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://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/endorsements-for-mcgarvey-bills-to-improve-black-lung-benefits-for-miners-and-their-families,Endorsements for McGarvey Bills to Improve Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Their Families,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced two bills, the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act and the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, to hold coal operators accountable and improve black lung benefits programs for miners and their families.

Both bills received endorsements by various miner advocate groups. Read what they are saying below.

Appalachian Voices

Government Affairs Specialist Quenton King: “We applaud the leadership of Sens. Kaine, Warner and Fetterman and Reps. McGarvey and Scott for standing up for coal mining families in Central Appalachia and beyond. Black lung is a terrible disease, and too many coal mining families struggle to access the medical benefits and compensation they deserve. As the cost of living in the country continues to rise, we have to take care of the miners who put their bodies on the line. These bills will help families navigate the black lung benefit system while finally putting the monthly disability benefit on a path toward fairness.”

National Black Lung Association

Vice President Vonda Robinson: “We frequently hear from coal mining families in our communities that they feel the system is rigged against them. They have to fight tooth and nail for their black lung medical and disability benefits, all while fearing that a future decision might claw their black lung payments back from them. We need the system to be more fair for coal miners and their survivors. Congress must pass these bills so coal miners with black lung will have hope again.”

Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center

Director of Policy Rebecca Shelton: ""Black lung disease is a horrible, occupational disease. It is preventable and shouldn't be the fate of any miner. The least we can do is try and make the federal disability benefits process more fair and less costly for miners and their families. Both these bills make significant contributions to that end and we're grateful for the leadership of Senators Kaine and Warner and Representatives McGarvey and Scott.""

United Mine Workers of America

International President Brian Sanson: “For generations, the United Mine Workers have fought to make sure miners suffering from black lung are not left behind. But as this disease becomes more aggressive and impacts miners at younger ages, our laws must keep pace. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act and the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act strengthen a lifeline that thousands of miners and families rely on. These bills aren’t just policy, they are about dignity, justice, and honoring the sacrifice miners make every day. The UMWA is proud to support these bills.”

###

Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcgarvey-and-warner-introduce-bill-to-support-families-of-mine-workers-who-died-of-black-lung-disease,McGarvey and Warner Introduce Bill to Support Families of Mine Workers Who Died of Black Lung Disease,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, a bill to support families of miners who have died of pneumoconiosis, also known as “black lung disease.” A Senate companion bill will also be introduced by Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today.

Under current law, miners’ surviving dependents can claim monthly payments and medical benefits through the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972, but must prove black lung substantially contributed to the miner’s death, even if the miner was diagnosed with black lung and died of respiratory illness, imposing a heavy legal and financial burden on survivors’ families who lack the resources of mine operators and their lawyers.

“When families are navigating the grief of losing a loved one and the financial worries that come with it, they shouldn’t be subjected to a lengthy and expensive legal process just to prove what we already know: miners work in dangerous conditions to power this country and pay for it with their own health and lives,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “The burden should be on the coal companies, not grieving widows, to either prove there’s no connection to black lung or pay these families what they’re owed as a small step towards addressing the irreparable harm miners endured on the job. I’m grateful to Senator Warner for staying in this fight and doing everything we can to make it easier for these families to get the benefits they’ve more than earned.”

“Grieving families in Virginia’s mining communities shouldn’t have to worry about fighting red tape or taking on hefty financial burdens,” said Senator Warner. “I’m proud to stand alongside Rep. McGarvey and reintroduce the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, which will ensure that families struggling with the loss of a loved one receive the benefits they deserve.”

Research has shown that repeated exposure to coal dust and other materials puts miners at risk of developing black lung disease. Inhaling dust scars the lungs, impairs breathing, and other respiratory complications that can have life-altering consequences and lead to disability and death.

The Relief for Survivors of Miners Act would fix these barriers to benefits to ensure families of miners are properly compensated. Specifically, the legislation:

Re-establishes a pre-1981 “rebuttable presumption” that a miner who died from respiratory-related conditions had died due to black lung if the miner was previously disabled due to black lung.

Improves legal representation by paying attorney’s fees and medical expenses incurred during the claim process.

Requests a Government Accountability Office report on the financial impact of these payments and other ways to improve the claims process and benefits for survivors.

The bill text can be found HERE.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcgarvey-kaine-warner-fetterman-scott-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-and-increase-accessibility-of-black-lung-benefits-program-for-miners,"McGarvey, Kaine, Warner, Fetterman, Scott Introduce Legislation to Strengthen and Increase Accessibility of Black Lung Benefits Program for Miners",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Mark R. Warner (both D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA), and U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Labor, reintroduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, legislation that would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease access the workers’ compensation and benefits they are entitled to receive under the federal Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation significantly reduces barriers, such as rising inflation and costs-of-living, complex claims processes, and lack of legal representation, that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing benefits.

“After paying for this country’s last energy revolution with their own health and safety, miners shouldn’t have to endure a costly, drawn-out legal process to prove they’ve earned their benefits,” said McGarvey. “Our bill would peg these benefits to inflation and make them easier to access, rather than letting these miners who have sacrificed so much be left further and further behind. I’m grateful for Senators Kaine and Fetterman and Ranking Member Scott’s continued dedication to strengthen black lung benefits, get miners the care they need, and uphold the dignity of financial security that they deserve.”

“Our miners make tremendous sacrifices to keep our lights on, communities powered, and nation running,” said Kaine. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will help the brave miners and retirees impacted by black lung disease finally get the medical coverage and compensation they've earned.”

“For generations, Virginia’s coal miners have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives to fuel our nation,” said Warner. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will eliminate red tape and help miners and their families get easy access to the benefits, compensation, and legal representation they deserve.”

“The job of a coal miner is often a dangerous and thankless one. Pennsylvania’s coal miners know the risk all too well,” said Fetterman. “It’s absolutely wrong when we have workers not receiving the benefits they were promised—zero exceptions. I’m proud to join my colleagues on the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act so we do right by our coal miners and their families. They risk their lives every day for our great country and we should have their backs when they need us, not leave them behind.”

“Decades ago, Congress established the Black Lung Benefits Act to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are totally disabled. Unfortunately, the Government Accountability Office found that miners often lack the necessary medical and legal resources to develop evidence to prove their claims,” said Scott. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act helps miners and their survivors access legal representation, ensures benefits are not eroded due to inflation, reduces the time for processing claims, and protects taxpayers from taking a hit when a self-insured coal company goes bankrupt and cannot pay black lung claims.”

Many miners have developed coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—commonly referred to as “black lung”—a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act makes necessary updates to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the nation’s coal miners by:

Automatically adjusting coal miners' benefits for inflation,

Helping miners and their survivors secure legal representation by increasing the number of attorneys willing to take on black lung claims,

Expanding the assistance provided by black lung clinics,

Ensuring miners get assistance from the Department of Labor (DOL) in rebutting medical evidence,

Improving access to CT scans to clarify medical eligibility,

Requiring the DOL to address potential conflicts of interest with physicians providing medical exams,

Accelerating the DOL’s access to employment and earnings verification for miners from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),

Establishing stringent criteria for mine operators that seek to self-insure,

Increasing civil penalties for mine operators that fail to secure benefits, and

Expanding the parties that the DOL can hold liable when an operator fails to secure benefits.

The legislation has been endorsed by Appalachia Voices, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, the BlueGreen Alliance, the Sierra Club, and the United Mine Workers of America.

A one-pager on the bill is available HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-sends-letter-to-usps-after-reports-of-significant-mail-delays-in-louisville,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Sends Letter to USPS After Reports of Significant Mail Delays in Louisville,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“We must not have a repeat of last year’s delays.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 11, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey sent a letter to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner regarding “an alarming number of messages and calls from constituents who are not receiving their bills, medication, and other essential mail on time.”

The letter to USPS cites dozens of reports of mail and packages sitting idle in the Gardiner Lane facility for days and weeks and USPS trucks arriving at Louisville facilities only to be delayed or turned away.

“My constituents and I are grateful for the hard work and dedication of the sorters, letter carriers, and other rank-and-file postal employees who work hard to get Americans their mail on time, but we are deeply frustrated that USPS has not made progress on giving those workers everything they need to move the mail on time,” the Congressman wrote.

McGarvey has continued to probe USPS throughout the year after significant delays and witnessing structural issues at USPS during a tour of the facility on Gardiner Lane in February. In today’s letter, the Congressman dismissed claims by USPS that winter storms were to blame for the repeated and unprecedented mail days, highlighting “renewed reports of broken equipment, resource mismanagement, and staffing shortages” that “long predate any winter weather.”

“It is unacceptable that structural issues continue to significantly plague operations at USPS facilities in Louisville despite a USPS inspector general audit providing a detailed look into the facilities’ problems and recommending multiple fixes,” McGarvey continued. “I urge you to take every available action to resolve issues at Louisville’s postal facilities and to give postal workers every resource they need to succeed. Our community depends on reliable, timely mail service, and they deserve better.”

Read the full letter here:

###

Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/morgan-mcgarvey-and-rand-paul-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-push-to-ban-no-knock-warrants-nationwide-with-justice-for-breonna-taylor-act,"Morgan McGarvey and Rand Paul Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Push to Ban No-Knock Warrants Nationwide with Justice for Breonna Taylor Act",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 10, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Reps. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) reintroduced legislation to ban no-knock warrants, the Justice for Breonna Taylor Act. The bill is named after Breonna Taylor, who was killed in March 2020 during a police raid on her Louisville home under the authority of a no-knock warrant.

Since the bill’s introduction last year, former Kentucky police detective Brett Hankison has been found guilty of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights, sparking a renewed push for a nationwide ban on the dangerous tactic that allows law enforcement to forcibly enter and raid a home without warning.

“It’s been five years since Breonna Taylor was killed by police, and we continue to grieve the life she should still be living today,” said Rep. McGarvey. “No law can right that wrong, but we can honor her memory by fighting for the justice she was never given. An homage to the heroic life Breonna lived as an EMT, this bill will save countless lives by banning the dangerous and deadly use of no-knock warrants nationwide. I’m grateful for Senators Rand Paul and Cory Booker and Reps. Yvette Clarke and Jasmine Crockett for their steadfast commitment to protecting civil liberties in this country and getting Breonna Taylor the overdue justice she deserves.”

“Kentucky recognized that no-knock warrants pose serious and unnecessary risks to both the public and law enforcement, and wisely restricted their use,” said Senator Rand Paul. The federal government should follow Kentucky’s lead and ensure this high-risk tactic is constrained.”

“Breonna devoted her career to caring for others and saving lives. A national ban on no-knock warrants is a safeguard worthy of her legacy,” said Amber Duke, Executive Director of the ACLU of Kentucky. “It sets a clear standard for law enforcement and moves us closer to a system where safety does not come at the expense of our constitutional rights. We are grateful for the continued leadership of Congressman Morgan McGarvey and the bill’s co-sponsors working to create lasting change.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

###

Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mcgarvey-condemns-trump-administrations-immoral-decision-to-slash-federal-funds-for-housing-assistance-as-kentucky-sees-freezing-conditions,Congressman McGarvey Condemns Trump Administration’s Immoral Decision to Slash Federal Funds for Housing Assistance as Kentucky Sees Freezing Conditions,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 2, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey sent a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, calling out the Trump administration’s callous decision to slash 70 percent of federal funding for Continuum of Care (CoC) programs that help Kentuckians facing homelessness find stable, long-term housing.

McGarvey described the plan, first outlined in HUD’s FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunity last month, as “dangerous and short-sighted,” leaving “vulnerable communities without options and organizations without time to adapt.” In Jefferson County alone, that community includes 950 people who rely on the housing funds from 13 CoC grants.

“We’re seeing absolutely freezing temperatures in Kentucky right now, and it’s unnerving that as a country we would turn a blind eye to our neighbors in need,” said McGarvey. “We’re talking about families with children, survivors of domestic violence, and our nation’s veterans getting turned away from a place to sleep at night and escape the cold because of this administration’s callous decision to make more Americans homeless.”

McGarvey explained that HUD’s proposed plan would create major funding gaps for the district’s federally funded housing supports, which are already facing significant setbacks from budget cuts and a shortage of affordable housing.

Today’s letter follows previous outreach to HUD in November when McGarvey and his colleagues called on the agency to work with Congress to appropriate the resources Americans need this winter.

Read today’s letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mcgarvey-writes-to-epa-urging-continued-oversight-into-louisville-public-health-and-safety-after-ups-flight-crash,Congressman McGarvey Writes to EPA Urging Continued Oversight into Louisville Public Health and Safety After UPS Flight Crash,2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 1, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging continued oversight of the crash site with regard to the public health and safety of Louisvillians.

On November 4, UPS Airlines Flight 2976 crashed during departure from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The plane crash tragically killed fourteen people, including three crew members, and over a dozen were injured.

“Our community is heartbroken by the immediate loss of life, and we mourn for and with our friends and neighbors,” the Congressman wrote. “We are also concerned with the long-term public health implications of this accident.”

Flight 2976 was carrying approximately 220,000 pounds of jet fuel when it caught fire. The airplane wreckage was spread over a wide area and significantly fragmented and burned. While there were no hazardous materials directly on board the flight, several businesses that store hazardous materials on-site were affected.

