safety of children,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By:  Bob Casey Wednesday, December 17, 2014 Philadelphia, PA – Two years ago this week, at Sandy Hook Elementary School, 20 children and six adults were killed in one of the deadliest school shootings in our nation's history. I will never forget the horror of how those children died - shot at close range with a high-powered rifle, with each child hit as many as 11 times, as a shooter fired more than 150 rounds of ammunition within five minutes. The tragedy was magnified by the realization of what could have happened if the killer had more time - given the time and capacity, he would have killed hundreds of children. This week we recognize the loss of the children killed at Sandy Hook and the grief of their families and community. But this week also provides an opportunity to take stock of the past two years and the work we have ahead of us. Since Sandy Hook, there have been more than 95 school shootings in the United States. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, compiled by Everytown for Gun Safety, there were 1,453 gun deaths in Pennsylvania in 2012. The numbers are staggering, and the refusal of some in Congress to take action is inexcusable. We should be taking any steps within our power to ensure that our children are safe in their schools and parents can feel at peace knowing that their children are protected. In pursuit of that goal, in April 2013, the Senate took up a bipartisan set of proposals that would have expanded background checks for firearms sold at gun shows and on the Internet, improved the ability of law enforcement to tackle the problem of illegally transferred guns, and limited possession of certain high-capacity ammunition magazines and military-grade weapons. I support the Second Amendment. Pennsylvania has a rich tradition of hunting, and I believe that people should be able to have guns for protection, sporting, and collection. But I also believe we need commonsense proposals to help keep powerful weapons out of the hands of wrongdoers without infringing on the fundamental Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. Like many of my colleagues and millions of Americans, I am deeply disappointed that these measures did not pass, particularly in light of the overwhelming public support they enjoyed. I understand that some of my colleagues believe that these votes were conclusive - that there simply wasn't sufficient support among elected officials, and that the Senate functioned as it was intended. But I cannot in good conscience believe that Congress has satisfied our duty to ensure safety for our nation's children. I truly believe that all of my colleagues are invested in protecting America's children from violence. We have an abiding obligation to come together in this shared commitment, to find common ground among the many proposals that have been introduced to address this crisis. We have before us a wide range of possibilities to address firearm violence: from renewed examination of the critical importance of background checks to laws that facilitate enforcement of existing restrictions; from bans on certain weapons to increased safety hardware on firearms; and from funding for research on gun violence to resources for mental health. While no one piece of legislation could stop every tragedy, each may contribute to a safer society. Congress owes it to those who have been affected by firearm violence to consider each proposal fully. I refuse to believe that nothing more can be done. Like so many Americans, I cannot forget or ignore the memory of Newtown. We can never recover the lives lost at Newtown, or the reported 30,000 lives that have been lost to firearms across our country since. But we cannot afford to wait for another tragedy to revisit this issue - every day that passes is an opportunity. Congress should take this opportunity, and act with the urgency our children deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/congress-agrees-to-widen-federal-help-for-disabled,Congress Agrees to Widen Federal Help for Disabled,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 17, 2014 Washington, DC- Congress gave final approval Tuesday to the most sweeping legislation to help the disabled in a quarter century, allowing Americans with disabilities to open tax-free bank accounts to pay for needs such as education, housing and health care. The move paves the way for creation of the accounts beginning next year for as many as 54 million disabled people and their families. ""This is a monumental, landmark bill,"" said Sara Hart Weir, interim president of the National Down Syndrome Society. ""This bill will change the way that families can save for all their children and adults with Down syndrome and will ease the unnecessary burdens that are placed on families all while allowing people with Down syndrome to work and save for the future."" The Democratic-led Senate passed the measure on a 76-16 vote after it was attached to a bill extending dozens of tax breaks for individuals and businesses until the end of the year. Earlier this month, the GOP-controlled House overwhelmingly approved the measure, having garnered 85 percent of Congress as co-sponsors. The bill, called the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature. Modeled after tax-free college savings accounts, the ABLE bill would amend the federal tax code to allow states to establish the program. To qualify, a person would have to be diagnosed by age 26 with a disability that results in ""marked and severe functional limitations""; those who are already receiving Social Security disability benefits would also qualify. Families would be able to set up tax-free accounts at financial institutions, depositing up to $14,000 annually to pay for long-term needs such as education, transportation and health care. The contributions would be in after-tax dollars but earnings would grow tax-free. The ABLE accounts would be able to accrue up to $100,000 in savings without the person losing eligibility for government aid such as Social Security; currently, the asset limit is $2,000. Medicaid coverage would continue no matter how much money is deposited in the accounts. It would be the first major legislation for the disabled since the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act. The measure was sponsored by Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Richard Burr, R-N.C. Many lawmakers had insisted on cuts or revenue increases to offset the measure's $2 billion price tag over 10 years; the bill's sponsors found the savings in part by increasing the amount of levies on property for tax-delinquent Medicare providers and suppliers; cutting Medicare funding for ""vacuum erection systems""; and making technical adjustments to cap worker's compensation. The conservative Heritage Foundation criticized the bill as potentially promoting fraud and abuse, especially when it came to hard-to-diagnose mental disabilities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-the-protest-resignation-of-michael-garcia-from-fifa-ethics-committee,Casey Statement on the Protest Resignation of Michael Garcia from FIFA Ethics Committee,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement in response to Michael Garcia's decision to resign from the FIFA ethics committee in protest over the handling of his findings. ""Michael Garcia was a strong voice for accountability and transparency in an organization famously lacking either,"" said Senator Casey.  ""His resignation is understandable following repeated obstruction from FIFA to stifle his report on the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.  FIFA should release the entire report to answer the many questions raised about the process that saw the U.S. lose its bid for the 2022 World Cup."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-statement-regarding-ruling-on-obama-executive-amnesty,Barletta Statement Regarding Ruling on Obama Executive Amnesty,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued a statement regarding a federal judge’s ruling that parts of President Obama’s executive action on amnesty for illegal immigrants are unconstitutional.  Pennsylvania U.S. District Court Judge Arthur Schwab wrote in an opinion related to a deportation case that the president’s actions amounted to legislating from the Executive Branch and goes “beyond prosecutorial discretion” in refusing to deport illegal immigrants.  Barletta has maintained that the president’s actions are a violation of the constitutional separation of powers and trespass on Congressional authority to make laws. Barletta’s statement is as follows: “Though this is the first of presumably many court rulings on the president’s unilateral executive amnesty, it is encouraging to see a federal court agree with what I have been saying all along.  It is clear that the president has overstepped his authority by creating new laws and granting sweeping amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants.  Meanwhile, the administration is already defending its unlawful actions by telling federal courts that they don’t have the authority to block the amnesty plan because of the constitutional separation of powers.  The irony could not be richer. “I still support a federal lawsuit against the administration for their own violation of the separation of powers.  I also will be working closely with House leadership on defunding the president’s executive amnesty program once the new Congress, with the new Senate majority, is sworn in. “We have immigration laws in this country for two basic reasons: to protect national security and to preserve American jobs.  The president’s plan to grant amnesty and work permits to millions of illegal immigrants violates both of those principles.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-applauds-passage-anti-drug-trafficking-bill,Marino Applauds Passage of Anti-Drug Trafficking Bill,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County applauded the passage of a bill to combat transnational drug trafficking. The bill, which passed the Senate yesterday, Transnational Drug Trafficking Act (S. 706) is the counterpart to Representative Marino’s bill H.R. 2114, the Transnational Drug Trafficking Act of 2013. Congressman Marino said the following of the bill: “There is a long list of priorities in the 114th Congress and this bill will be one of them. I am glad the Senate chose to pass their version of my bill and we have got to get moving on this as soon as possible because it is part of our overall strategy to secure the border and protect Americans. The federal law enforcement officials who keep us safe need every procedural latitude and tool available in order to make sure drug trafficking is combatted at every turn.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-report-uncovers-lack-independence-and-accountability-endangered-species-act,Thompson: Report Uncovers Lack of Independence and Accountability with Endangered Species Act Designations,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bellefonte, PA – The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has released a report that questions the impartiality and accountability of the peer review process in recent Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing decisions issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), which is the primary agency with authority over ESA designations.    The Committee report, released Monday afternoon, analyzes 13 different ESA listing decisions made since July 2013, including related Federal Register notices, peer reviewer comments, and other publicly available materials, and found numerous examples of potential bias and conflicts of interests with regard to the agency’s peer review process. The ESA peer review process is designed for federal agencies to make formal solicitations of expert opinions and analyses on one or more specific questions or assumptions being used to justify a listing designation.  The Committee report found that frequent FWS recruits for peer review roles are the same scientists that supplied the research at hand, rather than independent experts without any obvious connection to the species under review. “This report reinforces existing concerns over the lack of transparency and questionable processes used by the federal government to develop listing designations under the Endangered Species Act,” stated Rep. Thompson, a member of the Natural Resources Committee. “A case in point, is the northern long-eared bat, where the agency has moved forward with the listing proposal despite broad disagreement over the science and peer review protocols used to support the designation.” In October 2013, the FWS proposed to list the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) as an endangered species throughout its range, citing the effects of White-Nose Syndrome as the lone basis for the designation. Although the disease is impacting the species in areas of 38-states, the FWS has admitted that “even if all habitat-related stressors were eliminated” through an endangered listing “the significant effects of the White-Nose Syndrome on the northern long-eared bat would still be present.” In May 2014, Rep. Thompson, joined by eight members of the Pennsylvania delegation, sent a letter to the FWS urging the agency to rescind the NLEB proposal, citing insufficient scientific data to support this decision.  Since that time, the FWS has extended the public comment period due to substantial disagreement over the scientific data used to support the listing. The final decision over whether or not to list the NLEB as endangered, which would have adverse economic impacts on a range of economic sectors in subjected states, is due in April 2015.   “It is my hope the Fish and Wildlife Service addresses these failures before moving forward with an ill-considered endangered listing that will have dramatic consequences for Pennsylvania’s economy without addressing the underlying disease impacting the northern long eared bat,” Rep. Thompson added. The report also found, among other concerns, that FWS does not consistently disclose to the American public information about who serves as peer reviewers for ESA listing decisions, the instructions they are given, the substance of their comments, or how their comments are addressed by the agency. Click here to view the full report. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1458,"Toomey, Casey Honor Centennial Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania. A bipartisan resolution introduced by Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey was unanimously adopted by the Senate last week. ""Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania is a terrific organization that provides invaluable support and mentoring to some of the Delaware Valley's most vulnerable residents-- at-risk children,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""I applaud all of the selfless work the group's volunteers and staffers have performed for the past century to benefit and protect children. My hat is off to James Fitzpatrick and Imani Johnson of my Philadelphia staff who volunteers as Bigs."" ""I'm pleased the Senate has recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania for their tremendous work with youth of all ages for the past century,"" said Sen. Casey. ""The mentors who dedicate their time to work with at-risk youth are making their community more vibrant and the future of these young people brighter every day."" Big Brothers Big Sisters is a national non-profit organization that provides at-risk children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships. Pennsylvania is home to 23 Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters. In 1915, the Philadelphia Big Brother Association was established. Today, nearly 100 years later, the Philadelphia association has grown into a four-county agency serving both boys and girls and has adopted the name Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania. This incredible organization supports nearly 3,100 mentoring matches annually using proven methods shown to help participants perform better in school and develop better relationships with their families and peers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-burr-able-act-passes-senate-heads-to-the-presidents-desk-to-become-law,"Casey-Burr ABLE Act Passes Senate, Heads to the President’s Desk to Become Law",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) announced that the Senate has passed their Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. The bill will allow families who have a child with a disability to save for their long-term care through 529-style savings accounts. The ABLE Act passed the House last week with a final vote of 404-17. This legislation has been called “…the broadest legislation to help the disabled in nearly a quarter-century.” “I could not be more proud of the support the ABLE Act has received from members of both parties in the House and Senate, and from all of the families who worked with us to achieve this historic goal,” said Senator Casey. “From the beginning, the power of these families who want to save for their loved ones’ long term care has propelled the ABLE Act forward. We believe that individuals across this country with disabilities have a lot of ability. I look forward to President Obama quickly signing this bill into law so that countless families and individuals can have the tools they need to live a full life and have a bright future.” “Some have called the ABLE Act the most significant piece of legislation affecting the disabled since passage of the American Disabilities Act nearly 25 years ago.  I got involved in this effort nearly 8 years ago with Senator Casey.  Families of severely disabled children came to us expressing the critical need for an easy way to save for their child’s future expenses, especially since many Americans with Down Syndrome and autism are now outliving their parents,” said Senator Burr. “Most middle-class families don’t have the money to spend on lawyers and financial planners to set up sophisticated trusts to make sure that their disabled child will be OK long after they are gone.  What’s worse current federal law actually discourages parents from putting any assets in the name of their disabled child in fear of disqualifying them from federal programs down the road. It’s utterly unacceptable that our current laws doom a child born with a disability to a lifetime of poverty and dependence.  This is especially unfortunate when a parent or other family member has the resources and the desire to save and plan for that child’s future expenses but are advised by lawyers and planners not to.  The ABLE Act will take the first critical step in ending this injustice.” The ABLE Act would amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code to allow use of tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. The bill, first introduced in 2006, would ease financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by making tax-free savings accounts available to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, medical, and transportation. The bill would supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the Medicaid program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources.   ### Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367 Rachel Hicks (Burr) 202-228-1616",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-confirmation-of-deputy-secretary-of-state-tony-blinken,Casey Statement on Confirmation of Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the confirmation of Tony Blinken as Deputy Secretary of State: “I am pleased that my Senate colleagues voted today to confirm Tony Blinken to the post of Deputy Secretary of State. This is an important post at a critical time in our nation’s history.  Tony is well qualified for the job. His extensive work in national security for both the Clinton and Obama Administrations brings a seasoned capability to his new position in the State Department.  I believe his experience as a Senate staffer and his understanding of how Congress works will be valuable assets to the Administration as they work to addresses the many challenges we face a nation.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-pakistan-school-attack,Casey Statement on Pakistan School Attack,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the bombing of a Pakistani school: “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of today’s horrific attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan.  We are deeply saddened by this loss of so many young lives and condemn the terrorists’ actions in the strongest terms.  The Government of Pakistan has undertaken important efforts to combat terrorism and to work with the United States to promote peace and stability in the region.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-the-first-night-of-hanukkah,Casey Statement on the First Night of Hanukkah,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement in advance of Hanukkah: “Hanukkah is a time when families in Pennsylvania and across America come together to celebrate freedom, faith and miracles. As the holiday begins this evening, I want to wish everyone celebrating Hanukkah this year a joyful holiday filled with light, health and happiness.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/following-casey-effort-tax-extenders-bill-that-is-set-to-become-law-renews-tax-incentive-that-boosts-pa-short-line-railroads,"Following Casey Effort, Tax Extenders Bill that Is Set to Become Law Renews Tax Incentive that Boosts PA Short Line Railroads",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that following his efforts, Congress’ tax extenders bill that is set to become law following Senate passage contains a tax incentive that will boost Pennsylvania’s short line railroads. The bipartisan bill would impact Short Line railroads in places like Luzerne, Lycoming, Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties among others. It would allow these Short Line railroads to deduct up to 50% of investments made in track repair. “Short Line railroads help businesses across Pennsylvania move their goods,” Senator Casey said. “Renewing this tax credit will allow railroad companies to upgrade their infrastructure so that rail continues to have a role in boosting the Commonwealth’s economy.”    Short line railroads are branches of lines of larger railroads that were spun off to be the on and off ramps to the railroad network. A tax credit will be given for every 50 cents of every dollar that a customer or supplier spends on rail improvements, allowing small railroad companies to deduct up to 50% of investments made in track repair and other qualifying investments. There are 10 Short Line Railroad carriers operating in Pennsylvania that save the government millions of dollars in highway costs. The tax credit act originated with the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, expired in January 2008, but was retroactively applied to extend through January 2012.  