url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-blasts-u-s-steel-sale-vows-to-take-all-possible-actions-to-block-acquisition/,"Fetterman Blasts U.S. Steel Sale, Vows to Take All Possible Actions to Block Acquisition",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday released the following statement blasting the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, a Japanese company.

“I live across the street from U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thompson plant in Braddock. It’s absolutely outrageous that U.S. Steel has agreed to sell themselves to a foreign company. Steel is always about security – both our national security and the economic security of our steel communities. I am committed to doing anything I can do, using my platform and my position, to block this foreign sale.”

“This is yet another example of hard-working Americans being blindsided by greedy corporations willing to sell out their communities to serve their shareholders. I stand with the men and women of the Steelworkers and their union way of life. We cannot allow them to be screwed over or left behind. I promise to them and to all forgotten communities across Pennsylvania that I will work with Senator Casey and the rest of the delegation to fight like hell to make this right.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-key-wins-for-pennsylvania-in-defense-bill/,Fetterman Secures Key Wins for Pennsylvania in Defense Bill,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Senate passed the Senate-led, bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. U.S. Senator John Fetterman worked to ensure the bill included key wins for Pennsylvania.

“I was proud to vote for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act months ago and see it pass the Senate with strong bipartisan support, and I was proud to support the bill again today,” said Senator Fetterman. “Pennsylvania’s military installations and defense industry continue to play a key role in supporting allies like Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel against attacks on democracy abroad. By working with my colleagues here in Washington, I made sure that we were able to support vital jobs in Pennsylvania, increase pay for our servicemembers, and protect our economic and security interests from our adversaries. I’m also proud that this bill is free of any changes to the Pentagon’s policies that allow women to get the reproductive health care they need. I strongly urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill so that President Biden can sign it into law.”

Senator Fetterman championed the inclusion of nearly $300M in funding for Pennsylvania military installations, secured key funding to modernize and sustain the Pennsylvania-based defense workforce, and supported funding for critical Pennsylvania National Guard programs.

Senator Fetterman also supported critical research initiatives at Pennsylvania’s colleges, universities, and research institutions, as well as investments in our National Guard’s efforts to stem the tide of deadly drugs across our borders and into Pennsylvania’s communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-grills-wall-street-execs-during-banking-hearing/,Fetterman Grills Wall Street Execs During Banking Hearing,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman yesterday participated in a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs oversight hearing on Wall Street firms, with witnesses including executives of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, State Street, BNY Mellon, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. During his line of questioning, Senator Fetterman grilled the executives about their share buybacks and stock dividends, laid into them about how bank failures imperil the national economy, and advocated for stronger capital requirements.

“Are you okay with this idea that a relatively small bank, especially compared to the size of all of you in front of us today, could cause a crash, systemwide, unless the president had to quickly intervene and make sure that we addressed this?”Senator Fetterman asked Bank of America CEO about the failure of Silicon Valley Bank. “Is it okay to worry that a small bank could imperil our entire financial system?”

“You claim that the capital requirements will increase costs and reduce lending. Chase did $5.7 billion in share buybacks and $9 billion in dividends so far this year. So wouldn’t it be easier just to kind of hold onto a lot of that money and lend it out?” Senator Fetterman asked the CEO of Chase. “Why would you want to give it away to the shareholders or buying back stock?”

The full clip can be found HERE.

Senator Fetterman is a staunch proponent of executive accountability and fighting corporate greed and has fought for commonsense bank regulations. In Spring 2023, he slammed bank executives from Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank andcalled out the role of corporate greed at Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearings on the failures of their banks. He has also taken legislative action, co-sponsoring the Secure Viable Banking Act, which would restore critical protections to keep Big Banks in check & prevent future crises, and the Failed Bank Executives Clawback Act, which empowers the federal government to engage in more aggressive enforcement of clawbacks of compensation from bank executives of failed banks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-houlahan-announce-500000-grant-for-passenger-rail-corridor-from-reading-to-philadelphia/,"Fetterman, Houlahan Announce $500,000 Grant for Passenger Rail Corridor from Reading to Philadelphia",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman and U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) on Wednesday announced a $500,000 Corridor ID grant from the Federal Railroad Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Schuylkill River Passenger Authority (SRPRA) to study a passenger rail corridor from Reading to Philadelphia and New York City. The funding, which will put SRPRA in the pipeline of rail projects ready for implementation, was made possible by President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The corridor would connect Reading with Philadelphia, with new stops at Pottstown, Phoenixville, and potentially Norristown, before continuing from Philadelphia to New York through existing rail corridors.

“I’m extremely honored and excited to announce this important grant funding for the passenger rail proposal between Reading and Philadelphia,” said Sen. Fetterman. “This is a huge step towards finally bringing passenger rail back to the Schuylkill River Valley. In my view, the more trains and public transportation options for Pennsylvanians, the better. This project would go a long way in revitalizing communities in Berks and Montgomery Counties.”

“This is huge news. During my five years in office, improving access to our passenger rail system has been a top priority for our community,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). “From conversations with so many of my constituents, I know what this means to our local economy and well-being. I am thrilled that my 2021 request for $750,000 in Community Project Funding to provide a grant to study a rail corridor connecting Reading to Philadelphia was approved and is now being implemented.”

In awarding this project Corridor ID funding, the Department of Transportation is making clear that this project is a priority. SRPRA’s selection will also mean the project will be eligible for more federal grants down the line.

Reading last had passenger rail service to Philadelphia in 1983. This investment from the Department of Transportation allows SRPRA to enter step one of the program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan. As part of the Corridor ID program, SRPRA will be eligible for long-term, sustained federal support.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-introduces-bill-to-ensure-affordable-housing-in-forgotten-communities/,Fetterman Introduces Bill to Ensure Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities,2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today introduced legislation to ensure long-term housing affordability. The Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act would encourage plans for long-term housing affordability as part of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant program, ensuring that revitalizing efforts benefit longtime community members.

“Hardworking people should be able to find housing in the communities where they grew up. This is especially true in forgotten communities – places where opportunity dried up as factories and plants closed, but where we are making investments to bring life back,” said Senator Fetterman. “We must invest in the whole community, not just the parts that big businesses and luxury developers can profit from. This bill will allow us to be proactive in how we capitalize on infrastructure investments in forgotten communities, so we can ensure the benefits are passed on to middle- and lower-income residents.”

As communities do the critical work to revitalize towns and cities across the country, the people who stayed and stuck out the hard times are often priced out. The same residents who came up with the revitalizing projects — from converting closed factories into startup incubators, to renovating abandoned rail lines into greenspace — are then pushed out of existing affordable housing by rising rents and private equity buy-ups. These critical revitalizing efforts need to happen in these communities, but they must also include housing opportunities for the people who have long called these places home. Infrastructure policy needs to incorporate housing considerations from day one and the plans should prioritize models that keep housing affordable for existing residents.

Community land trusts (CLTs) buy land and preserve the housing as affordable forever. Homeowners can stay and profit from their investment, and the home will stay affordable for the next working-class owner. And we can do it for relatively cheap – much cheaper than building new units or trying to undo displacement after costs have already risen. It’s a proven model that has been active for years.

The Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act would help grant recipients looking to redevelop community-severing infrastructure for new uses to consider the impact on housing. They would be able to evaluate the impact of the project on workforce housing in the neighborhood, and use funds to plan for long-term affordability, create or preserve long-term affordable housing units in the neighborhood, and support the creation or expansion of CLTs.

The Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act is endorsed by Grounded Solutions Network, NeighborWorks, the National Housing Law Project, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Housing Trust, the Center for Community Progress, and American Planning Association PA. It is also endorsed by many of Pennsylvania’s CLTs – the Women’s Community Revitalization Project (Philadelphia), City of Bridges Community Land Trust (Pittsburgh), Mosaic Community Land Trust (Pottstown), Lehigh Valley Community Land Trust, State College Community Land Trust, and Centre County Community Land Trust.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-brown-smith-call-on-cftc-chairman-to-uphold-dodd-frank-reject-proposed-rule/,"Fetterman, Brown, Smith Call on CFTC Chairman to Uphold Dodd-Frank, Reject Proposed Rule",2023-11-27,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with colleagues Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tina Smith (D-MN), today sent a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Rostin Behnam sharing their serious concerns with the CFTC’s Proposed Rule on Seeded Funds and Money Market Funds, which they called a “step in the wrong direction” that would “undermine the goals of Dodd-Frank.”

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, passed by Congress in 2010, set up comprehensive rules for swap agreements after they significantly contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. Dodd-Frank required the CFTC to set rules for swaps that ensure counterparties hold enough collateral. This collateral protects swap market participants and prevents the kind of dangerous risk-taking that nearly destroyed the financial system in 2008.

The CFTC’s proposed rule would increase market instability by decreasing collateral requirements for some swaps. It would reduce or eliminate initial margin requirements for a subset of swap market participants. Critically, the rule creates a divergence with bank regulators, setting up two sets of rules for swaps: one set of rules that apply to non-bank swap dealers and another set of rules for prudentially regulated swap dealers.

Put simply, if finalized, this rule would roll back a critical piece of Dodd-Frank and put the nation’s financial stability at risk.

“The 2008 financial crisis showed the dangers that swaps can pose to economic stability, and Dodd-Frank directed regulators, including the CFTC, to require initial margin for uncleared swaps specifically to reduce those risks,” the Senators wrote.“It is vital for the CFTC to continue upholding its Dodd-Frank mandate and to maintain high standards and safeguards for this important market.”

“As members of both the Agriculture and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committees, we are particularly concerned that the CFTC proposes to unilaterally deregulate some market participants without coordination with prudential regulators overseeing other participants in the swaps market,” wrote the Senators. “This regulatory divergence would invite regulatory arbitrage, a regulatory race to the bottom, and likely incentivize the movement of some uncleared swap transactions from prudentially regulated swap dealers to non-bank swap dealers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-union-leaders-sara-nelson-shawn-fain-to-support-union-flight-attendants-at-dca/,"Fetterman Joins Union Leaders Sara Nelson, Shawn Fain to Support Union Flight Attendants at DCA",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today stood in solidarity with American Airlines flight attendants at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The senator was joined by union leaders Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants (APFA)-CWA, AFL–CIO, and UAW President Shawn Fain, as well as two of his constituents, APFA DCA President John Pennel and APFA DCA Vice President Dianne Britton.

Senator Fetterman spoke with union members, talked to press, walked the rally line, and gave remarks to the crowd. He called on American Airlines CEO Robert Isom to raise wages and invited him to visit his office on the Hill to “talk it out.”

“It’s astonishing that an airline that made $2.6 billion in profits hasn’t given you a raise since 2019,” said Senator Fetterman to the workers. “I’m going to tell you the same thing I told the UAW workers – make them pay until they pay you what you deserve.”

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is the independent union that represents more than 26,000 American Airlines flight attendants. Despite reporting record profits this year, American Airlines management has refused much-needed raises and other contract improvements for the flight attendants, leading to a strike authorization vote of 99% from union members. If the workers do strike, it will be the first in 30 years, with the last strike occurring in 1993.

Senator Fetterman has long been a vocal advocate for the union way of life and against corporate greed. In addition to joining striking UE workers at Wabtec in Erie and five different UAW picket lines, he has consistently expressed support for workers fighting for recognition and their fair share, including striking Post-Gazette workers in Pittsburgh, Teamsters at UPS, writers with WGA, and performers with SAG-AFTRA. He has also used his legislative power to protect and expand the rights of organized labor, most notably introducing the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023, legislation to allow striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. He is also fighting to preserve the union way of life through the PRO Act and to raise the minimum wage to at least $17 per hour with the Raise the Wage Act of 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-presses-witnesses-on-decarbonizing-steel-in-epw-hearing/,Fetterman Presses Witnesses on Decarbonizing Steel in EPW Hearing,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Wednesday questioned witnesses in a U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing on Industrial Decarbonization.

Senator Fetterman focused his questioning on the processes that can decarbonize steelmaking, advocating for greener technologies while also protecting good-paying union jobs for people working in the industry.

“What does that mean to your average union worker that might be thinking ‘I’m going to lose my job’ because we are not able to meet some of these standards,” said Senator Fetterman. “I would very much like to decarbonize steel, but these are the kind of industries that have a truth that you can’t really make it without having carbon, unless there is some kind of super kind of paradigm shift.”

Witnesses in the hearing included Dr. Abigail Regitsky, Senior Manager, U.S. Policy and Advocacy, Breakthrough Energy; Dr. Leah Ellis, CEO and Co-founder, Sublime Systems, Inc.; and Shannon Angielski, President, Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-legislation-to-eliminate-federal-student-loan-debt-interest/,Fetterman Joins Legislation to Eliminate Federal Student Loan Debt Interest,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today joined his colleagues Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-2) on legislation to lower the student loan burden on current borrowers by eliminating interest on federal student loans and capping interest rates for future borrowers.

“Pennsylvania has the third highest rate of student loan debt in the nation. If we can spend trillions bailing out big banks and their CEOs who crashed our economy, we can surely prevent borrowers from accumulating more debt for simply getting an education,” said Senator Fetterman. “This legislation will be a huge relief to working people in Pennsylvania and across the country.”

The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act would refinance the interest on federal student loans for all existing borrowers to zero percent and cap interest rates for future borrowers. The interest rates for future student loan borrowers would be based on a sliding scale determined by financial need, with no student having an interest rate greater than four percent. This sliding scale would disincentivize students from taking out loans they don’t need. This legislation would also establish a Trust Fund to pay for the student loan program’s administrative expenses that are currently covered by the interest paid by borrowers.

More than 43 million Americans have federal student loan debt, including more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians who owe a collective $66.5 billion. Payments were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in October of this year. This bill would allow the millions of Americans with existing federally held student loans to see their interest rates immediately eliminated.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-op-ed-american-families-need-broadband-lets-invest-in-it/,FETTERMAN OP-ED: American Families Need Broadband. Let’s Invest In It,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Sunday published a new op-ed in PennLive pushing for the U.S. House and Senate to come together and pass a funding extension for the federal Broadband Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a critical resource that helps over 700,000 Pennsylvanians, and over 21 million people across the country, afford reliable internet service. The program is set to expire next year if it’s not re-funded by Congress.

Sen. Fetterman writes, “I ran for office to push for policies that markedly improve lives and cut costs for working families. ACP is a wildly popular program that does just that. Letting it expire and ripping this lifeline away from the hundreds of thousands of families who rely on it would be disastrous. It will mean more people”especially low-income families”will be left behind. Luckily, there appears to be a bipartisan consensus that we need to get this done in the Senate, but we can’t let political games in the dysfunctional U.S. House get in our way.

Just last week, Sen. Fetterman also sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission pushing for changes to the ACP to make it more accessible and affordable for the families that need it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-legislation-to-protect-pregnant-and-postpartum-women-in-ice-cbp-custody/,Fetterman Joins Legislation to Protect Pregnant and Postpartum Women in ICE & CBP Custody,2023-11-10,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman this week joined his colleagues Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) to introduce legislation that would provide permanent safeguards for pregnant and postpartum women in ICE and CBP custody.

“Even the thought of a pregnant woman or new mother being shackled, no matter the circumstance, should be shocking to everyone. It’s cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary,” said Senator Fetterman. “We must pass this bill to ensure the protections for pregnant and post-partum women in ICE custody, where the Biden Administration has banned shackling, are made permanent and extended to women in CBP custody.”

The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act will protect the health and safety of pregnant, postpartum, and lactating people in immigration detention by establishing a presumption of release, prohibiting any agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from shackling pregnant women in its custody—including those in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—and setting new standards of care and transparency for the treatment of pregnant women and youth.

The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act is supported by: The American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Anti-Defamation League, Center for Reproductive Rights, Church World Service, MomsRising, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Women’s Law Center, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America).

In addition to Senator Fetterman, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

A one-pager on the legislation is HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-new-letter-fetterman-advocates-for-more-effective-federal-broadband-access-calls-on-fcc-to-investigate-issues-in-program/,"In New Letter, Fetterman Advocates for More Effective Federal Broadband Access, Calls on FCC to Investigate Issues in Program",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel regarding payment issues Pennsylvanians are experiencing with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP was designed to expand access to reliable broadband by providing eligible households with discounts of up to $30 per month on their internet bills. Nationally, it helps 21 million households afford high-speed, reliable broadband. In Pennsylvania alone, over 700,000 households benefit from the program.

“This is wrong. ACP exists to cover these costs. If the providers force them to pay, it means the program is not living up to its original mission,” wrote Senator Fetterman. “This is a critical program and a lifeline for Americans to access broadband, which was once seen as a luxury but is now a necessity. As my colleagues and I work to find long-term funding solutions for ACP, both the FCC and companies that administer and benefit from ACP must do right by Americans who rely on the it.”

In his letter, Senator Fetterman expressed concerns that some eligible households have encountered issues receiving their benefits. Specifically, some service providers are requiring that users show paid receipt of one month of service before qualifying for the discount. As a result, families are being forced to foot the bill of the first month, which could in many cases causes financial hardship.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-introduces-bill-to-make-american-streets-safer/,Fetterman Introduces Bill to Make American Streets Safer,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Tuesday introduced the Building Safer Streets Act, his most recent legislation to improve street infrastructure and prevent the loss of lives on unsafe streets. Senator Fetterman and expert witnesses spoke yesterday about the importance of the bill at an EPW subcommittee hearing on roadway safety.

“The bottom line is that we are facing a street safety crisis in America — and in Pennsylvania. The thousands of lives we lose due to unsafe streets is unacceptable, and it’s long past time we in Washington do something about it,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to introduce this bill to provide communities—especially our smaller towns—with the resources and guidance they need to make their streets safer.”

On-street fatalities have reached the highest level in 41 years, and they increased during the pandemic despite an overall decrease in driving. Older residents, children, people with disabilities, those living on reservations, and people of color are all more likely to be hit in preventable incidents. Pennsylvania is home to some of the most unsafe streets in the nation — between 2012 and 2020, 1,426 pedestrians were killed on Pennsylvania streets. Experts have dubbed State Street in Harrisburg the “deadliest road in America.”

Unsafe, poorly designed streets are also a significant barrier to economic revitalization, particularly in smaller cities and towns. Land values increase with better street infrastructure, and retail tenant occupancy improves with safety.

The Building Safer Streets Act would bring street design standards into the 21st century and make way for innovative, locally-sensitive street designs and improvements by providing government agencies from the federal to local level with resources to remove red tape and make streets safer. It will also adjust street safety-focused grants (Safe Streets for All) so that the money reaches small communities.

The Building Safer Streets Act would:

Create a streamlined exceptions process for FHWA-recommended features that improve safety, removing the need for slow and costly exceptions requests

Ensure FHWA guidelines and guidance distinguishes between rural, suburban, and urban needs

Adjust the Safe Streets for All grant program to address the specific needs of small and rural communities

Provide clarity for states and localities on how they can design streets to better accommodate users

Direct the FHWA to help states and localities design streets that account for freight and transit networks (e.g. at-grade rail crossings, truck routes, or bus stops)

Create a consistent process at FHWA for determining design exceptions for projects that do not include multimodal facilities (e.g. bike lanes)

Requiring public documentation for FHWA decisions that expressly prohibit certain designs and limit local flexibility

Prevent FHWA from considering higher speed limits as a contributor to value of time metrics

Prevent FHWA from accepting rising road fatalities as an acceptable safety performance target

Facilitate data-collection regarding updates to highway design manuals to allow best practices for designing lower speed non-freeway roadways

This is Sen. Fetterman’s second street-infrastructure related bill, one of his highest priorities as a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. This bill, along with Senator Fetterman’s Shovel-Ready Streets Act, was considered at a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works subcommittee hearing on street safety.

“This Congress has put tremendous oversight responsibility on the Department of Transportation, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are protected as we invest generational amounts of resources to finally rebuild American infrastructure. But the question we have to ask is if we are actually protecting taxpayers themselves. There are extraordinarily commonsense measures that are overdue,” said expert witness and Pittsburgh resident Karina Ricks of Cityfi, LLC. “The Building Safer Streets Act will compel US DOT to give localities and states clear and consistent guidance, and that will help a lot to speed project delivery and avoid time-consuming reviews.”

“Traffic violence is a preventable epidemic that is killing almost 120 Americans every single day and devastating families and communities,” said Latanya Byrd, Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia chapter founding member. “We can end this crisis with proven policies that promote safe roads, safe speeds, and safe vehicles. My niece Samara Banks and her three young children were killed by a speeding driver on one of Philadelphia’s most deadly streets, Roosevelt Boulevard. Families for Safe Streets is so grateful to Senator Fetterman for being a leader on roadway safety and introducing the Building Safer Streets Act so that other families do not suffer as my family has.”

The Building Safer Streets Act is endorsed by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), Transportation for America, the National Safety Council, the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Towns and Townships, the National Association of County Engineers, the American Planning Association, Vision Zero Network, America Walks, League of American Bicyclists, Families for Safe Streets National, Main Street America, LOCUS at Smart Growth America, and others.

In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, American Planning Association PA, City of Philadelphia, Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia, BikePGH, and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia have endorsed the bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-to-vote-no-on-nominee-to-lead-national-institutes-of-health/,Fetterman to Vote No on Nominee to Lead National Institutes of Health,2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Tuesday released the following statement on the confirmation vote of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli’s nomination to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

“Right now, we are facing a crisis in this country. Big Pharma is ripping off the American people and forcing them to pay thousands of dollars for medicine that they need to survive. It’s a disgrace.

“We need to take on Big Pharma and work aggressively to bring down drug costs. That means we need a NIH Director who is committed to these goals and is ready to take on the industry. While I believe that Dr. Bertagnolli is highly qualified to serve in this role, I’m not convinced that she will take on Big Pharma — and for that reason I will vote against her confirmation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-senate-appropriations-bill-fetterman-secures-1-million-in-funding-for-william-way-lgbt-community-center/,"In Senate Appropriations Bill, Fetterman Secures $1 Million in Funding for William Way LGBT Community Center",2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman secured $1 million in funding for Philadelphia’s William Way LGBT Community Center after the U.S. Senate passed its first bipartisan FY24 appropriations bill yesterday afternoon. The Center was at the forefront of House Republicans’ misguided and bigoted culture war efforts after Republican appropriators removed three projects, including the William Way LGBT Center, from the House’s fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills.

The Senate’s legislative package fully funds Sen. Fetterman’s request for the William Way LGBT Center and includes millions of dollars in funding for Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food and Drug Administration; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs; and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development. In addition to this project in Philadelphia, the bills will fund projects across Pennsylvania ranging from agriculture research to homelessness assistance to veterans’ health care.