“I am thankful for the EPA’s quick response to coordinate with local agencies’ cleanup efforts,” McGarvey continued. “Since the incident occurred on November 4th, crews have recovered close to 95 percent of the oil from the crash, or around 880,000 gallons of oil-water mix, and contained oil coverage within the impacted waterway. Thanks to the coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local agencies, Louisville’s public drinking water has been and remains safe for consumption in the wake of the crash.”

McGarvey requested EPA continue to play an active role, alongside the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, in overseeing the site and keeping the Congressional office informed about any updates regarding public health and safety.

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/community-endorsements-for-bill-in-congress-to-fund-ohio-river-restoration,McGarvey Announces Community Endorsements for Bill to Fund Ohio River Restoration,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 20, 2025) – Environmental and conversation groups endorse the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, led by Congressman Morgan McGarvey and a bipartisan group of Representatives throughout the Ohio River Basin, to fund the restoration of the Ohio River.

Ohio River Basin Alliance

Chairperson Dr. Chris Lorentz: ""We are thrilled with the introduction of this legislation. Over 30 million people depend on the waters of the Ohio River Basin for their drinking water, health, jobs, and quality of life. This region deserves focused federal investments to restore and protect its waters, and to support the public health, economic, and ecological benefits that this bill provides.

“As much as this legislation is an ecological restoration initiative, it will spur economic development, safeguard public health, and enhance the quality of life of the millions living in the Basin.

“We are grateful to Representatives Erin Houchin and Morgan McGarvey for their bipartisan leadership as co-chairs of the Ohio River Basin Caucus and their efforts to protect these critical habitats and waterways.”

National Wildlife Federation

President and CEO Collin O’Mara: ""More than 25 million Americans and thousands of wildlife species depend upon the Ohio River Basin. This legislation represents a critical national commitment to conserve the Ohio and ensure current and future generations will benefit from cleaner water, healthier habitat, and stronger communities.”

Healthy Waters Coalition

Director Jordan Lubetkin: ""This bill can be a game-changer for the 30 million people who depend on the waters of the Ohio River region for their drinking water, health, jobs, and quality of life. Serious threats to local waters, such as toxic pollution, sewage contamination, and flooding, need to be addressed now, before the problems get worse and more expensive to solve. This bill, when passed, will benefit people and wildlife alike.""

Ohio River Way

Executive Director Forest Clevenger: “Experiencing the Ohio River’s majesty and scale—whether as a boater, paddler, angler, or cyclist—is awe-inspiring. These investments will safeguard our drinking water and natural beauty for generations to come, while growing recreation-based economies that can sustain rural river communities today.”

American Rivers Action Fund

Executive Director Heather Taylor-Miesle: “American Rivers Action Fund is proud to support the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which will safeguard the drinking water source for more than 25 million Americans across 15 states. The Ohio River Basin is the backbone of regional commerce, industry, and agriculture, and maintaining its health is critical to strengthening local economies and securing future growth. For years, we have partnered with communities to improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and modernize infrastructure—investments that pay dividends through job creation.

“This legislation reflects a smart, basin-wide strategy to protect an essential resource while ensuring taxpayers get the best return on investment. We thank Representatives Houchin and McGarvey for advancing a plan that prioritizes water security, and prosperity for the region.”

The legislation is endorsed by the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Beaver Creek Hydrology (BCH), Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau in Indiana, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, EnviroKinecs, Inc., Friends of Bell Smith Springs, Friends of the Riverfront, Friends of the White River, Greenbrier River Watershed Association, Hoosier Environmental Council, Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., Indiana Parks Alliance, Indiana Wildlife Federation , Kentucky Conservation Committee, Kentucky Ecological Restoration Association (KERA), Kentucky Resources Council, Kentucky Riverkeeper, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc., Lower Wabash Partnership, Miami Conservancy District, Mill Creek Alliance, Mon Water Project, Mountain Watershed Association, Muncie Indiana Sanitary District’s Bureau of Water Quality, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District , National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Ohio Conservation Federation, Ohio Environmental Council, Ohio River Basin Alliance, Ohio River Foundation, Ohio River Way, Ohio Water Partnership, Ohio Wetlands Association, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Pristine River Initiatives, River Fields, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Thomas More University Biology Field Station, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, UpstreamPgh, Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, Watersheds of South Pittsburgh, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and Wilderness Louisville.

Read the Ohio River Restoration Program Act here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-members-of-congress-launch-federal-push-to-fund-ohio-river-restoration,Bipartisan Members of Congress Launch Federal Push to Fund Ohio River Restoration,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The Ohio River Basin, spanning 55 congressional districts across 15 states, is the nation’s largest body of water to receive no dedicated federal funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 18, 2025) – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) led introduction of the Ohio River Restoration Program Act with Reps. Erin Houchin (IN-09), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mike Rulli (OH-06), and Mark Messmer (IN-08) to fund the economic and environmental restoration of the Ohio River.

The bipartisan coalition of Members represents districts throughout the Ohio River Basin, which spans 55 congressional districts across 15 states. The Ohio serves as a source of drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, and its ecosystem is vital to local economies and industries, generating more than 500,000 jobs and $21 billion in wages.

Nationwide, more than a third of the United States’ waterborne commerce travels through the Ohio River – $43 billion in commodities annually – yet the Ohio River is still the nation’s largest body of water without any dedicated federal funding. The bill would dedicate up to $350 million in federal investments to the large-scale restoration of the Ohio River Basin, using initiatives similar to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which resulted in more than $3 in return on every federal dollar invested in the program.

“The Ohio River is an economic engine that powers industries and supports billions in nationwide commerce, but at home in the River City, it’s our lifeblood – it’s the water we drink, it’s the way we make a living, it’s a place to keep traditions alive and find community with our neighbors,” said Congressman McGarvey. “And yet, our local communities who rely on it most and have helped sustain this vital resource for years still haven't gotten a dime in dedicated federal funding to properly protect and restore this critical resource right in our backyard. The Ohio River has been overlooked for far too long, and it’s time for it to get the attention and investment it deserves.”

“The Ohio River is critical to our way of life in Southern Indiana,” said Rep. Houchin. “It strengthens our economy, supports our farmers and manufacturers, and provides drinking water for millions of families. Communities along the Ohio have invested in protecting this resource for generations, and it is time for the federal government to become a real partner in those efforts. I am proud to coauthor this bipartisan bill that will help restore the river, protect public health, and strengthen the economic future of the entire region.”

“The Ohio River is a lifeline for so many communities in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District,” said Congressman Deluzio. “From drinking water, to commerce and recreation, and more—our prosperity relies on a clean and healthy Ohio River. There’s a lot of good work happening to help improve the resilience and livability of our river—but not a lot of funding to get things done. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to dedicate resources to help protect and restore the Ohio River for generations to come.”

“My district is home to both the Lake Erie and Ohio River watersheds. We know how vital clean water is for our communities, our economy, and our health,” said Rep. Sykes. “I’m proud to co-lead the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which will provide resources to restore water infrastructure while protecting the environment. This legislation ensures the Ohio River remains a thriving resource for generations to come.”

“I am proud to co-lead this vital legislation and thank Rep. McGarvey for introducing it,” said Rep. Rulli. “For generations, the Ohio River has served as the backbone of Ohio’s 6th Congressional District and an economic lifeline for our nation, playing a crucial role in settling America and building us into an economic powerhouse. This restoration program is a smart investment that will restore abundant fish and wildlife while keeping the river clean and healthy for future generations.”

""The Ohio River Basin is essential to not only the health of thousands of Hoosier residents, but to the vitality of southern Indiana's agricultural and industrial communities,” said Rep. Messmer. “The conservation network in Indiana's 8th Congressional District has worked tirelessly to preserve access to recreation within the basin and reinforce existing ecosystems. I am proud to bolster their investments in one of America's most impactful watersheds by supporting the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program Act.""

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act would create a federal office within the Environmental Protection Agency to guide a restoration plan in coordination with states, local governments, interstate compact agencies, tribal nations, and non-governmental organizations that includes:

habitat restoration, farm conservation, and invasive species control and management;

pollution prevention and clean water protection;

robust monitoring, data collection, and evaluation;

local workforce development and training for jobs in water protection and restoration;

input from the local public to hold elected officials accountable and ensure that residents have a seat at the table in restoration decisions;

guaranteed clean, safe, and affordable water for local homeowners regardless of economic status; and

investments in local communities at particular risk of extreme storms, flooding, and pollution.

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act is endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation, Ohio River Basin Alliance, American Rivers Action Fund, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, American Sportfishing Association, Audubon, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Appalachian Citizens' Law Center (ACLC), Indiana Wildlife Federation , Friends of the Riverfront, Kentucky Riverkeeper, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Ohio River Way, Thomas More University Biology Field Station, Wilderness Louisville, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Pristine River Initiatives, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District , Greenbrier River Watershed Association, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, PennFuture, Friends of Bell Smith Springs, River Fields, EnviroKinecs, Inc., Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Hoosier Environmental Council, Allegheny CleanWays, Kentucky Resources Council, Ohio River Foundation, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Appalachian Voices, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, UpstreamPgh, Ohio Environmental Council, Lower Wabash Partnership, Friends of the White River, Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc., Muncie Indiana Sanitary District’s Bureau of Water Quality, Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau in Indiana, Ohio Conservation Federation, Ohio Water Partnership, Beaver Creek Hydrology (BCH), Kentucky Ecological Restoration Association (KERA), Mill Creek Alliance, Watersheds of South Pittsburgh, Kentucky Conservation Committee, Indiana Parks Alliance, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

###

Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-why-im-voting-no-on-the-cr,Congressman Morgan McGarvey: Why I’m Voting No on the CR,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 12, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey released the following statement on Republicans’ refusal to include federal funding for health care tax credits in their bill to fund the government:

“Republicans in Congress chose to keep the government shut down for a record-breaking 43 days rather than work out a deal with Democrats to fix our broken healthcare system.

“Americans are already getting crushed by costs everywhere going up, but health insurance premiums going up thousands more next year will price a ton of Kentucky families out of their health insurance. The cost of inaction here – in a country where having health care coverage is a matter of life or death – will be catastrophic.

“A pinky promise to consider fixing a crisis this big at a later date is an unacceptable option. For a family in Louisville who’s about to spend more on their health insurance each month than they do on their mortgage, waiting is an option they can’t afford.

“I’m voting no because I refuse to pretend Congress is powerless to fix this crisis.

“Now is not the time to cave. It’s the time to do your job and fix the problems you were sent to Washington to solve.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Local Impact: Failure to address lapsing ACA tax credits in this bill will have the following impact in KY-03:

The unsubsidized cost of insurance is increasing by up to 37% for Kentuckians — a 10 times bigger increase than in recent years. (Source)

Higher costs and less federal funding means Kentuckians will be left to pay the difference.

For example, a 60-year-old couple in Kentucky with no children making $85,000, who paid $600 a month in 2025 for health insurance, will pay $2700 a month in 2026 for the same Kynect plan. (Source)

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcgarvey-introduces_bipartisan-legislation-with-reps-beyer-and-ciscomani-to--to-improve-disability-claims-process-for-veterans,McGarvey Introduces  Bipartisan Legislation with Reps. Beyer & Ciscomani to  to Improve Disability Claims Process for Veterans,2025-11-11,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"November 11, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Reps. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced the Veterans Transition Support Act to improve the disability claims process for veterans. The bill would expand the Solid Start program to help transitioning service members file claims pre-separation and minimize interruptions in medical care and benefits.

Due to time constraints in a service member’s transition to civilian life, inconsistent education about filing disability claims, and difficulties accessing the necessary health records, veterans often face difficulties when filing for benefits and lengthy waits before receiving benefits. The Veterans Transition Support Act would amend the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Solid Start program by requiring that a VA representative contact transitioning service members 120-210 days prior to separation to coincide with their eligibility to file a VA disability claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. Filing a claim through the BDD program would ensure service members still have access to their medical and personnel records and enable the VA to rapidly deliver a decision. This bill aims to provide veterans with a more seamless transition and less of a coverage gap between exiting the service and receiving benefits.

The legislation is endorsed by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Common Defense.

“Our nation’s veterans face lots of challenges during the transition back to civilian life, but our commitment to them shouldn’t end when their service does,” said Rep. McGarvey. “That’s why we’ve got to invest more in successful programs like Solid Start, which eases the transition from DoD to the VA, and keep building up the arsenal of resources our vets need to be set up for success in civilian life.”

“Those who served deserve a disability claims process that is simple, efficient, and honors their service. But our veterans too often encounter barriers filing post-discharge VA disability claims and lengthy waits before receiving benefits,” said Rep. Beyer. “By expanding the Solid Start program, our legislation would encourage more service members to take part in the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program and file their disability claims early. This would streamline their claims process and minimize the gap between their discharge and when they begin to receive benefits. With this bill, we hope to ensure veterans receive the services and benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary gaps in care and support.”

“Our service members selflessly dedicate themselves to our nation – but unfortunately, I often hear of the challenges associated with transitioning out of the military,” said Rep. Ciscomani. ""I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan, bicameral bill to streamline the medical and disability claim process to ensure our veterans have access to the care and support their service earned. By requiring proactive outreach prior to separation from the service, it is my hope that this legislation will help make the process not only smoother but also ensure veterans do not slip through the cracks and miss opportunities to apply for benefits that they have earned.”

