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://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-reducing-gun-violence/,Statement on Reducing Gun Violence,2013-12-14,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the massacre in Newtown, Conn. A gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. In the year since a gunman murdered 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School, more than 190 children in the United States have lost their lives to guns. Families in our community and across the country have suffered unimaginable grief and loss as a result of gun violence. Rightly, millions of Americans have demanded that something be done to reverse the dramatic increases in gun violence in our schools, public spaces, and homes. But by and large, the response of our elected officials particularly Congress has been a failure. While most states have enacted new laws pertaining to guns during the past year, nearly two-thirds of them loosen measures designed to increase gun safety. Instead of responding to gun violence with rational, commonsense measures that address its numerous causes, far too many of our leaders have responded out of fear of an influential gun lobby and the vast networks of misinformation it promotes. Reducing gun violence requires a commitment to understanding and compassion, as well as the will to act. The losses we have endured from gun violence will remain forever, but the way we respond to them can change today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-honors-state-champion-desales-colts-on-house-floor/,Rep. Yarmuth Honors State Champion DeSales Colts on House Floor,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON In a speech on the House Floor this afternoon, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) congratulated the DeSales Colts on their victory in Saturday's Class 2A High School Football Championship game. The full text of the speech is below. Click on the image to view the video. Mr. Speaker, last weekend in Louisville, the world-famous Twin Spires of Churchill Downs glowed orange in support of something the hallowed track knows well: a champion. The DeSales High School Colts of Louisville's South End entered the state championship on a streak of dominance, posting six shutouts and holding opponents to just 9.4 points per game. When they lined up against Newport Central Catholic to play for the title on Saturday, the DeSales defense hadn't allowed a point in two weeks. Fueled by three touchdowns from all-time leading rusher Dylan Byrd, two passing scores from quarterback Nathan Roush, and a defense anchored by middle linebacker Matt Bouchard, the Colts overcame a tough opponent 34-26, taking state for the first time in school history. The title caps a remarkable 14-1 season for the Colts, who became only the second South End team ever to win state. For DeSales head coach Harold Davis, the title run offered a nice symmetry: Davis was a senior safety on the 1981 DeSales team, one of only two others in school history to play in the finals. The debate over the best Colts team in school history will continue back home, but there's no question this year's team now stands at the top. They might have been outsized through much of the playoffs, but they were never outmatched or outplayed. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to join all of Louisville in honoring the DeSales Colts, Kentucky's 2013 Class 2A High School Football Champions. Go Colts!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-bipartisan-budget-deal/,Statement on Bipartisan Budget Deal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement on H.J. Res. 59, the Bipartisan Budget Act. The House approved the two-year agreement in a 332-94 vote this afternoon, with Yarmuth voting in favor. This bipartisan budget compromise is far from perfect, but it will resolve another immediate threat of shutdown and lessen the impact of radical cuts to education, medical research, and other key federal investments that strengthen Louisville families and bolster our economy. Congress needs to move beyond legislation by self-imposed crisis, and this is a start.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-family-health-centers-break-ground-on-expansion/,"Rep. Yarmuth, Family Health Centers Break Ground on Expansion",2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE This morning, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) and the Family Health Centers (FHC) Board of Governors broke ground on the East Broadway Community Health Center, the largest expansion project in the 37-year history of the nonprofit agency. The $6 million renovation project is supported through a $5 million federal grant, part of a series of capital investments made in community health centers through the Affordable Care Act. The expanded health center will be located at 834 East Broadway, in a building that recently housed an antique mall. Occupying the first three floors of the five-story building, the East Broadway Community Health Center will significantly expand FHC's current operation, from 8,400 square feet to more than 30,000 square feet. The renovated site, which will offer primary care integrated with behavioral health services, as well as on-site radiology, dental, and pharmacy services, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014. The Family Health Centers expansion on East Broadway is a key step toward achieving our goal of ensuring that every Louisvillian has access to quality, affordable health care, said Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3). As tens of thousands of Kentuckians realize the benefits of the Affordable Care Act in their everyday lives, I am proud to support this critical investment in health infrastructure that will expand access and care in our community. Recent federal investments in community health centers are helping build the infrastructure to care for the more than 100,000 uninsured Louisville residents who are gaining access to coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The expanded FHC-East Broadway Community Health Center will provide capacity to serve an additional 10,000 individuals every year. At present, FHC-East Broadway serves approximately 5,800 patients annually. This is the largest expansion project by Family Health Centers in our 37-year history, said Bill Wagner, FHC Executive Director. With so many people gaining health insurance through the Affordable Care Act and kynect, the Kentucky insurance exchange, services and providers are needed to care for these individuals. This expanded site will allow Family Health Centers to meet this community need. Family Health Centers is funding the remaining $1 million of the project's capital expenses through reserves and fundraising efforts, including online fundraising through Crowdrise. This expansion project is an important investment in the East Broadway corridor and an important step toward our goal of creating a much healthier city, said Mayor Greg Fischer. Providing access to timely preventive and primary care services is essential to keeping people healthy and keeping health care costs down. Family Health Centers is a nonprofit community health center established by the Louisville-Jefferson County Board of Health in 1976 to provide residents of Louisville and Jefferson County access to high-quality primary and preventive health care services without regard to the ability to pay. Family Health Centers is the largest safety-net primary care provider in the state, providing services to more than 42,000 individuals annually through a network of seven health center locations throughout Louisville Metro.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-highlights-louisvillians-health-care-story/,Rep. Yarmuth Highlights Louisvillian's Health Care Story,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON In a speech on the House floor this afternoon, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) highlighted the story of Will Russell, a Louisville small-business owner who is benefiting from the Affordable Care Act through kynect, Kentucky's health insurance exchange. The full text of Congressman Yarmuth's remarks is below. Click on the image to watch the video. Mr. Speaker, my state of Kentucky is a national model for how the Affordable Care Act can make our constituents' lives more secure and their businesses stronger. I'd like to share one story. Will Russell is the owner of WHY Louisville, a small, independent business in my District that specializes in locally designed clothing and art. The father of a 1-year-old, he also has a pre-existing condition that led insurance companies to deny him coverage for the past 15 years. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, beginning January 1, Will and his wife and son will be covered under a plan they found on kynect, Kentucky's health insurance exchange. Will estimates his family will save $300 a month. Add that to the peace of mind that comes with knowing he'll never face medical bankruptcy and the threat of losing his thriving business just because he didn't have access to insurance. He's been so pleased with the ease and affordability of kynect that he's now exploring coverage for his employees for the first time through the state's small-business exchange. Mr. Speaker, Will's story is one among millions of Americans who are finding expanded care through the Affordable Care Act. To quote Will, It's going to be a new day for my family, for me, and so many people just like us in Kentucky and throughout the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/hearing-personal-health-information-more-secure-under-aca/,Hearing: Personal Health Information More Secure Under ACA,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON During a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the Affordable Care Act yesterday, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) questioned Deputy Chief Information Officer Henry Chao of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services about the security of users' personal information on the new health insurance exchanges. Chao explained that Americans' personal health information is far more secure under the new law than it was in the old insurance system: Rep. Yarmuth:Are people who are working with the exchange now subject to or vulnerable to more breach of their privacy than they were under the prior system, when the insurance companies had pages and pages and pages of health information, including every doctor they had ever visited, every prescription they had ever taken, every medical procedure they had undergone over a certain period of time? Would you say there was much more vulnerability under that system than there would be under the federal exchange? Mr. Chao:Much more so, because so much more personal information including health information was involved in that process. CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH THE FULL EXCHANGE:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-white-house-plan-for-canceled-policies/,Statement on White House Plan for Canceled Policies,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement in support of the Obama Administration's proposal to address insurance companies' cancellations of certain policies for consumers in the individual and small-group insurance markets: In some cases, the grandfathering provision of the Affordable Care Act did not protect consumers from insurance companies' decisions to cancel policies, and this change will help fix that, Congressman Yarmuth said. At the same time, consumers should know that those policies do not guarantee them the new protections the law offers, meaning they could still be denied insurance renewal because of a pre-existing condition, face medical bankruptcy due to annual and lifetime limits, or face higher premiums because of their gender or health status. This fix guarantees that nothing in the law will require an insurance company to change any policy it is currently offering. However, as with the previous grandfathering provision, the federal government cannot force an insurance company to sell a policy if it chooses not to. The President's proposal would allow insurers to offer consumers the option to renew their 2013 health plans for 2014, without change.If insurers choose to continue offering those plans, they would be required to notify enrollees that they can purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they may qualify for tax credits and premium support to help cover the cost of insurance. More than four out of five currently uninsured Kentuckians are eligible for reduced premiums under the law. As of November 8, nearly 41,000 Kentuckians had enrolled in new health coverage through kynect, the state's new insurance marketplace. Insurers must also tell consumers which new protections they are forfeiting by renewing their old plans. Prior to enactment of the Affordable Care Act, more than 60 percent of all U.S. bankruptcies were a result of illness and medical bills, and nearly 80 percent of those who filed for medical bankruptcy were insured.