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://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-releases-2019-year-review,Rep. Jason Crow Releases 2019 Year in Review,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Jason Crow Releases 2019 Year in Review By the Numbers 59,214 responses to constituent emails, letters, and calls 250+ community events attended $25 million secured in federal grants 17 bills, amendments, and resolutions introduced including 7 bills passing the House and 3 bills enacted into law 15 town halls and Crow on Your Corners 536 constituents helped $1.03 million returned to constituents through casework Key Legislative Wins Promoting Energy Efficiency: This month, Crow'sSAVE Energy Act was signed into law. The law follows Colorado's lead in making energy efficiency a priority by providing homeowners with a tax credit upwards of $500 for investing in energy-efficient improvements such as better windows, doors, roofing, insulation, and HVAC systems. Cracking Down on Dark Money: Crow's first bill in Congress, the End Dark Money Act, which passed the House in early March, would close the loophole that allows mega-donors to hide their identities. Protecting Our Planet: Crow's bipartisan bill, theMilitary Installation Resilience Assuredness (MIRA) Act, ensures we understand the threat climate change poses to our national security and was successfully enacted into law. This fall, Crow launched the Sustainable Power Initiative, a series of roundtable discussions to bring together military leaders, policy experts, and industry innovators to discuss how to improve energy efficiency and resiliency at the Department of Defense. Standing up to the Gun Lobby: From Columbine to Aurora, Colorado 6th's district has been ripped apart by gun violence. As co-chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Crow worked hard to pass H.R. 8, the bipartisan background checks bill, and introduced the Colorado Loophole Act to make sure someone can't buy a gun if they aren't allowed to in their home state.The bill was a direct response following the Columbine anniversary scare on the front range. Addressing Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs: Crow helped introduce the Freedom from Price Gouging Act which would stop Big Pharma from overcharging for prescription drugs by requiring them to pay a heavy fine if they raise the cost over normal levels of inflation. The bill passed the House in late December as part of a series of robust reforms. Finding Common Sense Solutions: With partisan politics at an all-time high, Crow has worked to find common ground and introduced numerous bipartisan bills including the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Fund Act, the Syrian Partner Protection Act, and seven small business bills in tandem with a Republican co-lead. New Programs in CO-06 Job Fair: In August, Crow hosted one of the largest job fairs in the 6th District with over 1,000 job seekers and 60+ employers. Weekly Oversight ICE Visits: After disturbing reports and multiple disease outbreaks, Crow launched a first-in-the-nation program to provide oversight to private immigration detention centers with weekly visits to the Aurora ICE detention facility. You can find copies of past reports on his website:https://crow.house.gov/about/ice-accountability-report Mobile Office Hours: To build a team that is accessible to Coloradans, Crow launched Mobile Office Hours and has team has hosted over 35 mobile office hour events. Lead Locally: Lead Locally is a new initiative that brought Crow to every town and city in the district, from Foxfield (pop. 700) to Aurora (pop. 366,000), to listen and learn from community leaders. From Lead Locally, Crow's office identified an opportunity for federal funding and in November helped secure $25 million for infrastructure projects in the district. Public Schedule: Crow is one of the first members of Congress to post his congressional meeting schedule on his website:https://crow.house.gov/about/public-schedule",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-breaks-records-in-his-first-year-in-office,Congressman Neguse Breaks Records In His First Year in Office,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Introduces Most Bills of Any Freshman Lawmaker, Launches Service Town Hall Initiative, Hosts Senior Congressional Officials in the 2nd District Washington, D.C. In his first 12 months in Congress, Congressman Joe Neguse has taken Washington by storm, introducing a record 30 pieces of legislationmore than any other freshman lawmakerholding 24 town halls, launching a first-of-its-kind service town hall initiative, and passing major Colorado wilderness legislation out of the U.S. House of Representatives. Before even being sworn in, Neguse was selected by his freshman colleagues to serve as a Co-Representative for the class at the Leadership table, where he joins other members of leadership in making decisions for the Democratic caucus. He also serves a Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law. In his first year, Congressman Neguse has introduced 30 pieces of legislation, four of which have been signed into law by the President,including legislation to fund rural schools in Colorado's mountain communities, legislation to protect wildlife in the Platte River Basin, a provision to ensure water access for the town of Minturn at the Bolts Ditch Headgate in Eagle County and a provision that incorporates approximately 124 acres adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park into Arapaho National Forest. Additionally, Neguse has introduced bipartisan legislation to invest in regenerative agriculture research, cut red tape to expand affordable housing opportunities, ensure helicopter safety, make the transfer process easier for college students and build the first-ever outdoor monument to honor the women's suffrage movement in Washington D.C. He's worked alongside county commissioners, city leaders, local housing authorities, higher education institutions and constituents across the district for each bill he's introduced to help meet tangible needs for communities in the district. See a full list of bills introduced here, including measures to invest in small-scale solar installations, create a pathway to modernize federal lab facilities, including those in the 2nd district, end climate censorship, transition the U.S. Capitol Complex to 100% renewable electricity, end surprise billing for air medical vehicles, ban fracking under National Priority Superfund sites and allow pre-registration for 16 and 17-year-olds. In October, Neguse passed the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act out of the House of Representatives, the first major statewide wilderness legislation to pass the House in over a decade. The legislation was crafted by Coloradans over the last decade and would preserve 400,000 acres of public lands across the state and designate the first-ever National Historic Landscape at Camp Hale. In the district, he has built out a robust community engagement operation, launching a service town hall initiative and partnering with local organizations, such as the Larimer Humane Society, Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, Bridgehouse and Broomfield FISH for service projects. His staff in the district hosted two community health fairs in Boulder and Fort Collins, a veterans resources fair, Congressional App Challenge, Congressional Art Competition and he has launched two original service awards to recognize community members. Neguse was successful in helping to secure over $12,450,000 in federal grant money for the district, including a large grant for Grand County's Lift system. Additionally, his staff returned $419,639 to constituents through casework. In August, Neguse hosted the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for the Committee's first and only field hearing in Boulder, Colorado where they heard from state and local leaders on Colorado's leadership in renewable energy and toured federal labs across Colorado. Neguse also hosted Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in Broomfield for a discussion on affordable health care innovation and in November joined the Speaker for a high-level congressional delegation to Madrid Spain for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP25 Conference. Neguse also played an integral role in passing the American Dream and Promise Act on the House floor in May, where he gave the final rebuttal arguments in support of the legislation ahead of final passage.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-neguse-applauds-governor-polis-pardon-for-ingrid-encalada-latorre,Congressman Joe Neguse Applauds Governor Polis Pardon for Ingrid Encalada LaTorre,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2019 Congressman Joe Neguse Applauds Governor Polis Pardon for Ingrid Encalada LaTorre Washington, D.C.Today, Congressman Joe Neguse issued a statement applauding Governor Polis's pardon of Ingrid Encalada LaTorre, who has been in sanctuary for two years at Unitarian Universalist Church in Boulder. In June, Congressman Neguse introduceda private billfor the relief of Ingrid in the U.S. House of Representatives, which called for her deportation proceeding to stop as she prepared her pardon application and sought for a path to permanent lawful residency. I applaud Governor Polis's decision to issue a pardon for Ingrid Encalada LaTorre. Throughout their time in sanctuary, Ingrid and her children have become an integral part of our community in Boulder County, and Ingrid has worked diligently to educate those around her about social security theft and ensure her case is not repeated. This pardon will offer both her and her family a second chance. I am tremendously grateful for the Governor's efforts, and we look forward to working with the Governor's Office as we continue our advocacy for Ingrid at the Federal level. To highlight her case and the need for action at the state and Federal level, in September of this year Congressman Negusevisited Ingrid in sanctuary shortly after the birth of her third child, alongside Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E302C7B9-D1CF-46E1-AD96-6455CCB2C9AC,Bennet Announces Support for U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement announcing his support for the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): I've long said that we should modernize NAFTA. The final USMCA brings our trade policies into the 21st century, and I am optimistic that it will strengthen labor and environmental standards in North America. Any trade agreement must expand opportunity for American workers and their families, and I commend the Democratic negotiators for securing enforcement tools that the Trump Administration initially left out to make this a much better deal for workers. The USMCA also provides some certainty for Colorado's farmers and ranchers who have spent the last three years wondering whether President Trump would drive away another customer, or sacrifice another market to a foreign competitor with his feckless trade war which has inflicted real and lasting damage on their bottom line. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and as a coauthor of two bipartisan farm bills, I understand the importance of stability and certainty for American producers. I also recognize that much more needs to be done to expand access to growing foreign markets instead of simply maintaining the ones we already have. While modernizing this agreement is a step in the right direction, moremust be done to create trade policies that expand opportunities for American workers, businesses, farmers, and ranchers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/2019/12/20/congressman-neguse-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-access-to-specialized-hearing-devices,Congressman Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Specialized Hearing Devices,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Specialized Hearing Devices Washington, D.C.Today Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves as a member of House Leadership, introduced legislation, co-lead by Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), to ensure that private insurance companies provide coverage for osseointegrated hearing devices (OIDs), including bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and cochlear implants. The bill comes from a family in Broomfield whose daughter requires these devices. Ally, a ten-year-old from Broomfield, Colorado and a constituent of Congressman Neguse's, was born without a right ear or hearing canal and therefore requires the use of a BAHA. After Ally's insurance company denied coverage of her hearing device, her mother Melissa formed the organization Ear Community to help advocate for insurance coverage of these hearing devices to ensure no person is left unable to hear because of private insurance companies' refusal to provide coverage. The bill is titled Ally's Act in her honor. For Ally and others with varying modes of hearing loss, OIDs are miraculous devices that create opportunities for them to actively participate in our communities, said Congressman Neguse. I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Melissa and Ally to create better access to these devices for individuals throughout our nation. We must ensure that insurance coverage for hearing devices is consistent and fair, to ensure every child can thrive and obtain the healthcare they deserve Hearing device insurance coverage needs to be consistent, offering coverage for all ages on a national level. With a bill in place, we are one step closer to achieving the goal of creating improved, equitable hearing healthcare, said Melissa Tumblin, Executive Director and Founder of Ear Community. Hearing is fundamental to early education and speech development and needs to be provided for all those needing hearing assistance. As the only Member of Congress with a cochlear implant, I know from firsthand experience the difference in the quality of life these devices can provide, Congressman McKinley said. Ally's Act will help thousands of Americans with severe hearing loss gain access to life-changing treatment. Many throughout the United States are born with hearing loss due to congenital anomalies, including aural atresia (underdeveloped or absent ear canals) and/or microtia (physically missing ears). OIDs help different forms of hearing loss than traditional hearing aids and are often the only hearing device that can restore hearing for these individuals. As someone who was born with severe conductive hearing loss, I know the passage of this bill will improve the quality of life in immeasurable ways for children and adults by creating affordable solutions that have not been available in the past, said Rachel Songy, member of Ear Community's Board of Directors. This bill will be a huge step in helping more people to hear, especially those who have not had that chance before. Access to hearing implants that can help adults stay heathy, connected and employed and children to have maximum access to language and learning is sometimes impeded by a lack of insurance coverage, said Donna L. Sorkin MA, Executive Director of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. This bill will help open up important access to hearing health technology and related servicesinterventions which are cost effective and provide extraordinary quality of life benefits. As the Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, I speak for our membership in supporting passage of this important legislation that would improve access to auditory implants in private insurance plans purchased by families on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, said Meredith Holcomb, AuD, CCC-A Chair, American Cochlear Implant Alliance and Assistant Professor and Director, Cochlear Implant Program, Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Ear Institute. We are grateful to Congressman Joe Neguse for his interest in improving hearing healthcare for people of all ages. The bill is supported by the Ear Community, the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, the American Academy of Audiology, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-bill-to-protect-platte-river-basin-wildlife-signed-into-law,Congressman Neguse Bill to Protect Platte River Basin Wildlife Signed Into Law,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Bill to Protect Platte River Basin Wildlife Signed Into Law Washington, D.C. Today, the bipartisan and bicameral legislation led by Congressman Joe Neguse to protect Colorado wildlife in the Platte River basin was signed into law by the President. ThePlatte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Act, which Neguse introduced in June, was included in the end-of-year minibus package that will fund the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Energy, Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch. The legislation is co-led by Congressman Doug Lamborn and was supported by the full delegations of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Over the last 13 years, thePlatte River Recovery Implementation Programhas allowed dozens of water projects in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska to comply with the Endangered Species Act and continue operating, which has revitalized bird species, including the whooping crane, piping plover and least tern as well as the pallid sturgeon fish. This legislation from Neguse will allow the program to continue for the next 13 years with financial support from the Bureau of Reclamation. This marks the third piece of legislation from Congressman Neguse to be signed into law by this President. Earlier this year, theBolts Ditch Access and Use ActandArapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act, two bills led by Neguse that benefitthe2nd Congressional District were signed into law. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program has been serving endangered species of the Platte River Basin for thirteen years. Extending this program to allow for water management and habitat conservation goals to be completed is essential, saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I'm proud to shepherd the passage of this legislation through the House of Representatives and ecstatic to see it signedinto law. Over the past decade, the Platte Program has become a model for collaborative endangered species recovery programs, saidJason Farnsworth, Executive Director of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. Much of our success stems from the commitment and ongoing support of Program stakeholders who have demonstrated that environmental groups, water users and regulators can work together to benefit the endangered species of the Platte basin and the people who live here. We are appreciative of the time and effort that has already been expended to navigate the legislative process and look forward to continuing the Program's important work during the Extension. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is an important partnership with resounding benefits to Colorado's economy,said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.The Program allows for water development in Colorado's booming Front Range and supports our farming communities in Northeastern Colorado all while benefiting the recovery of four threatened and endangered species. This collaborative and proactive conservation program stands as a national model and has led to 13 years of success. I lend my full support for the reauthorization of this Program Legislation from Congressman Neguse to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program was also included in the minibus. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-bill-to-secure-funding-for-rural-schools-in-colorado-mountain-communities-signed-into-law,Congressman Neguse Bill to Secure Funding for Rural Schools in Colorado Mountain Communities Signed Into Law,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Bill to Secure Funding for Rural Schools in Colorado Mountain Communities Signed Into Law Washington, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Joe Neguse to secure funding for rural schools in Colorado mountain counties was signed into law by the President. TheSecure Rural Schools Extension Act, which Neguse introduced in May, was included in the end-of-year minibus package that will fund the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Energy, Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch. The bill, co-led with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers will extend the Secure Rural Schools programthrough Fiscal Year 2020.The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that are tax-exempt. The program provides payments derived in part through timber receipts and other leasing activities within National Forests back to county governments where those forests are located. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is a primary source of funding for schools, mountain search and rescue, road maintenance and other services that Coloradans rely on. We are obligated to maintain this program which provides for these integral services, saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I'm proud to see this legislation signed into law. The Secure Rural School (SRS) funding is a vital part of West Grand School District's annual budgetary planning. The funding supports our efforts to provide updated technology access for all students and teachers, ensure safe and healthy learning environments, provide essential professional development for our entire team, and enable further maintenance and repair to school facilities and transportation, saidDarrin Peppard, Superintendent for West Grand 1JT School District.As a district, we are committed to excellence in learning, leadership, and engagement for all. SRS funding gives us an important support in achieving our goals. As a rural district, Summit Schools depends on SRS funds to provide for the needs of our students, saidKerry Buhler, Superintendent of Summit School District.We greatly appreciate the bipartisan efforts for these funds to continue so that we may give our students what they deserve in terms of programming and support. In 2018, counties in Colorado's 2nd Congressional District received over $2 million in payments from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS),with Grand County receiving $1,393,142, Summit County receiving $816,432, Eagle receiving $763,609.80, Clear Creek receiving $424,351, Larimer receiving $307,915, Park receiving $42,664, Boulder receiving $39,346, Jefferson receiving $37,199 and Gilpin receiving $29,972. Legislation from Congressman Neguseto extend thePlatte River Recovery Implementation Programwas also signed into law. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-introduces-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-invest-in-startups-and-small-businesses,Congressman Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bicameral Legislation to Invest in Startups and Small Businesses,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bicameral Legislation to Invest in Startups and Small Businesses Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves on House Leadership, introduced bipartisan bicameral legislation to double the refundable research and development (R&D) tax credit for startups and extend it to more small businesses. The R&D tax credit supports the efforts of businesses to invest in the development of new, innovative products that lead to job creation and a stronger economy. From tech companies in Boulder and Fort Collins to the famous ski resorts in Vail and Breckenridge, to small businesses across Colorado's 2nd District, many of which I have had the pleasure of visiting, our district is known around the nation for our innovation and entrepreneurship, said Congressman Joe Neguse. When we invest in creativity and innovation, we are investing in economic opportunity and growth for future generations. Expanding the R&D tax credit not only helps these innovative businesses succeed, but it also has the ripple effect of growing our economy as a whole. Small business continues to be the economic and job growth engine of the economy, said Seth Levine, Partner at Boulder-based investment firm Foundry Group. This bipartisan legislation championed by Rep Neguse will help spur investment by businesses in the R&D activities that will drive their future growth and success. The bipartisan Research and Development Tax Credit Expansion Act would expand the R&D tax credit for new and small businesses by doubling the refundability of the credit from $250,000 to $500,000, extending the credit to all small businesses with less than $10 million in annual revenue, and expanding how the refundable credit is claimed against payroll taxes. The legislation also strengthens incentives for startups to increase R&D investment and removes barriers that limit startups' ability to claim the credit. Legislation in the Senate is led by Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina. Congressman Neguse earlier this year launched the Congressional Caucus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, alongside Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX) to promote federal policies that create jobs and to encourage the growth of early-state innovative companies. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-secures-important-funding-for-communities-in-colorados-2nd-district-in-fy2020-budget,Congressman Neguse Secures Important Funding for Communities in Colorados 2nd District in FY2020 Budget,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Secures Important Funding for Communities in Colorado's 2nd District in FY2020 Budget Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves in House Leadership, secured key funding prioritiesforColorado's public lands, federal labs, education, zero-emission transportation options, rural broadband, affordable housing and more in the twoend-of-yearspendingbills signed into law by the President. Forthe last several months we have been advocatingforcommunities across the 2nd Congressional District, saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I am proud that we were able to secure key funding in the FY2020 budgetforColorado's many federal labs, increased fundingforthe Individuals with Disabilities Act and Secure Rural Schools programs, funding to conserve our public lands, invest in science and protect the environment. Two original bills from Congressman Neguse were included in theend-of-yearspendingpackage and signed into law by the President today, thePlatte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Actwill allow water projects across the Platte River Basin to comply with theEndangered Species Act, and theSecure Rural Schools Extension Actwill provide needed fundingforColorado's mountain communities. Additionally, Congressman Neguse helped secure the following provisions in the FY2020 budget: Investments in education: $12.76 billion, an increaseof$400 millionforIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act $7 millionforopen textbooks pilot program Investments in federal science $590 million, an increaseof$24 million over FY19, or 4% increaseforNOAA'sOfficeofOceanic Atmospheric Research $118 million, increaseof$12 million over FY19, or 11% increaseforNIST Construction and Research Facilities $754 million, increaseof$29 million over FY19, or 4% increaseforNIST Scientific and Technical Research and Services $48 million, a $4 million increase over FY19, or 9% increaseforthe NASA Space Grant program $8.28 billion, an increaseof$203.3 million above FY19 and $1.2 billion above the President's requestforthe National Science Foundation Investments in environmental protection: $495 millionforLWCF, including $237 millionforthe federal program and $258 millionforstate programs. $38.586 billion, an increaseof$2.9 billion above FY19 and $7 billion above the President's requestforthe DepartmentofInterior $3.38 billionforthe National Park Service, $155 million above FY19 and $636 million above the President's budget request Investments in infrastructure and rural broadband: $640 millionforrural broadband $6.9 billion in loan authorityforrural electric and telephone infrastructure loans $1 billionforTIGER/BUILD infrastructure grants, $100 million above 2019 level and ensures parity between urban and rural awards $510 millionforTransit infrastructure grants, including $75 millionforlow and no-emission buses $1 million to conduct a study on effective measurementofthe resilienceoftransportation systems to natural disasters, hazards, and other disruptions Extensionofthe National Flood Insurance Program Investments in affordable housing: $3.4 billionforCommunity Development Block Grants. The President's budget request proposed eliminating this program. Strong fundingforTenant-based Rental Assistance, including $40 millionforsupportive housingforveterans. Investments in gun violence prevention: Fundingforgun violence research at HHS and CDCforthe first time in more than two decades ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4797,"Perlmutter Recaps Work on Behalf of Constituents, District in 2019 Year-End Report",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Perlmutter Recaps Work on Behalf of Constituents, District in 2019 Year-End Report f t # e Lakewood, Colo., December 20, 2019 Lakewood, Colo. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released his annual end of year report for 2019, which details the office's work on behalf of the people of the 7th Congressional District and Colorado. My staff and I work hard to make sure we do the best job we can for the people of the 7th Congressional District. It was a privilege to serve the people in my district and in Colorado, and I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents and community in 2020, said Perlmutter. In 2019, Perlmutter and his staff completed 879 constituent cases, securing more than $226,366 in owed benefits and savings for constituents. The office hosted 32 events with 18,500 attendees - including hosting its 100th Government in the Grocery event - and responded to more than 66,000 calls, emails and letters. Perlmutter introduced six pieces of legislation with the SAFE Banking Act passing the House and an amendment for Rocky Flats workers signed into law. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3A17938B-A6E6-46CF-8651-252975AC5095,"One Year After 2018 Farm Bill Signed into Law, Bennet Highlights Accomplishments, Progress for Colorado",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver One year after the president signed into law the bipartisan Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill), Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, today celebrated the progress made to implement key Colorado priorities in the Farm Bill, and highlighted work that still needs to be done. After years of work in Colorado and with my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee, passing the 2018 Farm Bill was a major victory for Colorado's farmers and ranchers, said Bennet. One year later, I'm excited about the ongoing efforts to implement the bill, and its potential to expand economic opportunity in our rural communities from improving forest health to investing in local food systems. I look forward to continuing this work with Coloradans and the USDA as they fully implement the Farm Bill. In 2019, Bennet has led the fight to ensure key Colorado priorities in the 2018 Farm Bill are fully and effectively implemented, including: Conserving Land and Water Bennet led a bipartisan coalition of Western senators in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement water conservation tools that he secured in the 2018 Farm Bill, and establish a Western Drought Initiative. Bennet applauded a $1.6 USDA grant awarded to the Colorado Conservation Tillage Association (CCTA) to implement a farmer-led initiative focused on soil health and regenerative management systems. The CCTA was selected to receive funding through a new component of the Conservation Innovation Grants thatBennet helped establish and securefunding for in the Farm Bill. Bennet previouslysent a letterto Matthew Lohr, Chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in support of the CCTA's proposal. Bennet announced an $817,000 USDA grant to Boulder-based Mad Agriculture to assist farmers who are transitioning to regenerative and organic farming. Forest and Watershed Health Bennet called on the Forest Service to implement the fire funding fix and the new tools he secured in the Farm Bill to invest in Colorado forestry, recreation, and infrastructure projects. Bennet pushed for full funding of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program in a government spending bill introduced in the Senate in October. Bennet continues to work with stakeholders in Colorado to ensure effective implementation of his Forest Service Flexible Partnerships Act, which was included in the Farm Bill, to boost collaboration to meet affordable housing needs. Rural Economic Opportunity In January, Bennet called on the Bureau of Reclamation to update hemp policies following its legalization, which he secured in the Farm Bill. In response to Bennet's letter, the bureau confirmed that because hemp was removed from the controlled substances act, they are able to provide water for hemp cultivation. After urging federal financial regulators to provide guidance and certainty for hemp farmers and processors, Bennet welcomed new banking guidelines for financial institutions that would help hemp producers and processors gain access to the banking system. After increasing funding for broadband deployment in the Farm Bill, Bennet introduced theBroadband Transparency and Accountability Act,legislation to reformhow broadband companies report, and the federal government verifies and shares, data on affordable internet access across the country. He also urged the FCC to prioritize sustainable rural broadband networks. Bennet announced $600,000 in local food promotion grants, which are a part of a $50 million USDA annual investment established in the Farm Bill, to Colorado organizations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3E6DF20D-4311-409A-8591-FFB6ADC38C58,"Bennet, Senate Colleagues Reintroduce the Bipartisan AIM HIGH Act",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), announced the reintroduction of the Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM HIGH) Act to develop voluntary guidelines that schools can use to ensure that educational technology is accessible to students with disabilities. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, and it is crucial we make materials and technologies accessible to students with disabilities at their college or university, said Bennet. This legislation would provide guidelines for higher education institutions to help remove barriers and ensure every student can participate. The AIM HIGH Act would establish a commission of teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to develop guidelines on accessibility for instructional technologies that colleges and universities use. The bill would also create a pilot program so that institutions of higher education could test these guidelines on a voluntary basis. Currently, not all technologies used at colleges and universities are accessible to students with disabilities, even though non-discrimination laws require accessibility. Federal non-discrimination laws were drafted long before the use of electronic instructional materials and other technologies on college campuses became widespread, and they do not contain the performance criteria or specifications that are necessary for evaluating the accessibility of electronic materials. The AIM HIGH Act builds on a 2011 report from the federal Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials in Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities, which identified the need for guidelines on accessible electronic instructional materials and technologies. The AIM HIGH Act was first introduced in 2014. The full text of the bill is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C2329696-6C29-47AF-9CD0-827A43C96F10,Bennet Office Holds Listening Sessions in Every Colorado County in 2019,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. As 2019 comes to a close, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced that his team held listening sessions in all 64 Colorado counties this year. Bennet invited constituents to meet with his team in-person to listen to concerns, respond to questions, and help constituents in dealing with the IRS, Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, or other federal agencies. Topics discussed at the listening sessions ranged from ensuring a full and fair 2020 Census count and the affordability of higher education, to expanding broadband in rural areas and Farm Bill implementation. There's not a greater responsibility than hearing from and helping our constituents in every corner of Colorado which is why my team held listening sessions in every Colorado county, just as they've done in previous years, said Bennet. Being a voice for Coloradans in Washington is at the heart of my commitment to the public. No matter what, constituents should always reach out to our office with any questions, concerns, opinions, and requests. Bennet's office held over 180 community office hours as part of the 2019 listening sessions. A full list of sessions held across the state is available HERE. Last month, Bennet held a town hall in Denver where he discussed a range of topics with constituents, including climate change, campaign finance, and immigration. Constituent services will remain a top priority for Bennet and his team in 2020, with plans to hold another listening session tour in the new year. Outside of listening sessions, constituents are always welcome to submit requestsonlineor call any of Bennet'sstatewide offices for assistance or to share a concern. Appointments are recommended, but not required, and walk-ins are welcome.