“The VFW supports the Veterans Transition Support Act to enhance the VA Solid Start Program by adding an outreach call to service members before separation from the military. As longtime advocates for improved transition support, the VFW believes this is a practical and meaningful step to better inform veterans of the benefits and services they have earned,” said Associate Director of VFW’s National Legislative Service Joy Craig. “The timing of the call would coincide with when service members are eligible to file expedited disability claims through the VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, ensuring access to benefits at the earliest possible moment. The VFW thanks Representative Beyer for introducing this important legislation and prioritizing a smooth transition for service members from the Department of Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

“The transition from military service to civilian life can be difficult for veterans who must overcome obstacles that hinder their ability to gain and sustain meaningful employment,” said DAV’s National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “DAV is proud to support the Veterans Transition Act of 2025, which aims to improve this transition by mandating early, proactive outreach through the Solid Start program —as early as 210 days before separation. We applaud Representatives Beyer, Ciscomani, and McGarvey for their leadership on this vital issue that will ensure every service member gets the help they have earned.”

“Too many veterans fall through the cracks because the disability claims process is stacked against them from day one,” said Common Defense’s Deputy Director for Government Relations John Kamin. “Common Defense is proud to support Congressman Beyer's Veterans Transition Support Act, which takes a smart, commonsense approach to make sure servicemembers get critical guidance before they separate—when they still have access to their records and can actually act on it. By strengthening the VA’s Solid Start program, this legislation will help veterans get the care and benefits they’ve earned without needless delays and red tape.”

Full text of the Veterans Transition Support Act is available here, with a one-pager available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-statement-on-plane-crash-in-louisville,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Statement on Plane Crash in Louisville,2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 4, 2025) – Congressman Morgan McGarvey issued the following statement after horrific reports that a UPS flight crashed during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening.

“Tonight, our community was rocked by a devastating plane crash at the Louisville airport.

“My heart breaks for the pilots, crew, and their families, and I’m praying for everyone impacted. I’m grateful for the bravery of our first responders as they continue their work throughout the night tonight to respond quickly and heroically to this horrific incident.

“We still do not have complete details on how this tragedy occurred, but I’ve spoken with the Chair of National Transportation Safety Board and will continue to stay in contact with state, local, and federal authorities to get answers and do what we can to help all those affected.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/gov-beshear-rep-mcgarvey-urge-congress-to-extend-tax-credits-to-protect-affordable-health-coverage-for-kentuckians,"Gov. Beshear, Rep. McGarvey Urge Congress To Extend Tax Credits To Protect Affordable Health Coverage for Kentuckians",2025-10-28,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Without extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits, Kentuckians will pay thousands of dollars more in annual premiums

Washington, D.C. (Oct. 28, 2025) – This morning, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Congressman Morgan McGarvey joined together to warn of rising health insurance costs as Kentuckians face steep premium increases due to Congress’s lack of action to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Nearly 100,000 Kentuckians with insurance plans through Kentucky’s marketplace, kynect, will see up to 37% higher costs when open enrollment begins this Saturday, Nov. 1. This is a 10 times bigger premium increase than in recent years.

“The tax credits that make the Affordable Care Act affordable for so many of our neighbors are going to expire at the end of this year,” said Congressman McGarvey. “So, unless Congress acts, health insurance rates are going to skyrocket for every single Kentuckian. Congress must act – because we can. We can make sure people can afford their health care. And we know that when we do this, everyone will be better off.”

“Extending these tax credits is one of the simplest and most effective ways that can provide stability for the American people and, frankly, there is no excuse for action not to be taken,” said Gov. Beshear. “Things like affordable health care and support for food, these are nonpartisan issues our families need and deserve. It’s time that folks in D.C. stop playing games and put our American families first.”

The Governor and Congressman were joined by Ann Pipes, a Louisville resident who shared that, if Congress doesn’t take action by Nov. 1, her current premium will rise by more than $900 per month.

“Thanks to the ACA tax credit, our current monthly premium is $350. Without that tax credit, our current monthly premium is $1,275. We do not currently have an extra $900 a month in our budget,” said Pipes. “It’s going to be the first time in my adult life, if this does not get solved, that I’ll be without insurance. It’s really stressful. I’m losing sleep over it. I think all day about what we’re going to do if we lose health insurance.”

Kentucky’s marketplace, kynect, covers small-business owners, older Americans not yet eligible for Medicare and rural Kentuckians who make more than Medicaid recipients but don’t have workplace-sponsored health insurance.

For a typical family of four making $130,000 in Kentucky, the cost of annual premiums alone would increase by more than $12,000, while a 60-year-old couple making $85,000 would pay nearly $24,000 more annually.

Gov. Beshear and Rep. McGarvey have called on President Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress to immediately extend ACA tax credits to mitigate drastic price hikes that would push affordable health care further out of reach for even more families in Kentucky, after Trump signed a bill into law just months ago that could kick more than 200,000 Kentuckians off Medicaid.

See the full press conference here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcgarvey-calls-out-trump-admin-for-withholding-snap-urges-use-of-contingency-funds,"McGarvey Calls out Trump Admin for Withholding SNAP, Urges Use of Contingency Funds",2025-10-25,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey joined House Democratic lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to urge the agency to use contingency reserve dollars to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown.

With no resolution to a bipartisan path forward to reopen the government, SNAP funding is set to lapse on November 1st, putting 42 million children and families at risk of experiencing hunger.

There is enough in the SNAP contingency reserve to cover nearly two-thirds of the amount needed for a full month of benefits. As such, the Members also advocate for the agency to use statutory transfer authority or any other legal means to supplement shortfalls the contingency reserve cannot cover.

“Now more than ever, millions of families across the country depend upon the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to make ends meet. For far too many veterans, seniors, and children, SNAP benefits are the difference between having food or not,” wrote McGarvey and his Democratic colleagues. “Now, due to the government shutdown, they are facing crippling levels of uncertainty about whether they will be able to afford food next month. A potential lapse in benefits would be felt by Americans of all ages and affect every corner and congressional district in the country.”

“We urge USDA to use these funds for November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance. Additionally, while the contingency reserve will not cover November benefits in full, we urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority at its disposal to supplement these dollars and fully fund November benefits. There are clear steps the administration can and must take immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can put food on their table in November. Choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people.”

When Republicans passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, they voted to eliminate $187 billion from the SNAP program and imposes undue barriers to farmers in the Ag industry. The reluctance of this Administration to step in and fund the program builds upon previous efforts at weakening SNAP and other federal nutrition assistance programs.

Full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcgarvey-demands-answers-on-billion-dollar-bailout-for-argentina,McGarvey Demands Answers on Billion Dollar Bailout for Argentina,2025-10-21,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Morgan McGarvey joined a group of Democratic lawmakers to call on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to provide immediate answers regarding the Trump administration’s $20 billion bailout of Argentina.

The members expressed concerns that the bailout is an inappropriate use of U.S. taxpayer funds to influence Argentina’s upcoming election in favor of President Trump’s political ally, Argentine President Javier Milei. They also highlighted the bailout’s detrimental impact on American farmers, particularly soybean producers, and a potential conflict of interest involving a close associate of the Trump administration who stands to financially benefit from the arrangement. Adding to the outrage, President Trump suggested yesterday that the U.S. government would purchase beef from Argentina, a direct betrayal of American ranchers.

“President Trump has explicitly conditioned the bailout on the electoral success in this month’s elections of President Milei’s party,” the members wrote. “The U.S. Treasury’s authorities to address international financial crises, which are meant for situations that present a genuine U.S. national interest, should not be used to influence elections abroad. In this regard, President Trump has not only conditioned the loan on President Milei’s electoral prospects, but he has also noted that the United States will not benefit from the bailout.”

The members continued, “Due to the Trump administration’s failed trade policy, China purchased almost no American soybeans from May to August of this year. As American farmers struggle, Brazil has set records in its soybean exports to China and Argentina is following suit after capitalizing on the Trump administration’s promise of a bailout. American farmers need relief. American farmers need restored market access.”

Full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcgarvey-joins-36-house-dems-in-urging-trump-to-end-tariff-fueled-economic-assault-on-soybean-farmers,McGarvey Joins 36 House Dems in Urging Trump to End Tariff-Fueled Economic Assault on Soybean Farmers,2025-10-16,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. (October 16th, 2025) — Congressman Morgan McGarvey joined 36 House Democrats in a letter to President Donald Trump highlighting the significant negative economic impact of his tariffs on soybean farmers and urging the president to immediately terminate the harmful tariffs.

“Soybeans are the backbone of American agriculture, contributing over $31 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 crop year. In 2024, China purchased more than half of all U.S. soybean exports, amounting to $12.6 billion,” the lawmakers wrote. “However, in response to the tariffs you imposed earlier this year, China levied retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports and has halted all U.S. soybean purchases since May. As a result, American farmers are at risk of becoming collateral damage in your trade war.”

China, the United States’ largest soybean trading partner, has not purchased soybeans since May due to President Trump’s tariffs. China has instead chosen to buy soybeans from Brazil and Argentina. At the same time, President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently announced that the Administration would provide $20 billion in taxpayer money to bail out Argentina, which further endangers the U.S. soybean industry by providing financial support to a leading American competitor.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-statement-on-looming-republican-government-shutdown,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Statement on Looming Republican Government Shutdown,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 30, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey released the following statement as Congress approaches tonight’s midnight deadline to extend government funding:

“Republicans control the White House, the House, and the Senate, and they’re making it clear they would rather shut the entire government down than pass a budget that actually gives families a fair shake.

“I’m here in Washington to pass a budget that addresses rising costs like health insurance, but House Republicans are nowhere to be found. They need to get back to Washington to work with us on lowering costs and opening the government back up.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-statement-on-resolution-condemning-charlie-kirk-assasination,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Statement on Resolution Condemning Charlie Kirk Assasination,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 19, 2025) – Today, following his vote on a resolution condemning the assasination of Charlie Kirk, Congressman Morgan McGarvey released the following statement:

“I don’t have to agree with someone - or approve of their hateful rhetoric - to unequivocally condemn political violence. In a moment where the Trump administration seems to be doing all they can to tear us apart, I want to do everything I can to bring this country together.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-slams-passage-of-republican-budget-slap-in-the-face-to-kentucky-and-all-of-rural-america,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey Slams Passage of Republican Budget: “Slap in the Face to Kentucky and All of Rural America""",2025-07-03,2025,2025-07,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, a member of the House Budget Committee, condemned passage of the Republican budget. Congressman McGarvey voted against the budget after debating the bill at 4:00am on the House floor. Click here to download video of his debate remarks.

“This Republican budget is a slap in the face to Kentucky and all of rural America. It will kick millions of Americans off their health insurance, take food away from Kentucky families, kids, and seniors, and add trillions to the national debt. All so that Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos pay even less in taxes. It is cruel and indefensible.

“I don't want to hear any Republican who voted for this say they care about rural America or our national debt ever again.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mcgarvey-sends-letter-to-epa-administrator-about-concerning-spike-in-forever-chemicals-detected-in-the-ohio-river,Congressman McGarvey Sends Letter to EPA Administrator About Concerning Spike in Forever Chemicals Detected in the Ohio River,2025-06-26,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin raising the alarm about a sharp spike in forever chemicals detected in the Ohio River, which is downstream of notorious polluters like the Chemours Washington Works Plant.

Data from Louisville Water shows that in November 2024, detected levels of the PFAS chemical GenX spiked dramatically, jumping from under 5 parts per trillion (ppt) to over 50 ppt. Studies have revealed that GenX consumption can have adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, immune system, offspring development, and an association with cancer.

""Water safety impacts all Louisvillians, which is why I am deeply concerned by the significant spike in the detection of the forever chemical GenX in the Ohio River last November,” said Congressman McGarvey. “For weeks, my office has been in touch with relevant stakeholders who share my concerns which is why today, I am urging EPA Administrator Zeldin to consider the troubling health impacts that communities across the country will face in the event that Trump's EPA takes the side of polluters.""

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD LETTER

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD GRAPH

Full text:

Dear Administrator Zeldin,

In light of your announced intention to revisit maximum contaminant levels for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related chemicals, I am writing to express a significant concern for my district, Louisville, Kentucky, and the numerous communities that rely on the Ohio River for their drinking water. I urge you to carefully consider the concerning health impacts that these communities and others across the country will face if per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances continue to pollute our nation’s waters.

Further, if your review of the regulatory determinations made under the Safe Drinking Water Act does lead to reduced protections for Kentuckians with PFAS in their drinking water, I ask that you please provide your plan to prevent the continued release of PFAS pollutants into their waterways in the first place and how to hold polluters accountable for alarming spikes like the one seen in November 2024. The chart indicating this spike is included below.

While Louisville Water remains confident in its ability to treat the water from the Ohio River, the responsibility of preventing PFAS from entering the waterways ultimately lies with the polluters themselves. Data from Louisville Water, which provides drinking water to roughly one million customers in Jefferson, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Hardin, and Nelson counties in Kentucky, shows that in November 2024, detected levels of the PFAS chemical GenX spiked dramatically, jumping from under 5 parts per trillion (ppt) to over 50 ppt.

Chemours, a spin-off of DuPont Chemicals, developed hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, or GenX) as a replacement for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in various industrial and consumer applications. GenX was designed to address concerns stemming from litigation related to PFOA’s toxicity. It is used in high-performance polymers for manufacturing cabling, cookware, non-stick coatings, laptops, cell phones, and other similar applications. GenX chemicals have been found in surface water, groundwater, drinking water, rainwater, and air emissions. Studies have revealed that GenX consumption can have adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, immune system, offspring development, and an association with cancer.

