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://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/in-2020-casey-produces-results-for-pa-constituents,"In 2020, Casey Produces Results for PA Constituents",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is finishing 2020 having delivered results for Pennsylvania families. Below is a list of Senator Casey's 2020 work on behalf of Pennsylvania constituents. Securing COVID-19 Relief for America's Families Securing $100 Million for Nursing Home Oversight: As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136), provisions from Senator Casey's Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act (S. 3544) led to the passage of $100 million to promote infection control in nursing homes during the pandemic through enhanced surveys and inspections. Shedding Light on the Nursing Home Crisis: Senator Casey authored multiple investigative reports, alongside U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Gary Peters (D-MI), documenting the Trump Administration's repeated failures to contain the spread of COVID in nursing homes. Following the Senators' oversight, the Trump Administration implemented federal data collection requirements and the public release of information on COVID cases, deaths and supply shortages in nursing homes. Securing $1 Billion to Keep Seniors Safe at Home: Senator Casey led efforts to obtain vital funding to support seniors sheltering in place during the pandemic. Stemming from S. 3544, the Senator secured roughly $1 billion for essential services, including home-delivered meals and caregiver respite, across two relief packages passed by Congress the CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260). To date, Pennsylvania has received $47 million of these relief funds. Delivering Food Boxes to Seniors in Need: Also stemming from his bill, S. 3544, Senator Casey obtained $13 million in additional funding to support food delivery to low-income seniors during the COVID pandemic through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, also known as the senior food box program. His advocacy also helped to secure an additional $80 million in funding for the program in FY2021. This money will allow states to serve more low-income seniors with shelf-stable food boxes. Both the COVID-19 and FY2021 funding was secured as part of Congress's year-end agreement (P.L. 116-260). Standing Up for Seniors Passing the Improving Low-Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act: Senator Casey's bipartisan Improving Low-Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act (S. 1999) was passed into law as part of Congress's year-end deal (P.L. 116-260). This important legislation makes permanent a federal program to ensure low-income seniors and people with disabilities retain affordable access to their prescription medications as they transition to Medicare. Passing the Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act: Senator Casey co-led the bipartisan reauthorization of hallmark legislation, now Public Law 116-131, to deliver essential services and supports to America's seniors. This 5-year reauthorization provides respite services to grandfamilies, advances innovation and evaluation within the Act, prioritizes funding to bring kids and seniors together, requires data collection on LGBT seniors and ensures younger adults with Alzheimer's disease are eligible for services. Passing a Law to Close Harmful Coverage Gaps in Medicare: Key provisions from Senator Casey's bipartisan Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification Act (BENES) Act (S. 1280) were passed into law as part of Congress's year-end agreement (P.L. 116-260). These policies will ensure people new to Medicare have more immediate access to health insurance, closing coverage gaps that led seniors and people with disabilities to go without essential care. Securing Continued Support for Grandfamilies: The Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, created by Senator Casey's bipartisan bill signed into law in 2018, will continue to meet in 2021 as a result of funding the Senator obtained through the appropriations process (P.L. 116-260). The Council is tasked with developing a one-stop shop of resources to help grandparents raising grandchildren navigate programs and benefits. Allowing Families to Access Long-Term Care at Home: Through his Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act (S. 2000), Senator Casey continues to stand up for financial protections to prevent spouses whose partners need home and community-based services under Medicaid from falling into abject poverty. Congress's year-end agreement (P.L. 116-260) includes a 3-year extension of these vital protections. Advancing Best Practices to Stop Senior Scams: Senator Casey's bipartisan Stop Senior Scams Act (S. 149) passed the U.S. Senate. The Senator's bill would establish a federal advisory council charged with bringing together relevant government officials, industry representatives, advocates and consumer representatives to collect and develop model educational materials for retailers, financial institutions and wire transfer companies to use in stopping scams on seniors. Combatting Age Discrimination in the Workplace: Senator Casey's bipartisan Protecting Older Workers from Age Discrimination Act (S. 485) passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The Senator's bill would restore standards undone by a 2009 Supreme Court decision that made it more difficult for older workers to successfully seek restitution in court for age discrimination they experienced. Leading Efforts for Individuals with Disabilities Fighting for Continued Access to Disability Benefits and Supports: Senator Casey led efforts, along with 40 Senators, to call for the withdrawal of a proposed rule that would make it more difficult for people with Social Security disability benefits to retain needed support. The Senator also led an initiative to encourage the public to tell the Social Security Administration directly how the proposal would harm them, resulting in more than 125,000 comments submitted on the rule. Promoting Care Continuity from Home to the Hospital: The CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) included a provision that Senator Casey fought for to ensure direct service providers could enter and provide services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were admitted to hospitals and rehabilitation settings because of COVID or other health-related concerns. Making it possible for those providers who care for people in their homes while they are in the hospital allows for continuity of care, better communication among hospital and community caregivers and makes the transition back to their homes safer and healthier. Preventing COVID Infections Among People with Disabilities: Senator Casey advocated that the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) include funding increases for Centers for Independent Living to provide COVID prevention services during the pandemic. Pennsylvania received $2.75 million to be distributed among its eleven federal Centers for Independent Living. The funds make it possible to provide people with disabilities with personal protective equipment (PPE) in their own homes, to transition from congregate care settings to home settings, to translate COVID information into other languages and many more preventive actions to reduce the risk of infection for people with disabilities. Fighting for Rural Communities and Expanding Broadband Access Supporting Rural Innovation: Senator Casey secured increased funding for the Small Business Administration's Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) program in the FY 2021 appropriations bill (P.L. 116-260). The RIC program provides an increased focus on outreach to rural areas in leveraging a region's unique competitive strengths and geographically-concentrated, interconnected network of complementary businesses, suppliers and associated organizations that engage in a particular industry sector. These types of programs are essential to Pennsylvania businesses to fight the economic effects of COVID-19. Don't Break Up the T-Band: Senator Casey led efforts with U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and other colleagues to enact the Don't Break Up the T-Band Act into law (P.L. 116-260). The Don't Break Up the T-Band Act will ensure that our brave first responders throughout Pennsylvania and the rest of the country have access to the tools they need to effectively communicate with other first responders when responding to public safety emergencies. Hyndman Cellular Tower: In October, Senator Casey announced the completion of a project to provide cellular service in Bedford County via Hyndman Cellular Tower, ensuring that thousands of Bedford County residents have reliable service. After train derailments and feedback from local and state first responders highlighted the urgent need for better emergency response telecommunications, Senator Casey advocated for more than two years for AT&T to prioritize rural areas like Hyndman for First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) tower sites. Fighting for Jobs and a Secure Retirement Standing up for Federal Workers: Senator Casey led a letter opposing proposed changes to the Department of Defense's procurement policy in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have undermined the role depots and shipyards play in the readiness and maintenance of our armed forces. This effort led to stringent oversight requirements over decisions that lead to undermining depot and shipyard workforces. Fighting for Pay Equity for Army Depot Workers: A version of Senator Casey's Locality Pay Equity Act (S. 3015) was included in the FY 2021 NDAA passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation would put an end to locality pay adjustment disparities between salaried and hourly workers at federal facilities, including Tobyhanna and Letterkenny Army Depots in Pennsylvania. Strengthening Unemployment Benefits: Senator Casey pushed for the expansion and strengthening of unemployment benefits for workers affected by COVID as was done in the CARES Act that passed into law in March (P.L. 116-136). Senator Casey also strongly pushed for the extension of vital unemployment benefit programs that were slated to expire at the end of this year, which was achieved in the end-of-year relief package (P.L. 116-260). Fighting to Combat Hunger and Support our Farmers Leading Efforts to Expand Access to Food for the Most Vulnerable: As the pandemic increased food insecurity for households who lost access to paychecks, Senator Casey worked to build the capacity of the food assistance system to assist families in Pennsylvania and across the country. He led letters to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and grocery retailers urging innovative solutions to expand access to home delivery and curbside pickup for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants, especially for seniors and immunocompromised individuals. He introduced the Increasing Access to SNAP Delivery During COVID-19 Act to support retailers in expanding their SNAP delivery offerings during the pandemic. Senator Casey also advocated for and supported Pennsylvania's participation in the SNAP Online Purchasing Program and will continue working for additional access to delivery services. Advocating for the Expansion of Hunger Assistance Programs: Senator Casey fought to protect critical nutrition assistance programs for our most vulnerable citizens. From the beginning of the COVID pandemic, he advocated for the expansion of SNAP benefits to respond to the food insecurity crisis. He led a Pennsylvania delegation letter urging the inclusion of a 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits levels. A six-month increase in these benefits was ultimately included in the most recent COVID relief package (P.L. 116-260). Senator Casey also advocated for critical nutrition waivers for Pennsylvania to access food assistance and necessary flexibilities throughout the pandemic. In addition to COVID-related food security needs, he also led appropriations efforts to support the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), a program modeled after Pennsylvania's Fresh Food Financing Initiative. Supporting our Farmers and Food Production System: Senator Casey worked tirelessly to support our farmers, who play a critical role in feeding families throughout Pennsylvania and the Nation. He introduced and co-sponsored legislation to support farmers who faced significant market losses and supply chain disruptions. He introduced the Farmers Feeding Families Act, building on his work to establish Farm to Food Bank projects in the 2018 Farm Bill. He was also an original cosponsor of the Food Supply Protection Act to help strengthen the food supply chain, protect workers, reduce food waste and support farmers and families in need. Additionally, Senator Casey led a Pennsylvania delegation letter to the Small Businesses Administration to ensure that loans and programs are available and work for farmers and agricultural businesses. Protecting the Environment Securing Funding for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: Senator Casey joined the Chesapeake Bay delegation in working to secure increased funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program in the FY 2021 spending agreement (P.L. 116-260). Senator Casey also introduced the bipartisan Farmer Driven Conservation Outcomes Act, which would direct USDA to establish a process through which it could measure, evaluate and report on conservation program outcomes, including water quality improvements. He continues to build on wins from the 2018 Farm Bill for water quality by ensuring that programs are implemented to benefit the Bay. He led a bipartisan letter to USDA regarding implementation of key provisions in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to improve water quality. Addressing the Climate Crisis: Senator Casey worked to address the climate crisis through efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the health of our communities, create good paying jobs and address environmental injustices. He was an original cosponsor of the Clean Economy Act of 2020, which would empower the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to design and implement a national plan to rapidly reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. He continued to stand up against the Trump Administration's efforts to roll back bedrock environmental laws. Additionally, Senator Casey is working to ensure that farmers can be part of the solution to address the climate crisis by introducing legislation to measure, evaluate and report on the outcomes associated with farm bill conservation programs, including carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. PFAS Contamination: Senator Casey continued to stand up for communities impacted by PFAS contamination. He fought for inclusion of key PFAS provisions in the NDAA and advocated for funding to expand PFAS monitoring, standards development and cleanup capabilities. Senator Casey also continued to engage in efforts to implement a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study on the effects of PFAS on long-term health. He led efforts to secure this funding and Pennsylvania's Bucks and Montgomery Counties were included in the multi-year site study. Preserving Public Lands in Pennsylvania: Senator Casey introduced legislation to extend authorization of Pennsylvania's National Heritage Areas (NHAs). The Pennsylvania National Heritage Area Act would extend authorization of the Pennsylvania NHAs set to expire between FY 2021 and FY 2022. Additionally, this legislation would eliminate incongruent funding restrictions and streamline appropriations levels for NHAs. Senator Casey will continue to work to ensure these extensions are secured and to protect our natural and cultural resources while strengthening communities and stimulating local economies. Fighting for Miners' Benefits Leading Efforts to Protect Retired Miners: Senator Casey successfully advocated for language in the year-end agreement (P.L. 116-260) to protect the health care benefits of all retired miners in the event of future bankruptcies, no matter when the bankruptcies occur. Previous efforts to protect coal miner health care specified the year of a company's bankruptcy; The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) anticipate the remaining coal companies with retiree health care obligations will declare bankruptcy within the next 6-12 months. This language will ensure coal miners' health care is fully covered if a coal company goes bankrupt and also ensures Congress does not have to act each time a company is relieved of its obligations to pay for retiree health care by a bankruptcy court. According to UMWA, the majority of retirees and widows covered by this provision are over 80 years old. Standing Up For Veterans Veterans Affairs and Veteran Health: Senator Casey and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), working with House colleague U.S. Representative Elaine Luria (D-VA-2), successfully introduced and passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Website Accessibility Act (P.L. 116-213). This law directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress regarding the accessibility of VA websites (including attached files and web-based applications) to individuals with disabilities. Senator Casey continues to advocate for robust funding for veterans health, supporting efforts to secure PPE, vaccines, mental health support and additional resources to VA workers and patients in response to the COVID pandemic. Passage of the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act: The bipartisan Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act honors American women who joined the workforce in support of the war effort during World War II by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. These Rosie the Riveters answered the Nation's call to action and learned new skills, many building the vehicles, weaponry and ammunitions that were critical to the war effort. Senator Casey led the effort along with U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA-14) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1). 76 senators co-sponsored the Senate bill, including every female senator, and it has now been enacted into Public Law 116-195. Keeping Communities Safe and Our Judiciary Working Law Enforcement Reform: In response to a national reckoning regarding the systemic violence and injustice impacting communities of color across the Nation, Senator Casey helped to advance a critical conversation focused on transformative change within law enforcement. Senator Casey joined thirty-four of his colleagues, led by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), to introduce the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. The bill would put in place the most significant police reforms in our Nation's history by focusing on officer accountability, data transparency and enhancing police practices and training. He also led the Law Enforcement Education and Accountability for People with Disabilities (LEAD) Initiative to help counter the high rate of violent interactions between police and people with disabilities. The LEAD Initiative is comprised of two bills the Safe Interactions Act and the Human-services Emergency Logistic Program (HELP) Act. Combined, these bills would: (1) divert non-criminal, non-fire and non-medical emergency calls from the 9-1-1 system to the 2-1-1 system; and (2) provide grants to enable non-profit disability organizations to develop training programs in partnership with police academies and agencies to support safe interactions between law enforcement officers and people with disabilities. Fighting for Prison Safety During COVID: Senator Casey has repeatedly pressed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for answers and reforms in response to the COVID pandemic. Senator Casey wrote multiple letters in March and April to DOJ and BOP leadership raising significant concerns about BOP's inmate transfer policies, supply of PPE and other general concerns related to the BOP's preparation for COVID. After raising these concerns and calling on the DOJ to require mandatory testing before transferring any incarcerated individual, BOP announced in May that it had decreased internal movement by 90 percent and committed to testing all incarcerated individuals prior to leaving a local detention facility. Criminal Justice Reform: Senator Casey introduced the bipartisan Clean Slate Act of 2020 with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), which would automatically seal the federal records of individuals convicted or arrested for simple drug possession, and establish a process for individuals to petition to seal records for other nonviolent offenses. This landmark piece of legislation would give tens of millions of Americans a second chance to fully participate in society by removing major barriers for finding employment, securing housing and accessing education. The Clean Slate Act is modeled after Pennsylvania's own Clean Slate Act, which was the first Clean Slate law in the Nation after it was enacted into law with tremendous bipartisan support in 2018. Federal Judges: Senator Casey worked with U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) to confirm two more Federal judges to the District Courts in PA. Since 2011, Senators Casey and Toomey have worked together, in a bipartisan fashion, to fill vacancies on the federal bench in Pennsylvania. Together they have now vetted, recommended and confirmed 27 Federal District Court Judges for Pennsylvania. Only two states - New York and Texas - have had more district court judges confirmed to their federal benches during this time. Combat Online Predators: Senator Casey led efforts with Senator Toomey to enact the Combat Online Predators Act into law in December 2020 (P.L. 116-249). This bipartisan law was drafted in response to the traumatic experiences of a Pennsylvania family and will give judges additional tools to ensure that perpetrators who stalk or cyberstalk children are held accountable with serious penalties. Fighting for Consumer Health Leading Senate Efforts to Modernize FDA Regulation of Over-the-Counter Drugs: Senator Casey, along with retired U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), led a multi-year effort to overhaul and modernize the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) regulatory authority for over-the-counter (OTC) monograph drugs. These products, including drugs like painkillers, allergy medicines and sunscreens, are used by millions of Americans and are subject to certain requirements known as monographs. The OTC system was outdated, making it hard for FDA to take action to protect public health and hard for companies to innovate. With the passage of the Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act (P.L. 116-136), the FDA has new tools and resources at its disposal, and consumers will benefit from increased regulatory oversight and new innovation. Fighting for Children Leading Efforts to Increase Federal and State Efforts to Investigate and Collect Information When an Infant or Young Child Die: Senator Casey's bipartisan legislation, named after Pittsburgh child Scarlett Pauley, will help combat Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood by providing grants to help states, municipalities and nonprofits improve data collection and death scene investigations related to unexpected infant and child deaths. The bill will also help promote safe sleep practices for children and support local efforts to conduct infant and child death reviews. This legislation was signed into law by the President as Public Law 116-273 on December 31, 2020. Leading Efforts to Extend the Creating Hope Act: Senator Casey led a bipartisan effort to reauthorize the Creating Hope Act, which authorized the FDA's pediatric priority review voucher program. This important program encourages the development of new drugs to treat rare pediatric diseases, and was first authorized in 2012 following Senator Casey's efforts. The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act was included as a provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) and extends the program for an additional four years. Leading Efforts to Reauthorize Critical Program for Emergency Medical Care for Children: Senator Casey led a bipartisan, bicameral coalition to reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for Children (P.L. 116-49), a federal program that works to improve the quality of emergency care provided to children and ensure that hospitals and emergency workers providing emergency care to children are properly equipped. Fighting for Health Care Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Program: Senator Casey, the Senate champion of the Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) and author of several laws to extend and improve the program, secured additional funding for the program through the appropriations process. Funding for the program was increased by $10 million from $340 to $350 million for FY2021 (P.L. 116-159). Fighting the Administration's Immigration Cruelty Care of Immigrant Children in U.S. Custody: At Senator Casey's request, the Government Accountability Office opened an investigation into the conditions and care of migrants, including children, in Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) custody. The report revealed that CBP illegally used funds designated for medical care and food for children in detention on dirt bikes, dog food and leashes, boats and other unrelated items. The report also shined a light on significant gaps in care for children in custody and CBP's failure to follow its own health and safety guidelines. Helping Children Learn More Now to Earn More Later Early Care and Education COVID Relief: Senator Casey has fought to provide assistance to childcare providers facing financial hardship and families struggling to find care due to COVID. In March, aspects of Senator Casey's Supporting Child Care Providers and Families Affected by Coronavirus Act (S. 3562) was included in the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136), helping to secure $3.5 billion in emergency relief for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and $750 billion for Head Start. His continued advocacy to provide an additional $50 billion for early education helped to secure $10 billion for CCDBG and $250 million for Head Start COVID relief in the FY2021 omnibus appropriations and COVID relief legislation (P.L. 116-260). Ensuring Opportunity For Students: Senator Casey's Stopping Unfair Collateral Consequences from Ending Student Success Act or SUCCESS Act (S.5079) was included in the FY2021 omnibus appropriations and COVID relief legislation (P.L. 116-260). The SUCCESS Act repeals provisions of the Higher Education Act that limits access to federal student aid for students convicted of drug-related offenses. To date, according to the ALCU, this provision has prevented about 200,000 students from receiving federal student aid. This legislation will help to reduce recidivism, over-criminalization and taxpayer burdens by stopping the suspension of college aid for young people who made a mistake but want to get their lives back on track. It affirms that the United States is a country of second chances, not second punishments. Protecting the Nation and Promoting American Values Abroad International Disability Rights: Senator Casey introduced the Office of International Disability Rights Act (S. 3880) to require the State Department to develop and implement a formal policy for disability inclusion in foreign assistance programming and establish State Department Office of International Disability Rights headed by an Ambassador-at-Large (AAL) for International Disability Rights. He also introduced S. Res. 445, a resolution recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities. These efforts to promote disability rights globally will continue into the 117th Congress. Global Impacts of COVID: Senator Casey led letters to the Trump Administration urging increased funding to combat increasingly global food insecurity due to COVID, as well as assessment of COVID's impact on children's mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Senator Casey intends to introduce legislation next Congress addressing child MHPSS globally. Promoting a Peaceful and Inclusive Future: Senator Casey successfully secured $10 million in the FY21 NDAA to improve training and inclusion of Afghan women in Afghanistan's security forces. These efforts will serve to integrate and create opportunities for Afghan women to have a say in Afghanistan's future. Senator Casey and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) also led a letter to the Trump Administration urging emergency humanitarian funding for the Nagorno-Karabakh region for the clearance of cluster munitions deployed during the fall 2020 hostilities that put children at particular risk of exposure to unexploded ordnance. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 was signed into law as Public Law 116-283 on January 1, 2021. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/news-coverage/politico-elizabeth-warrens-next-chapter,Politico: Elizabeth Warren's next chapter,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 31, 2020 Politico: Elizabeth Warren's next chapter The progressive senator is already playing the inside game to shape Biden's agenda. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wants Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer replaced, lamenting that there's no one ready to step in. Elizabeth Warren has a different approach. The Massachusetts Democrat is a member of Schumer's leadership team and is working closely with the Senate minority leader on a policy priority that could fuel the first intra-party fight with President-elect Joe Biden. A few months before the election, Warren asked Schumer to join her effort to cancel $50,000 of student loan debt for millions of Americans. The president can do it without Congress, she argues. The New York Democrat, who is up for reelection in 2022, was immediately interested. Read the full articlehere. By: Burgess Everett Source: Politico Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/2020-year-disruptions-good-and-ill,"2020: A year of disruptions, for good and ill",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Feb. 19 arrest sparked outrage, including from U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Beaverton Democrat whose House district includes all of Washington County. Bonamici has lobbied without success for Congress to pass a bill she has sponsored to keep ICE away from bus stops, schools, courthouses and other ""sensitive locations.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/minority-group-leaders-discuss-covid-19-vaccine-equity-oregon,Minority group leaders discuss COVID-19 vaccine equity in Oregon,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"The livestream discussion lasted more than two hours, including recorded remarks from Oregon's US Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/historic-artifacts-museum-appalachia-display-burchett-s-washington-office,Historic artifacts from Museum of Appalachia on display in Burchetts Washington office,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TN,Tim Burchett,B001309,burchett.house.gov,,,legacy,"KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 31, 2020)--Today,U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (TN-02)announced unique artifacts from the Museum of Appalachia will be on display in his Washington D.C. office, which is located in room 1122 of the Longworth House Office Building. Since 2003, these items have been on loan toU.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)for display in his Washington office. These historic pieces needed a new home asSen. Alexanderretires from office in January 2021, andRep. Burchettis keeping alive a Tennessee Congressional delegation tradition by moving these pieces to his office. Every item on display originated from within Tennessee's Second Congressional District. Ahead of the relocation,Rep. Burchett,Sen. AlexanderandElaine Meyer,President of the Museum of Appalachia, met virtually to discuss the cultural importance of these artifacts. Sen. Alexander and I grew up in East Tennessee, and these pieces belonged to the folks who came before us,Rep. Burchett said during the discussion.This stuff really touches me and it's cool the Museum of Appalachia can show us how people back then overcame obstacles in everyday life. The Museum of Appalachia is such a treasure for East Tennessee and helps us celebrate our Appalachian culture,Sen. Alexander said.These artifacts gave me a chance to show off that culture, and these pieces of history always caught the attention of people walking by my office. I'm grateful to Elaine Meyer, the Irwin family and John Rice for loaning these items to me and I'm glad Rep. Burchett has decided to put a sizable part of this exhibit in his Washington office. These artifacts are something all East Tennesseans can lay claim to, and it's great they were on display in Sen. Alexander's office throughout his tenure in the U.S. Senate,Ms. Meyer said.I'm glad this tradition is continuing, and these pieces will be a unique part of Rep. Burchett's office just as they were with Sen. Alexander. Click hereor on the image below to watch the full conversation betweenRep. Burchett, Sen. Alexander, and Ms. Meyer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/historic-artifacts-museum-appalachia-display-burchetts-washington-office,Historic artifacts from Museum of Appalachia on display in Burchett’s Washington office,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TN,Tim Burchett,B001309,burchett.house.gov,burchett,https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscription Office Locations Request an Appearance Website Problem About Committees and Caucuses Our District Votes and Legislation Media Opinions Press Releases Tennessee Under the Capitol Dome Services Appropriations Requests Art Competition Commendations and Greetings Flags Grant Applicants Help with a Federal Agency Internships Military Academy Nominations Tours and Tickets Veterans History Project Issues Abortion Border Security Debt & Deficit Education Foreign Affairs Oversight & Accountability Second Amendment Social Security & Medicare Transportation & Infrastructure Veterans Historic artifacts from Museum of Appalachia on display in Burchett’s Washington office Thursday, December 31, 2020 Image KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 31, 2020) -- Today, U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (TN-02) announced unique artifacts from the Museum of Appalachia will be on display in his Washington D.C. office, which is located in room 1122 of the Longworth House Office Building. Since 2003, these items have been on loan to U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) for display in his Washington office. These historic pieces needed a new home as Sen. Alexander retires from office in January 2021, and Rep. Burchett is keeping alive a Tennessee Congressional delegation tradition by moving these pieces to his office. Every item on display originated from within Tennessee's Second Congressional District.  Ahead of the relocation, Rep. Burchett, Sen. Alexander and Elaine Meyer, President of the Museum of Appalachia, met virtually to discuss the cultural importance of these artifacts. ""Sen. Alexander and I grew up in East Tennessee, and these pieces belonged to the folks who came before us,"" Rep. Burchett said during the discussion. ""This stuff really touches me and it's cool the Museum of Appalachia can show us how people back then overcame obstacles in everyday life."" ""The Museum of Appalachia is such a treasure for East Tennessee and helps us celebrate our Appalachian culture,"" Sen. Alexander said. ""These artifacts gave me a chance to show off that culture, and these pieces of history always caught the attention of people walking by my office. I'm grateful to Elaine Meyer, the Irwin family and John Rice for loaning these items to me and I'm glad Rep. Burchett has decided to put a sizable part of this exhibit in his Washington office."" ""These artifacts are something all East Tennesseans can lay claim to, and it's great they were on display in Sen. Alexander's office throughout his tenure in the U.S. Senate,"" Ms. Meyer said. ""I'm glad this tradition is continuing, and these pieces will be a unique part of Rep. Burchett's office just as they were with Sen. Alexander."" Click here or on the image below to watch the full conversation between Rep. Burchett, Sen. Alexander, and Ms. Meyer. 35.96218937574084 -83.91705284439482 35.754871307863255 -83.96938554624516 TN02",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/memo-rhode-island-media-cicilline-2020-fighting-people,Cicilline in 2020: Fighting For the People,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"To: Rhode Island Editors, Editorial Writers, Reporters From: The Office of Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) Re: 2020 End of Year Report Date: December 31, 2020 Overview In 2020, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) once again delivered on his promises to fight For The People of Rhode Island. Most notably, as a member of House Leadership during an unprecedented public health crisis, he played a key role in ensuring that Rhode Island state and local officials received the federal resources they needed to take on the pandemic. COVID Relief for Rhode Island Families From the moment COVID-19 swept through the country and began wreaking havoc, I started working with my colleagues to ensure we addressed Rhode Islanders' urgent needs: Keeping your family healthy Since we first learned that the pandemic had hit our shores, I fought for a national testing strategy. The HEROES Act would have supported testing, tracing and treatment, by providing $75 billion in funding for coronavirus testing, contact tracing and isolation measures, ensuring every American can access free coronavirus treatment, and supporting hospitals and providers, as well as making improvements to our testing infrastructure. The House passed the HEROES Act on May 15, 2020, but the bill never became law because Senator Mitch McConnell refused to bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote. The CARES Act, passed into law in March, requires that private insurance plans cover COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, and provided $1.3 billion in emergency funding for Community Health Centers, which are responsible for providing health care services for approximately 28 million Americans. On March 18, 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which mandates free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test. This law also included $82 million to the Department of Defense TRICARE health program to carry out detection of COVID-19 and testing related visits; $64 million for the Indian Health Services for COVID-19 diagnosis and testing related visits; $1 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. Given the lack of a national testing strategy, the House has done everything we can to ensure that every American is able to get tested for COVID-19 and receive treatment. Helping your family weather the economic crisis When the pandemic forced the American economy to shut down, I fought to make sure Congress sent $1,200 direct cash payments to adults and $500 for children in the CARES Act. And as the economy felt the impact of the virus, the CARES Act expanded unemployment insurance so more Rhode Islanders could access benefits. The bill made available an additional $600 a week and extended benefits for 13 weeks. The CARES Act also made available $454 billion in life-saving loans for businesses, states, and cities. This included $1.25 billion for the State of Rhode Island through the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Rhode Islanders have also been able to secure 17,941 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, totaling $1,906,190,125 and 10,679 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for $565,362,000. And I have been fighting for additional funding for cities throughout the pandemic, striving to ensure that Rhode Island cities and towns are able to continue to grow. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 was signed into law. This bill will send an additional $600 in direct cash payments to adults and $600 for children. While these payments are a step in the right direction, I know Americans need significant survival checks. This past week, I voted for H.R. 9051 - CASH Act, which would raise these payments to $2,000 per adult. Democrats fought hard to include expanded unemployment insurance benefits in this package. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 makes available an additional $300 a week and extended benefits for 10 weeks. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 also makes available an additional $284 billion in Payroll Protection Program forgivable loans. These loans have served as a lifeline for hard-hit small businesses. Keeping Rhode Islanders in their homes Housing is always essential, but especially at a time when staying in our homes protects us from a deadly disease, housing is even more important. To keep Rhode Islanders safely housed, I supported a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures in the CARES Act. I also supported $11.5 billion to combat homelessness and $100 billion for short term rental assistance in the HEROES Act. Delivering for Rhode Island One of my highest priorities is to ensure that Rhode Islanders have the resources we need to stay healthy, safe, and maintain good jobs. Over the past year, that includes securing: $1.8 million for Rhode Island fire departments, including $209,809 for critical firefighter breathing apparatus for the Central Falls Fire Department. $34 million in regular Community Development Block Grants and CARES Act Community Development Block Grants funds for the State of Rhode Island and first congressional district entitlement communities. Some of these funds were utilized by the state to establish a Microenterprise Stabilization Grant Program, designed to help microbusinesses largely left out of federal relief programs. Millions of dollars to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. This included $209,979 for crisis counseling and $3,342,540 this year in Emergency Management Performance Grants, which assist state and local governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities. And through FEMA's Public Assistance program, Rhode Island has been reimbursed over $94 million to date for life-saving emergency protective measures in response to COVID-19. Hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID relief funding through the CARES Act for educators, students, fisheries, and so much more. This included $8,704,245 through the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund, $46,350,444 through the School Emergency Relief Fund, and $3,293,234 through the Fishery Disaster Assistance Program. Over $90 million through critical BUILD and INFRA grants to support needed infrastructure investments. This included over $65 million to RIDOT to make improvements, increase safety, and reduce congestion along Route 146. Over $7 million to the state through the Economic Development Administration, including $230,000 for the Cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls to develop a joint economic development action plan for the Conant Thread District, which overlaps the two municipalities. Over $6 million to the Rhode Island Department of Education to support high quality afternoon school programs through 21st Century Community Learning Centers. $3.4 million in federal funds coming to Rhode Island for the arts, humanities, museums, and libraries. This includes $184,576 for the Preservation Society of Newport County to complete a digitization initiative of 13 high-priority special collections. Fighting for Racial Justice In April 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., visited Rhode Island and said, I haven't lost faith in the future, but I never intend to adjust myself to the madness of militarism or racial inequality. More than 50 years later we are still fighting the madness of racial inequality. We can build a better, more just country. Since my time as Mayor of Providence I have fought to end racial profiling, end militarism in policing and practices like the chokehold. This is a time for Americans of all races to come together and fight racism and inequality and I have been proud to advocate for that on the floor of Congress. I cosponsored and voted for H.R.7120 - the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would implement sweeping police reform policies to our country by establishing a national standard for the operation of police departments, banning dangerous choke holds, ending qualified immunity for police, prohibiting racial and religious profiling, and mandating data collection on police encounters among other reforms. I cosponsored and voted for S.2163/H.R. 1636, the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act, which establishes the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys within the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to make a systematic study of the conditions affecting black men and boys. This bill became law on August 14, 2020. I cosponsored and voted for H.Res. 908, Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19, which calls on all public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment, racism, discrimination, and religious intolerance related to COVID-19. Voted for H.R. 2574, the Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act (EIEA), which reestablishes the ability for students who have been wronged to seek justice and dismantle discriminatory policies and practices that unjustly punish them. Cosponsored and voted for passage of H.R. 221 4, the NO BAN Act, which rescinds all versions of the Muslim Ban and prohibits religion-based discrimination in our immigration system. Cosponsored and voted for passage of H.R. 2639, the Strength in Diversity Act, which seeks to address segregation in America's schools by providing federal funding to support voluntary local efforts to increase diversity in schools. Standing up for Rhode Island Values Taking on Big Tech Monopolies Over the past year and a half, I am proud to have led Congress' biggest investigation into the four largest technology companies and whether they have stifled competition. I am fighting to make sure that the digital economy works for all Rhode Islanders and all Americans, and that it's not a vehicle to make the rich richer at the expense of the rest of us. Our investigation involved seven congressional hearings, the production of nearly 1.3 million internal documents and communications, submissions from 38 antitrust experts, and interviews with more than 240 market participants, former employees of the investigated platforms, and other individuals. This top to bottom review of the state of competition in the digital economy confirms that the digital economy has become highly concentrated and prone to monopolization. Congress must consider a menu of reforms that will achieve three key priorities:Restoring competition in the digital economy, including Structural separations and prohibitions of certain dominant platforms from operating in adjacent lines of business. Strengthening existing antitrust laws. Reviving antitrust enforcement including Civil penalties for unfair methods of competition rules. Investing in the Blue Economy Rhode Island's blue economy, the economic sectors with a direct or indirect link to Rhode Island's coasts and ocean defense, marine trades, tourism and recreation, fisheries, aquaculture, ports and shipping, and offshore renewable energy is bustling, and has room for growth. I have worked hard to grow the blue economy in Rhode Island and the Northeast through the introduction of the Southern New England Regional Commission Act, which would help integrate cross-border assets and information to help the region sustainably utilize its ocean resources for economic growth. I support the Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development Act, which would extend tax credits for offshore wind development through 2026 a burgeoning industry in the Northeast. I have continued to work to bring investment in Rhode Island's ports, fought to safeguard our fisheries, and worked to promote the state's ocean-based tourism. At the same time, I recognize the threat that climate change poses to Rhode Island's natural resources and have pushed for a shift away from our nation's heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Serving You Over the past year, my staff in both Pawtucket and Washington have worked relentlessly to serve the people of our great state. In 2020, we: Provided casework assistance for more than 1,800 Rhode Islanders who requested help with Social Security, Medicare and Veterans benefits, COVID relief programs, IRS tax refunds, and other federal agencies. Hosted and participated in more than 120 constituent meetings and community events, including 18 Town Hall meetings, community conversations, and roundtable discussions on COVID-19 response and recovery, small business assistance, resources for seniors, health care and prescription drug costs, immigration, and more. Responded to 3,058 calls, letters, and emails from constituents. Provided 29 internship opportunities for young people to learn more about the federal government. Provided more than 105 books to three public libraries in the district through the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/31/higgins-will-object-certification-electoral-college-votes/,Higgins Will Object to Certification of Electoral College Votes,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“I will object to the certification of electoral votes on January 6th. Reports of voter fraud and actions by some states to alter election processes in an unlawful manner have not been properly reviewed. Evidence that a crime has been committed leads to an investigation. That standard is reasonable suspicion. Investigation into an alleged crime produces evidence either exculpatory or condemning. Investigations crossing multiple jurisdictional authorities are particularly complex and require time. Our Constitutional requirement to inaugurate a President on January 20th does not abrogate our Constitutional requirement to investigate reasonable suspicion of election fraud and violation of election laws within several of the sovereign states. I believe those actions of fraud and illegal election processes thwarted the true will of We, the People, and flipped the Presidential election to career politician Joe Biden. America is not a confederacy of states. We are a Union of States. We are a Representative Republic. Therefore, each sovereign state has a deep obligation to follow its own written election laws when that state participates in a federal election. Otherwise, the Union itself is violated, and the federal election is compromised. I warned of this prior to November 3rd, 2020. Six weeks ago, I instructed my Congressional staff to begin preparing for my formal objection to Electoral slates of several sovereign states. While the mainstream media and establishment forces want to ignore election irregularities that began coming to light in the days following the election, We, the People, will not stand idly by. For over a month now, I have been examining and researching the various allegations that have come forth, and I will take every legal and Constitutionally-available action to ensure a righteous outcome. That includes objecting to the electoral slates from disputed states. There is sufficient evidence, at a minimum, to investigate criminal acts, which may have compromised the integrity of our election. This effort and action to safeguard our election systems must continue, even beyond January 20th, 2021.