url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/after-mccaskill-and-area-veterans-advocacy-salem-va-clinic-to-expand-service,"After McCaskill & Area Veterans Advocacy, Salem VA Clinic to Expand Service",2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"After McCaskill & Area Veterans Advocacy, Salem VA Clinic to Expand Service Friday, December 23, 2016 SALEM, Mo. – Following advocacy from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and more than one-thousand rural veterans in Missouri, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today it will be expanding the hours of operation at the Salem Veterans Clinic to be open Monday through Friday. Formerly, the Clinic was open just two days each month, the only such facility in the state not regularly open five days a week. “I’m pleased the VA listened to the needs of rural veterans and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they move forward with the expansion,” said McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran and senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Our veterans deserve the highest quality of care regardless of where they live, and this expansion is a step towards achieving that goal.” Representatives at the Poplar Bluff VA announced the Clinic hours will now be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for all business office and triage needs, with an onsite health care provider available on Thursdays and Fridays. As enrollment at the clinic increases to require additional provider hours, the medical center will evaluate expanding the days a provider will be on site. Earlier this year, McCaskill called on the VA to address the concerns of citizens and veterans living near the Salem Veterans Clinic who want to see service expanded from three days per month to five days per week. McCaskill shared with the VA a petition, sponsored by the American Legion Post 99, that was signed by almost 6,000 constituents in Dent, Iron, Reynolds, Shannon and Texas counties, including more than 1,600 veterans. McCaskill has been a longtime advocate for ensuring rural veterans receive the healthcare and services they deserve. Earlier this year, she worked to resolve unpaid claims of six Theodosia-area veterans through the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans who live more than 40 driving miles from or have other impediments to convenient access to a VA facility to receive care at a local health care provider. McCaskill has led several efforts to increase accountability and quality of veterans services. Earlier this year, McCaskill released a report detailing shameful treatment of veterans of World War II who were exposed to mustard gas, leading to her introduction of the Arla Harrell Act. Aiming to continue improvements to the quality of customer service at statewide VA facilities, McCaskill last year announced the expansion of her successful “secret-shopper” program to the southwest Missouri area. The Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program allows veterans to share timely, confidential feedback about their VA health care visits, and helps provide oversight and accountability for VA health care facilities. The survey is now active in five regions: St. Louis; Kansas City; Columbia; Poplar Bluff; Southwest Missouri (Fayetteville). Veterans seeking to participate in the Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program can visit McCaskill’s website, McCaskill.senate.gov/VCSP, and complete the confidential survey. Responses can be submitted after each health care visit. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/veterans to learn more about McCaskill’s fight for military veterans. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/ec-from-dc/an-eventful-year,An Eventful Year,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"As 2016 comes to a close, I want to take this time to say thank you. Thank you to everyone reading this newsletter. Thank you for your time, your comments, and your support throughout this year. We have had an eventful year, tackling several important issues. And I didn’t do it alone. It was a collective effort, from both parties, to bring significant and meaningful results to the 5th District and to the citizens of this country. We managed to push a comprehensive housing bill through the House of Representatives and the Senate that will allow long-awaited and needed changes to public, rural, and veteran housing - changes that have not been seen in more 30 years. We secured water improvement projects in the 5th District in Missouri’s flood prone areas. We fought, and continue to fight, to protect the pensions of thousands of retirees facing drastic and unforeseen cuts. We successfully advocated for technology companies to make changes to their policies and procedures to ensure they were including and treating minorities fairly. We continue to work on economic growth and vitality in the rural areas and make it a point to remember and serve our veterans. Don’t get me wrong, this year hasn’t been easy. My colleagues and I spent the night sleeping on the House floor during an historic sit-in to demand action against gun violence. There’s still more work to be done as we must figure out a way to end violent attacks against the innocent. And Congress must find a way to work together. On January 3, 2017, we have new opportunity in the New Year when we swear in Members of the 115th Congress.  It’s time to come together to work for the best interests of our constituents, to encourage growth and development in our Midwestern communities, and to fight for the new opportunities for our families. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Warmly, Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/senator-looks-to-expand-protections-for-whistle-blowers,Senator Looks to Expand Protections for Whistle-Blowers,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Looks to Expand Protections for Whistle-Blowers Thursday, December 22, 2016 By:  Ron Nixon WASHINGTON — Senator Claire McCaskill, responding to what she has called troubling weaknesses in protections for whistle-blowers, has asked federal agencies to provide information on senior managers who may have retaliated against employees who reported wrongdoing. Her request was prompted by a statement in June from the Transportation Security Administration that said that despite a number of documented cases of such reprisals, neither the courts nor government agencies had confirmed whistle-blower retaliation by any senior manager at the agency. Ms. McCaskill, Democrat of Missouri, asked the agency about any disciplinary actions against managers after The New York Times reported that T.S.A. employees had been reassigned, demoted, investigated or fired for reporting lapses or misconduct by senior leaders. She said that data from the Office of Special Counsel, an independent agency that protects federal employees from reprisal, showed that claims of retaliation by at least seven employees were substantiated. The problem, Ms. McCaskill said, is that the Office of Special Counsel often negotiates settlements for whistle-blowers instead of pursuing a full investigation, which allows the agency and the manager to avoid admitting wrongdoing. Such actions — similar to settlements by the Justice Department with big banks — could have a chilling effect on people who want to come forward to report serious public safety or national security concerns, she said. “This has the potential to create a toxic work environment in which managers feel free to retaliate against legitimate whistle-blowers knowing the case will be settled and their jobs will be safe,” she said. Ms. McCaskill, who will be the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee in the next Congress, gave the agencies until Dec. 30 to respond. She said she would use the information to explore options for fixing the problem, either through legislation, hearings or some other action. Officials at the Office of Special Counsel said that once the office had found evidence of retaliation, its main priority was assisting the whistle-blowers, perhaps by helping them get their jobs back. “The system works best when agencies use our findings to both assist whistle-blowers who wrongly were retaliated against and to discipline managers appropriately,” said Carolyn Lerner, who heads the office. Ms. McCaskill said her request for information on retaliation by managers was prompted by cases like the one involving Robert MacLean, an air marshal who was fired by the T.S.A. in 2006 after disclosing to an MSNBC reporter that the agency was planning to reduce the number of air marshals on overnight flights. The T.S.A. said the information Mr. MacLean had disclosed compromised aviation security. He sued the agency, fighting his firing all the way to the Supreme Court. Last year, the justices ruled that his disclosures were not “specifically prohibited by law.” Mr. MacLean has since been reinstated by the T.S.A., but he said he continued to face retaliation from senior managers, many of whom were responsible for his firing. “But none of them have been punished,” he said. “I’m the one filing for bankruptcy because I had to defend myself all those years. I’m the one being assigned to entry-level positions that I’m overqualified for.” Mr. MacLean said he had been denied salary increases and promotions. He added that for a time he was assigned to sit in a small office “and do nothing in the empty room.” He has since been assigned to a T.S.A. Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response, or VIPR, squad, an armed team that performs security sweeps to prevent terrorist attacks at transportation hubs. But he said it was not an assignment he had asked for. Bruce Anderson, a spokesman for the T.S.A., said the agency took misconduct at any level seriously. He said he could not comment specifically on Mr. MacLean’s case because of litigation and investigations. But he added, “MacLean’s assertions don’t accurately portray his assigned duties.” Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/who-im-fighting-for,Who I’m fighting for,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Who I’m fighting for Thursday, December 22, 2016 By:  Claire McCaskill Here’s the question Americans should always be asking every member of Congress: who are you fighting for? Here’s who I’m fighting for: Billy Hull. Billy Hull is a retired coal miner with nearly 30 years working at the Peabody Coal Power Mine near Montrose, Missouri. Mr. Hull wrote me a letter earlier this year, saying in part: “My Wife and I, married 59 years fall under the Patriot Coal Companies Voluntary Employees Beneficial Association (VEBA). My wife Earlene is a two time cancer survivor and I suffered a stroke in 2012. If we lose our benefits it will be hard for us to afford our medicine cost. Due to the bankruptcy of both Peabody Coal Co. and the Patriot Coal Company the Patriot VEBA fund will be exhausted in late 2016 leaving us without pension and healthcare benefits…” Mr. Hull isn’t alone. He’s one of thousands of retired coal miners and their widows whose pensions and healthcare—promised to them decades ago—are now in jeopardy. My friend, Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia has spent two years pushing for a fix—his bipartisan Miners Protection Act, which I strongly support. But Republican leaders in the U.S. House and Senate refuse to act on the legislation. Rather than fix the problem before they went home, several weeks before Christmas, elected Republican leadership kicked the can down the road with a four-month extension, and said that miners were lucky to get that. Well, that wasn’t good enough for me, which is why I voted against the spending bill. Kicking the can doesn’t fix this crisis. It only increases the uncertainty while ensuring Billy Hull and thousands like him will start receiving cancellation notices in a matter of months. I don’t know who these U.S. House Republicans are fighting for, but it’s not working Americans. And I’ve got a message for them—we’ve got to get this right for these miners and their families. Because Billy Hull and thousands of Americans like him whose blood, sweat, and tears powered our nation for generations don’t have the peace of mind that those members of the Congress are blessed with. Missouri’s own Harry Truman—whose Senate seat I hold today—made a promise to these coal miners when he was President, that their government would always honor their pensions and health benefits. I’m fighting to keep his promise. And I think I’ll have some big help in President-elect Donald Trump, who’s repeatedly promised to stand with America’s coal workers. This debate reminds me of a fight in Congress exactly two years ago. Back then, Congress approved a sprawling, $1 trillion spending package—and tucked into that “omnibus” bill was a provision allowing for deep cuts to retiree benefits for 32,000 Missourians participating in the Central States Pension Plan. I opposed that legislation, and I was the only member of Missouri’s Congressional delegation to vote against it. Now I’m backing legislation to undo that law. Then and now, I’m fighting for Missouri’s working families. As my friend Senator Manchin said on the Senate floor—if we don’t stand for something, then we don’t stand for anything. I’m standing for Billy Hull. And I’m going to keep fighting. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/collins-mccaskill-release-committee-report-of-bipartisan-drug-pricing-investigation,"Collins, McCaskill Release Committee Report of Bipartisan Drug Pricing Investigation",2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, McCaskill Release Committee Report of Bipartisan Drug Pricing Investigation Report includes findings from three hearings; review of more than one million pages of documents; and interviews with scores of patients, doctors, hospital administrators, consumer advocates, health experts, and pharmaceutical industry executives Wednesday, December 21, 2016 WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, released a report on drug pricing today titled, “Sudden Price Spikes in Off-Patent Prescription Drugs: The Monopoly Business Model that Harms Patients, Taxpayers, and the U.S. Health Care System.” The comprehensive report details the findings stemming from the Committee’s bipartisan investigation into abrupt and dramatic price increases for prescription drugs whose patents expired long ago. Through close examination of the monopoly business model used by four pharmaceutical companies to exploit market failures, the report examines how companies acquired decades-old, off-patent, and previously affordable drugs and then raised the prices suddenly and astronomically at the expense of patients. The report provides case studies of the four companies; explores the influence of investors; assesses the impacts of price hikes on patients, payers, providers, hospitals, and the government; and discusses potential policy responses. “The skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs affect every American family, particularly our seniors,” said Chairman Collins. “This report is the culmination of the Senate Aging Committee's year-long, bipartisan investigation into the egregious price increases on a number of decades-old drugs acquired by pharmaceutical companies that act more like hedge funds. We must work to stop the bad actors who are driving up the prices of drugs that they did nothing to develop at the expense of patients just because, as one executive essentially said, “because I can.” “The hedge fund model of drug pricing is predatory, and immoral for the patients and taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill—especially for generic drugs that can be made for pennies per dose,” Ranking Member McCaskill said. “We’ve got to find ways to increase competition for medicines and ensure that patients and their families aren’t being gouged.” Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill launched the Aging Committee’s bipartisan investigation in November 2015 following a series of media reports detailing dramatic drug price increases after the acquisition of decades-old, off-patent, and previously affordable drugs. The investigation centered on Turing Pharmaceuticals, Retrophin, Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., and Rodelis Therapeutics. Evidence gathered by the Committee also suggests that additional companies have employed the monopoly business model uncovered in this report, putting the health and lives of Americans at risk. The views of a wide-range of health policy experts and clinicians were considered, and the report identifies potential policy responses: Enact the Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act, introduced by Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill, to incentivize competition to address regulatory uncertainty, small market size, and other factors that serve as limitations to generic entry; Encourage generic competition by ensuring the right to obtain samples and simplifying Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies; Consider allowing highly targeted, temporary prescription drug importation to provide prompt price relief for major price increases in off-patent drugs; Take steps to prevent the misuse of patient assistance programs and copay coupons; Reinvigorate the Federal Trade Commission to take greater enforcement action on drug company mergers, operations, and drug market dynamics; and Improve transparency in the health care system. Throughout the investigation, Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill have been committed to promoting innovation while improving access and affordability of prescription medications for patients, particularly for the 90 percent of our nation’s seniors who take prescription drugs. Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill strongly support continued efforts to stop bad actors who are acquiring drugs that have been off-patent for decades and driving up their prices solely because they can. During the course of its bipartisan investigation, the Aging Committee held three hearings; interviewed scores of patients, doctors, hospital administrators, consumer advocates, health experts, and pharmaceutical industry executives and board members; reviewed more than one million pages of documents obtained from the four companies; and deposed or took transcribed interviews of numerous corporate witnesses. The first hearing of the series, held on December 9, 2015, sought to identify and define the problems resulting from these price increases. The second hearing, held on March 17, 2016, took an in-depth look inside the monopoly business models of Turing and Retrophin, both formerly headed by Martin Shkreli. The third hearing, held on April 27, 2016, investigated Valeant’s business model, its investor relationships, and the harm caused to patients and the health care system by the enormous price increases Valeant imposed on certain drugs it acquired. The full report can be found online HERE. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/following-mccaskill-push-atandt-to-become-first-carrier-to-offer-robocall-blocking-technology,"Following McCaskill Push, AT&T to Become First Carrier to Offer Robocall Blocking Technology",2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following McCaskill Push, AT&T to Become First Carrier to Offer Robocall Blocking Technology Move comes after Senator, who has led efforts to combat unwanted robocalls, repeatedly urged phone companies to show concrete results Wednesday, December 21, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who has led the fight to protect consumers from unwanted robocalls, today applauded an announcement by AT&T that the telecom company will launch a service to help customers block robocalls, becoming the first carrier to offer this technology at McCaskill’s urging. “It’s good to see the telecom industry taking seriously the problem of unwanted robocalls plaguing consumers by finally giving customers the tools to block them,” said McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor. “While I hope to see AT&T expand this service beyond wireless devices so that all of their customers can take full advantage, other carriers also would be wise to empower consumers with accessible technology to prevent these fraudulent and unwanted calls.” This fall, after recommendations from the “robocall strike force” of telecom companies convened to discuss solutions to keep unwanted or fraudulent robocalls from reaching consumers. McCaskill called on the companies to follow through on their recommendations to provide consumers the protection they expect and deserve. This summer, McCaskill had called on the nation’s top telecom companies – which for years promised results but delivered little – to outline the concrete steps they have taken and plan to take to protect consumers. McCaskill’s letter followed a letter from FCC Chairman Wheeler urging companies to do more to implement robocall blocking technologies and report back within 30 days. Three years ago, McCaskill asked the top telecom trade associations to evaluate the feasibility of implementing technology to help filter out unwanted calls and protect America's most vulnerable consumers. The industry’s responses indicated they would be hard at work to address the problem, including developing better technologies—however little concrete action had been taken in the three years since. McCaskill has introduced legislation, the Robocall and Call Spoofing Enforcement Improvements Act, to increase fines and penalties on robocall violators, streamline enforcement, expand the statute of limitations on violators, and enforce anti-spoofing provisions against violators outside the U.S. who target consumers inside the U.S. In addition, McCaskill—an outspoken critic of a provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 that rolled back consumer protections of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by allowing callers collecting federal debts to make robocalls—supports legislation that would repeal this provision. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/consumers to learn more about McCaskill's fight to protect consumers. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-advances-redevelopment-of-bannister-federal-complex,Congressman Cleaver Advances Redevelopment of Bannister Federal Complex,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) advocated for the inclusion of language in the end-of-year Continuing Resolution – H.R. 2028 - and is pleased to announce that the language was included in the final bill. H.R. 2028 was passed by the U.S. House earlier this month by a vote of 326-96. This added language will help further the redevelopment of the old Bannister Complex. H.R. 2028 provides funding for the U.S. Government until April 28, 2017. Special language was needed to provide full funding for the transfer of ownership of the Bannister Complex from the National Nuclear Security Administration to private ownership. “Our hands were tied. We could not make a move towards new use and new ownership at the Bannister Complex without the full funding. Thankfully, we can now get to work and begin the clean-up and redevelopment of this blighted area,” said Congressman Cleaver. The National Nuclear Security Administration, which currently owns the property, needed $200 million for demolition and remediation costs to meet legal obligations to transfer the Bannister complex to private ownership in 2017. The transfer of the Bannister Complex is years in the making. A delay could derail the sale and cost the federal government an additional $40 million or more to maintain the property. With private ownership, the land can be remediated for industrial use. The 300-acre Bannister Plant was originally built in 1942 to manufacture airplane engines, and began producing mechanical weapon components for our nuclear weapon stockpile in 1949. The facility has soil and groundwater contamination from chemicals used in manufacturing and solid waste disposal. The cleanup and redevelopment of the Bannister property is crucial for the stabilization and recovery of South Kansas City. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov. Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-backed-bipartisan-plan-to-improve-first-responders-training-and-support-is-signed-into-law,McCaskill-Backed Bipartisan Plan to Improve First Responders’ Training & Support is Signed into Law,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill-Backed Bipartisan Plan to Improve First Responders’ Training & Support is Signed into Law Legislation helps provide better resources & training for first responders to improve community safety Tuesday, December 20, 2016 WASHINGTON – A bipartisan plan backed by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill to improve training and support for first responders by ensuring they have the resources and tools to handle potential hazardous incidents has been signed into law. “First responders are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe, and we have to ensure they’ve got the best tools possible to do that vital job,” said McCaskill, who was recently named the top-ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “With Missouri at the center of the nation’s freight railroad network, and in light of the derailment of crude oil trains across the country, community safety is more important than ever, and this bill will help modernize our safety systems in the event of an accident.” McCaskill is a backer of the bipartisan Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act, along with Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. The legislation establishes a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. This council, co-chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, will provide Congress with expert recommendations on how to address first responders’ safety needs with increased railway safety challenges so they can best protect communities across the country. McCaskill is a longtime advocate for first responders, including those who work on railway safety. Last year at a hearing on transportation safety, McCaskill, noting that Kansas City and St. Louis are the second- and third-largest freight rail hubs in the country, raised concerns she has heard from local officials and first responders in Missouri on how to improve the safety of crude oil moving by rail, and communication with first responders in the event of a derailment accident in a major metropolitan area. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov to learn more about McCaskill’s work to achieve concrete results for Missouri. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-warren-gao-report-shows-shocking-increase-in-student-loan-debt-among-seniors,McCaskill-Warren GAO Report Shows Shocking Increase in Student Loan Debt Among Seniors,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill-Warren GAO Report Shows Shocking Increase in Student Loan Debt Among Seniors More than 100K have their Social Security benefits garnished every year—thousands are shoved into poverty as a result—to pay it back Tuesday, December 20, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill and Elizabeth Warren today released a government report showing that student loan debt is escalating rapidly, and tens of thousands of senior Americans are currently having their Social Security benefits cut below the poverty line to recoup defaulted student loan debt. The report, conducted for McCaskill and Warren by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), indicates that in the past ten years the amount of student loan debt among seniors has skyrocketed, as has the number of seniors whose Social Security benefits are being garnished in order to recoup that debt. McCaskill and Warren both serve on the Senate Aging Committee, where McCaskill is the top Democrat. The report’s troubling findings included: The cohort of those over 50 in student loan debt, over 7 million Americans, is growing much faster than younger cohorts. Since 2005, Americans aged 65 and up saw their total student loan debt grow by 385 percent. The number of Americans whose Social Security checks are being garnished by the government to recoup defaulted student loans has increased by 540 percent in the last decade to over 114,000 older borrowers. Since 2004, the number of seniors whose Social Security benefits have been garnished below the poverty line has increased from 8,300 to 67,300. Thirteen percent of borrowers 50 or older at the time of their initial offset died while their loans were still outstanding. “This report shows us that seniors clearly aren’t immune to the student loan crisis—they’re deeply impacted by this issue to the point that it’s leaving many of them in a dire financial situation,” McCaskill said. “We could have hundreds of thousands of American seniors living in poverty due to garnished Social Security benefits if this trend continues, and we shouldn’t allow that to happen.” “The hard-earned Social Security checks that are the sole source of income for millions of seniors should not be siphoned off to pay interest and fees on student loan debt,” said Warren. “It’s no wonder many Americans don’t think Washington works for them: our government is shoving tens of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities into poverty through garnishment every year—and charging them $15 every month for the privilege—just so that the Department of Education can collect a little bit more interest and keep boosting the government’s student loan profits. This is predatory and counterproductive, and Congress should pass the bill I’ve cosponsored to put a stop to this practice.” Some of the report’s troubling findings included that more than 70% of garnished Social Security benefits were going toward fees and interest, and not paying down seniors’ principal balances—leaving many seniors with a reduced standard of living, in a cycle of debt they could not escape. GAO also issued recommendations related to the report, including eliminating Social Security benefits garnishment to below the federal poverty line, as well as simplifying the paperwork for disabled Americans to discharge their student loan debt. The report is available online HERE. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/following-mccaskill-request-on-student-loan-counseling-education-department-changes-course,"Following McCaskill Request on Student Loan Counseling, Education Department Changes Course",2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following McCaskill Request on Student Loan Counseling, Education Department Changes Course Agency announces loan counseling experiment and new college completion toolkit, programs advocated by Senator following College Affordability Tour Monday, December 19, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill applauded the announcement by the Department of Education that it will begin a loan counseling experiment and has released a new college completion toolkit. Following her College Affordability Tour across Missouri earlier this year, McCaskill had urged the Department to reconsider a decision not to allow colleges and university to require that student borrowers complete personalized debt calculators as part of their entrance counseling. “Student debt has a serious financial impact on students, families, and our economy—something I heard firsthand from so many students and educators across the state, who are worried about how their loans will affect them long after graduation,” said McCaskill, a graduate of the University of Missouri. “At our urging, I’m glad the Department of Education took a concrete step in helping first-time borrowers understand the real world implications of student loan debt and untying the hands of the administrators who want to help them—and I’m looking forward to working with them to help move this program from an experiment to a permanent tool.” McCaskill’s College Affordability Tour centered on innovative, effective ways to make college more affordable and decrease the enormous amounts of loan debt that students are facing. Those goals included a boost to Pell Grants to make them available more than twice yearly, encouraging higher and faster graduation rates, and more resources for students who choose to dual-enroll to get ahead, enabling them to graduate sooner and cut down on the amount of loans they may need. One survey showed roughly half of all first-year students underestimate their student debt and more than a quarter of students with federal loans incorrectly stated they have no federal debt. Personalized debt calculators, like the Financial Awareness Calculation Tool, give student borrowers the opportunity to calculate an estimate of their loans and the repayment process. According to the Institute for College Access & Success, the average debt for a Missouri graduate of a public 4-year institution or private non-profit 4-year institution is $25,844 and the proportion of Missouri graduates from those institutions with debt is 59 percent. Missouri ranks ‎33rd in the nation in terms of how much debt students graduate with and 31st in the nation in terms of how many students graduate with debt. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/education to read highlights of McCaskill’s work to improve education. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-gets-committee-assignments-for-next-congress,McCaskill Gets Committee Assignments for Next Congress,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Gets Committee Assignments for Next Congress In addition to being named top-ranking Democrat on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, Senator will remain senior member of Armed Services panel, and will join Finance Committee Monday, December 19, 2016 WASHINGTON – When the new Congress convenes in January, in addition to serving as top-ranking Democrat on the Senate’s most powerful oversight committee, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill will also remain a senior member of the Senate’s Armed Services Committee and will be joining the Senate Finance Committee. “Missourians expect me to fight for them—to make their families and communities more secure, and to strengthen accountability in government,” said McCaskill, a former prosecutor and daughter of a World War II veteran. “That’s been the bread and butter of my work in the Senate. And these assignments will give me a strong platform to keep fighting for the state I love.” Last month, McCaskill was named the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has broad jurisdiction over the federal government’s operations and the Department of Homeland Security. That new role will dramatically expand McCaskill’s role in federal government oversight, protecting the homeland, and guarding taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. McCaskill’s continued seniority on the Senate Armed Services Committee will allow her to continue her work to strengthen national security, and her advocacy for Missouri’s military installations and the role the state plays in the nation’s defense—while the Senate Finance Committee has broad jurisdiction over tax policy, trade, and healthcare. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov to learn more about McCaskill’s work for Missourians. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/housing-for-veterans-and-families-during-medical-treatments-heading-to-missourimccaskill-statement,Housing for Veterans and Families During Medical Treatments Heading to Missouri—McCaskill Statement,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Housing for Veterans and Families During Medical Treatments Heading to Missouri—McCaskill Statement VA announces plans to build Fisher Houses at Columbia, Kansas City VA facilities to provide free housing accommodations during treatments Friday, December 16, 2016 WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that Kansas City and Columbia will be priority sites for future construction of Fisher Houses, which provide free housing accommodations to veterans and their families while undergoing treatment at a VA medical center or military hospital—a move applauded by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill. “After everything they have sacrificed for our country, we owe it to our veterans and their families to provide them with the highest quality care, and the greatest flexibility when that care isn’t easily accessible,” said McCaskill, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee and the daughter of a World War II veteran. “The VA made a great choice in selecting Kansas City and Columbia for future Fisher House accommodations, which will help give Missouri veterans the convenient and comfortable experience they deserve while receiving medical treatment.” In 2016, Fisher Houses across the country—including the St. Louis Fisher House—accommodated over 23,000 families, saving guests over $3 million in lodging expenses. In addition to Kansas City and Columbia, VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald recommended 12 other VA medical centers become priority sites for future Fisher Houses. The addition of these sites will support access to care for thousands of additional veterans traveling to VA facilities for treatment. McCaskill has been a longtime advocate for ensuring veterans receive the healthcare and services they deserve. Earlier this year, she worked to resolve unpaid claims of six Theodosia-area veterans through the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans who live more than 40 driving miles from or have other impediments to convenient access to a VA facility to receive care at a local health care provider. Aiming to continue improvements to the quality of customer service at statewide VA facilities, McCaskill last year announced the expansion of her successful “secret-shopper” program to the southwest Missouri area. The Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program allows veterans to share timely, confidential feedback about their VA health care visits, and helps provide oversight and accountability for VA health care facilities. The survey is now active in five regions: St. Louis; Kansas City; Columbia; Poplar Bluff; Southwest Missouri (Fayetteville). Veterans seeking to participate in the Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program can visit McCaskill’s website, McCaskill.senate.gov/VCSP, and complete the confidential survey. Responses can be submitted after each health care visit. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/veterans to learn more about McCaskill’s fight for military veterans. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/aiming-to-protect-veterans-from-exorbitant-emergency-room-bills-mccaskill-urges-va-to-comply-with-law,"Aiming to Protect Veterans from Exorbitant Emergency Room Bills, McCaskill Urges VA to Comply with Law",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Aiming to Protect Veterans from Exorbitant Emergency Room Bills, McCaskill Urges VA to Comply with Law VA has failed to follow 2010 law requiring reimbursement for non-VA emergency care, denying hundreds of thousands of veterans’ claims Thursday, December 15, 2016 WASHINGTON – Aiming to protect veterans from exorbitant emergency room bills, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill joined a bipartisan group of senators to call on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to properly follow a law requiring reimbursement for non-VA emergency care after the agency rejected hundreds of thousands of veterans’ claims. “Six years after enactment of the [Emergency Care Fairness Act], our nation’s veterans continue to bear the burden of emergency treatment costs not covered by veterans’ third-party insurance,” wrote McCaskill and her colleagues. “The [VA]’s continued denial of these claims is deeply troubling.” In 2010, the passage of the Emergency Care Fairness Act directed the VA to cover veterans with private health insurance in the event their private insurance doesn’t cover the full amount of non-VA emergency care. However the VA has failed to follow the law since its enactment, denying hundreds of thousands of veterans’ reimbursement claims for emergency care. Earlier this year, a federal court ordered the VA to write regulations that comply with the law. In addition to urging the VA to follow the law, McCaskill and her colleagues also requested that the agency fix its mistake and re-open all previously-denied claims. McCaskill has been a longtime advocate for ensuring veterans receive the healthcare and services they deserve. Earlier this year, she worked to resolve unpaid claims of six Theodosia-area veterans through the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans who live more than 40 driving miles from or have other impediments to convenient access to a VA facility to receive care at a local health care provider. McCaskill has led several efforts to increase accountability and quality of veterans services. Earlier this year, McCaskill released a report detailing shameful treatment of veterans of World War II who were exposed to mustard gas, leading to her introduction of the Arla Harrell Act. Full text of the letter HERE. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/veterans to learn more about McCaskill’s fight for military veterans. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/in-fight-to-keep-consumers-safe-mccaskill-pushes-fda-to-improve-process-for-reviewing-dietary-supplement-ingredients,"In Fight to Keep Consumers Safe, McCaskill Pushes FDA to Improve Process for Reviewing Dietary Supplement Ingredients",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In Fight to Keep Consumers Safe, McCaskill Pushes FDA to Improve Process for Reviewing Dietary Supplement Ingredients Senator outlines need for transparency and enforcement in letter to FDA Commissioner, cites frustration at bureaucratic delays Thursday, December 15, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill wrote to the government’s top food and drug safety official as part of a years-long push to ensure that dietary supplements available to American consumers are safe and that enforcement action is quickly taken against scam artists who break the law and endanger consumers. After an unexplained five-year delay, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released draft guidance for manufacturers outlining the process for including new ingredients in dietary supplements. This draft guidance provides much needed direction for manufacturers on the testing, safety standards, and manufacturing processes required by FDA for new dietary ingredients. In a letter to FDA commissioner Robert Califf, McCaskill outlined three areas of the draft guidance that need improvement to ensure that manufacturers understand their responsibilities, and that consumers remain safe, including transparency about the ingredients for consumers and healthcare professionals and the need to take aggressive enforcement actions against any manufacturers making and selling unsafe and illicit supplements. After years of advocacy to ensure American consumers are protected in the dietary supplement industry, McCaskill urged the FDA to include these consumer protections in their guidance ahead of its final release. “Given the ongoing public safety concerns involved, I urge the FDA to quickly consider this comment and others and finalize its guidance as soon as possible. American consumers cannot afford to wait for another five years,” McCaskill wrote. McCaskill, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, had previously written to ten medical associations asking for any policies they have developed for when and how physicians assess dietary supplement use in patients prior to starting treatment. Last year, McCaskill—a former Missouri State Auditor and courtroom prosecutor—sent letters to 15 retailers inquiring about their policies concerning dietary supplements and what they do to prevent the sale of harmful or fraudulently marketed products in their stores, on their websites and at shows. This inquiry was in response to the discovery of products such as Brain Armor, which has since been removed from the Amazon website, that made false claims about their ability to enhance memory and treat dementia. As past Chairman of the Senate’s Consumer Protection Subcommittee, McCaskill has also examined misleading and false claims made by makers of weight-loss products. A copy of McCaskill’s letter to FDA Commissioner Califf is available online HERE. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/consumers to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to strengthen protections for American consumers. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-consent-decree,STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING THE CONSENT DECREE REACHED BETWEEN THE ST. LOUIS COUNTY FAMILY COURT AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO CORRECT MULTIPLE CONSITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHTS OF JUVENILES,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,William Clay,C001049,lacyclay.house.gov,,,legacy,"“Today’s agreement by the St. Louis County Family Court to enter into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice is a victory for the constitution and for the juveniles who will encounter the justice system and finally enjoy equal protection under the law…which should include an opportunity to make a fresh start. For more than two years, I have been pressing the St. Louis County Family Court to urgently address and correct the horrendous, multiple constitutional violations of the rights of juveniles, many of whom were African American, as revealed by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division report released in August of 2015. I want to commend both the judges of the St. Louis County Family Court and the tireless staff of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division for reaching this transformative and long-overdue agreement.   When fully and faithfully implemented, this consent decree will truly represent a new beginning for juvenile justice in St. Louis County.”   -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/pfizer-gets-letter-from-us-senators-seek-information-on-drug-to-treat-opioid-overdoses,Pfizer gets letter from US senators seek information on drug to treat opioid overdoses,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Pfizer gets letter from US senators seek information on drug to treat opioid overdoses Wednesday, December 14, 2016 By:  Meg Tirrell & Dan Mangan The Senate Aging Committee has asked pharmaceutical giant Pfizer for information about soaring prices for the generic drug naloxone, used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The drug's price rose from $45 for a set of 10 vials in 2009 to $263.88 in early 2014—an increase of almost 600 percent, before settling to $189.96, CNBC reported in September. ""Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, many related to misuse or abuse of prescription opioids,"" Senators Susan Collins and Claire McCaskill wrote in a letter to Pfizer CEO Ian Read dated Nov. 28, a copy of which was obtained by CNBC. Pfizer gained naloxone when it acquired Hospira for $17 billion in 2015. The senators said they'd already received 2015-2016 pricing information on the drug from Pfizer, in response to an earlier letter. ""Explain, in detail, the number and amount of price increases and decreases taken by Hospira between 2009 and 2014 for naloxone,"" the senators wrote. They also asked for details on how Hospira came to the decision to raise the price, as well as how much the increases contributed to research and development into improving the product, and whether any issues of patient access arose. In response to an inquiry from CNBC, Pfizer defended its pricing, saying the drug's cost was ""priced responsibly"" in a statement. ""From the time Naloxone entered our portfolio...our focus has been on providing access to this life saving treatment and we believe it is priced responsibly at a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) price of $15.83 per dose for the single dose vial, and $11.87 per dose for the multidose vial (10 doses in a vial),"" the statement read. ""Pfizer's Naloxone Access Program includes a donation of up to 1 million doses of Naloxone over four years and $1 million in opioid overdose grants to several states."" Pfizer isn't the only maker of naloxone. Other formulations and delivery systems are on the market, including an auto injector called Evzio from private manufacturer Kaleo that costs almost $4,000 for two doses. Collins and McCaskill wrote letters to five manufacturers in June inquiring about price increases. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/rabbit-regulations-have-mccaskill-hopping-mad,Rabbit regulations have McCaskill hopping mad,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Rabbit regulations have McCaskill hopping mad Wednesday, December 14, 2016 By:  Deirdre Shesgreen WASHINGTON — Marty Hahne’s magic tricks don’t work in Washington. Hahne is the Springfield-area magician who became a media sensation a few years ago, when the Washington Post wrote about an obscure federal rule that required him to have a license and disaster plan for his rabbit, Casey, the furry star of his children’s magic shows. The reaction was wondrous—at first. The federal Secretary of Agriculture quashed the disaster plan requirement immediately after the Post’s story was posted online. And by early 2014, lawmakers in Congress had directed the Agriculture Department to craft an exemption to the rules, so that Hahne and other magicians no longer had to submit to surprise federal bunny inspections and other silliness. Nearly three years later, though, those political edicts seem like hocus pocus to Hahne, a.k.a. “Marty the Magician.” Agriculture Department regulators haven’t finalized the exemption, so he still has to file annual paperwork for his rabbit permit, and Casey still gets regular visits from the USDA inspectors. The Ozark-based magician even has to send the feds his travel schedule if he and Casey go on any overnight trips. “When I travel with my rabbit, like if I’m going to an elementary school in Kansas City … the letter of the law says I need to fax or email them my itinerary,” said Hahne, who performs at schools, libraries, and birthday parties. “It’s just a real inconvenience.” The decades-old rule was originally intended to regulate zoos and circuses, but it has expanded over the years to scoop up even small “animal exhibitors” like Hahne. The issue captured national attention when the USDA moved to expand the rule even further—requiring businesses that sell or exhibit animals to develop emergency plans for their furry friends in case of a flood, tornado or other disasters. As Springfield doctors rein in Xanax, one woman took it pretty hard, police say That proposal, since nixed, stemmed from a public outcry after thousands of animals were abandoned during Hurricane Katrina. Congress got involved then too—passing a law requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make sure rescue plans addressed the needs of individuals with pets and service animals. Hahne said it’s all gotten a bit out of hand. “If you have six tigers in a show, you should be inspected,” he said. “But if you have one little bunny rabbit?” Federal regulators have not ignored magician’s bunny saga. But they have taken years to re-write the rules that require smaller animal exhibitors to get a license and inspections. And the proposed rules they’ve come up with would still ensnare Hahne in their regulatory net. On Aug. 3, more than two years after Congress called for the exemption, the Agriculture Department’s animal and plant division issued a 12-page draft proposal. Under that measure, to wiggle out of the licensing and inspection requirements, magicians and other animal exhibitors can’t make a living off that activity. “… Persons who derive their primary source of income from exhibiting the animals, or who generate a substantial amount of money from such exhibition as determined by APHIS (the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), would not be eligible for the exclusion,” the draft rule states. The agency said Congress’ legislative directive should be interpreted to mean “the activity is not a full-time job or primary source of income.” But Hahne is a full-time magician, and Casey is a regular part of his act. “Their definitions don’t help me out,” he said. Now, the Agriculture Department’s proposal has Sen. Claire McCaskill hopping mad. “I can think of no earthly reason why a magician should be subject to a burdensome registration regulation from the government for his lone rabbit,” the Missouri Democrat said. “I relish the opportunity to arm-wrestle bureaucrats who dropped their common sense on their way into the office.” McCaskill sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week blasting the agency for taking so long to enact the new rule and for failing to figure out a common-sense solution to the magician’s dilemma. “This is a classic example of bureaucrats in Washington identifying a potential problem but using a sledgehammer instead of a scalpel to address it,” she said. Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the USDA’s animal and plant agency, said agency officials met with McCaskill last week to hear her concerns. She said USDA officials are now reviewing all the public comments submitted on the draft rule before finalizing it. “The intent of our proposed rule is to exempt business activities that are de minimis – meaning they are of a sufficiently small size, maintain or infrequently exhibit a small number of certain common non-dangerous animals, or own household pets that are exhibited occasionally, generate less than a substantial portion of income, and reside exclusively with the owner – from federal licensure and oversight,” Cole said. Hahne said he was encouraged that McCaskill decided to weigh in on the matter. But it might take more than a little magic to get the rule fixed. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/for-missouri-entrepreneurs-mccaskill-aims-for-the-act-of-the-disappearing-regulation,"For Missouri Entrepreneurs, McCaskill Aims for ‘The Act of The Disappearing Regulation’",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"For Missouri Entrepreneurs, McCaskill Aims for ‘The Act of The Disappearing Regulation’ Senator tells Department of Agriculture to create ‘commonsense’ exemption to rule requiring animal-handlers—including magicians with rabbits—to have a license from the federal government and government-approved plan Tuesday, December 13, 2016 WASHINGTON – Working to pull a rabbit out of a hat for Missouri entrepreneurs and small business owners facing unnecessary federal bureaucracy, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s “Act of the Disappearing Regulation,” takes aim at a requirement that animal handlers—including magicians who keep a limited number of rabbits—must have a federal government license and a government-approved emergency plan, to do so. Watch a short video on The Act of the Disappearing Regulation. McCaskill is telling the Department of Agriculture to create a “commonsense” exemption to this rule, highlighting the absurdity of a government requirement that a magician must have a license and federally-approved emergency plan for a rabbit that is part of a magic show. “I relish the opportunity to arm-wrestle bureaucrats who dropped their common sense on their way into the office,” McCaskill said. “This is a classic example of bureaucrats in Washington identifying a potential problem, but using a sledgehammer instead of a scalpel to address it. I can think of no earthly reason why a magician should be subject to a burdensome registration regulation from the government for his lone rabbit, and I’ll be holding their feet to the fire to get this simple, long-overdue change across the finish line.” The 2014 Farm Bill—which McCaskill helped pass into law after inaction from U.S. House Republicans—provided an exemption for these magicians which would no longer require them to develop and submit a comprehensive disaster plan to cover the care of a rabbit under the Animal Welfare Act. Yet after a more than two-year delay, the Agriculture Department has yet to finalize this exemption. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, McCaskill wrote: “The idea that any magician who keeps a limited number of rabbits or other common animals at home needs federal government license to do so flies in the face of common sense and can serve only to alienate well-meaning citizens from the many important roles and functions of the federal government,” wrote  Therefore I urge you to finalize a rule to clearly exempt these operations that have no business being regulated by the Department.” McCaskill has repeatedly gone to bat for Missouri businesses—working to prevent burdensome regulations and cut red tape. Last year’s long-term highway bill included provisions of the Federal Permitting Improvement Act, which McCaskill sponsored with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, that streamlines and speeds up the federal permitting process for the largest and most complex projects, which were laden with an uncoordinated federal review process. She has also worked to eliminate a redundant pesticide approvals process for Missouri’s farmers and ranchers, opposed the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule saying it “goes too far,” prevented burdensome regulations on St. Louis-based manufacturer Unico Systems, led a successful fight against unnecessary EPA regulations that would have negatively impacted Ste. Genevieve-based manufacturer Holcim, and won a victory for supermarkets, grocery stores, and similar retail locations by securing a one-year delay in new menu labeling requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Full text of the letter HERE.   McCaskill’s Work to Curb Unreasonable Regulation McCaskill has consistently fought to curb unnecessary or unreasonable federal rules and regulations: Passed into law Federal Permitting Improvement Act, that streamlines and speeds up the federal permitting process for the largest and most complex projects, which were laden with an uncoordinated federal review process. Introduced bipartisan legislation for state and local governments struggling to meet federal ozone standards that would provide a “pragmatic and reasonable” option for regulators to meet the goals and avoid being saddled with a potentially economically damaging “nonattainment” status. Won a victory for supermarkets, grocery stores, and similar retail locations by securing a one-year delay in new menu labeling requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Led a successful fight against unnecessary EPA regulations that would have negatively impacted Ste. Genevieve-based manufacturer Holcim Sponsored a bipartisan amendment with Senator Blunt that would exempt farmers transporting crops, livestock, and equipment within 150 miles of their farm from regulations aimed at non-farm commercial vehicles and give individual states the freedom to establish safety rules Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/jobs to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to boost job opportunities for Missouri. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskills-bipartisan-plan-targeting-unsolved-racially-motivated-murders-passes-congress-heads-to-presidents-desk,"McCaskill’s Bipartisan Plan Targeting Unsolved, Racially-Motivated Murders Passes Congress, Heads to President’s Desk",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill’s Bipartisan Plan Targeting Unsolved, Racially-Motivated Murders Passes Congress, Heads to President’s Desk Renewal of Emmett Till Act allows law enforcement to continue investigations seeking justice Tuesday, December 13, 2016 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate has approved bipartisan legislation led by Senator Claire McCaskill that will renew the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, continuing Department of Justice and FBI efforts to investigate and prosecute unsolved racially-motivated murders—and the bill now heads to the President’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law.   “This legislation brings justice and closure to the families and communities affected by the heinous acts of violence and hatred that are a stain on our nation’s history,” said McCaskill, a former Jackson County Prosecutor who led the bipartisan efforts with Republican Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina. “The bill will help us continue the critical work of better investigating and solving these crimes, no matter how long ago they occurred, and I’m thrilled we’ve finally been able to carry it across the finish line.” The bill encourages the Department of Justice and FBI to partner with advocacy organizations, universities, and other entities that have been gathering evidence on cold cases from the 1960s and beyond. The bill also recognizes the potential for prosecutions at the state level, and seeks to facilitate collaboration between state and federal law enforcement. The legislation, which first passed the Senate this summer following McCaskill’s efforts, recently passed the U.S. House with several changes, necessitating passage again through the Senate before the end of the year. The President is expected to sign the bill into law. McCaskill, a strong supporter of efforts to investigate racially-motivated crimes, helped lead the legislation’s original passage in 2008. The bill’s provisions will expire in 2017 if it is not renewed, and she worked closely with civil rights-advocate Alvin Sykes of Kansas City to advance the renewal. The 2008 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act provided a means to investigate and prosecute racially-motivated murders that occurred on or before December 31, 1969. The legislation established offices within the Department of Justice and FBI to investigate and prosecute murders from the civil rights era, and authorized $10 million annually for investigations and $2 million for grants to states in order to support this work. The bill’s renewal will continue the allocation and provides for the investigation of all racially-motivated murders, despite date of occurrence. Democratic Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis of Georgia introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House.  ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/year-closing-with-more-mccaskill-bills-becoming-law,Year Closing with More McCaskill Bills Becoming Law,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Year Closing with More McCaskill Bills Becoming Law Bipartisan wins by Senator—including strengthening accountability and law enforcement efforts—continue to stack up Tuesday, December 13, 2016 WASHINGTON – The year approaches a close with a series of bipartisan legislative victories from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, including the passage into law of her plan to strengthen the power of watchdogs who guard against waste & abuse of taxpayer dollars at government agencies, and her legislation to bolster Department of Justice and FBI efforts to investigate and prosecute unsolved racially-motivated murders. McCaskill, along with Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, led efforts to pass the bipartisan Inspector General Empowerment Act, which enhances watchdogs’ ability to oversee waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars at federal agencies. McCaskill also teamed up with Republican Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina to pass the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act to investigate and prosecute unsolved racially-motivated murders. McCaskill’s bill to extend whistleblower protections to nearly all government contractors is also headed to the President’s desk, as is this year’s annual defense bill—shaped by McCaskill—which includes a number of her priorities including legislation to prevent retaliation against those who report a sexual assault in the military. “Missourians expect me not to get bogged down in politics, and instead work across the aisle to forge compromise and get results for them. That’s exactly what these bills represent,” said McCaskill, who was recently named the top-ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the top committee for oversight and accountability in government. The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act encourages the Department of Justice and FBI to partner with advocacy organizations, universities, and other entities that have been gathering evidence on cold cases from the 1960s and beyond. The bill also recognizes the potential for prosecutions at the state level, and seeks to facilitate collaboration between state and federal law enforcement. McCaskill, a strong supporter of efforts to investigate racially-motivated crimes, helped lead the legislation’s original passage in 2008. The bill’s provisions would have expired 2017 if it was not renewed, and she worked closely with civil rights-advocate Alvin Sykes of Kansas City to advance the renewal. In another step toward strengthening accountability in government, McCaskill’s Senate-approved legislation to extend whistleblower protections was recently approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. The bill would extend and make permanent current whistleblower protections to nearly all federal government grantees, subgrantees, contractors and subcontractors, as well as prohibit contractors from being reimbursed for legal fees accrued in their defense against retaliation claims by whistleblowers. And in another bipartisan achievement, this year’s national defense bill includes a plan by McCaskill and Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa to further curb sexual assault in the military. McCaskill and Ernst—both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee—introduced the bipartisan Military Retaliation Prevention Act targeting stubbornly high rates of survivors who report that they have been retaliated against by their peers after coming forward. Those rates of experienced retaliation remain high, even as the number of assaults has dropped and reporting by victims has gone up, following a slate of historic reforms overhauling the military justice system. McCaskill and Ernst’s retaliation provision was part of sweeping legislation approved by Congress and on its way to the President—shaped by McCaskill—that also includes provisions to fund the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, mental health resources for the National Guard, and resources for construction at Fort Leonard Wood, among other defense priorities. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/accountability to read more about McCaskill’s fight for stronger accountability in Washington. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/following-mccaskill-advocacy-nearly-30-million-infusion_announced-for-north-st-louis-city-revitalization-efforts,"Following McCaskill Advocacy, Nearly $30 Million Infusion Announced for North St. Louis City Revitalization Efforts",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following McCaskill Advocacy, Nearly $30 Million Infusion Announced for North St. Louis City Revitalization Efforts Senator wrote and spoke directly to U.S. Housing Secretary in weeks leading up to decision to award $29.5 million in grant funding for City of St. Louis through Choice Neighborhoods program Monday, December 12, 2016 ST. LOUIS – Following sustained support and advocacy from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, today she joined the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and local leaders to announce the award of $29.5 million in grant funding for the City of St. Louis through the Choice Neighborhoods program. The city’s selection by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will fund revitalization efforts in North St. Louis. Click HERE for an image from today’s event. “This is great news for St. Louis—this funding will be a huge economic boon to the community and will go a long way to help revitalize the enormous potential in some of our struggling neighborhoods, ” McCaskill said. “I’m grateful to join with the many folks on the ground who have worked so hard building a strong coalition on behalf of our city.” McCaskill has been a strong advocate for the city’s application. In the final weeks of deliberation, McCaskill spoke with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro to reiterate her strong support. Earlier this fall after being named a finalist, McCaskill sent a letter to Secretary Castro on behalf of St. Louis’ application where she stated, “The Choice Neighborhood grant would direct resources to poverty stricken residential areas [near the new National Geospatial Intelligence Agency site] and ensure that the redevelopment and economic growth can extend to and benefit these longtime St. Louis residents.” In September, with strong support from McCaskill, St. Louis was named a finalist for the prestigious Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The application put forth by the City was selected as one of the top five out of 34 cities for its development of a viable, feasible plan for the transformation of the Near North Side neighborhood and focused on health, education, public safety, social services, job training, entrepreneurship, housing, and neighborhood enhancements. McCaskill has been a leading advocate for continued revitalization efforts for the City of St. Louis and surrounding regions. Working closely with the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, McCaskill supported the designation of St. Louis as a Promise Zone —a partnership between the federal government and the community to boost economic development, reduce crime, leverage private investment, and improve educational opportunities. Additionally, she helped secure a $5 million grant to create approximately 3,000 jobs for St. Louis youth. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/jobs to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to expand Missouri jobs. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/video/view/mccaskill-i-wont-support-this-bill-that-leaves-retired-miners-and-their-widows-out-in-the-cold,McCaskill: ‘I won't support this bill that leaves retired miners and their widows out in the cold’,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As 16,300 retired American coal miners and their families face a loss of healthcare and pensions promised to them, Republican leaders in the U.S. House and Senate have refused to act on a bipartisan plan to address the crisis. Now time has run out, and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today announced she will vote against Congress’ final legislation this year—a government spending bill—after Republican leaders refused to include the bipartisan Miners Protection Act in the legislation. McCaskill cited a letter she received from Billy Hull, a retired coal miner with nearly 30 years working at the Peabody Coal Power Mine near Montrose, Missouri. Mr. Hull wrote to McCaskill earlier this year, saying in part: “My wife Earlene is a 2 time cancer survivor and I suffered a stroke in 2012. If we lose our benefits it will be hard for us to afford our medicine cost. Due to the bankruptcy of both Peabody Coal Co. and the Patriot Coal Company the Patriot VEBA fund will be exhausted in late 2016 leaving us without pension and healthcare benefits…” “Here’s the question Americans should always be asking every member of Congress: who are you fighting for?” McCaskill said. “Billy Hull is who I’m fighting for. Passing a bipartisan fix for these miners would mean they won’t have to spend the holidays terrified of losing their healthcare. Missouri’s own Harry Truman—whose Senate seat I hold today—made a promise to these coal miners when he was President. I’m fighting to keep his promise. “I’ve been hearing Republican leaders in the U.S. House complain that they’ve already left Washington, D.C. to get home early for Christmas—so the government funding bill they approved and sent to the Senate, though it only includes a 4-month extension for these miners’ healthcare, will just have to be good enough,” McCaskill added. “Well, I don’t know who these U.S. House Republicans are fighting for, but it’s not working Americans like Billy Hull and the thousands like him whose blood, sweat, and tears powered our nation for generations, and yet don’t have the peace of mind that those members of the U.S. House are blessed with.” On December 31, thousands of retired miners and their widows are scheduled to lose their health insurance. Congressional Republicans included a four-month extension of this insurance in the spending bill—barely giving the miners another month of coverage before they would receive a 90-day notice of cancellation. McCaskill is pushing for certainty for these retirees and their families with the permanent health insurance solutions in the Miners Protection Act, so they aren’t facing the loss of their insurance every few months. McCaskill also highlighted President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated statements of support for America’s coal miners, and called on him to urge Republican leaders in the U.S. House and Senate to address the pending crisis. Two years ago, McCaskill was the only member of the Missouri Congressional delegation to vote against a sprawling, $1 trillion end-of-year spending package. Tucked into that “omnibus” spending bill was a provision allowing for deep cuts to retiree benefits for 32,000 Missourians participating in the Central States Pension Plan. McCaskill is a strong supporter and cosponsor of the Keep Our Pension Promises Act, which would repeal the law that allows for massive pension cuts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/ec-from-dc/the-golden-rule,The Golden Rule,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"The ancient Greek rhetorician, Isocrates, not to be confused with classical Greek philosopher, Socrates, taught his students the following: “Do not do to others that which angers you when they do it to you.” Confucius, the influential Chinese philosopher, is credited with having said, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” Epictetus, from the School of Stoicism said, “Do unto others whatever you would like them to do to you.” There are similar precepts found in The Book of Certitude of the Baha’i faith, The Talmud, The Koran, and The Mahabharata. Scholars and theologians have labeled these words of virtue, the Golden Rule, or ethic of reciprocity. No matter which oracle or sage first uttered these words, this powerful moral directive is exactly what the next president and congress must embrace for the sake of this country. In fact, Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, said “We might come closer to balancing the budget if all of us (congress and the president) lived closer to The Commandments and the Golden Rule.” He was right. Promulgating and practicing the Golden Rule means that we are, with great intentionality, regulating our public conduct that we may not do or say anything that we wouldn’t want done or said against us. In considering this magnificent ideal, I have concluded that I may not have control over the economy or interest rates or gasoline prices but I have absolute control over me. Therefore, I will regulate my congressional conduct, in compliance with the Golden Rule. I will not attend any meeting in any hotel or elsewhere to plot the failure of the President-elect. I will not join others in congress to purposely cause legislative gridlock because I would not want it done to a democrat in the White House. If the president succeeds, I succeed for I am a citizen of this country. I have children and grandchildren that matter deeply to me. Therefore, it would be an act of political self-mutilation to want any president to fail. If the President-elect fails, it will negatively impact my children and my children’s children. In disagreement with some democratic activists, with whom I share much in common, I will not seek to delegitimize the next first lady by questioning her immigration status. There is nothing, absolutely nothing or no one that can compel me to rudely disrupt the President’s State of the Union address. As a person who has delivered several thousand sermons and speeches, I am always prepared for unmannerly and uncivil interruptions, but it would certainly have an unpleasant taste. The whole world is watching the United States so we should watch what we say and what we do. As the world’s most expansive democracy, we have a responsibility to kindle a bright light for would-be and fledgling self-rule governments to mirror.  