In 2024, EPA established the first-ever national drinking water standards to protect Americans from exposure to a wide range of PFAS, including GenX. Per your May announcement, EPA now intends to rescind regulations for GenX and some other PFAS chemicals while conducting a review of the legal process in making those regulatory determinations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. As your agency conducts this review of the regulatory process, I urge you to consider the harm that rescinding GenX limits in drinking water will have on my constituents and other communities along the Ohio River downstream of notorious polluters like the Chemours Washington Works Plant.

I appreciate your attention to this matter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-cosponsors-war-powers-resolution,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Cosponsors War Powers Resolution,2025-06-26,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey cosponsored a Congressional War Powers Resolution directing Donald Trump “to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” Congressman McGarvey said earlier this week: “On behalf of all Louisvillians, I am fighting to ensure American safety and security and that our top priority is peace and not another endless war.""

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF

Full text:

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),

That, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), Congress directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran, other than those elements of the Armed Forces that may be necessary to defend the United States or an ally or partner of the United States from imminent attack provided that the President complies fully with the requirements of section 5(b) the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(b)) with respect to any such use of the Armed Forces, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific congressional authorization for use of military force against Iran.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mcgarvey-introduces-legislation-to-cap-drug-prices-for-over-270000-kentucky-seniors-people-with-disabilities,"Congressman McGarvey Introduces Legislation to Cap Drug Prices for Over 270,000 Kentucky Seniors, People With Disabilities",2025-06-25,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) introduced the Cutting Copays Act, which would cut the cost of generic prescription drugs to $0 for over 270,000 Kentucky seniors and people with disabilities.

“The cost of prescription drugs is out of control and far too often, Americans have to choose between paying for the medication they need and putting food on the table,” said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. “My bipartisan bill cuts the cost of these life-saving drugs for 14 million Americans, including over 270,000 Kentucky seniors and people with disabilities.”

“Record inflation has driven up the cost of everyday essentials, hitting those on fixed incomes the hardest,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Research shows that we can improve health outcomes for our most vulnerable seniors by eliminating barriers to disease management and medication adherence. Removing cost-sharing for generic medications in Medicare Part D’s Low Income Subsidy Program is a commonsense step. It encourages the use of lower-cost, equally effective alternatives to expensive brand-name drugs—ultimately lowering overall healthcare costs. No senior should ever have to choose between buying groceries and affording their prescriptions. Eliminating these copayments will help ease that burden and ensure better access to essential care.”

The bipartisan Cutting Copays Act would eliminate all copays on generic drugs for seniors and people with disabilities on the Medicare Part D’s Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also known as Extra Help. Over 14 million Americans rely on the LIS program, including over 270,000 Kentuckians.

In addition to reducing costs for seniors, the bill incentivizes generic use instead of more expensive brand-name drugs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mcgarvey-slams-donald-trumps-plan-to-cut-11-billion-from-public-broadcasting-which-provides-emergency-weather-alerts-in-kentucky,"Congressman McGarvey Slams Donald Trump’s Plan to Cut $1.1 Billion From Public Broadcasting, Which Provides Emergency Weather Alerts in Kentucky",2025-06-04,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"oday, Congressman Morgan McGarvey responded to the news that Donald Trump plans to cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding to NPR and PBS. Public broadcastingprovides many services for Kentuckians, including emergency weather alerts that have saved lives during the recent deadly storms.

“Kentuckians rely on public broadcasting for disaster and extreme weather alerts, especially in rural parts of the Commonwealth. Donald Trump's plan to cut these services by $1.1 billion makes us all less safe.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mcgarveys-entrepreneurs-with-disabilities-reporting-act-passes-unanimously-in-the-house-of-representatives,Congressman McGarvey’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act Passes Unanimously in the House of Representatives,2025-06-03,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 passed unanimously in the House of Representatives. Congressman McGarvey, who serves as Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced the legislation in February alongside Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) to improve government services for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

There are 44 million people with disabilities in the United States. In Kentucky, approximately 18 percent of people have a disability. Yet people with disabilities make up just 6 percent of our nation’s small business owners.

“Entrepreneurship is a hallmark of the American Dream – it is who we are, a land of opportunity for all people. Yet too many Americans still face barriers when starting and running their own businesses, including people with disabilities,” said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. “As Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m proud to partner with Congressman Stauber to improve services and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs with disabilities so that everyone has a fair shot at starting a small business and finding success.”

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 would require SBA to conduct a comprehensive study of the resources that are available to entrepreneurs with disabilities, examine their effectiveness, and determine what actions need to be taken to better support these entrepreneurs. By conducting this report, SBA will have the opportunity to revisit the effectiveness of their programs to ensure our government better serves people with disabilities who want to start their own small business.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-statement-on-pope-leo-xiv,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Statement on Pope Leo XIV,2025-05-08,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey released the following statement:

“Congratulations Pope Leo XIV, the first Pope from the United States.

“I hope Pope Leo XIV will guide us with moral clarity and unite us in the pursuit of peace, justice, and compassion.

“We must continue to lift up all of our neighbors, especially those on the margins.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-defends-medicaid-in-congressional-hearing-shares-story-of-10-year-old-louisvillian,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey Defends Medicaid in Congressional Hearing, Shares Story of 10-Year-Old Louisvillian",2025-05-07,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey delivered passionate remarks in defense of Medicaid during a House Budget Committee hearing, sharing the story of a 10-year-old Louisvillian named June who has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and receives health insurance and treatment through Medicaid.

As a member of the House Budget Committee, Congressman McGarvey has been fighting tooth and nail against the Republican budget that will cut Medicaid by up to $880 billion, which would be devastating to Louisville. Over 200,000 Louisvillians rely on Medicaid for health care coverage, including 103,000 children under the age of 19 and 17,000 seniors over 65.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO AND PHOTOS HERE

TRANSCRIPT:

[2:48] They swear they aren’t touching Medicare, so that only leaves Medicaid.

I know, we’ve heard: “Waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid.” You know what? I agree. Let’s get rid of it. Let’s get rid of all of it. I will help you. Every dollar we get rid of that is waisted or is fraudulent in Medicaid can go to someone who needs it.

So now that we’ve gotten rid of the waste, fraud, and abuse, where are you going to come up with the other hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts?

There is only one option. It is taking health care away from people who use Medicaid. People like the 30 million children, the 8 million disabled Americans, the 7 million seniors – even 10% of our veterans participate in the Medicaid program.

[3:35] It’s going to hurt people like my constituent, June.

June is a 10-year-old, a 10-year-old with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, the most serious form of the disease. She’s wheelchair bound. She’s epileptic. She has visual and hearing impairments. She requires 24/7 care.

I met June and her mom, Meg, at a Medicaid town hall in my district just last month. Medicaid provides June with a therapist for PT, for OT, for speech therapy. It allows her to live at home and get care at home from not just trained professionals, but from a mother who loves her and is the only person who can make her smile.

She’s medically fragile. She had three surgeries last week. Her mother’s worked four jobs, but nobody can afford care like this. She’s covered by Medicaid. Now, it’s on the chopping block.

Republicans refuse to craft a sensible budget, but state legislators still have to, so if these cuts go through, a state like mine is going to be devastated. It’ll blow a massive hole in Kentucky’s budget, leaving people like June without insurance.

She’s just a kid. She likes her brothers when they’re silly. She likes her dogs. She likes YouTube and Chappell Roan, just like my daughter does.

She deserves better than this budget.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-announces-congressional-art-competition-winner,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Announces Congressional Art Competition Winner,2025-05-06,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey recognized Gwyneth McMahon of Atherton High School as the winner of the Congressional Art Competition. McMahon’s submission – Illuminous – is a composition of colored pencil and acrylic paint that depicts a girl practicing mindfulness as she concentrates on a flame. Illuminous will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.

DOWNLOAD ILLUMINOUS HERE

“Congratulations to Gwyneth for sharing such a beautiful and deeply contemplative piece of art. Thousands of visitors to the U.S. Capitol will get the privilege of enjoying this piece for the next year as it hangs in the U.S. Capitol, seeing for themselves how creative and inspiring the next generation of Louisvillians are,” said Congressman McGarvey.

“We are pleased to partner with Congressman McGarvey and offer a substantial tuition scholarship in the amount of $10,000 to this year’s winning artists from our district,” said KyCAD President Moira Scott Payne. “We feel that this both recognizes the talent and skills of these awardees and is an investment in the artistic talent of Kentucky. The amount attained through the Kentucky College of Art + Design Congressional Art Award Scholarship can be applied to the first year of study at Kentucky College of Art + Design should the winners also meet the requirements for admission to KyCAD.”

Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute sponsor a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. More than 650,000 high school students have participated since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982.

Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-democrats-litigation-task-force-urges-supreme-court-to-protect-constitution-defend-birthright-citizenship,"House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force Urges Supreme Court to Protect Constitution, Defend Birthright Citizenship",2025-05-01,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Congressman Morgan McGarvey and other House Democrats’ Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force members elevated their fight against the Trump administration’s illegal attacks on the constitutional principle of birthright citizenship to the highest court in the land—filing an amicus brief for the three birthright citizenship cases currently before the United States Supreme Court (Trump v. State of Washington, Trump v. CASA, Inc., and Trump v. State of New Jersey).

The brief was signed by 183 House Democrats and offers a compelling argument that President Trump’s week one order to strip the guarantee of citizenship provided to children born in America violates the Constitution and over a century of Supreme Court rulings, and laws enacted by Congress. The justices are set to hear oral arguments in the cases on May 15th, following the administration’s request that they lift a nationwide pause currently halting the implementation of this policy.

The full brief is available HERE.

The lawmakers first got involved when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit considered the case of Trump v. State of Washington. Their latest endeavor is again being led by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with Litigation Task Force Co-Chairs Assistant Leader Joe Neguse and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin; Representatives Bennie Thompson, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement; as well as Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Yvette Clarke, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Adriano Espaillat, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng, and Congressional Jewish Caucus (CJC) Co-Chairs Jerry Nadler and Brad Schneider.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:20:29Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-cosponsors-legislation-to-promote-public-trust-ban-congressional-stock-trading,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey Cosponsors Legislation to Promote Public Trust, Ban Congressional Stock Trading",2025-04-30,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvery (KY-03) cosponsored legislation to promote public trust in Congress by banning Members from trading or owning individual stocks.

“Public trust is essential to our work as elected officials. I am proud to cosponsor the Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act and TRUST in Congress Act to ban Members of Congress from trading or owning individual stocks,” said Congressman McGarvey. “Since my time in the Kentucky state Senate, my wife and I have had an explicit agreement with our financial advisor that we will not direct, approve, or even have knowledge of any stock purchase or sale – effectively creating a blind trust for our retirement accounts and kids' college funds. But after coming to Washington at a time of historically low trust in Congress, we decided to divest from all individual stocks before the end of my first term in Congress. We no longer own any individual stocks.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:06:22Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-introduces-american-sovereign-wealth-fund-exploration-act-of-2025,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Introduces American Sovereign Wealth Fund Exploration Act of 2025,2025-04-30,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced the American Sovereign Wealth Fund Exploration Act of 2025 today, which would create a 25-member commission to study and report on the “feasibility, considerations, limitations, and implications of creating and operating a sovereign wealth fund of the United States.” To provide independence, the commission would be hosted by the Federal Reserve and be composed of members from the Federal Reserve System, Treasury Department, Securities and Exchange Commission, Commerce Department, U.S. Trade Representative, and academics and experts.

Last year, Congressman McGarvey introduced a similar bill, which was the first legislation ever introduced in Congress explicitly researching the feasibility of an American sovereign wealth fund.

“To solve today’s problems, we must be bold. An American sovereign wealth fund, with proper congressional authorization and oversight and political independence, could dramatically improve the lives of working families across our country, including helping fund universal child care, an expanded Child Tax Credit, or even universal health care,” said Congressman McGarvey. “If we are going to do this, we have to do it right – and we have to do it through Congress. We must ensure a sovereign wealth fund is used to help working families and is not just a slush fund for billionaires.”

BACKGROUND:

General

The American Sovereign Wealth Fund Exploration Act of 2025 is built on the premise that a sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is neither good nor bad, it’s a tool.

The bill prioritizes objective analysis, political independence, and strong ethics requirements, including requiring the 25-member commission to consult the Santiago Principles – best practices for open, ethical, and transparent SWFs – when drafting their report.

The commission would have two years to develop a report to Congress on their findings and recommendations for legislative action.

To provide independence, the bill explicitly requires that the commission is housed within the independent Federal Reserve System.

The McGarvey Commission

The bill creates a 25-person commission comprising of:

6 representatives from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or a Federal reserve bank.

3 representatives from the Department of the Treasury.

3 representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2 representatives from the Department of Commerce.

1 representative from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

10 representatives from academia or experts in the fields of economics, monetary policy, fiscal policy, investment policy, industrial policy, or other aspects involving sovereign wealth funds, appointed by the Chair of the Federal Reserve.

Sovereign Wealth Funds in Other Developed Nations

According to the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds, over $9 trillion in assets are managed by over 100 SWFs globally, such as:

Australia's Future Fund

France's Bpifrance

Ireland Strategic Investment Fund

New Zealand Superannuation Fund

Singapore's Temasek Holdings

South Korea's Korea Investment Corporation

State-Level Funds in the U.S.