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/aca-opponents-would-take-us-back-to-broken-health-care-system/,ACA Opponents Would Take Us Back to Broken Health Care System,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON In a speech on the House floor this afternoon, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) cited the success of kynect, Kentucky's health care exchange, while warning against a return to a broken health care system. The true danger to the more than 42,000 Kentuckians who have gained coverage under the law and the hundreds of thousands more who will is what opponents of the law are proposing in its place: A return to the broken system that failed tens of millions of Americans each year, Yarmuth said. Click on the image to view the speech. The full text of the speech: Mr. Speaker, opponents of the Affordable Care Act in Congress have spent the past few weeks reveling in the problems with the federal exchange website, Healthcare.gov. In my state of Kentucky, where we've created our own exchange, we've had tremendous success. As of last week, nearly 415,000 people had explored the website and assessed their options. More than 42,000 are now enrolled in health plans many of them for the first time. And 843 small businesses have begun applying for coverage for their employees with 309 of them already eligible to offer coverage to their workers. We are six weeks into a six-month open-enrollment period, and while the failures of the federal health care website are frustrating, they are far from fatal. The true danger to the more than 42,000 Kentuckians who have gained coverage under the law and the hundreds of thousands more who will is what opponents of the law are proposing in its place: A return to the broken system that failed tens of millions of Americans each year. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues and the American people to keep a healthy perspective. We did not enact the Affordable Care Act to launch a website. We did it to ensure every American has access to affordable, quality care. And we are on our way to that goal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-new-line-at-louisville-assembly-plant/,Statement on New Line at Louisville Assembly Plant,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement on this morning's announcement that Ford would begin producing the new Lincoln MKC sport-utility vehicle at the Louisville Assembly Plant: Louisville is a national leader in the revitalization of American manufacturing, and Ford has been integral to our success. The addition of a new line at the Louisville Assembly Plant strengthens our community's partnership with Ford and positions us for an even stronger future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-veterans-day/,Statement on Veterans Day,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement marking Veterans Day: Each Veterans Day, we come together to honor those who have sacrificed for our nation's defense, democracy, and prosperity. We step aside from our everyday lives to reflect on and thank all those who make our nation strong. And we are reminded of the obligations we have to our nation's veterans and their families, whose immense sacrifices should never be underappreciated. There are more than 22 million veterans in the United States, and nearly 340,000 in our Commonwealth. As we wind down our commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands more are returning home to loving families, grateful neighbors, and a difficult economy. Each one of them honored their commitments to our country, and we must keep ours to them whether that's ensuring access to high-quality health care and higher education or job training and the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career. After fighting for us overseas, no veteran should have to fight for a job here at home. No veteran or their family should go without a roof over their head. No veteran or their family should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. I am proud to be an ally of Louisville's veterans in Congress, and I will continue fighting to make these priorities a reality for all our veterans and their families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-senate-approval-of-enda/,Statement on Senate Approval of ENDA,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement in response to the Senate's bipartisan approval of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA): There are no exceptions to equality, Congressman Yarmuth said. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act will protect all workers from discrimination regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and Speaker Boehner should bring this bipartisan bill to the floor for a vote immediately. ENDA (S. 815) bars public and private employers, employment agencies, and labor unions from discriminating against an employee on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislation protects against discrimination in hiring, termination, compensation, and other employment matters. The Senate approved the legislation in a bipartisan 64-32 vote this afternoon. ENDA's future is uncertain in the House, where Speaker Boehner and Republican leadership have indicated they might refuse to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/the-last-thing-congress-needs/,The Last Thing Congress Needs…,2013-10-08,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON In a speech on the House Floor today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) warned of the devastating impact a Supreme Court decision to eliminate limits for high-dollar campaign contributors would have on Congress and the electoral process. Congressman Yarmuth spoke shortly after attending this morning's oral arguments in the Supreme Court case McCutcheon v. FEC, in which an Alabama Republican donor is challenging the aggregate limits on individuals contributing to campaigns. During the current two-year cycle, individuals can contribute as much as $123,200: $48,600 to candidates, and $74,600 to parties and committees. If the Court abolishes aggregate limits, individuals could contribute as much as $3.5 million each to candidates and political parties, offering billionaires even more influence on public policy through our elections. Click on the image to view the speech, the full text of which is below. Mr. Speaker, the last thing Congress needs is more special-interest candidates who don't answer to the American people. And yet this morning, the Senate Minority Leader and his big-money allies in the Republican Party once again asked the Supreme Court to give billionaires more influence on public policy through our elections. If this effort succeeds, individuals would be permitted to give as much as $3.5 millioneachto candidates and parties next year in addition to the already unlimited amounts they can spend independently. It should go without saying that the number of people who are able to contribute on this scale is minuscule. But the ranks of those who would be affected by this deluge of money cannot be overstated. It is simply not possible to turn up the volume on the already amplified voices of a few wealthy donors without drowning out the millions of Americans already struggling to be heard. The fact is, we will never have a fair and balanced budget or a more equitable tax system while the well-off and well-connected are allowed to control members of Congress. Mr. Speaker, this is not the republic the framers intended. When they created Congress and when the people approved the 17th Amendment, appointing themselves the electors of the Senate they wanted to ensure government was accountable to the people it serves. The more we undermine campaign finance laws, the further we get from that fundamental principle.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/oped-letting-big-donors-give-more-is-defeat-for-democracy/,Op-Ed: Letting Big Donors Give More is Defeat for Democracy,2013-10-04,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Courier-Journal The problem with America is that there's too little money in politics. And the problem with politics is that wealthy individuals have too little influence. I'm not seeing a groundswell of support for this absurd idea. And yet this not stopping the Republicans' government shutdown is Mitch McConnell's causedu jour. On Tuesday, Sen. McConnell and his big-money allies in the Republican Party will once again ask the Supreme Court to give billionaires more influence on public policy through our elections. Sen. McConnell and the Republican National Committee are backing Alabama Republican donor Shaun McCutcheon in a challenge to the aggregate limits on individuals contributing to campaigns. During the current two-year cycle, individuals can contribute as much as $123,200: $48,600 to candidates, $74,600 to parties and committees. It should go without saying that the number of people who are able to contribute on this scale is minuscule. But the ranks of those who would be affected by the removal of these limits cannot be overstated. It is simply not possible to turn up the volume on the already amplified voices of a few wealthy donors without drowning out the millions of Americans already struggling to be heard. If this effort succeeds, and individuals are permitted to pour $3.5 millioneachinto next year's congressional elections, democracy will have lost. More political power will be consolidated into fewer hands. The well-off and well-connected will have even greater access to those who can craft policies that benefit them, while the impact of the average American's voice is further diminished. And the fundamental American principle that Congress should answer to the people who elect us not high-dollar donors who fund campaigns will continue to wither under this sustained assault. Examples of this abound. Our complex tax code, with its seemingly endless loopholes, is a direct result of that dependence on deep-pocketed outside sources for campaigns. The world's biggest oil and gas companies receive tax breaks totaling an obscene $4 billion per year, even though their top officials have told Congress they don't need them. Three years after we enacted the Dodd-Frank financial reforms, some of the law's most critical protections remain shelved due to an immense lobbying effort by some of the biggest corporations in the world. Since the influx of money that followed theCitizens UnitedandSpeechNowcases that gutted campaign finance law, the situation has only gotten worse. Now, as two-thirds of Americans oppose the Republican shutdown which has left millions of working families without food assistance, diminished Head Start programs that children and families depend on, and halted critical financing for small businesses politicians stay the course, assured of the support of wealthy conservative donors. The fact is, we will never have a truly balanced budget or a more equitable tax system while the well-off and well-connected are allowed to control members of Congress and, in turn, key aspects of public debate. As Sen. McConnell notes in his brief forMcCutcheon: Just as intensity of support can be divined by the number of volunteer hours spent, for many if not most contributors the intensity of support is directly related to the size of the check. But flip the coin and you'll find yourself unable to show support for your own beliefs without the giant checks to back it up. If you own a television, you know exactly what those checks pay for: commercials, and a lot of them. Every time Sen. McConnell scores another personal victory against common-sense campaign finance regulations, another commercial floodgate opens on the airwaves. So this time next year, when you want to throw your DVR through your TV to make the constant noise of attack ads stop, remember who put them there. Sen. McConnell expects to spend more than $30 million in his re-election bid, and we can only guess at how much that will be amplified by the millions flowing in from outside special-interest groups. So far, a measly 3 percent of Sen. McConnell's $17.3 million in fundraising has come from small-dollar donors. In fact, 90 percent has come from outside Kentucky, as the Senate minority leader holds out his hat from Beverly Hills to the headquarters of Exxon. This is not the republic the framers intended. When they created Congress and when the people approved the 17th Amendment, appointing themselves the electors of the Senate they wanted to ensure government was accountable to the people it serves. The more we undermine campaign finance laws, the further away we slide from that fundamental principle. U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-3rd District, is a member of the House task force on campaign finance reform. He is lead sponsor of the Fair Elections Now Act, as well as a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-the-opening-of-kentuckys-health-insurance-exchange/,Statement on the Opening of Kentucky's Health Insurance Exchange,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement marking the opening of kynect, Kentucky's new health insurance exchange: This is a historic day for our Commonwealth. Through kynect, more than 640,000 uninsured Kentuckians now have access to affordable health care many for the first time. Pre-existing conditions will no longer prevent anyone from getting coverage, and insurance companies can no longer set annual or lifetime limits in coverage, meaning battling a major disease won't lead to bankruptcy. If you are uninsured or looking for new coverage options, I encourage you to check out kynect during the open enrollment period, which runs from today through March 31, 2014. And please share this information with any friends or family members who might benefit from these new health coverage options.