No matter how tempting, I will not refer to the Republican Party as the Repub party. In addition to the fact that the Repub Party like the Democrat Party is grammatically incorrect, the founders of the Republican Party named itself such. Why would I call an individual political party or an organization anything different from what they prefer? If Ferdinand L. Alcindor prefers to be called Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, why would I call him Kar or any other name? Why would I use a political party’s name as an epithet other than for the purpose of being childishly negative or hostile? I would never want that done to me, therefore, I will not do it to others. The most significant building block necessary to develop a federal government that actually inspires peace and tolerance across our bifurcated country is the practice of the Golden Rule. The wrong-headed D.C. belief that whomever holds the gold makes the rule has not proved workable and is dangerously divisive, even in the world’s greatest democracy. The main guidepost to our estranged political parties should be the Golden Rule. In fact, the Golden Rule is the Mount McKinley (highest point in the U.S.) of our remarkable republic.   Warmly, Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-on-spending-bill-just-like-i-couldnt-support-a_bill-that-gutted-workers-pensions-i-wont-support-this-bill-that--leaves-retired-miners-and-their-widows-out-in-the-cold-,"McCaskill on Spending Bill: ‘Just like I couldn’t support a bill that gutted workers’ pensions, I won’t support this bill that leaves retired miners and their widows out in the cold’",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill on Spending Bill: ‘Just like I couldn’t support a bill that gutted workers’ pensions, I won’t support this bill that leaves retired miners and their widows out in the cold’ With thousands of miners and families facing loss of healthcare and pensions, McCaskill announces opposition to government spending bill after Republican leaders in the U.S. House and Senate refuse to act on the bipartisan Miners Protection Act Friday, December 9, 2016 WASHINGTON – As 16,300 retired American coal miners and their families face a loss of healthcare and pensions promised to them, Republican leaders in the U.S. House and Senate have refused to act on a bipartisan plan to address the crisis. Now time has run out, and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today announced she will vote against Congress’ final legislation this year—a government spending bill—after Republican leaders refused to include the bipartisan Miners Protection Act in the legislation. McCaskill cited a letter she received from Billy Hull, a retired coal miner with nearly 30 years working at the Peabody Coal Power Mine near Montrose, Missouri. Mr. Hull wrote to McCaskill earlier this year, saying in part: “My wife Earlene is a 2 time cancer survivor and I suffered a stroke in 2012. If we lose our benefits it will be hard for us to afford our medicine cost. Due to the bankruptcy of both Peabody Coal Co. and the Patriot Coal Company the Patriot VEBA fund will be exhausted in late 2016 leaving us without pension and healthcare benefits…” “Here’s the question Americans should always be asking every member of Congress: who are you fighting for?” McCaskill said. “Billy Hull is who I’m fighting for. Passing a bipartisan fix for these miners would mean they won’t have to spend the holidays terrified of losing their healthcare. Missouri’s own Harry Truman—whose Senate seat I hold today—made a promise to these coal miners when he was President. I’m fighting to keep his promise. “I’ve been hearing Republican leaders in the U.S. House complain that they’ve already left Washington, D.C. to get home early for Christmas—so the government funding bill they approved and sent to the Senate, though it only includes a 4-month extension for these miners’ healthcare, will just have to be good enough,” McCaskill added. “Well, I don’t know who these U.S. House Republicans are fighting for, but it’s not working Americans like Billy Hull and the thousands like him whose blood, sweat, and tears powered our nation for generations, and yet don’t have the peace of mind that those members of the U.S. House are blessed with.” On December 31, thousands of retired miners and their widows are scheduled to lose their health insurance. Congressional Republicans included a four-month extension of this insurance in the spending bill—barely giving the miners another month of coverage before they would receive a 90-day notice of cancellation. McCaskill is pushing for certainty for these retirees and their families with the permanent health insurance solutions in the Miners Protection Act, so they aren’t facing the loss of their insurance every few months. McCaskill also highlighted President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated statements of support for America’s coal miners, and called on him to urge Republican leaders in the U.S. House and Senate to address the pending crisis. Two years ago, McCaskill was the only member of the Missouri Congressional delegation to vote against a sprawling, $1 trillion end-of-year spending package. Tucked into that “omnibus” spending bill was a provision allowing for deep cuts to retiree benefits for 32,000 Missourians participating in the Central States Pension Plan. McCaskill is a strong supporter and cosponsor of the Keep Our Pension Promises Act, which would repeal the law that allows for massive pension cuts. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-joins-representatives-in-charge-to-protect-pensions,Congressman Cleaver Joins Representatives in Charge to Protect Pensions,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II joined 40 other U.S. Representatives in a letter to House leaders regarding future pensions. The charge led by U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur, Rick Nolan and Cheri Bustos urged House Leadership to reject any proposal attacking the hard-earned pension benefits of retirees and workers added as a rider to any end-of-year legislation. Congressman Cleaver is pleased to announce that the effort was successful in keeping harmful provisions out of appropriations legislation.  “When I spoke with and listened to hundreds of retirees earlier this year in a town hall meeting, who were in fear of facing dramatic cuts to their pensions, the only thing I could think of was how did this happen. I believe one of the problems involved last minute budget moves. We can’t let that happen again,” said Congressman Cleaver. The lawmakers urged House Leadership to reject House Education and Workforce Chairman John Kline’s draft composite pension proposal, because the proposal has not been fully debated in Congress. House leaders responded and the proposal failed. Congressman Cleaver has been working on behalf of retirees, and specifically those with the Central States Pension Fund, since 2015. Hundreds of retirees have written to his office regarding the future stability of the Fund. This February Congressman Cleaver held a town hall meeting in his district in Kansas City, Missouri and invited U.S. Department of Treasury’s Special Executive to Compensation, Ken Feinberg to listen to the retirees’ concerns.  He also sent a letter to the Department of Justice requesting a formal investigation into the management of the Central States Pension Fund to determine if there was any fraudulent or mishandling of funds. At least 32,000 retirees would be affected in Missouri by any cuts to the Central States Pension Fund. The full text of the letter is available below:   December 5, 2016 The Honorable Paul D. Ryan Speaker U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Majority Leader U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Steny Hoyer Minority Whip U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515  Dear Speaker Ryan, Majority Leader McCarthy, Minority Leader Pelosi, and Minority Whip Hoyer,  We write to express grave concern over the possible inclusion of pension reform legislation to “modernize multiemployer pensions” in any must-pass, end-of-year legislative vehicle, particularly a budgetary continuing resolution. Just two years ago, at the last minute and behind closed doors, a similar negotiation unfolded and resulted in the inclusion of the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) in the 2014 Cromnibus. We are deeply troubled to hear this may happen again with pension legislation that would have significant consequences to American workers and retirees. In September 2016, House Education & Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline revealed a discussion draft and held one hearing on a “Discussion Draft to Modernize Multiemployer Pensions,” which would change funding rules for pension plans to allow the creation of “composite” multiemployer plans. The composite plans would combine elements of defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. Although we commend Chairman Kline for his commitment and desire to address the looming challenges of retirement security in America, to include this proposal in must-pass legislation without a formal introduction, in addition to no Committee markup, floor debate, or independent floor vote, is unacceptable. On such critical life issues as retirement and financial security, we seek to be involved in the creation of the legislative proposal and engage in a transparent debate through regular process.  We are in full agreement that Congress must address the multiemployer retirement savings crisis and that tough choices will likely be required. However, we cannot blindly accept a proposal that has been through almost zero regular order and which permits employers and pension funds to transition to new plans that may put existing “legacy” plans that already face funding challenges at greater risk. Although Chairman Kline assures his proposal is good for employers, workers, retirees, and taxpayers, the current circumstances multiemployer pension funds in America face is a zero-sum situation and a result of circumstances beyond the control of workers and retirees. Again, as we saw with MPRA, retirees are asked to bear the brunt of this policy’s proposals, with almost no input. Concerns[1] have already arisen that his new proposal provides inadequate funding for new composite plans and will weaken the funding base for existing plans. The proposal will not only put retirees’ pensions at risk, but will reduce premium payments and add significant new liabilities to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s already underfunded multiemployer insurance program. Following the unacceptable inclusion of MPRA in the 2014 Cromnibus deal, we continue to hear extensively from constituent retirees whose retirement security is at stake. These hardworking Americans deserve a fair, thorough and open legislative process where their interests are weighed and heard. Given the limited time since Chairman Kline unveiled his proposal and its subsequent limited review and process, we firmly assert that its inclusion in any must-pass legislation is intolerable. Thank you for your consideration of our request.  For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov. Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cleaver-graves-announce-passage-of-a-water-infrastructure,"Congressmen Cleaver, Graves Announce Passage of a Water Infrastructure Bill",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2016 Water Resources Development Act bill, S.612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.  This bill authorizes water resources development projects to be carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and also authorizes funding to address the Flint water crisis. Several flood protection projects in the Kansas City area are included in the final House bill.  In a successful bi-partisan effort, Missouri Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-05) and Sam Graves (R- 06) advocated for the inclusion of these Kansas City projects in WRDA, which authorizes flood control and other water infrastructure projects conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers. “I am pleased to see the passage of the 2016 WRDA bill, S.612. This bill contains several flood control projects that are imperative for Kansas City area. I’m pleased that Congressman Graves and I were able to work together to advocate for these improvements that will help protect families and businesses against the devastation of floods,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Proper maintenance of the Missouri River affects everyone and everything in the Kansas City area,” Rep. Graves said. “Over the past year, Congressman Cleaver and I have worked to highlight the importance of levee systems that protect thousands of homes and millions of dollars in economic activity across our region. I am pleased to see those projects prioritized here, ensuring KC has the best possible defense against floods that could threaten lives and devastate local business.” Congressman Graves continued.  The target areas in Kansas City that would receive significant improvements are; Turkey Creek Basin Flood Project – Increased authorization to $156.1 million for the final phases would widen the channel, relocate bridges, and include tunnel modifications to finish the project. Turkey Creek flows 15 miles through the Kansas City metro, and its frequent flooding poses serious risks to loss of life and residential and commercial areas. Blue River Basin Project in the Dodson Industrial District – Increased authorization to $48.4 million for the final phase would complete this project and would include a 6,800 foot levee floodwall along the north bank of the Blue River, protecting over $380 million in property investment and the 1,500 people who work in the area. Armourdale and Central Industrial District Levees –Authorization of $328.1 million to start construction of Phase II of the project. These levees cover 60 miles along the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, providing critical flood project to the economic heart of Kansas City.  The project protects over 5,000 structures totaling over $20 billion in investments, plus serving as home to 24,000 people. Swope Park Industrial Area – Increased authorization to $32.4 million to complete the project.  Swope Park Industrial Area is a 50-acre business park with multiple companies and over 400 employees. The site sits along the Blue River, and only one access road exists into the park. The project will provide flooding relief and create a permanent safe passage for workers in and out of the industrial area. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov.  Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-shaped-defense-bill-set-to-become-law-includes-key-missouri-priorities,"McCaskill-shaped Defense Bill Set to Become Law, Includes Key Missouri Priorities",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill-shaped Defense Bill Set to Become Law, Includes Key Missouri Priorities Funding for National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Fort Leonard Wood construction, and plans for retaliation-prevention and mental health treatment for National Guard, included in annual defense bill Thursday, December 8, 2016 WASHINGTON – Sweeping legislation approved by Congress and on its way to the President—and shaped by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill—includes provisions to fund the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, mental health resources for the National Guard, McCaskill’s bipartisan retaliation-prevention plan, and resources for construction at Fort Leonard Wood, among other defense priorities. The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the nation’s defense funding and priorities, was approved today by the U.S. Senate and now heads to the President’s desk, where it is expected to become law. “One of the most important parts of my job is ensuring we’re keeping this country strong and retaining Missouri’s leadership in our national defense—and this sweeping legislation helps achieve both goals,” said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “We’ve got a clear blueprint for our national security needs that will help boost Missouri’s already critical role in our nation’s defense and help enhance America’s capabilities at home and abroad.” The annual defense bill included several of McCaskill’s priorities, such as: Funding for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, which McCaskill successfully advocated at the highest levels of government to remain in St. Louis. The Military Retaliation Prevention Act—McCaskill’s bipartisan legislation with Republican Senator Joni Ernst to target the stubbornly high rates of survivors who report that they have been retaliated against by their peers after coming forward to report a sexual assault. A $9.5 million increase to fund mental health providers for members of the Army National Guard—a provision endorsed by the National Guard Association of the United States. $6.9 million for a firehouse at Fort Leonard Wood. A mandatory review of the behavioral health and suicide prevention programs of the military services. Pre-separation counseling that includes information on alcohol, prescription drug, opioid, and other substance abuse issues. Urging funding for the European Reassurance Initiative be in the base defense budget, rather than included in a budget gimmick in military spending bills meant to avoid federal spending caps set by Congress. Establishing a permanent prohibition on infrastructure projects in Afghanistan that can’t be accessed by oversight personnel. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/defense to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to protect our national security. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/civility-message/listening-to-each-other,Listening to Each Other,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, Believe it or not, during my high school years, I was a squeaky tenor in the Harry T. Burleigh a cappella choir, named in honor of the African American composer, arranger, and baritone soloist. The director of the well synchronized choir was Mrs. Gwendolyn Jackson, an accomplished contralto in her own right. Mrs. Jackson use to tell us during rehearsals, “Boys and girls, if you can’t hear the voice of the singers around you, it means that you are too loud.” There are many things that contribute to the lack of functionality but few are easier to identify than the failure to hear other voices. During committee hearings and even during floor debate, it is noticeable that Members don’t tend to listen for comprehension but rather for reciprocation. For those who are married or in a long time relationship, you know that you can’t just listen to the spoken words of your partner. You must listen to their spirit to determine what they are really saying. Shortly after I was first elected, I went to the floor to listen to a bill under debate. It was shocking for me, a former mayor, to hear people debating a bill as if they were arguing two separate pieces of legislation. Obviously, they thought they were engaging in a discussion of the same bill. Had they listened to each other they would have realized that they were not listening, they were simply waiting for their turn to talk. A man bragged that he had the finest hearing aid known to humankind. A friend asked what kind is it. He replied, “Oh, my watch says about 3:15.”   Warmest Regards, Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-speaks-to-incoming-university-of-missouri-system-president,McCaskill Speaks to Incoming University of Missouri System President,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Speaks to Incoming University of Missouri System President Senator welcomes President-designate Mun Choi to University of Missouri Tuesday, December 6, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill spoke with incoming University of Missouri President Mun Choi during an introductory phone call, welcoming him to the University of Missouri system and discussing areas to work together on behalf of students. “I was glad to have the opportunity to get to know Dr. Choi better,” said McCaskill, a graduate of the University of Missouri. “I’m looking forward to working together on our shared priorities to continue the University of Missouri’s long tradition of excellence for its students, faculty, and staff.” McCaskill has been a longtime advocate for Missouri students, recently working with the University of Missouri and the Obama Administration to ensure graduate teaching assistants were able to keep their health benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, McCaskill introduced the Campus Accountability and Safety Act to combat sexual assault on college and university campuses by protecting and empowering students, strengthening accountability and transparency for institutions, and holding perpetrators accountable. The legislation is informed by feedback McCaskill heard when she traveled across Missouri, visiting 10 different campuses and speaking with representatives from nearly 50 colleges and universities, including the University of Missouri. Dr. Choi currently serves as provost and executive vice president at the University of Connecticut. He will succeed Interim President Michael Middleton on March 1, 2017 as the 24th president of the University of Missouri System. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/education to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to educate young Missourians. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/pentagon-cover-up-mccaskill-vows-investigation-to-get-to-the-bottom_of-buried-study-detailing-125-billion-in-waste,Pentagon Cover-Up: McCaskill Vows Investigation to ‘get to the bottom’ of Buried Study Detailing $125 Billion in Waste,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Pentagon Cover-Up: McCaskill Vows Investigation to ‘get to the bottom’ of Buried Study Detailing $125 Billion in Waste Following Washington Post exposé, Senator—soon to be top-ranking Democrat on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs panel—demands full report and accompanying data from Defense Department McCaskill: ‘Pentagon played Congress and the American public for fools’ Tuesday, December 6, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill—soon to be the top-ranking Democrat on Congress’s leading oversight panel—is vowing an investigation after a Washington Post exposé detailing how the Department of Defense buried an internal study that exposed $125 billion in administrative waste in its business operations amid fears Congress would use the findings as an excuse to slash the defense budget. According to the Washington Post: “Pentagon leaders had requested the study to help make their enormous back-office bureaucracy more efficient and reinvest any savings in combat power. But after the project documented far more wasteful spending than expected, senior defense officials moved swiftly to kill it by discrediting and suppressing the results.” “If this is true, the Pentagon played Congress and the American public for fools,” said McCaskill, who in January will become the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, and is also a senior member of the Armed Services Committee. “It would mean that while some in Congress were busy debating cuts to vital services, furloughing employees, and threatening working peoples’ pensions, the Department of Defense literally knew it could save the American people billions and billions of dollars in bureaucratic waste, and instead, they buried it. I vow to get to the bottom of this.” McCaskill’s office contacted the Defense Department early Tuesday to demand a full copy of the buried study along with the background data. McCaskill has consistently used her position as Senator to root out misconduct and abuse of power in federal agencies: She waged a successful six-year battle to rein in wasteful wartime contracting practices in Iraq and Afghanistan, and ultimately passed into law the most expansive reforms to wartime contracting practices since World War II She spearheaded investigations into poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and into management at Arlington National Cemetery following disclosures of mismarked gravesites—both of which resulted in resignations of senior officials, and legislation She investigated into the General Services Administration, after a Las Vegas conference that cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, and secured the resignations of senior officials while introducing legislation to prevent such waste in the future And she led a probe that resulted in the resignation of an Assistant Secretary of Labor for circumventing rules and regulations to secure government contracts for friends and colleagues Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/accountability to read more about McCaskill’s fight for stronger accountability in Washington. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/voicing-support-for-29-million-for-north-st-louis-city-revitalization-efforts-mccaskill-appeals-directly-to-housing-and-urban-development-secretary-,"Voicing Support for $29 Million for North St. Louis City Revitalization Efforts, McCaskill Appeals Directly to Housing & Urban Development Secretary",2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Voicing Support for $29 Million for North St. Louis City Revitalization Efforts, McCaskill Appeals Directly to Housing & Urban Development Secretary City is finalist for up to $29.5 million in grant funding through Choice Neighborhoods program Tuesday, December 6, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today voiced her strong support for the City of St. Louis in its application for up to $29.5 million in grant funding through the Choice Neighborhoods program, speaking with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro to urge consideration of the city’s application for revitalization efforts in North St. Louis. “As our vibrant city continues to expand, these critical resources would go a long way to help revitalize the enormous potential in some of our struggling neighborhoods,” McCaskill said. “I’m confident that the strong partnerships on the ground in St. Louis would ensure these funds have a transformative impact on the Near North Side community, and I hope the Administration will support what we in St. Louis already know—that this program would be an enormous economic boon to the neighborhood and the surrounding community.” In a letter McCaskill sent last month to Secretary Castro in support of St. Louis’ application she stated, “The Choice Neighborhood grant would direct resources to poverty stricken residential areas [near the new National Geospatial Intelligence Agency site] and ensure that the redevelopment and economic growth can extend to and benefit these longtime St. Louis residents.” In September, with strong support from McCaskill, St. Louis was named a finalist for the prestigious Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The application put forth by the City was selected as one of the top five out of 34 cities for its development of a viable, feasible plan for the transformation of the Near North Side and focused on health, education, public safety, social services, job training, entrepreneurship, housing, and neighborhood enhancements. McCaskill has been a strong advocate for continued revitalization efforts for the City of St. Louis and surrounding regions. Working closely with the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, McCaskill supported the designation of St. Louis as a Promise Zone —a partnership between the federal government and the community to boost economic development, reduce crime, leverage private investment, and improve educational opportunities. Additionally, she helped secure a $5 million grant to create approximately 3,000 jobs for St. Louis youth. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/jobs to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to expand Missouri jobs. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/breaking-us-house-approves-mccaskill-whistleblower-protection-bill-heads-to-presidents-desk-,"BREAKING: U.S. House Approves McCaskill Whistleblower Protection Bill, Heads to President’s Desk",2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BREAKING: U.S. House Approves McCaskill Whistleblower Protection Bill, Heads to President’s Desk Senator, longtime advocate for strengthening accountability in government, extending protections for those who raise the alarm on waste, has worked to protect whistleblowers at federal agencies & extend protections for contractors, grantees, subcontractors and subgrantees Monday, December 5, 2016 WASHINGTON – In another step toward strengthening accountability in government, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s Senate-approved legislation to extend whistleblower protections has been approved today by the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. McCaskill’s bill would extend and make permanent current whistleblower protections to nearly all federal government grantees, subgrantees, contractors and subcontractors, as well as prohibit contractors from being reimbursed for legal fees accrued in their defense against retaliation claims by whistleblowers. “We’ve got an enormous contracting workforce in the federal government, and we’ve got to make sure that all of our contractors have the same whistleblower protections as the government employees they work alongside—because these folks are the ones raising the alarm on waste, fraud, and abuse of power,” said McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor who was just named the top-ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the top committee for oversight and accountability in government. “Now that this legislation is finally headed to the President’s desk, these whistleblowers get the long-overdue protections they deserve, enabling them to act as the eyes and ears of taxpayers across the federal government.” Currently, whistleblower protections apply only to contractors, grant recipients, subcontractors, but not to employees of subgrantees, even though the federal government distributes billions in grant funding each year, much of which gets passed through to other organizations. McCaskill’s legislation also makes permanent existing civilian contractor and grantee whistleblower protections, which are currently set to expire next year. In 2015, McCaskill successfully included a provision in the annual defense bill extending whistleblower protections to all Department of Defense contractors, subcontractors, grantees and subgrantees. In September, McCaskill introduced legislation to expand protections for whistleblowers after a recent government watchdog report, completed at McCaskill’s request, detailed examples of retaliation and intimidation against whistleblowers by contractors at the Department of Energy—which has the largest civilian contracting workforce in the federal government. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/accountability to read more about McCaskill’s fight for stronger accountability in Washington.  ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-restore-buy-america-plan-to-use-us-workers-and-materials-in-us-construction-projects,McCaskill: Restore ‘Buy America’ Plan to use U.S. Workers & Materials in U.S. Construction Projects,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill: Restore ‘Buy America’ Plan to use U.S. Workers & Materials in U.S. Construction Projects In dispute between President-elect Trump and U.S. House Republican leadership, McCaskill joins bipartisan push in Senate to restore a plan, stripped by U.S. House Republicans, to require American-made steel and iron be used in infrastructure projects funded Monday, December 5, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill has joined a bipartisan push in the Senate to boost American jobs, demanding that ‘Buy America’ provisions requiring U.S. workers and materials be used in construction projects, be restored to a national water infrastructure bill, after they were removed by U.S. House Republicans. McCaskill said that the U.S. House leadership’s move to strip the provisions would send American tax dollars to foreign companies at the expense of U.S. iron and steel producers and workers across the country. “When Americans’ tax dollars are spent on critical infrastructure needs in America, the companies doing the work should hire American workers and buy American steel—they shouldn’t be spending those tax dollars on foreign resources,” McCaskill said. “Doubling the economic boost from these projects seems like common sense to me—and President-elect Trump has made clear he supports the idea, too. I can’t for the life of me figure out why Republican leaders in the U.S. House refuse to get on board to buy and hire American.” The ‘Buy America’ provision was approved by the Senate with broad bipartisan support in the Water Resources Development Act, but struck during negotiations with U.S. House Republican leadership. This decision runs counter to President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment last week in Cincinnati where he said about infrastructure spending, “We will have two simple rules when it comes to this massive rebuilding effort: Buy American and hire American.” McCaskill has consistently advocated for American and Missourian manufacturing. Earlier this year, after urging from McCaskill on behalf of Missouri manufacturers Bull Moose Tube Company and EXLTUBE, the International Trade Commission voted 4-2 to level the playing field for Missouri and U.S. manufacturers by finalizing duties against foreign steel pipe and tubing producers found to be illegally dumping in the international market. Last year, McCaskill worked with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio to pass the Federal Permitting Improvement Act which streamlined and sped up the federal permitting process for the largest and most complex projects. Her work to pass this legislation was cited by Daniel Mehan, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry as, “a real breath of fresh air for infrastructure around the country.” She has also worked to eliminate a redundant pesticide approvals process for Missouri’s farmers and ranchers, opposed the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule saying it “goes too far,” prevented burdensome regulations on St. Louis-based manufacturer Unico Systems, led a successful fight against unnecessary EPA regulations that would have negatively impacted Ste. Genevieve-based manufacturer Holcim, and won a victory for supermarkets, grocery stores, and similar retail locations by securing a one-year delay in new menu labeling requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Full text of letter HERE.   