According to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, 14 U.S. states have SWFs:

Alabama Trust Fund

Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation

Colorado Public School Fund Investment Board

Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board

Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund

Native Hawaiian Trust Fund

New Mexico State Investment Council

North Dakota Legacy Fund

Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust

Texas Permanent School Fund

University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company

Utah School & Institutional Trust Funds Office

West Virginia Future Fund

Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands

Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:06:22Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-colleagues-introduce-equality-act-to-strengthen-federal-lgbtq-nondiscrimination-protections,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey, Colleagues Introduce Equality Act to Strengthen Federal LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination Protections",2025-04-29,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey – a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus – joined colleagues in introducing the Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to extend nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ+ people. This landmark legislation would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in employment, education, access to credit, jury service, federal funding housing, and public accommodations. According to Navigator Research, 63% of Americans support adding sexual orientation and gender identity to federal non-discrimination laws.

“Our kids deserve to grow up in a world where everyone is able to live and love openly without fear of discrimination. As a member of the Equality Caucus, I am proud to help introduce this landmark legislation to protect the rights of every American, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Congressman McGarvey. “As the Trump administration and House Republicans continue to target LGBTQ+ kids, it’s never been more important that we stand up and fight for all those on the margins.”

The Equality Act is supported by leading LGBTQ+ rights organizations, including Advocates for Transgender Equality, ACLU, Equality Federation, Family Equality, GLAD, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, NBJC, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, National Women’s Law Center, and PFLAG.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:06:22Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-mcgarvey-womack-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-american-whiskey-manufacturers,"Congressmen McGarvey, Womack Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support American Whiskey Manufacturers",2025-04-25,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) – Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus – and Congressman Steve Womack (AR-03) introduced the Duty Drawback Clarification Act, a bipartisan bill that would level the playing field for American whiskey distillers. The bill would allow American whiskey distillers to participate in the duty drawback program, which refunds duties and fees paid by importers when they export equivalent amounts of the same product. Beer, wine, and other spirit makers in the United States are already eligible for this program.

“Bourbon is America’s signature spirit, yet bourbon and other whiskeys are excluded from the duty drawback program — a benefit enjoyed by nearly every other beer, wine, and spirit. It's time to level the playing field,” said Congressman McGarvey. “I am honored to join Congressman Steve Womack in introducing the Duty Drawback Clarification Act to strengthen and grow the American-made spirit industry, especially bourbon.""

“Promoting U.S. exports is integral to a successful pro-growth American agenda. Duty drawback is an extremely successful program for domestic beer, wine, and spirit producers, and treating American whiskey producers—including those manufacturing right here in the Third District of Arkansas—the same as other American alcohol producers is simply common sense,” said Congressman Womack. “I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. McGarvey and continue working to implement policies that support Arkansas businesses.”

Duty drawback is an export promotion program that supports American jobs by incentivizing exports through a refund of duties paid at the time of import when similar goods are exported. American beer, wine, and spirits producers all currently utilize the program, but American whiskey is not currently eligible for drawback due to the unique way it is listed in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. This bill clarifies that all whiskey products are commercially interchangeable and, therefore, eligible for the drawback program.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-on-passing-of-pope-francis,Statement on Passing of Pope Francis,2025-04-21,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey released the following statement following the passing of Pope Francis:

""In life and service, we are judged by how we treat those on the margins — Pope Francis led with that belief.

""Today, I join millions in mourning his passing. His legacy calls on each of us to treat all of our neighbors with compassion and lift up our most vulnerable.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-years-after-old-national-bank-shooting-congressman-mcgarvey-speaks-on-house-floor-introduces-congressional-resolution-honoring-victims,"Two Years After Old National Bank Shooting, Congressman McGarvey Speaks on House Floor, Introduces Congressional Resolution Honoring Victims",2025-04-10,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, two years after the Old National Bank shooting that claimed five lives and injured eight, Congressman Morgan McGarvey spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and introduced an official Congressional Resolution to honor the victims.

SPEECH TRANSCRIPT:

Two years ago today, the blast of an AR-15 shattered a beautiful spring morning in Louisville as a lone gunman walked into Old National Bank on Main Street and opened fire.

We lost Josh Barrick, Deana Eckert, Juliana Farmer, Jim Tutt, and my friend, Tommy Elliott.

Five friends, neighbors, loved ones taken too soon.

Among the eight wounded was Officer Nick Wilt.

Just ten days out of the academy, he bravely ran toward the gunman and was shot in the head. Miraculously, he survived.

That same day, just blocks away at JCTC, two people were shot and Chea’von Moore was killed at just 24 years old.

I stand here today as a lifelong Louisvillian, still sad my community joined the long list of cities devastated by mass shootings.

On behalf of all of our communities, we can – and must – do more to stop senseless gun violence.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcgarvey-barr-reintroduce-white-oak-resilience-act-to-support-bourbon-industry,"Reps. McGarvey, Barr Reintroduce White Oak Resilience Act to Support Bourbon Industry",2025-04-03,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressmen Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Andy Barr (KY-06), Co-chairs of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, introduced the White Oak Resilience Act today, bipartisan legislation that promotes the long-term health of the American white oak – a keystone species essential to forest ecosystems and a critical component of Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry.

Without decisive action, the American white oak population is projected to decline substantially within the next 10 to 15 years, with even steeper losses anticipated in the decades ahead. Congressman Barr’s bill takes a proactive approach to combat this threat, emphasizing collaboration between federal agencies, the private sector, and land grant institutions.

“It’s crucial we take action to grow more white oak trees now – it’s good for our planet, our economy, and our signature bourbon industry, which cannot exist without white oak barrels,"" said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. ""I'm proud to join Congressman Barr, my fellow Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, on this bipartisan legislation to protect Kentucky's white oak tree population for decades to come.""

“The White Oak Resilience Act is not just about saving a species of tree,” said Congressman Andy Barr. “It’s about conserving biodiversity, strengthening rural economies, and protecting Kentucky’s bourbon industry, which depends on white oak barrels to deliver the distinct flavor that defines our world-famous product. This legislation is a smart, forward-looking investment in our economy, our environment, and our cultural heritage.”

“The lumber industry and the bourbon barrel manufacturing industry have employed generations of southeastern Kentuckians. White oak logs are the iconic staple of the staves that are used to make the 53-gallon bourbon barrels that are made in Kentucky and shipped around the world. The white oak is also a substantial habitat and food source for our wildlife. So, I am proud to join my Kentucky colleague Rep. Andy Barr to protect the future of our essential white oak trees to focus on restoration and regeneration in our national forests,” said Congressman Hal Rogers.

“I’m proud to cosponsor the White Oak Restoration Act, which would implement collaborative strategies to sustain White Oak forestry for the future,” said Congressman Brett Guthrie. “This bill is vital to protect Kentucky’s environmental resources and grow our economy. Taking the necessary steps to restore the regeneration of White Oak will ensure our ability to bolster industries in Kentucky.”

“Without white oak trees, there is no Kentucky bourbon. To protect and enhance our white oak forests, I’m proud to be joining Representative Barr and my colleagues today in introducing the White Oak Resilience Act. White oak is the backbone of the bourbon industry, and our bipartisan legislation will ensure Kentucky’s world-class distilleries continue to have access to this critical resource. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill to the President’s desk,” said Congressman James Comer.

""While there are plenty of white oak trees out there right now, the data clearly shows that regeneration isn’t happening at the levels we’ve historically seen, and soon this will be a serious problem for everything from the American bourbon industry to native plants and wildlife if we don’t act today,” said Jason Meyer, Executive Director of the White Oak Initiative. ""Fortunately, this bill proposes much-needed measures to rejuvenate our white oak forests, promoting biodiversity and supporting the hard-working folks who rely on them.""

The bill empowers the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to lead white oak restoration projects and establishes a White Oak Restoration Fund to support public-private partnerships focused on regeneration, reforestation, and long-term sustainability.

Kentucky’s $9 billion bourbon industry depends on new, charred white oak barrels to age its products – making the health of white oak forests not just an environmental concern, but an economic one.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcgarvey-scholten-lead-congressional-effort-to-crack-down-on-child-labor-exploitation,"Reps. McGarvey, Scholten Lead Congressional Effort to Crack Down on Child Labor Exploitation",2025-04-03,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), alongside Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), officially formed the Congressional Child Labor Prevention Task Force for the 119th Congress aimed at addressing the alarming rise in child labor violations across the United States. The task force will work to strengthen protections, enhance oversight, and advocate for policy solutions that protect children from exploitation in the workforce. Additionally, the task force will work to advance legislation that strengthens child labor protections, including increasing penalties for violations.

Task Force Co-Chairs McGarvey and Scholten also sent a letter to Labor Secretary DeRemer to request that the Department of Labor work closely with Congress and the task force to ensure the safety and security of America’s supply chains, places of work, and most importantly, children.

“It’s a national disgrace that child labor is still a problem in the 21st century. No child should ever be exploited, let alone for the gain of greedy corporations and shareholders,” said Congressman McGarvey. “I’m proud to co-chair the Child Labor Prevention Task Force with Congresswoman Hillary Scholten as we fight to end child labor in the U.S. and protect our children.”

“Child labor has no place in our country, yet we are seeing a sharp increase in violations, with thousands of children found working in dangerous conditions,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “Children belong in classrooms, not in dangerous jobs that put them at risk. As members of Congress, we must step up to protect vulnerable children, ensure companies are not profiting off of exploited labor, and hold violators accountable.”

The Department of Labor has reported a 31% increase in child labor violations from 2019 to 2024, with 736 cases investigated in the last fiscal year alone. Despite these alarming statistics, enforcement resources have been stretched thin, with just 650 investigators in the Department, the lowest number since 2007.

To make matters worse, several states have recently rolled back child labor protections. Florida lawmakers are advancing legislation to allow children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts, even on school nights. Meanwhile, Indiana has enacted a law permitting 16- and 17-year-olds to work hazardous agricultural jobs. These rollbacks put children at greater risk and undermine federal labor standards designed to protect young workers.

Current members of the task force include: Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mark Takano (CA-39), Dina Titus (NV-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-statement-on-donald-trumps-tariff-announcement,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Statement on Donald Trump’s Tariff Announcement,2025-04-02,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey released the following statement following Donald Trump’s tariff announcement:

“I want to bring more manufacturing jobs home, but tariffs don't solve problems on their own. To work, they must be backed by a comprehensive plan. Donald Trump has not paired his overly broad, half-baked tariffs with any comprehensive strategy to return manufacturing jobs to the United States, and without one, these tariffs will only hurt working families and small businesses, while decimating Kentucky’s bourbon industry.

“Families are already struggling to get by in Trump’s economy. Things will only get worse as Donald Trump continues to undermine unions and strip workers’ health care to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-morgan-mcgarvey-luttrell-introduce-legislation-to-increase-access-to-service-dogs-for-veterans,"Congressmen Morgan McGarvey, Luttrell Introduce Legislation to Increase Access to Service Dogs for Veterans",2025-04-02,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-03) to introduce the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act. This legislation would increase access to service dogs for eligible veterans – including veterans who are blind, deaf, or are healing from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), military sexual trauma, paralysis, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – by establishing a VA grant program to fund nonprofit organizations providing trained service dogs to eligible veterans at no cost. Over 40,000 veterans currently reside in Louisville.

“As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and proud grandson of veterans, I know we need to do more to help our veterans address both the visible and invisible wounds of war. These brave men and women put on the uniform to defend our freedom and we have a moral obligation to support them,"" said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. ""I am proud to join Congressman Morgan Luttrell to introduce this critical, bipartisan legislation to ensure veterans have access to service dogs when they return home.""

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we owe it to them to provide every possible resource to support their recovery and well-being. For many veterans, service dogs are not just companions, they are life-changing partners that provide independence, stability, and purpose,” said Congressman Morgan Luttrell. “The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act will ensure more veterans have access to highly trained service dogs, expanding support beyond PTSD to include those suffering from traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, military sexual trauma, and other service-related conditions. This is about giving our heroes the tools they need to thrive — not just survive —when they come home.”

“Service dogs have a proven track record of providing lifesaving assistance to Veterans in critical need,” said Bill McCabe, Vice President of Government & External Affairs at K9s For Warriors. “The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act will ultimately put more service dogs in the hands of Veterans with visible and invisible disabilities, allowing them to regain their independence and reintegrate into civilian life. We applaud this bipartisan effort and urge Congress to pass this important legislation without delay.”

“America’s VetDogs proudly supports the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act—a crucial step toward expanding access to accredited service dogs for veterans with physical disabilities, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss, blindness, and more. Serving America’s heroes in all 50 states and beyond, we are honored to provide custom-trained service dogs, free of charge, to U.S. veterans, helping them regain independence, restore confidence, and Live Without Boundaries. Through our work with veteran suicide prevention coalitions like Face the Fight and by training exceptional service dogs like Sully H.W. Bush—who served President George H.W. Bush and continues his mission at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center—we witness the life-changing impact of these dogs every day. We urge Congress to pass this vital legislation and ensure that more veterans receive the support they deserve,” said John Miller, president and CEO, America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation.

It is estimated that upwards of 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and more than 450,000 service members have been diagnosed with at least one traumatic brain injury over the past two decades. As a result, these veterans suffer from alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, joblessness, homelessness, and substance use disorders. Far too often, they resort to taking their own lives, with nearly 17 veterans dying by suicide each day.