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-house-approval-of-devastating-cuts-to-food-assistance-programs/,Statement on House Approval of Devastating Cuts to Food Assistance Programs,2013-09-19,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives approved the so-called Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act, Republican legislation that imposes massive cuts on federal food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The $40 billion in cuts deny basic food assistance to nearly 4 million Americans next year. The House voted 217-210 in favor of the legislation, which Rep. Yarmuth opposed. Today's House vote to strip nearly $40 billion from federal food assistance programs directly threatens the health and financial security of the more than 44,000 Louisville families who depend on these programs to put food on their tables, Congressman Yarmuth said. These cuts would also needlessly weaken our economy, as every $5 spent on food assistance generates $9 in local economic activity. More than 90 percent of people receiving SNAP assistance are children, the elderly, disabled, or already working. At present, more than 273,000 Kentucky households receive basic food assistance, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The House bill also cuts school lunches for more than 200,000 children and eliminates food assistance for 170,000 veterans across the nation. Economists consider SNAP a highly effective generator of economic growth. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, SNAP is one of the most cost-effective of all spending and tax options for boosting growth and jobs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-named-to-energy-and-commerce-committee/,Rep. Yarmuth Named to Energy and Commerce Committee,2013-09-18,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) has been selected to serve on the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees critical issues relating to Americans' health, safety, and security, as well as energy policy and manufacturing. The fourth-term lawmaker will begin serving on the Committee immediately. The Energy and Commerce Committee's areas of jurisdiction include health care, energy policy, the environment, manufacturing, commerce and trade, telecommunications and cybersecurity, and consumer protection. The Energy and Commerce Committee will give me a greater opportunity to help oversee implementation of the Affordable Care Act and ensure every American has access to affordable health care, Congressman Yarmuth said. And I will be better positioned to advance federal programs that support the revitalization of manufacturing in Louisville and create new jobs for local residents. Good jobs and financial security are cornerstones of a strong society, and as a new member of the Committee, I look forward to being at the forefront of policy debates that are so critical to the future of our country, Congressman Yarmuth added. Congressman Yarmuth's leadership has earned him the respect of colleagues and the trust of his constituents, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said.From stopping mountaintop removal mining in Kentucky to leading the charge to implement the Affordable Care Act, from advocating for advanced manufacturing in Louisville to building a sustainable future nationwide, he brings an unyielding determination to the task of protecting America's environment, securing affordable health care for all, and promoting the clean energy jobs of tomorrow. I am delighted that the Steering and Policy Committee has selected Rep. Yarmuth to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Ranking Member Henry Waxman said. John has been a tireless advocate of health care for all Americans and is committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He is also a strong supporter of clean energy technologies that will move our country toward energy independence.He will be a great contribution to the Committee, and I look forward to working with him. Congressman Yarmuth helped lead the Congressional effort to enact the Affordable Care Act and is considered an expert on the law. He has long been a proponent of an environmentally responsible national energy policy, and this Congress he introduced H.R. 526, legislation to establish the first federal health testing for communities near mountaintop removal mining sites. He has also been a strong advocate for continued federal investment in new energy technologies that will create jobs while preserving our environment and improving public health. During the 110th Congress, Rep. Yarmuth fought successfully for the federal Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program, which supports the development of energy-efficient vehicles. In 2009, Ford Motor Company received a $5.9 billion loan through the program, allowing the company to invest $600 million to retool the Ford Assembly Plant in Louisville, which has added more than 3,000 new jobs. The Energy and Commerce Committee also holds jurisdiction over the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which includes the Advanced Manufacturing Office and the Clean Manufacturing Initiative both of which have been critical to the production of new energy technologies at Louisville businesses, including GE. The Committee also oversees the Energy Star program, which sets standards for energy-efficient appliances. Congressman Yarmuth takes the place of former Rep. Ed Markey (MA-5), who was recently elected to the U.S. Senate. During his four terms in Congress, Rep. Yarmuth has also been a Member of the exclusive House Committee on Ways and Means, where he helped write the Affordable Care Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-the-anniversary-of-9111/,Statement on the Anniversary of 9/11,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement marking the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: It has been 12 years since terrorists attacked our nation on September 11, 2001, killing thousands of our fellow Americans and forever changing the way we think about terrorism around the world and here at home. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the victims and their families. We honor the first responders who demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of chaos and despair. We recognize the military and law enforcement communities who continue working to keep us safe. And we recommit ourselves to the core democratic and humanitarian values that compelled us to stand together as a nation 12 years ago today and will sustain us long into the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-syria/,Statement on Syria,2013-09-10,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement on the President's address about a possible military strike against the Syrian government: It is in our national interest to delay a vote on military action against the Syrian government while we pursue diplomatic opportunities to force the Assad regime to surrender its chemical weapons. I strongly support this approach and, like all Americans, will continue to monitor these developments as the international community re-evaluates its responsibilities in Syria.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-labor-day1/,Statement on Labor Day,2013-09-02,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Yarmuth released the following statement to mark Labor Day: Labor Day is an opportunity to honor the hardworking men and women who helped lay the foundation of American prosperity while we also recognize those who work hard every day to keep our nation and our economy strong. In Louisville and across the nation, workers determine our course for the future -- how we innovate, produce, and ultimately succeed. While some in Washington continue efforts to undermine organized labor and the American workforce, I remain committed to ensuring that every man and woman on the job has access to the protections they need, the benefits to which they are entitled, and the wages they deserve. Whether it is by raising the minimum wage to a living wage, guaranteeing equal pay for women in the workplace, protecting collective bargaining rights, or continuing the federal investments that have positioned Louisville on the leading edge of advanced manufacturing, supporting American workers will keep our nation at the forefront of the global economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/renovating-homes-revitalizing-portland-neighborhood-with-federal-investment/,"Renovating Homes, Revitalizing Portland Neighborhood with Federal Investment",2013-08-23,2013,2013-08,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE --The owners of a renovated home joined Mayor Greg Fischer, Congressman John Yarmuth, and other community leaders today to mark the progress of a major revitalization effort underway in Portland. The home, owned by Bob and Donna Shepperson in the 2700 block of West Main St., is one of 75 selected to receive renovations as part of the Portland Pride initiative which is focused on preserving home ownership, strengthening the neighborhood and increasing economic development opportunities. Thirty Portland homes have been renovated or improved, 15 more are in progress, and 30 or more homes are projected to be complete by next summer. This work in Portland is providing significant and lasting improvements to this historic neighborhood, and helping forge other public and private partnerships, Fischer said. Homeowners like Bob and Donna Shepperson serve as anchors in the community providing other families with more stability and a community of which they can be proud. The revitalization effort is funded by $2 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds that were awarded when Portland was selected to be Louisville's first Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) in 2011 for meeting federal criteria as a distressed neighborhood. The NSRA work focuses on exterior rehab and facade improvements, resolving property code violations and reducing lead paint in homes. Through the federal funds, nearly $1 million in contracts have been awarded to ten local construction companies for repair and rehabilitation work, helping create and preserve local jobs. The Portland NRSA shows how smart, targeted federal investment can help build neighborhoods, attract new resources, and strengthen entire communities, Congressman Yarmuth said. While the Community Development Block Grant program faces drastic funding cuts in Washington, its benefits are clear in Portland's renewed promise. The city's Department of Community Services and Revitalization (CSR) is the lead agency in the work. Louisville non-profit New Directions Housing Corporation oversees each home's rehabilitation by providing tailored site plans to increase safety, security and faade restoration, as called for by the Portland Neighborhood Action Plan. Habitat for Humanity is also involved in the project, providing after-job home maintenance training. New Directions has raised an additional $507,500 for Portland Pride, leveraging public funds. Sources include The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and its Affordable Housing Program accessed through its member, Fifth Third Bank, and Kentucky Housing Corporation which has twice provided competitive awards from the Commonwealth's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Another key partner is Preservation Louisville which provided architectural consultation and craftsmanship in the renovation of the Shepperson's home on West Main St. Part of the NRSA funding -- $250,000 -- was allocated to the city's Department of Economic Growth and Innovation which has been matched with $250,000 from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. The $500,000 will be used for loans to spur new food processing and manufacturing business to locate in Portland. The community involvement and planning by residents also played a key role in Portland receiving the NSRA designation, with the support of Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton. One ripple effect of the Portland Pride project is that nearly 80 residents participating in the program have recently joined the Portland Now neighborhood association.