“I am proud to have secured these critical funds for the people I was elected to represent during my first annual appropriations process. These projects will benefit our rural communities and farmers, our servicemembers and veterans, our unhoused population, and so many other Pennsylvanians,” said Senator Fetterman. “Investing in these communities is critical. I’m particularly proud we were able to get the William Way LGBT Community Center funded after House Republicans stripped it out. They must stop playing partisan games and get to work so we can deliver these investments where they are needed.”

The William Way LGBT Community Center meets the health, human service, social, and cultural needs of some of the most vulnerable populations in the City of Philadelphia. The Center is an integral part of the Washington West neighborhood and an asset to the continuing efforts to revitalize South Broad Street and the Avenue of the Arts, providing community space, food and other basic needs, economic opportunities and mental health services. This project will increase the building’s usable space by 78% by transforming two disconnected, drafty, and dilapidated rowhomes into a modern complex for the Center’s programs and partner organizations.

Sen. Fetterman previously blasted House Republicans for stripping funding from all programs with the letters “LGBTQ,” including the William Way Center, calling this move “mask-off bigotry.”

Senator Fetterman worked with his colleagues in the Senate to secure funds that will benefit the entire commonwealth. The Senate’s bipartisan process stands in stark contrast to the House’s partisan approach to funding the government by passing appropriations bills that are littered with extreme social policy riders.

In addition, the appropriations bills funded critical programs that will greatly benefit Pennsylvania, including:

Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies

Fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with no new restrictions on eligibility.

Fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the school lunch program.

$1.8 billion for agriculture research.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

$120.1 million for total military construction funding for PA.

$20.2 billion for FY24 and $24.4 billion in FY25 for the Toxic Exposure Fund.

Over $2 billion more funding than FY23 for mental health services, including suicide prevention outreach, the Veterans Crisis Line, and addiction services.

Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-introduces-resolution-proposing-internal-sanctions-for-senators-indicted-for-crimes-affecting-national-security/,Fetterman Introduces Resolution Proposing Internal Sanctions for Senators Indicted for Crimes Affecting National Security,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Thursday introduced a new resolution that proposes several important safeguards against senators who are indicted for serious offenses like mishandling classified information, being charged as a foreign agent, or compromising national security.

“When you find gold bars stuffed in a mattress, the jokes write themselves. But our national security isn’t funny, it’s often life or death,” said Sen. Fetterman. “The Senate has an obligation to its constituents and this country to do everything it can to protect national security, and that means making sure that senators who are currently indicted for acting as agents of foreign powers don’t have access to our most sensitive national secrets. If an indicted senator doesn’t have the guts or basic decency to step down, the Senate must act to protect national security and the institution itself.”

The resolution would strip any senator facing these charges from their committee assignments, prohibit them from accessing classified information or classified briefings, and prohibit the ability to request earmarks or use official funds for international travel.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-senate-appropriations-bills-fetterman-secures-over-40-million-in-funding-for-projects-benefitting-pennsylvanias-veterans-farmers-and-more/,"In Senate Appropriations Bills, Fetterman Secures Over $40 Million in Funding for Projects Benefitting Pennsylvania’s Veterans, Farmers, and More",2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman secured over $40 million in funding for Pennsylvania after the U.S. Senate passed its first bipartisan FY24 appropriations bill this afternoon. The legislative package includes millions of dollars in funding for Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food and Drug Administration; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs; and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development. The bills will fund projects in Pennsylvania ranging from agriculture research to homelessness assistance to veterans’ health care.

“I am proud to have secured these critical funds for the people I was elected to represent during my first annual appropriations process. These projects will benefit our rural communities and farmers, our servicemembers and veterans, our unhoused population, and so many other Pennsylvanians, said Senator Fetterman. “Investing in these communities is critical. I’m particularly proud we were able to get the William Way LGBT Community Center funded after House Republicans stripped it out. They must stop playing partisan games and get to work so we can deliver these investments where they are needed.

Senator Fetterman has spent his time in the Senate fighting for forgotten communities that are typically left behind by Washington, and he ensured that these communities were not left behind in this appropriations cycle. He worked with his colleagues in the Senate to secure funds that will benefit the entire commonwealth. The Senate’s bipartisan process stands in stark contrast to the House’s partisan approach to funding the government by passing appropriations bills that are littered with extreme social policy riders.

Specific projects in Pennsylvania that Sen. Fetterman pushed for in Congressionally Directed Spending requests include:

$3.3 million for the Dauphin County Bridge Improvement Program

$2 million for the Abigail Pankey Apartments in Philadelphia

$2 million for housing projects in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

$1.8 million for creating a safer, more efficient Clarion County Courthouse

$1 million for the William Way LGBT Community Center

$564,000 for the City of Clairton Public Library

$494,000 for the Oil City Library

In addition, the appropriations bills funded critical programs that will greatly benefit Pennsylvania, including:

Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies

Fully fundsthe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with no new restrictions on eligibility.

Fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the school lunch program.

$1.8 billion for agriculture research.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

$120.1 million for total military construction funding for PA.

$20.2 billion for FY24 and $24.4 billion for FY25 for the Toxic Exposure Fund.

Over $2 billion more funding than FY23 for mental health services, including suicide prevention outreach, the Veterans Crisis Line, and addiction services.

Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-vows-to-protect-and-expand-snap-slams-republicans-for-trying-to-reduce-access-to-nutrition-programs-in-face-of-increased-food-insecurity-after-new-usda-report/,"Fetterman Vows to Protect and Expand SNAP, Slams Republicans for Trying to Reduce Access to Nutrition Programs in Face of Increased Food Insecurity after New USDA Report",2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the below statement following a recently released USDA Economic Research Service report on the state of food security. The report found that food insecurity increased significantly in 2022, with now approximately 1 in 8 households experiencing food insecurity. It also found that a higher number of households in rural areas (14.7%) experienced food insecurity compared to urban areas (12.5%) and that children make up almost one third of individuals (13.4 million of the 44 million) living in food-insecure households.

“The numbers in this report are disturbing. Even more astonishing is the fact that Republicans are still trying to make it harder for working families to put food on the table when food insecurity is approaching pandemic-levels. We need to be expanding these vital nutrition programs, not cutting them.”

“We are failing America’s rural communities, seniors, working families, and children. In the richest country on earth, fighting food insecurity and keeping our kids healthy should not be a partisan issue.”

As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, Senator Fetterman is committed to helping working families put food on the table and making sure kids get fed. He has introduced several bills on this issue, including:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-salutes-uaw-tentative-agreements-with-big-3/,Fetterman Salutes UAW Tentative Agreements with Big 3,2023-10-30,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday released the following statement celebrating the United Auto Workers’ new tentative agreements reached in recent days with Stellantis and General Motors. If approved by UAW membership along with the Ford agreement, these deals would end the union’s historic strike against the Big 3 automakers:

“I’m proud that in addition to the tentative agreement with Ford, the United Auto Workers have also reached deals with GM and Stellantis. Tens of thousands of workers stood up and demanded a share in the massive profits they create. And they won.

“I want to send all of these brave workers and their families my deepest congratulations on their historic victory.

“These agreements secured by UAW President Shawn Fain, the negotiating team, and union workers are truly groundbreaking. Many people doubted these workers and their ability to fight and win. But they held the line and secured historic agreements, proof that paying these workers what they deserved all along was possible.

“The brave UAW workers who held the line for over six weeks set an example for working people across the country, that better things are possible when workers stand together and fight. That’s why I was proud to visit UAW picket lines in Michigan and Ohio in addition to Pennsylvania, because the fair deals workers are fighting for goes beyond state lines.

“The union way of life is sacred, it built Pennsylvania and it built this country. These UAW workers showed us all how strong organized labor can be when we stand together.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/icymi-fetterman-casey-accepting-applications-for-federal-judgeships-for-eastern-and-middle-districts-of-pennsylvania/,"ICYMI: Fetterman, Casey Accepting Applications for Federal Judgeships for Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania",2023-10-30,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey last week announced they are accepting applications to be considered for appointment to the positions of Federal District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (EDPA) and Federal District Court Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (MDPA).

“These applications are a critical opportunity to expand representation and restore balance to our judicial system. I encourage every qualified Pennsylvania lawyer who wants to serve the public and advance equal justice to apply,” said Senator Fetterman. “This is an incredible opportunity for lawyers of all personal backgrounds and all practice areas to put themselves in the running so we can have a judiciary that truly represents Pennsylvania.”

“Pennsylvania’s senators, regardless of party, have continuously worked together to submit qualified candidates for Federal District Court seats in our Commonwealth,” said Senator Casey. “I look forward to continuing this tradition with Senator Fetterman to identify and recommend highly qualified judicial candidates who possess the necessary experience, character, and temperament for lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary.”

Senators Casey and Fetterman will employ the following process to fill vacancies on the Federal District Courts in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Middle District of Pennsylvania:

District Commissions will be established in the EDPA and the MDPA.

These Commissions will review applications and interview applicants. After interviews, the Commissions will send a list of recommended candidates to the two U.S. Senators.

The Commissions will be chaired by:

EDPA: Robert Ross, Founding Partner, Ross Feller Casey, LLP

MDPA: Neil T. O’Donnell, Founder, O’Donnell Law Office

Application:

In order to be considered for a U.S. District Court Judge position in the EDPA or MDPA, interested candidates must fill out an application by visiting: https://casey.senate.gov/federal-judgeships

Please note that applicants who applied during a prior judicial selection process in Pennsylvania must submit a new and updated application. The deadline for submitting a completed application is Monday, November 27, 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-heinrich-warnock-introduce-legislation-to-help-end-childhood-hunger/,"Fetterman, Heinrich, Warnock Introduce Legislation to Help End Childhood Hunger",2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), last week introduced the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act, legislation to make it easier for schools to serve quality, nutritious meals to students. The bill permanently increases the federal reimbursement level for school meals to help address funding challenges, enhance menus, and increase access to locally grown food.

“No child should be worried about where their next meal comes from, and no child should EVER be in debt because they can’t afford school lunch. This bill will provide schools the necessary resources to meet our children’s basic needs,” said Senator Fetterman.

There are 34 million Americans facing food insecurity, including 9 million children. There are over 30 million children in the U.S. who can’t afford their school meals, and the national public school meal debt is a whopping $262 million a year. In Pennsylvania alone, there are nearly half a million food insecure children who collectively owe nearly $80 million in debt. States have recently been rolling out universal free school meals programs to tackle this issue and seen real results. Just this summer, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a budget that created a new universal free breakfast program. Research shows that students who eat regular meals at school tend to eat an overall healthier diet and do better at school.

The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act permanently increases the federal reimbursement level for all free, reduced-price, and paid-rate school meals by 45 cents for every lunch served and 28 cents for every breakfast served, with a yearly adjustment.

As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, Senator Fetterman is committed to helping working families put food on the table and making sure kids get fed. Last month, he introduced the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act, to cancel student meal debt nationwide, and in July, he introduced the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023 to allow striking workers to qualify for SNAP benefits. In May, he signed on as an original sponsor of the Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to every student. And in June, he was one of four Democrats to vote against the debt limit bill because of its harmful cuts to SNAP.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-uaw-tentative-agreement-with-ford-calls-on-gm-and-stellantis-to-follow-suit/,"Fetterman Celebrates UAW Tentative Agreement with Ford, Calls on GM and Stellantis to Follow Suit",2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the following statement celebrating United Auto Workers’ recent tentative agreement with Ford on a four-and-a-half-year contract:

“When workers fight, workers win. And what’s good for workers is good for America.

“This deal is a huge victory for the thousands of UAW workers who stood up and demanded a share in the massive profits that they create. It’s also proof that paying these workers what they deserve is possible – despite what the CEOs, Wall Street traders, and Jim Cramer want us to believe.

“It’s time that General Motors and Stellantis follow Ford’s lead, put real money on the table, and treat their workers how they deserve.”

Senator Fetterman is a fierce advocate of the union way of life and has been standing in solidarity with UAW members since day 1 of the strike. Fetterman has visited five UAW picket lines in three states over the six weeks of the strike, including the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI, on the very first weekend of the strike. In that time, he also introduced a congressional resolution in solidarity with striking UAW members and published an op-ed on MSNBC about the ongoing strike against the Big 3 and his support for the striking workers.

Visit #1: Senator Fetterman and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) with striking UAW workers at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI.

Visit #2: Senator Fetterman with striking UAW Region 9 members on the picket line outside a General Motors facility in Langhorne, PA.

Visit #3: Senator Fetterman with UAW Local 677 on strike against MACK Trucks in Macungie, PA.

Visit #4: Senator Fetterman with striking UAW workers at the Chrysler Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, OH.

Visit #5: Senator Fetterman with UAW members at the Stellantis Part Distribution Plant in Streetsboro, OH.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-senate-vote-on-school-nutrition-program-congressional-review-act-resolution/,Fetterman Statement on Senate Vote on School Nutrition Program Congressional Review Act Resolution,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman released the following statement on today’s failed Senate vote on the School Nutrition Program Congressional Review Act Resolution offered by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), that would have overturned recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in school nutrition programs:

“The government shuts down in 22 days. I’m astonished we wasted our time with this today.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-school-nutrition-program-congressional-review-act-resolution-2/,Fetterman Statement on School Nutrition Program Congressional Review Act Resolution,2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the following statement on a resolution offered by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) that would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in school nutrition programs.

“I can’t even believe that this resolution is even real. This makes it possible for some random lunch lady to deny lunch to a hungry child because she says her god tells her to. School lunch should be free, and certainly free of judgment.

“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-school-nutrition-program-congressional-review-act-resolution/,Fetterman Statement on School Nutrition Program Congressional Review Act Resolution,2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the following statement on a resolution offered by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) that would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in school nutrition programs.

“I can’t even believe that this resolution is even real. This makes it possible for some random lunch lady to deny lunch to a hungry child because she says her god tells her to. School lunch should be free, and certainly free of judgment.

“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-gillibrand-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-return-benefits-to-snap-recipients/,"Fetterman, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Return Benefits to SNAP Recipients",2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) last week introduced the Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act, legislation to allow state SNAP agencies to reimburse SNAP recipients of benefits stolen by skimming. This bill is cosponsored by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) are leading a bipartisan version in the House.

“SNAP is a critical lifeline for nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians. It is despicable that thieves are targeting vulnerable hungry families in their cyber-crime scams, literally taking food from a baby’s mouth. We can’t let children go hungry because of bad faith actors,” said Senator Fetterman. “As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect and expand SNAP benefits and make sure American families get fed no matter what, and this bill is a critical step in doing just that.”

“Every day, more low-income households are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits and facing hunger when they are victims of SNAP skimming. People who rely on SNAP benefits to feed themselves and their families face an even greater risk of food insecurity and economic instability when their SNAP benefits are stolen,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act will help ensure that no family goes hungry as a result of SNAP theft. I will continue fighting to protect families relying on this benefit from falling victim to a skimming scam.”

“SNAP theft is a deplorable crime that preys on the most vulnerable among us, including seniors, children and those with disabilities, who are left without money to buy groceries through no fault of their own,” said Congressman Ruppersberger, who has been fighting for a permanent and comprehensive solution to SNAP theft for more than a year. “This bipartisan and bicameral bill ensures no victims go hungry and that tax dollars are spent on their intended purpose rather than lining the pockets of criminals. I thank Senators Fetterman, Gillibrand, and Cardin for introducing it in the Senate and I am proud to champion it in the House of Representatives.”

“We as a society have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us, including seniors, children, and those with disabilities,” said Congressman Lawler. “That is the reason why SNAP was created and it is unconscionable that there are those in society who would steal from the neediest among us. I’m proud to join bipartisan colleagues in the House and Senate in introducing the Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act, which will ensure SNAP recipients who are victims of theft still receive the benefits they and their families rely on.”

“Skimming” is a form of fraud that uses illegal devices attached to card processing machines to collect individual’s data. Skimming scams directly copy card and personal identification number (PIN) information from EBT cardholders and then use this stolen data to access EBT accounts and spend SNAP and cash benefits. Thousands of Americans have lost millions of dollars in benefits since mid-2022 due to this scam.

The current legislation allows replacement of benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024. It also limits replacement to either 1) the full amount stolen or 2) two months of benefits, whichever is less. The Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act would permanently extend this provision to ensure state agencies continue to replace benefits, as well as lift the cap on repayment to ensure the replacement is for the full amount stolen.

“Pennsylvania’s neighbors have been victims of SNAP benefits skimming. SNAP benefits allow individuals to stretch their dollars for other essential costs like housing and transportation. When those benefits are unknowingly stolen from them, it causes panic and humiliation in line at the grocery store and requires redistributing already tight resources to try to make ends meet for life’s necessities,” said Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding PA. “We applaud Senator Fetterman’s leadership on this bill to restore SNAP benefits and make whole neighbors who have been victimized.”

“We have heard from community members who have had their benefits stolen – it is an awful experience, and many had to skip meals as a result of the theft,” said Ann Sanders, Director of Public Benefits Policy and Programs at Just Harvest. “This bill would provide justice for SNAP recipients who are victims of theft, putting them on similar footing to those who experience debit or credit card theft. We are thankful to Sen. Fetterman and his team for putting forward this bill to advance equity for SNAP recipients.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-walks-fourth-and-fifth-uaw-picket-line-since-september-stands-in-solidarity-with-workers-in-toledo-and-streetsboro/,"Fetterman Walks Fourth and Fifth UAW Picket Line Since September, Stands In Solidarity With Workers In Toledo and Streetsboro",2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"TOLEDO, OH – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today joined striking UAW workers in Ohio, at the Chrysler Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo and the Stellantis Part Distribution Plant in Streetsboro, where he continued to pledge his solidarity to the cause.

At the rally in Toledo, he spoke with union members, talked to local press, walked the picket line, and gave remarks to the crowd.In his remarks, he thanked the members for their hard work, called for fair wages and benefits, and mentioned that despite the Ohio workers not being his constituents, he was fighting for them because the union way of life is a “national, critical issue.”

“I’m going to keep on showing up, wherever it is, and do whatever it takes to stand with all of you. We have a four-hour drive home, but that’s a small price to pay to be here with you today.”

In addition to visiting with workers in Toledo, Fetterman also visited the UAW members on strike at the Stellantis Part Distribution Plant in Streetsboro, Ohio, where he addressed workers and walked the picket line with them.

Today’s visits mark five times that Senator Fetterman has joined the UAW picket line since September 16th, when he drove his drove his UAW-made Ford Bronco from Braddock, Pennsylvania, to Wayne, Michigan, to join striking workers on the picket line on the first weekend of their strike at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant. Recently, Fetterman has also joined striking UAW workers at a GM facility in Langhorne, PA, and UAW workers who are on strike against MACK Trucks in Allentown, PA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-casey-brown-31-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-senate-resolution-in-solidarity-with-uaw-workers-on-strike/,"Fetterman, Casey, Brown, 31 Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Senate Resolution in Solidarity with UAW Workers on Strike",2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey, Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and 31 bipartisan colleagues introduced a resolution in solidarity with 150,000 members of United Auto Workers (UAW) bargaining for a fair contract, with 34,000 currently on strike against the Big 3 automakers.

Autoworkers voted to go on strike in September – calling for a fair share of the record-breaking profits their labor produces as well as cost-of-living adjustments, an end to the two-tier wage system, and restoration of pension benefits.

“The union way of life is sacred, it built Pennsylvania and this country,” said Senator Fetterman.“I have already joined striking UAW workers on the picket line three different times in just the past few weeks, twice with striking Big 3 workers and once with MACK Trucks workers. As I’ve said again and again, I will continue to show up until these workers get what they deserve. As long as they walk the picket line, I will have their backs. I am proud to join with my colleagues to introduce this resolution and show our solidarity to UAW workers on strike in Pennsylvania and across this country.”

“I’ve stood in solidarity with United Auto Workers Local 2177 workers in Bucks County, PA, and stand with all UAW members as they fight for their fair share. The basic dignity of workers is at stake here and it’s important that we use our voice to support them in their fight,” said Senator Casey. “For too long, CEOs and corporations have benefited at the expense of the hardworking Americans who build and power our Nation. The Big 3 must come to the table with an offer that reflects what workers in Pennsylvania and across the Nation deserve.”

“We stand in solidarity with autoworkers in Ohio and around the country as they demand the Big 3 automakers respect the work they do to make these companies successful. Any union family knows that a strike is always a last resort – autoworkers want to be on the job, not on the picket line,” said Senator Brown. “UAW workers made sacrifices to save the American auto industry. Now the Big 3 are making record profits – all workers are asking for is their fair share. These companies need to bargain in good faith and agree to a fair contract that honors the Dignity of Work.”

Sens. Fetterman, Casey, and Brown were joined on the resolution by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

Read the full resolution below and here.

RESOLUTION

Supporting the nearly 150,000 United Auto Workers currently negotiating collective bargaining agreements with the ‘‘Big Three’’ automakers.

Whereas the United Auto Workers (referred to in this preamble as ‘‘UAW’’) are on strike for better wages, benefits, and working conditions at the Big Three automakers (General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford);

Whereas the Big Three automakers have made $21,000,000,000 in profits over the first 6 months of 2023, an increase of 80 percent from the same time period last year;

Whereas the Big Three automakers have made $250,000,000,000 in profits over the past decade in North America;

Whereas the Big Three automakers are providing their Chief Executive Officers with exorbitant compensation packages, while autoworkers continue to fall further and further behind;

Whereas the average wage for an autoworker has decreased by 30 percent over the past 20 years, after adjusting for inflation;

Whereas the Big Three spent $9,000,000,000 last year on stock buybacks and dividends, while the average starting wage at these companies is just $17 an hour;

Whereas many UAW members today cannot afford to buy the cars they make and struggle to afford the basic necessities of life, including groceries, housing, child care, and prescription drugs;

Whereas UAW members are fighting against corporate greed and to finally receive a fair share of the record-breaking profits that their labor has produced, including for cost-of-living adjustments, an end to the 2-tier wage system, and the restoration of pension benefits; and

Whereas, since the passage of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) in 1935, it is the clear policy of the United States to encourage collective bargaining and protect the fundamental right of workers to seek better working conditions: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the Senate—

1 (1) stands with the United Auto Workers in

2 their fight against corporate greed

3 (2) supports every worker’s fundamental right

4 to organize and collectively bargain for better wages,

5 benefits, and working conditions; and

6 (3) calls on the Big Three automakers—Gen

7 eral Motors, Stellantis, and Ford—to negotiate in

8 good faith and offer their workers a fair contract.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/following-i-95-collapse-fetterman-introduces-bill-to-make-fta-emergency-response-program-work-better/,"Following I-95 Collapse, Fetterman Introduces Bill to Make FTA Emergency Response Program Work Better",2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with fourteen Senate colleagues, today introduced theTransit Emergency Relief Act, a new bill to improve the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Emergency Response (ER) Program. The bill would bring the FTA ER program into parity with the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) program that serves the same purpose for America’s highways and road infrastructure. The Transit Emergency Relief Act would provide a consistent funding source for FTA emergency response and grant flexibility to FTA in how funds are allocated so that transit emergencies can receive appropriate funding.

