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://web.archive.org/web/20140328084221/http://brady.house.gov/creativity-2013,Creativity 2013,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Robert Brady,B001227,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Creativity 2013 Dec 26, 2013 [...] April U.S. Rep. Robert Brady, who maintains an office at 1907-1909 S. Broad St., was on hand at Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. Third St., to dole out Congressional Award medals to area students for achievements in service. The Pennsport institution fostered many of the day’s honorees and all of them participate in the Migrant Education Program that operates out of United Communities Southeast Philadelphia, 2029 S. Eighth St. The medals are given out based on a student’s accumulated hours of service and horizon-broadening adventures: bronze medal winners are responsible for collecting 200 hours of service in three areas (voluntary community service, tending to personal development and physical fitness, and executing an expedition or exploratory adventure), with silver medal recipients doubling those totals, and gold medal winners tripling them. The Congressional Medal Act of 1979 has been celebrating 14- to 23-year-olds for decades, and over the last 34 years the Congressional Award Foundation has honored more than 50,000 youths. [...] December 26, 2013, Bill Chenevert, South Philly Review",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/after-request-from-casey-government-watchdog-agrees-to-investigate-rollout-of-healthcaregov,"After Request from Casey, Government Watchdog Agrees to Investigate Rollout of Healthcare.gov",2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has agreed to his request to investigate the problems that occurred with the roll of healthcare.gov. Senator Casey, along with a bipartisan group of senators, urged the GAO to review the website’s troubled launch and make recommendations about steps that can be taken in the future to ensure a problem like this does not reoccur. Casey, a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, has questioned top Administration officials on the website during oversight hearings. ""I’m pleased that the GAO has agreed to analyze the issues that occurred in launching healthcare.gov,” Senator Casey said. “I called for this report because Pennsylvanians deserve answers. It’s imperative that we have an understanding of the problems with the website launch, as well as the steps the Administration can take moving forward. It’s important that Pennsylvanians can access the benefits of this law.” The full text of Casey’s original letter can be seen below: Gene L. Dodaro Comptroller General Government Accountability Office Daniel R. Levinson Inspector General U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dear Comptroller General Dodaro and Inspector General Levinson: On October 1, millions of Americans eagerly awaited the launch of healthcare.gov, a new marketplace where individuals and small businesses could easily compare quality health plans in their area and access tax credits, where eligible, to help make those plans affordable. Unfortunately, the site crashed early that morning after receiving just a thousand visitors. More than a month later, too many visitors still find the site unusable. At every step of the user experience, site errors have prevented people from effectively shopping and enrolling in plans. Users have encountered problems creating an account, verifying the account, determining eligibility, protecting user privacy, calculating tax credits, and facilitating enrollment with private insurers if they can even access the site at all. Many states still have not received the data necessary to enroll eligible individuals in their Medicaid programs, and the accuracy of the files used by insurers to enroll customers remains an open question. As a result, what should be a 21st century digital process on the back-end has become an antiquated, paper-and-pencil effort that is not sustainable or scalable as the problems of the front-end consumer experience get resolved. In the words of Secretary Sebelius at a recent Congressional hearing, “the roll-out has been excruciatingly awful for too many people.”   These problems are simply unacceptable, and Americans deserve answers and swift solutions. Taxpayers are owed a full and transparent accounting of how the vendors contracted to build the site failed to launch it successfully.  We strongly urge to you undertake a complete, thorough investigation to determine the causes of the design and implementation failures of healthcare.gov that includes an examination of the following issues: Ultimately, 55 contractors were hired to build the site. What were the responsibilities of each contractor, the size of each contract, and what proportion of projects required under these contracts was completed satisfactorily and on-time? When projects were not completed satisfactorily or on time, were payments withheld? What was the initial expected cost of healthcare.gov, what is now the projected total cost of healthcare.gov, and which contractors will receive any expected increase in costs and for what work? At what additional cost to the government are new or existing contractors being hired to fix healthcare.gov? What authority does the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have to recoup funding already expended on unfulfilled contracts, and when has that authority been exercised? What penalties for future government contract work may be levied against the contractors who failed to meet their obligations under contracts to build healthcare.gov? The scope and responsibilities of the marketplaces and data hub needed to run it were clear when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Why was the primary contract for building the site not awarded until September 2011? When the contract for building the site was awarded in September 2011, it was only open to a limited number of contractors who had been original bidders of a 2007 contract for “general information technology services.” In an era of rapid technological change, why was the pool of contractors for the most significant public sector technological initiative in recent history limited to an unrelated government contract from four years earlier? What reforms to the government procurement process do you recommend to avoid future instances of incomplete and/or malfunctioning information technology products provided to the government? These questions that will help us understand how the launch of healthcare.gov went wrong, and how attempts to improve it and launch other government websites can be improved in the future.   In spite of these technical problems, the vision for healthcare.gov and its promise of quality, affordable health insurance for individuals and small businesses must be fulfilled. The website is undergoing serious and rapid repairs to make that promise a reality every day. When the site is functioning smoothly, we expect that millions of people, for the first time, will not have to worry whether they can see a doctor because of a pre-existing condition, and other important market reforms will protect the insured from the prospect of unaffordable medical bills. In the meantime, it is critical that we understand how and why the mechanism for reaching that goal – healthcare.gov – failed to launch as required on October 1, 2013.   Sincerely, ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-on-ftc-to-issue-alert-on-email-phishing-scams-to-protect-consumers-over-holidays,Casey Calls on FTC to Issue Alert on Email 'Phishing' Scams to Protect Consumers Over Holidays,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- After a week in which millions of consumers saw their personal financial information compromised, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue an alert that will warn consumers to ever rising email phishing scams. An alert will educate the public on these scams which have already cost consumers over $250 million in the first half of this year and have hit seniors especially hard. “These scams have the potential to do serious damage to our economy and the personal financial security of millions of Americans,” Senator Casey said. “In the last weeks we’ve seen firsthand the damage that hackers and identity thieves can do. I’m urging the FTC to issue a consumer alert to educate the public, especially vulnerable seniors, about these scams so they are protected during the holidays.” Across the country, phishing attacks cost Americans $254 million in the first half of this year alone, according to EMC, a global IT firm. Phishing scammers are particularly active during the winter holiday season. At a time when many Americans are shopping online, donating to their favorite charities and booking travel arrangements, would-be identity thieves see increased opportunities to conduct phishing attacks. During this holiday period, thousands of Americans will receive false shipping notifications, electronic holiday cards and online shopping advertisements designed to steal their financial information. With online shopping reaching $82 billion this holiday season alone, the risks of phishing scams are higher than ever. Three quarters of phishing attacks target bank and non-bank financial companies. Government agencies have also helped raise awareness of the threat. However, most phishing alerts are released after the scam has already targeted victims. As a result, many firms and consumers remain vulnerable to this type of fraud. Older Americans who already face complicated financial decisions are particularly at risk. To sign up for phishing alerts, visit: www.consumer.ftc.gov. The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below: The Honorable Edith Ramirez Chairwoman Federal Trade Commission Dear Chairwoman Ramirez: I write to express my concerns about scams that target consumers’ financial information during the holidays, specifically phishing. As you know, phishing scams use emails that falsely represent legitimate enterprises in an attempt to steal personal information from consumers. Every year, hundreds of phishing campaigns target consumers in my home state of Pennsylvania. Across the country, phishing attacks cost Americans $254 million in the first half of this year alone, according to EMC Corporation, a global IT firm. Phishing scammers are particularly active during the winter holiday season. At a time when many Americans are shopping online, donating to their favorite charities and booking travel arrangements, would-be identity thieves see increased opportunities to conduct phishing attacks. During this holiday period, thousands of Americans will receive false shipping notifications, electronic holiday cards and online shopping advertisements designed to steal their financial information. With online shopping reaching $82 billion this holiday season alone, the risks of phishing scams are higher than ever. Three quarters of phishing attacks target bank and non-bank financial companies. Government agencies have also helped raise awareness of the threat. However, most phishing alerts are released after the scam has already targeted victims. As a result, many firms and consumers remain vulnerable to this type of fraud. Older Americans who already face complicated financial decisions are particularly at risk. As the leading federal agency with oversight over consumer protection, the FTC has taken valuable steps to inform consumers about online scams and is well placed to alert consumers about the threat of holiday phishing attacks. I therefore request that FTC issue an official alert about holiday phishing schemes, informing consumers about available tools to protect themselves. I also ask that the FTC explore ways to further enhance coordination with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in tackling the threat of phishing. Given the Bureau’s leading role in financial education, better coordination will help provide consumers with timely, effective and actionable information on fraud prevention. Because older Americans are at greater risk of this type of attack, I would ask that both agencies keep in mind vulnerable groups such as seniors as you continue to help consumers manage financial risks. Phishing scams are one of the most significant identity theft threats facing consumers. At a time when many Americans let their guard down to spend time among friends and family, it is essential that we do everything we can to prevent them from becoming victims of financial fraud. Thank you for your attention to this matter.  If you have any questions, please contact my office. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator cc: Richard Cordray, Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-pushes-for-legislation-that-would-boost-food-banks-in-northeastern-pa-across-state,"Casey Pushes for Legislation that Would Boost Food Banks in Northeastern PA, Across State",2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- As Pennsylvanians struggle with hunger around the holidays, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) pushed for passage of legislation, the Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act (S.1395), which would boost food banks in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the state. Casey’s bipartisan legislation would expand and make permanent tax incentives for businesses that donate to food banks. Senator Casey was joined by hunger advocates and businesses to make the case for action on policies that aid families and children struggling with hunger. “This is one, commonsense step we can take to help food banks in Northeastern Pennsylvania and around the country serve those in need,” Senator Casey said. “Food banks play a critical role in ensuring those facing food insecurity, especially children, can get a full meal. Further incentivizing businesses to donate to food banks will help these children and working families throughout the state. The Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act would permanently extend the same tax incentives to donate food, that are now available to corporations, to all businesses including small businesses, farmers, ranchers and restaurant owners. Congress recently extended this tax incentive through the end of 2013. The Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act would make this provision permanent, and would extend the deduction to farmers who often have large amounts of fresh food to donate. Feeding America has said that following a 46 percent increase in demand during the recession, food banks are already struggling to meet need in their communities. Almost 15 percent of Pennsylvanians experience food insecurity and over 20 percent of children in Pennsylvania are food insecure (the household experienced a shortage of food). According to Feeding America, 35 percent of food insecure children are likely not eligible for SNAP or other income-based Federal nutrition programs. Despite the need for food assistance, as much as 40 percent of the food that is produced, grown and transported in the United States will never be used as some businesses find it too costly to donate the excess food, amounting to 70 billion pounds of wasted food each year. The bipartisan bill is supported by many organizations including Feeding America, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufactures Association and the National Restaurant Association.  ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/after-request-from-casey-government-watchdog-agrees-to-investigate-rollout-of-healthcaregov-,"After Request from Casey, Government Watchdog Agrees to Investigate Rollout of Healthcare.gov",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Casey, Bipartisan Group of Senators Requested Review of Website’s Troubled Launch   Review is Step Towards Holding Administration Accountable, Ensuring Errors Aren’t Made Again     Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has agreed to his request to investigate the problems that occurred with the roll of healthcare.gov. Senator Casey, along with a bipartisan group of senators, urged the GAO to review the website’s troubled launch and make recommendations about steps that can be taken in the future to ensure a problem like this does not reoccur. Casey, a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, has questioned top Administration officials on the website during oversight hearings. ""I’m pleased that the GAO has agreed to analyze the issues that occurred in launching healthcare.gov,” Senator Casey said. “I called for this report because Pennsylvanians deserve answers. It’s imperative that we have an understanding of the problems with the website launch, as well as the steps the Administration can take moving forward. It’s important that Pennsylvanians can access the benefits of this law.” The full text of Casey’s original letter can be seen below: Gene L. Dodaro Comptroller General Government Accountability Office 441 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20548 Daniel R. Levinson Inspector General U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Room 5541 Cohen Building 330 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 Dear Comptroller General Dodaro and Inspector General Levinson: On October 1, millions of Americans eagerly awaited the launch of healthcare.gov, a new marketplace where individuals and small businesses could easily compare quality health plans in their area and access tax credits, where eligible, to help make those plans affordable. Unfortunately, the site crashed early that morning after receiving just a thousand visitors. More than a month later, too many visitors still find the site unusable. At every step of the user experience, site errors have prevented people from effectively shopping and enrolling in plans. Users have encountered problems creating an account, verifying the account, determining eligibility, protecting user privacy, calculating tax credits, and facilitating enrollment with private insurers if they can even access the site at all. Many states still have not received the data necessary to enroll eligible individuals in their Medicaid programs, and the accuracy of the files used by insurers to enroll customers remains an open question. As a result, what should be a 21st century digital process on the back-end has become an antiquated, paper-and-pencil effort that is not sustainable or scalable as the problems of the front-end consumer experience get resolved. In the words of Secretary Sebelius at a recent Congressional hearing, “the roll-out has been excruciatingly awful for too many people.”   These problems are simply unacceptable, and Americans deserve answers and swift solutions. Taxpayers are owed a full and transparent accounting of how the vendors contracted to build the site failed to launch it successfully.  We strongly urge to you undertake a complete, thorough investigation to determine the causes of the design and implementation failures of healthcare.gov that includes an examination of the following issues: Ultimately, 55 contractors were hired to build the site. What were the responsibilities of each contractor, the size of each contract, and what proportion of projects required under these contracts was completed satisfactorily and on-time? When projects were not completed satisfactorily or on time, were payments withheld? What was the initial expected cost of healthcare.gov, what is now the projected total cost of healthcare.gov, and which contractors will receive any expected increase in costs and for what work? At what additional cost to the government are new or existing contractors being hired to fix healthcare.gov? What authority does the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have to recoup funding already expended on unfulfilled contracts, and when has that authority been exercised? What penalties for future government contract work may be levied against the contractors who failed to meet their obligations under contracts to build healthcare.gov? The scope and responsibilities of the marketplaces and data hub needed to run it were clear when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Why was the primary contract for building the site not awarded until September 2011? When the contract for building the site was awarded in September 2011, it was only open to a limited number of contractors who had been original bidders of a 2007 contract for “general information technology services.” In an era of rapid technological change, why was the pool of contractors for the most significant public sector technological initiative in recent history limited to an unrelated government contract from four years earlier? What reforms to the government procurement process do you recommend to avoid future instances of incomplete and/or malfunctioning information technology products provided to the government? These questions that will help us understand how the launch of healthcare.gov went wrong, and how attempts to improve it and launch other government websites can be improved in the future.   In spite of these technical problems, the vision for healthcare.gov and its promise of quality, affordable health insurance for individuals and small businesses must be fulfilled. The website is undergoing serious and rapid repairs to make that promise a reality every day. When the site is functioning smoothly, we expect that millions of people, for the first time, will not have to worry whether they can see a doctor because of a pre-existing condition, and other important market reforms will protect the insured from the prospect of unaffordable medical bills. In the meantime, it is critical that we understand how and why the mechanism for reaching that goal – healthcare.gov – failed to launch as required on October 1, 2013.   Sincerely, ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202.228.6324 <span style=""font-family: 'Geo",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-coons-carper-push-for-investment-in-job-creating-delaware-deepening-project-in-upcoming-budget,"Casey, Coons, Carper Push for Investment in Job-Creating Delaware Deepening Project in Upcoming Budget",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) Chris Coons (D-DE) and Tom Carper (D-DE) announced that they have sent a letter to key Administration officials urging them to commit to investing in the Delaware Deepening project as they prepare their fiscal year 2015 budget (FY15). The letter, to Assistant Secretary for Civil Works at the Department of the Army and  Office and Management and Budget Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell, makes the economic case for finishing this project which is well on its way to completion. This initiative will increase economic activity by $13 million per year and create and sustain thousands of jobs. Casey, Coons, and Carper have repeatedly pushed for, and have been successful in delivering, funds to this project. Deepening the Delaware will have a significant impact on job creation and allow the region’s ports to continue as national leaders. The project has continued to progress and now needs funding for a complex portion, which includes rock removal. The Senators wrote, “Without sufficient funding in FY 2015, it is possible that the Corps would have to wait at least another year before starting the rock removal or to break the rock contract into a series of segments, which will significantly increase the time needed to complete the project and the attendant cost.” The full text of the Senators’ letter can be seen below: The Honorable Jo-Ellen Darcy Assistant Secretary for Civil Works Department of the Army The Honorable Sylvia Mathews Burwell Director Office of Management and Budget Dear Secretary Darcy and Director Burwell: We write in support of funding for the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project in the President’s FY 2015 budget.  Continuing the progress made to date is vitally important to the prosperity of the Delaware River regional economy.  Inclusion of adequate funding in the budget will help ensure that the project is finished by its target completion date in 2017.  The purpose of this project, which has received federal funding since 1999, is to deepen the existing Delaware River navigation channel from 40 to 45 feet from the mouth of Delaware Bay up to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey.  The deeper channel will allow for increased cargo and petroleum and natural gas shipments to reach ports more efficiently, which the Corps estimates will result in more than $13 million in additional economic activity annually. Moreover, the expansion of the Panama Canal will bring significantly more traffic to ports along the East Coast.  The Philadelphia region must be prepared to receive vessels with deeper drafts and increased exports from regional industries in order to remain competitive in the global economy.    At this point in the project, the schedule calls for underwater rock removal to occur in FY 2015 in Reach B.  From technical, cost, environmental impact and safety perspectives, the rock removal by blasting is the most complex section of deepening the channel.  The entire effort needs to be completed during a tight environmental window in a safe manner that would have minimal impacts to fisheries, vessel traffic and adjacent port facilities.  Without sufficient funding in FY 2015, it is possible that the Corps would have to wait at least another year before starting the rock removal or to break the rock contract into a series of segments, which will significantly increase the time needed to complete the project and the attendant cost. We appreciate the President’s commitment to deepening the Delaware River as demonstrated by the inclusion of the project in both his FY 2013 and FY 2014 budgets.  As the project moves closer to completion, we ask for your continued support and stand ready to assist you in this effort.  Thank you for your attention to our views. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senate Christopher A. Coons United States Senate Tom Carper United States Senate Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367 Ian Koski (Coons) 202-224-5042 Rob Runyan (Carper) 202-224-2441",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-italian-consulate-will-remain-in-philadelphia,Casey: Italian Consulate Will Remain in Philadelphia,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that Italy’s Philadelphia consulate will remain open. Senator Casey recently sent letters to Italian officials, in particular President Napolitano and Foreign Minister Bonino, urging the country to keep its Philadelphia consulate open. Italy had announced that it was considering closing the consulate. In making the case, Senator Casey cited the critical role that the city’s strong ties to Italy has played for the region’s economy through job creation and trade. In 2010, the region accounted for approximately $300 million in exports to Italy.  Casey also cited Philadelphia’s large Italian-American population and the city’s role as an east coast hub of business, politics and culture in making the case. Senator Casey also  recently spoke with the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, John Phillips, to emphasize the strong economic and cultural relationship. In addition to the region’s exports to Italy, Italy also benefits from exporting a large number of products into Pennsylvania. Senator Casey also spoke with Italy’s Foreign Minister Emma Bonino.   “This is great news for Philadelphia and the region’s economy,” Senator Casey “This decision ensures Philadelphia and Italy will continue to have a strong partnership that promotes trade and leads to job creation. I want to also thank Governor Corbett for his efforts to keep the Italian Consulate in Philadelphia. I appreciated the opportunity to work with him in a bipartisan fashion on an issue that is important to Philadelphia.”     The full text of Senator Casey’s recent letter can be seen below: His Excellency Giorgio Napolitano President of the Republic of Italy Dear President Napolitano: It has recently come to my attention that the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering closure of its consulate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  I am writing to respectfully urge you not to take this action. An active consulate in Philadelphia is vital to maintaining the strong, longstanding relationship between the people of Italy and the people of both my home state of Pennsylvania and the larger mid-Atlantic region.  Philadelphia is a vibrant economic, political, and cultural hub for the East Coast. Curtailing Italy’s official representation in Philadelphia would adversely affect the historically strong relationship that Pennsylvanians have enjoyed with Italy.  I understand that Philadelphia is home to one of the largest Italian-American populations in the country.  The United States and Italy enjoy a fruitful economic partnership, with billions of dollars in trade moving between the two countries each year. According to the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, in 2010, the Philadelphia Metropolitan area exported $302 million worth of goods to Italy, making it one of the top 10 metro area exporters to Italy in the U.S. Numerous Italian companies export hundreds of millions of dollars of goods to the Philadelphia region. A number of Italian companies also have large facilities and do extensive business in the Philadelphia region and throughout Pennsylvania. This strong relationship has created and supported jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.   I appreciate the enduring partnership between the United States and Italy, and I meet regularly with constituents who share this conviction. While I understand that your government is weighing competing priorities in a challenging financial environment, I urge you to keep the consulate in Philadelphia open. I believe that keeping the Italian Consulate in Philadelphia open is vital to the furtherance of our two nation’s shared goals.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.  I strongly value the longstanding relationship between Italy the United States.  I look forward to remaining in close touch as this matter proceeds.  Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-senate-passage-of-national-defense-authorization-act,Casey Statement on Senate Passage of National Defense Authorization Act,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “I am pleased the Congress was able to get together in a bipartisan manner and pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  This marks the 53rd year in a row that we have passed this bill which supports our servicemembers and authorizes critical national security programs.  I am pleased that several of the provisions which I authored and strongly supported were included in this bill, such as security for Afghan women and girls, efforts to combat sexual assault in the military and reducing the VA backlog.” Details on several provisions Senator Casey’s has supported are below: Security for Afghan Women and Girls:  After the success of Senator Casey’s amendment to the FY13 NDAA on Afghan women and girls security, Senator Casey’s continued leadership has kept the issue of Afghan women’s rights and security at the forefront of U.S. policy in Afghanistan. The NDAA includes language from the amendment Senator Casey introduced to the FY14 NDAA to support the security of Afghan women. The bill provides for programs and activities to support the recruitment, integration, retention, training and treatment of women in the Afghan National Security Forces. Such programs include working to increase female security personnel ahead of the April 2014 elections; development and dissemination of gender and human rights education and training materials and programs within the Afghan Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior; efforts to address harassment and violence against women within the ANSF; and improvements to infrastructure that address the requirements of women serving in the ANSF. GAO Review on Bradley Industrial Base Study:  This provision requires GAO to conduct a review of the Army AT Kearney study on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle report.  The report, initially required by Senators Casey and Toomey in FY13 NDAA has been repeatedly delayed by the Army.  This review ensures that the study is conducted in an impartial and timely manner, and addresses other tactical Army vehicles.   Combatting Sexual Assault:  These provisions include reforms that will strip commanders of the authority to dismiss a finding by a court martial, the elimination of the “good character” defense, the establishment of minimum sentencing guidelines, and the expansion of the rights of victims such as directing reforms to the Article 32 (pre-trial) process.  Senator Casey remains committed to eradicating this issue from the ranks of the military, and though he recognizes that further work may be required in the future, he commends these important first steps for addressing this issue in depth.   Rejection of Administration BRAC request:  The bill declines to authorize a new BRAC round in 2015 and requires Department of Defense to conduct a report analyzing the shortfalls of the 2005 BRAC round in order to protect military installations in Pennsylvania and around the country.   In addition to these provisions, Senator Casey also supports efforts to authorize military construction for Pennsylvania’s National Guard, upgrades to the Abrams Tank, and efforts to further reduce the VA backlog. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222032611/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-demands-restoration-full-military-retirement-benefits,Schwartz Demands Restoration of Full Military Retirement Benefits,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) today joined her colleagues in introducing the Military Retirement Restoration Act to protect military retirees from cuts to cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that were included in the recent bipartisan budget agreement. The legislation replaces the $6 billion in total expected cuts to working-age military retirees’ COLAs with an estimated $6.6 billion raised by eliminating a tax loophole for domestic corporations that use offshore tax havens.  “The bipartisan budget agreement is a positive step toward replacing the damaging sequester cuts that have cost Pennsylvania jobs and put our nation’s economy at risk, but it is far from perfect. The agreement includes a provision that unfairly targets our nation’s military families with cost-of-living adjustment cuts that could cause significant harm to many of our veterans,” Schwartz said. “This legislation is a fiscally responsible solution to the problem and it ensures our military retirees get the benefits they have earned and deserve.” U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY) is the lead sponsor of the Military Retirement Restoration Act in the House. U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate. If Congress leaves the military retirement cuts in place, veterans under age 62 would see their cost-of-living adjustments reduced beginning in December 2015. Under current law, companies that are incorporated offshore but managed and controlled from the United States can claim foreign status, which helps them avoid paying U.S. taxes. The bill requires these companies to be treated as U.S. domestic corporations for tax purposes. Schwartz, the daughter of a Korean War veteran, has been a staunch advocate for veterans. Earlier this year, she introduced: The Student Veterans Priority Enrollment Act (H.R. 3456) to provide veterans, service members and their families priority when registering for college classes. The legislation ensures that veterans and students serving in the armed forces can take full advantage of the federal education benefits they have earned for themselves and their families. The Veteran Employment Transition (VETS) Act (H.R. 2056) to help veterans find work and have greater economic security as they transition to civilian life. The bill provides a new, streamlined $2,400 tax credit to businesses hiring a recently discharged veteran. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222222403/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/casey-schwartz-doyle-brady-fattah-and-cartwright-release-county-county-report,"Casey, Schwartz, Doyle, Brady, Fattah and Cartwright Release County by County Report Highlighting Need to Extend Unemployment Insurance",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Extending Unemployment Insurance Would Benefit Over 73,000 Pennsylvanians Looking for Work Extending Unemployment Insurance Will Boost GDP, Employment in Coming Months Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representatives Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Bob Brady (D-PA), Chaka Fattah (D-PA) and Matt Cartwright (D-PA) released a new county by county report that highlights the need to extend the unemployment insurance benefits that are set to expire at the end of this month. The report, which was produced by minority staff of the House Ways and Means Committee with data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry shows that extending unemployment insurance would benefit over 73,000 Pennsylvanians. Further data shows that an extension of this program will boost GDP and job creation in the coming months. “I’m urging Congress to come together on a bipartisan basis to extend unemployment insurance soon,” Senator Casey said. “Extending unemployment insurance will help those actively seeking work and provide a jolt to GDP as we begin the new year.” “At a time when our country is seeing strong signs of recovery, the last thing we need is another self-inflicted economic wound,” said Congressman Fattah. “Unemployment benefits were designed to help out of work individuals get back on their feet and return to the labor force as soon as possible, with minimal loss of skills. Failing to extend unemployment insurance will hurt job creation and our country’s GDP. This is a safety net for tens of thousands across our state and these benefits should be extended.” “Millions of Americans are still out of work as a result of the recent recession,” Congressman Doyle said. “Unemployment has come down a lot, but at 7 percent, it’s still hard for many Americans to find work. The same is true in southwestern Pennsylvania. This isn’t the time to arbitrarily end federal emergency unemployment assistance to the long-term unemployed. Moreover, ending EUC now will slow economic growth and job creation. It makes no economic sense, and it’s no way to treat our neighbors whose deepest desire is to get another job.” Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz said, “It is unacceptable that Congress has failed to pass an extension of emergency unemployment benefits for Pennsylvanians who are struggling to find work. Right now, 73,000 Pennsylvanians face losing a critical economic lifeline on December 28th. And, economists from all perspectives have warned that failing to extend unemployment benefits hurts our economic recovery. Congress must act as quickly as possible to help Pennsylvanians who are looking for work, protect existing jobs and strengthen our economy.” The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that extending unemployment insurance will increase GDP while helping Americans find work. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) recently released a report detailing the economic impact of failing to continue UI through 2014. The EPI analysis found that 310,000 jobs and $37.8 billion of economic activity would be lost if UI expires. The federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program was first enacted in June 2008, when the national unemployment rate stood at 5.6 percent. The EUC program is scheduled to expire at the end of 2013, with the last payable week ending on December 28th. After changes made to the EUC program in early 2012, there is no longer any phase-out for the program, so that every individual now receiving these benefits will lose them during the same week. The Department of Labor estimates that the expiration of the EUC program would cut off unemployment benefits to approximately 1.3 million jobless Americans on December 28th. The percentage of jobless Americans who have been unemployed for longer than 6 months remains close to historic levels. About 37 percent of the unemployed, or over 4 million people, are now long-term unemployed.     