Several veterans organizations have endorsed this legislation, including: American Veterans (AMVETS), Americas Warrior Partnership (AWP), American Kennel Club (AKC), American Humane, Americas VetDogs, Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), Chief Warrant Officers Association (CWOA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Dog Tag Buddies, Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF), Guardian Angels, HunterSeven Foundation, Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Jewish War Veterans of America (JWV), K9s For Warriors, Lions Club International, National Military Families Association (NMFA), Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Pet Advocacy Network, Retrieving Freedom, Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, The American Legion (TAL), The Independence Fund (TIF), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), TREA: The Enlisted Association (TREA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Warrior Canine Connection, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-morgan-mcgarvey-gus-bilirakis-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-expedite-veterans-appeals-claims,"Congressmen Morgan McGarvey, Gus Bilirakis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Expedite Veterans Appeals Claims",2025-03-25,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Gus Bilirakis (FL- 12) introduced the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act, which would help the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) recruit and retain the staff necessary to address the significant 200,000-case backlog it currently faces. This bill will be heard in the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee on Wednesday, on which Rep. McGarvey serves as the ranking Democratic member.

“Over 30,000 veterans call Louisville home. They deserve a speedy and efficient VA, especially when appealing a denied claim,” said Rep. McGarvey. “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Gus Bilirakis to provide the Board of Veterans’ Appeals with the tools needed to address the claims backlog, retain talented attorneys, and ensure our veterans get the benefits they’ve earned.”

“Too often, the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) continues to be a roadblock for timely processing of VA claims,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “The Veteran Appeals backlog unnecessarily delays our nation’s heroes from accessing the benefits they’ve earned and is a concern that has been raised by many of my constituents. Our bill addresses BVA performance and staffing concerns by creating a level playing field with BVA and other federal agencies. When coupled with the quality assurance metrics and accountability measures we have recently pushed, this important piece of the legislation is a key part of the overall solution.”

“AFGE and the National Veterans Affairs Council commend Representative Morgan McGarvey and Representative Gus Bilirakis for leading the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act,” said Douglas Massey, President of AFGE Local 17 which represents Board of Veterans' Appeals attorneys. “This critical legislation will both raise the career ladder of the dedicated board attorneys who diligently process veterans' appeals and will improve the recruitment and retention of experienced attorneys at the Board, which will greatly reduce the backlog of Veterans' appeals.""

The Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) adjudicates appeals on veteran benefits, such as disability compensation and pension benefits. Though progress has been made, BVA faces a 200,000-case backlog with many citing staff turnover – due to lower relative compensation and lack of support by management – as the cause. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act would raise the promotion potential for outstanding BVA attorneys in non-supervisory roles by about $10,000, which would allow BVA to better recruit and retain staff. The promotion opportunities for attorneys working on veterans claims have been reduced by VA, despite increased cost of living, which hurts recruitment and retention and means America's veterans will wait longer for their claims to be decided.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcgarvey-houchin-introduce-resolution-supporting-nicu-babys-bill-of-rights,"Reps. McGarvey, Houchin Introduce Resolution Supporting NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights",2025-03-24,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 24, 2025) – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) today announced that they have introduced a resolution expressing support for the NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights, highlighting the need for family-centered care, informed parental consent, and improved resources for families with babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

“My twins spent 99 days in the NICU – my wife and I fought tooth and nail with our insurance company to ensure they got the care they needed. I’m proud to introduce the NICU Baby Bill of Rights with Rep. Houchin to support parents and families as they navigate through one of the most difficult moments of their lives,” said. Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “As a NICU parent, I know how important knowledge is when advocating for your family’s care.”

“Families with babies in the NICU are navigating some of the hardest days of their lives,” said Rep. Erin Houchin. “NICU parents should be informed and included in every decision about their child’s treatment plan. We want parents to be supported and have a voice and presence in the NICU, including that critical first contact. We hope the NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights will help ensure every baby receives the best care and has a fighting chance at life.”

Each year, over 380,000 babies are born early in the U.S., and many full-term babies with serious health issues also need care in NICUs. These families face emotional, financial, and medical challenges. The NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights aims to improve parent involvement, mental health support, and access to information about their baby’s care and nutrition.

Key Provisions of the NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights Resolution:

Promotes Family-Centered Care: Calls on hospitals to establish policies that prioritize parental presence, integration, and collaboration in NICU care.

Strengthens Informed Consent: Encourages hospitals to provide families with clear, comprehensive information about treatment plans, infant nutrition options, and potential risks.

Supports Mental Health for Families: Emphasizes the importance of peer support programs, counseling services, and mental health resources for parents and caregivers.

Improves Discharge Planning: Ensures that families receive personalized guidance to prepare for their child’s transition from the NICU to home.

The NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights is supported by top child health and family advocacy groups committed to improving care for premature babies and those with serious medical needs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-mcgarvey-luttrell-champion-two-bipartisan-bills-to-support-veterans,"Congressmen McGarvey, Luttrell Champion Two Bipartisan Bills to Support Veterans",2025-03-13,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressmen Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Morgan Luttrell (R-TX )introduced the Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Act and the Review Every Veteran's Claim Act.

""I’m proud to partner with Chairman Luttrell to support the Veterans COLA Act and the Review Every Veterans Claims Act to ensure veterans in Louisville and across the country receive the benefits they earned,"" said Congressman McGarvey. ""I’ll always stand against anything that prevents veterans from accessing their earned benefits, from the cost-of-living crisis that’s eating away the purchasing power of veterans’ benefits to the VA denying additional disability claims purely because a veteran couldn’t make a new medical appointment. These brave men and women put on the uniform to protect all of us — we must continue doing everything we can to support them.""

""Our veterans have put everything on the line for our country, and it’s our duty to ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary bureaucratic roadblocks. The Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act will help keep veterans and their families financially secure by ensuring their benefits keep pace with inflation, just like Social Security. At the same time, too many veterans have had their claims denied simply because they couldn’t make a VA appointment. The Review Every Veteran's Claim Act fixes this by requiring the VA to consider the full scope of evidence before making a decision, so no veteran is left behind due to red tape,” said Congressman Luttrell. “Both of these bills are about accountability and supporting those who fought for us. I’ll keep working to make sure every veteran gets the benefits they deserve,” said Congressman Luttrell.

Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act

Effective December 1, 2025, this adjustment will provide financial relief to veterans by aligning their benefits with the cost-of-living increase that Social Security beneficiaries receive. The Veterans COLA Act ensures that veterans and their families do not fall behind economically as inflation impacts households across the county, recognizing the sacrifices they have made for our nation.

Review Every Veteran's Claim Act

This bill would preclude VA from denying a claim based on the sole reason that a veteran failed to appear for a VA examination that VA scheduled in conjunction with a claim for VA benefits. The bill would require VA to consider the evidence already in the veteran’s claims file and make a decision on their claim. Approximately 1,000-2,000 veterans per year will benefit from this bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-statement-on-50-eu-retaliatory-tariffs-on-bourbon,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Statement on 50% EU Retaliatory Tariffs on Bourbon,2025-03-12,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey – Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus – released the following statement after the European Union announced 50% retaliatory tariffs on Kentucky’s $9 billion bourbon industry:

“The EU’s 50% retaliatory tariffs on Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry will devastate distilleries across our commonwealth, which employ over 20,000 hardworking Kentuckians and generate billions for our economy. And for what? Donald Trump’s petty trade war isn’t lowering costs or strengthening our economy, it’s doing the opposite — costs are skyrocketing, our economy is tanking before our eyes, and now thousands of Kentucky families face even more uncertainty.

“Tariffs have a time and a place, but they must be strategic and focused in order to accomplish their intended goal and limit collateral damage. Not only are Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs chaotic, they are overly broad, lack any real strategy or end game beyond wielding power just for the sake of it, and will hurt American manufacturing, not revitalize it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-honors-breonna-taylor-on-house-floor,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Honors Breonna Taylor on House Floor,2025-03-11,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Ahead of March 13, Congressman Morgan McGarvey honored Breonna Taylor today on the House floor.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OR DOWNLOAD VIDEO

TRANSCRIPT:

Five years ago, a young Louisville woman was killed in the middle of the night by police officers who forced entry into her home without warning.

Her name was Breonna Taylor.

While we will never forget how Breonna Taylor died, we get to choose to remember how she lived.

Breonna was a sister, a daughter, a girlfriend.

Breonna was a caregiver, working at UofL’s emergency room to save lives.

Breonna was a 26-years-old with her whole life ahead of her. She had dreams, including becoming a mom someday.

Breonna loved her family, her community – and more than anything, she loved life.

In the face of injustice, we cannot be silent.

We must speak up. We must say her name.

Breonna Taylor.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-votes-against-partisan-funding-bill,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Votes Against Partisan Funding Bill,2025-03-11,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey released the following statement after voting against the partisan Republican funding bill:

""Over 40,000 veterans call Louisville home. Instead of supporting their heroism, Republicans just jeopardized their health care, including for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals like Agent Orange.

“As if that wasn't enough, this Republican bill also shortchanges FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund just as Kentucky is recovering from devastating flooding, cuts programs that help feed and house low-income seniors, and does nothing to rein in the Trump administration's hollowing out of the Social Security Administration, which so far includes laying off 7,000 employees and closing entire offices, including in Kentucky.

“Seniors, veterans, and every American deserve better — I voted no.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-cosponsors-legislation-to-reinstate-veterans-illegally-fired-by-elon-musk-doge,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey Cosponsors Legislation to Reinstate Veterans Illegally Fired by Elon Musk, DOGE",2025-03-06,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, cosponsored the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, legislation to reinstate veterans who have been illegally fired by Elon Musk and DOGE.

The federal government is the largest employer of veterans in the United States – veterans make up approximately 30% of the federal workforce. To date, Elon Musk and DOGE have fired nearly 6,000 veterans across the country and last night, the Trump administration announced they were firing tens of thousands more.

Congressman McGarvey made today’s announcement on the House floor, where he highlighted the story of Tim Nicolazzi, a Louisville Army veteran who was fired from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) last month. Both Congressman McGarvey and Tim Nicolazzi are available for interview.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OR DOWNLOAD VIDEO OF THE SPEECH

TRANSCRIPT:

Louisvillian Tim Nicolazzi has dedicated his life to service.

He served in the Air Force and then Army, deploying to Kuwait and Iraq, where he earned a Bronze Star.

After his honorable discharge, Tim’s call to public service brought him to HUD, where he’s helped victims of domestic abuse in Louisville find safety, helped veterans get off the streets, and helped first-time homebuyers achieve their American Dream.

But a few weeks ago, Tim was fired – no notice, no severance, no compassion.

As we speak, the Trump administration is carrying out the biggest layoff of veterans in history – including tens of thousands announced just last night.

That’s why today, I am cosponsoring the Protect Veteran Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who have been illegally fired by Elon Musk and DOGE.

Veterans put on the uniform. They served something higher than themselves. They deserve better.

Tim, thank you for all of your service. I won’t stop fighting for veterans like you.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mcgarveys-entrepreneurs-with-disabilities-reporting-act-passes-out-of-committee,Congressman McGarvey’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act Passes Out of Committee,2025-03-05,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey’s bipartisan Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 passed unanimously out of the House Small Business Committee, clearing the path for a full vote on the House floor. Congressman McGarvey, who serves as Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced the legislation in February alongside Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08).

“Many Americans still face barriers when starting and running their own businesses,” said Rep. McGarvey. “People with disabilities make up just six percent of our country’s small business owners – we need to change that. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m proud to partner with Congressman Stauber on this bipartisan bill to support Americans with disabilities who want to start their own businesses.”

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit a report to Congress on challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities. The report will include an assessment of these entrepreneurs’ challenges and needs, detail what resources SBA currently provides to entrepreneurs with disabilities, and recommend legislative action to improve how SBA serves entrepreneurs with disabilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-200-house-democrats-send-letter-to-speaker-johnson-opposing-cuts-to-social-security-health-care,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey, 200+ House Democrats Send Letter to Speaker Johnson Opposing Cuts to Social Security, Health Care",2025-03-03,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey and more than 200 House Democrats sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson calling on him to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid on behalf of millions of Americans who depend on these programs. In KY-03, there are 149,559 Social Security recipients, including 107,683 retirees, 9,583 children, and 21,109 disabled workers. Additionally, in KY-03, 219,684 people rely on Medicaid, including 103,784 children under the age of 19 and 17,000 seniors over 65.

You can read the full letter here and below:

Dear Mr. Speaker:

We write to oppose any attempts to cut access or benefits to the vital programs that Americans rely on, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. We remind you that in addition to repeating his pledge to not cut Social Security and Medicare, President Trump recently claimed he would “love and cherish” Medicaid, which insures more than 70 million Americans, and stated that “the people won’t be affected.”

Despite the President’s claims, the White House’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” is taking drastic actions and making severe threats adversely affecting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and many other crucially important programs. We all agree that our government should always be working to improve effectiveness and efficiency. But, Elon Musk’s half-baked approach and headstrong rush to irresponsibly cut trillions of dollars from the federal budget—without oversight or full consideration of the impacts—put these lifesaving and hard-earned benefits in danger. Moreover, House Republican budgetary options explicitly propose cutting hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid. Such cuts would push countless elderly Americans out of senior homes and deprive essential health and dental care to millions of Americans of modest incomes, taking those cuts to give away trillions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest individuals and large corporations.