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4763,Perlmutter Statement in Support of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today issued the following statement in support of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): I applaud the work of the House Democratic USMCA Working Group and their negotiations with the Trump administration resulting in several key improvements to the original agreement.The USMCA now includes strengthened labor rule enforcement and commitments, creates new mechanisms for monitoring environmental standards compliance, and improves the state-to-state resolution process. In addition, the USMCA modernizes NAFTA to reflect the 21st century economy, specifically on digital trade, intellectual property, and market access. Trade is a key component of the Colorado economy, with North American trade supporting more than 220,000 Colorado jobs. These improved trade rules under USMCA will help more Colorado manufacturers, farmers, and ranchers export their products to Canada and Mexico tariff-free, improve worker protections, increase environmental protections across the continent, and benefit Colorado's growing tech and startup community. I am supporting this updated trade agreement because it's stronger and helps support U.S. businesses, consumers and workers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=DD64F700-D3F8-45E4-9542-36675B77C0A7,Senate Approves Top Bennet Priorities in Government Spending Bills,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. With funding for federal government operations set to expire at midnight on Friday, the U.S. Senate this afternoon approved two spending bills to fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2020, which began on October 1, 2019. Both bills are expected to be signed into law before the Friday night deadline. The spending bills include key Colorado priorities championed by Senator Michael Bennet, including: Election Security Grants The spending package appropriated $425 million in new federal grants for election security. The package also includes an additional $6 million for the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the federal agency charged with promoting security standards and best practices for voting machines and election administration. Last month, Bennet led a letter with 38 senators urging increased funding for election security and the Election Administration Commission in line with the House-approved levels. Recently, he shared with Senate leaders a letter he received from the nonpartisan Colorado County Clerks Association calling on Congress to increase federal funding for election security. Expansion of H-2B Visas The package gives the Department of Homeland Security the discretion to expand the number of H-2B visas authorized annually. The H-2B visa program is critical for filling workforce gaps across all four corners of Colorado. Bennet, who has long championed relieving the cap on the number of H-2B visas, recently joined the entire Colorado delegation in urging Congressional leaders to include cap relief in the year-end spending package. Extension of Secure Rural Schools Program Based on legislation cosponsored by Bennet, the spending package includes a two-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools program. This program supports public schools, public road, forest health projects, emergency services, and other essential county services in more than 775 counties around the country, including 43 in Colorado. Bennet has long supported reauthorizing and funding the Secure Rural Schools program. Reauthorization of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program The package reauthorizes the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, a cooperative agreement among the governors of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and the Secretary of the Interior Department to achieve Endangered Species Act compliance on the Platte River. Bennet is a coauthor of bipartisan legislation to extend the program, which was scheduled to expire December 31, 2019. Full Funding for PILT Program for Rural Communities Bennet has long called for reauthorizing and fully funding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which provides long-term financial security for rural counties, through bipartisan legislation and leading annual letters calling for the allocation of funds. The spending packaged passed today includes $500 million, which fully funds the PILT program for fiscal year 2020. Increased Funding for LWCF The package includes $495 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), more than was allocated in fiscal year 2019 and the highest level in more than 15 years. Bennet, who helped secure permanent reauthorization of LWCF in February, has long-championed full funding for LWCF and will continue to push Congress for full and permanent funding. Funding for Arkansas Valley Conduit The package includes funding for the Arkansas Valley Conduit, a project being planned by the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District and the Bureau of Reclamation to bring clean drinking water to an estimated 50,000 people in the region. Bennet, who has been fighting for the project since coming to the Senate, previously secured federal funding for the project in prior budgets and spending bills. Resources to Implement Fire Funding Fix Bennet has long worked to secure a long-term fix to end fire borrowing and improve how the Forest Service budgets and pays to fight wildfires. The spending package implements the fix, including more resources to fight wildfires and funding to reduce hazardous fuels and restore our forests across the west. Increased Funding for National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), headquartered in Golden, will receive $130 million for the laboratory's facilities and infrastructure fund, a $33 million increase from fiscal year 2019. Bennet and Senator Cory Gardner requested an increase in NREL's funding through the appropriations process. $10 Million for Nationwide CDC Study on PFAS Contamination Bennet again secured $10 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to carry out its nationwide study on the health effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water sources. Bennet, an author of the PFAS Action Plan Act, called on the CDC to include communities in Colorado near Peterson Air Force Base in the nationwide study. In September, the CDC announced Colorado would be one of seven states included in the study. Over $1 Billion in Funding for Landmark Gun Violence Research, Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence For the first time in decades, Congress will invest $25 million into research on gun violence through the CDC and National Institutes of Health. The package also allocates $1.3 billion to government agencies to fund efforts to reduce gun violence. Over $1 Billion in Infrastructure Grants The spending package includes $1 billion for the Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. These grants help communities make transformative investments in surface transportation infrastructure. Aurora and Colorado Springs are both recent recipients of these grants. The package also includes $2 billion for Amtrak, helping to support the National Network long-distance trains, including the Southwest Chief line, which provides vital services to Colorado's rural communities. Bennet advocated for robust funding of both the BUILD program and Amtrak's long-distance rail lines. $7.6 Billion for the 2020 Census Bennet, who has long advocated for shoring up efforts to promote the Census and ensuring it remains a fair process, cheered the increase for funding to promote and carry out the decennial census.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-preside-over-house-impeachment-debate,DeGette to preside over House impeachment debate,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has asked U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) to serve as speaker pro tempore and preside over the U.S. House of Representatives for today's debate on impeaching the president of the United States. Following is a comment from DeGette on the speaker's decision to have her preside over the House for this important debate: ""I am honored that the speaker has asked me to serve as speaker pro tempore of the House and to preside over most of the impeachment debate. None of us came to Congress to impeach a president, but every one of us – when we assumed office – took an oath to uphold the constitution. This is a sad and somber moment in our nation's history and the responsibility to preside over this important debate is something I will not take lightly.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-impeachment-president-trump,DeGette statement on impeachment of President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), who served as speaker pro tempore and presided over today's impeachment debate, on the U.S. House of Representatives voting to impeach President Donald Trump: ""This is a sad and solemn day in our nation's history. None of us came to Congress to impeach a president but, when we assumed office, every one of us took an oath to uphold the Constitution. The evidence shows clearly that President Trump abused his power, put our national security at risk and sought to undermine the integrity of our elections. When he was caught, he tried to cover it up. ""When a president decides to violate the public's trust by putting their own self-interests ahead of the country's – as President Trump has done – the House of Representatives has a duty to act. As some of our nation's top constitutional experts have said, President Trump's conduct is precisely what our founders feared and it's why they gave Congress the power to remove a president from office, if necessary. ""No one in this country is above the law; and President Trump, by his own actions, left us no choice but to approve the articles of impeachment against him today.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-impeachment-of-president-trump,DeGette statement on impeachment of President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), who served as speaker pro tempore and presided over today's impeachment debate, on the U.S. House of Representatives voting to impeach President Donald Trump: This is a sad and solemn day in our nation's history. None of us came to Congress to impeach a president but, when we assumed office, every one of us took an oath to uphold the Constitution. The evidence shows clearly that President Trump abused his power, put our national security at risk and sought to undermine the integrity of our elections. When he was caught, he tried to cover it up. When a president decides to violate the public's trust by putting their own self-interests ahead of the country's as President Trump has done the House of Representatives has a duty to act. As some of our nation's top constitutional experts have said, President Trump's conduct is precisely what our founders feared and it's why they gave Congress the power to remove a president from office, if necessary. No one in this country is above the law; and President Trump, by his own actions, left us no choice but to approve the articles of impeachment against him today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-to-preside-over-house-impeachment-debate,DeGette to preside over House impeachment debate,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has asked U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) to serve as speaker pro tempore and preside over the U.S. House of Representatives for today's debate on impeaching the president of the United States. Following is a comment from DeGette on the speaker's decision to have her preside over the House for this important debate: I am honored that the speaker has asked me to serve as speaker pro tempore of the House and to preside over most of the impeachment debate. None of us came to Congress to impeach a president, but every one of us when we assumed office took an oath to uphold the constitution. This is a sad and somber moment in our nation's history and the responsibility to preside over this important debate is something I will not take lightly.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4750,Perlmutter Statement in Support of Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today issued the following statement about his support for Articles of Impeachment against Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States: By withholding $400 million Ukraine desperately needed to defend itself against Russia until Ukraine did the President's political bidding, the President committed High Crimes and Misdemeanors for which he should be impeached. This abuse of power is compounded by the President's refusal to cooperate with Congress' impeachment investigation and his stonewalling of witnesses from testifying or turning over documents. The Founders fought and died for freedom and independence from a tyrannical ruler and foreign government. Impeachment and removal from office was the remedy they included in the Constitution to act as a check on a President who placed himself above the law, abused his power for his own personal benefit, and invited foreign governments to get involved in our domestic affairs, especially our elections. For the sake of the Constitution, fair elections free of foreign interference, and our national security, President Trump should be impeached. Click here to see Perlmutter's full remarks on impeachment during the December 17th Rules Committee hearing. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6228BC3F-33C4-4BC8-B83F-8C25329D7672,Bennet Statement on House Vote to Impeach President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump: This is a solemn day for America. There is clear evidence that President Trump abused his office and obstructed Congress. This has left the House of Representatives no choice but to pursue an impeachment inquiry and vote to impeach the President. Congress has few responsibilities more important than defending our constitutional order. Today, the House fulfilled that responsibility. As the Senate begins an impeachment trial, it is critical that each of us fully assesses the evidence and any witnesses presented. The rule of law is a fundamental tenet of American democracy. Its enforcement requires elected leaders to set aside partisanship for principle. We must reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law by upholding our constitutional checks and balances.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=694B4019-4441-4E8E-8C8B-CEF926CE6EEA,"Bennet, Gardner, Neguse Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R),along with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (CO-2), introduced two pieces of legislation today to expand the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).The billsallow former NASA astronaut Vance D. Brand to donate 40 acres to Rocky Mountain National Park, and wouldalsoresolve a longstanding issue regarding a local family's cabin that was erroneously transferred to the park.Both land transfers require an Act of Congress to complete. For locals and the visitors who travel to Rocky Mountain National Park from around the world alike, astronaut Vance Brand's generous donation to the park is exciting news,said Bennet.Our bills will formally add this parcel of land in the Longs Peak region to RMNP, and clean up boundary discrepancies elsewhere, to improve management in the area. We thank Mr. Brand for this valuable contribution to the park. Astronaut Vance D. Brand is not only an American hero, but also a Colorado hero. Born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, he spent many years at Rocky Mountain National Park, and now he graciously wants to donate 40 acres of land to expand the park where he spent many years of his life,said Gardner.However, the Park Service needs approval from Congress to change the park's boundary.I'm incredibly grateful for his commitment to share more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park area with the public, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to respect this hero's wishesand make this donation official. Public lands are who we are as Coloradans, they drive our outdoor recreation economy and inspire our commitment to sustainability,said Neguse.I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Gardner and SenatorBennetto honor the desire of former Astronaut Vance D. Brand to convey 40 acres of land into the treasured Rocky Mountain National Park landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country and this legislation will enhance the park for future generations to enjoy. My view is that this donation is payback to the American people in appreciation for the wonderful times and many benefits that I receive from great experiences inRMNP. I request the U.S. government to adjust the eastern boundary ofRMNPto include the 40 acres that our family donatedwhich currently is in the hands of Rocky Mountain Conservancy,saidRetired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand. Former U.S. astronaut Vance D.Brand is voluntarily donating a 40-acretract to Rocky Mountain National Park. The property is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the park and would add additional protection for the park's high-elevation ecosystem. This parcel of land would also provide recreational access and connectivity through a scenic, natural buffer between private lands and three popular trails; Estes Cone, Storm Pass, and Eugenia Mine Trails. These three trails connect to and are part of a large trail network offering hundreds of miles of trails to the park's 4.5 million annual visitors. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the Forsyth family to resolve a 1972-73 issue where a 0.18-acre plot containing their family cabin was erroneously transferred to the Rocky Mountain National Park when the NPS purchased a larger surrounding parcel. An error in the bank documents' legal description of the parcel mislocated the family's holding as a 0.18-acre plot of vacant land inside the parcel, not the original cabin site. The Forsyth family, seeking to regain legal ownership of its cabin and the 0.18-acre plot on which it sits, proposed an exchange of properties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=BD46AF8E-2CE8-4C16-98B6-41D22F926042,"Bennet Announces Over $800,000 in Federal Funding to Mad Agriculture",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced that Boulder-based Mad Agriculture will receive a $817,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support farmers who are transitioning to regenerative and organic farming. Transitioning acreage from conventional farming can be difficult and costly, said Bennet. This funding will help lower barriers to entry, so that farmers and ranchers across Colorado pursue organic and regenerative agriculture systems that also grow their business. The Perennial Fund is born out of the need to create a new food system that puts farmers first by embodying reciprocity across the value chain. It is a radical reimagination of how finance coupled with conservation planning can revitalize rural communities, ensure equitable farmer livelihoods, and regenerate the richness of America's natural resources. We are grateful to be an awardee of the USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant and look forward to partnering with the NRCS to create a replicable place-based system of change, said Brandon Welch, Director of Radical Capital at Mad Agriculture. This grant will enable Mad Agriculture to develop and implement the Perennial Fund, a farm finance program to assist farmers during their transition from conventional to regenerative and organic farming. Because the transitional phase can cause farmers to go into debt, the source of capital provided by Mad Agriculture will enable farmers to transition with confidence. More information about the Conservation Innovation Grants awarded is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-helps-secure-25-million-gun-violence-prevention-research-funding,Rep. Jason Crow Helps Secure $25 Million in Gun Violence Prevention Research Funding,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) released the following statement after helping secure$25 million in gun violence prevention research fundingin this year's Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. This funding will allow two public health agenciesthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)to investigate the problem for the first time in more than 20 years. More than 36,000 people die from gun violence each year according toGiffords. ""From Columbine to STEM school, countless lives in our community have been ripped apart by gun violence and as a father of two young kids, I refuse to let this become the new normal,said Rep. Jason Crow.""In the Army, I learned that the first step in any operation is understanding the problem and with evidence-based research, we can better understand how to reduce suicide by firearms, the interrelation of domestic violence and gun violence, and the effects of safe gun storage. I came to Congress with the promise to fight for gun violence prevention and today, I'm proud to say, for the first time in a generation, we are taking action. Since taking office, Crow has actively sought solutions to fight the gun violence epidemic in America, supporting numerous legislative measures and meeting with first responders and mental health officials to address the issue of gun violence. In August, Crow joined with Navy veteran and fellow freshmen member Rep. Sherrill to pen anop-ed calling for the reinstatement of the assault weapons ban. Crow helped introduce the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act which would repeal the liability shield protecting gun sellers and manufacturers, is a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 8, bipartisan background checks bill, and helped secure a $5 million federal funding increase for mental health services at schools. Following the credible threat of a school shooting in Colorado in April where a young woman infatuated with the Columbine massacre was able to exploit a loophole to buy a shotgun, Crow introduced the Colorado Loophole Act, filed as the Closing the Loophole on Interstate Firearm Sales Act, to close the loophole that allows purchasers to immediately obtain rifles and shotguns, but not handguns, when traveling out-of-state.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rocky-mountain-immigrant-advocacy-network-recognizes-rep-jason-crow-liberty,Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network Recognizes Rep. Jason Crow with Liberty Award Honoree,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) has announced Rep. Jason Crow as an honoree for the 15thannual Immigrant Liberty Awards. Each year, RMIAN presents the Immigrant Liberty Awards to recognize the unwavering work of exceptional community members to advance the rights and well-being of immigrants and refugees in Colorado, allowing them to thrive in their communities. In addition to Rep. Jason Crow, RMIAN recognizes Araceli Caldern de Weis, Parent Involvement Coordinator for Centennial BOCES; and Marissa Molina, Colorado State Immigration Manager ofFWD.us. As noted in RMIAN release, Congressman Crow has worked tirelessly with human rights advocates and local government officials to champion the rights of immigrants and refugees by bringing critical national attention to U.S. immigration detention conditions and by increasing oversight of the privately operated facility in Aurora through the creation of the first of its kind ICE Accountability Report in July 2019. This oversight report, written after weekly on-site visits by Crow and staff, provides transparency and accountability to the detention system by monitoring the wellbeing of detained immigrants and refugees and the public health risks to the community. Crow has introduced the Public Oversight of Detention Center (POD) Act to ensure that Congress has oversight access to all detention facilities. He also helped introduce the Refugee Protection Act to support refugees, including setting a 95,000 minimum admission level, update the asylum process, improve the Special Immigrant Visas program, and support immigrant children. The ceremony will celebrate the honorees' extraordinary contributions to Colorado's immigrant and refugee communities during an evening gala themed Here to Stay, to be held in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, May 1, 2020. All proceeds from the event will go towards providing free immigration legal services to immigrant children and to adults in immigration detention.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/three-crow-led-priorities-set-become-law-passage-fy2020-government-funding,Three Crow-Led Priorities Set to Become Law with Passage of FY2020 Government Funding Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) successfully secured the passage of three Colorado priorities in the two fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills: H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158. The SAVE Energy Act: Crow's bill promotes energy efficiency among consumers by allowing homeowners to deduct up to $500 from their taxes when they purchase energy efficiency improvements for their homes. This credit expired in December 2017 but under the new appropriations bill which incorporates a one-year version of Crow's bill, the SAVE Energy Act, will be in effect for 2020. The POD Act:After being denied entry to the ICE detention facility in his district, Crow introduced the Public Oversight of Detention Centers (POD) Act to allow members of Congress to gain timely access to detention facilities. Today, the POD Act has been included within the government funding bill. Funding for REPI: In June, Crow introduced an amendment to increase funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) to $100 million. At Buckley Air Force Base, REPI has created hundreds of acres of protected land, built community partnerships, and helped secure money for local projects ensuring the community and Air Force Base grow in tandem. The funding bill passed today matches the amount Crow requested in June. These are huge wins for the district that find federal solutions to issues right here at home. Whether it be increasing transparency in the government, finding bipartisan solutions on energy efficiency, or funding key environmental programs, we're thrilled to see these Colorado priorities advance into law,said Crow. Other key wins for the district include: Permanently repeals the Cadillac Tax for high-cost employer-sponsored health care coverage Funds the NIH at nearly $42 billion, a 7%, $2.6 billion increase over last year Includes $2.79 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy a $469 million increase A $22 million increase over last year for Colorado for highway and transit funding, and a $2.5 million increase for Colorado in terms of community development block grant and the HOME program $125 million for STOP School Violence Act grants, which help make schools more secure by training staff and students on threat assessment and prevention. It also helps fund and implement school security infrastructure improvements Keeps in a provision that precludes Department of Justice from preventing states' implementation of laws that authorize marijuana use, cultivation, distribution Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through the end of FY 2020 Includes $425 million for election security grants $22.63 billion for NASA, a $1.13 billion increase. $495 million for the Land Water Conservation Fund $3.38 billion for National Parks Includes $500 million for U.S. Antarctic Program, operations of which are based in Centennial Includes the CREATES Act which makes it easier to bring generic drugs to market, a key component of bringing down drug prices",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-bill-protect-platte-river-basin-wildlife-passes-out-house,Neguse Bill to Protect Platte River Basin Wildlife Passes Out of the House,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, bipartisan bicameral legislation led by Congressman Joe Neguse to protect Colorado wildlife in the Platte River basin passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives and is expected to be signed into law by the President by the end of the week. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Act, which Neguse introduced in June, was included in the end-of-year minibus package that will fund the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Energy, Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch. The legislation is co-led by Congressman Doug Lamborn and has the support of the full delegations of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Over the last 13 years, the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program has allowed dozens of water projects in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska to comply with the Endangered Species Act and continue operating, which has revitalized bird species, including the whooping crane, piping plover and least tern as well as the pallid sturgeon fish. Legislation from Neguse would allow the program to continue for the next 13 years with financial support from the Bureau of Reclamation. This will be the third piece of legislation from Congressman Neguse to be signed into law by this President. Earlier this year, the Bolts Ditch Access and Use Act and Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act, two bills led by Neguse that benefit the 2nd Congressional District were signed into law. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program has been serving endangered species of the Platte River Basin for thirteen years. Extending this program to allow for water management and habitat conservation goals to be completed is essential, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I'm proud to shepherd the passage of this legislation through the House of Representatives and look forward to seeing it signed into law. Over the past decade, the Platte Program has become a model for collaborative endangered species recovery programs, said Jason Farnsworth, Executive Director of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. Much of our success stems from the commitment and ongoing support of Program stakeholders who have demonstrated that environmental groups, water users and regulators can work together to benefit the endangered species of the Platte basin and the people who live here. We are appreciative of the time and effort that has already been expended to navigate the legislative process and look forward to continuing the Program's important work during the Extension. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is an important partnership with resounding benefits to Colorado's economy, said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The Program allows for water development in Colorado's booming Front Range and supports our farming communities in Northeastern Colorado all while benefiting the recovery of four threatened and endangered species. This collaborative and proactive conservation program stands as a national model and has led to 13 years of success. I lend my full support for the reauthorization of this Program Legislation from Congressman Neguse to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program is also included in the minibus and expected to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-bill-secure-funding-rural-schools-colorado-mountain-counties-passes,Neguse Bill to Secure Funding for Rural Schools in Colorado Mountain Counties Passes the House,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Joe Neguse to secure funding for rural schools in Colorado mountain counties passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The Secure Rural Schools Extension Act, which Neguse introduced in May, was included in the end-of-year minibus package that will fund the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Energy, Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch. The bill, co-led with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers will extend the Secure Rural Schools program through Fiscal Year 2020. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that are tax-exempt. The program provides payments derived in part through timber receipts and other leasing activities within National Forests back to county governments where those forests are located. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is a primary source of funding for schools, mountain search and rescue, road maintenance and other services that Coloradans rely on. We are obligated to maintain this program which provides for these integral services, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I'm proud to see this legislation pass out of the House and look forward to getting it signed into law. The Secure Rural School (SRS) funding is a vital part of West Grand School District's annual budgetary planning. The funding supports our efforts to provide updated technology access for all students and teachers, ensure safe and healthy learning environments, provide essential professional development for our entire team, and enable further maintenance and repair to school facilities and transportation, said Darrin Peppard, Superintendent for West Grand 1JT School District. As a district, we are committed to excellence in learning, leadership, and engagement for all. SRS funding gives us an important support in achieving our goals. As a rural district, Summit Schools depends on SRS funds to provide for the needs of our students, said Kerry Buhler, Superintendent of Summit School District. We greatly appreciate the bipartisan efforts for these funds to continue so that we may give our students what they deserve in terms of programming and support. In 2018, counties in Colorado's 2nd Congressional District received over $2 million in payments from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS), with Grand County receiving $1,393,142, Summit County receiving $816,432, Eagle receiving $763,609.80, Clear Creek receiving $424,351, Larimer receiving $307,915, Park receiving $42,664, Boulder receiving $39,346, Jefferson receiving $37,199 and Gilpin receiving $29,972. Legislation from Congressman Neguse to extend the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is also included in the minibus and expected to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-gardner-introduce-bills-expand-rocky-mountain-national-park,"Neguse, Gardner Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves on House Leadership, along with Colorado U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet, introduced two bipartisan bicameral bills to expand the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Act allows former NASA astronaut Vance D. Brand to donate 40 acres to Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Rocky Mountain Ownership Correction Act would resolve a longstanding issue regarding a local family's cabin that was erroneously transferred to the park. Public lands are who we are as Coloradans, they drive our outdoor recreation economy and inspire our commitment to sustainability, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Gardner and Senator Bennet to honor the desire of former Astronaut Vance D. Brand to convey 40 acres of land into the treasured Rocky Mountain National Park landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country and this legislation will enhance the park for future generations to enjoy. My view is that this donation is payback to the American people in appreciation for the wonderful times and many benefits that I receive from great experiences in RMNP. I request the U.S. government to adjust the eastern boundary of RMNP to include the 40 acres that our family donated which currently is in the hands of Rocky Mountain Conservancy, said Retired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand. Astronaut Vance D. Brand is not only an American hero, but also a Colorado hero. Born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, he spent many years at Rocky Mountain National Park, and now he graciously wants to donate 40 acres of land to expand the park where he spent many years of his life, said Senator Gardner. However, the Park Service needs approval from Congress to change the park's boundary. I'm incredibly grateful for his commitment to share more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park area with the public, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to respect this hero's wishes and make this donation official. For locals and the visitors who travel to Rocky Mountain National Park from around the world alike, astronaut Vance Brand's generous donation to the park is exciting news, said Senator Bennet. Our bills will formally add this parcel of land in the Longs Peak region to RMNP, and clean up boundary discrepancies elsewhere, to improve management in the area. We thank Mr. Brand for this valuable contribution to the park. Background: Former U.S. astronaut Vance D. Brand is voluntarily donating a 40-acre tract to Rocky Mountain National Park. The property is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the park and would add additional protection for the park's high-elevation ecosystem. This parcel of land would also provide recreational access and connectivity through a scenic, natural buffer between private lands and three popular trails; Estes Cone, Storm Pass, and Eugenia Mine Trails. These three trails connect to and are part of a large trail network offering hundreds of miles of trails to the park's 4.5 million annual visitors. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the Forsyth family to resolve a 1972-73 issue where a 0.18-acre plot containing their family cabin was erroneously transferred to the Rocky Mountain National Park when the NPS purchased a larger surrounding parcel. An error in the bank documents' legal description of the parcel mislocated the family's holding as a 0.18-acre plot of vacant land inside the parcel, not the original cabin site. The Forsyth family, seeking to regain legal ownership of its cabin and the 0.18-acre plot on which it sits, proposed an exchange of properties. Support for expanding the Rocky Mountain National Park: Forsyth Family Letter of Support Retired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand Letter of Support Town of Estes Park Letter of Support Larimer County Commissioners Letter of Support Rocky Mountain Conservancy Letter of Support",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-gardner-introduce-bills-to-expand-rocky-mountain-national-park,"Neguse, Gardner Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2019 Neguse, Gardner Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves on House Leadership, along with Colorado U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet, introduced two bipartisan bicameral bills to expand the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).The Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Actallows former NASA astronaut Vance D. Brand to donate 40 acres to Rocky Mountain National Park, and theRocky Mountain Ownership Correction Actwould resolve a longstanding issue regarding a local family's cabin that was erroneously transferred to the park. Public lands are who we are as Coloradans, they drive our outdoor recreation economy and inspire our commitment to sustainability, saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Gardner and Senator Bennet to honor the desire of former Astronaut Vance D. Brand to convey 40 acres of land into the treasured Rocky Mountain National Park landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country and this legislation will enhance the park for future generations to enjoy. My view is that this donation is payback to the American people in appreciation for the wonderful times and many benefits that I receive from great experiences in RMNP. I request the U.S. government to adjust the eastern boundary of RMNP to include the 40 acres that our family donated which currently is in the hands of Rocky Mountain Conservancy,saidRetired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand. Astronaut Vance D. Brand is not only an American hero, but also a Colorado hero. Born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, he spent many years at Rocky Mountain National Park, and now he graciously wants to donate 40 acres of land to expand the park where he spent many years of his life,said Senator Gardner.However, the Park Service needs approval from Congress to change the park's boundary. I'm incredibly grateful for his commitment to share more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park area with the public, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to respect this hero's wishes and make this donation official. For locals and the visitors who travel to Rocky Mountain National Park from around the world alike, astronaut Vance Brand's generous donation to the park is exciting news, saidSenator Bennet.Our bills will formally add this parcel of land in the Longs Peak region to RMNP, and clean up boundary discrepancies elsewhere, to improve management in the area. We thank Mr. Brand for this valuable contribution to the park. Background: Former U.S. astronaut Vance D. Brand is voluntarily donating a 40-acre tract to Rocky Mountain National Park. The property is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the park and would add additional protection for the park's high-elevation ecosystem. This parcel of land would also provide recreational access and connectivity through a scenic, natural buffer between private lands and three popular trails; Estes Cone, Storm Pass, and Eugenia Mine Trails. These three trails connect to and are part of a large trail network offering hundreds of miles of trails to the park's 4.5 million annual visitors. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the Forsyth family to resolve a 1972-73 issue where a 0.18-acre plot containing their family cabin was erroneously transferred to the Rocky Mountain National Park when the NPS purchased a larger surrounding parcel. An error in the bank documents' legal description of the parcel mislocated the family's holding as a 0.18-acre plot of vacant land inside the parcel, not the original cabin site. The Forsyth family, seeking to regain legal ownership of its cabin and the 0.18-acre plot on which it sits, proposed an exchange of properties. Support for expanding the Rocky Mountain National Park: Forsyth Family Letter of Support Retired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand Letter of Support Town of Estes Park Letter of Support Larimer County Commissioners Letter of Support Rocky Mountain Conservancy Letter of Support Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4747,Perlmutter Applauds Passage of FY20 Government Funding Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today applauded the passage of the fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills: H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158. Most importantly, the passage of these bills ensures the federal government will remain open and working for the American people, said Perlmutter. It also includes significant funding for many of the priorities House Democrats have been fighting for since the beginning of the year such as full funding for the 2020 Census, protecting our election systems, research into how to prevent gun violence, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and helping more Americans save for retirement. The government funding bills include many priorities important to Colorado and hardworking families across the country. Key line items include: $25 million dedicated to gun violence research for the first time in 20 years $2.79 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), a $411 million increase above FY19 level, which helps fund the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) $7.6 billion for the 2020 Census $425 million to protect and secure election systems Includes the SECURE Act which helps Americans save for retirement and protects their retirement savings $495 million for the Land Water Conservation Fund $3.38 billion for National Parks $41.58 billion for National Institutes of Health to support medical research and development Includes the CREATES Act which makes it easier to bring generic drugs to market, a key component of bringing down drug prices Provides $78 million for states to upgrade their NICS databases Funding for TIGER/BUILD grants, CDBG funds to help support community investment from water systems to meals on wheels, and $12.6 billion for rental assistance given Colorado's rental cost increases Significant funding for programs that support Veterans such as Veteran Treatment Courts and Gulf War Illness research Also important to Colorado, the bills make significant investments in Colorado's aerospace and defense community, including several Colorado projects like the Orion crew vehicle which will take our astronauts to Mars, GPS III satellites, RESTORE-L, the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), and the Near-Earth Object Camera (NEOCam). In addition, the appropriations packages extend the authorization of several key programs such as the Export-Import Bank, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program, the National Flood Insurance Program, and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=4DB97A84-69BD-48B8-8682-B57A5BFDBAEC,"Bennet Secures Measures to Strengthen National Security and Defense Efforts, Applauds Paid Parental Leave in Final Defense Bill",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, announced four of his measures to strengthen national security and defense efforts were included in the final version of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate today. Also, included in the NDAA was the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020 which passed out of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on a bipartisan vote in May. The 2019 NDAA was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week. It now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Language we secured in this year's defense authorization bill from improving our understanding of China's artificial intelligence strategy and progress to ensuring American satellites don't get in the wrong hands will help our military address the complex national security and defense challenges facing our country, said Bennet. It will also deliver long-awaited paid parental leave for federal workers and ensure spouses of fallen servicemembers receive the full benefits they are due. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure these measures are fully implemented. Also included in the final bill were two Bennet-backed measures to secure paid parental leave for federal workers and end the military widow's tax, ensuring the spouses of fallen servicemembers receive their full benefits. The final bill includes the following Bennet-led measures: Strengthening Our Understanding of Chinese Artificial Intelligence:An amendment introduced with U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) to understand the artificial intelligence capabilities of China and the path forward for the United States to maintain superiority in this emerging technology. Ensuring Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Programs Are Available in Underserved Areas:An amendment to ensure our officer corps represents the regional and demographic diversity of the country by examining access to Senior ROTC programs and possible expansions of the ROTC structure. Ensuring American Technology Stays in Safe Hands:An amendment to examine the national security effects of the sale of American satellites to entities that could transfer use of our satellites to adversarial nations. Increasing Transparency of American Efforts in the War in Afghanistan:An amendment with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to increase public transparency on the war in Afghanistan by including key metrics for success in Department of Defense reports. Bennet-backed measures in the IAA, which improves the Intelligence Community's ability to defend the United States, include: Addressing technological threats from China and other nationsby requiring assessments of the threat to U.S. national security posed by global adoption of 5G technology built by foreign companies and possible U.S.-led mitigation efforts, and of predatory and anticompetitive foreign economic influence. Enhancing access to innovationby supporting the development of multi-use sensitive compartmented facilities where multiple companies can securely work on multiple projects at different security levelsand on options for co-use and shared workspace environments such as: innovation, incubation, catalyst, and accelerator environments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-statement-support-articles-impeachment,Rep. Jason Crow Statement in Support of Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) issued the following statement announcing his position on the Articles of Impeachment. He first announced his support for Articles of Impeachment yesterday at histown hallin Aurora. Over the last few months, the evidence has become clear: The President used the power of the presidency to coerce a foreign government into helping him for political gain. As a member of Congress in this historic time, I reflect on my experience as a soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan where I saw how unique American democracy really is. Over the past few years, I have also learned how fragile it can be. Our system of checks and balances only works when we fight to protect it. The President's actions are a threat to our national security and the very foundation of our democracy. President Trump's unprecedented abuse of power and obstruction of Congress leaves us with no choice but to proceed with impeachment.No man or woman is above the law in our country, including the president.It's time for me to once again fulfill my oath to the Constitution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=895B88DE-CA37-4FED-A794-A040B55396C2,"Bennet, Romney Offer Path to Bipartisan Compromise on Refundable Credits, Business Tax Fixes",2019-12-15,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.As negotiations over a potential legislative package of tax provisions continue, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) have proposed a bipartisan compromise to support American families, workers, and businesses. The Bennet-Romney proposal represents one path toward a compromise over certain components of the ongoing negotiations. Congress is nearing another deadline without a clear plan to deal with dozens of fundamental responsibilities that the American people expect us to address,said Bennet and Romney. With its focus on helping families raising young children, protecting medical innovation for patients,and bringing certainty to workers and businesses, our plan should be considered on merit alone. And while the intent of our proposal is not to address every aspect of the current negotiations, we believe it is a compromise that can help clear a path forward and break the current logjam. Specifically, the Bennet-Romney proposal will: Expand and Reform Child Tax Credits Create a New Young Child Tax Credit: Create a new tax credit of $2,500 per child for children up to age six. The first $1,500 would be fully refundable, meaning that every taxpayer receives that amount regardless of income (up to the current law phase-out levels of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for couples). The next $1,000 would phase in at a 15 percent rate beginning at the first dollar of income, and begin phasing down at current law income thresholds. Reform Existing Child Tax Credit: Make critical reforms to a key measure that provides a $2,000 credit per child for children from age six up to age 17, including eliminating the current $1,400 cap on refundability, making the first $1,000 per child fully refundable regardless of income up to the phase-out threshold, and making the next $1,000 per child phasein at a 15 percent rate starting at the first dollar income. These changes wouldapply totax years 2019 and 2020. Make Technical Corrections to 2017 Tax Law Implement the full list of needed technical corrections to the 2017 tax law. Permanently Repeal the Medical Device Excise Tax Included in the Bennet-Romney plan are fiscally responsible bipartisan proposals to fund these changes, such as: Passing the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act Implementing theCreating and Restoring Equal Access To Equivalent Samples (CREATES)Act Passing the Ending New Nicotine Dependencies (ENND) Act Replacing stepped-up basis with a carryover basis, with a $1.6 million exemption for individuals and an additional $3.7 million exemption for spousal inheritance",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=1079505B-392C-44C4-9039-47BFF0211BB3,Bennet Unveils Discussion Draft to Create New Tax Credit for Farmers and Ranchers to Capture Carbon in the Land Sector,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ColoradoU.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released a discussion draft of legislation to establish a new tax credit for farmers and ranchers, state and local governments,and tribes,to sequester carbon in agriculture, forestry, rangelands, and wetlands. I've had countless conversations with farmers and ranchers across Colorado, and time and again I hear that the changing climate is making it harder for them to grow their business and make ends meet, said Bennet. The discussion draft we are releasing today is a first step in empowering farmers and ranchers to both improve their bottom line and be a part of the solution to a changing climate. And I believe this is an effort that both parties can unite around. In the most recent United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, scientists estimated that the land sector can sequester 30 percent of global carbon emissions. In Colorado, many farmers and ranchers are already implementing innovative solutions to sequester carbon, but the cost of initial investments often presents a serious challenge. The tax credit in Bennet's proposal has two parts: Quantification Credit: Establishes a 30 percent tax credit for the cost of quantifying baseline and annual carbon sequestration levels for agriculture, rangeland, forest, and wetlands. Outcomes Credit: Creates a dollar per ton tax credit based on the amount of carbon sequestered. The amount of the credit is tied to the funding levels for carbon capture and storage in the 45Q tax credit for carbon sequestration and utilization from industrial sources. The discussion draft also includes provisions to: Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a reporting and verification accreditation system Outline a process to transfer the tax credit to other tax payers to account for businesses that do not have tax liability Promote long-term investments in carbon sequestration in the land sector Bennet's draft legislation is the result of conversations with producers and rural communities from all four corners of Colorado over the past two years. It builds on the existing 45Q tax credit for carbon sequestration from industrial emissions, which was created through a bipartisan initiative. The draft legislation also complements the USDA's soil health-focused On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials that Bennet secured in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The Colorado Conservation Tillage Association (CCTA) recently received a $1.6 million grant to implement a farmer-led initiative focused on soil health and regenerative management systems through the On-Farm Trials program. To create a durable tax credit to both sequester carbon and raise farm incomes, Bennet has introduced this discussion draft prior to finalizing the legislation in order to incorporate input from a broad coalition of Americans. The text of the discussion draft is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E35AB5E4-EB6C-47BE-BFDB-481456265B4F,"Bennet, Ernst, Colleagues Push Bipartisan Bill Prioritizing Children’s Health Care Research",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following sharp reductions in pediatric medical researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced legislation to increase pediatric-focused research at the NIH. The bill will address challenges in researcher recruitment and retention in addition to creating a pipeline of early-career pediatric researchers. Pediatric medical researchers generate scientific insights that are critical to reshaping the way we treat diseases that affect children in Colorado and around the country. In recent years, we have seen groundbreaking research on pediatric diseases such as sickle cell disease and leukemia as a result of this dedicated research, said Bennet. I am proud to co-sponsor the PACT Act to provide much-needed assistance to strengthen our nation's commitment to supporting medical researchers who have dedicated their lives to studying lifesaving treatments for pediatric diseases. A strong pipeline of pediatric researchers is essential to ensuring kids in Iowa, and across the country, have access to innovative cures and treatments for the complex medical conditions that they and their families are facing, said Ernst. We must work to ensure that children are being adequately represented in federal research. That's why I've put forward this bipartisan bill that will bolster pediatric-focused research and in turn help to improve the lives and health of our children and families. We are grateful for Senator Bennet signing on as an original cosponsor of the Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies (PACT) Act of 2019. This legislation is a critical step to accelerating child health and addressing challenges in the pediatric workforce by supporting physician-scientists nationwide, including those who practice here at Children's Hospital Colorado, said Stephen Daniels, Pediatrician-in-Chief of Children's Hospital Colorado. In the past several years, pediatric research slots have seen sharp reductions within the NIH. This includes reductions of Child Health Research Center Awards, which supports fewer than half of the young investigators that it did in 2010. The Pediatric Scientist Development Program has also seen cuts, having been reduced from supporting 17 training slots per institution down to 10 per institution. These reductions contrast with the consistent increases Congress has provided to the overall NIH budget. The Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies (PACT) Act would establish an NIH-wide grant to support early-career pediatric researchers. The bill also directs the NIH Pediatric Research Consortium to set priorities, improve coordination and collaboration, and identify gaps and opportunities to support the development of new treatments and cures for diseases and conditions that affect children in Iowa, and across the country. In addition to Bennet and Ernst, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F6559694-5324-436D-AA99-9BFFFA77CC11,"Bennet, Gardner To DeVos: Extend Closed School Discharge Eligibility For Colorado Students",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today sent a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos urging her to extend the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for Dream Center Education Holding's (DCEH) Art Institute of Colorado and Illinois Institute of Art students who attended or withdrew on or after January 20, 2018. In November, the Department announced it would cancel the loans taken out by students to attend the Art Institute of Colorado and Illinois Institute of Art between January 20, 2018when the schools lost accreditationand December 31, 2018when theyshut their doors. This relief is incomplete and does not relieve students of any of the debt they took on to attend the schools prior to January 20, 2018 which is now worthless. DeVos has the authority in exceptional circumstances to extend the closed school discharge lookback period beyond 120 days. In other words, you have the benefit of hindsight when it comes to establishing the effective date of closure of an institution for purposes of ensuring closed school discharge eligibility is fair to students. In this case, hindsight is clear. For the intents and purposes of students attending the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado, the schools effectively closed on January 20, 2018. After that point, the best case scenario for these students was to graduate with a worthless degree from a non-accredited institutionbut the schools' closure prevented even that for many,the senators wrote. In addition to Bennet and Gardner, Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D) and Tammy Duckworth (D) signed the letter. The text of the letter is availableHEREand below: Dear Secretary DeVos: We write today to ask you to extend the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for Dream Center Education Holding's (DCEH) Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to students who attended or withdrew on or after January 20, 2018. On January 20, 2018, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) officially transitioned the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to Change of Control Candidacy (CCC) status. At the time, HLC noted that the loss of accreditation could have serious consequences for current and prospective students and that students should know that their courses or degrees are not accredited by HLC and may not be accepted in transfer to other colleges and universities or recognized by prospective employers. From that date forward, students who attended these two institutions faced a constant state of uncertainty and harmregardless of when they became aware of it. As you know, 34 C.F.R. 685.214(c)(l)(i)(B), gives you the authority in exceptional circumstances to extend the closed school discharge lookback period beyond 120 days. In other words, you have the benefit of hindsight when it comes to establishing the effective date of closure of an institution for purposes of ensuring closed school discharge eligibility is fair to students. In this case, hindsight is clear. For the intents and purposes of students attending the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado, the schools effectively closed on January 20, 2018. After that point, the best case scenario for these students was to graduate with a worthless degree from a non-accredited institutionbut the schools' closure prevented even that for many. In November, the Department announced it would cancel the loans taken out by students to attend the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado between January 20, 2018 and December 31, 2018when they shut their doors. This relief is incomplete and does not relieve students of any of the debt they had previously taken on to attend the schools and which became worthless on January 20, 2018. Extending the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to January 20, 2018, would allow these students to be fully relieved of the debt they took on to attend these schools. Please provide a response to our request no later thanJanuary 3, 2020.Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-helps-pass-transformative-legislation-lower-drug-costs,Crow Helps Pass Transformative Legislation to Lower Drug Costs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"The legislation includes Crow's provision to crack down on pharmaceutical price spikes Video of Crow's speech here. WASHINGTON Congressman Jason Crow voted today to pass historic legislation to lower the costs of prescription drugs for Americans. H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, would lower prescription drug prices through direct negotiation, and includes Crow's Freedom from Price Gouging Act which recovers taxpayer dollars from pharmaceutical companies when they try to hike their drug prices to increase their profits. This bipartisan bill passed the House 230-192. For too long, we have seen the influence of Big Pharma on this chamber. For every member of Congress, there are three industry lobbyists looking to buy their vote. Meanwhile back home in Colorado, one in three of my constituents can't afford to pay for their medication, said Congressman Jason Crow. ""I'm proud to have helped introduce a provision to the Lower Drug Costs Now Act that would prevent Big Pharma from raising the cost of prescription drugs past the rate of inflation. The time is now to deliver on our promise to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Congressman Crow has made increasing access to affordable, high-quality healthcare a top priority. In his first year in Congress, Crow has toured multiple community health centers and district hospitals, hosted a roundtable with seniors focused on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and is a co-sponsor of Medicare-X Choice Act which would allow consumers the option to buy into Medicare as a health insurance option. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies, and creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs, limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price in countries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs and admit they still make a profit. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Reinvests the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits and turbocharging the search for new cures. Crow's speech on the House floor prior to passage, as delivered: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. For too long, we have seen the influence of Big Pharma on this chamber. For every member of Congress, there are three industry lobbyists looking to buy their vote. Meanwhile back home in Colorado, one in three of my constituents can't afford to pay for their medication. It needs to stop. I'm proud to have helped introduce a provision to H.R. 3 that would prevent Big Pharma from raising the cost of prescription drugs past the rate of inflation. I stand here today for the 300,000 Coloradans with diabetes who will save 75 percent on their insulin. I stand here today for the 400,000 Coloradans with asthma who will save 80 percent on their prescriptions. And tomorrow I will cast my vote for Sue Way of Aurora who, after seeing her insulin increase by 500 percent, was forced to ration her medicine resulting in an ulcer. Her story is the story of so many Coloradans. The time is now to deliver on our promise to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-legislation-lower-cost-prescription-drugs,House approves legislation to lower cost of prescription drugs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today, by a vote of 230 – 192, approved a sweeping drug-pricing reform bill designed to help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. The legislation, known as the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), would, among other things, allow Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to bring down the cost of prescription drugs for the more than 46 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. It would also set a cap on the total out-of-pocket costs that seniors and others on Medicare are required to pay each year for their prescription drugs. ""No one in this country should have to choose between putting food on their table and paying for the cost of their medication,"" said DeGette, who was a cosponsor of the legislation. ""This legislation will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. It will also save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, which could then be used to help speed up our search for new breakthrough cures and treatments for some of the most stubborn diseases."" The legislation overturns a measure Congress approved in 2003 that currently bars the federal government from directly negotiating the price Medicare pays for prescription drugs. Instead, the bill would explicitly direct the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate down the price of dozens of drugs each year. The lower, negotiated price would apply not only to Medicare, helping to save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, it would also be available to private insurers as well. In addition to allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of drugs, the legislation sets a limit on how much seniors and others on Medicare have to pay out-of-pocket each year for their prescription drugs. Unlike most private insurance plans, there currently is no limit on how much Medicare beneficiaries can be required to pay each year for their medications. The bill sets a new $2,000 limit on the total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for each year. According to data compiled by the House Committee on Ways and Means, there are 87,199 people living in Colorado's first congressional district who are enrolled in Medicare Part D. In addition to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, the legislation would provide $10 billion over the next five years to help local communities respond to the nation's opioid epidemic. It also provides an additional $10 billion to the National Institutes of Health to accelerate their efforts to find new breakthrough treatments and cures and build upon the momentum that was started by the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016, which has revolutionized the way our country develops new treatments for patients. DeGette and Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), the two coauthors of the landmark 21st Century Cures, announced recently that they have begun working on the second iteration of their historic bill, which they are calling Cures 2.0, to continue building on its many successes. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-legislation-to-lower-cost-of-prescription-drugs,House approves legislation to lower cost of prescription drugs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives today, by a vote of 230 192, approved a sweeping drug-pricing reform bill designed to help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. The legislation, known as the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), would, among other things, allow Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to bring down the cost of prescription drugs for the more than 46 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. It would also set a cap on the total out-of-pocket costs that seniors and others on Medicare are required to pay each year for their prescription drugs. No one in this country should have to choose between putting food on their table and paying for the cost of their medication, said DeGette, who was a cosponsor of the legislation. This legislation will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. It will also save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, which could then be used to help speed up our search for new breakthrough cures and treatments for some of the most stubborn diseases. The legislation overturns a measure Congress approved in 2003 that currently bars the federal government from directly negotiating the price Medicare pays for prescription drugs. Instead, the bill would explicitly direct the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate down the price of dozens of drugs each year. The lower, negotiated price would apply not only to Medicare, helping to save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, it would also be available to private insurers as well. In addition to allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of drugs, the legislation sets a limit on how much seniors and others on Medicare have to pay out-of-pocket each year for their prescription drugs. Unlike most private insurance plans, there currently is no limit on how much Medicare beneficiaries can be required to pay each year for their medications. The bill sets a new $2,000 limit on the total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for each year. According to data compiled by the House Committee on Ways and Means, there are 87,199 people living in Colorado's first congressional district who are enrolled in Medicare Part D. In addition to lowering thecost of prescription drugs, the legislation would provide $10 billion over the next five years to help local communities respond to the nation's opioid epidemic. It also provides an additional $10 billion to the National Institutes of Health to accelerate their efforts to find new breakthrough treatments and cures and build upon the momentum that was started by the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016, which has revolutionized the way our country develops new treatments for patients. DeGette and Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), the two coauthors of the landmark 21st Century Cures, announced recently that they have begun working on the second iteration of their historic bill, which they are calling Cures 2.0, to continue building on its many successes. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-neguse-opening-statement-judiciary-committee-impeachment-markup,Congressman Joe Neguse Opening Statement at Judiciary Committee Impeachment Markup,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Tonight, in a historic markup in the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Joe Neguse gave the following opening remarks: I'd like to begin tonight by speaking directly to the Americans listening and watching who may disagree with the steps this Committee is taking. I hope you'll understand we are proceeding on this path truly out of love for our country. We are your neighbors, we are your colleagues, your fellow worshipers, and we are all citizens of the greatest nation on earth. We are blessed to live in a country where our similarities far outweigh our differences. My parents immigrated to this country and every day, I am grateful to them for their decision, and to the United States of America for giving us the opportunity to live the American Dream. My parents came to this country because they wanted their children to grow up in a place that is free. A country where leaders respect the rule of law and don't use the power of government to target political opponents. A country with fair elections, and where everyone has the right to vote. Thomas Paine, described voting as the primary right by which other rights are protected.Our sacred right to a free and fair election is ingrained in our constitution. It's a right offered to every American, no matter their background. And yet today, that right is under attack like never before. In 2016, Russia interfered in our elections in sweeping and systematic fashion. And as we now know, the Trump campaign welcomed at that time that interference, and now, the President of the United States has solicited the interference of a foreign government in the 2020 presidential election for his own advantage. President Trump abused his power, and then, engaged in a wholesale obstruction of Congress to cover it up. The fact remains that in the history of our republic, no president has ever ordered such a complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry, until now. If anything is clear, it is this: every American deserves to know that their President will not endanger our national security, that he or she won't seek to use their power to undermine our free and fair elections, and that they won't tap a foreign government to help tip the scales in their favor. The Framers of the constitution prescribed impeachment in that sacred document because they feared a moment like this one, and the Articles of Impeachment before us are our mechanism for accountability. So ultimately we must move forward with the solemn and heavy work before us. I hope that as we do so, while some may agree with this process and some may oppose it, everyone will remember that at the end of the day, each and every one of us are Americans. We all treasure the same flag. We all revere the same constitution that this committee is working so hard to uphold. Like many of my colleagues, when I ran for Congress, I knew that the hardest part would be being away my wife and my infant daughter. My daughter is 15 months old now, and I think a lot about the world she will inherit. She's not old enough to understand the proceedings before us today, but one day she will be. One day, I hope that she will know that this Committee had an obligation to defend our democracy, to honor our oaths, and to uphold the rule of law. So I will support the Articles of Impeachment before us, because it is what the constitution requires of us and it is what my conscience demands, and I hope and I pray that my colleagues will do the same. View remarkshere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-introduces-legislation-expand-local-control-airports,Congressman Neguse Introduces Legislation to Expand Local Control of Airports in Northern Colorado,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse introduced legislation to provide additional local control for General Aviation airports, such as Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Boulder Municipal Airport and Northern Colorado Regional Airport. The Aircraft Noise Reduction Act, is the result of considerable collaboration with local community leaders across the 2nd district and constituents concerned about noise pollution. The legislation would give General Aviation Airports the authority to impose certain restrictions relating to noise concerns, such as limiting the number and type of aircraft that can operate, and setting curfews or specific hours for them to fly. Under current law, airports must undergo a lengthy and difficult approval process with the Federal Aviation Administration before pursuing mandatory noise-based restrictions, such as a curfew or restrictions on flight operations, which very few airports are able to do successfully. The legislation also stipulates that federal funds cannot be withheld from an airport by choosing to locally regulate air noise. This legislation is the result of months of conversations with community members and local leaders from Boulder County, Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Nederland, and elsewhere, said Congressman Joe Neguse. Ensuring our local airports can effectively regulate aircraft noise pollution based on what works for them and their community is essential to promote the health and wellbeing of our communities."" The Town of Superior enthusiastically supports the legislation proposed by Rep. Neguse that will provide airports with meaningful tools to address community concerns about noise and environmental impacts, said Superior Mayor Clint Folsom. We appreciate Rep. Neguse's ongoing commitment to not only engaging with our residents to hear their concerns but also taking action to draft legislation to help with solutions. The City of Boulder strongly supports this legislation from Rep. Neguse to enable stronger local control over General Aviation airports, said Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver. As city leaders, we are very appreciative of efforts to allow our local residents and businesses to help determine the solutions for reducing noise pollution that best suits their needs. Airport noise is a major concern that is continuing to escalate in the City of Louisville, said Louisville Mayor Ashley Stolzmann. It's a problem that requires federal aid to solve, and we are therefore so appreciative for Congressman Joe Neguse's support and willingness to work with us and surrounding communities to tackle this challenging issue. I thank Rep. Neguse for hearing the concerns of Lafayette residents and quickly collaborating on this legislation that will provide the authority for our local airports to enact effective solutions to noise pollution, said Lafayette Mayor Jamie Harkins. This issue has a real impact on our community's quality of life and it's common sense to create more local control to solve it."" In September, Congressman Neguse hosted a listening town hall to hear constituents concerns over the aircraft noise specifically related to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA). He also sent a letter to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to express these concerns and recommend potential procedures to alleviate the issues, which ultimately led to the airport enacting new noise abatement procedures such as adopting a voluntary curfew, educating flight school operators and pilots about these procedures, and discussing the issues with local community members.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-leads-letter-house-requesting-plastic-bottles-no-longer-be,Congressman Neguse Leads Letter to the House Requesting Plastic Bottles No Longer Be Used in All Committee Proceedings,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.This week, Congressman Joe Neguse, along with Congresswoman Kim Schrier, sent a joint letter to the Chair of the Committee on House Administration, requesting a policy change to preclude the use of disposable plastic bottles in all committee rooms and proceedings. While climate change is a global problem, solving it depends on the power of our individual choices as consumers, each decision we make has a real cumulative impact on our environment, said Congressman Joe Neguse. As global leaders, it is important that the United States Congress lead by example in this effort to make sustainable choices. Therefore, we encourage the Committee to support our efforts to remove single-use plastic water bottles in the House. Read the letter here. The production of plastics contributes to climate change at every stage of its lifecycle, from production, to refining, to its management as a waste product. Ninety-nine percent of plastic is made from fossil fuels, with refinement being the most greenhouse gas intensive part of the life cycle, and almost all plastic ends up in oceans and landfills. Currently, over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic had been produced two-thirds of which has been released into the environment and remains there. Despite the dire warning from scientists, global production of plastics is expanding. Studies estimate that a million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute, with only 7 percent being recycled into new bottles. Plastic production is set to double in the next 20 years and quadruple by 2050. If this reliance on plastics continues, plastics will account for 20 percent of oil consumption by 2050. Last month, Congressman Neguse introduced the Green Government resolution, proposing that the U.S. Capitol Complex opt-in to Washington D.C.'s renewable energy goals and transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2032. Earlier in the year, Congressman Neguse introduced legislation to invest in regenerative agriculture research, incentivize small-scale solar installations and just last week he introduced a package of bills to invest in climate science research.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3473929C-DF8F-4379-A653-7E57CB8A2610,"Bennet, Colleagues Urge Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Critical Role of Census, Importance of Safe and Accurate Count",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet this week co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution, introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), to ensure the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. The upcoming 2020 Census is vital for communities across Colorado as it helps determine almost every federal dollar we receive. This affects the amount of money allocated to state and county programs, such as Medicaid, nutrition assistance, housing vouchers, free or reduced school meals, grants for community-driven projects, technical support for farmers, and funding for critical transportation projects, said Bennet. The upcoming census is vital to ensuring Coloradans, and people across the country have the resources and representation they deserve. The 2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities. The resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible. In addition to Bennet, Schatz, and Murkowski, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D- Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The resolution is supported by a number of organizations including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, National the Association of Towns and Townships, the Census Project, NAACP, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAJC, National Congress of American Indians, Service Employees International Union, National Education Association, Nielsen, Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. The full text of the resolution is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=64174B0C-678D-4F6B-9629-6F5F473406CB,"Bennet, Portman Introduce Major Proposal to Tackle the Eviction Crisis",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today introduced the Eviction Crisis Act to address the national housing crisis crippling millions of Americans who are struggling to rise into the middle class. The new legislation will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. Today in America, an unexpected illness, a car accident, or a family emergency can lead to a family being evicted from their home and falling into a cycle of poverty that lasts for years,said Bennet.The hardship caused by eviction is agonizing for the hundreds of thousands of American families evicted every year and it's damaging to our communities. As a former school superintendent, I saw kids unable to stay awake in class because they didn't have a stable place to sleep the night before. And I've heard from many hard-working Coloradans about how one misstep led to their lives falling apart. Our Eviction Crisis Act will put in place bipartisan measures that both prevent eviction and limit the harm when it is unavoidable. Stable housing is a vital part of getting people back on their feet. I've long worked on efforts to address homelessness and increase the supply of housing and I'm proud to partner with Senator Bennet on this new bipartisan initiative. This legislation will help prevent avoidable evictions, reduce homelessness, and make it easier for people to escape poverty by keeping a roof over their heads, said Portman. Evictions start with the loss of a home and often end with job loss, depression, and becoming further ingrained in the cycle of poverty. Indiana is home to three cities with some of the highest eviction rates in the United States and this legislation takes a number of important steps to work with and support tenants, landlords, and municipalities to help avoid the process of putting another family on the street, said U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), cosponsor of the Eviction Crisis Act. Home is the foundation of the rest of our lives: our family connections, our education, our work, and our health. The shortage of affordable housing and evictions tear at that foundation. The Eviction Crisis Act will give our communities new tools to prevent evictions and support vulnerable households,said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), cosponsor of the Eviction Crisis Act. Background Adjusting for inflation, the median rent payment has risen 61% since 1960 while median renter income grew only 5%. In 2016, 2.3 million eviction filings were made in courthouses across the United Statesa rate of four every minute. That same year, one in 50 renters was evicted from his or her home. This affordable housing crisis has crippled economic security for families and placed enormous costs on the nation's health care system, courts, schools, and local governments. In Colorado, five cities ranked in the nation's 100 Top Evicting Areas by eviction rate in 2016 (i.e. the number of evictions per 100 renters): Aurora (ranked #33, with a 5.52% eviction rate), Thornton (#48, 4.64%), Colorado Springs (#64, 4.19%), Westminster (#93, 3.16%), and Lakewood (#94, 3.15%). In Denver eviction cases, 90% of landlords are represented by lawyers, compared to just 2% of tenantsconsistent with nationwide trends. In Ohio, six cities also ranked in the nation's 100 Top Evicting Areas: Akron (ranked #24, with a 6.06% eviction rate), Dayton (#26, 5.94%), Toledo (#30, 5.63%), Cincinnati (#46, 4.7%), Columbus (#52, 4.55%), and Cleveland (#53, 4.53%). The Eviction Crisis Act will: Improve Data and Analysis on Evictions Creates a national database to standardize data and track evictions, in order to better inform policy decisions. Establishes a Federal Advisory Committee on Eviction Research to make recommendations related to data collection, as well as policies and practices that can prevent evictions or mitigate their consequences. Authorizes funding for a comprehensive study to track evictions, analyze landlord-tenant law, and assess varying factors in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Reduce Preventable Evictions and Mitigate Eviction-Related Consequences Co-invest in state and local government programs: Creates a program to fund state and local governments expanding the use of landlord-tenant community courts and increasing the presence of social services representatives for tenants, which help both tenants and landlords avoid the high cost of eviction. Establishes an Emergency Assistance Fund to provide financial assistance and housing stability-related services to eviction-vulnerable tenants. Support increased legal representation for tenants: Expresses support for substantially increasing funding for the Legal Services Corporation, a public-private partnership that provides legal services to low-income Americans. Improve Information on Tenant Screening Reports Requires consumer reporting agencies to provide consumers with tenant screening reports when they are requested as part of a rental application process, so tenants can contest and correct inaccurate or incomplete information. When a court rules in favor of a tenant in an eviction proceeding, requires those judgments and eviction filings related to that proceeding to be removed from tenant screening reports. Resources The following resources for the Eviction Crisis Act are available HERE and below: Support The following national organizations have endorsed the Eviction Crisis Act: Caracole, Children's HealthWatch/Boston Medical Center, Coalition on Human Needs, Community of Hope, Community Stabilization Project, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, Family Promise, First Focus Campaign for Children, Food Research & Action Center, Funders Together to End Homelessness, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing on Merit, JustLeadershipUSA, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Mayors and CEOs for US Housing Investment, Metropolitan Tenants Organization, NAACP, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association for County Community and Economic Developments, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, National Association of Social Workers, National Church Residences, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Community Action Partnership, National Education Association, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Housing Law Project, National Housing Trust, National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, National League of Cities, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), National NeighborWorks Association, National Nurse-Led Care Consortium, National Resources Defense Council, National Women's Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, Prosperity Now, RESULTS, The Arc, Unity Health Care, and ZERO TO THREE. The following state and local organizations have endorsed the Eviction Crisis Act: Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance, Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Greater Syracuse Tenants Network, Housing Action Illinois, Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC), and Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County. Eviction isn't just a consequence of poverty; it's a cause of poverty. Yet we allow millions of Americans to face the threat of eviction each year. Families with children are at particularly high risk of eviction. Many evicted families lose their home and possessions, often falling into homelessness. Research shows that eviction thwarts economic mobility and is linked to long-term negative health outcomes. Passing the Eviction Crisis Act would be a big step forward, deepening our understanding of the problem and preventing families from the devastating consequences of displacement. Everyone needs a safe and affordable home. I commend Senators Bennet and Portman for their efforts and look forward to working with them to pass this bill into law, said Matthew Desmond, author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. I applaud Senators Michael Bennet and Rob Portman for their leadership in introducing legislation to create new tools to help end America's ongoing eviction epidemic, which most severely impacts the lowest-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and other individuals. If enacted, the Eviction Crisis Act would create a new Emergency Housing Assistance Fund a policy solution developed and advanced by NLIHC's Opportunity Starts at Home campaign to extend an emergency cushion to families in crisis. Together [with the legislation's new data collection and outreach initiatives], the bill would help low-income renters avert the downward spiral of housing instability and homelessness. I urge Congress to quickly pass this bill, said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The Eviction Crisis Act is an historic response our country's eviction epidemic. Through comprehensive data collection and emergency rental assistance, the bill will combat the devastating impacts of evictions on families and children and create a foundation for more effective prevention in the future. We are grateful to Senators Bennet and Portman for addressing this crucial area of U.S. housing policy and working to save families from eviction and homelessness, said Shamus Roller, Executive Director, National Housing Law Project. Colorado Center on Law and Policy applauds Senator Michael Bennet's legislation that addresses housing insecurity and the eviction crisis that is occurring in communities across the country. Tenants who are facing eviction are typically unable to access assistance. For tenants who must represent themselves in court, navigating the complex legal system of landlord-tenant laws can prove to be impossible. This major shortcoming in our justice system contributes to cycles of poverty and is especially harmful for families with children. An eviction can destabilize relationships, disrupt children's development and undermine community ties. Senator Bennet's legislation would provide support for emergency assistance, expand legal resources and enable comprehensive data collection. This legislation represents a monumental step forward in preventing evictions, and we encourage Members of Congress to lend their support, said Jack B. Regenbogen, Senior Attorney at Colorado Center on Law and Policy. The Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) enthusiastically endorses the Eviction Crisis Act and the creation of the Emergency Assistance Fund designed to prevent unnecessary evictions. Evictions in many Ohio cities are hitting record levels as housing costs are growing increasingly out of reach, especially for those with the lowest incomes. We all now understand that evictions are not only the result of but also a cause of deeper poverty leading to increasing homelessness. This legislation has the promise of helping to reverse that tide. We appreciate the leadership of Senators Rob Portman and Michael Bennet working together to tackle this stubborn problem, said Bill Faith, Executive Director of COHHIO and state partner of the Opportunity Starts at Home campaign. A full list of quotes from stakeholders is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C8F56307-82EF-4EE1-A748-A1A1BBBEB239,Bennet Reiterates Support For Basing U.S. Space Command in Colorado in Meeting with Defense Official,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, met this week with Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and spoke with the Commander of U.S. Space Command General John W. Raymond to discuss the importance of a focus on national security space. Colorado is the epicenter of national security space and plays a critical role in ensuring our continued technological superiority, global leadership, and capabilities in space, said Bennet. My conversations with Secretary Barrett and General Raymond centered on the importance of increased focus on space as a contested domain and why reestablishing U.S. Space Command in our state would best position our nation to maintain superiority in space. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Barrett, General Raymond, and stakeholders in Colorado to address the evolving threats in space. In his conversation with Secretary Barrett, who was confirmed in October, Bennet highlighted Colorado's significant role and history in national security space, and the benefits of the state's existing military and intelligence space infrastructure, exceptional workforce, and strong community support. In May, the Air Force named six finalist bases, four of which are located in Colorado: Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station in Colorado Springs, Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, and Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. Last March, Bennet led the entire Colorado Congressional Delegation and Governor Jared Polis in a letter urging the Department of Defense to reestablish Space Command in Colorado and invited the department's leadership to visit the state. Following the official White House announcement of the reestablishment of Space Command in August, Bennet, the delegation, and the governor sent a new letter to the Defense Department reiterating their support. In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which became law in August 2018, Congress directed the Department of Defense to establish U.S. Space Command under U.S. Strategic Command. In December 2018, President Trump signed an executive order to create U.S. Space Command separate from U.S. Strategic Command.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jason-crow-announces-102-million-recovered-constituents-2019,Congressman Jason Crow Announces $1.02 Million Recovered for Constituents in 2019,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jason Crow today announced that his office helped recover more than $1.02 million owed to constituents from federal agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. Our work for Colorado's 6th district begins with constituent casework. The team has crisscrossed the district to help Coloradans obtain benefits they have earned and cut through endless bureaucratic red tape. We're proud of the impact we've been able to make in individual's lives and encourage the community to continue to use us as a resource when dealing with federal issues, said Rep. Jason Crow. This year, Crow's team has resolved 536 cases for constituents including over 100 cases for veterans. For example, in one case, they helped recover medals for the daughter of a WWII veteran. I wish to thank Congressman Jason Crow and his staff for coming to my rescue. My father, Lawrence M. Sierocuk, was a decorated WWII veteran. When assembling his medals, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and Campaign Medals, for a display to honor my father's heroism, I noticed I was missing a Bronze Star. Trying to navigate the VA website was confusing and difficult. When I attended one of Congressman Crow's town hall meetings, I asked for help. Aly [from Crow's office] sent me the VA documents I needed to replace the lost medal. In just a month, the missing Bronze Star arrived. Aly delivered it and made me cry. I thought I would never see that medal again. Both the Congressman and his staff are remarkable and they responded immediately to help me make the memorial for my father possible, said Barbara Bundy, constituent of Colorado's sixth district. Congressman Crow's constituent services team stands ready to assist residents of Colorado's sixth district. If residents can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or just need help navigating the system, Crow's team may be able to help resolve a problem or obtain pertinent information. In April, Crow announced mobile office hours, a first of its kind program in the district that would bring the constituent service team directly to Coloradans. Over the course of the year, Crow's constituent service team has held 35 mobile office hours across the district visiting libraries, non-profits, community centers, municipal buildings, recreation centers, hospitals, festivals and fairs in Brighton, Thornton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Littleton, Greenwood Village and Aurora. Below are just a few issues with which Congressman Crow's team can help. Social Security and Medicare Veterans' Benefits IRS Issues Passports and Visas Student Loans Small Business Assistance Federal Grants and Loans In addition to mobile office hours, constituents can visit Crow's district office at 3300 S. Parker Road, Suite 100 in Aurora. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. and can be reached by telephone at (720) 748-7514. Constituents visiting Washington, D.C. can also visit his office located in room 1229 of the Longworth House Building.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crow-tackles-climate-change-dod-secures-passage-mira-act-ndaa,Rep. Crow Tackles Climate Change at DOD; Secures Passage of MIRA Act in NDAA,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-6) voted in support of the bipartisan conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed the House of Representatives 377-48. The NDAA funds a wide variety of national security and defense programs and will direct how the U.S. will protect its own national security for the coming year. The bill is expected to be signed by the President in the coming days. Notably, Rep. Crow's Military Installation Resilience Assuredness (MIRA) Act, which improves the security and resilience of military installations that are vulnerable to the damaging effects of extreme weather and climate change, was incorporated into the NDAA. In recent years, extreme weather events brought on by global warming have resulted in billions of dollars spent on base repairs, such as $3.6 billion for Camp Lejeune following Hurricane Florence, which has severely hindered military readiness. As a soldier, I have been on the receiving end of Congress' decision about how to fund our military and I'm proud that today that we came together and passed a bipartisan bill that does our servicemembers justice, said Rep. Jason Crow. To be clear, this isn't a perfect bill, but it is the most progressive NDAA Congress has seen in a generation and advances many of Colorado's key priorities. With the inclusion of the MIRA Act, we are days away from signing into law bold action to address climate change at the Department of Defense. Climate change is a threat to our national security and I'm thrilled to have found common ground with my colleagues to address this urgent issue. After nearly 10 months of developing this year's NDAA, Crow's priorities included in the final conference report includes provisions to: Fighting for Servicemembers, Families, and Civilian Personnel Increase basic pay for servicemembers by 3.1 % - the largest increase in a decade. Implement paid parental leave for all federal employeesin the case of adoption, birth, or fostering to ensure that we are recruiting and retaining the best and brightest talent for government service. Protect servicemember-recipients of DACA or TPS from being involuntarily separated from the military and ensuring that the military service of non-citizen veterans in removal proceedings is considered before a determination is made on their cases. Repeal the Widow's Tax which unfairly reduced the annuity payments fallen servicemembers' spouses are entitled to receive. Improve the mental health care for servicemembers and families and increase the transparency of suicide prevention programs Address the DOD use of PFAS by: Banning the use of PFAS in fire fighting agents by 2024 and requiring the development of a safe alternative; Prohibiting the use of fire fighting agents that contain PFAS/PFOA when not necessary to respond to an actual emergency; and Mandating that DOD adheres to the strictest state drinking water standards. Impose reforms to military family housing through: Establishing landlord responsibilities and tenants' rights; Increasing transparency through the creation of a public database for military housing complaints; Authorizing an additional $140.8 million to hire more civilian personnel to conduct oversight and address management concerns. Making DOD More Efficient and Resilient to Climate Change Include Rep. Crow's Military Installation Resilience Assuredness (MIRA) Act (H.R.3041) which requires major military installations plan for climate change when drafting master plans by identifying vulnerabilities and plans to address them. Provide $100 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) to continue land conservation and community cooperation efforts across the country, mirroring the gold-standard set by the work at Buckley Air Force Base. Leading in Space Maintain the schedule and scope for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) to ensure the U.S. maintains guaranteed access to space to support global operations. Rep. Crow was joined by Rep. Lamborn (R-CO) in fighting to ensure fair competition throughout the NSSL process. Create the U.S. Space Force as a sixth Armed Service of the U.S. under the Department of the Air Force, in recognition of burgeoning importance of space as a warfighting domain. Standing by Allies and Partners Provide an additional 4,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan partners whose service to the U.S. has put them and their families in grave danger. Reaffirm our commitment to NATO allies by emphasizing the importance of the alliance and prohibiting funds from being used to withdraw. Protecting U.S. National Security Improve U.S. engagement in the Middle East by: Increasing oversight of military operations in Iraq and Syria. Imposing sanctions against the Assad regime for its gross human rights violations against its own population. Enhancing Congressional oversight of the conflict in Afghanistan. Holding Saudi Arabia accountable for human rights violations in Yemen and for the murder of Jamal Kashoggi. Confront Russian aggression by: Countering Russian influence and election interference efforts. Providing $300 million in security assistance to assist our Ukrainian allies in defending against ongoing Russian aggression.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4743,Perlmutter’s Amendment for Rocky Flats Workers Included in FY20 National Defense Authorization Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) applauded the passage of the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation includes several priorities important to Colorado such as providing all federal employees with 12 weeks paid parental leave, key provisions to support our men and women in uniform such as a 3.1% pay raise for the military, improvements to military family housing, and a repeal of the existing law requiring military surviving spouses to forfeit all or part of their military Survivor Benefit Plan annuity (commonly known as the SPB/DIC offset). Important to the 7th Congressional District is Perlmutter's amendment on behalf of Rocky Flats workers and other Cold War patriots to improve the Energy Employees Occupational Illness and Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). It was previously included as part of the NDAA passed by the U.S. House in July and was successfully included in the final NDAA package announced this week. Perlmutter helped create the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health in 2015 to reduce red tape faced by workers seeking compensation for illnesses developed as a direct result of their jobs. The Advisory Board, comprised of scientists, medical professionals and former nuclear weapons workers, has improved transparency and made several recommendations to improve the administration of the program. Perlmutter's amendment makes several adjustments to better empower the Advisory Board, improve the claims process for workers, and expand transparency at the Department of Labor.It would also reauthorize the Office of the Ombudsman which serves as a key advocate for former nuclear weapons workers, which expired in October. These workers risked their lives to protect our nation and helped end the Cold War. We owe these patriots the compensation and care they need and deserve as they deal with the health consequences and other side effects related to their service to our country, said Perlmutter. During the Cold War, approximately 600,000 Americans were employed at atomic weapons program facilities in the U.S., including thousands of workers at the former Rocky Flats plant in Colorado. Many of these workers were unknowingly exposed to radioactive and toxic substances, and as a result, developed debilitating and often terminal illnesses. These workers are due compensation and medical benefits under EEOICPA; however, the law has been riddled with procedural inconsistencies and delays, preventing workers from successfully submitting their claims and receiving their hard-earned benefits. In addition, the FY20 NDAA also requires the Department of Defense to assess current climate vulnerabilities and develop a comprehensive risk mitigation plan. The bill importantlymandates phasing out perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFAS, in military firefighting foam, which has caused problems with contamination at places like Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. The bill is expected to be passed by the U.S. Senate next week and signed into law by President Trump. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=44C308E1-E2CA-4A90-B7E4-4C84B6F0A557,Bennet Statement on Court Ruling Against the President Raiding Military Funding for Border Wall,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas ruled yesterday against the Trump Administration's decision to transfer funds appropriated to 127 U.S. military construction projects, including at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, to build the president's costly, ineffective border wall: The court's ruling reaffirms what Democrats and many Republicans have said all along: President Trump's decision to raid Congressionally appropriated funding for military construction projects to fulfill his ridiculous campaign promise is not only short-sighted, but also unconstitutional. The Department of Defense identified these projects, including the Space Control Facility at Peterson Air Force Base, as critical to military readiness. We will not stand by as this president abuses his power in an attempt to circumvent Congress, flout the rule of law, and undermine our national security.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-articles-impeachment,DeGette statement on articles of impeachment,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) on the articles of impeachment released today: ""Public office is a public trust. And those who violate that trust must be held accountable. The evidence is clear: President Trump has abused the power of his office, put our national security at risk and blocked Congress's attempt to investigate his actions. No one in this country is above the law, not even the president. In order to protect the strength of our democracy, Congress has a duty to act.