Department of Labor & Industry     Center for Workforce Information & Analysis     12/18/2013           EUC Recipients (all programs)     WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2013             Number of UC Recipients     Pennsylvania 73,330     Adams County 370     Allegheny County 6,390     Armstrong County 370     Beaver County 930     Bedford County 290     Berks County 2,320     Blair County 680     Bradford County 260     Bucks County 3,010     Butler County 860     Cambria County 910     Cameron County 40     Carbon County 440     Centre County 340     Chester County 1,630     Clarion County 190     Clearfield County 530     Clinton County 260     Columbia County 340     Crawford County 430     Cumberland County 940     Dauphin County 1,550     Delaware County 3,020     Elk County 150     Erie County 1,660     Fayette County 810     Forest County 20     Franklin County 610     Fulton County 70     Greene County 150     Huntingdon County 280     Indiana County 550     Jefferson County 240     Juniata County 130     Lackawanna County 1,530     Lancaster County 2,080     Lawrence County 520     Lebanon County 650     Lehigh County 2,140     Luzerne County 2,580     Lycoming County 840     McKean County 210     Mercer County 490     Mifflin County 270     Monroe County 930     Montgomery County 3,650     Montour County 60     Northampton County 1,270     Northumberland County 690     Perry County 190     Philadelphia County 11,910     Pike County 180     Potter County 100     Schuylkill County 1,050     Snyder County 150     Somerset County 580     Sullivan County 40     Susquehanna County 150     Tioga County 280     Union County 140     Venango County 370     Warren County 170     Washington County 1,090     Wayne County 220     Westmoreland County 1,970     Wyoming County 160     York County 2,100     Other 3,800     Source:  Unemployment Compensation System                   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-fattah-doyle-brady-schwartz-and-cartwright-release-county-by-county-report-highlighting-need-to-extend-unemployment-insurance,"Casey, Fattah, Doyle, Brady, Schwartz and Cartwright Release County by County Report Highlighting Need to Extend Unemployment Insurance",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representatives Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Bob Brady (D-PA), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Matt Cartwright (D-PA) released a new county by county report that highlights the need to extend the unemployment insurance benefits that are set to expire at the end of this month. The report, which was produced by minority staff of the House Ways and Means Committee with data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry shows that extending unemployment insurance would benefit over 73,000 Pennsylvanians. Further data shows that an extension of this program will boost GDP and job creation in the coming months. “I’m urging Congress to come together on a bipartisan basis to extend unemployment insurance soon,” Senator Casey said. “Extending unemployment insurance will help those actively seeking work and provide a jolt to GDP as we begin the new year.” “At a time when our country is seeing strong signs of recovery, the last thing we need is another self-inflicted economic wound,” said Congressman Fattah. “Unemployment benefits were designed to help out of work individuals get back on their feet and return to the labor force as soon as possible, with minimal loss of skills. Failing to extend unemployment insurance will hurt job creation and our country’s GDP.  This is a safety net for tens of thousands across our state and these benefits should be extended.” “Millions of Americans are still out of work as a result of the recent recession,” Congressman Doyle said. “Unemployment has come down a lot, but at 7 percent, it’s still hard for many Americans to find work. The same is true in southwestern Pennsylvania. This isn’t the time to arbitrarily end federal emergency unemployment assistance to the long-term unemployed. Moreover, ending EUC now will slow economic growth and job creation. It makes no economic sense, and it’s no way to treat our neighbors whose deepest desire is to get another job.” Congressman Brady: “It’s no surprise that Americans think that the 113th Congress is the worse in our history. It’s a disgrace that the House’s majority won’t pass an extension for unemployed working class people when they’re perfectly fine with continuing tax breaks for billionaires.” Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz said, “It is unacceptable that Congress has failed to pass an extension of emergency unemployment benefits for Pennsylvanians who are struggling to find work. Right now, 73,000 Pennsylvanians face losing a critical economic lifeline on December 28th. And, economists from all perspectives have warned that failing to extend unemployment benefits hurts our economic recovery. Congress must act as quickly as possible to help Pennsylvanians who are looking for work, protect existing jobs and strengthen our economy.” The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that extending unemployment insurance will increase GDP while helping Americans find work. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) recently released a report detailing the economic impact of failing to continue UI through 2014.  The EPI analysis found that 310,000 jobs and $37.8 billion of economic activity would be lost if UI expires. The federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program was first enacted in June 2008, when the national unemployment rate stood at 5.6 percent. The EUC program is scheduled to expire at the end of 2013, with the last payable week ending on December 28th. After changes made to the EUC program in early 2012, there is no longer any phase-out for the program, so that every individual now receiving these benefits will lose them during the same week. The Department of Labor estimates that the expiration of the EUC program would cut off unemployment benefits to approximately 1.3 million jobless Americans on December 28th. The percentage of jobless Americans who have been unemployed for longer than 6 months remains close to historic levels. About 37 percent of the unemployed, or over 4 million people, are now long-term unemployed. Department of Labor & Industry Center for Workforce Information & Analysis 12/18/2013 EUC Recipients (all programs) WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2013   Number of UC Recipients Pennsylvania 73,330 Adams County 370 Allegheny County 6,390 Armstrong County 370 Beaver County 930 Bedford County 290 Berks County 2,320 Blair County 680 Bradford County 260 Bucks County 3,010 Butler County 860 Cambria County 910 Cameron County 40 Carbon County 440 Centre County 340 Chester County 1,630 Clarion County 190 Clearfield County 530 Clinton County 260 Columbia County 340 Crawford County 430 Cumberland County 940 Dauphin County 1,550 Delaware County 3,020 Elk County 150 Erie County 1,660 Fayette County 810 Forest County 20 Franklin County 610 Fulton County 70 Greene County 150 Huntingdon County 280 Indiana County 550 Jefferson County 240 Juniata County 130 Lackawanna County 1,530 Lancaster County 2,080 Lawrence County 520 Lebanon County 650 Lehigh County 2,140 Luzerne County 2,580 Lycoming County 840 McKean County 210 Mercer County 490 Mifflin County 270 Monroe County 930 Montgomery County 3,650 Montour County 60 Northampton County 1,270 Northumberland County 690 Perry County 190 Philadelphia County 11,910 Pike County 180 Potter County 100 Schuylkill County 1,050 Snyder County 150 Somerset County 580 Sullivan County 40 Susquehanna County 150 Tioga County 280 Union County 140 Venango County 370 Warren County 170 Washington County 1,090 Wayne County 220 Westmoreland County 1,970 Wyoming County 160 York County 2,100 Other 3,800 Source:  Unemployment Compensation System ### Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367 Allyson Freeman(Fattah) 202-225-4001 Matt Dinkel (Doyle) 202-225-2135 Karen Warrington (Brady) 215-389-4627 Greg Vadala (Schwartz) 202-225-6111 Shane Seaver (Cartwright) 202-225-5546",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/support-for-able-act-continues-to-grow,Support for ABLE Act Continues to Grow,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, support continued to grow for the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act – S. 313/H.R. 647), introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC), bringing the total number of co-sponsors in the Senate to 60 members.  Introduced in the 113th Congress in February, this bill would provide an improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities through tax-free savings accounts.  “This is a significant step forward for the ABLE Act and for the families of children with disabilities,” Senator Casey said. “Now that this bill has 60 cosponsors, I’m urging the Senate to take action on it in the new year. The fact that only 6 bills in all of Congress have this many cosponsors is a sign of the overwhelming support for this effort to make a major difference in the lives of these families.” “The ABLE Act is a commonsense piece of legislation that allows families of disabled children to have the same access to tax preferred savings accounts as the parents of college-bound kids,” Senator Burr said.  “I am very excited that we now have 60 Senators on board and can hopefully expect swift movement on the Senate floor to send this bill to the President.” The legislation would amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code to 1986 to allow use of tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. The bill, first introduced in 2006, would ease financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by making tax-free savings accounts available to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, medical, and transportation. The bill would supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the Medicaid program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources. ### Press Contact April Mellody (Casey) (202) 224-6324Robert Reid (Burr) (202) 228-1616",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-94-million-modification-of-existing-defense,Cartwright Announces $9.4 Million Modification of Existing Defense Contract,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of the Army has modified an existing contract with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.  The modification of the contract amounts to nearly $9.5 million for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.  The estimated cumulative total of the contract is approximately $200 million. The modification is a Sole Source award for an additional quantity of 27,803 M795 metal parts.  The M795, a 155mm high fragmentation steel body projectile, is the Marine Corps’ artillery round of choice.  The M795 is only produced in Scranton, Pennsylvania and has an estimated completion date of June 30, 2014.        “I am glad that the Department of the Army has requested additional components from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems,” said Cartwright.  “This modification will result in more work for our region.  As a proud supporter of our military, I am pleased that northeastern Pennsylvania can continue to contribute the resources necessary to support the warfighter and ensure our national security.” General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a business unit within the Combat Systems Group of General Dynamics, which was formed in 1952.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222222500/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-presses-irs-protect-volunteer-firefighters,Schwartz Presses IRS to Protect Volunteer Firefighters,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) today called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to protect Pennsylvania’s volunteer fire departments from an unnecessary and potentially harmful health insurance burden. In her letter, Schwartz urged IRS Acting Commissioner Daniel I. Werfel to clarify the tax status of volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency workers under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The IRS now treats many firefighters and emergency medical workers, whether they are volunteer or paid, as employees for federal tax purposes. Starting in 2015, the health care law will require employers with 50 or more full-time employees to provide health insurance or pay penalties. “I urge you to act swiftly to ensure that volunteer fire departments across the country have clarity regarding the application of the Affordable Care Act to volunteer firefighters,” Schwartz wrote. “Congress clearly intended ACA insurance requirements to apply to employees, not volunteers.  Requiring communities to provide health care benefits to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians may simply be unaffordable for many communities.  This could create a dangerous situation, whereby communities are forced to eliminate critical volunteer positions, endangering the safety and welfare of their residents.” In Pennsylvania, 97 percent of fire departments rely exclusively or mostly on volunteers, the fourth-highest level in the nation, according to the 2012 National Fire Department Census conducted by the U.S. Fire Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Throughout her tenure in Congress, Schwartz has fought to ensure Pennsylvania’s firefighters receive the care and treatment they have so bravely earned.  Schwartz is proud to serve as a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. As part of her continued efforts to support Pennsylvania's first responders, Schwartz has worked to increase funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program. She has advocated on behalf of fire companies in the 13th District in their successful efforts to secure this critical grant funding. Since 2001, Assistance to Firefighters Grants have provided more than $6 billion in assistance to first-responder organizations to obtain emergency response equipment, protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. Schwartz supports the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act (H.R. 3685) and intends to cosponsor the legislation.   The full text of Schwartz’s letter follows: December 18, 2013 The Honorable Daniel I. Werfel Acting Commissioner Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20224 Dear Acting Commissioner Werfel: As U.S. Representative of Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District, I urge you to act swiftly to ensure that volunteer fire departments across the country have clarity regarding the application of the Affordable Care Act to volunteer firefighters. In my district and throughout Pennsylvania, our communities rely on the thousands of individuals who generously serve their fellow citizens by volunteering as firefighters and emergency medical technicians.  More than 90 percent of fire departments in Pennsylvania—more than 1,600 departments—are staffed entirely by volunteers.  An additional seven percent of Pennsylvania’s fire departments rely partially on volunteers to carry out their mission and serve their local communities. Although many volunteers are provided with nominal benefits, these individuals typically serve their communities without the expectation of being provided with significant compensation or health care coverage by the departments for which they volunteer.  I have heard from my constituents that there is currently confusion as to whether these volunteers should be classified as “employees” under the Shared Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—a classification that would require these volunteers to be provided with health insurance benefits in exchange for their service. Congress clearly intended ACA insurance requirements to apply to employees, not volunteers.  Requiring communities to provide health care benefits to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians may simply be unaffordable for many communities.  This could create a dangerous situation, whereby communities are forced to eliminate critical volunteer positions, endangering the safety and welfare of their residents. I urge you to quickly issue clarifying guidance ensuring that the thousands of Pennsylvanians volunteering for their communities may continue to serve their fellow citizens.  Thank you for your attention to this important matter.  Sincerely, Allyson Y. Schwartz Member of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-on-treasury-secretary-to-protect-pas-volunteer-firefighters-during-aca-implementation,Casey Calls on Treasury Secretary to Protect PA’s Volunteer Firefighters During ACA Implementation,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he, along with seven other senators, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew calling on the Administration to immediately address concerns raised by volunteer firefighters about coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Recently at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee Casey secured a commitment from the likely next Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to quickly address these concerns upon confirmation. “It’s incumbent upon the Administration to quickly address the legitimate concerns that have been raised by volunteer firefighters across Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “I’m pleased that the IRS’s likely next Commissioner committed to address this issue. This fix is something that the Administration can take care of right away and they should.” Some fire companies with over 50 volunteer firefighters have raised concerns about whether they are required to provide health insurance for these volunteers under the ACA.  With already tight budgets, many volunteer fire companies are worried about the uncertainty of additional costs. The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below: The Honorable Jacob Lew                            Secretary Department of the Treasury Dear Secretary Lew: We write regarding the treatment of nominally compensated volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (P.L. 111-148). Many combination and volunteer fire departments are lacking the necessary guidance as to how they may be affected by the Employer Shared Responsibility Provision of the ACA. We believe that it is critical that volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel not be counted as employees as it relates to the ACA and any employer responsibilities to ensure the continuation of this important aspect of our public safety infrastructure. Approximately 780,000 volunteer firefighters serve in 20,000 all-volunteer and 7,000 combination career-volunteer fire departments throughout the United States. Many communities rely exclusively upon volunteer fire departments for fire protection and emergency medical services.  In fact, ninety-two percent of the nation’s fire departments utilize volunteer personnel, whose donated services are estimated to be worth approximately $140 billion annually. Many volunteer fire and emergency medical personnel receive nominal benefits, which boost recruitment and retention by demonstrating that their efforts are appreciated. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and section 457(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) allow volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel to be nominally compensated for their service. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also tends to treat volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel as employees of the agencies that they serve for the purpose of taxing their nominal benefits. This however, leads to some confusion as to whether the classification of volunteer firefighters as “employees” will also apply for the purposes of the Shared Responsibility Provision of the ACA. We believe the allowances made in the FLSA and the IRC for individuals to receive nominal compensation in return for their service while still being classified as “volunteers” are critically important in the public safety community. Nominally compensated volunteers often have other full-time jobs which offer health insurance and generally do not have any expectation of receiving health insurance in exchange for their volunteer service. We believe that it would be fair to use existing standards in the IRC to ensure that “bona fide volunteers performing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, or ambulance services” are not defined as employees for purposes of calculating the shared responsibility provisions of the ACA. Properly distinguishing between full-time, paid emergency responders and volunteers is necessary if we want to protect essential emergency response agencies that keep our communities safe and protect over one-third of the U.S. population. It is imperative that clarifying guidance be issued as soon as possible in order to provide clear guidance to combination and volunteer fire departments. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. CC: Thomas E. Perez, Secretary of Labor Daniel I. Werfel, Acting IRS Commissioner ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140328084314/http://brady.house.gov/meehan-brady-back-federal-budget-deal-now-headead-senate,"Meehan, Brady back federal budget deal now headed to the Senate",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Robert Brady,B001227,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators have different views about the latest budget deal. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., is one of the Republicans who has said he will vote against it; Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., will vote in favor of it. ""I have maintained that any budget deal alternative to current law must preserve the taxpayer savings of existing law,"" Toomey said in a prepared statement. ""The budget agreement does not accomplish this basic goal. ""Instead, this deal establishes new, higher budget caps to increase spending. The deal purports to offset those increases. But it does so, in some cases, with gimmicks and to a large degree with higher revenues. ""It is also unfortunate that this deal does not contain a provision that I have been calling for which would permanently end shutdowns and government by manufactured crisis."" Casey stated in an email sent by his spokesman John Rizzo, ""Republican and Democratic negotiators reached a deal on the budget that will prevent further damage to our economy from the indiscriminate cuts of the sequester and prevent another government shutdown. Neither side is happy with everything in the proposal but, in a year filled with far too much partisan fighting, this compromise is certainly a step in the right direction. ""Important programs that help create jobs, start and grow small businesses, strengthen early childhood education and bolster medical research will face fewer cuts under this deal. It will help grow the Pennsylvania economy and provide two years of budget certainty, reducing partisan fights that only lead to short-term agreements."" The House passed the budget bill in a 332-94 vote last Thursday. Delaware County’s two congressmen — Rep. Pat Meehan, R-7, of Upper Darby, and Rep. Bob Brady, D-1, of Philadelphia — voted in favor of the pact. ""The bipartisan budget agreement passed by the House was not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction,"" Meehan stated in an email sent by his spokesman John Elizandro. ""It reduces our deficit, even beyond what sequestration called for, and it does so without tax increases. That’s progress. ""Importantly, this budget replaces the stop-gap measures that have undermined our ability to scrutinize federal spending and cut waste. Now with a long-term budget, Congress can get to work exercising its power of the purse to make sure our government and the administration are held accountable to the taxpayers who pay for it."" December 17, 2011, By Danielle Lynch, The Delaware County Daily Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/budget-deal-contains-casey-backed-plan-to-crackdown-on-identity-theft,Budget Deal Contains Casey-Backed Plan to Crackdown on Identity Theft,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the recently announced budget agreement contains provisions to crackdown on identity theft. In 2012, Casey exposed lax federal rules that allowed identity thieves to obtain recently deceased Americans’ Social Security numbers for as little as $10.  Identity thieves could obtain the Social Security numbers through the so called ‘Death Master List,’ which listed the personal information of the recently deceased, allowing would-be identity thieves to assume the identities of recently deceased persons and wreak havoc on their families. The budget agreement will empower the Secretary of Commerce to restrict access to the Death Master file and better protect the identities of recently deceased persons. “The passing on of a loved one is a significant hardship for a family to deal with that shouldn’t be compounded by the threat of identity theft,” Senator Casey said. “This is a significant step forward that will protect the identities of the recently deceased and will work to ensure that their families are not preyed upon by criminals.”   Death Master File In 1980, SSA entered into a consent agreement to release death information following a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.  This information is available to purchase online through the Department of Commerce.  The database contains much of the information needed to steal someone’s identity; it includes the full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and date of death of deceased citizens and legal residents.  The records of a single individual can be purchased for as little as $10, and the entire database is available for around $2,000.  The information has important legitimate uses; the financial community, insurance companies, security firms, and state and local governments all use the death master file to match records and prevent identity theft.  However it has also allowed criminals to file fraudulent tax returns. Section 203 of the budget would establish a program under which the Secretary of Commerce restricts access to the information contained on the Death Master File (DMF) for a three-year period beginning on the date of the individual’s death, except to those who are certified under a program to be established by the Secretary of Commerce. Under the program, those who have a fraud prevention interest or other legitimate need for the information and agree to maintain the information under safeguards similar to those required of Federal agencies that receive return information, as described in section 6103(p)(4) of title 26 of the United States Code, may apply for certification. The Secretary of Commerce reviews the eligibility of applicants, examines safeguards for protecting the information and conducts audits of certified entities to assure compliance with safeguards. Tax Fraud Data from the death master file allows perpetrators to file fraudulent returns impersonating a deceased taxpayer.  A recent audit of the 2011 tax year identified 19,000 fraudulent returns from recently deceased taxpayers.  Many additional fraudulent returns from deceased taxpayers may go undetected since no legitimate taxpayer may ever attempt to file again with the decedent’s Social Security Number. These returns contribute to the growing problem of identity theft in tax fraud.  Overall, the IRS reports that they identified over 1.2 million identity theft returns in 2012 and as of June had identified 1.6 million this year.  However, these figures only represent the returns the IRS was able to identify, so the actual figure is likely much higher.  In a September 2013 audit report, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration estimated that the IRS issued approximately $3.6 billion in fraudulent tax refunds resulting from identity theft in 2011 alone. Under the budget provision, a penalty of $1,000 for each disclosure or misuse of the information is imposed on any persons who improperly disclose the DMF information. A certified person in receipt of DMF information is responsible for any subsequent disclosure of such information. Even if the initial disclosure to a third party is appropriate, if that third party subsequently improperly discloses the information, the certified person is deemed to have also improperly disclosed the information. Thus, in a case in which the improper disclosure is made by a third party who received the information from a certified person, both the certified person and the person who improperly disclosed the information are subject to the penalty. The penalty may not exceed $250,000 per person for any calendar year, except in the case of willful disclosure. In such cases, the penalty is not limited. The full text of Casey’s  2012 letter to the Office of Management and Budget and the Social Security Administration can be seen below: July 19, 2012 The Honorable Michael J. Astrue Commissioner of Social Security The Honorable Jeffrey D. Zients Acting Director The Office of Management and Budget Dear Mr. Astrue and Mr. Zients: I am writing to urge you to move forward with proposed changes to the Social Security Administration’s policy on the release of the so-called “death master file,” and provide regular updates on its implementation.  This document contains the Social Security Numbers and other vital information of deceased citizens and legal residents.  As you know, the public release of this information has contributed to the troubling problem of identity theft in tax returns.  The accessibility of the death master file appears to be inadvertently facilitating tax fraud.  While the information released in this file has important legitimate uses, it has also been used to file fraudulent tax returns under the names of deceased taxpayers.  For $10, an individual can purchase the full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and date of death of a deceased citizen or legal resident—the information needed to steal an identity and defraud the government or private businesses.  This theft of deceased taxpayers’ identities has grown into a serious problem.  This year, as of March 2012, the IRS has identified 66,000 tax returns of recently deceased taxpayers that are likely fraudulent.  This fraud not only takes revenue from the government, but it also forces families that have just lost a loved one to confront the ordeal of resolving this identity theft.  These families often have no idea that their loved ones’ personal information had been put on sale by the federal government. The use of identity theft to file fraudulent returns has grown substantially.  According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), last year over 1.3 million identity theft returns were detected and stopped from processing.  The most recent data from March 2012 indicates that this year the IRS had already identified more than 720,000 identity theft returns.  These numbers only represent returns that were detected by the IRS during processing.  The number of overall identity theft returns is much greater because in many cases, the identity theft is not discovered until the legitimate taxpayer attempts to file.  For taxpayers who do not have a filing requirement, the identity theft and corresponding revenue loss may not be discovered at all. Identity theft of deceased taxpayers is a significant part of this problem and has been exacerbated by the release of the death master file.  Over the past few years, the IRS has taken significant steps to address fraudulent returns.  It has improved its processing system for tax returns, using filters to detect fraud before a refund is issued.  The IRS has also stepped up its criminal prosecutions and established a program to use information received from other law enforcement agencies to flag taxpayers whose identities are known to have been stolen.  Nevertheless, identity theft continues to cost taxpayers billions of dollars every year.  It is our understanding that the Office of Management and Budget is currently reviewing a proposal by the Social Security Administration to restrict the release of the death master file to entities that have both a legitimate need for these data and the capabilities to secure the information.  I request that you provide the status of this proposal, a list of any impediments to moving forward with the proposal and a timeline for implementation. Identity theft creates a significant hardship for many American families, and robs our Nation of taxpayer dollars at a time when we face serious fiscal challenges.  Addressing this issue will require a significant, coordinated effort.  Preventing the widespread publication of deceased citizens’ vital records is an important first step with broad support.  I urge you to limit access to the death master file as soon as possible. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-636",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-following-cloture-vote-on-bipartisan-budget-agreement,Casey Statement following Cloture Vote on Bipartisan Budget Agreement,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), released the following statement on the Senate cloture vote on the budget agreement: “For the first time in four years, we are in a position to pass a budget agreement with strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. The bill is not perfect and neither side is happy with everything in the agreement.  However, in a year filled with far too much partisan fighting, this compromise is an important step forward.  Programs that help create jobs in Pennsylvania such as Community Development Block Grants and NIH medical research will likely face fewer cuts under this deal. In addition, overall deficit reduction will be approximately $20 billion higher under this agreement than without it. Moreover, the bill will allow us avoid another damaging government shutdown.  I am hopeful that the measure will pass the Senate and that the spirit of bipartisanship will continue into next year.”  ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-italy-to-keep-philadelphias-italian-consulate-open,Casey Urges Italy to Keep Philadelphia’s Italian Consulate Open,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent letters to Italian officials, especially President Napolitano and Foreign Minister Bonino, urging the country to keep its Philadelphia consulate open. Recently, Italy announced that it was considering closing the consulate. In his letter, Senator Casey cited the critical role that the city’s strong ties to Italy has played for the region’s economy through job creation and trade. In 2010, the region accounted for approximately $300 million in exports to Italy.  Casey also cited Philadelphia’s large Italian-American population and the city’s role as an east coast hub of business, politics and culture in making the case. Senator Casey also spoke with the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, John Phillips, to emphasize the strong economic and cultural relationship. In addition to the region’s exports to Italy, Italy also benefits from exporting a large number of products into Pennsylvania. Recently, Israel considered closing its Philadelphia consulate but reversed course following a letter from Senator Casey. “From the first days of our nation’s founding through today, Philadelphia has remained one of our country’s preeminent cities,” Senator Casey said. “Having a consulate in Philadelphia has strengthened our historic ties to Italy and resulted in significant job creation and economic growth through trade. I’m urging Italy to reconsider closing its Philadelphia consulate so it can better maintain its robust economic relationship with Pennsylvania and the region.”    The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below: His Excellency Giorgio Napolitano President of the Republic of Italy Dear President Napolitano: It has recently come to my attention that the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering closure of its consulate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  I am writing to respectfully urge you not to take this action. An active consulate in Philadelphia is vital to maintaining the strong, longstanding relationship between the people of Italy and the people of both my home state of Pennsylvania and the larger mid-Atlantic region.  Philadelphia is a vibrant economic, political, and cultural hub for the East Coast. Curtailing Italy’s official representation in Philadelphia would adversely affect the historically strong relationship that Pennsylvanians have enjoyed with Italy.  I understand that Philadelphia is home to one of the largest Italian-American populations in the country.  The United States and Italy enjoy a fruitful economic partnership, with billions of dollars in trade moving between the two countries each year. According to the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, in 2010, the Philadelphia Metropolitan area exported $302 million worth of goods to Italy, making it one of the top 10 metro area exporters to Italy in the U.S. Numerous Italian companies export hundreds of millions of dollars of goods to the Philadelphia region. A number of Italian companies also have large facilities and do extensive business in the Philadelphia region and throughout Pennsylvania. This strong relationship has created and supported jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.   I appreciate the enduring partnership between the United States and Italy, and I meet regularly with constituents who share this conviction. While I understand that your government is weighing competing priorities in a challenging financial environment, I urge you to keep the consulate in Philadelphia open. I believe that keeping the Italian Consulate in Philadelphia open is vital to the furtherance of our two nation’s shared goals.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.  I strongly value the longstanding relationship between Italy the United States.  I look forward to remaining in close touch as this matter proceeds.  Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/senate-passes-casey-toomey-measure-to-stop-epas-dangerous-regulation-of-fire-hydrants,Senate Passes Casey-Toomey Measure to Stop EPA's Dangerous Regulation of Fire Hydrants,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) successfully teamed up to pass bipartisan legislation to bolster fire safety and protect local governments from a dangerous and expensive new mandate.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a policy that will require local governments to replace malfunctioning fire hydrants with new independently certified lead-free fire hydrants.  This EPA regulation essentially makes it impossible for local governments to repair fire hydrants or replace them with existing inventory.  Additionally, it is uncertain whether fire hydrants that meet the new criteria are actually available for purchase.    Last week, the Senators introduced legislation (S. 1779) to exempt fire hydrants from the mandate.  The Senate unanimously passed House legislation identical to S. 1779 today.  “The notion that people drink from fire hydrants often enough to warrant this kind of regulation is ridiculous and in no way justifies the cost of replacing hydrants in every city and town in the country,” said Sen. Toomey.  “It’s great news that the Senate and the House have both acknowledged this absurdity.  The implementation of this EPA rule would have forced local governments to leave malfunctioning fire hydrants idle until adequate funds and products are available – which poses an undeniable threat to public safety.  The passage of our bipartisan bill is a great victory for common sense, and I look forward to President Obama signing it into law.”  “I’m pleased that the Senate has come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass this legislation which will allow our first responders to continue their lifesaving work without the fear of a new, burdensome regulation,” Sen. Casey said. “Passing this bill will help municipalities replace aging fire hydrants and prevent the EPA from moving forward with this unworkable regulation.” As a result of this rule, local governments across the country will be forced to leave malfunctioning fire hydrants out-of-service until sufficient numbers of new compliant fire hydrants can be purchased and installed.  The cost of purchasing new fire hydrants every time an existing fire hydrant malfunctions will place considerable financial strain on local governments, and place the safety of communities across the country at risk.  Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.),  Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) have also supported Sen. Toomey’s bipartisan legislation to exempt fire hydrants from this EPA regulation.  The legislation has been sent to the President and is now awaiting his signature. Several of Pennsylvania’s local government associations and municipalities support the efforts of Sens. Toomey and Casey on this issue:   “The Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML) applauds Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey for introducing the Community Fire Safety Act of 2013.  This legislation will save local governments across the nation millions of dollars by exempting fire hydrants from lead content standards for drinking water infrastructure.  Like most communities, Pennsylvania’s municipalities are very budget conscious and cannot afford the substantial mandate the EPA’s interpretation would impose.  PML supports S. 1779,” said PML Executive Director Richard J. Schuettler.  “The PA State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) applauds Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey in addressing an unfunded mandate that will result in substantial cost to local governments and their residents with minimal benefits,” said PSATS Executive Director David Sanko. “An unfunded mandate of this magnitude could cost boroughs across Pennsylvania thousands of dollars in retrofits and inventory loss.  The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) thanks Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey for their support of this common-sense legislation,” said PSAB Government Affairs Director Ed Troxell. “Excluding fire hydrants from the No-Lead Rule is imperative to the continued efficient operations of the Erie Water Works.  Without the appropriate legislation, dozens of hydrants currently in inventory at the Water Works would be rendered useless, costing the Water Works tens of thousands of dollars in replacement costs.  Additionally, not having hydrants readily available in stock to replace broken or unusable fire hydrants would also lead to a degradation of public fire protection, as inoperable hydrants would remain ‘out of service’ until compliant hydrants were available,” said Erie Water Works CEO/CFO Paul D. Vojtek.  ### Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367Steve Kelly (Toomey) 717-782-3951",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sherman-hills-task-force-announces-new-developments-and-next-steps,Sherman Hills Task Force Announces New Developments and Next Steps,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright and the Sherman Hills Task Force held its first meeting at the Luzerne County Courthouse.  