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/reps-yarmuth-polis-introduce-comprehensive-literacy-bill/,"Reps. Yarmuth, Polis Introduce Comprehensive Literacy Bill",2013-07-17,2013,2013-07,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) and Congressman Jared Polis (CO-2) introduced the Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation (LEARN) Act, a critical education reform measure designed to prepare students to succeed in the 21st century economy. The LEARN Act (H.R. 2706) provides a strong federal investment for states and localities to develop and implement comprehensive literacy plans for children from birth through 12th grade. Literacy is the foundation for success in every aspect of our economy and society, Congressman Yarmuth said. The LEARN Act would make key federal investments in literacy to help ensure today's students are prepared to lead the workforce of the future and keep our nation at the forefront of the global economy. Students need access to high-quality literacy instruction, as well as enjoyable and rigorous texts in order to develop a love for reading and build a foundation for success, Congressman Polis said. I am proud to join Representative Yarmuth in working to provide students the support they need from birth through high school graduation so that they are able to become avid readers. WATCH: Congressman Yarmuth introduces the LEARN Act on the House Floor. Research clearly demonstrates that a literacy-rich environment beginning in early childhood is an important prerequisite for high school graduation, college success, and workforce readiness. But according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, two-thirds of all 4th and 8th graders do not read at a proficient level. Underachievement in literacy at all educational levels contributes significantly to our nation's high dropout rate: Every year, approximately 1.2 million students fail to graduate from high school, costing the country more than $300 billion over the lifetime of these individuals. The LEARN Act would support the creation and expansion of successful, high-quality literacy initiatives and require a rigorous review process to ensure those programs are benefitting students. The legislation would also support ongoing professional development for instructors and additional instruction for struggling readers and writers, including English language learners and students with disabilities. Congressmen Yarmuth and Polis worked closely with national literacy leaders to craft legislation that would meet the needs of students regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. Support for the LEARN Act: ""The nation's current approach to teaching reading is analogous to a builder helping to lay the foundation of a house, but not following through to assist with the walls, windows, doors, and roof. By introducing the LEARN Act, Representatives Yarmuth and Polis have outlined a comprehensive approach to teaching reading and writing that would move away from the current practice of siloing literacy instruction based on grade level and toward an approach that supports children from cradle through commencement and ensures that they have the literacy skills necessary to succeed in college and career. Bob Wise, President of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former Governor of West Virginia We are extremely pleased that Representatives Yarmuth and Polis have reintroduced the LEARN Act. As instructional leaders in schools, principals will receive the professional development and support necessary to drive school-wide literacy initiatives to ensure that all students receive the appropriate literacy instruction and support as they progress through all levels of their education. JoAnn Bartoletti, Executive Director, National Association of Secondary School Principals The LEARN Act would ensure that millions of children with learning difficulties and disabilities gain the reading and writing skills they need to be successful in school, work, and life. Because of its focus on ensuring that school leaders and their teams may be trained to provide evidence-based instruction and intervention through multi-tier systems of support, incorporating universal design for learning and other best practices, the National Center for Learning Disabilities believes the LEARN Act will make a measureable difference for all children who struggle to read. James H. Wendorf, Executive Director, National Center for Learning Disabilities The National Association of Elementary School Principals applauds the House introduction of the LEARN Act, and urges lawmakers to recognize the importance of comprehensive literacy programs to improve our nation's schools. Elementary and middle level principals know that strong literacy skills are essential for student success, and effective instruction must begin in the early years to lay a foundation for learning. The bill will provide a coordinated system to improve literacy instruction in schools and give principals the tools needed to help every student obtain the reading and writing skills that are critical to their success. Gail Connelly, Executive Director, National Association of Elementary School Principals",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-introduces-ready-to-compete-act/,Rep. Yarmuth Introduces Ready to Compete Act,2013-07-11,2013,2013-07,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) introduced the Ready to Compete Act, legislation that would leverage public television's significant educational resources and broad access to reach more learners of all ages, expand economic opportunities, and help improve our nation's long-term competitiveness. Although most jobs in the global economy require a high-school education, nearly one in five Kentuckians and 15 percent of Americans still lack a diploma. As our economy expands, the need to prepare our future workforce and help create opportunities for today's job-seekers also grows, Congressman Yarmuth said. The Ready to Compete Act taps the power and reach of public television to close the gap between current education and job-training efforts and what is needed to succeed in the global economy. The Ready to Compete Act (H.R. 2653) would use the considerable reach of public television which is available in 99 percent of American households and rich history of educational programming to expand access to high-quality enrichment for children. It would also make new investments in key job-training resources for adults through public television and the Internet. The bill reauthorizes and expands the existing Ready to Learn Program, a competitive grant program that supports the nonprofit development of innovative educational content on television, online, and in the classroom. The program has been in effect since 1992 and, when combined with teacher training, has helped children from low-income backgrounds close the achievement gap with their middle-class peers. Building on that success, Congressman Yarmuth's legislation also creates a competitive grant program called Ready to Earn, which would support public broadcast stations and their partners in developing and providing resources for job-seekers, including adult literacy programs, high school equivalency test preparation, and workforce training. Congressman Yarmuth worked extensively with Kentucky Educational Television, the Association of Public Television Stations, and teachers and employers from Louisville and across the nation to develop the Ready to Compete Act. Our competitive, global economy demands a workforce with more technical knowledge and skills, yet millions of Americans' educational attainment falls short of a high school diploma, said Shae Hopkins, executive director of Kentucky Educational Television. Public media is a leader in providing accessible educational opportunity for the American people through proven resources such as KET's GED Connection and Workplace Essential Skills series. Ready To Compete will help address the needs of adult learners and help ensure that they have the knowledge and skills necessary for today's workforce. The Ready to Compete Act comprises two programs: o Ready to Learn is a competitive grant program for the nonprofit development of innovative educational contenton television, online, in interactive games, in the classroom, and through on-the-ground community engagement. o On the national level, the recipients of the Department of Education's competitive Ready to Learn grants use these resources to develop proven and effective educational programming. o Locally, public television stations use their existing partnerships and community presence to bring Ready to Learn materials and resources to children and families who need it most. Local stations provide Ready to Learn materials for free to educators, community groups, families, afterschool programs, libraries, and other settings in targeted areas of need. o This new program would authorize a competitive grant program to public broadcast stations and/or partners to develop, disseminate, and provide online and on-air education and training services for adults, including adult education, adult literacy, high school equivalency test preparation, workforce training, and related outreach services. This legislation builds on Congressman Yarmuth's work to help expand educational opportunities for all ages and ensure American workers remain competitive in the global economy. In 2011, he partnered with the White House to launch Digital Promise, a national initiative focused on researching and implementing cutting-edge technologies in education and workforce training. He also has continued working to expand Louisvillians' access to job-training opportunities through free public events such as last month's Build Your Skills workshop, which paired professionals with job-seekers for one-on-one advice and training.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-announces-more-than-535000-to-help-enroll-uninsured-louisvillians-in-new-health-coverage/,"Rep. Yarmuth Announces More Than $535,000 to Help Enroll Uninsured Louisvillians in New Health Coverage",2013-07-10,2013,2013-07,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced a federal investment of more than $535,000 for Louisville-based community health centers to help uninsured Louisvillians enroll in kynect, the Kentucky health care exchange, and Medicaid. The historic expansion of coverage, which will enable more than 600,000 uninsured Kentuckians to access care, is a key component of the Affordable Care Act. Louisville's two community health centers, Family Health Centers, Inc. and Park DuValle Community Health Center, will receive $309,000 and $227,795, respectively, under this one-year grant. The investment will help the nonprofit health providers implement comprehensive outreach and enrollment programs to help uninsured individuals and families gain access to health care coverage under the law. For years, pre-existing conditions and high premiums have prevented far too many Kentuckians from getting the health care they need. But beginning on January 1, more than half a million uninsured Kentuckians including 100,000 Louisvillians will finally have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance, Congressman Yarmuth said. Family Health Centers and Park DuValle will be able to use the federal investments announced today to walk Louisvillians through all their options so they can choose the best health coverage for themselves and their families. Family Health Centers will hire eight outreach workers to provide direct assistance to patients and community members enrolling in Medicaid or purchasing health care coverage through kynect. The nonprofit agency expects to provide enrollment assistance to 12,000 Louisvillians under this program in the first year alone. We want people to know that Family Health Centers is here to help, said Bill Wagner, Executive Director of Family Health Centers. Beginning on October 1, 2013 we will have staff in place to help anyone, not just our patients, apply for health care coverage. We have a lot of work ahead of us in the coming months. There are so many people who will benefit from having affordable health care coverage, and we will be working very hard to make sure we get as many enrolled as possible. Park DuValle Community Health Center will also hire new outreach workers. We are delighted to receive these grant funds to support our efforts to expand access to health care coverage, said Dr. Anthony Omojasola, Park DuValle's Chief Executive Officer. Park DuValle plans on hiring five outreach and enrollment workers to connect patients and community members with health insurance that is affordable for them. Under the Commonwealth's Medicaid expansion, approximately half of Kentucky's uninsured or 308,000 people will be eligible for Medicaid. The remaining 332,000 Kentuckians will be eligible to purchase coverage through kynect. The investment is part of $150 million the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded to community health centers nationwide to help enroll the uninsured as the Affordable Care Act is implemented. Family Health Centers is a nonprofit community health center established by the Louisville-Jefferson County Board of Health in 1976 to provide residents of Louisville and Jefferson County access to high-quality primary and preventive health care services without regard to the ability to pay. Family Health Centers is the largest safety-net primary care provider in the state, providing services to more than 42,000 individuals annually through a network of seven health center locations throughout Louisville Metro. Park DuValle Community Health Centers is an independent nonprofit organization in operation since 1968. Park DuValle operates four health center locations, including one in Spencer County, and is committed to improving health, wellness, and the quality of life in the communities it serves by providing safe, high-quality, accessible, and affordable preventive and primary health care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-president-obamas-nomination-of-matthew-barzun-as-ambassador-to-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/,Statement on President Obama's Nomination of Matthew Barzun as Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,2013-07-09,2013,2013-07,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement on President Obama's Nomination of Louisville's Matthew Barzun as Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: I'm so happy for Matthew and his family. I know he will again represent our nation with honor and distinction at his new post in London, where he will continue a proud tradition of Kentuckians selected for this prestigious ambassadorship.