“The bottom line is that emergencies should be met with emergency level responses. The collapse and twelve day rebuild of I-95 showed what is possible when we get federal dollars out the door quickly,” said Sen. Fetterman. “Currently, FTA Emergency Response can take months, if not years, to get to transit agencies that need it. Because of this, when disaster strikes, agencies— which are often already strapped for cash—are forced to foot the bill and hope FTA can reimburse later. The Federal Emergency Relief Act is a simple fix to make a federal program work better and bring real relief to the transit operators that Pennsylvanians rely on.”

Sen. Fetterman is joined on the bill by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

FTA ER funds currently take months if not years get to transit operators after natural disasters and other emergencies that negatively impact transit infrastructure, which impedes transit agencies’ abilities to effectively respond to these emergencies. This is in large part because FTA ER funds are only authorized by Congress after disasters that affect transit infrastructure. In contrast, FHWA’s Emergency Relief program can get money where it needs to go mere days after disaster strikes because it has a standing $100 million funding authorization from the Highway Trust Fund.

Following the I-95 collapse in Philadelphia, for example, federal dollars through the FHWA Emergency Relief program helped one of the commonwealth’s most important highways get repaired in just 12 days: within four days of the collapse, Sen. Fetterman and his colleagues announced $3 million dollars would go to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to support highway repairs.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) saw a rapid 14% jump in ridership on their regional rail lines during the time that I-95 was closed. SEPTA responded by adding regional rail trips to keep up with the increased demand, moving people who would have otherwise overwhelmed surface roads.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/statement-from-senator-fetterman-on-israel/,Statement from Senator Fetterman on Israel,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Wednesday released the following statement:

“Innocent Israelis were the victims of a terrorist attack that resulted in the largest loss of Jewish lives since the Holocaust. Now we know that the tragedy at the Gaza hospital was not caused by Israel. I grieve for every innocent person and brave Israeli soldier killed since Hamas started this war. If not for the horrific attacks by Hamas terrorists, thousands of innocent Israelis and Palestinians would still be alive today.

“Now is not the time to talk about a ceasefire. We must support Israel in their efforts to eliminate the Hamas terrorists who slaughtered innocent men, women, and children. Hamas does not want peace, they want to destroy Israel. We can talk about a ceasefire after Hamas is neutralized.

“In the meantime, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to quickly deliver the aid our ally Israel needs. This includes confirming ambassador-nominee Jack Lew as soon as possible.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-walks-picket-line-in-macungie-with-uaw-workers-on-strike-against-mack-trucks/,Fetterman Walks Picket Line in Macungie with UAW Workers on Strike Against MACK Trucks,2023-10-10,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"MACUNGIE, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Tuesday walked the picket line with workers from the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 677 on strike against MACK Trucks in Macungie, PA. Fetterman visited the Local 677 union hall, spoke with union members, talked to local press, and gave remarks to the crowd.

“I proudly stand in solidarity with the striking UAW workers with MACK Trucks across Pennsylvania and this country,” said Fetterman.

“The union way of life is sacred, it built Pennsylvania and this country. As long as these workers walk the picket line, I will have their backs.”

This is the third time Sen. Fetterman has joined striking UAW workers on the picket line in just the past few weeks, though the strike in Macungie is different from the ongoing nationwide strike against the Big 3 automakers.

A few weeks ago, Fetterman drove his UAW-made Ford Bronco from Braddock, Pennsylvania to Wayne, Michigan where he joined striking workers on the picket line on the first weekend of their strike at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant. Just last Friday, Fetterman also joined striking UAW workers at a GM facility in Langhorne, PA to walk the picket line with them. And today, he joined the UAW workers who just yesterday announced a strike of their own against MACK Trucks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-israel/,Fetterman Statement on Israel,2023-10-09,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday released the following statement on the violence in the Middle East affecting Israel:

“We now know this was a wide-scale, premeditated, cowardly, terrorist campaign against Israeli civilians that also claimed the lives of American citizens.

“I unequivocally support any necessary military, intelligence, and humanitarian aid to Israel. The United States has a moral obligation to be in lockstep with our ally as they confront this threat.

“I also fully support Israel neutralizing the terrorists responsible for this barbarism.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-walks-picket-line-with-striking-uaw-workers-in-bucks-county-pa/,"Fetterman Walks Picket Line with Striking UAW Workers in Bucks County, PA",2023-10-05,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"LANGHORNE, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today joined striking UAW workers on the picket line outside a General Motors facility in Langhorne, PA. Fetterman spoke with the union members, talked to local press, and gave brief remarks to the crowd.

Senator Fetterman previously joined striking UAW workers in Wayne, MI just a day after the strike started, after driving his UAW-made Ford Bronco to the picket line. He promised to keep showing up and standing in solidarity with the striking workers until they “got what they deserved.” Senator Fetterman also last week published an op-ed on MSNBC about the ongoing UAW strike, and his support for the striking workers.

“What you’re doing is just and it’s the right thing. Make them pay until they pay you what you all deserve,” said Senator Fetterman.

When asked why it was so important for him to be on the picket line, Senator Fetterman responded with the following:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-supreme-court-case-seeking-to-gut-the-consumer-financial-protection-bureau/,Fetterman Statement on Supreme Court Case Seeking to Gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Tuesday released the following statement on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) v. Community Financial Services Association of America, a case argued at the Supreme Court today that could gut the CFPB and benefit payday lenders and other deep-pocketed financial interests:

“Today, allies of payday lenders, debt collectors, and financial scammers who exist to rip off consumers are at the Supreme Court asking the right-wing majority to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

“The CFPB has helped protect hard-working Americans and Pennsylvanians from junk fees, financial scams, and other rip-offs. It exists to protect consumers, not the big banks and corporations that make their buck screwing over the American people. It makes sense that Wall Street and payday lenders are trying to gut it at the right-wing Supreme Court.

“These scammers are being propped up by the Koch brothers and some of the same jagoffs who have Justice Clarence Thomas in their back pocket. It’s disgraceful.

“Pennsylvanians need the CFPB. Congress must work to strengthen and expand consumer protections, and we can’t let the Supreme Court destroy them.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-writes-op-ed-on-uaw-strike-calls-on-big-3-to-reach-fair-deal-with-workers/,"Fetterman Writes Op-Ed on UAW Strike, Calls on Big 3 to Reach Fair Deal with Workers",2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Friday published an op-ed on MSNBC about the ongoing UAW strike, his support for the striking workers, and his experience pushing for a fair deal between the locomotive company Wabtec and striking United Electrical, Radio, and Machine workers in Erie earlier this year.

“Put simply, union workers built this country, and they work every day to keep it running. The least we can do is support them when they stand up and demand to be treated and paid fairly,” he wrote.

He continued, “Last Saturday, I got in my union-made Ford Bronco at home in Braddock, Pennsylvania, and drove 290 miles to Wayne, Michigan — from one union town to another — to walk the picket line with those same workers. I made the trip just two days after about 12,700 UAW members at Big Three assembly plants went on strike to demand better pay and better benefits.”

“… I walked the picket line with United Electrical workers and spoke with the union to hear about the real needs of workers and their families. Then I spoke with Wabtec management to lay out what I’d learned and to hear about the company’s own position, aiming to find a solution and win a deal that worked for the workers. Turns out, if you cut the BS and keep talking seriously, you can get a lot accomplished.”

Senator Fetterman’s full opinion piece can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-provide-more-flexible-healthy-milk-options/,"Fetterman, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Bill to Provide More Flexible, Healthy Milk Options",2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with colleagues Sens. John Kennedy (R-LA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), today introduced the Addressing Dietary Distress in the Stomachs of Our Youth (ADD SOY) Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would grant schools more flexibility to serve beverages that are nutritionally-equivalent to dairy milk for students. Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the House companion legislation.

“We need to be doing whatever it takes to make sure our kids are fed, including eliminating red tape in our nutrition-assistance programs to expand students’ access to more options. It is totally unacceptable that there are 30 million food insecure children in our country while a lack of milk alternatives creates $300 million of food waste a year,” said Senator Fetterman.“This bipartisan bill will create more equitable nutrition options to keep our kids happy and healthy.”

“The majority of children of color are lactose intolerant, and yet our school lunch program makes it difficult to access nutritious, non-dairy beverages,” said Senator Booker. “We must ensure that all children have access to nutrient-rich drink options that do not make them sick. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will bring greater equity to the lunchroom, by giving students the option to choose a nutritious milk substitute that meets their dietary needs.”

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has long required that all kids have milk on their trays for the school to be reimbursed for the meal, whether the milk is suited for them or not. Based on documented rates of lactose intolerance among different ethnic groups, nearly 16 or 17 million of the 30 million kids benefiting from the school lunch program may have some degree of lactose intolerance. If a kid wants an alternative, they need to get a note from a doctor or a parent, and even then, the school may not have a plant-based nutritious beverage at the ready for them. The ADD SOY Act addresses this by allowing the NSLP to easily serve the same dairy alternatives as other our federal nutrition-assistance programs.

Additionally, according to the USDA’s own findings, 29 percent of the cartons of milk served in our schools are thrown in the garbage unwanted and unopened. Another study found that kids discard 45 million gallons of milk each year. That unacceptable level of food waste amounts to a $300 million loss of tax dollars a year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-congratulates-house-oversight-on-first-impeachment-hearing-delivers-gift-to-committee-room/,"Fetterman Congratulates House Oversight on First Impeachment Hearing, Delivers Gift to Committee Room",2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Thursday directed his staff to deliver a gift to the House Oversight Committee to congratulate and salute Representative Comer and his Team America™️ squad as they embark on their historic impeachment journey.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-menendez-caucus-meeting/,Fetterman Statement on Menendez Caucus Meeting,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Thursday released the following statement on Senator Menendez’s visit to today’s Democratic Caucus Meeting:

“Unless Senator Menendez is coming today to resign, I am not interested in hearing his ‘explanation’ for gold bars stashed in a mattress.

“We’re past the point of his tough talk and defiance, given the scope and scale of his alleged corruption.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-pushes-back-against-foreign-ownership-of-american-farmland-at-senate-agriculture-hearing/,Fetterman Pushes Back Against Foreign Ownership of American Farmland at Senate Agriculture Hearing,2023-09-27,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Wednesday attended a U.S. Senate hearing in the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to discuss foreign ownership in American agriculture and push for more restrictions on foreign ownership of farmland and other resources.

“Let me say, I hope many of our colleagues agree that the Chinese government and other U.S. adversaries should own zero agricultural land in our country,” said Sen. Fetterman in the hearing. “I mean, they are taking back our pandas. We should take back all of their farmland. This is really a national security issue, and it is a food security issue.”

“Like my colleagues, I’m concerned with foreign countries’ and foreign corporations’ ownership in our agriculture supply chain,” Sen. Fetterman continued. “On small farmers in PA, there are over 56,000 of them here in Pennsylvania that face enough hardships, and they don’t need to compete with foreign governments buying our land.”

The full clip of Sen. Fetterman at the hearing can be found here.

This hearing is not the first time Sen. Fetterman has taken action to protect American farmland from ownership by our foreign adversaries. In the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, Sen. Fetterman strongly supported an amendment thatbans China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from purchasing U.S. farmland and agricultural companies. It also requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review foreign investments and transactions in American agriculture to evaluate whether such investments would compromise national security.

The witnesses at today’s hearing included Mrs. Gloria Montaño Greene, Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Mr. Harrison Pittman, Director, National Agricultural Law Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture; and Dr. David L. Ortega, Associate Professor, Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-passing-of-steelworkers-president-tom-conway/,Fetterman Statement on Passing of Steelworkers President Tom Conway,2023-09-25,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday released the following statement after the death of United Steelworkers Union International President Tom Conway:

“Gisele and I are devastated by the passing of United Steelworkers President Tom Conway, a force in the labor movement and an advocate for workers across Pennsylvania and this country.

“Throughout my time in public service, it was always an honor and a privilege to spend time with Tom. I have not encountered a greater fighter for working people than Tom and the United Steelworkers Union.

“We send our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and loved ones in this difficult time. He will be missed.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-whitehouse-welch-introduce-bill-to-cancel-all-school-lunch-debt/,"Fetterman, Whitehouse, Welch Introduce Bill to Cancel All School Lunch Debt",2023-09-25,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Peter Welch (D-VT), last week introduced the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act to cancel student lunch debt nationwide.

“‘School lunch debt’ is a term so absurd that it shouldn’t even exist. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bill to cancel the nation’s student meal debt and stop humiliating kids and penalizing hunger,” said Senator Fetterman.“It’s time to come together and stop playing political games with American’s access to food. September is Hunger Action Month and I’m proud to be introducing this bill to help working families now, while we work to move our other priorities to combat food insecurity in our nation.”

“No child in Rhode Island – or anywhere in America – should be penalized for not being able to afford school lunch. It’s that simple,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our legislation will eliminate lunch debt in schools, supporting every child’s access to a healthy meal and positioning them for long-term success.”

“Our students shouldn’t have to worry about how they’re paying for lunch – full stop. I’m proud to partner with my colleagues Senators Fetterman and Whitehouse on this commonsense bill, and urge my colleagues to stand with us,” said Senator Welch.“We have a duty to ensure that every student – in Vermont, and across America – is supported and respected.”

During the height of COVID-19 in 2020, federal lawmakers made the unprecedented move of providing free lunch for every public-school student in America. This program expired last fall, but many states have been rolling out their own universal free school meals programs and seen sizable results. Even schools that don’t offer free meals usually won’t turn away hungry students. Instead, they will feed them and collect payment later, leading to “school lunch debt.”

There are over 30 million children in the U.S. who can’t afford their school meals and the national public school meal debt is a whopping $262 million a year. In Pennsylvania alone, there are nearly half a million food insecure children who collectively owe nearly $80 million in debt. Meanwhile, child poverty in the United States more than doubled last year, while the average household income declined. This bill will ease the financial burden on working families by directing the USDA to pay for all debts owed to schools for lunch or breakfast programs.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, fighting food insecurity is one of Senator Fetterman’s main priorities. The School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act is one step in a larger effort to do so.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-calls-on-senator-menendez-to-resign/,Fetterman Calls on Senator Menendez to Resign,2023-09-23,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Saturday released the following statement:

“Senator Menendez should resign. He’s entitled to the presumption of innocence under our system, but he is not entitled to continue to wield influence over national policy, especially given the serious and specific nature of the allegations. I hope he chooses an honorable exit and focuses on his trial.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-after-meeting-with-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy/,Fetterman Statement After Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the below statement following a Senate-wide meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

“Meeting with President Zelenskyy only affirms my one thousand percent support for Ukraine.

“If you can’t support Ukraine right now, that’s un-American and you’re not standing up for democracy.

“The people of Ukraine had the courage to stand up and fight an evil empire, but now Republicans in the House do not even have the guts to have their back and support them. This is totally despicable.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-dean-introduce-bill-to-suspend-student-loans-for-survivors-of-sexual-violence/,"Fetterman, Dean Introduce Bill to Suspend Student Loans for Survivors of Sexual Violence",2023-09-20,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) in the House, today introduced legislation to establish a student loan deferment option for survivors of sexual violence who temporarily withdraw from an institute of higher education to seek treatment and focus on their mental and physical health rehabilitation.

“In February, I spent six weeks at Walter Reed Medical Center being treated for depression. Getting help allowed me to be the father and husband I want to be, and the Senator that Pennsylvania deserves,” said Sen. Fetterman. “I strongly encourage anyone who is struggling or in crisis to get help and extending that opportunity to our students is absolutely the right thing to do. This bill will make it possible for students to focus on their mental health without the burden of student loan payments.”

“After going through horrific trauma like harassment, stalking, or assault, survivors deserve the time to heal — and if they’re in school and need to step away from their education to do that, they must be able to do so without the worry or financial burden of student loan repayments beginning,” said Rep. Dean. “As a former professor, I know that the care of every student on campus is paramount. And this deferment will help survivors focus on what’s most important: their mental and physical well-being.”

According to RAINN, 13 percent of all undergraduate and graduate students experience rape or sexual assault, often leaving them with anxiety and trauma, requiring time away from school to focus on themselves and their health. Marginalized communities, such as LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and students with disabilities, are at a higher risk of being sexually assaulted on campus. Survivors are often forced to temporarily withdraw from school for more than 6 months to focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing. This 6-month absence triggers student loan payments. In such a difficult time, victims of sexual violence should be able to focus on their health, which includes reducing barriers that distract from that goal. This legislation would reduce the additional burden of student loan payments by allowing these students to pause their student loan payments and extend the timeline for that student to repay their loans from 6 months to 3 years.

The bill would additionally:

Broaden the definition of sexual violence to include “sex-based harassment.”

Widen reporting requirements to allow students to report to their health care provider or Title IX official, as there is no reporting standard.

Direct the Department of Education to conduct an oversight report 5-year post enactment on effectiveness.

The legislation is endorsed by the American College Health Association (ACHA); American Association of University Women (AAUW); Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD); Cleveland Rape Crisis Center; Crime Victim Services; Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF); Higher Learning Advocates; National Education Association (NEA); National Women’s Law Center (NWLC); Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR); Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN); WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence; Young Invincibles; and Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America (YWCA).

“When a student experiences sex-based harassment in a US school or college, the Department of Education often requires under Title IX that the school offset the financial burden on the harassed person. Yet, for students who have federal student loans, the Department is currently and unfortunately unable to delay the debt burdens for those who are harassed, who need to take time off from college as a result,” said Brett A. Sokolow, Chair of the Association of Title IX Administrators. “Loan deferment exceptions are controlled by Congress, and there is no current deferment permitted for survivors of sexualized harassment or violence. This bill aims to correct that by authorizing the Department to allow loan deferments for survivors. ATIXA is 100% supportive of that change and encourages members of Congress to support it.”

“Sex-based harassment is a pervasive issue in colleges and universities that has long-lasting impacts on student survivors. Survivors of harassment, including sexual assault, often require a leave of absence from their studies to focus on their physical and emotional well-being. The trauma from sex-based harassment can be severe enough to interfere with a student’s capacity to learn, engage in school activities, or achieve academic success. However, student survivors are still expected to make student loan payments during their time away from school despite the trauma they have faced,” said Shiwali Patel, Director of Justice for Student Survivors and senior Counsel at The National Women’s Law Center. “The National Women’s Law Center proudly supports this bill as it is a step in the right direction to address this issue. The bill would allow student survivors to defer their student loan payments while taking time off from school to focus on their recovery. It recognizes the gravity of sex-based harassment and prioritizes the well-being of survivors by reducing their financial burden during challenging times. It is time we realized that managing student loan repayments is the one of last things survivors should have to be worried about.”

“WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence wholeheartedly supports this bill. In our work we encounter courageous survivors of sexual violence every day, and their stories teach us that the effects of this terrible violence can reverberate through their lives beyond physical and mental harm, impacting everything from educational progress, financial wellbeing, housing stability, and more. We stand in full support of efforts like this legislation that would allow survivors to focus on getting the critical support they need to process and heal from their trauma,” said LaQuisha Anthony of WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.

“Legislation of this nature allows for America to move further in the direction of addressing the severe yet broader impact of sexual assault upon survivors. As a survivor and the Advocacy coordinator at WOAR, I have experienced first-hand the crippling financial impact of fighting with student loan management after experiencing a sexual assault, resulting in the disruption of my schooling. A disruption that resulted in withdrawal from my PA state university where I was a star athlete, tending to a 12-year battle with suicide, severe depression, and financial instability. My story resembles countless other survivor some whom I have the privilege to support through my work at WOAR Philadelphia’s only rape crisis center. Providing survivors with one less burden to carrying while navigating the heart wrenching physical, mental, and emotional anguish from a sexual assault adds direct access to healing while tackling the 3.1 trillion-dollar financial cost of sexual assault in America. The financial burden of student loans should not add to the already heavy emotional and psychological toll that survivors bear.

“Deferments enable survivors to stay in school or return to their studies when they are ready, without the fear of financial repercussions or hurdles which have a direct impact on their level of economic contribution to the economy. Student loan deferments for sexual assault survivors are a crucial step towards ensuring that survivors can heal and rebuild our lives without the added stress of loan repayments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-spends-weekend-standing-in-solidarity-supporting-the-union-way-of-life/,"Fetterman Spends Weekend Standing In Solidarity, Supporting The Union Way Of Life",2023-09-19,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman spent the past weekend attending two different union events in Pittsburgh, as well as traveling 5 hours to Michigan to walk the picket line with striking United Auto Workers (UAW).

Senator Fetterman began his weekend on Friday by speaking to SEIU Workers United at their annual conference in Pittsburgh. In his speech, he condemned Starbucks union busting practices, saying he has “never met a greedy union member” but he has met “plenty of greedy executives.” He thanked the members for their hard work and promised his solidarity, saying he would be “honored to stand with you anytime, whenever I’m asked to.”

On Saturday, Fetterman then drove his UAW-made Ford Bronco from Braddock to Wayne, Michigan to join striking UAW members on the picket line on Saturday, along with Michigan U.S. Senator Gary Peters. After walking the picket line, Fetterman addressed a group of striking workers at the UAW Local 900 union hall.

“It is time for the Big 3 to come to the table and start bargaining in good faith. Enough is enough. Last year the Big 3 CEOs made a combined $74 million. They need to stop with the greed and give these workers what they deserve.”

Senator Fetterman wrapped up his weekend on Monday with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and Coffee Tree Roasters management in Pittsburgh. During his time as Lt. Governor, Fetterman was a strong advocate for the Coffee Tree Roasters workers’ union drive, and since their successful unionization, management and the union have come together to create a productive work environment.

Senator Fetterman is a longtime advocate and strong supporter of the union way of life. This was not his first time as junior Senator joining union members on strike. Just a few weeks ago, he headlined a rally with striking Wabtec workers in Erie. The UE Union and Wabtec reached a deal at the beginning of September.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-walks-picket-line-with-striking-uaw-workers-in-michigan/,Fetterman Walks Picket Line with Striking UAW Workers in Michigan,2023-09-17,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Saturday drove his UAW-made Ford Bronco from Braddock, Pennsylvania to Wayne, Michigan where he then joined striking UAW workers on the picket line. Fetterman was joined on the picket line by Michigan U.S. Senator Gary Peters. After walking the picket line, Fetterman addressed a group of striking workers at the UAW Local 900 union hall.