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-31,Coronavirus Daily Update: December 31,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 31, 2020 Dear Constituent The coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below. These are incredibly stressful times for all Michiganders. I am working, along with my staff, around the clock, seven days a week to answer your questions, provide community resources and provide up-to-date, accurate information. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office anytime by calling (810) 238-8627. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere. The Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere. The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE On December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere. On October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere. On August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere. On May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes a number of key policies I have advocated for, including additional direct payments to families and seniors, expanding unemployment insurance, increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, and funding to prevent water shutoffs. More information can be foundhere. On May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge and Empower Local Innovation and Entrepreneurs Fund for Main Street Act(RELIEF for Main Street Act), with Reps. Evans (D-PA), Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Upton (R-MI). The billcreates a $50.5 billion Small Business Local Relief Program to provide direct federal support to cities, counties and states in order to seed and scale local relief funds and target smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere. Congress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic. CORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE The Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a website and app with a coronavirus screening tool and resources to help people protect their health. The website can be foundhereand the app can be accessedhere. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE Governor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere. UIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. 4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere. The last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere. Additionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere. On May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere. Unemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m. 8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere. HOUSING UPDATE Governor Whitmer created the Eviction Diversion Program, which outlines a process for renters to get fast rental assistance or establish a manageable payment plan to help them stay in their homes. The program also includes assistance to landlords. More information can be foundhere. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a website to help renters and homeowners understand their housing assistance options. This includes information on mortgage and rental relief as well as resources for additional help that may be needed. More information can be foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance. The CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere. COMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE The Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere. The SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere. The Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere. The Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere. Personal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere. Michigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign up for assistance, including meal delivery, delivery of non-perishable food items, and daily wellness-check calls, through the MDHHS coronavirus website, or by contacting their localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere. Flint Cares Help Centers: The city of Flint is offering resources and services including bottled water and food assistance. Services will continue to be provided from two semi-trailers staged in church parking lots across the city to distribute items directly to cars as residents drive through. For more information please call 810-410-2020 or visithere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-additional-flexibility-for-digital-asset-rulemaking,Emmer Urges Additional Flexibility for Digital Asset Rulemaking,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and seven of his colleagues and Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to express concerns regarding a limited comment period to respond to a recently released rule making significant changes to the regulation of digital assets. The rule was announced on December 18, 2020, and comments must be received by January 4, 2021. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) rule would require certain members of the cryptocurrency industry to submit additional reports and keep records relating to customer identities if transactions are made above certain thresholds. The additional data collection also pertains to unhosted wallets, which do not require a financial institution to conduct transactions. Congressman Emmer's letter requests a 60 day comment period for public and stakeholder input on the rule before it is finalized, and a potential delay of implementation to allow stakeholders to become compliant. “The blockchain industry and cryptocurrency innovations are constantly and rapidly evolving. Government frequently struggles to keep up. We owe it to this community to be fair, transparent, and open to stakeholder advice,"" said Emmer. ""Our request is simple: allow additional flexibility for stakeholders to comment and advise our government on this proposal,"" Emmer concluded. Read the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=14FD5053-6EE0-4841-B64E-11D13F004C19,Emmer Urges Additional Flexibility for Digital Asset Rulemaking,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-haaland-celebrate-native-american-economic-opportunity-bill-becomes-law,"Torres, Haaland Celebrate as Native American Economic Opportunity Bill Becomes Law",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NM,Debra Haaland,H001080,haaland.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Deb Haaland (NM-01), Co-Chair of the Native American Caucus, celebrated this week as their bill, the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act, was signed into law. The new law expands economic opportunities for Native Americans by addressing the lack of access to credit and community development that hampers entrepreneurialism in Native American tribes. Specifically, the legislation: Updates and provides new resources to the Department of Commerce's Office of Native American Business Development; Ensures effective implementation of the Buy Indian Act within the Departments of Interior and Health and Human Services; Reauthorizes the Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) grant program administered by the Administration for Native Americans; and Authorizes the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) to provide financial assistance to Native American community development financial institutions. The lawmakers released the following statements: Native communities are one step closer to economic independence and self-charted prosperity today now that the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act is law of the land, Rep. Torres said. For tribal members whose financial opportunities have historically been limited by the geographic and economic isolation, this new law will allow capital to flow and new businesses to take root. I am grateful for Rep. Haaland's leadership as we ushered this bill through the legislative process, and thank our partners in the Senate for working with us to make this day a reality. All communities deserve access to the tools to grow businesses and build economic opportunities, but years of oppression have left Native American entrepreneurs behind, Rep. Deb Haaland, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, said. As a small business owner while raising my daughter there were times when easier access to capital would have benefited my business. I'm proud of the work Rep. Torres and I did to expand opportunities for Native entrepreneurs and get this bill across the finish line.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/harder-announces-free-mobile-coronavirus-testing-van-coming-communities,Harder Announces Free Mobile Coronavirus Testing Van Coming to Communities Throughout Central Valley,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Josh Harder,H001090,harder.house.gov,,,legacy,"Modesto, CA Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced the launch of a new COVID-19 mobile testing van for Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties scheduled to start Monday, January 4th. Curative, one of the largest providers of oral COVID-19 testing in the country, will be launching a mobile testing unit on Monday January 4th and will serve locations across Rep. Harder's district in both Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. Curative offers a self-administered oral test, which uses saliva instead of a nasal swab. The test is free to all individuals, including those without insurance, and can be administered to children. We heard from communities across the Valley that we're low on testing capacity so we went and found some more, said Rep. Harder. The first step in combating the virus is understanding where it is this will give us a better chance to do that while also giving people more opportunities to get tested. Interested residents can visit www.curative.com/CA10 to make an appointment. Appointments will be available starting four days before date of test. Walk-up availability is limited. More information on the test itself is available at www.curative.com. More information on local testing, including a bilingual flyer, is available here. The testing van will be available on a weekly basis at the following locations, 10am 4pm, starting Monday, January 4th: Mondays: Patterson - Hammon Senior Center Parking Lot, 1033 W Las Palmas Ave, Patterson Tuesdays: Riverbank - Riverbank Community Center Parking Lot, 3600 Santa Fe St, Riverbank Wednesdays: Manteca - City Hall Parking Lot, 1001 West Center Street, Manteca Thursdays: Oakdale - Family Resource Center Parking Lot, 631 W F St, Oakdale Fridays: Ceres - Central Valley Opportunity Center; Ceres Parking Lot, 3860 Brickit Ct., Suite A, Ceres Saturdays: Modesto - King Kennedy Center Parking Lot, 601 Martin Luther King Dr, Modesto Sundays: Tracy - Ritter Family Ball Park, 2300 N. Tracy Blvd, Tracy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8184,Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Eighth Report,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AR,French Hill,H001072,hill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Eighth Report f t # e Washington, December 31, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. The members of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission have published their eighth report.It is available for review here. The Commission's seven previous reports are also available for review at theCongressional Oversight Commission's website. The Congressional Oversight Commission is a five-person panel that was established by the CARES Act. The Commission is focused specifically on the economic stabilization efforts of the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. The members of the commission are Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-Fla.), and Congressman French Hill (R-Ark.) Commissioner Bharat Ramamurti recently announced he would be joining President-Elect Biden's Administration as the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council and stepped down from his role on the Commission. The Commission's chairperson has not been appointed yet. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonsmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3342,We Will Object,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MO,Jason Smith,S001195,jasonsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Next week, your 117th United States Congress will convene for the first time. After the election of Speaker and the adoption of the Rules of Congress, theaction will quickly move to reading aloud the electoral votessubmitted by each state from this past November'selection - counting them, and declaring the vote tally for President and Vice President. During that process, the question will be put before your elected officials - does anyone object to the certificationof electoral votes of a state. We will object. Our hope is that others will join us. We don't take this decision lightly, but we must protect the integrity of each vote cast by every law-abidingMissourian. For every instance of Georgia failing to follow its own state law in verifying signatures, of Pennsylvania accepting mail ballots after the legal deadline set by its state legislature, or folks from outside Nevada casting a ballotin that state - the value of every Missourians' vote is diminished. That's not right. And we cannot simply look the other way. The right to freely cast yourvote in elections is a sacred privilegeafforded to us as Americans because of the sacrificesof the patriots who fought for that right. When that process is spoiled and abused by officials not following their own state law, it violates that right and jeopardizes the entire integrity and foundation of 'free and fair' elections. In such instances, where voting process changes are made without the consent of the voter, we know it is our duty and our obligation to serve as a backstop to protect the power of one person, one vote - to protect your vote as a Missourian. We must be able to have confidence in not only the agreement and expectation that this election would follow the law, but future ones will as well. We take the responsibilityof upholding the Constitutionseriously, and that is why we feel compelled to object to the electoral count taking place on January 6th. The reported results of this past November's Presidential election don't even pass the most basic eye test. Republicans were projected to lose seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, we gained more than a dozen. Republicans were supposed to lose control of several state legislatures, we picked up multiple. We were projectedto lose control of the United States Senate - we didn't, and we won't. All of this occurred on the same night President Trump lost? It's hard to believe. Combined with the daily reports of voting irregularities where state election laws were discarded and not followed, something doesn't add up. President Trump won over 74 million votes, Obama - 69 million. President Trump won 2586 counties, Obama - 873 counties, Joe Biden - 527 counties. The numbers, the evidence, and the abnormalities all speak for themselves. We have joined lawsuits, called for a Special Counsel and demanded accountability and integrity, now we finally get to cast our vote. We have no illusions about the outcome, at the end of the day, this is still Nancy Pelosi's House. Our only hope is that more will join us - that more will value protecting the vote of every American living in their state as much as we do fighting for yours.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/list-gop-lawmakers-object-during-electoral-college-certification-process-grows,List Of GOP Lawmakers To Object During Electoral College Certification Process Grows,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-joe-wilson-to-object-to-electoral-college-certification,CONGRESSMAN JOE WILSON TO OBJECT TO ELECTORAL COLLEGE CERTIFICATION,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 31, Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement: ""As a former Lexington County Election Commissioner, not just as a Member of Congress, I am disgusted at the irregularities in the 2020 presidential election. The failure to validate signatures, the omission of witnesses, the interruption of counting before completion, the denial of poll watchers for access to fully observe, the extension of ballots received beyond Election Day, and the registration of illegal aliens, allowing non-citizens to vote, are all an open invitation for fraud. I had counted on courts to fully consider lawsuits by 18 states and 126 members of Congress, but the Courts have declined to act and it is my duty to object to the Electoral count because irregularities were never addressed."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/john-joyce-will-object-electoral-college-certification-process-january-6,John Joyce Will Object to Electoral College Certification Process on January 6,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) today announced that he will object to the Electoral College certification process on Wednesday, January 6. ""American democracy is possible only as long as the American people have faith in government ?of, by, and for the people.' We cannot have truly free and fair elections unless American voters have confidence in the results. In Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf's unlawful actions coupled with the hastily passed Act 77 shrouded this year's election and spurred rabid distrust in the system. Despite millions of Americans' efforts to discern the facts, we have not seen a meaningful investigation into the many legitimate accounts of election fraud and irregularities. For the sake of our liberty and our American values, I will stand up for President Trump and our American democracy by objecting to the Electoral College certification on January 6."" Today Dr. Joyce joined fellow members of the Republican Congressional delegation in a joint statement on the certification of the electors, including in part: ""Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. ""The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia ""These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable."" Despite sustained efforts to discern the truth, these Members of Congress have not received an adequate response from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Given this failure of the Commonwealth's leadership, they cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. ""This very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process, as well as a potentially flawed outcome,"" they continued. Background: Since Election Day, Dr. Joyce has been in lockstep with President Trump and his team to ensure that justice is served. ? November 6, 2020: Dr. Joyce and 38 fellow Members of Congress call on U.S. Attorney General Barr to begin a federal investigation and exercise oversight on the November 3 elections in Pennsylvania and around the country. ? November 7, 2020: Dr. Joyce and fellow Republican Members of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation urge Governor Wolf, PA Attorney General Shapiro, and Secretary Boockvar to uphold the law of Pennsylvania and ensure that every LEGAL vote is counted once. They also call on Governor Wolf to recuse AG Shapiro, a hyper-partisan candidate, from ALL election oversight. ? November-December: Dr. Joyce supports President Trump's legal challenges in Pennsylvania. ? December 1, 2020: Dr. Joyce and 36 fellow Members of Congress urge U.S. Attorney General Barr to take ""bold and courageous action"" in DOJ investigation of widespread allegations of election fraud in Pennsylvania and around the country and to uphold the rule of law and ensure legal justice for President Trump. As they write, ""justice delayed is justice denied."" ? December 7, 2020: Dr. Joyce files an amicus brief in support of Kelly v. Pennsylvania, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Congressman Mike Kelly's case against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. ? December 8, 2020: Dr. Joyce co-sponsorsH.R.8830, the You Must Be Alive to Vote Act of 2020, which will require states to obtain information from Social Security Administration on deaths for purposes of voter registration list maintenance and to prevent dead people from voting. ? December 10, 2020: In support of President Trump, Dr. Joyce files an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Texas v. Pennsylvania and give all due consideration to our President. ? December 24, 2020: Dr. Joyce files an amicus brief calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Kelly v. Commonwealthof Pennsylvania and uphold the Constitution of Pennsylvania. ? December 31, 2020: Dr. Joyce and members of the Republican Pennsylvania Congressional delegation release statement announcing that they will object to the Electoral College certification process. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/coin-redesign-act-celebrating-prominent-american-women-and-others-passes-both-chambers-of-congress_--,Coin Redesign Act Celebrating Prominent American Women and Others Passes Both Chambers of Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.31.20 Coin Redesign Act Celebrating Prominent American Women and Others Passes Both Chambers of Congress Washington, D.C. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Anthony Gonzalez(R-OH), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) today joined Senators Catherine CortezMasto(D-NV) and Deb Fischer (R-NE)in celebrating the bicameral passage of their bipartisan legislation, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. H.R. 1923, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 allows the Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint to mint and issuenewquarter-dollar coins. The first series of quarters in this program commemorates the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting some women the right to vote. The design on the reverse of those quarters will represent prominent American women in a range of fields, including but not limited to suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, and humanities. This series will also include women from ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse backgrounds. The 114th Congress created a United StatesSemiquincentennialCommission to facilitate activities in 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This bill allows for the issuance offivedifferent designs emblematic of the United States'Semiquincentennial, including one dedicated to the contributions made by women to our nation's founding or a monumental moment in American History.Additionally, from 2027-2030,quarter dollars willcommemorate sports played by American youthandhalf-dollar commemoratingParalympicsports. Women have played a critical role in shaping this country since its founding but have often been excluded or gone unrecognized. This bill is an important step in recognizing the contributions women have made in furthering civil rights and making our country a more equitable place. This bill's passage also coincides with the centennial of the 19th Amendment which gave some women the right to vote,said Congresswoman Lee.When women gathered in Seneca Falls in July 1848, it was to give white women the right to vote no Black women were invited to participate. As we commemorate women's suffrage and celebrate the first series of coins in the package to depict prominent American women, it is also my hope that diverse American women will be chosen and depicted, celebrating our nation's leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Some of the greatest and most influential figures in our nation's history have been women, although these voices and stories have too often gone untold. In this centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, it is fitting that we take this opportunity to highlight the role women have played in shaping our great nation and ensure their inclusion in the fabric of our nation's story,said Congressman Gonzalez.I am excited to see this legislation head to the President's desk to be signed into law. I'm proud to see this legislation honoring the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and recognizing the many American women who have contributed to the fight for suffrage and civil rights, science, government, and the arts pass the House of Representatives,said Senator CortezMasto.While our nation still has steps to take in honoring the right to vote for women of color, the 19th Amendment has firmly established every woman's right to vote for the last 100 years and has brought women into the halls of power across our country. And by ensuring that prominent women are featured in the U.S. Mint'sSemiquincentennial, we are recognizing our history and inspiring future generations of young women to dream big. From business boardrooms to research labs to state legislatures, like Nevada's first majority-women legislature, this bill recognizes the decades of contributions women have made and will make to our shared history. I am happy that we were able to work together in a bipartisan, bicameral way to pass this legislation,said Senator Fischer.These coins will pay tribute to the women heroes and trailblazers who have played a major role in our nation's history. Their leadership, stories, and sacrifices are going to inspire generations of women to come. As a member of the U.S.SemiquinentennialCommission, I am thrilled to see us take steps to prepare for the celebration of our 250th Independence Day and especially excited to ensure that celebration includes not just the founding fathers we so often think of, but more diverse contributions made to our nation's founding. The inclusion of women is vital, and so it is fitting that we make sure a woman is included on the coins we'll circulate to mark the occasion,said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.For so long, we've allowed a pervasive narrative that women, Black, indigenous and other people of color are new to leading. The truth is, we've been doing it since the dawn of time, but with little recognition. With measures like these we pay a small amount of what's due and inspire everyone to dream big. Since our institution's founding in 1792, the men and women of the United States Mint have taken great pride in rendering the story of our nation in enduring examples of numismatic art,said United States Mint Director David J. Ryder.We look forward to honoring the many contributions of women in American history, as well as celebrating the 250thAnniversary of our Great Nation and the shared pastimes that are important to all of us. ""As we commemorate the Suffrage Centennial in 2020 and the 250th anniversary of our country's founding in 2026, I can't think of a better way of righting our history than to include historical American women,said Rosie Rios, 43rd Treasurer of the United States.I would like to thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee and her office for taking a leadership role in partnering to craft this legislation and continue the journey of having women represented on our currency and coins, something that is used every day around the world. By seeing ourselves honored and valued in our history, our daughters and sons can be inspired to also see their own future."" This bill will include the following package of coins: From 2022-2025, up to 5 quarters annually depicting prominent American women; In 2026, up to 5 quarters commemorating the USSemiquincentennial(250th) anniversary,including one quarter design featuring women; All circulating coins (obverse and reverse) will be redesigned for 2026 for the celebration; From 2027-2030, a series of 5 quarters annually honoring American youth sports and a half-dollar design depicting a sport in the Paralympics; Gives authority for permission for the Mint to design and strike Olympic medals. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women's constitutional right to vote. 68 million women can vote today because of the work of the women's suffrage movement and this bill honors these efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/s-nchez-highlights-accomplishments-38th-congressional-district-during,Sánchez Highlights Accomplishments for 38th Congressional District During 116th Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Linda T. Sánchez,S001156,lindasanchez.house.gov,lindasanchez,https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— U.S. Representative Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) today highlighted accomplishments for the 38th Congressional District during the second session of the 116th Congress. Sánchez has devoted her career to helping working people get ahead: advocating for families, improving America's education system, and bringing jobs to Southern California. ""I take seriously my responsibility to be the voice for California's 38th District in Washington,"" said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. ""In 2020, my Democratic colleagues and I have been able to deliver significant wins for our constituents and the country, despite historic opposition from the other party and the Administration. The cornerstone of my work is and continues to be serving my constituents, especially in these difficult and unpredictable times."" In the 116th Congress, Congresswoman Sánchez served on the Ways and Means Committee where she lead on issues of importance to working families such as family caregiving and nursing homes, fair taxation, improving education at all levels, and worker-first priorities for labor. Additionally, Sánchez served as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Immigration Task Force and Co-Chair of the Labor Caucus, and as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Democratic Women's Caucus. On Sunday, January 3rd, Congresswoman Sánchez will be sworn in as the Representative for California's 38th Congressional District in the 117th Congress. At that time, she will begin her tenth term serving the people of Los Angeles and Orange Counties in Southern California. Highlighted district and legislative accomplishments are below. For additional information, please visit here. For a complete listing on House Democrats' work For The People in the 116th Congress, please visit here. Highlighted District Accomplishments COVID-19 Response Since March 2019, Congresswoman Sánchez's office has received thousands of constituent requests for assistance related to the pandemic. The office has resolved more than 1,000 constituent issues this calendar year, and for issues outside of the federal scope, our team continues to share information regarding state and local resources. Support for Small Businesses Additionally, the District office has been laser-focused on providing information and assistance for small businesses. The office has assisted hundreds of small businesses, including more than 200 local businesses with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. 2020 Census Congresswoman Sánchez prioritized Census response this year, as the district faced several challenges for an accurate count. As a result of this sustained effort, in partnership with many local organization, CA-38 had a response rate of 73.9% which is significantly higher than the state average of 69.6% and L.A. County average of 65%. Whittier Narrows Dam Congresswoman Sánchez, working together with Congresswomen Napolitano and Chu, secured $192.5 million for long-needed repairs to the Whittier Narrows Dam. The Whittier Narrows Dam Safety Project is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Dam Safety and Seepage Program and was included in the FY2021 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This will ensure construction of the project commences on schedule. This important milestone will make our communities more resilient in the face of increasingly dangerous and damaging storms. Virtual Constituent Engagement This year, the offices pivoted to a virtual model of constituent support and held hundreds of virtual events to meet with local leaders, community members and constituents. Highlighted Legislative Accomplishments Health The Congresswoman continues to be a leader on the Ways and Means Committee, specifically on the topics of caregiving, nursing homes, and Alzheimer's disease. She is acutely focused on these issues and health disparities in the Latino community as it relates to much of her legislative work in this portfolio. She authored an op-ed regarding the importance of the ACA: ""Being a woman is a preexisting condition? Here's what is at stake for health care."" Her top bills include: COVID-19 Health Legislation The Facilitating Virtual Visitation for Nursing Home Residents Act, The Stronger Medicaid Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Act, (included in the HEROES Act and updated HEROES Act), and The Public Health Emergency COBRA Extension Act Legislation with Reps. Cárdenas and Castro that would allow those who are uninsured to receive COVID-19 tests at no-cost. This legislation was included in the larger Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which passed the House of Representatives. Health Legislation The Community-Based Independence for Seniors Act, The CHANGE Act, The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act,The Medicare Adult Day Services Act, The Compassionate Care Act. Taxation As a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, the Congresswoman continues to be a leader of federal taxation issues in Congress and several of her priorities have been included in the House of Representatives-passed COVID packages this year. COVID-19 Tax Legislation Her previously committee-passed bipartisan Working Parents Relief Act that would allow families to set aside more pre-tax dollars to cover the skyrocketing costs of childcare was partially included in the HEROES Act. Related to the Congresswoman's ongoing work to provide families with more flexibility to afford childcare, she led a letter to the Treasury Department advocating for an interpretation to allow workers to change the amount of money set aside for dependent care expenses. This provision was also included in the HEROES Act. The Providing Essentials for Frontline Workers Act (included in the HEROES Act), The WORK NOW Act (modified version included in the updated HEROES Act),The Helping Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, and TheMechanical Insulation Incentive Act. Tax Legislation Building Apprentice Skills in Career Training, Credit for Caring Act is a bi-partisan bill that would provide a non-refundable federal tax credit of up to $3,000 to family caregivers to help address the financial burdens of caregiving and help working family caregivers remain employed and not have to leave their jobs and risk their financial security. Immigration Congresswoman Sánchez continued her term as Chair of the Immigration Task Force for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where she led over a dozen meetings with advocacy groups and CHC members to build consensus to develop a new roadmap toward immigration reform. The Congresswoman developed key principles to guide a legislative strategy and will continue leading conversations with key Congressional members and the Biden Administration to move immigration reforms in the 117th Congress. The Congresswoman also secured a deal to provide emergency relief funding and led legislation to provide access to COVID-19 testing and treatment for all, including undocumented people and mixed-status families. Immigration Issues Called for DHS and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to provide the agency's plans to provide flu vaccines to migrants in CBP custody, ahead of flu season during COVID-19. The Congresswoman led a letter to DHS Acting Secretary Wolf on the agency's stance and plan to provide flu vaccinations to migrants, including children and family units currently detained at U.S. CBP facilities, ahead of this year's flu season. Led an effort to oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) modifications to the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) that affected international student's ability to take online classes during the pandemic, causing undue harm to our international students, student bodies, and institutions of higher learning in and around the district. Labor The Congresswoman hosted quarterly virtual meetings with local union representatives to hear directly from workers regarding the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing a direct voice for working families to Congress. She was a vocal supporter of legislative efforts to protect worker's economic security and ensure safety on the job, especially frontline workers. Congresswoman Sánchez once again served as Co-Chair the Labor and Working Families Caucus, including 74 members, and worked to expand the Caucus. The Congresswoman welcomed like-minded colleagues to leadership on key labor issues by helping form the new Congressional Labor Caucus. The Labor Caucus will build on the legacy of the Labor and Working Families Caucus by expanding support for legislative efforts that strengthen workers' rights and rebuild America's middle class. Labor Legislation Coronavirus Frontline Workers Fair Pay Act and a bipartisan resolution Expressing support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day Oversight The Congresswoman, along with Reps. Lieu, Cicilline, Eshoo, and Gallego introduced a comprehensive package of oversight bills – the Restoring Public Trust Act – which included her RIGGED Act to end nepotism at the White House. Oversight Legislation The Relatives in Government Getting Employment Dishonorably Act and The Financial Accountability in Reporting Act Education The Congresswoman remains focused on improving education at all levels. The Safe Schools Improvement Act has the highest number of cosponsors ever with 231. The Congresswoman led the Orange County delegation encouraging the O.C. Board of Education to abide by health guidelines, including mandating local school districts to mandate masks and physical distancing guidelines. Education Legislation The Safe Schools Improvement Act, The Put School Counselors Where They're Needed Act, and The National School Counselors Week Resolution Social Security As an active member of the Social Security Subcommittee on Ways and Means, the Congresswoman has prioritized protecting beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic this year while she fights for longer term reform. She secured inclusion of a version of her legislation to provide a boost to widows and widowers in emergency Social Security legislation introduced by Chairman Larson. She also joined with her colleagues to push for a temporary fix to this year's woefully inadequate cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA), forgiveness for Social Security overpayments during the pandemic, and fewer administrative hurdles for beneficiaries to receive their Economic Impact Payments (EIP). Congresswoman Sánchez continues to fight for permanent improvements to Social Security through her legislation to strengthen benefits and the solvency of the Social Security program. She testified before the Committee on the importance of the program to Latinx families and communities of color. Social Security Legislation Protecting Our Widows and Widowers in Retirement (POWER) Act, H.R. 2654 - Strengthening Social Security Act of 2019, and the Social Security COVID-19 Correction and Equity Act Worker and Family Support This year, the Congresswoman expanded her leadership role on critical legislation to help working families endure and recover from the pandemic. She joined Committee leadership in spearheading the Childcare for Economic Recovery Act through the House, including testifying before the Rules Committee. She also helped broker a provision to provide emergency assistance for vulnerable populations in both Heroes Act versions between the Ways and Means Committee and CHC and secured a provision to provide family care for essential workers in the original Heroes Act. The Congresswoman also advocated for crucial programs to help working families, including sharing constituent stories on the importance of enhanced pandemic unemployment benefits. She also published an op-ed in Latino Magazine on the importance of programs like paid family leave and federal support for family caregivers in the Latinx community. Worker and Family Support Legislation H.R. 7327 - Childcare for Economic Recovery Act, H.R. 6460 – Family Care for Essential Workers Act,H.R.6862 - Social Services Pandemic Disaster Relief Act(co-led with Reps. Davis, Chu, and Gomez) (included in both versions of the Heroes Act ), H.R. 7846 - The Support Working Families Act of 2020 (bill co-led with Rep. Porter) Transportation and Infrastructure The Congresswoman has continued to lead efforts to restore the Whittier Narrows Dam, including leading a push to secure funding of the restoration in the FY 2021 House and Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Acts. She continues to work with the City of Pico Rivera, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Appropriations Committee to mitigate the project's impact on the community. She drafted and secured compromise language included in the FY 2021 House Energy and Water report directing the Corps to study ways to minimize the impact on the community. The Congresswoman has also testified before House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee urging the WRDA process to better serve disadvantaged communities and hosted the Committee to tour the Whittier Narrows Dam in Pico Rivera this year. The Congresswoman has also continued to push for a major infrastructure investment, as well as advocate for federal infrastructure grants that would benefit local agencies like L.A. Metro (rail and bus electrification projects) and WRD that serve the 38th District. Small Business Congresswoman Sánchez has fought to secure lifesaving help for small businesses to weather the COVID-19 pandemic and joined aggressive oversight to ensure the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program serve truly small and minority-owned businesses. She has joined with her colleagues on efforts to expand PPP eligibility for nonprofits and increase transparency and accountability of SBA programs to prevent large corporations from taking advantage of funds intended for small businesses. The Congresswoman has engaged with the Small Business Committee on policy problems raised by local labor and small business owners during the rollout of PPP. The Congresswoman has also continued to be supportive of manufacturing businesses in the district, many of whom contract with NASA and the Air Force. She has joined her colleagues in pushing the Air Force to keep the National Security Space Launch program on schedule, which local small manufacturing businesses depend on for contracting work. Small Business Legislation The Supporting Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Act Energy and Environment The Congresswoman pushed back against the Trump administration's political and environment attacks against the state of California. She has joined with her colleagues to combat PFAS (forever chemicals found in nonstick cookware and firefighting foam) contamination by urging appropriators to fund new grant programs for states and localities to decontaminate water supplies, as well as cosponsoring legislation passed by the House to regulate PFAS chemicals. The Congresswoman has continued to support appropriations for local and national environmental priorities including water conservation programs, energy efficiency and renewable energy research, and the L.A. River Restoration project. Agriculture and Animals The Congresswoman continued her leadership on nutrition issues in the start of the pandemic by urging the Secretary of Agriculture to use authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to allow WIC food package substitutes as a result of panic buying. The effort was endorsed by the National WIC Association and her letter garnered more than 60 Congressional member signatures. She also signed onto numerous letters to the Administration to ensure families receive pandemic nutrition assistance and cosponsored legislation to expand nutrition assistance through SNAP and other programs during the crisis. The Congresswoman once again received a 100 percent scorecard rating from the Humane Society for her record and cosponsorship of animal protection bills. Nutrition Legislation H.R. 6811 – WIC Act of 2020 Defenseand Foreign Affairs The Congresswoman vocally defended the Armenian Community as the latest conflict between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Artsakh erupted this year. She joined her colleagues in the Congressional Caucus on Armenia to push for the U.S. to engage in fostering a peace process that would respect the rights of Armenians and residents of Artsakh. The Congresswoman engaged directly with the State Department to urge the Administration to increase its involvement and restore demining programs in Artsakh. She also joined with her colleagues to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. The Congresswoman also continued to expand her participation in NATO PA by serving out her term as Vice-Chair of the Economics and Security Committee. She was elected Special Rapporteur of the Civil Dimension of Security Committee and has further developed relationships with NATO counterparts and colleagues in the U.S. delegation. The Congresswoman maintained her strong support for Israel through responsiveness to all corners of the Jewish community in the 38th District, including supporting security assistance for Israel, strides in the regional peace process, and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip. Civil Rights Congresswoman Sánchez led the fight for transparency in the Census Bureau's plan to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. She engaged with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to provide oversight of all operations, including updated messaging strategies and new engagement plans. The Congresswoman supported the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, bipartisan legislation led by the Congressional Black Caucus: unprecedented reforms to fundamentally transform the culture of policing by curbing police brutality, ending racial profiling, increasing transparency and accountability, as it saves lives. Civil Rights Letters U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Commerce seeking information about the Bureau's contingency plans to conduct the 2020 Census during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on outreach on how historically marginalized communities, people experiencing homelessness, and those with low broadband access would be reached. Civil Rights Legislation George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation resolution, Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, s 2020 Observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act, and the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act Veterans The Congresswoman has continued to support numerous legislative efforts related to veterans. She will continue to explore new legislative opportunities after a meeting she had with local leaders on the topics of homelessness, mental health, and health care. The Congresswoman's Fair Credit Reporting for Servicemembers passed the U.S. House of Representatives on January 29, 2020 as part of the Comprehensive CREDIT Act. Veterans Legislation",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=476,We Will Object,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MO,Billy Long,L000576,long.house.gov,,,legacy,"Next week, your 117th United States Congress will convene for the first time. After the election of Speaker and the adoption of the Rules of Congress, theaction will quickly move to reading aloud the electoral votessubmitted by each state from this past November'selection - counting them, and declaring the vote tally for President and Vice President. During that process, the question will be put before your elected officials - does anyone object to the certificationof electoral votes of a state. We will object. Our hope is that others will join us. We don't take this decision lightly, but we must protect the integrity of each vote cast by every law-abidingMissourian. For every instance of Georgia failing to follow its own state law in verifying signatures, of Pennsylvania accepting mail ballots after the legal deadline set by its state legislature, or folks from outside Nevada casting a ballotin that state - the value of every Missourians' vote is diminished. That's not right. And we cannot simply look the other way. The right to freely cast yourvote in elections is a sacred privilegeafforded to us as Americans because of the sacrificesof the patriots who fought for that right. When that process is spoiled and abused by officials not following their own state law, it violates that right and jeopardizes the entire integrity and foundation of 'free and fair' elections. In such instances, where voting process changes are made without the consent of the voter, we know it is our duty and our obligation to serve as a backstop to protect the power of one person, one vote - to protect your vote as a Missourian. We must be able to have confidence in not only the agreement and expectation that this election would follow the law, but future ones will as well. We take the responsibilityof upholding the Constitutionseriously, and that is why we feel compelled to object to the electoral count taking place on January 6th. The reported results of this past November's Presidential election don't even pass the most basic eye test. Republicans were projected to lose seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, we gained more than a dozen. Republicans were supposed to lose control of several state legislatures, we picked up multiple. We were projectedto lose control of the United States Senate - we didn't, and we won't. All of this occurred on the same night President Trump lost? It's hard to believe. Combined with the daily reports of voting irregularities where state election laws were discarded and not followed, something doesn't add up. President Trump won over 74 million votes, Obama - 69 million. President Trump won 2586 counties, Obama - 873 counties, Joe Biden - 527 counties. The numbers, the evidence, and the abnormalities all speak for themselves. We have joined lawsuits, called for a Special Counsel and demanded accountability and integrity, now we finally get to cast our vote. We have no illusions about the outcome, at the end of the day, this is still Nancy Pelosi's House. Our only hope is that more will join us - that more will value protecting the vote of every American living in their state as much as we do fighting for yours.