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/louisvilles-first-bike-boxes-unveiled/,Louisville's First Bike Boxes Unveiled,2013-07-01,2013,2013-07,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) and Mayor Greg Fischer announced today new tools designed to enhance safety for cyclists in Louisville, including the city's first-ever bike boxes. Located at the intersections of Adams Street and Story Avenue and Spring Street and Mellwood Avenue, the bike boxes are painted bright green and create a space between vehicles and the crosswalk that allows bicyclists to position themselves ahead of traffic at an intersection. With more than 150 bicycle traffic collisions and up to three cyclist deaths each year in Louisville, we must do more to promote basic safety on our roadways, Congressman Yarmuth said. The tools we're deploying today are designed to improve safety for responsible cyclists and ensure that motorists have an easy and more reliable way to share the road. We want cyclists to be safe and comfortable when they are out riding on Louisville's streets. This new treatment is a simple way to make bicyclists more visible, reducing issues that can put riders in danger at intersections, Fischer said. We've also added more bike symbols and shared lane markings on several streets. I hope it will encourage more citizens to get on their bikes and enjoy the health benefits that come with riding. In addition to bike boxes, the following treatments were added: Poplar Level Road- bike symbols 8th Street- bike symbols and shared lane markings Jefferson Street- shared lane markings Market Street- shared lane markings West Main- shared lane markings Bank Street-shared lane markings 2nd Street- shared lane markings Johnsontown Road- shared lane markings These improvements were funded with federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) dollars, which require a 20% local match, with a total cost of just over $125,000. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet was also a partner in this project, assisting with installation of the markings on state-owned roadways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-supreme-courts-ruling-for-equality/,Statement on Supreme Court's Ruling for Equality,2013-06-26,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the following statement praising the Supreme Court's decisions on marriage equality: Today, the Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality as a fundamental right. This is a momentous day for American families and a step into the present day for U.S. law. All legally married couples will finally be afforded the same federal rights and benefits to which they are entitled, moving our nation even closer to full equality for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-presidents-climate-change-plan/,Statement on President's Climate Change Plan,2013-06-25,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the following statement in response to President Obama's plan to combat climate change: Louisville's air quality is among the worst in the nation, and nearly 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 10 children in Kentucky are suffering from asthma, which is exacerbated by carbon pollution. And yet, there are no federal regulations in place to regulate carbon. That is why today, President Obama proposed a series of measured responses including the first federal standards for carbon emissions to address the devastating health, environmental, and economic consequences of climate change. This plan will not only make the air we breathe safer, it will also spur investments in clean, sustainable energy technologies that will help our businesses grow and create new jobs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-supreme-courts-voting-rights-act-decision/,Statement on Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act Decision,2013-06-25,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision to strike down a key portion of the Voting Rights Act: Despite our tremendous advancements since the 1960s, discrimination and suppression remain at polling places and in state laws throughout the country. While the Supreme Court dealt a blow to voter equality today, it also placed the onus on Congress to improve the law and ensure that the equality our legal system prizes also applies in the voting booth. Now, Congress must act to preserve that which is fundamental to our democracy: the right to vote for all citizens. This Congress, Rep. Yarmuth is an original cosponsor of the Voter Empowerment Act, a comprehensive voting rights bill intended to modernize our voter registration system, reduce long wait times to vote, ensure equal access to the ballot box for all Americans, and prohibit deceptive practices that may discourage people seeking to exercise their constitutional right to vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-the-sixmonth-anniversary-of-the-newtown-massacre/,Statement on the Six-Month Anniversary of the Newtown Massacre,2013-06-14,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement marking the six-month anniversary of the massacre in Newtown: Six months have passed since the horrific massacre of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. In that time, nearly 5,000 more Americans have lost their lives to gun violence. It is shameful that six months after Newtown, Congress has failed to enact a single gun-safety measure. Nine in 10 Americans demand action to strengthen our gun laws, and I stand with them. It is long past time to enact meaningful reforms that help keep our families safe, our communities secure, and our country free from the daily toll of gun violence. Congressman Yarmuth is a Member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and is a cosponsor of H.R. 1565, which would require background checks for all gun purchases; and H.R. 138, which would impose new limits on high-capacity magazines.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-joins-louisville-veterans-at-national-wwii-memorial/,Rep. Yarmuth Joins Louisville Veterans at National WWII Memorial,2013-06-06,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) joined five Louisville veterans and 21 others from throughout Kentucky at the National World War II Memorial to mark the 69th Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy. The men, who served in World War II, traveled from Louisville as part of the Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit organization that transports veterans to Washington to visit and reflect upon the national memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Congressman Yarmuth meets with Louisville WWII Veteran August Drufke It is a tremendous honor to share this special day with World War II veterans from Louisville and across the Commonwealth, who sacrificed so much for our nation and helped make American democracy the envy of the world, Congressman Yarmuth said. The men and women of the Greatest Generation will forever be known for their sense of duty, and I hope this trip serves as a reminder of how grateful our nation is for their service. Congressman Yarmuth with Louisville WWII Veteran Jacob Ernst Congressman Yarmuth with Louisville WWII Veteran John Cassidy Congressman Yarmuth with Louisville WWII Veteran Lincoln Varney Congressman Yarmuth meets with Louisville WWII Veteran Wesley Evans",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/in-50-years-weve-made-18-cents-worth-of-progress-toward-pay-equity-for-women/,"In 50 Years, We've Made 18 Cents' Worth of Progress Toward Pay Equity for Women",2013-06-05,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON In a speech on the House Floor today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) called on Congress to enact legislation to update the 1963 Equal Pay Act and guarantee pay equity for women in the workplace. On average, women today make 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man for the same work. The Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 377) would strengthen the law and close loopholes that haven't been addressed in five decades. Congressman Yarmuth is an original cosponsor. House Democrats approved the Paycheck Fairness Act in the 110th and 111th Congresses, but Senate Republicans blocked it. Now, Republicans have stalled the legislation in the House. Click on the photo to watch the video. The text of Congressman Yarmuth's remarks is below. Mr. Speaker, when women succeed, our economy grows, our communities prosper, and our nation thrives. And yet, 50 years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, some in Congress seem content to let the pay gap between men and women continue. In 1963, when Congress enacted the Equal Pay Act, women earned 59 cents on average for every dollar a man took home. President Kennedy called that unconscionable. Meanwhile, about one in 10 mothers were their family's primary breadwinners. Five decades later, the number of female breadwinners has quadrupled. And yet women take home only 77 cents for every dollar a man earns for the same job. In 50 years, we've made 18 cents' worth of progress. Congress hasn't updated the Equal Pay Act since President Kennedy signed it into law. The Paycheck Fairness Act would strengthen that law, adapt to a much different American workplace than what we had in the 1960s, and put us back on a pathway to pay equity in the workforce. Equal pay isn't just a women's issue. It's a family issue. It's an economic issue. It's a community issue. And it's also an issue that Congress has ignored. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Paycheck Fairness Act and help guarantee equal pay for equal work.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-medicaid-expansion-in-kentucky/,Statement on Medicaid Expansion in Kentucky,2013-05-09,2013,2013-05,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the following statement regarding Gov. Steve Beshear's decision to expand the Medicaid program in Kentucky under the Affordable Care Act. There are thousands of Kentuckians whose lives have already been improved and some saved because of the Affordable Care Act. And now, with the expansion of Medicaid, 308,000 uninsured Kentuckians will soon have access to affordable, quality health care and the economic stability that comes with it. I commend Gov. Beshear for his leadership and join him today in celebrating this historic decision. The remaining 332,000 uninsured Kentuckians will have access to affordable insurance in the Health Benefit Exchange, a new competitive insurance marketplace, beginning in 2014. Click here for more information.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/congressman-yarmuth-announces-green-ribbon-award-for-cane-run-elementary-school/,Congressman Yarmuth Announces ‘Green Ribbon Award' for Cane Run Elementary School,2013-04-23,2013,2013-04,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced that Cane Run Elementary School has received the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Award. The award recognizes schools that focus on environmental literacy in their curricula. Cane Run Elementary was one of 64 U.S. schools honored for their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways. Environmental stewardship is essential to a well-rounded citizenry and a 21st century economy, Congressman Yarmuth said. Cane Run Elementary has already retrofitted its facilities to become greener. With environmental programs focused on students and their families, they've become a national model in creating a greener future for our community. Cane Run Elementary is dedicated to providing a rich, progressive and interactive curriculum with the outdoor classroom site and environmental programs that allow students to develop appreciation for and stewardship of the environment, said Dr. Gwendolyn Goffner, Principal of Cane Run Elementary. This award is significant because it recognizes the hard work and commitment Cane Run Elementary School has to growing a more sustainable green school community. All Cane Run students participate in embedded environmental lessons frequently set in the outdoor classroom.The school implements Math in the Garden, where gardening serves as a framework for measurement, insects, plant structures, and life cycles. Students use math skills and tools to design, build and plant a pizza garden where each slice represents the amount of that ingredient necessary for a pizza.Problem solving and measurement skills allow students to design and make individual bricks to outline the garden. Students put their engineering strategies to work building a greenhouse over a raised bed garden to prolong the growing season.They experiment with technology to design a large, butterfly-shaped, native plant garden to attract butterflies, bees, and birds.The garden club and environmental club use food from the raised beds and large garden to learn healthy cooking and eating practices and to share their labors with local senior citizens. Family math and science nights at Cane Run include a free healthy meal, environmental teaching and learning stations, and math and science activities for each grade level.Parents are also offered resume-writing assistance. Today's honorees are modeling a comprehensive approach to being green, said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. They are demonstrating ways schools can simultaneously cut costs; improve health, performance, and