“I drove 290 miles from Braddock in my UAW-made Ford Bronco to stand in solidarity with these brave workers as they walk the picket line. Pittsburgh is a union town just like Detroit is and we are always going to have these workers’ back,” said Fetterman. “It is time for the Big 3 to come to the table and start bargaining in good faith. Enough is enough, last year the Big 3 CEOs made a combined $74 million, the Big 3 need to stop with their greed and give these workers what they deserve.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-introduces-bill-to-level-the-playing-field-against-corporate-meat-consolidation-empower-small-and-local-livestock-producers/,"Fetterman Introduces Bill to Level the Playing Field Against Corporate Meat Consolidation, Empower Small and Local Livestock Producers",2023-09-15,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman this week introduced the Strengthening Local Meat Economies Act. This critical legislation aims to be a countervailing force against out-of-control corporate concentration in meat industry sectors. It would offer critical investments in rural economies across the country by supporting small farmers and ranchers directly.

Currently only a small number of huge corporations control the vast majority of the U.S. cattle, pork, and poultry supply, including 25% of the USDA’s supply. With this much consolidation in the industry, it is increasingly difficult for small farmers to compete. The USDA purchases over $1.4 billion in meat per year, and this Farm Bill is an opportunity to consider how the federal government invests in small farmers and ranchers directly. This is made more pressing after the parent company of JBS—a U.S.-based meatpacker—was found guilty of bribery in Brazil. Despite this, USDA and other federal agencies continue purchasing from JBS. Diversifying and increasing the number producers and buyers would result in a more resilient market and make the supply chain more healthy.

“It is critical for us to take on corporate consolidation and monopolies in every market, including the agricultural and livestock economies. I came to Washington to fight for a level playing field for all, and that’s what the Strengthening Local Meat Economies Act will do. We can and must support smaller farms who are playing by the rules and feeding our communities,” said Senator Fetterman. “This bill will help local livestock producers and buyers keep up with the big players and create a more equitable meat economy.”

The two main efforts of the Strengthening Local Meat Economies Act are 1) to redirect meat procurement away from dominant meatpackers to local processors and 2) to develop digital meat exchange platforms. Redirection of meat procurement to local processors will position the federal government as an “anchor customer” to those regional meat processors that are currently receiving federal investments, ensuring their long-term competitive viability, while partially disinvesting the federal government from supporting dominant meatpackers through its procurement dollars. The development of digital meat exchange platforms that are openly accessible to small producers, local processors, and governmental and private institutional buyers, will address multiple market infrastructure gaps created by corporate concentration that currently exist in regional independent meat economies.

The Strengthening Local Meat Economies Act is endorsed by the PA Farmers Union, Rural Advancement Foundation International-US, Abattoir Associates, Inc dba Rising Spring Meat Co., American Economic Liberties Project, American Grassfed Association, American Sustainable Business Network, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, Bull City Farm, Campaign for Contract Agriculture Reform, Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment, Ceres Community Project, Certified Naturally Grown, Community Alliance for Global Justice, Community Farm Alliance, Dakota Resource Council, Dakota Rural Action, Dirigo Food Safety, East Denver Food Hub, Family Farm Defenders, Farm & Food Growth Fund, Farm Action Fund, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Food & Water Watch, Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT), Friends of the Earth, Frontline Farming, HEAL Food Alliance, Hudson Valley Food Systems Coalition, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Jefferson County Food Policy Council, Kansas Rural Center, Kikandwa Environmental Association Kitchen Sync Strategies, Land Stewardship Project, Missouri Rural Crisis Center, Mitchell’s Meat Processing, National Family Farm Coalition, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, NC Cooperative Extension, North American Marine Alliance, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH), Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ-NOFA NJ, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Northeast Organic Farming Association-Interstate Council, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, Northern Plains Resource Council, Open Markets Institute, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Ranch Foods Direct, Rio School, Rural & Agriculture Council of America, Rural Vermont, RVA Goats LLC, San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition, Slate Foods, Inc., Slow Food USA, Socially Responsible Agriculture Project, Supply Bulk Foods, Texas Small Farmers & Ranchers/CBO, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Waterkeeper Alliance, Western Organization of Resource Councils, and Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN).

“Pennsylvania Farmers Union applauds Senator Fetterman’s efforts to level the playing field for the small, independent livestock producers, and the independent processors upon which they rely,” said Michael Kovach, President of the Pennsylvania Farmers Union. “Building resiliency into our food system and fighting back against the highly consolidated, ‘too-many-eggs/too-few-baskets’ model, which has repeatedly failed. It regularly disadvantages American Farmers and Consumers alike. There is much to do in rebuilding a more equitable, resilient food system, and the Strengthening Local Meat Economies Act is a positive step in that direction.”

“If USDA is serious about promoting fair meat economies, they should stop using the American people’s money to support multinational corporations like JBS that have shown again and again that they don’t deserve our trust,” said Aaron Johnson, Challenging Corporate Power Senior Program Manager, RAFI-USA. “Instead, USDA has the opportunity to infuse regional meat economies with hundreds of millions of dollars in new demand that will support local meat processors and independent ranchers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-uaw-strike/,Fetterman Statement on UAW Strike,2023-09-15,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Friday released the following statement after the UAW announced a strike against the Big 3 automakers:

“It’s time to decide what side you’re on. Are you on the side of the Big 3 CEOs who made a combined $74 million last year, and are now claiming to they cannot afford to pay their workers? Or are you on the side of the UAW workers who bust their ass every day, the people who build the American cars and trucks we Pennsylvanians drive?”

“I know which side I’m on. As long as these brave workers continue to walk the picket line, my entire team and I will have their backs. We will support them any way we can until they reach a fair deal.

“All these workers are asking for is for their basic needs to be met, to share in the enormous wealth they have created for their companies. They want to get back to work and do their jobs.

“We must not forget – especially on days like today – that the union way of life is sacred. It’s what built this nation, it’s what built Pennsylvania, and it’s what built the middle class. I am always going to come down on the side of workers.

“Solidarity forever.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-uaw-negotiations-2/,Fetterman Statement on UAW Negotiations,2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Thursday released the following statement on negotiations between the Big 3 automakers and the UAW:

“Last year, the CEOs of the Big 3 made a combined $74 million. Yet these same CEOs are now claiming they cannot afford to pay the UAW workers who bust their asses every day.

“I don’t know whether to laugh or cry – it would be laughable if there weren’t so many hard-working people getting hurt by these CEOs’ greed.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-casey-send-letter-pushing-for-changes-to-department-of-educations-interpretation-of-bipartisan-safer-communities-act-on-hunter-safety-classes/,"Fetterman, Casey Send Letter Pushing for Changes to Department of Education’s Interpretation of Bipartisan Safer Communities Act on Hunter Safety Classes",2023-09-13,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey, along with over a dozen bipartisan Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Senate Appropriators requesting clarifying language to address the Department of Education’s interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as it relates to archery and hunter safety education.

Currently, the law is being interpreted in a way that prevents schools from using certain federal funding to provide hunter safety education and archery classes in schools across the country.

“It’s clear that we need to revisit this regulation to provide better guidance to schools across Pennsylvania, said Sen. Fetterman. “Hunting is one of the commonwealth’s most important traditions, and it’s clear that our schools need to be able to provide hunter safety education classes. I was proud to join with my colleagues in sending this letter to push for changes to this ruling.

“Hunting is one of Pennsylvania’s longest and proudest traditions. School archery and hunting education programs are essential to families who pass their traditions of hunting white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and more down from generation to generation, said Sen. Casey. “I’m pushing back against the Biden Administration’s misguided decision and I’m working to protect funding for this educational programming and preserve the Commonwealth’s hunting culture.

The full letter is available HERE.

Last June, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), common-sense legislation to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, increase mental health supports, and reduce the threat of violence across our country. The Department of Education has interpreted part of this legislation to prohibit schools from using their federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act funding to provide hunter safety education and archery classes.

The intent of BSCA was to address America’s gun violence epidemic, not to preclude students from participating in these kinds of opportunities. To remedy this, the Senators requested the inclusion of the following bill text in the FY 2024 LHHS bill:

Sec. _. (a) Section 8526(7) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7906(7)) shall not prohibit the use of funds made available under this Act or any other Act for activities carried out under programs authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 that are otherwise permissible under such programs and that provide students with educational enrichment activities and instruction, such as archery, hunter safety education, outdoor education, or culinary arts.

In addition to the Pennsylvania Senators, the letter is signed by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Joni K. Ernst (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC) Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-uaw-negotiations/,Fetterman Statement on UAW Negotiations,2023-09-12,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday released the following statement on the UAW’s ongoing negotiations with the Big Three automakers:

“If the Big 3 can find money in the couch cushions to bump executive pay by 40% over the past few years, they sure as hell can find the money to give hard-earned raises to the people who actually build the cars and trucks Pennsylvanians drive.

“It is time for the Big 3 to come to the table in good faith and work with UAW to strike a fair deal. UAW is ready, but these companies are being completely unserious.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-braun-introduce-new-bipartisan-bill-to-support-organic-agricultural-research/,"Fetterman, Braun Introduce New Bipartisan Bill to Support Organic Agricultural Research",2023-09-11,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) today introduced the bipartisan Streamlining Organic Research Act. The bill would provide much needed support to the organic farming industry‚ both through protecting funding for research agencies and universities and ensuring organics research is prioritized at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“I’m proud of our work to negotiate a bipartisan compromise for OREI funding and the resulting bill that will invest in Pennsylvania’s critical organics industry. Our farmers are some of the best in the world, and we have to support them in every way possible,” said Sen. Fetterman. “We’re one of the top organic-producing states, and we need to keep it that way. Earlier this year, our state government invested $1.8 million to help conventional farms transition to organic farming, and I’m going to fight like hell to make sure the federal government’s part in supporting organic research and our small farmers gets there too.”

“The organic farming industry offers Hoosier farmers the opportunity to explore a new market that is growing quickly in Indiana,” said Sen. Braun. “This bipartisan bill would support hundreds of organic farms in Indiana and help more Hoosier farmers understand whether organic production makes financial sense for their farms.”

The Streamlining Organic Research Act will require USDA’s research agencies to better coordinate on organic research and extension, ensuring that the USDA considers organic research priorities in its budget justification to Congress and studies the feasibility of certifying more research land as organic. The bill will also maintain funding for the USDA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), which supplies grants to universities and other research institutions for organics research and has provided nearly $5 million for organics research at Penn State University alone over the past two years.

Pennsylvania’s organic farms leave a significant economic footprint in the commonwealth. The commonwealth ranks fourth in the nation by number of certified organic farms with over 1,125. In 2021 alone, Pennsylvania farms produced and sold $1.09 billion in organic commodities. Sen. Fetterman’s legislation would protect investments in this booming and growing industry to support efforts to increase production in Pennsylvania and across the country.

The Streamlining Organic Research Act would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-spends-labor-day-with-workers-and-their-families-at-pittsburgh-labor-day-parade/,Fetterman Spends Labor Day with Workers and Their Families at Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade,2023-09-06,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"PITTSBURGH, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman spent Labor Day morning with union workers, administration officials, and elected officials at the annual Pittsburgh Labor Day parade.

Sen. Fetterman joined Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor Julie Su, Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council President Darrin Kelly, Rep. Chris Deluzio, Rep. Summer Lee, Mayor Ed Gainey, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Angela Ferritto, and other local and regional officials in greeting union workers and their families at the parade.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-deal-between-ue-union-and-wabtec-ending-strike-after-over-70-days/,"Fetterman Statement on Deal Between UE Union and Wabtec, Ending Strike After Over 70 Days",2023-09-01,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Friday released the following statement after the UE Local 506 and 618 workers in Erie who have been on strike from Wabtec for over two months ratified a new labor agreement with the company, ending the strike:

“I am very glad that the UE workers and Wabtec were able to reach a deal this week. The strikers and their families made a real sacrifice in walking the picket line for over 70 days, and the deal they reached and ratified is a massive improvement over their previous working conditions.

“This is the power of a union, and this is what happens when workers stand together and fight for better working conditions and benefits.

“I’d also like to thank Wabtec for continuing to negotiate in good faith and reaching a deal with the union. Now let’s get these men and women back to where they wanted to be all along – back at work.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-biden-admin-request-to-reschedule-marijuana-from-a-schedule-i-drug/,Fetterman Statement on Biden Admin Request to Reschedule Marijuana from a Schedule I Drug,2023-08-31,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Thursday released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services sent a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recommending that the agency reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III:

“For many, many years now, I have been pushing for decisive action on marijuana. Nearly one year ago to the day, I met with President Biden in Pittsburgh and requested that he and his administration do something on marijuana policy.

“Yesterday’s move is a massive win for the Biden administration and a strong step in the right direction on marijuana policy. I’m glad to see that the administration agrees with what we have known for a while: marijuana should not be a Schedule I drug.

“Moving marijuana from Schedule I will have huge benefits for people across Pennsylvania and this country, especially our veterans who rely on it as treatment for conditions like PTSD.

“But we should also be clear that we have been in this exact spot before, with science on the side of rescheduling, only to have the DEA and its destructive ‘War on Drugs’ mindset block reform. That must not happen again.

“This decision is long overdue and a step in the right direction, but it cannot be the last action we take on marijuana policy. In the Senate, I will keep fighting to go further, to legalize marijuana and restore the lives of the countless people across this country who have lost their futures from the use of a plant and the failed ‘War on Drugs.’”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-uaw-strike-authorization-vote/,Fetterman Statement on UAW Strike Authorization Vote,2023-08-25,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Friday released the following statement after the United Auto Workers announced that 97% of Big Three workers voted to authorize a strike:

“We’ve got your back if you do.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-swings-through-erie-shows-support-for-seniors-and-striking-workers/,"Fetterman Swings Through Erie, Shows Support for Seniors and Striking Workers",2023-08-23,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"ERIE, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman swung through Erie County on Monday, where he stopped by the county’s annual Senior Fair and headlined a rally to stand in solidarity with striking Wabtec workers.

Sen. Fetterman first visited State Representative Ryan Bizzarro’s annual Senior Fair & Older Living Expo, where he met with constituents and promised to protect Social Security, Medicare, and seniors’ right to live with dignity in their own homes.

At the rally, Senator Fetterman met with union members, local elected officials, and constituents, and delivered remarks. He spoke on the history of the unions in America, praised the hard work of union members and their importance in the labor force and economy, and stressed the need for fair wages and benefits.

“It’s the fundamental bargain that they have, that if you create wealth, they get a share in that and that’s what it is. And the fact that they haven’t gotten a raise since 2016 is outrageous. They deserve what they deserve,” said Senator Fetterman.

Senator Fetterman is a longtime advocate of organized labor and strongly supports the union way of life. Just last month, he introduced the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023, legislation to allow striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Several high-profile strikes are currently taking place in Pennsylvania and across the country. In addition to the nearly 1,400 Wabtec workers who have been on strike since late June, workers with Communications Workers of America at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and workers with the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild nationwide are all on strike.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-call-on-norfolk-southern-to-join-close-call-reporting-system-in-continued-push-to-hold-company-accountable/,"Casey, Fetterman Call on Norfolk Southern to Join Close Call Reporting System in Continued Push to Hold Company Accountable",2023-08-18,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman today sent a letter to Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw regarding the company’s failure to join the Federal Railroad Administration’s Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS). C3RS allows employees to report near-misses or close calls on railroads when they see them and ensures that the employees cannot be disciplined for reporting these events. Norfolk Southern has not yet joined this program despite saying they would shortly after the derailment affecting East Palestine and Darlington Township.

Last week, the New York Times published a story detailing Norfolk Southern’s hesitations about joining the program, specifically the company’s resistance to the provision that protects employees against retribution for reporting near-misses.

“C3RS is a promising program with real potential to improve rail safety, protect employees, and reduce incidents if adopted by a larger swath of the rail industry,” wrote the Senators. “C3RS acts as one unified database for reporting and, with NASA as an independent third-party administrator, ensures confidentiality and protects against retribution against employees who make reports. Ensuring that employees are not disciplined for reporting near-misses is key to making the program effective, as employees are more likely to report these incidents when they have a guarantee of anonymity and safety from retribution.”

“…After the East Palestine derailment, Norfolk Southern announced on March 2 that it would join the C3RS report system. In the announcement, you stated that the move ‘marks another step [Norfolk Southern is] taking to further [your] commitment to safety.’ However, since your initial announcement, you have not followed through on this pledge. We believe that fully participating in C3RS would be a positive step for Norfolk Southern in committing itself to a culture of safety,” the Senators continued.

The full letter is available HERE.

Also last week, the Federal Railroad Administration released a new report on the disaster that recommended Norfolk Southern join the program.

The new letter is just one measure in a series of actions that Sens. Casey and Fetterman have taken to push for accountability from Norfolk Southern and stand up for local residents affected by the toxic derailment.

Earlier this year, Sen. Fetterman held a roundtable with local farmers in Darlington Township affected by the derailment, while Sen. Casey visited Darlington Township to push for rail safety bills and hear from residents.

Previously, Sens. Casey and Fetterman wrote to Shaw about the company’s legal and moral obligation to the residents of East Palestine and Darlington Township, demanding answers on how the company plans to be an active member of response and clean-up operations. They pressed the Environmental Protection Agency on its plan to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for releasing hazardous materials into the air and water. They wrote to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to share rail safety concerns they have heard from constituents, rail experts, and railroad workers as NTSB conducts its investigation into the derailment. And finally, they worked with Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA) to urge Norfolk Southern to provide assistance to Pennsylvanians in Darlington Township after repeated reports that Pennsylvania residents were being turned away at the Family Assistance Center in East Palestine.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-swings-through-central-and-northeastern-pennsylvania-for-events/,Fetterman Swings Through Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania for Events,2023-08-14,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman last week wrapped up a busy swing through central and northeastern Pennsylvania, holding multiple events throughout the Commonwealth to meet with constituents.

Sen. Fetterman on Wednesday visited Penn State University’s Agriculture Progress Days to meet with advocates and speak about agriculture and farming. Sen. Fetterman delivered remarks about his work fighting for rural communities on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and making sure the interests of Pennsylvania’s farmers are represented in the upcoming Farm Bill.

On Thursday, Sen. Fetterman toured Heller’s Orchard in Luzerne County. He heard about the farm’s history, learned about its day-to-day operations as a small family-owned orchard, and spoke to the owners about what they want to see from the Senate in the Farm Bill.

Finally, Sen. Fetterman joined Mayor Paige Cognetti and Senator Bob Casey in Scranton for the Mayors Innovation Project’s annual conference. Sen. Fetterman spoke about his four terms as Mayor of Braddock and applauded the important work being done by mayors and local leaders across the country.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fettermans-agriculture-priorities-in-senate-session-deliver-wins-for-farmers-rural-communities-and-union-workers/,"Fetterman’s Agriculture Priorities in Senate Session Deliver Wins for Farmers, Rural Communities, and Union Workers",2023-08-03,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman wrapped up a busy Senate session last week, during which he delivered several wins for farmers and the agricultural economy.

Senator Fetterman introduced the following pieces of legislation that would secure funding; make programmatic reforms; and invest in urban agriculture, organics research, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Organic Science and Research Investment Act:

Requires USDA’s research agencies to better coordinate on organic research and extension.

Ensures USDA considers organic research priorities in its budget justification to Congress.

Requires USDA to study the feasibility of certifying more research land as organic.

Increases mandatory funding for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), which supplies grants to universities and other organizations for organics research.

Builds on the administration’s organic research work by creating a statutory grant program studying producers’ decisions to transition to organic production.

The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023:

Repeals the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP and affirmatively protect the eligibility of striking workers to receive SNAP.

Protects public sector workers who are fired for striking from being “considered to have voluntarily quit for eligibility purposes.

Clarifies that any income-eligible household can receive SNAP benefits regardless of if a member of that household is involved in a strike.

Unites two major issues – expanding SNAP and protecting organized labor – that Senator Fetterman is championing for working people.

The Poultry Grower Fairness Act:

Grants USDA administrative enforcement authority over live poultry dealers.

Directs courts to award “reasonable attorney’s fees when poultry and livestock farmers prevail in lawsuits against the companies with whom they contract for animals and feed.

Extends the protections of the Packers and Stockyards Act to the growers of breeder hens and pullets.

Helps small poultry farmers and fights corporate consolidation in the agriculture business.

The Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act of 2023:

Supports the growth of urban and suburban farmers through increased programmatic and research funding.

Makes programmatic reforms to the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) to improve the content and delivery of technical assistance to urban and innovative producers.

Enables cooperative agreements with community experts.

Increases access to grant funds directly to farmers.

Scales up composting and food waste initiatives.

Combats food deserts and malnutrition in urban areas and supports small, beginning, and underserved farmers.

When Congress returns to Washington in September, Senator Fetterman will continue championing these issues and delivering wins for PA and the nation, particularly through his work on the Farm Bill as a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Chair of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-sentence-in-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-case/,Fetterman Statement on Sentence in Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Case,2023-08-02,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Wednesday released the following statement after a jury declared the verdict for the shooter who killed eleven people at a Pittsburgh synagogue:

“Today, I am remembering the victims who lost their lives in the Tree of Life massacre — eleven lives lost because of antisemitism and hate.

“I hope that today’s sentencing decision is a step toward justice and healing for the families of the victims, the survivors of the attack, and the broader Jewish community in Pittsburgh and across the country.

“This was a heinous crime, and I believe that the jury’s decision today is appropriate and just.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-wraps-up-busy-senate-session-grabs-local-and-national-headlines/,"Fetterman Wraps Up Busy Senate Session, Grabs Local and National Headlines",2023-08-02,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman wrapped up a busy Senate session in Washington D.C., introducing numerous bills, conducting interviews with local and national media, and grabbing local and national headlines.

In interviews with Time, the New York Times, and the Pennsylvania Capital Star, Fetterman discussed his recovery from depression, his time back in Washington, and the legislation he has introduced throughout the past few months. It was a big session for Sen. Fetterman, as his first piece of legislation passed the Senate, and he introduced numerous other bills over the last three weeks.

Sen. Fetterman’s bipartisan amendment to prohibit the sale of crude oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to adversarial nations passed the Senate, marking his first piece of legislation that has passed the chamber. It was included in the Senate’s FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act that passed a final vote last week.

Fetterman defense bill amendment bans strategic oil sales to adversaries (Patrick Cloonan, Indiana Gazette)

Fetterman amendment to ban Strategic Petroleum Reserve sales to foreign adversaries advances (Bradford Era)

Fetterman amendment to ban Strategic Petroleum Reserve sales to foreign adversaries advances (Latrobe Bulletin)

In addition, Sen. Fetterman was joined by over a dozen of his Senate colleagues to introduce the Convenient Contraception Act, legislation that would improve access to contraceptive products, including over-the-counter contraceptives.