Members of the task force participated in a briefing with Jane Vincent, Regional Director of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The briefing provided the task force with better insight into HUD processes and past experiences, as well as the road ahead concerning Sherman Hills. After the briefing task members discussed recent communications with Park Management, Inc. and next steps.  In letters from Joel Gluck with Park Management the company announced that representatives from the company and their security consultants will be presenting their remediation plan to the Wilkes-Barre City Council at Tuesday’s Council workshop and at Thursday’s Council meeting. Among the details in the remediation plan, Park Management will propose making Sherman Hills a gated community, providing stronger fencing, installing a stronger surveillance system and providing armed guards. Task force members also announced two upcoming meetings.  The first, set to happen during the week of January 20th, will be a private meeting with residents of the Sherman Hills Complex.  The task force hopes that this private setting will allow residents to share their insight into the problems facing the troubled complex.  The task force also announced a public hearing to take place the week of February 17th which will include a set of witnesses that both defines problems and suggests solutions. The task force hopes to receive Park Management’s remediation plan from HUD at the beginning of the New Year. The task force was formed in response to a recent report by HUD, which has paid Sherman Hills $1.7 million this year to provide low-income housing at the 344-unit complex.  Members of the Task Force are Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-17); Tom Leighton, Mayor, Wilkes-Barre; John Yudichak, State Senator (PA-14); Eddie Pashinski, State Representative (PA-121); Bill Barrett, Chairperson, Wilkes-Barre City Council; Maureen Lavelle, Councilwoman, Wilkes-Barre City Council; George Brown, Councilman, Wilkes-Barre City Council; Tim McGinley, Chair, Luzerne County Council; Harry Haas, Councilman, Luzerne County Council; Edd Brominski, Councilman, Luzerne County Council; Eileen Sorokas, Councilwoman-Elect, Luzerne County; Ron Felton, President, Wilkes-Barre NAACP; Rev. Shawn Walker, Pastor, First Baptist Church; Angel Jirau, Executive Director, Spanish American Leaders Serving All.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/the-affordable-care-act-is-making-sure-premium-dollars-work-for,"The Affordable Care Act Is Making Sure Premium Dollars Work for Consumers, Not Just Insurance Companies",2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright highlighted the tough new rules under the Affordable Care Act that ensure that Americans receive value for their premium dollars.  If insurance companies don’t live up to the new standards established by the ACA, insurers have to send consumers a rebate. In 2013, approximately 123,600 consumers in Pennsylvania received an average rebate of approximately $77 per family. “Helping middle class families take advantage of the benefits of the health care law like making sure Pennsylvanians’ premium dollars work for them and not just insurance companies should be a top priority for lawmakers in Washington,” said Cartwright Because of the health care law, insurance companies must spend at least 80% (85% in the large group market) of premiums on medical care and efforts to improve the quality of care, instead of things like overhead and profits. If they don’t, insurers have to send consumers a rebate to meet this threshold. In 2012, nearly 80 million consumers saved $3.4 billion upfront on their premiums because of this rule and other Affordable Care Act programs. And because of this rule, insurers sent 8.5 million consumers an average rebate of approximately $100 per family this year. Additionally, while insurance companies still set premium rates today, the health care law requires insurance companies to publicly post and justify any proposed rate increase of 10 percent or more.  Across the country, insurers are withdrawing or decreasing proposed rate hikes, benefitting families as well the economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-congressmen-matt-cartwright-and-blake-farenthold-introduce-bipartisan,U.S. Congressmen Matt Cartwright and Blake Farenthold Introduce Bipartisan Servicemembers and Veterans Prescription Drug Safety Act of 2013,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Last week, U.S. Congressmen Matt Cartwright (D-PA-17) and Blake Farenthold (R-TX-27) introduced H.R. 3714, the bipartisan Servicemembers and Veterans Prescription Drug Safety Act, which aims to decrease accidental drug overdoses among servicemembers and veterans by implementing prescription drug take-back programs.  Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).   According to the Wall Street Journal, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) prescription rate for opioids has risen by 287 percent between 1999 and 2012.  Consequently, VA-enrolled veterans have a drug overdose rate double that of the civilian population.  There is substantial evidence that prescription drug abuse is a major contributing factor in the deaths of numerous servicemembers and veterans. Drug take-back programs have been found to substantially decrease accidental overdose.  At present, only the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can authorize entities to collect and properly dispose of prescription drugs from ultimate users.  Neither the DoD nor VA is permitted to conduct prescription drug take-back programs at their pharmacies.  Thus, a service member or veteran is unable to return unused medications to the DoD or VA facility that prescribed the medications in the first place.  This legislation would permit the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to implement prescription drug take-back programs for servicemembers, veterans, and their families at DoD and VA pharmacies.  According to VA, there were nearly 1 million veterans living in Pennsylvania as of September 2012.  There are also 10 VA medical centers in the commonwealth including the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center.  Furthermore, approximately 36 percent of Tobyhanna employees are veterans. “I am proud to work with Rep. Farenthold on this important legislation.  The suicide rate amongst our nation’s veterans is alarming and completely unacceptable.  We have a responsibility to ensure that our military, veterans, and their families are safe from prescription drug abuse,” said Representative Cartwright. “By providing servicemembers and veterans with access to drug take-back programs, we can protect them and save lives.” “Our veterans and military personnel currently have no means to properly dispose of unused prescription medications,” said Representative Farenthold.  “That’s a contributing factor to the rise in accidental overdoses, and it must be dealt with to save lives.  Drug take-back programs have shown to be an effective solution to this problem, and our legislation simply extends the reach of those programs to the DoD and VA.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-for-extension-of-unemployment-insurance,Casey Calls for Extension of Unemployment Insurance,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Philadelphia PA- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called for an extension of unemployment insurance. Senator Casey was joined by Philadelphians who are set to see their benefits expire at the end of this month to push for the extension. The Senate is set to take a vote in early January yet the House of Representatives still hasn’t scheduled a vote. Casey called on both Houses to vote on and pass an extension of unemployment benefits that will boost the economy and aid those looking for work. “Extending unemployment insurance will help those looking for work and produce growth in the economy,” Senator Casey said. “The pace of job growth has increased in the last few months but there are still far too many Pennsylvanians looking for work. Extending unemployment insurance will help those actively seeking work and provide a jolt to GDP as we move into the new year. I’m pleased the Senate is set to vote on this issue soon and I’m calling on both Houses of Congress to take up and pass this legislation.” The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that extending unemployment insurance will increase GDP while helping Americans find work. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) recently released a report detailing the economic impact of failing to continue UI through 2014.  The EPI analysis found that 310,000 jobs and $37.8 billion of economic activity would be lost if UI expires. The federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program was first enacted in June 2008, when the national unemployment rate stood at 5.6 percent. The EUC program is scheduled to expire at the end of 2013, with the last payable week ending on December 28th. After changes made to the EUC program in early 2012, there is no longer any phase-out for the program, so that every individual now receiving these benefits will lose them during the same week. The Department of Labor estimates that the expiration of the EUC program would cut off unemployment benefits to approximately 1.3 million jobless Americans on December 28th. The percentage of jobless Americans who have been unemployed for longer than 6 months remains close to historic levels. About 37 percent of the unemployed, or over 4 million people, are now long-term unemployed. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140328084449/http://brady.house.gov/report-shows-animal-care-severely-lacking-smithsonian-national-zoo,Report shows animal care 'severely lacking' at Smithsonian National Zoo,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Robert Brady,B001227,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington (CNN) – A blistering internal report released this week is revealing big problems at the National Zoo and prompting a Congressional review. On Wednesday, an endangered horse rammed into a fence inside its barn. A gazelle and an antelope-like animal broke their necks the same way. And a hog died from possible malnutrition. Last month a zebra severely injured an animal keeper. Earlier this year Rusty the red panda got out, and a vulture escaped its enclosure. Both were recaptured. ""You don't hear this happening at zoos across the country. It certainly shouldn't be happening here at our National Zoo,"" Cathy Liss, president of the Animal Welfare Institute, said. A safety inspector with the zoo said human error was the cause of the zebra attack, according to CNN affiliate WJLA. Gates were not properly closed between the zebra's stall and the yard where the keeper was working, leading the two to be in the same enclosure. A nearby gazelle was apparently spooked by the attack and ran into a fence, breaking its neck. An internal investigation of the Cheetah Conservation Station, which houses cheetahs and other African savanna animals, found ""animal care and overall organization, accountability, follow-up and communication are severely lacking."" But Pamela Baker-Masson, a spokesperson for the National Zoo, told CNN, ""We never compromise safety and well-being of animals."" Officials point out that the zoo was again accredited in September by the Association for Zoos and Aquariums ""after an extensive and rigorous review."" As for the deaths or escapes of the animals, officials say they've taken steps to prevent repeat episodes. The budget may also be partly to blame. The zoo does not charge admission, and Congress has cut $2 million over the past few years. ""This is where we look at ourselves very carefully, and we have to review what resources are available,"" Baker-Masson said. A spokesperson for Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee Robert Brady said the Congressman has scheduled a briefing with Smithsonian officials to assess the problems. ""[Brady] wants to hear specifically how budget cuts could have led to this situation, and will offer additional comment after those discussions,"" the spokesperson said. Some animal welfare advocates point out there've been no problems with the Zoo's star attractions, like the giant pandas. The panda cubs get naming ceremonies, and the newest tigers receive around-the-clock attention. ""The lesser-known species, the less charismatic species aren't getting the attention that they clearly need,"" Liss said. And they're giving the National Zoo attention it clearly doesn't want. December 13, 2013, Ashley Killough, Chris Lawrence, and Mary Grace Lucas, CNN",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/the-377th-birthday-of-the-national-guard,The 377th Birthday of the National Guard,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, December 13, 2013 The 377th Birthday of the National Guard by Bob Casey The National Guard celebrates its 377th birthday today. The National Guard traces its history back to a direct declaration of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on December 13, 1636.  This declaration formed a group of Citizen-Soldiers, requiring all physically able men between 16 and 60 to serve in the militia whenever they were needed. Other colonies would follow in establishing their own defense forces.  Though Pennsylvania’s Citizen-Soldier defense force would not form for over another hundred years, its history is no less special.  In 1747, Benjamin Franklin would lead others Philadelphians in the creation of the “Associators.”  The idea caught on in neighboring areas within Pennsylvania and was soon replicated throughout the Commonwealth.  From its founding in 1747, through the Revolution, to today’s commitment in Afghanistan, the Pennsylvania National Guard has upheld its motto, “Civilian in peace.  Soldier in war.” Today, Pennsylvania has the third largest National Guard in the nation. While the wars have changed, the commitment of these Citizen-Soldiers to answer the call of duty, in their own community, or on the other side of the world, has remained constant.  Join me today in wishing the National Guard a “happy birthday!”  I am truly honored to represent a state with such a rich tradition and dedication to its own community and to national service. Tags: National Guard",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/due-to-the-affordable-care-act-up-to-17-million-children-can-no-longer,"Due to the Affordable Care Act, Up to 17 Million Children Can No Longer Be Denied Health Coverage for Having A Pre-Existing Condition",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright released figures highlighting the number of children in Pennsylvania with pre-existing conditions who, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, are being protected from discrimination based on their health. Because of the health care law, since 2010, insurance companies have been prohibited from denying health coverage for the up to 17 million children – including up to 657,000 in Pennsylvania – with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, asthma, or diabetes.  And beginning in January 2014, under the Affordable Care Act, this protection will extend to adults as well. “Prior to the Affordable Care Act, in the vast majority of states, insurance companies in the individual and small group markets could deny coverage, charge higher premiums, and/or limit benefits to individuals based on pre-existing conditions,” said Cartwright.  “This is great news and beginning in January 2014, this protection will extend to adults, too.” Helping middle class families take advantage of the benefits of the health care law like the security of affordable health care coverage for children with pre-existing conditions should be a top priority for lawmakers in Washington.  Yet instead of working to fix the law, House Republicans have voted to repeal the health care law more than 40 times, even shutting down the government to prevent new benefits like assured coverage for children with pre-existing conditions, taking away peace of mind for these millions of  children and their parents – including 657,000 in Pennsylvania.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/doyle-votes-bipartisan-budget-compromise,Doyle Votes for Bipartisan Budget Compromise,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved a federal budget for Fiscal Year 2014 by a vote of 332 to 94. “I voted in favor of this compromise budget because I believe it is a small but important step in the right direction. As someone who never supported the sequester, I was pleased that this budget provides a significant reduction in sequestration levels for 2014 and 2015. “Much work remains to be done. I believe the nation would be best served by eliminating the sequester completely, for example, and I strongly believe that Congress should enact an extension of federal emergency unemployment insurance program as soon as possible in order to help the millions of Americans who are still unemployed. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to replace the sequester, get this economy moving, and create more family-supporting jobs.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221211938/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-statement-ways-and-means-committees-bipartisan-sgr-repeal-bill,Schwartz Statement on Ways and Means Committee's Bipartisan SGR Repeal Bill,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) today voted in support of bipartisan legislation to replace Medicare’s broken physician payment system and ensure patient access to doctors while promoting efficiency, quality and value in health care delivery. The Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved the Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2013 (H.R. 2810) by a vote of 39-0. In February, Congresswoman Schwartz introduced the bipartisan Medicare Physician Payment Innovation Act (H.R. 574) with Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV) to repeal the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula and set out a clear path toward comprehensive reforms of Medicare payment and delivery systems. The Ways and Means bill incorporates the overarching framework of Schwartz's legislation, including several specific provisions. “Today’s vote marks a significant leap forward in the effort to permanently repeal the broken Medicare physician payment system that has threatened seniors’ access to health care for more than a decade. For several years I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find a long-term solution to this broken policy that has failed Medicare beneficiaries, taxpayers and those on the frontlines of patient care. We have engaged doctors, hospitals and other health care providers, as well as Medicare beneficiaries, to develop a framework for payment reforms that will transform the way we pay for health care in this country. Schwartz said. “I strongly support our committee’s effort to end the costly cycle of short-term fixes that has caused instability and uncertainty for seniors, Medicare providers and the federal budget. Working together, we have created a clear pathway to new reimbursement models that reward value instead of volume, improve patient outcomes, reduce Medicare costs and treat providers fairly. “We owe it to seniors across the country to both end the perennial threat to Medicare beneficiaries’ access to medical services and reform the physician payment mechanisms to improve quality, outcomes, efficiency and value in health care. Now is the time to act. I strongly encourage the House to bring our SGR reform bill to the floor and push it over the finish line.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222025146/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-statement-budget-agreeement,Schwartz Statement on Budget Agreeement,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13), the number two Democrat on the House Budget Committee, released the following statement today after voting for House passage of the bipartisan budget agreement (H. J. Res. 59). “The bipartisan budget agreement is far from perfect but it is an improvement over current law and a step toward fully replacing the damaging sequester cuts that have cost Pennsylvania jobs and put our nation’s economy at risk. This agreement restores resources that are critical for Pennsylvania’s health and economic growth, including investments in early childhood education, public safety and scientific research at the National Institutes of Health. It also ensures that seniors continue to have access to their Medicare doctors while giving Congress more time to reach a long-term, bipartisan solution to repeal the broken Medicare physician payment system.  “It is unfortunate that House Republican leaders refused to allow a vote to include an extension of expiring long-term unemployment benefits in the budget agreement. If Congress fails to act, more than 86,000 Pennsylvanians who rely on emergency unemployment benefits to pay their mortgage, heat their homes and feed their families will lose their assistance three days after Christmas. Congress should not adjourn for the year until we pass an extension of long-term unemployment benefits that will otherwise expire December 28th.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/after-casey-effort-israeli-consulate-to-remain-in-philadelphia,"After Casey Effort, Israeli Consulate to Remain in Philadelphia",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) praised news that the Israeli government has decided to keep its Philadelphia-based consulate open.  Senator Casey, a member of the National Security Working Group and co-chair of the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Caucus, wrote Israel’s Prime Minister urging him to keep the consulate open. “I’m pleased that Israel’s government has decided to keep its Consulate General in Philadelphia open,” Senator Casey said. “Israel, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania have a strong history of economic, cultural and political partnerships and its good news that the Consulate will continue to play a role in that relationship throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.” The full text of Casey’s letter can be seen below: His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu:  It has recently come to my attention that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel is considering closure of its consulate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  I am writing to respectfully urge you not to shutter this consulate, which is important for maintaining the strong, longstanding relationship between the people of Israel and the people of my home state of Pennsylvania.  As you will remember from your time living in our beautiful region, Philadelphia is a vibrant economic, political, and cultural hub for the East Coast.  Curtailing Israel’s official representation in Philadelphia would adversely impact the historically strong ties that Pennsylvanians have enjoyed with Israel.  I understand from the Pennsylvania – Israel Chamber of Commerce that approximately $5 billion of U.S. exports to Israel pass through the greater Philadelphia region every year.  Further, they report that the greater Philadelphia region boasts the second largest Jewish population on the East Coast and the fifth largest in the nation. The area is home to some of the top educational, medical, and research institutions in the United States, many of which have enjoyed fruitful partnerships with counterparts in Israel. I appreciate the longstanding, special partnership between the United States and Israel, and I meet regularly with constituents who share this conviction. During my time in the Senate, I have given particular focus to issues important to both our countries’ national security and economic growth.  While I understand you are weighing competing priorities in a challenging financial environment, I believe that keeping the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia open is vital to the furtherance of our two nation’s shared goals.  Thank you for your consideration of my request, and I look forward to continuing to work with you and your government on issues of mutual concern.  Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/as-winter-sets-in-casey-introduces-legislation-to-help-prevent-deaths-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning,"As Winter Sets In, Casey Introduces Legislation to Help Prevent Deaths from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – As winter sets in, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation to help prevent deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning. The Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to provide support for public safety education and to encourage installment of safe and reliable carbon monoxide detectors. “Pennsylvania has seen far too many accidental deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning,” Senator Casey said. “This is a commonsense step that will help protect Pennsylvania families through increased awareness and the increased availability of monitors.” According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 400 deaths and 20,000 emergency room visits as a result of CO poisoning each year and the highest percentage of CO exposures occurs during the winter months of December, January, and February.  Bill Summary   Acknowledges the value of CO alarm and detection devices by promoting their purchase and installation in residential homes and dwellings nationwide. Encourages states to require residential CO detection devices and establishes a federal grant program in the amount of $10M total over a period of five years to provide assistance to these states to carry out a CO education program. The grants would help pay for the development of training materials and for buying and installing alarms in schools and the homes of low-income and elderly people. Places importance on effective devices that meet rigorous safety standards. Consumers should have the confidence that their properly installed and maintained CO alarm will function appropriately in the presence of dangerous CO levels, while avoiding unwanted nuisance alarming that may otherwise cause them to doubt the accuracy of the alarm. Defines approved devices for the purposes of this bill as those compliant with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 and UL 2075.  These voluntary performance standards are recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/health-centers-to-help-uninsured-americans-gain-affordable-health,Health centers to help uninsured Americans gain affordable health insurance coverage in Pennsylvania,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) has released $2,193,970 in grant awards to 38 Pennsylvania health centers currently working to enroll uninsured Americans in new health insurance coverage options made available by the Affordable Care Act.  With these funds, health centers can expand their enrollment assistance efforts as more Americans enroll in affordable health insurance coverage. Across the nation, 1,157 health centers will receive $58 million in grant awards. “With these awards, health centers will be able to meet immediate needs, including expanding the hours of existing outreach and enrollment assistance workers, and hiring new or temporary outreach and enrollment assistance workers,” said Cartwright. Local grant recipients include the Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania base in Wilkes-Barre and the Scranton Primary Health Care Center, Inc. based in Scranton.  The two centers were awarded $127,926 and $83,288, respectively. “Today’s awards build upon the efforts of health centers in Pennsylvania to help uninsured Americans gain health insurance coverage,” Secretary Sebelius said.  “This investment means that Pennsylvania health centers can provide expanded assistance for individuals looking for resources to help them understand their insurance options and enroll in affordable coverage.” “Having more opportunities in Pennsylvania for face-to-face enrollment assistance from trusted resources at local health centers means that more individuals will get the help they need to sign up by the end of the open enrollment period on March 31, 2014,” said Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Mary Wakefield, Ph.D, R.N. These awards, issued by HRSA, complement and align with other federal efforts to help Americans get access to affordable health insurance coverage. Today’s awards also build upon earlier health center program investments of $150 million nationwide to support outreach and enrollment activities.   To see a list of grantees in Pennsylvania, visit:https://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/2013tables/outreachandenrollment/pa.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/at-hearing-casey-secures-commitment-from-irs-nominee-to-quickly-address-aca-volunteer-firefighters-issue-,"At Hearing Casey Secures Commitment from IRS Nominee to Quickly Address ACA, Volunteer Firefighters Issue",2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S.  Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has secured a commitment from John Andrew Koskinen, nominee to be the next Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner, that concerns raised by volunteer firefighters about Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements will be quickly addressed. “Pennsylvania has a long and proud tradition of volunteer firefighters and I’m pleased that the likely next head of the IRS has committed to addressing this issue,” Senator Casey said. “Our volunteer firefighters make tremendous sacrifices on our behalf and I believe it’s critical that IRS quickly clear up this confusion over the Affordable Care Act.” Some fire companies with over 50 volunteer firefighters have raised concerns about whether they are required to provide health insurance for these volunteers under the ACA.  With already tight budgets, many volunteer fire companies were worried about the uncertainty of additional costs. As a member of the Finance Committee, Senator Casey has oversight over the IRS and the Committee is charged with confirming its next Commissioner. During today’s confirmation hearing Casey secured a commitment from the nominee to address this issue on behalf of Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighters. The nominees said it would be one of the first issues he addresses. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-pushes-for-passage-of-bill-to-prevent-flood-insurance-hikes-on-thousands-of-pennsylvanians-before-years-end,Casey Pushes for Passage of Bill to Prevent Flood Insurance Hikes on Thousands of Pennsylvanians Before Year’s End,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- With over 30,000 Pennsylvania policyholders potentially impacted, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), today, called for passage of legislation that will forestall flood insurance hikes. This bipartisan legislation has support in both houses of Congress and would protect Pennsylvanians, some of whom are beginning to feel the first impacts of these hikes. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Casey pushed for the Senate to quickly act on this legislation before steeper rate hikes take effect. Pennsylvania would be the 7th most impacted state in the country without passing this legislation. “I have called on the Senate to take up this legislation soon to give certainty to homeowners across Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “This is a commonsense, bipartisan proposal that could prevent drastic rate hikes for over 30,000 policyholders across the state.” The potential increase in flood insurance rates is coming as a result of the Biggert-Waters Reform Act of 2012. Because of the way the legislation calculates flood risks, up to 30,000 policies in Pennsylvania could eventually see increases.   The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act would: Delay rate increases for: All homes and businesses that are currently “grandfathered.”  These are properties that were built to code and later remapped into a higher risk area.  Prior to Biggert-Waters, these policyholders were not penalized for relying on inaccurate FEMA flood maps. All properties that purchased a new policy after July 6, 2012, before they were legally required to purchase insurance. All properties sold after July 6, 2012.  New homeowners and business owners will continue to receive the same treatment as the previous owner unless they trigger another provision in Biggert-Waters such as Severe Repetitive Loss, non-primary residence, substantial damage, etc. Seek assurances of FEMA’s ability to accurately determine flood risk. Establish a Flood Insurance Advocate within FEMA. Allow FEMA to use the National Flood Insurance Fund to reimburse policyholders who successfully appeal a map determination The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below: The Honorable Harry Reid Majority Leader, United States Senate S-221 Capitol Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Majority Leader Reid: I am writing to encourage action on the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. This bipartisan legislation would prevent unaffordable flood insurance rate hikes affecting homeowners across the country, including thousands in my home state of Pennsylvania. Timely consideration by the Senate is essential. Under the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act, FEMA is implementing changes that will result in dramatic rate increases for a wide range of homeowners, from senior citizens who have been remapped into flood risk areas to prospective home sellers whose property values are being driven down by rate increases. The rate hikes, which in many cases are as high as 25 percent annually, impose a burden that many homeowners cannot afford. It is essential that we strengthen the National Flood Insurance Program, but we should also make sure that homeowners get the protection they need at affordable rates. The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act strikes the right balance by delaying certain rate increases until FEMA completes an affordability study already mandated by the Biggert-Waters reform bill. It also establishes an effective framework for maintaining affordability in the future by creating a Flood Insurance Advocate within FEMA and allowing policyholders to receive compensation from the National Flood Insurance Fund. This bill will ensure that we strengthen flood insurance in a way that is fair and sensible for the thousands of Americans who count on it. As rate hikes continue to impact a growing number of homeowners, it is imperative that we provide relief and set a foundation for a sustainable, affordable flood insurance program. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221225331/http://brady.house.gov/press-release/congressman-brady-presents-check-harambee-charter-school-support-school%E2%80%99s-basketball,Congressman Brady presents check to Harambee Charter School in support of the schools basketball program,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Robert Brady,B001227,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Karen Warrington (215)389-4627 Karen.warrington@mail.house.gov Philadelphia --- In spite of today���s harsh weather Congressman Bob Brady (D., PA) showed up at the Harambee Charter School to hand over a check for $2,100 to support the school���s boys and girls basketball teams. The check from the Greater Philadelphia Traditions fund will pay for league fees and team uniforms. Presenting the check to Harambee Athletic Director Anthony Medlock, Brady said, ���This school is in the First Congressional District and in the heart of neighborhood I grew up in. And, I wanted to make sure that these students would be able to continue their basketball program.��? Medlock said, ���Congressman Brady is a man of his word. I talked to him at a community event and asked for his help and he promised he would see to it that these students would be able to play this season. And, here he is today, in spite of the weather.��? ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222222540/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-urges-passage-bill-strengthen-social-security,Schwartz Urges Passage of Bill to Strengthen Social Security,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) today called on the House to pass the Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013 (H.R. 3118) to boost existing benefits while ensuring that Social Security is stronger for future generations. “Far too many Pennsylvanians are concerned about whether they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire. We have an obligation to ensure that American seniors who have spent a lifetime working hard, saving for their retirement and paying into Social Security have the dignity and financial independence they deserve,” Schwartz said. “This bill ensures that Social Security continues to provide the bedrock of retirement security for millions of Americans today and in the decades to come.” In Pennsylvania alone, Social Security provides more than 1.7 million seniors with the foundation for a dignified retirement. Social Security also provides benefits to more than 400,000 Pennsylvanians with disabilities and more than 192,000 children.   Schwartz is a cosponsor of the Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013, which Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38) introduced in September. The bill increases benefits and extends the solvency of the Social Security trust fund an additional 17 years, through 2049. The legislation: Changes the benefit calculation formula the Social Security Administration uses, which would boost benefits for Social Security beneficiaries by approximately $65 per month. Ensures that benefits adequately reflect cost increases facing seniors by changing the way the Social Security Administration calculates Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). Under the bill, future COLAs will be based on the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E).   Extends the Social Security Trust Fund’s solvency by gradually phasing out the current taxable cap of $113,700. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Social Security and as a member of the Seniors Task Force, Schwartz has long been a champion for preserving Social Security and has fought tirelessly to protect and strengthen it. Throughout her tenure in Congress, she has opposed efforts to privatize these guaranteed retirement benefits that have helped millions of Americans for more than 75 years. Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are leading the effort in the Senate to expand Social Security. The Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013 is the House companion to legislation (S. 567) Harkin introduced in March. The House version has been referred to the House Education and the Workforce Committee, as well as the House Committee on Ways and Means, on which Schwartz serves. The legislation is supported by AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, Campaign for Community Change, the National Organization for Women (NOW), Strengthen Social Security Coalition, Social Security Works, the United Automobile Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and United Steelworkers.  STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare:  “On behalf of the millions of members and supporters of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, I am writing to express appreciation for your continued strong leadership on behalf of America’s seniors and most recently your co-sponsorship of H.R. 3118, the “Strengthen Social Security Act of 2013,” Richtman wrote in a letter to Schwartz. “The National Committee appreciates your efforts to preserve Social Security for the long term, and your recognition of the importance of this issue to Americans of all ages.  Pennsylvania’s 90,000 National Committee members and supporters know that as a member of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee you are helping to lead the ongoing fight against Social Security privatization and that they can always count on you!” Nancy Altman and Eric Kingson, Co-chairs, Strengthen Social Security Coalition: “Rep. Allyson Schwartz's support for expanding Social Security shows that she stands with the vast majority of Americans who believe that our country is a place where hard work and playing by the rules are rewarded with the ability to retire with dignity. She joins a growing number of national leaders who recognize that the time has come to expand Social Security.  We thank Rep. Schwartz for her leadership on strengthening Social Security by expanding it.” Campaign for Community Change Managing Director Mary Lassen: “The Campaign for Community Change has worked with seniors and others throughout the country who depend on Social Security and are fighting to defend our Social Security system against the cuts proposed in Congress.  A grassroots movement for retirement security has been successful thus far in warding off such cuts, and through the Strengthening Social Security Act the debate is now about how to expand this vital anti-poverty system.  We applaud Rep. Schwartz for being an initial co-sponsor for HR-3118 and look forward to continuing the push together for a Social Security System that allows all Americans to retire with dignity.” Sen. Tom Harkin: “Americans from all walks of life are facing a retirement crisis and are deeply worried that they will not have enough money to live on when they stop working.  We need to do more to ensure that after a lifetime of hard work seniors are able to retire with dignity. I am pleased to have Rep. Schwartz as a supporter of legislation to strengthen Social Security by expanding benefits, extending the life of the Trust Fund, and ensuring that everyone pays into Social Security equally. I look forward to working with her and others to fight to protect and expand Social Security in the months ahead.”  