We jointly call on you to protect these essential programs and urge you to reverse course on any legislation that deprives Americans of healthcare or the hard-earned retirement benefits they deserve.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-announces-joint-session-of-congress-guest,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Announces Joint Session of Congress Guest,2025-03-03,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey announced today that Dr. Kim Schatzel, President of the University of Louisville, will be his guest at tomorrow’s Joint Session of Congress. Chartered in 1798, the University of Louisville is the city’s preeminent research university and has been a source of pride and progress for the community for over 200 years.

In recent weeks, the University has been adversely affected by the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding, including freezing funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The University of Louisville currently has 167 active NIH-funded projects, totaling roughly $82.5 million of funding, according to the Louisville Courier Journal.

If House Republicans successfully cut Medicaid, the university could also lose over $100 million in funding, negatively impacting the School of Medicine and the university health system.

“Universities are the backbone of a healthy and free democracy. I am proud to have President Schatzel, a true champion of public education and public health, join me tomorrow for President Trump’s Joint Session of Congress, where he will come to the U.S. House chamber and provide an update to Congress,” said Rep. McGarvey. “UofL has already been negatively impacted by the Trump administration’s unconstitutional freeze on federal funding, and if House Republicans successfully cut Medicaid, it could lose over $100 million in funding for critical health care services that thousands of Louisvillians rely on.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-addresses-usps-delays-solutions-on-house-floor,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey Addresses USPS Delays, Solutions on House Floor",2025-02-27,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey addressed ongoing mail delays on the House floor today, underscoring how Louisvillians have been impacted and what Congress can do to support letter carriers and sorters. His remarks come on the heels of new reporting that Donald Trump is trying to take over the USPS and fire the postal board, which would make the situation in Louisville even worse.

Over the weekend, over 1,000 Louisvillians attended Congressman McGarvey’s in-person town halls and on Tuesday evening, over 7,500 constituents joined his telephone town hall. Congressman McGarvey elevated personal stories from these town halls in his speech today.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OR DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO

TRANSCRIPT:

Since before Christmas, I’ve heard from Louisvillians every day about mail delays.

I’ve heard from people who haven’t received paychecks, prescriptions, or W-2s.

One woman told me she received a bill so late, she owed more in late fees than she did on the bill.

What concerns me is that if the Trump Administration gets its way, things will get worse.

USPS has operated independently since 1970 – but now, Donald Trump wants to take it over.

Why? So that Elon Musk can go in and fire letter carriers and sorters?

These are hardworking people who go above and beyond.

This weekend, I heard about a Louisville letter carrier who wears a headlamp because she works well into the evening.

She deserves support – not demonization.

So let’s fix this. Let’s get our letter carriers the resources they need. Let’s get our sorters the machinery they need. And let’s ensure Americans don’t pay late fees if their mail is delayed.

Let’s get this done.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-morgan-mcgarvey-pete-stauber-introduce-bill-to-support-entrepreneurs-with-disabilities,"Congressmen Morgan McGarvey, Pete Stauber Introduce Bill to Support Entrepreneurs with Disabilities",2025-02-26,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit a report to Congress on challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities. The report will include an assessment of these entrepreneurs’ challenges and needs, detail what resources SBA currently provides to entrepreneurs with disabilities, and recommend legislative action to improve how SBA serves entrepreneurs with disabilities.

“Many Americans still face barriers when starting and running their own businesses,” said Rep. McGarvey. “People with disabilities make up just six percent of our country’s small business owners – we need to change that. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m proud to partner with Congressman Stauber on this bipartisan bill to support Americans with disabilities who want to start their own businesses.”

“Americans with disabilities face a unique set of obstacles that all too often prevents them from starting a small business and achieving the American Dream. By requiring a report from the Small Business Administration, we will be better able to understand and address these challenges,” said Rep. Stauber. “I am proud to join Congressman McGarvey in introducing this legislation that will help more Americans with disabilities realize their dreams of starting a business.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-votes-against-republican-budget-scam,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Votes Against Republican Budget Scam,2025-02-25,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, a member of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after voting against the House Republican budget proposal that will cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical programs:

“Billionaires like Elon Musk poured hundreds of millions into the election and now they are cashing in on their investment: tax cuts for billionaires and the most profitable companies, paid for by our kids, seniors, veterans, and anyone who works hard for a paycheck.

“There is no reason a teacher in Louisville should pay more in taxes than Tesla did last year.

“This is a fight for the future of Medicaid, SNAP, and countless other programs that thousands of Louisvillians rely on each day – and I will not back down.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

McGarvey Amendments: Republicans blocked three of Rep. McGarvey’s proposed amendments to the budget:

An amendment to remove cuts to Medicaid, CHIP, Affordable Care Act subsidies, and SNAP.

An amendment to protect the National School Lunch Program, National School Breakfast Program, and Community Eligibility Provision for school meals from any cuts or reduction.

An amendment to raise compensation to Black Lung Program beneficiaries and improve the solvency of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund without reducing benefits.

Local Impact: The Republican budget will have the following impact in KY-03:

Medicaid:

Medicaid covers everything from childbirth to nursing home care and everything in between.

In KY-03, the 219,684 people on Medicaid are at risk of losing their health care under Republican budget plans. (Source)

This includes 103,784 children under the age of 19 and 17,000 seniors over 65 in KY-03. (Under 19 Source, Over 65 Source)

In the past week, over 150 Louisvillians have contacted Rep. McGarvey with concerns that Medicaid will be cut under this plan.

Affordable Care Act:

Under the Republican budget plan, the 12,000 people who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act in KY-03 would see their average premium go up by $1,680 per year — a 67% increase. (Source)

Many families would face even steeper consequences. A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $85,000 in KY-03 would see their health insurance costs increase by $12,403 per year — a 172% increase in premiums. (Source)

SNAP:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcgarvey-debates-gop-budget-on-house-floor,Rep. McGarvey Debates GOP Budget on House Floor,2025-02-25,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) debated the Republican budget on the House floor, condemning how the Republican cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and education funding will hurt Louisvillians. Congressman McGarvey serves on the House Budget Committee.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OR DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO

TRANSCRIPT:

I rise in opposition to the Republican budget resolution and urge my colleagues to reject it for what it is - a total scam and betrayal of the middle class.

A budget isn’t just a policy document, it’s a moral document. And in their budget, the Republicans make their moral code clear: the rich get richer, and the rest of us pay for it.

There is no reason a teacher in Louisville, Kentucky should pay more in taxes than Tesla did last year.

Kentuckians, let’s talk about how this budget will hurt you.

This budget mandates at least $880 billion of cuts to Medicaid.

$230 billion of cuts to take meals away from seniors, veterans, and kids.

And at least $330 billion of cuts to our public schools.

Let me make this clear for those of you watching from Kentucky.

If you are one of the 1.4 million people in the Commonwealth who gets health insurance through kynect, Republicans are coming for your health care.

If you have a kid in JCPS, Republicans are coming after their education – fewer teachers, fewer opportunities, and no more free school lunch.

If you are one of our veterans, or our seniors, or the one in five Kentucky kids going hungry as we speak, Republicans want to take away your next meal.

It’s wrong.

I met with over a thousand of my constituents this weekend. They’re angry. I’m angry too.

Because this budget hurts people.

And for what? So Elon Musk can get even richer?

It’s a scam.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-cosponsors-legislation-to-rein-in-elon-musk,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Cosponsors Legislation to Rein in Elon Musk,2025-02-20,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey announced today that he is taking additional action to rein in Elon Musk and protect Louisvillians.

“Elon Musk and DOGE are operating in the shadows, unaccountable for the lives they are impacting. We’ve received hundreds of calls from Kentuckians who are deeply concerned about Elon Musk taking a sledgehammer to federal agencies they rely on like the Social Security Administration and VA,” said Rep. McGarvey. “I am taking an ‘all of the above’ approach to reining in Elon Musk’s power grab before more hardworking Kentuckians are harmed.”

“I’ll work with anyone to increase efficiency and cut waste – but this is not about efficiency, this is about following rules that protect our sensitive information like Social Security numbers from being leaked and ensuring Elon Musk is not padding his own pockets with government contracts at our expense,” added Rep. McGarvey.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Rep. McGarvey is cosponsoring three pieces of legislation:

The Taxpayer Data Protection Act would prohibit unlawful access to the Treasury Department Payment Systems, which handles federal payments such as Social Security checks and tax refunds.

The Stop Musk Act would prohibit retaliation against federal workers who stand up to Elon Musk.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-statement-on-senator-mitch-mcconnells-decision-to-not-seek-reelection,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Statement on Senator Mitch McConnell’s Decision to Not Seek Reelection,2025-02-20,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), the only Democrat in Congress from Kentucky, released the following statement:

“It’s no secret that Senator McConnell and I disagree on a host of issues, especially his attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act that half a million Kentuckians rely on and his efforts to pack our courts with conservative judges who have ripped away many of our most fundamental freedoms.

“As Kentuckians, Senator McConnell and I have also found common ground, and for the next two years, I will continue seeking areas where we can work together to deliver for working families across Kentucky.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mcgarvey-makes-budget-committee-debut-with-fiery-speech-slamming-republican-tax-scam,Congressman McGarvey Makes Budget Committee Debut with Fiery Speech Slamming Republican Tax Scam,2025-02-13,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“It reads like a love letter to billionaires… This is a scam, plain and simple.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 13, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) made his debut on the powerful House Budget Committee during a markup hearing on the Republican budget proposal, which includes over $4.5 trillion in tax cuts paid for by deep cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OR DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO

TRANSCRIPT:

Let’s call the Republican budget proposal what it is – a total scam and betrayal of the American middle class.

It reads like a love letter to billionaires, which we all know is the point. This is their end game.

Billionaires like Elon Musk poured hundreds of millions into the 2024 election, and now they are cashing in on that investment.

What do these billionaires want so desperately? Tax cuts. Not for us, for them.

It’s that simple! Tax cuts for billionaires and the most profitable companies, paid for by our kids, our seniors, veterans, and anyone who works hard for a paycheck.

All so the richest man in the world can get even richer – and so that companies like Tesla can continue to pay zero — that’s zero — in federal taxes, despite bringing in billions of dollars.

This is a scam, plain and simple.

The Republican budget scam will hurt our most vulnerable – including our kids, seniors, and veterans.

Someone’s illness should never be a death sentence, but this budget will rip away health insurance from millions of Americans.

In Kentucky, we know this all too well.

We had the most successful rollout of Medicaid expansion in the country. Nearly 25% of Kentuckians have Medicaid. 440,000 Kentuckians got health insurance for the first time because of the expansion of Medicaid.

That’s now all at risk. Republicans want to rip this coverage away so the ultra-wealthy can get even richer.

But these cuts go far beyond health care.

We have a hunger crisis in this country. Millions of American families struggle to put food on the table and rely on programs like SNAP to survive.

The Republican budget scam puts these food assistance programs on the chopping block – including for over 35,000 Louisvillians who count on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

And who does this hurt?

Countless seniors and veterans also face food insecurity, including thousands of veterans across Kentucky who rely on SNAP.

Let’s be clear: a cut to SNAP is a cut to our veterans, who we made a sacred promise to support after they risked everything for us.

As if hurting millions of Americans wasn’t enough, Republicans’ math doesn’t even add up.

I went to law school so I wouldn’t have to do math, but I do understand some basic addition and subtraction.

Republicans want to cut your benefits by one trillion dollars – but they want to spend $4.6 trillion on tax cuts for the point-one percent.

Even if you take the rosiest forecasts and account for growth, that is over $2.5 trillion that Republicans are adding to our deficit. Where is that money going? And more importantly, who is that money going to?

They’re robbing you to line Elon Musk's pockets. That’s the truth.

Republicans have been plotting this scheme for years.

They used to want to hide the fact that they are ripping off the middle class and bending the knee to their billionaire donors.

But now, Republicans are openly bragging about it. Donald Trump promised all of these ultra-wealthy donors gathered at Mar-a-Lago, saying – quote – “You’re rich as hell… we’re gonna give you tax cuts.”

Enough is enough – this has to stop.

House Democrats will not cede an inch. We will continue fighting for working families, for balanced budgets, for budgets that work for the American people. Not this Republican budget scam.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-named-to-rapid-response-task-force-and-litigation-working-group,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Named to Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group,2025-02-13,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey announced that he joined House Democrats’ new Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group. McGarvey served as an Assistant Attorney General of Kentucky before serving in the state Senate and U.S. Congress, giving Rep. McGarvey important perspective and experience regarding litigation strategy to rein in Donald Trump’s unconstitutional actions.

“Litigation is a vital prong of our strategy to stop Donald Trump’s unconstitutional power grab,” said Rep. McGarvey. “Our three, co-equal branches of government were built to protect all of us. Donald Trump was elected president, not dictator. If President Trump goes down the road of ignoring or blatantly rejecting lawful court orders, our republic will never recover. This is not a partisan fight and we will not cede an inch.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

There are now over 50 pending lawsuits against Trump Administration executive orders and administrative actions in seven states (and 10 judicial districts), including:

FEDERAL FUNDING FREEZE: On Feb. 3rd a federal district court granted a temporary restraining order in National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget against the memo by the Office on Management and Budget to freeze federal funding. A federal district court in Rhode Island issued a similar TRO days before in State of New York v. Trump, which has since been appealed to the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP: On Feb. 5th, a second federal judge (in Maryland) placed a nationwide pause on the unconstitutional executive order to revoke birthright citizenship in Casa v. Trump. There are now 8 additional cases against the Administration on this issue, with additional rulings expected.