Fetterman introduces legislation to make birth control more convenient (Penn Capital-Star)

Fetterman introduces legislation to expand access to contraception (WTAJ)

Fetterman endorses contraceptive legislation (Bedford Gazette)

Fetterman, Casey sponsoring bill to allow 1-year supply of contraception (CBS News Philadelphia)

Fetterman also introduced the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023, legislation to allow striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill came as several high-profile strikes are currently taking place in Pennsylvania and across the country. Right now, workers with United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers Local 506 & 618 at Wabtec in Erie; workers with Communications Workers of America at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; and workers with the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild nationwide are all on strike.

Op Ed: Fetterman stands with Wabtec workers, backs bill to ensure strikers have access to food (U.S. Senator John Fetterman, Go Erie)

As Hollywood Strikes, Sen. John Fetterman Introduces Food Stamps Bill For Workers On Picket Line (Daniel Boguslaw, The Intercept)

Striking Workers Cheer Senator John Fetterman’s SNAP Benefits Bill (Eloise Goldsmith, The Nation)

Fetterman Bill Would Ensure Striking Workers Can Receive Federal Food Aid (Kenny Stancil, Common Dreams)

Fetterman proposes bill granting SNAP benefits to striking workers (Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, Philadelphia Inquirer)

Fetterman introduces bill to allow striking workers to collect SNAP benefits (Kim Lyons, Penn Capital-Star)

Striking Workers Could Get Federal Food Benefits Under New Bill From John Fetterman (Sean Kitchen, Keystone Newsroom)

Fetterman introduces bill to allow striking workers to collect SNAP benefits (Stacey Coleman, Keystone Gazette)

Fetterman introduces food security bill for strikers (Hayden Thompson, WTAJ)

US Sen. John Fetterman introduces bill to provide SNAP benefits for striking workers (WGAL)

Fetterman Files Bill to Repeal Law Barring Striking Workers From Food Stamps (Sharon Zhang, TRUTHOUT)

John Fetterman Wants Striking Workers to Get New Benefit (Katherine Fung, Newsweek)

Fetterman and Casey draft bill making striking workers eligible for SNAP benefits (Tristate Alert)

Oh SNAP! Two Improvement Plans Offered By State, Congress (Steve Ulrich, Politics PA)

New congressional bill addresses food insecurity on the picket line (Chase DiBenedetto, Mashable)

Sen. Fetterman also joined with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and others to introduce a bipartisan concurrent resolution calling for the immediate release of Marc Fogel. Fogel is a U.S. citizen and career educator who has been imprisoned by Russia since August 2021 for carrying about half an ounce of medical marijuana, which was legally prescribed to him in Pennsylvania to treat severe medical conditions.

Casey, Fetterman push for release of Pa. man serving 14-year sentence in Russian prison (J.D. Prose, Penn Live)

Lawmakers Continue Push For Fogel’s Release (Butler Radio)

Congressional resolution calls for Oakmont teacher Marc Fogel’s release from Russian prison (Trib Live)

Sen. Fetterman also introduced the Name Accuracy in Credit Reporting Act, legislation to help consumers who have legally changed their names, such as survivors of domestic violence or transgender or nonbinary consumers, obtain accurate credit reports and scores.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-love-stands-up-against-hate-at-central-pa-pride/,"Fetterman Celebrates Love, Stands Up Against Hate at Central PA Pride",2023-07-31,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"HARRISBURG, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman and his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman on Saturday joined the Central Pennsylvania Pride Festival in Harrisburg.

Senator Fetterman, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, and PA State Representative Paul Takac (D-Centre).

Senator Fetterman expressed his continuing support for the LGBTQ+ community and vowed to fight for equal protection under the law. He recounted the story of how, just 10 years earlier as Mayor of Braddock, he officiated the first gay marriage in Allegheny County, for which the PA Health Department threatened to have him arrested.

Senator Fetterman again condemned the recent Supreme Court decision on 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, where the court ruled in favor of an evangelical Christian web designer from Colorado who refused to work on same-sex weddings. Senator Fettermanpreviously called the ruling “despicable” and a “full on assault on LGBTQ people in America.” On Saturday, he once again called the ruling “appalling” and promised to “push back against hate and bigotry” in Washington.

After his remarks, Senator Fetterman and his wife walked around the festival, visiting vendor booths, taking selfies, and chatting with constituents.

Senator Fetterman poses for photos and takes selfies with constituents.

As Lt. Governor, Fetterman repeatedly flew the Pride Flag from the balcony of the Pennsylvania Capitol. The U.S. Senate just last week defeated an amendment to ban the flying of any flag besides the American flag on or in government buildings, which would apply to numerous flags including the Pride flag.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-brown-lead-bill-investing-in-underserved-farmers-increasing-access-to-fresh-foods-in-urban-communities/,"Fetterman, Brown Lead Bill Investing in Underserved Farmers, Increasing Access to Fresh Foods in Urban Communities",2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today introduced the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act of 2023, legislation to support the growth of urban and suburban farmers through increased programmatic and research funding.

For the first time, USDA Service Centers are opening in urban cities across the nation to position themselves near the growing number of urban and suburban farmers and provide farm production and conservation services. The Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act makes programmatic reforms to the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) to improve the content and delivery of technical assistance to urban and innovative producers, enables cooperative agreements with community experts, increases access to grant funds directly to farmers, and scales up composting and food waste initiatives.

“I came to Washington to fight for forgotten communities and urban areas are notably underserved when it comes to food security and nutrition,” said Senator Fetterman. “As Chair of the Nutrition Subcommittee, I am proud to introduce this bill that will combat food deserts and malnutrition in urban areas and support small, beginning, and underserved farmers. My legislation will increase existing investments in PA agriculture through vertical farms, community gardens, and much more.”

“Urban farmers create jobs and opportunity in Ohio cities, and help feed our communities – yet too often they haven’t had the support they need to compete,” said Senator Brown. “This bill will provide new tools and resources to support urban agriculture, from research to technical assistance and direct investment.”

The bill also ensures the program can sustain its accelerated growth by providing mandatory funding at $50 million annually. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees zeroed out the OUAIP account, entirely cutting crucial funding to bolster local food supply chains in urban communities and invest in innovative production. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to provide annually sustained funding for this valuable USDA program. In Philadelphia last week, the Biden-Harris administration announced millions in investments in urban agriculture through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Pennsylvania recipients include PASA Sustainable Agriculture, based in East Kensington, which will receive $1.5 million, and Norris Square Community Alliance and the Caring People Alliance, also based in Philadelphia, which will receive $50,000 in Farm to School grants.

“As urban agriculture grows across Pennsylvania and the Nation, it’s critical we support urban farmers with the resources they need to thrive,” said Senator Casey. “The Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act will connect farmers with federal grants and bolster innovation and research, helping our agricultural producers adapt our food production to meet the evolving demands of the future.”

“Urban farming is a simple yet powerful way to expand green space in cities, reduce pollution runoff into waterways, and combat food insecurity. Building on our initial federal investments in urban agriculture, this legislation will further bolster this growing industry by making more resources available to help farmers improve their operations and increase access to locally grown, healthy food in their communities,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“I’m proud to introduce legislation that would make it easier for farmers and producers—both urban and rural—to access grant funds that promote innovation and get technical assistance from USDA. I’m all in to get this bill over the finish line,” said Senator Wyden.

“The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production has been essential to strengthening networks of growers and consumers through infrastructure, education, and local planning initiatives among urban, suburban, and rural communities,”said Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. “The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition applauds Senators John Fetterman and Sherrod Brown in their leadership to introduce the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act, which will address the unique needs of urban, innovative, and indoor operations, increase access to program funding, and scale the office to meet the rapidly growing demand.

“No one should have to choose between eating healthy and eating enough — but many families living in urban areas simply do not have any convenient, safe places to shop for fresh food in their communities,” said Mark Edwards, President & CEO of The Food Trust, a national nonprofit focused on healthy food access, affordability and education. “This bill will provide the necessary infrastructure and funding to support retailers and farmers alike in establishing access to healthy food for all, including those living in traditionally under-resourced areas.”

“Bowery applauds Senators Fetterman, Brown, Markey, Van Hollen, Wyden, and Casey for working to ensure that the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry has the tools and resources it needs to thrive,” said Colin O’Neil, Director of Public Policy & Social Impact for Bowery and Chair of the CEA Alliance Policy Working Group. “CEA is uniquely poised to help expand the year-round domestic production and availability of fresh fruits and vegetables while also helping to build more sustainable and resilient supply chains. In order to see its potential fully realized, the federal government must play a greater role in fostering innovation, accelerating research and data collection, and ensuring that CEA producers, urban and rural alike, have the tools needed, just as the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act seeks to do.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/as-nationwide-strike-wave-takes-hold-fetterman-adams-casar-introduce-bill-to-provide-snap-benefits-for-striking-workers/,"As Nationwide Strike Wave Takes Hold, Fetterman, Adams, Casar Introduce Bill to Provide SNAP Benefits for Striking Workers",2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, with Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC) and Greg Casar (D-TX), introduced the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023, legislation to allow striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The introduction of this bill comes as several high-profile strikes are currently taking place in Pennsylvania and across the country. Right now, workers with United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers Local 506 & 618 at Wabtec in Erie; workers with Communications Workers of America at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; and workers with the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild nationwide are all on strike.

“Every union worker who is walking the picket line this summer needs to know that we have their back here in Washington,” said Sen. Fetterman. “The union way of life is sacred. It’s what built Pennsylvania and this nation. It is critical for us to protect workers’ right to organize, and that includes making sure they and their families have the resources to support themselves while on strike. As Chair of the Nutrition Subcommittee and an advocate for the union way of life, this bill is just plain common sense. I’m proud to introduce this bill that will eliminate the need for workers to choose between fighting for fair working conditions and putting food on the table for their families.”

Currently, striking workers and their households are excluded from SNAP eligibility and cannot receive SNAP benefits unless they were previously eligible before the strike. While union funds can sometimes reduce the financial stress of striking, workers often still face serious financial insecurity when on strike due to loss of income. Further, many striking workers are not union members, meaning they have an even smaller safety net, if any at all. The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023 would repeal the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP.

In the Senate, the bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The Food Secure Strikers Act is also endorsed by numerous unions and anti-hunger organizations, including the United Food and Commercial Workers, Teamsters, National Education Association, Communications Workers of America, Food Research Action Center, and Hunger-Free America.

“No one in the United States should go hungry, especially for exercising rights guaranteed by law. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading the Food Secure Strikers Act,” said Rep. Adams. “This bill ensures striking workers receive SNAP benefits they are entitled to, and makes sure strikers and their families are not discriminated against. Strong labor protections and fair pay are the best defense against food insecurity, and we can’t forget we have the labor movement to thank for that progress. I am grateful to partner with my House colleagues and Senator Fetterman on this legislation at a critical moment for striking workers.”

“We need to get rid of the anti-union provisions in our code that starve striking workers,” said Rep. Casar. “We’re seeing workers exercise their rights across the country by going on strike to demand better wages and working conditions. That’s why our bill, the Food Secure Strikers Act, is more important now than ever. We need to stop starving strikers, and ensure all working families are able to make ends meet.”

“No worker should go hungry for exercising their right to strike for better wages and safer workplaces,” said Sen. Booker. “We are in a historic moment for worker power, and we must remain united in our support of workers’ well-being as they continue to fight for better conditions. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation that will ensure striking workers and their families have access to food assistance, so all workers have the ability to fight for a more equitable workplace.”

“Any union worker knows, strikes are always a last resort. Workers want to reach a fair agreement, so they can keep going to work and providing for their families. Workers almost never recover all the lost wages from a strike. But sometimes it’s the only option,” said Sen. Brown. “Our bill would give workers the peace of mind that if they’re backed into a corner, they can stand up to corporate abuse, without the fear of losing their ability to put food on the table.”

“When workers make the difficult decision to strike, they are often doing so for fairer wages and benefits because they cannot afford to live and raise their families. Often times, employers believe they can wait out workers who struggle financially to lure them into a worse agreement,” Sen. Casey said. “Workers shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and a fair deal—that’s why I’m cosponsoring the Food Secure Strikers Act.”

“For too long, workers who are striking have risked losing access to their essential SNAP benefits,” said Sen. Padilla. “Our workers shouldn’t have to choose between fighting to improve their working conditions and putting food on the table. As food costs rise for families in California and across the nation, we must pass the Food Secure Strikers Act to protect the health and well-being of our workers.”

“Union workers are the backbone of our economy. When they join together to advocate for themselves, they are also fighting for fair wages and better working conditions for every hard-working American. We should support them in their fight for a stronger middle class,” said Sen. Smith. “The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023 is one important way we can do just that. No worker should have to choose between fighting for better working conditions and keeping food on their table.”

“Standing up for fair wages and benefits shouldn’t mean going hungry,” said Sen. Warren. “I am glad to cosponsor the Food Secure Strikers Act with Senator Fetterman to support workers across the country and ensure SNAP benefits for striking workers and their families.”

“Workers deserve the chance to call for better compensation and conditions, without worrying about how they’ll make ends meet during a strike,” said Sen. Welch. “The Food Secure Strikers Act will help striking workers put food on the table, so they can continue to push for the conditions and benefits they deserve. I’m proud to join Sen. Fetterman and other colleagues to support this pro-labor legislation.”

“Workers fighting for a fair wage should be able to feed their families— and that includes being eligible for food assistance,” said Sen. Wyden. “Excluding workers on strike from food aid is outrageous and just morally wrong. That’s why I will fight hard in the Senate to repeal this restriction and ensure families walking the picket line are fed. I’m all in to get the Food Secure Strikers Act signed into law.”

“It’s good to see lawmakers attempting to correct the wrongs of the past by reinstating a benefit for striking workers that never should have been taken away in the first place,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Congress should never pass laws that punish American workers and hopefully this amendment is a repudiation of that practice.”

“When workers make the incredibly difficult decision to go on strike, they should not have to worry about lack of access to basic nutrition. While support from a union and the community can help alleviate the financial strain workers may face, it is not always enough,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “That is why UFCW is proud to support Sen. Fetterman, Rep. Adams, and Rep. Casar’s Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023. This legislation would ensure that any income-eligible household can access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regardless of whether a member of that household is involved in a strike. Now more than ever, we must protect workers who are standing together to improve their working conditions and build the better life they have earned and deserve.”

“Workers who make the difficult decision to go on strike are coming together to lift the standard of living and gain more respect for all working people,” said Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association. “They are prepared to make sacrifices—but going hungry should not be one of them. The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023 will help ensure that when striking workers stand in solidarity for better working conditions and wages they can receive SNAP benefits so they don’t put themselves and their families at risk.”

“We made massive sacrifices to help automakers get back on their feet, and now GM is reporting record profits yet won’t share it with the workers who produced their wealth,” said Azim Hawkins, UAW Local 2177, 2nd Shift Committeeman, Philadelphia CCA. “Making the decision to go on strike in solidarity with my co-workers is a hard decision already, but to know Senator Fetterman has our back and wants to ensure our families don’t have to starve because I’m standing up for what my co-workers and I deserve, gives me strength and hope.”

Senator Fetterman is an adamant supporter of organized labor and regularly advocates for the union way of life. He also chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, which deals with SNAP and other food security programs. This legislation is a convergence of two major issues Senator Fetterman is championing for working people.

The Food Secure Strikers Act would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-smith-introduce-bill-to-help-people-who-change-their-names-obtain-accurate-credit-scores/,"Fetterman, Smith Introduce Bill to Help People Who Change Their Names Obtain Accurate Credit Scores",2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) today introduced the Name Accuracy in Credit Reporting Act, legislation to help consumers who have legally changed their names, such as survivors of domestic violence or transgender or nonbinary consumers, obtain accurate credit reports and scores. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) introduced companion legislation in the House in May.

The Name Accuracy in Credit Reporting Act would amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require the nationwide credit reporting agencies to, at the request of the consumer, associate all of their consumer reports with their current legal name only. Currently, people who have changed their names can face significant challenges obtaining accurate credit reports and scores. Often, when someone who has changed their name applies for credit using their new legal name, credit bureaus create an entirely new credit file, leading to the individual having a fragmented report. These fragmented reports can have significant real-world ramifications, including steep drops in credit scores that can create barriers to accessing loans, finding rental housing, and even getting a job.

“Amid the ongoing attacks on the LGBTQ community, I am proud to introduce this bill with Senator Smith that is a commonsense measure to make it easier for people who change their names to obtain accurate credit reports and information. Whether it’s transgender and nonbinary people or survivors of domestic violence, every American should be able to get an accurate credit report and score,” said Sen. Fetterman.

“Nobody should face unnecessary burdens to receive a mortgage or a car loan, but transgender and nonbinary Americans have to deal with credit agencies that can’t even get their name right,” said Sen. Smith. “This bill fixes a simple issue that Minnesotans have been asking me to help fix, and it will help trans and nonbinary Americans clear a hurdle to accessing loans.”

Even if a consumer who has changed their name does manage to update their existing file with their new name and avoid a fragmented report, their credit report can continue to include their “deadname,” or their former name. This can lead to discrimination or harassment in credit, housing, and employment for transgender and nonbinary consumers. Sen. Fetterman asked about this specific issue at a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing where the CEOs of the big three credit reporting agencies were witnesses a few months ago.

Sens. Fetterman and Smith are joined on the legislation by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).

“Americans are counting on credit reports and scores to help them rent a home, get a job, and build their financial future. Transgender and non-binary people that legally change their name should be able to obtain accurate credit reports without fear of being deadnamed, outed, or harassed. Credit reports should reflect a person’s legal name without any fragmentation under a previous name, which can negatively impact a credit score,” said Sen. Markey. “I am proud to join Senators Fetterman and Smith and Representative Pressley in defending the fundamental right for transgender and nonbinary people to live their lives free from harassment—be it in the workplace or the housing market.”

“No one should face unnecessary barriers because they changed their name,” said Sen. Merkley. “This important legislation reaffirms that consumers who have changed their names are still able to get accurate credit data that’s often critical to getting mortgages and rental housing, auto loans, or even a job.”

“Legally changing your name shouldn’t lead to a bad or inaccurate credit report, but for too many – particularly transgender and nonbinary people – it has made it harder to get a loan or find a job,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill is a commonsense fix that will make it easier for people to change their name and ensure their full, accurate credit history remains intact.

“Due to our broken and non-inclusive credit reporting system, many people who legally change their names face significant issues obtaining accurate credit reports and scores. This must change,” said Rep. Pressley. “By passing the Name Accuracy in Credit Reporting Act, we can help prevent harmful financial discrimination, especially against trans and nonbinary people, and take a meaningful step towards economic justice for all. I’m grateful to Senator Fetterman for his partnership in the Senate. Momentum is growing and Congress must pass this critical bill without delay.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-casey-reschenthaler-lee-announce-bill-to-rename-monroeville-va-facility-in-honor-of-wwii-veteran/,"Fetterman, Casey, Reschenthaler, Lee Announce Bill to Rename Monroeville VA Facility in Honor of WWII Veteran",2023-07-26,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey, along with Representatives GuyReschenthaler (R-PA) and Summer Lee (D-PA) in the House of Representatives, today introduced a bill to designate the new Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic.

Henry Parham was a Pennsylvania veteran who served during the D-Day landings on June 7, 1944. At the time of his passing in 2021, Henry Parham was believed to be the last surviving African-American combat veteran to serve at the D-Day landings. At age 21, Parham was drafted into the Army and joined 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, a segregated Army unit of approximately 700 African-American soldiers, in preparation for the D-Day invasions. On June 6, 1944, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion landed at Omaha Beach and for two months, Private First Class Parham and the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion stood watch over Omaha Beach, keeping the pipeline of incoming supplies and Allied troops secure before returning to the United States in September 1944.

Henry passed away in 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the age of 99. He was survived by his wife, Ethel. Both Henry and Ethel served for decades as volunteers at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center and their local American Legion chapter.

“Honoring our veterans means cutting through the noise and getting things done for the people who put their lives on the line for us,” said Sen. Fetterman. “Henry Parham not only served his country during his time in the Army, but also for decades after by volunteering. I am proud to lead this bill and recognize the service of a brave fellow Pennsylvanian by naming this clinic in his honor.”

“When he stormed the beaches of Normandy as part of the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day, Henry Parham believed he was simply doing what he was ‘supposed to do as an American’. When Henry came home, he continued serving his fellow veterans and his Nation, giving his time and energy at the VA in Pittsburgh,” said Sen. Casey. “To call Henry a hero only begins to describe his selflessness and commitment to serving others, and renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville in his honor is one small way to ensure his actions are never forgotten.”

“Henry Parham is an American hero – fighting the Nazis on the beaches of Normandy as a member of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion,” said Rep. Reschenthaler. “The longtime Pennsylvanian’s courage and strength in the face of adversity should live on as a shining example for future generations. I am proud to introduce legislation renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville after Henry Parham in honor of his service and commitment to America.”

“Designating the new VA Clinic as the Henry Parham Clinic is a tribute to the immense courage and sacrifices made by our veterans, especially those like Henry Parham, who served with valor and distinction as a member of the all-Black 320th Very Low Altitude Anti-Aircraft Barrage Balloon Battalion. This historic battalion, the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion and the sole barrage balloon battalion to land on the beaches, played a pivotal role in securing Omaha Beach on that fateful June day in 1944,” said Rep. Lee. “As we honor Henry’s legacy, we also recognize the vital contributions of our veterans and their families to our community. This bill represents a solemn commitment to ensuring that their service and dedication are forever remembered and appreciated. Let us continue to honor veterans like Henry and his wife, Ethel, who gave so much to our country, by providing them with the highest quality of care and support they deserve.”

Sen. Fetterman has advocated for keeping our promise to our veterans, including expanding and improving health care access for service members, increasing access to mental health services, expanding alternative treatments for veterans suffering from addiction issues, and improving the quality of care provided through the VA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-senate-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-expand-access-to-contraception/,"Fetterman, Senate Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Contraception",2023-07-20,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), joined by over a dozen of his Senate colleagues, and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) in the House, introduced the Convenient Contraception Act, legislation that would improve access to contraceptive products, including over-the-counter contraceptives.

The bill provides individuals covered by private health insurance with the option to receive up to a full year of contraception at the time their prescription is issued instead of the current three-month supply or less that is standard in many states—an evidence-based policy that improves health outcomes.