This bill will retroactively extend the Section 45G Short Line Railroad tax credit that is expired in December 31, 2013. Pennsylvania Short Line Railroads Allegheny Valley Railroad Brandywine Valley Railroad Chestnut Ridge Railway Company Conemaugh & Black Lick Railroad East Erie Commercial RailroadKnox & Kane Railroad Luzerne & Susquehanna Railroad Lycoming Valley Railroad Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad New Castle Industrial Railroad   New Hope & Ivyland Railroad   Oil Creek & Titusville Lines   North Shore Railroad System Philadelphia, Bethlehem & New England Railroad Pittsburgh, Allegheny & McKees Rocks Railroad   Reading & Northern Railroad   Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad Steelton & Highspire Railroad Turtle Creek Industrial Railroad Tyburn Railroad   Union Railroad Upper Merion & Plymouth Railroad ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/following-major-casey-effort-tax-bill-set-to-become-law-contains-measure-to-dramatically-increase-investment-in-western-pas-locks-and-dams,"Following Major Casey Effort, Tax Bill Set to Become Law Contains Measure to Dramatically Increase Investment in Western PA’s Locks and Dams",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that Congress’ tax extenders bill, which is set to become law following Senate passage, contains Casey-authored provision to dramatically increase investment in Western Pennsylvania’s locks and dams. The years long effort to adequately fund Western Pennsylvania’s job creating waterways infrastructure received a significant boost in 2012 when Senator Casey introduced the RIVER Act. Casey’s bill, which through the tax extender bill and the previously passed Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), is now law.  The legislation changes the way waterways projects are managed and revises the Inland Waterways User Fee to 29 cents per gallon beginning - a change that industry strongly supports. Prior to Senator Casey’s efforts Western PA’s locks and dams were only were allocated $1.96 million in Fiscal Year 2014.  After Senator Casey’s efforts in WRRDA and tax extenders there will be approximately $140 million available annually for locks and dams in western Pennsylvania and across the country. “This is a breakthrough moment for the region’s waterways. Our region’s locks and dams play a vital role in the moving of commerce, creating and sustaining jobs, and supporting economic growth throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “This legislation is about increasing investments in our waterways and reforming the current process to reduce waste and limit cost overruns.” ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/toomey-casey-honor-centennial-anniversary-of-big-brothers-big-sisters-southeastern-pennsylvania,"Toomey, Casey Honor Centennial Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania.  A bipartisan resolution introduced by Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey was unanimously adopted by the Senate last week.  “Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania is a terrific organization that provides invaluable support and mentoring to some of the Delaware Valley’s most vulnerable residents-- at-risk children,” said Sen. Toomey.  “I applaud all of the selfless work the group’s volunteers and staffers have performed for the past century to benefit and protect children.  My hat is off to James Fitzpatrick and Imani Johnson of my Philadelphia staff who volunteers as Bigs.” “I’m pleased the Senate has recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania for their tremendous work with youth of all ages for the past century,” said Sen.  Casey. “The mentors who dedicate their time to work with at-risk youth are making their community more vibrant and the future of these young people brighter every day.” Big Brothers Big Sisters is a national non-profit organization that provides at-risk children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships.  Pennsylvania is home to 23 Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters.  In 1915, the Philadelphia Big Brother Association was established.  Today, nearly 100 years later, the Philadelphia association has grown into a four-county agency serving both boys and girls and has adopted the name Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania. This incredible organization supports nearly 3,100 mentoring matches annually using proven methods shown to help participants perform better in school and develop better relationships with their families and peers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-discusses-future-congresss-fight-stop-executive-amnesty-fox-friends,Rep. Kelly Discusses Future of Congress's Fight to Stop Executive Amnesty on Fox & Friends,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kelly: “January 6th starts an altogether new day for America” WATCH HERE WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) – a member of the House Ways and Means Committee – appeared on Fox & Friends Weekend on Fox News Channel yesterday morning to discuss the recently passed Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015 and the future efforts of the upcoming 114th Congress to halt President Obama’s recent executive action on illegal immigration amnesty. Rep. Kelly on the importance of the upcoming Congress:                         “Moving forward, we have to get into the next session when we have a majority in the Senate that we can actually work with on a more open basis. … When we get into the next session, we have a much different group to work with. … This is not over. This is not Republicans walking away from a very critical issue. However, we know where we are positioned right now, we’re still a minority. We won’t be that way after the [114th Congress is sworn in]. January 6th starts an altogether new day for America. We’re going to have to govern though, and Speaker Boehner has been very clear about this. These are not Republicans issues, these are not Democrat issues — these are American issues. And if we’re going to govern, we’re going to have to govern as Americans first, and we’re doing what’s right for the American people.” “After the [new Congress is sworn in], we’ll be able to lay out a plan for America that makes sense, gets our economy up and rising again, gets our people to have faith in this form of government that we have, and [Americans will know] that they’re going to govern in Washington right now; they’re not going to be bumping heads all the time.” NOTE: In addition to preventing a partial government shutdown, the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015 – which has now been passed by both the House and the Senate – will achieve the following items through a long list of conservative policy provisions included within the budget (a more extensive list can be viewed here): Reduces federal discretionary spending to pre-President Obama, pre-Speaker Pelosi levels. (With this budget, Rep. Kelly and his colleagues have cut discretionary spending by $165 billion since 2010.) Continues the ban on federal funding for the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty, which Rep. Kelly has personally fought to include Protects the unborn by banning the funding of abortion in the District of Columbia, within the federal employee health benefits program, and for federal prisoners Forces all Obamacare plans to inform Americans if they provide any abortion services Prevents the taxpayer bailout of the Obamacare Risk Corridor program Massively cuts funding for the EPA and forces the agency to reduce its staff size to its lowest level since 1989 Prohibits the EPA from regulating lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle Stops the Export-Import Bank from blocking any new or existing coal projects Prohibits the Department of Energy from forcing manufactures to stop making certain lightbulbs Bans federal funds from being used to transfer terrorists at Guantanamo Bay to our homeland Slashes the IRS by more than $345 million, bringing its funding to pre-Obama levels ($1.5 billion below the president’s request) Prohibits funding for the IRS to target any organization for regulatory scrutiny – even when ordered by the White House – based on its ideological beliefs or for exercising its First Amendment rights   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1455,Senator Toomey Supports Fiscally Conservative Government Funding Bill That Starts To Limit Administration Overreach,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) voted in favor of bipartisan legislation that keeps the government funded within current budget limits and includes several legislative initiatives he has championed over the years. While essentially freezing total spending, this bill expands federal investment in Alzheimer's research, supports important veterans' programs, prohibits the taxation of internet access, protects farmers and others businesses from certain job-killing regulations, and starts chipping away at Obamacare by exempting some health plans from the law's onerous mandates. ""While far from perfect, I support this bipartisan legislation because it is fiscally conservative - essentially freezing government spending -- and includes a number of policies for which I have advocated and that are good for Pennsylvania,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""In addition to stopping a number of job-killing regulations and taxes, this funding measure will help our veterans and troops, victims of child abuse and domestic violence, and researchers who are leading the fight against Alzheimer's. I also am pleased that this bill exempts about 400,000 people from Obamacare. This is a significant step toward dismantling this terrible law altogether. ""It is disappointing that Congress is forced to vote on such a massive proposal at the eleventh hour because Senator Harry Reid refused to allow the normal budget process. With new leadership in the Senate next Congress, it is imperative that we restore the normal budget process and pass individual, responsible appropriations bills."" ""As for the point of order regarding the bill's constitutionality, I voted to waive it because this legislation does not violate the Constitution. Like many Americans, I believe that President Obama's executive amnesty represents a dangerous executive overreach. But there is a difference between a bill to fund the government, and a president violating the law. Funding the government is constitutional. In fact, today, every Senator supported legislation to fund the entire government for five days."" Senator Toomey's priorities in the funding bill include: • Essentially freezes government spending with outlays declining about $12 billion; • Prevents the incandescent light bulb ban; • Forbids taxes on internet access; • Increases investment in Alzheimer's research and requires NIH to submit a yearly budget on how much funding is needed to prevent and treat the disease by 2025; • Spares farmers from burdensome EPA regulations on land use; • Ensures already-available funds in the Crime Victims Fund go to crime victims versus budget gimmicks; • Exempts around 400,000 people from Obamacare and ends the law's taxpayer bailouts of health insurance companies for 2015; • Establishes appropriate funding levels to maintain Veterans Employment and Training Service at the Department of Labor; • Prohibits transfer of GTMO detainees to America; • Cuts the IRS budget by $345 million and prohibits the agency from engaging in discriminatory ideological targeting; • Bars the transfers of Apache helicopters from Army National Guard to active Army; • Continues vital defense projects based in Pennsylvania: V-22, Chinook, armored vehicles; • Honors our commitment to supporting Israeli security. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1456,Sen. Toomey Honors Prisoners of War and Those Missing in Action,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is honoring the sacrifices of the members and former members of the Armed Forces who have ever been prisoners of war or missing in action. Sen. Toomey introduced the bipartisan bill, the Perpetual POW/MIA Stamp Act of 2014, which directs the Postmaster General to issue a forever stamp to honor these brave men and women. ""Our service members and veterans who have ever been prisoners of war or missing in action are always in our hearts,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""Each deserves our unwavering support and appreciation for the sacrifices they have made. This stamp is a small but important way we can ensure their valiant actions are never forgotten."" The VFW Department of Pennsylvania State Headquarters and American Veterans PA both support Sen. Toomey's efforts to honor these service members. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1457,"From Lehighton, Pennsylvania to 1600 Pennsylvania",2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The holiday season is a time for family, friends...and Christmas trees! And here in Pennsylvania, we are home to more than 1,000 Christmas tree farms. While the peak demand period for these trees is no mystery, the dedicated families who grow them and ensure that Christmas trees are readily available in December work tirelessly year round. It is because of their dedication that Pennsylvania is among the top six Christmas tree producing states in the country. In fact, Indiana County is the ""Christmas Tree Capital of the World."" Pennsylvania has many reasons to be proud of this homegrown industry. Each year, the National Christmas Tree Association holds a competition. Growers, industry experts, and consumers vote to decide which farm will supply the official White House Christmas Tree. This year, Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, owned and operated by the Botek family for over 50 years, won the honor of providing a tree for the White House. The Botek's Douglas-Fir tree is decorated and showcased in the Blue Room of the White House. But that's not all. A Crystal Spring Christmas tree also graced the White House in 2006, 2010, and 2013. No other Christmas tree farm has provided the White House Christmas tree on four separate occasions. This is no easy task. The Boteks first needed to impress the judges at the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association competition to even be considered on the national level. Arriving at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on a horse-drawn carriage, the 23-year-old Douglas-Fir tree immediately won the approval of the First Lady and her daughters. It was decorated to honor our service men and women. Even if you don't have room for an 18-foot-tall tree in your home, a Pennsylvania-grown tree has many pluses. ""The advantages of selecting a real Christmas tree reaches far beyond its fragrant appeal,"" said Denise Calabrese, executive director of the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association, which represents nearly 200 growers in the Commonwealth. ""Families should use the opportunity to choose their live Christmas tree as a chance to do a fun activity together each year. Building family traditions by not only choosing the tree, but decorating it and making it part of the family home during the Christmas season can be an exciting and participatory activity for the youngest to the oldest of family members!"" ""Best of all, purchasing a fresh-cut Christmas tree supports a local tree farmer,"" adds Calabrese. Picking a Christmas tree brings families together. Again this year the Toomey clan selected our tree with some help from Arland Schantz at Evergreen Farm on Limeport Pike in Zionsville. The tree is a beauty and we put it up right away. Every year, Kris, our three children, and I reminisce over family ornaments while decorating our tree. It's a yearly tradition for millions of Americans, but here in Pennsylvania we can be truly proud of the recognition our Christmas tree growers have received and the contributions they have made.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-presses-schott-on-future-plans-for-duryea-plant-in-wake-of-layoffs,Casey Presses Schott on Future Plans for Duryea Plant in Wake of Layoffs,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to Schott’s North American President and CEO, Mr. Wolters, pressing the company on its future plans for its Duryea plant following 80 layoffs. In his letter, Casey asked the company to commit to keeping the plant’s remaining jobs and maintaining a presence in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Northeastern Pennsylvania’s highly skilled workforce has been an asset to Schott for years and I’m urging the company to commit to the region and its workers in the future,” Senator Casey said. “In the wake of these layoffs it’s important that Schott lays out its long term vision for the current workforce and for its presence in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The full text of Casey’s letter can be seen below: Dear Mr. Wolters: As a senator for Pennsylvania and a resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, I know the many advantages the area has to offer including a strong workforce.  Given Schott’s presence in Pennsylvania over many decades, I am sure you would agree with this sentiment.  That is why I was disappointed to learn about the layoffs announced last month in the Duryea optics division.  It is my understanding that the work performed by these employees will be consolidated at your facility in Mainz, Germany.    These layoffs represent a third of the workforce at the Duryea facility. What is your long-term vision for the Duryea facility and the other facilities in Pennsylvania?  Do you anticipate additional consolidation that would negatively impact the Pennsylvania workforce or do you see growth with new product lines? Given the long history and productive history of Schott in Pennsylvania, I hope that this partnership will continue with a robust workforce in Duryea and at your other Pennsylvania facilities.  Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-the-confirmation-of-surgeon-general-dr-vivek-murthy,Casey Statement on the Confirmation of Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Dr. Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General: “I’m pleased that the Senate voted in favor of Dr. Vivek Murthy’s nomination as Surgeon General. Dr. Murthy is well qualified and has the necessary skills to succeed in this critical public health position. Last week, I sent a letter to all Senators encouraging a vote in favor of his nomination. Dr. Murthy is ready to go to work and do an excellent job on behalf of the American people.” ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-army-corps-to-prioritize-schuylkill-dredging-project,Casey Urges Army Corps to Prioritize Schuylkill Dredging Project,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize funding and work on the Schuylkill River dredging project. The Army Corps of Engineers has previously received congressional authorization to address these issues through dredging operations that would restore the river to a depth of six feet.  However, the project has not received sufficient funding raising safety concerns.  In a letter, Senator Casey urged the administration to dedicate sufficient resources to this project that will enhance safety, increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and spur the region’s economy. “Dredging the Schuylkill will have a tremendous positive impact on everyone who enjoys one of Pennsylvania’s most popular natural recreation areas,” said Senator Casey. “As the Army Corps develops its plans and priorities for the next fiscal year, I am calling on them to prioritize providing funding for this important project that helps generate economic growth in the Philadelphia region.” The text of Senator Casey’s letter is below: Dear Assistant Secretary Darcy: I am writing to request that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prioritize the Schuylkill River dredging project in its FY 2015 Work Plan for Operations and Maintenance. This project is necessary to keep the Schuylkill River safe and accessible for Pennsylvanians, and I urge you to ensure that the project receives the funds it needs to be dredged to the authorized level of six feet. I have been advised that significant shoaling of the Schuylkill River has been taking place in the Philadelphia region for the last several years. I have been informed that the shoaling starts at the basin behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, extending from the Fairmount Dam and up to the Falls Bridge, and is most acute adjacent to Boathouse Row and on the rowing race course between the Columbia Railroad Bridge and the Strawberry Mansion Bridge.  This activity not only raises significant safety concerns, but also interferes with recreational opportunities on the river. The Army Corps of Engineers has previously received congressional authorization to address these issues through dredging operations that would restore the river to a depth of six feet.  However, the project has not received sufficient funding resulting in safety issues. As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers develops its plans and priorities for the next fiscal year, I urge you to prioritize providing funding for this important project that helps generate economic growth in the Philadelphia region.  Thank you in advance for your consideration of my views. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff. Sincerely,                                                          Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/the-378th-birthday-of-the-national-guard,The 378th Birthday of the National Guard,2014-12-13,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Saturday, December 13, 2014 The 378th Birthday of the National Guard by Bob Casey Today, we celebrate the 378th birthday of the National Guard and the long tradition of citizen service in the United States.  Today, the National Guard continues its dual service role to the states, territories and the District of Columbia as well as to the defense of the United States and its interests across the globe. Pennsylvanians share in this rich tradition of service in the United States Armed Forces.  In 1747, Benjamin Franklin led Philadelphia in the creation of the “Associators,” marking the beginning of what is now the Pennsylvania National Guard.  For 267 years, citizens of the Commonwealth have been inspired by the Pennsylvania National Guard motto, “Civilian in peace. Soldier in war.”  Ever vigilant, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard stand ready to set aside the comforts of home to support their communities and nation in times of war, natural disaster or civil emergency.  Pennsylvania has one of the largest National Guard forces in the United States.  Our citizen-soldiers have fought in every major American conflict from their inception to present day.  I am deeply grateful for their continued service to our communities and the nation.  I wish the National Guard a “happy birthday.”  Tags: National Guard",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-continuing-resolution-omnibus-passage,Casey Statement on Continuing Resolution Omnibus Passage,2014-12-13,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the continuing resolution omnibus passage: “This bill is not perfect but it contains a number of important provisions that I fought to include to create and protect jobs in our Commonwealth. While I don’t like the way it came together, strongly disagree with parts of it, and believe we have to do better – I also have an obligation to look at the package as a whole. Taken in totality, this bill will help create and protect jobs in Pennsylvania and will prevent another government shutdown.” Casey urged congressional appropriators to invest in priorities critical to Pennsylvania and the nation, including these below: Investments in child nutrition programs will increase by $2.1 billion above FY 2014 enacted. Delaware Deepening Project: $35 million, which is what Casey requested for FY 2015. Water Resources Operation and Maintenance: The bill provides $2.9 billion for operation and maintenance of water resources projects. That is $48 million more than the fiscal year 2014 enacted amount and $309 million more than the fiscal year 2015 request. Over $50 million of this funding would go to locks and dams in Pennsylvania. National Institutes of Health: $30.3 billion, an increase of $150 million Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): Received $180 million Head Start: $8.6 billion, a $1 billion increase from FY 2013. Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP): $247,500,000 included for the PRMRP. Also included in the final bill: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - 7.5 million; autism – 6 million prostate cancer – 80 million ovarian cancer research – 20 million breast cancer research – 120 million multiple sclerosis – 5 million gulf war illness – 20 million New Initiative to Improve the Safety of Crude Oil Shipments:          Funds to hire 15 new rail and hazardous materials inspectors and retain 45 rail safety positions created in 2014 $3 million to expand the use of automated track inspections to ensure proper track maintenance on crude oil routes Support for the establishment of a Short Line Safety Institute to preform safety compliance assessments and safety training for short line railroads that transport crude oil. Proper classification ensures that emergency responders understand the hazards of the products being shipped and the correct way to respond in the case of an accident. Requires PHMSA to finalize the tank car rule no later than January 15, 2015 Community Development Block Grants: Received $3 billion for the CDBG program which is level with last year. CDBG allow forty-seven communities across Pennsylvania to obtain direct funding to address local needs. Countless other communities across Pennsylvania have received Community Development Block Grant funds made available to the Commonwealth. Last year Pennsylvania communities received over $171 million in CDBG funding last year and will continue to under this bill. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-details-highlights-of-cromnibus-spending-bill,Barletta Details Highlights of Cromnibus Spending Bill,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today detailed highlights of the so-called “Cromnibus” spending bill, which is a combination of a Continuing Resolution funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 27, 2015 and an omnibus spending package funding the rest of the federal government through September 30, 2015.  Most importantly, Barletta said he will now assume a prominent role as the House of Representatives moves forward with efforts to block President Obama’s amnesty plan for illegal immigrants.  “A huge majority of voters in my district and across America are opposed to the president’s amnesty plan, which we will now be able to combat when the new House and Senate majority arrive in January,” Barletta said.  “Speaker Boehner personally promised that I will be at the table when our new policies are set, so for all citizens who are rightly concerned about amnesty, I will be serving as their eyes, ears, and voices.” Given the current makeup of the Senate, Barletta said the House was limited on its options of what to include in the spending package.  Key in the legislation was the fact that DHS only received short-term funding, meaning Congress will be able to revisit the issue early in the new year to defund the president’s amnesty program. “There is no immigration language of which I would approve that would stand a chance of passing the Senate while Harry Reid is still in charge,” Barletta said.  “We had to get the best bill that we could at this very moment, and then come back to the battle when our reinforcements have arrived with the new Congress in January.” The bill adheres to existing spending caps, but includes a number of important policy improvements, including the protections for national security and members of the military.  It also improves public safety and gang prevention, and increases funding for Community Development Block Grants.  The package also curtails overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency, political targeting by the Internal Revenue Service, and includes no new money for Obamacare. National Security & Military Includes $521 billion in defense spending. Includes a 1% pay increase for military personnel and cost-of-living adjustment. Includes additional $900 million to address military funding shortfalls, including depot maintenance at facilities such as Tobyhanna Army Depot. Prohibits the transfer or release of Guantanamo detainees into the U.S. Increases funding for VA programs by $1.8 billion. Provides $2.5 billion for processing VA disability claims to end the backlog. Rescinds $41 million in performance bonuses at the VA. Public Safety Restores funding zeroed out under President Obama’s budget request for State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which reimburses localities who house criminal illegal immigrants in local jails (increases funding from $180 million to $185 million rather than president’s request of $0.) Increases funding for gang prevention efforts, while providing resources to address drug trafficking (particularly methamphetamine and heroin), human trafficking, and an update of the National Gang Survey.    Through COPS and JAG funding, increases gang prevention and methamphetamine prevention efforts. Provides $20 million to combat prescription drug abuse. Communities Funds Community Development Block Grants at $200 million more than original budget request. Increases funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) by $75 million. Increases funding for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Increases funding for flood prevention under the Streamflow Information Program. Coal Requires the Department of Defense to use anthracite coal to heat the Army and Air Force Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany.  Health Provides $5.4 billion to Fight Ebola in the US and abroad. Increases funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by $43 million. Increases funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $150 million – specifically increases for Alzheimer’s, cancer, brain research, and the Gabriella Miller Kids First Act pediatric research initiative. Transportation Provides almost $41 billion in obligation limitation funding for the Federal Highway program (the same level authorized in the MAP-21 transportation authorization legislation). Protects small business from over regulation related to commercial trucking, driver hours, and hazmat permitting. Obamacare Provides no new funding for Obamacare. Requires Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury to report to Congress on improper payments of ObamaCare tax subsidies. Reduces funding to the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Maintains all existing pro-life policy and funding provisions. Three new pro-life provisions:   Obamacare Transparency - requires Obamacare healthcare plans to inform customers if they provide abortion services. Conscience Protection - requires HHS Office of Civil Rights to address complaints of violations. Provides $12 million in unused abstinence education funds. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Cuts IRS funding by $345.6 million ($1.5 billion below the president’s request and below Fiscal Year 2008 levels). Prohibits IRS targeting of organizations based on their ideological beliefs or for exercising their First Amendment rights. Prohibits the White House from ordering review of tax-exempt status. Prohibits use of IRS funds for inappropriate videos and conferences. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cuts EPA by $60 million, representing the 5th consecutive year of cuts – a total reduction of 21 percent since Fiscal Year 2010. Reduces EPA staffing by 2,000 positions, which is equivalent to 1989 levels. Prohibits regulation of farm ponds and irrigation ditches. Protects Second Amendment rights and prohibits EPA from regulating lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle. “As with any spending bill, the end result is not perfect, but this makes important strides in many key areas,” Barletta said.  “I look forward to working with our new partners in the Senate in the new Congress, when we can finally work to stop the president’s amnesty plan.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-votes-fund-government-holds-line-114th-congress,"Marino Votes to Fund Government, Holds the Line for 114th Congress",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County voted with 12 out of 13 of his fellow Pennsylvania Republican congressional delegation members to fund the government in anticipation of the new Republican majority coming in the 114th Congress citing a greater ability to stop Obama’s push for executive amnesty. Representative Marino, along with his colleagues, expressed serious reservations about supporting the so-called “cromnibus” bill which prompted two separate group meetings with the delegation and Speaker of the House, John Boehner signaling the delegation’s significant influence. Marino’s main contention was the continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 27, 2015 which could allow the department to use taxpayer dollars for the implementation of President Obama’s Presidential Memorandum -- Modernizing and Streamlining the U.S. Immigrant Visa System for the 21st Century dubbed “executive amnesty.” Marino submitted an amendment to the Rules Committee which would have defunded DHS’s ability to fulfill Obama’s amnesty. Several of his colleagues did the same and there are assurances those amendments will be considered in order to halt Obama’s executive amnesty when Republicans have full control of Congress next month. Attached to the continuing resolution was an omnibus bill containing a package of appropriations bills. The omnibus package contained 11 of 12 appropriations bills. The appropriations bills contained several significant provisions for trimming spending. Some of the most important of those were deep cuts to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), $345.6 million dollars, and ends the administration’s targeting of conservative groups and individuals. It also scales back of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It cuts approximately $60 million from the EPA while preventing the Army Corps from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches via the proposed Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. Congressman Marino issued the following statement about the bills: “Harry Reid and Obama have little interest in serious fixes to our ailing economy and skyrocketing debt. Instead they promised to shutdown the government, put TSA agents on leave during the peak holiday travel season and strip every provision to reign in government spending from bills originating in the House. That is totally unacceptable. The American people gave Republicans control of the House and Senate so we could reign in this President and get things done. We have a mandate to do exactly that. I disagree with virtually every step in the process that brought this bill to the floor of the House, but I voted in favor of the bill to extend federal money for the remainder of the fiscal year while limiting funding for DHS and giving Republican majorities another real chance to stop Obama’s amnesty. I made this vote with the assurance that my amendment to defund the DHS’s plans to implement Obama’s executive order will move forward before he has a chance to implement the mechanisms of amnesty. When the next Congress begins, the Republicans will have control of the Senate and this is when we will systematically dismantle the President’s destructive policies.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/house-acts-government-funding-bill,House Acts on Government Funding Bill,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) today voted to support H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015, which passed the House by a margin of 219-206.    H.R. 83 includes funding through the end of the Fiscal Year, September 30, 2015, for 11 of the 12 annual spending bills. Funding for the primary agencies that are responsible for carrying out the president's executive actions on immigration will expire on February 27, 2015. ""This package is important to keep the government open, while also instituting thoughtful spending reductions and reining in bureaucratic and regulatory overreach,"" stated Rep. Thompson. “The legislation provides short-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security that would expire before the President's executive actions on immigration take effect, giving Congress the ability to address this important matter without the threat of a broader government shutdown.” H.R. 83 also forces the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) to withdraw the interpretive rule (IR) that was issued in conjunction with the EPA’s proposed “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule, which would dramatically expand federal authority over water and land uses. “Provisions forcing the withdrawal of the Interpretive Rule are a positive start, but the House and Senate must keep pressure on the EPA and Army Corps to address the blatant flaws with the underlying WOTUS proposal. I believe these ends will be achieved in the coming year,” Rep. Thompson added. H.R 83 also strikes an unprecedented bipartisan compromise on reforming multi-employer pension agreements that will ensure the longevity of severely distressed pension plans that have been at risk of bankrupting the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and placing the retirements of 10 million workers at risk. “Keeping retirement plans stable into the future will prevent workers from losing everything. This bipartisan agreement includes reforms that will protect taxpayers and provide trustees with flexibility and the appropriate tools to save troubled plans. Doing nothing, which I’m thankful we avoided, would simply lead to systemic collapse,” said Rep. Thompson, a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which brokered the agreement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=newsletter&id=1454,A Tribute,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Johnstown Richland Square III, Suite 302 1397 Eisenhower Blvd Johnstown, PA 15904 Phone: (814) 266-5970 Fax: (814) 266-5973 Map: Get Directions Please call for an appointment before visiting our Johnstown office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-defense-bill-protects-national-heritage-areas-in-pa-likely-to-pass-this-week-and-become-law,Casey: Defense Bill Protects National Heritage Areas in PA Likely to Pass this Week and Become Law,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has already passed the House and is likely to pass the Senate this week, contains language that would protect four Pennsylvania National Heritage Areas (NHAs) for the next decade. The bill would protect the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, Lackawanna Heritage Valley National Heritage Area, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, and Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area for the next decade. Casey pushed for the measures to be included in the bill. “Preserving these historic areas will protect Pennsylvania’s history and boost our economy by attracting visitors from throughout the country,” Senator Casey said. “Passing this legislation will give these communities more certainty by protecting these precious areas for another decade.”   National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. Through their resources, NHAs tell nationally important stories that celebrate our nation's diverse heritage. NHAs are lived-in landscapes. Consequently, NHA entities collaborate with communities to determine how to make heritage relevant to local interests and needs.   ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-statement-regarding-his-vote-on-cromnibus-funding-bill,Barletta Statement Regarding His Vote on Cromnibus Funding Bill,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued a statement regarding his vote in favor of the so-called “Cromnibus” funding bill, which is a combination of a Continuing Resolution funding the Department of Homeland Security through February 27, 2015 and an omnibus spending package funding the rest of the federal government through September 30, 2015. Barletta’s statement is as follows: “While the overall discussion of the Cromnibus spending bill deals with the operation of the entire federal budget, for me the most important factor is illegal immigration and the question of stopping President Obama’s executive amnesty.   We have immigration laws in this country for two reasons: to protect national security and preserve American jobs.  The president’s actions violate both of those principles.  He is introducing five million more competitors into an already tight job market, at a time when 20 million Americans are either unemployed or underemployed.  It is time that someone stood up for legal American workers.  Therefore, the most important question I must answer for myself is: how best to stop the president’s unlawful executive action? “After careful consideration, I have determined that it is a much better strategy to have the fight over funding the amnesty program once our reinforcements have arrived in the form of the new Senate to be sworn in early next year.  I did not come to this decision lightly, but it is obvious to me that there is no language that I would support regarding illegal immigration that would stand a chance of passing the Senate while Harry Reid is still in charge.  Understanding that truth, I cast my vote in favor of the Cromnibus with the full knowledge that we will attack the issue again early in 2015. “There can be no one who questions my position on illegal immigration.  During lengthy discussions and negotiations leading up to the vote, I was personally assured by Speaker Boehner that I will play an integral role in crafting new, strong national immigration policies beginning in January.  I came to Congress to strengthen our enforcement of immigration laws, and now I will have the ability to influence the direction and impact of our immigration policies as we work to block the president’s amnesty.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-legislation-to-protect-consumers-from-faulty,Cartwright Introduces Legislation to Protect Consumers from Faulty Automobiles and Equipment,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced the Early Warning Reporting System Improvement Act of 2014.  U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate. The legislation would require automobile and equipment manufacturers to automatically submit the accident report or other documents that first alerted them to a fatality involving their vehicle or equipment to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Early Warning Reporting database. “While the NHTSA is responsible for overseeing the safety of our roadways, they do not always have the information they need to protect the public, and have at times failed to actively investigate car defects,” said Rep. Cartwright.  “The recent GM Cobalt and Saturn Ion recalls related to an ignition switch defect the company knew about for at least ten years highlights the need for companies to provide more information about accidents involving fatalities to the NHTSA.” The issue hits home for northeastern Pennsylvania; in January 2010, Kelly Ruddy of Scranton was only 21 years old when she lost her life in a deadly crash on Interstate 81.  Kelly was driving north near the Bear Creek exit when she lost control of her 2005 Chevy Cobalt. Ruddy’s parents, fought the vehicle manufacturer, General Motors, for four years and finally GM settled with them for their daughter`s death.  General Motors is now admitting that a faulty ignition switch is responsible for numerous crashes and deaths across the nation, and the company recalled 2.6 million vehicles, including 2005 Cobalts, earlier this year. The CDC estimates that in 2011, more than 2.6 million drivers and passengers were treated in emergency rooms as a result of being injured in motor vehicle crashed.  In 2010, motor vehicle related injuries cost the states and our nation an estimated $99 billion in lifetime medical care and lost productivity.  Tragically, close to 34,000 people died in motor vehicle traffic incidents in 2012. To address this critical issue, the Early Warning Reporting System Improvement Act of 2014 would: Require automobile and equipment manufacturers to automatically submit the accident report or other documents that first alerted them to a fatality involving their vehicle or equipment to NHTSA’s Early Warning Reporting database.  NHTSA is then required to automatically make those documents public unless they are exempted from public disclosure under FOIA. Require NHTSA to consider Early Warning Reporting information when it is investigating potential safety defects and when it is evaluating citizen petitions for automobile safety standards or enforcement actions. Require NHTSA to upgrade its online database to improve searchability, integrate its different databases so they can all be searched at once, and ensure that all documents obtained or created by NHTSA related to a safety incident are both made publicly available and keyword searchable in its databases. Require NHTSA to provide public, searchable notices of all inspection and investigation activities it undertakes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=647,Blueprint Set for Conservative Agenda in Upcoming Year,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Bill Shuster,S001154,shuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) voted in favor of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 on Thursday evening. This bill funds 11 of the 12 appropriations bills for one year and funds the Department of Homeland Security until February 27, 2015. House Republicans have now cut discretionary spending by $165 billion since taking the majority in 2010 and as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), non-defense domestic discretionary spending will soon be at the lowest levels since 1962. “Today’s legislation is not regular order, nor the way Congress is supposed to be run. Due to the Senate refusing to act on a single appropriations bill, the House of Representatives is once again forced to bail the Senate out,” said Congressman Bill Shuster. “The House has taken a principled approach to ensure the government is not shut down, while saving the taxpayers over $2 trillion over the next 10 years. It is these kinds of conservative solutions and significant cuts to wasteful federal programs like the IRS and the EPA that keep the American taxpayers’ best interest in mind.” In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s wave of regulatory overreach, the budget for the agency is reduced by $60 million in this legislation. With this cut, Congress has now reduced the EPA’s funding by $2.2 billion since FY10, which brings it to its lowest staffing level since the 1980’s. Also contained in the bill are cuts to the IRS, the agency that targeted conservative political groups for additional scrutiny and delay. The IRS budget is $345 million lower than last year and has now been cut $1.2 billion since FY10. Additionally, this bill stops any taxpayer bailouts to insurance companies under Obamacare. In order to reject attempts by the president to unilaterally give amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants, this bill only funds the Department of Homeland Security – the agency responsible for implementing the executive actions – to February 27, 2015. Once the Department of Homeland Security’s funding expires, Republican majorities in the House and Senate will then be able to more effectively work to stop President Obama’s executive actions regarding amnesty. “I am opposed to any and all attempts by the president to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants,” continued Shuster. “This bill ensures that a Republican-led Congress will be able to fight against Obama’s liberal immigration agenda without Harry Reid standing in the way of blocking common sense measures that secure our borders and enforce the law.” Additional Conservative measures included in the legislation: -All existing pro-life policy and funding provisions are maintained -One percent pay raise for our troops -Maintains second amendment protections including a prohibition on implementing the Arms Trade Treaty that is supported by the National Rifle Association -Stops future funding from being used for any “Fast & Furious” type activity ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/reps-thompson-walz-introduce-%E2%80%9Cproudly-restoring-officers-prior-enlistment-retirement,"Reps. Thompson, Walz Introduce Proudly Restoring Officers of Prior Enlistment Retirement (PROPER) Act",2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-PA) and Tim Walz (D-MN) have introduced H.R. 5832, the Proudly Restoring Officers of Prior Enlistment Retirement (PROPER) Act, legislation preventing commissioned officers from being forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank as a result of the military’s current force reduction policy.   