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment,DeGette statement on articles of impeachment,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) on the articles of impeachment released today: Public office is a public trust. And those who violate that trust must be held accountable. The evidence is clear: President Trump has abused the power of his office, put our national security at risk and blocked Congress's attempt to investigate his actions. No one in this country is above the law, not even the president. In order to protect the strength of our democracy, Congress has a duty to act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-neguse-introduction-articles-impeachment-against-president,Congressman Joe Neguse on the Introduction of Articles of Impeachment Against the President of the United States,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi alongside the House Judiciary Committee announced the introduction of two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. These articles come after much deliberation from the Judiciary Committee, who heard from legal scholars last week on the grounds for impeachment and reviewed evidence from the House Intelligence Committee's report in an open hearing yesterday. Members of the House Judiciary Committee met late into the night last night to draft the articles introduced today. Congressman Joe Neguse, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after their introduction: Today is a solemn day for our nation. The evidence is clear that the President of the United States abused his power by soliciting foreign interference in our elections and engaging in a wholesale obstruction of Congress during this inquiry. Therefore, today the House Judiciary Committee is introducing two articles of impeachment on both fronts. The Framers of the constitution prescribed impeachment in the constitution chiefly because they were concerned with abuses of power, a betrayal of our national interest and attempts to corrupt the integrity of our elections. They included impeachment for such a time as this. It is now the Congress's grave and urgent responsibility to hold the President accountable and defend our constitution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-announces-affordable-housing-grant-low-income-homeless,Congressman Neguse Announces Affordable Housing Grant for Low-Income Homeless Veterans in Larimer County,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. This week, Congressman Neguse announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development will be granting over $170,000 to Housing Catalyst in Larimer County to support affordable housing for low-income and homeless veterans. Fort Collins is one of only 4 municipalities in Colorado to receive a HUD-VASH grant in this first round of funding. In Congress, I am fighting to deliver better medical care, mental health services, housing and education benefits for our veterans, said Congressman Joe Neguse. We must honor the sacrifice and bravery of our servicemembers by ensuring they can access work, housing, education and the care they need. This grant will go a long way to ensure veterans in Larimer County are provided these needed services. Housing Catalyst has led the way in building partnerships to end veteran homelessness, said Michele Christensen, Chief Operating Officer at Housing Catalyst. Fort Collins Mayor Wade Troxell signed onto the 2015 Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, a federal call to action. This commitment reinforced efforts to address veteran homeless in the city, which have included the Fort Collins 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, landlord outreach, coordination with other veteran service initiatives, and a coordinated entry system launched by the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care. These efforts, along with increased support from Veterans Administration Supportive Housing Vouchers, has significantly reduced the number of veterans living in homelessness in our community."" Housing choice voucher rental assistance is combined with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for very low-income homeless veterans and their families. HUD-VASH vouchers are awarded based on geographic need and PHA administrative performance. Earlier in 2019, Congressman Neguse introduced the Veterans Conservation Corps Act to connect veterans with opportunities in public lands maintenance. He has also co-sponsored the Brian Tally VA Employment Transparency Act, the FREED Vets Act, and the Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act to improve the quality of life for veterans who have served their country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=37D16451-7FAD-4453-838E-7E1CE54C32C2,"Bennet, Colleagues Urge FCC to Prioritize Rural Broadband",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet this week joined U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and 45 of their Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize sustainable rural broadband networks as the FCC considers new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proceeding. If our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas, wrote Bennet and the senators in a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we write to emphasize the importance of sustainable networks that meet the needs of consumers now and in the future. Given that the FCC plays a critical role in connecting rural communities to high-speed internet through the universal service fund (USF), we encourage the FCC to make the most efficient and effective use of those funds. Any large-scale infrastructure project requires reasonable planning that takes account not only of current needs, but also of projected demands over the life of the asset being funded; and the distribution of USF should be no different. For broadband specifically, this requires that networks, built using USF, must be capable of delivering speeds, latency, and usage capacity according to what the FCC deems necessary to meet the needs of consumers over the next decade. If our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come. Similarly, we believe it is important for the FCC to be responsible for USF resources and ensure that those parties receiving such support can deliver on the commitments they make. This requires monitoring and reporting once USF support is received to guarantee it is being used as intended. The FCC should also make sure before the auction occurs that the participants in the auction can successfully deliver on their promises. If a party is incapable of delivering broadband as promised, the American ratepayer loses twice over first for having contributed sums that did not go toward the deployment of broadband as hoped, and then again for those ratepayers who reside in the area that ended up not receiving the promised service. It is therefore critical that any use of an auction to distribute USF support include meaningful processes upfront to prequalify bidders. This should apply to all bidders, regardless of the technology they propose to use or the performance levels they promise to deliver. Thank you for your work to deploy reliable broadband networks in rural America. We look forward to working with you to help close the digital divide and provide rural American consumers with the same kinds of digital opportunities that many others take for granted.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F877F340-3C0A-4DF7-8703-75E9AD510FD8,"Federal Agency Accepts Bennet, Romney Request to Review USDA’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry's Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) announced that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has accepted their request to review the effectiveness and implementation of the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). Administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), EWP is an important tool designed to reduce financial strain and help communities across the West address imminent threats following a wildfire. However, communities often face challenges when attempting to use EWP to support recovery efforts, including after fires in Colorado and Utah in 2018. The GAO review, which will commence in the coming months, will lead to recommendations to improve EWP and more effectively assist communities recovering from wildfires across the West. I'm glad the Government Accountability Office heard our concerns and will quickly take up this review, said Bennet. We look forward to working with the GAO and stakeholders across Colorado to ensure the federal government is an effective partner to communities across our state as they recover from the damage left behind by wildfires. It is welcome news that the Government Accountability Office has accepted our request in a timely manner. As the review process moves forward, I will continue working with our state and federal partners to ensure that communities across Utah have the support they need as they recover from the damage of wildfires, said Romney. In their letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, Bennet and Romney requested that the GAO focus on a number of specific items, including: Approval processes under the program, including eligibility requirements that may limit entities such as water districts and ditch companies from qualifying for the program; Exigent project timelines and challenges, including opportunities to improve exigent projects in rural areas; Opportunities to expand eligible projects, such as weather monitoring and alert systems to warn of post-fire floods; Agency and stakeholder views on program improvements to better meet the goals and intent of EWP. The full text of Bennet and Romney's letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawmakers-examine-safety-drugs-made-overseas,Lawmakers to examine safety of drugs made overseas,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Hearing comes as concerns mount over FDA's ability to effectively monitor foreign drug makers WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forty percent of all prescription drugs approved for sale in the U.S. are manufactured overseas – but are they safe? While drug makers in countries such as China and India are producing more and more of the prescription medications that Americans take every day, there's increasing concern over the federal government's ability to effectively monitor those overseas manufacturers to ensure the pharmaceutical products they are producing are both safe and effective for Americans to use. On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations panel – which oversees the Food and Drug Administration – will hold a hearing to examine the agency's ability to oversee the quality and safety of prescription drugs made overseas. ""With more and more drugs being made overseas, it is imperative that we do everything we can to ensure those drugs are both safe and effective for Americans to use,"" said the panel's chair, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO). ""For years, our panel has been working to ensure FDA has the resources and authority it needs to properly monitor foreign drug makers. Yet, based on recent reports, it's clear that there is still much more that needs to be done."" To receive approval to market a drug product in the United States, pharmaceutical manufacturers – both in the U.S. and overseas – are required to comply with certain FDA regulations designed to ensure those products are safe for Americans to use and as effective as advertised. It is the responsibility of FDA's foreign drug inspection program to ensure that drugs made in foreign facilities comply with the same FDA standards that apply to drugs made in the U.S. For more than two decades, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has been raising concerns over the FDA's ability to properly monitor overseas drug makers. In 1998, GAO issued a report to Congress citing FDA's infrequent inspections of foreign facilities. In 2007, the Energy and Commerce's committee oversight panel held a hearing to explore the challenges that the FDA's foreign inspection team was facing – including: the frequency of its inspections, its overall presence abroad, the availability of agency translators and the quality of its data on foreign facilities, among other things. In 2012, Congress approved legislation to give the FDA new authority to inspect overseas facilities and hold foreign drug makers accountable. The legislation, among other things, prohibited foreign manufacturers from delaying or denying FDA inspectors access to their facilities and gave the agency authority to destroy products produced by manufacturers who refused to be inspected. Despite those new authorities Congress gave to the agency, GAO recently found FDA's foreign drug inspection program is still struggling to hire staff. As a result, the number of foreign facilities the agency has inspected over the last two years has declined. In May, a former FDA inspector sounded alarms over the safety of prescription medications manufactured in China and India. The warning came just months after DeGette and others sent a letter to FDA requesting information about its foreign drug inspection program following the recall of a popular blood-pressure medication manufactured in China and India that was found to have been contaminated with trace amounts of carcinogens. More recent media reports have alleged instances of fraud by foreign drug manufacturers who have, among other things, been reportedly caught falsifying data to meet FDA's drug-quality standards. The reports have further raised doubts about the agency's ability to effectively monitor the nation's drug supply. Tuesday's hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST in Room 2123 of the House Rayburn Office Building. Officials from both the FDA and GAO are set to testify. The hearing will be streamed LIVE online at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miVge_e2kQc&feature=emb_title Witnesses set to testify Tuesday: Mary Denigan-Macauley, Ph.D. Director, Health Care Government Accountability Office Janet Woodcock, M.D. Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research U.S. Food and Drug Administration",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawmakers-to-examine-safety-of-drugs-made-overseas,Lawmakers to examine safety of drugs made overseas,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Forty percent of all prescription drugs approved for sale in the U.S. are manufactured overseas but are they safe? While drug makers in countries such as China and India are producing more and more of the prescription medications that Americans take every day, there's increasing concern over the federal government's ability to effectively monitor those overseas manufacturers to ensure the pharmaceutical products they are producing are both safe and effective for Americans to use. On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations panel which oversees the Food and Drug Administration will hold a hearing to examine the agency's ability to oversee the quality and safety of prescription drugs made overseas. With more and more drugs being made overseas, it is imperative that we do everything we can to ensure those drugs are both safe and effective for Americans to use, said the panel's chair, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO). For years, our panel has been working to ensure FDA has the resources and authority it needs to properly monitor foreign drug makers. Yet, based on recent reports, it's clear that there is still much more that needs to be done. To receive approval to market a drug product in the United States, pharmaceutical manufacturers both in the U.S. and overseas are required to comply with certain FDA regulations designed to ensure those products are safe for Americans to use and as effective as advertised. It is the responsibility of FDA's foreign drug inspection program to ensure that drugs made in foreign facilities comply with the same FDA standards that apply to drugs made in the U.S. For more than two decades, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has been raising concerns over the FDA's ability to properly monitor overseas drug makers. In 1998, GAO issued a report to Congress citing FDA's infrequent inspections of foreign facilities. In 2007, the Energy and Commerce's committee oversight panel held a hearing to explore the challenges that the FDA's foreign inspection team was facing including: the frequency of its inspections, its overall presence abroad, the availability of agency translators and the quality of its data on foreign facilities, among other things. In 2012, Congress approved legislation to give the FDA new authority to inspect overseas facilities and hold foreign drug makers accountable. The legislation, among other things, prohibited foreign manufacturers from delaying or denying FDA inspectors access to their facilities and gave the agency authority to destroy products produced by manufacturers who refused to be inspected. Despite those new authorities Congress gave to the agency, GAO recently found FDA's foreign drug inspection program is still struggling to hire staff. As a result, the number of foreign facilities the agency has inspected over the last two years has declined. In May, a former FDA inspector sounded alarms over the safety of prescription medications manufactured in China and India. The warning came just months after DeGette and others sent a letter to FDA requesting information about its foreign drug inspection program following the recall of a popular blood-pressure medication manufactured in China and India that was found to have been contaminated with trace amounts of carcinogens. More recent media reports have alleged instances of fraud by foreign drug manufacturers who have, among other things, been reportedly caught falsifying data to meet FDA's drug-quality standards. The reports have further raised doubts about the agency's ability to effectively monitor the nation's drug supply. Tuesday's hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST in Room 2123 of the House Rayburn Office Building. Officials from both the FDA and GAO are set to testify. The hearing will be streamed LIVE online at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miVge_e2kQc&feature=emb_title Witnesses set to testify Tuesday: Mary Denigan-Macauley, Ph.D. Director, Health Care Government Accountability Office Janet Woodcock, M.D. Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research U.S. Food and Drug Administration",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-requests-hearing-helicopter-safety-legislation-ways-and,Congressman Neguse Requests a Hearing for Helicopter Safety Legislation in the Ways and Means Committee,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Joe Neguse, along with Congressman Perlmutter, and Congresswoman Maloney are requesting the House Ways and Means Committee take up helicopter safety legislation introduced earlier this year. The three members sent a letter to Chairman Richard Neal of the House Ways and Means Committee requesting the Committee hold a hearing on Neguse's bill to incentivize emergency medical helicopters to upgrade their fuel systems. The bill was introduced in partnership with Karen Mahany, whose husband was killed in a Flight for Life helicopter crash in Frisco, CO in 2015 and Deve Repsher, one of the flight nurses onboard. On July 3, 2015, a Flight for Life helicopter crashed in Frisco, Coloradoclaiming the life of the pilot and seriously injuring both flight nurses on board, reads the letter from Congressman Neguse and his colleagues. Only 32 seconds after the helicopter took off, it crashed and erupted into flames in a resultant post-crash fire outside St. Anthony Medical Center. The pilot, Patrick Mahany, had been an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam and had flown as a helicopter pilot for Flight For Life for 27 years before he was killed in the crash. Dave Repsher, one of the Flight for Life nurses, suffered burns on 90 percent of his body as a result of the post-crash fire and the other nurse on board, Matt Bowe, also sustained injuries. The letter can be read in full here. H.R. 675, the Safe Helicopters Now Act, would incentivize emergency medical helicopters that are currently in use to upgrade to safer fuel systems. The bill offers a 10 percent tax credit to helicopter manufacturers to offset the total cost of the upgraded fuel system, in the same taxable year. Since introducing the legislation earlier this year, Neguse has lobbied the Ways and Means Committee, the Committee of jurisdiction, to take it up for consideration. In June, he testified before the Committee in support of the bill. Neguse introduced the Safe Helicopters Now Act in January, after working with Karen Mahany and Dave Repsher on the legislation. In June 2019, Congressman Neguse joined Governor Polis and the Mahany family in Frisco for a naming dedication ceremony for the Frisco Post Office, named in honor of Patrick E. Mahany Jr.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F41D4936-A498-4543-8C1E-AB21132F876B,Bennet Joins Colleagues in Demanding Stephen Miller’s Removal from the White House,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and 25 of their colleagues in a letter to President Donald Trump demanding the immediate removal of Stephen Miller from his position as a White House senior adviser. The letter follows recent reports detailing over 900 e-mails, sent from Miller to far-right Breitbart News between 2015 and 2016, which confirm that Miller worked to advance white supremacist, anti-immigrant ideologies. In the letter, the senators connect the e-mails to specific immigration policies Miller has implemented in his current position. Mr. Miller's demonstrable white nationalist ideology has directly translated into your administration's policies, which have been widely criticized for systematically targeting communities of color, wrote Bennet and his colleagues. The Muslim ban targeted individuals of color and caused chaos at U.S. airports around the country, wreaking havoc on the lives of countless individuals and families. The family separation policy tore children from their families, resulting in widely reported mistreatment and human rights abuses of immigrants in detention facilities nationwide. Bennet and his colleagues continued, When someone takes an oath to work in the White House and earn a taxpayer-funded salary, they work for the people, not a divisive, harmful, and hateful ideology. These e-mails clearly show what is driving Mr. Miller. It's not national security, it's white supremacysomething that has no place in our country, federal government, and especially not the White House. Mr. Miller's views go against everything we stand for as a country. They are unacceptable and unjust. Simply put, Mr. Miller is unfit to serve in any capacity at the White House, let alone as a senior policy adviser. We demand that you remove Stephen Miller immediately. The letter has the support of Southern Poverty Law Center, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Bend The Arc, Immigration Hub, National Immigrant Justice Center, Center for American Progress, and Families Belong Together. In addition to Bennet and Harris, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). The text of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Mr. President: We write to demand the immediate removal of Stephen Miller as your advisor. Recent reports confirm that he advanced white nationalist, anti-immigrant ideologies. Continuing to employ him as the senior architect of your immigration policies ensures that those policies discriminate against individuals of color to advance white nationalist ideals. He must be removed. According to over 900 recently published e-mails dated March 4, 2015 to June 27, 2016, Mr. Miller, who was an aide to Senator Jeff Sessions at the time, actively pressured editors and writers at far-right website, Breitbart, to publish white nationalist articles. He drew his source material from known far-right websites peddling conspiracy theories, including VDARE and Infowars. When Pope Francis called for the United States to welcome immigrants, Mr. Miller proposed a story on The Camp of the Saints, an overwhelmingly racist white genocide-themed novel detailing an immigrant invasion designed to wipe out the white race. The book dehumanizes immigrants by, among other things, painting them as physically grotesque. It is simply appalling that a senior advisor to the President advanced parallels between this book and contemporary events. Alarmingly, this was not an isolated incident. Rather, it is just one of myriad highly disturbing communications. After a white nationalist killed nine African-Americans during Bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. Miller sought to protect Confederate iconography by targeting online shopping platforms that stopped selling Confederate flags. His e-mails regularly utilized verbiage commonly associated with the white nationalist movement, including the phrases great replacement and new America. Mr. Miller's demonstrable white nationalist ideology has been directly translated into your administration's policies, which have been widely criticized for systematically targeting communities of color. The Muslim ban targeted individuals of color and caused chaos at U.S. airports around the country, wreaking havoc on the lives of countless individuals and families. The family separation policy tore children from their families, resulting in widely reported mistreatment and human rights abuses of immigrants in detention facilities nationwide. The rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has thrown the lives of hundreds of thousands of DREAMers into chaos and instability. Mr. Miller has also reportedly advanced your administration's efforts to slash refugee admissions, limit asylum access for vulnerable populations, prevent extensions of Temporary Protected Status to those granted safety from humanitarian crises abroad, and disqualify immigrants who use public resources from receiving certain immigration benefits. Each and every one of these policies has a disproportionate adverse impact on communities of color and our country. Each and every one of them aligns with the white nationalist ideals espoused by Mr. Miller in his e-mails. Words matter. They can divide or bring people together and sow hope or hate. On August 3, 2019, a shooter opened fire at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, killing 22 individuals in one of the deadliest hate crimes against Latinos in U.S. history. The shooter left behind a manifesto specifically citing anti-Hispanic and anti-immigrant sentiments as the reasons he opened fire that day. This was just one of an alarmingly high number of recent hate crimes throughout our country. When someone takes an oath to work in the White House and earns a taxpayer-funded salary, they work for the people, not to advance a divisive, harmful, and hateful ideology. These e-mails clearly show what is driving Mr. Miller. It's not national security, it's white supremacysomething that has no place in our country, federal government, and especially not the White House. Mr. Miller's views go against everything we stand for as a country. They are unacceptable and unjust. Simply put, Mr. Miller is unfit to serve in any capacity at the White House, let alone as a senior policy adviser. We demand that you remove Stephen Miller immediately. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=27C1E232-3E50-4F8F-8C6E-4328E04F1D04,"Bennet, Cassidy, Hassan Statement on Bipartisan Agreement on Legislation to Stop Surprise Medical Bills, Lower Health Care Costs",2019-12-08,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ColoradoU.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), released the statement below following the announcement of a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on legislation to lower health care costs announced today by the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee. The agreement will include several health care provisions championed by Bennet, Cassidy, and Hassan, including a solution to stop patients from receiving surprise bills for medical services not paid by their insurance. We appreciate committee leadership for their work to progress efforts to end the practice of surprise medical billing, including by adding a simple baseball-style arbitration safety valve to help providers and plans resolve these billing disputes,said Senators Bennet, Cassidy, and Hassan. As our discussions continue around the final details, we are encouraged that we're one step closer to giving patients these vital protections. Patients have waited long enough, and we remain hopeful that we can get this done by the end of the year. In May, Bennet and Cassidy led the bipartisan Senate health care price transparency group in introducing theSTOP Surprise Medical Bills Act, legislation to protect patients from surprise bills. The legislation was a product of a nearly year-long effort revising and requesting feedback on draft legislation released in September 2018 by the working group. Bennet and Cassidy formed theworking groupin March 2018. TheSTOP Surprise Medical Bills Actaddresses three scenarios in which surprise medical billing (also known as balance billing)would be prohibited: Emergency services:The bill would ensure that a patient is only required to pay the in-network cost-sharing amount required by their health plan for emergency services, regardless of them being treated at an out-of-network facility or by an out-of-network provider. Non-Emergency services following an emergency service at an out-of-network facility:The bill would protect patients who require additional health care services after receiving emergency care at an out-of-network facility, but cannot be moved without medical transport from the out-of-network facility. Non-Emergency services performed by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility:The bill would ensure that patients owe no more than their in-network cost sharing in the case of a non-emergency service that is provided by an out-of-network provider atan in-network facility. Further, patients could not receive a surprise medical bill for services that are ordered by an in-network provider at a provider's office, but are provided by an out-of-network provider, such as out-of-network laboratory or imaging services. A bill text is availableHEREand a section-by-section of the STOP Surprise Medical Billing Act is availableHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-crow-votes-protect-access-ballot-and-pass-voting-rights-advancement,Congressman Crow Votes to Protect Access to the Ballot and Pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) voted to pass H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, critical legislation to restore the full strength of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), following the disastrous Supreme Court Shelby v. Holder decision, which gutted the VRA's ability to combat voter suppression and discrimination. Since the Shelby v. Holderdecision, at least 23 states have enacted voter suppression laws, including voter purges, strict ID requirements, poll closures and curtailing of early voting hours. The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy. Today, the House passed the Voting Rights Advancement Act to stop egregious voter suppression tactics and protect one of the most fundamental rights in America, said Crow. This historic bill to better ensure that every eligible American voter has full access to the ballot box has the support of a wide range of nonpartisan organizations, including the American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters of the United States, National Education Association, NAACP, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and Native American Rights Fund. The Voting Rights Advancement Act reestablishes full protections for voters in states with a recent history of discrimination. Among its key provisions, the bill: In response to the Supreme Court decision, provides a new coverage formula that determines which jurisdictions are subject to preclearance, based on current conditions. Also establishes practice-based preclearance, focusing administrative or judicial review narrowly on suspect practices that are most likely to be tainted by discriminatory intent or to have discriminatory effects, as demonstrated by a broad historical record.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jason-crow-and-state-rep-janet-buckner-join-coloradans-calling,Congressman Jason Crow and State Rep. Janet Buckner Join Coloradans In Calling for Passage of Crucial Prescription Drug Bill,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) and State Rep. Janet Buckner (HD 40) joined Coloradans to talk about the newly-introduced bill, the Lower Drug Prices Now Act (H.R. 3), and its benefits for Coloradans struggling under the weight of increasingly high prescription drug costs. The bill, which would give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices for people on Medicare and people on private insurance, is slated for a vote in the House before the end of the year. Millions of Coloradans struggle every day to afford their life-saving prescription drugs. Real people are struggling to afford the price of the medicine they need, on top of every day expenses like rent, child care, and groceries. There's not a week that goes by when I don't hear from Coloradans about the prescription drug issue in our country, said Representative Jason Crow. When one in five Americans report skipping a dose of medication because of its high cost and one in four Americans didn't fill a prescription because of high costs, it requires immediate action. Big pharma has for far too long fought any reforms or reasonable regulation and out of control costs, while spending $4 billion in lobbying Congress in the last 20 years. I'm proud to have signed on as a co-sponsor of HR 3 and helped introduce the Freedom From Price Gouging Act, a component of HR 3, to provide immediate relief to these higher costs. I support and will be enthusiastically voting for HR 3 next week. H.R. 3 would also strengthen Medicare for seniors and people with disabilities by creating a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit for prescription drugs, similar to the bill passed in Colorado that caps out-of-pocket insulin costs. I was a pharmaceutical representative for many years, so I have seen the pattern of these much needed prescription drug prices skyrocket over the years, said Colorado Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Janet Buckner. We have hit a point where they have become completely unaffordable for Coloradans. We have worked very hard at the state legislature to do our part to reduce the cost of insulin and other life-saving drugs, but right now we need our elected officials in DC to follow suit, and the Lower Drug Costs Now bill would do just that. A new analysis from the nonpartisan experts at the Congressional Budget Office and the CMS Office of the Actuary found that the bill will lower the prices of negotiated drugs by as much as 55%, saving patients an estimated $158 billion over the next few years and reducing the deficit by $345 billion. The prescription drugs that would be impacted by this bill are drugs that many people rely on to stay alive, said Laura Packard, a stage 4 cancer survivor. My cancer treatments, including chemotherapy drugs, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, money most people don't have. In fact, I wound up in the hospital for a week and nearly died because my insurance company wouldn't cover the $13,000 price tag for the drug Neulasta for me. We need Senator Gardner to express his support for this bill, which is probably the best solution that we have right now to help alleviate the cost of some prescription drugs for Coloradans. You can listen to the full recording of the call here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-introduces-small-business-innovation-voucher-act-ensure-small-businesses,Crow Introduces the Small Business Innovation Voucher Act to Ensure Small Businesses Stay Competitive with R&D Efforts,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bill authorizes $10 million per year for five years to establish an innovation voucher program at the Small Business Administration Introduced with Rep. Burchett (R-TN), the Small Business Innovation Voucher Act is Crow's fifth piece of legislation to be introduced with a Republican member Today, Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) introduced the Small Business Innovation Voucher Act alongside Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02). The bill would establish an innovation voucher program at the Small Business Administration (SBA) which would allow small businesses to partner with an institution of higher education or research lab for resources so they can better compete for federal funding grants on research and development and commercialization of new technologies. Specifically, the bill authorizes $10 million per year for five years to establish an innovation voucher program at the Small Business Administration. With American innovation increasingly reliant on complex, scientific knowledge, federal funding now supports approximately 30% of all new U.S. patents each year. In the last decade alone, the number of patents that rely on federally supported research has nearly doubled. Unfortunately, at the same time, the vast majority of patents are in the hands of the largest firm resulting in a decline of business dynamism in recent decades. Currently, there are similar innovation voucher programs in place in five U.S. states that have shown great promise helping reduce time to market and have focused on new projects that otherwise would not have been pursued. Small businesses and start-ups make up the backbone of Colorado's economy and we need to make sure they stay competitive. I'm proud to be introducing the Small Business Innovation Voucher Act to promote and protect the valuable role that small businesses play in innovation, said Congressman Crow. Ensuring a dynamic marketplace of ideas begins with a diversity of businesses working together to build the next generation of technology. Innovation waivers are one of many tools available to small businesses looking to grow, said Congressman Burchett. Small businesses have continued access to these essential resources under this legislation, and I am proud to work with Representative Crow on introducing this bill. Colorado BioScience Association applauds the introduction of The Small Business Innovation Voucher Act. This program is an important step for our life sciences ecosystem, encouraging more public-private partnerships that are critical in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies. We appreciate Congressman Jason Crow's leadership on this issue and his support for the innovative startups working to commercialize cutting-edge research that improves and saves lives, said Jennifer Jones Paton, CBSA President and CEO. We at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus one of a handful of campuses in the country with a university, hospitals and a growing biotech incubator all on one site have seen firsthand how partnering and collaborating truly advances innovation. We're grateful to Congressman Crow for his efforts to help early-stage innovators get ideas off the ground, which will have a positive impact on economic development and health throughout Colorado, said Don Elliman, Chancellor of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. In evaluating applications for grants under the program, the SBA will consider the likelihood that the funds will be used to create a novel technology, the feasibility of creating such a technology, and whether this technology could be created without the voucher. Priority will be given to small businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans, as well as businesses in rural or underserved areas. Copy of the bill text can be foundhere. In addition to its bipartisan support in Congress, the bill is supported by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the Niskanen Center, AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the University of Nevada, Reno, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Colorado BioScience Association.