MEDICAL RESEARCH FUNDING: On Feb. 10th, a Massachusetts federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration’s attempt to slash NIH and medical research funding to universities and research institutions in a case captioned Massachusetts v. NIH.

FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BUYOUT: On Feb. 10th, a federal district court judge in Washington D.C. extended his delay of the “Fork in the Road” deadline for government employees to resign until “further order of the court.” Several labor unions have also filed suit to stop the Trump Administration’s purported “buyout” plans.

USAID EMPLOYEES: On Feb. 7th, a federal judge blocked the Trump Administration from placing thousands of USAID employees on administrative leave. The order also called for the reinstatement of 500 employees.

FBI AGENT DISCLOSURE: The publication of the names of the FBI agents involved in the investigations of January 6th and Trump’s mishandling of classified documents was blocked by a federal judge on Friday, Feb. 7th. The parties reached a tentative agreement (in advance of a March 27 permanent injunction hearing).

DOGE TREASURY SYSTEM ACCESS: On Feb. 8th, the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to the Department of Treasury’s systems was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in New York after 19 state Attorneys General sued the Trump Administration. This follows an additional temporary restraining order filed by another judge in Washington D.C. in Alliance for Retired Americans v. Bessent.

CFPB CLOSURE: The acting Director of the Consumer Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a “stop work order.” On Sunday, Feb. 9th, the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) sued against the directives.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcgarvey-barr-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-kentuckys-equine-industry,"McGarvey, Barr Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Kentucky’s Equine Industry",2025-02-07,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressmen Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Andy Barr (KY-06) reintroduced two bipartisan bills to strengthen Kentucky’s signature equine industry by incentivizing investment and ensuring tax fairness.

The Racehorse Cost Recovery Act would make permanent the three-year depreciation schedule for racehorses, regardless of their age when placed into service—eliminating the need for annual congressional reauthorization. The Racehorse Tax Parity Act would shorten the holding period for equine assets to qualify for long-term capital gains treatment and align them with similar investments, ensuring a level playing field.

“I’m proud to once again work with my colleague and friend, Congressman Barr, to strengthen our state's signature equine industry,” said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. “This important, bipartisan legislation will grow our state's economy and ensure Kentucky remains the horseracing and breeding capital of the United States.”

""Kentucky's equine industry is not just a cultural cornerstone but also a vital economic driver for our Commonwealth,"" said Congressman Andy Barr, Co-Chair of the Congressional Horse Caucus. ""By making the three-year depreciation schedule for racehorses permanent and reducing the holding period for equine assets to qualify for long-term capital gains treatment, we are providing much-needed certainty and fairness in the tax code. These reforms will encourage investment, support the livelihoods of countless Kentuckians, and ensure that our horse industry remains competitive on a national and global scale. I am grateful to lead this effort with my friend and fellow Kentuckian, Morgan McGarvey.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Barr and Congressman McGarvey for their continued support of legislation that is critical to the future success of our industry,"" said Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland. ""Policies that promote investment in racehorses are vital to sustaining a strong and dynamic Thoroughbred marketplace. Policies that promote investment in racehorses are vital to sustaining a strong and dynamic Thoroughbred marketplace.""

""As Congress navigates critical tax policy decisions with key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire this year, Congressman Barr and Congressman McGarvey have been tireless champions for the thoroughbred industry,"" said former Congressman and NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. ""Their unwavering commitment to securing essential tax incentives, such as 3-year depreciation for yearlings and a reduced 12-month holding period for equine assets to qualify for long-term capital gains treatment, has the potential to drive investment and economic growth in our sport.""

""Congressman Barr and McGarvey’s leadership on these initiatives will strengthen the equine economy and provide much-needed stability for our sport,"" Rooney continued. ""As lawmakers work through these pivotal tax decisions, their dedication ensures that these critical provisions remain a priority, positioning the sport for continued success. NTRA looks forward to working with both the House and Senate to get these bills passed into law.”

“Permanent tax incentives for racehorse owners is vital to the economy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Kentucky breeders, from Warren and Oldham Counties to the heart of the Bluegrass, sell Thoroughbred horses racing in fifteen states. These important depreciation tools are relied upon by racehorse owners across the country. The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association is grateful to Congressmen Barr & McGarvey for their initiative on this important legislation.” – Executive Director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association Chauncey Morris

The Jockey Club strongly commends Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) for introducing the Racehorse Cost Recovery Act of 2025 and the Racehorse Tax Parity Act of 2023. These bills will put horse ownership on par with other investment assets where they should have been all along. These bills address two key deficiencies of the tax code that unfairly single out Horseracing, an industry that directly and indirectly contributes $36.6 billion to the GDP and provides 472,000 jobs nationwide. This reform is needed to ensure the tax code treats our industry like other businesses, and we applaud Congressman Barr and McGarvey for their efforts on behalf of this great industry. -The Jockey Club President and COO James Gagliano

""Breeders' Cup applauds Representatives Barr and McGarvey for their leadership and dedication in reintroducing this important legislation with initiatives that are vital to the long-term sustainability of our great sport,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “This legislation will drive critical investment in racing, strengthening its foundation and ensuring its continued success.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcgarvey-delivers-powerful-speech-we-are-in-a-constitutional-crisis,Rep. McGarvey Delivers Powerful Speech: “We Are in a Constitutional Crisis”,2025-02-06,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 6, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) delivered a powerful speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to raise the alarm on Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unprecedented assault on our Constitution, and call on his Republican colleagues to stand up.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OR DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO

TRANSCRIPT:

Mr. Speaker,

We are in a Constitutional crisis.

Our founding fathers created three, co-equal branches of government to ensure that no one man can be king.

But here we are. We have a president who is willing to tear up our Constitution in order to seize more power for himself.

Last week, Donald Trump empowered Elon Musk to “delete” USAID.

Now, they are trying to eliminate the Department of Education and go after Medicaid.

What’s next, Social Security?

Let’s be clear: it is unconstitutional for any president to abolish any federal agency created and funded by Congress.

So my question to the body is – where are my Republican colleagues?

You all would not be okay if this were Kamala Harris or Joe Biden – and the difference is, neither would I.

So stand with me.

We all must stand up to do something to stop it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/-rep-mcgarvey-slams-reports-that-elon-musks-doge-is-now-in-medicare-and-medicaid-systems,Rep. McGarvey Slams Reports that Elon Musk’s DOGE Is Now In Medicare and Medicaid Systems,2025-02-05,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 5, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) released the following statement slamming reports that Elon Musk’s DOGE is now in the Medicare and Medicaid systems:

“It should scare us all that Elon Musk and DOGE now have access to the Medicare and Medicaid systems that over 350,000 Louisvillians rely on for health care. What’s next, is Elon Musk going to get access to the Social Security Administration and be in charge of who gets their Social Security checks?

“This is their end game: to go after Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other vital programs while doling out huge tax breaks for the billionaires who bankrolled Trump’s campaign.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-statement-on-temporary-pause-to-trumps-tariffs,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Statement on Temporary Pause to Trump’s Tariffs,2025-02-03,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LOUISVILLE, KY (February 3, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, released the following statement following a temporary pause to Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico:

“Let’s be clear: this fight is far from over.

“There are over 20,000 Kentuckians working in the bourbon industry who will go to bed tonight worrying about their job security if the Trump tariffs go into effect next month. These hardworking men and women's livelihoods should never be used as bargaining chips — not now, not ever.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:38:04Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-slams-president-trumps-harmful-tariffs,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Slams President Trump’s Harmful Tariffs,2025-02-02,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LOUISVILLE, KY (February 2, 2025) – Today, following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he will impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, triggering retaliation from both countries, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) released the following statement:

“President Trump promised to lower prices, but these tariffs will do the opposite, increasing the cost of food, automobiles, and gas for every American family.

In Kentucky, we will feel the pain even more acutely.

As Canada moves to impose their own retaliatory tariffs on American whisky, the combination will not just raise our cost of living; it will devastate our Commonwealth’s signature bourbon industry — one which generates hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenue each year and employs tens of thousands of Kentuckians.

We will bear the brunt of Trump’s misguided and impulsive leadership — our farmers, coopers, truckers, manufacturers, and working families everywhere.

Donald Trump’s tariffs are not strategic — they’re petty, shortsighted, and incredibly harmful to American consumers and workers alike. He should rescind them immediately, before they cause any more harm.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:38:04Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-named-to-powerful-house-budget-committee,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Named to Powerful House Budget Committee,2025-01-23,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 23, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) announced that he has been named to the House Budget Committee, which is responsible for setting annual federal spending and revenue levels – including overseeing the budget reconciliation process. Former Representative John Yarmuth, who represented Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, chaired the House Budget Committee from 2019 - 2023.

“I am honored to join the House Budget Committee, which will allow me to work on balancing our country’s budget and put me squarely on the front line to fight back against Donald Trump’s attempts to raise costs for working families in Louisville while handing out tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have always focused on doing the most good for the greatest number of Louisvillians, and this new role will give me the opportunity to get more done for my hometown.”

“I am pleased to welcome Congressman McGarvey to the House Budget Committee. He has been a steadfast advocate for working families, and I am confident his dedication and expertise will be invaluable as we work together to advance policies that provide real opportunities and support for hardworking Americans,” said Rep. Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:10:36Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-slams-dojs-reported-halt-to-consent-decrees-review-of-recent-agreements-like-louisvilles,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey Slams DOJ’s Reported Halt to Consent Decrees, Review of Recent Agreements Like Louisville's",2025-01-23,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Decision Could Impact Consent Decree Between Louisville Metro Government and the DOJ, Which Was Finalized 42 Days Ago on December 12, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 23, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) slammed new reports that the Trump Department of Justice is planning to halt police reform agreements and review recent agreements – such as Louisville's consent decree – that were finalized in the last 90 days. Louisville’s consent decree was finalized 42 days ago.

“The Trump Administration is clearing the way to strike down Louisville's consent decree, a decision that will make all Louisvillians less safe. Our community has spent almost four years having difficult conversations and doing the hard work to reach an agreement that will take our city forward and help restore the community’s trust in the police department. Striking down Louisville's consent decree would be a major step back in our fight for racial justice and would be deeply frustrating to our entire community,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey.

“Let’s be clear: Louisville’s agreement has been reached and does not require further involvement from the Department of Justice. Judge Beaton should approve this agreement without any further delay,” added Rep. McGarvey.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:10:36Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-applauds-release-of-ryan-corbett-an-american-held-hostage-by-the-taliban,"Congressman Morgan McGarvey Applauds Release of Ryan Corbett, an American Held Hostage by the Taliban",2025-01-21,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. McGarvey Introduced a Bipartisan Resolution in February Calling for Corbett’s Release After His Father, a KY-03 Constituent, Contacted Rep. McGarvey’s Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 21, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) applauded reports that in the final hours of his administration, President Biden successfully negotiated the release of Ryan Corbett, an American held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan since 2022. Last year, after Corbett’s father – a constituent of Kentucky’s Third Congressional District – contacted Rep. McGarvey’s office, Rep. McGarvey and Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York introduced a bipartisan resolution advocating for Corbett’s release.

“Ryan Corbett is finally coming home thanks to the diplomatic efforts of President Biden, Rep. Claudia Tenney and so many others, as well as the tireless work of Ryan’s family, including his father Drue who first contacted my office nearly a year ago. Today is a day for celebration – and a moment to recommit to the power of diplomacy and peacebuilding at home and abroad,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “My heart is with Ryan and his loved ones as they begin to heal.”

Background

Ryan Corbett’s father, Drue, lives in Louisville and contacted Rep. McGarvey’s office in January 2024 to advocate for his son’s release.

In February 2024, Rep. McGarvey and Rep. Claudia Tenney introduced a bipartisan resolution – H.Res.965 – that now has over 70 cosponsors.

Throughout the last year, Rep. McGarvey has advocated for Corbett’s release, including conversations with Jake Sullivan and other White House and State Department officials.

###

Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs and House Small Business Committees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:10:36Z
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morgan-mcgarvey-releases-2024-impact-report-highlighting-accomplishments-in-first-term,Congressman Morgan McGarvey Releases 2024 Impact Report Highlighting Accomplishments in First Term,2025-01-13,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,KY,Morgan McGarvey,M001220,mcgarvey.house.gov,mcgarvey,https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 13, 2025) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) released his 2024 report to constituents, highlighting important accomplishments during his first term in Congress.

“Despite Republican infighting and roadblocking, I worked with leaders on both sides of the aisle throughout 2024 and introduced, passed, and signed into law meaningful legislation that will make a real difference in the lives of Louisvillians — policies that put the needs of working families, veterans, and our kids above all else,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “While we have made progress, we have our work cut out for us this year. My team and I remain committed to working on issues that impact all of us, like gun violence, rising grocery and housing costs, and affordable health care — these are big problems that require bold, thoughtful action.”

“It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve Louisvillians in Congress and get the chance to make a meaningful impact in my hometown,” added McGarvey.

2024 report highlights:

$1.6 million returned to Louisville families

$12 million in federal funding delivered for community projects

$245 million federal grant funding secured for the district

Over 90,000 constituent responses sent

More than 1,500 constituent cases closed

17 bills introduced

1 McGarvey-authored bill signed into law, and 6 McGarvey-led bills passed the House of Representatives

120 bills cosponsored

320 meetings with Louisvillians

17 town halls held

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:10:36Z