equity; and provide an education geared toward the jobs of the future. In fact, the selected districts are saving millions of dollars as a result of their greening efforts. And the great thing is that the resources these honorees are using are available for free to all schools. Cane Run uses resources from the Kentucky Association of Environmental Education, the North American Association for Environmental Education, National Science Teachers Association, KY Green and Healthy Schools, USDA Agriculture in the Classroom, the Center for Green Schools at the USGBC in its environmental education curriculum. Cane Run Elementary has also been retrofitted to include geothermal heating and cooling, with geothermal well fields supplying 45 heat pumps and kitchen walk-in refrigeration units.The school has also added occupancy sensors and natural light enhancing Solatubes.With the aid of these facilities upgrades and behavioral and operational changes, the school was ENERGY STAR certified in 2010. More information on the federal Green Ribbon Award can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/athertons-jennifer-bencomosuarez-wins-2013-congressional-art-competition/,Atherton's Jennifer Bencomo-Suarez Wins 2013 Congressional Art Competition,2013-04-22,2013,2013-04,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Yarmuth with this year's winners. LOUISVILLE At a reception on Monday, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced that Atherton High School student Jennifer Bencomo-Suarez is the winner of his Seventh Annual Congressional Art Competition. Bencomo-Suarez's piece, Be Your Place, will be displayed in the Capitol's Artistic Discovery corridor for a year. The winning artwork was selected by a panel of judges from the local arts community. In addition, Congressman Yarmuth announced that Jingjing Xiao won the Community Choice Category, which was introduced this year. Louisvillians selected the winner by voting on the Congressman's website. The piece, Radiance, will hang in the Congressman's Downtown Louisville office for one year. Louisville has always been a great incubator for the arts, and I am honored to continue that tradition with my Congressional Arts Competition, Congressman Yarmuth said. Congratulations to this year's winners, Jennifer Bencomo-Suarez and Jingjing Xiao,on their outstanding artistic talents. I am proud that their work will represent our community here and in Washington. During the past six years, Louisville's young artists have submitted hundreds of pieces for the annual competition, which recognizes the artistic talents of high-school students in Kentucky's 3rd District. The contest is part of a nationwide high-school visual art competition designed to encourage young artists in each congressional district. This year, Congressman Yarmuth's competition drew a record 118 submissions from Louisville high-school students representing 11 schools. It also garnered more online votes than ever. Students also have the option to display their submitted work at Louisville International Airport, where they will be displayed for thousands of visitors from around the world. Congressman Yarmuth announced five additional winners at Wednesday's reception, where he also recognized and thanked the participants and judges. The full list is below. Click on the titles to view the pieces. You can view all the submitted work at Yarmuth.house.gov. WINNERS First Place: Be Your Place by Jennifer Bencomo-Suarez (Atherton High School) Community Choice: Radiance by Jingjing Xiao (duPont Manual High School) Second Place: The Choice by Jacob Shpilberg (duPont Manual High School) Third Place: A Portrait of Bernadette by Madison Blevins (Presentation Academy) Best Use of Material/Medium: Under the Sea by Diana Pickett (Pleasure Ridge Park High School) Best Use of Narrative: Society's Neglection by Emma Lally (Assumption High School) Best Use of Composition: My Phone & I by Michael Rosenfeld (Trinity High School)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/bipartisan-group-of-house-members-release-statement-on-immigration-reform/,Bipartisan Group of House Members Release Statement on Immigration Reform,2013-04-17,2013,2013-04,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON A bipartisan group of eight Members from the U.S. House of Representatives released the following statement today regarding their efforts for comprehensive reform of the U.S. immigration system: Americans want to see the nation's broken immigration system fixed, and they know it will take bipartisanship to solve this problem in a sensible and rational way. This week, a bipartisan group of Senators stepped forward to introduce their proposal, and we applaud their effort. We are also working on a good faith, bipartisan effort in the House. We believe we will soon agree on a reasonable, common-sense plan to finally secure our borders and strengthen our economy with a tough but fair process for immigrants to fully contribute to our country that respects the rule of law. While we have made substantial progress, we continue to work diligently towards a bill that keeps America strong, competitive and true to our values. Reps. Xavier Becerra (CA), John Carter (TX), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Luis Gutierrez (IL), Sam Johnson (TX), Raul Labrador (ID), Zoe Lofgren (CA), and John Yarmuth (KY)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-praises-2013-national-champion-louisville-cardinals/,Yarmuth Praises 2013 National Champion Louisville Cardinals,2013-04-11,2013,2013-04,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) delivered the following speech on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives congratulating the 2013 NCAA National Champion University of Louisville Men's Basketball Team and the National Runner-Up Women's Basketball Team. CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH THE VIDEO Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the University of Louisville Cardinals, who went to a second straight Final Four this season and returned home National Champions! Going into the NCAA tournament, the question was whether the Cards' stifling defense would be enough to win it all. Well, we'll never know because the country's best defense became the best offense, too, shooting 52 percent to a tournament-best 79.5 points per game. That's more than crazy. It's Russdiculous! They said he never met a shot he didn't like. But during the past month, Russ Smith hardly took a shot he couldn't make, setting Louisville's new tournament scoring record and earning the respect and affection of a city. The all-American, Regional MVP, and defensive phenom no longer cares who's scoring as long as the jersey reads Louisville. When these guys say the team motto Louisville First Cards Forever, they mean it. We saw it when the team rallied around their injured teammate, Kevin Ware, as he courageously repeated: I'm fine, just win the game before being carted off the court during the Elite Eight. We saw it when they came together to ""Win for Ware."" But before that, the Cards won with Ware. On this team, Kevin was one of eight Cardinals to score double figures in a tournament game. That doesn't even include the players who set this team off on some of the year's most unlikely and electrifying rallies. Walk-on Tim Henderson scored six of his season's 22 points in 45 seconds to cut a late 12-point Final Four deficit in half. All year, Stephen Van Treese snatched rebounds from future NBA big men, denied them in the paint, and set precision picks strong enough to stop a truck. And freshman Montrezl Harrell provided a constant spark off the bench, his unrelenting effort the only thing close to matching his natural ability. Peyton Siva embodies the Louisville-First spirit. Happier setting up his teammates than knocking it down himself, Peyton reminded the nation he can also drop 18 on the player of the year in the championship game. Unselfish but a thief, he'll graduate with the school record for steals in a season and career. Big man Gorgui Deing is unselfish, too. U of L's record-setting shot-blocker and monster rebounder used his jumpshot to pull defenders and find teammates for six assists in the championship game three to Chane Behanan, who tied Louisville's single-season dunk record, officially making him the latest doctor of dunk. Cutting down the nets in Atlanta was great, but they should give Chane the backboards because he owned them all night. This team also showed tremendous perseverance. Wayne Blackshear overcame two shoulder surgeries to reach the starting lineup, and it's a good thing: He hit threes to start the Cards' scoring in both championship halves. But the Final Four's breakout star was its Most Outstanding Player, Luke Hancock, who scored his career-high in the semifinal then broke it two days later. Luke didn't use the force; he was a force. And nothing would stop him from winning for his ailing father, for Kevin Ware, and as always for Louisville. That's what Coach Rick Pitino taught this team. The master motivator, who's done everything this week but cartwheels on the moon, built a team and mentored men we should all be proud of. And like Pitino, Jeff Walz will tell you this isn't about one person or even one team. It's about a program and a community. Trust him. That mad scientist led U of L's women to four straight NCAA tournament upsets, including what is considered to be the biggest upset in college basketball history. Behind the jaw-dropping plays of Shoni and Jude Schimmel, sharpshooting of Antonita Slaughter, tenacity and skill of Sara Hammond, Sherrone Vails, and Bria Smith, and the unbelievable toughness of seniors Monique Reid and Shelby Harper, the national runners-up crashed nearly every party around. These players and coaches define an extraordinary program. Only three schools in NCAA history have gone to a men's and women's basketball final in the same season; Louisville is the first to add a BCS Bowl victory to the mix. But if you think it's the last, you don't know Tom Jurich. With sparkling new facilities, outstanding coaches, and stellar student-athletes in competition and class, Tom has every U of L sport at the top of their game and climbing. The university and the community have thrived along with them, continuing a proud tradition that began with Peck Hickman and rocketed to the top under the great Denny Crum. I'm honored to congratulate the University of Louisville for its unparalleled winning streak, capped off by the Cards' third men's basketball National Championship. GO CARDS!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-why-we-should-end-sequester-now/,Rep. Yarmuth: Why We Should End Sequester Now,2013-03-28,2013,2013-03,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"From The Courier-Journal, March 28, 2013: Sharron Hilbrecht recently wrote to theC-Joutraged that her husband, who works full-time for the Kentucky National Guard, had just received notice that mandatory furloughs will reduce their household income by 20 percent this year. I share her outrage. The furloughs are the result of sequestration, the indiscriminate cuts to nearly all federal discretionary spending devised by Congressional leaders as a way to force negotiations on deficit reduction. The cuts were intended to be so egregious that Congress would be forced to work together to stop them. Sequestration was a threat, and I voted against it. It was never supposed to be policy, but now it is. The Hilbrecht family and 460 Kentucky National Guard Military Technicians are not alone. More than 5,000 civilian employees at Fort Knox are facing 22 days of furlough over the next six months because of sequestration. Some are my constituents, and I have heard from them and their families. I have talked with a Jefferson County principal forced to lay off special-education teachers because of sequestration. I have heard from an air-traffic controller who will lose his job when Owensboro's airport closes next month (Paducah's will also close). And UPS is concerned that the closure of 149 airport control towers across the country will impact operations and disrupt shipments for thousands of its customers. I have met with local nonprofit social-service organizations who are rightfully worried that sequestration will eliminate entire federal grant programs, jeopardizing jobs and essential services for Louisville families. And I have heard from officials at the University of Louisville, a top employer in our community, who are worried that cuts to their research will interrupt life-saving medical advancements. Instead of punishing Members of Congress who failed to compromise, sequestration is hurting American families like the Hilbrechts. Instead of trying to undo the damage, some Members of Congress are now taking credit for it. And instead of stopping there, the House approved a budget last week that cuts far deeper. When 5,000 civilian Fort Knox employees lose a fifth of their income and Congress's response is to cut even more, we need an intervention. To address one crisis by creating another is madness. I hope the Hilbrechts' letter is the first of many.These massive cuts are as irresponsible as the Members who support them. I'm sorry to say that if Congress does not get its priorities in check, the Hilbrechts will not be the last Louisville family to feel the pain of this austerity. U.S. REP. JOHN YARMUTH Louisville 