UAW President Bob King: “I am proud to thank Rep. Allyson Schwartz for her long and storied history of standing up for America’s seniors. I strongly encourage other Members of Congress to join her in cosponsoring the Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013.  Growing income inequality weakens our middle class and threatens our democracy. Congress must act to reverse this troubling trend by enacting policies that help working families retire in dignity. This legislation is long overdue and would go a long way in ensuring the retirement security of millions of Americas. At a time when income security for seniors is less and less certain, we need to find ways as a nation to strengthen Social Security—not weaken it. The Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013 does just that by increasing benefits and extending the solvency of the Social Security trust fund an additional 17 years, through 2049. This bill brings more fairness to people who have lived by the rules, worked hard, & contributed so much to our country.” Diane Menio, Executive Director of the Philadelphia-based Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE):  “We are grateful that Congresswoman Schwartz has fought so hard to protect Social Security over the years and we are pleased that she is pushing to get this legislation passed. As one of Congresswoman Schwartz's constituents, I know how devoted she is to protecting seniors and making sure that Social Security is strong for seniors today and in the decades ahead.” AFL-CIO Government Affairs Director Bill Samuel: “The decline in traditional pensions, coupled with stock market losses in retirement savings plans and diminished home equity, means that Social Security is all the more critical to Americans’ retirement security.  Allyson Schwartz wisely recognizes that Social Security is an obvious solution to our nation’s retirement income deficit.  As our nation’s most successful, cost-efficient, and popular government program, Social Security should not just be strengthened, it should be expanded.” Raechel Hammer, Vice President of the Raymond and Miriam Klein JCC in Philadelphia: “Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz has been a long-standing advocate for seniors. Her history of support for legislation that benefits our senior community such as Social Security, Medicare, Civic Engagement and many others is well known and recognized both locally and nationally. We applaud her continued efforts to support our eldest community members and protect those who are vulnerable and at-risk in our society.”   Robin Burstein, Executive Director of Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services: “With the costs of living consistently increasing and so much uncertainty in the future, more older adults are dependent on the Social Security system than ever before.  Social Security benefits must be raised to meet the increasing costs of living and it must be preserved well into the future to ensure it meets the increased demand from the growing number of older adults reaching retirement age. That is why I appreciate and support Congresswoman Schwartz’s consistent effort to strengthen Social Security and ensure our seniors receive the benefits they contributed towards and depend upon to live with dignity in their older age.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/31-us-senators-urge-reauthorization-of-key-unemployment-insurance-program,31 U.S. Senators Urge Reauthorization of Key Unemployment Insurance Program,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to prevent more than 1.3 million long-term unemployed workers from losing their unemployment insurance at the end of December -- and millions more from having no benefits after their initial 26 weeks of unemployment insurance (UI) are exhausted during the course of 2014 – a group of 31 U.S. Senators, led by Jack Reed (D-RI), today sent a letter urging Congress to preserve federal unemployment insurance for another year. With just 23 days before federal UI benefits are set to expire, the Senators wrote: “We are writing to urge the continuation of federal support for unemployment insurance, a critical component of our ongoing recovery and a lifeline to millions of Americans as they search for work in this challenging economy.  As it stands now, a few days after the holiday season ends, unemployment insurance will abruptly terminate, cutting off support for 1.3 million Americans.” The unemployment insurance system is a partnership between the federal government and state governments that provides a temporary weekly benefit to qualified workers who lose their job and are seeking work. The amount of that benefit is based in part on a worker’s past earnings.  In Rhode Island, the average weekly UI benefit amount is $354 and the Ocean State is among 43 states that offer 26 weeks of UI coverage, while 7 states offer fewer weeks. The extended federal UI program was signed into law in June 2008 by President George W. Bush, when the national unemployment rate was 5.6% and the average duration of jobless insurance was 17.1 weeks.  It has been reauthorized by Congress a number of times since as America seeks to emerge from the greatest economic recession since the Great Depression.  Today, the national unemployment rate is 7% and the average duration of UI benefits is 36.1 weeks, which is much longer than the 26 weeks of unemployment coverage that most states provide.  According to the non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the long-term unemployment rate is falling, but it's still at 2.6%, which is twice as high as in any prior month when extended UI benefits were allowed to expire.  CBPP economists note that in each of the previous three recessions, federal unemployment assistance didn't end until the long-term unemployment rate had dropped to around 1.3%. “Even as the nation’s economy continues to recover, Congress must do more to help create new jobs and sustain economic revitalization,” said Reed, who recently introduced the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Extension Act of 2013 to stabilize the economy and provide relief for both states and struggling families by extending federal UI benefits through 2014.  “Unemployment insurance is a critical lifeline for vulnerable families and our economy.  Preserving this program will help bolster consumer demand and provide some much needed economic certainty for businesses and families in need.  We need to make sure that reauthorizing the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is part of any budget or end of the year legislation that comes before the Senate.” A new study by the Council of Economic Advisers and the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the failure to renew UI  could cost our economy 240,000 jobs in 2014, including 1,284 in Rhode Island. Over the years, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that preserving UI benefits during periods of historically high unemployment is among the most cost-effective programs for reducing joblessness and stimulating the economy.  Earlier this week CBO reported: “Extending emergency unemployment benefits would raise gross domestic product (GDP) and employment in 2014 relative to what would occur under current law.  Recipients of the additional benefits would increase their spending on consumer goods and services. That increase in aggregate demand would encourage businesses to boost production and hire more workers than they otherwise would, particularly given the expected slack in the capital and labor markets.” Text of the letter follows: Dear Majority Leader Reid, Republican Leader McConnell, Chairman Baucus, and Ranking Member Hatch: We are writing to urge the continuation of federal support for unemployment insurance, a critical component of our ongoing recovery and a lifeline to millions of Americans as they search for work in this challenging economy.  As it stands now, a few days after the holiday season ends, unemployment insurance will abruptly terminate, cutting off support for 1.3 million Americans. Despite the tremendous uncertainty caused by the brinksmanship over funding the government and near-default, the economy has had 45 straight months of private sector job growth and created a total of 8.1 million jobs over that period.  However, we are still far from regaining the ground lost during the Great Recession.  The national unemployment rate has hovered around and over 7 percent and 10.9 million Americans are out of work and looking for a job.  Unemployed workers continue to face a daunting labor market, where for every one job opening, there are approximately 3 unemployed workers.  That’s why it’s imperative that we pass legislation that will get Americans back to work and that we don’t let unemployment insurance terminate at the end of the year.  Federal support for unemployment insurance has been a major boon to millions of Americans that have been laid off through no fault of their own.  Since July 2008 unemployment insurance has provided over $255 billion in direct support.  Over that period of time, we have made significant reforms, like those that avert layoffs and help people find work faster.  Our constituents and the economy still need the support; the Economic Policy Institute estimates that the expiration of unemployment insurance will cost the economy 310,000 jobs and slow growth by 0.2 percent over the course of next year. Continuation of unemployment insurance has traditionally passed on a bipartisan basis because of the tremendous support it provides to the unemployed, their families, and the economy.  We urge you to ensure that unemployment insurance is continued before its expiration at the end of the year. Sincerely, Jack Reed (D-RI) Tom Harkin (D-IA) Tim Kaine (D-VA) Ed Markey (D-MA) Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Carl Levin (D-MI) Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Chris Coons (D-DE) Mazie Hirono (D-HI) Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Bob Casey (D-PA) Al Franken (D-MN) Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Ron Wyden (D-OR) Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) Brian Schatz (D-HI) Patty Murray (D-WA) Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Bernie Sanders (I-VT) Dick Durbin (D-IL) Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Patrick Leahy (D-VT) Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) Christopher Murphy (D-CT) Tom Udall (D-NM) Bill Nelson (D-FL) -end-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-backs-bill-that-would-help-small-businesses-recover-from-disasters,Casey Backs Bill That Would Help Small Businesses Recover from Disasters,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- As winter storms hit Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he is backing a bipartisan piece of legislation to help small businesses recover from the impacts of extreme weather. The bill, the bipartisan Small Business Disaster Reform Act of 2013, would ease burdens for businesses applying for smaller loans in the wake of disasters and would help out of state small business development centers coordinate with Pennsylvania businesses during an emergency when in-state small business development centers may not be operating due to the weather emergency. “This week’s winter storm is a reminder of the unique challenges that our state faces from extreme weather,” Senator Casey said. “This commonsense legislation will ensure that small businesses can get the help they need after a storm without unnecessary risks or burdens.” The purpose of this bill is to 1) require the SBA to use all other types of collateral on small business disaster loans other than a business owner’s primary residence; and 2) to authorize Small Business Development Centers to assist other geographical areas when needed.    Section 1 of the bill clarifies that, for SBA disaster business loans less than $200,000 that SBA is required to utilize assets other than the primary residence if those assets are available to use as collateral towards the loan.  This provision will ensure that SBA is responsive to the needs of small businesses seeking smaller amounts of disaster assistance.  Businesses seeking smaller loans are often experience the biggest burdens in way of liens on their primary personal residential homes when they could conceivably provide sufficient business assets as collateral for the loan.  The SBA has at its disposal multiple ways to secure loans. This bill makes that SBA’s policy – that for smaller business loans, personal homes should be collateral of last resort.  This removes a major psychological hurdle for business owners and helps SBA in marketing these loans for future disasters.  Section 2 of the bill authorizes the SBA to allow out-of-state small business development centers (SBDCs) to provide assistance in Presidentially-declared disaster areas.  This is currently prohibited.  As it stands presently, SBDCs are unable to provide assistance outside their geographical area, which severely slows economic recovery after major disasters.  This provision would allow Pennsylvania SBDCs to assist other areas in times of large catastrophic disasters, or vice versa.  The SBA will reimburse out of state SBDCs for appropriate expenses incurred.   It also includes language allowing SBDC counselors into disaster recovery centers, which is the current practice. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-for-passage-of-new-plan-to-provide-background-checks-for-childcare-workers,Casey Calls for Passage of New Plan to Provide Background Checks for Childcare Workers,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Philadelphia PA- After a spate of incidents in Southeastern Pennsylvania underscoring the importance of quality childcare, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called for passage of a new plan that would provide federal standards for background checks on childcare workers. In a letter to Senate leaders, Senator Casey urged Congress to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG).  The bipartisan Senate bill to reauthorize CCDBG contains provisions to strengthen background checks for childcare workers. Casey was joined by advocates from across the region who discussed the need to pass these reforms to better protect children. “Parents leaving their children in child care should have the peace of mind that their children are being cared for by trustworthy individuals without a criminal record,” Senator Casey said. “Establishing a strong national standard for background checks will ensure that all children in child care, no matter what state they live in, will receive equal protection.” The Child Care and Development Block Grant provides subsidies to assist low-income families in obtaining child care so that parents can work or participate in education or training activities. Discretionary funding for this program is authorized by the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, which has not been reauthorized since 1996. CCDBG funds, along with a mandatory child care funding stream authorized separately, are known as the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The CCDF is the primary source of federal funding dedicated solely to child care subsidies for low-income working and welfare families.   The CCDF provides block grants to states, according to a formula, which are used to subsidize the child care expenses of working families with children under age 13. In addition to providing funding for child care services, funds are also used for activities intended to improve the overall quality and supply of child care for families in general.   In FY 2011, the most recent year for which data are available, Pennsylvania served an average of 59,800 families per month in CCDBG, totaling an average number of 101,100 children. Pennsylvania currently requires certain background checks, but the approach Casey discussed is a more comprehensive federal standard. The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below: Dear Majority Leader Reid and Republican Leader McConnell: I write to request that you work together to ensure that the Senate is able to take up and pass S. 1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2013, at the earliest opportunity. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) has not been reauthorized since 1996.  In the nearly two decades since, our understanding of early childhood development, and the importance of high-quality child care and early learning, has expanded dramatically. Investing in high-quality early learning opportunities such as child care and pre-K sets children on the path to success.  We must update federal standards to ensure that the federal government is supporting high-quality child care for low-income children.  S. 1086 sets a new standard for child care in America, making sure that federal dollars are going to providers who are committed to providing child care that meets certain criteria, such as health and safety standards. One of the important components of S. 1086 is Section 7, which would implement federal standards for criminal background checks for child care providers.  While every state requires some form of background check, the records searched and the stringency of the search (e.g. whether the Sex Offender Registry is searched, and whether fingerprints are included as well as the name of the individual when a state criminal background check is run) vary widely.  Establishing a standard set of background checks for all states will ensure that children being cared for outside their home are protected from individuals with known criminal records. I urge you to consider S. 1086 as a priority for passage.  This legislation has been carefully developed with significant input from Senators and the wider community, and represents a sensible path forward to improving the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-shell-to-move-forward-with-beaver-county-ethane-cracker-plant,Casey Urges Shell to Move Forward with Beaver County Ethane Cracker Plant,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to Mark Quartermain, President of Shell Energy North America, urging the company to continue to move forward with its plan for an ethane cracker plant in Beaver County. The project has the potential to create a significant number of jobs while continuing the region’s role in producing natural gas and in developing associated industries.  In his letter to Shell Energy, Casey cited the region’s highly skilled workforce in pushing for the project. Casey first urged Shell in 2012 to take steps towards building a cracker plant in Beaver County. “Moving forward with this cracker plant will bring jobs to Southwestern Pennsylvania and continue the region’s nationally recognized role as a leader in natural gas production and in related industries,” Senator Casey said. “The region is ready for this project and I’m urging Shell to take the next steps in making the cracker plant in Beaver County a reality.” The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below:     December 9, 2013   Mr. Mark Quartermain President Shell Energy North America, L.P. Two Houston Center, Plaza Level I 909 Fannin Street Houston, Texas 77010 Dear Mr. Quartermain: Throughout the last two years, I have encouraged Shell to build an ethane-fed cracker plant in Pennsylvania. As 2013 draws to a close and your company prepares to make its final decision on whether to build a plant in the Appalachian region, I want to remind you that Pennsylvania has everything Shell needs to make this considerable project an enormous success. The Commonwealth has an established work force, access to water, communities with a long history of working cooperatively with industry, an extensive rail transportation network and appropriate real estate. Pennsylvania’s outstanding higher education network will advance Shell’s innovation. Further, Shell is uniquely positioned to supply a cracker plant with ethane from its nearby wells, as well as those of other producers. I am hopeful that Shell will use all that Pennsylvania has to offer to explore natural gas as an energy source and to supply the increasing demand for petrochemical feedstock and products. As you know, the end uses for these substances will help stimulate manufacturing capabilities in numerous categories, including fibers, agricultural chemicals, plastics and automotive products. Petrochemical plants are not without risks, but I have faith that Shell’s long experience will help it to design and build its facilities to run cleanly, safely and efficiently. I am optimistic that a Shell facility will serve as the foundation of an industrial and manufacturing expansion that will bring thousands of construction and production jobs to Pennsylvania. I encourage you to take this opportunity to build on Pennsylvania’s long manufacturing history and invest in the region. Thank you for interest in investing in Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator                    Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/72nd-anniversary-of-the-attack-on-pearl-harbor,72nd Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor,2013-12-07,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Saturday, December 7, 2013 72nd Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor by Bob Casey This December 7th marks the 72nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy” when the Japanese attacked the US naval base in Pearl Harbor Hawaii.  Over 2,400 Americans were lost on that day while defending their country. The battleship USS Pennsylvania was stationed at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day. It was undergoing maintenance in a drydock.  This positioning allowed the USS  Pennsylvania to be one of the first ships to open fire on the Japanese attackers.  During the attack, it sustained minor damage and later served honorably in the Pacific for the remainder of the War. The state of Pennsylvania lost nearly two dozen of its native sons during the attacks on Pearl Harbor.  Included in this total is Chief Boatswain Edwin Joseph Hill of Philadelphia, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the attack. Click here to read more on Chief Boatswain Hill. Seventy-two years later, I ask that all Pennsylvanians honor and remember the sacrifices that those brave sailors paid at Pearl Harbor.  Having occurred so long ago, the members of the “greatest generation” are becoming all the more rare and yet are becoming all the more exceptional as examples to live selflessly and patriotically. Tags: Arizona,  Attack on Pearl Harbor,  Navy,  Pearl Harbor,  USS Arizona,  Veterans,  World War II,  WWII",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/congressman-doyle-responds-death-nelson-mandela,Congressman Doyle Responds to the Death of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pittsburgh, PA -- U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) released the following statement in response to the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela. ""I am deeply saddened by the passing of Nelson Mandela. Mandela was a man of great character and courage. He was an impassioned advocate for equal rights for all and democratic government. He fought for what he believed in, refusing to be intimidated by violence, oppression, or even 27 years of imprisonment. When he was freed from prison and elected President of South Africa, he worked hard for national reconciliation, refusing to allow his country to follow the more common and all-too-easy path of recrimination and revenge. Finally, at the end of his first term in office he stepped down, despite his immense popularity – setting an important precedent for a peaceful democratic transfer of power in South Africa, and setting a powerful example on a continent where far too many dictators have used violence and division to hold on to power for decades. ""Nelson Mandela made the world a better place to live in. His actions reached far beyond the borders of South Africa, and the world should be forever grateful to him for his legacy. ""As President Mandela once said, 'When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.'""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/energy-commerce-dems-urge-fcc-investigate-att-filing-cut-special-access-terms,Energy & Commerce Dems Urge FCC to Investigate AT&T Filing to Cut Special Access Terms,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), Anna G. Eshoo, and Doris O. Matsui sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Wheeler, urging the agency to suspend and investigate a filing made by AT&T to eliminate certain plan terms for special access services.   “We urged Chairman Wheeler and the Commission to suspend and investigate AT&T’s recent filing on special access,” Congressman Doyle said today.  “The changes proposed by AT&T would result in rate increases by as much as 24 percent in some regions and increase costs to users by hundreds of millions of dollars.” “AT&T’s filings show the continued need for special access reform, and the importance of robust competition among telecommunications providers,” he added. “I look forward to working with Chairman Wheeler and the Commission on special access reform and a pro-competitive agenda that continues our global leadership in world class networks and technology.”   All three Representatives are members of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, and Representative Eshoo is the Subcommittee’s Ranking Member. Special Access services are data lines that leased by smaller carriers, wireless companies, and businesses from incumbent telecommunications providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Centurylink. These lines are leased at regulated rates, except in markets that have been deregulated by the FCC. Concerns have been raised that incumbents were charging exorbitantly more for Special Access in deregulated markets. Congressman Doyle has been urging the FCC to move forward on special access reform for several years.  In 2011, he asked then-Chairman Julius Genachowski to initiate a data collection effort to analyze what was happening in all special access markets and, if the FCC found that markets were being affected by incumbents utilizing monopoly power, to reregulate those markets.     The complete text of the letter follows below. December 5, 2013 Tom Wheeler Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, SW Washington DC, 20554 Dear Chairman Wheeler: Congratulations on your recent swearing-in as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.  In the short time since you’ve taken the helm of the FCC, you’ve emphasized the importance of competition policy and the power of competitive markets to drive economic growth.  As you recently stated, “We must protect competition where it exists. We must promote competition where it may not be fulsome.”   One of the greatest challenges to that objective is the broken special access market.  As you know, special access services are critical for providing competitive choices for wireline and wireless services.  Ensuring reasonable rates, terms, and conditions for this vital input is key to many of the Commission’s highest policy priorities, including the President’s goal of delivering affordable broadband to schools and libraries, promoting competition in the wireless and broadband markets, managing the transition to IP networks, and ensuring the availability of broadband connections for emergency responders. We’re pleased that the Commission is engaged in a comprehensive effort to gather data and analyze the special access market.  However, we are concerned about AT&T’s recent notice of its intention to eliminate service plans for terms longer than three years and the effect this action, if approved, would have on prices and competition in the marketplace.  By eliminating these plans, AT&T is effectively increasing rates in some regions by as much as 24 percent – which would result in increased costs to users by hundreds of millions of dollars.    Rather than allowing this effort to short circuit the data collection process now underway, we urge you to suspend and investigate AT&T’s filing.  We look forward to working with you on special access reform and a pro-competitive agenda that continues our global leadership in world class networks and technology. Sincerely, Mike Doyle                               Anna G. Eshoo                         Doris O. Matsui Member of Congress               Member of Congress               Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221230453/http://brady.house.gov/press-release/congressman-brady-reacts-death-former-south-african-president-mandela,Congressman Brady reacts to death of former South African President Mandela,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Robert Brady,B001227,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Brady reacts to death of former South African President Mandela Dec 6, 2013 Philadelphia --- Congressman Bob Brady (D., PA ) today made the following statement re the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “We are honored to have shared world space with President Mandela. His life’s journey  - from  his stand against apartheid, his 27 years spent as a political prisoner and his tenure as the President of South Africa is  template for the highest form of a principled life.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222222623/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-leads-bipartisan-letter-urging-extension-tax-benefit-pennsylvania-commuters,Schwartz Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Extension of Tax Benefit for Pennsylvania Commuters,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Members of southeastern Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation today sent a bipartisan letter to House leadership calling for an extension of a tax benefit that helps thousands of Pennsylvanians save money on their commute to work. If Congress fails to act, the commuter benefit will be cut nearly in half when it expires on Dec. 31.  U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) led the letter, which was signed by Reps. Robert Brady (PA-1), Chaka Fattah (PA-2), Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8), Jim Gerlach (PA-6) and Pat Meehan (PA-7). A PDF copy of the signed letter is available here, and the full text is enclosed below. Under current federal law, employers can offer their employees an option of setting aside up to $245 per month in wages tax free for mass transit commuting costs or parking at their workplace. While the maximum parking benefit is set to increase to $250 in 2014, public transit commuters will see their maximum benefit cut to $130 unless Congress acts before Dec. 31. If Congress fails to extend the benefit, 9,500 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) riders in the Greater Philadelphia Area could see their taxes increase by $300 or more next year. “This important tax benefit helps middle-class families save money on their commute, and we need to ensure it is extended equally to mass transit riders and those who drive to work.” Schwartz said. “In this tough economy, it makes no sense to squeeze middle-class families with a tax increase that will make commuting more expensive. We need to extend this benefit so that Pennsylvania’s commuters can continue to take advantage of the critical savings it provides.” Brady said, “We need to do the right thing. We need to act now to extend the transit commuter tax benefit. This is common sense legislation that will save money for workers, employers and it helps the environment.” Fattah said, “Extending the commuter tax benefit is about parity for the thousands of commuters in Philadelphia, and those around the country, that rely on public transit to travel to and from work. It benefits Pennsylvania families, employers, and public transit agencies, and we should be encouraging – not discouraging—the use of public transportation for its many benefits to the environment and for the general health and mobility of our communities. I join with my colleagues in urging swift action on this legislation.” Fitzpatrick said, “Thousands of Bucks County families rely on the use of public transit to commute to and from work - a process made easier, and less expensive, through employee transit benefits.  Without an action by Congress, the benefit of withholding taxable earnings for commuting will be cut - that's a cut too far for many hardworking families. I urge leaders from both parties to take action on this issue on behalf of families in my district and around the nation.” Meehan said, “Many hardworking families across the 7th district rely on these benefits to help with the cost of getting to and from work each day, so it’s important that we protect the transit commuter tax benefit. It reduces congestion and creates parity with commuters who drive to work and benefit from the same credit. We urge Congress to pass legislation so Pennsylvania families don’t face increased costs.” More than 2.7 million commuters nationwide take advantage of the transit portion of the commuter benefit program, according to the Commuter Benefits Work for Us advocacy group. The benefit also saved employers more than $300 million in payroll taxes in 2010. Transportation is the second largest household expense for American families and a lapse in the commuter benefit will have a direct impact on the budgets of middle-class families. Reduced transportation benefits could also encourage more commuters to drive to work. Traffic congestion already costs Philadelphia area drivers $3.4 billion each year in lost time and fuel, according to a report issued in June by the transportation group TRIP. Depending on which route they take to get to work, some Philadelphia drivers lose as much as $2,300 annually. SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey said, “I recommend that every employer consider offering SEPTA’s ComPass Program to their employees.  It has been a proven and cost-effective way for businesses to reduce their employees’ transportation costs while encouraging more commuters to take advantage of the benefits of public transportation.   We are grateful to Congresswoman Schwartz and the members of the southeastern Pennsylvania delegation for their efforts and hope that Congress will extend the program at the current level, so all SEPTA riders can benefit from the maximum allowance.” Rob Henry, executive director of the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association, said, “We would like to thank Congresswoman Schwartz for her consistent support of transportation, and we appreciate the members of southeastern Pennsylvania’s delegation for supporting this effort.  The Congresswoman continues to be a leader in supporting these important quality of life issues that impact her constituents and their employers.  Public transportation ridership is at an all-time high throughout the U.S. and we need to continue to further invest in items like the public transit benefit.” Michael Melaniphy, President and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), said, “The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Pennsylvania transit riders, and public transportation riders across our country, commend Congresswoman Schwartz and the members of the southeastern Pennsylvania delegation on their urgent call for the House of Representatives to extend parity between public transit and parking pre-tax benefits. If Congress fails to act by year's end and allows the parity between the two benefits to expire, it will immediately serve as a disincentive to take public transportation.  Americans want reasonable transportation choices and federal law should maintain a level playing field for those choices. We must continue to push in these last days of 2013 for Congress to pass this parity measure."" Paul Dean, Vice President of TransitCenter, Inc., said. “On behalf of TransitCenter and the Commuter Benefits Work for Us Coalition, we applaud Congresswoman Schwartz for her efforts to maintain parity between the transit and parking portions of the commuter benefit.  We hope she will be joined by her colleagues in Congress to pass legislation by the end of the year to avoid a significant reduction in the transit benefit, that would result in increased commuting costs for thousands of transit riders across the nation, and create a federal incentive for commuters to drive to work."" Schwartz is a cosponsor of the Commuter Parity Act (H.R. 2288) that would permanently extend the parity between parking and transit and allow for annual cost-of-living adjustments. The bill sets the per-employee, per-month limit at $220 for parking and mass transit and $35 for bicycle commuters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-patient-care-must-be-a-priority-in-hospital-workforce-negotiations,Casey: Patient Care Must Be a Priority in Hospital Workforce Negotiations,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), urged that patient care remain a top priority in workforce negotiations at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.  In a letter, Casey highlighted the skilled healthcare workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and called for a fair resolution as soon as possible. “All parties must work collaboratively to ensure that patient care remains the top priority and that negotiations move forward as soon as practicable,” wrote Senator Casey.  “We are fortunate to have an excellent skilled medical workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania and I know maintaining that level of quality medical personnel is a goal we share.” The text of Senator Casey’s letter is below: Mr. Cornelio Catena CEO Wilkes-Barre General Hospital 575 North River Street Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18764 Dear Mr. Catena: The Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP) recently contacted my office to express their concerns regarding current contract negotiations at Community Health Systems’ Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.  As you know, PASNAP represents more than 400 nurses at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.  I know that you share my belief that patient safety is of paramount importance in the delivery of health care.  To that end, all parties must work collaboratively to ensure that patient care remains the top priority and that negotiations move forward as soon as practicable.  We are fortunate to have an excellent skilled medical workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania and I know maintaining that level of quality medical personnel is a goal we share.  Negotiations moving forward therefore should place an emphasis on the fair and equitable treatment of members of your workforce and should ensure that patient care is not in any way compromised.  As this process moves to the next phase, I urge you to work with PASNAP to ensure a resolution is reached as quickly and as fairly as possible.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this important matter.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly or have your staff contact my office. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-legislation-to-protect-students-with-allergies,Cartwright Introduces Legislation to Protect Students with Allergies from Bullying,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright introduced the Alerting Local Leaders and Ensuring Responsible Guidelines for Youth (ALLERGY) Act.  The legislation would require schools to enact a policy that addresses allergy bullying.  In a recent survey published by Pediatrics, approximately one-third of children with food allergies (eight percent of children, or 5.9 million children, in the United States) reported having been bullied specifically because of their allergy. The ALLERGY Act would require each school to educate both students and school personnel about the dangers of allergy bullying and make it clear that such behavior is not allowed.  In addition, each school’s policy must clearly define the punishment or response for violation of the rule.  Lastly, the policy must have in effect guidelines that encourage victims of allergy bullying to report such incidents to school personnel.   “As the father of two sons, I firmly believe that every child deserves to go to school in a safe and nurturing environment.  Bullying is a serious problem that can inflict long-term physical, emotional, and mental harm,” said Cartwright.  “Allergy bullying is particularly troubling because just one instance can cause a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.  This legislation would address a growing yet neglected problem within our nation’s schools.  No student should have to attend school in fear of their peers.” The legislation has been introduced with the support of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) and the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA). “Bullying has a significant social and emotional impact on children with food allergies,” said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of FARE. “Research released earlier this year demonstrates it is important to identify and address cases of bullying proactively. The bill introduced today is an important step in educating and raising awareness of the physical dangers and emotional toll imposed by a new form of bullying in this country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-statement-federal-government-to-increase-use-of-renewable,Cartwright Statement: Federal Government to Increase Use of Renewable Energy to 20% by 2020,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, President Obama announced that the federal government will begin to increase its use of renewable energy to 20% by 2020.  Below is Congressman Matt Cartwright’s statement on the announcement: “Saying the government should lead by example, President Obama announced today that he is ordering the federal government to increase its use of renewable energy to 20 percent by 2020, nearly triple the 7.5 percent currently used. The increase is part of a broader, wide-ranging, second term drive to combat climate change and prepare for its effects by limiting pollution. “The President’s new order applies to all federal agencies, civilian and military.  