During the “Grow the Army” effort beginning in 2007, the Army dramatically increased in size, expanding to 570,000 soldiers by 2010.  A large number of non-commissioned officers stepped up to lead and received commissions as Army officers. The Army is currently undergoing a significant downsizing, as combat forces draw down from Iraq and Afghanistan and the Obama Administration executes a broader force restructuring and end strength reduction plan, which includes plans to involuntarily retire up to 30% of commissioned officers and shrink the Army to 450,000 soldiers. Under current law soldiers must serve a minimum of 20 years to become eligible for retirement. In order to retire at the rank of an officer, at least 8 of those years must come after receiving a commission. Some soldiers who have served over 20 years total, but less than 8 years as commissioned officers, are now being involuntarily retired at their highest enlisted rank, which has led to a large cut in their retirement. While the existing policy impacts all military branches, the Army is the most directly affected. The PROPER Act, which is supported by the Military Officers Association of America, the American Military Retirees Association, and the National Guard Association, enables soldiers to keep their commissioned rank during retirement by lowering the eligibility threshold from 8 to 4 years. “Brave men and women answered the call to military service as our nation expanded its ranks during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Despite having served for years in commissioned status and rising through the officer ranks, these experienced and dedicated warfighters are now being forced to retire at their previous enlisted rank,” stated Rep. Thompson. “Soldiers deserve to retire with the rank they have earned and corresponding benefits they’ve been promised, and anything less devalues the sacrifices they have made for our country. With the introduction of the Proudly Restoring Officers of Prior Enlistment Retirement Act, we plan to fix this injustice.” “This measure gives military retirees the benefits they have earned,” said Rep. Walz. “I am proud to introduce this measure with Rep. Thompson and look forward to working together with him in the next congress to make this provision law.”   Cosponsors of the PROPER Act include Representatives Charles Rangel (D-NY), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bobby Rush, (D-IL), Tom Marino (R-PA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Lou Barletta (R-PA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Scott Perry (R-PA), Richard Nugent (R-FL), and Randy Weber (R-TX). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1452,Sen. Toomey Backs Legislation Supporting Our Troops and Essential Defense Programs,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) intends to vote for the bipartisan defense authorization bill. Below is his statement. ""Some of the most important responsibilities of Congress are national security and supporting the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect the American people. ""While the legislation is not perfect, I support passage of the bipartisan defense authorization bill because it is essential for outlining federal spending for our armed forces and supporting our troops. This year's bill authorizes funding for important defense programs in Pennsylvania at appropriate levels. It also includes a number of provisions that I have championed including language to protect an historic landmark in Gettysburg and a provision enabling state and county veterans affairs officials to more effectively assist service members transitioning back to civilian life."" The defense authorization bill includes provisions Sen. Toomey has supported including: • Prohibiting the transfer or release of detainees held at the prison at Guantanamo; • Maintaining armored vehicle programs in York; • Continuing the multi-year Ridley Park (Delaware County) programs for the V-22 Osprey and the CH-47 helicopter; • Ensuring vitally important Abrams tank production; • Barring the transfer of Apache helicopters from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard to the active Army; • Mandating a National Commission on the Future of the Army; • Supporting important Army depots such as Letterkenny and Tobyhanna. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141228102156/http://www.toomey.senate.gov:80/?p=news&id=1453,Senators Ask FCC for Timely Consideration of Comcast Merger,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) sent a letter to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission asking for timely consideration of the proposed merger between Comcast Corporation and Time Warner Cable. The text of the letter is below: December 11, 2014 Chairman Tom Wheeler Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, D.C. 20554 Dear Chairman Wheeler: In early October, the Federal Communications Commission once again paused consideration of the proposed merger between Comcast Corporation and Time Warner Cable. We were pleased to see the Commission recently resumed consideration of the merger. While we appreciate your commitment to a full, thorough review, we urge the Commission to act as quickly as possible. We believe the merger between Comcast and Time Warner will produce extensive benefits to the public in terms of jobs and services for low-income households. Also, Comcast has informed us that the merger will provide improved Internet access with no corresponding decrease in competition. The public should not have to wait for these benefits. Accordingly, we urge you to approve the merger as soon as possible. Comcast currently employs approximately 136,000 people nationwide, including nearly 12,000 people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proposed merger is expected to create new jobs throughout Pennsylvania and the rest of the country. This will be a welcome benefit in today's economy. Consumers will also benefit greatly from the merger. Currently, Time Warner offers Internet speeds that are often half as fast as those provided by Comcast and in some cases even slower. Comcast has pledged to spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year to improve Time Warner's networks, resulting in far faster Internet speeds for millions of subscribers. We have seen firsthand Comcast's record as an outstanding corporate citizen. Comcast assists 1,200 non-profits through its foundation, serves hundreds of thousands of young people through the Boys and Girls Club of America, and has invested $57 million in training for workers to keep them competitive in today's economy. Additionally, through its Internet Essentials program, Comcast has brought broadband Internet to 300,000 low-income families (or 1.2 million people). Comcast has announced that it will extend this program throughout Time Warner's markets and maintain this program indefinitely. Comcast has informed us that the proposed merger will produce substantial benefits for the public, and that the company has acted proactively to prevent anti-competitive effects. There is no geographic overlap between Comcast and Time Warner, so no consumer will lose a choice among providers. Also, Comcast has agreed to divest itself of 3 million subscribers so the merged entity will serve less than 30 percent of the cable market-a standard the FCC has adopted in the past. That number falls to just 20% when one considers the full market for television programming, which includes cable, satellite, and telecommunications companies. In sum, the proposed merger between Comcast and Time Warner will lead to substantial public benefits: to workers through additional jobs, to millions of consumers through faster Internet speeds, and to the public at large through extension of Comcast's Internet Essentials program and other community service efforts, all with assurances that the merger will be carried out so as to avoid harm to competition or consumer choice. Accordingly, we urge the FCC to approve the merger as quickly as possible. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-senate-to-back-confirmation-of-dr-vivek-murthy-for-surgeon-general,Casey Urges Senate to Back Confirmation of Dr. Vivek Murthy for Surgeon General,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a ‘dear colleague’ letter to all U.S. Senators urging support for Surgeon General nominee Vivek Murthy. Casey urged Senators to vote in favor of Murthy in order to address urgent public health challenges that the country faces. “I voted for Vivek Murthy’s nomination as a member of the HELP Committee and believe he will play an important role in the work our nation needs to do to address our current public health challenges,” Senator Casey said. “I’m encouraging all Senators to support Dr. Murthy’s nomination to the position of Surgeon General. He’s ready to go to work and do an excellent job on behalf of the American people.” The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below: Dear Colleague: I write today to urge your support of Dr. Vivek Murthy, the nominee to serve as the next Surgeon General of the United States.  Dr. Murthy’s nomination was approved by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in February, but has yet to be taken up by the full Senate. I am concerned that his nomination stalled over policy matters that are outside the scope of the position.  As Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy he has personally assured me, and stated publicly, that his focus as Surgeon General would be on chronic disease and obesity, two of the most serious threats facing the health of the American people.  We should not let his confirmation stall over public policy debates unrelated to the position in which he would serve. In the months since Dr. Murthy was nominated, our Nation has faced a new public health threat, in the form of the first multi-nation Ebola epidemic.  At a time when the American public is worried and unsure of what might happen, the role of “America’s Doctor” remains unfilled.  Having a Surgeon General in place during public health emergencies or emerging situations provides an additional trusted voice that can communicate with the public and help address their concerns. Furthermore, leaving the role of Surgeon General unfilled also means that the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps has been operating under interim leadership for over a year now.  The dedicated medical professionals in the Commissioned Corps deserve to have appropriate leadership. Dr. Murthy’s nomination is supported by a broad coalition of public health advocates, state and local public health officials, and professional groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Hospital Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Public Health Association.  It is past time to confirm a new Surgeon General, and I hope you will join me in supporting Dr. Murthy’s confirmation before the end of the year. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-statement-regarding-house-passage-of-able-act,Barletta Statement Regarding House Passage of ABLE Act,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued a statement regarding the House of Representatives passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act by a vote of 404-to-17.  The ABLE act amends the Internal Revenue Service code to establish tax-exempt accounts for individuals with disabilities to assist in paying for certain expenses, including higher education, primary residence, transportation, employment assistance, health and wellness, and other personal support expenses.      Barletta’s statement is as follows:   “The passage of the ABLE Act is a huge step forward for people with disabilities and their families.  So many times, families have been left in the difficult position of choosing between taking care of children’s special needs and planning for their future.  The ABLE Act helps families avoid that predicament and lets them plan ahead.   “As it stands now, people living with disabilities are unable to accumulate more than $2,000 in assets without endangering their Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid benefits.  This bill allows them to live independently and make decisions on their own, outside the artificial limits placed on them by the federal government.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-testifies-in-support-of-unaccompanied-alien-children,Barletta Testifies in Support of Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click here or on image to watch Rep. Barletta's testimony WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today testified in a House Judiciary Committee subcommittee in support of his legislation, the Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act (H.R. 5409).  Barletta introduced the bill in September in response to the flood of illegal immigrants who streamed across the United States border with Mexico earlier this year.  Barletta told members of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security that the legislation empowers governors and local elected officials to control whether or not the federal government can place unaccompanied minors, who have illegally entered the country, into their communities.  “It is critical that state and local governments are not left in the dark,” Barletta said. “Lawmakers must know who is coming to their communities, how much it will cost, and how it will impact their health and educational systems, which is why my bill gives local communities veto power if this information is not provided to their satisfaction.  I wish we didn’t need legislation like mine, but unfortunately, my bill is needed due to the total lack of transparency by the administration following the surge of crossings over the southern border.” The legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide state and local elected officials with a 30-day notice and comment period to determine for themselves whether they are prepared and able to receive unaccompanied alien minors.  In particular, HHS would be responsible for assessing and informing communities of the cost and impact of receiving them.  The department must also certify that the unaccompanied alien minors have undergone health screenings, including vaccinations, as well as criminal background checks, and pose no public health or safety threat.  “Such steps are vital to ensuring the welfare of our communities,” Barletta said.  “I have already been informed of several instances of unaccompanied alien minors seeking to enter schools in my district who have not been properly screened or vaccinated.  They have absolutely no formal education and cannot speak English.  What grade should the school system put them in?  How can the school district be prepared when students like this just show up at their doorstep?” Barletta first became aware of the need for the legislation when local officials from his hometown of Hazleton alerted him that a non-profit organization had been investigating opening a facility to house some of the unaccompanied minors who had crossed the border this past summer.  “That’s how I found out – because an organization had called the city,” Barletta said.  “The federal government didn’t tell anyone about the plan: not the Governor, not the Department of Public Welfare, not Luzerne County.  When I made the information public, residents of Hazleton expressed their concerns, and the plan was dropped.  Had I not been informed of the situation by local officials, the plan would have proceeded without public notice.” Barletta said the legislation is more necessary than in years past because of the recent surge, which he attributed to a failure of the federal government to enforce immigration laws.  He highlighted the Obama policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), in particular. “In 2011, President Obama’s head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a series of memoranda announcing his agency would not be enforcing immigration laws against certain segments of the illegal immigrant population, effectively telling illegal immigrants that being in the country unlawfully was not reason enough to deport them,” Barletta said.  “Then, in 2012, the President announced his DACA program, which grants deferred action to certain illegal immigrants who claim to have arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16, and requires them to apply for a work permit.” Barletta said that the president’s recent expansion of executive amnesty will only contribute to the problem. “He’s telling people that so long as they make it into this country, they won’t be asked to leave and will be rewarded with a work permit, Social Security, and Medicare,” Barletta said.  “I fear it will not be long before we see another massive surge of illegal immigration along our southern border.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-legislation-aimed-at-tackling-nation-s-retirement,Cartwright Introduces Legislation Aimed at Tackling Nations Retirement Crisis,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congressmen Matt Cartwright (PA-17) and Keith Ellison (MN-05) introduced the USA Retirement Funds Act.  The bill is based on similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). With only one in five people having a defined-benefit pension plan and half of workers having no plan at all, the U.S. continues to face a growing retirement crisis.  Additionally, as half of Americans have less than $10,000 in savings and 85 percent of Americans report that they worry about their prospects for retirement, the need for reform to the nation’s retirement system has never been greater. “There is strong public support for reforming the retirement system,” said Rep. Cartwright.  “A recent study by the National Institute for Retirement Security found a majority of Americans agree there is a need for a strong, universal pension system, and 90 percent favor a plan that is available to all Americans, is portable, and provides a monthly check throughout retirement.” “I congratulate Mr. Cartwright on introducing the Universal Coverage Retirement Funds Act,” said Rep. Ellison. “His bill would enable millions more Americans to attain retirement security by increasing their access to better retirement plans at work.” The bill tackles the retirement crisis head-on by ensuring that people currently without access to a workplace retirement plan would finally have the opportunity to earn a safe and secure pension benefit for life.  The key features of USA Retirement Funds include: Universal Coverage: USA Retirement Funds would be available to everyone, including the more than 62 million people without access to a workplace retirement plan and the 14.5 million people who are self-employed. Automatic Enrollment: Employees would be automatically enrolled at a rate of 6 percent per year, but could choose to raise, lower, or stop their contributions. Secure Lifetime Income: Benefits would be paid monthly for life, and participants would be shielded from market volatility and other risks. Lower Costs: Pooled, professional management and risk sharing will reduce the cost of retirement by up to 50 percent. Portability: People would be able to take their benefit with them as they change employers. Simple and Easy for Businesses: Small businesses can easily participate and would not have to take on risk or administrative burden. “USA Retirement Funds would represent a big step forward in addressing our retirement income crisis.  The proposal combines some of the best elements of a traditional pension—including regular lifetime payments in retirement, professional management, and pooled investing—with elements of a 401(k), such as predictable costs for employers and portability for workers,” said David Madland, the Center for American Progress’ Managing Director of Economic Policy.  “Our research finds that plans like USA Retirement Funds cost about half as much to provide an adequate retirement benefit as a typical 401(k), while exposing participants to much lower levels of risk.   USA Retirement Funds would provide workers with a secure lifetime income without requiring employers to take on long-term liabilities.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1451,Fellow Republicans Agree With Senator Toomey's Ban on Wasteful Spending,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - In his ongoing battle to protect taxpayers from wasteful government spending, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today led the Senate Republican Conference to extend its ban on earmarks, which was scheduled to expire at the end of this Congress. Toomey applauded his colleagues' vote to extend the current earmark moratorium for another Congress. ""The American people are tired of wasteful government spending and special interest handouts,"" Sen. Toomey said. ""Taxpayers don't want to pay for bridges to nowhere, studies on maple syrup, or the Cowboy poetry festival. My Conference rule, which was adopted today, says that the Republicans will not request earmarks. I am pleased that even before the new Congress begins, the Republican majority is working to protect taxpayers and make government more effective and efficient. This is an improvement but we have to keep working toward a permanent ban."" Past experience shows that the prevalence of earmarks can grow exponentially when left unchecked. According to the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste, in 1998 Congress approved about 2,100 earmark projects at a total cost of $13.2 billion. By 2006 -- the height of the earmark binge -- these numbers ballooned to nearly 10,000 earmarks that cost taxpayers about $29 billion. Over the years, earmarks were used to fund such dubious projects as the infamous ""Bridge to Nowhere"" in Alaska, an indoor rainforest, and a teapot museum. The language of Sen. Toomey's Conference rule is below: ""Resolved, that it is the policy of the Republican Conference that no Member shall request a congressionally directed spending item, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit, as such items are used in Rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate for the 114th Congress."" Earlier this Congress, Sen. Toomey introduced the bipartisan Earmark Elimination Act with Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). Their legislation would expand the temporary moratorium on earmarks to permanently ban earmarks from the legislative process. The Toomey/McCaskill legislation would: • Permanently ban all earmarks. • Define earmarks as any congressionally directed spending item, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit. • Create a point of order against any legislation containing an earmark. The point of order would only apply to the actual earmark, rather than to the entire bill. • Require a two-thirds vote to waive the point of order. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1459,"Casey, Toomey, Perry Announce Expansion of Gettysburg National Military Park in Defense Bill, Likely to Pass Senate and Become Law This Week",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Provisions Would Expand Historic Site by 45 Acres, Add Lincoln Train Station Washington, DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has already passed the House and is likely to pass the Senate this week, contains language that would expand Gettysburg National Military Park by 45 acres and add the Lincoln Train Station. ""This legislation will preserve an area of great national historical and cultural importance,"" Senator Casey said. ""Expanding this historical area will also contribute to the region's economy as it continues to attract visitors from around the world who want to experience this significant time in American history."" ""The upcoming vote in the Senate to allow Gettysburg National Military Park to expand to include the historic train station and Plum Run should mark the culmination of a long bipartisan effort, said Senator Toomey. ""Gettysburg National Military Park is an important part of our nation's history and encourages tourism and growth in the area. My thanks to Senator Casey and Congressman Perry for working with me on this important effort."" ""The Battle of Gettysburg marks a turning point in American history,"" said Representative Perry. ""By preserving the Lincoln Train Station, I hope to inspire my fellow citizens to learn and appreciate the significance of the Gettysburg Campaign, the Gettysburg Address, the Civil War and the bravery of the soldiers who, in President Lincoln's words, ""gave the last full measure of devotion."" If the Senate and President Obama approve this as expected, I'll be privileged that my first piece of legislation signed into law will be to help protect the Gettysburg Battlefield."" The language in the bill expands the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park to include 45 acres of land at the southern end of the battlefield where cavalry skirmishes occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. The land has environmental significance as home to wetlands and wildlife habitat related to the Plum Run stream that traverses the park. This 45-acre property is adjacent to current park land and was donated to the Gettysburg Foundation in April of 2009. The Foundation plans to donate the parcel to the park once it's added to the park's boundaries; therefore, no federal land acquisition funding is necessary to obtain this property. The Lincoln Train Station, located in downtown Gettysburg, was built in 1858 and is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The station served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg and was the departure point for thousands of soldiers who were wounded or killed in battle. The Lincoln Train Station is also the site at which President Abraham Lincoln arrived on November 18, 1863, one day before he delivered the Gettysburg Address at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/the-need-to-act-on-climate-change,The Need to Act on Climate Change,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 10, 2014 The Need to Act on Climate Change by Bob Casey In November, I wrote to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to support EPA’s comprehensive Clean Power Plan to lower carbon pollution while urging EPA to adopt a structure that would be fairer to the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania powers states throughout the region and has made great strides as a leader in the development of clean energy sources. We must be serious about the threat of climate change for the sake of public health, national security and children’s health. I support the need for a comprehensive climate change plan. We must rise to the challenge of climate change and revitalize our economy by increasing our efforts in the areas of energy efficiency; developing and adopting cleaner ways of producing electricity; and creating jobs. The key points of my letter: We must take action on climate change because it poses a serious threat to public health, the environment and national security. The transition to cleaner energy must include a pathway for multiple forms of electricity generation including clean coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, wind, solar, biomass and other renewables, as well as energy efficiency measures. EPA’s comprehensive four-building-block plan is a necessary and effective approach to reducing carbon pollution. Pennsylvania is a net-energy-producing state (generating more power than it consumes) whose economy is built on affordable electricity for manufacturing and other energy-intensive industries. EPA’s renewable energy target for Pennsylvania imposes an unequal burden on the Commonwealth relative to other states with much greater renewable energy potential, and it wouldn’t be possible to get greater carbon pollution reductions from the other three building blocks in Pennsylvania. EPA must give greater recognition to zero-carbon sources such as nuclear power and hydropower to provide an incentive for these sources to remain in operation, as they make up a large portion of Pennsylvania’s electricity sources that would lower its carbon pollution rate. Tags: Clean Power Plan,  Climate Change,  Energy,  Environment,  Environmental Protection Agency,  EPA",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-presses-administration-to-provide-funds-for-presque-isle-in-upcoming-budget,Casey Presses Administration to Provide Funds for Presque Isle in Upcoming Budget,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) pressed the Administration to provide funds for the sand replenishment project at Presque Isle in its upcoming budget that is due to be released in the coming weeks. In a letter to Shaun Donovan, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Casey highlighted the $77 million that visitors annually spend at Presque Isle and the 1,000 jobs it supports throughout the Erie region. Casey has consistently pressed the Administration and Congress to provide adequate funding to Presque Isle. “Presque Isle is a major driver of the region’s economy and its critical that the Administration provides adequate funding to this project in its upcoming budget,” Senator Casey said. “Presque Isle is one of our state’s treasures. Putting appropriate funding into this project will maintain one of our state’s most visited state parks and bolster Northwestern Pennsylvania’s economy.” The full text of Casey’s letter can be seen below: Dear Director Donovan: As the Administration prepares the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget, I would like to request your support for the sand replenishment project at Presque Isle in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Presque Isle State Park, located on Lake Erie, draws over four million visitors annually for a variety of recreational activities and is the top attraction for the regional tourism economy. The Presque Isle State Park is also one of the most visited state parks in Pennsylvania.  Visitors spend nearly $77 million annually at Presque Isle and help to create over 1,000 jobs in the Erie region.  This project is crucial to the economy in northwestern Pennsylvania.  In this tough economic climate, we need to make targeted investments in projects that will help our economy grow, and investment in the Presque Isle project will help maintain this important economic boost to the region. The beaches at Presque Isle continually battle storm erosion and require annual sand replenishment to address this problem.  Without sufficient funding for annual sand nourishment the beach will be subject to continued erosion which could breach the Peninsula and damage the park’s infrastructure.  In the past, erosion has caused significant damage to beaches and hiking trails as well as ecosystems that support endangered species that reside in the park.  If unaddressed, the damage that erosion causes will threaten the region’s economy.  For these reasons, I respectfully request that you include Presque Isle in the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016.  In the past, this project has annually appeared in the President’s Budget.  Unfortunately, that has not been the case for the past few years.  I respectfully urge you to support by restoring funding for this important project for Fiscal 2016. In closing, let me take this opportunity to thank you for your consideration of this project.  Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-toomey-perry-announce-expansion-of-gettysburg-national-military-park-in-defense-bill-likely-to-pass-senate-and-become-law-this-week,"Casey, Toomey, Perry Announce Expansion of Gettysburg National Military Park in Defense Bill, Likely to Pass Senate and Become Law This Week",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has already passed the House and is likely to pass the Senate this week, contains language that would expand Gettysburg National Military Park by 45 acres and add the Lincoln Train Station. “This legislation will preserve an area of great national historical and cultural importance,” Senator Casey said. “Expanding this historical area will also contribute to the region’s economy as it continues to attract visitors from around the world who want to experience this significant time in American history.” ""The upcoming vote in the Senate to allow Gettysburg National Military Park to expand to include the historic train station and Plum Run should mark the culmination of a long bipartisan effort, said Senator Toomey.  “Gettysburg National Military Park is an important part of our nation's history and encourages tourism and growth in the area.  My thanks to Senator Casey and Congressman Perry for working with me on this important effort.” “The Battle of Gettysburg marks a turning point in American history,” said Representative Perry. “By preserving the Lincoln Train Station, I hope to inspire my fellow citizens to learn and appreciate the significance of the Gettysburg Campaign, the Gettysburg Address, the Civil War and the bravery of the soldiers who, in President Lincoln's words, ""gave the last full measure of devotion.” If the Senate and President Obama approve this as expected, I’ll be privileged that my first piece of legislation signed into law will be to help protect the Gettysburg Battlefield.” The language in the bill expands the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park to include 45 acres of land at the southern end of the battlefield where cavalry skirmishes occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. The land has environmental significance as home to wetlands and wildlife habitat related to the Plum Run stream that traverses the park. This 45-acre property is adjacent to current park land and was donated to the Gettysburg Foundation in April of 2009. The Foundation plans to donate the parcel to the park once it’s added to the park’s boundaries; therefore, no federal land acquisition funding is necessary to obtain this property. The Lincoln Train Station, located in downtown Gettysburg, was built in 1858 and is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The station served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg and was the departure point for thousands of soldiers who were wounded or killed in battle. The Lincoln Train Station is also the site at which President Abraham Lincoln arrived on November 18, 1863, one day before he delivered the Gettysburg Address at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. ### Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367 Steve Kelly (Toomey) 717-782-3951 Bob Reilly (Perry) 717- 600-1919",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/following-casey-effort-likely-to-pass-defense-and-appropriations-bills-delay-plan-that-would-have-moved-key-assets-like-apache-helicopters-away-from-pa-national-guard,Following Casey Effort: Likely to Pass Defense and Appropriations Bills Delay Plan that Would Have Moved Key Assets like Apache Helicopters Away from PA National Guard,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has already passed the House and is likely to pass the Senate this week, contains language that would protect military assets, like Apache helicopters, from being moved away from Pennsylvania National Guard Units. The omnibus appropriations act also prevents funds from being used to divest these important assets in 2015. At facilities like Ft. Indiantown Gap and the 104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion in Johnstown, PA Guard members play a crucial role in maintaining these assets and preparing them for use in the field. Moving these assets away from PA units could erode the role that the National Guard plays in the nation’s defense and endanger the future of these facilities.  Casey wrote a letter to Secretary Hagel on the issue and weighed in with key officials at the Defense Department. He also visited Ft. Indiantown Gap in October to speak with the Guard members who fly and maintain these helicopters. “The women and men of Pennsylvania’s National Guard have made incredible sacrifices on behalf of our nation and contributed to keeping our country safe,” Senator Casey said. “As we draw down in Afghanistan and consider the future shape of our Armed Forces, it’s important that the National Guard continue to play a significant role in our national defense. The Guard has proven over and over again that it is efficient and effective. More work remains to be done to preserve the PA National Guard’s air capabilities in the long run, and I’ll continue to press the Administration to maintain a robust role for the National Guard in our national defense and in responding to disasters here at home.” The full text of the letter can be seen below: Dear Secretary Hagel: We write to express our deep concern with the Department of the Army’s proposal to cut Army National Guard combat aviation assets and force structure.  While we are aware that the Army’s budget request for fiscal year 2015 is pre-decisional, every indication including public statements and briefings from Army leadership on Capitol Hill suggests the decision was made without meaningful consultation with the Army National Guard.  This shortsighted approach creates unnecessary risk to our national security at the expense of incredibly capable attack aviation assets in the Army National Guard. It has also come to our attention that the Guard has attempted to work with the Army on ways to implement necessary budget cuts by proposing alternatives that satisfy the Army National Guard’s proportional share of reductions required by the Budget Control Act.  Their proposal sustains Army National Guard aviation force structure and garners savings from other areas while assuming minimal readiness risk and sustaining much needed capacity for national defense and unforeseen contingencies.  As you know, the country has invested so much in the men and women of our National Guard to ensure that they are an augmentable, operational force.  We need to continue to organize, train, equip, and manage them in a manner commensurate with their invaluable role in national security.  To squander these investments would be an incredibly shortsighted mistake. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you work with the Army and the National Guard on a solution that fully takes into account national security needs as well as state domestic response obligations.  We are confident that a resolution can be reached.  However, in the absence of a reasonable solution, Congress will look for ways to ensure that the Total Army is balanced in ways that meet our nation's security interests, now and in the future, that take into account Total Army requirements, capabilities and costs.  In addition, because the Army’s current proposal to cut Guard attack aviation assets creates unnecessary and irreversible impact to our combat aviation force, we would also look to prevent all Army National Guard aviation force structure transfers and retirements until further review. Our country deserves the best Army we can afford to meet the nation’s most urgent threats – one that is smaller, expandable, interchangeable and experienced.  We believe the National Guard can be part of a cost effective security solution that retains affordable security for peacetime as well as the ability to respond to unforeseen, future contingencies. Thank you for your consideration of this request.  Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/in-meeting-with-key-administration-official-casey-presses-for-funding-for-delaware-deepening-project,"In Meeting with Key Administration Official, Casey Presses for Funding for Delaware Deepening Project",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has urged the Obama Administration to include adequate funding for the Delaware Deepening project in its upcoming Fiscal Year 2016 (FY2016) budget. During a meeting with Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy, Casey discussed the role the deepening the Delaware will play in job creation and economic growth in Southeastern Pennsylvania. “Deepening the Delaware will have a significant economic impact for the Port of Philadelphia and all of Southeastern Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “I had a productive conversation with Assistant Secretary Darcy and will continue to urge the Administration to adequately fund the Delaware Deepening project. Finishing this project will support 38,000 jobs and has the potential to create more. It will also make our city’s port and businesses competitive other ports throughout the country.”  The project will deepen the Delaware River channel from forty feet to forty-five feet in order to accommodate larger vessels. This will reduce shipping costs, make maritime transportation more efficient and make the channel safer and more reliable. Once the channel is deepened, there will be an estimated increase of 2.5 million tons of cargo to the Port of Philadelphia, having the potential to create more jobs. In addition, this project will provide the potential to create thousands of short-term jobs that aid an industry that has suffered significantly in this economic climate. According to an economic impact study by the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority the Delaware River currently supports over 38,000 jobs. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cartwright-davis-introduce-legislation-to-boost-stem-cut-red-tape,"Cartwright, Davis Introduce Legislation to Boost STEM, Cut Red Tape",2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congressmen Matt Cartwright (PA-17) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) introduced the bipartisan Innovate America Act.  As innovation continues to be a catalyzing force in the American economy, the need for a workforce that is able to adjust is greater.  This bill would help secure America’s standing in the global economy by boosting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, thus laying the groundwork for future innovation.  “The United States has fallen behind in its efforts to compete in an increasingly competitive global economy,” said Rep. Cartwright.  “This legislation not only devotes more resources into STEM fields, but also works to eliminate burdensome regulations, and provide our nation’s businesses with the workforce it needs to compete in today’s global economy.” ""The 13th District is home to several colleges and universities with quality STEM-focused programs that spur innovation and job creation,"" said Rep. Davis. ""The Innovate America Act builds upon these successful programs and extends STEM opportunities to high school students.  Additionally, this legislation comes full circle by cutting government impediments to small manufacturers so more jobs will be available to graduates."" Specifically, the Innovate America Act would: Improve STEM education by doubling the number of STEM-focused high schools; Promote computer science training and expanding research opportunities for undergraduates in STEM majors; Study the impact of STEM field retention programs for students; Establish a website for technology commercialization ideas; Establish a manufacturing assistance program aimed at assisting small and medium-sized businesses; Identify and call for removal of regulatory barriers for small and medium-sized manufacturers; Identify the regulatory barriers for top 20 exporting industries for the purpose of improving global competitiveness.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-cartwright-applauds-passage-of-new-measure-to-prevent-veteran,Rep. Cartwright Applauds Passage of New Measure to Prevent Veteran Suicides,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright applauded the unanimous House passage of bipartisan legislation to address the epidemic of suicide among our nation’s veterans.  “One veteran lost to suicide is one veteran too many,” said Rep. Cartwright.  “This bipartisan legislation provides our heroes the care and support they have earned and deserve to overcome mental health challenges, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder.  I was proud to support this legislation to ensure our nation stands behind our brave veterans with compassion and dedication every day.” Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day – more than 8,000 every year.  Of the more than 2 million Americans who have served in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is estimated that one-third, roughly 600,000 women and men, have traumatic brain injury, PTSD or depression.  Named in honor of an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran and noted suicide prevention advocate who took his own life on March 31, 2011, The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (H.R. 5059) is another step toward ensuring our nation’s veterans have the support they need by expanding access to and improving the effectiveness of mental health care for our veterans. The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act will establish a peer support and community outreach pilot program to assist transitioning servicemembers with accessing VA mental health care services.  To ease access to services, the bill will require the VA to create a one-stop, interactive website to serve as a centralized source of information regarding all mental health services for veterans.  A student loan repayment pilot program aimed at recruiting and retaining psychiatrists included in the legislation will help address the shortage of mental health care professionals.  To improve care, the legislation will require an annual, third-party evaluation of all mental health care and suicide prevention practices and programs at the VA to find out what’s working and what’s not.  