In the Senate, Sen. Fetterman is joined by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

“A woman’s right to make her own health care decisions is sacred to me. I am proud to lead this first of its kind legislation to expand equitable access to contraceptives,” said Sen. Fetterman. “Convenient and reliable access to contraceptives reduces unintended pregnancies, improves maternal health outcomes, and promotes equity. I will continue fighting to expand contraceptive access and protect reproductive freedom.”

“Expanding access to contraception is a critical part of protecting the health and lives of millions of women, who have seen their access to care jeopardized by extreme Republicans’ attacks on reproductive freedom,” said Rep. Underwood.“Contraception is essential health care, and it must remain easily available nationwide.”

“With Wisconsin women living under an archaic 1849 criminal abortion ban without the freedom to control their bodies, it is more important than ever that they can easily access safe, effective birth control,” said Sen. Baldwin. “Some insurance plans put an undue burden on women by requiring them to pick up contraception multiple times a year, forcing some women to take time off of work, organize child care, or drive long distances just to renew their prescription. This commonsense legislation will expand access to contraception so that women in states like Wisconsin have one less barrier to overcome when trying to control their own bodies, families, and futures.”

“Access to reproductive health care is under attack across our country, and we must take immediate action to protect access to contraception,” said Sen. Booker. “Every person should have the ability to make informed decisions about their own body without facing needless barriers or financial constraints. This legislation will empower individuals to take control of their reproductive health by ensuring equitable and easier access to contraceptive care.”

“If we want to support families, we need to protect access to reliable, affordable contraception,” said Sen. Casey. “This bill will live up to the promise of the Affordable Care Act by reducing the barriers many women, particularly low-income women, face when it comes to family planning and maternal health. This is a commonsense policy to make it easier for women to fill their prescriptions.”

“Contraception is essential for the management of many health conditions and family planning. It should be easily accessible,” said Sen. Kaine. “I’m proud to join together with my colleagues in support of this legislation to make it more convenient and affordable for women to pick up their contraceptive medication. I will also continue to fight for my bipartisan Reproductive Freedom for All that would codify the essential holdings of Roe v. Wade and related cases to protect Americans’ access to both abortion and contraception.”

“Access to contraception should be a right. Congress has a responsibility to protect Americans from far-right lawmakers in states across the country who want to restrict and criminalize reproductive health care,” said Sen. Markey, author of the Right to Contraception Act. “There’s no reason private insurers should stand in the way of patients and their providers, ormake it even harder for Americans to get the care they need. The Convenient Contraception Act will break down this barrier and ensure that no one using contraception will have to worry they’ll run out of these products that their insurer is already required to cover.”

“Many patients rely on birth control not just for family planning — which is critical health care in and of itself — but also for painful and dangerous conditions like endometriosis,” said Sen. Merkley. “Full access to contraception is vital in ensuring all Americans are able to control their own lives and health care decisions, and this bill is a critical step in making sure these resources are convenient and accessible.”

“Access to contraception has become more important than ever since the Supreme Court ripped away the right to abortion, and making contraception more accessible and affordable is a top priority for me—which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill,” said Sen. Murray. “Allowing people to pick up a full-year supply of birth control in a single trip to the pharmacy eliminates unnecessary barriers for women and lowers the likelihood of gaps in protection. This is a common-sense policy we should pass into law as soon as possible.”

“As extremist Republicans pass abortion bans around the country, it’s critical for women to have easy access to safe and effective contraception so that they have control of their own bodies and their lives,” said Sen. Smith. “Our bill will lower barriers to accessing contraception, reducing unintended pregnancies, and easing the burden on low- and middle-income women. I invite my Republican colleagues who have vocally supported family planning services to join us in supporting this legislation.”

Currently, many private health insurance plans require a patient to pick up their contraception prescription multiple times over the duration of a prescription, creating an unnecessary burden and increasing the likelihood of gaps in protection. The Convenient Contraception Act permits individuals covered by private health insurance plans to pick up their full prescription supply, up to one year, at one time and requires these plans to cover the full cost at the time of pick-up. Removing barriers to contraception can help reduce racial and ethnic disparities and decrease the likelihood of unintended pregnancies, which have been linked to adverse health effects, including maternal depression, intimate partner violence, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

In the aftermath of the Dobbs decision and the ensuing nationwide attacks on reproductive freedom, Senator Fetterman has firmly defended the right for women to make decisions about their bodies. The Convenient Contraception Act would benefit women across the country, as removing barriers to contraception can reduce unintended pregnancies, maternal mortality, and socioeconomic and racial disparities in health care.

“For centuries, Black women, girls, and gender expansive people have had their bodies and lives controlled, policed, and criminalized”, said Dr. Regina Davis Moss, President and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda. “We deserve full autonomy, and access to sexual and reproductive health care services and resources regardless of who we are, where we live, and what kind of insurance we have. Access to Contraception of our choosing, free from unnecessary hurdles is one of many ways we can work to make Reproductive Justice a reality. We applaud Representative Lauren Underwood and Senator John Fetterman, and all our champions in working to ensure contraceptive equity for all.”

The Convenient Contraception Act is endorsed by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; Catholics for Choice; Center for American Progress; Contraceptive Access Initiative; Every Mother Counts; In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda; MomsRising; NARAL Pro-Choice America; National Council of Jewish Women; National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association; National Partnership for Women & Families; National Women’s Law Center; Physicians for Reproductive Health; Planned Parenthood Federation of America; Power to Decide; The Collaborative; and What to Expect Project.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-introduce-new-bill-to-expand-organic-agricultural-research/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce New Bill to Expand Organic Agricultural Research",2023-07-13,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, joined by Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), on Thursday introduced the Organic Science and Research Investment Act. The bill would provide much needed support to the organic farming industry‚ both through expanded funding for research agencies and universities and ensuring organics research is prioritized at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Specifically, the Organic Science and Research Investment Act will require USDA’s research agencies to better coordinate on organic research and extension, ensuring that the USDA considers organic research priorities in its budget justification to Congress and studies the feasibility of certifying more research land as organic. The bill will also increase funding for the USDA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), which supplies grants to universities and other research institutions for organics research and has provided nearly $5 million for organics research at Penn State University alone over the past two years. And finally, the bill will build on the Biden administration’s organic research work by creating a statutory grant program to support producers’ as they transition to organic production.

Pennsylvania’s organic farms leave a significant economic footprint in the commonwealth. The commonwealth ranks fourth in the nation by number of certified organic farms with over 1,125. In 2021 alone, Pennsylvania farms produced and sold $1.09 billion in organic commodities. Sen. Fetterman’s legislation would expand investments in this booming and growing industry to support efforts to increase production in Pennsylvania and across the country. The bill is endorsed by over 60 organizations including two from Pennsylvania: PCO Certified Organic and PASA Sustainable Agriculture.

“I’m proud to introduce this bill to expand resources for Pennsylvania’s critical organics industry. Our farmers are some of the best in the world, and we have to support them in every way possible,” said Sen. Fetterman. “We’re one of the top organic-producing states, and we need to keep it that way. Earlier this year, our state government invested $1.8 million to help conventional farms transition to organic farming, and I’m going to fight like hell to make sure the federal government’s part in supporting organic research and our small farmers gets there too.”

“Because of our farmers, Pennsylvania is one of the Nation’s leaders in organics, one of the fastest growing sectors of American agriculture,” said Sen. Casey. “A meaningful federal investment in this vital industry would create jobs in rural areas and market opportunities for our family farmers. I look forward to leading the Organic Science and Research Investment Act with Senator Fetterman to support Pennsylvania farmers and ensure the strength of American agriculture.”

“Vermont’s organic farmers produce world-class fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products. It’s important that we support research into this emerging industry, and the tools needed to transition to organics,” said Sen. Welch. “I’m thrilled to team up with my friend and colleague Senator Fetterman in introducing this bill to support the organics industry.”

“We must do more to support our country’s organic farmers,” said Sen. Booker. “By prioritizing organic research and helping support farms’ transition to organic production, we can bolster the sector and ensure the availability of high-quality organic food for all families.”

“Every dollar invested in agriculture research has a $20 return,” said Sen. Brown. “That’s why the Organic Science and Research Investment Act is so important. It will increase investments in organic agriculture research so that our organic farmers can be more productive, profitable and resilient, and so more Ohio families can put organic food on their table.”

“Oregon farmers grow some of the most delicious blueberries, grapes and potatoes in the country,” said Sen. Wyden. “Supporting research into organic crops will support grown-in-the-USA fruit and vegetables and help consumers have the information they need when they’re at the grocery store. This bill is a win for farmers and a win for anyone who wants more delicious organic food.”

“As a certified Organic farmer who leads a network of over 7,500 ecologically-minded members, I’m very pleased to see the commitment to organic production demonstrated by the Organic Science and Research Investment Act,” said Hannah Smith-Brubaker, Executive Director of Pasa Sustainable Agriculture. “The bill will focus on organic research and extension coordination, prioritize funding for this research, and inform future priorities by exploring and distilling farmer decision-making as it pertains to Organic transition. Farming practices that care for the whole farm ecosystem are vital to better prepare us for a future impacted by climate change. More research into the efficacy and value of these practices is an essential piece of widespread adoption.”

“Organic Valley applauds congressional leaders who recognize the importance of public investments in organic research,” said Adam Warthesen, Senior Director of Government & Industry Affairs at Organic Valley. “Research enabled by this legislation represents the building of collective knowledge to help organic farmers gain on-farm efficiencies. It allows businesses like ours to bring to bear a confidence and commitment in partnership with academic institutions and federal agencies to continuously improve the organic farming systems. This is necessary as organic is part of the larger agricultural landscape and pressures we all are facing to balance natural resource protection and grow good food for consumers in the U.S. and globally.”

“We are excited to be able to work with Organic Champions in Congress to help ensure there are resources available to support the success of organic farmers and ranchers across the nation,” said Brise Tencer, Organic Farming and Research Foundation Executive Director. “Over the last several years OFRF has collected robust information from farmers about their research and education needs and these bills would provide much needed investment in solutions to these problems. These bills are also an important signal to early career researchers that organic agriculture research is an important, respected, and securely-funded area to engage in.”

The Organic Science and Research Investment Act would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-scotus-lgbtq-decision/,Fetterman Statement on SCOTUS LGBTQ+ Decision,2023-06-30,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis:

“On the last day of Pride Month, an extremist and unelected SCOTUS uses a made-up case to hand out a “constitutional” right to discriminate against LGBTQ people. What an embarrassment for our country.

“This Court has sunk to a new low. Its majority doesn’t act like a court – it acts like politicians advancing their partisan views, not independent judges.

“Today’s ruling is despicable. It is a full-on assault on LGBTQ people in America.

“Everyone in America deserves equal protection under the law, and I will not stop fighting until that is achieved.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-scotus-student-loan-forgiveness-plan-decision/,Fetterman Statement on SCOTUS Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Decision,2023-06-30,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision on Biden v. Nebraska:

“Our government has spent TRILLIONS to bail out the big banks and the CEOs who crashed our economy. Our government cancelled MILLIONS in pandemic loans for Members of Congress. Yet SCOTUS is saying we cannot cancel some of the student loan debt for working people.

“This is just ridiculous.

“Today’s ruling is just one of many arbitrary rulings that have been handed down by this extremist court this term. It is becoming crystal clear that some of these “Justices” are laser-focused on doing the bidding of their rich donors who fly them around the world on their private jets, take them out on their mega yachts, and buy their families’ homes in sweetheart deals.

“These Justices don’t care about the rule of law. This is a YOLO court, and if they’re wondering why so many Americans no longer have trust in the institution, they have only themselves to thank.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-scotus-affirmative-action-decision/,Fetterman Statement on SCOTUS Affirmative Action Decision,2023-06-29,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to restrict affirmative action and limit consideration of race in college admissions:

“Today the Supreme Court upended the basic concept that diversity is our strength as a country. Institutions of higher education are places where people of all backgrounds come to learn more about themselves and the world around them. Today’s action tries to erase the very simple fact that historical racism exists in this country. It’s a cowardly decision that will have negative impacts for years to come.

“Every student in Pennsylvania and across our country benefits from going to school and learning from people from different walks of life. The extreme conservative Supreme Court majority stuck its head in the sand and said we shouldn’t try to give kids of color a fair shot. It’s despicable.

“In the words of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: no one benefits from ignorance. Discrimination and racism are still real in America. As your senator, I am committed to fighting to provide each and every one of our kids the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential, and no ignorant decision from the Supreme Court will ever change that.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-applaud-nomination-of-judge-karoline-mehalchick-as-u-s-district-judge-for-middle-district-of-pennsylvania/,"Casey, Fetterman Applaud Nomination of Judge Karoline Mehalchick as U.S. District Judge for Middle District of Pennsylvania",2023-06-28,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) are announcing that President Joe Biden has nominated Judge Karoline Mehalchick to serve on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators play an essential role in recommending to the White House U.S. District Court judge candidates with the commitment to equal justice, legal experience, and integrity necessary to serve the Commonwealth.

“From her 10 years as a Magistrate Judge on the federal bench to her appointment by Chief Justice Roberts to the Judicial Conference Committee on Codes of Conduct to her work in the community helping seniors and children, Judge Mehalchick has devoted her life and career to serving Pennsylvanians and advancing the cause of justice,” Senator Casey said. “Her deep sense of community, vast courtroom experience, and commitment to the rule of law make her make well-qualified for this critical role and I look forward to voting to swiftly confirm her.”

“Judge Mehalchick is a dedicated public servant with an extensive history serving Pennsylvania,” Senator Fetterman said.“She has proven in her 10 years as Chief United States Magistrate Judge to be fair, wise, and just and I will be voting in support of her confirmation.”

Judge Karoline Mehalchick is the Chief United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where she has served since 2013. Previously, Judge Mehalchick was a partner at Oliver, Price & Rhodes from 2008 to 2013. She was an associate at the firm from 2002 to 2007. Judge Mehalchick served as a law clerk for Judge Trish Corbett on the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas from 2001 to 2002. She received her J.D. from Tulane Law School in 2001 and her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University in 1998.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-shaheen-and-blumenthal-lead-new-manufactured-housing-tenants-bill-of-rights-to-protect-mobile-homeowners-and-renters/,"Fetterman, Shaheen, and Blumenthal Lead New Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights to Protect Mobile Homeowners and Renters",2023-06-28,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today introduced the Manufactured Tenant’s Bill of Rights, legislation that would provide tenants and owners of manufactured (mobile) homes with enhanced protections against predatory landowners in federally backed Manufactured Housing Communities (MHC).

“The bottom line is that Pennsylvania needs more good, affordable housing options ”including manufactured housing, said Senator Fetterman. “But right now, too many people are taking advantage of the system and lining their own pockets. This critical bill will help protect residents of manufactured housing communities and keep more Pennsylvania families in stable affordable homes.

“All too often, tenants are faced with predatory practices meant to deprive them of their homes and hard-earned savings. Mobile home tenants deal with an increased risk of eviction as their housing costs soar without adequate legal protections, and to make matters worse, the communities they live in are often bought with federally-backed financing, said Senator Shaheen. “The Manufactured Tenant’s Bill of Rights would directly address that concern, ensuring that tenants receive equitable protections under the law to provide them with housing stability and peace of mind.

“Mobile home owners deserve rights”real, enforceable protections against rising rents, unfair practices, and exploitative evictions, said Senator Blumenthal. “Our measure will assure security to tenants who own their mobile homes but not the underlying land.

“Manufactured Housing tenants are often overlooked and are exceptionally vulnerable to predatory land owners, lack explicit tenant protections, and face egregious rent hikes or loss of equity. The National Housing Law Project celebrates Senator Shaheen’s Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights as an important step toward protecting manufactured home owners and renters in federally-backed manufactured housing communities, said Shamus Roller, Executive Director of the NHLP. “Additionally, the bill will allow FHFA to hold owners to account and create stronger oversight over its portfolio of manufactured housing. Manufactured housing residents deserve safe, decent, and affordable housing; and Senator Shaheen’s bill will ensure higher standards and more transparent transactions in manufactured housing communities.

“More than half of all manufactured homes are located in rural areas around the country. These homes are a frequently overlooked and unfairly maligned component of our nation’s housing stock, and are often characterized by unique financing and land tenure challenges, said David Lipsetz, CEO of the Housing Assistance Council, “We applaud Senators Shaheen, Blumenthal, and Fetterman for championing the rights of families living in manufactured housing communities with this important legislation.

“Residents of manufactured housing communities are facing rising eviction rates, affordability challenges, and the added risk of outside investors purchasing the land on which their home resides, said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “The Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights would establish vital protections for manufactured housing residents, setting important standards for tenant rights and encouraging adoption of even greater protections. I applaud Senators Shaheen, Blumenthal, and Fetterman for their leadership in introducing this important bill.

Currently, more than 3 million Americans live in MHCs, which often represent one of the few naturally occurring sources of affordable housing. However, because residents typically own the home itself, but not the land it sits on, they often struggle with unexpected cost increases and face a heightened risk of evictions. Outside investors have often purchased MHCs and pushed residents out, raising rents as much as 70%. Because of the unusual ownership structure, manufactured housing residents can fall through the cracks, where residents often lack the protections of either homeowners or other renters.

The Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights would establish a set of minimum standards for tenants in MHCs that receive federal financing through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the Federal Housing Administration. These protections include:

The right to a one-year renewable lease absent good cause for nonrenewal.

A 5-day grace period for late rent payments.

A minimum 60-day written notice of rent increases or new added charges like water or sewer of up to 5% of the prior rent, with longer notice for larger rent increases (an additional 30 days required for each 2.5% rent increase above 5%).

Rights for the tenant to

Sell the manufactured home without having to relocate it.

Sublet the home or assign the lease to a buyer of the home provided the buyer meets the MHC’s rules and regulations.

Post “for sale signs on the home.

Sell the manufactured home in place within 45 days after eviction, to prevent the homeowner from losing their equity.

Receive at least 60 days advanced notice of the MHC’s planned sale or closure. Giving tenants the opportunity to purchase the community in the event of a sale.

The bill also requires public disclosure of MHCs that receive federal backing to ensure residents are aware of their rights. FHFA would also be required to create a standard lease agreement which allows Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to finally begin purchasing manufactured home leases through their single-family mortgage programs, which could significantly lower interest rates.

The legislation is endorsed by All Parks Alliance for Change, Colorado Coalition of Manufactured Home Owners, Connecticut Manufactured Home Owners Alliance, Manufactured Home Owners’ Association of NJ, Inc., National Housing Law Project, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Manufactured Home Owners Association, Prosperity Now, Resident-Owned Communities – New Hampshire and WorkMoney.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-announce-80-million-for-septa-clean-bus-infrastructure-upgrades/,"Casey, Fetterman Announce $80 Million for SEPTA Clean Bus Infrastructure Upgrades",2023-06-26,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $80 million for the Southeastern Public Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to modernize transit facilities and enable them to support clean energy buses. This funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help SEPTA build resilient charging infrastructure to support low- to no-emission buses throughout their system and make the air in Southeastern Pennsylvania cleaner to breathe.

“Because of the infrastructure law, we are modernizing public transportation across Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said.“This funding will enable SEPTA to deploy a low- to no-emission fleet and reduce emissions—making the air cleaner for Pennsylvanians and ensuring that SEPTA is prepared to support a cleaner transportation system well into the future.”

SEPTA is a key part of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s transportation network. This has been especially true in the aftermath of the I-95 collapse. Upgrading our facilities and transitioning to low to no-emission American-made buses is critical as more and more Pennsylvanians rely on SEPTA for their transit needs,” Senator Fetterman said. “This funding is a BIG investment that will allow us to continue the modernization of our public transit infrastructure, combat climate change, and make more stuff in America.

“SEPTA is committed to transitioning to a fully zero-emission bus fleet,” SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards said. “This Low No Grant funding will allow SEPTA to make the depot power infrastructure upgrades necessary to operate the new fleet. We are grateful to Senator Casey and our Congressional delegation for not only working to fund this critical program but for also supporting our application.”

This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Low or No Emission Vehicle Program, the purpose of which is to provide funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-full-slate-of-nutrition-subcommittee-democrats-seek-information-on-snap-changes-in-new-letter-to-usda/,"Fetterman, Full Slate of Nutrition Subcommittee Democrats Seek Information on SNAP Changes in New Letter to USDA",2023-06-26,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday led the full slate of Democrats on the U.S. Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking information on impacts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that were passed in the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA).

The members urged USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide any metrics the agency used to determine net changes in enrollment to SNAP because of the FRA and the administration’s plans to implement the changes. They also sought information on how enrollment will change by specific demographic categories.

Despite preliminary reports that the work requirements may increase access to SNAP overall, Sen. Fetterman and the rest of the subcommittee maintain concerns that certain demographic groups may be harmed, even if total SNAP enrollment slightly increases.

“We remain concerned about the changes to eligibility and increases to work requirements overall. By their own admission, the individuals who proposed these new work requirements and changes to eligibility did so as an exercise to reduce both the overall cost of SNAP and the number of individuals enrolled,” the members wrote.“We are pleased at reports suggesting that this attempt to push more Americans into poverty failed, but as it stands, there are still information gaps on how the eligibility changes will impact food security for Americans by age, race, ethnicity, or gender.”

The letter asks four direct questions of USDA, seeking the net change in national SNAP enrollment after the FRA changes are implemented; whether USDA will release state-level assessments of the impacts of the changes; the breakdown of net changes to national enrollment of SNAP recipients by demographic categories; and USDA’s plan to communicate the changes in eligibility to the people affected.

Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) joined Fetterman on the letter.

A full copy of the letter is available hereand below:

The Honorable Thomas Vilsack

Secretary

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

We write regarding time-sensitive details on impacts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility changed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). We are specifically interested in the metrics your agency used to determine net changes in enrollment and the administration’s plans to begin implementation of these changes in particular.

The FRA included many different provisions that came together quickly during negotiations to avoid a first of its kind default on the full faith and credit of the United States. We are eager to see your agency implement SNAP eligibility for new populations, namely the exemption from work requirements for veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster care youth—regardless of status as an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD). We strongly support our colleagues’ recent call to swiftly implement SNAP exemptions for vulnerable populations.

However, we remain concerned about the changes to eligibility and increases to work requirements overall. By their own admission, the individuals who proposed these new work requirements and changes to eligibility did so as an exercise to reduce both the overall cost of SNAP and the number of individuals enrolled. We are pleased at reports suggesting that this attempt to push more Americans into poverty failed, but as it stands, there are still information gaps on how the eligibility changes will impact food security for Americans by age, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Additionally, the FRA included a provision to steadily increase the age of ABAWDs subject to general work requirements. We are interested in USDA’s plans to communicate these changes to the newly affected populations—with the understanding that many of these individuals may not have consistent access to the internet. It is crucial that bureaucracy and red tape not prevent timely notification of these changes to individuals who depend upon this program.