Federal agencies have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 15 percent since he took office in 2009, President Obama said, but the government can do even better. “Under the new order, federal agencies face several milestones along the way to achieving the goal of 20 percent renewable energy use by 2020: 2015: At least 10 percent 2016, 2017: At least 15 percent 2018, 2019: At least 17.5 percent “The order also requires agencies to install energy meters and water maters where appropriate to monitor efficiency and to publicly disclose energy performance data through the Energy Department. “I strongly support President Obama for instituting these much needed renewable energy policies.    Warnings from the scientific community are becoming louder, as an increasing body of science points to rising dangers from the ongoing buildup of human-related greenhouse gases — produced mainly by the burning of fossil fuels and forests.  These carbon emissions and the impacts of a changing climate are far-reaching; a threat not only to our natural ecosystems but to national security and public health as well.  In 2012 alone, the cost of weather disasters exceeded $110 billion in the United States, and climate change will only increase the frequency and intensity of these events.  These threats demand immediate attention and protecting our environment must be a high budgetary, legislative, and regulatory priority.  Continuing to invest in and use sustainable clean energy is essential in addressing these issues. “I encourage Pennsylvania to follow in the footsteps of the President’s new order and increase the amount of renewable energy powering Pennsylvania homes and businesses by boosting the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard.  Currently, these standards require all load-serving energy companies in the state to supply only 8 percent of the Pennsylvania’s electricity using renewable energy sources by 2020, far below neighboring state requirements of 20 to 30 percent as well as the 20 percent goal for federal agencies outlined by the President today.  On November 12, State Senator Leach introduced legislation to amend Pennsylvania’s standards to a goal of 15 percent renewable energy usage by 2020.   I agree with Senator Leach’s statement that “by amending these standards, we will not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, we’ll also make Pennsylvania competitive with neighboring states, create thousands of jobs, stimulate the economy with investment capital, protect our environment and preserve public health,” and I urge the Pennsylvania legislature to pass this legislation. “We have a moral obligation to leave our children a planet that’s not polluted or damaged, and by taking an all-of-the-above approach to develop homegrown, renewable energy and steady, responsible steps to cut carbon pollution, we can protect our kids’ health and begin to slow the effects of climate change so we leave a cleaner, more stable environment for future generations.  I believe President Obama’s new order is the best approach to meeting this obligation by striving for realistic, attainable and aggressive goals in reducing our use of fossil fuel sources and increasing the use of alternative green energy sources, and I hope that Pennsylvania will implement a similar strategy.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221230531/http://brady.house.gov/press-release/congressman-brady-says-veterans-will-receive-15-percent-cost-living-increase,Congressman Brady says Veterans will receive 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Robert Brady,B001227,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Philadelphia --- Congressman Bob Brady (D., PA) announced today that  Veterans, their families and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014. “This cost of living increase is good news for veterans, their families  and their survivors in these tough economic times,” said Congressman Brady. “The increase is important because it represents a for real expression of our thanks to those who have sacrificed so much, such as our service-disabled and wartime Veterans.” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said for the first time, payments will not be rounded down to the nearest dollar.  Until this year, that was required by law.  Veterans and survivors will see additional cents included in their monthly compensation benefit payment. For Veterans without dependents, the new compensation rates will range from $130.94 monthly for a disability rated at 10 percent to $2,858.24 monthly for 100 percent.  The full rates are available on the Internet at www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/rates-index.asp. The COLA increase also applies to disability and death pension recipients, survivors receiving dependency and indemnity compensation, disabled Veterans receiving automobile and clothing allowances, and other benefits.   Under federal law, cost-of-living adjustments for VA’s compensation and pension must match those for Social Security benefits.  The last adjustment was in January 2013 when the Social Security benefits rate increased 1.7 percent. In fiscal year 2013, VA provided over $59 billion in compensation benefits to nearly 4 million Veterans and survivors, and over $5 billion in pension benefits to more than 515,000 Veterans and survivors.   For Veterans and separating Servicemembers who plan to file an electronic disability claim, VA urges them to use the joint DoD/VA online portal, eBenefits.  Registered eBenefits users with a premium account can file a claim online, track the status, and access a variety of other benefits, including pension, education, health care, home loan eligibility, and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs. For more information about VA benefits, visit www.benefits.va.gov, or call 1-800-827-1000. #   #   #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222212651/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-statement-passing-nelson-mandela,Schwartz Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Nelson Mandela, who became the first freely-elected president of South Africa after enduring 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid. “Nelson Mandela dedicated his extraordinary life to the abolition of apartheid and the building of reconciliation among the people of South Africa. Through his steadfast integrity, unyielding will and humility, he was a beacon to all who struggle against racism, tyranny and oppression in support of freedom, equality and dignity. President Mandela changed his country and the world, and his iconic example and life-long efforts will not be forgotten. My condolences go to his family and to the people of South Africa.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/some-highlights-of-2013,Some Highlights of 2013,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 5, 2013 Some Highlights of 2013 by Bob Casey As 2013 draws to an end, I thought you might be interested in some of things I have worked on during the year. Click here to download Highlights of 2013 Protecting Funding for Children’s Hospitals in Pennsylvania On November 12, 2013, the Senate passed S. 1557, the Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013 by unanimous consent.  The Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program provides freestanding children’s hospitals with federal graduate medical education (GME) support similar to the funding that other teaching hospitals receive through Medicare. The program was first enacted by Congress in 1999 with bipartisan support, and has been reauthorized twice since then, each time again with broad bipartisan support. The program provides funding to about 55 freestanding children’s hospitals in 30 states, including three in Pennsylvania, to support the training of pediatricians and other residents. The Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013 will reauthorize the program for five years at $300 million a year.  The legislation also makes important changes to the program by giving the Secretary authority to include in the program a small number of freestanding children’s hospitals who have been ineligible to participate in the past for technical reasons.  The bill allows the Secretary to use a portion of the funds appropriated over $245 million for these children’s hospitals that train pediatric providers and meet the same general qualifications as existing participants but currently do not qualify for Medicare GME or CHGME. The amount of this pool in a given year would be 25% of enacted CHGME funding over $245 million, up to a maximum of $7 million, and hospitals would have to undergo a normal application process. Senator Casey worked for two years with bipartisan colleagues on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to find a path forward on this reauthorization.  Helping Families Save for their Disabled Children The ABLE Act would help individuals and families save for future expenses related to a disability.  The bill, introduced with Senator Burr (R-NC), has widespread, bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives with over half of members of each chamber pledging support for the bill (to date 50 in the Senate and 307 in House.)  Under current law, many individuals with disabilities are forced to divest their assets to qualify for assistance under certain federal programs. This dynamic effectively impoverishes these individuals and prevents them and their families from building and using savings to meet expenses not covered by federal programs. The ABLE Act would authorize a new type of 529 Savings Account to allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save money to cover key expenses such as medical care, employment training and support, community support services, assistive technology, housing, education and transportation.  The bill enjoys support of a wide array of advocacy organizations including the National Down Syndrome Society, Autism Speaks and the Arc.  The bill has great momentum and passage of the ABLE Act has been discussed in the context of tax reform or another relevant vehicle. Boosting NIH Medical Research Funding Senator Casey is recognized as one of the top Senate champions of NIH funding and successfully circulated two NIH funding letters with Senator Burr this year.  The first, to Senate appropriators, had a bipartisan group of 50 additional senators sign on.  The second, which was sent to the Budget Committee leadership earlier this week, had 33 additional senators sign on. Senator Casey has authored the annual letter to appropriators in support of NIH funding since 2010. Funding to Fix Pennsylvania’s Crumbling Bridges Pennsylvania leads the country in structurally deficient bridges currently with 5,543 out of 22,667 total bridges being classified as structurally deficient.  This translates to over 19 million daily trips taken over structurally deficient bridges across the state.  Only 10% of structurally deficient bridges nationwide are eligible for federal funding as part of the National Highway System.  In Pennsylvania, the vast majority of bridges that are structurally deficient are local and state roads, and thus ineligible for federal improvement funding under current restrictions. In order to help address this, Senator Casey successfully added an amendment to MAP-21, the transportation reauthorization bill, last year that established a dedicated revenue steam for off-system bridges which are bridges that are owned by counties and municipalities.  As result of this amendment, Pennsylvania received nearly $74 million for off-system bridges in FY 2013, second only to California in terms of a total dollar amount.  While this funding is a step in the right direction, there are still a significant number of bridges across the Commonwealth in need of repair.  In some cases, off-system bridges have been closed while they are awaiting repair which forces commuters, emergency vehicles, and school buses to take longer routes.  To further address this problem, Senator Casey introduced S. 1504 in September.  The purpose of this bill is to increase the set-aside for off-systems bridges from 15% to 25%.   This would increase the amount of funding dedicated to off-system bridges in Pennsylvania to approximately $103 million per year, which is about a $30 million increase from FY 2013.  Senator Casey is going to advocate for consideration of this bill in the next transportation reauthorization bill if Congress is able to come to an agreement that will increase the overall amount that is available in the Highway Trust Fund. Combating Sexual Violence on Campuses Sexual violence and violence in dating relationships are a serious problem on college campuses across the country.  More than one in five female undergraduates will be victims of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault during their time on a campus; only a fraction of incidents are reported and many victims go without adequate institutional support.  The Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act closes a serious gap in the law by requiring colleges and universities to clearly spell out their policies regarding domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, and will increase awareness and prevention of these acts by requiring transparency of information, prevention programs and assistance for victims.  The Campus SaVE Act updates the Clery Act, the landmark federal law (originally known as the Campus Security Act) that requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Senator Casey first introduced the Campus SaVE Act in 2010. Working with Judiciary Committee Chairman Leahy, he was able to get the Campus SaVE Act included in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act in 2011; this bill was then reintroduced early in the 113th Congress in 2013 as S. 47.  With Senator Casey’s support, S. 47 swiftly passed both chambers and was signed into law on March 7, 2013. Investing in Pre-Kindergarten Education Senator Casey first introduced legislation for universal pre-k in 2007 and has pushing for it ever since. This year, Senator Casey played a key role in the development of the Strong Start for America’s Children Act, which was introduced by Senator Harkin, with Senator Casey’s support, in mid-November.  The bill includes significant elements of Senator Casey’s bill, the Prepare All Kids Act, and the office has been thanked by leading children’s advocates for being able to get so much of Prepare All Kids included, especially provisions that would be beneficial to Pennsylvania. Strengthening Iran Sanctions In July 2013, Senator Casey joined 75 of his Senate colleagues in signing a letter to President Obama authored by Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey which calls for the U.S. to toughen sanctions and reinforce the credibility of our option to use military force at the same time as we fully explore a diplomatic solution to our dispute with Iran. The letter outlines four strategic elements necessary to achieve resolution of this issue: an explicit continuing message that we will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, a demonstration of openness to negotiations, the maintenance and toughening of sanctions, and a convincing threat of the use of force that Iran will believe. Before the interim deal was reached on Iran’s nuclear program in November, Senator Casey joined with five other Senators in writing to Secretary of State John Kerry, expressing their support for negotiations but cautioning the Administration against accepting a deal with Iran that would roll back economic sanctions without also rolling back progress towards nuclear weapons capability. Fighting Bullying in Schools Senator Casey introduced the first anti-bullying bill in the Senate, the Safe Schools Improvement has amassed 43 cosponsors, including Senators Kirk and Murkowski. Aimed at addressing bullying and harassment in schools, SSIA requires districts receiving federal funds to adopt student conduct policies prohibiting bullying, including harassment towards LGBT students. SSIA is included in the Strengthening America’s Schools Act, a bill passed by the HELP Committee in June that overhauls the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Chairman Harkin has committed to bringing that bill to the floor in 2014. Addressing the Syria Conflict Senator Casey has repeatedly called for a more robust U.S. response to the crisis in Syria. What happens in Syria is of great consequence to our national security and to our allies in the region. It is of vital interest to the United States and our allies to have a stable Syria in the heart of the Middle East. Contrary to that interest, letting the civil war drag on and the humanitarian crisis grow would create further instability.  Senator Casey introduced S. 617, the Syria Democratic Transition Act of 2013 on March 19 with Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. This bill includes a combination of humanitarian assistance, non-lethal equipment and training to the vetted elements of the Free Syrian Army, and sanctions against elements of the regime. Key provisions from this legislation were included as amendments to S. 960, the Syria Transition Support Act, which passed the Senator Foreign Relations Committee in May. Promoting Economic Development by Improving Waterway Infrastructure In February, Senator Casey introduced the Reinvesting in Vital Economic Rivers (RIVER) Act in order to address critical challenges that face the inland waterways system.  Locks and dams play a vital role in sustaining jobs throughout the country and the inland waterways system offers the most cost-competitive way to transport commodities.  The shippers who produce or manufacture these commodities are in danger of losing their competitive edge unless we focus on proper funding for the inland waterways infrastructure. Over 200,000 jobs rely on a functional inland waterways system in southwestern Pennsylvania alone.  Senator Casey’s RIVER Act would establish sustainable, cost-effective ways to ensure that the inland waterways system remains economically viable.  This bill would modernize the inland waterways system, create jobs, relieve traffic congestion, and optimize American competitiveness of the most low-cost, energy-efficient transportation mode. Senator Casey secured the inclusion of several of the RIVER Act’s key provisions into the Senate passed Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).  In particular, he worked to include project delivery reforms which will improve the Army Corps of Engineers’ project management process and help to deliver projects on time and on budget.  In addition, Senator Casey fought to include project prioritization reforms that will create clear priorities for lock and dam projects and ensure that projects are completed in a timely fashion.  Additionally, the Senator increased to the government’s cost-share requirement on major rehabilitation projects will help to complete current projects and fund more in the future. Moreover, the Senator championed a provision in WRDA that adjusts the federal cost-share for the Olmsted Lock and Dam Project which will speed its completion and free up significant funding for other lock and dam construction projects.  Finally, Senator Casey supported an amendment that will allow small rural water projects to compete for infrastructure funding. Both the House and the Senate had strong support for their waterways bills, and the WRDA bill is now being conferenced between the two chambers.  It is expected that the Senate will vote on a final bill in the next few months that will include several of Senator Casey’s reforms. Making the Farm Bill Work for Pennsylvania Farmers and Consumers Senator Casey is committed to fighting for Pennsylvania’s farmers, families and the agriculture industry. He understands the economic and cultural value of Pennsylvania agriculture and believes in the importance of providing Pennsylvanians with a safe, nutritious, abundant and affordable food supply. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, he has secured provisions in the Senate’s 2013 Farm Bill to help Pennsylvania’s farmers. Senator Casey obtained language to require USDA report on the proposed dairy market stabilization program and obtained codification of more frequent dairy price reporting. He supported provisions aimed at assisting small, beginning and veteran farmers and ranchers, for example clarifying eligibility for Value Added Producer Grant projects. Senator Casey helped lead the fight for specialty crop producers including securing language supporting the domestic honey industry and maintaining important research programs. He attained important conservation assistance for Pennsylvania’s farmers, particularly those in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Senator Casey also had included language for forest products to be included in the bio-based program and encouraged a provision to fund key energy programs. Senator Casey has fought for provisions to support small farms in Pennsylvania, which are an essential source of economic activity in and are vital to getting healthy, local food from farm to table. Preparing for Pandemics and Bioterror Attacks As a result of the passage of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) of 2006, the federal government, in partnership with state and local governments, took significant steps to strengthen our nation’s medical and public health preparedness and response capabilities. The bipartisan reauthorization builds on these efforts by enhancing existing programs and authorities using lessons learned since 2006 to maximize our nation’s resilience to threats, whether naturally occurring or deliberate. The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act (H.R. 307) passed earlier this year and was signed into law, making important updates to PAHPA.  This was the result of over a year of work in a bipartisan and eventually bicameral process.  Senator Casey was one of the Senate leads (Burr, Harkin, Enzi/Alexander), and was able to push for several priorities, including a greater emphasis on including children in preparedness efforts and access to potassium iodide following radiation exposure. Senator Casey championed several provisions, including: promoting coordination between HHS and DOD on their biodefense/preparedness activities; requiring HHS to map out and biennially update its medical countermeasure strategy, so that Congress and the private sector can better calibrate their efforts; several provisions designed to ensure that the challenges associated with developing and procuring medical countermeasures for children are addressed; and several provisions to ensure that the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise is transparent and accountable for the use of its taxpayer funds. Boosting Law Enforcement Funding A bipartisan amendment offered by Senator Casey was unanimously adopted by the Senate to increase funding for law enforcement through the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Program (Byrne-JAG). This program supports crime fighting innovation and has helped local law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania ensure immediate and thorough responses to crimes. This effort came on the heels of repeated calls for the President, Vice President, and House and Senate leadership to increase law enforcement funding. Encouraging Transparent and Credible Presidential Elections in Afghanistan Afghanistan is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on April 5, 2014.  These elections bear special significance, as Afghanistan faces concurrent political, economic, and security transitions, and flaws in previous elections have left the Afghan people wary of the electoral process and doubtful of its integrity.  The 2014 elections will be a key determinant of Afghanistan’s future stability.  Senator Casey introduced S. Res. 151 to assert the importance of holding transparent, credible, and inclusive elections and encourage the Afghan government to empower independent electoral bodies to oversee elections, address complaints, and work with Afghan National Security Forces to provide security. The resolution acknowledges the contributions of the Karzai government while urging the Secretary of State to condition assistance to Afghanistan on the implementation of key electoral reforms. It affirms the elections should be Afghan-led and free from interference. S. Res. 151 was co-sponsored by eight key Senators before being agreed to in the Senate by unanimous consent on July 9, 2013. Increase Accountability and Transparency in the Job Corps Program Senator Casey’s bipartisan amendment with Senator Hatch to increase accountability and transparency in the Job Corps program was adopted in Committee by voice vote. The amendment requires additional reporting on a number of measures including the financial status of the Job Corps program and implementation of changes recommended by the OIG as well as an assessment by the OIG of the administrative changes made in Job Corps. Floor action is expected in 2014. A Successful Judicial Nominations Process Senator Casey has developed a successful bipartisan process with Senator Toomey for recommending Pennsylvania federal judicial and U.S. Attorney candidates to the White House.  Senators Casey and Toomey jointly select a federal judicial selection review panel comprised of leading members of the bar and well respected Pennsylvanian citizens to interview all applicants and then make recommendations to the senators.  The PA candidates who are nominated by the White House have been supported and recommended by both Senators Casey and Toomey and confirmed by strong majorities in the Senate.  Since President Obama took office, eight Federal judges and three U.S. attorneys in Pennsylvania have been nominated and confirmed through this process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-for-increase-in-minimum-wage,Casey Calls for Increase In Minimum Wage,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Philadelphia, PA- With the holiday season in full swing, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), joined by a local worker and advocates, will call for an increase in the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour for over 700,000 Pennsylvania workers. Over 16 million workers across the country are working at the current rate and an increase to $10.10 per hour would increase wages in Pennsylvania by over $1 billion and add thousands of jobs. “Raising the minimum wage is about basic fairness and economic security for Pennsylvania’s workers and families,” Senator Casey said. “Congress should have an up or down vote on raising the minimum wage. Passing this bill will increase Pennsylvania’s GDP by over $1 billion and add thousands of jobs. It will have positive economic impacts for the entire state not just those working for the minimum wage.” The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 would: Raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour in 3 annual steps of 95 cents each. Index the minimum wage to inflation (CPI). Raise the minimum wage for tipped workers from 29% ($2.13 per hour) to 70% of the regular minimum wage, in 6 or more annual steps of 95 cents each. The legislation could get a vote in the coming weeks. If passed by Congress, this increase in the minimum wage would be the first passed since 2007. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-nelson-mandela,Casey Statement on Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -  Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the statement below following news that former South African President Nelson Mandela had passed away: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nelson Mandela. As the founding father of South Africa’s democracy, Mr. Mandela brought profound change to a divided nation by promoting unity and peace. Mr. Mandela’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality will continue to provide an example to politicians and activists for many generations. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and the people of South Africa.” ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-presses-department-of-labor-for-answers-on_current-job-corps-finances,Casey Presses Department of Labor for Answers on Current Job Corps Finances,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the HELP Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, sent a letter to the Department of Labor asking them to disclose additional financial information on Job Corps.  “Students in Pennsylvania and around the country rely on Job Corps for the skills they need to successfully enter the workforce,” said Senator Casey.  “Unfortunately, financial mismanagement has severely impacted the program and led to a three-month enrollment freeze that prevented students from attending Job Corps. Transparency is key to ensuring that financial management is improved and the Job Corps program can serve our communities effectively and efficiently.”    Pennsylvania has four Job Corps sites across the Commonwealth: Keystone, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Red Rock.  These facilities provide disadvantaged youth with the opportunity to gain the skills needed to secure a good job, enter the Armed Services, or further their education.  Students, educators and community leaders rely on the contributions Pennsylvania’s Job Corps centers make to their communities.  The text of Senator Casey’s letter is below: Eric M. Seleznow Acting Assistant Secretary / Deputy Assistant Secretary Employment and Training Administration U.S. Department of Labor Dear Acting Assistant Secretary Seleznow: Thank you for meeting with my staff to provide an update on Job Corps and the surplus for Program Year 2012.  As you know, due to the recent shortfalls in the Job Corps budget and the impact on Job Corps students, centers and the taxpayers there is a heightened interest in ensuring budgetary issues are resolved.  Due to the past budget shortfalls and financial mismanagement, I am sure that you can understand the need to make an extra effort to be transparent regarding Job Corps’ financial status. This briefing raised some additional questions about Job Corps’ financial status that I hope you could answer. Could you please provide more detail on the “$32 million to $42 million” surplus that you outlined for PY12? Specifically, why is there still a $10 million range months after the end of the program year?  When I met with Department of Labor officials in June, I was led to believe that information on the PY12 financial status would be available by the end of July.  Why did it take over four months from the end of the Program Year to provide even these general details of this under-run?  When will an accurate surplus number be available?  If the delay was due to financial reporting issues that contributed to the past budget shortfalls, please provide an update on what steps have been taken to improve financial reporting and data sharing.      If the PY12 surplus is attributable to the enrollment freeze, have any savings resulted from other programmatic changes?  Additionally, please provide a breakdown of any cost-savings associated with the reduction in contracted on-board strength (OBS) announced at the end of the enrollment freeze.  Have savings realized from the reduction in OBS matched projections used in determining the amount of the OBS reduction?     As you recall, the HELP Committee unanimously adopted an amendment to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) reauthorization that I proposed along with Senators Orrin Hatch and Sheldon Whitehouse.  In part, this amendment called for regular financial reports to Congress on the Job Corps program.  Given the great interest among taxpayers that Job Corps' budget problems are resolved, I would encourage you to consider voluntarily providing six-month updates to Congress until the WIA is reauthorized. Thank you for your attention.  I look forward to continuing to work together to make sure the financial management problems are a thing of the past, that transparency is improved and that Job Corps enrollment is increased to better serve local communities. Given the past budget shortfalls and financial mismanagement, I am sure that you can understand the need to make an extra effort to be transparent about the financial status of Job Corps. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/the-first-national-thanksgiving,The FIrst National Thanksgiving,2013-11-28,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, November 28, 2013 The FIrst National Thanksgiving by Bob Casey The “first national” Thanksgiving was declared in York, Pennsylvania in 1777. During the American War for Independence, Philadelphia was captured by the British– forcing the Continental Congress to move to York. The new location is where Congress learned of the victory at the Battle of Saratoga– a decisive turning point in the war. This prompted the first declaration of “a day of Thanksgiving” to be held on Thursday, December 18, 1777. [1] With Thanksgiving approaching, I am particularly grateful for the service and sacrifice of our servicemembers and their families.  Many military families will prepare for their holiday meals with the support of their local commissaries and post exchanges (PX). Commissaries and Post Exchanges are a component of the essential Moral Welfare and Recreational (MWR) services that enhance the lives of soldiers and their family members. I support the construction of the relocated Commissary and PX in Moon Township, PA which will be a part of the Pittsburgh Area Military Community that will aid our servicemembers and their families both on duty and at home. As I reflect on what I am thankful for this holiday, I will remember the great sacrifices that have been made by our men and women in uniform who bravely choose to protect and defend their country. As many servicemembers spend their holiday away from their families, they can be comforted by knowing they are in our thoughts and hearts. [1] http://www.examiner.com/article/where-was-the-first-national-thanksgiving Tags: Commissaries,  Military Families,  Millitary Families Appreciation Month,  Post Exchanges,  Thanksgiving,  Veterans",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222222704/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-highlights-over-60k-fort-washington-firefighters-funding-critical-safety,Schwartz Highlights Over $60K for Fort Washington Firefighters; Funding Critical Safety Equipment for First Responders,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) today joined firefighters from Fort Washington Fire Company No. 1 and Upper Dublin Township officials to highlight a $67,020 federal grant that enabled the fire company to purchase critically-needed protective gear. In April, the Fort Washington Fire Company received the grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant enabled the fire company to purchase 27 complete sets of turnout gear for firefighters, including helmets, coats, pants, gloves, hoods and goggles. In addition to replacing decade-old gear, the grant saved money for local taxpayers. “This important investment will enable the heroes of the Fort Washington Fire Company to focus on their life-saving work knowing their equipment is reliable and up-to-date,” Schwartz said. “We have a duty to ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to save lives and respond as safely and effectively as possible.” Fort Washington Fire Chief Eric Clauson said, “Next to fire apparatus, turnout gear is one of the most expensive items in any fire company's budget. Due to an aging inventory, the Fire Company had budgeted a large sum of money in 2013 to purchase new sets of turnout gear. With our grant award, we were able to offset this budget request and save local taxpayers thousands of dollars. This grant will also have a trickle-down effect on our 2014 budget. The members of the Fort Washington Fire Company are grateful for Representative Schwartz's support of our first responders and the community.” New turnout gear (left to right): Fort Washington Firefighter Patrick Echevarria, Chief Eric Clauson and Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz. Photos: Karen Gurmankin As part of her continued efforts to support Pennsylvania's first responders, Schwartz has worked to increase funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and serves as a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. Since 2001, Assistance to Firefighters Grants have provided more than $6 billion in assistance to first-responder organizations to obtain emergency response equipment, protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. Assistance to Firefighters Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. Click here for more information about the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140328085558/http://brady.house.gov/congressmen-issue-grant-aid-ex-offenders,Congressmen Issue Grant to Aid Ex-Offenders,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Robert Brady,B001227,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"At any given time, there are an estimated 300,000 ex-offenders in Philadelphia. Some are on parole, others are on probation, but all of them are in need of a variety of different services to keep them from re-entering the justice system. On Monday, U.S. Congressmen Chaka Fattah and Bob Brady announced the awarding of a $749,972 federal grant that would help support what has been called the First Judicial District’s cutting edge probation program. Flanked by Chief Justice Ron Castille, Common Pleas Court President Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper, Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Ehrlich, Municipal Court President Judge Marsha Neifield, Supervising Judge, the Honorable Judge Jeffrey Minehart and Charles Hoyt, Chief of the Probation Department and Darlene Miller, Deputy Chief of the Probation Department, Brady said the grant comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistant for the Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole Department. ""I was happy to support this application,"" Brady said. ""We all know that the best way to fight crime is to cut down on repeat offenders. This $749,972 Smart Probation grant will help do just that. Our probation department will partner with the best minds in the criminal justice area to build a science-based program to help these men and women stay out of jail. I am a proud co-sponsor of the Second Chance Act of 2007 that made this grant possible. The Act has been reintroduced and I support it again and I hope that Congress moves it quickly. This is something that we should be able to do with no problem."" The Bureau of Justice Assistance provides funding to state and local governments in order to aid in efforts to reduce recidivism. To that end, it provides funding under the Second Chance Act. The Second Chance Act of 2007 was signed into law by President George Bush in 2008 after receiving broad bipartisan support. The legislation, which is up for renewal this year, aims to cut crime and save local, state and federal money by reducing the recidivism rate. Brady said it is expected that Congress will pass it again with no problem. Under the leadership of Judge Charles Ehrlich and Chief Probation/Parole Officer Charles Hoyt, APPD has developed a partnership between APPD and two leading scholars in community supervision, Dr. Faye Taxman of George Mason University and Dr. Steven Belenko of Temple University. The goals and objectives of this proposal are devoted to addressing the needs of offenders through effective case plans and managing compliance. The effort will be objectively evaluated and will utilize evidence-based practices and principles to improve probation supervision practices. ""This grant will allow Philadelphia’s Adult Probation and Parole Department to make significant progress in how it supervises offenders, leading to substantial reductions in recidivism and heightened public safety,"" said Fattah. ""I have no doubt that this agency and its commitment to evidence-based practices will serve as a model for others in the Commonwealth and around the country."" November 26, 2011, Larry Miller, The Philadelphia Tribune",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-on-congress-to-increase-emergency-assistance-to-food-banks-that-are-struggling-to-keep-up-with-demand,Casey Calls on Congress to Increase Emergency Assistance to Food Banks That Are Struggling to Keep Up with Demand,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- With Thanksgiving approaching, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on Congress to increase emergency assistance to food banks that are already struggling to keep up with demand. Currently, Congress has entered a critical stage in farm bill negotiations that will feature significant decisions on food security programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “Food assistance programs like TEFAP and SNAP play a critical role in the battle against hunger for children, seniors and families across Pennsylvania and throughout our nation,” Senator Casey said. “In this time of economic recovery, there is an urgent need for food assistance.  