The bill was introduced by Representative Tim Walz (D-MN), the highest ranking enlisted soldier ever to serve in Congress and co-authored by Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Committee Jeff Miller (R-FL) and Representative Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a Purple Heart recipient, Iraq War veteran, and member of the Army National Guard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-champions-great-lakes-restoration-initiative-act-house-floor,Rep. Kelly Champions Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act on House Floor,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WATCH HERE WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) – co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest (NEMW) Congressional Coalition – delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives today in support of H.R. 5764, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014, of which he is a co-sponsor. The bipartisan legislation was passed unanimously by the House this afternoon. Highlights of Rep. Kelly’s floor speech: “We all understand what it is that makes the Great Lakes great, and I think that’s the whole point of what we’re talking about: this is a gift from God.” “If you could just close your eyes for one minute and visualize in your mind’s eye the continental United States, the landmass, the volume of freshwater contained in our Great Lakes would cover that landmass by 9 ½ to 10 feet! It is an incredible amount of water. But more importantly, it is an incredible gift from God. We have to protect this area. Why would we not? The statistics that we talk about are overwhelming.” “We thank a lot of people for being involved with this, but you know who I want to thank more than anybody else? It’s the hardworking American taxpayers. By our Constitution, we are granted the authority to tax them, but we are also given the responsibility to spend their money the right way.” “One-fifth of the world’s freshwater – not one-fifth of Pennsylvania’s, not one-fifth of the United States’, not one-fifth of North America’s – but one-fifth of the world’s freshwater resides in the Great Lakes.” “We have an opportunity to do something that just makes sense to each and every one of us. We can get this done. And if I may, just for a minute, to paraphrase Luke 12:48: ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that this is not an option. This is a moral obligation, on behalf of the people of this great country, to look at one of the assets that we have, a gift from God, and make sure that we preserve it for future generations.” NOTE: The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014 (H.R. 5764) amends the Clean Water Act to authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for Fiscal Years 2015 – 2019. The GLRI was an inter-agency program launched by President Obama in 2009 to implement a regional collaboration strategy developed in 2005 through a process established by an executive order from then-President George W. Bush in 2004. The GLRI had not previously received congressional authorization. Without increasing federal spending, this bill would authorize the GLRI at $300 million (the amount already appropriated over the past four fiscal years) each year for the next five years. With the help of GLRI, Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania was removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of Areas of Concern in 2013. Additionally, the GLRI has been instrumental in keeping Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes and threatening its world class fisheries.     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=28E55357-F663-408B-A5F0-BB6393BAA76F,Dent Disappointed by Release of CIA Interrogation Techniques Report,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) made the following statement in response to the release of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s report on the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) interrogation techniques by Chairman Dianne Feinstein (CA) earlier today. “Releasing this report at this time is not in America’s best interests,” Dent said. “This report is incendiary and its release will put American lives overseas at risk. Currently, U.S.-led forces are engaging ISIS forces. The release of the report could provide ISIS and other extremists groups an additional pretext to increase their gruesome practices that have included beheadings,” concluded Dent. Previously, Dent sent a letter to Chairman Feinstein asking her to withhold releasing the report. CONTACT: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/renaming-the-philadelphia-va,Renaming the Philadelphia VA,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 9, 2014 Renaming the Philadelphia VA by Bob Casey I am pleased to see that both the Senate and House have approved legislation to rename the Philadelphia VA Medical Center after Corporal Michael J. Crescenz.  As an original co-sponsor of this legislation in the Senate, I am proud to see that Corporal Crescenz courageous actions are being appropriately honored as Philadelphia’s only Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War. Re-naming of the Philadelphia VA Medical Center is a tribute to the heroism of Corporal Michael Crescenz, as well as servicemembers across the country and throughout our history who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep American's safe. As this dedication now moves to the President’s desk for his signature, it will serve as a reminder of the debt of gratitude we all owe to these brave men and women. His full Medal of Honor citation is available here. Tags: Crescenz,  Philadelphia VA Medical Center,  Veterans",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/following-casey-effort-defense-bill-contains-language-emphasizing-importance-of-counterdrug-centers,"Following Casey Effort, Defense Bill Contains Language Emphasizing Importance of Counterdrug Centers",2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Following a major effort by Senator Casey, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has already passed the House and is likely to pass the Senate this week, contains report language that emphasizes the importance of National Counterdrug Centers. Casey has led the Senate efforts to protect counterdrug centers. The Northeast Counterdrug Center in Fort Indiantown Gap has played a critical role in helping law enforcement across the state in combatting drug trafficking. “I’m pleased that the defense bill contains language that will recognize the important role counterdrug centers play in protecting communities from drug trafficking and aiding law enforcement,” Senator Casey said. “Earlier this year I visited the Northeast Counterdrug Center in Fort Indiantown Gap and saw firsthand the critical need for these resources. More work needs to be done to ensure the Defense Department identifies a stable funding solution for these Centers that maximizes their ability to train military and law enforcement officers.”   The bill states, “We note the role of the National Guard Counter-drug mission in ensuring the security of the U.S. Homeland. As part of that mission, the National Guard Counter-drug Schools continue to play an important role in training and educating local, state, and federal law enforcement and other entities on counter-drug-related matters. We recognize the benefits of maintaining and supporting the National Guard counterdrug strategy.” The full text of both of Casey’s letters on counterdrug centers is below: Dear Colleague: We invite you to sign on to the following letter regarding the National Guard’s Counterdrug Training Centers.  The five centers, located across the country, train both military personnel and local law enforcement, and improve interagency cooperation in the fight against narco-trafficking.  Strong Congressional support is critical to ensuring that these Centers remain appropriately funded so that they can continue to provide essential training and support.  For the past several years, the President’s Budget has consistently reduced funding for these centers.  Each year, through the NDAA and appropriations processes, Congress has emphasized its support for the National Guard’s Counterdrug program and the Centers.  A relatively modest investment in the Centers pays dividends for bolstering law enforcement capacity to detect, interdict, disrupt, and curtail the flow of illicit drugs in the United States. For additional information about this issue or to sign onto the letter, please contact our office. Sincerely, Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. Senator Charles E. Grassley Senator Tom Harkin Dear Secretary Hagel: We write today as strong supporters of the five Counterdrug Training Centers located throughout the United States that are funded through the National Guard Bureau’s (NGB) Counterdrug Program. Authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 1991, Counterdrug Training Centers provide counter-narcotics training to local law enforcement officials that have subsequently helped combat the flow of narcotics into and throughout the United States. To date, the National Guard Training Centers have provided counterdrug training to over 680,923 law enforcement officials. Without these training centers, law enforcement officers would be unable to obtain this valuable training, drastically reducing the United States Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) ability to combat narco-terrorism, and diminish the support they provide to other combatant commanders. To help facilitate the specialized course requirements, the training centers rely on military and civilian subject matter experts to instruct the courses formulated by DOD and NGB. Courses such as Advanced Undercover Operations, Advanced High Risk Warrant Planning and Execution, and Advanced Narcotics Investigations would not be possible, or worse, a waste of time without these subject matter experts. We were disheartened to learn that there are some within OSD who do not view the training of local law enforcement officers as a core mission to homeland defense, and that the use of subject matter experts from the law enforcement community should be discontinued. We were also alarmed to learn that for the first time since the early 90’s, funding for these centers was not requested in the President’s FY15 budget. Congress has continually expressed its support, verbally and through report language, for DOD to continue this mission. We respectfully request that the Department of Defense reinforce its view that training law enforcement officials is a core tenet of homeland defense, and reverse the call to phase-out the hiring of subject matter experts to teach counterdrug courses. We also request that DOD make available the funding that was provided in the FY14 Omnibus Appropriations Act for the Counterdrug Training Centers in a timely manner. Thank you for your service and please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance to you. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator Chuck Grassley United States Senator Tom Harkin United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/house-votes-name-pittsburgh-federal-courthouse-after-judge-joseph-f-weis-jr,House Votes to Name Pittsburgh Federal Courthouse After Judge Joseph F. Weis,2014-12-08,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) announced that this afternoon the House of Representatives passed legislation he introduced to name the federal courthouse in Pittsburgh after Judge Joseph F. Weis Jr., who passed away in March.   “Throughout his 91 years of life, Joseph F. Weis Jr served our country with humility, integrity, and an unfailing sense of duty,” Congressman Doyle said this afternoon on the House Floor prior to the vote.    “He enlisted in the Army shortly after Pearl Harbor,” Congressman Doyle noted in recognizing Weis’s exemplary military service. “He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster after sustaining multiple injuries in combat over the course of his service.”    “After becoming a respected trial lawyer, he was elected to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in 1968,” Congressman Doyle observed. “As a judge, he quickly developed a reputation for patience and hard work. He always strove to improve our judicial system, advocating for innovative courtroom technologies and enforcement of judicial ethics. Two years later, Judge Weis was appointed to the federal bench, and in 1973, he was appointed to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, one step below the Supreme Court. He served on the Court for the next 40 years, retiring just last year when he was 90. He was recognized for his outstanding service on the bench with the Devitt Award, the highest honor given to federal judges.”    “Joseph F. Weis, Jr.’s life is a model all public servants should aspire to emulate,” Representative Doyle concluded. “Naming this federal court house in his honor is a fitting way to recognize his long, faithful and extremely capable service to our country, to inspire trust in the federal justice system - which he served for so long with great integrity - and provide future generations with an outstanding example of a great public servant.”   This legislation, H.R. 5146, was approved by the House by voice vote. It must now be considered by the Senate.     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly%E2%80%99s-message-economic-opportunity-featured-comcast-newsmakers,Rep. Kellys Message of Economic Opportunity Featured by Comcast Newsmakers,2014-12-08,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kelly: “The opportunities for Americans now have never been greater, but we need to have a fix on the future” WATCH HERE WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) – a member of the House Ways and Means Committee – was recently featured as a “National Newsmaker” by Comcast Newsmakers, a national news program produced by NBC Universal and distributed via Comcast’s XFINITY On Demand service, as well as its social media and online platforms. The interview was conducted on December 3, 2014, and was based on Rep. Kelly’s unique assessment of the United States as “the world’s next great emerging economy.” Rep. Kelly explains his optimism regarding America’s economic future: “I know what the popular narrative is, but I also know what the truth is. And when you look at who we are and the gifts that we have been given — we are awash in so many natural resources that the rest of world covets.” “One fifth of the world’s fresh water, potable water, is right here in the United States — not just Pennsylvania’s [fresh water], but one fifth of the world’s fresh water.  We have potable water, we have tillable soil; we produce more [food] per acre than anybody else in the world.” ""We talk about energy opportunities … we have an abundance of oil, of coal, of natural gas, and we can extract these very safely, bring them to the surface where they really help us drive an economy that is limitless right now.” Rep. Kelly on how America can realize its economic potential: “We do need pro-growth tax reform. There is no one else out there that thinks what we are doing right now [regarding our tax code] makes sense. … I would just suggest to you that we reform taxes and we make it a pro-growth tax reform.” “When we look at regulations right now — well-intended when they came out, [they] now have become almost to the point of being overbearing and are not allowing us to become who we need to become.” “We have people here that are the most productive people the world has ever seen. We have the opportunity to educate people for the jobs that are available. People from all over the world come to America. Why do they come to America? They come to our educational institutions because we offer the best product. A lot of them want to stay and they want to help. We need to look at how we address that; we’ve got to grow from the inside out. We’ve got to make our people stronger, and our people need to believe again of who we are and what we are.” Rep. Kelly on the future of political partisanship and participation: “I came out of the private sector; I’ve only been here [in Washington] four years. … I’m an automobile dealer, who grew up being able to reach out across the desk and make agreements with people on a transportation need they had.” “I want you to think about this: every single person that serves in this country – I don’t care if it is your local school board, your towns, your states, whatever – they are all elected people. What we need to do is to look at the tremendous amount of potential we have locally; ask those people to step forward and serve. They’re all elected; they just don’t go in and sit down.” “The opportunities for Americans now have never been greater, but we need to have a fix on the future and say, ‘This is where we can go.’”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-kicks-off-hour-of-code-at-easton-area-high-school-pushes-for-passage-of-computer-science-jobs-act,"Casey Kicks Off ‘Hour of Code’ at Easton Area High School, Pushes for Passage of Computer Science Jobs Act",2014-12-08,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Easton PA- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) kicked off an ‘hour of code’ at Easton Area High School and pushed for passage of his bipartisan Computer Science Jobs and Education Act. Students learned how to code and Casey, joined by the school’s educators, discussed the need to put a greater emphasis on computer science education in schools so Pennsylvania students can compete for future jobs. “Putting more emphasis on computer science in the classrooms will help students compete for the next generation of jobs.” Senator Casey said. “I’m hopeful that in the coming year Congress will move forward on this bipartisan legislation so that learning how to code isn’t a once a year event but a consistent part of what students do throughout the year.” Computer Science Jobs and Education Act The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that in the year 2020, there will be 9.2 million jobs in the STEM fields.  Of those jobs, half will be in computing and information technology.  That’s 4.6 million jobs—lucrative, important and exciting jobs—waiting for those who choose to study computer science. Despite the economy’s reliance on computer science and the associated need to teach it, only 14 states count it toward a student’s high school graduation requirements. In 2012, just fewer than 3,000 of the country’s 40,000 high schools offered the AP Computer Science exam. Teacher certification processes for computer science teachers are broken or nonexistent, making it difficult to establish and nurture computer science preparation programs or attract computer science talent to a profession that seemingly doesn’t value computer science expertise. Without creating any new programs or requiring any new spending, the Computer Science Education Act would clarify that existing and currently funded federal programs should support the teaching and learning of a discipline that offers limitless opportunities to those who study it and support local and state educators who want to put computer science curriculum and teachers in more of the country’s schools. The legislation would: Amend the definition of “core academic subjects” in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to add computer science, and define computer science. Expand the Advanced Placement Incentive Program to include the Advanced Placement computer science class and test. Amend state plan provisions so that states consider computer science when developing their Title I state improvement plans. Clarify that computer science educators are covered by ESEA’s Math Science Partnerships. Support stronger computer science teacher preparation programs. Modify the Noyce Teacher Fellowship program to explicitly include computer science teachers. The bill is endorsed by code.org and Computing in the Core, whose members include: Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, Association for Computing Machinery, College Board, Computer Science Teachers Association, Computing Research Association, Google, IEEE Computer Society, Microsoft, National Center for Women and Information Technology, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Science Teachers Association, Oracle and SAS. Casey first introduced the bill with Senator Rubio (R-FL) in July 2013. It currently has 5 additional cosponsors including Senators Booker, Feinstein, Murray, Schumer, and Warner. More information on the ‘hour of code’ can be found here: http://hourofcode.com/us# ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1448,"Senators Casey, Toomey Announce Confirmation of Joseph Leeson to PA Eastern District Court",2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) praised the Senate's confirmation of Joseph Leeson as a federal judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Leeson was nominated by President Obama in June. ""I am pleased that the Senate has come together in a bipartisan fashion to confirm Joseph Leeson to the federal bench,"" said Senator Casey. ""Jay Leeson is an outstanding lawyer with extensive experience and an excellent record. In addition to having a highly respected career in the practice of law, he has also demonstrated an abiding commitment to public service. I'm confident he will serve the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with distinction."" ""I am thrilled that Jay Leeson will soon join Judge James Knoll Gardner in Allentown as a district court judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,"" said Senator Toomey. ""For the first time, the Allentown courthouse will have two sitting federal district court judges. This is a great day for the city, and I am confident that Mr. Leeson will excel on the federal bench. I will continue working with Senator Casey to recommend well-qualified judges to serve the people of Pennsylvania."" In the last three and a half years, Senators Casey and Toomey have worked together, in a bipartisan fashion, to recommend to the President accomplished jurists of high ability and integrity to preside in the federal courts of Pennsylvania. With Mr. Leeson, they have now confirmed 14 Pennsylvania district court judges to the federal bench. Joseph Leeson Joseph Leeson has been a partner at Leeson & Leeson in Bethlehem since 1980. He was the Bethlehem City Solicitor from 1998 to 2004 and he served as a member of the Bethlehem City Council from 2004 to 2010. Born in Allentown, Mr. Leeson received his undergraduate degree from DeSales University and his law degree from Catholic University School of Law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/article/the-woes-of-working-women,The Woes of Working Women,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By:  Gail Collins Friday, December 5, 2014 Today, let’s take a look at the Little Bill That Couldn’t. Say hello to the Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act. It’s sort of shy, but if you look over there behind the ottoman, you may see it peeking out. The bill would require employers to make “reasonable accommodations” for workers who become pregnant. You may be stunned to hear that this does not always happen now in the American workplace. Consider Heather Myers, a floor worker in the infant department at a Walmart in Kansas whose obstetrician told her to drink liquids. She was then fired for bringing a water bottle to work. This week, the Supreme Court heard the case of Peggy Young, a United Parcel Service driver who was put on an unpaid disability leave after her doctor told her she should avoid lifting bundles that weighed more than 20 pounds. That was not much of a problem, since Peggy mainly spent her days delivering envelopes. And we know that UPS had the capacity to make reasonable accommodations because it has changed its policy and now makes ... reasonable accommodations. Young’s case is getting support from both sides of the great, gaping abortion divide. On the day of her hearing, everybody was united behind working women who wanted to have children. “I think we’re always looking for common ground, and when we can agree — it’s magic,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser of the anti-abortion Susan B. Anthony List. (Hear that, little bill? Come on out. Everybody’s on your side. We’ll take a selfie!) This high-minded rapprochement, alas, has not made its way into the halls of Congress. Thirty-three senators have signed onto the Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act, and 142 members of the House. They’re all Democrats. “This bill has a lot of support, but it’s not yet bipartisan. That’s the