40027",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/statement-on-approval-of-the-violence-against-women-act/,Statement on Approval of the Violence Against Women Act,2013-02-28,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement on the House's enactment of the Violence Against Women Act. Today's vote for a comprehensive Violence Against Women Act is a major victory and an encouraging sign of bipartisanship on an issue vital to millions of Americans, Yarmuth said. All victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Louisville and across our nation can now share in the certainty that they will be able to seek the support they need and the justice they deserve. On February 12, the Senate approved S. 47 strong, comprehensive legislation to reauthorize VAWA by a bipartisan vote of 78 to 22. The bill significantly strengthens the ability of the federal government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. It also provides new protections for tribal members, immigrants, and members of the LGBT community. In an unexpected reversal, House Republican Leadership brought S. 47 to the Floor for a vote on today. Eighty-seven Republicans joined 199 House Democrats in voting to approve the legislation 286 to 138. The legislation now heads to the President's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-joins-the-center-for-women-and-families-and-catholic-charities-to-call-for-reauthorization-of-the-violence-against-women-act/,Rep. Yarmuth Joins The Center for Women and Families and Catholic Charities to Call For Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act,2013-02-20,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) held a news conference with The Center For Women and Families and Catholic Charities of Louisville to call on House Republican Leadership to bring the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act to the Floor for a vote and passage. It has been more than 500 days since House Republicans allowed the law to expire. Appearing at The Center for Women and Families Wednesday morning, Rep. Yarmuth said that in the wake of Senate passage of legislation reauthorizing VAWA, a House vote should be a top priority. Since Congress first enacted the law in 1994, cases of rape and sexual assault across the country have fallen dramatically, and hundreds of thousands of victims have been able to find the essential support systems they need and the justice they deserve, Yarmuth said. Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault often face a lot of uncertainties in their lives, but whether their Members of Congress will stand up for their safety should not be one of them. It is long past time for Congress to reauthorize this law, Yarmuth said. Last year, Louisville received more than $700,000 in VAWA funding for programs that provide vital support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Across the state, 45 organizations and agencies benefitted from grant funding through the law. The funding we receive from the Violence Against Women Act directly finances crucial positions at The Center, including staff who help survivors navigate obtaining protective orders and court procedures, and those working closely with entire families affected by intimate partner violence and sexual assault, said Marta Miranda, President and CEO of The Center for Women and Families. Losing this key funding would create a crater in our ability to effectively advocate for some of our most vulnerable community members those directly affected by abuse and assault. Catholic Charities received nearly $100,000 in grant funding through VAWA in 2012. The investment supports services for immigrants as well as the agency's Human Trafficking Project. Sex trafficking and labor trafficking crimes are being committed every day in our communities and often involve extremely high levels of sexual violence, forced drugging, coercion, and other methods of control that maintain the victim's vulnerability, said Marissa Castellanos, Human Trafficking Program Manager at Catholic Charities. Children in the United States are being sold into commercial sex markets at the average age of 12-14 years old, forced into prostitution, pornography, or stripping. These children, when they aren't identified and rescued, become adult victims and continue to be exploited, often at a considerable profit for traffickers. VAWA provides the framework for intervention and services these survivors need to ensure they are free from further exploitation and receive trauma-informed care. On February 12, the Senate passed strong, comprehensive legislation to reauthorize VAWA by a bipartisan vote of 78 to 22. The Senate bill significantly strengthens the ability of the federal government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The legislation also includes provisions to ensure that all victims of domestic violence receive the protection and support they need. It provides new protections for tribal members, immigrants, and members of the LGBT community. On January 22, Congressman Yarmuth and other House Democrats introduced H.R. 11, a VAWA Reauthorization identical to the Senate bill. The House legislation has 194 Democratic cosponsors. A fact sheet on the legislation is below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/congressman-yarmuth-calls-on-house-leadership-to-bring-violence-against-women-act-reauthorization-for-a-vote/,Congressman Yarmuth Calls on House Leadership to Bring Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization for a Vote,2013-02-12,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) called on House Republican Leadership to immediately bring to the Floor and approve the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization, which easily passed the Senate earlier today in a bipartisan vote. It has been 501 days since House Republicans allowed the Violence Against Women Act to expire, Congressman Yarmuth said. This law is a critical tool for women, families, and communities to reduce domestic violence, support and empower victims, and strengthen law enforcement. There is no excuse for further delay House Republican Leadership should bring VAWA to the Floor for a vote immediately. On Tuesday, the Senate passed S. 47 a strong, comprehensive VAWA Reauthorization bill by a bipartisan vote of 78 to 22. The Senate bill significantly strengthens the ability of the federal government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The legislation also includes provisions to ensure that all victims of domestic violence receive the protection they need including providing new protections, based on findings from experts in the field, for tribal members, immigrants, and members of the LGBT community. S. 47 is similar to legislation that passed the Senate by a vote of 68 to 31 in April 2012. House Republican leaders failed to bring that legislation to the Floor for a vote last year. On January 22, Congressman Yarmuth and other House Democrats introduced H.R. 11, a VAWA Reauthorization identical to the Senate bill. The House legislation has 194 Democratic cosponsors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/response-to-the-state-of-the-union-address/,Response to the State of the Union Address,2013-02-12,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the following statement after President Barack Obama's State of the Union address: Tonight, the President offered a compelling vision to build on our nation's economic progress through continued investments that will strengthen our middle class. Rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, revitalizing manufacturing, and providing the next generation with access to a high-quality education are not only critical to the Louisville economy they are vital to the future of Louisville families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/reps-yarmuth-slaughter-introduce-bill-to-study-health-consequences-of-mountaintop-removal-coal-mining/,"Reps. Yarmuth, Slaughter Introduce Bill to Study Health Consequences of Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining",2013-02-06,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-25) introduced the Appalachian Community Health Emergency Act (H.R. 526), legislation that would require the first comprehensive federal study of the health dangers of mountaintop removal coal mining. The legislation would place a moratorium on all new mountaintop removal mining permits while federal officials examine health consequences to surrounding communities. Mountaintop removal coal mining destroys entire ecosystems and contaminates the water supplies in mining communities, making people sick and jeopardizing their safety, said Congressman Yarmuth. This legislation will provide families in these communities the answers they need and the protection they deserve. If it can't be proven that mountaintop removal mining is safe, we shouldn't allow it to continue. Every American has a right to live and work in a community free from environmental health risks, said Congresswoman Slaughter, a native of Harlan County, Ky. And it is our duty to ensure that this right is not infringed upon by industries that consider community health and environmental protection to be less important than their profit margins. Given the growing field of evidence that people living near mountaintop removal coal mining sites are at an elevated risk for a range of major health problems, we should place a moratorium on further mountaintop coal removal activity until we can ensure the health and safety of families in these communities. In mountaintop removal mining operations, coal companies use heavy machinery and explosives to remove the upper levels of mountains to more easily access the coal seams beneath. They dispose of the waste in adjacent valleys. Mine waste pollution including dangerous heavy metals such as selenium and sulfate often contaminates or buries waterways in the valleys. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mountaintop removal mining operations have buried or polluted nearly 2,000 miles of Appalachian streams. These are primary water sources for hundreds of families and entire communities. All the research points to what mountain people have known since mountaintop removal began: It is not possible to destroy our mountains without destroying ourselves, said Bev May, a family nurse practitioner and resident of Floyd County, Ky. It's not possible to poison our streams without poisoning our children for untold generations to come. The research is not complete, but there's more than enough research to justify an immediate moratorium on mountaintop removal. Evidence is mounting that people living in communities near mountaintop removal coal mining sites are at an elevated risk for a range of major health problems. While there has long been anecdotal evidence to support this conclusion, recent peer-reviewed research has examined the question more systematically and revealed compelling results. One peer-reviewed study in Environmental Research found that communities near mountaintop removal mining sites showed elevated levels of birth defects including circulatory and respiratory problems, and damage to the central nervous system, muscoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems when compared with communities surrounding non-MTR mines. [Read the study here.] Additionally, an analysis in the journal Science found that in communities near mountaintop removal coal mining sites, adult hospitalizations for chronic pulmonary disorders and hypertension are elevated as a function of county-level coal production, as are rates of mortality; lung cancer; and chronic heart, lung, and kidney disease. Health problems are for women and men, so effects are not simply a result of direct occupational exposure of predominantly male coal miners. [Read the study here.] The first comprehensive scientific report on mountaintop removal mining was released in 2010 more than three decades after the practice became legal. Mountaintop removal mining is largely mechanized and requires far fewer miners than traditional underground mining. In Kentucky, the increase in mountaintop removal mining operations has coincided with a 60 percent decline in the number of miners from 47,000 to approximately 18,000 since the practice became legal 36 years ago, according to the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy. A copy of the legislation is below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/kentuckianaworks-has-485000-for-healthcare-and-it-training/,"KentuckianaWorks Has $485,000 for Healthcare and IT Training",2013-02-04,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"FROM LOUISVILLE METRO AND KENTUCKIANAWORKS: LOUISVILLE, KY There has never been a better time for unemployed or underemployed residents in Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties to start training for a career in healthcare or information technology. KentuckianaWorks, Greater Louisville's Workforce Investment Board, is making $485,000 available in KentuckianaWorks Scholarships to fund education and training in these two high-demand career fields. The scholarships are available until June 30. The KentuckianaWorks Scholarships are free assistance that will provide up to $4,000 for tuition and $600 for books and other supportive services per year, up to two years. Funds can be used to complete a college degree in a healthcare field or information technology (IT), get an associate degree or enroll in training. This is exciting news for the Greater