Congress must work on a bipartisan basis to develop policies for ensuring that all Americans have access to safe, affordable, and nutritious foods.” Casey’s effort encourages Congress to increase support for a program that allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to aid food banks around the country so they can continue to serve residents in need. Joined by 25 additional Senators, Casey’s letter makes the case that failing to increase support for this program will negatively impact struggling children and seniors and cause harm to the economy. With the support of TEFAP funding, food banks serve an integral role in combating hunger in the state. Feeding Pennsylvania food banks annually provide food assistance to more than 2 million low-income men, women, and children. Feeding America has said that following a 46 percent increase in demand during the recession, food banks are already struggling to meet need in their communities and will be unable to make up the difference. Additionally, more than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians annually rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s single most important program in the fight against hunger. The House Farm Bill cuts SNAP by $39 billion, which would mean a loss of over 93 million meals in Pennsylvania in 2014 alone. Almost 15 percent of Pennsylvanians experience food insecurity, and over 20 percent of children in Pennsylvania are food insecure (the household experienced a shortage of food). According to Feeding America, 35 percent of food insecure children are likely not eligible for SNAP or other income-based Federal nutrition programs. Below are county-by-county numbers of child food insecurity in Pennsylvania, as well as the full text of Senator Casey’s letter:   Map the Meal Gap 2013        Pennsylvania Child Food Insecurity by County in 20111 County Food insecurity rate (full population)2 Population under 18 years old Child food insecurity rate2 Estimated number food insecure children (rounded) Food insecure children likely income-eligible for federal nutrition assistance3 Food insecure children likely NOT income-eligible for federal nutrition assistance3 Adams 9.8%           22,750 16.7% 3,800 64% 36% Allegheny 13.6%        243,928 16.4% 40,110 63% 37% Armstrong 11.9%           14,373 20.6% 2,960 73% 27% Beaver 12.1%           35,170 18.7% 6,590 69% 31% Bedford 12.6%           10,864 21.3% 2,310 84% 16% Berks 12.3%           98,178 20.9% 20,530 64% 36% Blair 12.1%           27,069 20.1% 5,440 75% 25% Bradford 10.9%           14,354 19.6% 2,820 80% 20% Bucks 9.7%        144,695 14.1% 20,360 40% 60% Butler 10.1%           41,543 15.6% 6,490 52% 48% Cambria 13.2%           28,454 21.8% 6,210 73% 28% Cameron 14.9%             1,006 25.2% 250 84% 16% Carbon 12.4%           13,636 21.5% 2,940 69% 31% Centre 13.8%           24,357 16.0% 3,890 61% 39% Chester 9.5%        123,545 13.0% 16,020 39% 62% Clarion 14.3%             7,932 22.6% 1,790 77% 23% Clearfield 12.9%           16,967 22.9% 3,890 77% 23% Clinton 13.1%             8,078 20.4% 1,650 80% 20% Columbia 13.2%           12,608 19.5% 2,460 74% 26% Crawford 12.9%           20,065 22.4% 4,490 79% 21% Cumberland 10.5%           48,498 15.4% 7,450 52% 48% Dauphin 14.4%           62,018 17.9% 11,070 64% 36% Delaware 13.7%        130,631 14.9% 19,420 57% 43% Elk 10.9%             6,785 20.8% 1,410 83% 17% Erie 14.0%           64,102 21.0% 13,450 71% 29% Fayette 14.9%           28,201 26.1% 7,350 80% 20% Forest 12.5%             1,012 18.8% 190 95% 5% Franklin 10.9%           35,460 16.9% 5,990 65% 35% Fulton 12.9%             3,440 22.0% 760 76% 24% Greene 12.4%             7,679 21.2% 1,630 86% 14% Huntingdon 13.1%             9,162 20.4% 1,870 75% 25% Indiana 13.7%           16,903 20.3% 3,430 76% 24% Jefferson 12.4%             9,808 21.5% 2,110 81% 19% Juniata 10.7%             5,839 19.0% 1,110 89% 12% Lackawanna 13.8%           44,060 21.7% 9,550 69% 31% Lancaster 11.2%        128,997 17.8% 23,020 66% 35% Lawrence 12.6%           19,560 20.9% 4,080 72% 28% Lebanon 10.5%           30,623 18.2% 5,560 68% 32% Lehigh 13.0%           82,327 21.0% 17,280 64% 36% Luzerne 14.0%           64,807 22.6% 14,620 71% 30% Lycoming 13.2%           24,463 20.7% 5,060 75% 25% McKean 13.2%             9,328 22.0% 2,050 81% 19% Mercer 13.1%           25,418 20.3% 5,170 77% 23% Mifflin 12.8%           10,880 22.6% 2,460 85% 15% Monroe 12.9%           41,048 17.7% 7,250 65% 36% Montgomery 10.5%        182,938 12.9% 23,620 41% 59% Montour 10.6%             3,956 17.9% 710 81% 19% Northampton 11.7%           65,267 18.0% 11,730 55% 45% Northumberland 13.3%           19,241 22.4% 4,300 81% 19% Perry 10.6%           10,682 18.8% 2,010 71% 29% Philadelphia 23.2%        345,973 22.3% 77,300 65% 35% Pike 12.0%           13,625 18.9% 2,570 64% 36% Potter 13.1%             3,954 22.7% 900 88% 12% Schuylkill 12.8%           29,868 20.7% 6,190 70% 30% Snyder 11.6%             8,909 19.8% 1,760 77% 23% Somerset 12.2%           15,317 20.9% 3,200 88% 12% Sullivan 10.6%             1,062 19.0% 200 100% 0% Susquehanna 11.2%             9,322 19.6% 1,830 79% 22% Tioga 11.9%             8,711 20.9% 1,820 83% 17% Union 12.4%             8,271 18.8% 1,560 81% 19% Venango 12.4%           12,011 23.0% 2,760 74% 26% Warren 11.1%             8,775 19.8% 1,740 75% 26% Washington 11.1%           43,009 16.7% 7,200 60% 40% Wayne 10.7%           10,312 19.0% 1,960 83% 18% Westmoreland 11.1%           73,377 17.9% 13,100 63% 37% Wyoming 12.5%             6,213 21.6% 1,340 70% 30% York 11.4%        101,941 17.5% 17,800 59% 41% State Total4 14.9%     2,757,475 20.5% 559,120 65% 35% For additional data and maps by county, state, and congressional district, please visit www.feedingamerica.org/mapthegap. Gundersen, C., Waxman, E., Engelhard, E., Satoh, A., & Chawla, N. Map the Meal Gap: Child Food Insecurity 2013. This research is generously supported by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and The Nielsen Company. 1Map the Meal Gap's child food insecurity rates are determined using data from the 2001-2011 Current Population Survey on children under 18 years old in food insecure households; data from the 2011 American Community Survey on median family incomes for households with children, child poverty rates, home ownership, and race and ethnic demographics among children; and 2011 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on unemployment rates. 2 The statistical model for estimating food insecurity in 2013 differs slightly from the model used in 2012. The updated 2013 model includes ""homeownership"" in addition to the variables used in previous years to account for household assets and help produce more accurate estimates of food insecurity at the local level. For more information about these factors, please see the technical brief or supplemental methodology information on HungerNet. 3Numbers reflect percentage of food insecure children living in households with incomes above or below 185% of the federal poverty guideline for 2011. Eligibility for federal child nutrition programs is determined in part by  income thresholds which can vary by state. 4Data in the state totals row do not reflect the sum of all counties in that state. The state totals are aggregated from the congressional districts data in that state. Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-on-us-airways-american-airlines-to-protect-jobs-routes-in-western-pa,"Casey Calls on US Airways, American Airlines to Protect Jobs, Routes in Western PA",2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to the Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of US Airway and American Airlines calling on them to protect jobs and routes in Western Pennsylvania after the Department of Justice announced it would not block the merger. As the planned merger moves forward, Senator Casey is urging the new airline to keep both the operations control center and maintenance facility fully functional.  US Airways employs approximately 1700 people in the region, the majority of whom work at the maintenance hangar and the operations center.  Also, it’s still unclear whether the region will be able to still rely on a full complement of routes. Maintaining a wide variety of routes is critical to the region’s long-term economic competiveness. “US Airways is fortunate to have 1700 hardworking and highly skilled residents working in the Pittsburgh region. Maintaining these jobs would strengthen Western Pennsylvania’s economy and be good for any newly merged airline, Senator Casey said. “Having access to a diverse set of routes is what allows the Pittsburgh region to attract businesses and highly skilled workers while remaining a travel destination for people around the world. I’m strongly encouraging both airlines to protect our routes and consider new ones.” The full text of Casey’s letter is below: Mr. W. Douglas Parker                                                      Mr. Thomas W. Horton President & Chief Executive Officer                                President & Chief Executive Officer US Airways                                                                           American Airlines 4000 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.                                                 P.O Box 619616 Phoenix, AZ 85034                                                             DFW Airport, TX 75261 Dear Mr. Parker and Mr. Horton: As you work to merge US Airways and American Airlines into a combined carrier, I encourage you to maintain all routes and sustain employment throughout Pennsylvania. Over the course of the past year, we have had several discussions about the importance of maintaining the workforce in western Pennsylvania.  As you know, US Airways employs approximately 1,700 people in the Pittsburgh region, the bulk of whom work at the aircraft maintenance facility and operations control center.  As you determine how to combine airline functions over the next several months, I urge you to consider keeping both the maintenance hangar and the operations center fully functional and in western Pennsylvania. It is my understanding that there are very few overlapping routes between US Airways and American Airlines.  As you move forward, I ask that you preserve routes that originate and end in cities throughout the Commonwealth and explore expanding service both domestically and internationally.  Pennsylvania’s unique economy that centers upon manufacturing, life sciences and higher education presents substantial opportunities for business travel.  Moreover, the natural gas industry is adding significant demand for increased air travel to several destinations throughout the state.  I welcome continued dialogue about the importance that Pennsylvania plays in the combined airline and offer my assistance to preserve jobs and routes that will help contribute to the success of your new company.  Thank you for your consideration of my views. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-tsa-planning-to-shift-security-costs-to-airports,Casey: TSA Planning to Shift Security Costs to Airports,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has written a letter to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Administrator, John Pistole, calling on the agency to reverse course on a plan that would shift responsibility for monitoring exit lanes to airports.  This would detrimentally impact airports budgets and would cost alone would cost an additional $2 million per year at the Philadelphia airport. Currently, the agency is considering shifting the responsibility for exit lane monitoring from TSA to local airports. The decisions would add significant costs to airports and may strain current personnel with a new, major security responsibility. “Monitoring the security of exit lanes has traditionally been the responsibility of the TSA. It’s an important function and should remain TSA’s responsibility,” Senator Casey said. “TSA needs to fully hear the concerns of airports like Philadelphia International who could see added costs and increased strains on personnel due to this shift in security responsibilities.” The full text of Senator Casey’s letter is below:   The Honorable John S. Pistole Administrator Transportation Security Administration 601 12th Street South Arlington, VA 20598 Dear Administrator Pistole: I write to express my concern about your agency’s intention to shift the responsibility of monitoring exit lane access areas to the airport operators. It has come to my attention that despite the fact that airlines pay TSA to monitor exit lanes as part of the Aviation Security Infrastructure Fee, the TSA will no longer be fulfilling that obligation and intends to shift this responsibility entirely to the airports.  It is my understanding that the cost implications of monitoring exit lanes are significant and may pose challenging for airports and airlines, who ultimately may absorb the cost.  Moreover, the shift of responsibility of monitoring exit lanes will force airports to use direct employees for this function or hire contract security personnel.  As you are aware, this change will impact hundreds of airports across the country, several of which are in Pennsylvania.  The additional expenses at Philadelphia International Airport alone are estimated to be $2 million on an annual basis.    I have been informed that a comment period recently concluded in which airports and the industry had the opportunity to submit their concerns.  I urge you to carefully review all feedback and work to find an amicable solution that will not unduly burden airports.  I stand ready to assist you in this effort and appreciate your attention to my concerns. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator   ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/remembering-president-john-f-kennedy-2,Remembering President John F Kennedy,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, November 22, 2013 Remembering President John F Kennedy by Bob Casey Today we remember President John F. Kennedy. Since 2009 I have had the honor of occupying his Senate office. President Kennedy inspired a generation of Americans to serve their country at home and around the world and to help their fellow man. He also had a remarkable ability to look towards the future always searching for new ideas and new opportunities. As we remember President Kennedy today let us recommit to his vision, to this country and to our shared future. As President Kennedy once said: “I can assure you that we love our country, not for what it was, though it has always been great -- not for what it is, though of this we are deeply proud -- but for what it someday can, and, through the efforts of us all, someday will be.” Tags: Assassination,  JFK,  John F Kennedy,  Kennedy,  President Kennedy,  Russell Senate Office Building,  Senate Office",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-extend-broad-street-line,Casey: Extend Broad Street Line,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to Brigid Hynes-Cherin, the Regional Administrator for the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), urging the agency to begin discussions with stakeholders in the region about extending the Broad Street line by 1.5 miles into the Navy Yard. In his letter, Casey made the case that extending the line further into the Navy Yard would play a role in job creation and economic growth in the area. Additionally, it is estimated that extending the line could increase boardings by 8,000. The Navy Yard currently supports 130 companies and 10,000 workers, and an extended line could increase the economic benefit to businesses and residents. “Increasing reliable transportation services is critical to Philadelphia’s present and future economy,” Senator Casey said. “Extending this line would continue to grow the Navy Yard as an attractive place for businesses. This effort will support the thousands of jobs already at the Navy Yard, and could create more.” The text of Casey’s letter is below: Ms. Brigid Hynes-Cherin Regional Administrator Federal Transit Administration 1760 Market Street Suite 500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Dear Regional Administration Hynes-Cherin: I write to request that you meet with SEPTA, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 98, the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades to discuss extension of the Broad Street Line in Philadelphia.  This project would provide for the construction of a 1.5-mile subway extension into the Philadelphia Navy Yard.  The Philadelphia Navy Yard is a 1,200 acre, dynamic urban development offering the Philadelphia region a unique and centrally-located business campus with an uncompromising commitment to sustainability.  The Navy Yard is home to more than 130 companies and 10,000 employees in the office, industrial, manufacturing, and research and development sectors, occupying 6.5 million square feet of real estate in a mix of historic and new high-performance building construction.  Currently, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation runs a shuttle bus service to two different points on SEPTA’s system which is widely utilized.  As the Navy Yard continues to grow, we need to start planning for a long term solution that will provide commuters with direct access to the Navy Yard as part of SEPTA’s subway system.  It is my understanding that SEPTA continues to maintain this project as a priority on its expansion planning list. In 2007, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission funded a feasibility study (attached) to evaluate the construction and to estimate capital costs, ridership, and economic benefit of extending the subway by way of two stations into the Navy Yard.  At the Navy Yard’s full build-out, ridership is estimated at more than 8,000 boardings between the two stations and would attract significantly more riders than the current bus system.  Due to the substantially greater ridership generated by the subway extension over the other alternatives, the subway proves to be the most cost effective transit alternative over time, measured in terms of annualized capital and operating costs per rider.  As such, I believe that it is time to gather stakeholders to examine ways to further the extension of the Broad Street Line.  Thank you for your time and consideration regarding my request.  Please feel free to contact my staff to schedule such a meeting.                                                 Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr.  United States Senate ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-marks-one-year-anniversary-of-bangladesh-tazreen-fire,Casey Marks One Year Anniversary of Bangladesh Tazreen Fire,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of Senate’s Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, released the following statement on the one year anniversary of the Tazreen fashion factory fire. “Horrific tragedies like the Tazreen fashion factory fire are an unfortunate reminder of the importance of strong labor standards,” said Senator Casey.  “Lax standards put workers at risk and force U.S. employees to compete on an unfair playing field as companies often opt for the lowest bidder in the global market.” This week, Senator Casey offered an amendment to that requires Military Exchanges to abide by the “Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh,” which is a binding agreement that would oversee and direct garment factories to remedy unsafe conditions using the purchasing power of the retailers/ brands.  Bangladeshi factories used by the Military Exchanges have been found to be unsafe, at times deadly,  and workers—mostly women—have been subjected to abuse and uncompensated overtime. While the government can’t require every retailer to source material and merchandise from responsible employers the government should lead by example by promoting a safe workplace  and a strong voice for workers in Bangladesh through responsible federal agency procurement requirements.  ### Press Contact April Mellody 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-legislation-to-address-disparate-pay-between-wage,Cartwright Introduces Legislation to Address Disparate Pay between Wage Grade and Grade Scale Employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced the bi-partisan ""Wage Grade Employee Parity Act"" along with U.S. Representative Tom Cole (OK-4) as well as six other Republicans and six other Democrats.  The legislation would ensure that the percentage increase in rates of basic pay for Wage Grade (WG), or hourly, employees is equivalent to the percentage increase received by other federal employees in the same pay locality. Specifically, the legislation would provide 1,809 WG employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot a 1% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This year, the President was able to provide a 1% COLA for General Schedule (GS), or salaried, federal employees, however, he does not have the statutory authority to provide the same COLA to all federal workers.  Beginning January 1, 2014, WG employee’s wages will stay the same or even decrease thus creating a greater disparity between the wages of WG employees and GS employees. “The inconsistency in wages between WG and GS employees is inequitable.  It hurts a group of Americans that can least afford a fourth year with no increase at all,” said Rep. Cartwright.  “For this reason, I am proud to introduce this legislation which would benefit a group that has been particularly impacted by a four year pay freeze, the recent Defense furloughs and the government shutdown.”  There are over 174,000 WG employees who work for the Department of Defense (DoD) including 1,809 WG employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot.  Other agencies with significant numbers as well include the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Cartwright recognizes the economic importance of Tobyhanna, the largest employer in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Earlier this year, he introduced the Locality Pay Equity Act (H.R. 2450), which would simplify, make fair, and raise pay rates for all workers at Tobyhanna.  H.R. 2450 would solve a local labor market boundary issue that has resulted in wage computation disparity between WG and GS employees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cartwright-s-statement-on-hud-s-report-on-the-sherman-hills-complex,Rep. Cartwright’s Statement on HUD’s Report on the Sherman Hills Complex,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright released the following statement regarding the inspection report on the Sherman Hills complex in Wilkes-Barre recently released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: “The report issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on its September inspection of the Sherman Hills complex is disturbing. “The report’s details – including findings of non-functioning security camera systems, broken or blocked emergency doorways, the presence of mold, and other physical plant problems – represent serious personal safety concerns and relate to the broader public safety issues surrounding the complex for the city of Wilkes-Barre. “Sherman Hills has been the scene of violent and drug-related crimes, and the failure of the complex’s management to comply with HUD guidelines has undoubtedly contributed to the negative environment and must be dealt with immediately. “Today, I sent a letter to Shaun Donovan, the Secretary of HUD, urging the Department to continue to troubleshoot the situation at Sherman Hills and to require action on the problems revealed in the official review of the property.  Sherman Hills Realty, LLC must be held accountable for the safety of our community.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222033758/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-bill-seeks-stronger-disclosure-student-loan-options,Schwartz Bill Seeks Stronger Disclosure of Student Loan Options,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13), Jared Polis (CO-2) and Tim Bishop (NY-1) today reintroduced the Know Before You Owe Act to ensure that families and students have greater access to critical information about their student loan options. The legislation requires schools to counsel students on the financial aid options available to them from both the federal government and the private market. It also requires private lenders to adopt common-sense measures to protect student borrowers. “This bill empowers students and families to make the most informed choices about how to afford college and invest in their future without taking on unnecessary debt,” Schwartz said. “Strengthening the transparency of student loan options can help make college more affordable and provide a safeguard against those who might try to deceive students and families facing difficult financial decisions.” “In today’s knowledge-based economy, a college degree is the best investment that a student can make for their future,” Polis said. “However with the rising costs of higher education, today’s students are being hamstrung by record debt levels, forcing them to delay other important investments in their futures, including saving for a secure retirement or purchasing a home. By empowering students with simple disclosure and coordination about the federal financial aid options before they turn to more expensive private loans, the Know Before You Owe Act will go a long way to help students make smart choices about the most affordable student loan opportunities available to them. Through simple coordination and disclosure, we can save student loan borrowers billions of dollars and make their education more affordable.” Americans face more than $1 trillion in student loan debt, and 40 percent of students with private loans have not exhausted all of their federal loan options, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. There are several major differences between private student loans and federal student loans. Federal loans offer lower, fixed interest rates, consumer protections and manageable repayment options. In contrast, private student loans typically have uncapped, variable rates, hefty fees and few consumer protections. Higher education costs have steadily increased across the United States, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that student loan debt continues to exceed credit card debt. In Pennsylvania, tuition and fees average more than $12,000 at public four-year universities and over $35,000 at private universities. In 2011, 70 percent of college seniors in Pennsylvania graduated with student loan debt, with the average amount approaching $30,000, according to the Institute for College Access and Success. Pennsylvania ranks 7th in the nation for the number of college graduates saddled with student loan debt. “The Know Before You Owe Act would ensure that aid administrators are a part of the process of issuing private loans and that students and parents do not borrow more than they need to meet their postsecondary education-related expenses. It also guarantees that the institutions’ financial aid officers have an opportunity to counsel students about loan choices and indebtedness before they borrow.  On behalf of PASFAA I want to thank Rep. Schwartz for her hard work on this issue and her dedication to helping Pennsylvania’s students and families gain access to postsecondary education,” said Cheryl De Paolis, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (PASFAA). “Students deserve to know what they’re signing up for when they enroll in college. As Millennials compare different colleges, transparency is key. I applaud Rep. Schwartz for introducing the Know Before You Owe Act, an important step to help prospective college students gather the necessary information needed to make smart investments for their future,” said Anne Johnson, Executive Director of Generation Progress. Organizations Supporting the Know Before You Owe Act: Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (PASFAA), National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Council of La Raza, Generation Progress, Council for Opportunity in Education, Young Invincibles, National Consumer Law Center, The Institute for College Access and Success, National Consumers League, American Federation of Teachers, The Education Trust, U.S. Public Interest Research Group, Consumer Action, Democrats for Education Reform,  American Podiatric Medical Students' Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, Association of American Medical Colleges, Demos, and Student Administrator Affairs in Higher Education. The Know Before You Owe Act requires private lenders to: Certify with the borrower’s school that the student is enrolled and the amount the student is eligible to borrow before issuing a private loan. Provide the borrower with quarterly updates on their loans, including accrued but unpaid interest and capitalized interest. Report information to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about their student loans. The bill requires institutions of higher education to: Inform students about their federal financial aid availability and eligibility; their ability to select a private lender of their choice; the impact of a private loan on their eligibility for other forms of financial aid; and their right to accept, reject or cancel a private loan as allowed under current law; and Notify students about the terms and conditions of federal and private student loans. Sens. Richard J. Durbin of Illinois and Tom Harkin of Iowa re-introduced companion legislation (S. 113) in the Senate on Jan. 23, 2013. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-ayotte-introduce-bipartisan-measure-to-protect-rights-of-afghan-women-and-girls,"Casey, Ayotte Introduce Bipartisan Measure to Protect Rights of Afghan Women and Girls",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) announced that they have introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would promote the rights and security of Afghanistan’s women and girls after the U.S. drawdown is complete in 2014. The Casey-Ayotte proposal would require the Department of Defense to develop a strategy in coordination with Afghanistan’s government to ensure that the hard-won rights that women and girls have gained since 2001 will not be lost. The protections outlined under the bipartisan measure would include protecting the right of women to serve in the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police and to vote. During last year’s NDAA debate Senator Casey, along with former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), proposed and passed into law an amendment requiring a study on the challenges that Afghanistan’s women and girls could face in the coming years. This year’s Casey-Ayotte amendment would require the Defense Department to put the study’s findings into action. “We must be clear with the Karzai government that the rights of women and girls are not optional,” Senator Casey said. “Having this plan in place will ensure that the rights of women and girls are a key element in our nation’s future relationship with Afghanistan. A strategic plan that protects the basic rights of Afghanistan’s women will allow us to hold Afghanistan’s government accountable to the commitments it’s made since 2001.” “Afghan women and girls have made significant gains during the past decade – they go to school, work outside the home, and some even serve in the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police,” said Senator Ayotte.  “We must work with our Afghan partners to protect this fragile progress, which is vital to the future security and stability of Afghanistan and our national security interests there.  Our bipartisan amendment would require a plan to protect the security, rights and freedoms of women and girls in post-2014 Afghanistan.” Civil society organizations are concerned that the progress of the last decade could be reversed after international forces depart, and many Afghan women are concerned that reconciliation with the Taliban could prove disastrous for their rights and security. In recent months, female police officers have been targeted and assassinated. The lower house of the Afghan parliament has also tried to weaken the landmark Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law. Only one percent of the Afghan National Police and 0.3 percent of the Afghan National Army are female, and women serving in those forces face tremendous barriers to full participation and risks to their personal safety. Summary of Casey-Ayotte Amendment: The Casey-Ayotte amendment would require the Department of Defense to work with the Afghan National Security Forces to produce a strategy to promote the security of Afghan women and girls during the transition process. Specifically, it would: Help ensure the adequate staffing of polling stations by female officers. This amendment would emphasize the need for a recruitment and training program for female searchers and security officers to staff voting stations during the April 2014 elections, including an authorization to utilize up to $5 million in support of this program. Increase the awareness and responsiveness among Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP) personnel regarding the unique challenges women confront when serving in those forces. This includes an evaluation of the effectiveness of existing training for Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) on this issue; a plan to increase the number of female security officers, including those serving in Family Response United, specifically trained to address cases of gender- based violence; and a plan to develop accountability mechanisms for ANA and ANP personnel who violate codes of conduct related to the human rights of women and girls. Focus on improving the recruitment and retention of women in the Afghan National Security Forces.  The bill would require the Secretary of Defense, working with the International Security Assistance Force and NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan, to assist the Government of Afghanistan in their development and implementation of a strategy in cooperation with the Afghan Ministries of Defense and Interior to increase the number of female members of the ANSF. This would include authorization for use of $15 million in Afghan Security Forces Funds in support of the provision of appropriate equipment for female security and police forces; modification of facilities to allow for female participation; and training to include literacy training for women recruits and training for their male counterparts.     ### Press Contact April Mellody (Casey) 202-228-6367Jeff Grappone (Ayotte) 202-224-3324",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-backs-effort-to-prevent-flood-insurance-rate-hikes-for-thousands-of-pa-homeowners,Casey Backs Effort to Prevent Flood Insurance Rate Hikes for Thousands of PA Homeowners,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced his support for legislation that would prevent flood insurance rate hikes for thousands of Pennsylvanians. The bill, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act would protect up to 30,000 policyholders from rate increases. Pennsylvania is the 7th most impacted state in the country with Bucks, Dauphin, Lycoming and Allegheny counties among the hardest hit. The Casey-backed bill would forestall the rate increases and evaluate the process by which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes determinations about flood insurance. The legislation has been proposed as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is on the floor of the Senate this week. “Passing this legislation would provide relief for thousands of Pennsylvania homeowners who have seen a significant rise in their flood insurance bills,” Senator Casey said. “FEMA has to strike the right balance on this issue. Homeowners should be able to get the flood insurance they need without the risk of facing skyrocketing rates.” The potential increase in flood insurance rates is coming as a result of the Biggert-Waters Reform Act of 2012. Because of the way the legislation calculates flood risks, up to 30,000 policies in Pennsylvania could eventually see increases.     The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act would: Delay rate increases for: All homes and businesses that are currently “grandfathered.”  These are properties that were built to code and later remapped into a higher risk area.  Prior to Biggert-Waters, these policyholders were not penalized for relying on inaccurate FEMA flood maps. All properties that purchased a new policy after July 6, 2012, before they were legally required to purchase insurance. All properties sold after July 6, 2012.  New homeowners and business owners will continue to receive the same treatment as the previous owner unless they trigger another provision in Biggert-Waters such as Severe Repetitive Loss, non-primary residence, substantial damage, etc. Seek assurances of FEMA’s ability to accurately determine flood risk. Establish a Flood Insurance Advocate within FEMA. Allow FEMA to use the National Flood Insurance Fund to reimburse policyholders who successfully appeal a map determination. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-administration-not-to-accept-iran-deal-that-cuts-back-sanctions-but-allows-iranian-nuclear-program-to-continue,Casey Urges Administration Not to Accept Iran Deal that Cuts Back Sanctions But Allows Iranian Nuclear Program to Continue,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC —U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), along with Senators Charles E. Schumer, Lindsey Graham, Robert Menendez, John McCain and Susan Collins, wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry, expressing their support for negotiations but cautioning the Administration against accepting a deal with Iran that would roll back economic sanctions without also rolling back progress towards nuclear weapons capability. According to media reports, Administration negotiators have considered accepting an agreement that would provide relief for the Iranian regime from the debilitating economic sanctions while only requiring the Iranians to halt their work towards a nuclear weapon, rather than undoing the progress they have already made. The senators wrote, “We feel strongly that any easing of sanctions along the lines that the P5+1 is reportedly considering should require Iran to roll back its nuclear program more significantly than now envisioned.   “It is our belief that any interim agreement with the Iranians should bring us closer to our ultimate goal which is Iran without a nuclear weapons capability.  We must ensure that the steps we take in the coming weeks and months move us towards a resolution that ultimately brings Iran in compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, seeks to prevent Tehran from possessing any enrichment or reprocessing capability, and resolves any and all fears that Iran will develop a nuclear weapons capability.” Under the reported agreement, the P5+1 is prepared to permit Iran to continue enriching uranium at 3.5% for civilian use, to cap but not reduce the number of centrifuges, and to continue work near the Arak heavy water nuclear reactor. The senators argue that these steps may suggest Iran is willing to temporarily slow its pursuit of a nuclear weapon, but they would allow Iran to continue making some progress towards obtaining a nuclear weapon under the cover of further negotiations. In return, Iran would receive relief from economic sanctions, including access to previously-frozen assets. The senators said the reported agreement, “does not give us confidence that Iran is prepared to abandon unambiguously its nuclear weapons pursuit altogether, as it must.” The full text of the letter appears below: Dear Secretary Kerry:   We appreciate your continued efforts, in concert with our friends and allies, to negotiate with the Iranian regime. We also commend the efforts of your negotiating team to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability.  Our negotiators have benefited from the effects of tough economic sanctions in bringing Iran to the table.  Without the Administration, Congress, and our allies working together, we would not have arrived at this crucial point.   Indeed, we support the concept of an interim agreement with Iran that would roll back its nuclear program as a first step to seeking a final settlement that prevents Iran from ever developing a nuclear weapons capability. At the same time, we are concerned that the interim agreement would require us to make significant concessions before we see Iran demonstrably commit to moving away from developing a nuclear weapons capability.   It is our understanding that the interim agreement now under consideration would not require Iran to even meet the terms of prior United Nations Security Council resolutions which require Iran to suspend its reprocessing, heavy water-related and enrichment-related activities and halt ongoing construction of any uranium-enrichment, reprocessing, or heavy water-related facilities. For example, we understand that the P5+1 is prepared to permit Iran to continue enriching uranium at 3.5 percent albeit for civilian use, to cap but not reduce its number of centrifuges, and to continue work around or near the Arak heavy water nuclear reactor. While the interim agreement may suggest that Iran could be willing temporarily to slow its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability, it could also allow Iran to continue making some progress toward that end under the cover of negotiations. This does not give us confidence that Iran is prepared to abandon unambiguously its nuclear weapons pursuit altogether, as it must.   Furthermore, it is our understanding that in return for certain Iranian actions, the P5+1 would allow Iran to gain access to considerable amounts of capital that have been frozen by our international sanctions. Some have estimated the value of this capital for Iran as much as $10 billion. We regard this as a major concession on our part that would not be justified by the concessions the Iranian regime would be required to make in return. If we are reducing sanctions, Iran should be reducing its nuclear capabilities.   As you know, it is not just the sanctions themselves but the threat that they would continue to tighten that has brought the Iranians to the negotiating table. Easing sanctions now without real, tangible actions by Iran to roll back its nuclear program would not only diminish this threat of future pressure, it could make it more difficult to maintain the current sanctions regime at a time when many international actors are already eager to lessen their implementation of sanctions. We feel strongly that any easing of sanctions along the lines that the P5+1 is reportedly considering should require Iran to roll back its nuclear program more significantly than now envisioned.     