problem,” said Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, the lead sponsor in the Senate. For sure, given that the next session of Congress is going to be entirely run by Republicans. The lead House sponsor, Jerrold Nadler of New York, says he’s hoping some of the anti-abortion groups who have signed onto Peggy Young’s case will start pressing their congressional allies to come around on a bill that would solve the Peggy Young problem. But, so far, there doesn’t seem to be much progress. The Susan B. Anthony List hasn’t taken a position on the matter. “We have one bill and that’s our priority and that’s kind of the way it works,” said Dannenfelser. This would be the ban on abortions beyond the first 20 weeks of a pregnancy. Nadler, listing what progress there has been, mentioned getting the bill included as “part of the Democratic women’s agenda — although it wasn’t mentioned all the time. To my annoyance.” O.K., not looking good for the Pregnant Workers. Damned bill’s crawled under the couch. Emily Martin, vice president of the National Women’s Law Center, has been lobbying for the bill, and she says she’s had meetings with Republican lawmakers that were “very positive,” in a no-action kind of way. “It’s been hard to get somebody to take the leap to be the first Republican,” she said. This is the way politics goes. Nobody’s making you do it, so you don’t. Anyway, businesses probably wouldn’t like it. (The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce is listed as a supporter. This is not to be confused with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which hasn’t taken a position. “You’ll find that on the majority of issues, we’re on the opposite side of the table,” said Margot Dorfman, who leads the women’s group.) What we have here is a bill that’s been kicking around for more than a year, during which time a multitude of Democrats have signed on without making any superhuman efforts to win over their Republican colleagues. The Republicans, who have been complaining mightily about being branded anti-women during the election season, have been making quiet murmurs of agreement but don’t want to go out of their way to promote something the Democrats started. And here we are, in a country where more than two-thirds of mothers work, most of them full time. We have interesting debates about whether young mothers should opt out of the workplace, ignoring that most of them have no option whatsoever on the opting question. Our institutions cheerfully refuse to restructure themselves to reflect the fact that most families do not contain a non-working parent. Congress has been debating early education programs for more than 40 years and it has hardly made a dent. A great many of our employers don’t bother to make jobs more family-friendly; they don’t even bother to make modest arrangements to accommodate their pregnant workers. Everybody thinks this is extremely unfortunate, but almost nobody does anything about it because there is not a lot of political or financial reward for siding with working mothers. O.K., rant is over. Sorry, I think I scared the little bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-pushes-for-passage-of-able-act-next-week-so-families-who-have-a-child-with-a-disability-can-better-pay-for-their-long-term-care,Casey Pushes for Passage of ABLE Act Next Week So Families Who Have a Child with a Disability Can Better Pay for Their Long Term Care,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Philadelphia, PA – Following a bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Senate to take up and pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act that will allow families who have a child with a disability to save for their long-term care through 529-style savings accounts. Casey was joined by Philly-area advocates and one of the nation’s leading advocates for the ABLE Act – Scranton native Sara Wolff. Casey has led the Senate effort on the bill that now has 77 Senate cosponsors and stands on the brink of passage. The bill, which has been called “the broadest legislation to help the disabled in nearly a quarter-century,” could be taken up by the Senate in the coming days. “The House’s overwhelming vote in favor of the ABLE Act was a major step forward that I believe will propel the bill to pass the Senate this week,” Senator Casey said. “This legislation will help countless families save for the long term care of their loved ones with disabilities.” The legislation would amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code to allow use of tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. The bill, first introduced in 2006, would ease financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by making tax-free savings accounts available to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, medical, and transportation. The bill would supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the Medicaid program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-the-nomination-of-dr-ashton-carter-as-secretary-of-defense,Casey Statement on the Nomination of Dr. Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the National Security Working group and former Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, released the following statement on President Obama’s nomination of Dr. Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense. “I welcome the President's nomination of Dr. Ash Carter, a Philadelphia area native, as the next Secretary of Defense. Having served in the Department of Defense in multiple administrations, he knows firsthand the challenges facing our nation and the Department. I particularly appreciate his strong commitment to our men and women in uniform, and their families.  He is well qualified for this role. This is a critical time for our national security: the threat of ISIS in the Middle East, Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability, the brutality of the Assad regime in Syria, Russian aggression in its neighborhood, the transition in Afghanistan.  I look forward to talking with Dr. Carter during his confirmation process and hearing his plans for tackling these challenges while ensuring our servicemembers have the resources they need to complete their missions and return home safely. I also plan to ask Dr. Carter about how we can better support servicemembers transitioning out of combat roles and into civilian life.” ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/congressman-marino-appointed-key-chairmanship-house-judiciary-subcommittee,Congressman Marino Appointed to Key Chairmanship of House Judiciary Subcommittee,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County was named Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law by Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA-06) to fill the leadership position vacated by retiring Chairman Spencer Bachus (R-AL-06). Marino’s service to the subcommittee will begin at the commencement of the 114th Congress in January 2015. The Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law consists of 10 members, representing both parties, and has jurisdiction over, “bankruptcy and commercial law, bankruptcy judgeships, administrative law, independent counsel, state taxation affecting interstate commerce, interstate compacts, antitrust matters, other appropriate matters as referred by the Chairman, and relevant oversight.” Representative Marino issued the following statement regarding his appointment to this important leadership position: “I am deeply appreciative of Chairman Goodlatte and honored to serve the Judiciary Committee in this capacity. Under his leadership I have grown to better appreciate just how important this committee is in addressing some of the most pressing issues our nation is facing right now. We have excellent membership on the committee with some of the most dedicated and talented representatives in Congress. I am very excited to continue to work with them in the 114th. The Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law is a vital component of the Judiciary Committee’s legislative agenda. The legislation coming out of this committee has broad implications for the entire nation and especially within my District. This is where my RAPID Act legislation, which passed the House, came from and while it unfortunately remains on Harry Reid’s desk with no action, we will get it moving again because excess and abuse of federal regulation has stifled our economy for too long. Farmers, small business owners, energy producers, community banks and emerging technology industries all suffer from duplicative or onerous regulation. Reforms are needed. In the coming year my colleagues and I will work diligently and maintain our determination to ensure the legislation coming out of our subcommittee will benefit every American and streamline an overly invasive regulatory structure.” Judiciary Chairman Goodlatte said the following of Marino’s appointment: “I am extremely pleased that Tom has agreed to serve as the Chairman of the Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law subcommittee. This important subcommittee has broad jurisdiction over legal and regulatory reform and competition and anti-trust laws. As the lead sponsor of the RAPID Act, which opens opportunities for Americans to find work while building our nation’s infrastructure for the future, Tom has proven himself as a leader who will play an important role in helping to advance the Judiciary Committee’s pro-growth agenda."" ### Background: On January 14th, 2015, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Bob Goodlatte, released his priorities and agenda for the Committee during the 114th Congress. This agenda includes many priorities which will originate in Marino's Subcommittee. Read more here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=646,Shuster Continues Fight to Protect Letterkenny Army Depot,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Bill Shuster,S001154,shuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015 earlier today. Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) served as a conferee in the House and Senate negotiations and is a senior member on House Armed Services, the committee responsible for the annual legislation that authorizes funding for the Department of Defense. During the May NDAA markup in the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), Congressman Shuster fought hard to ensure that no Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) language was included in the bill, protecting military instillations like Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) in Franklin County from draconian cuts to services for our military. Shuster, who is a senior member of HASC continued his fight to keep BRAC out of NDAA throughout the year, and worked with local entities such as Team Letterkenny, Letterkenny leadership, and union leadership, to ensure the final legislation passed today would be good for Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and all of America. “Protecting Letterkenny will always be a top priority of mine every year when negotiating this legislation,” said Congressman Shuster. “This is another step forward in preventing cuts to the depot, but I am continuing to work closely with Franklin County community leaders, Letterkenny employees and leadership to develop a strategy if BRAC were to move forward in the future.” The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 15 is the fifty-third consecutive NDAA. An earlier version was passed in the House in May, but a conference committee was required to negotiate differences between the House and Senate versions and produce a final version to be moved through both chambers. As one of the lead negotiators in the House, Congressman Shuster was a key negotiator in the process of crafting this legislation. The FY15 NDAA authorizes $521.3 billion in spending dedicated to national defense, with an additional $63.7 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations. Congressman Shuster has been committed to making fiscally responsible changes to our military to make it a more cost effective fighting force. In part due to Congressman Shuster’s leadership, the FY 15 NDAA authorizes $48 billion less than last year’s version. “The men and women that make up our armed forces are the best in the world, and it is imperative that they have the necessary equipment and resources to protect our nation,” continued Shuster. “Recent events such as ISIL’s barbaric actions in the Middle East make clear that now is not the time to reduce our military’s role on a world stage. This fiscally responsible defense authorization makes certain that we continue to stand ready to face all threats from enemies to the United States.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-votes-oppose-pay-and-benefit-cuts-active-duty-servicemembers,Thompson Votes to Oppose Pay and Benefit Cuts to Active Duty Servicemembers,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) today voted to oppose H.R. 5759, the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation passed the House by a vote of 300-119. ""Reducing pay and benefits for our active duty soldiers and their families, without instituting broader reforms to reduce waste, fraud and abuse is not something I can support.  Men and women in the armed forces put their lives on the line for this country and should not be used as an offset for Washington’s budgetary shortfalls,” said Rep. Thompson.    H.R. 5759 reduces pay and benefits for servicemembers and their families, including reductions in pay for Active Duty soldiers, reductions in the basic allowance for housing (BAH), and increased pharmacy fees and copays. ""On top of reductions in pay and benefit cuts, critical mental health provisions that previously passed the House with bipartisan support were not included in the final legislation. Congress missed an opportunity to fix the way the military identifies and addresses behavioral health conditions among incoming recruits and our soldiers; this is unacceptable,” Thompson stated. The Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers (MEPS) Act, which passed in May 2014 as part of the House's version of the 2015 NDAA and has been endorsed by over 40 military, veteran, and mental health advocacy groups, would institute a preliminary mental health assessment for all incoming military recruits. The MEPS Act provisions were removed from the final House-Senate NDAA agreement (H.R. 5759). “These provisions would have offered our military another tool to improve suicide prevention, and perhaps even prevent future mass shootings, such as the one that took place at the Washington Navy Yard in September 2013,” Thompson added.   “The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is disappointed to hear the MEPS Act will be removed once again from the NDAA,” stated Mr. Raymond Kelley, VFW’s National Legislative Director, a supporting organization of the MEPS Act. “We will continue to work with Congressman Thompson to pass this much needed provision.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1445,Toomey's Bill to Rename Philly VA Medical Center for Medal of Honor Recipient Clears Senate,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Woodland Avenue Veterans Affairs Medical Center is one step closer to being renamed after Corporal Michael J. Crescenz, Philadelphia's only Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War era. At the beginning of this Congress, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced a bipartisan bill to change the name of the Woodland Avenue center. The bill cleared the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee last July and passed the Senate unanimously tonight. Corporal Crescenz was awarded the nation's highest military honor for his actions on Nov. 20, 1968, in Vietnam's Hiep Duc Valley. His Medal of Honor citation states that Corporal Crescenz gave his life when he, ""left the relative safety of his own position, seized a nearby machine gun and, with complete disregard for his safety, charged 100 meters up a slope toward the enemy's bunkers which he effectively silenced . . . As a direct result of his heroic actions, his company was able to maneuver freely with minimal danger and to complete its mission, defeating the enemy."" His full Medal of Honor citation is available here. ""The name of Philly's own 'Michael Crescenz' deserves to be above the door at the Woodlawn Avenue Medical Center,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""It is great news that the Senate agrees with me that Corporal Crescenz should be remembered in this way. I realize this is a small gesture on our part, given the nature of his great actions. We do this with profound respect and deepest gratitude for his sacrifice. May the renaming of this building serve as an ever-present reminder of the sacrifices of all of Pennsylvania's Vietnam veterans."" Corporal Crescenz's brothers in arms and other veterans advocates praised the effort. ""I was with Michael when he gave his life for his comrades, for me and for his country. I am grateful that he will not be forgotten. Michael will always have a place in my mind and my heart. God bless America,"" said Bill Stafford, USA. Ret. ""In December of 2010, while placing wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery, I asked Michael's younger brother, Joe Crescenz, if I could have his family's permission to pursue having the VAMC Philadelphia renamed in honor of Michael. All people will know of Philadelphia's American hero, Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz and his Medal of Honor. Let us all say to Mike, 'Welcome home, brother,"" said Francis Tacey, Vietnam Class of 1967 - 1968, and DAV Lifetime Member. ""After over 40 years, it is high time Philadelphia honors this intrepid American hero who gave his life for his country. Corporal Michael Crescenz deserves at least a hospital named after him to honor that sacrifice and the extraordinary gallantry that went with it,"" said David Kamioner: Director of Communications and Development, The Veterans Group, US Army 1980-1990. ""I think it is only appropriate and fitting that Philadelphia's Veterans Affairs facility is re-named in honor of Corporal Michael Crescenz, a Philadelphia native and Medal of Honor recipient. It will be a permanent reminder of, and well-deserved memorial to, a true American hero and dedicated soldier who unselfishly made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live."" said Joe Eastman: United States Navy (Retired) and Member, City of Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1447,Senator Toomey Works to Help Returning Vets Transition to Civilian Life,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is working to enable state and county veterans affairs officials to more effectively reach out to and assist separating service members who will reside in their states and counties. The legislation was first suggested by Berks County Veterans Service Officer Dale Derr. Sen. Toomey succeeded in adding an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives today. The measure would require the Defense Department to provide the contact information for separating service members to state veterans affairs departments so they, and county veterans service offices, can reach out to separating and newly discharged service members as early as possible during their transition to civilian life. The amendment contains the text of Senator Toomey's Service Members Transition Improvement Act of 2014. ""We must make sure that veterans returning to civilian life will get the assistance they need to access the benefits they have earned,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""Too often our new and old military veterans comment that they didn't know there were services available to them at county and state government agencies. Senator Toomey's bill would help to establish a more positive veteran-to-government contact early for the new veterans, which will have a lasting effect on the health and care for each veteran. His proposed improved link up with county and state services during transition from the military is an outstanding response to the public's request for better and more appropriate ways to honor the military service of our citizens,"" said Dale Derr, Director of the Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs. ""Sen. Toomey's legislation will provide us with the latest information on the separating and transitioning veterans. Currently, we receive the information on the Department of Defense Form 214. This information may be outdated. To provide the fastest and most effective service we need the present contact information. I thank Sen. Toomey for introducing this legislation as it will immensely help the new veterans and their families,"" said Dr. Tom Splitgerber, former President of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=90C440EA-15F2-4A64-914D-89936490A021,Dents Votes to Prevent President Obamas Executive Overreach on Immigration,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) voted in favor of H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act.  This language specifically prohibits President Obama from shielding those people who are in the United States illegally from removal proceedings. It is retroactive to November 20th, the date that President Obama issued his Executive Order.   “President Obama's decision to take unilateral action on the issue of immigration is unnecessarily provocative and inflammatory,” Dent said.  “The President’s Executive Order flies in the face of the notion of the separation of powers and disregards the will of the American people on the vital issue of immigration reform,” added Dent. H.R. 5759 passed the House by a vote of 219 to 197.   “Our immigration system is broken,” said Dent. “However, the necessary corrections need to be arrived at democratically, not by one individual’s fiat.  The mere fact that it is taking time to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement shows how contentious this issue is and how important it is to arrive at the right answer. The amount of time involved, or the fact that the Senate passed a bill and the House has not, does not excuse the President’s overreach,” Dent concluded. CONTACT:  Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/senators-casey-toomey-announce-confirmation-of-joseph-leeson-to-pa-eastern-district-court,"Senators Casey, Toomey Announce Confirmation of Joseph Leeson to PA Eastern District Court",2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC –Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) praised the Senate's confirmation of Joseph Leeson as a federal judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  Mr. Leeson was nominated by President Obama in June. “I am pleased that the Senate has come together in a bipartisan fashion to confirm Joseph Leeson to the federal bench,” said Senator Casey. “Jay Leeson is an outstanding lawyer with extensive experience and an excellent record. In addition to having a highly respected career in the practice of law, he has also demonstrated an abiding commitment to public service. I’m confident he will serve the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with distinction.” ""I am thrilled that Jay Leeson will soon join Judge James Knoll Gardner in Allentown as a district court judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,"" said Senator Toomey. ""For the first time, the Allentown courthouse will have two sitting federal district court judges. This is a great day for the city, and I am confident that Mr. Leeson will excel on the federal bench. I will continue working with Senator Casey to recommend well-qualified judges to serve the people of Pennsylvania."" In the last three and a half years, Senators Casey and Toomey have worked together, in a bipartisan fashion, to recommend to the President accomplished jurists of high ability and integrity to preside in the federal courts of Pennsylvania.  