McCaskill’s Work to Cut Red Tape and Support Jobs McCaskill has consistently fought to curb unnecessary or unreasonable federal rules and regulations: Passed into law Federal Permitting Improvement Act, that streamlines and speeds up the federal permitting process for the largest and most complex projects, which were laden with an uncoordinated federal review process. Introduced bipartisan legislation for state and local governments struggling to meet federal ozone standards that would provide a “pragmatic and reasonable” option for regulators to meet the goals and avoid being saddled with a potentially economically damaging “nonattainment” status. Introduced bipartisan legislation for state and local governments struggling to meet federal ozone standards that would provide a “pragmatic and reasonable” option to those localities Won a victory for supermarkets, grocery stores, and similar retail locations by securing a one-year delay in new menu labeling requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Led a successful fight against unnecessary EPA regulations that would have negatively impacted Ste. Genevieve-based manufacturer Holcim Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/jobs to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to expand Missouri jobs. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/ec-from-dc/a-huge-impact,A Huge Impact,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"A development this week in Washington D.C. could have a huge impact on many families in my district and around the country. Earlier this week, the House considered H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act. This bill includes three parts; bipartisan 21st Century Cures provisions, bipartisan Mental Health Reform, and various bipartisan Medicare-related provisions. The 21st Century Cures bill dedicates $6.3 billion over 10 years for medical research, opioid prevention and FDA innovation.      The Cancer Moonshot program spearheaded by Vice President Biden will receive $1.8 billion to increase access to cancer therapies, improve our ability to prevent cancer and detect it earlier. H.R. 34 also establishes a new grant program for adult suicide prevention and crisis response, updates critical mental health and substance abuse programs, and improves treatment options for serious mental illnesses.      Although I have concerns about some aspects of the bill, particularly some of the funding revoked for other prevention programs, the bill is overall very encouraging. The opioid abuse prevention and treatment projects and the mental health reforms are all promising changes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids have killed more than 28,000 people in 2014 - that’s more than any other year on record. At least half of those overdoses involved prescription opioids. In recent years, Missouri has seen a significant increase in heroin overdoses according to the state Department of Health and Senior Services, from 69 cases in 2007 to 244 in 2011.          This is an example of both sides of Congress working together to address an issue that has plagued hundreds of families struggling with addiction and mental illness. Warmly, Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/breaking-defense-bill-to-include-mccaskill-ernst_bipartisan-plan-to-further-curb-sexual-assault-in-military,BREAKING: Defense Bill to Include McCaskill-Ernst Bipartisan Plan to Further Curb Sexual Assault in Military,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BREAKING: Defense Bill to Include McCaskill-Ernst Bipartisan Plan to Further Curb Sexual Assault in Military Final version of this year’s defense bill to include bipartisan Military Retaliation Prevention Act— building on recent reforms to better combat peer-to-peer retaliation against victims who report Thursday, December 1, 2016 WASHINGTON – In another bipartisan achievement, this year’s national defense bill will include a plan by U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Joni Ernst of Iowa to further curb sexual assault in the military. McCaskill and Ernst—both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee—introduced the bipartisan Military Retaliation Prevention Act targeting stubbornly high rates of survivors who report that they have been retaliated against by their peers after coming forward. Those rates of experienced retaliation remain high, even as the number of assaults has dropped and reporting by victims has gone up, following a slate of historic reforms overhauling the military justice system. The legislation, which was included in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act earlier this year has now been included in the final version negotiated with the U.S. House. “This is just another step in what's been an historic overhaul strengthening how our military handles these crimes,” said McCaskill, a former prosecutor of sex crimes. “We’ve worked hard to empower survivors to report these crimes and come out of the shadows, and to hold commanders accountable. This plan will offer new tools to help bring down the stubborn rates of retaliation against survivors who report and speak up.” “The inclusion of our Military Retaliation Prevention Act in the NDAA is an important step forward in changing the culture surrounding sexual assault in the military,” said Ernst, the first female combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate. “Sexual assault anywhere and of any kind is absolutely unacceptable, and the survivors in our military should be empowered to come forward and report the attack, without fear of retaliation by their peers, so that we can work together to ensure these horrible acts are prosecuted fully and are not continued in our military.” The Senators’ bipartisan bill (summary available online HERE, and full bill text available online HERE) would target retaliation in a number of ways: Strengthen the military response by making retaliation its own unique offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (where retaliation is currently punishable under Article 92 of the UCMJ, a broader article to punish failure to obey an order or regulation) Increase transparency by requiring victims be notified of how their complaint was decided—and requiring the Pentagon collect and publish data on retaliation complaints. Require specific training for investigators, including all military criminal investigators, IG investigators, or any personnel assigned by commanders to investigate the complaints Ensure each of the services adopts best practices by establishing metrics for measuring the outcomes of their efforts to prevent and respond to instances of retaliation The Senators’ plan was informed by recommendations made by the Judicial Proceedings Panel (which is chaired by former Congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman, author of the federal rape shield law and former member of the Response Systems Panel) and the Military Justice Review Group. Initial data has demonstrated concrete progress in curbing sexual violence in the military as a result of reforms passed by Congress over the past few years. The Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military shows that incidents of unwanted sexual contact dropped by 29 percent from 2012 to 2014. The total number of reports (restricted and unrestricted) are up 11 percent from the previous year and up 70 percent from FY12. About 1 out of 4 survivors reported in FY14, up significantly from 1 out of 10 survivors reporting in FY12, and the highest reporting rate ever. Increased reporting occurred in all categories—unrestricted reports, restricted reports, and reports that survivors converted from restricted to unrestricted. And 82 percent of survivors surveyed agreed that their unit commander supported them, 73 percent were satisfied with their unit commander’s response, and 73 percent said they would recommend others report if they were a survivor of a sexual assault. However that same data found that 62 percent of the women who reported an incident of unwanted sexual contact reported experiencing some form of retaliation. The majority, 53 percent, categorized their experience as “social” retaliation. 32 percent indicated they experienced professional retaliation. The most recent Report on Sexual Assault in the Military showed that 68 percent of survey respondents indicated that they had experienced some sort of “negative reaction” to reporting a sexual assault. Among the more than 30 reforms already passed into law over the past few years: Commanders have been stripped of the ability to overturn convictions, and are now held accountable under rigorous new standards. Every survivor who reports a sexual assault now gets their own independent lawyer to protect their rights and fight for their interests—a reform that has no parallel in the civilian justice system. Civilian review is now required if a commander decides against a prosecution in a case in which a prosecutor wants to go to trial. Dishonorable discharge is now a required minimum sentence for anyone convicted of a sexual assault. The pre-trial “Article 32” process, which came under scrutiny following a case at the Naval Academy, has been reformed to better protect survivors. The statute of limitations in these cases has now been eliminated, a particularly important development in a sustained battle against sexual assaults. The “good soldier” defense for servicemembers accused of sexual assault has been eliminated under most circumstances. Survivors are now allowed formal input on whether their case is tried in military or civilian court. Sexual assault survivors are now allowed to challenge their discharge or separation from service. The role of the prosecutor in advising commanders on going to court-martial has been strengthened. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/nga-updatefollowing-mccaskill-advocacy-deal-reached-for_national-geospatial-intelligence-agency-land-acquisition,"NGA Update—Following McCaskill Advocacy, Deal Reached for National Geospatial Intelligence Agency Land Acquisition",2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NGA Update—Following McCaskill Advocacy, Deal Reached for National Geospatial Intelligence Agency Land Acquisition Senator spoke last month with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to highlight importance of the deal, following successful advocacy at highest levels of government for agency to keep its 3,000 employees in Missouri Thursday, December 1, 2016 WASHINGTON – After pushing for such a deal last month with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who successfully advocated at the highest levels of government for the selection of the north St. Louis site for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency’s new western headquarters—keeping its operations in Missouri—today released the following statement on the news that the city can now issue bonds to formally purchase land for the site: “NGA is now one step closer to breaking ground on its new St. Louis home, which will be a huge economic boon to a community that’s already making enormous economic strides and keeping our proud 72-year legacy on the front lines of American intelligence right here in Missouri.” McCaskill also advocated for the deal last month in a phone call with Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. The City of St. Louis today received its Major Land Acquisition Waiver, which allows the city to issue bonds to purchase land for the new site. McCaskill, a longtime advocate for keeping the NGA in Missouri, and had met directly with the NGA Director to discuss the merits of keeping its operations in the St. Louis region. She personally urged President Obama, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to recognize the North St. Louis site as the best place for NGA operations. McCaskill, along with Republican Senator Roy Blunt, recently penned an op-ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the importance of the NGA to Missouri. Last year, the two wrote to the director of the NGA, urging the agency to keep its operations in Missouri as it evaluated sites for the relocation of its St. Louis-based operation. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/defense to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to protect our national security.  ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-teams-up-with-southwest-missouri-advocate-to-highlight-incidents-of-elder-abuse,McCaskill Teams Up With Southwest Missouri Advocate to Highlight Incidents of Elder Abuse,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Teams Up With Southwest Missouri Advocate to Highlight Incidents of Elder Abuse Senator: We can’t allow those entrusted to protect seniors to abuse them Wednesday, November 30, 2016 WASHINGTON –-U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill was joined by Springfield-area advocate Jessica Kruse as she continued her bipartisan push to ensure that Missouri seniors are protected from neglect and abuse by legal guardians. Kruse, from Ozarks Elder Law in Springfield, Missouri testified at a McCaskill hearing today focusing on preventing abuse by individuals who are court-appointed guardians. The hearing took place in the Senate Aging Committee, which is led by McCaskill and Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine. Ms. Kruse discussed some of the challenges that local law enforcement and prosecutors in Missouri face when attempting to combat elder financial abuse. According to the most recent published statistics, the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services received over 17,000 initial reports of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors in one year. It’s unclear how many of these cases involve financial exploitation specifically. Pointing to a recent report recommending better inter-governmental communication, McCaskill asked, “The problem is, when Social Security finds out there is fraud they are not sharing that information with state courts, even though they share it with other federal agencies—what’s the rationale for that? The (Social Security Administration) have caught someone ripping someone off, what in the good lord’s name are they doing keeping that information from state authorities?” Last year McCaskill asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to update a report it issued in 2010 which found examples of serious abuse, particularly by individuals who make their livings as professional guardians. In conjunction with the hearing, GAO released its report titled “Elder Abuse: The Extent of Abuse by Guardians Is Unknown, but Some Measures Exist to Help Protect Older Adults.” The report described recent incidents of abuse, but also explained that data on this type of abuse is not closely tracked or collected and that greater effort in this area needs to be made in order to protect seniors.   In addition to Kruse, witnesses for the hearing included Kathryn Larin, Acting Director; Forensic Audit and Investigative Services Team, Government Accountability Office; Cate Boyko, Manager of the Minnesota Conservator Account Auditing Program; Jaye Martin, Maine Legal Services for the Elderly. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/seniors to learn more about McCaskill’s fight for seniors. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/video/view/mccaskill-teams-up-with-sw-missouri-advocate-to-highlight-incidents-of-elder-abuse,McCaskill Teams Up With SW Missouri Advocate to Highlight Incidents of Elder Abuse,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill was joined by Springfield-area advocate Jessica Kruse as she continued her bipartisan push to ensure that Missouri seniors are protected from neglect and abuse by legal guardians. Kruse, from Ozarks Elder Law in Springfield, Missouri testified at a McCaskill hearing today focusing on preventing abuse by individuals who are court-appointed guardians. The hearing took place in the Senate Aging Committee, which is led by McCaskill and Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine. Ms. Kruse discussed some of the challenges that local law enforcement and prosecutors in Missouri face when attempting to combat elder financial abuse. According to the most recent published statistics, the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services received over 17,000 initial reports of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors in one year. It’s unclear how many of these cases involve financial exploitation specifically. Pointing to a recent report recommending better inter-governmental communication, McCaskill asked, “The problem is, when Social Security finds out there is fraud they are not sharing that information with state courts, even though they share it with other federal agencies—what’s the rationale for that? The (Social Security Administration) have caught someone ripping someone off, what in the good lord’s name are they doing keeping that information from state authorities?” Last year McCaskill asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to update a report it issued in 2010 which found examples of serious abuse, particularly by individuals who make their livings as professional guardians. In conjunction with the hearing, GAO released its report titled “Elder Abuse: The Extent of Abuse by Guardians Is Unknown, but Some Measures Exist to Help Protect Older Adults.” The report described recent incidents of abuse, but also explained that data on this type of abuse is not closely tracked or collected and that greater effort in this area needs to be made in order to protect seniors. In addition to Kruse, witnesses for the hearing included Kathryn Larin, Acting Director; Forensic Audit and Investigative Services Team, Government Accountability Office; Cate Boyko, Manager of the Minnesota Conservator Account Auditing Program; Jaye Martin, Maine Legal Services for the Elderly.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/johnnie-johnson-from-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-to-congressional-gold-medal,Johnnie Johnson: From Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Congressional Gold Medal,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Johnnie Johnson: From Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Congressional Gold Medal Tuesday, November 29, 2016 By:  Art Holliday The late Johnnie Johnson was already a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Boogie Woogie Hall of Fame. Monday at the National Blues Museum in downtown St. Louis, Johnson became the latest recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress. Usually Johnson’s recognition came from his world class piano playing, but his latest honor came because of his World War II military service. Johnson was a Montford Point Marine, one of thousands of African Americans who endured racism and inspired social change by integrating the U.S. Marines Corps from 1942 to 1949. U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill co-sponsored the legislation to recognize the Montford Point Marines for their military service under difficult circumstances. Montford Point was the segregated North Carolina boot camp where black Marines trained separately from whites. “Johnnie Johnson signed up not only knowing he was risking his life for his country, but also that he would endure what most of the Montford Point Marines would endure: a lack of recognitions for their courage, not the embracing of them by fellow Marines many times, and cruelty many times,” said McCaskill during the ceremony. Johnnie Johnson died in 2005, so it was a bittersweet medal presentation for Johnson’s family members. “I wish he was here and I know he was here in spirit,” said Johnson’s widow Frances. “It makes me realize that he gave thought even before the music with his contribution to the country to help preserve what he wanted to do later in life.” Johnson’s longtime friend Bill Stalnaker traveled from Fairmont, WV, where he was the founder of the Johnnie Johnson Jazz and Blues Festival. “No way would I miss it. It’s quite an honor for him to get this Congressional Gold Medal.” In 2012, the Montford Point Marines were collectively recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal and since then, the Montford Point Marine Association worked to identify and locate eligible recipients and their families. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/mccaskill-well-look-at-any-government-agency-that-is-not-doing-their-job,McCaskill: We’ll look at any government agency that is not doing their job,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill: We’ll look at any government agency that is not doing their job Tuesday, November 29, 2016 By:  Brian Hauswirth Missouri’s senior U.S. Senator has been named as the top Democrat on a powerful committee. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill will be the ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. “This is a committee I’ve served on since I came to the Senate (in 2007), because I like to do oversight,” says McCaskill. “As a former (State) Auditor, I enjoy figuring out where the government is wasting people’s money, where the government is behaving badly.” McCaskill says her new position will expand her role in federal government oversight. The Committee Chair is U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin). Johnson was re-elected by Wisconsin voters this month to a second term, beating former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold (D). McCaskill says she and Chairman Johnson will look for ways to prevent government tax dollars from being wasted. “I have been an equal opportunity ‘get-after-em’ kind of senator. I have not hesitated to criticize the Obama administration, to criticize the Bush administration,” McCaskill says. The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has jurisdiction over the federal government’s operations and the Department of Homeland Security. “We’ll be looking at any government agency that is not doing their job, or doing it in a way that is unfair to taxpayers,” McCaskill tells Missourinet. “And it won’t matter to me whether that is in a Democratic administration or a Republican administration.” McCaskill says holding government accountable and better protecting Missourians’ safety have been “the bread and butter” of her Senate work. During her first term, McCaskill focused on what she calls wasteful wartime contracting practices in Iraq and Afghanistan, an effort that led to changes in law. McCaskill served for the past two years as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which is chaired by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio). Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/blues-legend-receives-honor-for-his-part-in-desegregating-nations-military-,Blues legend receives honor for his part in desegregating nation's military,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Blues legend receives honor for his part in desegregating nation's military Monday, November 28, 2016 By:  Jo Mannies Fans of blues legend Johnnie Clyde Johnson long have complained that – although a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – the native St. Louisan’s stellar musical talents were often unfairly overshadowed by others. As U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill put it, “He wasn’t quite as ‘showy’ as some of the other musicians he hung out with.” His low-key nature could explain why Johnson, who died in 2005, also didn’t dwell on another significant part of his life – as a member of the Montford Point Marines, the corps’ first African-American unit. It was set up during World War II – years before the U.S. military was finally ordered desegregated by then-President Harry S Truman in 1948. On Monday at the National Blues Museum, before a crowd of Johnson’s relatives and admirers, McCaskill formally presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Johnson’s widow, Frances Johnson. Congress approved the medal for the Montford Point Marines in 2012, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that it was awarded to Johnson. McCaskill says the fact that Johnson signed up for the military in 1942, soon after the war started, speaks to his character. “Johnnie Johnson signed up, not only knowing he was willing to risk his life for his country, also that he would endure what most of the Montford Point Marines endured,” she said. “A lack of recognition for their courage, not the embrace of them by their fellow Marines many times, and cruelty many times.” Later, the senator added, “You think about a guy with that kind of talent who says, ‘I want to serve. I want to give back to my country,’ and what he had to endure to do that.” After Monday’s ceremony, his widow observed, “He would have been very proud, very humbly proud, that’s the thing.” During his seven-year stint in the Marines, Johnson developed some of his musical skills while in the unit’s band, Frances Johnson recalled. After he became a civilian, Johnson headed to Detroit, where he connected with other musicians – black and white – including fellow legend Chuck Berry. McCaskill said that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt deserves credit for taking the first step to allow African-Americans to serve in the military. ""This was not a decision that was a popular decision with most of the men who served in the Marine Corps,"" she said. ""These were not things that were done to make politicians popular. These were things that were done because it was the right thing to do."" The senator added that Johnson’s military service bolsters his already strong reputation. “This was an extraordinary man. This was a man of towering talent,’’ she said. “A man who touched people’s lives through his talent. This was a man who could speak to people in the language of music. That language doesn’t have a skin color, doesn’t have a religion, it doesn’t care how rich or poor you are. It doesn’t care what neighborhood you came from. Music is a universal language. And no one spoke it better than Johnnie Johnson.” Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/groundbreaking-soldier-and-bluesman-johnnie-b-goode-johnson-posthumously-awarded-congressional-gold-medal-,Groundbreaking soldier and bluesman Johnnie 'B. Goode' Johnson posthumously awarded Congressional Gold Medal,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Groundbreaking soldier and bluesman Johnnie 'B. Goode' Johnson posthumously awarded Congressional Gold Medal Monday, November 28, 2016 By:  Kevin C. Johnson and Kevin McDermott ST. LOUIS • Pianist Johnnie Johnson — who broke racial barriers in the military and pioneered St. Louis’ 1950s blues scene, only to find immortality as the subject of someone else’s song — was honored posthumously on Monday with a Congressional Gold Medal. Johnson, a West Virginia native turned St. Louisan, was a Montford Point Marine, the African-American Marine unit that endured racism and inspired social change while integrating the previously all-white Marine Corps during World War II. He later embarked on a long musical career as a jazz and blues pianist in St. Louis, culminating with his 2001 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He died in St. Louis in 2005, and was interred in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Much of Johnson’s musical career was spent in St. Louis, where he recruited local guitarist and fellow future Hall of Famer Chuck Berry to be part of his band. Berry would later rocket to stardom with Johnson serving as his pianist — and as the inspiration for Berry’s iconic song “Johnnie B. Goode.” U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., presented the medal to Johnson’s widow, Frances Johnson, in a ceremony at the National Blues Museum in downtown St. Louis. “Music is a universal language and no one spoke it better than Johnnie Johnson,” said McCaskill. She noted that Johnson “didn’t always get the recognition he deserved because he wasn’t quite as showy as some of the musicians he hung out with, some of whom we know well here in St. Louis.” She didn’t mention Berry by name, but the line drew knowing laughter from gathered family, friends and fans. Before Johnson was a groundbreaking bluesman, he was a groundbreaking soldier. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order allowing African-Americans to be recruited by the Marine Corps, but they weren’t allowed to attend traditional boot camps. McCaskill co-sponsored legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to all Montford Point Marines who trained for duty at the segregated Montford Point facility at Camp Lejeune, N.C. “He (Johnson) signed up and said, ‘Take me, take me, I want to fight for my country,’ knowing what he was likely to encounter in a Marine Corps that hadn’t gotten used to the idea of African-Americans on the battlefield alongside white Marines,” said McCaskill. “This truly was an extraordinary man.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction calls Johnson “one of the unsung heroes of rock and roll.” It describes him as a towering but “humble” talent who was overshadowed by his more flamboyant musical partner, Berry, but was himself an important influence on the Rolling Stones and others. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/johnnie-johnson-gets-congressional-gold-medal,Johnnie Johnson Gets Congressional Gold Medal,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Johnnie Johnson Gets Congressional Gold Medal Monday, November 28, 2016 By:  Kevin Killeen ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – He was the inventive, key-pounding piano player behind Chuck Berry’s sound, but before that, Johnnie Johnson was a Marine. Johnson, who died 11 years ago, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously for his service in a 1940s black Marine outfit that helped pave the way for desegregation of the Armed Forces. Frances Johnson, widow of the late jazz and blues pianist Johnnie Johnson, holds the Congressional Gold Medal following a ceremony honoring Johnson, at the National Blues Museum in St. Louis on November 28, 2016. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI In a ceremony at the National Blues Museum in downtown St. Louis, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill noted that the success of the Montford Point Marines moved President Harry Truman to let blacks and whites serve together in the military. McCaskill sponsored the legislation to give the award to Johnson and all the members of the Montford Point Marines. A letter of congratulations from President Barack Obama was read to a roomful of Johnson’s family, friends and fans. “I’ve been in a few beautiful situations with him, but I think this kind of trumps everything,” said Johnson’s widow, Francis Johnson. Asked what the piano player known for his humility would think of all the fuss, Francis Johnson smiled. “He’d be the coolest thing in the house,” she said. “Typical man thing, taller than ever, act like a Marine for a few minutes, and I’d get him home and bring him back to reality.” Johnson’s former drummer Richard Hunt also attended the ceremony. “Johnny has always been an inspiration, not only to myself, but to an awful lot of people,” Hunt said. “From the point in time when he was a young man in the Montford Point Marines, to the point where Johnny has strived to create and help format the shape of American music.” Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/johnnie-johnsons-family-awarded-congressional-gold-medal-for-his-military-service,Johnnie Johnson’s family awarded Congressional gold medal for his military service,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Johnnie Johnson’s family awarded Congressional gold medal for his military service Monday, November 28, 2016 By:  Patrick Clark ST. LOUIS (KTVI) - He's one of the most famous side men in rock and roll history. But Monday Johnnie Johnson was noted for his military service. More than 130 family and friends filled the National Blues Museum Monday morning for a gold medal ceremony awarding a Congressional gold medal to the late Johnnie Johnson. Senator Claire McCaskill set the overdue honor in motion. 'This is something our office does that I think is really I think the most important work we do,' says Senator Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri. 'He was a Montford Point Marine which was the first black marine unit in our military and because of that they endured a lot of cruelty and a lot of overt racism.' During World War II, Johnson was a member of the Montford Point Marines and trained for duty at the segregated facility at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 'It really shows that Johnnie was more than what the average person thought they knew of a piano man,' says Frances Johnson, Widow. 'That he gave thought to his contribution to our country way back when it mattered, to become a pioneer more or less.' The Congressional gold medal, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian honors for citizens whose achievements had an impact on American history and culture. 'His military service had a lot to do with his professional life later as a musician,' says Bill Stalnaker, Friend. 'He loved every minute of it and talked about the pretty blue uniforms. He'd say the Marines have the best looking uniforms.' And now the man many called Johnnie B. Goode can now be called Johnnie B. Gold medal. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/legendary-blues-pianist-and-veteran-johnnie-johnson_honored-by-mccaskill-with-congressional-gold-medal,Legendary Blues Pianist & Veteran Johnnie Johnson Honored by McCaskill with Congressional Gold Medal,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legendary Blues Pianist & Veteran Johnnie Johnson Honored by McCaskill with Congressional Gold Medal Musical legend and Montfort Point Marine veteran posthumously awarded highest civilian honor Monday, November 28, 2016 ST. LOUIS – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today honored the late legendary musician and Montford Point Marine Johnnie Johnson with a Congressional Gold Medal at the National Blues Museum in St. Louis. The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian honors in the United States, awarded to citizens whose achievements had an impact on American history and culture. Johnson’s widow, Frances Johnson, accepted the medal on his behalf. Click HERE for more images from the gold medal ceremony. “Johnnie Johnson was a true American treasure and represented the very best of this country,” said McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran. “He never stopped contributing to his country, through his courageous service as one of the first African-American Marines during World War II, and later through his legendary music. Honoring American greats like Johnnie reminds us yet again why he and so many who served are known as the ‘greatest generation.’” Click HERE to listen to a Spotify playlist of Johnnie Johnson’s greatest hits. Johnson, who lived in St. Louis, was a Montford Point Marine, the African-American Marines unit that endured racism and inspired social change while integrating the previously all-white Marine Corps during World War II. After his service, Johnson had a long and illustrious musical career as a blues, jazz, and rock and roll pianist, culminating with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. McCaskill cosponsored and helped pass legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to all Montford Point Marines who trained for duty at the segregated Montford Point facility at Camp Lejeune, N.C. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order allowing African-Americans to be recruited by the Marine Corps, however they were not allowed to attend traditional boot camps, despite serving with distinction throughout the Pacific. In 2012, the Montford Point Marines were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Administration and the Montford Point Marine Association has been working to identify additional Montford Point Marines so they can be properly recognized for their brave duty and service. Improving care for veterans and honoring their service has been a priority for McCaskill in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year she assisted Joe Randazzo in his induction into the French Legion of Honor and successfully advocated for World War II veteran Carl Willm to receive his Bronze Star Medal after a long delay. McCaskill has previously helped Missouri veterans and their families secure overdue combat awards, including World War II veterans Vernon C. Crecelius and Walter Wocjik, Vietnam veterans Patrick Howe and Walter Sitzwohl, and Korean War veterans Dencil Francis and Reverend Leo Hardin. The National Blues Museum, where today’s ceremony was held, is dedicated to preserving and honoring the history and legacy of Blues music and its impact on world culture. Located in Downtown St. Louis in the Mercantile Exchange district, the museum is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to be the premier entertainment and educational resource focused on the Blues as the foundation of American music. The National Blues Museum uses artifact-driven exhibits, live performances and interactive galleries to perpetuate blues culture for future generations of artists, fans and historians. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/veterans to learn more about McCaskill’s fight for military veterans. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/legendary-pianist-johnnie-johnson-to-receive-congressional-gold-medal,Legendary Pianist Johnnie Johnson To Receive Congressional Gold Medal,2016-11-27,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legendary Pianist Johnnie Johnson To Receive Congressional Gold Medal Sunday, November 27, 2016 By:  Brian Feldman Legendary jazz pianist and Montford Point Marine Johnnie Johnson will posthumously receive the Congressional Gold Medal Monday morning at the National Blues Museum. The late World War II veteran’s widow, Frances Johnson, will accept the award on his behalf. “It makes me so proud. I’m still thoroughly amazed at the man I married,” Frances Johnson said. “I’m just ecstatic. The whole family is just flying so high right now with pride.” Johnson lived in St. Louis and is among the greatest jazz and blues piano players in history. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “He was a much better piano player than people gave him credit for. Everybody gave him great accolades for what he was doing but I heard even better things. And I was his worst critic,” Johnson said. Bill Stalnaker was one of Johnnie Johnson’s best friends. “At four years old he got his first piano and he was pretty gifted. His mother said ‘Oh my. It’s a gift from God,'” Stalnaker said. U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill helped pass legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to all Montford Point Marines who trained for duty at the segregated Montford Point facility in North Carolina. Previously, the Marine Corps was all-white and African-Americans were forced to serve in a separate unit. Johnson endured significant racism and inspired social change during that time. He began his illustrious musical career following his service. Johnson died in April 2005. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/republicans-closed-meeting-over-earmarks-riles-missouri-senator,Republicans' closed meeting over earmarks riles Missouri Senator,2016-11-24,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Republicans' closed meeting over earmarks riles Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill pledges to block any earmarks that emerge from the House of Reps Thursday, November 24, 2016 By:  Eric Dundon A U.S. Senator representing Missouri is lamenting efforts to undo years-long work to ban earmarks in Congress. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, has been a leader in ending funding of politicians’ pet projects through earmarks. A bipartisan bill McCaskill has co-sponsored seeks to permanently ban the practice, which she has called wasteful. Last week, U.S. House Republicans nearly approved — then withdrew for further consideration next year— a plan to bring back congressional earmarks in a closed-door meeting, according to reports from national news sources, including Fox News. McCaskill, the Senate’s leading Democratic opponent of earmarks, called on Missouri’s U.S. House delegation to reject such a vote, and pledged to use Senate rules to strip any earmarks that emerge from the U.S. House. “So Donald Trump is elected President with a promise to ‘drain the swamp’ and the one of the first things his party in the U.S. House does is head into a closed-door meeting to try to bring back earmarks?” asked McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor. “This is exactly what Americans are mad about. Missouri’s U.S. House members and all House Republicans need to reject this idea, and if they don’t, I’m going to do everything I can to block any earmarks that emerge from the House.” According to reports, House Speaker Paul Ryan shut down the vote on earmarks just as it was about to pass in a closed meeting. “Every Republican in the U.S. House should have to answer for why they thought this was a good idea in the first place,” McCaskill said after the action. For years, the earmarking process was notorious for its secrecy and lack of oversight or accountability, with funding for politicians’ pet projects often awarded based on political influence instead of on merit. Large amounts of money earmarked for projects has sat in the halls of Washington. Earlier this year, $72.6 million of trapped earmarked funds were released to assist in funding transportation projects in Missouri. More than $3 million will be used to upgrade U.S. Highway 61 in Ralls County. These funds were originally earmarked by Congress for use 10 or more years ago, but because they were duplicates, or the project was scrapped, among other reasons—the funds were never used. A provision included in last year’s highway bill, based on legislation McCaskill introduced with Republican Senator Jeff Flake, allowed these resources to be spent on critically needed transportation and infrastructure projects within a 50-mile radius of the project site of the original earmark. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-to-space-agency-keep-nasa-whistleblowers-in-orbit,McCaskill to Space Agency: Keep NASA Whistleblowers in Orbit,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill to Space Agency: Keep NASA Whistleblowers in Orbit Senator has worked to protect whistleblowers at federal agencies & extend protections for grantees, subcontractors Tuesday, November 22, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a leading voice for federal whistleblower protections, is urging NASA to implement the protections she helped pass into law earlier this year, after reports of delays and a lack of oversight at the space agency. “Whistleblowers play a critical role in government oversight,” wrote McCaskill to the government’s top watchdog, requesting a report on whistleblower protections at NASA. “They are our eyes and ears on the ground and their disclosures about waste, fraud, abuse and public safety support have increased accountability and transparency in our government… I have grown increasingly concerned that these agencies are not doing their part in implementing these protections… little oversight has been done on NASA’s efforts at implementation of enhanced whistleblower protections for contractors and grantees. I have received troubling reports regarding some whistleblower cases falling through the cracks due to implementation delays.” In September, McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor who was just named the top-ranking Democrat on the top committee for oversight and accountability in government, introduced legislation to expand protections for whistleblowers after a recent government watchdog report, completed at McCaskill’s request, detailed examples of retaliation and intimidation against whistleblowers by contractors at the Department of Energy—which has the largest civilian contracting workforce in the federal government. In June, the Senate passed McCaskill’s legislation to extend whistleblower protections for all federal government grantees, subgrantees, and subcontractors, and make permanent these protections for all federal contractors. The bill also prohibits contractors from being reimbursed for legal fees accrued in their defense against retaliation claims by whistleblowers. Currently, a pilot program set to expire applies whistleblower protections to contractors, grant recipients, and subcontractors, but not to employees of subgrantees—even though the federal government distributes billions in grant funding each year, much of which gets passed through to other organizations. Full text of the letter HERE. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/accountability to read more about McCaskill’s fight for stronger accountability in Washington. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-urges-protections-for-rural-delivery-as-congress-considers-postal-reform,McCaskill Urges Protections for Rural Delivery as Congress Considers Postal Reform,2016-11-21,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Urges Protections for Rural Delivery as Congress Considers Postal Reform Senator supports bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve and protect mail delivery, service Monday, November 21, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill joined a bipartisan group of more than 80 lawmakers from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to call for lasting solutions to improve and protect mail delivery and service in comprehensive U.S. Postal Service reform legislation. “The Postal Service and its employees play a vital role in our nation,” wrote McCaskill, who was just named the top-ranking Democrat of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs which has jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service. “It is essential that we preserve the Postal Service’s commitment to the American public. For this reason, improving service needs to be a critical piece of any comprehensive postal reform bill, along with the needed reforms to return the Postal Service to fiscal sustainability. Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy.” McCaskill and her colleagues are calling on congressional leaders to ensure that any comprehensive bill will improve the Postal Service’s financial condition and strengthen mail service, improve delivery, and protect Postal Service customers. McCaskill, a longtime advocate for postal service in rural communities, is widely credited with having waged a successful campaign over several years to save rural post offices and maintain delivery standards. Earlier this year, she called out the Postal Service for its use of its “emergency suspension” authority to close down Missouri post offices, potentially circumventing the standard process that requires input from communities that would feel the effects of a closure and notifications to Congress. In January, McCaskill demanded answers from the Postal Service on how it will protect mail delivery for rural Missourians and efficiently manage the cost-sharing benefits with competitors to carry mail the “last mile,” especially in rural areas, saying: “I think it’s really important we get a handle on [rural delivery times]. Those of us who are really pushing to protect rural delivery…think it’s important we know what we’re working with from a data-driven basis.” And McCaskill is a leading sponsor of the Rural Postal Act, a bill that aims to improve postal service, delivery times, and standards in rural communities that have been disproportionately affected by cuts to the Postal Service. The bill—also backed by Senators Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Jon Tester of Montana—would restore overnight delivery, return a faster First-Class mail standard, make six-day delivery permanent, and enact strict criteria the Postal Service would have to meet before closing a post office to ensure that rural communities are still able to easily access the mail system. Full text of the letter HERE. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/rural to learn more about McCaskill's fight to protect rural Missouri. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/mo-senator-top-dem-on-security-,Mo. senator top Dem on security,2016-11-19,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Mo. senator top Dem on security Saturday, November 19, 2016 Washington – U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill is the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The committee has broad jurisdiction over the federal government’s operations and the Department of Homeland Security. For the past two years, McCaskill has served as the top Democrat on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Her new position as ranking member on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee will dramatically expand McCaskill’s role in federal government oversight, protecting the homeland, and the guarding of taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. “Holding the government accountable to its people, guarding taxpayer dollars from waste, and better protecting the safety of Missouri’s families have been the bread and butter of my work in the Senate,” said McCaskill, a former prosecutor and Missouri State Auditor. “I’m thrilled to have a bigger platform and stronger tools to fight for accountability and boost the safety and security of our communities.” McCaskill will serve alongside Republican Sen.Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who will again chair Homeland Security. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/ec-from-dc/the-interest-of-all-americans,The Interest of All Americans,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we watch President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence begin their selection process of the next White House administration, one can only hope that the future cabinet is a representation of the interest and benefits of all Americans.      I must admit, I began to worry about that future the moment I heard President-elect Trump had appointed Stephen Bannon as White House Chief Strategist. Stephen Bannon’s ties to the White Nationalist movement have been noted and well documented. Bannon repeatedly pushed stories, while at the head of Breitbart News, that promoted anti-Semitism, xenophobia and racism. Reports also proclaim Bannon praised the alt-right as the “smarter version of old school racist skinheads.” Surely, this is not who Americans want as top advisor to the President.      I joined nearly 170 U.S. Representatives in writing a letter to President-elect Trump encouraging him to reconsider his appointment of Stephen Bannon. I strongly oppose this appointment as do many of my constituents in Missouri’s 5th District who called our office and voiced their disapproval. This appointment not only undermines Mr. Trump’s call to be the president for all, it sets an overall discriminatory tone for millions of Americans.      I hope President-elect Trump listens to the American people and is truly sincere about bridging the racial and ethnic divide that is currently brewing in America. No matter how rich, or how big of a media star, or how many people bow down to you, the manner in which you treat fellow human beings, in due course, defines who you really are. Warmly, Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-statement-on-arrest-of-valeant-and-philidor-employees,McCaskill Statement on Arrest of Valeant and Philidor Employees,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Statement on Arrest of Valeant and Philidor Employees Senator: Valeant’s actions represent a culture of corruption Friday, November 18, 2016 WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill issued the following statement after Federal prosecutors in New York announced the arrest of a former executive of Valeant Pharmaceuticals and the former chief executive of the mail-order pharmacy Philidor: “It’s been obvious for some time that Valeant’s business model relied on corporate acquisitions followed by egregious price hikes, but it’s also becoming increasingly certain that there was a culture of corruption surrounding the company. I hope anyone found to have committed crimes in this industry is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” Valeant consistently acquired pharmaceutical companies with drug portfolios that had captive patient populations, often then slashing the research and development spending for those companies and raising the prices on their recently-acquired drugs by hundreds or thousands of percentage points without making any therapeutic changes to the drugs. Valeant’s entire research and development budget was consistently below 5 percent of their total sales—dramatically lower than most other companies in the pharmaceutical industry. Earlier this year McCaskill helped lead the Senate Special Committee on Aging’s investigation into pharmaceutical drug pricing with a series of hearings examining the effect dramatic and sudden price increases of prescription drugs has on patients and providers. This year alone, Americans are expected to spend more than $328 billion on prescription drugs.  Of this amount, individuals will pay about $50 billion out-of-pocket.  The federal government will pick up another $110 billion in payments through Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, and other programs. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/consumers to learn more about McCaskill's fight to protect consumers. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/security-clearance-background-checkssenate-passes-mccaskill-backed-bill-to-strengthen-national-security-process,Security Clearance Background Checks—Senate Passes McCaskill-Backed Bill to Strengthen National Security Process,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Security Clearance Background Checks—Senate Passes McCaskill-Backed Bill to Strengthen National Security Process Bipartisan legislation to reform background check process, boost national security moves forward Friday, November 18, 2016 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate has passed legislation backed by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill to reform the security clearance background check process. The Security Clearance Accountability, Reform, and Enhancement Act, which McCaskill co-sponsored with Senator Jon Tester of Montana, prohibits federal contractors and employees who have compromised the integrity of a background investigation from performing future background investigations. “We’ve seen far too many lapses in our background check system that undermine our national security and compromise our country’s secrets and secure facilities,” said McCaskill, who was just named the top-ranking Democrat of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for the upcoming Congress. “Security clearance background checks have to be conducted with the utmost level of oversight, integrity, and accountability—we’re one step closer to that critical goal, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to get this across the finish line.” Noting that more than four million Americans have a security clearance, this legislation also forces the federal government to update policies determining which positions and contracts require a security clearance. Additionally, the legislation would direct the President to: (1) review and update guidance for agencies to determine whether a position requires a security clearance; (2) implement such guidance, including quality controls; and (3) review (at least every five years) and, if necessary, revise the designation of a position as requiring access to classified information or secure government facilities. Following the systemic problems with the security clearance background check process highlighted by security leaks from contractor Edward Snowden and the tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, McCaskill led an investigation that revealed that USIS, the company responsible for conducting the background investigations for both Snowden and Navy Yard shooter Aaron Alexis, was under criminal investigation. After McCaskill questioned the fact that USIS had two separate contracts with the federal government—one to conduct background investigations, the other to oversee the quality of background investigations conducted by contractors, including USIS itself—the federal government stopped allowing private contractors to oversee their own work in security clearance background checks. Earlier this year, McCaskill and Tester wrote to the Office of Personnel Management to request information regarding its ability to meet key milestones in creating the new National Background Investigations Bureau, which will take over federal background investigation functions from the Federal Investigative Services. The Administration has yet to provide all of the requested documentation, failing to answer even the most basic questions such as the expected number of employees. With the new bureau officially opening its doors on October 1, 2016, the Senators continue to express concerns that the basic structures of the bureau are still not in place. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/defense to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to protect our national security. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/blunt-retains-senate-leadership-post-mccaskill-top-democrat-on-homeland-security-committee-,"Blunt retains Senate leadership post, McCaskill top Democrat on homeland security committee",2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Blunt retains Senate leadership post, McCaskill top Democrat on homeland security committee Thursday, November 17, 2016 By:  Chuck Raasch WASHINGTON • Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt was re-elected Wednesday by his peers to a position in the Republican Senate leadership, while Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., was named the top Democrat on the committee overseeing homeland security. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., will remain the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, holding the whip position under the new Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Blunt, who won a narrow re-election fight over Democratic Secretary of State Jason Kander, will remain the vice chairman of the U.S. Senate Republican Conference. He will “continue leading Senate Republicans’ messaging efforts with a focus on expanding engagement across digital platforms to enhance the conference’s ability to meet people where they are,” his office said Wednesday. Blunt told reporters Wednesday that when in Missouri he hears concerns about “the rolling disaster of Obamacare, out-of-control regulators... and what could happen to the Supreme Court"" (which has had an open seat since the death of Antonin Scalia). “On all these fronts, the next Congress, working with the next president, has a chance to really head in a new direction,” Blunt said. Durbin’s whip duties make him a chief vote-counter and persuader for Democratic positions and strategy in the Senate. McCaskill said her new position as ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will give her more ability to probe federal spending, which along with security issues, “have been the bread and butter of my work in the Senate.” Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Schaumburg, who unseated Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., last week, in 2017 will be among five new Democratic senators, four of them women. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-signs-letter-opposing-stephen-bannon-as-white-house,Congressman Cleaver Signs Letter Opposing Stephen Bannon as White House Strategist,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II joined nearly 170 U.S. Representatives in writing a letter to President-elect Donald Trump encouraging him to reconsider his appointment of Stephen Bannon as White House Chief Strategist. Congressman Cleaver strongly opposes this appointment and has received numerous calls from constituents in the 5th District of Missouri urging him to speak for them. Stephen Bannon’s ties to the White Nationalist movement have been noted and well documented. This appointment not only undermines Mr. Trump’s call to be the president for all of the American people, it sets an overall discriminatory tone to millions of Americans.  “We are asking that President-elect Trump bridge the divide that is currently brewing in America,” said Congressman Cleaver. “No matter how rich, or how big a media star, or how many people bow down to you, the manner in which you treat fellow human beings, in due course, defines who you really are. ” Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.   For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20161118184734/https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/photos/request-tickets-to-inaugural-swearing-in-ceremony,Request Tickets to Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremony,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"On January 20th, 2017, our nation's capital will once again be the scene of history as America's 45th president is sworn in. Washington, D.C., will be buzzing with excitement during the inaugural ceremonies and there are lots of ways for visitors to take part. Missourians in town for inauguration may request tickets to the swearing-in ceremony here: www.mccaskill.senate.gov/inauguration",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/boeing-moving-500-jobs-to-st-louis-,Boeing moving 500 jobs to St. Louis,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Boeing moving 500 jobs to St. Louis Wednesday, November 16, 2016 By:  Lisa Brown and Jim Gallagher Boeing Co. is moving 500 jobs to its north St. Louis County campus from California. The jobs moving to St. Louis County from Huntington Beach, Calif., are part of a consolidation of the company’s Defense, Space & Security business headquartered in St. Louis, spokeswoman Sarah Reed told the Post-Dispatch. “We will be bringing 500 positions to St. Louis,” Reed said, adding the jobs are support positions, not production jobs. Chicago-based Boeing currently employs 14,500 people in the St. Louis area. Additionally, Boeing announced Tuesday that it’s closing its El Paso, Texas, and Newington, Va., sites. “In order to push ourselves farther and win more business, we need to make the most of our resources and talent,” Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Defense, Space & Security, said in a statement. “These steps will help us be a stronger partner for our customers worldwide.” The consolidation is part of an effort to enhance efficiency and promote greater collaboration, the company said, adding that new facilities will not be added in the St. Louis area for the added jobs. “We won’t be adding any infrastructure at this point,” Reed said. The jobs are professional-level positions ranging from engineering to finance, said Reed. About 1,600 jobs will be moved from Huntington Beach, mainly to other California locations. Huntington Beach hosts a design and research center working with small satellite technology, advanced space access, networked systems, cybersecurity, unmanned underwater vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. Boeing has moved several hundred jobs to St. Louis over the past three years, in fields such as information technology, research and development and support for the F-22 Raptor fighter. But overall Boeing employment in the metro area has hovered in the 14,500 to 15,000 range. Boeing plans to hire 700 people by 2023 to make wing and tail parts for its 777X airline at a newly built plant at its sprawling complex in north St. Louis County. Thousands of other St. Louis production jobs face an uncertain future over the long term as Boeing seeks enough orders to keep its F/A-18 and F-15 fighter lines far into the next decade. The company has enough F/A-18 orders to operate until 2020 and enough F-15 orders to last until early in the next decade. Boeing is bidding to build the next Air Force trainer, and a win would likely extend employment in St. Louis. The first prototype of the trainer was built in North County. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/drain-the-swamp-claire-mccaskill-already-has-her-doubts-,‘Drain the swamp?’ Claire McCaskill already has her doubts,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"‘Drain the swamp?’ Claire McCaskill already has her doubts Wednesday, November 16, 2016 By:  Steve Kraske “Drain the swamp.” That was President-elect Donald Trump’s clarion call during the campaign. But now, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill is questioning just how serious Republicans are about it. McCaskill, a Democrat, was reacting to reports that House Republicans are interested in bringing back earmarks, which the senator has roundly criticized over the years as secretive and wasteful pork-barrel spending that carries little oversight. “So Donald Trump is elected president with a promise to ‘drain the swamp’ and the one of the first things his party in the U.S. House does is head into a closed-door meeting to try to bring back earmarks?” asked McCaskill in a media statement Wednesday. “This is exactly what Americans are mad about. Missouri’s U.S. House members and all House Republicans need to reject this idea, and if they don’t, I’m going to do everything I can to block any earmarks that emerge from the House.” McCaskill’s office said she’s never requested earmarks and has worked to permanently ban them. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/missouri-senators-blunt-and-mccaskill-chosen-for-leadership-roles-,Missouri senators Blunt and McCaskill chosen for leadership roles,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Missouri senators Blunt and McCaskill chosen for leadership roles Wednesday, November 16, 2016 By:  Lindsay Wise WASHINGTON Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri won re-election to the Republican leadership team in the Senate on Wednesday, while his colleague Claire McCaskill nabbed the job of top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee. Blunt will continue to serve as vice chairman of the Republican conference, a post he’s held since 2011. The job puts the veteran lawmaker at the forefront of the GOP’s messaging efforts in the Senate, with a particular focus on engaging voters through digital platforms, his office said. “Now, more than ever, it is critical that we maintain an open and robust dialog with the American people about the challenges they’re facing and what we’re doing to address them,” Blunt said in a statement. “We have a tremendous opportunity to move forward with solutions that will give hardworking families in Missouri and across the nation a chance to get ahead, and I’m grateful to be in a position to help lead that effort.” McCaskill will become the top-ranking Democrat in the Senate’s Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. She replaces Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware, who will take the highest Democratic post on the Committee on Environment and Public Works. McCaskill’s appointment will expand her role in federal government oversight and ensuring national security, her office said. “Holding the government accountable to its people, guarding taxpayer dollars from waste, and better protecting the safety of Missouri’s families, have been the bread and butter of my work in the Senate,” said McCaskill in a statement. “I’m thrilled to have a bigger platform and stronger tools to fight for accountability and boost the safety and security of our communities.” McCaskill will run for her third Senate term in 2018. Blunt won on Nov. 8 over Democratic challenger Jason Kander in a tough race, 49 to 46 percent. Republican committee posts likely won’t be finalized until January, although Blunt is likely to retain his spots on the powerful intelligence, appropriations and commerce panels. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/paul-ryan-blocks-effort-to-partially-restore-earmarks,Paul Ryan Blocks Effort to Partially Restore Earmarks,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Paul Ryan Blocks Effort to Partially Restore Earmarks Wednesday, November 16, 2016 By:  Jon Reid and Eli Yokley House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday blocked efforts to water down the ban on earmarks during a conference meeting to establish rules for the next Congress. A source in the room said the conference was set to adopt two amendments that would partially alleviate the standing ban on “pet projects” when Ryan (R-Wis.) intervened, forcing the lead sponsors of the provisions — Reps. Tom Rooney of Florida and John Culberson of Texas — to withdraw their amendments. Ryan told the two lawmakers they would be able to bring their amendments to the House floor early next year, and that considering them in a closed-door meeting after a “drain the swamp” election simply could not happen, an aide said. Rooney’s amendment “would establish limited exceptions to the earmark moratorium” for water infrastructure projects operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. A broader amendment, sponsored by Culberson, Mike Rogers of Alabama and Rooney, was the other one withdrawn. It would revive earmarks under limited parameters, bar pet projects that increase federal spending and require earmarks to go through the committee process. The sponsor of a proposed earmark would be made public under that amendment. Since the moratorium — driven by then-Speaker John Boehner of Ohio — was put in place in 2011, some Republicans and Democrats have supported lifting the earmark ban. Republicans argue that the prohibition forfeits Congress’ power of the purse to the executive branch, a view backed by at least one member of the House GOP leadership team. “The speaker was very clear: This process was abused for a very long period of time,” Majority Whip Steve Scalise (La.) told reporters as he left the conference meeting. “We need to reform the entire way that unelected bureaucrats control taxpayer dollars.” “If we think that there’s no influence being used in the executive branch about where this money goes and what’s being done – it’s a whole lot less transparent, and it is done usually without any local input,” he added. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), a top leadership ally and advocate for some restoration of earmarks, defended Ryan’s intervention. “We want to do this the right way,” he said. While the effort to ease up on the earmark ban is picking up steam in the House, it looks like a nonstarter on the other side of the Capitol. “I don’t think a change in the Senate’s conference rules is in the offering, so I expect the ban to continue,” Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) told reporters Wednesday before the House conference meeting. Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri criticized Republican efforts to alter the ban. “Drain the swamp and the first thing they do is bring back the lobbyist fantasy, and that is that K Street gets to be all about earmarks again?” she asked. “It is just stunning to me.” Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/breaking-mccaskill-named-top-democrat-on-senate-homeland-security-committee,BREAKING: McCaskill Named Top Democrat on Senate Homeland Security Committee,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BREAKING: McCaskill Named Top Democrat on Senate Homeland Security Committee Senator’s career-long fight to restore confidence in government by rooting out waste, fraud and abuse culminates in appointment as top-ranking Democrat on Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Wednesday, November 16, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today was named the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has broad jurisdiction over the federal government’s operations and the Department of Homeland Security. For the past two years, McCaskill has served as the top Democrat on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Her new position as ranking member on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee will dramatically expand McCaskill’s role in federal government oversight, protecting the homeland, and the guarding of taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. “Holding the government accountable to its people, guarding taxpayer dollars from waste, and better protecting the safety of Missouri’s families have been the bread and butter of my work in the Senate,” said McCaskill, a former prosecutor and Missouri State Auditor. “I’m thrilled to have a bigger platform and stronger tools to fight for accountability and boost the safety and security of our communities.” McCaskill will serve alongside Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who will again be Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. As the top Democrat on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, McCaskill, along with Republican Chairman Rob Portman of Ohio, has led a number of high-profile investigations, including into online sex trafficking conducted by the website Backpage.com, which culminated in the company’s CEO being held in contempt of Congress and ordered by the courts to turn over documents responsive to the Subcommittee’s subpoena. McCaskill also examined customer service and billing practices at the nation’s largest cable and satellite television providers—pulling back the curtain on the companies’ internal workings. During her first term in the Senate, McCaskill waged a successful six-year battle to rein in wasteful wartime contracting practices in Iraq and Afghanistan, and ultimately passed into law the most expansive reforms to wartime contracting practices since World War II. The legislation grew out of her campaign promise to continue Truman’s legacy of guarding taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse of power. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/accountability to read more about McCaskill’s fight for stronger accountability in Washington. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/draining-the-swamp_us-house-republicans-head-into--secret-meeting-to-bring-back-earmarks-for-politicians-pet-projects,‘Draining the swamp?’ – U.S. House Republicans Head into Secret Meeting to Bring Back Earmarks for Politicians’ Pet Projects,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"‘Draining the swamp?’ – U.S. House Republicans Head into Secret Meeting to Bring Back Earmarks for Politicians’ Pet Projects McCaskill—Senate’s leading Democratic opponent of earmarks—pledges to strip or block any earmarks that emerge from the House of Representatives, and calls on Missouri’s House delegation to reject the secret vote Wednesday, November 16, 2016 WASHINGTON – Days after a Republican President was elected with a promise to “drain the swamp,” reports have surfaced that U.S. House Republicans are headed today into a secret meeting to attempt to bring back congressional earmarks—taxpayer funding for politicians’ pet projects. U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, the Senate’s leading Democratic opponent of earmarks, called on Missouri’s U.S. House delegation to reject such a vote, and pledged to use Senate rules to strip any earmarks that emerge from the U.S. House: “So Donald Trump is elected President with a promise to ‘drain the swamp’ and the one of the first things his party in the U.S. House does is head into a closed-door meeting to try to bring back earmarks?” asked McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor. “This is exactly what Americans are mad about. Missouri’s U.S. House members and all House Republicans need to reject this idea, and if they don’t, I’m going to do everything I can to block any earmarks that emerge from the House.” For years, the earmarking process was notorious for its secrecy and lack of oversight or accountability, with funding for politicians' pet projects often awarded based on political influence instead of on merit. McCaskill has never requested any earmarks, and has led the fight to permanently ban earmarks from the legislative process. After working with her colleagues to establish a temporary ban on earmarks, McCaskill and Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania introduced the Earmark Elimination Act, which would expand the ongoing temporary moratorium on earmarks to a permanent ban. Specifically, the legislation would ban all earmarks, and define earmarks as any congressionally directed spending item, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit. McCaskill has also led efforts to claw back previously earmarked funds. $72.6 million across Missouri is currently going to support local needs instead of politicians’ pet projects after the Missouri Department of Transportation, using new authority approved by Congress last year, redirected the unspent, previously earmarked funds to other projects across the state. These funds were originally earmarked by Congress for use 10 or more years ago, but because they were duplicates, or the project was scrapped, among other reasons—the funds were never used. Until this year, these funds couldn’t be spent on anything other than for what they were earmarked. A provision included in last year’s highway bill, based on legislation McCaskill introduced with Republican Senator Jeff Flake, allowed these resources to be spent on critically needed transportation and infrastructure projects within a 50-mile radius of the project site of the original earmark. Earlier this year, McCaskill teamed up with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio to successfully pass into law a plan to simplify trade processes for America’s manufacturers and guard against the return of Congressional earmarks. In May, McCaskill was named a “Fiscal Hero” by the advocacy group Fix The Debt, for her commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, cutting government waste and strengthening accountability in Washington. Fix The Debt is a nonpartisan group dedicated to putting America on a better fiscal and economic path. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov /spending to see more about McCaskill’s fight to protect taxpayer dollars. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/update-in-secret-meeting-us-house-republicans-nearly-approve-then_withdraw-plan-to-bring-back-earmarks-for-politicians-pet-projects,"UPDATE: In Secret Meeting, U.S. House Republicans Nearly Approve, Then Withdraw, Plan to Bring Back Earmarks for Politicians’ Pet Projects",2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"UPDATE: In Secret Meeting, U.S. House Republicans Nearly Approve, Then Withdraw, Plan to Bring Back Earmarks for Politicians’ Pet Projects McCaskill: ‘This doesn’t look much like draining the swamp’ Wednesday, November 16, 2016 WASHINGTON – Hours after being called out publicly by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and members of the media, U.S. House Republicans nearly approved—then withdrew for further consideration next year—a plan to bring back congressional earmarks in a closed-door meeting, according to reports. McCaskill, the Senate’s leading Democratic opponent of earmarks who had called on Missouri’s U.S. House delegation and all House Republicans to reject such a vote, released the following statement: “This doesn’t look much like ‘draining the swamp.’ Every Republican in the U.S. House should have to answer for why they thought this was a good idea in the first place.” Further details on today’s developments are available in McCaskill’s earlier press release, here. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-boeing-move-makes-perfect-sense,McCaskill: Boeing Move ‘makes perfect sense’,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill: Boeing Move ‘makes perfect sense’ Company announced today it will move 500 additional jobs to the St. Louis region Tuesday, November 15, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement on Boeing’s announcement that it will move 500 jobs to the St. Louis region: “Boeing’s decision to move more than 500 jobs to Missouri makes perfect sense—because the St. Louis region, and frankly our entire state, offer one of the most dedicated, innovative workforces in the country, and play a critical role on our nation’s defense. These jobs will be a big win, for the company, for our economy, and for hundreds of Missourians, and I look forward to continuing to work with Boeing as it begins this exciting transition.” McCaskill, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, is a longtime advocate for Boeing’s operations in Missouri. She previously urged Boeing to consider Missouri—already home to more than 15,000 Boeing employees—in its proposal for 777X commercial production, the first commercial aircraft work for Boeing in Missouri, which is scheduled to begin in 2017. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/jobs to see more about McCaskill’s fight to boost job opportunities for Missouri. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/ec-from-dc/practicing-the-act-of-civility,Practicing the Act of Civility,2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"The American people have spoken. The country has elected Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. Election Day is now over and the job before us is to keep America moving forward. The only way to do that is to work together with humility and respect for one another despite our differences. I’ve talked many times about civility. Now is the time to practice that very act of decency and respectful conduct.      We have a greater responsibility and that is to our country and to democracy. I have no doubt that there will be differences, but what matters now is how we work through those differences to do what’s best for America. When my colleagues and I return to Washington next week, we will focus on the tasks remaining this year and roll up our sleeves to get started on the work before us for the 115th Congress.      I will continue working on the projects I have started this year: making sure the pensions for thousands of retirees are secure, honoring the sacrifices and services of our veterans from World War I through today, creating an atmosphere of economic growth for small businesses and rural communities, making sure companies are conducting fair hiring practices, and the list goes on and on. But it is a list that I take very seriously…a list too important to neglect. Warmly, Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/on-139th-airlift-wing-air-force-agrees-with-mccaskill-plan-for-funding-budget-certainty,"On 139th Airlift Wing, Air Force Agrees with McCaskill Plan for Funding, Budget Certainty",2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On 139th Airlift Wing, Air Force Agrees with McCaskill Plan for Funding, Budget Certainty Air Force responds to Senator’s request with plan to help secure long term funding for base operations, programs Friday, November 4, 2016 WASHINGTON – Following a request from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill after her visit to the 139th Airlift Wing as part of her recent Security & Defense Tour of Missouri—the Air Force has agreed to develop a funding strategy to help secure budget certainty for the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph. “This month I am sponsoring a Total Force team of senior leaders from the National Guard Bureau, Air Force Reserve Command, and [Air Mobility Command] on a visit to St. Joseph, Missouri to assess both the [Weapons Instructor Course] and [Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center] manpower, funding, infrastructure, and airframe requirements for the near term and future years,” wrote General Carlton Everhart, the Commander of the Air Force Air Mobility Command, in a letter to McCaskill. “We intend to develop an enduring funding construct for this Total Force training in future Presidential Budget submissions. Thank you for your continued support of the 139th Airlift Wing, the Airmen and their families.” McCaskill last month had written General Everhart, saying, “I sincerely hope you will work with the Air National Guard to ensure these strategically important courses are explicitly programmed in the fiscal year 2018 budget and subsequent budgets.” McCaskill is a longtime advocate for the Missouri National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing. This summer, as part of her Security & Defense Tour, McCaskill visited the 139th where she received a classified briefing from base leaders and heard directly from intelligence analysts examining the actions of America’s adversaries. Last month McCaskill raised budget uncertainty concerns she heard on her tour with top Pentagon officials, discussing the uniquely important role of the base’s Advanced Airlift and Tactics Training Center and Weapons Instructor Course in training fliers from the National Guard and Active Duty, as well as visiting pilots from international partner countries—and why that means it’s critical these courses get long-term funding for their long-term mission. In her push to call for an “honest defense budget our men and women in uniform deserve,” McCaskill has consistently called on Republican leaders in Congress to properly budget for military operations. Under the plan proposed by the House of Representatives, the Department of Defense is slated to run out of war funding halfway through the 2017 fiscal year. Because the 139th Airlift Wing has tactics development experts working in the same facility as intelligence analysts, changes to policy can be quickly assembled and disseminated to elements in the Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and National Guard. Currently, the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center and C-130H Weapons Instructor courses—the only ones in the Air Force—are not explicitly programmed for in the budget and are funded year-to-year, leaving the critically important programs without long-term certainty. Full text of letter HERE. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/defense to learn more about McCaskill's fight to protect our national security. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/bipartisan-group-of-senators-asks-obama-to-rein-in-education-department-proposals,Bipartisan group of senators asks Obama to rein in Education Department proposals,2016-11-03,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan group of senators asks Obama to rein in Education Department proposals Thursday, November 3, 2016 By:  Emma Brown A bipartisan group of 10 U.S. senators is asking President Obama to rein in the Education Department, arguing that the agency is trying to overreach into matters that Congress intended to be decided by states and school districts. Their objections arise from two key regulations that the Education Department is seeking to finalize before Obama leaves office. One governs how districts allocate billions of dollars for the education of poor children, and the other outlines how states and districts should design systems to judge which schools are failing and how to intervene to help them improve. The Education Department and its allies in the civil rights movement — as well as some Senate Democrats — have argued that their approach is not only legal, but is necessary to give the nation’s most disadvantaged children a fair shot at getting a quality education. The regulations have nevertheless drawn criticism from a broad, strange-bedfellows alliance of Republicans, teachers unions and groups representing state education chiefs and local school boards and superintendents, who argue that the department is not only overstepping its authority but also proposing policies that threaten to wreak havoc in schools and run counter to the best interests of needy children. The 10 senators — including five Republicans, four Democrats and an independent — have now joined that chorus, writing in a one-page letter to Obama that the proposed regulations violate the intent of the new Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaced the much-reviled No Child Left Behind Act and shifted considerable authority over education from the federal government to the states. “Most Americans are grateful for the law that Congress, working with you, enacted,” reads the letter, dated Sept. 30. “We urge you to make certain that the Department of Education regulations stay within the statutory text.” The first signature belongs to Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, a Republican who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and has been a frequent critic of the Obama administration’s approach on education. Other signers are Republicans Mike Enzi (Wyo.), Susan Collins (Maine), Orrin G. Hatch (Utah) and Johnny Isakson (Ga.); Democrats Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Jon Tester (Mont.), Joe Manchin III (W.Va) and Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.); and Angus King of Maine, an independent who caucuses with Democrats. A White House spokeswoman declined to comment and referred questions to the Education Department. A department spokeswoman did not immediately comment. The letter not only underscores a simmering policy fight whose outcome will affect schools nationwide, but also highlights a division among Democrats on Capitol Hill. One notable senator who did not sign: Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the ranking Democrat on the education committee, who played a key role in working with Alexander to broker the new bipartisan education law. “When we worked to pass ESSA, Democrats and Republicans, working with stakeholder groups on all sides, delicately worked to develop a balanced law that increased state and local flexibility when it comes to decision-making on how to run education systems, while also including federal guardrails to ensure that all children have access to high-quality education. These proposed regulations are within the spirit of ESSA and the congressional intent that we agreed to around that balanced approach,” Murray said in a statement to The Washington Post. “I am encouraged to see the department continuing to gather feedback from stakeholders, including teachers, principals, superintendents, and civil rights groups as it works to implement the law.” Other Senate Democrats, including some of the most high-profile progressives, have also supported the Obama administration’s regulations. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Chris Murphy (Conn.), Cory Booker (N.J.), and Christopher A. Coons (Del.) issued a joint statement endorsing the administration’s proposal for school accountability in May. That same month, those four senators and four other Senate Democrats — Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), Richard J. Durbin (Ill.), Barbara A. Mikulski (Md.) and Al Franken (Minn.), along with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) — sent a letter to Education Secretary John B. King Jr. expressing support for the administration’s direction on Title I spending. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-urges-facebook-to-change-alleged-discriminatory,Congressman Cleaver Urges Facebook to Change Alleged Discriminatory Advertising Practices,2016-11-02,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington D.C.) – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II joined Congresswoman Robin Kelly and other Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Members in sending a letter to Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. The letter, which can be found here, addresses reports of advertisers on Facebook, using a customization feature that excludes racial and ethnic groups when placing housing advertisements online. The customization feature allows for an “Ethnic Affinities” selection. By allowing online advertisers to promote or market a certain community for home sales, Facebook is therefore promoting restrictive housing practices. “This is a direct violation of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and it is our strong desire to see Facebook address this issue immediately,” stated the letter, signed by Congressman Cleaver, CBC Chairman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Congresswoman Yvette Clark (D-NY). “Facebook may not have intentionally created this feature to separate communities, but there are minority families who have not seen or heard of the housing opportunities and sales that are being marketed and made available to others. Everyone should have the same opportunity to see what’s available to them,” said Congressman Cleaver. The Members are asking Mr. Zuckerberg to correct this customization feature in online housing advertisements. It is also important that technology industries like Facebook include more African Americans and minorities within their workforce to promote diversity and prevent future discriminatory practices. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov. Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/senator-joins-push-to-stop-feds-from-selling-recalled-cars,Senator joins push to stop feds from selling recalled cars,2016-11-02,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator joins push to stop feds from selling recalled cars Wednesday, November 2, 2016 By:  Melanie Zanona Sen. Claire McCaskill is joining a growing chorus of lawmakers who are demanding answers from the General Services Administration (GSA) about its practice of selling recalled cars to the public. The Missouri Democrat raised concerns about a recent investigation from Circa that found that more than 20 percent of the vehicles sold by the GSA had safety defects needing repairs, with open recalls related to engine problems, exploding airbags and steering issues. The report also suggested that federal employees may be driving around in vehicles that need repairs. “High-profile examples in recent years have raised public awareness about the seriousness of recalls, yet automakers and auto safety regulators still face challenges in reaching consumers and successfully urging them to bring their vehicles in for needed repairs,” McCaskill wrote in a letter to the GSA. The letter comes after top lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee called on the GSA to stop selling recalled and potentially unsafe cars to the public. The agency has long sold leased vehicles through a public auction after the cars are retired from service. The GSA estimates that it puts 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles up for sale every year. But under current law, it's not illegal to sell a used vehicle that has an open recall. New car dealers, however, are required to repair any open recalls before vehicles can be sold to the public. McCaskill fought for language in last year’s surface transportation bill that also requires recalled rental cars to be repaired before they can be rented. The GSA said in a statement that the vehicles that are sold have been regularly serviced and maintained and emphasized that the agency is in “full compliance with the laws and regulations regarding auto auctions.” ""The agency notifies all auction bidders and successful buyers that there may be outstanding recalls on the sale vehicle, and to contact either their local dealership or use the [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's] website to check the vehicle’s recall status,” a spokesperson said in a statement. McCaskill is requesting all correspondence between the GSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about any known or suspected safety defects in the federal fleet over the past five years. The lawmaker is also seeking a description of the agency’s process for notifying federal agencies and potential buyers that a vehicle is under recall. “Although GSA is under no current requirement to repair recalls in a timely manner while being used by federal employees or before sale to the public, the federal government should take every step possible to keep federal employees and the broader American driving public safe,” McCaskill said. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/st-louis-area-port-authorities-get-809000-in-federal-funds,"St. Louis-area port authorities get $809,000 in federal funds",2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"St. Louis-area port authorities get $809,000 in federal funds Tuesday, November 1, 2016 By:  Diana Barr The Port Authority of the city of St. Louis and America’s Central Port in Granite City each received federal grants through the Maritime Administration’s Marine Highway Program. The funds were part of $4.85 million in grants for six Marine Highway projects along the waterways of 17 states and the District of Columbia announced last week by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. The goal of the Marine Highway Program is to expand use the nation’s navigable waterways to relieve landside congestion, reduce air emissions and increase the surface transportation system’s efficiency. The St. Louis Port Authority, along with partners Inland Rivers Ports & Terminals Inc. (IRPT), Mississippi Rivers Cities & Towns Initiative (MRCTI), and Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA), was awarded $96,000 to develop containerized shipping along the Mississippi River, between New Orleans, Minneapolis and Chicago. “Missouri’s economy thrives when our producers are able to get their products to market around the country and the world, and we’ve got to give them the tools to get there,” U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-St. Louis, and a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said in a statement Tuesday. “That’s why this grant is great news for our state — enabling us to unlock one of our most valuable highways of commerce, our rivers, and helping create jobs and boosting our economy by transporting goods more efficiently.” The Illinois Container on Barge Shuttle program, was awarded $713,000. The program, sponsored by America’s Central Port in Metro East, is an 18-month demonstration project to provide shuttle service for agricultural customers moving containerized exports between southern and northern Illinois to access the Union Pacific and BNSF rail ramps. The service will operate on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers between Channahon and Granite City. There will be an option to extend container-on-barge service to the Gulf of Mexico ports. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/st-louis-port-authority-awarded-nearly-100k-for-cargo-ship-planning-with-mccaskill-support,St. Louis Port Authority Awarded Nearly $100k for Cargo Ship Planning with McCaskill Support,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"St. Louis Port Authority Awarded Nearly $100k for Cargo Ship Planning with McCaskill Support Department of Transportation awards $96,000 in funding for planning of containerized shipping along Mississippi River Tuesday, November 1, 2016 WASHINGTON – The City of St. Louis Port Authority has been awarded a nearly $100k grant to develop containerized shipping along the Mississippi River—a project supported by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill—as part of a $4.85 million Department of Transportation investment in Marine Highways. “Missouri’s economy thrives when our producers are able to get their products to market around the country and the world, and we’ve got to give them the tools to get there,” said McCaskill, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. “That’s why this grant is great news for our state—enabling us to unlock one of our most valuable highways of commerce, our rivers, and helping create jobs and boosting our economy by transporting goods more efficiently.” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced $4.85 million in grants to six Marine Highway projects along the waterways of 17 states and the District of Columbia, as part of the Maritime Administration’s Marine Highway Program. McCaskill leant her support to the project, the goal of which is to expand the use of the country’s navigable waterways to relieve landside congestion, reduce air emissions, and generate other public benefits by increasing the efficiency of the surface transportation system. McCaskill supported the Water Resources Reform Development Act, which would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to study and construct water projects to maintain navigable channels, and reduce flood and storm damage. The legislation addresses a range of funding issues for water projects by establishing a new pilot loan program to fund flood and water supply projects, addresses harbor maintenance and issues surrounding lock and dam projects on the inland waterways, and increases funding for levee and dam safety programs. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/jobs to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to boost job opportunities for Missouri. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-joins-arnold-veteran-at-french-legion-of-honor-ceremony,McCaskill Joins Arnold Veteran at French Legion of Honor Ceremony,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Joins Arnold Veteran at French Legion of Honor Ceremony Local veteran Joe Randazzo received highest award by French government for service in World War II Friday, October 28, 2016 ARNOLD, Mo. – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today joined local World War II veteran Joe Randazzo at his induction ceremony into the French Legion of Honor. The French Legion of Honor (officially called the Légion d’honneur) is the highest award for service the French Government bestows on living United States veterans who risked their life during World War I and World War II fighting on French territory. Those selected are appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor. Click HERE for more photos from the ceremony. “Generations of Americans have felt the call to serve in our military not only to defend our own borders, but to help defend those of our allies who have joined us in the fight against tyranny,” said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the daughter of a World War II veteran. “We owe a true debt of gratitude to those who have risked their lives for our safety and freedom, and it’s such a special tribute for our nation’s oldest ally to recognize the incredible service of Joe Randazzo.” Improving care for veterans and honoring their service has been a priority for McCaskill in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year she successfully advocated for World War II veteran Carl Willm to receive his Bronze Star Medal after a long delay. McCaskill has previously helped Missouri veterans and their families secure overdue combat awards, including World War II veterans Vernon C. Crecelius and Walter Wocjik, Vietnam veterans Patrick Howe and Walter Sitzwohl, and Korean War veterans Dencil Francis and Reverend Leo Hardin. McCaskill has led several efforts to increase accountability and quality of veterans services. Earlier this year, McCaskill released a report detailing shameful treatment of veterans of World War II who were exposed to mustard gas, leading to her introduction of the Arla Harrell Act. Aiming to continue improvements to the quality of customer service at statewide VA facilities, McCaskill last year announced the expansion of her successful “secret-shopper” program to the southwest Missouri area. The Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program allows veterans to share timely, confidential feedback about their VA health care visits, and helps provide oversight and accountability for VA health care facilities. The survey is now active in five regions: St. Louis; Kansas City; Columbia; Poplar Bluff; Southwest Missouri (Fayetteville). Veterans seeking to participate in the Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program can visit McCaskill’s website, McCaskill.senate.gov/VCSP, and complete the confidential survey. Responses can be submitted after each health care visit. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/veterans to learn more about McCaskill’s fight for military veterans.  ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/photos/mccaskill-joins-arnold-veteran-at-french-legion-of-honor-ceremony,McCaskill Joins Arnold Veteran at French Legion of Honor Ceremony,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today joined local World War II veteran Joe Randazzo at his induction ceremony into the French Legion of Honor. The French Legion of Honor (officially called the Légion d’honneur) is the highest award for service the French Government bestows on living United States veterans who risked their life during World War I and World War II fighting on French territory. Those selected are appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor. “Generations of Americans have felt the call to serve in our military not only to defend our own borders, but to help defend those of our allies who have joined us in the fight against tyranny,” said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the daughter of a World War II veteran. “We owe a true debt of gratitude to those who have risked their lives for our safety and freedom, and it’s such a special tribute for our nation’s oldest ally to recognize the incredible service of Joe Randazzo.” Improving care for veterans and honoring their service has been a priority for McCaskill in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year she successfully advocated for World War II veteran Carl Willm to receive his Bronze Star Medal after a long delay. McCaskill has previously helped Missouri veterans and their families secure overdue combat awards, including World War II veterans Vernon C. Crecelius and Walter Wocjik, Vietnam veterans Patrick Howe and Walter Sitzwohl, and Korean War veterans Dencil Francis and Reverend Leo Hardin. McCaskill has led several efforts to increase accountability and quality of veterans services. Earlier this year, McCaskill released a report detailing shameful treatment of veterans of World War II who were exposed to mustard gas, leading to her introduction of the Arla Harrell Act. Aiming to continue improvements to the quality of customer service at statewide VA facilities, McCaskill last year announced the expansion of her successful “secret-shopper” program to the southwest Missouri area. The Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program allows veterans to share timely, confidential feedback about their VA health care visits, and helps provide oversight and accountability for VA health care facilities. The survey is now active in five regions: St. Louis; Kansas City; Columbia; Poplar Bluff; Southwest Missouri (Fayetteville). Veterans seeking to participate in the Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program can visit McCaskill’s website, McCaskill.senate.gov/VCSP, and complete the confidential survey. Responses can be submitted after each health care visit.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-serrano-clay-and-colleagues-urge-census-bureau-prevent-prison,"Cummings, Serrano, Clay and Colleagues Urge Census Bureau to Prevent Prison Gerrymandering",2016-10-27,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,William Clay,C001049,lacyclay.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2016                                 MEDIA CONTACT: (CLAY) STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029 (CUMMINGS) JENNIFER WERNER (202) 226-5181 (SERRANO)  PAOLA AMADOR (202) 225-4361 WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Reps. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), José E. Serrano (D-NY) and Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) sent a letter to U.S. Census Bureau Population Division Chief Karen Humes urging the Bureau to amend a proposed rule, which would allow states to count incarcerated persons at prison facilities at which they are incarcerated on Census Day, instead of their last known address. The Members wrote, “the Bureau’s process of counting prisoners where prisoners are imprisoned, instead of at their last known address before incarceration allows state governments to participate in prison gerrymandering. The crafters of legislative districts engage in prison gerrymandering when they include prisons in districts where none of the incarcerated reside.” State and federal correctional facilities held an estimated 1.6 million prisoners on December 31, 2013, including a disproportionately high number of African-American and Latino men who often reside in low-income urban areas before entering prison. Failing to count incarcerated individuals in their home communities also affects the federal resources these communities receive. According to the Bureau, the census helps determine the allocation of more than $400 billion in federal dollars annually, including funding for critical projects like new schools and hospitals. As a result, federal funding is shifted from prisoners’ home districts to the district in which the prison is located, which causes their families, neighbors, and communities to suffer at the expense of communities to which they have no ties. Earlier this year, the Federal District Court for Florida’s Northern District ruled that Jefferson County, Florida violated its residents’ 14th Amendment right by including the prison population in its district. Some states have enacted legislation to prevent prison gerrymandering—requiring or encouraging local governments to count incarcerated citizens in their district of last known address rather than the district in which they are incarcerated. While the proposed rule would allow the states that have enacted legislation to prevent prison gerrymandering to continue doing so, the Members called on the Census Bureau to set a federal standard to prevent prison gerrymandering in all states. The Members continued, “The Bureau should be commended for its proposed efforts in this matter. However, it is clear the Census needs to do more to prevent prison gerrymandering by counting incarcerated prisoners at their last known address before incarceration, and not at their prison address.” The letter was also signed by Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA), Donna F. Edwards (D-MD), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI). -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/mizzou-to-grad-assistants-keep-calm-and-keep-your-health-insurance-,Mizzou to grad assistants: Keep calm and keep your health insurance,2016-10-27,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Mizzou to grad assistants: Keep calm and keep your health insurance Thursday, October 27, 2016 By:  Ashley Jost ST. LOUIS • The University of Missouri-Columbia will continue providing graduate assistants subsidies for their health insurance — at least through this school year. The issue erupted on the Columbia campus last fall when leaders said they’d stop the longtime practice of offering these students subsidies. The decision at the time stemmed from guidance on the Affordable Care Act that led university leaders to fear they’d face legal ramifications because, in the eyes of the IRS, those students are considered employees. The Affordable Care Act penalizes employers for giving employees money to purchase health insurance coverage on their own. Thanks to a decision by three federal departments last week, universities such as Mizzou can take as much time as they need to figure out the future of providing students with health insurance. The Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury departments agreed on the extension. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., lobbied for the extension, and touted it as a win for students and the university, adding that she will “continue working to make that certainty permanent.” “Mizzou’s hardworking teaching assistants had been left in limbo about whether they’d be able to access the affordable, quality health insurance they’d relied on,” McCaskill said in a statement. Shortly after the announcement last fall that Mizzou would pull back on the subsidies — leading to protests from students and faculty — the school reneged. The issue added to a semester full of public scrutiny on campus. The recently announced extension allows Mizzou “the time and ability to work toward identifying a permanent quality, affordable, health coverage solution for our graduate students looking forward,” a campus spokesperson said in a statement. For now, students keep their subsidies. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/sen-mccaskill-hails-arrests-of-irs-impersonators,Sen. McCaskill hails arrests of IRS impersonators,2016-10-27,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. McCaskill hails arrests of IRS impersonators Thursday, October 27, 2016 By:  John P Tretbar U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is praising law enforcement efforts after 56 individuals and five Indian call centers were indicted for scams involving IRS impersonations. The three-year probe led to the large single domestic law enforcement action to date involving this scam. A government report suggests that this scam has victimized roughly 10,000 Americans, with losses of $50 million. McCaskill and Sen. Susan Collins, the top Democrat and Republican on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, have repeatedly called for increased law enforcement action to combat an emerging scam in which individuals impersonate IRS agents and demand that victims pay money immediately to avoid punishment. The Senate Aging Committee held a hearing last year on the scam. McCaskill says this figure includes $112,000 that has been stolen from 36 Missouri victims. More than 10,000 attempted scam calls are being placed every week. “These arrests—the largest law enforcement action against these scammers to date—are an enormous victory for the thousands of victims, many of them elderly, whose sense of financial responsibility has been preyed upon by these criminals,” said McCaskill, a former courtroom prosecutor. “We’re now sending a clear and aggressive signal to these scam artists that they can no longer hide behind the anonymity of a call center or a blocked number to perpetuate a scam that’s made people afraid to answer their phones.” McCaskill also backed bipartisan legislation that would repeal the legalizing of IRS robocalls by requiring callers to have the receiving party’s consent before making automated calls or texts for collecting debts owed or guaranteed by the federal government. The bill is supported by several prominent consumer groups, including the Consumer Federation of American and Consumers Union. Last spring, five individuals were arrested on charges relating to the scam, and according to court documents, they were responsible for taking nearly $2 million from more than 1,500 victims. McCaskill recently requested from the IRS a plan on how the agency intends to crack down on identity theft scammers who are stealing consumers’ Identity Protection PINs in order to file fraudulent tax returns. These PINs were originally intended to deter fraudulent filing by thieves who may already possess an individual’s stolen personally identifying information. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/56-indicted-in-massive-irs-impersonation-scam-arrest-mccaskill-hails-enormous-victory-for-thousands-of-victims,56 Indicted in Massive IRS Impersonation Scam Arrest— McCaskill Hails ‘enormous victory for thousands of victims’,2016-10-27,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"56 Indicted in Massive IRS Impersonation Scam Arrest— McCaskill Hails ‘enormous victory for thousands of victims’ Largest domestic law enforcement action to date involving IRS impersonation scam; Senator has lead push to combat scam that has defrauded more than $100k from Missourians Thursday, October 27, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today praised the indictment of 56 individuals and five Indian call centers for IRS impersonation scams, after a three-year investigation led to the largest single domestic law enforcement action to date involving the scam. McCaskill and Senator Susan Collins, the top Democrat and Republican on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, have repeatedly called for increased law enforcement action to combat an emerging scam in which individuals impersonate IRS agents and demand that victims pay money immediately to avoid punishment. The Senate Aging Committee held a hearing last year on the scam, which, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, has victimized roughly 10,000 Americans with losses of $50 million. This figure includes $112,000 that has been stolen from 36 Missouri victims. More than 10,000 attempted scam calls are being placed every week. “These arrests—the largest law enforcement action against these scammers to date—are an enormous victory for the thousands of victims, many of them elderly, whose sense of financial responsibility has been preyed upon by these criminals,” said McCaskill, a former courtroom prosecutor. “We’re now sending a clear and aggressive signal to these scam artists that they can no longer hide behind the anonymity of a call center or a blocked number to perpetuate a scam that’s made people afraid to answer their phones.” In May, after a tip made to the Aging Committee’s fraud hotline, five individuals were arrested for perpetrating the same scam. According to court documents, the suspects are responsible for nearly $2 million in schemes that defrauded more than 1,500 victims. McCaskill also backed bipartisan legislation that would repeal the legalizing of IRS robocalls by requiring callers to have the receiving party’s consent before making automated calls or texts for collecting debts owed or guaranteed by the federal government. The bill is supported by several prominent consumer groups, including the Consumer Federation of American and Consumers Union. McCaskill recently requested from the IRS a plan on how the agency intends to crack down on identity theft scammers who are stealing consumers’ Identity Protection PINs in order to file fraudulent tax returns. These PINs were originally intended to deter fraudulent filing by thieves who may already possess an individual’s stolen personally identifying information. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/consumers to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to strengthen protections for American consumers. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/highway-96-bridge-project-proceeding-despite-state-budget-concerns-,Highway 96 bridge project proceeding despite state budget concerns,2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Highway 96 bridge project proceeding despite state budget concerns Wednesday, October 26, 2016 By:  Koby Levin CARTHAGE, Mo. — The City Council approved an agreement Tuesday night laying out plans for the replacement of the Highway 96 bridge in Carthage. The Missouri Department of Transportation projects that the work will cost $3.6 million, paid for out of state’s highway improvement program. “It’s a huge deal for Carthage,” council member Dan Rife said of the construction. “Not only for general traffic flow, but because that’s part of Route 66. You get all of the travelers wanting to drive that road, and detours make that less enjoyable for them. We’re anxious to get it done as quick as we can.” Contractors could break ground on the project as early as March, according to Sean Matlock, transportation manager for MoDOT’s Southwest District. MoDOT will cover the cost of decorative lighting on the new bridge, according to the agreement between the council and MoDOT’s governing body. Tom Short, Carthage city administrator, said at the council meeting that MoDOT crews will attempt to save the decorative balusters that are the current bridge’s most distinctive feature. If they can be saved, the city will could sell them at auction. The Highway 96 bridge over the railroad tracks northeast of downtown was closed to the public last month after a routine inspection found that it was deteriorating faster than engineers had expected. MoDOT was already planning to replace the bridge in 2017. With conditions rated at 3 out of 10, the Highway 96 and Spring River spans are in worse shape than other bridges in Jasper County, according to a 2015 report from MoDOT. But a number of bridges in the area don’t lag far behind. Eight structures in Jasper County received scores of 4, meaning MoDOT considers them to be in “critical condition.” Though the Center Creek bridge on Interstate 44 at Sarcoxie is the only interstate bridge among the eight, but others see significant traffic. The KCS Railroad Bridge in Joplin sees an average of 27,000 cars every day, according to the report. “We’re going to do our best to get (critical condition bridges) replaced,” Matlock said. “Statewide, we’re replacing about 100 bridges every year that are in that condition 3 status, but we have about 100 more come on each year too. It’s a perpetual problem, and with our current funding situation we can’t seem to get ahead of that issue.” A MoDOT report on its bridge and highway construction plans through 2021 notes that more than two-thirds of the department’s budget comes from fuel taxes, which have not been raised at the state or federal level since the 1990s. The project is part of $12 million in infrastructure funding that has been redirected to Jasper County after the passage of last year’s federal transportation bill, according to Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., a supporter of the bill. It included a provision that allowed states to repurpose earmarks — funds directed to a particular project — that had gone unused, McCaskill said. “When lawmakers are able to steer pork-barrel spending to their pet projects, sorely needed infrastructure in our communities is often ignored in favor of those projects,” she said in the statement. “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to change this, so these leftover earmark funds can make a real difference to our communities like Jasper County that need and deserve it.” Other business The Carthage City Council approved an ordinance that matches the city’s legal definition of recreational off-highway vehicles to the wording used in state law. With the passage of the ordinance, navigating the streets of Carthage on all-terrain vehicles and covered off-road vehicles is forbidden under both city and state law. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/mu-can-keep-offering-health-insurance-to-grad-students-but-still-no-permanent-solution-,"MU can keep offering health insurance to grad students, but still no permanent solution",2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MU can keep offering health insurance to grad students, but still no permanent solution Wednesday, October 26, 2016 By:  Ruth Serven COLUMBIA — Three federal departments said Friday that universities will be able to offer health insurance to students indefinitely. That's good news for MU's 6,000 graduate students, because the university won't have to adjust the health insurance subsidies it gives graduate assistants and won't be penalized by the IRS for continuing to offer those subsidies. Colleges and universities have arrangements for graduate student health coverage that are often part of a large and complex admission offer and acceptance process, the report said, and Congress believes that the Affordable Care Act should preserve higher education institutions' ability to offer health insurance. ""It's certainly good news for graduate students who took health insurance subsidies,"" said Joseph Moore, spokesman for the Coalition of Graduate Workers, the union that represents MU graduate students. But the underlying issues identified after MU removed health insurance from its graduate students with little warning will remain. MU announced on Aug. 15, 2015, that graduate students would not receive health coverage. The subsidies were reinstated Aug. 21, and Interim Chancellor Hank Foley extended them through the 2016-2017 school year, but tensions between graduate students and the administration remained high. Graduate students formed a union and have been trying to get the university to give the union official recognition and collective bargaining. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri and an MU graduate, had put pressure on the federal Treasury Department to change the rules earlier in the year. She and 16 other Democratic senators sent a letter to the Obama administration in June urging a permanent solution for graduate student health insurance within the Affordable Care Act. ""Mizzou's hardworking teaching assistants had been left in limbo about whether they’d be able to access the affordable, quality health insurance they'd relied on,"" McCaskill said in a statement on Friday. ""So this decision is great news for both the school and its graduate students — providing more certainty for the school year and beyond, and I’ll continue working to make that certainty permanent."" Other universities have also struggled with the previous ruling by the IRS that said universities could not subsidize graduate student health care. Last month, the University of Kansas said it would be removing graduate health subsidies at the end of next summer, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal. Because MU had promised to extend health insurance subsidies through this school year, Moore said the federal updates won't change the day-to-day life for its graduate students. ""It's not a permanent solution,"" Moore said. ""We're just kicking the can down the road, and a collectively bargained contract would be a better permanent solution."" The coalition is also seeking higher wages, guaranteed tuition waivers, affordable housing and on-campus child care. Foley did announce increases to minimum stipends in January. MU has not provided any updates on its plan for health coverage for graduate students following the federal updates, but spokesman Christian Basi said on Tuesday that the extensions will allow the university ""the time and ability to work toward identifying a permanent quality, affordable, health coverage solution for our graduate students looking forward."" Kristofferson Culmer, a doctoral candidate in computer science at MU and CEO of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students, pointed out that the federal update still doesn't specify the length of the exemption. ""We were happy to hear about the new guidelines,"" he said, ""but we still have to make it permanent."" Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-robocall-strike-force-report-the-first-clear-sign-telecom-industry-taking-robocalls-seriously-more-work-and-oversight-needed-,"McCaskill: Robocall Strike Force Report the ‘first clear sign’ Telecom Industry Taking Robocalls Seriously, More Work & Oversight Needed",2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill: Robocall Strike Force Report the ‘first clear sign’ Telecom Industry Taking Robocalls Seriously, More Work & Oversight Needed Report comes after Senator, who has led efforts to combat unwanted robocalls, repeatedly urged phone companies to show concrete results Wednesday, October 26, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who has led the fight to protect consumers from unwanted robocalls, today commended recommendations from the “robocall strike force” of telecom companies convened to discuss solutions to keep unwanted or fraudulent robocalls from reaching consumers. McCaskill called on the companies to follow through on their recommendations to provide consumers the protection they expect and deserve. “After years of inaction, today’s report is the first clear sign that the industry is taking seriously the problem of unwanted robocalls plaguing consumers,” said McCaskill, a senior member of Senate subcommittees on telecommunications and consumer protection. “I’m hopeful we’ll begin to see short-term success in the form of new standards and better consumer education, but as the report makes clear—carriers, regulators and all stakeholders have a lot more work to do to follow through on these promises. And congressional oversight will be critical to ensuring these recommendations are fully implemented in a timely manner and that consumers are effectively protected from fraudulent and unwanted robocalls.” This summer, McCaskill called on the nation’s top telecom companies – which for years promised results but delivered little – to outline the concrete steps they have taken and plan to take to protect consumers. McCaskill’s letter followed a letter from FCC Chairman Wheeler urging companies to do more to implement robocall blocking technologies and report back within 30 days. Three years ago, McCaskill asked the top telecom trade associations to evaluate the feasibility of implementing technology to help filter out unwanted calls and protect America's most vulnerable consumers. The industry’s responses indicated they would be hard at work to address the problem, including developing better technologies—however little concrete action has been taken in the three years since. McCaskill has introduced legislation, the Robocall and Call Spoofing Enforcement Improvements Act, to increase fines and penalties on robocall violators, streamline enforcement, expand the statute of limitations on violators, and enforce anti-spoofing provisions against violators outside the U.S. who target consumers inside the U.S. In addition, McCaskill—an outspoken critic of a provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 that rolled back consumer protections of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by allowing callers collecting federal debts to make robocalls—supports legislation that would repeal this provision. Last year, Missouri led a group of 44 state attorneys general in urging the five major phone companies to offer call-blocking technology to their customers, stating, “Every year, our offices are flooded with consumer complaints pleading for a solution to stop intrusive robocalls. Your companies are now poised to offer your customers the help they need. We urge you to act without delay.” Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/consumers to learn more about McCaskill's fight to protect consumers. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-to-hold-press-conference,Congressman Cleaver to Hold Press Conference,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"Millions of Salaried Workers, who had been denied pay, will now be eligible to receive Overtime Pay (Kansas City, MO) – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II will hold a press conference on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. regarding the Department of Labor’s new Overtime Rule.  In May of 2016, President Barack Obama and Secretary Thomas Perez announced the Department of Labor’s final rule updating overtime regulations. Prior to this announcement, the overtime rules had not been updated in several decades. In the recent years, middle-class income and wages have stagnated while income inequality has risen such that the top 1 percent holds 21 percent of national income. Currently, millions of salaried employees work well over 40 hours each week and are not paid for the overtime they accrue. This new rule will automatically extend overtime pay to over 4 million workers within the first year of implementation resulting in a meaningful boost to working families everywhere. It ensures that every worker is compensated for their hard work. The new rule would raise American wages by an estimated $12 Billion over the next decade. You can read more about the new rule here. The new rule takes effect on December 1, 2016. Last month, the House of Representatives considered a bill to delay implementation of the overtime rule. Though H.R. 6094 passed the House by a vote of 246-177, it was opposed by Congressman Cleaver. Congressman Cleaver will make an announcement in support of the new rule at the GoodWORKS Career Center of Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas where several employees and employees with other like companies will benefit from this welcomed change.   WHO:            Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II; Stefany Williams, President / CEO of Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas WHAT:         Announcement of DOL Overtime Rule WHEN:         Thursday, October 27, 2016, 10:00 a.m. WHERE:      Goodwill Store, 4824 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO  64118 Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here. For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov. About: Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit agency whose mission is to empower people with disadvantages and different abilities to earn and keep employment through individualized programs and services. Learn more at www.mokangoodwill.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mccaskill-requests-answers-on-safety-of-recalled-vehicles-in-government-fleet,McCaskill Requests Answers on Safety of Recalled Vehicles in Government Fleet,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Requests Answers on Safety of Recalled Vehicles in Government Fleet Senator, a leader on recall safety in Congress, questions government’s auction of recalled vehicles to the public Tuesday, October 25, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is questioning the federal government’s use of vehicles under safety recall after news reports that the government auctions vehicles to the public without repairing known safety recalls. “High-profile examples in recent years have raised public awareness about the seriousness of recalls, yet automakers and auto safety regulators still face challenges in reaching consumers and successfully urging them to bring their vehicles in for needed repairs,” wrote McCaskill, the former Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, which overseas rental car safety, and a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees the General Services Administration. “… Although GSA is under no current requirement to repair recalls in a timely manner while being used by federal employees or before sale to the public, the federal government should take every step possible to keep federal employees and the broader American driving public safe.” The Circa News investigation found that more than 400 of the vehicles auctioned to the public by the General Services Administration in August had open recalls, and raised questions about how the agency responds to recalls for vehicles within the fleet. McCaskill is requesting a full accounting of the agency’s policies and practices related to vehicle safety recalls. Last year’s highway bill included the Racheal and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act, which is now law, that ensures all recalled rental cars must be grounded and repaired before they are rented to consumers. McCaskill offered the provision as an amendment, which was adopted, during the Senate Commerce Committee’s consideration of the five-year highway bill. McCaskill’s role in passing into law that landmark rental car safety legislation was honored with the American Car Rental Association’s Legislator of the Year award and the Consumer Council of Missouri’s Alberta Slavin Consumer award. In 2012, McCaskill led discussions between rental car companies and safety advocates to reach an agreement on the legislation that garnered broad support from the rental car industry, car companies including Honda and GM, and consumer and auto safety advocates alike. The legislation was supported by all major car rental companies—Enterprise, Hertz, Avis Budget, and Dollar Thrifty, as well as the American Car Rental Association—together representing virtually 100 percent of the rental car market. In 2014, McCaskill held two hearings on the General Motors recall of 2.6 million vehicles for defective ignition switches that have been linked to a number of deaths, as well as an auto safety oversight hearing, and a hearing on rental car safety. Full text of the letter HERE. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/consumers to learn more about McCaskill's fight to protect consumers. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/missouri-manufacturers-can-now-claim-tariff-relief-after-mccaskill-reforms-to-simplify-trade-law,Missouri Manufacturers Can Now Claim Tariff Relief After McCaskill Reforms to Simplify Trade Law,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Missouri Manufacturers Can Now Claim Tariff Relief After McCaskill Reforms to Simplify Trade Law Senator’s plan to tighten lid on earmark ban and bolster job creation for American manufacturers is now law; Missouri companies have 45 days to request a duty reduction under reformed process Tuesday, October 25, 2016 WASHINGTON – A new law from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill to simplify trade processes for America’s manufacturers and guard against the return of Congressional earmarks has gone into effect, giving Missouri companies until December 12 to apply for a duty reduction under the new merit-based process. “After a long fight to get this bill signed into law, small businesses in Missouri and across the country can finally seek tariff relief in a fair, streamlined, and merit-based way,” said McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor and the Senate’s leading Democratic voice against earmarks. “In the next several weeks, manufacturers can take full advantage of a more level playing field to complete in the global market—much-needed reforms to an outdated system that’ll boost jobs in Missouri and American competitiveness around the world.” The new law, streamlines the process for companies to receive tariff relief by allowing them to submit their proposals directly to the International Trade Commission and explicitly prohibits any special consideration for tariff reductions requested by an elected official. Once the Commission reviews and accepts any proposals, those proposals will be sent to Congress for final approval. These changes would bolster accountability by lessening the chance for backdoor earmarks and would reduce barriers for job-creators, who would no longer be forced to spend time and resources on hiring lobbyists to secure Congressional support at the start of the process. Under the rules announced by the International Trade Commission, businesses seeking tariff reductions can apply using a portal on the Commission’s website. The application period ends on December 12, 2016. In today's high-tech and globalized economy, Missouri and American companies need a host of specialized materials, such as certain fibers or chemicals, to manufacture products. Often, those materials are not produced in the United States and can only be purchased abroad. Tariffs on importing those specialized materials produced overseas, however, can drive up costs, putting American manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage to their foreign competitors. In some cases, tariffs on these specialized imports are so expensive that companies have decided it’s in their best interest to move production from the U.S. to overseas altogether, hurting American job growth. The previous rules allowed companies that require products from overseas to obtain tariff relief. Congress has regularly passed a “Miscellaneous Tariff Bill” (MTB) comprised of hundreds of tariff reductions for such products. In order to have a tariff reduction provision included in the MTB, however, companies had to first find a member of Congress to sponsor the provision. Only when a provision had been introduced as a stand-alone bill could it be sent to the International Trade Commission. The Commission then reviewed all provisions, and often found that some of these un-vetted bills actually hurt U.S. manufacturers. The provisions that meet standards were bundled into a package that becomes the MTB. In order to get a tariff relief bill introduced, these companies previously needed to hire lobbyists to ask a member of Congress to sponsor their relief measure, placing a difficult burden on many small businesses. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/jobs to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to expand Missouri jobs. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/mu-to-subsidize-graduate-student-health-insurance-indefinitely-,MU to subsidize graduate student health insurance indefinitely,2016-10-22,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MU to subsidize graduate student health insurance indefinitely Saturday, October 22, 2016 By:  Alan Burdziak Three federal departments on Friday indefinitely extended the ability for colleges and universities in the United States to continue providing the same health insurance subsidies for graduate student assistants without facing a penalty from the Internal Revenue Service. The announcement by the departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services will allow the University of Missouri to avoid changing health insurance subsidies it provides graduate assistants after Jan. 1. U.S. Sen Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., released a statement lauding the Obama Administration’s move but added she still is pushing for a permanent fix to the issue. “Mizzou’s hardworking teaching assistants had been left in limbo about whether they’d be able to access the affordable, quality health insurance they’d relied on,” McCaskill, an MU alumna, said in the statement. “So this decision is great news for both the school and its graduate students — providing more certainty for the school year and beyond, and I’ll continue working to make that certainty permanent.” MU had cut off the health insurance subsidies to graduate assistants in August 2015, giving them 24 hours of notice before the subsidies were set to expire, because of an IRS interpretation of the Affordable Care Act that would have fined institutions of higher education that kept providing the benefits. Graduate students protested at MU shortly after then-Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin said the subsidies would expire. MU officials quickly reversed course and put together a task force to determine how to continue the subsidies while complying with IRS rules. In February, the three federal departments delayed the penalties for plans issued before Jan. 1, 2017. The announcement Friday said “pending further guidance, the departments consider it appropriate to further extend enforcement relief.” Interim MU Chancellor Hank Foley said in January the university would provide its current subsidies for graduate assistants for at least another year. At the time, he said in a letter, major research universities across the United States were lobbying Congress to address the IRS ruling. Insurance subsidies have been one of several issues of concern to graduate assistants as they also strive to be recognized as university employees and for the right to unionize. The Coalition of Graduate Workers, a group MU graduate assistants formed last year, sued the university in Boone County Circuit Court in May seeking legal recognition as the union for about 2,600 assistants. Graduate assistants held an election in April in which 84 percent voted to accept the coalition as their bargaining agent. A motion hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for Nov. 21. Foley did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Friday. Christian Basi, an MU spokesman, emailed a statement to the Tribune. “The senator’s work to secure the initial extension from the Treasury department, and now the secondary extension, has allowed the university the time and ability to work toward identifying a permanent quality, affordable, health coverage solution for our graduate students looking forward,” the statement said. Joseph Moore, a spokesman for the coalition, called the extension “a victory for graduate student activism at the federal level.” However, he said the coalition would rather have the ability to negotiate a guaranteed contract with MU. “It’s an indefinite extension, but we still don’t know how long that’s going to be, so there’s still an air of uncertainty around it,” Moore said. The University of Missouri System does not recognize graduate assistants as employees. Assistants usually receive a stipend, health insurance subsidy and tuition waiver in exchange for their work. The coalition also is seeking increased pay for graduate assistants, guaranteed tuition waivers, more university housing and on-campus childcare. Foley announced increased stipends last year, bringing the minimum for doctoral students to $15,000 for the current school year and $18,000 for the 2017-18 school year. In the 2015-16 school year, the minimum was $12,000. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/mizzou-grad-student-employee-health-subsidies-fix-extendedmccaskill-statement,Mizzou Grad Student Employee Health Subsidies Fix Extended—McCaskill Statement,2016-10-21,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Mizzou Grad Student Employee Health Subsidies Fix Extended—McCaskill Statement Senator had urged Obama Administration to find resolution for glitch in health coverage that had put grad students in danger of losing access to affordable, quality coverage—will continue to push for permanent fix Friday, October 21, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement after an announcement that schools can continue to provide health insurance subsidies for graduate teaching assistants: “Mizzou’s hardworking teaching assistants had been left in limbo about whether they’d be able to access the affordable, quality health insurance they’d relied on,” said McCaskill, a graduate of the University of Missouri. “So this decision is great news for both the school and its graduate students—providing more certainty for the school year and beyond, and I’ll continue working to make that certainty permanent.” McCaskill began her efforts—and continues to push for a permanent fix—to allow the University of Missouri to continue extending promised health insurance subsidies to graduate teaching assistants after a health coverage glitch threatened to effectively prevent graduate students from accessing affordable, quality health insurance. The Administration announced today it would extend the fix to this glitch. Earlier this year, following pressure from McCaskill, the Treasury Department announced they would temporarily allow the University of Missouri this extension. Last year, the University pledged to extend the subsidies for graduate students even without the federal government’s backing, which would have resulted in millions of dollars in penalties. The IRS guidance on the Affordable Care Act, which would have imposed millions of dollars in fines on the University for offering noncompliant subsidies to its graduate students, was issued in September 2013. However, the University only told the graduate students about its intention to end healthcare subsidies on Friday, August 14, 2015, two years after the IRS guidance was released. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/healthcare to learn more about McCaskill’s fight to improve healthcare for Missourians. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/ec-from-dc/demanding-transparency-fair-pricing,Demanding Transparency & Fair Pricing,2016-10-17,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, I joined twenty-nine of my Congressional colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama, which you can read here, expressing our concerns about the dramatic increase in the cost of prescription medications.I have received many calls from constituents in the 5th District of Missouri expressing their outrage of the rising costs of their prescription drugs. The most recent example of the pharmaceutical industries’ price-gouging is Mylan’s Epi-Pen. The company increased the price of the Epi-Pen, an injector pen for patients with severe allergies, by over 480 percent in a period of 5 years. This medication is critically important for patients who suffer the risk of dying if they do not have it with them. Mylan raised the wholesale price from less than $100 for a two-pack in 2007 to about $600, according to news reports.It’s no secret this type of unfair pricing on a critical medication devastates working families, low-income individuals, and seniors. No one should have to skip medications or make the hard decision of whether to pay for a child’s lifesaving allergy medication or food for their family.Make no mistake, we will not let this type of greed continue for companies looking to make a profit on the backs of those who are dependent upon their medications. We are asking the President to address this through executive action and demand transparent and fair pricing of medications for all Americans.Warmly, Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/ec-from-dc/demanding-transperancy-fair-pricing,Demanding Transperancy & Fair Pricing,2016-10-17,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, I joined twenty-nine of my Congressional colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama, which you can read here, expressing our concerns about the dramatic increase in the cost of prescription medications.I have received many calls from constituents in the 5th District of Missouri expressing their outrage of the rising costs of their prescription drugs. The most recent example of the pharmaceutical industries’ price-gouging is Mylan’s Epi-Pen. The company increased the price of the Epi-Pen, an injector pen for patients with severe allergies, by over 480 percent in a period of 5 years. This medication is critically important for patients who suffer the risk of dying if they do not have it with them. Mylan raised the wholesale price from less than $100 for a two-pack in 2007 to about $600, according to news reports.It’s no secret this type of unfair pricing on a critical medication devastates working families, low-income individuals, and seniors. No one should have to skip medications or make the hard decision of whether to pay for a child’s lifesaving allergy medication or food for their family.Make no mistake, we will not let this type of greed continue for companies looking to make a profit on the backs of those who are dependent upon their medications. We are asking the President to address this through executive action and demand transparent and fair pricing of medications for all Americans.Warmly, Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/mccaskill-says-pressure-on-backpagecom-paid-off,McCaskill Says Pressure On Backpage.com Paid Off,2016-10-15,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill Says Pressure On Backpage.com Paid Off Saturday, October 15, 2016 By:  Bailey Strohl U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill says continued pressure put on a popular advertising website has paid off. The U.S. Senate subpoenaed Backpage.com for documents about its screening of online ads for suspected trafficking. They were then turned over to McCaskill’s bi-partisan committee investigation. “We finally got 200,000 pages of documents, and they also filed a motion for an extension and asked that they have until November 18th to complete the production given the volume of material.” McCaskill tells MissouriNet. Since then, Backpage’s CEO has been charged with pimping. McCaskill added, “We all want to make sure that there’s another CEO that comes along and starts another company and does the same thing. And that’s why we’ve got to look at the laws and see what we can do to protect the first amendment, but also protect children.” MissouriNet says more than 70% of child sex trafficking reports are tied to Backpage ads. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/mccaskill-wants-missouri-veterans-clinic-to-expand-business-hours,McCaskill wants Missouri veterans clinic to expand business hours,2016-10-12,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill wants Missouri veterans clinic to expand business hours Wednesday, October 12, 2016 By:  Alisa Nelson Nearly 6,000 Missourians, including about 1,600 rural veterans, want service expanded at the Salem Veterans Clinic in south central Missouri. They want the facility’s doors open five days a week, instead of the current three days a month. The supporters have signed a petition that Senator Claire McCaskill’s (D-Missouri) office has delivered to the Veterans Affairs Under Secretary of Health. “Those hours need to be expanded and we have talked directly to the director of the Pershing VA Medical Center, which manages the smaller Salem clinic. She has said she is hoping she can extend the clinic hours as early as December,” says McCaskill. The Salem clinic is the only VA facility in Missouri not regularly open five days a week. “I think it’s a matter of being able to bring doctors and medical personnel in for a few days a month,” says McCaskill. “The reason it began was to try to do a better job of serving veterans but I think they underestimated the need.” In a letter from McCaskill to Under Secretary David Shulkin, she says she’s concerned the clinic’s restricted hours could hinder rural veterans from enrolling into the VA healthcare system. Missouri has nearly 200,000 rural veterans. McCaskill has not heard back from Shulkin yet, but she says conversations continue with VA officials in Washington and in Missouri. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/new-mccaskill-bill-to-prevent-emergency-postal-suspensions,New McCaskill Bill to Prevent Emergency Postal Suspensions,2016-10-11,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"New McCaskill Bill to Prevent Emergency Postal Suspensions Tuesday, October 11, 2016 U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, along with Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, has proposed a new bill addressing post office closures. The bill would prevent the U.S. Postal Service from using its emergency suspension process to indefinitely close post offices without notice to the community, opportunity to appeal, or a time frame for reopening or permanently closing a facility. Five St. Louis-area post offices and 34 other Missouri locations would be protected under the new bipartisan legislation. McCaskill said in a news release: “These post offices are part of the lifeblood of our communities—a source of employment and a lifeline for commerce—and we can’t allow the Postal Service to balance its books on the backs of small communities by shuttering post offices where they’re often most needed, with little transparency or explanation.” Of the 650 postal facilities that were “temporarily” closed under emergency suspensions since 2011, 511 remain closed today. Residents in those communities have not been told by postal service officials whether or not those post offices will reopen. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/officials-farm-interests-push-back-on-atrazine-study-,"Officials, farm interests push back on atrazine study",2016-10-11,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Officials, farm interests push back on atrazine study Tuesday, October 11, 2016 By:  Ken Newton A herbicide named atrazine has been commonplace on Midwestern farms nearly six decades and a target of environmental groups for a period short of that. Agricultural interests and state officials in Missouri and Kansas have pushed back against a draft ecological risk assessment that could prohibit or limit the use of atrazine and similar products. Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill has been among the lawmakers taking note of the impact such an Environmental Protection Agency restriction could have on her constituents. In a recent letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the Democratic senator urged collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in determining a final assessment. “(The USDA) must have a seat at the table when something as vital to farmers as atrazine is being discussed,” McCaskill wrote to the EPA head. “Additionally, USDA is the agency with the most relevant information about how atrazine is used in real world applications.” The senator also said the EPA must act, in accordance with federal law, to “give appropriate weight to the benefits” of atrazine and appoint an impartial scientific panel to offer a peer-reviewed evaluation. Atrazine, one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States since being approved in 1958, kills broadleaf and grassy weeds. Along with applications on golf courses and residential lawns, it is largely employed on the Midwest’s corn fields. In a five-year average ending in 2015, Missouri farmers harvested more than 3.2 million acres of corn annually. Missouri exported more than $371 million in corn in 2014. Kansas farmers harvested about 4 million acres of corn in 2015. That state’s attorney general, Derek Schmidt, and agriculture secretary, Jackie McClaskey, filed a comment with the EPA last week regarding the draft risk assessment. Restrictions on atrazine, the officials said, would “directly and negatively affect thousands of Kansas farmers by increasing the costs of production, reducing yield and harming profitability while producing no meaningful environmental benefit.” Runoff of atrazine into surface and ground water has been a subject of environmental concern for years. These tainted water supplies have been linked in various studies to human health problems and ecological risks. According to the EPA risk assessment, released for public comment in April, “levels of concern for chronic risk are exceeded by as much as 22, 198 and 62 times for birds, mammals and fish, respectively.” Morris Heitman of Mound City, Missouri, the immediate past president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, said this summer that implementation of atrazine restrictions would have serious consequences for farmers. “In our area of Northwest Missouri, we estimate the price tag of replacing atrazine with another product would be $35 an acre over current production costs, without the guarantee of effective weed management,” he said. “In today’s market, that is enough to take the ledger from black to red.” The public comment period, which ended last week, drew nearly 61,000 responses. The EPA study is part of a periodic and required re-evaluation process for registered commercial chemicals. No timetable is available for a decision on the renewed registration. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/st-joseph-post-office-closures-addressed-in-new-bill-to-prevent-emergency-suspension,St. Joseph post office closures addressed in new bill to prevent emergency suspension,2016-10-11,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"St. Joseph post office closures addressed in new bill to prevent emergency suspension Tuesday, October 11, 2016 By:  Post Staff Two St. Joseph post offices are among dozens in Missouri that would be protected from emergency closure under new legislation according to Senator Claire McCaskill. The bill would prevent the U.S. Postal Service from using its emergency suspension process—meant to be temporary—to indefinitely close post offices without notice to the community, opportunity to appeal, or a timeframe for either reopening or permanently closing the facility. McCaskill’s office said in a news release that that could include the post offices in St. Joseph on Olive Street and 10th Street as well as the Amity and Stewartsville offices. According to the release, since 2011, 650 postal facilities across the country were “temporarily” closed under emergency suspension. Of those closures, 511 remain closed today, and the Postal Service has not told those communities if—or when—those post offices might reopen. McCaskill introduced the legislation with Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas. “Missourians in rural communities rely on the Postal Service, and shouldn’t be left in limbo without knowing if the temporary closure of their post office will be a permanent one,” McCaskill said. “These post offices are part of the lifeblood of our communities—a source of employment and a lifeline for commerce—and we can’t allow the Postal Service to balance its books on the backs of small communities by shuttering post offices where they’re often most needed, with little transparency or explanation.” Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/hundreds-of-post-office-closures-would-be-addressed-with-mccaskill-bill-to-prevent-emergency-postal-suspensions,Hundreds of Post Office Closures Would be Addressed with McCaskill Bill to Prevent Emergency Postal Suspensions,2016-10-11,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hundreds of Post Office Closures Would be Addressed with McCaskill Bill to Prevent Emergency Postal Suspensions Senator, a longtime champion of preserving rural post offices, introduces bipartisan legislation to bar U.S. Postal Service from permanently closing postal locations without community notice or appeal process Tuesday, October 11, 2016 WASHINGTON – Hundreds of post offices around the country would be protected from indefinite “emergency closure” under new bipartisan legislation from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a longtime champion of rural post service. The bill would prevent the U.S. Postal Service from using its emergency suspension process—meant to be temporary—to indefinitely close post offices without notice to the community, opportunity to appeal, or a timeframe for either reopening or permanently closing the facility. Since 2011, 650 postal facilities across the country were “temporarily” closed under emergency suspension. Of those closures, 511 remain closed today, and the Postal Service has not told those communities if—or when—those post offices might reopen. McCaskill introduced the legislation with Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas. “Missourians in rural communities rely on the Postal Service, and shouldn’t be left in limbo without knowing if the temporary closure of their post office will be a permanent one,” said McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor and senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Postal Service. “These post offices are part of the lifeblood of our communities—a source of employment and a lifeline for commerce—and we can’t allow the Postal Service to balance its books on the backs of small communities by shuttering post offices where they’re often most needed, with little transparency or explanation.” “This bipartisan legislation improves the transparency and accountability of the postal services provided throughout the country, but particularly to rural America,” said Anthony D. Leonardi, National President, National Association of Postmasters of the United States. “Many times, Postmasters, workers and communities have been surprised by abrupt and unexpected post office suspensions with little notice and no timetable for their reopening, if they reopen at all. That’s why Senator McCaskill’s Postal Closure Accountability Act is critical—it would help end these unexpected closures, and ensure that communities are informed about the status of their community post offices.” McCaskill, a longtime advocate for postal service in rural communities, is widely credited with having waged a successful campaign over several years to save rural post offices and maintain delivery standards. Earlier this year, she called out the Postal Service for its use of these “emergency suspension” authority to close down Missouri post offices, potentially circumventing the standard process that requires input from communities that would feel the effects of a closure and notifications to Congress. In January, McCaskill demanded answers from the Postal Service on how it will protect mail delivery for rural Missourians and efficiently manage the cost-sharing benefits with competitors to carry mail the “last mile,” especially in rural areas, saying: “I think it’s really important we get a handle on [rural delivery times]. Those of us who are really pushing to protect rural delivery…think it’s important we know what we’re working with from a data-driven basis.” And McCaskill is a leading sponsor of the Rural Postal Act, a bill that aims to improve postal service, delivery times, and standards in rural communities that have been disproportionately affected by cuts to the Postal Service. The bill—also backed by Senators Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Jon Tester of Montana—would restore overnight delivery, return a faster First-Class mail standard, make six-day delivery permanent, and enact strict criteria the Postal Service would have to meet before closing a post office to ensure that rural communities are still able to easily access the mail system. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/rural to learn more about McCaskill's fight to protect rural Missouri. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/claire-mccaskill-admires-veteran-housing-at-patriot-place-,Claire McCaskill admires veteran housing at Patriot Place,2016-10-10,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Claire McCaskill admires veteran housing at Patriot Place Monday, October 10, 2016 By:  Devon Yarbrough COLUMBIA — When U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill walked into Columbia's Patriot Place Apartments on Monday, she couldn't believe what she saw. ""These are very roomy — much bigger than my daughter's New York apartment,"" U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill joked while touring the fully-furnished one-bed, one-bath apartment. Patriot Place has 25 apartments that it has provided for homeless veterans since April. The apartment complex sprouted from a collaboration between the Columbia Housing Authority and Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital*, who teamed up in 2015 to convert an abandoned Deluxe Inn into a veteran housing facility, according to previous Missourian reporting. The housing authority* was able to rebuild and fully furnish the new veteran facility with funding from the Missouri Housing Development Commission, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, the Missouri Foundation for Health, Veterans United Home Loans and Shelter Insurance Cos. There also are 25 vouchers from the federal Veterans Affairs Supporting Housing program that provide a permanent rent subsidy for veterans living at Patriot Place. McCaskill praised the organizations who came together for the Patriot Place project and said she felt encouraged by Welcome Home Inc.'s programs to help the veterans with jobs, transportation and substance abuse. ""It's not just a veteran walking into a beautiful apartment. It's a veteran walking into a beautiful apartment with a whole team behind that veteran to make sure they succeed,"" McCaskill said. Veteran Francis ""Sonny"" Brown, a tenant at Patriot Place, told McCaskill he was very appreciative of the programs, as he had been battling with substance abuse for a while. Brown, who is originally from St. Louis, said that the other veteran housing facilities he went to would revoke veterans' rent subsidized housing vouchers if they relapsed. ""One of the things I like here, is that if you relapse they take you back,"" Brown said. ""They really are about helping you. They don't hold it over your head."" Brown said he liked living at the facility and was looking forward to new amenities Patriot Place might add. The facility has developed raised garden beds in the adjacent Patriot Park and is planning to add a dog park. Welcome Home, Inc., an emergency shelter for veterans, is building a new emergency shelter adjacent to the Patriot Place. It will contain 32 rooms and allow veterans to transition from homelessness to emergency shelter and then permanent housing McCaskill said that the Patriot Place Project should be an example for other states dealing with veteran homelessness, and she hopes that this progress continues in Missouri. ""It's not just providing a home for these veterans,"" said McCaskill. ""It's saying what we should be saying to every veteran. That is, 'we're going to take care of you because you took care of us.'"" Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/homeless-veterans-find-shelter-at-patriot-place-apartments-,Homeless veterans find shelter at Patriot Place apartments,2016-10-10,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Homeless veterans find shelter at Patriot Place apartments Monday, October 10, 2016 By:  Tommy Sladek COLUMBIA — U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill paid a visit to Columbia Monday to tour the Patriot Place apartments, a campus providing housing for homeless veterans. The City of Columbia, in partnership with the Columbia Housing Authority, Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the not-for-profit organization Welcome Home, turned the old Deluxe Inn into a 25-unit apartment building. The project began in February 2014, and the first resident moved in May 2016. Three months later, all 25 fully-furnished units were occupied by a veteran. Columbia Housing Authority CEO Phil Steinhaus said the efforts are paying off. ""We've housed 25 more, so I think it's making an impact,"" Steinhaus said. ""We've been operating the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program since 2008. We see a lot of veterans once they move into stable housing, be able to move back up into self-reliance and independence."" McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran, has made combating veteran homelessness a priority of her work in the Senate. Before moving in, veteran Sonny Brown was homeless on the streets, dealing with a dangerous drinking problem. In just two short months at Patriot Place, a now-sober Brown has taken classes and is going back to school. ""The apartment is so great,"" Brown said. ""The people that work here, my neighbors, everyone's great."" Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/mccaskill-makes-appearance-at-kc-breast-cancer-awareness-event,McCaskill makes appearance at KC breast cancer awareness event,2016-10-10,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"McCaskill makes appearance at KC breast cancer awareness event Missouri senator diagnosed with breast cancer in February Monday, October 10, 2016 By:  KMBC 9 News Staff Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill was at Union Station Monday morning to promote breast cancer awareness. McCaskill helped unveil Ride KC’s first pink breast cancer awareness bus. The senator was diagnosed with breast cancer in February following a routine mammogram. She said she kept putting off the procedure until a colleague finally convinced her to get it done. “I’m feeling great. I am,” McCaskill said. “I had the kind of cancer that I have to take medication for a decade, but that’s not anything I’m going to complain about. I’m very lucky.” McCaskill underwent three weeks of treatment in St. Louis. She returned to work in the Senate immediately following her last treatment. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/missouri-leaders-continue-call-for-f-35s-at-whiteman-,Missouri leaders continue call for F-35s at Whiteman,2016-10-10,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Missouri leaders continue call for F-35s at Whiteman Monday, October 10, 2016 By:  Jack ""Miles"" Ventimiglia Knob Noster – Top Missouri Democrats and Republicans support stationing F-35s at Whiteman Air Force Base. The Air Force – earlier expected to make a decision by fall – may not decide until December or early 2017, House Armed Services member Vicky Hartzler said. Whiteman is one of four bases the Air Force is considering for F-35s. “We feel really good about Whiteman’s chances,” Hartzler said. “I’ve been visiting with a lot of generals, and the deputy secretary of the Air Force just last week, about the benefits of having the F-35s come to Whiteman.” Sen. Roy Blunt, Senate Armed Services Committee member Claire McCaskill, Hartzler and the seven other House members from Missouri sent the Air Force a letter of support for placing the F-35s at Whiteman. The letter offered to incentivize Whiteman as the choice. Appointed this year as the first Missouri Military Advocate, Joe Driskill said Monday his office is coordinating closely with the congressional delegation. He declined to get into specifics about potential economic support. “We are examining options … with the least amount of capital investment,” he said. “We are deeply involved in making sure Whiteman has the greatest chance to be selected.” Each base has advantages and disadvantages and supporters want to increase Whiteman’s advantages. “We are aware of what the competition looks like,” Driskill said. What adding to Whiteman’s advantages might cost has not been determined, he said. “We’re going to have to come to some conclusions on that fairly soon,” he said. “We’re exploring mechanisms for being able to address some of these capital improvements issues.” Driskill works within the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “State leaders are discussing a strategy to provide economic development resources to support capital improvements needed at Whiteman,” the letter to Air Force stated. “Currently, the state is taking a close look at the possibility of funding construction of the required simulator facility and new apron to accommodate the F-35 if Whiteman is selected.” The call to add F-35s comes at a time when the Air Force wants to mothball the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The plan is that F-35s should replace A-10s as a close air support platform. If that happens, and F-35s do not come to Whiteman, then there would be no replacements for A-10 personnel working within the 442nd. As a result, surrounding communities would absorb millions in economic losses. Whiteman personnel have proven their worth, Hartzler said. “Certainly the 442nd has had multiple deployments. They know the close air support mission better than anybody, and certainly that’s going to be a very important mission for the F-35, as well as the stealth capabilities that the aircraft provides,” she said. Whiteman is home to the B-2, the world’s first stealth bomber. Combining stealth bomber and fighter missions could provide a basis for joint work between stealth aircraft. “It’s something that we mention as an opportunity because you do have the B-2s there and you have the F-35s potentially there, as well as the Guard unit, and you could have some joint exercises there that could have real-world implications and benefits for our national security,” Hartzler said. Whiteman is a strong contender to become a home to the fighters, Hartzler said, because base personnel work together regardless of different missions. “The joint operations there – between the active duty, the Reserve and the Guard – is something the Air Force is very proud of and wants to continue at replicating,” she said, “and there are fantastic facilities, community support. All of the officials within the Air Force that I’ve visited with are aware of those things and as the process moves on, we’re going to continue to advocate for Whiteman and hope for a good outcome.” The letter laid out reasons the fighter should come to Whiteman. “We agree that Whiteman offers a tremendous lack of encroachment; access to quality, extensive, and unencumbered airspace; first-rate infrastructure; and protected access to ranges,” the members wrote in their joint letter to the Air Force. “Whiteman would also provide a number of other operational benefits and efficiencies above and beyond the strategic basing criteria that we ask you to consider. … Missouri is proud to be a partner to the United States Air Force and our state leaders join us in our shared commitment to working with you to make Whiteman the best possible home for the Joint Strike Fighter.” Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/sen-claire-mccaskill-visits-patriot-place-apartments-for-veterans-,Sen. Claire McCaskill visits Patriot Place apartments for veterans,2016-10-10,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. Claire McCaskill visits Patriot Place apartments for veterans Monday, October 10, 2016 By:  Tyler Emery COLUMBIA — The Patriot Place apartments in Columbia have provided housing for homeless veterans for several months now. The apartment complex is home to 25 war veterans who were previously homeless and needed a place to live. The project began in 2014 and was completed in April 2016. It was a joint effort between The Columbia Housing Authority, Welcome Home Inc. and Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital. Herbert Hepler is a Vietnam War veteran who served for six years, stationed in Germany from 1973 to 1979. He moved in to Patriot Place when it opened. He said he had a hard time adjusting to being back in the United States after his time in the military. To Hepler, it is the first place he's felt ""finally at home."" ""It makes me feel like I'm a part of something. It makes me feel like I'm a human being again, you know?"" Hepler also said Columbia is one of the first places he's felt welcomed as a veteran. ""I'm happy to be a part of the Columbia community,"" Hepler said. According to the Columbia Housing Authority CEO Phil Steinhaus, Patriot Place is completely full with veterans and the waiting list has about 70 people on it. He said due to the funding they received, every apartment was able to be fully furnished for the veterans to move in to. ""I was joking with someone the other day, all they needed was a toothbrush, but we actually furnished the toothbrush too,"" said Steinhaus. Steinhaus also said the apartments have helped the overall veteran homeless population in Boone County, but it is still an issue because there is a shortage of available single-apartment living spaces that are affordable. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, paid a visit to Patriot Place Monday to tour the homes. McCaskill is the daughter of a WWII veteran and has been involved in efforts to reduce veteran homelessness. She said the Patriot Place program exemplifies how government resources are supposed to work. ""This is a good example of doing things right. It's not just providing a home for these veterans, it's saying what we should be saying to everybody. That is, 'We're going to take care of you because you took care of us,"" McCaskill said. McCaskill asked Francis ""Sonny"" Brown, another resident at Patriot Place, what the hardest part about living there is for him. ""Everything is hard,"" Brown said. ""But I'm proud to be doing it and I'm happy to be doing it."" Sonny, Herbert and all of the other residents at Patriot Place will soon have more resources. Just across the parking lot, a new welcome center is being built. The Patriot Place apartments are the first phase of a larger, 4-acre campus that will include a 29-bed shelter for homeless veterans and a support center as well. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/senator-claire-mccaskill-joins-kcata-at-unveiling-of-breast-cancer-awareness-bus,Senator Claire McCaskill joins KCATA at unveiling of breast cancer awareness bus,2016-10-10,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Claire McCaskill joins KCATA at unveiling of breast cancer awareness bus Monday, October 10, 2016 By:  Kerri Stowell KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority unveiled a new bus Monday that will soon be making its way around the metro. The new bus, which is pink inside and out, supports breast cancer awareness and was unveiled as part of a special ceremony at Union Station. Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill was part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the bus. McCaskill was diagnosed with breast cancer last February after a routine mammogram. She underwent three weeks of treatment and returned to work. ""You can't ignore the need to get your mammogram,"" McCaskill said. ""Had I not gotten my mammogram when I did, my course of treatment might have been much different."" McCaskill and other survivors shared their stories at Monday's special event. The bus, which will starting running regular routes Monday, will rotate between all the counties so everyone has a chance to ride on it. KCATA says they make more than 50,000 trips every single day. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/news-releases/following-visit-to-139th-airlift-wing-mccaskill-pushes-air-force-for-budget-certainty,"Following Visit to 139th Airlift Wing, McCaskill Pushes Air Force for Budget Certainty",2016-10-07,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following Visit to 139th Airlift Wing, McCaskill Pushes Air Force for Budget Certainty Senator continues efforts to secure long term funding for base operations, programs Friday, October 7, 2016 WASHINGTON – Following a visit to the 139th Airlift Wing as part of her recent Security & Defense Tour of Missouri, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is pushing the Air Force to secure budget certainty for the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph. “These unique courses, which are not found elsewhere in the Air Force, provide the opportunity for pilots and aircrews from the National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Active Duty and Coalition Partner Nations to train on the most advanced tactics on Mobility Air Force weapons systems,” McCaskill, a senior member of the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, wrote in a letter to Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, Director of the Air National Guard. “Without the stable budgeting and assigned personnel associated with programmatic funding, these courses will struggle to provide the high level of training our fliers deserve.” McCaskill continued in a separate letter to General Carlton D. Everhart II, Commander, Air Mobility Command, “I sincerely hope you will work with the Air National Guard to ensure these strategically important courses are explicitly programmed in the fiscal year 2018 budget and subsequent budgets.” McCaskill is a longtime advocate for the Missouri National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing. This summer, as part of her Security & Defense Tour, McCaskill visited the 139th where she received a classified briefing from base leaders and heard directly from intelligence analysts examining the actions of America’s adversaries. Last month McCaskill raised budget uncertainty concerns she heard on her tour with top Pentagon officials, discussing the uniquely important role of the base’s Advanced Airlift and Tactics Training Center and weapons instructor course in training fliers from the National Guard and Active Duty, as well as visiting pilots from international partner countries—and why that means it’s critical these courses get long-term funding for their long-term mission. In her push to call for an “honest defense budget our men and women in uniform deserve,” McCaskill has consistently called on Republican leaders in Congress to properly budget for military operations. Under the plan proposed by the House of Representatives, the Department of Defense is slated to run out of war funding halfway through the 2017 fiscal year. Because the 139th Airlift Wing has tactics development experts working in the same facility as intelligence analysts, changes to policy can be quickly assembled and disseminated to elements in the Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and National Guard. Currently, the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center and C-130H Weapons Instructor courses—the only ones in the Air Force—are not explicitly programmed for in the budget and are funded year-to-year by either the Air National Guard or the Air Mobility Command, leaving the critically important programs without long-term certainty. Find full text of the letters HERE. Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/defense to learn more about McCaskill's fight to protect our national security. ### Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z