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://loudermilk.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=3564,Bill to Help Non-Profit Organizations Goes to President Trumps Desk to be Signed,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,GA,Barry Loudermilk,L000583,loudermilk.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga) issued the following statement after the Senate and House of Representatives passed his bill, the Building Up Independent Lives and Dreams (BUILD) Act: share: f t Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga) issued the following statement after the Senate and House of Representatives passed his bill, the Building Up Independent Lives and Dreams (BUILD) Act:It's great to see the BUILD Act on its way to the president's desk to be signed into law. The bipartisan support for this bill was overwhelming; and it's clear that many of my colleagues agree we should make it easier for charitable organizations to help those in need. This bill is a major help for non-profits, like Habitat for Humanity, which provide low-cost housing for needy families. The BUILD Act cuts government red-tape by reducing some of the overly burdensome regulations placed on charities through the Dodd-Frank Act. The difficulty and cost of compliance has been too much for some non-profits, causing them to spend more time doing regulatory paperwork and less time fulfilling their missions. The BUILD Act recognizes that these non-profit organizations operate under different business models than traditional financial institutions, and provides a simpler method for providing mortgage disclosures. Summary of the BUILD Act (S. 371): Allows Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and similar organizations, to choose whether to use the TRID loan estimate and closing disclosure form or use the less complex GFE, HUD-1, and TILA forms. You can view the text of this legislation by HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://loudermilk.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=3565,Rep. Loudermilk to Object to Georgia Electors in U.S. House of Representatives,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,GA,Barry Loudermilk,L000583,loudermilk.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga) issued the following statement regarding the November 3rd election, and the certification of the electors for the Presidential election in the U.S. House on January 6, 2021:""Since the November 3rd election, I have received numerous reports of election irregularities, mismanagement of the election system, and multiple incidents of voter fraud. While contacting voters who needed to cure their absentee ballots just after the election, I and my team heard from several voters who reported that when they went to vote on Election Day, they were told they had already voted absentee, though they had not. Two weeks before the election, I received credible information that a Georgia-based non-profit group was actively calling residents of other states and encouraging them to register as Georgia voters. I reported this information, and the contact for my source, to the Georgia Secretary of State. Two weeks after the election, I found out that the informant had never been contacted by the Secretary of State's office. ""Over the past several weeks, I have been in contact with members of the Georgia General Assembly who have conducted hearings on potential voter fraud in the November general election. I have received hundreds of testimonies, affidavits, and witness accounts of voting irregularities, lack of ballot accountability, and violations of state election law. While I am fully supportive of Governor Brian Kemp and how he is leading Georgia during these trying times, I do not believe the Governor's office, nor the Secretary of State, have adequately answered the most significant claims of voter fraud and election mismanagement made by several individuals and entities. ""After weeks of researching Georgia's handling of the 2020 General Election, I have a reasonable and significant doubt that the electors selected to represent Georgia in the electoral college actually reflect the true will of the people of Georgia. Due to the many unanswered and credible charges of potential fraud, highly respected members of the State House and Senate have called for a special session to address the certification of Georgia's votes. However, no special session has been called. Therefore, on behalf of my colleagues in the Georgia General Assembly, I will be objecting to Georgia's electors when these votes are presented to the U.S. House of Representatives on January 6, 2021.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-announces-passage-critical-health-care-priorities,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Announces Passage of Critical Health Care Priorities in COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCToday, Congresswoman Elaine Luria announced the inclusion of several vital health care provisions in theConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package, which the President recently signed into law. These provisions would bolster COVID-19 vaccine and testing deployment, reverse planned budget cuts to Medicare, and provide additional funding for personal protective equipment (PPE).As our nation faces record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we must continue providing robust funding for critical health care imperatives,said Congresswoman Elaine Luria.While neither perfect nor all-inclusive, this much-overdue COVID-19 relief package allocates resources needed to improve our nation's response to this pandemic. I am pleased the President signed this package into law, and I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to continue finding common ground as we continue addressing this public health emergency.Included in the COVID-19 relief package are: $69 billion for COVID-19 testing, vaccine deployment, contact tracing, and other critical health care needs; $3.25 billion for a national stockpile of PPE; A reversal of the 2021 Medicare Sequester; and, An end to surprise medical bills by ensuring patients are only responsible for in-network cost-sharing amounts in emergency and non-emergency situations, in which they cannot choose an in-network provider. As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Congresswoman Luria helped develop aframework for a COVID-19 relief package, whichthe Caucus introduced with a bipartisan group of Senators earlier this month. The relief package that just became law shares striking similarities with this framework, which prioritizes support for families, students, small businesses, and health care providers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-cash-act-vote/,McMorris Rodgers Statement on CASH Act Vote,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement after voting on the CASH Act. This year, I have supported trillions in emergency relief and assistance for those hurt by the COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic shutdowns. That includes this month's bipartisan agreement with increased unemployment assistance, aid to farmers and ranchers, reimbursements for our health care providers, support for small businesses and their employees, and additional direct payments to Eastern Washington families, said McMorris Rodgers. Unfortunately, the CASH Act would add $464 billion to our national debt. I believe assistance should be more targeted. In addition, this bill failed to include the spending reductions that President Trump called for. As I've repeatedly urged Governor Inslee to do, the best and most effective way to help families and restore our way of life is to reopen our economy and safely get people back to work. That's what I am committed to. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-members-congress-release-statement-regarding-certification,PENNSYLVANIA MEMBERS OF CONGRESS RELEASE STATEMENT REGARDING CERTIFICATION OF ELECTORS,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pennsylvania members of the U.S. House of Representatives including Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9), Congressman Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (PA-15), Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Congressman John Joyce (PA-13), and Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) released the following joint statement: ""The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure - ""Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof… ""Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors… ""Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. ""The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia ""These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. ""Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election could be summed up as a free-for-all with no oversight and different standards applied throughout the Commonwealth. It is also very apparent that the unlawful actions described were concentrated in heavily populated, Democrat-led counties. ""By definition, such unlawful, unregulated, and inconsistent activities resulted in a highly questionable and inaccurate vote total. The scope of these inaccuracies cannot be known until the legal ballots are identified and counted, and the illegal ballots are disqualified. This has not been done. ""Therefore, the state's official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count. Thus, very possibly resulting in an erroneous certification. ""Until these unlawful practices are acknowledged and corrected, we cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. The voters of Pennsylvania deserve integrity in the election process and equal protection under the law. ""This very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process as well as a potentially flawed outcome. ""If there is an American ideal that all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon is that we must have election integrity. Election integrity is the only way to ensure trust in our elections and it is accomplished by adhering to our Constitution and the law.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=732,Statement on Electoral College Certification,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Statement on Electoral College Certification U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman issued the following statement on Thursday, December 31, 2020: On January 6th, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate will meet in joint session to accept the results of the Electoral College. My office has received a lot of calls asking about my position on this. My position is clear: Because we don't have a thorough accounting of all the various reports of voting irregularities, as well as transparent evidence that the election in several key states was fair overall and remedied where it wasn't fair I will be joining other colleagues from the House of Representatives to formally challenge the Electoral College results from those states. At the end of the day, I believe Congress has a responsibility to ensure that our federal elections are fair and transparent. Individual states, which are empowered by our Constitution to run their own elections, need to ensure that state and federal laws were followed when making their election policies, that every lawful vote is counted, unlawful votes are discarded, and legitimate reports of irregularities are thoroughly investigated and resolved. Because there remain valid questions as to whether several states have actually met this threshold for certification, Congress has a right and (I would argue) a responsibility to examine and debate the results.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-members-congress-release-statement-regarding-certification,Pennsylvania Members of Congress Release Statement Regarding Certification of Electors,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pennsylvania members of the U.S. House of Representatives including Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9), Congressman Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (PA-15), Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Congressman John Joyce (PA-13), and Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) released the following joint statement: ""The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure - ""Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof… ""Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors… ""Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. ""The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia ""These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. ""Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election could be summed up as a free-for-all with no oversight and different standards applied throughout the Commonwealth. It is also very apparent that the unlawful actions described were concentrated in heavily populated, Democrat-led counties. ""By definition, such unlawful, unregulated, and inconsistent activities resulted in a highly questionable and inaccurate vote total. The scope of these inaccuracies cannot be known until the legal ballots are identified and counted, and the illegal ballots are disqualified. This has not been done. ""Therefore, the state's official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count. Thus, very possibly resulting in an erroneous certification. ""Until these unlawful practices are acknowledged and corrected, we cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. The voters of Pennsylvania deserve integrity in the election process and equal protection under the law. ""This very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process as well as a potentially flawed outcome. ""If there is an American ideal that all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon is that we must have election integrity. Election integrity is the only way to ensure trust in our elections and it is accomplished by adhering to our Constitution and the law."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-bill-elevate-antisemitism-envoy-ambassador-passes-house-headed,"Schneider Bill to Elevate Antisemitism Envoy to Ambassador Passes House, Headed to President’s Desk",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation authored by Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Chris Smith (NJ-4), and Eliot Engel (NY-16) that would elevate the State Department's antisemitism Special Envoy position to an Ambassadorship, giving more clout to address the alarming rise in antisemitism worldwide. The House voted overwhelmingly to pass H.R. 221 in January 2019 and the Senate amended and approved the legislation earlier this month. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. ""Today, the House took historic action to combat hate by unanimously passing the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Act and sending it to the President,"" said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10). ""The United States has a critical leadership role to play in stamping out hate, both at home and around the world, and with acts of antisemitism increasing across the globe, it's important that the United States Special Envoy have the authority and standing to lead the fight. As an Ambassador, this role will be better equipped to root out hate wherever and whenever it manifests. ""I want to thank Congressman Chris Smith and House Foreign Affairs Chair Eliot Engel for working hard to keep this fight bipartisan and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure the safety of Jewish communities across the globe."" The House originally voted overwhelmingly to pass H.R. 221 in January 2019. The bill is endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the Jewish Federations of North America.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-reduce-methane-emissions-cow-burps,Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Reduce Methane Emissions in Cow Burps,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) has introduced the Research to Reduce Agricultural Methane Act. This bill will provide funds to study innovative methods to reduce methane emissions in livestock, including through feed additives such as seaweed. ""We are facing an unprecedented climate crisis and it falls on all of us to find creative solutions to this pressing problem,"" said Rep. Schrier. ""Our farmers are the leading stewards of our land and on the front lines fighting climate change. While they are already innovating with solutions like no-till farming and increased cover crop adoption, we must provide more federal research support and ensure any game-changing products are accessible to our farmers and ranchers. As the only member on the Agriculture Committee from the Pacific Northwest, I will continue to work on common sense solutions that support our farmers while helping to address climate change."" According to EPA's 2018 Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, enteric fermentation, the digestive process by which cows and other ruminants produce methane, was the largest human-caused source of methane in the United States, representing 28% of domestic methane emissions. Ruminants, such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats, have the highest methane emissions per unit of body mass among all animal types. The amount of methane from livestock production alone is about the equivalent of the emissions from about 650 million cars. The Reduce Agricultural Methane Act will enable further research in promising methods to reduce agricultural methane emissions including:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-sherman-bill-to-support-non-profit-provided-affordable,Congress Passes Sherman Bill to Support Non-Profit Provided Affordable Housing,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Brad Sherman,S000344,sherman.house.gov,sherman,https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congress passed the Building Up Independent Lives and Dreams Act or ""BUILD"" Act, legislation led by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), Congressman Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). The passage of this legislation represents a significant step towards helping nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity help struggling families access housing through zero percent interest mortgages. ""We've heard of different local Habitat for Humanity chapters who make more than 5 loans a year having difficulty complying with the mandatory TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure form, citing increased costs and complexity. The BUILD Act is a straightforward way to address these challenges with a narrow regulatory tweak that will ensure non-profits can focus on working in their communities to build homes, rather than sitting in an office,"" said Congressman Sherman. Following the 2008 mortgage crisis, Congress established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to create rules of the road to protect consumers against the predatory mortgage lending practices which contributed to the crisis. To protect borrowers from being unknowingly pushed into mortgages they cannot afford, the CFPB established the TILA-RESPA integrated disclosure (TRID), also known as the ""know before you owe"" disclosure. TRID requires that, prior to a mortgage signing, lenders must provide borrowers with a simplified disclosure detailing all of mortgage costs the borrower will owe. The TRID forms include a loan estimate and closing disclosure, designed to allow consumers to easily identify high-cost mortgages such as those with ballooning interest rates. However, these disclosures are often not relevant to mortgages made by charitable organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, which provide low- or no-fee zero percent interest mortgages. Habitat provides homeownership opportunities to low-income families by building homes that are financed with a zero percent interest loans, or other affordable mortgage loan products. Small and mid-sized Habitat for Humanity chapters have experienced challenges in complying with TRID requirements because of the cost of the necessary software to complete these forms and training required to use the software. The BUILD Act will address this issue by providing a narrow exemption from TRID requirements for legitimate nonprofits making low-cost zero interest mortgages. Rather than provide the loan estimate and closing disclosure forms, these nonprofits will have the option to instead use the three forms that were previously acceptable, the Truth in Lending form, the Good Faith Estimate, and the HUD-1 form. The same exemption is currently available for all organizations making five or fewer mortgage loans per year, and the BUILD Act would simply expand this exemption to include these nonprofits.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-releases-report-highlighting-wins-central-florida-116th-congress,Soto Releases Report Highlighting Wins for Central Florida in the 116th Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"KISSIMMEE, FL – Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) released a report highlighting his community and legislative accomplishments during the 116th Congress. ""It's been a busy two years fighting for the issues that matter most to Central Florida's families,"" said Congressman Soto. ""For many in Florida and across the country, 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year. We mourned the loss of over 21,000 Floridians who were taken by the deadly coronavirus. We prayed for the health and safety of our loved ones, neighbors and healthcare workers. We saw business after business forced to close for public safety concerns and suffer the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, we did our best to step up during this crisis and serve our constituents. Going forward, I will work with the Biden Administration to ensure everyone in Central Florida has access to the COVID-19 vaccine and that our community builds back better than before. We are honored to have served the constituents of Florida's 9th Congressional District during the 116th Congress, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to deliver results for Central Florida."" Over the course of 116th Congress, Congressman Soto held 100 town halls and roundtables, attended hundreds of community events, sent thousands of correspondence to constituents, helped over a thousand constituents with casework, secured billions of dollars for Central Florida, and passed numerous bills, policy amendments and appropriations requests into law. In the 117th Congress, Rep. Soto will continue to serve on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee to fight for a strong pandemic response, higher-paying jobs and to protect our environment. He will also continue to serve on Natural Resources Committee to pursue his environmental efforts, work with Florida's tribes and bring Puerto Rico back to prosperity. In addition, he will serve as Chair of the Future Forum Caucus to assist the House Democratic Caucus to engage young people, and promote issues affecting Hispanics as Whip for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The one-pager can be read here and below. The full report can be read here and below. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1747,Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro f t # e Ewing, NJ, December 31, 2020 Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement today after news that Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro, a veteran and longtime public servant, had passed away: It's with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Mayor Gerald Tamburro. Mayor Tamburro's two decades of service to Monroe, first as a city council member then as mayor, are a testament to his commitment to his community. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry since I became a member of Congress six years ago. I will remember him fondly as someone who loved Monroe Township and fiercely fought for his constituents. My condolences to Jerry's family, children, and grandchildren. They will be in my prayers tonight. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-statement-on-passing-of-monroe-township-mayor-gerald-tamburro,Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement today after news that Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro, a veteran and longtime public servant, had passed away:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=441,Rep. Wexton’s EFFORT Act to Expand Opioid Addiction Research Headed to President’s Desk,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC --Today, the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act was passed by the House of Representatives, after being amended and passed by the Senate last week. The EFFORT Act is bipartisan legislation authored by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and co-sponsored by Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN). The Senate companion bill was carried by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), and now goes to the President for his signature. While much of our attention is focused on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid addiction crisis continues to ravage our communities,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.In fact, the crisis has gotten worse. Virginia is seeing a record number of fatal overdoses this year as isolation and anxiety brought on by COVID add new challenges for those who are in recovery. We need to vigorously study and treat addiction like the disease that it is. Once this bill is signed into law, scientists and researchers can provide us with greater resources to end this crisis. As our nation confronts the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we also continue to grapple with an opioid epidemic that is increasingly devastating families in Delaware and across the country,said Senator Chris Coons. The recent record-breaking success with a vaccine for COVID-19 shows that when the federal government invests in research and partners with leading minds in all sectors we can do amazing things. This bill would put our collective resources and know-how to work deepening our understanding of opioid addiction and finding tools and treatments to end this crisis. I'm proud that it will be signed into law. We have lost hundreds of lives here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley to the opioid epidemic. The effects of this public health crisis have been seen in the number of children in foster care, babies born substance exposed, and grandparents now raising their grandchildren. The Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition supports the EFFORT Act and is proud to see it pass through the House and Senate because research will help to decrease preventable deaths caused by opioid overdoses and will drive better treatment approaches,said Lauren Cummings, executive director of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition. The EFFORT Act expands research into the prevention and treatment of opioid addiction, seeking to promote collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts and close existing gaps in research. The bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF), in consultation with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to support research that will allow for further understanding of the science of opioid addiction. 2020 is on track to be theworst year by farfor fatal drug overdose deaths in Virginia. Overdoses have spiked during the pandemic, and the Commonwealth is on track to surpass 2,000 overdose deaths this year after setting a record last year with 1,626 lives lost. Congresswoman Wexton is a founding member of the bipartisanFreshmen Working Group on Addictionwith Representative David Trone (D-MD) and has been a strong advocate for addiction prevention and recovery efforts since her time in the Virginia state Senate where she served on the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee. The full text of the EFFORT Act can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/news/releases/in-2020-casey-produces-results-for-pa-constituents,"In 2020, Casey Produces Results for PA Constituents",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-mcconnell-to-help-struggling-families-by-passing-2000-direct-payment-measure,"Durbin Calls on McConnell to Help Struggling Families By Passing $2,000 Direct Payment Measure",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.31.20 Durbin Calls on McConnell to Help Struggling Families By Passing $2,000 Direct Payment Measure WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on Senate Republicans to support the House-passed CASH Act, a measure that would increase direct payments from $600 to $2,000 for individuals earning less than $75,000 per year. The measure passed the House by a vote of 275-134, with 44 House Republicans supporting the bill. All we're saying to Senator McConnell is give us a chance to vote. You can vote no if you wish. Give us a chance to vote for the $2,000 that can make a difference in a person's life. $4,000 for a husband and wife who are struggling to get by. Rent checks, mortgage payments, car payments, utility bills, things that really are basic to family survival. We're trying to help, and I think we should be given that chance, Durbin said.If we are in touch with the reality in our home states, in our hometowns, we should do something, something significant to end this New Year on the right note. I plead with the Republican leader who has the power, the one, the sole member of Congress of 100 members, he has the power to bring this matter to a vote and to do it immediately, within the hour. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/icymi-gillibrand-in-buffalo-news-stock-act-20-will-require-new-transparency-in-congress,ICYMI: Gillibrand In Buffalo News: Stock Act 2.0 Will Require New Transparency In Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 31, 2020 ICYMI: Gillibrand In Buffalo News: Stock Act 2.0 Will Require New Transparency In Congress In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand penned an op-ed in theBuffalo Newstoday, calling for passage of her new legislation, theSTOCK Act 2.0. The legislation will require that whenever a member of Congress, a high-ranking staff member in a position to make policy, the president, the vice president, or other executive branch officials apply for or receive a benefit of value from the government, they must report it in the same way they would report the sale of a stock. The legislation was prompted in part by the fact that several wealthy members of Congress have received millions in PPP loans, while small businesses have continued to struggle. TheSTOCK Act 2.0is the latest push for transparency for Senator Gillibrand, who had made government accountability a top priority throughout her career. Gillibrand led Senate passage of the STOCK Act in 2012, and was the first member of Congress to post her official meetings, personal financial disclosures, earmark requests, and taxes online. Gillibrandalso supports banning members from buying or selling individual stocks, particularly in light of several recent scandals. Clickhereor see below for the op-ed Another Voice: STOCK Act 2.0 will require new transparency in Congress | Buffalo News Senator Kirsten Gillibrand December 31, 2020 Over the past year, Congress has allocated trillions of dollars of relief money to respond to the pandemic and economic crisis. While more remains to be done, the American people must be able to trust their government to make responsible, unbiased decisions about their tax dollars. Unfortunately, as is too often the case, their faith in government has not been rewarded. The fact is that millions of relief dollars have gone right back into the hands of members of Congress who wrote and voted for the relief packages. When the Paycheck Protection Program was rolled out, many small businesses were denied relief. Meanwhile, auto dealerships, franchises and family businesses with ties to some of the wealthiest members of Congress received millions of dollars in PPP loans. Nearly all of them were able to get relief before the first round of funding ran out. This isn't a new phenomenon. For decades, the same members of Congress who write and pass bills, and oversee their implementation, have collected millions in federal farming subsidies without requirements for these payments to be reported to taxpayers. The worst part is, the only way Congress or the public can learn about these insider dealings is from news reports. It's unacceptable. We need transparency. We need the STOCK Act 2.0. I passed the original STOCK Act in the Senate in 2012, following investigative reports revealing that members of Congress were making investments using nonpublic information. In one instance, lawmakers who received closed-door briefings on the 2008 financial crisis from the Treasury secretary and chair of the Federal Reserve traded using that information. In another egregious example, during the debate over the Affordable Care Act, then-House Minority Leader John Boehner bought health insurance stock, while leading the opposition to the public option. The STOCK Act makes it illegal for members of Congress and government officials to buy or sell stocks based on information learned in committee hearings or other non-public briefings and requires high-ranking officials to quickly disclose financial transactions. In short, it says that no one in government should be able to profit from inside information. My bill, the STOCK Act 2.0, will do the same for federal loans, grants, contracts, subsidies and other types of items of value. The STOCK Act 2.0 will require that whenever a member of Congress, a high-ranking staff member in a position to make policy, the president, the vice president, or other executive branch officials apply for or receive a benefit of value from the government, they must report it in the same way they would report the sale of a stock. Those reports would be added to a public website where the information is easily accessible, searchable and downloadable. I believe public officials should be accountable to you for their actions. But not everyone shares my view. I can only assume that's why several of the members of Congress who cashed in on PPP loans voted against legislation that would have required public disclosure of the program's recipients. These transactions shouldn't happen in the dark. Sunlight is an extremely effective antiseptic and the STOCK Act 2.0 will provide it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/house-democrats%E2%80%99-deliver-people-116th-congress,House Democrats’ Deliver For the People in the 116th Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,www.majorityleader.gov,,,legacy,"Throughout the 116th Congress, House Democrats have delivered on our promises and passed legislation For The People. From a comprehensive government reform package and voting rights legislation to bills to raise wages, address climate change, and more, House Democrats passed legislation supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans. When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, House Democrats took action to ensure that the House could continue do its work for the people while keeping Americans safe by implementing remote voting and virtual committee proceedings. ADDRESSING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Since the onset of this pandemic, House Democrats have acted swiftly to address its catastrophic impacts on both the economy and on public health. The House has passed major legislation including: H.R.6074, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 [03/04/2020] H.R.6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act [03/11/2020] H.R. 784, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act [03/28/20] H.R. 266, Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act [04/23/20] H.R. 6800, Heroes Act [05/15/20] H.R.7301, Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act [06/29/20] H.R. 7027, Child Care Is Essential Act [06/29/20] H.R. 7327, Child Care For Economic Recovery Act [06/29/20] H.R. 925, Updated Heroes Act [10/1/20] H.R.133, House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 [12/27/2020] EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE From defending the Affordable Care Act in court to passing legislation to strengthen and expand access to health care, House Democrats have worked to ensure every American has quality, affordable health care. Bills that the House has passed on this issue include: H.R.986, Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019 [05/09/2019] H.R.987, Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act (A Package of 7 Bills) [05/16/2019] H.R.3, Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act [12/12/2019] H.R.1425, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act [06/29/2020] H.R.2468, School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act [09/29/2020] EXPANDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY House Democrats have worked hard to ensure the economy can work for all Americans, not just a select few. Below are bills that the House has passed to expand economic opportunity for the people by spurring job growth and eliminating economic disparities: H.R.7, Paycheck Fairness Act [03/27/2019] H.R.582, Raise the Wage Act [07/18/2019] H.R.5430, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act [01/29/2020] H.R.2474, Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 [02/06/20] H.R. 2, Moving Forward Infrastructure Act [07/01/20] H.R.4447, Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act [09/24/20] H.R. 4863, United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019 [11/15/20] H.R.8294, National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 [11/20/2020] FIGHTING TO STRENGTHEN CIVIL RIGHTS This year our country faced a summer of racial reckoning sparked by injustice and Americans called overwhelmingly for systemic change. House Democrats will continue to take a stand and fight to uphold the civil rights of every American. This Congress, bills to address civil rights included: H.R.1636, Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act [04/12/2019] H.R.5, Equality Act [05/17/2019] H.R.4, Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 [12/06/2019] H.J.Res.79, Removing the Deadline for the Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment [02/13/2020] H.R.35, Emmett Till Antilynching Act [02/26/2020] H.R.5581, Access to Counsel Act of 2020 [03/05/2020] H.R.7120, George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 [06/25/2020] H.R. 51, Washington, D.C. Admission Act [06/26/2020] H.R. 7573, Legislation to remove the bust of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney and remove Confederate statues and other reminders of slavery and segregation from the U.S. Capitol [07/22/2020] H.R.2694, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act [09/17/2020] H.R.3884, Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act [12/04/2020] ACTING FOR A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT Protecting the air we breathe and water we drink is a top priority for House Democrats. A clean environment is essential to public health. The House also passed numerous bills conserving special places and making it easier for current and future generations to enjoy. Legislation that the House passed this year to protect the environment include: H.R.9, Climate Action Now Act [05/02/2019] H.R.1941, CoastalandMarineEconomiesProtectionAct [09/11/19] H.R.205, Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act [09/11/19] H.R. 1146, Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act [09/12/19] H.R.535, PFAS Action Act of 2019 [01/10/2020] H.R.1957, Great American Outdoors Act [07/24/2020] S. 3051, America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act [10/01/20] HR 7575, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Act [12/09/20] ADDITIONAL MAJOR LEGISLATION Additional legislation that the House has passed this Congress include: H.R.8, Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 [02/27/2019] H.R.1, For the People Act of 2019 [03/08/2019] H.R.1585, Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 [04/04/2019] H.R.1644, Save the Internet Act of 2019 [04/10/2019] H.R.6, American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 [06/04/2019] H.R.2722, Securing America's Federal Elections (SAFE) Act [06/27/2019] H.R.4617, Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act, [10/23/2019] H.R.777, Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2019, [12/20/2019] H.R.3621, Comprehensive CREDIT Act of 2020 [01/29/2020] H.R.1980, Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act [02/11/2020] FY2020 appropriations bills: 10 out of 12 appropriations bills to fund the government [06/26/20] H.R. 2486, NO BAN Act [07/22/20] FY2021 appropriations bills: 10 out of 12 appropriations bills to fund the government [07/26/20] H.R.2420, National Museum of the American Latino Act [07/27/2020] H.R.8015, Delivering for America Act [08/22/2020] S.578, ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 [12/08/2020] H.R. 6395, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 [12/28/2020] Clickhereto read the PDF.Follow Leader Hoyer onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/memo-media-democratic-house-majority-116th-congress-record-results-people,MEMO TO MEDIA: Democratic House Majority in the 116th Congress: A Record of Results For the People,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,www.majorityleader.gov,,,legacy,"To:Editors, Editorial Writers, Reporters From: House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer Re: House Democrats' Record of Results in the Majority in the 116th Congress Date: December 31, 2020Overview In 2018, House Democrats ran on a platform of governing responsibly For the People and addressing the most pressing challenges facing our country. We won the House Majority for the 116th Congress on pledges to clean up government, defend access to affordable health care, lower prescription drug costs, and support policies that create jobs and bring greater economic security to American workers and their families. Over the past two years, House Democrats have resoundingly delivered on each of these promises. Governing Responsibly For the People From opening day of the 116th Congress, the Democratic House Majority has worked to govern responsibly for the people we serve, renew their faith in government, and put power back in the hands of the American people. This began with passage of H.R. 1, the For The People Act, comprehensive government reform legislation that makes it easier for Americans to vote, puts in place national redistricting reform, makes our campaign finance system more accountable and transparent, and institutes stronger ethics rules for public officials. Democrats also began governing with an ironclad commitment to ensuring that the House would no longer be responsible for the kind of damaging government shutdown that the previous Republican Majority and President Trump left us when the 116th Congress began. Among the first actions of our new Majority was to pass legislation ending the Trump-Republican shutdown and restoring critical services to the American people. Later, we secured a two-year agreement on funding levels that helped avoid another shutdown and provide greater certainty to federal agencies in preparing their budget requests. In the two years since, the Democratic-led House passed legislation to fund nearly all of government before the end of July, well in advance of the end of the fiscal year, doing its part to keep government open, with bills that invested in our nation's immediate needs as well as its long-term growth and security. This year, while the Senate failed to consider even a single appropriations bill in committee and slowed down the process considerably, the House passed an omnibus funding measure on December 21 to ensure that the next Congress will not convene under the cloud of a shutdown but ready to get to work on appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022. Recognizing that the people's representatives must be able to do their job For the People, even in a pandemic, the House adopted H.Res. 965 in May to ensure that committees could work remotely and that Members could vote by proxy on the Floor using a secure and verifiable system. Under the provisions of that resolution, the House continued its pace of work and passed major legislation through the summer, autumn, and winter while protecting the safety of Capitol Hill workers, staff, Members, and constituents in districts across the country. Defending Access to Health Care & Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Keeping our promises to the American people, the Democratic House Majority in the 116th Congress has passed several major pieces of legislation to protect Americans' access to high-quality, affordable health care and to lower prescription drug prices. In 2019, after amending the House rules to allow for a robust defense of the Affordable Care Act in court, we passed H.R. 986 to safeguard coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. This year, we passed H.R. 1425, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, to strengthen the health care reforms Democrats enacted ten years ago by encouraging states to expand Medicaid coverage and undoing much of the sabotage of our health insurance markets in which the Trump Administration engaged over the past four years. Building on that progress, the House took action this month on H.R. 3630, the No Surprises Act, to protect patients from surprise bills by removing them from the fight between insurers and providers and implementing a fairer process for the resolution of disputes. House Democrats also passed H.R. 987, a package of seven bills, to lower prescription drug costs and H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, last year. These bills reflect Americans' wide support for making it easier for Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, particularly for insulin and other life-sustaining medications, and reducing out-of-pocket caps for patients. H.R. 3 would, additionally, allow private insurers to cover the cost of medications at the same lower prices negotiated by Medicare and it would reinvest more than $500 billion of savings in Medicare for dental, hearing, and vision benefits as well as opioid addition treatments and research. Making Our Economy Work For the People Over the past two years, House Democrats have passed legislation to strengthen our economy and help our workers and businesses Make It In America. In addition to voting to raise the minimum wage gradually to $15 an hour last year and provide a pay raise for up to 33 million Americans we also passed H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act, to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work. Additionally in 2019, the House passed H.R. 1994, the SECURE Act, to make it easier for workers to save for retirement, as well as H.R. 397, the Butch Lewis Act, to protect the retirement savings of millions who contributed to multi-employer pension funds. Taking action to safeguard consumers, the Democratic House Majority also passed H.R. 1500, the Consumers First Act, to help prevent financial scams and other predatory activity targeting Americans. Recognizing that global trade and exports are critical to the growth of good jobs here at home, the House worked with the Senate to enact a seven-year reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, which helps American businesses compete on a level playing field in foreign markets. When President Trump presented his U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement to Congress, the Democratic House Majority won the fight for critical changes that protect American workers, ensure the agreement is enforceable, promote our exports, and attract new investment to our country that creates good jobs. This year, we followed those action with passage of H.R. 2474, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which affirms workers' right to organize and bargain collectively for better pay and benefits. In July, the House approved a major infrastructure bill, H.R. 2, to move America forward by investing billions of dollars in repairs, upgrades, and new networks to connect American businesses, workers, and consumers and facilitate exports that drive economic growth. In September, we passed H.R. 4447, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, which will help American manufacturers seize new opportunities to take the lead in the new global clean-energy economy, creating millions of good jobs for our workers. Also that month, the House approved H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, to ensure that women who are pregnant are not discriminated against in the workplace. In November, the House passed H.R.8294, the National Apprenticeship Act, to create nearly one million additional apprenticeship opportunities by 2025 and help more of our people make it in America. In December, the House and Senate reached agreement on a historic energy package that will incorporate many of the provisions of H.R. 4447 and go a long way toward promoting job creation through American leadership in clean-energy innovation. Meeting the Challenges of a Global Pandemic From the earliest days of COVID-19 becoming a global pandemic, the Democratic-led House took the initiative to protect the American people. On March 4, the House passed H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, investing an initial $8.3 billion to help federal agencies take steps to meet this new and uncertain threat. Just days later, as our nation gained a better understanding of the scope of the pandemic's challenge, the House took a further step, joining the Senate in enacting H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This legislation ensured that Americans would not have to pay out of pocket for COVID-19 testing and could take paid sick leave to care for themselves or loved-ones who contract the disease. On March 28, the House took yet another major action by passing H.R. 784, the CARES Act, to fund additional testing and research into treatments and vaccines while addressing the economic impacts of the pandemic. The CARES Act created the Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses keep their workers on payroll, provided for emergency expanded unemployment benefits, and distributed direct stimulus payments to American households. When it became clear that Americans were going to need more help than what was included in the CARES Act, the House passed H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, in April, followed by H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, in May. The Heroes Act would have sent direct assistance to state and local governments to help them keep teachers, law enforcement, sanitation workers, and other critical public employees from being laid off during the pandemic. It would also have extended the emergency unemployment benefits and provided more funding for hospitals and public health facilities on the front lines of the pandemic. After the Republican-led Senate refused to vote on the Heroes Act for months and allowed the expanded emergency unemployment benefits to expire, the House passed an updated version of the Heroes Act in October in an effort to compromise. Again, Republicans did nothing. On December 21, the House and Senate reached agreement and passed a COVID-relief package that included expanded unemployment benefits, direct stimulus payments to Americans, relief for renters, and additional funding for global vaccination efforts, among many important provisions. A week later, the House passed the H.R. 9051, the CASH Act, to increase the amount of the stimulus payments to $2,000. On June 26, the House passed three bills to help prevent evictions and foreclosures and to keep child-care workers from losing their incomes during the pandemic. H.R. 7301, H.R. 7027, and H.R. 7327 were all critical components of House Democrats' robust response to COVID-19 and the economic hardships it brought to millions of Americans. Answering the Call for Justice, Civil Rights, and Equality One of the early pieces of legislation the House passed in the 116th Congress was H.R. 5, the Equality Act, banning discrimination against LGBTQ Americans nationwide. This long-overdue legislation would end legal discrimination in housing, education, employment, finance, and other areas. It would also prohibit denying individuals the right to use facilities according to one's gender identity. This year, the House passed H.J. Res. 79 to affirm our view that the Equal Rights Amendment has been duly ratified, banning discrimination on the basis of sex. In February of this year, the House passed H.R.35, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, at long last making lynching a federal hate crime. After the horrific killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other African Americans at the hands of law enforcement acting improperly, the Democratic House Majority took swift action, passing H.R. 7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This legislation included major reforms to root out systemic bias in police departments, including bans on chokeholds and no-knock warrants. To address persistent inequalities that have become serious barriers to justice and opportunity, the House passed H.R. 3884, the MORE Act, to decriminalize recreational marijuana and create a process by which those who had been convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses can have their records expunged. The Democratic House Majority in the 116th Congress has made protecting the right to vote one of the centerpieces of our agenda, recognizing that too many eligible voters are still denied the ability to participate in our elections. In the first weeks of our Majority, the House passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act, which included key voting rights provisions. Among them were automatic voter registration, the restoration of voting rights for those who paid their debts to society, and a prohibition on nefarious practices like the purging of voter rolls and discriminatory voter-ID rules. Later in 2019, the House passed H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to restore the full protections of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act, part of which had been struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. The House also took the long-overdue action of voting to admit the District of Columbia as a state and secure full representation for its 700,000 residents. The Democratic House Majority has been working since day-one to secure the right to vote against threats both at home and from abroad. Responding to efforts by Russia and other adversaries to interfere with and undermine our democracy in 2016, the House passed H.R. 2722, the SAFE Act, and H.R. 4617, the SHIELD Act, last year. After the COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges to voting in person, the House passed H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act, to provide the U.S. Postal Service with emergency funding to handle the expected record number of mail-in ballots for the 2020 election. That legislation also would have reversed the Trump Administration's efforts to slow down mail delivery in an effort to prevent ballots from being received in time to be counted. Last year, when news emerged of President Trump's attempts to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election and subvert our democracy, the Democratic-led House investigated and, upon finding clear evidence of his abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, approved articles of impeachment. Though the Senate failed to do its job and uphold the Constitution, House committees have continued to conduct thorough oversight of the Trump Administration and hold it accountable to the American people. Addressing the Global Climate Crisis & Preserving America's Natural Bounty Throughout the 116th Congress, the Democratic House Majority has made it a priority to push back against the Trump Administration's refusal to recognize the global climate crisis, which placed the health and economic security of our children and grandchildren at grave risk. Beginning with the creation of a Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and with passage of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, in May 2019, the House made it clear that it supports rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and restoring its ambitious goals. Last year, the House passed a number of bills aimed at conserving public lands and protecting vulnerable ecosystems, such as the John Dingell Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which created an independent and sustainable funding source for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We also approved H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, to ban drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and H.R. 205, the Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act, to do the same in certain parts of the Gulf of Mexico. They were accompanied by passage of H.R. 1146, the Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act, to prohibit fossil fuel exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The House also secured bipartisan agreement to enact legislation amending the Stafford Act to help communities in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the mainland United States rebuild stronger in the aftermath of natural disasters. This year, we built on that work by passing H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act, to help remove some of the most toxic pollutants from our water and partnering with the Senate to enact a major reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). We were also able to secure agreement to enact the America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act and the landmark H.R. 1957, the Great American Outdoors Act. Protecting Dreamers & Keeping Families Together House Democrats have worked hard this Congress to meet our responsibility to the Dreamers who were brought here as children and often have no memory of living in a country other than the United States. At risk of being deported to unfamiliar lands and separated from their family members who are American citizens, these Dreamers have been looking to Congress for help, particularly after President Trump tried to end the DACA program. In June 2019, the House passed H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, which would not only provide peace of mind and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers but do the same for refugees holding T.P.S. and D.E.D. status. The House also took action to extend T.P.S. status for those fleeing tyranny, violence, and economic hardship in Venezuela resulting from the Maduro regime. Also in 2019, the House responded to revelations of inhumane conditions at immigrant detention facilities by passing three bills requiring better care and medical treatment for detainees: H.R. 3239, H.R. 3670, and H.R. 3525. This year, we passed H.R. 5581, the Access to Counsel Act, to ensure that refugees brought before immigration courts seeking asylum have access to an attorney. And, in response to President Trump's shameful, discriminatory travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries, we passed H.R. 2214, the NO BAN Act, to restrict the President's authority to impose blanket travel bans based on one's nation-of-origin. Caring for America's Veterans The Democratic House Majority has worked hard to ensure that the 116th Congress is meeting its commitment to those who served our country. Last year, we passed several major bills to ensure that veterans can access high-quality health care close to home, to reduce veteran suicide and homelessness, and to improve access to education and training for in-demand job skills. We also passed legislation expanding health care benefits for those exposed to Agent Orange. The House took action to make it easier for veterans with young children to access care at V.A. facilities through H.R. 840, the Veterans Access to Child Care Act. In addition, we approved H.R. 3224, the Deborah Sampson Act, in November 2019 to ensure that women veterans can access high-quality medical care at V.A. facilities without undue barriers. This month, the House secured agreement with the Senate to send H.R. 7105 to the President's desk, which includes H.R. 840 and H.R. 3224 along with additional provisions to increase benefits for women veterans and Native American veterans while addressing veteran homelessness. Specifically, it will help lower incidents of sexual assault at V.A. facilities, fund new health spaces dedicated to women's health care, and require every V.A. health care facility to hire a dedicated women's health provider. The bill creates an advisory committee to ensure that the V.A. considers the unique challenges facing veterans living on tribal lands, and it mandates additional reporting of COVID-19 cases occurring at state-run veterans' homes. In 2019, the House demonstrated how America keeps its promises to those who serve our country and its communities. We eliminated the tax increase that Republicans imposed on Gold Star families as part of their 2017 tax scam, reaffirming our nation's support for those who lost loved-ones in service under our flag. We also reauthorized the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund to ensure that first responders and others with health complications from the September 11, 2001, attacks can afford the treatment and care they need. Keeping Americans Safe at Home and Abroad For the past two years, the Democratic-led House has been doing its job responsibly to protect Americans from harm both at home and around the world. In both 2019 and 2020, we passed defense authorization bills that were bipartisan and reflect a commitment to our troops and the values they uphold. The House also passed a war powers resolution in 2019 to promote an end to the violent civil conflict in Yemen that has become one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. We also passed the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act in November 2019 to sanction Turkish officials responsible for the country's incursion into Kurdish-held territory in Syria after President Trump abandoned our allies there. The Democratic House Majority has also continued to stand up for press freedom, voting on H.R. 2037, the Saudi Arabia Human Rights and Accountability Act, to disapprove of arms sales to Saudi Arabia after its murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. We also sanctioned China for its crackdown on freedom of expression and democracy in Hong Kong in 2019 and this year enacted legislation sanctioning Beijing officials for the human rights abuses directed at China's Muslim Uighur minority. At home, House Democrats in the 116th Congress have worked to provide for safer and more secure communities. We passed H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, in February 2019, responding to an epidemic of mass shootings ignored by the previous Republican Majority. That April, the House reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act for five years with key improvements to ensure that law enforcement can protect victims and protect women living on Native American sovereign lands, and encourage men and boys to play a role in preventing domestic violence and assault. Later in the year, we passed the Debbie Smith Act to help close the backlog of rape kit processing and secure justice for victims while deterring these horrific crimes. Reflecting the Nation We Represent With the most-diverse and most-female House Majority in history, Democrats were proud to lead a House that not only represents the American people responsibly but is focused on righting historical injustices and ensuring that all voices are heard in our democracy and in the story of our country. That's why we passed H.R. 1636 last year to create a Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, which would explore ways to remove persistent inequalities and to address bias that denies opportunities to African Americans. This year, the House passed H.R. 7573 to remove the bust of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, the author of the horrific 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford decision, from the U.S. Capitol's Old Supreme Court Chamber. That legislation would also remove statues from the U.S. Capitol building of individuals who served the Confederacy during the Civil War and promoted slavery in the years that preceded it. Also in 2020, the House passed H.R. 1980 and H.R. 2420, which would create a Smithsonian Women's History Museum and a National Museum of the American Latino, respectively. We also expressed the House's strong and unwavering opposition to anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and racial hatred of all forms. Preparing for the 117th Congress The past two years have been a busy period of activity in the House, with our Democratic Majority working tirelessly to deliver on our promises. The legislation we passed and our belief in governing responsibly are a blueprint for what the House and the new Biden-Harris Administration can achieve to help Americans get ahead through access to opportunities, to ensure that our economy can build back better from COVID-19, to keep our country safe and secure, and to restore the soul and character of our nation as we work to heal divisions. House Democrats are ready to work with the next President to enact bills, like those we passed in the 116th Congress, that achieve our goals. Even with all of the work we did over the past two years, more than 450 bipartisan House-passed bills were never acted on by the Republican Senate. The composition and outlook of the Senate in the 117th Congress will be critical to securing key victories for the American people, and House Democrats will do everything in our power to continue governing responsibly and seeking opportunities to reach agreements that enact our agenda and deliver For the People.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-statement-on-the-passing-of-monroe-mayor-gerald-tamburro,Menendez Statement on the Passing of Monroe Mayor Gerald TamburroRead More,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today released the following statement on the passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro: I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Gerald Tamburro, who was an exceptional public servant and friend to so many across the state. He was fiercely dedicated to the families of Monroe and worked every single day to ensure they had the resources to thrive. He will be greatly missed by the entire community but will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the people he loved to serve.My prayers are with his family and friends and hope they will find comfort in the fact that Jerry is now reunited with his beloved late wife Carole. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/portman-delivers-results-ohio-second-year-116th-congress,Portman Delivers Results for Ohio in Second Year of the 116th Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Delivers Results for Ohio in Second Year of the 116th Congress December 31, 2020 | Portman Difference During the second year of the 116th Congress, Senator Portman continued to deliver results for Ohio, just as he did in the previous Congress. He worked tirelessly to help Ohioans who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; create economic opportunity and retirement security for Ohio families; combat the addiction epidemic; honor our nation's veterans and strengthen our military; promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology; stand up against police brutality and the unnecessary violence in our country; protect and preserve our national parks; improve transparency and accountability within the federal government; fight for better and more affordable health care; and help all Ohioans achieve their God-given potential. During the 116th Congress, Portman has authored or co-authored 45legislative priorities in total that have been signed into law. Under President Trump, in total 82of Senator Portman's bills have been signed into law. Under President Obama, 68 of Portman's bill were signed into law. In total, during his 10 years in the Senate, Portman has successfully enacted 175 legislative priorities into law, including 129 bills as well as 46 amendments. Helping Ohioans Impacted By COVID-19 The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of every American in 2020, and Senator Portman played a leadership role in crafting solutions to help families and small businesses leading to the passage of the COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Senator Portman has consistently called for bipartisan action to provide the health care and economic relief the American need and deserve. Since March, Portman has delivered 21 speeches on the Senate floor calling for bipartisan action to provide Americans the COVID-19 relief. Portman has urged Congress to provide additional relief to bolster our health care response, help our economy and small businesses recover, provide funding for schools and state and local governments, permanently expand telehealth options for addiction treatment, and provide enhanced federal unemployment benefits to help people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In November, in an effort to encourage all Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Portman announced his participation in the ENSEMBLE phase 3 trial for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate being developed by Johnson & Johnson and managed by CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services (CTI) at its research center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Portman furthered this work by introducing his COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Support Act to fund a national campaign to raise awareness of the safety and efficacy of FDA-authorized vaccines. In September, Portman introduced legislation to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to continue the enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefit of $300 per week authorized by President Trump's executive action and provide additional resources to support the federal government's response to historic wildfires in the West and other natural disasters such as Hurricane Sally. Securing Resources for Ohio: At the start of the pandemic, Portman worked closely with the administration and with Ohio companies to secure additional supplies for the strategic national stockpile including testing machines, ventilators, PPE, and food resources. In March, Portman successfully helped UC Health secure vital equipment to increase diagnostic testing for COVID-19. Portman helped UC Health secure a cobas 6800 machine which they will use to conduct nearly one thousand diagnostic tests every day, exponentially increasing COVID-19 testing capacity in southwest Ohio. Earlier this year, Portman worked with the White House and HHS and FDA to successfully facilitate the donation of approximately 2.2 million new gowns from Ohio-based Cardinal Health to theStrategic National Stockpile. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized the distribution and use of these gowns asnon-surgical isolation apparel. When Ohio-based company Gojo, which produces Purell, alerted Portman to the issue of tariffs restricting the access of components used in the distribution of hand sanitizer - specifically pumphouses, and e-collars he reached out to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer and facilitated a tariff relief. This helps companies like Gojo increase production and distribution to accommodate the increased demand. In July, Portman visited GOJO Industries and met with the company's leadership and team members to discussPortman's work to facilitate tariff relieffor hand hygiene products including hand sanitizer and soap dispensers and components to allow for increaseddistribution during COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Portman sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging swift approval of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' (ODJFS) request to operate the DisasterHousehold DistributionProgram.The request was approved the next week allowing foodbanks throughout Ohio to distribute more food across the state by removing administrative burdens, making it easier for staff and volunteers at foodbanks to maintain social distancing protocols, keeping themselves and their clients safe. Portman also worked with Ohio company Battelle in April to secure a new federal contract to help fund the rapid deployment of Battelle's decontamination systems to return to use previously worn N95 respirator masks and training to operate these systems to 60 sites across the country. In April, Portman facilitated Cleveland-based SecondBreath's request to produce ventilators for deployment around Ohio and the country. The ventilators were developed by Ohioans and tested in Ohio at a number of northeast Ohio hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children's Hospital, and Akron City Hospital. The administration approved their production and SecondBreath was able to increase production for shipment across Ohio and the country. In August, Portman visited Honda Heritage Center and toured the ventilator compressor parts production facility. While on the tour, Portman, Honda leadership, and employees discussed Honda's efforts to help support the COVID-19 response, including production of face shields and compressor parts for ventilators. Portman also volunteered with the Ohio National Guard and met with leaders at foodbanks in the Mahoning Valley, at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to see firsthand how the CARES Act funding helped with food access and distribution across Ohio. Listening to Ohio Groups Stakeholders: Senator Portman made it a priority tocommunicatewith constituents throughout the pandemic through tele town halls and FacebookLive town halls about the work he has done with the state and federal government. He also spoke with companies andstakeholdersthroughout the statetoensure Ohio has the resources it needs to respond to this unprecedented health crisis and can contribute to the national effort to slow the spread of the virus. Portman hosted multiples calls with Ohio business groups and leaders to discuss the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how Congress and the administration could take further action to address their concerns. He spoke with business leaders of sizes in Central Ohio, Dayton, Toledo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Warren County, and Butler County. In addition to business groups, Portman also hosted a wide-range of conference calls with the Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio foodbanks, nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, bio science employers, higher education leaders, farmers, veterans, county commissioners, and mayors from all over the state. Portman also hosted conference calls with Ohio hospital leaders and withthe Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 health crisison health services, and mental health and addiction services around Ohio. Finally, Portman participated in a conference call with Ohio Jewish Communities to discuss the efforts the Jewish community made during the pandemic to help Ohio communities. Portman continued his push on the Senate Floor this year for swift bipartisan action to respond to the increasing number of drug overdoses as a result of the pandemic. Providing Resources for Ohioans Suffering with Addiction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines have disrupted traditional addiction treatment services and necessitated the use of telehealth services to help individuals with recovery. To meet this need, the CARES Act took unprecedented steps to expand access to telehealth through the waiving of federal restrictions to pay for telehealth and expanding grants to build out the nation's telehealth infrastructure. That's why Senator Portman has introduced legislation entitled theTelehealth Response for E-Prescribing Addiction Treatment Services (TREATS) Actto make permanent a number of temporary waivers for telehealth services that were authorized under the Public Health Emergency and to bolster telehealth options for addiction treatment services. Specifically, it will allow for a patient to be prescribed lower scheduled drugs like through telehealth on their first visit. Current law requires an in-person visit to receive any controlled substance, but this is a deterrent to patients in crisis and in urgent need of treatments from Schedule III or IV drugs. In July, Portman published a column highlighting the importance of Congress passing the TREATS Act to ensure that addiction health services have the resources they need to adapt to this new reality. He emphasized that doing so will help to preserve the progress made in combating the addiction crisis and ensure that more Americans can reach their God-given potential.He then participated in adrug addiction roundtable discussion with members of theHancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)to discuss COVID-19's impact on addiction treatment. Securing Grant Funding: The COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Actprovided unprecedented economic and health care relief to Americans during the ongoing pandemic. Portman worked closely with the administration to ensure Ohioans received the support they needed. Housing: Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure communities in Ohio received funding to help promote economic development in urban communities, address the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters, and provide housing assistance and related supportive services for low-income persons. This includes: o Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Grants for cities in Ohio, o $30 million to Supplemental Public Housing Operating Funds across Ohio, which helps support public housing agencies across the state provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic; o Nearly $90 million in Housing Choice Voucher Program Housing Assistance Payments Supplemental Funding to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance. o $1.85 million in funding to Ohio housing agencies to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities, particularly those who are transitioning out of institutional or other separated settings; at serious risk of institutionalization; currently experiencing homelessness; previously experienced homelessness and currently a client in a permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing project; or at risk of becoming homeless; o and nearly $185,000 in CARES Act funding to provide project-based rental assistance for low income families. Agriculture: Senator Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture for awarding more than $1.4 millionin grants to communities in Ohio for rural development.These grants will help these Ohio communities build and improve critical facilities. According to the USDA, the Ohio grant recipients can use the funding to build or upgrade a wide-range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. FEMA: In March, Senator Portman senta letter urging President Trump to act swiftly on Governor Mike DeWine's request for approval of a major disaster declaration for the state of Ohio in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.The president approved the disaster declaration the following day. As a result, Ohio received nearly $4.1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the following funding; o $5.5 million for ProMedica Toledo Hospital to help fund COVID-19 protective measures; o $5.2 million to Ohio Health Care Systems and $2.6 million to University Hospitals Health System to help continue to provide COVID-19 treatment, testing and protective measures; o $12.7 million to help Ohio State University - Columbus Campus and Premier Health in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19; o and $46 million to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Businesses: Portman worked with the Trump administration to ensure that businesses of all sizes in Ohio had the resources they needed to help retain employees and keep their doors open. o In May, Portman applauded the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for awarding a $3.75 million grant for COVID-19 Emergency Response for Small to Medium Enterprises to Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). ACC will use this funding to help the region's development finance institutions make up for lost revenue as they temporarily defer loan payments. o Thanks to funding available through the CARES Act, which Portman supported, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) CARES Act Emergency Program awarded the Ohio Development Services Agency $2.3 million to help support Ohio-based U.S. small- and medium-sized manufacturers, including rural manufacturers. o In August, Portman applauded U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross's announcement that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $8.8 million and $1 million in CARES Act grants to Ohio cities to be able to provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition, EDA awarded $2 million to five EDA Economic Development District organizations across Ohio to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. o In addition, through the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $8.5 million in funding for Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to help address the workforce-related impacts of the pandemic. Education: The historic CARES Act provided a higher education emergency relief fund to assist higher education institutions across the nation. Senator Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure Ohio higher education institutions received the resources needed to meet the demands of the pandemic. o In April, Portman announced that the Department of Education distributed $388 million in funding to institutions of higher education in Ohio and in May, the National Science Foundation awarded more than $1.5 million in CARES Act-funded RAPID Response Research grants to fund research that addresses the pandemic. In September, Portman announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $5 million, two-yearRapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx)-UPgrant to The Ohio State University. The RADx-UP program supports projects designed to rapidly implement COVID-19 testing strategies in populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. o Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for awarding more than $1.1 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants to two school districts in Ohio: Gallia County Schools and New London Local School District. The $172,358 Rural Development grant for Gallia County Schools will help provide students and staff with primary and preventative care through the Appalachian Primary Care Telemedicine Program. The $999,524 grant for the New London Local School District will help expand Science Technology Engineering and Math resource access to students in Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade across the four Ohio counties served by the school district. USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program was provided $25 million in the bipartisan CARES Act. Health Care: This year, thousands of Ohioans had to rely on telehealth in order to have access to their primary care providers. Thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Portman strongly supported, Ohio received multiple telehealth grants to assist health care facilities, testing centers, and hospitals serving children and low-income, vulnerable populations across the state. Portman led legislation to provide certainty to hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In normal years, the 340B program provides needed flexible funds to meet the needs of a hospital's community, but during the ongoing pandemic, the 340B program has become a vital lifeline for hospitals as they've see precipitous drop offs in revenue and an inability to pay for the essential COVID services that patients continue to need. Early days of the pandemic forced many hospitals to reduce inpatient hospital admissions of low-income Medicare and Medicaid patients, a critical metric in determining eligibility for the 340B program. Though hospitals have resumed elective procedures, and patients have begun returning to seek care, there is concern that as a result of this year's slowdown and threats to suspend elective care again as hospital beds fill up, some hospitals may not meet the required inpatient admission threshold to remain in the program for the following year. This legislation would ensure that any previously eligible hospital will be deemed eligible for any cost reporting period during which the public health emergency occurred to meet the needs of hospitals now during this crisis and to preserve the vital program for years to come. o In May, Portman announced that Ohio received $238 million to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capabilities. o In July, Portman announced that the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureauawardedmore than $415,000in telehealth grants to four health care facilities in Ohio that will use this fundingto provide telehealth services targeted at low-income patients so thattheycan receive medical care in more flexible settings. This grant award followed previous announcements of telehealth grants for Ohio, including oneannouncedin April for the Health Partners of Western Ohio located in Lima, Ohio.In early May, three facilitiesreceivednearly $1 million in funding and four facilitiesreceivednearly $800,000 in funding, and later that month six facilitiesreceived$1.8 million in funding, and an additional six facilitiesreceived$1.1 million. In June, $3.46 million wasdistributedtofacilitiesin Ohio. o Portman made clearthat the Administration must do a better job of quickly distributing funding for safety net hospitals and providers, speaking out in April when other hospitals and health care providers received the first tranche of COVID-19 response funding while safety net provider funding was initially In April, he announced that Ohio received an additional $17 million in CARES Act funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to help increase testing and other response tools. In May, theHealth Resources andServices Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,awarded$17.4million in federal grantsto support51health centers throughout Ohio in an effort to expand testing capacities. o Portman repeatedly urgedthe administration to support health care providers thatserve our nation's most vulnerable,including our children's hospitals, nursing homes, and safety net hospitals. In June, Portman and a group of bipartisan colleagues sent aletterto HHS urging them to actquickly and equitably in distributing funding to vulnerable populations and the next dayHHS released $10 billionfor these hospitals. In July, Portman applauded the Trump Administration for distributing $3 billion in additional emergency funding allocated in COVID-19 spending packages to hospitals that overwhelmingly serve Medicaid and low-income patients. Ohio received about $90 million from this $3 billion. In August, Portman announced that Ohio received an additional $165 million in federal funding for children's hospitals. Transportation: The transportation industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Senator Portman worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure Ohio companies have the financial resources they need during the pandemic. o Portman worked with DOT's Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that airports across Ohio received the resources they needed. In total, Portman has helped to secure more than $126.2 million for 97 airports across Ohio. These grants helped to provide economic relief for lost revenue due to COVID-19. o In addition, thanks to the CARES Act, Portman announced that DOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded a $5.8 million grant to the Butler County Regional Transit Authority, and a $1.7 million grant to the City of Springfield in Clark County, Ohio in order to respond to and recover from the public health emergency. o In April, Portman announced that the Federal Transit Administration awarded a $1.7 million grant to Miami County to help fund critical continued public transit operations to keep the region moving during these unprecedented times. o In November, Portman applauded DOT for awarding a $12 million federal grant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause. Helping Businesses Stay Afloat. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Portman has stayed in constant contact with business leaders of all sizes and worked to help deliver the results they need to stay afloat during this economic crisis. He visited business in Tipp City, Cincinnati, Russells Point, Sidney, and Hamilton and heard from company leaders about how, thanks to the Paycheck Protection Program loan that Portman supported, they were able to keep workers on payroll and continue operations. During the second year of the 116th Congress, Senator Portman continued to deliver results for Ohio, just as he did in the previous Congress. He worked tirelessly to help Ohioans who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; create economic opportunity and retirement security for Ohio families; combat the addiction epidemic; honor our nation's veterans and strengthen our military; promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology; stand up against police brutality and the unnecessary violence in our country; protect and preserve our national parks; improve transparency and accountability within the federal government; fight for better and more affordable health care; and help all Ohioans achieve their God-given potential. During the 116th Congress, Portman has authored or co-authored 42 legislative priorities in total that have been signed into law. Under President Trump, in total 79 of Senator Portman's bills have been signed into law. Under President Obama, 68 of Portman's bill were signed into law. In total, during his 10 years in the Senate, Portman has successfully enacted 172 legislative priorities into law, including 126 bills as well as 46 amendments. Helping Ohioans Impacted By COVID-19 The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of every American in 2020, and Senator Portman played a leadership role in crafting solutions to help families and small businesses leading to the passage of the COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Senator Portman has consistently called for bipartisan action to provide the health care and economic relief the American need and deserve. Since March, Portman has delivered 21 speeches on the Senate floor calling for bipartisan action to provide Americans the COVID-19 relief. Portman has urged Congress to provide additional relief to bolster our health care response, help our economy and small businesses recover, provide funding for schools and state and local governments, permanently expand telehealth options for addiction treatment, and provide enhanced federal unemployment benefits to help people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In November, in an effort to encourage all Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Portman announced his participation in the ENSEMBLE phase 3 trial for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate being developed by Johnson & Johnson and managed by CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services (CTI) at its research center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Portman furthered this work by introducing his COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Support Act to fund a national campaign to raise awareness of the safety and efficacy of FDA-authorized vaccines. In September, Portman introduced legislation to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to continue the enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefit of $300 per week authorized by President Trump's executive action and provide additional resources to support the federal government's response to historic wildfires in the West and other natural disasters such as Hurricane Sally. Securing Resources for Ohio: At the start of the pandemic, Portman worked closely with the administration and with Ohio companies to secure additional supplies for the strategic national stockpile including testing machines, ventilators, PPE, and food resources. In March, Portman successfully helped UC Health secure vital equipment to increase diagnostic testing for COVID-19. Portman helped UC Health secure a cobas 6800 machine which they will use to conduct nearly one thousand diagnostic tests every day, exponentially increasing COVID-19 testing capacity in southwest Ohio. Earlier this year, Portman worked with the White House and HHS and FDA to successfully facilitate the donation of approximately 2.2 million new gowns from Ohio-based Cardinal Health to theStrategic National Stockpile. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized the distribution and use of these gowns asnon-surgical isolation apparel. When Ohio-based company Gojo, which produces Purell, alerted Portman to the issue of tariffs restricting the access of components used in the distribution of hand sanitizer - specifically pumphouses, and e-collars he reached out to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer and facilitated a tariff relief. This helps companies like Gojo increase production and distribution to accommodate the increased demand. In July, Portman visited GOJO Industries and met with the company's leadership and team members to discussPortman's work to facilitate tariff relieffor hand hygiene products including hand sanitizer and soap dispensers and components to allow for increaseddistribution during COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Portman sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging swift approval of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' (ODJFS) request to operate the DisasterHousehold DistributionProgram.The request was approved the next week allowing foodbanks throughout Ohio to distribute more food across the state by removing administrative burdens, making it easier for staff and volunteers at foodbanks to maintain social distancing protocols, keeping themselves and their clients safe. Portman also worked with Ohio company Battelle in April to secure a new federal contract to help fund the rapid deployment of Battelle's decontamination systems to return to use previously worn N95 respirator masks and training to operate these systems to 60 sites across the country. In April, Portman facilitated Cleveland-based SecondBreath's request to produce ventilators for deployment around Ohio and the country. The ventilators were developed by Ohioans and tested in Ohio at a number of northeast Ohio hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children's Hospital, and Akron City Hospital. The administration approved their production and SecondBreath was able to increase production for shipment across Ohio and the country. In August, Portman visited Honda Heritage Center and toured the ventilator compressor parts production facility. While on the tour, Portman, Honda leadership, and employees discussed Honda's efforts to help support the COVID-19 response, including production of face shields and compressor parts for ventilators. Listening to Ohio Groups Stakeholders: Senator Portman made it a priority tocommunicatewith constituents throughout the pandemic through tele town halls and FacebookLive town halls about the work he has done with the state and federal government. He also spoke with companies andstakeholdersthroughout the statetoensure Ohio has the resources it needs to respond to this unprecedented health crisis and can contribute to the national effort to slow the spread of the virus. In addition to business groups, Portman also hosted a wide-range of conference calls with the Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio foodbanks, nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, bio science employers, higher education leaders, farmers, veterans, county commissioners, and mayors from all over the state. Portman also hosted conference calls with Ohio hospital leaders and withthe Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 health crisison health services, and mental health and addiction services around Ohio. Finally, Portman participated in a conference call with Ohio Jewish Communities to discuss the efforts the Jewish community made during the pandemic to help Ohio communities. Portman continued his push on the Senate Floor this year for swift bipartisan action to respond to the increasing number of drug overdoses as a result of the pandemic. Providing Resources for Ohioans Suffering with Addiction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines have disrupted traditional addiction treatment services and necessitated the use of telehealth services to help individuals with recovery. To meet this need, the CARES Act took unprecedented steps to expand access to telehealth through the waiving of federal restrictions to pay for telehealth and expanding grants to build out the nation's telehealth infrastructure. That's why Senator Portman has introduced legislation entitled theTelehealth Response for E-Prescribing Addiction Treatment Services (TREATS) Actto make permanent a number of temporary waivers for telehealth services that were authorized under the Public Health Emergency and to bolster telehealth options for addiction treatment services. Specifically, it will allow for a patient to be prescribed lower scheduled drugs like through telehealth on their first visit. Current law requires an in-person visit to receive any controlled substance, but this is a deterrent to patients in crisis and in urgent need of treatments from Schedule III or IV drugs. In July, Portman published a column highlighting the importance of Congress passing the TREATS Act to ensure that addiction health services have the resources they need to adapt to this new reality. He emphasized that doing so will help to preserve the progress made in combating the addiction crisis and ensure that more Americans can reach their God-given potential.He then participated in adrug addiction roundtable discussion with members of theHancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)to discuss COVID-19's impact on addiction treatment. Securing Grant Funding: The COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Actprovided unprecedented economic and health care relief to Americans during the ongoing pandemic. Portman worked closely with the administration to ensure Ohioans received the support they needed. Housing: Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure communities in Ohio received funding to help promote economic development in urban communities, address the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters, and provide housing assistance and related supportive services for low-income persons. This includes: Agriculture: Senator Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture for awarding more than $1.4 millionin grants to communities in Ohio for rural development.These grants will help these Ohio communities build and improve critical facilities. According to the USDA, the Ohio grant recipients can use the funding to build or upgrade a wide-range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. FEMA: In March, Senator Portman senta letter urging President Trump to act swiftly on Governor Mike DeWine's request for approval of a major disaster declaration for the state of Ohio in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.The president approved the disaster declaration the following day. As a result, Ohio received nearly $4.1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the following funding; $5.5 million for ProMedica Toledo Hospital to help fund COVID-19 protective measures; $5.2 million to Ohio Health Care Systems and $2.6 million to University Hospitals Health System to help continue to provide COVID-19 treatment, testing and protective measures; $12.7 million to help Ohio State University - Columbus Campus and Premier Health in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19; and $46 million to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Businesses: Portman worked with the Trump administration to ensure that businesses of all sizes in Ohio had the resources they needed to help retain employees and keep their doors open. In May, Portman applauded the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for awarding a $3.75 million grant for COVID-19 Emergency Response for Small to Medium Enterprises to Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). ACC will use this funding to help the region's development finance institutions make up for lost revenue as they temporarily defer loan payments. Thanks to funding available through the CARES Act, which Portman supported, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) CARES Act Emergency Program awarded the Ohio Development Services Agency $2.3 million to help support Ohio-based U.S. small- and medium-sized manufacturers, including rural manufacturers. In August, Portman applauded U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross's announcement that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $8.8 million and $1 million in CARES Act grants to Ohio cities to be able to provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition, EDA awarded $2 million to five EDA Economic Development District organizations across Ohio to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, through the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $8.5 million in funding for Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to help address the workforce-related impacts of the pandemic. Education: The historic CARES Act provided a higher education emergency relief fund to assist higher education institutions across the nation. Senator Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure Ohio higher education institutions received the resources needed to meet the demands of the pandemic. In April, Portman announced that the Department of Education distributed $388 million in funding to institutions of higher education in Ohio and in May, the National Science Foundation awarded more than $1.5 million in CARES Act-funded RAPID Response Research grants to fund research that addresses the pandemic. In September, Portman announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $5 million, two-yearRapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx)-UPgrant to The Ohio State University. The RADx-UP program supports projects designed to rapidly implement COVID-19 testing strategies in populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for awarding more than $1.1 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants to two school districts in Ohio: Gallia County Schools and New London Local School District. The $172,358 Rural Development grant for Gallia County Schools will help provide students and staff with primary and preventative care through the Appalachian Primary Care Telemedicine Program. The $999,524 grant for the New London Local School District will help expand Science Technology Engineering and Math resource access to students in Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade across the four Ohio counties served by the school district. USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program was provided $25 million in the bipartisan CARES Act. Health Care: This year, thousands of Ohioans had to rely on telehealth in order to have access to their primary care providers. Thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Portman strongly supported, Ohio received multiple telehealth grants to assist health care facilities, testing centers, and hospitals serving children and low-income, vulnerable populations across the state. Portman led legislation to provide certainty to hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In normal years, the 340B program provides needed flexible funds to meet the needs of a hospital's community, but during the ongoing pandemic, the 340B program has become a vital lifeline for hospitals as they've see precipitous drop offs in revenue and an inability to pay for the essential COVID services that patients continue to need. Early days of the pandemic forced many hospitals to reduce inpatient hospital admissions of low-income Medicare and Medicaid patients, a critical metric in determining eligibility for the 340B program. Though hospitals have resumed elective procedures, and patients have begun returning to seek care, there is concern that as a result of this year's slowdown and threats to suspend elective care again as hospital beds fill up, some hospitals may not meet the required inpatient admission threshold to remain in the program for the following year. This legislation would ensure that any previously eligible hospital will be deemed eligible for any cost reporting period during which the public health emergency occurred to meet the needs of hospitals now during this crisis and to preserve the vital program for years to come. In May, Portman announced that Ohio received $238 million to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capabilities. In July, Portman announced that the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureauawardedmore than $415,000in telehealth grants to four health care facilities in Ohio that will use this fundingto provide telehealth services targeted at low-income patients so thattheycan receive medical care in more flexible settings. This grant award followed previous announcements of telehealth grants for Ohio, including oneannouncedin April for the Health Partners of Western Ohio located in Lima, Ohio.In early May, three facilitiesreceivednearly $1 million in funding and four facilitiesreceivednearly $800,000 in funding, and later that month six facilitiesreceived$1.8 million in funding, and an additional six facilitiesreceived$1.1 million. In June, $3.46 million wasdistributedtofacilitiesin Ohio. Portman made clearthat the Administration must do a better job of quickly distributing funding for safety net hospitals and providers, speaking out in April when other hospitals and health care providers received the first tranche of COVID-19 response funding while safety net provider funding was initially In April, he announced that Ohio received an additional $17 million in CARES Act funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to help increase testing and other response tools. In May, theHealth Resources andServices Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,awarded$17.4million in federal grantsto support51health centers throughout Ohio in an effort to expand testing capacities. Portman repeatedly urgedthe administration to support health care providers thatserve our nation's most vulnerable,including our children's hospitals, nursing homes, and safety net hospitals. In June, Portman and a group of bipartisan colleagues sent aletterto HHS urging them to actquickly and equitably in distributing funding to vulnerable populations and the next dayHHS released $10 billionfor these hospitals. In July, Portman applauded the Trump Administration for distributing $3 billion in additional emergency funding allocated in COVID-19 spending packages to hospitals that overwhelmingly serve Medicaid and low-income patients. Ohio received about $90 million from this $3 billion. In August, Portman announced that Ohio received an additional $165 million in federal funding for children's hospitals. Transportation: The transportation industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Senator Portman worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure Ohio companies have the financial resources they need during the pandemic. Portman worked with DOT's Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that airports across Ohio received the resources they needed. In addition, thanks to the CARES Act, Portman announced that DOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded a $5.8 million grant to the Butler County Regional Transit Authority, and a $1.7 million grant to the City of Springfield in Clark County, Ohio in order to respond to and recover from the public health emergency. In April, Portman announced that the Federal Transit Administration awarded a $1.7 million grant to Miami County to help fund critical continued public transit operations to keep the region moving during these unprecedented times. In November, Portman applauded DOT for awarding a $12 million federal grant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause. Helping Businesses Stay Afloat. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Portman has stayed in constant contact with business leaders of all sizes and worked to help deliver the results they need to stay afloat during this economic crisis. He visited business in Tipp City, Cincinnati, Russells Point, Sidney, and Hamilton and heard from company leaders about how, thanks to the Paycheck Protection Program loan that Portman supported, they were able to keep workers on payroll and continue operations. In July, Portman introduced theHealthy Workplaces Tax Credit Actto help businesses continue to safely reopen while ensuring the safety of employees and consumers through a refundable tax credit against payroll taxes for 50 percent of the costs incurred by a business for increased testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting, extra cleaning and reconfiguring work spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines.He hopes to have it included in any additional COVID-19 relief package that passes from the Senate. In September, in an effort to remove unnecessary regulations that undermined our nation's ability to rapidly respond to the pandemic, Portman introduced the Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Act. The legislation establishes an accountable, expert-led, commission to identify ineffective, unnecessary, or overly burdensome regulations that should be modified, consolidated, harmonized, or repealed to promote jobs and higher wages; reduce household expenses; improve economic performance and competitiveness; reduce compliance costs; encourage growth and innovation; improve competitiveness; and protect public health, safety, and welfare. In July, Portman introduced theHealthy Workplaces Tax Credit Actto help businesses continue to safely reopen while ensuring the safety of employees and consumers through a refundable tax credit against payroll taxes for 50 percent of the costs incurred by a business for increased testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting, extra cleaning and reconfiguring work spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines.He hopes to have it included in any additional COVID-19 relief package that passes from the Senate. In September, in an effort to remove unnecessary regulations that undermined our nation's ability to rapidly respond to the pandemic, Portman introduced the Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Act. The legislation establishes an accountable, expert-led, commission to identify ineffective, unnecessary, or overly burdensome regulations that should be modified, consolidated, harmonized, or repealed to promote jobs and higher wages; reduce household expenses; improve economic performance and competitiveness; reduce compliance costs; encourage growth and innovation; improve competitiveness; and protect public health, safety, and welfare. Assisting Second Chance Business Owners. In June 2020, Portman introduced the bipartisanPaycheck Protection Program Second Chance Act,which would remove barriers to PPP for owners with unrelated felony records while preserving the presumption of innocence and keeping in place the five year timeframe for felony crimes related to financial fraud. This legislation follows Senator Portman'sletterto Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza urging that the SBA allow small business owners with criminal records to apply for the PPP. National and Ohioan reentry and second chance coalition leaders, law enforcement, and local officials havevoiced their supportof the initiative. In August, Portman met with local business leaders in Cincinnati for a discussion led by Innovative Labor and Cleaning Services owner Troy Parker. Parker's company received a $235,000 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in June thanks to Portman's efforts to expand eligibility to cover Second Chance businesses owned by individuals who have a criminal record in their past but who have turned their lives around. Troyis an example of a Second Chance success story having started Innovative Labor and Cleaning in2015 after re-entering the community. Reshoring PPE: Portman believes that the American people should not have to rely so heavily on foreign countries for personal protective equipment and that we should bring personal protection equipment production back to the United States. In August, he introduced bipartisan legislation that will strengthen efforts to onshore production of PPE in the United States by requiring the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to issue long-term contracts for American-made PPE. In June, Portman and Senator Sherrod Brown sent a letter urging the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) to prioritize the procurement of American-made PPE, and to consider comprehensive measures to incentivize the reshoring of additional PPE production back to the United States. JATF was created to synchronize and support execution of the Department of Defense's COVID-19 response to interagency requests for medical resources involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies. Meeting with Ohio Hospitals: As a result of the bipartisan CARES Act, which Senator Portman supported and President Trump signed into law, health facilities around Ohio were able to receive much needed resources to care for patients with COVID-19, to expand testing, and to work to address the disproportionate impact the virus had on minority communities. This year, Portman visited the Columbus Public Health Department, the Health Collaborative in Cincinnati, Adena Health System in Chillicothe, and Premier Health's Miami Valley Hospital to see firsthand how the CARES Act was working to help Ohio hospitals. Advocating for Additional Testing at Elkton: In April, Portman sent a letterurging Attorney General William Barr and Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal to increase COVID-19 testing at Federal Correctional Institution Elkton in Lisbon, Ohio. Elkton had the highest number of deaths of any federal prison, with nine fatalities. Creating Economic Opportunity & Retirement Security for Ohio Families Since his election in 2010, Senator Portman has focused on strengthening the economy, reforming our tax code and providing relief to families and small businesses. In the 115th Congress, he delivered on this commitment with the enactment of comprehensive tax cuts and tax reform, and Portman saw firsthand how Ohio companies are responding by creating more jobs, increasing wages, paying bonuses, making additional investments in plants and equipment, and expanding health care and retirement benefits. In addition to tax reform, Portman worked on a number of measures to help create jobs, level the playing field for Ohio workers, and make Ohio businesses more competitive. Strengthening Skills Training & Workforce Development. Portman, who is the co-founder of theSenate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus,continued to help lead efforts in the Senate to expand skills training to close the skills gap and ensure that Ohioans are ready for the jobs available today. As part of his efforts, Portman joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) inintroducingthe bipartisanJOBS Actwhich will make high-quality and rigorous short-term job training programs more affordable by expanding access to Pell Grants for low-income students. Portman has toured Ohio meeting with community colleges, educators, workforce development officials and others to receive input and highlight the importance of this bill, which is supported by the Trump administration and was included in its budget request. As we work to rebuild the economy, and as manufacturers continue to look to hire more workers, this bill is needed now more than ever. In late July, Portman teamed up with Senator Peters (D-MI) to introduce bipartisan legislation to strengthen reentry programs that provide workforce training, as well as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities. The Reentry Employment Opportunities Act would codify into law the U.S. Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Program, which supports national, regional, and local organizations that administer skills training programs. The REO program provides critical opportunities for returning citizens to be able to have a smooth transition back into society and learn skills that will help them secure good jobs. Ensuring a Secure Retirement for Hard Working Americans. Portman is widely regarded as the leading Senate voice for common-sense pension reform. Portman believes that every American should have the opportunity to save for a safe, secure retirement. In February 2019, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) selected Portman to lead the committee's Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy. Portman has leveraged this perch to spearhead passage of the SECURE Act at the end of 2019 and help lead bipartisan efforts to reform multiemployer pension funds and ensure hard working American's receive the benefits they have earned. In June, Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor outlining the multiemployer pension crisis currently threatening the retirements of millions of Americans, and the consequences of ongoing inaction. Portman also underscored the need for any bipartisan multiemployer pension reform legislation to address both the immediate crisis with respect to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC,) and the longer-term structural issues that created the conditions for the persistent underfunding of multiemployer pension plans in the first place. He also emphasized that any solution to address the immediate crisis must involve a shared responsibility approach, with contributions from not just general public funds, but also employers and plan participants within the multiemployer pension system. Portman introduced the Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act, which would end the sequester on the Railroad Retirement Board's (RRB) Unemployment Insurance Account. Due to the Budget Control Act of 2011, and a subsequent sequestration order to implement mandated spending cuts, railroad unemployment benefits have been reduced by a set percentage that is subject to revision at the beginning of each fiscal year. Currently, the sequester, as it relates to the RRB, continues until fiscal year 2030. Without this legislation, it is expected that the sequestration will result in a 5.7 percent reduction in railroad unemployment benefits through fiscal year 2030. In December, Portman's Subcommittee held a hearing on his bipartisan Retirement Security & Savings Act, which was designed to help pave the way for bipartisan action early in the 117th Congress. Portman's legislation with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) is poised for bipartisan action, and Portman was encouraged that new legislation introduced by Congressmen Richard Neal's (D-MA) and Kevin Brady's (R-TX), the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020, included many similar reforms, such as: improving the tax credit so businesses have a larger incentive to create plans, allowing workers to save more for retirement, allowing workers to save longer for retirement, lowering the penalty on errors, and expanding product options so Americans can choose the right investment and annuity option for themselves. Portman and Cardin's bill, along with this new, bipartisan legislation in the House, seek to build on the SECURE Act, which became law in 2019 and included a set of reforms designed to help more Americans save for their retirement. Encouraging Broadband & Infrastructure Development in Rural Areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced countless functions of everyday life to go virtual. As such, it is vital that every American have access to reliable, high-speed internet. That is why Portman introduced legislation in July to bolster efforts to expand access to rural broadband nationwide and speed up the distribution of the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). The Rural Broadband Acceleration Act also directs the FCC to adhere to the Universal Service requirement in federal law, which is a joint responsibility for the federal and state governments. The Universal Service requirement states that all people in rural areas must have access to telecommunications and information services that are reasonably comparable, in both speed and price, to the services in urban areas. Thus, this legislation will allow rural America to have the same level of broadband service enjoyed by cities and suburbs across the country. Expanding Markets for Ohio Farmers & Small Businesses. As a former U.S. Trade Representative, Portman continues to be a leading voice in the Senate on trade policy, working to ensure a level playing field for American workers and create more jobs for Ohio farmers and small businesses. This year, he worked to advance those priorities in a number of ways, including: Portman emerged as a leading advocate for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement, which was ratified by the U.S. Senate on January 17th, 2020. The modernized trade agreement will create at least 176,000 new jobs, expand opportunities for agricultural trade, encourage new opportunities for auto jobs in America, and add a new section on digital trade to make online sales. Portman touted the trade pact's new and enforceable environmental and labor standards, a new section on digital trade, expanded opportunities for agricultural trade, and new opportunities for auto jobs in America. Portman touted the phase one trade agreement with China signed by President Trump on January 15th, 2020. Portman, who has taken on China's unfair trade practices for more than a decade, highlighted the agreement as a good first step towards rectifying unfair trade imbalances and creating a more balanced and durable economic relationship between the United States and China. In June 2020, Portman penned a letter urging the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to side with American workers and fully and fairly enforce U.S. trade remedy laws. The letter, which was co-led by Senator Brown, pressed the ITC to give full and fair consideration to the United Steelworker's petitions in these cases of unfairly traded imports. In November 2020, Portman testified before the ITC and urged them to support an extension of the current Section 201 safeguard for washing machines. Portman has fought against unfair trade practices that have harmed Whirlpool and sent a letter to the ITC in October urging them to thoughtfully consider Whirlpool's request to extend and strengthen the safeguard to maximize its benefits for the domestic industry and its workers. Portman continued his years long effort to reform international trade and commerce by introducing a bipartisan resolution expressing support for U.S. leadership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) while also calling for reform to parts of the institution. In January 2020, Portman visited Lebanon, Ohio to participate in a workforce roundtable discussion hosted by the United Way of Warren County at Fecon, manufacturer of vegetation management machinery. Other participants included students, employees who have got through their program, and local employers. The discussion highlighted expanding access to workforce skills training and how Portman's bipartisan JOBS Act legislation will help more Ohioans get the skills and training they need to find in-demand jobs as well as the economic benefits of two trade agreements: the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, and the phase one trade agreement with China signed by President Trump. On July 15th, 2020, Portman visited Ford Lima Engine Plant and met leadership and employees to discuss the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement and how it will create new jobs, and encourage new opportunities for American manufacturing. Protecting American Taxpayers. Portman has a long history of working to reform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For instance, on July 1, 2019, President Trump signed the Taxpayer First Act into law - bipartisan legislation that included a number of Portman's legislative priorities. Over the course of this year, Portman built on his past success with two significant efforts: As Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), Portman led a bipartisan investigation into the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Free File Program, which provides free online tax preparation and filing services to U.S. taxpayers. The probe culminated with the release of a bipartisan staff memo detailing the lack of IRS oversight of the Free File program. As a result, the memo noted, American taxpayers may not be aware of the program or taking advantage of it. This could result in eligible taxpayers paying fees to file their taxes. Securing Funding for Key Ohio Economic Priorities. Senator Portman has worked with the Trump administration to ensure that Ohio has access to competitive grant opportunities in order to strengthen efforts to improve the economy and job creation around the state. This year, Portman worked alongside the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to announce several grant awards for Ohio including; $1.9 million to help support Lake County's Laketran Project; $13.8 million in grant funding to six Ohio rail systems for consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvement programs; a $1.9 million University Transportation Centers (UTC) grant to The Ohio State University for their work to advance transportation research and technology; $14.7 million to help reconstruct and repair airports' taxiways and runways in Ohio; $23.6 million in funding as part of the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) competitive grant program for the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Government; $15 million in funding as part of the BUILD competitive grant program for Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority; and $4.4 million to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to help support the Interstate 70 truck automation corridor. Portman worked alongside the U.S. Department of Commerce to ensure cities and towns in Ohio had the resources they needed including; $3.7 million to the Greene County Board of Commissioners to assist the region with recovery efforts from the 2019 Memorial Day Tornadoes; $132,500 to the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments to help with conducting a broadband feasibility study; and $3.6 million for the city of Dayton to help purchase and establish new electric generators needed to upgrade water system infrastructure. In order to ensure Ohio has the adequate resources to ensure a culture of preparedness, Portman worked with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure grant funding, including; A $10.1 million grant to help Ohio assist state, local, tribal and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by Congress; and $1.6 million to help fund Ohio's security efforts along Ohio's northern border. Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure Ohioans had the resources they need to protect themselves and our schools including; More than $35 million in federal grants from the Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs; and more than $320,000 in federal funding for school safety through its School Violence Prevention Program. Earlier this year, Portman announced thatthe U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated nearly $2.5 million in federal funding through its Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to improve the Village of Rio Grande's 84-year-old wastewater treatment facility. In addition, he announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded Vantage Aging in Akron, Ohio a nearly $2.3 million Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) grant to provide career services and training services to low-income older individuals who seek to enter or re-enter the workforce. In an effort to help lower income students, Portman announced that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has awarded seven higher education schools in Ohio nearly $3 million in Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grants. Combating America's Opioid Epidemic No one in the Senate has been more active in the fight against drug addiction than Senator Portman. He continues to lead the national effort to combat the opioid crisis that is devastating communities. As part of his efforts to help Ohio, Portman has worked to help stop the influx of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, expand access to treatment programs that are so critical to an effective recovery, and secure additional funding for evidenced-based Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) programs focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and first responders. In addition, Portman worked tosecure $1 billionin new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse in the21st Century CURES Act.He's also fought for more overall opioid funding, and helped secure more than $4 billionin new opioid funding over the last few years between CARA, CURES and other opioid programs. Portman has also been at the forefront of addressing the changes faces of addiction in Ohio and around the country. In response to increasing reports of overdose deaths in Ohio due to psychostimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine both often laced with fentanyl Senator Portman introduced and successfully foug",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/el-senador-rick-scott-aplaude-la-distribucion-de-casi-20-millones-de-dosis-de-vacunas-los-estados,El Senador Rick Scott aplaude la distribución de casi 20 millones de dosis de vacunas a los estados,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. El Senador Rick Scott hizo hoy la siguiente declaracin aplaudiendo el esfuerzo del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de distribuir casi 20 millones de dosis de vacunas a los estados en solo cuatro semanas. A la Florida se le habrn asignado 1.28 millones de dosis de vacunas para la prxima semana. 175,000 floridanos recibieron la primera dosis de la vacuna al 30 de diciembre, segn inform el Departamento de Salud de la Florida. En noviembre, el Senador Scott escribi una carta al secretario del HHS, Alex Azar, solicitando informacin sobre los planes de los estados para asegurar una distribucin de vacunas rpida, confiable y equitativa. Una planificacin y coordinacin detallada en todos los niveles de gobierno es necesaria para asegurar que los estadounidenses reciban la vacuna de manera segura, eficiente y sin demoras. El Senador Rick Scott dijo: Estoy orgulloso del arduo trabajo de tantos en la Administracin para desarrollar y distribuir rpidamente esta vacuna a los estados. El HHS le ha enviado a nuestros estados millones de dosis de vacunas este mes. La prioridad ahora debe ser asegurarnos de que las personas mayores y las poblaciones en riesgo, as como nuestros trabajadores de la salud, tengan acceso a la vacuna primero. Es por eso que mi equipo y yo tomamos la decisin de esperar para recibir la vacuna en el momento apropiado, y he pedido que la asignacin de mi oficina se d a las poblaciones vulnerables que ms necesitan la vacuna. No tendremos xito hasta que todos los que quieran una vacuna puedan recibirla. Todos los estados necesitan un proceso ordenado y transparente para sacar estas vacunas, y deben hacerlo ya. No hay excusas. "" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-urges-ftc-investigation-zooms-relationship-communist-china,Sen. Rick Scott Urges FTC Investigation into Zoom’s Relationship with Communist China,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to further investigate Zoom's relationship to Communist China and the risks it poses to Americans' security. This letter follows the Department of Justice's recent announcement that a former Zoom executive had been charged for coordinating with the Communist Party of China to target U.S.-based dissidents and disrupt video meetings commemorating the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Read the Senator's letter HERE or below. December 30, 2020 Joseph J. Simons Chairman Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580 Dear Chairman Simons: As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, I write today to urgently request a full investigation into Communist China's growing influence and interference in social telecommunications technology, including companies like Zoom, and what more can be done to protect Americans' personal identifying information. Earlier this month, the United States Department of Justice revealed that a former Zoom executive, Xinjiang Jin, had been charged for coordinating with the Communist Party of China (CCP) to target U.S.-based dissidents and disrupt video meetings commemorating the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. This is just the latest example of how Communist China uses personal identifying data collected by tech companies with a significant presence in China against American citizens. Communist China's efforts to silence anyone who dares to oppose the CCP is shameful, and it's even more alarming that it happened right here in the United States. This cannot be tolerated. For years, the CCP has done everything possible to become the dominant world power. Communist China has long been accused of forced technology transfers, data localization, and spying on U.S. citizens using Chinese-based companies like TikTok and WeChat, which are obligated by law to hand over data to the CCP. The American people deserve to know exactly how an employee of Zoom, an American video service our citizens use daily, would have the ability to spy on behalf of the CCP. I commend the action earlier this year by the FTC to hold Zoom accountable for misleading users and failing to secure their platform. But more must be done. Today, I urge you to further investigate Zoom's relationship with Communist China, and the risks it poses to Americans' security. We cannot ignore the threat of Communist China and its latest attempt to surveil American citizens and steal our data. I look forward to hearing from you as we continue to work together on this important issue. Sincerely, Rick Scott United States Senator CC: Commissioner Noah Joshua Phillips Commissioner Rohit Chopra Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter Commissioner Christine S. Wilson Eric S. Yuan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Zoom Video Communications, Inc. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/senator-rick-scott-applauds-distribution-nearly-20-million-vaccine-doses-states,Senator Rick Scott Applauds the Distribution of Nearly 20 Million Vaccine Doses to States,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement applauding the effort by Health and Human Services to get nearly 20 million doses of vaccines to states in four weeks. Florida will have been allocated 1.28 million doses of the vaccines by the end of next week. 175,000 Floridians received the first dose of the vaccine as of December 30, as reported by the Florida Department of Health. In November, Senator Scott wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar requesting information on the states' plans for fast, reliable and equitable vaccine distribution. Detailed planning and coordination at every level of government will be required to get the vaccine to Americans safely and efficiently without unnecessary delays. Senator Rick Scottsaid, I'm proud of the hard work by so many in the Administration to develop and quickly distribute this vaccine to the states. HHS has sent our states millions of doses of vaccines this month. The priority now must be to make sure the elderly and at-risk populations, as well as our healthcare workers, have access to thevaccinefirst. That's why my staff and I made the decision to wait to get thevaccineat the appropriate time, and I've asked that my office's allotment be given to vulnerable populations that need thevaccinemost. We aren't successful until everyone who wants a vaccine can get one. Everystate needs an orderly, transparent process for getting these vaccines out, and they need to do it now. There is no excuse. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4240286B-F65D-48FE-AB2A-B75C6559812A,Johnson on Covid Funds: This Isnt Monopoly Money,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator calls for targeted relief to those who need it as debt climbs higher WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) continued to press for more targeted Covid relief in an interview with CNBC's Squawk Box Thursday. Excerpts from the interview are below and video can be found here. I certainly want to help people that are financially struggling through no fault of their own because of Covid. It's one of the reasons I voted for the $2.2 trillion CARES Act. We've now appropriated, we've authorized about $4 trillion in aid, but we did it in a shotgun approach. And we don't have an unlimited checking account. We're $27 trillion in debt. At the end of this fiscal year it will be over $29 trillion. Many, many, many of those individuals [receiving checks] have been working, they've been getting a paycheck, they're not financially struggling. Why would we be giving checks to people that truly don't need it? Again, we should have gone back to the drawing board, we should have targeted this relief. The lack of targeting, the lack of thoughtful consideration given to mortgaging our children's future by another $464 billion. I know it sounds good, it feels good to give away money. Everybody loves benefits. Somebody has got to be thinking about the effect of this on our future generations. We did it fast. We did it massively so the markets wouldn't collapse. We had to do that. I don't think even at that time it had to be $2.2 trillion. But we just had to lard out another $900 billion, and now people are talking about another $464 billion like this is Monopoly money. It's not. This is a mortgaging of our children's future. There is going to be a point in time where we have a debt crisis and it is not going to be pretty. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-to-demand-votes-on-house-passed-2000-direct-payments-bill-and-mcconnells-bill/,"Sanders to Demand Votes on House-Passed $2,000 Direct Payments Bill and McConnells Bill",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 31 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced on Thursday that he will challenge Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring his own legislation to the floor, in addition to the bill passed by the House of Representatives with support from 44 Republicans and 231 Democrats to give working-class Americans $2,000 direct payments, for an up-or-down vote. The working class of America is facing more economic desperation than at anytime since the Great Depression, Sanders said. They need our help and they need it now. I'm offering a compromise path forward to resolve our current impasse and give Americans the vote they deserve on direct payments. Tomorrow, we should vote on the McConnell bill and the House-passed bill. What objection could Leader McConnell have for not voting on his own bill? McConnell's legislation was introduced after the Republican Leader told the Senate that he would prioritize moving a package of President Trump's priorities, including $2,000 direct payments. Packaging a repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and a Congressional inquiry into supposed voter fraud in addition to direct payments, McConnell announced that those are the three important subjects the president has linked together. This week, the Senate will begin a process to bring these three priorities into focus. Sanders responded: McConnell began the process on Tuesday, and he should finish that work by putting his bill on the floor of the U.S. Senate for consideration before we go home for the New Year. Sanders will ask for unanimous consent to bring both pieces of legislation up for a vote on Friday afternoon.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/vermonts-congressional-delegation-recognizes-vermont-u-s-service-academy-nominees-via-video-livestream-wednesday-december-30/,"Vermonts Congressional Delegation Recognizes Vermont U.S. Service Academy Nominees via Video Livestream Wednesday, December 30",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, and U.S. Representative Peter Welch on Wednesday evening recognized 28 young Vermonters who received nominations to the United States Service Academies, Class of 2025. Each year the Vermont delegation hosts a reception at the Vermont State House for the nominees. However, for everyone's safety, this year's ceremony was held virtually. The names of this year's nominees, selected by Leahy, Sanders, and Welch through a competitive vetting process, and forwarded to the Academies for final decisions, are: Mr. Eusebio Aja IIIof Barre, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Matthew Bayardof Saint Albans, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Allison Bradleyof Woodstock, Vermont(U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Matthew Durginof Cabot, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Fletcher Footeof Newport, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy Ms. Pauline Garzaof Essex Junction, Vermont (U.S Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Aidan Geboof Vergennes, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Katherine Hawkoof Shelburne, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Charlotte Hillof Williston, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Julia Hortonof Saint Albans, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Ethan Howellof Milton, Vermont(U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Patrick Kwassof South Burlington, Vermont(U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy Mr. Joshua Lajeunesseof Montpelier, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Wylie Lucasof Norwich, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Ethan Melloof West Windsor, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. MacKenzie Millerof Shelburne, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Olivia Mooreof Colchester, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Elizabeth Perryof Franklin, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Jackson Porterof Franklin, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Alayna Potterof Colchester, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Michael Puchkovof Peru, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Thomas Remillardof Saint Albans, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Ethan Schaalof White River Junction, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Brad Stankiewiczof Milton, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Welch Mr. Alexander Stefurakof West Rutland, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Peter Warholdof Norwich, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Welch Mr. Aidan Whiteof Middlesex, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Andrew Zuckermanof South Londonderry, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Sanders, Welch",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123120,Pelosi Appoints Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben First Woman to Serve as Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi today announced her appointment of Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben as House Chaplain, following the House retirement of Father Pat Conroy. Kibben will be the first woman to serve as Chaplain in either chamber of Congress. It is my honor to announce the appointment of Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben to serve as Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives: the first woman to serve in this historic position, which has been enshrined in our Democracy since the First Congress in 1789, said Speaker Pelosi. Kibben brings decades of decorated experience in the military and the ministry, as a retired Rear Admiral who served as the U.S. Navy's Chief Chaplain and the chaplain of the Marine Corps. Her integrity, experience and patriotism will serve the Congress and the Country well, as she ministers to the needs of Members. This historic appointment was made possible by the values-based leadership of Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, and I thank him and all Members of the bipartisan group leading the search Representatives Eshoo, Price, Connolly, Moolenaar, Luetkemeyer, McMorris Rodgers and Stauber for their successful work. Their recommendation was accepted by Leader McCarthy and me. The service of Father Pat Conroy has been a blessing to Members on both sides of the aisle, continued Speaker Pelosi. Throughout his service, Father Pat fulfilled the calling of St. Ignatius of Loyola: for the greater glory of God.' His service has been a spiritual and moral anchor for Members, grounding our institution in the values of faith and country and reminding our Members of our responsibilities to our great nation and constituents. All Members wish Father Pat well as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement from the House. Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben entered active duty in 1986 through the Navy's Theological Student Program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Goucher College, a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master's in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. In her final active duty assignment in the Navy, Kibben was the U.S. Navy's 26th Chief Chaplains. Prior to this assignment, Kibben served as the 18th Chaplain of the Marine Corps. Kibben served as the senior chaplain in Afghanistan. Her Navy assignments include the U.S. Naval Academy, the Chaplain Corps Resource Board, command chaplain aboard USS San Diego (AFS 6) and Fleet Chaplain, U. S. 3rd Fleet. With the U.S. Marine Corps, Kibben served as chaplain for Headquarters and Service Battalion, Security Battalion, the Brig, Marine Corps Air Facility and HMX-1, Marine Corps Base Quantico and 2nd Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune. Kibben's personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards) and Navy Commendation Medal (three awards).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123120-0,Pelosi Statement on House Filing Amicus Brief in Gohmert v. Pence,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the House of Representatives filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in the case of Gohmert v. Pence, which attempts to unconstitutionally grant the Vice President the power to personally choose presidential electors, against the results of the popular vote and the certified Electoral College results: President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris decisively won the 2020 election, with a record number of votes and an historic margin of victory. Yet, President Trump and Republicans in Congress have refused to respect the will of the American people and instead have spread dangerous conspiracy theories and brought over fifty extreme, failed lawsuits in a brazen attempt to overturn the certified results of the 2020 election. The Gohmert lawsuit has zero legal merit and is yet another sabotage of our democracy. There is no doubt that, despite this desperate unpatriotic charade, on January 6, Joe Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance of the vote of the Electoral College as the 46th President of the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://anthonybrown.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1139,House Armed Services Vice Chair Anthony Brown: “Dr. Kathleen Hicks is Breaking Barriers in the National Security Space and is Committed to Doing the Same for Others”,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MD,Anthony Brown,B001304,anthonybrown.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), a 30-year Army veteran, released the following statement regarding President-elect Joe Biden's nomination of Dr. Kathleen Hicks to become Deputy Secretary of Defense: In Dr. Kathleen Hicks, President-elect Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense designate Lloyd Austin have chosen an experienced and forward thinking Deputy Defense Secretary. Serving in what is widely viewed as the Chief Operating Officer, her nomination strengthens civilian oversight of the Pentagon and will restore stability to the daily operations of the Department of Defense. Her work in national security policy both inside and outside of government has allowed her to not only understand the inner workings of the Pentagon, but also develop necessary frameworks for reform. She has the necessary depth of policy knowledge to lead uniformed and civilian public servants in countering the most complex set of national security threats our country has ever faced. Dr. Kathleen Hicks is breaking barriers in the national security space and is committed to doing the same for others. I've personally discussed with Dr. Hicks the importance of building diversity throughout the defense community. She is an advocate for greater inclusion as a means for strengthening our country and making us safer. I look forward to working with Dr. Hicks alongside Gen. Austin to bolster our national security, restore American leadership and ensure Americans from all backgrounds can serve and protect the country they love. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=66B4E161-F01B-492B-A314-B07DF4823BC4,Rep. Austin Scott Statement on FY21 NDAA,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,GA,Austin Scott,S001189,austinscott.house.gov,austinscott,https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"TIFTON, GA – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement on his vote to override President Trump’s veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA), which authorizes spending for the Department of Defense. “The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation our body passes each year, as it pays our warfighters and provides them with the resources they need to tackle their missions and return home safely. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and as the grandson of a World War II POW, this is a task I take very seriously,” said Rep. Austin Scott. President Trump ultimately vetoed the measure due the package not addressing concerns over Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which created federal immunity for providers and users of social media companies and generally prevents them from being held liable for hosting content that someone else created. “While I believe the President is founded in his concerns over Section 230, it is in our nation’s best interest to pass the NDAA to deliver much-needed resources to our men and women in uniform, including a 3% pay raise and critical resources for installations like Robins and Moody Air Force Bases in Georgia’s Eighth District,” said. Rep. Scott. “Social media companies should be held accountable for their selective censorship and bias that in many cases impedes the First Amendment of American citizens, but this issue can and should be addressed separate from the defense bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and President Trump to address this measure.” In November, Rep. Scott was chosen to serve on a conference committee which was charged with working through differences of the House and Senate versions of FY21 NDAA to comprise a final bill for passage. The final bill provided resources for Robins and Moody Air Forces Bases in Georgia’s Eighth District, as well as a 3% pay raise for troops and resources to help the Department of Defense combat COVID-19. Click here to read more. In July, Rep. Scott joined “FOX and Friends First” to discuss the FY21 NDAA and the President’s intention to veto the legislation and the importance of deliver a defense bill for the Department of Defense. You can click here to watch the interview. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/increasing-pentagon-spending-when-people-are-going-hungry-madness,Increasing Pentagon Spending When People Are Going Hungry Is Madness,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"In addition to Khanna, the Democrats who cast no votes were: California's Mark DeSaulnier, Jimmy Gomez, Jared Huffman, and Barbara Lee; Hawaii's Tulsi Gabbard; Illinois's Chuy Garcia; Oregon's Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici; Massachusetts's Joe Kennedy, Jim McGovern, and Ayanna Pressley; Michigan's Rashida Tlaib; Minnesota's Ilhan Omar; New York's Yvette Clarke, Adriano Espaillat, Grace Meng, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Washington's Pramila Jayapal; and Wisconsin's Mark Pocan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403,Case Releases End Of 116th Congress Report To Hawai’i,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today released his 116th Congress End-Of-Term Report back to Hawai’i on his activities and efforts throughout the two-year 116th Congress (January 3, 2019 - January 3, 2021). “In January 2019, as I returned to Capitol Hill for my third full term representing Hawai’i in the U.S. House of Representatives, the country was mired in what soon became the longest federal government shutdown in our history,” said Case. “As I end the 116th and am sworn into the 117th Congress this Sunday, we continue to confront the far-worse crisis of COVID-19. “These are truly difficult times, when we desperately need our institutions of government to function as our founders intended. “And a critical part of functioning government is staying in very close touch with those we represent, reporting back and seeking guidance wherever and however we can.” In his report, Case summarizes his activities in the 116th in his three areas of focus: leading on national issues; helping Hawai’i; and helping constituents. “I hope my report will provide those I serve with some sense of where I’ve been in the 116th and where I’m going in the 117th as we all chart the best path forward for our county and Hawai’i over the next two years and beyond”, said Case. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403469,"Rep. Castor Announces $1.4M to Tampa Residents through 2020 Constituent Services, $1.5B Secured in Federal Grants, $2.7B in PPP Assistance",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today her office worked to deliver nearly $1.6 million to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families in 2020; almost $1.5 billion in federal grants to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and support the important work of local partners; and $2.7 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for Tampa businesses. “Every day, my Tampa constituent services team, Tery Sanchez, Steven Angotti, Tania Fernandez and Damaris Gonzalez – with the help of the entire Castor Team – work tirelessly to cut through red tape and bureaucracy on behalf of families and neighbors across the Tampa area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their expertise has been critical to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned and to guarantee that survival stimulus payments, Social Security, Medicare are delivered on time. Due to the unprecedented challenge accessing Florida’s flawed unemployment system, I am especially grateful for their efforts in coordinating with local and state representatives to ensure that everyone who needs support is connected to every available resource. “My team tackles complex cases and works diligently with agencies and non-profit partners to serve all of our neighbors. This year we handled more than 1,800 individual cases and recovered nearly $1.6 million in federal benefits. Tampa families are facing unique and time-sensitive issues due to the coronavirus, and my team’s top priority remains serving our neighbors with respect and care.” Grants In FY2020, Florida’s 14th Congressional District in Tampa and Hillsborough County received 727 grant awards totaling $1,497,650,722. “2020 brought unprecedented challenges to our community as workers in vital industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality took a hit from the virus and our frontline medical workers worked overtime to serve those who contracted COVID-19. The $1.5 billion in grant monies that came to Tampa this year have been a lifeline for our hospitals, small businesses, schools, renters and more. Federal aid has a been a major shot in the arm to our local economic engines and will serve to bolster businesses and services that we all count on through tough times and also boost good-paying jobs in our region as we work towards a strong economic recovery. “Through passage of the CARES Act, which dedicated $150 billion to the Local Government Coronavirus Relief Fund, Hillsborough County received $257 million in federal aid. I worked alongside county commissioners and the county administrator while they developed the plan to ensure that the emergency aid was consistent with the needs our neighbors and the Congressional intent for use of these funds. “Much needed resources went to over 6,000 local businesses, rental assistance for over 5,500 Hillsborough families, workforce training, public health support for contact tracing, $30M to the City of Tampa, and funds to support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Feeding Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries and other local organizations directly helping so many of our neighbors in need. With the passage of a fifth coronavirus aid package, I will continue to partner with our local frontline agencies as we work towards rebuilding a local economy that leaves nobody behind and also prioritizes the health and wellbeing of our neighbors.” See here for information from the county for a listing of detailed help from our partnership. The CARES Act is a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package for states and local communities passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020. Among the federal grants that U.S. Rep. Castor championed this year, nearly $50 million in Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants will be used to lift our neighborhoods, increase connectivity, and improve our streets. The Tampa Bay Women’s Centre received a $420,000 Small Business Administration grant to help female entrepreneurs and business owners with training, education, and counseling as they navigate the impacts of COVID-19. In April, almost $10 million in Department of Housing and Urban Development grants were allocated to help the City of Tampa and Hillsborough county support nonprofit partners, housing and homeless prevention. Paycheck Protection Program “Established by the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program has provided over 19,000 loans in our district totaling up to $2.7 billion. Of which, 16,681 were to the truly small businesses that received loans of less than $150,000 totaling $497,969,977. PPP has been a lifeline to workers in our community during the pandemic through speeding emergency resources to small businesses in Tampa Bay to keep them afloat during the pandemic, and keep employees paid and connected to health care coverage.” Residents in Florida Congressional District 14 can call U.S. Rep. Castor’s Tampa office at 813-871-2817 or visit www.castor.house.gov for assistance. ### *Updated 01/01/2021",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401085,Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus Co-Chairs Schiff and Chabot Denounce Sentencing of Chinese Journalist Reporting on COVID-19 Pandemic,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Steven Chabot,C000266,chabot.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Representatives Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus, released a statement following the sentencing of Zhang Zhan, a Chinese citizen journalist who reported from Wuhan during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic:We are deeply concerned by the recent conviction of Zhang Zhan for her reporting on the early handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan last winter, the Co-Chairs said. Ms. Zhang's photos and short video clips uploaded to WeChat, Twitter, and YouTube documented the harsh reality of life in Wuhan during lockdown in the early days of the virus, informing the Chinese people and the world about the extent of the crisis at a critical time. We are alarmed at the treatment of Ms. Zhang and call on PRC authorities to immediately release her and all others detained in connection with sharing news about the coronavirus. On December 28, Zhang Zhan was sentenced to four years in jail by the Shanghai Pudong People's Court for picking quarrels and provoking trouble. She is accused of spreading false information and accepting media interviews with foreign outlets. Her lawyer reports that Ms. Zhang has been on a hunger strike since June and was force-fed via a nasal tube while shackled in prison. Other citizen journalists who reported on the situation in Wuhan have gone missing or been under close surveillance for months. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fudge.house.gov/press-statements?ID=0D82107A-05DE-4F19-8383-E10E558A4C21,Rep. Fudge Announces 2020 Winners of the 11th District Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcia Fudge,F000455,fudge.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right Home News Press Statements Print",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/coin-redesign-act-celebrating-prominent-american-women-and-others-passes-both-chambers-of-congress,Coin Redesign Act Celebrating Prominent American Women and Others Passes Both Chambers of Congress,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.20 Coin Redesign Act Celebrating Prominent American Women and Others Passes Both Chambers of Congress Washington, D.C. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Anthony Gonzalez(R-OH), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) today joined Senators Catherine CortezMasto(D-NV) and Deb Fischer (R-NE)in celebrating the their bipartisan legislation, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, passing both chambers of Congress. H.R. 1923, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 allows the Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint to mint and issuenewquarter-dollar coins. The first series of quarters in this program commemorates the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting some women the right to vote. The design on the reverse of those quarters will represent prominent American women in a range of fields, including but not limited to suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, and humanities. This series will also include women from ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse backgrounds. The 114th Congress created a United StatesSemiquincentennialCommission to facilitate activities in 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This bill allows for the issuance offivedifferent designs emblematic of the United States'Semiquincentennial, including one dedicated to the contributions made by women to our nation's founding or a monumental moment in American History.Additionally, from 2027-2030,quarter dollars willcommemorate sports played by American youthandhalf-dollar commemoratingParalympicsports. Women have played a critical role in shaping this country since its founding but have often been excluded or gone unrecognized. This bill is an important step in recognizing the contributions women have made in furthering civil rights and making our country a more equitable place. This bill's passage also coincides with the centennial of the 19th Amendment which gave some women the right to vote,said Congresswoman Lee.When women gathered in Seneca Falls in July 1848, it was to give white women the right to vote no Black women were invited to participate. As we commemorate women's suffrage and celebrate the first series of coins in the package to depict prominent American women, it is also my hope that diverse American women will be chosen and depicted, celebrating our nation's leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Some of the greatest and most influential figures in our nation's history have been women, although these voices and stories have too often gone untold. In this centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, it is fitting that we take this opportunity to highlight the role women have played in shaping our great nation and ensure their inclusion in the fabric of our nation's story,said Congressman Gonzalez.I am excited to see this legislation head to the President's desk to be signed into law. I'm proud to see this legislation honoring the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and recognizing the many American women who have contributed to the fight for suffrage and civil rights, science, government, and the arts pass the House of Representatives,said Senator CortezMasto.While our nation still has steps to take in honoring the right to vote for women of color, the 19th Amendment has firmly established every woman's right to vote for the last 100 years and has brought women into the halls of power across our country. And by ensuring that prominent women are featured in the U.S. Mint'sSemiquincentennial, we are recognizing our history and inspiring future generations of young women to dream big. From business boardrooms to research labs to state legislatures, like Nevada's first majority-women legislature, this bill recognizes the decades of contributions women have made and will make to our shared history. I am happy that we were able to work together in a bipartisan, bicameral way to pass this legislation,said Senator Fischer.These coins will pay tribute to the women heroes and trailblazers who have played a major role in our nation's history. Their leadership, stories, and sacrifices are going to inspire generations of women to come. As a member of the U.S.SemiquinentennialCommission, I am thrilled to see us take steps to prepare for the celebration of our 250th Independence Day and especially excited to ensure that celebration includes not just the founding fathers we so often think of, but more diverse contributions made to our nation's founding. The inclusion of women is vital, and so it is fitting that we make sure a woman is included on the coins we'll circulate to mark the occasion,said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.For so long, we've allowed a pervasive narrative that women, Black, indigenous and other people of color are new to leading. The truth is, we've been doing it since the dawn of time, but with little recognition. With measures like these we pay a small amount of what's due and inspire everyone to dream big. Since our institution's founding in 1792, the men and women of the United States Mint have taken great pride in rendering the story of our nation in enduring examples of numismatic art,said United States Mint Director David J. Ryder.We look forward to honoring the many contributions of women in American history, as well as celebrating the 250thAnniversary of our Great Nation and the shared pastimes that are important to all of us. ""As we commemorate the Suffrage Centennial in 2020 and the 250th anniversary of our country's founding in 2026, I can't think of a better way of righting our history than to include historical American women,said Rosie Rios, 43rd Treasurer of the United States.I would like to thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee and her office for taking a leadership role in partnering to craft this legislation and continue the journey of having women represented on our currency and coins, something that is used every day around the world. By seeing ourselves honored and valued in our history, our daughters and sons can be inspired to also see their own future."" This bill will include the following package of coins: From 2022-2025, up to 5 quarters annually depicting prominent American women; In 2026, up to 5 quarters commemorating the USSemiquincentennial(250th) anniversary,including one quarter design featuring women; All circulating coins (obverse and reverse) will be redesigned for 2026 for the celebration; From 2027-2030, a series of 5 quarters annually honoring American youth sports and a half-dollar design depicting a sport in the Paralympics; Gives authority for permission for the Mint to design and strike Olympic medals. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women's constitutional right to vote. 68 million women can vote today because of the work of the women's suffrage movement and this bill honors these efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-votes-support-small-businesses-covid-19-relief-package,Congresswoman Luria Votes to Support Small Businesses in COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria highlighted several small business wins within the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package, which the President recently signed into law. I am glad the COVID relief package included significant aid for small businesses and our workforce during this challenging time,said Congresswoman Luria.Small businesses are the engines of our local economy, and they continue to experience catastrophic losses.This package will provide a lifeline to small business owners and help workers stay employed across Coastal Virginia and our nation. This bipartisan, bicameral deal provides important funding and provisions for small businesses, including: $284 billion for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through March 31, 2021; $20 billion for emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan grants and extension of the covered period for emergency EIDL grants to December 31, 2021; $15 billion in grants for eligible live event venue operators, an industry that has lost nearly 90% of their revenue; Expansion of expense eligibility under the PPP to include personal protective equipment and supplier costs; Clarification that forgiven PPP expenses like rent and payroll are tax-deductible; and, Modifications to the Employee Retention Tax Credit by increasing the credit rate from 50%-70%. As a former small business owner, Congresswoman Elaine Luria has been a staunch advocate for locally owned small businesses during this economic crisis. Previously, shevoted for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Although the PPP was a necessary step to assist small business owners, it was not perfect, which is why the Congresswomanadvocated for bipartisan initiativesto allow business owners to use PPP loans over longer time periods, to provide flexibility for businesses struggling to meet the SBA's requirement that 75% of loan proceeds go toward payroll costs, and to increase the SBA's transparency. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://markgreen.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4CB11E7D-D0C7-49A3-86B8-745E88B80BE4,Rep. Mark Green Supports Objection to Electoral College Certification on Jan. 6,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TN,Mark Green,G000590,markgreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right Home Media Press Releases Print",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D5591622-5DC2-41BC-BDE5-CA8FB264B275,Rep. Lucy McBath Announces Winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-blasts-gop-lawmakers-pledge-challenge-biden-victory-during-congress,McEachin Blasts GOP Lawmakers for Pledge to Challenge Biden Victory During Congress Certification,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,A. McEachin,M001200,mceachin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04)today released the following statement afterPolitico reportedthat Sen. Josh Hawley (MI-R) pledged to challenge President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Pennsylvania and possibly other states on Jan. 6, when Congress is set to certify the results of the 2020 election: ""After multiple recounts, state certifications and the Electoral College vote, it is reckless and disrespectful to American voters that a U.S. Senator is entertaining challenging the results of a free and fair election,""said Congressman McEachin.""Even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has congratulated President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on their victory in November. The American people have spoken It is time for Senator Hawley and his Republican colleagues to put what's best for our country ahead of their personal politics and end this wanton obstruction of a peaceful transfer of power to the duly-elected Biden-Harris administration.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-names-senior-staff-for-energy-and-commerce-committee/,McMorris Rodgers Names Senior Staff for Energy and Commerce Committee,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), incoming Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today announced senior staff for the Committee. Additional staff announcements will be made in the coming days. The Energy and Commerce Committee is at the very center of our mission for America to win the future. I'm excited to announce members of my senior staff who are uniquely qualified to support this mission, said McMorris Rodgers. They are top-notch talents who have invaluable expertise. I'm grateful for their service and commitment to embracing value-based leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee so every member shines and delivers results to restore, rebuild, and renew the American Dream. On the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the following staff will serve under Republican Staff Director Nate Hodson. Sarah Rogers Burke Deputy Staff Director Sarah Rogers Burke is returning to the McMorris Rodgers team after serving as Rep. Jason Smith's Deputy Chief of Staff for two years. She previously served under McMorris Rodgers as the Director of Member Services during her tenure as House Republican Conference Chair. Burke's experience also includes working for multiple Members of Congress, in the private sector, and on the Romney Ryan 2012 Presidential Campaign. Michael Taggart Policy Director Michael Taggart has served as McMorris Rodgers's Legislative Director since 2019. As Policy Director, he will be a senior advisor on policy and strategy, manage the subcommittees, and develop the legislative agenda for Energy and Commerce Republicans. Taggart previously served as Legislative Director to former E&C member Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ). Olivia Hnat Communications Director Olivia Hnat has served as McMorris Rodgers's Deputy Chief of Staff since 2019. Hnat was National Press Secretary for McMorris Rodgers when she chaired the House Republican Conference. She is a former spokesperson for Speaker John Boehner and Communications Director for Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH). Emily King Director of Member Services Emily King will continue serving McMorris Rodgers as Director of Member Services for the Committee. King started her career in the House with McMorris Rodgers five years ago and most recently served as Director of Operations. Peter Kielty General Counsel Peter Kielty is a 20-year veteran of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He has served as Minority General Counsel since 2019 and previously as the Deputy General Counsel. Kielty has advised on parliamentary and jurisdictional matters before the Committee. Bijan (BJ) Koohmaraie Chief Counsel BJ Koohmaraie will serve as Chief Counsel of the Committee, which will include advising McMorris Rodgers on all technology related policy matters across E&C's jurisdiction. He most recently served as the Deputy Chief Counsel to the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee and the Director of Coalitions. Prior to joining the Committee in 2017, Koohmaraie served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Nebraska Attorney General's Office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-helps-make-housing-co-ops-eligible-for-coronavirus-relief-funds,Meng Helps Make Housing Co-ops Eligible for Coronavirus Relief Funds,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she helped make housing cooperatives eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is the Small Business Administration's (SBA) signature coronavirus relief initiative to assist struggling small businesses during the national health crisis. This change was included in the $900 billion coronavirus relief package that was signed into law on December 27. In March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created PPP which provides forgivable loans provided certain conditions are met, but SBA subsequently rendered housing co-ops ineligible to participate in the program. Since then, Meng worked with her congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Council to reverse this omission. ""Financial relief is finally available to housing cooperatives in Queens that have faced declining revenues and increasing costs during COVID-19. I am relieved that they will soon be able to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and get the assistance they need,"" said Meng. ""COVID-19 has placed an unprecedented strain on the affordable cooperative housing units in New York City alone. Leaving out co-ops from PPP was a disservice to them despite their economic hardship. I was proud to press the Administration on this issue, and to help secure language in the Heroes Act and Heroes Act 2.0, which passed the House in May and October, respectively. While the Senate Republicans needlessly held up for months any relief for working families, I am glad that we finally secured eligibility for co-ops in the recent coronavirus relief package. Cooperatives remain a critical source of affordable housing for Queens and New York families and they must be made whole in the midst of this unprecedented public health and economic crises. Opening up the PPP to these entities will give them this lifeline. I want to thank my congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Council for their partnership on this issue. I encourage all to apply once the program resumes, and I will continue to push for more assistance to help families and workers in Queens in the coming months."" ""NCBA CLUSA greatly appreciates the leadership of Congresswoman Meng to provide much needed certainty for housing cooperatives to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program,"" said Doug O'Brien, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International. ""Housing co-ops, like all cooperatives, are businesses owned and controlled by their member owners. Like other small businesses weathering the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, these co-ops keep employees on payroll for critical ongoing operations such as maintenance, safety, and other essential needs vital to the member-owners. The co-op community is grateful for leaders in Congress like Congresswoman Meng, who understands the important role that housing co-ops play in their communities and the local economy. We applaud the efforts of Congresswoman Meng who, alongside members of the NY delegation including Chairwoman Velázquez and Leader Schumer, have tirelessly worked on this issues since the Paycheck Protection Program launched in April."" ""The inclusion of co-ops eligibility for forgivable PPP loans in the stimulus package will have a profound impact on the co-op community. The many co-op groups partnering with Congresswoman Meng on this important issue was a model of how good government is supposed to work,"" said Geoffrey Mazel, Esq., Legal Advisor, President's Co-op & Condo Council (PCCC). In April, Meng and Rep. Suozzi led members of the New York congressional delegation in a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Carranza urging them to make co-ops and condominiums eligible to participate in PPP. In May, Meng along with Senator Schumer, Reps. Velázquez and Engel, and other New York lawmakers called on SBA to clarify guidance on PPP eligibility for co-ops. The House passed the Heroes Act in May and the updated Heroes Act 2.0 in October that expanded PPP eligibility to include co-ops. PPP provides forgivable loans if 60 percent is used for payroll and 40 percent is used for non-payroll expenses like rent, mortgage interest payments, or utilities. The program closed on August 8 despite over $130 billion remaining. The $900 billion coronavirus relief measure reopens PPP and expands eligible expenses to also include personal protective equipment, supplier costs, and business operations software and human resources needs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/blue-dogs-urge-biden-prioritize-bipartisan-legislation-pandemic-response,"Blue Dogs Urge Biden to Prioritize Bipartisan Legislation for Pandemic Response, Recovery",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Members of the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden Tuesday requesting that he prioritize bipartisan legislation dealing with novel coronavirus pandemic response and recovery. The letter highlighted the coalition's policy priorities for the 117th Congressional session, including fiscal responsibility, pandemic crisis relief, job creation, government reform and holding foreign adversaries accountable, according to the text of the letter. We firmly believe that in order to make lasting progress, Congress must pursue bipartisan policies that can be implemented, while prioritizing those that pertain to the pandemic response and the economic recovery, the text of the letter read. The American people have sent a clear message: Democrats and Republicans must govern together responsibly. The letter was signed by all members of Blue Dog Coalition, listed as follows: Reps. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., Tom O'Halleran, D-Ariz., Lou Correa, D-Calif., Anthony Brindisi, D-N.Y., Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., Ed Case, D-Hawaii, Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, Charlie Crist, D-Fla., Jared Golden, D-Maine, Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., Brad Schneider, D-Ill., Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., and Mike Thompson, D-Calif. In the letter, the coalition requests that any COVID-19 crisis relief measures signed by Biden contain stronger oversight measures to ensure taxpayer dollars are going to the right places. Further, the coalition noted the need for Congress to take measures to reform the redistricting process, strengthen inspectors general, increase federal transparency and incentivize Congress to pass budget and appropriations bills punctually. To build upon already-passed coronavirus relief legislation, the coalition requested that any new bills pertaining to pandemic response include significant investments in health care, clean energy, education, job training, small businesses, manufacturing and infrastructure in order to sustain middle-class growth in the long-term. Additionally, the Blue Dogs' letter addressed the unsustainable fiscal path taken to swiftly address pandemic relief during the 116th Congressional session. The coalition seeks to tackle the ballooning national debt by exclusively pursuing balanced, bipartisan measures in any upcoming relief measures. The 117th Congress is going to be narrowly divided, with a slim Democratic majority in the House, and, at best, a narrow Senate majority, the text of the letter continued. Our nation faces major challenges as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Americans are sick of Congress playing partisan games. Pursuing partisan legislation that cannot make it to your desk for your signature will not only hinder our nation's recovery, it will further feed into the divides in our country. Now more than ever we must demonstrate to the American people that cooler heads can prevail and that government can indeed work for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3728,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $17 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry December 30, 2020 202-215-8524 PRESS STATEMENT CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $17 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant totaling $17 million for the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency: Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $17,417,560.24 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency for state management costs. State Management costs, which essentially cover the costs of managing or administering the programs which are not covered by the percentage allowance, include all other direct grant administration costs' of the grantee. These costs generally represent regular time salaries and approved equipment purchases and are not intended to fund overtime, per diem, and other costs already covered by statutory administrative costs. This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help rebuild our islands. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/dr-ruiz-celebrates-2019-and-looks-ahead-2020,Dr. Ruiz Celebrates 2019 and Looks Ahead to the New Year,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Raul Ruiz,R000599,ruiz.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am thrilled with all that we have accomplished this year tolower out-of-pocket health care costs,stand up for our veteransand law enforcement officers, and advocate for our seniors! As we look ahead to 2020, we must continue to build on what we've accomplished. Here are some of the reasons why I'm celebrating 2019: We cut through the red tape:Our office helped close more than 500 constituent cases to help our friends, families, and neighbors get the benefits they deserve and secure more than $2 million from Social Security, Medicare, the VA, and the IRS. We stood up for our veterans:The president has signed into law two of my provisions to address our military's use of toxic burn pits. My bill, the Burn Pits Registry Enhancement Act passed the House earlier this year, andmy two amendments included in this year's NDAAwere signed into law just this month. We fought for humanity at our borders:The House passed my bill, theHumanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act, to restore humanity to our treatment of migrants under CBP's custody and responsibility. We supported local law enforcement:With local law enforcement collaboration, my amendment to this year's Consolidated Appropriations Act more than doubled our nation's funding for mental health services for law enforcement agencies. We stood up against abuse of taxpayer dollars:My legislation, thePublic Service Integrity Act, wouldensure our elected officials never use their office to enrich themselves and passed thepassed the House as part of theFor the People Act. I hope you had an outstanding 2019, and I wish you peace and prosperity in 2020! I look forward to continuing to work hard next year to lower health care costs,grow our local economy with American jobs, and strengthen our critical infrastructure. Sincerely, Raul Ruiz, M.D. Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/dr-ruiz-looks-back-2020,Dr. Ruiz Looks Back on 2020,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Raul Ruiz,R000599,ruiz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, As we look back on what a year 2020 has been, it's important to remember the good things that give us joy and hope for the future. Today, I'm reflecting on all that we have overcome and achieved this past year, and looking forward to what 2021 will bring. Year in Review: Looking Back on the 116th Congress This Congress, we made incredible progress for our veterans, helped expand access to crucial health care services, and helped grow American jobs. Here are just a few legislative wins from the 116th Congress: The Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act became law.This bill will strengthen the Medicaid program for children with complex medical needs, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Easy Medication Access and Treatment for Opioid Addiction Act became law.This legislation will fight the opioid epidemic by helping patients begintheir road to recovery, increase access to care, and save lives. The Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Actbecame law. Language from my bill, the BENES Act, was signed into law to help reduce gaps in coverage for seniors who sign up for Medicare Part B. As your representative, I am committed to helping you cut through the red tape. I am thrilled my office helped over 1,200 constituents resolve their cases with federal agencies this year. Clickhereto learn more about real results for seniors, veterans, and CA-36 residents. I am ready to take on 2021 a year that promises to bring new opportunities, obstacles, and hope. Join me as I continue our look back on the year by following my posts onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagramusing #YearInReview. I wish you and your family a happy holiday season, and I look forward to serving you in the New Year and the 117th Congress! Sincerely, Raul Ruiz, M.D. Member of Congress In Case You Missed It: Are you a CA-36 resident interested in serving in the Biden-Harris Administration? Find out how to applyhere. Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?Here's what you need to know. If you have a background in health care, California needs your help battling COVID-19. Find out about joining the California Health Corpshere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1922,Congresswoman Lori Trahan Issues End of Term Report,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MA,Lori Trahan,T000482,trahan.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOWELL, MA Today,Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03)released her term in review report detailing key victories she secured for residents of Massachusetts' Third District during her first two years in Congress. When I took office in January 2019, it was with the promise that the concerns of hardworking families across Massachusetts' Third District would always come first,Congresswoman Trahan said. Each day, that promise drives my work in the U.S. Capitol and in our community. As this report details, we've accomplished a tremendous amount over the past two years. However, there is still much work to be done, and I look forward to continuing to deliver for Massachusetts families, workers, and small businesses as we navigate this pandemic and beyond. The report details Congresswoman Trahan's first term by the numbers, including a breakdown of her accessibility to constituents, her team's ability to successfully assist folks in need of help with a federal agency, and her performance on key legislative scorecards. It also lists solutions Trahan prioritized in response to problems experienced by folks she represents, including addressing COVID-19, strengthening education, tackling the opioid crisis, protecting the environment, and more. The report can be accessed by clickingHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2555,"Wasserman Schultz on Reauthorization, Increased Funding of the EARLY Act",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington DC – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement after her legislation, the Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2020, became law this week with the President’s signing of the larger government spending and COVID-19 relief package: “For young women and those of certain ethnic and racial populations, breast cancer can be even more deadly because it is often more aggressive and too frequently caught later than it should be. The EARLY Act of 2020, which reauthorizes the law that I sponsored and passed in 2010 after overcoming my own battle with breast cancer, increases funding and ensures that young women’s breast health awareness, education and grant programs are funded through the EARLY Act at an increased level of $9 million annually from 2022 through 2026. This vital funding will expand the effective Bring Your Brave and Health Care Provider education and awareness programs implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and fund additional grants to young women’s and higher risk women’s breast cancer organizations. By reauthorizing the EARLY Act, we continue the vital work of educating young and higher risk women about their breast health and help focus their attention to this deadly disease. Among other things, this legislation will fund grants and support initiatives educate and provide help to young and high-risk women, collect family histories and educate health care providers. I know first-hand this law and funding is needed, because I was a young woman who was unaware of my risk and after my breast cancer diagnosis at 41, was diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene mutation. Today, I am still cancer-free because my cancer and my genetic risk were caught early and I am committed to helping high risk and young women acquire the knowledge and resources they need to not just survive, but thrive. The earlier that cancer cases are identified, the better the chances of survival. That is just what the EARLY Act will continue to do: save women’s lives.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.braun.senate.gov/senator-braun-joins-governor-holcombs-covid-19-update-press-conference,Senator Braun joins Governor Holcomb's COVID-19 Update Press Conference,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,IN,Mike Braun,B001310,www.braun.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Watch today's COVID-19 Update with Senator Braun WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mike Braun joined Governor Eric Holcomb's COVID-19 Update press conference Wednesday to discuss federal resources available to Hoosiers and Indiana small businesses in the COVID relief package. ""All along my priority has been how to target the most resources to the folks that actually need it,"" Senator Braun said of the COVID relief package, noting that Congress's dysfunction led to a federal spending bill filled with pork and wasteful spending attached to the targeted COVID relief bill. ""Sadly Congress does not manage its budget like we do back in Indiana, and has ended up with trillion dollar deficits because of it."" Senator Braun noted the COVID relief package includes important resources for farmers and schools, as well as $300 weekly additional federal unemployment and changes to the Paycheck Protection Program to help Hoosier small business owners and workers. Senator Braun encouraged Hoosiers to visit his website to read resource guides with information about how the federal funds and loans available to unemployed Hoosiers, small businesses, non-profits, farmers, and other organizations at:https://www.braun.senate.gov/contact-mike/coronavirus-assistance # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-senate-floor-2000-direct-payments-ohioans,"Brown Takes to Senate Floor to Demand Swift Senate Action on $2,000 Direct Payments for Ohioans",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Download Production Quality Video HERE WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) took to the Senate floor as he continues to call for a quick Senate vote on increasing direct payments to Ohioans struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic from $600 to $2,000. The House passed legislation on Monday increasing the amount to $2,000, and the legislation has the support of Senators in both parties and President Trump. Brown is calling on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to take quick action on the House-passed legislation. It's pretty simple: the best way to help Ohio workers and families is to put more money in their pockets not in the bank accounts of the largest corporations and the biggest banks, hoping it will trickle down. We need to invest directly in the people who make this country work, said Brown. Brown's remarks, as prepared for delivery can be found below: There is one simple question before the Senate this week: are we going to put more money in people's pockets? The American people made it clear in this election that they want a government that's on their side. This is our chance to deliver for them to show the people we serve that we can make a real difference in their lives. It's pretty simple: the best way to help Ohio workers and families is to put more money in their pockets not in the bank accounts of the largest corporations and the biggest banks, hoping it will trickle down. We know it never does. CEOs just pay themselves instead. We need to invest directly in the people who make this country work. It helps people pay the bills, stay in their homes, and get through this downturn. And it injects money into local economies that desperately need it the more money people have, the more they can spend at small businesses that are hurting right now. We know this works it did in the spring. We came together, across the aisle, and we passed the CARES Act, with expanded UI and direct stimulus checks. We kept 13 million people out of poverty, and we gave millions more peace of mind, with a bit of a cushion to weather this crisis. The bill we passed last week was a good step in that direction but we can make it even stronger. Back in March, my original plan called for bigger checks for more people $2,000 per person, adults and children. And we called for them to be sent automatically throughout the year, every quarter, as long as we remained in a public health emergency. It's clear now, that's what we should have done no one could predict how long this crisis would last, and today, we still aren't certain when everyone will be vaccinated and when the economy will return to full strength. We don't have to sit idly by and wonder how bad it could get. We are the strongest, richest country on earth we have the resources to do something about it. We just need leadership willing to use every tool we have. If they refuse to support this, Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans will make it painfully clear for the American people whose side they're on. They had no problem pouring money into corporations' coffers with their tax cut, and blowing up the deficit. They were all too happy to let the government shovel loans to the biggest banks and companies. But in the middle of the worst crisis of our lifetimes, faced with the chance to give money directly to ordinary Americans, they claim we can't afford it. That's a lie. Again, we are the richest country on earth. I remember what the economist Bill Spriggs told the Banking and Housing Committee in September we didn't win WWII by worrying about whether or not we could afford it. We were in a global crisis and we marshalled all of our vast resources and talent to rise to meet it and then we grew the economy from the middle class out, and we paid down the debt with rising wages. And if we've learned anything from this crisis, it should be that we can do the same again. Americans are tired of being told we can't. That's the only answer Leader McConnell and Congressional Republicans ever have for most people's problems we can't help you, we can't solve problems, you're on your own. Let's aim higher. Let's deliver for the people we serve. Let's put $2,000 in their pockets money that will make such a difference for so many families. It will help a mother worried about how she'll pay back rent. It will keep a laid-off restaurant worker from turning to a payday lender. It will allow a father to buy a new computer, so his kids are better able to learn online. There are millions of real people people we swore an oath to serve who would breathe a little easier this New Years, if we pass this. So let's be very clear about the decision before the Senate: are you going to give the people you serve $2,000, or are you going to stand in the way? It's that simple. Let's come together, let's pass this, and let's make a real difference in people's lives. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/portman-brown-bipartisan-legislation-rename-nasas-plum-brook-station-test-facility-neil-armstrong,"Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASAs Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that President Trump has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Ithouses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community. From his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight.In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate.In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space. Before Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, he was an up-and-coming test pilot in northeast Ohio at what is now known as the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. I'm pleased to join Sen. Portman in honoring Ohio-native Neil Armstrong by renaming NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky for a man who inspires future Ohioans to continue our state's tradition of breaking barriers in space,said Senator Brown, who nowoccupiesthe late Ohio Senator and astronaut John Glenn's old office in Washington, DC. NOTE: In July of 2019, in advance of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman and Brown announced their intention to rename the facility. Prior to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman paid tribute to his friend, Ohio-native Neil Armstrong in a video, as well as on the Senate floor. In August of 2019, Portman accompanied NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a visit to NASA's Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland and Plum Brook Station in Sandusky to view progress on the agency's Artemis Program -- its multi-year plan to return American astronauts to the Moon and eventually send manned missions to Mars. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-returns-to-washington-to-override-ndaa-veto,Senator Coons returns to Washington to override NDAA veto,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,DE,Christopher Coons,C001088,www.coons.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILMINGTON, Del. U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, returned to Washington today for a vote to override President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. ""I expect we will override President Trump's veto of the military bill,"" Sen. Coons said, ""which means several good things for Delawareans and the country writ large including a pay increase for our troops and more investment in cybersecurity, both steps that we should be taking to reward the sacrifice of our military and keep our country safe."" The override of a veto, the process by which each chamber of Congress votes for a second time on a bill rejected by the president, requires a two-thirds vote in each the Senate and House of Representatives. Congress has historically overridden fewer than 10% of all presidential vetoes. The Senate is scheduled to convene and resume consideration of the veto message on the NDAA for FY21 at noon tomorrow. The final override will get a vote sometime in the next few days. To check the Senate's schedule and watch live floor proceedings, visit www.senate.gov/floor/.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/slate-of-energy-job-bills-championed-by-daines-signed-into-law,Slate of Energy Job Bills Championed by Daines Signed into Law,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.20 Slate of Energy Job Bills Championed by Daines Signed into Law U.S. SENATELast Sunday, four bipartisan energy bills, as well as a tax extension for carbon capture, championed by Senator Steve Daines were signed into law. The bipartisan bills, the EFFECT Act,American Mineral Security Act, Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, and USE It Act, all help protect Montana energy jobs and support Montana's energy industry. These bipartisan bills will help create and protect Montana energy jobs, promote renewable energy on public lands,and provide reliable, affordable energy to all Montanans, Daines said.I'm glad to have worked across the aisle to accomplish thesemajor wins for Montana's energy industry. Supporting Montana energy jobs has been a top priority forSenatorDaines. He is committed to creating more jobs in this industry and ensuring all Montanans have access to theseresources. Background: EFFECT Act: The bill updates Department of Energy (DOE) authorities that enable carbon capture storage and utilization investment on existing coal and gas facilities, such as the Colstrip Power Plant. American Mineral Security Act: This bill promotes the research and development of critical minerals which serve as an essential function to the manufacturing of energy, defense, currency, agriculture, health care, and electronic products and whose absence of which would have an impact on the economic or national security of the US.It will also direct the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of the Interior to jointly operate a program to design more efficient methods to extract, refine, and recycle critical materials. Additionally, it requires the Department of the Interior to designate and publish a list of critical minerals and work with states to conduct resource assessments to identify deposits of critical minerals. Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act: This bill creates and protects jobs in the energy sector. Itwill help increase renewable energy development on federal lands and expand associated economic benefits to local communities by developing a streamlined permitting process that will drive investment and development of renewable sources. Use It Act: This bill supports carbon capture, utilization and sequestration research by creating a program for the research, development and commercialization of direct air carbon capture. A two-year extension of 45Q tax credit for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: This willmove the expiration of the tax credit from December 2023 to December 2025. This will provide much-needed certainty to producers and developers who are still awaiting needed regulations from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to take advantage of this credit. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-mcconnell-to-bring-2000-direct-payment-measure-to-the-floor-for-a-vote,"Durbin Calls on McConnell to Bring $2,000 Direct Payment Measure to the Floor for a Vote",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IL,Richard Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.20 Durbin Calls on McConnell to Bring $2,000 Direct Payment Measure to the Floor for a Vote WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on Senate Republicans to support the House-passed CASH Act, a measure that would increase direct payments from $600 to $2,000 for individuals earning less than $75,000 per year. The measure passed the House yesterday by a vote of 275-134, with 44 House Republicans supporting the bill. Durbin also spoke about his frustration with President Donald Trump's delay in signing the final COVID-19 emergency relief package, which passed Congress last week. Unfortunately, the President delayed in signing the bill and creating needless uncertainty in America, particularly among the unemployed and others suffering from this economic and health crisis,Durbin said. One of the most widely discussed measures of the COVID-19 relief bill was the second round of economic impact payments. Just yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act the head of the Federal Reserve, Chairman Powell, has really instructed us to keep the foot on the accelerator so that our economy doesn't slump into a recession. At a time when so many American families are laid off, unemployed, and simply struggling to get by, there is nothing more invigorating to the economy than to have a cash infusion. Durbin continued,By passing this enhanced measure, we could restore the American public's confidence in Washington, and the fact that we are listening and working together on a bipartisan basis to respond. This measure that passed the House of Representatives has the support of the President, Speaker Pelosi, House Democrats, as well as many House Republicans. Leader Schumer and my Senate Democratic colleagues support it. So I hope Senator McConnell, the Republican Leader, and his colleagues in the Republican caucus will join us to pass this bill quickly this week. In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin also reiterated his disappointment that funding for state and local governments was not included in the final COVID-19 emergency relief package. One of the most important items that Congress failed to reach an agreement on was funding for state and local governments. States and localities are struggling due to increased costs and decreased revenues due to the pandemic. By this summer, my home state of Illinois will have lost more than $5 billion in revenues. I can tell you that that's going to cause pain and cutbacks,Durbin said. I certainly hope that the next President, who will be sworn in on January 20, will take this up as one of his highest priorities. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor isavailablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-22-million-in-federal-funding-for-northwell-health-incs-covid-19-response-and-emergency-management,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $22 Million In Federal Funding For Northwell Health Inc.’s COVID-19 Response And Emergency Management",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 30, 2020 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $22 Million In Federal Funding For Northwell Health Inc.'s COVID-19 Response And Emergency Management U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $22,207,274.93 in federal funding forNorthwellHealth Inc. in New York City. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will be used to coverprevious COVID-19 response and operational costs. Specifically, the funding will be used tocover the costs of cleaning suppliesfor facility sanitization,medical supplies and PPE includingmasks, gloves, gowns, coveralls, face shields, shoe covers and testing supplies. I'm proud to deliver these vital federal funds to help cover the massive costs of increased protective measures needed to safely care for COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic,saidSenator Schumer. We must continue to support our local hospitals and health centers as we work to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and recover from this health and economic crisis. I will continue to prioritize the safety of our healthcare workers and facilities when fighting for federal funding. New York City's frontline workers, hospitals, and health centers continue to be stretched thin by the surge of COVID-19 cases and need immediate federal aid,saidSenator Gillibrand.This federal funding will provideNorthwellHealth Inc. with the PPE and equipment needed to increase the safety of both patients and providers, and help mitigate further spread of COVID-19. I'm proud to fight for funding that will help New York's health care professionals keep our communities safe during this unprecedented health crisis. NorthwellHealth, Inc. is New York's largest healthcare provider, employing over 74,000 employees in over 800 hospitals and healthcare centers.NorthwellHealth Inc. played a critical role in executing New York State's COVID-19 testing plan early in the pandemic and has provided resources and support including medical supply distribution, medical care for management control, and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety. This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/sen-hawley-will-object-during-electoral-college-certification-process-jan-6,Sen. Hawley Will Object During Electoral College Certification Process On Jan 6,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MO,Joshua Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced he will object during the Electoral College certification process on January 6, 2021. Senator Hawley will object to highlight the failure of some states, including notably Pennsylvania, to follow their own election laws as well as the unprecedented interference of Big Tech monopolies in the election. He will call for Congress to launch a full investigation of potential fraud and election irregularities and enact election integrity measures. Democrats have previously objected during the certification process for the 2004 and 2016 Presidential elections. Senator Hawley said,""Following both the 2004 and 2016 elections, Democrats in Congress objected during the certification of electoral votes in order to raise concerns about election integrity. They were praised by Democratic leadership and the media when they did. And they were entitled to do so. But now those of us concerned about the integrity of this election are entitled to do the same. I cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on January 6 without raising the fact that some states, particularly Pennsylvania, failed to follow their own state election laws. And I cannot vote to certify without pointing out the unprecedented effort of mega corporations, including Facebook and Twitter, to interfere in this election, in support of Joe Biden. At the very least, Congress should investigate allegations of voter fraud and adopt measures to secure the integrity of our elections. But Congress has so far failed to act. For these reasons, I will follow the same practice Democrat members of Congress have in years past and object during the certification process on January 6 to raise these critical issues."" Background On Previous Objections to Electoral College Vote Certification In 2005, Senator Barbara Boxer and Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones Objected to the Electoral College Votes from Ohio. Stephanie Tubs-Jones Said, I Raise This Objection Because I Am Convinced That We As A Body Must Conduct A Formal And Legitimate Debate About Election Irregularities.""(C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 3:10-3:20) Boxer views her 2005 objection as her proudest moment on the Senate floor, according to CNN.(CNN, 12/27/2020) In January 2005, 31 Congressional Democrats Voted To Reject Ohio's Electoral Votes.(CNN, 1/6/05) Nancy Pelosi Praised The 2005 Objections, Saying Democrats Were Speaking Up For Their Aggrieved Constituents During Their Only Opportunity To Have This Debate While The Country Is Listening"" Nancy Pelosi Said We Are Witnessing Democracy At Work And This Debate Is Fundamental To Our Democracy.""""[T]oday we are witnessing democracy at work. This is not, as some of our Republican colleagues have referred to it, sadly, frivolous. This debate is fundamental to our democracy.""(C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 32:49-33:08) Pelosi Said Democrats Were Speaking Up For Their Aggrieved Constituents, Many Of Whom May Have Been Disenfranchised In This Process.""""The Members of Congress who have brought this challenge are speaking up for their aggrieved constituents, many of whom may have been disenfranchised in this process. This is their only opportunity to have this debate while the country is listening, and it is appropriate to do so. If there were other venues of this caliber, we would have taken that opportunity. But this is the opportunity. We have a responsibility to take advantage of it.""(C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 34:14-34:45) Pelosi Said This Is Their Only Opportunity To Have This Debate While The Country Is Listening And We Have A Responsibility To Take Advantage Of It.""(C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 34:14-34:45) Pelosi Said Do Not Talk About This As A Conspiracy Theory.'""""[P]lease do not talk about this as a conspiracy theory.' It is not about that. It is not about conspiracy; it is about the Constitution of the United States.""(C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 39:50-40:03) In 2017, At Least Seven House Democrats Sought To Object To Electoral Votes In Favor Of President Trump: Jim McGovern Said The Electors Were Not Lawfully Certified, Especially Given The Confirmed And Illegal Activities Engaged By The Government Of Russia.""(CNN, 1/6/17) Raul Grijalva Objected After North Carolina's Tally.(CNN, 1/6/17) Pramila Jayapal Objected To Georgia's Vote Certificate.(CNN, 1/6/17) Jamie Raskin Objected To 10 Of Florida's 29 Electoral Votes, Saying They Violated Florida's Prohibition Against Dual Office Holders.""(CNN, 1/6/17) Maxine Waters Objected.(CNN, 1/6/17)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-17-million-to-northland-health-partners-community-health-center,Hoeven Announces $1.7 Million to Northland Health Partners Community Health Center,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.20 Hoeven Announces $1.7 Million to Northland Health Partners Community Health Center BISMARCK, N.D. Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has awarded $1.7 million to Northland Health Partners Community Health Center in Turtle Lake. This funding was made available through the Health Center Cluster grant program and will be used to support health care services in the Turtle Lake community. This funding will be used to provide essential health services and quality care to residents of Turtle Lake and the surrounding communities, said Hoeven. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-dod-funding-to-und-for-augmented-reality-tech-research-and-development,Hoeven Announces DOD Funding to UND for Augmented Reality Tech Research & Development,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.20 Hoeven Announces DOD Funding to UND for Augmented Reality Tech Research & Development Senator Secured Funding through FY2020 Defense Appropriations Legislation, Advancing Competitive Research Opportunities for North Dakota GRAND FORKS, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a contract for $5 million to the University of North Dakota (UND) and AM General to develop augmented reality (AR) systems for Army vehicles, which would provide soldiers with access to more and better battlefield data as a display on the windshield. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured this funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bill and has included an additional $5 million in the FY2021 funding legislation to further advance this research. The project's goal is to enable soldiers operating or riding in High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, also known as Humvees, to view a broad range of battlefield data visually represented as an AR heads up display on the windshield. This involves determining the best methods for collecting available battlefield data, maintaining its security and displaying it in a manner that provides full battlefield situational awareness. UND and AM General have now been awarded a $5 million contract through funding we secured through the Defense Appropriations Committee. This project will help develop new systems for providing important data to our soldiers in their vehicles on the battlefield. This is critical support for our servicemembers, providing them with better awareness to counter threats and succeed in their missions,said Senator Hoeven. At the same time, this is an important opportunity to continue building UND's research expertise and is part of our efforts to secure additional investment in our state's tech industry, ensuring this sector continues serving as the third wave in North Dakota's economic growth. Autonomy is one of UND's Grand Challenges one of the best ways for UND to help diversify North Dakota's economy and enrich the quality of life,said Mark Askelson, Executive Director of UND's Research Institute for Autonomous Systems. We're proud to have pioneered the development of autonomous technology in aircraft, and we're thrilled to now be doing the same in ground vehicles. At the same time, what really excites me about this work is us bringing our skill set to bear on problems are facing the Department of Defense. We can solve these very real problems that are affecting people in the field and help the operators execute their missions with greater safety and more efficiency. UND is grateful to Senator Hoeven for helping to make the opportunity available. It's safe to say that if not for his leadership, UND would not be working on this project right now. This award is part of the senator's broader efforts to provide competitive research opportunities for North Dakota universities and businesses. To this end, Hoeven is advancing the following priorities for FY2021, in addition to the augmented reality research: $20 million for advanced coatings research. $17 million for the DoD Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCOR) program, of which UND and NDSU are a part. $10 million for Navy research into UAS payloads and performance. $7 million for developing advanced power and battery systems for spacecraft. $2.5 million to support a new silicone solar cell research project at NDSU. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-fema-awards-funding-to-nd-department-of-health-nd-department-of-emergency-services,"Hoeven: FEMA Awards Funding to ND Department of Health, ND Department of Emergency Services",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.20 Hoeven: FEMA Awards Funding to ND Department of Health, ND Department of Emergency Services BISMARCK, N.D. Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $6.4 million to the North Dakota Department of Health and $2.2 million to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. These grants were made available under the Stafford Act for Emergency Protective Measures and will be used to assist with expenses related to the state's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response efforts including increased staffing needs, materials and equipment and testing efforts. This funding from FEMA will support North Dakota's continued efforts to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency across the state, said Hoeven. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-votes-to-move-forward-to-override-president-trumps-veto-of-defense-bill,Manchin Votes To Move Forward To Override President Trump's Veto Of Defense Bill,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WV,Joe Manchin,M001183,www.manchin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 30, 2020 Manchin Votes To Move Forward To Override President Trump's Veto Of Defense Bill Washington, DC U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted to move forward in the process to override President Trump's veto of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Senate voted 80-12 in favor of moving forward in the process to override President Trump's veto. Senator Manchin condemned President Trump's reckless decision to veto the vital legislation last week. This evening, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to move forward in the process to override President Trump's reckless and selfish veto of the FY21 NDAA. This is the first step in ensuring our servicemembers receive the support they need to protect America from threats at home and abroad. The NDAA has passed with overwhelming bipartisan support for six decades and while the override is not final yet, I am relieved the Senate can come together to support our servicemembers and their families and ensure America and our allies are secure and protected. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E8047A7C-61B6-4943-8CDB-AA3BA1CAD12F,Johnson Urges Better-Targeted Relief in Fox Interview,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON During an interview on Fox and Friends' Wednesday, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) spoke about the need to better target financial relief to those who truly need it and the need to have a fair and unbiased federal investigation into Hunter Biden's business dealings. Excerpts of the interview are below and video can be found here. On Covid relief So, first of all, there's the demand to increase the $600 per-person payments up to $2,000 per-person, which would increase the average amount of money going to households, for Covid relief about $2,400 in the original CARES Act to a family of four getting $8,000. So, from my standpoint, I've seen a report that adds another $464 billion to the total cost of that package money we don't have, money that we're borrowing from our kids' future. So, I think we need to target that a little bit more. On Biden investigation In the end, we just might need a special counsel, as much as I dislike what happens with special counsels. In this case, I think, in order to restore the confidence in our justice system so that the American people do have confidence that it'll be equal justice under the law rather than special privileges for those that are [well] connected. Particularly, Democrats, seem to have a little bit easier time of getting that pass when they do something wrong. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123020,Pelosi Announces Creation of Select Committee on Economic Disparity & Fairness in Growth,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement announcing the creation in the 117th Congress of the new Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth: As House Speaker, I am proud to announce the creation of the new, bipartisan Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, which will be an essential force in Congressional Democrats' action to combat the crisis of income and wealth disparity in America. It is molded after the mission of the Temporary National Economic Committee, founded by President Roosevelt and the Congress after the Great Depression to study and combat the concentration of wealth in America and its role in triggering economic collapse. As President Roosevelt said before founding this Committee, The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself the liberty of a democracy is not safe if its business system does not provide employment and produce and distribute goods in such a way as to sustain an acceptable standard of living.' The past several decades have shown with devastating clarity the marked imbalance between the financial fortunes of CEOs and workers. The reverence of those who amass profits by stagnating wages has seriously undermined the lives and livelihoods of many Americans, while slowing economic growth in our country. This year, the disturbing, dangerous trend of economic disparity has also been accelerated by the coronavirus economic crisis. The devaluing of work has had a negative impact on consumer confidence, job creation and economic growth. And the situation of families no longer believing that their children will have a brighter future than they is seriously damaging and demoralizing to our society. That is why we are creating this Select Committee, which will be a resource to the Congress to make policy related to economic fairness, access to education and workforce development. Working with the Committees of Jurisdiction, the Select Committee will study and recommend proposals to make our economy work for everyone, powering American economic growth while ensuring that no one is left out or left behind in the 21st Century Economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123020-0,Transcript of Pelosi Weekly Press Conference Today,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi held her weekly press conference today in the Capitol Visitor Center. Below are the Speaker's remarks: Speaker Pelosi. Good morning. Welcome to the last weekly of this year of this year, of this session of Congress and of this Congress. Until next week, when we'll be in a new Congress. I wish you a Happy New Year as we go forward. Sadly, the Congress received the news last evening of the passing of a new Member of Congress, Luke Letlow from Louisiana, due to be sworn in this Sunday, but taken by the coronavirus yesterday. He leaves his wife and two babies, and we extend great sympathy to his family. So sad. Forty-one years old, coronavirus, blood clot complication. Could happen to anyone. And it has happened to nearly 350,000 Americans. Many of those deaths could have been avoided. As we go forward, we must, we must make sure that we are scientific and determined to crush the virus in whatever form it takes. In the meantime, though, let us extend deepest sympathy to their family and to to those little babies who have lost their daddy. So, here we are in time, as I mentioned, the last meeting of the year for us. Let's just talk about the last week or so. In the last week or so, we sent to the President the legislation, it took some time for it to be enrolled because it was a lot a big bill. He received it on Christmas Eve, 3:30 in the afternoon. He did sign it on Sunday evening and we were very pleased with that because it had very strong bipartisan vote in the House and in the Senate. In the course of, though, of that week, the President announced his support for the $2,000 direct payment, which we madly embraced, and said, We join with the President in supporting this,' came in on Christmas Eve, were blocked by the Republicans for having a Unanimous Consent to bill bring up that legislation. But on Monday, in regular session, we brought it forth and it passed with strong bipartisan support. We were very pleased then to send that over to Mitch McConnell and the Senate. The President of the United States has expressed his support for the $2,000. The Democrats and Republicans in the House have passed that legislation. Who is holding up that distribution to the American people? Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans. Democratic Leader Schumer, yesterday, asked for Unanimous Consent to bring it up in the Senate, which was blocked by Mitch McConnell and the Republicans in the Senate. In blocking it, they are in denial of the hardship that the American people are experiencing now. Health wise, financially, in every way. Their lives and livelihood in many cases are on the brink. So, they're in denial of that need in denying this benefit. I do hope that in the days ahead we only have a few days left in this session that they will see the light and understand what the suffering the suffering that is going on in our country. Now, I've said before, it's amazing to see the patience that some people have with other people's suffering. These Republicans in the Senate seem to have an endless tolerance for other people's sadness. We urge Mitch McConnell to stop his obstruction and to bring that legislation to the Floor of the Senate. And we urge Republicans in the Senate to encourage him to do so. It's really important to note though how important this money in the pockets of American people are. If they have the resources, they spend it. They inject demand into the economy. That is job-creating. It's important to note that with the bill that we passed last week, that the President signed that we sent over last week and that the President signed on Sunday evening, brought us up to a, nearly a trillion dollars for small businesses in our country a trillion and just about $950 billion, and we support that. We know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. The most optimistic thing you can do is to start a small business, your hopes and dreams, your ideas, your vision. But for those small businesses to take advantage of that money, they have to have customers. It's not enough to keep the doors open if nobody's walking through. And that's why these direct payments are so necessary. And for those small businesses to thrive, they must have services provided by state and local government. Our health care providers, our heroes: health care providers, transportation, sanitation, first responders, police and fire, our teachers, our teachers, our teachers. And that's why in this next session of Congress, in the new Congress with the new President, we must pass legislation that not only honors our heroes, but recognizes the services that they provide enable our lives to function, our businesses to thrive, our economy to prosper and our people to be healthy. So, that will be a very important part of what we do next. But you would think that there would at least be the immediate recognition that the money in the pockets of the American people helps those small businesses thrive. Just for I've had the poster here before. It's a bigger number now than before: about $950 billion, nearly a trillion dollars to small business. $160 billion, $160 billion to state and local government. 950, 160. State and local government: health care workers, police and fire, teachers, sanitation, transportation, food workers. 160, 950. But we need more here to exploit the opportunity that is here. And, in the meantime, this $2,000 will go a long way, not only to sustain the financial security of America's working families, but will help small business to thrive as well. So, these things are all connected At the same time, as we had a good day on Monday passing, in bipartisan fashion, the CASH Act. The CASH Act, Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Caring for Americans with Supplemental [Help], the CASH Act. We also, that day, had an overwhelming vote to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, the NDAA. Overwhelming, overwhelming vote: [322]-87. One hundred and nine Republicans voted to override the President's veto. We hope that the Senate will follow suit. They had a big, strong vote in the Senate in favor of this bill. Hopefully, they will stand by their votes there and sustain the veto, excuse me, overturn the veto of the President. We'll see. Okay, so that's what happened in the past week. In the past week, we have also seen reports of the vaccine distribution not measuring up to what we need to have a fair, equitable distribution of the vaccine that is free. I support what President-elect Joe Biden said yesterday, that in his Administration, the 100 million vaccinations in a short period of time, that he would engage the national Defense Production Act to make sure that we not only have the vaccines, but the means to make the inoculation. It's one thing to be in the lab, another thing to be in the arm. There's a lot in between in terms of logistics, in terms of administration, in terms of materials. And one of the things that is holding up the further vaccinations in the country is this Administration, the Trump Administration's lack of cooperation on the distribution of syringes and other things that go into that, and holding up some of the vaccine as well. So, this has to be done better. This has to be done better. And let's hope in the last few weeks of the Trump Administration, that they will follow the science, that they will make the vaccines available, that they will make the syringes and other materials available, so that you can have many more people vaccinated even before the inauguration. This vaccine this pandemic is horrible. I mean, in every way, the lives and livelihoods of the American people are affected by it in a massive way. However, it has also pulled back the curtain to reveal further disparities in our economy and in our society. They have become come into sharper focus because of the pandemic. And that is why I have asked the Rules Committee that we will be taking up the new rules package on Monday, or Sunday night if the schedule allows, but following the vote for Speaker, I will have them announce in the next day or so, when they put forth the rules package, a Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. As we go into this new Congress, we have to have a scientific start on crushing the virus. We have to honor heroes, state and local government, and we have to put money into the pockets of the American people. Hopefully, we can do this on this side of the weekend, rather than waiting until later, the third point, direct payments. That has always been our goal: crush the virus, honor our heroes, money in the pockets of the American people. Clearly, the disparities in income and equity in our country are vast. We've known that. They've only gotten worse, and the pandemic, again, puts it in sharper focus. And that's why I'm proud to announce the creation of a new bipartisan Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, which will be a central force for the Congress to combat the crisis of income and wealth disparity in America. Our Members are full of exuberance and many suggestions, on both sides of the aisle. Yesterday, some proposed to me, $2,000 a month as this as we go through this bad time. Others, Congresswoman Jayapal, has a wage guarantee legislation. Others have,Congresswoman Murphy, has the income the [Employee] Retention Tax Credit, which is in which is in the bills that the President just signed, somewhat. But there are others: sovereign wealth funds to give the profit the benefit the income to poor families in America, other bonding issues to try to address the fact that the middle class is the backbone of our democracy. When that is weakened, so is our democracy. So, this is to address not only the middle class, but those who aspire to the middle class. But the disparity has only grown and so I, as a model for this, as you may recall, when we did Mr. Clyburn's committee, we used the Truman Committee as a reference to how to save money, save lives. This is something that it's modeled after the mission of the Temporary National Economic Committee founded by President Roosevelt and the Congress after the Great Depression to study and combat the concentration of wealth in America and its role in triggering economic collapse. This is what President Roosevelt said at the time. He said, The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself the liberty of a democracy is not safe if its business system does not provide employment and produce and distribute goods in a way as to sustain an acceptable standard of living.' That is why we are creating this Select Committee, which will be a resource to the Congress to make policy related to economic fairness, access to education and workforce development, et cetera. And, again, we'll work with the committees of jurisdiction. This is not a legislative committee. It is a committee to make recommendations. The committees of jurisdiction, have all done a great job, our Education and Labor Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, Financial Services, the list they have done a great job in trying to address these concerns legislatively. We need a bigger spotlight on the problem, and on some of the solutions so that we can all participate in the very worthy suggestions that are made. And again, we will empower American economic growth, while ensuring that no one is left behind in the 21st century economy that we are putting forth. So, we have a we're very excited about our new President-elect, and that in three weeks, we will have a new president. It's pretty exciting, President and Vice President making history, that we have the gavel, that we have held the Congress. We look forward to what's happening in Georgia on Tuesday. So, every day is action packed. But I just wanted to review some of what happened in the past week to take us to this point. This point, $2,000 direct payment to the American people being held up by Mitch McConnell, the same person who put $160 billion tax break for the wealthiest people and firms in America in the CARES Act. $160 billion in the CARES Act for the wealthiest in our country, refusing $2,000 to those who need it most, the same Republicans in the Congress who eagerly passed the tax bill that gave 83 percent of the benefits to the top one percent, taking us well into debt. Nearly $2 trillion for our children to pay off so that they could have a tax break for the wealthy with a mythology that it would trickle down. And it has not, nor has it ever. Mitch McConnell, remove the obstacle that you have the American people having the opportunity to have that direct payment, and do it now. * * * Any questions? Yes ma'am. Q: Madam Speaker, do you plan to seat Ms. Miller-Meeks on Sunday, and are you confident that you're going to have a Dem Majority present? Speaker Pelosi. Yes, and yes, definitely. Yes. Q: On the stimulus checks, we're hearing on the Senate side that time is running out. Are you going to commit to bringing this idea back, the $2,000 checks, next week if it does die in this Congress? Speaker Pelosi. Well, let us let us be hopeful that it can happen this week, because the sooner it happens, the sooner the checks go out. So, we're not giving up on it. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, is advocating for it. The Congress, in a bipartisan way in the House, has voted for it. It would have bipartisan support in the Senate if Mitch McConnell would only allow it to come to the Floor, instead of being an obstruction to those checks going to the American people. Q: One additional question, we're just hearing from Josh Hawley that he's going to object on January 6th and force a debate on Electoral College votes. Could you comment on that move from the Republican? Speaker Pelosi. I have no doubt that on next Wednesday, a week from today, that Joe Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance of the vote of the Electoral College as the 46th President of the United States. Yes, ma'am. Q: Madam Speaker, an overview from you: you've kept your Caucus together with a fighting spirit this year through very hard times. Did the events of 2020 help keep your Caucus cohesion? And secondly, what are your thoughts on a slimmer Majority next year, next week? Speaker Pelosi. Well, we are very excited about having won the House. We have the gavel, the Speaker's gavel. We also have 132 other gavels of chairs and subcommittees, and they are again, many of them in the hands, this past term of Freshmen and newer Members of Congress. And we're excited about that. Eighteen Freshmen had gavels, that was historic. There has been nothing even close to that before. The I have every confidence. Our Caucus is unified around our common ethical belief in our responsibility to America's working families. That's what brings us together. Of course, we have our differences in approach, and some other ideas. And that's our vitality. I would not want to be a leader of a party that was rubber stamp, lockstep. That's called Republicans. We, the Democratic Party, are democratic in every way, including respecting the views of all in our Caucus. So, I have I have great confidence that on an agenda that is there for America's working families, we will have the unity that we need to proceed under the leadership of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, the Biden-Harris Administration, and hopefully with the Democratic Senate. We'll see what next week brings. Okay, thank you all. Thank you all very much.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123020-1,Dear Colleague on End of 116th Congress,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Democratic Colleague, As we prepare to close the 116th Congress, I write to express my deep appreciation for the unity of House Democrats in fighting For The People. It is with great optimism that we prepare for a new Congress and a new Administration. Congress has passed and the President has signed a coronavirus relief bill to help fight the virus and put money in the pockets of the American people, but much more needs to be done to honor our heroes at the state and local level. Supporting them will facilitate making the much-anticipated vaccine more readily and fairly available. We must join in the Biden-Harris Administration's Build Back Better initiative for job creation and economic opportunity, including its protections of our planet. The pandemic has pulled back the veil of inequality, sharpening our focus on the disparities that rage in our economy and our society. In our work, we must promote justice in the economy, in health care, in law enforcement and in the environment. As we go forward, we do so with pride in the work of our Caucus, Committee Chairs and Committee Members and with confidence that we will get the job done. It is imperative that we do so connecting with the hopes and dreams of our constituents and with prayers for a better future for all. Thanks for your leadership and your friendship. Best wishes for a Happy New Year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2182,"Rep. Jimmy Gomez, House Colleagues, Demand Immediate Trump Administration Withdrawal Of Any New Oil And Gas Leases Off California Coast",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Gomez,G000585,gomez.house.gov,gomez,https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to head off last minute lame-duck Trump Administration efforts to expand offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coast, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), today, joined a letter with 21 House colleagues from the California Delegation in expressing their strong opposition to any expansion of oil and gas drilling off the coast of California. In a letter to Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, co-led by Representatives Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49), the Members demand the outgoing Trump Administration immediately withdraw any new oil and gas leasing off California from consideration in any future federal program. “The inevitable onshore and offshore risks associated with offshore drilling impact public health, the environment, and our climate,"" wrote the lawmakers. ""For these reasons, every single coastal governor along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Republican and Democrat alike, has stood in opposition to offshore drilling. In coastal communities, where livelihoods are built around fishing, tourism, and recreation, it is critically important to guard against oil leaks or spills that could harm these ocean dependent economies and fragile marine ecosystems.” The letter also points out that just three months ago President Trump, in response to loud outcry from coastal communities across the nation, issued a ten-year moratorium on offshore drilling in waters off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The letter highlights California’s intimate history with off shore oil drilling impacts, most notably the 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, which at the time was the largest oil spill in the United States. This tragedy killed thousands of marine mammals, fish, and birds, and oil washed up on the beaches for hundreds of miles along Central and Southern California. In the 50 years since, there have been no new oil and gas leases in California state waters and no federal leases off California for more than 35 years. The Members also highlight that the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster just 10 years ago highlights that offshore oil drilling is no safer today than it was in 1969. While it is unlikely that the Trump Administration would be able to formalize any new leases before the Biden Administration takes office on January 20, the Members conclude their letter by demanding Secretary Bernhardt put an immediate halt during the Trump Administration’s remaining time in office to any consideration of new oil and gas leasing off California. Click here to read the full text of the letter. The letter was led by Congressmen Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49). In addition, the letter was cosigned by Congressmembers Mike Thompson (CA-5), Doris O. Matsui (CA-6), Ami Bera (CA-7), Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Karen Bass (CA-37), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), and Juan Vargas (CA-51).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-introduces-bill-provide-automatic-rental-assistance-families-response,Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Automatic Rental Assistance to Families in Response to Recessions and Natural Disasters,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act which would establish a new automatic housing assistance program to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers to households during natural disasters or economic recessions. ""When responding to an unforeseen disaster like a pandemic, hurricane, or economic recession, families cannot wait in uncertainty for a relief bill to pass in Congress,"" said Congressman Adam Smith. ""As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental assistance skyrockets in times of economic downturns, and we need a system that can rapidly deploy support to ensure vulnerable families at risk of displacement continue to have access to stable housing. Housing insecurity affects far too many families as is, and this bill would provide an automatic safety net to those most in need during a crisis."" Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States had an affordable housing crisis, which puts more families on the brink of displacement. The pandemic has further highlighted the heightened vulnerability of families in the case of economic crises in the future. There is currently no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs, and this bill would remedy that gap. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when either: the Stafford Act is invoked during a natural disaster, or when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a specific amount. This legislation is the House companion bill to the Crisis Housing Act introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can read a one-pager of the bill here and the full bill text here. Statements of Support: ""One of the fundamental lessons of this pandemic is how important housing assistance is in a crisis or disaster,"" said Stephen Norman, Executive Director of the King County Housing Authority. ""The speed at which aid can be provided is critical. Representative Smith's bill is a common sense approach that lays the groundwork, before a crisis, for the government to respond quickly. He should be commended for paying attention to a nuts and bolts issue in federal policy that will make a real difference in people's lives when assistance is needed."" ""Disasters often hit the lowest income households hardest, yet these same families struggle to receive the housing assistance they need afterwards. The result is often a predictable and entirely preventable rise in eviction and homelessness rates,"" said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. ""If passed, the Crisis Housing Act would play a critical role in providing safe, accessible, and affordable homes to individuals with the greatest needs after a disaster by providing longer-term, flexible, rental assistance - helping them safely recover without the fear of being rendered homeless."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3C6B2B21-E42D-46EE-A400-F9AF5867FF5B,Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Automatic Rental Assistance to Families in Response to Recessions and Natural Disasters,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act which would establish a new automatic housing assistance program to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers to households during natural disasters or economic recessions. When responding to an unforeseen disaster like a pandemic, hurricane, or economic recession, families cannot wait in uncertainty for a relief bill to pass in Congress, said Congressman Adam Smith. As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental assistance skyrockets in times of economic downturns, and we need a system that can rapidly deploy support to ensure vulnerable families at risk of displacement continue to have access to stable housing. Housing insecurity affects far too many families as is, and this bill would provide an automatic safety net to those most in need during a crisis. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States had an affordable housing crisis, which puts more families on the brink of displacement. The pandemic has further highlighted the heightened vulnerability of families in the case of economic crises in the future. There is currently no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs, and this bill would remedy that gap. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when either: the Stafford Act is invoked during a natural disaster, or when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a specific amount. This legislation is the House companion bill to the Crisis Housing Act introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can read a one-pager of the billhere and the full bill texthere. Statements of Support: One of the fundamental lessons of this pandemic is how important housing assistance is in a crisis or disaster, said Stephen Norman, Executive Director of the King County Housing Authority. The speed at which aid can be provided is critical. Representative Smith's bill is a common sense approach that lays the groundwork, before a crisis, for the government to respond quickly. He should be commended for paying attention to a nuts and bolts issue in federal policy that will make a real difference in people's lives when assistance is needed. Disasters often hit the lowest income households hardest, yet these same families struggle to receive the housing assistance they need afterwards. The result is often a predictable and entirely preventable rise in eviction and homelessness rates,said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.If passed, the Crisis Housing Act would play a critical role in providing safe, accessible, and affordable homes to individuals with the greatest needs after a disaster by providing longer-term, flexible, rental assistance helping them safely recover without the fear of being rendered homeless. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://armstrong.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kelly-armstrong-statement-vote-against-cash-act,Congressman Kelly Armstrong Statement on Vote Against the CASH Act,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,ND,Kelly Armstrong,A000377,armstrong.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- North Dakota's Congressman Kelly Armstrong released the following statement on his vote against the CASH Act, which would increase direct payments authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act from $600 to $2,000. I have long supported commonsense, targeted relief. The bill voted on yesterday that raises direct payments to $2k has serious flaws and does not provide targeted relief to those who need it most. It increases payments to those who have not faced unemployment or income loss. I support programs like the PPP and assisting families and businesses that have been devastated by the pandemic. Even if we had unlimited amounts of money, I would not support giving everyone money regardless of their being impacted by the pandemic or not. We need to provide targeted relief to those in need, said Congressman Armstrong. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-leads-inquiry-use-debit-cards-next-round-economic-impact-payments,Rep. Axne Leads Inquiry on Use of Debit Cards for Next Round of Economic Impact Payments,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) led a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking information about plans to use debit cards to distribute the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) approved by Congress last week. The letter, signed by 10 of Rep. Axne's colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee, asks the Treasury Department to clarify if they plan to use debit cards to distribute this round of EIPs and urges changes to the program in the event that they are used again. Now that Congress has passed, and the President has signed into law, a second round of similar direct payments, we would like to know whether you plan on distributing some of these via debit card again, the members wrote. If so, we ask that you explain how you plan to improve communication, ensure there are no fees for the user, and simplify the agreement they have to sign, removing any mandatory arbitration clauses. Rep. Axne and her colleagues seek three areas of improvement in the event that debit cards are used for the second round of EIPs: Better Communication:The members encouragesignificant improvements in communicatingthe plans for debit cards to the general public to avoid skepticism and potential disposal of cards, which was widely reportedafter the Treasury failed to tell people these cards were a possibilityin the first tranche of payments thisspring. Complete Elimination of Fees:As the debit cards are set up to provide Americans with the full amount of their EIP as approved by Congress and the President, Rep. Axne and her colleagues urge the Treasury Department and IRS to eliminate any fees associated with using or transferringa card'sbalance. Simplification of the Cardholder Agreement: The debit cards used in the first round of EIPs contained a dense and confusing cardholder agreement, including an arbitration clause that prevents card recipients from forming a class action suit in the case of similar problems with the card. The members demand that any potential second round of debit cards be given a revised cardholder agreement, without any arbitration clauses, that can be easily understood by card recipients. These and other concerns were raised by Iowa cardholders to Rep. Axne in the first round of EIP debit cards. Rep. Axne sought similar changes to the first round of debit cards in May, including seeing the IRS and Treasury remove the fee for first-time replacements of the debit card after poor communication. The letter was signed by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Bill Foster (IL-11), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Denny Heck (WA-10), Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-01), Al Lawson (FL-05), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), and Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) andthe full text of the letter can be found here: Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Commissioner Rettig, We write to urge improvements as you distribute the upcoming second round of direct payments to Americans which was included in the Coronavirus relief package signed into law on Sunday. Many of us previously wrote in May to share concerns with how those direct payments were distributed by debit card, and to urge changes in that program. The direct payments from the CARES Act supported more than 150 million Americans1 who received them, but many of our constituents had concerns after receiving prepaid debit cards with their Economic Impact Payment (EIP). Since the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had not alerted the public that they would be sending stimulus payments via debit card, recipients were often surprised, confused, and some even threw these away, thinking it was a fraud. Those who did use them could be charged fees simply to get the aid Congress intended and were forced into agreeing to arbitration to resolve any issues. Now that Congress has passed, and the President has signed into law, a second round of similar direct payments, we would like to know whether you plan on distributing some of these via debit card again, and request the following improvements in the event of additional direct payments via debit card. Communication about EIP cards must be improved We recognize that having seen this in May, many people will be more aware of the possibility they'll receive their payment on a debit card. However, we ask that you also directly provide more clear information about the cards to those receiving them. That should include a clear explanation that this card is their direct payment, the amount of that rebate, and how to quickly transfer this to a bank account or receive a check. We hope better communication will reduce confusion and prevent people cutting up their debit cards again because they believed this was a scam. The cards should come with no fees for the recipient The debit cards sent in May could cost our constituents a significant amount to use.2 While in-network ATM withdrawals were free, those ATMs are almost exclusively in larger towns and metropolitan areas, forcing people to either pay a fee or drive more than an hour to access their EIP. Waiving fees on the first ATM withdrawal out of network ATM is a positive step, but does nothing for additional withdrawals, nor does it include any fees charged by the ATM owner, or fees to check your balance. In addition, the transaction size limits will make it difficult for a family to simply get their money off the card and into a bank account. These cards are intended to provide support for Americans during COVID-19, and any fees are likely to simply add insult to injury. We recognize that the card provider needs to cover its costs, but believe that the people trying to receive these cards should not have to pay fees regardless of where they live. We appreciate you taking action to waive the fee for the first replacement card, and would encourage you to remove all costs to use these cards. If you are unable or unwilling to fully eliminate the fees, we ask that the lengthy fee schedule be dramatically simplified, and that transaction size limits be adjusted to allow people to easily transfer the full amount of their rebate off of the card immediately. The EIP card agreement should be simplified The EIP card agreement which came with the first cards3 was more than 8 pages of dense text, which can be intimidating to Americans who were expecting a simple check. We heard from numerous constituents calling with complaints and questions, including being unsure of how to even find out how much money they had just received. This agreement should be simplified as much as possible or come with a summary document to better explain the terms for those who had no idea they were getting a credit card. Further, the cardholder agreement included a mandatory arbitration clause, requiring that any disputes be resolved through individual (not class-action) arbitration. Americans in the most urgent need of this aid, who must immediately access their payment through the debit card will be forced into arbitration, often without even knowing the implications. In addition, the arbitration clause prevents people with the same dispute from forming a class. Not only does this practice hurt those with less financial and legal resources in virtually all situations, it makes even less sense in this case. With 4 million people receiving very similar EIP cards, it is very likely that if there are issues, many people are having the same problem, making class action simply a more efficient way to resolve disputes. We urge you to simplify the agreement for anyone receiving an EIP card to reduce confusion, and specifically request that you remove any mandatory arbitration clause from future agreements. We appreciate the important work you did this spring in getting Economic Impact Payments out to Americans quickly. While we appreciate the value prepaid debit cards provide to those without checking accounts, and understand that sending these cards is a part of attempting to get payments out faster, we would urge additional consideration of how to ensure the cards are providing the benefits they are intended to. We understand that no further cards were sent after our letter in May, but would request a written response to our letter, explaining whether you intend to send prepaid debit cards again. If so, we ask that you explain how you plan to improve communication, ensure there are no fees for the user, and simplify the agreement they have to sign, removing any mandatory arbitration clauses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=580,BACON VOTES IN FAVOR OF NDAA,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NE,Don Bacon,B001298,bacon.house.gov,bacon,https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. -Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act: ""Last night I voted in favor of the Defense Bill that gives us the best deterrence capabilities against China and Russia, and invests in cyber, stealth, and a strong Navy. My measure that initiates making UNMC a national hub for pandemic readiness is also in the bill. Peace through strength is a conservative value and this bill delivers it.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=262CBFC7-9779-498F-B9FB-0A9CA56D9657,Congressman Barr Secures Major Investments for Rural Broadband Expansion,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Lexington, KY – U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) secured major federal investments for the expansion of rural broadband connectivity. Over $7 billion for rural broadband initiatives were included as part of the COVID-19 relief bill signed by President Donald Trump on Sunday evening. This includes $300 million for the construction of rural broadband connectivity and $250 million for expanding telehealth services. “I have worked diligently to enhance internet connectivity for rural communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many Kentuckians are working or learning remotely,” said Congressman Barr. “Additionally, by expanding telehealth services we embrace technology as a powerful weapon in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Together, these investments will provide a huge boost to Central and Eastern Kentucky as we fight to defeat the COVID-19 virus and deliver widespread and reliable broadband access for all.” In April, Congressman Barr led the effort to persuade the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services to expand coverage of telehealth services to include same-location services. This helped conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) and cut down on exposure for frontline doctors, nurses and healthcare workers to possible COVID-19 positive patients. Furthermore, Congressman Barr introduced H.R. 8368, the Rural Broadband Expansion Act of 2020. The proposal provides local governments the flexibility to use funding from the Coronavirus, Aid, Recovery and Economic Security (CARES) Act to develop rural broadband infrastructure in their communities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/community-invited-discuss-equitable-vaccine-distribution-experts-elected-officials,"Community Invited to Discuss Equitable Vaccine Distribution with Experts, Elected Officials",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"The discussion features greetings from US Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, and US Senator Ron Wyden. Speakers include: Susheela Jayapal, Multnomah County Commissioner; Patrick Allen, Oregon Health Authority Director; Pam Treece, Washington County Commissioner; and Jessica Guernsey, Multnomah County Health Department Public Health Director. Moderators for the discussion are Juwairyah Syed, Chair of the OIA STEM Program, and Ronault Polo Catalani, Creative Writer and Founder of New Portland Foundation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=771,"Carbajal, Colleagues Demand Immediate Trump Administration Withdrawal Of Any New Oil And Gas Leases Off California Coast",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,,,legacy,"Santa Barbara, CA In an effort to head off last minute efforts by the Trump Administration to expand offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coast, Rep. Carbajal joined a letter with 21 House colleagues from the California Delegation in expressing their strong opposition to any expansion of oil and gas drilling off the coast of California. In a letter to Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, co-led by Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49), the Members demand the outgoing Trump Administration immediately withdraw any new oil and gas leasing off California from consideration in any future federal program. The Members wrote, The inevitable onshore and offshore risks associated with offshore drilling impact public health, the environment, and our climate. For these reasons, every single coastal governor along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Republican and Democrat alike, has stood in opposition to offshore drilling. In coastal communities, where livelihoods are built around fishing, tourism, and recreation, it is critically important to guard against oil leaks or spills that could harm these ocean dependent economies and fragile marine ecosystems. The letter also points out that just three months ago President Trump, in response to loud outcry from coastal communities across the nation, issued a ten-year moratorium on offshore drilling in waters off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The letter highlights California's intimate history with off shore oil drilling impacts, most notably the 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, which at the time was the largest oil spill in the United States. This tragedy killed thousands of marine mammals, fish, and birds, and oil washed up on the beaches for hundreds of miles along Central and Southern California. In the 50 years since, there have been no new oil and gas leases in California state waters and no federal leases off California for more than 35 years. The Members also highlight that the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster just 10 years ago highlights that offshore oil drilling is no safer today than it was in 1969. While it is unlikely that the Trump Administration would be able to formalize any new leases before the Biden Administration takes office on January 20, the Members conclude their letter by demanding Secretary Bernhardt put an immediate halt during the Trump Administration's remaining time in office to any consideration of new oil and gas leasing off California. Click here to read the full text of the letter. The letter was led by Congressmen Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49). In addition, the letter was cosigned by Congressmembers Mike Thompson (CA-5), Doris O. Matsui (CA-6), Ami Bera (CA-7), Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Karen Bass (CA-37), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Nanette Diaz Barragn (CA-44), and Juan Vargas (CA-51). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2689,DelBene Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,,,legacy,"DelBene Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner f t # e Kirkland, WA, December 29, 2020 Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today announced the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge from Washington's 1st Congressional District. The winning app, called Distancing Camera, was created by Pierce Zhang, Sidharth Ganesh, and Trung Pham of Tesla STEM High School. Their app is designed to make social distancing easier by warning users if others are too close. The app uses a phone's camera to measure the distance between the phone and other people or the distance between two people in its view. The app alerts the user if social distancing is being violated in either case. A demo of Distancing Camera can be found here. As a tech leader before coming to Congress, I know firsthand that innovation requires creative entrepreneurs, said DelBene. I am immensely proud of the students from Washington's 1st Congressional District for their ingenuity, and I thank all those who entered this year's App Challenge for their willingness to share their hard work with us. This year's winner designed and created a useful tool with timely application to the current public health crisis. Congratulations on all your hard work. The winning app was selected by a panel of impartial judges. Distancing Camera will now go on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year, along with winning apps from other congressional districts. DelBene has been a Co-chair of the Congressional App Challenge since 2018. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-and-lynch-introduce-bill-to-study-use-of-distributed-ledger-technology-in-post-trade-clearing-and-settlement,Emmer and Lynch Introduce Bill to Study Use of Distributed Ledger Technology in Post-Trade Clearing and Settlement,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) and Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced legislation, H.R. 8989, to require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study the operational regulatory challenges and opportunities in the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in the post-trade clearing and settlement process. The legislation, which would require the SEC to produce two reports over two years to identify best practices, steps toward establishing international standards, and the implications of utilizing DLT systems. In studying these issues, the SEC is directed to work with both domestic and international stakeholders. “I am very hopeful about distributed ledger technology and its use in the clearing and settlement process. These studies will provide the necessary advancement and understanding of this outstanding technology, and will eventually allow for the implementation of these important upgrades. In order to lead in the global financial landscape, we must be exploring and innovating. It has been an honor to work with Chairman Lynch on the Task Force on Financial Technology, and this effort is a great example of the nonpartisan work Congress can advance to support fintech in the United States,” said Emmer. “Distributed ledger technology, like Blockchain, has the potential to make systems more efficient and more secure,” said Lynch. “Post-trade clearing and settlement is ripe for the kind of evolution that DLT offers. These studies will lay the groundwork for upgrades in our financial markets necessary to maintain the preeminence of the American financial system. I’m grateful for the work of Mr. Emmer on this legislation and am looking forward to working with the SEC to ensure confidence in the technology used in capital markets.” Representative Lynch is the Chairman and Representative Emmer is the Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee’s Task Force on Financial Technology. Over the past 18 months, the Task Force has received considerable testimony on the potential benefits of DLT to increase transaction efficiency, transparency, and security. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C87C2E63-5597-401D-BF15-C146F7197F02,Emmer and Lynch Introduce Bill to Study Use of Distributed Ledger Technology in Post-Trade Clearing and Settlement,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2790,Rep. Estes Announces App Challenge Winner,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WICHITA Today Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced the Kansas 4th District winner of this year's Congressional App Challenge, Abir Haque. This is his second year winning first place in this competition.""This year has highlighted the advances in technology and how apps have changed the way we work, learn and communicate,"" said Rep. Estes. ""Abir has demonstrated his impressive coding skills for the second year in a row, and I look forward to seeing the work of 4th District students as we continue this competition in years to come."" This was the second year the Fourth District participated in the national Congressional App Challenge. The competition offers middle school and high school students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical skill by submitting the app of their choosing that they have created in the last calendar year, either for a class project, extracurricular or specifically for the App Challenge. Students living in or attending school in Kansas' 4th District were eligible to compete as individuals or teams of up to four. The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on House.gov. First place winner Abir Haque's CSVOL is an extensible query language for managing CSV datasets, interacting with online program libraries, and synthesizing speech and music. Haque used Java and other coding languages to develop the app and is a student at Wichita East High School. Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas' 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://khanna.house.gov/media/in-the-news/19-house-democrats-join-ro-khanna-voting-against-bloated-military-budget,19 House Democrats Join Ro Khanna in Voting Against Bloated Military Budget,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ro Khanna,K000389,khanna.house.gov,,,legacy,"Just 20 House Democrats opted to break with their party and their Republican counterparts late Monday to vote against overriding President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, a sprawling bill that greenlights over $740 billion in military spending for fiscal year 2021. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), one the few House Democrats who voted against overriding the president's NDAA veto,applaudedhis colleagues for having the courage tonight to vote no on the bloated defense budget. They are changing the culture of endless war and calling for more investment instead in the American people, said Khanna. The veto override ultimately succeeded in the House by a322-87margin and now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and other members of the Democratic caucus arethreatening to hold upthe NDAA in an effort to force a vote on $2,000 direct payments. Here are the 20 Democrats who voted against overriding Trump's NDAA veto: Reps. Earl Blumenauer (Ore.), Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.), Yvette Clarke (N.Y.), Mark DeSaulnier (Calif.), Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), Jess Garca (Ill.), Jimmy Gomez (Calif.), Jared Huffman (Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Joe Kennedy (Mass.), Ro Khanna (Calif.), Barbara Lee (Calif.), Jim McGovern (Mass.), Grace Meng (N.Y.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (Minn.), Mark Pocan (Wis.), Ayanna Pressley (Mass.), and Rashida Tlaib (Mich.). Nearly 70 House Republicans also voted against the veto override, but more out ofallegiance to the presidentthan opposition to out-of-control military spending. Trump vetoed the NDAA last week not because of the bloated military budget, but rather because he objected to the exclusion of a repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and inclusion of a provision ordering the Pentagon to rename military installations named after Confederate generals. In aninterviewonDemocracy Now!ahead of Monday's vote, Khanna said that while Trump's reasons for opposing the NDAA don't align with progressive objections, the bottom line is, $740 billion is way too much defense spending. We're spending money on the modernization of nuclear weapons. And we can't find money to get food in to people who need it? Khanna said. We can't find money to get more rental assistance for folks who are going to face evictions? We can't find money to get $2,000 into the pockets of Americans? The priorities are wrong, and so I'm not going to vote to override his veto.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z