We appreciate how rapidly these provisions came together. In order to better understand their impact on SNAP, we respectfully request answers to the following questions:

What will the net change in national SNAP enrollment be after USDA implements the changes from FRA?

Will USDA release state-level assessments of the impacts of the changes? If so, when?

What is the breakdown of net changes to national enrollment of SNAP recipients by the following categories: race, ethnicity, gender, age?

Please detail USDA’s plan to communicate the changes in eligibility to the populations affected.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-anniversary-of-dobbs-decision/,Fetterman Statement on Anniversary of Dobbs Decision,2023-06-24,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today released the following statement on the anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade:

“It was true a year ago and it’s true today: Deciding when and how to become a mother is a decision that should be made by women and their doctors, not politicians or extremist Supreme Court Justices.

“Since Roe was overturned, states across the country have steadily stripped this right away or banned abortions altogether. This is deeply dangerous to women across the country who need medical care. We know that these laws have cost lives and caused unnecessary suffering for so many families.

“A woman’s right to make her own health care decisions is sacred and non-negotiable. Period.

It is time for the Senate to finally scrap the filibuster and pass the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade into law. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-announce-19-million-to-replace-fort-jenkins-and-water-street-bridges/,"Casey, Fetterman Announce $19 Million to Replace Fort Jenkins and Water Street Bridges",2023-06-23,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) are announcing $19,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the replacement of the Fort Jenkins and Water Street Bridges between Pittston and West Pittston, PA. This funding comes from a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) Grant, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

With this funding, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Luzerne County, and the municipalities will work together to design and build replacements to the Fort Jenkins and Water Street Bridges, which will include on-street bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements. The grant will also fund the modernization of seven adjacent intersections to include ADA accommodations, traffic signal reflectivity, retiming, pedestrian interval considerations at approach intersections, and dedicated turning lanes where warranted.

“The Fort Jenkins and Water Street bridges are vital connectors for the communities of Pittston and West Pittston and the entire Wyoming Valley, but they are in desperate need of replacement,” said Senator Casey. “I have stood in front of these very bridges, calling for increased federal investment in our infrastructure. Two years ago, Congress and the President came together to finally make that investment a reality. Now, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this grant will make crossing the Susquehanna safer and more accessible for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and all residents of Pittston and West Pittston.”

“I’m proud to join with Senator Casey to announce this funding for two bridge upgrade projects in Pittston,” said Senator Fetterman. “With this investment, the city will be able to improve its existing infrastructure and make the bridges more pedestrian friendly. This is exactly the type of investment the city needs and deserves.”

“On behalf of the citizens of the City of Pittston and the Northeast part of the Wyoming Valley, I am very grateful for today’s announcement,” said Michael Lombardo, Mayor of Pittston. “This significant funding will assist us in the construction of two new safe and modern bridges that will enhance traffic movement in our region, improve and make ADA compliant seven existing deficient intersections, provide for quality of life upgrades for bicycle and pedestrian movement as well as provide some additional flood protection to our neighbors in West Pittston. I would like to personally thank Senators Casey and Fetterman for their leadership and support of this project. Northeast PA continues to be an example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together.”

“West Pittston Borough Council enthusiastically welcomes today’s announcement of the $19,000,000 RAISE Grant Award for the Jenkins Bridge and Water Street Bridge/Firefighter’s Memorial Bridge Project by the Department of Transportation,” said Ellen Quinn, President of the West Pittston Borough Council. “The success of this grant request and today’s announcement is the result of the advocacy put forth by Senators Casey and Fetterman on behalf of this project and their constituents. West Pittston Borough Council is hopeful this RAISE Grant award demonstrates the significance of the Bridges Project and contributes in a most positive way to speed the project process along in a most expeditious way. Thank you, Senators Casey and Fetterman.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-announce-25-million-awards-for-septa-north-philly-school-zones/,"Casey, Fetterman Announce $25 Million Awards for SEPTA, North Philly School Zones",2023-06-23,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) are announcing two $25 million grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for SEPTA’s trolley modernization project and for the City of Philadelphia’s school zones traffic safety project in North Philadelphia. SEPTA will use the funding to improve trolley capacity and on-street station accessibility and make service faster and more reliable for commuters. The funding for the North Philadelphia School Zone Traffic Safety Project will make safety improvements around six schools and high-injury corridors by raising crosswalks, redesigning road signage and traffic signals for better visibility, and installing highly-visible crosswalks. The funding for each project comes from a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) Grant, funded by theInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Because of the infrastructure law, the City of Philadelphia will be safer and more accessible for children, pedestrians, public transit users, and drivers,” Senator Casey said. “These significant investments will help safely connect students to their schools, workers to their jobs, and communities to each other.”

“I’m proud to join with Senator Casey to announce this grant funding for two separate projects in Philadelphia,” Senator Fetterman said. “With this investment, the city will be able to modernize trolley and public transit infrastructure and implement traffic safety changes to make a school zone safer for our children. This is exactly the type of investment the city needs and deserves.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-striking-workers-in-erie/,Fetterman Statement on Striking Workers in Erie,2023-06-23,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Friday released the following statement in response to 1,400 members of United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America going on strike in Erie, PA:

“I am proud to give my full support to the 1,400 members of United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America Local 506 and 618 who are on strike today in Erie.

“As long as these workers are on strike, my team and I are going to have their backs. As long as they walk the picket line, we will support them.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-grills-powell-on-price-gouging-at-banking-hearing/,Fetterman Grills Powell on Price Gouging at Banking Hearing,2023-06-22,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman yesterday called out the role of corporate price gouging in boosting inflation during a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing with Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Senator Fetterman used his time to grill Chair Powell on preserving employment while lowering inflation and the way corporate greed and monopolies contribute to higher costs for Pennsylvania families.

“It’s clear that inflation over the last few years has had many causes, including rampant corporate price gouging and monopolies. While Americans have gotten ripped off, executives and shareholders have raked in record profits. It’s deeply immoral,” said Senator Fetterman.

Senator Fetterman raised concern about the Fed’s dual mandate during his questioning at yesterday’s hearing, asking Chair Powell how the Fed plans to deal with the paradox of lowering inflation without pushing people into unemployment. The Federal Reserve is charged with a dual mandate of “promoting maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates in the U.S. economy.” Many pro-labor economists have pointed out how the Fed has seemed to focus more on its interest-related mandate, which tends to be more important to corporations, rather than its full employment requirements.

Senator Fetterman addressed these corporate interests in his questioning, noting how the companies that jack up their prices are also the ones consistently making record high earnings and accused rampant corporate price gouging and monopolies of contributing to inflation. He pushed Chair Powell to recognize this in the Fed’s fight against inflation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-introduces-bill-to-make-pennsylvania-americas-streets-safer/,Fetterman Introduces Bill to Make Pennsylvania & America’s Streets Safer,2023-06-22,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today introduced the Shovel-Ready Streets Act, a bill to fund street safety improvements and make roads safer for pedestrians in Pennsylvania and across the country.

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most unsafe streets in the nation — between 2012 and 2020, 1,426 pedestrians were killed on Pennsylvania streets. Experts have dubbed State Street in Harrisburg the “deadliest road in America. Following the I-95 collapse, attention has turned to Philadelphia’s Roosevelt Boulevard”the city’s most dangerous road”as traffic from the interstate has been re-routed to the Boulevard.

The Shovel-Ready Streets Act will help communities in Pennsylvania and across the country address chronically unsafe streets that lead to thousands of deaths by freeing up funding for construction of safer street designs.

The bill will amend the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law discretionary program that provides grants for the planning and construction of street redesigns and safety improvements on dangerous roads. Currently, this program requires at least 40% of funding to go towards the planning process of street redesigns, but many cities have been planning for these kinds of investments for years and have already completed this step.

Right now, there are currently more shovel-ready projects than there is grant money to fund them. Sen. Fetterman’s bill would address this challenge by dropping the percentage of funding required to go towards planning to 20%, which will free up more funds for implementation.

“The recent disaster on I-95 and the subsequent detour to the already dangerous Roosevelt Boulevard was a stark reminder of the perilous roads that run through our towns, said Senator Fetterman. “Safe streets are a life and death issue. Though these deaths rarely make headlines, the hundreds of Pennsylvanian lives we lose due to unsafe streets is unacceptable ” and it doesn’t have to be this way. My bill will help us fix this chronic issue here in PA and across the country.

In his first months in office, Senator Fetterman has taken action to promote street safety and improve transit. Most recently, he joined Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and the PA congressional delegation to urge federal agencies to provide federal funds to support additional capacity on SEPTA following the collapse of the bridge on I-95. Senator Fetterman also sent two letters recently pushing the administration to take action to make streets safer and address the frustrating delays that we have seen.

Last week, he participated in a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing with Shailen Bhatt, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), where he raised questions about the I-95 overpass collapse and called on the federal government to work with the Pennsylvania delegation to address street safety issues in the state.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/6819-2/,Fetterman Pushes Fed Nominees to Stand Up for Working People,2023-06-21,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today participated in a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing on the nominations of Dr. Lisa DeNell Cook and Dr. Adriana Debora Kugler to serve as Members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the nomination of Dr. Philip Nathan Jefferson to serve as Vice Chair of the Board.

This hearing focused largely on the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate, its joint goals of price stability and maximum sustainable employment. Senator Fetterman focused his questions to the nominees on how their experience and expertise in labor economics and monetary policy will shape their work on the Board of Governors.

“I believe that it is critical for the Fed to create an economy that truly works for working people,” said Senator Fetterman.

Senator Fetterman directed his initial questions to Dr. Lisa DeNell Cook, a current member of the Board of Governors. He mentioned how his predecessor, former-Senator Pat Toomey, opposed her nomination, minimized her credentials, and baselessly accused her of being unqualified. In his questions to Dr. Cook, Fetterman cited her extensive experience in economics, including her role as senior economist on the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama, and asked how these experiences have informed her time on the Board.

Senator Fetterman then turned his questioning to Dr. Adriana Debora Kugler, who currently serves as U.S. Executive Director to the World Bank. Senator Fetterman met with Dr. Kugler last week to discuss her nomination and improving economic conditions for working people. Dr. Kugler spoke to her qualifications for the role, highlighting the critical work she has done as a labor economist. As Chief Economist at the Department of Labor, she developed policies and programs on unemployment insurance, training programs, retirement benefits, overtime pay, and minimum wage. In her current role as Executive Director of the World Bank, Dr. Kugler works to combat inflation domestically and internationally.

While inflation is declining, consumers are still feeling the effects in their day to day lives. Senator Fetterman believes it is the duty of the Federal Reserve to ease these economic pressures on working people by lowering inflation in a tangible way and supporting job-creating policies.

Senator Fetterman supports the appointment of these nominees, all of whom have impressive resumes with considerable experience in evidence-based policymaking that has resulted in economic growth, productivity, and innovation.

Last year, Dr. Cook became the first woman of color on the Board. If confirmed, Dr. Kugler would be the first Latino person to serve on the Board.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-casey-philly-congressional-delegation-push-for-emergency-funds-to-expand-septa-capacity-after-i-95-collapse/,"Fetterman, Casey, Philly Congressional Delegation Push for Emergency Funds to Expand SEPTA Capacity After I-95 Collapse",2023-06-15,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey, joined by Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-2), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Madeleine Dean (PA-4), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), today sent aletter urging the Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration to provide federal funds to support additional capacity on SEPTA following the collapse of a bridge on I-95.

According to brand new numbers released this morning, since the collapse of I-95, regional rail ridership on SEPTA has jumped at least 14%. Yesterday, Sen. Fetterman, Sen. Casey, and Rep. Boyle announced that the Federal Highway Administration would provide $3 million in emergency funds to begin rebuilding the bridge – but federal funding has not yet been approved to expand SEPTA capacity while bridge reconstruction continues.

“As we work on the federal level to support the Commonwealth in the immediate aftermath of the collapse, public transportation must play a central role,” the letter reads.“By helping SEPTA increase capacity and provide a viable alternative to the surface roads, we can reduce congestion on the detour routes while also protecting pedestrians and cyclists who use these roads.

“Our understanding is that SEPTA’s expanded capacity would be eligible for Emergency Relief funds,” it continues.“Any other funding mechanisms should be moved at the fastest possible speed. We hope that the Department of Transportation will explore all options, including additional Emergency Relief funds and other flexibilities, to provide immediate support to SEPTA.”

In a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing with the Administrator of the FHWA earlier this week, Senator Fetterman suggested that SEPTA’s regional rail and subway lines could be critically useful tools to ease congestion and keep Philadelphia’s streets safe while the highway is closed for reconstruction. He asked Administrator Shailen Bhatt if Emergency Relief or other funds could help with SEPTA’s temporary operating costs to make transit a viable alternative for local travel.

A full copy of today’s letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Buttigieg, Administrator Bhatt, and Administrator Fernandez:

Thank you for your rapid response to the I-95 bridge collapse this week. We are grateful for the support the Department and the Federal Highway Administration have offered to the Commonwealth already and look forward to working together in the coming weeks to get the repairs finished as quickly as possible.

As we work on the federal level to support the Commonwealth in the immediate aftermath of the collapse, public transportation must play a central role. SEPTA’s regional rail and subway lines could help local riders – who make up a substantial portion of the 160,000 drivers who use this portion of I-95 daily – continue to navigate the city. By helping SEPTA increase capacity and provide a viable alternative to the surface roads, we can reduce congestion on the detour routes while also protecting pedestrians and cyclists who use these roads.

Federal support should encompass the entire response to the collapse – including transit services. SEPTA has already increased the frequency of the regional rail lines running parallel to I-95 and added cars to the regional rail and Market-Frankford Lines. If we deliver rapid federal support for SEPTA operations, the agency will be able to continue and broaden these service expansions to meet the clear need.

Our understanding is that SEPTA’s expanded capacity would be eligible for Emergency Relief funds. Any other funding mechanisms should be moved at the fastest possible speed. We hope that the Department of Transportation will explore all options, including additional Emergency Relief funds and other flexibilities, to provide immediate support to SEPTA.

We look forward to working with the Department and the Commonwealth to tap any other available funds to support transit operations. Strong and reliable transit services can be a game-changer as we respond to this collapse – we must not ignore it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/after-i-95-bridge-collapse-fetterman-pushes-for-more-resources-for-philadelphia-financial-support-for-septa-in-fhwa-hearing/,"After I-95 Bridge Collapse, Fetterman Pushes for More Resources for Philadelphia, Financial Support for SEPTA in FHWA Hearing",2023-06-14,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today participated in a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing with Shailen Bhatt, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which covers the design, construction, and maintenance of the nation’s roads.

Senator Fetterman used his time to discuss critical issues facing Pennsylvania, first focusing on the I-95 overpass collapse that occurred in Northeast Philadelphia on Sunday. Fetterman commended the quick delivery of $3 million in Emergency Relief funds and compared it to the swift response to the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse in Western Pennsylvania last year.

Following the collapse of I-95, a major local and regional artery, Senator Fetterman suggested SEPTA’s regional rail and subway lines could be critically useful tools to ease congestion and keep Philadelphia’s streets safe while the highway is closed for reconstruction. He asked Administrator Bhatt if Emergency Relief or other funds could help with SEPTA’s temporary operating costs to make transit a viable alternative for local travel.

Senator Fetterman also raised the issue of street safety, accusing the federal government of “dragging its feet in implementing expert advice for making streets safer.” With traffic rerouted onto the notoriously dangerous Roosevelt Boulevard following the I-95 overpass collapse, Pennsylvania’s streets are going to see even more traffic, further emphasizing the need for them to be addressed promptly and thoroughly.

Senator Fetterman has sent two letters in the last month expressing concerns about actions the federal government should be taking to make streets safer and the frustrating delays that have been witnessed. His letter to the FHWA addressed their failure to update the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control, key guidelines that could address rising fatalities and economic stagnation, while his letter to the Department of Transportation and Department of Justice regarded their sluggish finalization of street accessibility guidelines, which have been pending for 20 years. During his questioning, he pressed Administrator Bhatt on when to expect these actions to be finalized and if the FHWA will commit to working with him to address these concerns. Bhatt assured the Senator that safety is the FHWA’s number one priority and promised to follow up.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-boyle-announce-3-million-in-emergency-funding-for-i-95-collapse/,"Casey, Fetterman, Boyle Announce $3 Million in Emergency Funding for I-95 Collapse",2023-06-14,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) announced that the Federal Highway Administration approved $3,000,000 in Emergency Relief for Federal-Aid Highways (ERFA) Quick Release funding to PennDOT for repairs associated with the I-95 collapse in Northeast Philadelphia on June 11, 2023. The funding can be used for emergency repairs needed to restore essential traffic and other preliminary work. A final estimate of reconstruction has not been released by PennDOT.

Senator Casey, Senator Fetterman, and Congressman Boyle released the following statement:

“Every level of government has a role to play in the reconstruction of I-95. We’re committed to ensuring the federal government does its part to support a swift reconstruction. This emergency funding is a strong start to restore essential traffic and begin the process of rebuilding I-95 and we’ll keep pushing the Department of Transportation to provide Philadelphia with the resources it needs.”

Senator Casey and Congressman Boyle toured the disaster site on Monday, June 12 and were briefed alongside the Federal Highway Administration officials on cleanup and reconstruction efforts. Casey, Fetterman, and Boyle have committed to bringing home as much federal resources as possible to repair I-95 quickly.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-introduce-bipartisan-fair-trade-legislation-to-level-the-playing-field-for-american-workers/,"Casey, Fetterman Introduce Bipartisan Fair Trade Legislation to “Level the Playing Field” for American Workers",2023-06-08,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman on Wednesday introduced the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act, bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Todd Young (R-IN), and others to strengthen U.S. trade remedy laws to combat unfair trade practices and protect American workers.

The legislation updates the previous Leveling the Playing Field Act, which was originally introduced by Senator Brown and signed into law in 2015, addressing evolving threats from unfair competition. The new bill would improve the effectiveness of the U.S. trade remedy system in responding to repeat offenders and serial cheaters, helping to level the playing field for American workers. Additionally, the bill responds to China’s Belt and Road Initiative that distributes Chinese government subsidies for products made in other countries.

Steel manufacturing is a key driver of Pennsylvania’s economy. Due to anti-free market practices by China and the global nature of steel overcapacity, around half of unfair trade cases are in the steel industry. This bill would update U.S. trade remedy laws to respond to predatory economic behavior by applying anti-dumping and countervailing duties after thorough investigations by both the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission.

“Pennsylvania workers can out-compete anyone in the world if the playing field is level, but if we don’t improve our trade enforcement tools, countries like China will continue to threaten our working families’ livelihoods, said Senator Casey.“The Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act would strengthen safeguards for American manufacturing and help American workers compete by cracking down on trade cheaters and investing in innovative solutions to address urgent challenges from nonmarket economies.

“We need trade policies that work for communities like mine in Braddock and similar places all across Pennsylvania, which have seen factories shuttered, jobs evaporate, and their main streets hollowed out, said Senator Fetterman. “If we’re going to make more stuff in America, we need to empower American workers and hold foreign countries accountable for the damage they’re causing to Pennsylvania’s industries and workers. We need to give Pennsylvania’s workers, the best in the world, a fair shot. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor this bill to give the Commerce Department the tools to do exactly that.

“Bipartisan trade legislation, like Senators Brown and Young’s Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0, show that helping American workers and their employers is a priority for Congress. Countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative by accounting for the country’s foreign subsidies and updating our trade rules to make it easier for U.S. workers and firms to fight illegally dumped and subsidized goods will ensure that we don’t lose critical supply chains to trade cheating. Ensuring our trade enforcement regime works faster ensures that workers and companies can focus on making things in America, said Tom Conway, President of the United Steelworkers (USW).

American companies are on the receiving end of China’s increasing predatory economic behavior. In recent years, China’s unfair trade practices have culminated into serious economic consequences that affect American workers. For example, Chinese-supported companies move portions of production to other countries to circumvent American duties, a practice known as “country hopping, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative unfairly subsidizes products made in other countries, rather than just in China. American companies also have to contend with long lead times before the Department of Commerce initiates a new anti-circumvention inquiry.

In addition to Casey, Fetterman, Brown, and Young, the legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joe Manchin (D-WV), J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Tina Smith (D-MN). A companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives was introduced by Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Bill Johnson (R-OH-6), Frank Mrvan (D-IN-1), and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24).

The Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act pushes back against China’s anti-free market practices by providing the Department of Commerce with more tools to stop these anti-competitive tactics by:

Creating a new type of AD/CVD investigation, called a successive investigation, which improves the effectiveness of the trade remedy law to combat repeat offenders by making it easier for petitioners to bring new cases when production moves to another country.

Providing expedited timelines for successive investigations and new factors for the International Trade Commission to consider about the relationship between recently completed trade cases and successive trade cases for the same imported product

Providing Commerce the authority to apply CVD law to subsidies provided by a government to a company operating in a different country.

Imposing statutory requirements for anti-circumvention inquiries to clarify the process and timeline.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-casey-vance-bipartisan-group-of-senate-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-stop-the-spread-of-spotted-lanternfly-2/,"Fetterman, Casey, Vance, Bipartisan Group Of Senate Colleagues Introduce Bill To Stop The Spread Of Spotted Lanternfly",2023-06-07,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today introduced the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act. The bipartisan legislation would designate the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to our nation’s agricultural economy, as a high-priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Spotted lanternflies were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. They have since spread throughout the Commonwealth and are currently found in 51 counties, all of which are under a state-imposed quarantine. Studies estimate that the species could cost the state $324 million annually if not contained because of the significant damage they cause many pieces of critical agriculture.

“Spotted lanternflies ravage crops that are critical to Pennsylvania’s economy including grapevines, apples, peaches, hops, and more,” said Sen. Fetterman. “Since 2014, they have cost the Commonwealth millions of dollars and thousands of jobs. I am proud to lead this bipartisan bill to combat this invasive species and protect our farmers.”

“From Pittsburgh to Scranton to Lancaster, the spotted lanternfly has wreaked havoc on Pennsylvania’s agricultural and forestry industries, threatening both the livelihoods of farmers and forest landowners who have lost crops and revenue to the invasive species and the communities across Pennsylvania that depend on them,” said Sen. Casey. “The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act will provide Pennsylvanians with resources to combat the spotted lanternfly’s spread, mitigate its impact, and protect our food sources and our families.”