With Mr. Leeson, they have now confirmed 14 Pennsylvania district court judges to the federal bench.  Joseph Leeson Joseph Leeson has been a partner at Leeson & Leeson in Bethlehem since 1980.  He was the Bethlehem City Solicitor from 1998 to 2004 and he served as a member of the Bethlehem City Council from 2004 to 2010.  Born in Allentown, Mr. Leeson received his undergraduate degree from DeSales University and his law degree from Catholic University School of Law.  ### Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367 Steve Kelly (Toomey) 717-782-3951",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-bill-removes-incentive-to-hire-amnesty-recipients-protects-us,"Barletta Bill Removes Incentive to Hire Amnesty Recipients, Protects U.S. Jobs",2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today highlighted his own legislation as a mechanism to remove a $3,000 per job incentive created by President Obama for employers to hire amnesty recipients over legal American workers.  The Affordable Care Act and Obama’s recently announced amnesty program for illegal immigrants combine to make it financially more attractive for businesses to choose illegal immigrants when making hiring decisions.  Barletta’s bill, the Defense of Legal Workers Act (H.R. 5761), removes the incentive by clarifying that illegal immigrants granted amnesty by executive action cannot be issued work permits.    “When it comes to illegal immigration, the conversation is always focused on how to help the illegal immigrants, who have broken our laws,” Barletta said.  “No one ever wants to talk about how granting them amnesty will affect legal American workers.  It’s about time someone stood up for the millions of people who are looking for work, but who will now find millions of new competitors for jobs that are already scarce.”   Obamacare, Amnesty Threaten American Jobs   Barletta introduced the Defense of Legal Workers Act in advance of the president’s announcement of his amnesty program, which includes handing out work permits to as many as five million illegal immigrants.  Under Obamacare, businesses with fifty or more employees must provide health insurance or pay a $3,000 for each worker not insured.  However, under President Obama’s recent executive action on illegal immigration, those receiving amnesty will not be eligible for Obamacare.  The result is a strong, $3,000 per job incentive to hire amnesty recipients rather than workers who were already legally present in the United States.  Barletta’s legislation would remove that enticement by preventing work permits from being issued to amnesty recipients.         “Nearly twenty million Americans woke up this morning either unemployed or underemployed,” Barletta said.  “And now we find out that the toxic combination of amnesty and Obamacare will actually drive businesses away from hiring Americans.  What’s worse is that employers will now have financial incentive to replace existing workers with illegal immigrants who have received amnesty.  What I can’t figure out is if that’s an unintended consequence or a planned feature of the president’s policies.”     Click here or on images for video of Barletta Q&A with Sec. Johnson   In a hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee Tuesday, Barletta asked Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson about the $3,000 per job incentive to hire amnesty recipients.  Johnson’s answer was brief and unsatisfactory:   Rep. Barletta: Mr. Secretary, is it true that the illegal immigrants who are granted amnesty will not need to comply with the Affordable Care Act?   Secretary Johnson: Those who are candidates for and are accepted into the Deferred Action program will not be eligible for comprehensive health care.   Rep. Barletta: So, therefore an employer may have a decision to make: do I keep the American worker and provide health insurance or pay a $3,000 fine, or do I get rid of the American worker and hire someone who I do not have to provide health insurance and I won’t get fined?  Is that a possibility?   Secretary Johnson: I don’t see it that way.   Rep. Barletta: You don’t think any employers will see it that way?   Secretary Johnson: I don’t think I see it that way, no.  No, sir.      Following the hearing, Barletta expressed his frustration about the unsatisfactory answers from the Obama Administration regarding the president’s policies and their effects on American workers.   “I keep hearing people say that illegal immigrants are doing the jobs that Americans don’t want to do,” Barletta said.  “Well, now the illegal immigrants won’t do those jobs anymore either, because the president just cleared the way for them to take all of the other jobs away from Americans as well.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cartwright-ribble-introduce-legislation-to-promote-college-savings,"Cartwright, Ribble Introduce Legislation to Promote College Savings",2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressmen Matt Cartwright (PA-17) and Reid Ribble (WI-08) introduced the bipartisan Children’s Savings Accounts Offer Parents Plenty of Reasons to Understand aNd Invest in Tuition Yearly (CSA OPPORTUNITY) Act with the support of six House colleagues. One well known type of Children’s Savings Account (CSA) is the 529 plan.  Created in 1996, 529 Plans allow parents to save money for college while offering both federal and state tax benefits.  Unfortunately, money set aside in a 529 Plan counts against the asset limitations set forth in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Low Income High Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This in turn forces families to choose between putting aside money for college and keeping essential benefits. “College savings accounts alter the aspirations of children by sending a message that they should expect more from their own futures.  Yet, when we force parents to choose between saving for college and keeping the lights on, we essentially punish financial responsibly,” Rep. Cartwright said.  “We should end this difficult decision for families and provide the opportunity for all families to save for their children’s education.” “When government makes it difficult for families to save money, they tend not to save money, and the cycle of poverty continues. This legislation would help remove barriers that prevent parents from providing opportunities for their children’s future.  We need to help break the cycle of poverty that passes from one generation to the next and by removing this arbitrary cap on savings we can help in that transition. Every parent wants to provide a better future for their children, government policy shouldn't work against that,” Rep. Ribble stated. Andrea Levere, President of the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), endorsed the legislation. “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between affording basic necessities and saving for their children’s education. Rep. Cartwright and Rep. Ribble have demonstrated exemplary leadership in coming together to introduce a bipartisan bill that will expand opportunity for families throughout the country.” The CSA OPPORTUNITY Act would exempt 529 Plans from TANF, SSI, and LIHEAP asset limitations.  The bill would also exempt non-529 CSAs from TANF, SSI, LIHEAP, and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) asset limitations. Over 1.3 million American children born each year – and more than half of minority children – are born into families with negligible savings to invest in their futures.  Yet research and practice have shown that even a small amount of savings increases the likelihood that a child will attend college.  One study showed that children from low or moderate income families who saved between $1 and $500 were three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate than those without savings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-introduces-powering-american-jobs-act,Rep. Kelly Introduces the Powering American Jobs Act,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) – a member of the House Ways and Means Committee – issued the following statement today regarding his introduction of H.R. 5775, the Powering American Jobs Act of 2014, in the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation would extend certain expiring tax incentives for the energy sector, including propane and biodiesel provisions, for at least two years. It is being co-sponsored by Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI). A copy of the bill can be viewed here. Statement by Rep. Kelly: “The most important issue to Western Pennsylvanians is job creation, and that remains my number one focus in Washington. This bipartisan piece of legislation will grant much-needed tax certainty and fairness to energy providers important to our District and help them create more jobs while bringing heating costs down. While the temporary provisions within this bill are necessary, Congress must continue to work toward long-term tax reform that makes these extensions permanent. To this day, the United States remains the only nation in the world that allows important parts of its tax code to expire on a regular basis. Going forward, we must pave the way for a better course. When it comes to encouraging economic growth, American businesses both large and small should have the long-term certainty they need to plan, invest, expand, and hire more hardworking Americans.” Statement by Rep. Kind: “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation helps create jobs and makes smart investments in alternative fuels to help us become more energy independent. To bolster economic growth, we need to keep looking for ways to provide employers with stability and predictability so they can hire new workers in Wisconsin and around the nation.” Statement by Dan Gilligan, President, Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA): “I would like to thank Reps. Kelly and Kind for their efforts to retroactively extend the $1-per-gallon biodiesel blender's tax credit while bringing fairness to all fuel appliance credits under 25(c) of the tax code. The Kelly-Kind bill makes important technical corrections to 25(c) so oilheat consumers can upgrade to the most efficient appliances available in today’s market that will conserve energy and reduce their monthly heating oil bills.” NOTE: The Powering American Jobs Act of 2014 includes the following tax extension provisions: Extension and Modification of Credit for Nonbusiness Energy Property.  The bill extends for two years, through 2015, the credit for nonbusiness energy property with certain modifications.  This provision allows a credit of 10 percent of the amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer for qualified energy improvements, up to $500.  A two-year extension of this provision. Extension of Tax Incentives for Alternative Fuel and Alternative Fuel Mixtures (including liquefied hydrogen).  The bill extends through 2015 the $0.50 per gallon alternative fuel tax credit and alternative fuel mixture tax credit. This credit can be claimed as a nonrefundable excise tax credit or a refundable income tax credit for the blending and sale of alternative fuel mixtures including compressed or liquefied natural gas, ethanol, biofuels, and liquefied hydrogen.  A two-year extension of this provision. Extension of Credit for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property (including hydrogen property).  The bill extends for two years, through 2015, the 30% investment tax credit for alternative vehicle refueling property, up to $30,000.  Eligible refueling property includes fuel pumps for ethanol, biodiesel, liquefied hydrogen, and compressed or liquefied natural gas.  A two-year extension of this provision. Extension of Tax Incentives for Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel.  The bill extends for two years, through 2015, the $1.00 per gallon tax credit for biodiesel, as well as the small agri-biodiesel producer credit of 10 cents per gallon. The bill also extends through 2015 the $1.00 per gallon tax credit for diesel fuel created from biomass.  A two-year extension of this provision. Equalization of Excise Tax of Liquefied Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.  The bill would amend propane’s excise tax provisions in I.R.C. Sections 4041 and 4081 in order to provide Federal excise tax equivalence to gasoline.  A permanent provision.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=644,House Passes U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Bill Shuster,S001154,shuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC– The U.S. House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation to support the men and women of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), help ensure USCG mission effectiveness, enhance oversight and accountability, and reduce regulatory barriers experienced by our veterans and small business. The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (H.R. 5769) was introduced in the House by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), along with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Transportation Committee Ranking Member Nick J. Rahall, II (D-WV), and Coast Guard Subcommittee Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-CA).  The measure, which passed today by a vote of 413 to 3, represents a bipartisan, bicameral agreement between House and Senate committee leaders, and the Senate is expected to take up the legislation before the end of the year. “This bill helps provide the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to do their jobs and make our waterways safe,” said Congressman Bill Shuster.  “This legislation also strengthens U.S. maritime transportation by reducing regulatory burdens, encouraging economic growth, and removing barriers to employment for our veterans.  I commend Chairman Hunter for his leadership in introducing this legislation, and thank our colleague and Coastguardsman Howard Coble for his service to our Nation.” “This legislation upholds the commitment to the men and women who provide for the safety and protection of our waterways, and gives an added boost to our own maritime interests,” said Congressman Duncan Hunter.  “Chairman Shuster's leadership was essential to making this bill possible, and it's no less important to recognize Howard Coble for his tireless commitment to the Coast Guard and U.S. maritime transportation.  Dedicating this bill to Howard is the very least we can do to show our appreciation for so many years of faithful service.” H.R. 5769 is named in honor of retiring Congressman and Committee Member Howard Coble of North Carolina, the only current Member of Congress to have served in the Coast Guard and a long-time champion of the Service in Congress. For more details about the H.R. 5769, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=645,Shuster Rejects Wind Subsidy Package,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Bill Shuster,S001154,shuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) released the following statement in regards to his No vote for H.R. 5771: “I could not support this wind subsidy tax package and the billions of taxpayer dollars it would continue to waste in an effort to prop up the failing wind industry. This policy was allowed to expire because American taxpayers are fed up with Obama Administration’s climate change plans.  Today I stand with Pennsylvania taxpayers who are tired of handing over their hard earned money in the form of corporate welfare to the wind industry. “Americans have asked for serious reforms to our arcane tax code, and that is a shared goal I am committed to seeing through. But a $9 billion government-subsidized handout to the wind industry is not the way to accomplish these long overdue goals, which I why I voted “No” for H.R. 5771.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1444,Senate Confirms Pair of PA Eastern District Judicial Nominees,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today praised the Senate's confirmation of Mark Kearney and Jerry Pappert as federal judges for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kearney and Mr. Pappert were nominated by President Obama in June. ""I am pleased that the Senate has come together in a bipartisan fashion to confirm Mark Kearney and Jerry Pappert to the federal bench,"" said Sen. Casey. ""Both of these newly confirmed judges are outstanding lawyers with extensive experience and excellent records. Mark Kearney has had a highly successful career as a trial attorney and as a managing shareholder of his law firm. Jerry Pappert's legal career as a federal litigator and as a former Attorney General of Pennsylvania has made him an excellent choice for the federal bench. I'm confident both will serve the Eastern District of Pennsylvania well."" ""I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed Mark Kearney and Jerry Pappert as U.S. District Court judges for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""Both have enjoyed distinguished legal careers and have demonstrated strong commitments to serving their communities. I am confident that both Mr. Kearney and Mr. Pappert have the legal experience, acumen, and commitment to upholding the law that will make them excellent additions to the federal bench."" In the last three and a half years, Senators Casey and Toomey have worked together, in a bipartisan fashion, to recommend to the President accomplished jurists of high ability and integrity to preside in the federal courts of Pennsylvania. With Mr. Kearney and Mr. Pappert's successful confirmation coupled with Wendy Beetlestone's confirmation last month, they have now confirmed 13 Pennsylvania district court judges to the federal bench. Mark Kearney Mark Kearney is a managing shareholder at Elliott Greenleaf & Siedzikowski, P.C. in Blue Bell. Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Kearney received both his undergraduate degree and his law degree from Villanova University. Mr. Kearney currently serves as the President of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He is also on the Board of Consultors to Villanova Law School and is on the board of directors of Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Gerald Pappert Gerald ""Jerry"" Pappert is a partner at the Cozen O'Connor law firm in Philadelphia. He is a former Attorney General of Pennsylvania. He received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University and his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School. Mr. Pappert is also the chairman of the Pennsylvania Banking & Securities Commission. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-and-burrs-able-act-passes-house,Casey and Burr’s ABLE Act Passes House,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) released statements following the House’s bipartisan vote in favor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. The bill will allow families who have a child with a disability to save for their long-term care through 529-style savings accounts. Senator Casey: “The ABLE Act has never been closer to getting to the President’s desk and I’m increasingly hopeful we’ll get it there during this session. From the beginning the power of these families who want to save for their loved ones’ long term care has propelled the ABLE Act forward. It’s now time for the Senate to take this legislation up and provide families who have a child with a disability the added security they need.” Senator Burr: “I am incredibly pleased that the House passed the ABLE Act this evening.  Families of individuals with disabilities often face overwhelming financial burdens associated with the expensive costs of healthcare, education, housing and transportation,” Burr said.  “The ABLE Act will make it easier for parents of disabled individuals to invest in their child’s future, thereby opening the door to a world of opportunities. I am confident the Senate will swiftly pass the ABLE Act”   ### Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367 Rachel Hicks (Burr) 202-228-1616",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-announces-initiative-to-promote-safety-security-and-rights-of-afghan-women-and-children-included-in-ndaa,"Casey Announces Initiative to Promote Safety, Security and Rights of Afghan Women and Children Included in NDAA",2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that language from his amendment to promote the safety, security, and rights of Afghanistan’s women and children has been included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). During a critical period of transition in Afghanistan, the bill urges the Administration to work with the Government of Afghanistan on a host of protections for women and children.   The provision seeks to increase the number of women serving in the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police; ensure accountability mechanisms for ANA and ANP personnel relating to the treatment of women and girls; calls on the Department of Defense to assist in the development of a plan to bolster and train the Afghan National Police’s Family Response Units who are specifically trained to combat domestic violence; and to ensure women can vote in the 2015 Parliamentary elections. In 2014, women in Afghanistan turned out in historic numbers, despite serious security concerns. “Although significant progress has been made in women’s rights and security, there are still far too many horrific incidences of violence against women and children,” said Senator Casey. “Our servicemembers made tremendous sacrifices to bring Afghanistan to where it is today. During my recent trip to the Oslo Symposium on Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Afghanistan, I emphasized that the rights of Afghan women and girls are not negotiable. Sustaining and solidifying these gains is consistent with both American values and national security interests.” This provision urges the Department of Defense to continue working with the Afghan National Security Forces to promote the security of Afghan women and girls during the transition process. Specifically, it would: Prioritize the recruitment and retention of women in the Afghan National Security Forces. Calls on the Secretary of Defense to support and encourage the Government of Afghanistan in their development and implementation of a strategy in cooperation with the Afghan Ministries of Defense and Interior to increase the number of female members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP) and to ensure their equal treatment. It also urges the Department of Defense to assist in the development of accountability mechanisms for ANA and ANP personnel relating to the treatment of women and girls. This would include the provision of appropriate equipment for female security and police forces; modification of facilities to allow for female participation; and training to include literacy training for women recruits and gender awareness training for male counterparts. Support police units that are specially trained to work with female or adolescent victims. This includes assistance in the development of plan to increase the number of female security officers specifically trained to address cases of gender-based violence, including ensuring the Afghan National Police’s Family Response Units (FRUs) have the necessary resources and are available to women across Afghanistan. Ensure the adequate staffing of polling stations by female officers. This provision emphasizes the need to maintain the female searcher capabilities that were established for the April 2014 presidential elections for the 2015 parliamentary elections. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z