Louisville region, said Mayor Greg Fischer. We're working hard to create new jobs, but we know that many of today's jobs require higher skills and a degree or certification. Getting those skills, education and training now will put people in the best position to enter the workforce in high-demand, higher-paying jobs. It is important to act now and jump-start your career before the education and training money runs out. One of the best ways we can continue our economic recovery is to keep investing in our greatest asset, the American worker, said Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3). That is why I support federal funding for this program, which provides job-training for Louisville workers and prepares them for careers in high-demand fields. More information about the KentuckianaWorks Scholarships is available at a KentuckianaWorks One-Stop Career Center. Three are located in Louisville, and one center is in Shepherdsville. For specific locations, go to www.kentuckianaworks.org, and click on Find your nearest One-Stop Career Center! in the red box on the left-hand side of the page. Career counselors are available at each One-Stop to help people apply for the scholarships. In addition, counselors can help with career assessments and counseling, with job searches, building a resume, interviewing skills and with planning for college. The KentuckianaWorks Board is making $435,000 available for training in healthcare careers such as: -Registered Nurse -Licensed Practical Nurse -Medical Assistant -Certified Nursing Assistant -Medical Secretary -Pharmacy Technician -Medical/Clinical Lab Technician and Technologists -Respiratory Therapist Additionally, $50,000 is available for IT training in careers such as: -Certified Information Systems Security Professional -A+, Network+, and Security+ -Computer networking certifications -Computer programming In addition to a maximum of $4,000 a year (for up to two years) to fund education and training, people who qualify for the KentuckianaWorks Scholarships will receive $600 each of the two years to help with transportation costs for a job search, uniforms and clothing needed for a job, licensure and exam fees, costs associated with transferring or obtaining professional certifications, short-term childcare and tools or gear required for work. For more information, contact KentuckianaWorks at (502) 574-4100 or go online to www.kentuckianaworks.org. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, through the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, administered by KentuckianaWorks, Greater Louisville's Workforce Investment Board, an agency of Louisville Metro Government.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-introduces-public-financing-bill-to-get-money-out-of-politics/,Rep. Yarmuth Introduces Public Financing Bill to Get Money Out of Politics,2013-01-16,2013,2013-01,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) has introduced the Fair Elections Now Act (H.R. 269), legislation that creates a public financing system for Congressional campaigns. The bipartisan legislation, filed Tuesday with 52 original cosponsors, would enable small-dollar campaign donors to compete with special interests in Congressional elections, mitigate the effects of outside money in politics, and encourage a more diverse pool of candidates to run for federal office. Special-interest money has corroded the public's confidence in our government and fueled the perception that Congress is for sale to the highest bidder, Yarmuth said. Until we get big money out of politics, we will never be able to responsibly address the major issues facing American families. The public financing system this legislation establishes is critical to repairing our broken electoral system and rebuilding our trust with the American people. The legislation is designed to leverage small-donor contributions by providing a 5-to-1 federal match of contributions below $100 from residents of a candidate's state in both the primary and general elections. The voluntary program would also provide grants to ensure that primary winners are competitive in general elections. After an election season dominated by big money donors, it's great to have leaders like Congressman Yarmuth work on important legislation to raise the voice of everyday people in the political process,"" said Nick Nyhart, President/CEO of Public Campaign. We look forward to working with him and mobilizing the American people to demand a government of, by, and for the people,' not just big campaign donors. Under the legislation, a candidate must raise $50,000 in donations of between $5 and $100 each from at least 1,500 in-state donors to qualify for public financing. During both the primary and general election campaigns, qualifying candidates would receive a lump-sum grant based on the average amount winning candidates spent during the previous two election cycles. Every in-state donation would be matched 5-to-1 up to three times the grant amount. Candidates who choose the public financing system must agree to only raise donations of up to $100 each. The matching system is designed to ensure that candidates would remain competitive. Congressman Yarmuth has long been a proponent of eliminating special-interest money from elections. During the 112th Congress, he introduced a Constitutional Amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's disastrous Citizens United decision, which opened the floodgates for special-interest spending on campaigns. The amendment would also enable Congress to establish a public financing system for federal campaigns. Read more about the amendment here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/congressman-yarmuth-reintroduces-muhammad-ali-legacy-act/,Congressman Yarmuth Reintroduces Muhammad Ali Legacy Act,2013-01-15,2013,2013-01,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) reintroduced the Muhammad Ali Legacy Act, which would establish a federal grant program to promote global respect, understanding, and communication. Using values that Ali has advocated for and realized throughout his life, the initiative would seek ways to build upon Ali's humanitarian work. Muhammad Ali has spent a lifetime promoting justice through peace and understanding, Yarmuth said. Through his extensive humanitarian efforts and those of the Ali Center, Muhammad has solidified a legacy of compassion and outreach that is unparalleled. This legislation will help preserve and extend that legacy. Congressman Yarmuth's reintroduction of the Muhammad Ali Legacy Act to Congress is so timely during this week of Muhammad's 71st birthday, said Donald Lassere, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. Since the Act was first introduced to Congress a year ago, the need for programs that promote global respect and citizenship, cross-cultural understanding, and communications, have increased exponentially. The Muhammad Ali Center works hard at preserving Muhammad's legacy through programs that encourage young people to draw inspiration from Muhammad Ali's core principles and to change the world for the better. We applaud Congressman Yarmuth's introduction of this bill and believe it will help nurture respect, global citizenship, and a more compassionate world. Specifically, the grant program seeks to: -Prepare young leaders to contribute to global society through peace building, conflict resolution, violence prevention, character education, and education about world cultures, religions, and languages; -Provide a positive, productive path for young people to combat radicalism, terrorist networks, and organized crime; -Use technology to empower people around the world including adults, young people, educators, and civic, community, religious, and corporate leaders to discuss common interests and concerns, share information, and engage in cross-cultural learning; -Creating a global gathering place both online and in person for negotiation and mediation. The bill authorizes $5 million a year for the grant program, which would be administered by the State Department and fund U.S. nonprofit organizations that work to promote these values. Yarmuth also introduced the bill in the 112th Congress. In 2005, Ali established the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville. The center is a cultural attraction and an international education hub whose work is based on the core values by which Ali lives: respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, and spirituality.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/oped-limit-rounds-weapons-can-carry/,Op-Ed: Limit Rounds Weapons Can Carry,2013-01-14,2013,2013-01,Democrat,House,KY,John Yarmuth,Y000062,yarmuth.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last month, I pledged to Louisvillians that I would do everything I can to help reduce gun violence in our community and throughout the country. And while that effort will take many forms, I believe common-sense restrictions on high-capacity magazines, like the ones used against schoolchildren and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School, is a good place to start. That is why I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 138, the Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act. This legislation bans the sale or transfer of magazines, belts, drums, feed strips, and similar devices with a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition. A high-capacity magazine allowed Tucson shooter Jared Lee Loughner to fire 31 bullets in 15 seconds, killing six, wounding 15, and forever changing the lives of my friend and colleague, Gabby Giffords, and so many others. He fired until he had to reload, and bystanders wrestled him to the ground. A 100-round drum enabled James Holmes to light up a dark movie theater in Aurora, Colo., with a semiautomatic assault rifle modeled after the military's M-16 and capable of firing 50 to 60 rounds per minute. Holmes' assault weapon jammed after he'd fired 30 rounds, forcing him to switch to a handgun. He killed 12 and injured 58. Imagine if Loughner had to stop earlier. Imagine if Holmes didn't stop. Large-capacity magazines have been legal since the federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004, although a number of state legislatures have enacted bans. The National Rifle Association, which continues to prioritize the interests of gun manufacturers over the more responsible views of the majority of its members, has been a formidable if predictable opponent of virtually any law that acknowledges the role of guns in gun violence, including the regulation of high-capacity magazines. In 2011, the NRA fought and defeated a magazine ban in Connecticut. Had it been enacted, the law would have made it illegal for Adam Lanza's mother to buy the devices that helped her son kill 27 women and children in a rampage unparalleled in its tragedy. The NRA's Washington lobbyists argue that restrictions on magazine size would not stop any of these shootings from taking place. That's likely true. But there is no reasonable argument against the simple fact that restricting magazine size would save lives. High-capacity magazines allow for maximal destruction with minimal effort, and it is preposterous to think that even slightly limiting the number of shots these mass-murderers could fire would do anything but save lives. Law enforcement analysts confirm the direct correlation between magazine capacity and high numbers of casualties in mass shootings. As deadly as they are, however, semiautomatic weapons are not as devastating as machine guns. Yet, despite documented motives of causing maximum destruction, every mass shooter in recent U.S. history including those at Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, Fort Hood, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Columbine has used a high-capacity clip, not a fully automatic machine gun. Common sense tells us the reason the killers went with the less-deadly weapon: It was easy. The sale of new fully automatic weapons has been illegal in the United States since 1986, while high-capacity magazines are readily available at gun stores, some sporting goods stores, and online. The high-capacity magazines used in the murder of 69 people in Norway in 2011 were acquired by U.S. mail order. We have gun control in this country. Without question, lives have been saved because fully automatic weapons are illegal. But that's not enough. We need stronger laws. By banning high-capacity magazines and making them equally difficult to obtain, we can save even more lives. Most Americans agree. According to a Gallup poll in December, more than six in 10 support banning high-capacity magazines. Even more support other common-sense regulations: 95 percent of Americans favor universal background checks, and 78 percent believe guns should be registered, according to a CNN/ORC poll last month. No single law will prevent every massacre, but we have an obligation to our families, friends, and fellow citizens to consider any measure that will reduce gun deaths. A ban of high-capacity magazines will spare more families the kind of shattering violence we have come to regard as routine in this country. No life is worth the freedom to shoot 30 bullets without pause. U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-3rd District, is a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. This article appeared in The Courier-Journal on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z