Representatives Joe Morelle (D-NY), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Mike Kelly (R-PA) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-chairs-subcommittee-hearing-pushes-for-pennsylvania-agricultural-and-economic-priorities-in-farm-bill/,"Fetterman Chairs Subcommittee Hearing, Pushes for Pennsylvania Agricultural and Economic Priorities in Farm Bill",2023-06-07,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today chaired his second Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research hearing, where he focused on agricultural and economic issues critical to Pennsylvania, including expanding crop insurance to cover mushroom farmers, advocating research into psychedelic mushrooms for veterans and others with PTSD, combatting spotted lanternflies, and promoting organic farming.

“This is an opportunity to decrease risk for our farmers, stabilize our food and supply chains, increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables, and support an important sector of the agriculture industry,” said Sen. Fetterman.

Senator Fetterman’s line of questioning reflects his commitment to increasing access to nutrition, advocating for farmers, and investing in rural communities as Chair of the subcommittee.

Senator Fetterman first questioned Chris Alonzo, President and Owner of Pietro Industries, on unique risks associated with mushroom production. The mushroom industry employees nearly 9,500 Pennsylvanians and contributes an estimated $2.7 billion to the local economy, yet mushroom farmers aren’t covered by crop insurance. Senator Fetterman this week introduced the bipartisan Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act to require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers.

Senator Fetterman also questioned Diana Kobus, Executive Director of PA Certified Organic, on ways to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) standards for organics are uniformly and consistently applied. Pennsylvania is among the top organic producing states, ranking fourth in the nation for the number of organic farms, third in organic sales, and #1 in organic livestock and poultry sales. Earlier this year, the state invested $1.8 million to help conventional farms transition to organic farming.

Senator Fetterman addressed another Pennsylvania agricultural priority when he asked Dr. Margaret Leigh Worthington, Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas, about potential new technologies to combat spotted lanternflies and other invasive species. Spotted lanternflies are currently found in 51 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties and could cost the state approximately $324 million annually if not contained because of the significant damage they cause to critical agriculture. Senator Fetterman today introduced the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, with Senators Casey (D-PA), Vance (R-OH), and Gillibrand (D-NY) to designate the invasive species as a high-priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-announce-16063596-for-berks-county-rail-crossing-upgrades/,"Casey, Fetterman Announce $16,063,596 for Berks County Rail Crossing Upgrades",2023-06-05,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced a $16,063,596 grant from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to make 10 rail crossings between Pottstown and Boyertown safer for motorists, pedestrians, and trains. This funding from Federal Railroad Administration will eliminate one road-level rail crossing, improve safety protections at six other road-level crossings, and raise three bridges to improve visibility at three existing road-separated rail crossings in Berks County.

“Because of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Berks County can invest in making its rail crossings safer and more efficient,” Senator Casey said. “This is yet another example of the infrastructure law improving passenger and freight rail throughout Pennsylvania and across our Nation.”

“It’s an honor to join with Senator Casey to announce this funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make rail crossings in Berks County safer,” Senator Fetterman said. “Keeping pedestrians safe is a top priority for me, and this funding will help us get there at these sites across the region.”

The Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides funding for highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Berks will provide 20 percent match for the project.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-announce-375000-for-bucks-delco-rail-crossing-improvement-plan/,"Casey, Fetterman Announce $375,000 for Bucks, Delco Rail Crossing Improvement Plan",2023-06-05,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced a $375,000 grant from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to study how best to alleviate congestion and train delays and improve safety and travel time for passengers and freight at three rail crossings in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) designated the funding for the following crossings: the Meetinghouse Road rail crossing in Delaware County and the Township Line and Woodbourne Road crossings in Bucks County.

“Because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pennsylvania can invest in making rail crossings in Delco and Bucks County safer and more efficient,” Senator Casey said. “This is yet another example of the infrastructure law improving passenger and freight rail throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and across our Nation.”

“It’s an honor to join with Senator Casey to announce this funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make rail crossings in Bucks and Delaware Counties safer,” Senator Fetterman said. “Keeping pedestrians safe is a top priority for me, and this funding will help us get there at these sites across the region.”

The Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides funding for highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will contribute an additional $375,000 award to the study.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/sens-fetterman-and-casey-bipartisan-group-of-pa-house-members-introduce-legislation-to-protect-mushroom-farmers/,"Sens. Fetterman and Casey, Bipartisan Group of PA House Members Introduce Legislation to Protect Mushroom Farmers",2023-06-05,2023,2023-06,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA), along with a bipartisan group of colleagues in the House, introduced the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. The study would analyze the effects of threats to production, such as inclement weather and pests uniquely harmful to mushrooms, in addition to farmers’ ability to grow mushrooms and maintain profitability.

This study represents a first step toward providing federally backed crop insurance to these farmers. The companion bill was introduced by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA).

“The Farm Bill needs to work better for specialty crop producers. We have a successful crop insurance system for commodity crops, but it’s time we open crop insurance to more farmers,” said Sen. Fetterman. “It’s just common sense that mushroom farmers need to be covered under relevant crop insurance regulations. Mushrooms are one of Pennsylvania’s most storied and critical crops, and the hardworking farmers in this industry deserve that coverage.”

“Chester County farmers grow 60 percent of all mushrooms produced in the United States and mushroom farming employs more than 9,400 in Pennsylvania, yet these farmers can’t access the same insurance policies many other agricultural producers have,” said Sen. Casey. “The Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act will begin to level the playing field for Pennsylvania mushroom farmers by creating solutions to protect their livelihood from unavoidable damage.”

“When I talk with mushroom farmers in Chester County, they often mention the unique factors that affect their farms. Pests like the Mushroom Phorid fly, and the Mushroom Sciarid Fly, are only found in mushroom houses, and can carry fungal pathogens that can destroy entire crops,” said Rep. Houlahan. “The Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act is the first step in the process to ensure our farmers are protected when they encounter these unforeseen dangers, and offering this much needed assurance that their businesses are secure. Many of these farms have been passed down through generations of single families, and we must ensure they have the protection they need continue to contribute so much to our food systems and agricultural economy.”

“Pennsylvania is the number one producer of mushrooms in the country, and we must ensure our farmers have the necessary protections available for various threats to their crops and make certain they have the ability to be insured should they face unforeseen circumstances,” said Rep. Meuser. “This legislation is a responsible first step in examining whether extending crop insurance to mushroom farmers is most prudent for their long-term success, and I’m happy to support the study laid out in the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act.”

“Mushrooms are unique. The biome of cultivated mushrooms and the ecosystem of upwards of 30 other agricultural byproducts used to grow them is unlike any other specialty crop,” said Rachel Roberts, President of the American Mushroom Institute. “The number-one cash crop in Pennsylvania, mushroom farmers across the country endure specific challenges to grow the mushrooms we consume. Mushrooms have unique growing characteristics as well as pesticide, fungal and viral threats that only fungi are vulnerable to. To survive on razor-thin margins, mushroom growers are improving efficiencies and seeking a fair share of what support mushroom farms, like so many other crops and sectors, can receive with USDA’s help. Mushrooms are quickly becoming problem solvers in health, sustainability, and other areas. They are a uniquely nutritious protein with disease-preventative and cognitive-protective properties. Too perishable to be imported or exported overseas, U.S. mushrooms are produced in the U.S. Supporting the farmers who grow them for the consumers who thrive off them is of critical importance to the future.”

Pennsylvania produces more mushrooms than any state in the country, with over half of U.S. mushroom production taking place in Chester County, leading to the region being nicknamed the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” The mushroom industry is a strong economic driver for Pennsylvania and the country, with its total economic footprint exceeding $1.1 billion and supporting over 8,500 jobs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/casey-fetterman-urge-defense-officials-to-protect-pa-wilds/,"Casey, Fetterman Urge Defense Officials to Protect PA Wilds",2023-05-26,2023,2023-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to the Maryland Air National Guard and the Air National Guard Readiness Center to request a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the Air Force and National Guard Bureau’s proposal to lower the altitude floor at which pilots can fly in the Duke Military Operating Area (MOA) to as low as 100 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). The letter follows concerns from North Central Pennsylvania organizations and residents about the possible effects of this proposed change on quality of life and on the environment in the Commonwealth’s largest collection of public lands.

“Low, loud, and frequent flights could disrupt livelihoods in a region that has built its identity on outdoor recreation and bucolic tranquility,” the Senators wrote. “The proposed changes to the use of the airspace over the PA Wilds region may threaten the rich natural resources of the area, damage quality of life in the Wilds, and threaten the vitality of the growing outdoor and tourism economy.”

Without a full EIS, it is impossible to accurately determine the cumulative effects of lowering the altitude floor may pose to the lives and livelihoods of North Central Pennsylvania residents. Many state officials, local leaders, conservation groups, and community members share the Senators’ concerns about the Duke Low MOA, highlighting its potential negative impacts on local economies, public health and safety, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.

Full text of the letter is below and the signed PDF is HERE.

Kristi Kucharek, GS-13

Airspace NEPA Program Manager

Air National Guard Readiness Center

3501 Fletcher Avenue

Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762

Major Jeffrey Andrieu

Maryland Air National Guard

175th Wing

Martin State Air National Guard Base

2701 Eastern Boulevard

Middle River, MD 21220

Dear Ms. Kucharek and Major Andrieu:

We write to express our concerns regarding the Maryland Air National Guard’s (MD ANG)

proposed Duke Low Military Operations Airspace (MOA) over the Pennsylvania Wilds in North

Central Pennsylvania and to request a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the

proposed airspace.

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 13-county region containing the greatest concentration of public

lands in Pennsylvania, including 29 state parks, eight state forests, 50 state game lands, two

National Wild and Scenic Rivers, thousands of miles of trails, the largest elk herd in the

Northeast, and the Allegheny National Forest. Investing in these abundant natural assets through

trails, recreation-focused small businesses, and related improvements has drawn tourists from

across the country, resulting in $1.8 billion in annual economic activity from tourism and

outdoor recreation. It has also created plentiful recreation opportunities for residents, making

the Wilds an even more desirable place to live. The ability to enjoy the serene natural landscape

is a cornerstone of the region’s identity and way of life, and the promotion of this natural beauty

is a critical component of its economic future.

The current Duke MOA permits military aircraft to fly between 8,000 and 17,000 feet above sea

level. The MD ANG has proposed a new MOA which would permit aircraft to fly as low as 100

feet above ground level, directly above the Pennsylvania Wilds region. This modification would

allow low-level training flights for up to four hours each day, three days per week (170 days

annually). Low, loud, and frequent flights could disrupt livelihoods in a region that has built its

identity on outdoor recreation and bucolic tranquility. The proposed changes to the use of the

airspace over the PA Wilds region may threaten the rich natural resources of the area, damage

quality of life in the Wilds, and threaten the vitality of the growing outdoor and tourism

economy.

We are joined by many state officials, local leaders, conservation groups, and community

members in expressing concerns about the Duke Low MOA, highlighting its potential negative

impacts on local economies, public health and safety, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. These

citizens and leaders have their communities’ best interests at heart. A “Finding of No Significant

Impact” trivializes their concerns and does a disservice to the families who call the Wilds home

and work to ensure that this region is building toward a brighter future.

We also understand that the U.S. military needs realistic training environments for a variety of

mission sets, and Central Pennsylvania is proud to support these training needs. The Air National

Guard must remain ready to defend our Nation and its interests from a wide range of threats,

including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Nonetheless, we question the long-term necessity of the Duke Low MOA given the airframes the

MD ANG intends to fly there. The primary justification for the proposed lowering of the MOA’s

floor is to “accommodate the training requirements for A-10 aircrews,” following shifts in the

availabilities of other regional training areas.1 But as you know, Air Force leaders have signaled

the need to retire the A-10 airframe for years, due in part to concerns that the plane is vulnerable

to modern air defense systems. The current Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General C.Q. Brown,

has publicly stated the Air Force’s intent to retire all A-10s from service by 2029. Congress

supported an initial round of A-10 retirements in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense

Authorization Act.

While we do not mean to adjudicate the ongoing debate over the A-10’s continued viability, we

do observe that the airframe’s future is uncertain which further weakens the case for the Duke

Low MOA. A major airspace decision with long-term consequences—allowing all aircraft to

permanently fly as low as 100 feet above ground level—may have negative consequences that

outweigh its benefits.

In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act, federal agencies must complete an

Environmental Impact Statement when a proposed federal action may “significantly affect the

quality of the human environment.” Given the abundant natural resources of the Pennsylvania

Wilds, the extensive public concern and opposition, and the strategic need to prepare for today’s

near-peer threats, it is essential that the Air National Guard comprehensively analyze the

cumulative effects of the proposed Duke Low MOA and evaluate reasonable alternatives to

achieve the department’s goals. Accordingly, we urge the Air National Guard to complete a full

EIS to ensure the proposal’s benefits and drawbacks are thoroughly and transparently assessed.

We appreciate your consideration of this request.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-pushes-for-safer-pedestrian-friendly-streets-in-new-letters-to-federal-agencies/,"Fetterman Pushes for Safer, Pedestrian-Friendly Streets in New Letters to Federal Agencies",2023-05-22,2023,2023-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Thursday sent a new letter to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) pushing for an updated street safety framework to deal with the “unconscionable safety crisis” on Pennsylvania streets. This follows a letter Fetterman sent earlier in the week with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), pressuring the Attorney General and Secretary of Transportation to set standards for accessibilities in sidewalks and crosswalks under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Overall, the letters address a priority of Senator Fetterman: to make cities and towns across Pennsylvania and America safer for pedestrians. Fetterman touches on the personal stories of pedestrians who have been killed by cars on unsafe streets, including Latanya Byrd, a Philadelphian whose niece and three sons were killed as they crossed Roosevelt Boulevard.

In his letter to FHWA, Fetterman writes, “More than 42,000 Americans died in roadway deaths in 2021 – more than the entire population of State College, Pennsylvania, and a forty-year high. This number has grown every year, increasing 10% from 2020 even as driving decreased during the pandemic. No comparable nation sees this kind of death toll.”

In Pennsylvania alone, 1,426 pedestrian deaths occurred between 2012 and 2020.

The letter pushes FHWA to implement new traffic safety regulations under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), guidelines set by the Department of Transportation, to increase walkability and keep pedestrians safer.

In his letters to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Fetterman called on their respective agencies to finalize the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), which have sat in draft form for more than 20 years. PROWAG would help to ensure that American streets are ADA accessible. In the letters, Fetterman cites images of unnavigable streets that constituents in Erie have shared.

In the letters to the agencies, Senator Fetterman writes: “Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) means that streets across the country will finally receive the attention that they have sorely needed, but we should not invest taxpayer dollars into roads and other infrastructure that fail to meet the needs of all Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-slams-bank-execs-for-greed-at-hearing-on-recent-bank-collapses/,Fetterman Slams Bank Execs for Greed at Hearing on Recent Bank Collapses,2023-05-16,2023,2023-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today slammed bank executives from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank at a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing on the recent failures of their banks. Witnesses represented two of three banks that have been seized by regulators in the past two months.

Senator Fetterman first criticized former Silicon Valley Bank CEO Greg Becker for vacationing in Hawaii just days after the bank’s failure.

“The second biggest bank collapse in U.S. history and you chose to go to Hawaii. I’ve never been to Hawaii, nor has my family. I guess I haven’t crashed a bank,” said Senator Fetterman.

Senator Fetterman also used his time to slam Republican’s debt limit proposal to increase work requirements for SNAP and their hypocritical budget priorities, pointing out how these bank executives received million-dollar bonuses and share profits despite driving their banks into the ground and forcing taxpayers to pick up the pieces.

“Shouldn’t you have a working requirement after we bail out your bank? Republicans seem to be more preoccupied with SNAP requirements for hungry people than protecting taxpayers that have to bail out these banks,” said Senator Fetterman.

Since the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in March, Senator Fetterman has been fighting for commonsense bank regulations and increased executive accountability. Just three weeks ago, Senator Fetterman participated in another hearing on these bank failures, where he called out the role of corporate greed in the collapses. He has also taken legislative action, co-sponsoring the Secure Viable Banking Act, which would restore critical protections to keep Big Banks in check & prevent future crises, and the Failed Bank Executives Clawback Act, which empowers the federal government to engage in more aggressive enforcement of clawbacksof compensation from bank executives of failed banks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-i-cannot-in-good-conscience-support-a-debt-ceiling-proposal-that-pushes-people-into-poverty/,Fetterman Statement: “I cannot in good conscience support a debt ceiling proposal that pushes people into poverty”,2023-05-16,2023,2023-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Tuesday released the following statement:

“Speaker McCarthy’s debt default plan would cut food assistance for nearly 40,000 people in Pennsylvania. This is just cruel.

“No one I’ve ever met wants to stay on SNAP for life. They need it to make ends meet. I sure didn’t come to Washington to take vital assistance away from working people at the same time big bank CEOs nearly crash the economy and get to jet off to Hawaii scot-free. I cannot in good conscience support a debt ceiling proposal that pushes people into poverty.

“We’re already addressing SNAP in a bipartisan way in the Farm Bill. But with default looming, jamming through harmful cuts to that program is reckless. It’s time to stop playing games and guarantee the full faith and credit of the United States.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-response-to-house-gop-debt-default-proposal-including-additional-snap-work-requirements/,Fetterman Response to House GOP Debt Default Proposal Including Additional SNAP Work Requirements,2023-05-15,2023,2023-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday released the below statement following news that increased work requirements for the SNAP program were on the table in debt default talks:

“It’s punitive adding more work requirements for SNAP. SNAP already has work requirements. I didn’t come here to take food away from hungry kids, and that’s exactly what this proposal would do; a proposal that would make Scrooge blush.

“I’ve never met a SNAP recipient who aspires to stay on SNAP for life. Let’s end the games, pay our bills, and get on with the important work people sent us here to do.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-grills-witness-on-weed-legalization-at-banking-hearing/,Fetterman Grills Witness on Weed Legalization at Banking Hearing,2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today participated in a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing on the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, where he used his time to grill witness Kevin Sabet, President and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, on his opposition to marijuana legalization.

Senator Fetterman pressed Mr. Sabet on the data of marijuana-related deaths compared to deaths resulting from alcohol, tobacco, over-the-counter painkillers, and opioids. Mr. Sabet admitted there were no known cases of deaths caused by THC overdoses. He also asked Mr. Sabet if Canada has “slid into anarchy” as a result of recently legalizing cannabis. Mr. Sabet confirmed it had not.

“We need to make it legal. I just believe it’s a freedom issue. I’ve given hundreds of pardons to people who have had their lives ruined by a B.S. charge,” said Senator Fetterman.

The SAFE Banking Act is a bipartisan bill that would ensure that legal cannabis businesses have access to critical banking and financial services by protecting banks that work with state-legal cannabis businesses from being penalized by federal regulators. Ensuring state-legal cannabis businesses have access to banking and financial services also addresses critical worker safety concerns in the industry by preventing the need for under-regulated cash-only operations.

Legal weed is an issue that Senator Fetterman has been championing long before his time in Washington. As Lieutenant Governor, Fetterman held a statewide listening tour on recreational cannabis legalization. Along with Governor Wolf, he launched a month-long pardon program for Pennsylvanians convicted of marijuana possession to apply for a pardon. During his Senate campaign, Fetterman advocated to end the failed war on drugs, legalize marijuana, expunge the records of those convicted of nonviolent marijuana offenses, and prevent the monopolization of this vibrant new industry. Last year, he pressed President Joe Biden to decriminalize marijuana during the president’s visit to Pittsburgh in September 2022, and just one month later the president decided to pardon those convicted of simple marijuana possession.

Senator Fetterman believes the SAFE Banking Act is a necessary step — but it can’t be the last. Full legalization is critical for jobs, revenue, justice, and our veterans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-introduces-universal-school-meals-program-act-of-2023/,Fetterman Introduces Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023,2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Wednesday joined his colleagues to introduce the Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023. The bill, originally authored by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), would provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to every student – to ensure that no child in this country goes hungry.

“It is downright cruel that we are letting our children in America go hungry,” said Sen. Fetterman. “No child in America should be worried about if they are going to be able to get breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I am proud and honored to co-sponsor this bill that will finally make sure that our children are fed.”

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023 would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every school-age child; put an end to school lunch shaming; increase the reimbursement rate for school meals; reimburse schools for previously-accrued school lunch debt; provide incentives for local food procurement; and provide free summer meals to low-income children, among other provisions.

Sen. Fetterman has long been a strong proponent of providing free school lunch to students across the country. As Chair of the Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Sen. Fetterman supports increasing benefits for school lunch and making sure that no child in this country goes hungry.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/senate-committee-advances-bipartisan-casey-fetterman-legislation-to-prevent-future-train-derailment-disasters/,"Senate Committee Advances Bipartisan Casey, Fetterman Legislation to Prevent Future Train Derailment Disasters",2023-05-10,2023,2023-05,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation voted out the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023, sponsored by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA). The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. This landmark legislation would prevent future train derailments by taking key steps to improve rail safety procedures and protocols and increasing fines for wrongdoing committed by rail carriers.

The legislation includes key provisions based on Casey and Fetterman’s Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act, which would set aside funds—paid for by rail companies that ship and carry hazardous materials—to provide emergency responders and firefighters, with the financial resources needed to replace equipment, pay workers overtime, and address other urgent costs. Also included are provisions based on the Senators’ Railway Accountability Act, which would direct the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee to assess potential regulations improving end-of-train and head-of-train device communications and brake signal testing.

“Pennsylvania families, businesses, and first responders are still reeling from the disaster caused by Norfolk Southern’s trail derailment. No community in America should have to endure this ever again,” Senator Casey said. “By passing this legislation out of committee, the Senate took a crucial step to protect people over profits, make freight rail safer, and hold rail companies accountable for putting communities and workers in harm’s way.”

“I’m proud that this vital bill to improve railway safety is making its way through the legislative process. Above all, we need to make sure a disaster like this never happens again,” Senator Fetterman said. “That’s why I was proud to help lead on this bipartisan bill to strengthen rail safety regulations, which would make sure rail companies have the interests of workers and local residents in mind — not just their bottom lines. After this markup, it’s time to swiftly bring this bill to the floor and get it passed.”

Casey and Fetterman have repeatedly advocated for resources for Pennsylvania and Ohio residents affected by the derailment and are working to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the cleanup and to help the community recover. They pressed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its plan to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for releasing hazardous materials into the air and water and highlighted the need to ensure the proper resources are reaching Darlington Township, PA and East Palestine, OH to continue to aid residents in need. The Senators wrote to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to express rail safety concerns they have heard from constituents, rail experts, and railroad workers as the NTSB conducts its investigation into the derailment. Additionally, they implored the EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (UDSA) to address the concerns of farmers and agricultural producers in the region.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z