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-neguse-introduces-legislation-address-climate-censorship,Congressman Joe Neguse Introduces Legislation to Address Climate Censorship at Federal Agencies,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District in Colorado and serves as a member of U.S. House Leadership, introduced legislation to address climate censorship at federal agencies. Specifically, the Stop Climate Censorship Act, from Congressman Neguse and co-led by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Congressman Sean Casten of Illinois, requires any political appointee at a federal agency seeking to remove content regarding climate change in a scientific study or press release to publicly provide the underlying scientific reason for doing so. In light of recent attempts by this Administration to censor science, including threats in September to fire NOAA officials who failed to back President Trump's inaccurate statements on Hurricane Dorian, legislation to prevent the political interference of federal science is critically needed. In Colorado, the impacts of climate change are felt every day. Rising temperatures have led to accelerated snow melt and increased flooding and erosion, which negatively affect Colorado's freshwater sources and national parks, said Congressman Joe Neguse. We need to be able to understand the full effects of climate change so we can prepare for them and fight this existential threat. It is absolutely critical, therefore, that researchers at our institutions and our federal labs are free to do their work without the threat of political censorship. The Stop Climate Censorship Act will take important steps towards addressing the issue of climate censorship for our scientists here in Colorado and across the country. Irrespective of anyone's political party affiliation, this is important legislation for those seeking improved accountability among political appointees and ongoing access to important information about climate change for decision-making, said Max Boykoff, Director of the Center for Science and Technology Policy Research and Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. We can't make good decisions if we're not working from the best available informationand federal scientists can't give us their best work if they're afraid their findings will make them a political target, said Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Since climate change is affecting nearly every facet of our lives, we have to be able to incorporate accurate, up-to-date information about climate change into our policy decisions. Federal agencies must listen to the science and be honest with the public, and that means allowing scientists who research climate change to do their work free of censorship or political interference. By acknowledging the scale of the climate crisis, we can implement bold policies to address it, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. To be successful, those policies must be informed by the best available science. At a time when the Trump Administration regularly dismisses and denies climate science, it is our responsibility to protect the work of federal science agencies and to make sure that scientists are heard and supported rather than censored. I'm pleased to work with Congressman Neguse on the Stop Climate Censorship Act to deter the suppression, censorship, and manipulation of climate science. The future of our planet and the health of our communities depend on our access to evidence-based science and the actions we take today. The climate crisis is the single greatest existential threat to mankind, yet this Administration has repeatedly barred government scientists, who are simply trying to do their job, from talking about or presenting the public with crucial facts about the threats posed by climate change. We simply cannot adequately prepare for the impacts of the climate crisis if the federal government and the public do not have the best available science to guide our decisions, said Congressman Sean Casten. I am proud to join my colleagues, Congressman Neguse and Congresswoman Bonamici, in introducing the Stop Climate Censorship Act which will help prevent political censorship of climate scientists across the federal government. Colorado is home to over 30 federally-funded research labs and joint institutes across the state, making it one of the highest concentrations of federally funded science and research centers in the nation, many of which focus on earth and climate science. Federally funded research facilities in Colorado contributed an estimated $2.6 billion to the state's economy in 2016 and supported more than 17,600 jobs, according to a report from the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-neguse-introduces-legislation-modernize-federal-labs-colorado,Congressman Joe Neguse Introduces Legislation to Modernize Federal Labs in Colorado,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District in Colorado and serves as a member of U.S. House Leadership, introduced legislation to invest and modernize federal labs housed in the 2nd Congressional District. The 2nd district is home to some of the country's most renowned research labs, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), USDA Agricultural Research Service, DOI North Central Climate Science Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consortium laboratories at CU Boulder and Colorado State University, among others. The Federal Lab Modernization, new legislation introduced today from Congressman Neguse, directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a report every two years on the status of federal labs infrastructure, and it amends the America COMPETES Act to strengthen reporting requirements for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director. Under COMPETES, the OSTP Director must report to Congress on the state of science infrastructure. This legislation adds an explicit requirement for the OSTP Director to comment not only on what improvements should be done at federal labs, but what funding levels are needed to complete those improvements. This information is critically important for Congress to have the information to adequately fund the infrastructure that supports our nation's federal labs. Over the last 10 months, Congressman Neguse has visited multiple labs across the district and witnessed firsthand the need in some of these labs for updated infrastructure, energy efficiency, climate controls and security. In August, he hosted the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis in his district to tour federal labs. The Committee's Chair, Ranking Member and others visited NREL, NOAA, CIRES and NCAR and spoke with federal scientists there on their research. Our district is home to some of our nation's top federal labs, research, and scientists, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I've seen for myself the need for increased investment in infrastructure and security at many of the facilities in our district. Our nation cannot remain a leader in research and development without Congress' dedication to providing the funding for these much needed improvements at federal laboratories. It is absolutely essential that we provide a pathway for needed modernization that ensure these labs can continue to produce the groundbreaking research that will inform renewable energy solutions, resiliency, preservation of our ecosystems, and much more. Colorado is home to over 30 federally-funded research labs and joint institutes across the state, making it one of the highest concentrations of federally funded science and research centers in the nation. Federally funded research facilities in Colorado contributed an estimated $2.6 billion to the state's economy in 2016 and supported more than 17,600 jobs, according to a report from the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business. The impact and necessity of our federal labs cannot be overstated, said Dan Powers, Executive Director, CO-LABS, an non-profit consortium of federally-funded research labs, research universities, economic development groups and private-sector technology companies. The crucial research we all invest in via our taxes has been the foundational source of our innovative economy going back decades, with federal scientists' discoveries launching and advancing industries from food production to space exploration to public health to computing sciences. In the face of massive investments in R&D by other countries around the globe, particularly China, it is a crucial matter for the United States to give our scientists the most up-to-date equipment and facilities to do their work. The world-class innovative discoveries and knowledge coming out of 300+ national labs across the country is the source of progress for our society. Modernizing our labs is as much an effort of national pride as it is national security. Science conducted in federal research labs across the country serves to protect public health and the environment, safeguard national security, support economic growth, and spur innovative solutions to challenges great and small, said Pamitha Weerasinghe, senior Washington representative for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. As we continue to identify ways to strengthen the use science in the federal government, it only makes sense to also ensure that these critical facilities are up to date and in good working order. Additionally, Congressman Neguse passed an amendment in the FY2020 appropriations process in support of $120 million, an increase of 13%, for research construction facilities at NIST, and an amendment to secure an additional $1 million, for a total of $49 million, for the NASA Space Grant program, which hosts three consortium programs in the 2nd district. Additionally, the Congressman advocated to secure $644 million, a 14% increase, for NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rmma-enact-suggested-noise-abatement-procedures-recommended-congressman-neguse,RMMA to Enact Suggested Noise Abatement Procedures Recommended by Congressman Neguse,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse released the following comments in response to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) adopting noise abatement procedures in response to community concerns to lessen the impact of aircraft activity on adjacent neighborhoods. In September, Congressman Neguse hosted a listening town hall to hear constituents concerns over the aircraft noise. He also sent a letter to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to express these concerns and recommend potential procedures to alleviate the issues, including adopting a voluntary curfew, educating flight school operators and pilots about these procedures, and discussing the issues with local community members. The letter is available here. After speaking with constituents across the district about the increase in aircraft noise pollution, I'm proud that adjustments are beginning to be implemented to assist with noise abatement around Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, said Congressman Joe Neguse. Constituents in Louisville and Superior who have lived in the area for many years have experienced a recent increase in daily flights, especially those that are directly above their homes. I'm glad we were able to champion their concerns and ensure procedures are put in place to help alleviate these issues, and I look forward to continuing to assist these communities as we work to reduce aircraft noise pollution. With community concerns in mind, airport tenants and airport staff worked together to develop voluntary noise abatement procedures that encourage arriving and departing pilots to take measures that may reduce noise without compromising safety. Some of these procedures include climbing as high as possible before departing the airport perimeter, avoiding low approaches, and overflying major road corridors and open space where possible. Another highlight is voluntary evening curfew from the flight schools beginning at 10:00 p.m., unless a pilot must operate after this for training requirements. The updated noise abatement procedures will be published to pilots through signs at entrances onto the airfield, quarterly briefings with flight schools and their instructors, semi-annual tenant briefings, and continued publication and distribution of the voluntary noise abatement brochure. Congressman Neguse is continuing to work to hear from constituents about additional concerns and to work towards decreasing the impact of aircraft noise.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4733,"Bennet, Perlmutter Urge Federal Government to Review Decision Denying Access to Compensation Program for Rocky Flats Workers Exposed to Plutonium",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter (CO-7) today called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review the agency's denial of a petition to add a new class of Rocky Flats workers previously excluded from a Special Exposure Cohort compensation program. The class of workers, employed by the plant from 1984 to 2005, were exposed to plutonium yet were denied inclusion in the cohort by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Following the denial, Rocky Flats workers filed a petition with HHS to review NIOSH's decision. Recently, a HHS panel announced it would not overturn NIOSH's decision. Over 600,000 Americans worked on our nation's nuclear weapons program in the 20th Century, many located at the former Rocky Flats Plant. It is important we work to care for all these patriots as they develop cancers and illnesses related to their service to our country, wrote Bennet and Perlmutter in the letter to HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan. The petition presented to HHS called for creating a new class of workers for Special Exposure Cohort status who were employed by the plant from 1984 to 2005. Although these workers were present after plutonium production ceased, they were exposed to the chemical during their monitoring and remediation work. Under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Actof 2000, Special Exposure Cohorts may be created for a class of employees who worked at a nuclear weapons complex site during a specified period of time and whose exposure records are limited and possibly non-existent. Inclusion in the cohort allows eligible claimants to be compensated without completion of a radiation dose reconstruction or a causation determination. Eligible employees must meet certain requirements, including being diagnosed with one of 22specified radiogenic cancers and must have documentation that they worked at the site during the years identified in the class. Rocky Flats was part of the nuclear weapons complex, administered by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), during the Cold War. From 1952 to 1989, more than 20,000 workers manufactured plutonium pits for nuclear weapons until the plant's operation was suspended due to violations of environmental laws.The former site is near Arvada, Colorado and is now a National Wildlife Refuge. The text of the letter is availableHEREand below. Dear Deputy Secretary Hargan: We write regarding a recent decision affecting former nuclear weapons workers at Rocky Flats in Jefferson County, Colorado. We understand the three-person Health and Human Services panel reviewed the petitioners' challenge and has decided to uphold the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) decision to not add a class of Rocky Flats workers to the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC). We respectfully request a review of this decision. The petitioners, Terrie Barrie and Charles Saunders, filed SEC Petition 192 to add a class of Rocky Flats workers who were present on the former nuclear weapons production facility from January 1, 1984 through December 31, 2005. This filing was in response to a November 8, 2017 decision by NIOSH not to add this class of employees to the SEC. Plutonium pit production ended in 1989 but workers who were on site post-production were still exposed to plutonium during their monitoring and remediation work. Over 600,000 Americans worked on our nation's nuclear weapons program in the 20th Century, many located at the former Rocky Flats Plant. It is important we work to care for all these patriots as they develop cancers and illnesses related to their service to our country. We appreciate the highly qualified individuals selected to serve on this panel and the time spent reviewing the petitioners request. We are also aware of a historic pattern of limited or inadequate documentation related to worker exposure at Rocky Flats. We believe there may be a case for overturning NIOSH's decision and adding this class of Rocky Flats workers to the SEC. We appreciate your full and fair consideration of this petition. Please do not hesitate to contact Tia Bogeljic in Representative Perlmutter's office or Adzua Agyapon in Senator Bennet's office if you have any questions. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=4E71F5BE-A094-48B7-BAFE-0CAE7A18DE2C,"Bennet, Perlmutter Urge Federal Government to Review Decision Denying Access to Compensation Program for Rocky Flats Workers Exposed to Plutonium",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter (CO-7) today called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review the agency's denial of a petition to add a new class of Rocky Flats workers previously excluded from a Special Exposure Cohort compensation program. The class of workers, employed by the plant from 1984 to 2005, were exposed to plutonium yet were denied inclusion in the cohort by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Following the denial, Rocky Flats workers filed a petition with HHS to review NIOSH's decision. Recently, a HHS panel announced it would not overturn NIOSH's decision. Over 600,000 Americans worked on our nation's nuclear weapons program in the 20th Century, many located at the former Rocky Flats Plant. It is important we work to care for all these patriots as they develop cancers and illnesses related to their service to our country, wrote Bennet and Perlmutter in the letter to HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan. The petition presented to HHS called for creating a new class of workers for Special Exposure Cohort status who were employed by the plant from 1984 to 2005. Although these workers were present after plutonium production ceased, they were exposed to the chemical during their monitoring and remediation work. Under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Actof 2000, Special Exposure Cohorts may be created for a class of employees who worked at a nuclear weapons complex site during a specified period of time and whose exposure records are limited and possibly non-existent. Inclusion in the cohort allows eligible claimants to be compensated without completion of a radiation dose reconstruction or a causation determination. Eligible employees must meet certain requirements, including being diagnosed with one of 22specified radiogenic cancers and must have documentation that they worked at the site during the years identified in the class. Rocky Flats was part of the nuclear weapons complex, administered by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), during the Cold War. From 1952 to 1989, more than 20,000 workers manufactured plutonium pits for nuclear weapons until the plant's operation was suspended due to violations of environmental laws.The former site is near Arvada, Colorado and is now a National Wildlife Refuge. The text of the letter is availableHEREand below. Dear Deputy Secretary Hargan: We write regarding a recent decision affecting former nuclear weapons workers at Rocky Flats in Jefferson County, Colorado. We understand the three-person Health and Human Services panel reviewed the petitioners' challenge and has decided to uphold the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) decision to not add a class of Rocky Flats workers to the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC). We respectfully request a review of this decision. The petitioners, Terrie Barrie and Charles Saunders, filed SEC Petition 192 to add a class of Rocky Flats workers who were present on the former nuclear weapons production facility from January 1, 1984 through December 31, 2005. This filing was in response to a November 8, 2017 decision by NIOSH not to add this class of employees to the SEC. Plutonium pit production ended in 1989 but workers who were on site post-production were still exposed to plutonium during their monitoring and remediation work. Over 600,000 Americans worked on our nation's nuclear weapons program in the 20th Century, many located at the former Rocky Flats Plant. It is important we work to care for all these patriots as they develop cancers and illnesses related to their service to our country. We appreciate the highly qualified individuals selected to serve on this panel and the time spent reviewing the petitioners request. We are also aware of a historic pattern of limited or inadequate documentation related to worker exposure at Rocky Flats. We believe there may be a case for overturning NIOSH's decision and adding this class of Rocky Flats workers to the SEC. We appreciate your full and fair consideration of this petition. Please do not hesitate to contact Tia Bogeljic in Representative Perlmutter's office or Adzua Agyapon in Senator Bennet's office if you have any questions. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=FB71BD1E-6316-4E30-B93D-5D0537E8C9DD,"Bennet Announces Over $600,000 in Local Food Promotion Grants to Colorado Organizations",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced that the San Luis Valley (SLV) Local Foods Coalition and Bytable will receive funding through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The SLV Local Foods Coalition will receive $245,963 in funding to further grow its Local Foods Local Places project, including expanding its farmers market network and education efforts to raise consumer awareness. Bytable, based in Colorado Springs, will receive $437,951 in funding to promote an understanding of regional and local food systems and provide consumers with easy and affordable access to sustainably- and regeneratively-produced food products. Colorado is fortunate to have many organizations focused on increasing access to local and regional food systems, including San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition and Bytable, said Bennet. I strongly supported increasing funding in the 2018 Farm Bill for these innovative efforts, and I'm pleased to see these grants go to work here in Colorado. The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program grants are a part of a $50 million USDA annual investment through the 2018 Farm Bill to develop and expand local and regional food markets, enterprises, and producer-to-consumer marketing. We are thrilled to hear we have received this support from USDA.This funding will be a true force-multiplier for rural food access in the San Luis Valley by helping strengthen three existing farmers markets in Alamosa, Monte Vista and South Fork, two of which have previously been run by volunteers.This funding will also help us establish a new farm stand at the Rio Grande Farm Park, said Liza Marron, Executive Director, San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition. The Bytable team and our partners are incredibly excited and humbled to be awarded a Local Food Promotion Program grant for over $430,000 from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to be used over the next three years. Our mission to create a regionally-focused food system that supports growth for sustainable and regenerative food producers, particularly in meat, will be greatly accelerated by this funding, said Jacy Rittmer, Chief Executive Officer of Bytable. We are so grateful for the opportunity to have a positive impact and would like to thank Ranch Foods Direct in Colorado Springs, CO and White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, GA for partnering with us to make this grant possible, the Exponential Impact accelerator program in Colorado Springs for bringing us here, and everyone else that has helped us along the way.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-house-proceeding-articles-impeachment,DeGette statement on House proceeding with articles of impeachment,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) on the speaker of the House asking the House Judiciary Committee to move forward with drafting articles of impeachment against the president of the United States: ""In forming our great nation, the framers of our Constitution instilled in us, as members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the sole power to impeach a president if the need were ever to arise. As some of our nation's top constitutional law experts said yesterday, President Trump has abused the power of his office and - for the sake of our republic - must be held accountable.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-house-proceeding-with-articles-of-impeachment,DeGette statement on House proceeding with articles of impeachment,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) on the speaker of the House asking the House Judiciary Committee to move forward with drafting articles of impeachment against the president of the United States: In forming our great nation, the framers of our Constitution instilled in us, as members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the sole power to impeach a president if the need were ever to arise. As some of our nation's top constitutional law experts said yesterday, President Trump has abused the power of his office and for the sake of our republic must be held accountable.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-us-should-be-leader-combatting-climate-crisis,DeGette: U.S. should be leader in combatting climate crisis,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"The Colorado Democrat outlines plan to cut U.S. power emissions to net zero by 2050 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) today took issue with fellow lawmakers who seemed to suggest that the federal government shouldn't act on climate change until other global powers agree to do the same. ""I'm, frankly, very concerned by this implication that, since it's an international problem, and since China, India and other countries – Russia – are not complying that we should somehow just sit around,"" DeGette said during a congressional committee hearing focused on combatting the climate crisis. ""I don't know of any time in our nation's history where we actually sat around waiting for China, India and Russia to do something."" DeGette, who serves as a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, outlined for the panel legislation she's been developing to create the first ever federal clean-energy standard designed to cut carbon emissions from the nation's power sector to net-zero by 2050. ""Rather than sitting back and waiting for them to do something, let's be the leader and let's benefit economically,"" DeGette told her colleagues. DeGette recently released a detailed summary of the legislation she plans to introduce in the coming weeks. It would, among other things, create a system to award U.S. energy producers with so-called ""clean energy credits"" for every megawatt-hour of electricity they produce without emitting carbon into the atmosphere. The legislation would also award credits for the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – for example, by capturing and permanently storing it in the earth. ""The science is clear,"" DeGette said in releasing the details of her plan. ""If we are going to avoid the worst effects of our climate crisis, the U.S. has to take drastic steps now to cut our carbon emissions. By creating a national clean-energy standard that all U.S. power companies will have to adhere to, we will be able to spur the innovation and deployment of the new technologies we'll need to solve this crisis."" The production of electricity remains one of the top sources of carbon emissions in the U.S. In fact, U.S. energy producers are currently responsible for nearly one-fourth of the nation's carbon emissions. The world's top climate experts agree that countries must take steps now to dramatically reduce their carbon emissions in order to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis. While DeGette's legislation would likely force U.S. power producers to increase their near-term use of existing sources of carbon-free energy – such as wind, solar, nuclear and hydro-electric dams – it also seeks to spur the innovation of new technologies that will be needed to completely eliminate carbon emissions from the nation's power sector. Video of DeGette's remarks at today's hearing is available here. More information on DeGette's clean-energy standard plan can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-us-should-be-leader-in-combatting-climate-crisis,DeGette: U.S. should be leader in combatting climate crisis,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) today took issue with fellow lawmakers who seemed to suggest that the federal government shouldn't act on climate change until other global powers agree to do the same. I'm, frankly, very concerned by this implication that, since it's an international problem, and since China, India and other countries Russia are not complying that we should somehow just sit around, DeGette said during a congressional committee hearing focused on combatting the climate crisis. I don't know of any time in our nation's history where we actually sat around waiting for China, India and Russia to do something. DeGette, who serves as a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, outlined for the panel legislation she's been developing to create the first ever federal clean-energy standard designed to cut carbon emissions from the nation's power sector to net-zero by 2050. Rather than sitting back and waiting for them to do something, let's be the leader and let's benefit economically, DeGette told her colleagues. DeGette recently released a detailed summary of the legislation she plans to introduce in the coming weeks. It would, among other things, create a system to award U.S. energy producers with so-called clean energy credits for every megawatt-hour of electricity they produce without emitting carbon into the atmosphere. The legislation would also award credits for the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for example, by capturing and permanently storing it in the earth. The science is clear, DeGette said in releasing the details of her plan. If we are going to avoid the worst effects of our climate crisis, the U.S. has to take drastic steps now to cut our carbon emissions. By creating a national clean-energy standard that all U.S. power companies will have to adhere to, we will be able to spur the innovation and deployment of the new technologies we'll need to solve this crisis. The production of electricity remains one of the top sources of carbon emissions in the U.S. In fact, U.S. energy producers are currently responsible for nearly one-fourth of the nation's carbon emissions. The world's top climate experts agree that countries must take steps now to dramatically reduce their carbon emissions in order to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis. While DeGette's legislation would likely force U.S. power producers to increase their near-term use of existing sources of carbon-free energy such as wind, solar, nuclear and hydro-electric dams it also seeks to spur the innovation of new technologies that will be needed to completely eliminate carbon emissions from the nation's power sector. Video of DeGette's remarks at today's hearing is available here. More information on DeGette's clean-energy standard plan can be found here. A detailed summary of the legislation is here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-announces-2-million-transportation-grant-breckenridge-green,Congressman Neguse Announces $2 Million Transportation Grant for Breckenridge Green Buses,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Summit County in the U.S. House of Representatives announced a $2 million grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to replace diesel buses in Breckenridge with battery-electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The fleet will help Breckenridge, home to one of Colorado's largest ski resorts, provide access to jobs, services and tourist sites. Breckenridge has been a leader in their commitment to achieving 100 percent renewable energy, said Congressman Joe Neguse. This grant will help ensure buses in Breckenridge can contribute to the goals set by the town and the county at large. Investments in green transportation infrastructure in Summit County are ultimately an investment in our local economies, connection for our communities and our future. The Town of Breckenridge is extremely appreciative of the support Congressman Neguse has for our community and our sustainability goals, said Eric Mamula, Mayor of Breckenridge. Smaller communities, like Breckenridge, cannot achieve 100% renewable energy without significant assistance from our partners at the federal level like Congressman Neguse. A grant of this magnitude goes a long way towards reaching our energy goals. The I-70 Coalition is supportive of transit as a means to reduce the number of vehicles traveling Interstate 70, said Margaret Bowes, Director of the I-70 Coalition. Regional transit systems such as the Breckenridge green buses are an important component of a comprehensive multi modal solution for the mountain corridor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-helps-pass-legislation-protect-coloradans-unwanted-robocalls,Congressman Neguse Helps Pass Legislation to Protect Coloradans from Unwanted Robocalls,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. This week, Congressman Joe Neguse helped secure passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation to deter illegal robocalls, which inconvenience thousands of consumers every day. The bill imposes civil penalties for robocall violations and improves enforcement measuresrequiring telephone carriers to verify calls and allow robocalls to be blocked consistently and transparently. The measure represents an agreement between the House and Senate negotiators and is expected to head to the President's desk next. I have heard consistently from constituents of Colorado's Second Congressional District about the inconvenience and nuisance of robocalls and I echoed those concerns in Washington, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I am proud to support the passage of a common-sense solution that directly impacts the people I've been elected to serve. The Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act will allow the imposition of civil penalties for violating the prohibition on robocalls, which involves the use of automated dialing equipment or an artificial or prerecorded voice. The bill will also allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to seek financial penalties against those making calls with misleading caller identification information, a practice known as spoofing. The FCC could fine robocall or spoofing violators as much as $10,000 per violation, with additional penalties of as much as $10,000 for intentional violations. The FCC would have to take enforcement action within one year of any robocall violation, or within four years for spoofing and intentional robocall violations. Violators who hold FCC licenses or authorizations could also face larger fines under existing requirements.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-co-leads-legislation-protect-undocumented-family-servicemembers,Rep. Jason Crow Co-Leads Legislation to Protect Undocumented Family of Servicemembers and Veterans,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representative Jason Crow (CO-06) helped introduce the Military Family Parole in Place Act (H.R. 5282), which would protect the family of veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces from the threat of deportation. The bill, introduced by Representative Gilbert Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39), would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and cement into law the military parole in place (PIP) program, requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant parole in one-year increments to parents, children, spouses, and widows or widowers of servicemembers and veterans who were not dishonorably discharged. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. ""There is a sacred promise in this country that if you step up to serve, we will be there for you, said Rep. Crow. The idea that we would deport the families of service members is an insult to those who have given so much to this country. Separating families does nothing to make our communities stronger or modernize our immigration system, rather it places undue stress on our service members and risks the morale of our troops. I'm proud to be joining Representative Cisneros in this effort to protect our military families. For more than a decade, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used its discretionary legal authority to protect military families through the PIP program.Public reports indicate that the program is currently under review and DHS is considering terminating this critical protection for military families. The Military Family Parole in Place Act would provide military members and veterans peace of mind and protect their loved ones and immediate family members who are vulnerable to deportation. The Act is endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America, Veterans for American Ideals, UnidosUS, and the National Immigration Forum. Families belong together, especially the families of our active-duty servicemembers who serve overseas and our veterans, said Rep. Cisneros. I'm deeply troubled by reports that the Department of Homeland Security is considering ending the parole in place program that protects military families as they seek a pathway to citizenship. Tearing these families apart would cause undue stress to our servicemembers and undermine our military readiness and national security. We need to move forward with common-sense fixes to our immigration policy to keep military families together and strengthen the link between service and citizenship. The Military Family Parole in Place Act will provide much-needed certainty to military families and uphold our American values. When our troops are serving our nation overseas, they should be focused on doing their job not worrying about whether or not their family members will be deported, said Senator Duckworth. It would be cruel and inhumane to end these deportation protections and would pose a threat to our military readiness. I'm glad Rep. Cisneros is introducing my bill in the House today to support our men and women in combat by protecting their families from deportation. Rep. Crow is an Army veteran and a member of the House Armed Services Committee. In September, he joined a letter to the Secretary of Defense and Homeland Security seeking answers regarding Department of Defense (DoD) policy on the process for non-citizen servicemembers seeking naturalization and how DHS, specifically the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), evaluates servicemember applications for naturalization. Crow also supported efforts asking USCIS to reconsider a rule change that impacted children of military and civil servants born overseas, preventing them from establishing U.S. residency and obtaining automatic citizenship.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-judiciary-committees-impeachment-hearing,DeGette statement on Judiciary Committee's impeachment hearing,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) issued the following statement on the House Judiciary Committee's impeachment inquiry hearing today: ""No one in this country is above the law, not even the president. Three of the nation's top constitutional law experts told the House Judiciary Committee today that, in their opinion, President Trump committed at least three impeachable offenses: bribery, abuse of power and obstruction of justice. They also made clear that when a president betrays the trust that our nation placed in them, Congress has a duty to act.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-judiciary-committees-impeachment-hearing,DeGette statement on Judiciary Committee's impeachment hearing,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) issued the following statement on the House Judiciary Committee's impeachment inquiry hearing today: No one in this country is above the law, not even the president. Three of the nation's top constitutional law experts told the House Judiciary Committee today that, in their opinion, President Trump committed at least three impeachable offenses: bribery, abuse of power and obstruction of justice. They also made clear that when a president betrays the trust that our nation placed in them, Congress has a duty to act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-returns-high-level-congressional-delegation-led-speaker,"Congressman Neguse Returns From High-Level Congressional Delegation Led By Speaker Pelosi to UN Climate Conference in Madrid, Spain",2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who serves on the House Leadership team as well as the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, returned from a high level bicameral Congressional Delegation to Madrid, Spain where he represented Colorado at international discussions about the climate crisis. The delegation met with international leaders, including President Pedro Snchez Prez-Castejn of Spain, European Union President David Sassoli, United Nations Secretary-General Antnio Guterres while at the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP25. The delegation also met with international, U.S. and faith-based NGO's to discuss shared priorities in fighting the climate crisis and attended an audience with King Felipe VI at Zarzuela Palace. Congressman Neguse was the only Coloradan to attend the international conference. View photos of the trip here. In Colorado, we are leading on climate action from the groundbreaking climate science research underway at our federal labs to ambitious renewable energy goals being set in cities and counties across the state, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I was honored to bring the voice of Coloradans and constituents across the 2nd district to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and participate in critically important international discussions with leaders from across our globe about needed actions to fight climate change. It's a privilege to lead this very distinguished Congressional Delegation, from the House and the Senate, said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. By coming here, we want to say to everyone: We're still in. The United States is still in. Our delegation is here to send a message that Congress's commitment to taking action on the climate crisis is ironclad. In Colorado, fourteen cities and counties, including seven cities and counties in Colorado's 2nd Congressional District have set ambitious renewable energy goals. Even while the Trump Administration has decided unilaterally to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, communities and states across the U.S. are stepping up to set their own emission reduction goals. Congressman Neguse has made fighting the climate crisis central to his legislative agenda since taking office in January. He earned placement on both the House Natural Resources Committee and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis early in the year, and has introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at investing in renewable energy and regenerative agriculture to combat climate change, including legislation to preserve 400,000 acres of Colorado public landsthe Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Actwhich passed out of the U.S. House in October. He also secured Colorado as the first and only state to hold an official field hearing of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, which was held in July 2019 at the University of Colorado at Boulder.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=5F608380-9BC4-4C94-A31B-5D5C0CE5FBD4,Bennet Introduces New Bipartisan Legislation to Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2019, new legislation to slow the movement of aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels, into Colorado, Montana, and other Western States. Because of our strong watercraft inspection efforts, Colorado is one of the few headwater states still free of zebra and quagga mussels, but there's an ever-present risk of infestation from neighboring states, said Bennet. There is a lot on the line for water users and local economies. Our bill provides states and municipalities the resources they need to keep watercraft inspection and decontamination stations up and running, and prevent the spread of invasive mussels into Colorado. Water is the most essential need of Montana communities, and a powerhouse for our recreation economy, said Daines. Our bipartisan bill helps continue the fight to prevent aquatic invasive species, like quagga and zebra mussels, from damaging pristine Montana ecosystems. Empowering our local communities with the resources they need to ensure our waterways, rivers, and lakes remain free from these invasive species is critical to our Montana way of life. Invasive aquatic mussels present a serious threat to Montana's water infrastructure and outdoor economy, and we've got to do more to stop them at the source. This bill is simpleit helps do that by building and staffing new inspection stations so we can better contain their spread and avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in mitigation down the line, said Tester. Aquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to Western rivers and reservoirs. Once established, these intruders are nearly impossible to eradicate and wreak havoc on crucial water infrastructure, limit recreation opportunities, and harm ecosystems and local economies. As invasive mussels spread across the West, preventative measures like watercraft inspection and decontamination stations are key to limiting their spread. The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act would: Strengthen prevention efforts by providing the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) explicit authority to partner with states and municipalities to fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations; Provide all federal agencies who participate in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force the same authorities to limit the movement of invasive species into and out of U.S. waters, eliminating problematic differences between the various agencies; Ensure that all at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding. In the 2018 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), Bennet secured a provision to protect Colorado's watersheds from invasive species. That bill directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish, operate, or fund watercraft inspection stations in a number of Colorado river basins. Bennet first introduced this provision as an amendment to the 2016 WRDA, but it was not included in the final bill. Following the August 2017 detection of quagga mussel larvae in the Green Mountain Reservoir, Bennet led the Colorado delegation in sending aletterto then-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke urging a rapid response. In 2010, Bennet introduced theInvasive Species Emergency Response Fund Actto establish a loan fund for Western states to combat invasive species. Containing the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels is a high priority for western states and we appreciate Senator Bennet's, Senator Daines's, and Senator Tester's bipartisan leadership in enabling state and federal agencies to more effectively combat the spread of invasive mussels. Every year, these invaders cause substantial damage to water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, recreational boating and fishing, and native wildlife, said Jim Ogsbury, Executive Director of the Western Governors' Association. This legislationis will be an incredible help to prevent the spreadof zebra and quagga mussels, and other aquatic invasive species,which are a serious threat to Colorado waters, said Colorado Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs. We are fortunate that in Colorado our multi-jurisdictional mandatory watercraft inspection and decontamination program has so far prevented the spread of these invasive aquatic species. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Bennet and his colleagues for introducing this legislation whichwill increase state and federal collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries to protect western watersheds from these harmful and costly invaders. This legislation will provide the authorization needed, as well as a funding opportunity, to improve the joint implementation of mandatory watercraft inspection and decontamination stations that may significantly benefit Colorado and the Western U.S., said Colorado Parks and Wildlife DirectorDan Prenzlow. This partnership is critical to protecting our natural resources, outdoor recreation, and water supply systems used for drinking water, hydropower, agriculture and industrial uses for future generations. The spread of quagga and zebra mussels throughout our nation's water storage and delivery infrastructure is alarming, said Andy Mueller, General Manager of the Colorado River District in Western Colorado. This legislation will help to protect West Slope water users and bolster state-led efforts to inspect and prevent mussel infestations in our waterways. I want to thank Senator Bennet for his leadership on this important issue. The bill text is available HERE and a section-by-section is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=9CE018AA-D1AB-4DC6-AFD0-683CC68FD3B0,Bennet Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to Take Away Food Assistance from Hundreds of Thousands of Americans,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the statement below following the release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) final rule that would significantly alter eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), taking away food assistance from hundreds of thousands of Americans nationwide, including an estimated 41,000 Coloradans. Earlier this year, Bennet joined a bipartisan group of 47 senators in calling on USDA to withdraw its proposal to change SNAP eligibility requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and place limitations on states' ability to provide assistance. The rule counters Congressional intent, as similar proposals were rejected by Congress on a bipartisan basis in the 2018 Farm Bill. In the midst of the holiday season, Americans struggling to make ends meet are learning that the Trump Administration will soon cut off critical nutrition assistance, said Bennet. SNAP is one of the most effective tools for reducing food insecurity and combatting poverty. This move will put more Americans at risk of hunger and will hurt communities across the country. Bennet has long-supported SNAP and anti-hunger efforts. He recently led Colorado Congressional Democrats in a letter to USDA calling on the agency to withdraw another proposal to alter SNAP's broad based categorical eligibility, citing the devastating effects on Colorado families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=A3DF115B-7921-454C-89B3-C5383BAA613A,Bennet Welcomes New Banking Guidelines for Hemp Farmers and Processors,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet welcomed new guidance from federal financial regulators that would helphempproducersand processorsgain access to the banking system. Despite the removal of hempas a Schedule 1 druglast December following passage oftheAgriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill), many growers and processorsare still unable to access financial services due to a lack of clarity from regulators. In June, Bennet sent a letter pressing regulators to provide the clarity necessary for the hemp industry to access the financial services afforded to comparable crops and agricultural products. The hemp industry is booming in Colorado and across the country, yet hemp-related businesses continue to face significant hurdles due to the lack of access to the banking system, said Bennet. While more needs to be done to unleash hemp's economic potential, these new guidelines are a significant step forward in providing banks and credit unions with the assurance and clarity needed to remove this barrier and open their doors to the growing hemp industry. Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, worked to include a pilot program for hemp growers in the 2014 Farm Bill, which paved the way to secure legalization of the crop in the2018 Farm Bill. Last Congress he led theHemp Water Rights Actandcalled on the Department of Justicenot to interfere with hemp cultivation or act against financial institutions that handle related funds. Bennet and U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.)wrote to the Bureau of Reclamation in January 2019 urging the agency to update its policies in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill to ensure hemp growers can access water and irrigate their crops. In their response to the Bennet-Tester letter, the Bureau of Reclamation said:Because hemp was removed from the Controlled Substances Act list of controlled substances, it is no longer subject to the policy and therefore Reclamation is able to provide water for hemp cultivation in accordance with current law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-announces-holiday-cards-heroes-program,Rep. Jason Crow Announces Holiday Cards for Heroes Program,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representative Jason Crow (CO-06) launched Holiday Cards for Heroes. The program invites constituents of the sixth district to drop off holiday cards for servicemembers at Crow's district office in Aurora, starting today through Friday, December 13. For the program, Crow's office is partnering with the Denver USO who will help deliver the cards to servicemembers. Holiday cards placed in envelopes should not be sealed closed. Being away from home is always tough on our servicemembers, but during the holidays it takes on an added dimension, said Rep. Jason Crow, a veteran who served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. A handwritten card is a small way to show thanks and help spread the holiday cheer to those who may not be able to spend it with their families. We look forward to making this an annual program and finding new ways to connect Coloradans with our servicemembers. Crow's district office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00AM -- 5:00PM at 3300 S. Parker Rd #100 Aurora, CO 80014. Constituents are also invited to deliver cards at any upcoming Mobile Office Hours event.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-hosts-field-hearing-talk-about-innovation-school-small-business,Rep. Jason Crow Hosts Field Hearing to Talk about Innovation in the School to Small Business Pipeline,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last month, Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Innovation and Workforce Development held a small business field hearing at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus to discuss how Colorado is embracing new and innovative approaches towards educating young people and creating a school-to-business pipeline. The hearing gave Chairman Crow the chance to hear about innovative approaches to address workforce shortages for small businesses from the Cherry Creek School System, CareerWise Colorado, the Outdoor Industry Association, and Colorado Journeyman & Apprentice Program. As Colorado goes into the 11th year of economic expansion, the state has been hit hard by the workforce shortage and 86 percent of Colorado employers see the skills gap as a threat to their business. This could undermine Colorado's competitiveness as businesses look to shift their operations abroad. To address this, the state has partnered with CareerWise Colorado to create a statewide youth-apprenticeship system to address their skills gap, workforce shortage, and high cost of four-year colleges and universities. As traditional educational pathways are not fully giving students the skills they need, new facilities, like the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, prepares students for the academic and professional demands of the 21st century, providing pathways in advanced manufacturing, business services, health and wellness, hospitality and tourism, building trades, and transportation. Over the past decade, our economy has seen a dramatic shift in terms of workforce needs, especially here in Colorado. Similar to many economic metrics, Colorado is leading the way with a 2.7 percent unemployment rate, even lower in Colorado's Sixth Congressional District, more than a full percentage point below the national average.said Chairman Crow. But the ability to continue to expand is hindered by ongoing problems my colleagues and I on the Small Business Committee hear from many small businesses who are unable to find qualified workers to meet their needs. Our success in the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus has been creating meaningful relationships with industry partners and higher education to provide our students with curriculum and instruction grounded in real-world experiences, said Sarah Grobbel, Assistant Superintendent of Career & Innovation at the Cherry Creek School District. We ask that as a committee, you continue to include K-12 education in workforce development discussions, so we can continue to grow with you in these conversations and encourage local businesses to engage with their community educational partners. If you take anything away from today's field hearing it should be this, apprenticeship in particular youth apprenticeship can be transformational, said Noel Ginsburg, Founder and CEO of CareerWise. It can transform our workforce and talent pipelines. It can transform our economy and middle class. And, most importantly, it can transform the lives of our young people through opportunity. We welcome the efforts being undertaken by the Committee to promote American small businesses and to create a legislative and regulatory environment where they can prosper and continue to grow. In the outdoor industry, the success of those small businesses relies heavily on a strong workforce, growth in outdoor recreation participation, access to outdoor spaces, fair and balanced trade, conservation of public lands, and protection of our climate, said Matt Kaplan, Vice President of Membership & Business Development of the Outdoor Industry Association. For years, the interest in trades was overshadowed by the push for high school graduates to transition directly into a University or College environment. This created a shortage of individuals who enter into skilled trades. Trades no longer became an option for students. The benefits of apprenticeships were left unknown to a new generation, thus creating a shortage of individuals coming into the trades, said Garry Edmonson, Program Administrator for Colorado Journeyman & Apprenticeship Program IUOE Local 9. We now have an opportunity to change that direction. Pathways from high school are critical to continuing to provide growth in apprenticeship programs and trade businesses. I am hopeful for the future because we are working together to revolutionize workforce development and create new and innovative school-to-business pipelines saidChairman Crow. This is where business, government, and educational institutions can come together to work on programs that educate, train, re-train, and create a workforce for the 21st century economy. That, along with supporting affordable access to capital, entrepreneurial development programs, and innovation will allow our small businesses to thrive in our communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawmakers-hold-hearing-nations-response-rapidly-spreading-flu,Lawmakers to hold hearing on nation’s response to rapidly spreading flu,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – New data released Monday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that this year's flu season is off to the fastest start in more than a decade, and lawmakers in Washington want to know exactly what the nation's top health officials are doing to respond to the rapidly spreading illness. On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations panel – which oversees the CDC – will hold a hearing to ensure the appropriate federal agencies have the resources they need to respond to the spread of the virus, and get an update on their ongoing efforts to develop a more effective vaccine. The hearing comes as the CDC reported Monday that there is already significant flu activity in 24 states across the country – up from 15 states that reported such activity last week – meaning this year's flu season, which is starting earlier than it has in 10 years, is spreading quickly. ""Last year marked the longest flu season in a decade, and now we are seeing this year's flu season off to an alarmingly fast start,"" said U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), who chairs the oversight panel. ""With this illness now spreading rapidly across the county, we want to know what our agencies are doing to protect the public's health."" Among those scheduled to testify at tomorrow's hearing are Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, and Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who will provide lawmakers their updated forecast for the upcoming flu season and outline the steps their agencies are taking to respond to the illness. Last year's 21-week flu season was the longest since the federal government started tracking flu season durations more than 20 years ago. Some health experts say the unusually early start to this year's flu season could be a sign of a more severe season to come. The latest numbers released by the CDC show that flu activity is widespread in 10 states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Another 14 states - Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington – are reporting regional activity, the second-highest level of severity the agency reports. In Colorado, 3,832 people in 59 counties across the state were hospitalized with flu-related illnesses during the 2018-2019 flu season, including three children who died as a result. It was the second highest number of flu-related hospitalizations reported in the state's history. The latest numbers released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that 112 people across the state have been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms since the start of this year's flu season. Tomorrow's hearing will begin at 10:30 a.m. EST in room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building. It will also be streamed live at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKYBbbWAa3o&feature=emb_title Below are additional details on the hearing: WHAT: House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing on 2019 Flu Season and U.S. public health preparedness and response WHEN: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. EST WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2123 - The hearing will be streamed LIVE online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKYBbbWAa3o&feature=emb_title WHO: Witnesses scheduled to testify include: Nancy Messonnier, M.D. (CAPT, USPHS, RET) Director National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Anthony S. Fauci., M.D. Director National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health Robert P. Kadlec, M.D., M.T.M.&H., M.S. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D. Director Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research U.S. Food and Drug Administration",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawmakers-to-hold-hearing-on-nation-s-response-to-rapidly-spreading-flu,Lawmakers to hold hearing on nations response to rapidly spreading flu,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. New data released Monday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that this year's flu season is off to the fastest start in more than a decade, and lawmakers in Washington want to know exactly what the nation's top health officials are doing to respond to the rapidly spreading illness. On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations panel which oversees the CDC will hold a hearing to ensure the appropriate federal agencies have the resources they need to respond to the spread of the virus, and get an update on their ongoing efforts to develop a more effective vaccine. The hearing comes as the CDC reported Monday that there is already significant flu activity in 24 states across the country up from 15 states that reported such activity last week meaning this year's flu season, which is starting earlier than it has in 10 years, is spreading quickly. Last year marked the longest flu season in a decade, and now we are seeing this year's flu season off to an alarmingly fast start, said U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), who chairs the oversight panel. With this illness now spreading rapidly across the county, we want to know what our agencies are doing to protect the public's health. Among those scheduled to testify at tomorrow's hearing are Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, and Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who will provide lawmakers their updated forecast for the upcoming flu season and outline the steps their agencies are taking to respond to the illness. Last year's 21-week flu season was the longest since the federal government started tracking flu season durations more than 20 years ago. Some health experts say the unusually early start to this year's flu season could be a sign of a more severe season to come. The latest numbers released by the CDC show that flu activity is widespread in 10 states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Another 14 states - Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington are reporting regional activity, the second-highest level of severity the agency reports. In Colorado, 3,832 people in 59 counties across the state were hospitalized with flu-related illnesses during the 2018-2019 flu season, including three children who died as a result. It was the second highest number of flu-related hospitalizations reported in the state's history. The latest numbers released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that 112 people across the state have been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms since the start of this year's flu season. Tomorrow's hearing will begin at 10:30 a.m. EST in room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building. It will also be streamed live at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKYBbbWAa3o&feature=emb_title Below are additional details on the hearing: WHAT: House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing on 2019 Flu Season and U.S. public health preparedness and response WHEN: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. EST WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2123 - The hearing will be streamed LIVE online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKYBbbWAa3o&feature=emb_title WHO: Witnesses scheduled to testify include: Nancy Messonnier, M.D. (CAPT, USPHS, RET) Director National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Anthony S. Fauci., M.D. Director National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health Robert P. Kadlec, M.D., M.T.M.&H., M.S. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D. Director Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research U.S. Food and Drug Administration",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-selected-speaker-pelosi-join-congressional-delegation-un,Congressman Neguse Selected By Speaker Pelosi to Join Congressional Delegation to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference in Madrid,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congressman Joe Neguse will join a bicameral Congressional Delegation to Madrid, Spain for the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP25. He will be joined by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, the Chairs of the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Science, Space and Technology and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. He is the only Coloradan to attend the international convention. Here in Colorado, we are leading on climate action from the groundbreaking climate science research underway at our federal labs to ambitious renewable energy goals being set in cities across the state, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I'm excited to bring the voice of Coloradans and my constituents across the 2nd district to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and participate in critically important international discussions about needed actions to fight climate change. It is a privilege to accompany a high-level Congressional delegation to Spain to combat the existential threat of our time: the climate crisis, said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Taking action to protect our planet is a public health decision for clean air and clean water for our children, an economic decision for creating the green, good-paying jobs of the future, a national security decision to address resource competition and climate migration and also a moral decision to be good stewards of God's creation and pass a sustainable, healthy planet to the next generation. On behalf of the U.S. Congress, I am proud to travel to COP25 to reaffirm the commitment of the American people to combating the climate crisis. Congressman Neguse has made fighting the climate crisis central to his legislative agenda since taking office in January. He earned placement on both the House Natural Resources Committee and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis early in the year, and has introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at investing in renewable energy and regenerative agriculture to combat climate change, including legislation to preserve 400,000 acres of Colorado public landsthe Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Actwhich passed out of the U.S. House in October. He also secured Colorado as the first and only state to hold an official field hearing of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, which was held in July 2019 at the University of Colorado at Boulder.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/photos-congressman-joe-neguse-joins-bicameral-congressional-delegation-un,PHOTOS: Congressman Joe Neguse Joins Bicameral Congressional Delegation at UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference in Madrid,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=0473B4E6-1550-434D-AC81-17A8578F7677,"Bennet, Democratic Colleagues Stand Up for Constitutionally Protected Right to Abortion; File Bicameral Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Case",2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined 35 members of the U.S. Senate and 161 members of the U.S. House of Representatives infiling an amicus brief in the case ofJune Medical Services LLC v. Gee, which is currently pending before the Supreme Court of the United States and represents a direct challengeto the Supreme Court's landmark ruling inRoe v. Wade. June Medical Services LLC v. Geeaddresses the impact of Louisiana's Act 620, an extremeanti-abortion law that forces abortion providers to obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinic. The law provides no medical benefit and would harm patients by stifling access to abortion care. If the law goes into effect, only one clinic and one abortion provider would remain in Louisiana a state with over 360,000 women of reproductive age. Act 620, disguised as an effort to promote women's health, provides no medical benefit and instead will only create significant obstacles for women seeking abortions, wrote Bennet and the lawmakers in the brief. Lawmakers emphasized in the brief that, just three years ago in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, the Court struck down a materially identical Texas law because it imposed significant burdens on abortion access without providing health or safety benefits. Since then, the facts, the law, and the Constitution have remained the same. Lawmakers urged the court to uphold its precedent inRoe, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and Whole Woman's Healthand strike down Act 620. There is no compelling reason here to upend this settled precedent, and no change of circumstances between Whole Woman's Health and this action that justifies a different outcome Laws like Act 620, enacted in defiance of this Court's constitutional pronouncements, undermine our nation's confidence in the legislative process and the rule of law, wrote Bennet and the lawmakers in the brief. The full text of the amicus brief is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E813C967-6698-41DF-A457-9F652BDE1AB0,"Bennet, Schatz, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation To Protect People’s Personal Data Online",2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined a group of 16 senators, led by Senator Ben Schatz (D-Hawai'i), in reintroducing legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data. Americans deserve confidence that the websites and apps we use every day are responsibly storing and using our personal data, said Bennet. Online companies should have a duty to protect and use our data with the highest level of care, and the Data Care Act will hold them accountable while ensuring they handle our data with our best interest in mind. Doctors, lawyers, and bankers are legally required to exercise special care to protect their clients and not misuse their information. By contrast, online companies that also hold personal and sensitive consumer data do not face similar requirements to protect it. Consumers are left in a vulnerable position, where they are expected to understand what information they give to providers and how it is being used an unreasonable expectation for even the most tech-savvy individuals. By establishing an explicit duty for online providers, Americans can have greater confidence that their online data is being protected and used responsibly. In addition to Bennet and Schatz, The Data Care Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). The Data Care Act establishes reasonable duties that will require providers to protect user data and will prohibit providers from using user data to their detriment: Duty of Care Must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform users of data breaches that involve sensitive information; Duty of Loyalty May not use individual identifying data in ways that harm users; Duty of Confidentiality Must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling, or sharing individual identifying data; Federal and State Enforcement A violation of the duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule with fine authority. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene. States and the FTC may go after both first- and third-party data collectors. Rulemaking Authority FTC is granted rulemaking authority to implement the Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-others-file-brief-in-supreme-court-case-challenging-reproductive,"DeGette, others file brief in Supreme Court case challenging reproductive rights",2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, 161 members of the U.S. House of Representatives led by U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Judy Chu (D-CA), along with 36 members of the U.S. Senate, filed an amicus briefin the case ofJune Medical Services LLC v. Gee, which is currently pending before the Supreme Court of the United States and represents a direct challengeto the Supreme Court's landmark ruling inRoe v. Wade. Act 620, disguised as an effort to promote women's health, provides no medical benefit and instead will only create significant obstacles for women seeking abortions, the lawmakers wrote in the brief. June Medical Services LLC v. Geeaddresses the impact of Louisiana's Act 620, an extremeanti-abortion law that forces abortion providers to obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinic. The law provides no medical benefit and would harm patients by stifling access to abortion care. If the law goes into effect, only one clinic and one abortion provider would remain in Louisiana a state with over 360,000 women of reproductive age. Lawmakers emphasized in the brief that, just three years ago in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, the Court struck down a materially identical Texas law because it imposed significant burdens on abortion access without providing health or safety benefits. Since then, the facts, the law and the Constitution have remained the same. Lawmakers urged the court to uphold its precedent inRoe, Planned Parenthood v. Casey and Whole Woman's Healthand strike down Act 620. There is no compelling reason here to upend this settled precedent, and no change of circumstances between Whole Woman's Health and this action that justifies a different outcome Laws like Act 620, enacted in defiance of this Court's constitutional pronouncements, undermine our nation's confidence in the legislative process and the rule of law, wrote the lawmakers in the brief. Read the amicus brief here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-others-file-brief-supreme-court-case-challenging-reproductive,"DeGette, others file brief in Supreme Court case challenging reproductive rights",2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"""Act 620, disguised as an effort to promote women's health, provides no medical benefit and instead will only create significant obstacles for women seeking abortions,"" the lawmakers wrote in the brief. June Medical Services LLC v. Gee addresses the impact of Louisiana's Act 620, an extreme anti-abortion law that forces abortion providers to obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinic. The law provides no medical benefit and would harm patients by stifling access to abortion care. If the law goes into effect, only one clinic and one abortion provider would remain in Louisiana – a state with over 360,000 women of reproductive age. Lawmakers emphasized in the brief that, just three years ago in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, the Court struck down a materially identical Texas law because it imposed significant burdens on abortion access without providing health or safety benefits. Since then, the facts, the law and the Constitution have remained the same. Lawmakers urged the court to uphold its precedent in Roe, Planned Parenthood v. Casey and Whole Woman's Health and strike down Act 620. ""There is no compelling reason here to upend this settled precedent, and no change of circumstances between Whole Woman's Health and this action that justifies a different outcome … Laws like Act 620, enacted in defiance of this Court's constitutional pronouncements, undermine our nation's confidence in the legislative process and the rule of law,"" wrote the lawmakers in the brief.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=25DC03E5-D6FA-4FAE-AB6D-B9E009803F41,"Bennet, Braun, Portman, Coons Lead Bipartisan Letter To USTR Regarding China’s Corporate Social Credit System",2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington,D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Coons(D-Del.)and 21of their colleagues sent United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer a letter outlining their concerns with the Chinese government's efforts to develop and deploy its Corporate Social Credit System (Corporate SCS). The Corporate SCS represents China formalizing a system to punish American companies and workers for speaking out against the Chinese government. The letter asks Ambassador Lighthizer to prioritize research and analysis into the Corporate SCS and the implications such a system may pose for American workers, companies, and investors. China's Corporate Social Credit System is a potentially alarming development given the country's escalating censorship of the media, internet, and arts in recent years, said Bennet. This system may have troubling consequences for American companies and workers conducting business in China and the region. The U.S. government should proactively study the impact of this new system and develop a clear strategy to address its potential challenges. ""If the Chinese government implements the Corporate Social Credit System in a manner hypothesized in its party statements, it will pose a grave threat to American workersand businesses,"" said Braun. ""I look forward to working closely with the Trump Administration in monitoring the creation of this system and in protecting Americans from the internationalization of Chinese state-driven policies."" The inequities and imbalances in our trade relationship with China are well known, said Portman. China's proposed corporate social credit system will only perpetuate those inequities and imbalances by using state-backed economic power to bend American companies, including their employees, to Beijing's will. What we saw recently with respect to the NBA is not an anomaly, which is why our government needs to treat the impacts of the corporate social credit system as a priority. The Corporate Social Credit System is only the most recent example of China's efforts to exercise control over the activities of individuals and businesses operating within China.American companies need to decide how to respond to Chinese attempts to stifle freedom of speech.I look forward to working with the U.S. Trade Representative and my colleagues in the Senate to make sure we understand the impact of the Corporate Social Credit System on American companies and the values that make us unique, said Coons. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Ambassador Lighthizer: We write to express grave concern over the Chinese government's continued efforts to develop and deploy its Corporate Social Credit System (Corporate SCS), and the implications such a system may pose for American workers, companies, and investors. Specifically, we ask that the Administration include research and analysis of China's Corporate SCS in future reports produced about China and the conditions of commerce between our two nations. In 2014, the Chinese Communist Party issued its Planning Outline for the Construction of a Social Credit System (2014-2020), which telegraphed the Party's efforts to create a unified algorithmic system to grade both domestic and international firms against more than 300 state-determined criteria, with the goal of building a Socialist harmonious society. In practice, we worry that many of the criteria envisioned under the Corporate SCS could be used to: Coerce the onshoring of research and development by U.S. companies within China's borders; Require technology transfer or otherwise make it easier for Chinese interests to steal American intellectual property; and Coerce American corporate support to China's industrial and foreign policies (like Made in China 2025, the upcoming 14thFive-Year Plan, and policies towards Taiwan). Indeed, all corporate data collected and processed through the Corporate SCS will travel through basic infrastructure, databases, and algorithms managed by a consortium that includes Taiji Computer, Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, and VisionVera. Key criteria informing the algorithms of the system could also be implemented in a manner that allows the Communist Party to extraterritorially pressure compliance with party doctrine and to suppress dissent. An August 2019 report prepared by the European Chamber of Commerce in China stresses that the [Corporate SCS] will fundamentally change how business is done in China for every company and stakeholder in the Chinese market. Once the Corporate SCS is fully operational, firms with scores below a certain state-determined threshold will face an interlocking series of sanctions across multiple Chinese government agencies, including restrictions on procurement and business licenses, less favorable interest rates, higher inspection rates, and even potential debarment from the Chinese market.Scores can be affected not only by the actions of the company and its employees, but also by the actions of supplier or partner companies, extending the threat of Chinese retaliation to any American firm with a presence, or supplier, in China. In short, the Corporate SCS raises fundamental questions about whether promised market openings and regulatory reforms on paper will yield a level playing field in practice for American firms doing business in and with China. Equally, if not more concerning, penalties under the Chinese Corporate SCS could extend to the employees of American firms, including U.S. nationals. As a punishment for individuals representing companies deemed untrustworthy, the Chinese government envisions levying travel restrictions, tax discrimination, personal sanctions, and other retributions. In this respect, there are few punishments that can be ruled off the table, as the Communist Party's disregard for the rule of law, checks and balances, transparency, and a free press could result in a broad array of unjustified punishments. While the Corporate SCS is still in development, the skeleton of the system is coming online and already presenting serious challenges for U.S. companies. In September, news reports indicated that the Chinese Communist Party threatened to reduce the social credit scores of American companies unless those companies acknowledge Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan as part of China. What our country witnessed recently with respect to the National Basketball Association (NBA) over a tweet by one American team's general manager is not an aberration, but the latest in a litany of attempts by China to deploy its state and economic power to bend American entities to its will. It seems the SCS is designed, in part, to further and formalize this practice. For these reasons, formal U.S. government research, reporting, and analysis about China's Corporate SCS is critical to examining the terms of competition for our companies operating in and competing with China. Given the high stakes for open markets and our free market system, we urge you to ensure that this system is closely examined and considered in all relevant U.S. government reports. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=B0C35A68-825C-4527-8D6B-CD6822715F99,Bennet Applauds USDA Grant to Promote Soil Health and Boost Farm Profitability on Colorado’s Eastern Plains,2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, welcomed an announcement that the Colorado Conservation Tillage Association (CCTA) will receive $1.6 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a farmer-led initiative focused on soil health and regenerative management systems. The CCTA was selected to receive funding through On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials) Soil Health Demonstration Trial, a new component of the Conservation Innovation Grants that Bennet helped establish and secure funding for in the 2018 Farm Bill. In September, Bennet sent a letter to Matthew Lohr, Chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in support of the CCTA's proposal. For farmers across the Eastern Plains, finding ways to promote soil health practices while boosting incomes is essential to sustaining a strong farm economy, said Bennet. This grant will go a long way in giving farmers the tools and resources they need to pursue innovative long-term strategies to improve soil health, in turn benefitting our rural communities. We are very honored to receive this grant award, said CCTA President Michael Thompson. It is exciting to work on a project that will help farmers and ranchers improve their production practices and soil health in the High Plains. The funding from the Conservation Innovation Grants for Farm Conservation Innovation award will enable CCTA to implement the Farmers for Advancing Regenerative Management Systems (FARMS) initiative to implement sustainable soil health management while maintaining farmer profitability. Specifically, the funding will enable CCTA to provide technical assistance to farmers, facilitate working groups, and mentor transitioning producers. More information about the CIG On-Farm Trials is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=2481434A-A922-472B-BBEB-747778BCB17B,"Bennet, Casey Urge Administration to Stop Obstructing Efforts to Deliver Benefits to Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange",2019-11-27,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver Today, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) sent a letter to Trump Administration officials urging them to stop obstructing access to health benefits and disability compensation for approximately 83,000 veterans, some from Colorado and Pennsylvania. Following a federally-mandated National Academies of Medicine (NAM) study on the health effects of exposure to Agent Orange, Office of Management and Budget Director (OMB) Mick Mulvaney declined to include illnesses determined by the NAM study to be linked to exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals used during the Vietnam War as presumptive conditions. By refusing to include these illnesses on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) list of Agent Orange presumptive benefits, OMB is acting in direct opposition to the NAM's analysis of peer-reviewed reports that suggest otherwise, wrote Bennet and Casey in their letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie and OMB Director Mulvaney. We encourage you to acknowledge the scientific based evidence and the recommendation of the previous VA Secretary David Shulkin, and designate these conditions to the presumptive list for Agent Orange exposure. The senators also expressed concern over the delay in implementation of new legislation to expand Agent Orange benefits to Navy Vietnam veterans, demanding the administration prioritize and process their claims as soon as possible. These veterans and their families have waited long enough for access to the benefits for which they are eligible and desperately need, wrote the senators. Our nation must live up to the promises it has made to the men and women who have sacrificed much by serving in uniform. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Director Mulvaney and Secretary Wilkie: We write to express our serious concern regarding delays for veterans who are suffering from illnesses related to their exposure to Agent Orange. The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) decision to exclude bladder cancer, hypertension, Parkinsonism, and hypothyroidism as diseases linked to Agent Orange is frustrating and unfair. This delay denies approximately 83,000 veterans, many from Colorado and Pennsylvania, faster access to disability compensation and health benefits. As you know, Congress has mandated that the National Academies of Medicine (NAM) publish updated reports that comprehensively evaluate scientific and medical information about the health effects of exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War. The 2016 NAM report Veterans and Agent Orange Update 2014 states, sufficient evidence of an association between exposure to at least one of the chemicals of interest and hypertension. This report also determined there is limited and suggestive evidence that offers a link between Agent Orange exposure and bladder cancer and hypothyroidism. By refusing to include these illnesses on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) list of Agent Orange presumptive benefits, OMB is acting in direct opposition to the NAM's analysis of peer-reviewed reports that suggest otherwise. We encourage you to acknowledge the scientific based evidence and the recommendation of the previous VA Secretary David Shulkin, and designate these conditions to the presumptive list for Agent Orange exposure. We are also concerned by the delay in the implementation of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, signed into law on June 25, which expands Agent Orange benefits to veterans who served aboard ships offshore and in the harbors of Vietnam. These veterans and their families have waited long enough for access to the benefits for which they are eligible and desperately need. The administration should prioritize and process these claims as soon as possible. Our nation must live up to the promises it has made to the men and women who have sacrificed much by serving in uniform. Thank you and we look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawmakers-urge-epa-drop-its-plan-undo-methane-waste-rule,Lawmakers urge EPA to drop its plan to undo methane waste rule,2019-11-25,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Letter comes as Trump admin moves to undo key Obama-era rule limiting methane emissions from U.S. drilling sites WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 70 members of Congress are urging the Trump administration to keep in place a key Obama-era rule that is working to keep a highly-potent pollutant, known to fuel the ongoing climate crisis, out of our atmosphere. In a letter, led by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and co-signed by six dozen of her colleagues, the bipartisan group of lawmakers urged the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Administrator Andrew Wheeler, to withdraw his agency's proposal to rollback a 2016 rule that now requires oil and gas producers in the U.S. to take steps to capture methane that reaches the surface at their drilling sites, instead of releasing it or burning it off. ""As you know, methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases driving climate change,"" the lawmakers wrote. ""The EPA's proposed changes to the 2012 and 2016 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the Oil and Natural Gas Sector will, according to the EPA's own analysis, increase air pollution from the transmission and storage of oil and gas, causing preventable damage to public health and our environment."" Methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide and it's a leading contributor to global warming. And, as the lawmakers noted in their letter to Wheeler, nearly 30 percent of all methane emissions in the United States come from the oil and gas sector, which led the previous administration to implement a new rule requiring oil and gas companies to take steps to curb the release of this harmful pollutant from their sites. By trying to undo that rule now, the lawmakers said the EPA is ""failing to live up to its charge of protecting the environment."" ""Tackling methane's contribution to climate change is an easy and concrete action we can take right now,"" the lawmakers wrote. ""It is also an opportunity to curb increasing rates of respiratory illnesses, other negative health effects, and premature deaths. We urge you to withdraw your proposal and keep these critical public health and climate change protections in place."" Climate experts agree that reducing methane emissions in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world is essential to addressing the ongoing climate crisis. So, in 2016, the Obama administration put in place the EPA's New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry rule, which now requires any new, or newly-modified, oil and gas well in the U.S. to take the steps necessary to capture methane that reaches the surface at their drilling site. Despite the widespread success that this rule has had in reducing methane emissions, President Trump, shortly after taking office, announced his plan to roll back the rule entirely, claiming it was placing an unnecessary cost burden on some of the nations' largest oil-producing companies. That claim, however, has since been contradicted by several oil and gas companies that have spoken out in support of the agency continuing to regulate methane emissions. ""The agency's claim that its proposed changes are cost-saving measures is contradicted by companies such as Shell, BP, ExxonMobil, and Equinor,"" the lawmakers wrote. ""Each of these companies has spoken in support of continued EPA regulation of methane, putting the EPA at odds with the industry it is claiming to help."" DeGette, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the EPA, introduced legislation earlier this year to codify the 2016 EPA rule into law and block the Trump administration's attempt to undo it. That measure was included in a broader energy-related bill that the committee approved last week, and is now headed to the full House for consideration. In addition to curbing the release of methane to help combat the climate crisis, the steps that oil and gas producers are required to take under the EPA's current rule are helping to prevent other toxic pollutants from entering the atmosphere. When methane is released from an oil and gas drilling site it is often accompanied by other pollutants that are known to cause various public health problems - such as reduced lung function, asthma and even cancer - for those living nearby. A copy of the lawmakers' letter is available here. Following is the full text: November 25, 2019 The Honorable Andrew Wheeler Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20460 RE: EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0757 Proposed Policy Amendments to the 2012 and 2016 New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry Dear Administrator Wheeler: We write to add our voices to the widespread opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to reverse progress in limiting methane pollution. The EPA's proposed changes to the 2012 and 2016 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the Oil and Natural Gas Sector will, according to the EPA's own analysis, increase air pollution from the transmission and storage of oil and gas, causing preventable damage to public health and our environment. As you know, methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases driving climate change—84 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in the first two decades after its release. Nearly 30 percent of harmful methane emissions in the United States come from the oil and gas sector, a key reason for EPA's previous actions to require oil and gas companies to curb this super-pollutant from the beginning of production. The standards now targeted by EPA are both inexpensive and simple for industry to meet. These low-cost requirements are already seen as successful in top oil and gas producing states, such as Colorado and Wyoming, where companies have reduced methane emissions while increasing their overall profits. Leading oil and gas companies have invested millions in technologies and practices to reduce their methane emissions from facilities and equipment, and these companies are speaking out on the need for EPA methane regulation. The proposed amendments to the NSPS would reverse the United States' progress on this issue—taking us from forward-looking to woefully negligent. Ignoring both the public interest and benefits to industry, EPA is attempting to weaken these standards, which could allow emissions of over 340,000 metric tons of methane, over 9,000 tons of volatile organic compounds, and 270 metric tons of hazardous air pollutants in the first five years alone. The agency's claim that its proposed changes are cost-saving measures is contradicted by companies such as Shell, BP, ExxonMobil, and Equinor. Each of these companies has spoken in support of continued EPA regulation of methane, putting the EPA at odds with the industry it is claiming to help. EPA is failing to live up to its charge of protecting the environment. Instead, it is proposing to weaken a commonsense pollution standard that, combined with exempting transmission and storage facilities and weakening current standards as EPA has proposed, will result in 5 million metric tons of methane emissions each year—enough gas to heat 4 million homes. The United States must continue to lead in reducing emissions of harmful super pollutants such as methane. Tackling methane's contribution to climate change is an easy and concrete action we can take right now. It is also an opportunity to curb increasing rates of respiratory illnesses, other negative health effects, and premature deaths. Thank you for your consideration. We urge you to withdraw your proposal and keep these critical public health and climate change protections in place. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:43:09Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawmakers-urge-epa-to-drop-its-plan-to-undo-methane-waste-rule,Lawmakers urge EPA to drop its plan to undo methane waste rule,2019-11-25,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. More than 70 members of Congress are urging the Trump administration to keep in place a key Obama-era rule that is working to keep a highly-potent pollutant, known to fuel the ongoing climate crisis, out of our atmosphere. In a letter, led by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and co-signed by six dozen of her colleagues, the bipartisan group of lawmakers urged the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Administrator Andrew Wheeler, to withdraw his agency's proposal to rollback a 2016 rule that now requires oil and gas producers in the U.S. to take steps to capture methane that reaches the surface at their drilling sites, instead of releasing it or burning it off. As you know, methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases driving climate change, the lawmakers wrote. The EPA's proposed changes to the 2012 and 2016 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the Oil and Natural Gas Sector will, according to the EPA's own analysis, increase air pollution from the transmission and storage of oil and gas, causing preventable damage to public health and our environment. Methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide and it's a leading contributor to global warming. And, as the lawmakers noted in their letter to Wheeler, nearly 30 percent of all methane emissions in the United States come from the oil and gas sector, which led the previous administration to implement a new rule requiring oil and gas companies to take steps to curb the release of this harmful pollutant from their sites. By trying to undo that rule now, the lawmakers said the EPA is failing to live up to its charge of protecting the environment. Tackling methane's contribution to climate change is an easy and concrete action we can take right now, the lawmakers wrote. It is also an opportunity to curb increasing rates of respiratory illnesses, other negative health effects, and premature deaths. We urge you to withdraw your proposal and keep these critical public health and climate change protections in place. Climate experts agree that reducing methane emissions in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world is essential to addressing the ongoing climate crisis. So, in 2016, the Obama administration put in place the EPA's New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry rule, which now requires any new, or newly-modified, oil and gas well in the U.S. to take the steps necessary to capture methane that reaches the surface at their drilling site. Despite the widespread success that this rule has had in reducing methane emissions, President Trump, shortly after taking office, announced his plan to roll back the rule entirely, claiming it was placing an unnecessary cost burden on some of the nations' largest oil-producing companies. That claim, however, has since been contradicted by several oil and gas companies that have spoken out in support of the agency continuing to regulate methane emissions. The agency's claim that its proposed changes are cost-saving measures is contradicted by companies such as Shell, BP, ExxonMobil, and Equinor, the lawmakers wrote. Each of these companies has spoken in support of continued EPA regulation of methane, putting the EPA at odds with the industry it is claiming to help. DeGette, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the EPA, introduced legislation earlier this year to codify the 2016 EPA rule into law and block the Trump administration's attempt to undo it. That measure was included in a broader energy-related bill that the committee approved last week, and is now headed to the full House for consideration. In addition to curbing the release of methane to help combat the climate crisis, the steps that oil and gas producers are required to take under the EPA's current rule are helping to prevent other toxic pollutants from entering the atmosphere. When methane is released from an oil and gas drilling site it is often accompanied by other pollutants that are known to cause various public health problems - such as reduced lung function, asthma and even cancer - for those living nearby. A copy of the lawmakers' letter is available here. Following is the full text: November 25, 2019 The Honorable Andrew Wheeler Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20460 RE: EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0757 Proposed Policy Amendments to the 2012 and 2016 New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry Dear Administrator Wheeler: We write to add our voices to the widespread opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to reverse progress in limiting methane pollution. The EPA's proposed changes to the 2012 and 2016 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the Oil and Natural Gas Sector will, according to the EPA's own analysis, increase air pollution from the transmission and storage of oil and gas, causing preventable damage to public health and our environment. As you know, methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases driving climate change84 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in the first two decades after its release. Nearly 30 percent of harmful methane emissions in the United States come from the oil and gas sector, a key reason for EPA's previous actions to require oil and gas companies to curb this super-pollutant from the beginning of production. The standards now targeted by EPA are both inexpensive and simple for industry to meet. These low-cost requirements are already seen as successful in top oil and gas producing states, such as Colorado and Wyoming, where companies have reduced methane emissions while increasing their overall profits. Leading oil and gas companies have invested millions in technologies and practices to reduce their methane emissions from facilities and equipment, and these companies are speaking out on the need for EPA methane regulation. The proposed amendments to the NSPS would reverse the United States' progress on this issuetaking us from forward-looking to woefully negligent. Ignoring both the public interest and benefits to industry, EPA is attempting to weaken these standards, which could allow emissions of over 340,000 metric tons of methane, over 9,000 tons of volatile organic compounds, and 270 metric tons of hazardous air pollutants in the first five years alone. The agency's claim that its proposed changes are cost-saving measures is contradicted by companies such as Shell, BP, ExxonMobil, and Equinor. Each of these companies has spoken in support of continued EPA regulation of methane, putting the EPA at odds with the industry it is claiming to help. EPA is failing to live up to its charge of protecting the environment. Instead, it is proposing to weaken a commonsense pollution standard that, combined with exempting transmission and storage facilities and weakening current standards as EPA has proposed, will result in 5 million metric tons of methane emissions each yearenough gas to heat 4 million homes. The United States must continue to lead in reducing emissions of harmful super pollutants such as methane. Tackling methane's contribution to climate change is an easy and concrete action we can take right now. It is also an opportunity to curb increasing rates of respiratory illnesses, other negative health effects, and premature deaths. Thank you for your consideration. We urge you to withdraw your proposal and keep these critical public health and climate change protections in place. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-announces-housing-and-urban-development-grant-housing,Congressman Neguse Announces Housing and Urban Development Grant for Housing Catalyst in Larimer County,2019-11-25,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. This week, Congressman Joe Neguse announced that Housing Catalyst will receive a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant of nearly $300,000 in the 2019 Fiscal Year. Fort Collins is one of only seven municipalities in Colorado to receive a competitive grant this round, in addition to Boulder. Across the 2nd district, securing affordable housing is a critical priority for many of my constituents. As our communities expand and grow, far too many are being priced out of our city limits and are being forced to live farther away from work, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I am pleased that the government is awarding funding to areas like Fort Collins so that we can continue to address this dire need and fundamental human right. We were very excited to receive these highly competitive funds for our communities most vulnerable residents, said Michele Christensen, Chief Operating Officer at Housing Catalyst. In order to have a successful application, we secured commitments from partner agencies to provide things like home modifications, housing search assistance and tenancy supports. We are fortunate in that we have such strong existing partnerships in Fort Collins and were able to send 11 letters from partnering agencies committing to providing supports along with our application. HUD awards discretionary funding through over 20 Grant programs that support HUD initiatives, including Affordable Housing Development and Preservation, Community and Economic Development, Environment and Energy, Fair Housing, Homelessness, Homeownership, Rental Assistance, and Supportive Housing and Services. Earlier in 2019, Congressman Neguse introduced a bicameral legislative package to ensure fair, equitable policies on affordable housing contracts. The two bills, the Save Affordable Housing Act and the Affordable HOUSE Act, change existing rules for properties constructed with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to cut red tape and preserve America's commitment to providing affordable housing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C895A7EC-E1E6-4794-A7A2-753AB5022AA3,"Bennet, Gardner Announce $2.7 Million ReConnect Grant to Expand Broadband in Dove Creek",2019-11-25,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, and Cory Gardner today announced that Emery Telecom will receive $2.7 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) ReConnect Loan and Grant Program. With new USDA funding, Emery Telecom will provide nearly500 fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) connections to homes, farms and ranches,smallbusinesses, educational facilities, andcommunity anchor institutionsinand aroundDove Creek, Colorado. Bennet wrote a letter to USDA in support of Emery Telecom's grant application in October. For residents in Dove Creek or anywhere in Colorado, high-speed broadband is not a luxury in the modern economy it is a necessity,said Bennet. That's why I've fought to secure USDA funding to expand broadband in our rural communities through my position on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and I am glad to see these investments finally coming to the Western Slope. Increasing broadband access is critical to continuing economic development in Colorado's rural communities and ensuring all four corners of Colorado are connected to the world, said Gardner. These investments will provide necessary resources to continue deploying broadband in unserved and underserved areas in Colorado, helping to bridge the urban-rural divide. In Dove Creek, residents and businesses generally lack access to broadband speeds above 10/1 Mbps, and most critical institutions and businesses lack access to broadband entirely. The regional economy relies heavily onagriculture,energy production,mining, and tourism,which have become increasingly reliant on broadband to stay competitive and reach distant markets. USDA's ReConnect Loan and Grant Programis apilot programlaunched in 2018 to expand broadband service toprimarilyunservedrural areas, defined as those with access to internet speeds lower than 10/1 Mbps. Nonprofits, private companies, cooperatives,tribes, and state and local governments are eligible for ReConnect grants and loans. Bennet, who recently authored theBroadband Transparency and Accountability Act,helped toincrease funding for broadband deployment in the 2018 Farm Bill to expand access to high-speed broadband in underserved areas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z