It is our belief that any interim agreement with the Iranians should bring us closer to our ultimate goal which is Iran without a nuclear weapons capability.  We must ensure that the steps we take in the coming weeks and months move us towards a resolution that ultimately brings Iran in compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, seeks to prevent Tehran from possessing any enrichment or reprocessing capability, and resolves any and all fears that Iran will develop a nuclear weapons capability.   The upcoming round of negotiations could hardly be more important and we must be ever mindful of with whom we are negotiating. Iran has been the largest state sponsor of terrorism for over thirty years; its leaders routinely call for the destruction of Israel; and it arms and finances terrorist groups around the globe. We urge you and your negotiating team to fight for an interim agreement that demands as much or more of Iran as it does of the United States and our allies. We hope in the next few weeks we and our partners will redouble our efforts to gain greater proportionality and to finalize an agreement that demonstrates that Iran is moving away from the nuclear weapons path. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/caseys-bipartisan-bill-to-help-families-save-for-their-disabled-children-reaches-majority-support-in-senate-and-house,Casey’s Bipartisan Bill to Help Families Save for Their Disabled Children Reaches Majority Support in Senate and House,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced that the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2011 (ABLE Act) has achieved a majority of support in both the Senate and the House. Currently, 50 Senators and 307 Members of the House of Representatives have cosponsored the legislation, which would allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save money to cover key expenses. With the legislation gaining momentum, Casey called for a swift vote that could send the bill to the President’s desk. “The ABLE Act is commonsense bipartisan legislation that will help make it easier for families to save for their children and we should pass it immediately.  Individuals with disabilities and their families face challenges many of us can’t even begin to imagine.  They deserve some assurance that they will be able to adequately plan for the future. ” The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2011 (ABLE Act) would allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save money and cover expenses such as medical care, employment training and support, community support services, assistive technology, housing, education and transportation.   Under current law, many individuals with disabilities are forced to divest  their assets to qualify for assistance under certain federal programs. This requirement effectively impoverishes these individuals and prevents them and their families from building and using savings to meet expenses not covered by federal programs.  The ABLE Act would authorize a new type of 529 Savings Account to be created by an individual for themselves or a beneficiary to save for future costs related to a disability.  Anyone may contribute to an ABLE account under the proposal. The principal in the account would accrue interest tax-free during the life of the beneficiary.  When distributions are made to the beneficiary for qualified expenses, they are not included as income of the beneficiary.  Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-burr-lead-bipartisan-push-for-medical-research-funding-that-saves-lives-create-jobs-and-boosts-economic-growth,"Casey, Burr Lead Bipartisan Push for Medical Research Funding that Saves Lives, Create Jobs and Boosts Economic Growth",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) announced that they have sent a letter to the budget negotiators who were tasked with coming up with a compromise following the federal government shutdown, pushing for robust funding for medical research. The Casey-Burr led letter was joined by 33 Senators and cited the role that funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) plays in making lifesaving medical discoveries and increasing economic activity across the country. Congressional budget negotiations are slated to come to an agreement by mid-December. Without a resolution, NIH funds are due to receive another significant cut in January due to the sequester. During the first round of sequester cuts NIH funds were cut by $1.55 billion, resulting in approximately 640 fewer research projects being awarded. The following Senators joined the letter: Begich, Blumenthal, Boxer, Brown, Burr, Cantwell, Cardin, Casey, Coburn, Collins, Donnelly, Feinstein, Franken, Gillibrand, Hagan, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Hirono, Tim Johnson, Kirk, Klobuchar, Landrieu, Levin, Manchin, Markey, Menendez, Moran, Murphy, Pryor, Reed, Rockefeller, Schatz, Schumer, Shaheen, Warren “Medical research has changed the lives of patients and families all while driving economic growth,” Senator Casey said. “Investing in NIH will work to ensure that the next major medical breakthrough is discovered in our country and not somewhere else. This letter shows there is a clear bipartisan consensus to invest in medical research that has the potential to save lives and create jobs.” Senator Burr: “The medical research supported by the NIH has played a vital role in advancing innovative treatments and therapies that have enhanced and saved countless lives.  Investing in medical research not only makes certain that patients and health care providers will continue to have access to lifesaving treatments, but also ensures that innovation in the field of biomedical research will help the U.S. remain globally competitive and continue to drive economic growth.” The full text of Casey and Burr’s letter can be seen below: The Honorable Patty Murray Chairman Senate Committee on Budget The Honorable Jeff Sessions Ranking Member Senate Committee on Budget Dear Chairman Murray and Ranking Member Sessions: As you begin the budget conference with your House counterparts, we ask that you maintain a strong commitment to funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The NIH plays an important role in advancing our understanding of human health, supporting innovation, and investing in the field of biomedical research.  It is vitally important to ensure that our Nation remains at the forefront of medical research by continuing to support the NIH’s work.  As evidenced by the bipartisan letter to the Committee on Appropriations that we authored earlier this year, which was signed by more than half of our colleagues, there is broad support for medical research, and particularly for the NIH, in the Senate. The NIH offers our best hope for treating or curing debilitating diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and so many other illnesses that American families battle every day.  The NIH supports research in all fifty states, through nearly 50,000 competitive grants that support hundreds of thousands of researchers across the Nation.  NIH-funded research has contributed to an increase in lifespan over the last century of nearly 30 years and according to the NIH, has added an estimated $3.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy since 1970.  Cancer deaths are falling about one percent each year, with each percentage point decline saving the U.S. approximately $500 billion a year.  According to the NIH, it is estimated that each dollar invested in the NIH generates $2.21 in local economic growth.  Our investment in the NIH has yielded an unprecedented number of scientific advances that have improved health outcomes and contributed significantly to the Nation’s economic growth. Unfortunately, America is losing ground as the world leader in research and development and researchers are struggling to secure funding. As NIH grants get more competitive, researchers can easily spend half their careers working before receiving a grant, resulting in promising, talented young researchers being discouraged from the field of biomedical research and some investigators deciding to abandon scientific research altogether or to conduct their research outside the United States. If we are to improve the health of Americans and the quality of their lives, we must continue to invest in areas like biomedical research that have the potential to save money in the future, improve the lives of Americans, and offer an economic return for our Nation.  We urge you to consider the tremendous benefits of a sustained investment in the NIH, and ask you to remember our Nation’s role as a world leader in biomedical research and the impact this research has on patients as the conference committee begins its work.  Investing in research today will yield cures and therapies for patients tomorrow. Sincerely,     ### Press Contact John Rizzo (Casey) 202-228-6367Robert Reid (Burr) 202-228-1616",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-continues-oversight-of-overseas-military-bases-to-secure-safety-of-us-troops,Casey Continues Oversight Of Overseas Military Bases to Secure Safety of U.S. Troops,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent letters to U.S. Central Command’s General Lloyd Austin and the Defense Department’s Undersecretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, continuing his oversight of the safety of overseas U.S. military installations. Since 2008, Senator Casey’s efforts to make military installations more secure for U.S. troops have resulted in thousands of inspections to protect servicemembers from electrical fires among other hazards. After years of progress, Casey’s letters pushes the government to complete additional work that needs to be done. “Since 2008 the government has taken important steps to ensure our servicemembers are safe at U.S. military installations,” Senator Casey said. “There’s no doubt this work has had a significant impact, but there’s still more work to be done. Every servicemember and their family should have the peace of mind in knowing that safety of their loved ones is a priority at our military installations abroad. This is an ongoing effort that I will continue to push the Department of Defense on.” The full text of Senator Casey’s letters can be seen below: General Lloyd J. Austin III U.S. Central Command Dear General Austin: Since 2008, I have worked to improve oversight of electrical safety at our overseas military installations to address safety deficiencies that needlessly put our troops at risk. As you know, I authored an amendment to the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on the issue.  Progress has been made since its passage, especially through Task Force SAFE and Task Force POWER, but I am disappointed and frustrated that the Department of Defense Inspector General revealed in a July 2013 report (DODIG-2013-099) that deficiencies remain.  In light of this report, I am writing to request an update on actions you have taken to correct these deficiencies and ask how your Command will institutionalize the lessons learned during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan to prevent these issues in the future.  Pennsylvania has felt the terrible effects of poor installation and maintenance of electrical facilities at our bases abroad.  In January 2008, Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth was electrocuted while showering in his quarters at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex, Iraq.  In September 2009, Adam Hermanson, a defense contractor working for Triple Canopy at Camp Olympia, Iraq, died under similar circumstances.  In both cases, official reports found that these unnecessary deaths resulted from the failure of multiple systems and organizations.  Since their tragic deaths, I have worked to improve the conditions for our servicemembers deployed overseas.  I wrote several letters to the Department of Defense Inspector General Office, former General David Petraeus, former Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn, and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.  I also met with several uniformed and civilian defense leaders including General Petraeus, then Commanding General of the Multinational Force in Iraq, Lieutenant General David Huntoon, then the Director of the Army Staff, and Mr. William Utt, the Chief Executive Officer of KBR, Inc.  These efforts culminated in my amendment to the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which requires the Department of Defense to inspect the safety and habitability of structures prior to usage, and that such facilities “be brought into compliance with generally accepted standards for the safety and health of personnel.”  Each of these leaders assured me they were taking steps to address the issue, and indeed, numerous inspections were completed and thousands of deficiencies identified.  I am gratified by CENTCOM’s efforts to shine a spotlight on this issue, in response to my amendment. Thanks to the creation of TF SAFE and TF POWER and the Department’s cooperation in executing the intent of Section 807 of the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act, incidents of electrocution have declined substantially in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  It is clear, however, there is much more to be done.  In May 2013, the Marine Corps confirmed the results of an internal investigation into an electrical fire Afghanistan at Camp Lawton in 2011, which tragically cost the life of Marine Staff Sergeant Patrick Dolphin and Marine Sergeant Christopher Wrinkle. I was also disappointed to learn that DODIG-2013-099, issued on July 18, 2013, discovered 1,089 incidences of deficient electrical installations or unsafe facilities in our two largest installations in Afghanistan, Kandahar Air Field (KAF) and Bagram Air Field (BAF).  After reviewing the report, I am concerned that the momentum and attentiveness initiated by the FY2010 NDAA amendment has waned and your command has not continued to appropriately prioritize this issue. DoD cannot afford to take its eye of the ball when it comes to protecting our servicemembers. Also from DODIG-2013-099, I learned that CENTCOM agreed to all but two recommendations for corrective actions.  These two items both recommended that the office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics for Installations and Environment (AT&L (I&E)) approve and coordinate the risk management plans that CENTCOM develops to address and prioritize 649 fire and 440 electrical deficiencies.  CENTCOM did not concur with seeking external coordination because it would fail, “to address the remaining deviations in a timely manner.”  AT&L (I&E) holds the institutional expertise to not only lend their knowledge to address the most recent issues, but they can also ensure that this knowledge is applied to current and future contingency operations outside of the CENTCOM area of operation. I strongly urge you to work with AT&L (I&E) to preserve the lessons learned from these tragic accidents in Afghanistan and Iraq so that we can prevent them during future operations in any part of the world. I respectfully request answers to the following questions: What is the current status of correcting the 649 fire and 440 electrical deficiencies on KAF and BAF?  Based on the alarming number of deficiencies on both KAF and BAF, has CENTCOM taken additional action to re-inspect smaller bases in Afghanistan?  What tools exist to ensure that another tragic event does not take place as it did at Camp Lawton? How can CENTCOM best provide oversight for structures not on a “density list” of contracted facilities?  Two of the recommendations from the IG’s report stated that the office of the Undersecretary of Acquisition, Defense, & Logistics (Installations & Environment) approve and coordinate any plan to fix deficiencies.  Please explain CENTCOM’s rejection of that recommendation.  Has CENTCOM considered how it might best record and share its lessons learned to other geographic and functional combatant commands?  What plans are CENTCOM considering to ensure that service members are adequately protected against base environmental hazards during the drawdown in Afghanistan? Thank you for taking time to address my concerns in ensuring that our servicemembers, who sacrifice so much on the battlefield, are not exposed to unnecessary danger on their bases. I am sending a similar letter to the Honorable Frank Kendall, Undersecretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics) regarding the Inspector General’s opinion that AT&L (I&E) provide greater oversight to your command on this issue.  Thank for you for your service to our great country. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator The Honorable Frank Kendall Undersecretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics) Dear Mr. Secretary: Since 2008, I have worked to improve oversight of electrical safety at our overseas military installations to address safety deficiencies that needlessly put our troops at risk.  As you know, I authored an amendment to the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on the issue.  Progress has been made since its passage, especially through Task Force SAFE and Task Force POWER, but I am disappointed and frustrated that the Department of Defense Inspector General revealed in his July 2013 report (DODIG-2013-099) that deficiencies remain.  As combat troops have departed Iraq and the drawdown in Afghanistan is underway, I urge you to take responsibility for institutionalizing the lessons learned during these engagements to protect our men and women in uniform from electrical hazards in current and future conflicts across the globe.  Pennsylvania has felt the terrible effects of incompetent installation and maintenance of electrical facilities at our bases abroad. In January 2008, Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth was electrocuted while showering in his quarters at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex, Iraq.  In September 2009, Adam Hermanson, a defense contractor working for Triple Canopy at Camp Olympia, Iraq, died under similar circumstances. In both cases, official reports found that these deaths resulted from the failure of multiple systems and organizations.  Since their tragic deaths, I have worked to improve the conditions for our servicemembers deployed overseas. I wrote several letters to the Department of Defense Inspector General Office, former General David Petraeus, the former Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn, and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.  I also met with several uniformed and civilian defense leaders including General Petraeus, then Commanding General of the Multinational Force in Iraq, Lieutenant General David Huntoon, the former Director of the Army Staff, and Mr. William Utt, the Chief Executive Officer of KBR, Inc.  These efforts culminated in my amendment to the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which requires the Department of Defense to inspect the safety and habitability of structures prior to usage, and that such facilities “be brought into compliance with generally accepted standards for the safety and health of personnel.”  In response, DoD developed the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 1-201-01 (last updated January 1, 2013).  UFC 1-201—1 establishes, “the minimum requirements for life safety and health of personnel consistent with the requirements of military operations,” for structures overseas. Each of these leaders assured me they were taking steps to address the issue, and indeed, numerous inspections were completed and thousands of deficiencies identified.  I am gratified by CENTCOM’s efforts to shine a spotlight on this issue, in response to my amendment. Thanks to the creation of TF SAFE and TF POWER and the Department’s cooperation in executing the intent of Section 807 of the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act, incidents of electrocution have declined substantially in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  It is clear, however, there is much more to be done.  In May 2013, the Marine Corps confirmed the results of an internal investigation into an electrical fire Afghanistan at Camp Lawton in 2011, which tragically cost the life of Marine Staff Sergeant Patrick Dolphin and Marine Sergeant Christopher Wrinkle. I was also disappointed to learn that DODIG-2013-099, issued on July 18, 2013, discovered 1,089 incidences of deficient electrical installations or unsafe facilities in our two largest installations in Afghanistan, Kandahar Air Field (KAF) and Bagram Air Field (BAF).  After reviewing the report, I am disappointed that the command emphasis that led to the establishment of TF SAFE in Iraq and TF POWER in Afghanistan has decreased and that the momentum and attentiveness initiated by the FY2010 NDAA amendment has waned. DoD cannot afford to take its eye of the ball when it comes to protecting our servicemembers. From DODIG-2013-099, I learned that CENTCOM fully agreed to all but two of the recommendations for corrective actions.  These two items both recommended that the office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics for Installations and Environment (AT&L (I&E)) approve and coordinate the risk management plans that CENTCOM develops to address and prioritize 649 fire and 440 electrical deficiencies.  CENTCOM did not concur with seeking external coordination because it would fail, “to address the remaining deviations in a timely manner.”  AT&L (I&E) holds the institutional expertise to not only lend their knowledge to address the most recent issues, but they can also ensure that this knowledge is applied to current and future contingency operations outside of the CENTCOM area of operation.  This knowledge could also be utilized to revise UFC 1-201-01 because it is, by design, a “living document.”  I am recommending to General Austin that CENTCOM work with AT&L (I&E) to institutionalize the lessons learned over the past twelve years, and I urge you to conduct thorough oversight of AT&L (I&E) to ensure it has the resources necessary to become the repository of these lessons.  I respectfully request answers to the following questions: How can AT&L (I&E) provide expertise in overseeing corrective actions undertaken by various functional and geographic combatant commands?  Are there any unforeseen obstacles that may impede AT&L (I&E) from assuming this role?  Has AT&L (I&E) consolidated the lessons learned from these tragic accidents?  How would AT&L (I&E) consider sharing this knowledge throughout all geographic and functional commands for use during future contingency operations? What is your assessment of the discoveries and recommendations in DODIG-2013-099? Has AT&L (I&E), or the Unified Facilities Criteria Program, reviewed the incidents surrounding the aforementioned deaths of three Marines at Camp Lawton Afghanistan? In reviewing the Camp Lawton fire and speaking to the Inspector General team that compiled DODIG-2013-099, there appears to be inadequate cooperation between CENTCOM and SOCOM with regard to enforcing fire and electrical safety standards.  What can DoD do to resolve conflicts between functional or combatant commands to ensure bureaucracy does not impinge on the safety of our troops? Our servicemembers sacrifice so much on the battlefield; they should not be exposed to unnecessary, preventable dangers on their bases.  I am sending a similar letter to CENTCOM asking for a status update to address the concerns in the aforementioned IG report.  Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns and for your service to our great country. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/50th-anniversary-of-the-catholic-volunteer-network,50th Anniversary of the Catholic Volunteer Network,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday, November 18, 2013 50th Anniversary of the Catholic Volunteer Network by Bob Casey As the Catholic Volunteer Network (CVN) celebrates its 50th anniversary, this is a great time to highlight the important work being done by CVN and its volunteers. CVN continues to inspire everyone it reaches as the organization grows in numbers and continues to help people find meaningful, faith-based services across the country and around the globe. Since its founding in 1963 by Father George Mader, CVN has grown from a local program operating out of the Newark Archdiocese into a global operation based out of Washington, D.C. I am a proud alumnus of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), an affiliate program of CVN. During my time with JVC, I had the privilege to serve as a 5th grade teacher and 8th grade basketball coach at the Gesu School in North Philadelphia. Several members of my family, including one of my daughters, have followed as volunteers with JVC or with other Catholic service-based organizations. Working with children in the classroom and on the basketball court was an invaluable experience that has continued to have a profound impact on my life. Today, fighting on behalf of the underprivileged children of Pennsylvania remains a critical part of my role as a United States Senator. CVN offers young people the chance to aid those in need. The faith-based service that it promotes allows young volunteers to play an active role in strengthening and developing their communities. I can personally speak to its effectiveness, as CVN and JVC gave me one of my first opportunities to serve the public good. My year as a Jesuit volunteer provided me with numerous eye-opening experiences, and the struggles of those I met in the inner city continue to affect me and my work. I will continue to support CVN and the valuable work that it does. The program embodies two principles that comprise the foundation of my life - faith and service. It is with great pride and pleasure that I congratulate CVN on 50 years of remarkable, altruistic work. I look forward to an even brighter future for CVN as their compassionate assistance continues to provide exceptional service for our communities. With each act of kindness that CVN provides, we, as a community, step towards a better future for all.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/senator-bob-casey-recites-the-gettysburg-address,Senator Bob Casey Recites the Gettysburg Address,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"To commemorate the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, Sen. Bob Casey recites his famous address originally delivered on November 19, 1863. Record your own and share at http://www.learntheaddress.org/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/house-votes-undermine-health-care-reforms-prohibit-discrimination-insurance-companies,House Votes to Undermine Health Care Reforms that Prohibit Discrimination by Insurance Companies,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (PA-14) voted today against legislation that would roll back many of the patient protection provisions signed into law in 2010 as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Congressman Doyle worked hard to enact this law to protect consumers from widely used insurance industry abuses.   “We came up with a private system that allowed everybody to participate—young and old, rich and poor, healthy and sick,” Congressman Doyle said today on the House Floor. “When you put everybody in that risk pool, healthy people help us enable the insurance industry to keep rates at an affordable way for those people who have pre-existing conditions and who have chronic diseases. That’s how the system works.  What my colleague, Mr. Upton is proposing today unravels that system.”   Today the House considered H.R. 3350, the “Keep Your Health Plan Act” – legislation that would allow insurance companies to continue to sell insurance policies that provided minimal benefits, capped annual or lifetime benefits, and discriminated against people for a number of reasons, including pre-existing conditions and even gender.   Congressman Doyle voted against H.R. 3350, and he voted in favor of a motion to recommit that would have allowed insurance companies to renew “grandfathered” health insurance policies (existing policies that don’t necessarily meet ACA standards) for an additional year for current policy-holders – but wouldn’t allow them to sell such policies to new customers.   The motion to recommit was defeated on a vote of 187 to 230, and H.R. 3350 was approved on a vote of 261 to 157.   Click here to see Congressman Doyle’s Floor speech explaining why the consumer protection provisions in the Affordable Care Act were enacted in the first place.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222222856/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-statement-republican-plan-gut-health-care-law,Schwartz Statement on Republican Plan to Gut Health Care Law,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) issued the following statement today after voting against House Republican legislation (H.R. 3350) that allows insurers to sell individual health policies in 2014 that do not meet minimum coverage requirements and consumer protections set by the Affordable Care Act. “The Administration made inexcusable and unacceptable mistakes in launching HealthCare.gov and by failing to keep the promise that Americans could keep their existing insurance plans. But instead of fixing the problem, the House Republican bill guts the law, letting insurers go back to turning away people who are sick, discriminating against those with pre-existing conditions and offering coverage that won’t be sufficient when a medical emergency strikes. “We must take concrete action to hold insurance companies, states and the Administration accountable to ensure that Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. I’m calling on the Administration to require insurers to provide full disclosure of what their products cost, the benefits they provide and other options available to their subscribers. I am committed to fixing and strengthening the law so that all Pennsylvanians have access to meaningful, affordable coverage options and the information they need to make the right decisions for their families.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/fall-photo-contest,Fall Photo Contest,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, November 15, 2013 Fall Photo Contest by Bob Casey I know of no other place more beautiful than Pennsylvania, especially so in autumn. To celebrate, I'm hosting a fall foliage photo contest. Please vote for your favorite fall scene by visiting the contest gallery on facebook. The one with the most likes on November 22 will be used as our cover photo until the end of the year. Photos have been cropped to fit the cover photo dimensions and the captions read First Name - Hometown - Photo Location. Thanks to all who submitted a photo!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-resolution-to-recognize-our-fallen-service-members,Cartwright Introduces Resolution to Recognize Our Fallen Service Members,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced a resolution that seeks to amend the House Rules to require a reading of the names of members of the Armed Forces who died in the previous month as a result of combat operations.  The bipartisan resolution was introduced with the support of 16 colleagues, 8 Republican and 8 Democratic. “For the many in the world to live free we must rely upon the sacrifices of the few in our Armed Services.  The heroism of our service members must not be forgotten and this resolution would pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives and also to the families of those fallen service members,” said Cartwright.  “We shall not forget their sacrifice—they gave their lives for this country.” The United States Armed Forces has suffered 2284 casualties (as of November 8) as a result of combat operations in Afghanistan.  Every Monday, our service members deployed to Afghanistan stand as the Commander of International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan reads the names of recent American casualties.  This solemn moment is recognition of their service and sacrifice. The legislation has been introduced with the support of 8 Veterans’ and Service Member organizations.  Vice Admiral Norb Ryan (USN-Ret), President of the Military Officers Association of America’s praised the resolution, “having the names of our Nation’s deceased heroes read aloud in the House of Representatives would be a symbolic measure honoring those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”  “The Association of the United States Navy (AUSN) is pleased to support the resolution introduced by Representative Cartwright.  In light of Veteran’s Day this week, this resolution is an excellent way to honor our Nation’s service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” said Anthony A. Wallis, Legislative Director for the Association of the United States Navy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-iran-sanctions,Casey Statement on Iran Sanctions,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the National Security Working Group and Co-Chair of the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Caucus released the following statement regarding Iran sanctions. “The failure of last week’s negotiations in Geneva, reminiscent of previous year’s efforts, simply allowed more time for the Iranian regime to continue its efforts to acquire a nuclear weapons capability. Despite recent engagement, the Iranian regime remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, and its efforts to skirt sanctions and prop up Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Damascus continued even as the P5+1 met last week.  The agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency is a first step, but we are a long way from an agreement that I could support.   Tough sanctions, that I have worked with colleagues from both parties to impose on the regime, are the prime reason there is any engagement at all.  At this time, I see no reason to let up the pressure. Until the Iranian regime agrees to an interim deal in line with all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, I will urge my colleagues on the Banking Committee to move forward with a package of additional sanctions. In the meantime, I will continue my oversight efforts to ensure the Administration is rigorously implementing all existing sanctions, including designating additional human rights violators and regime front companies.  We cannot give the Iranian regime any escape route, absent concrete, verifiable actions towards compliance with UN requirements.” ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005341/http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/galleries/universal-pre-k,Universal Pre-K,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senator Robert P. Casey About Issues Get Help Make a Request Newsroom Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/bipartisan-casey-bill-to-protect-funding-for-childrens-hospitals-in-pa-and-across-nation-clears-senate-after-unanimous-vote,Bipartisan Casey Bill to Protect Funding for Children’s Hospitals in PA and Across Nation Clears Senate After Unanimous Vote,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that his bill to protect funding for children’s hospitals in Pennsylvania and across the country has passed through the U.S. Senate unanimously. Casey’s bill, The Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013, would reauthorize this program that provides funding for graduate medical residents in children’s hospitals. The program’s authorization had lapsed and securing a reauthorization will help lock in funds for these children’s hospitals. In fiscal year 2011, Pennsylvania children’s hospitals in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh received over $32 million in funds. “I am grateful that the Senate reconfirmed our commitment to training residents in children’s hospitals through the Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education program,” Senator Casey said. “Children are not little adults and this is an investment that pays dividends for children and families. I’m hopeful that the House will take up and pass the bill so we can get it to the President’s desk.” The Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program provides freestanding children’s hospitals with federal graduate medical education (GME) support similar to the funding that other teaching hospitals receive through Medicare. The program was first enacted by Congress in 1999 with bipartisan support, and has been reauthorized twice since then, each time again with broad bipartisan support. The program provides funding to about 55 freestanding children’s hospitals in 30 states to support the training of pediatricians and other residents.  The program has a proven track record of success and represents a high-value investment in children’s health care. Prior to the enactment of CHGME in late 1999, the number of residents in children's hospital residency programs had declined over 13 percent, according to the American Board of Pediatrics.  Since the enactment of CHGME, children’s hospitals have reversed this trend, increasing their training slots by 45 percent. Today, though they represent 1 percent of all hospitals, freestanding children’s hospitals train over 45 percent of general pediatricians, 51 percent of all pediatric specialists and the majority of pediatric researchers. The Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013 will reauthorize the program for five years at $300 million a year.  The legislation also makes important changes to the program by giving the Secretary authority to include in the program a small number of freestanding children’s hospitals who have been ineligible to participate in the past for technical reasons.  First, the bill allows the Secretary to use a portion of the funds appropriated over $245 million for these children’s hospitals that train pediatric providers and meet the same general qualifications as existing participants but currently do not qualify for Medicare GME or CHGME. The amount of this pool in a given year would be 25% of enacted CHGME funding over $245 million, up to a maximum of $7 million, and hospitals would have to undergo a normal application process. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-announces-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-call-center-jobs-in-pa-and-across-us,Casey Announces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Call Center Jobs in PA and Across US,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced bipartisan legislation to protect jobs in call centers across Pennsylvania and in the U.S. With almost 200,000 Pennsylvanians working in call centers, the bill aims to provide more transparency for consumers and ends tax breaks that promote outsourcing. “Companies shouldn’t be rewarded for sending jobs overseas,” Senator Casey said. “This bill will ensure that companies that outsource jobs will not see the benefits of government grants and loans.  It is a common-sense bill that will protect middle class jobs in the United States, protect consumers personal and financial information, and provide customers a choice in speaking with a U.S. employee.” The Communications Workers of America today released a report. “Offshoring Security:  How Overseas Call Centers Threaten U.S. Jobs, Consumer Privacy and Data Security”  The report revealed that shutting down call centers in the United States and moving them offshore is weakening the economic recovery, harming workers and communities, and putting U.S. consumers’ data at risk. The situation demands federal and state action.   Link to the report here: http://www.casey.senate.gov/download/offshoring-call-center-security. Senator Casey’s bill is the S. 1565 the “United States Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection act of 2013” The last decade has seen a stream of call center jobs now being shipped overseas leaving those communities devastated. Oftentimes, calls into service centers go to countries where workers are exploited and/or human resource and information security practices are far inferior to those in the U.S. These centers are often referred to as modern day sweatshops. A PricewaterhouseCoopers survey found that 83 percent of Indian outsourcing companies surveyed had information security breaches during the previous year. There is a strong link between overseas call centers and security problems, putting American consumers at risk for identity theft, fraudulent transactions, and general mishandling of sensitive information. A growing trend for Indian call center companies is to subcontract the call center work out to other politically volatile countries, that often times have even worse security protections.  U.S. taxpayer money should not be awarded to companies that make a practice of sending U.S. jobs overseas. This epidemic has resulted in greater job losses here in the U.S and the erosion of middle class communities while risking the data of millions of American consumers If passed, this bill would accomplish the following things: Create a ‘bad actor’ list of U.S. Companies that make a practice of sending U.S. jobs overseas: It would require a publically available list, kept by the Department of Labor, of all employers that relocated entirely or a significant portion of their call center or customer service work overseas. These companies would be ineligible for Federal grants or guaranteed loans. Preference will be given to U.S. employers that do not appear on the list for awarding civilian or defense-related contracts. Employers that relocate a call center will remain on the list for up to 5 years after each instance of relocating a call center. List removal: If a ‘bad actor’ relocates a call center into the U.S. (brings jobs back) they will be removed from the list. Disclose Call Center Location to U.S. Consumers: It would require the relocated overseas call center agent to disclose their name and physical location of their operation. For example, a customer may hear, “Hello, my name is Jane from Manila.” Right to Transfer: U.S. consumers would reserve the right to request the call be transferred to a customer service agent who is physically located in the U.S. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-joins-senate-leaders-to-advance-universal-pre-k-bill,Casey Joins Senate Leaders to Advance Universal Pre-K Bill,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC-  Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) unveiled the Senate’s new comprehensive approach to universal Pre-K. Senator Casey first introduced universal Pre-K in 2007. In his last State of the Union Address, President Obama endorsed universal Pre-K and called on Congress to take action. Now Senate leaders on education have come together on a comprehensive approach that would help Pennsylvania children access early learning. “One of the most important steps we can take for our economy and our children is to invest in early education,” Casey said. “Having access to pre-K will better prepare our children in an increasingly competitive global economy. Every child deserves a chance to develop their talents, and pre-K is essential to doing that.” The bill, the Strong Start for America’s Children Act, focuses on four key goals: boosting funding for high-quality preschool programs serving low- and moderate-income families; increasing the quality of infant and toddler care offered by providers; supporting broad-scale quality improvements to child care programs; and encouraging continued support for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. The early childhood education proposal is a 10-year initiative to expand and improve early learning opportunities for children across the birth to age 5 continuum. The bill would fund preschool for 4-year old children from families earning below 200% of the federal poverty level, and encourage states to spend their own funds to support preschool for young children with family incomes above that income level. The legislation would establish a new federal-state partnership with formula funding for 4-year old preschool, with a state match, to all eligible states, based on each state’s proportion of 4-year olds under 200% of the federal poverty level. States would provide sub-grants to high-quality, local providers, including school districts and community-based providers, such as child care and Head Start programs. The bill also authorizes a new Early Head Start partnership with child care to improve the quality of care for infants and toddlers. Early Learning in Pennsylvania (courtesy of PA Partnerships for Children and the PA Pre-K Counts website) In 2012, there were 303,555 Pennsylvania children under the age of 5 living in low-income families. In 2011-2012, there were 48,907 children enrolled in publicly-funded pre-K; this is only 16.5 percent of Pennsylvania’s 3- and 4-year olds.  Publicly-funded pre-K includes the state pre-K program, public school pre-K and Head Start. This includes 12.6 percent of 3-year olds and 20.3 percent of 4-year olds. Pre-K Counts, the state pre-K program, serves children up to 300% of the federal poverty level or who have other risk factors such as having special needs or learning English as a second language. In 2011-2012, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts served 11,380 children in 62 counties, approximately 4 percent of preschool-aged children in the state.  This is a little less than 25 percent of all pre-K students served by a publicly-funded program. PA Partnerships estimates that 2.4% of 3-year olds and 5.2% of 4-year olds were served by Pre-K Counts. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-23763-va-grant-for-the-catholic-social-services,"Cartwright Announces $20,763 VA Grant for the Catholic Social Services Diocese of Scranton, Inc.",2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced that the Catholic Social Services Diocese of Scranton, Inc. received a $20,763 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the purchase of a van, which would provide outreach and transportation to homeless veterans. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our nation’s veterans.  Eliminating veterans’ homelessness should be a national priority,” said Cartwright.  “I am pleased that the VA chose to award the Catholic Social Services Diocese of Scranton, Inc. this essential grant.  While a lot more needs to be done, this award is a good start in providing veterans with the resources necessary to achieve a better quality of life.” The VA’s Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program provides funds for local community agencies that provide services to homeless veterans.  The program is a key component of the VA’s plan to eliminate homelessness among veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/military-family-appreciation-month_-resources-for-military-families,Military Family Appreciation Month - Resources for Military Families,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, November 12, 2013 Military Family Appreciation Month - Resources for Military Families by Bob Casey When I meet with Pennsylvanian servicemembers, veterans, and their families, I am always humbled by their remarkable patriotism, resilience, and sense of duty.  Military families understand what it means to answer the call of duty, rising above and beyond, to serve our nation.  Strong families clearly form the backbone of our strong military. I believe that supporting military families is crucial to the wellbeing of our servicemembers and the quality of our all-volunteer force. As we celebrate Military Families Appreciation Month, I want to highlight just a few of the organizations and resources available to support Pennsylvania’s military families. The Army Strong Community Center in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, works to strengthen our armed service through effective community support for military families. Operation Military Kids in University Park, Pennsylvania, works to support the estimated 32,000 Pennsylvanian children who have a parent serving in the military. Operation Homefront is a nationwide organization with an office in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. They work to provide families with “relief during a crisis, a place to recover, and recognition for a life of sacrifice.” The Pennsylvania Military Family Relief Assistance Program works with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in Annville, Pennsylvania. PA MFRAP “provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible Pennsylvania service members and their eligible family members.” The Somerset County Military Family Support Group has worked since 2003 to “assist soldiers and their families by providing support that promotes self-sufficiency, strength, stability, readiness and love.” The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, “provides scholarships and grants to needy Lehigh Valley military families; sponsors public events to foster patriotism and respect for those that have served and are still serving in the US Armed Forces; supports local military units and activities.” The Armed Services YMCA has partnered with the Department of Defense to provide child care services to military families. The American Red Cross in Reno, Pennsylvania, “provides emergency assistance, public education, disaster assistance, military services which include emergency communications between the services person and his/her family, financial assistance for service persons on emergency leave and support groups for the military families.” The Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation is a “charitable organization serving the Pennsylvania National Guard, its soldier, airmen, and families.” This foundation supports fundraising efforts and projects to assist the Pennsylvania National Guard, its personnel and families. In addition to these organizations, my office is always ready to assist.  I appreciate hearing from all Pennsylvanians on issues that are important to them. Tags: Military Families,  Veterans",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-on-speak-boehner-to-bring-bipartisan-enda-bill-up-for-vote-on-house-floor,Casey Calls on Speak Boehner to Bring Bipartisan ENDA Bill Up for Vote on House Floor,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on Speaker John Boehner to quickly bring the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which recently passed the Senate in a bipartisan fashion, to the floor of the U.S. House for an up or down vote. The legislation would bar discrimination against LGBT Americans in the workplace. Casey, a cosponsor of the bill, voted to bring the measure to the Senate floor last week. Speaker Boehner has yet to commit to an up or down House vote on this Senate passed bill. “This bill is simple. It says that employees should be judged on how they do their job and not who they are,” Senator Casey said. “The Senate came together on a bipartisan basis to end workplace discrimination against LGBT Americans and the House of Representatives should do the same. Speaker Boehner should give this bill an up or down vote on the House floor. I believe it would pass.” The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below: The Honorable John Boehner Speaker United States House of Representatives Dear Mr. Speaker: I write to urge you to act swiftly and bring up S. 815, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) for a vote in the House of Representatives. As you know, the Senate passed S. 815 on November 7 in a bipartisan vote of 64-32. Today, in twenty-nine states, including Pennsylvania, you can be fired just for being gay or transgender. A June 2013 Pew Research report indicated that more than one in five LGBT employees has experienced employment discrimination. The absence of basic employment protection for this community hurts hardworking citizens and hampers economic growth, costing employers an estimated $64 billion each year resulting from unnecessary turnover. Many companies, including the majority of Fortune 500 companies, have enacted pro-diversity policies and found that these policies increase profitability. I am proud that many Pennsylvania employers have recognized the benefits of inclusion and taken the lead by voluntarily enacting non-discrimination policies. ENDA provides a commonsense solution to the problem of workplace discrimination by extending critical employment protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers. The version of ENDA introduced in the House of Representatives, H.R. 1755, currently has 193 bipartisan cosponsors. ENDA has engendered such widespread support because it embodies the American ideal of fairness: employees should be judged on their skills and abilities in the workplace, not on their sexual orientation or gender identity. You have publicly expressed your concern that this legislation will lead to unnecessary litigation. This fear is not founded in the experience of states that already offer employment protection for LGBT workers. A 2013 Government Accountability Office report analyzing discrimination claims in states that offer such protection found that on average, only 3-5% of total employment discrimination claims were based on sexual orientation or gender identity. With bipartisan support in both chambers, ENDA deserves an up or down vote in the House. All U.S. workers deserve to be judged on the quality of the job they do, nothing more, nothing less. I again urge you to allow a vote on ENDA on the House floor before the end of the year. Thank you for your consideration of my views on this important matter. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-chairs-hearing-on-payroll-fraud-introduces-bill-to-level-the-playing-field-for-law-abiding-companies,"Casey Chairs Hearing on Payroll Fraud, Introduces Bill to Level the Playing Field for Law-Abiding Companies",2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, chaired a hearing on payroll fraud, otherwise known as employee misclassification. Employee misclassification occurs when an employer improperly classifies a worker as an independent contractor instead of an employee.  While laws vary, in general a person is considered an employee if he or she is subject to another’s right to control the manner and means of performing the work.  In contrast, independent contractors are individuals who obtain customers on their own to provide services (and who may have other employees working for them) and who are not subject to control over the manner by which they perform services. “Companies should not be able to cheat their employees out of fair compensation by deliberately misclassifying them,” said Senator Casey “This unscrupulous practice disadvantages law-abiding companies, impacts hard working middle class families and hurts our economy. That is why I have introduced the Payroll Fraud Prevention Act to help ensure all workers are accurately classified.” Introduced today, the Payroll Fraud Prevention Act would protect workers from being misclassified as independent contractors, thereby ensuring access to safeguards like fair labor standards, health and safety protections, and unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits.  The Act would also prohibit employers from using misclassification to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.  Below is a list of witnesses testifying at the hearing today: ·         Matt Anderson, Residential construction trim installer, Michigan: Anderson worked for Rush Construction as a payroll employee for six years until the last recession when Rush forced employees to switch to independent contractor status. Anderson testified about how he earned less per hour, wasn’t compensated for overtime pay, and no taxes were deducted from his check after he was misclassified.  In February of 2010, Anderson ran his left hand through a table saw blade and severely injured his fingers. His workers’ compensation claims were denied because he was considered an independent contractor.  ·         Danny Odom, Chief Operating Officer, Odom Construction Systems, Inc., Knoxville, TN: Odom Construction is primarily an interior systems contractor.  In good times Odom has had approximately 200 employees, and has bid and performed construction work in the following states:  Odom is currently working in Georgia and he also has work in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, North Carolina and has pending work in Michigan.  In addition to their Knoxville office, Odom has recently opened an office in Texas.  Mr. Odom testified about his competitive disadvantage when bidding on work with other contractors who misclassify their workers. ·         Cathy Ruckelshaus, Legal Co-Director, National Employment Law Project, New York, NY: Ms. Ruckelshaus joined NELP in 1995 after working for the Employment Law Center in San Francisco.  For over 20 years, she has litigated and advocated for policy reforms promoting the workplace rights of immigrant and non-standard workers (part-time, temporary and subcontracted workers), enforcement of wage and hour and workplace laws, and anti-discrimination and family and medical leave laws.  She has litigated class action lawsuits in state and federal court and authored several amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Courts of Appeal.  Ms. Ruckelshaus discussed the effect misclassification has on workers and discuss why Federal legislation is still needed. ·         Christopher MacKrell, President of Custom Courier Solutions, Inc., Saratoga Springs, NY: Minority Witness Custom Courier Solutions is a full service transportation organization based in Saratoga Springs, New York. Custom Courier Solutions, Inc. provides the full range of logistic services to the less than 24 hour delivery market. Prior to Custom Courier Solutions, Inc. Mr. MacKrell was with CD&L, a full service transportation company based in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he held the position of Manager of Business Development and oversaw the company’s sales effort in the Northeast. Prior to joining CD&L, Mr. MacKrell was Regional Vice President-East overseeing the field sales and ground operations of AirNet Systems eastern US operations. AirNet operates a fleet of turbo and jet powered aircraft servicing the Banking and Medical industry based in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to AirNet Systems Mr. MacKrell was employed by Velocity Express, and its predecessor companies, in various National Sales and Senior operations position in the Northeast. Mr. MacKrell has been active in the transportation industry since 1982. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-introduces-legislation-to-help-veterans-access-education-counseling,Casey Introduces Legislation to Help Veterans Access Education Counseling,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Veterans Education Counseling Act of 2013, which aims to empower veterans seeking an education by making sure they know that they are entitled to basic educational counseling through the VA, and makes it easier for them to apply. All veterans using GI Bill benefits are already entitled to educational counseling through the VA, but many veterans applying for benefits are not aware they are eligible for educational counseling. According to the VA there are 20,393 veterans in PA using the Post-9/11 GI Bill as of FY 2012.   “Transition from military to civilian life can be challenging,” said Senator Casey. “This legislation makes meaningful changes to make it easier for our nation’s heroes to access benefits and resources. This is a critical step in ensuring our veterans achieve academic success that leads to better jobs in the future.” The Veterans Education Counseling Act asks the VA to make clear the differentiation between Chapter 36 Educational Counseling – which all GI Bill users are entitled to – and the Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation program.  It also requires the VA to provide information to veterans letting them know before they apply for the GI Bill that they are entitled to Chapter 36 Educational Counseling as well as how to apply for this counseling.  This builds upon Congress’ and the Administration’s recent efforts to provide more complete and transparent information to veterans about their educational benefits, options, and outcomes. The Veterans Education Counseling Act also allows veterans to apply for Chapter 36 Educational Counseling online, such as through the eBenefits portal, which is gradually becoming a one-stop-shop for veterans as the VA continues to transition to electronic records. Currently, veterans must apply through an antiquated and complicated mail-in system. Senator Casey’s legislation is endorsed by VFW, the American Legion, Student Veterans of America, the American Council on Education, the National Association of Veteran’s Program Administrators, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities and the National Association of State Approving Agencies. ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-pushes-for-reading-to-be-included-in-white-houses-strong-cities-strong-communities-program,"Casey Pushes for Reading to be Included in White House’s ‘Strong Cities, Strong Communities Program’",2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he is urging the White House to include Reading among a select group of cities in its ‘Strong Cities, Strong Communities Program.’ The program is a White House initiative that links a small group of cities with top experts in municipal finances and economic development. The Administration would then work closely with Reading to develop economic growth strategies. “Reading is an ideal city for this White House initiative that could benefit the city and all of Berks County,” Senator Casey said. “Reading is a vibrant city with untold potential. Linking the City’s municipal leaders with some of the country’s foremost experts on growth and municipal management will be a major boost to the entire region.” The Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) initiative, first announced in July 2011, seeks to strengthen neighborhoods, towns, cities, and regions around the country by enhancing the capacity of local governments to develop and execute their economic vision and strategies, providing necessary technical assistance and access to federal agency expertise, and creating new public and private sector partnerships. The SC2 Economic Planning Challenge is a key component of the Obama Administration initiative that includes a series of competitions in which six separate cities will work closely with the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) to offer cash rewards for new solutions to Strategic Economic Transition planning in each community. Winning plans will be selected by local leaders. The full text of Casey’s letter is below: Mr. Matthew Dalbey Deputy Executive Director White House Council Strong Cities, Strong Communities Program Dear Mr. Dalbey: It is my understanding that the City of Reading, Pennsylvania, has submitted an application to the White House's Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) program.  The purpose of this letter is to express my strong support for this proposal and urge you to give it full and fair consideration. Reading is currently experiencing severe financial hardships.  In fact, the City is currently enrolled in the Pennsylvania Distressed Municipalities Program (Act 47), which was designed to help cities develop a fiscal recovery plan. Moreover, the Census ranks the City as having the second highest rate of poverty of all cities in the United States with a population of 65,000 or more. In 2011, the City was listed as number one on that list. It is my understanding that along with these struggles, Reading has experienced shrinking tax revenues, which have created a rising demand for human services and an unprecedented need for long-term strategies to help the City progress. As I understand it, providing a Community Solutions Team (CST) to help with technical assistance and expertise will be of great benefit to the City of Reading.  It appears this type of support, among other things, will help the City to use federal funds more effectively, leverage other resources, secure and strengthen partnerships that will assist in economic growth, and aid with comprehensive plans to improve the City's economy and the community. Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views.  Please include this letter in the official record of the application.  Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application.  Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-veterans-day-2013,Casey Statement on Veterans Day,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement ahead of Veterans Day: “On Veterans Day, we come together to honor the courageous actions of our brave men and women, past and present, who have served to defend our nation. Our Armed Forces have always answered the call to duty.  Every day, but especially on Veterans Day, I am grateful for our servicemembers, past and present, and I remain committed to ensuring they have every opportunity and resource they need when they return home. Around Veteran’s Day I am always reminded of something my father once said: ‘We pray for the military families and for their loved ones serving around the globe; we also pray that we may be worthy of their valor.’ So as we rightly praise our veterans in word today, we must also ensure that our actions in Congress and throughout the federal government provide for the needs of our brave veterans. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues in Congress on the important issues facing our veterans, servicemembers and their families. I hope Pennsylvanians will join me in thanking the veterans and servicemembers for their service and sacrifice and in honoring these heroes throughout the year.” ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/the-238th-birthday-of-the-united-states-marine-corps,The 238th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps,2013-11-10,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sunday, November 10, 2013 The 238th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps by Bob Casey Today marks the 238th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The origins of the Marine Corps can be traced back to the Continental Marines of War for American Independence. The Second Continental Congress established the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775. Pennsylvania’s long and storied tradition of Corps also dates back to Captain Samuel Nicholas of Philadelphia, who was the first officer commissioned in the Continental Marines. From America’s inception to today, these brave men and women truly embody the Marines’ motto “Semper Fidelis” by their persistent honor and courage. Join me in wishing the United States Marine Corps, and all those that have served within the ranks of the few and the proud, a happy birthday. Tags: Marine Corps,  Marines,  United States Marine Corps,  USMC",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cartwright-hosts-afg-trainings-open-to-fire-departments-non,"Congressman Cartwright Hosts AFG Trainings: Open to Fire Departments, Non-affiliated EMS Organizations",2013-11-09,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cartwright Hosts AFG Trainings: Open to Fire Departments, Non-affiliated EMS Organizations WHAT: Assistance to Firefighters Grant training for participants to have access to specialists and introductions to potential mentors. Fire departments and first response organizations will receive support to submit the best possible application. WHEN: Wednesday, November 13th from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. WHERE: University of Scranton, Room 233, Loyola Hall, 800 Linden St, Scranton, PA 18510. Northampton Community College’s Gates Center, Alumni Hall building, Room 130 C&D, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. HOW: If you plan to participate at one of the locations listed above RSVP to April Niver, Economic Development Coordinator, at 484-523-5314 or by email at april.niver@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222032714/http://schwartz.house.gov/honoring-our-veterans-0,Honoring Our Veterans,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"1227 Longworth Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6111 Fax: (202) 226-0611 Hours: M-F 9AM-6PM EST 801 Old York Rd, Ste. 212 Jenkintown, PA 19046 Phone: (215) 517-6572 Fax: (215) 517-6575 Hours: M-F 9AM-6PM EST 7712 Castor Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19152 Phone: (215) 335-3355 Fax: (215) 333-4508 Hours: M-F 9AM-6PM EST",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140222222954/http://schwartz.house.gov/press-release/schwartz-offers-bipartisan-plan-provide-veterans-priority-college-registration,Schwartz Offers Bipartisan Plan to Provide Veterans Priority College Registration,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Allyson Schwartz,S001162,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – During next week’s commemoration of Veterans Day, U.S. Reps. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) and Phil Roe, M.D., (R-TN) will introduce bipartisan legislation to provide veterans, service members and their families priority when registering for college classes. The Student Veterans Priority Enrollment Act ensures that veterans and students serving in the armed forces can take full advantage of the federal education benefits they have earned for themselves and their families. “As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, I am committed to ensuring that the men and women who have served our nation in uniform receive the educational advantage they earned while defending our nation,” Schwartz said. “This bill will help veterans graduate from college before their GI Bill benefits expire. Our veterans deserve the opportunity to get the most out their education benefits so they can fulfill their academic goals and begin successful careers in civilian life.” “When men and women return from service, we must ensure they have all the tools necessary to transition back into civilian life, including access to education,” Roe said. “This bill will ensure that colleges and universities grant priority course enrollment to veterans, active and reserve service members, National Guard and qualifying dependents, while also making sure the institution isn’t burdened with the requirement to overhaul their current priority enrollment systems. I am pleased to be working with Congresswoman Schwartz on this important bipartisan legislation.” The Student Veterans Priority Enrollment Act provides veterans, service members, National Guardsman, or veterans’ qualifying dependents the same early priority course enrollment available to other student populations, the most common being student athletes and honors students. The bill would not require colleges or universities to change their existing priority enrollment systems and it would only impact institutions that receive tuition payments from the Defense Department or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).   Priority registration for veterans is a needed resource, not a perk. Veterans have a limited amount of time before their GI Bill or other education benefits earned through military service expire. For instance, benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill are limited to 36 months, support offered under the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program is capped at 48 months, and VA Veterans Retraining and Assistance benefits last one year. If a student veteran is unable to enroll in a required course prior to their benefits expiring then those benefits have been wasted. This could force them to pay tuition and fees out of pocket to complete their course of study because of an unnecessary financial burden, or they may not be able to complete their degree plan at all. More than 900,000 veterans, service members and family members nationwide, including 27,493 Pennsylvanians, received educational benefits through the VA in fiscal year 2012. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported this week on the recent surge in veteran enrollment at colleges and universities in the Philadelphia region. The Inquirer noted that Temple University has seen its number of student veterans soar from 200 to almost 700 over the last several years, while the number of veterans enrolled at Penn State Abington has more than doubled to roughly 100 since 2008. STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT: The Student Veterans Priority Enrollment Act is supported by Student Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Ray Kelley, VFW National Legislative Director: “When a veteran arrives at college, he or she only has so many months to complete their degree before their earned GI Bill benefits run out. With this in mind, the VFW believes that colleges that offer priority enrollment to other students must also accommodate student-veterans to ensure they can earn their degrees in a timely manner. The VFW is proud to support Congresswoman Schwartz’s efforts to make this happen.” James Ulinski, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and faculty member at Penn State University Abington: As an advisor to Penn State Abington’s Student Veterans Organization, Ulinski played a key role in the campus’ implementation this year of priority registration for student veterans. “As a Vietnam Veteran with a 20 percent service-connected disability, I can appreciate the opportunities the GI Bill provided for me and my family. We need to continue working to level the playing field for our veterans and their families. The passage of this legislation is another step forward in showing our appreciation for the many sacrifices they have made for us.” Michael Dakduk, Student Veterans of America Executive Director: “Student veterans have a limited amount of time to use their GI Bill, or other VA education benefits. With priority enrollment, veterans can enroll in courses early, stay on track for graduation, and maximize their VA education benefits. It is a win-win for the school and student veterans. We fully support the Student Veterans Priority Enrollment Act.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-announces-bipartisan-agreement-on-legislation-developed-in-wake-of-legionnaires-outbreak-at-va-pittsburgh-health-center,Casey Announces Bipartisan Agreement on Legislation Developed in Wake of Legionnaires’ Outbreak at VA Pittsburgh Health Center,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that a bipartisan agreement has been reached on legislation that will reform procedures at VA hospitals when infectious disease outbreaks occur. The original proposal, introduced by Senator Casey following 6 Legionnaires’ deaths, at the VA Pittsburgh Health System (VAPHS), spurred the bipartisan agreement on the Senate Veteran’s Committee. The agreement, called The Improving Quality of Care Within the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2013, will improve the way VA Hospitals report infectious disease outbreaks and bring VA health centers in line with state reporting procedures. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), the ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is the lead Republican sponsor of the bill. “This bipartisan agreement puts these significant reforms on the door step of passage,” Senator Casey said. “No one piece of legislation can bring back a loved one or fully account for the pain that these families experienced in the last few years. What this legislation will do is take significant steps toward reforming VA policies so what occurred at the VA Pittsburgh Health System never happens again. There’s more work to do and I’ll continue to press the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure those who fought so hard for our country receive the care they deserve. I also want to thank Senator Burr for his work on this. He’s been a bipartisan leader on veterans issues and I’m pleased to be able to work with him on this effort.” Infectious Disease Reporting: Since 2011, the VA Pittsburgh Health System has identified several cases of Legionnaires’ diseases among patients receiving medical services which resulted in patient death.  Legionnaires’ disease, which most often presents as pneumonia, is caused when an individual inhales water containing the bacteria legionella. Currently, healthcare providers are required to report cases of Legionnaires’ disease to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in accordance with state and local laws.  At the time of the legionella outbreak at the VA Pittsburgh Health Center, the VA had a voluntary policy regarding the reporting of legionella to the appropriate health agencies.  On June 25, 2013, VA implemented a directive requiring the mandatory reporting of certain infectious diseases in accordance with state and local laws.     What the “Improving Quality of Care Within the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2013” accomplishes: Requires the Secretary to ensure that the Department has an up-to-date policy on reporting certain infectious disease diagnoses at a VA facility in accordance with the provisions of state and local laws.  Requires the Secretary to develop performance measures to assess whether and to what degree the directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) and VA medical centers are complying with the policy and hold them accountable for the reporting of certain infectious diseases. Requires an independent review of the structure of VA medical centers and VISNs to ensure VA is effectively providing quality of care to our nation’s veterans ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-israeli-pm-to-keep-philadelphia-consulate-open,Casey Urges Israeli PM To Keep Philadelphia Consulate Open,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to keep the Consulate General of Israel open in Philadelphia. Recently it was made public that Israel is considering closing the Consulate. In his letter, Casey cited the statistic that $5 billion in U.S. exports to Israel pass through the greater Philadelphia region and Philadelphia’s longstanding ties to Israel in making the case for the consulate to remain open. Just this year, Senator Casey and Prime Minister Netanyahu met while Senator Casey was in the Middle East. “Israel and Philadelphia have a long history of partnership and the Consulate has played a key role,” Senator Casey said. “Prime Minister Netanyahu knows Philadelphia well and I’m hopeful that the Consulate will remain open.” The full text of Casey’s letter is below: His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu:  It has recently come to my attention that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel is considering closure of its consulate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  I am writing to respectfully urge you not to shutter this consulate, which is important for maintaining the strong, longstanding relationship between the people of Israel and the people of my home state of Pennsylvania.  As you will remember from your time living in our beautiful region, Philadelphia is a vibrant economic, political, and cultural hub for the East Coast.  Curtailing Israel’s official representation in Philadelphia would adversely impact the historically strong ties that Pennsylvanians have enjoyed with Israel.  I understand from the Pennsylvania – Israel Chamber of Commerce that approximately $5 billion of U.S. exports to Israel pass through the greater Philadelphia region every year.  Further, they report that the greater Philadelphia region boasts the second largest Jewish population on the East Coast and the fifth largest in the nation. The area is home to some of the top educational, medical, and research institutions in the United States, many of which have enjoyed fruitful partnerships with counterparts in Israel. I appreciate the longstanding, special partnership between the United States and Israel, and I meet regularly with constituents who share this conviction. During my time in the Senate, I have given particular focus to issues important to both our countries’ national security and economic growth.  While I understand you are weighing competing priorities in a challenging financial environment, I believe that keeping the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia open is vital to the furtherance of our two nation’s shared goals.  Thank you for your consideration of my request, and I look forward to continuing to work with you and your government on issues of mutual concern.  Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-submits-questions-to-hhs-secretary-sebelius-on_health-care-implementation,Casey Submits Questions to HHS Secretary Sebelius on Health Care Implementation,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) submitted a written statement questioning Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), on the online enrollment problems in the federal health insurance marketplace. “The implementation of this part of the Affordable Care Act has been inadequate,” Senator Casey said. “Pennsylvanians are eager to access affordable health insurance but that won’t happen if implementation isn’t done right. These hearings will play an important role in holding HHS accountable for implementation. I’ll continue to push the Administration to get this right so Pennsylvanians can access the benefits of this law.” Statement as submitted for the record is below.  Note: Senator Casey was unable to attend today's Finance Committee hearing because his wife, Terese, had surgery yesterday to repair a heart valve. While the procedure itself is very common, the recovery may take several weeks. He is expected to be with her most of this week. We will advise any additional changes to his schedule as appropriate. Statement for the Record Chairman Baucus, thank you for convening this important oversight hearing into the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.  I appreciate your leadership in overseeing the implementation of this law.  I would also like to thank Secretary Sebelius for coming to the Finance Committee today.  I look forward to hearing from you. I am disappointed that the opening of the health insurance marketplaces on healthcare.gov has been so fraught with problems.  I do not believe these problems are indicative of flaws in the law, but I do think that they are indicative of flaws in implementation. Thus, as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, I am particularly interested in hearing from you about how we ended up in this situation and what is being done to remedy the problems that have been identified. Administrator Tavenner testified before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions yesterday that many of the initial problems individuals encountered when attempting to access healthcare.gov have been resolved.  However, it is apparent that there are still “back end” problems that are being addressed. I hope that you will be able to provide insight on the relationships between HHS and the contractors that were hired to develop healthcare.gov, including more details about HHS’s oversight and accountability standards for the contractors. As I said yesterday, too many people have experienced problems with healthcare.gov since October 1, and these problems are unacceptable.  Pennsylvania is one of the 36 states with a federally-facilitated marketplace, that is, one being run by the federal government.  These states are entirely dependent on the federally-created infrastructure; individuals in those states must use healthcare.gov from start to finish if they wish to be able to see and compare all the available plans in their area. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is also one of a number of states with a large number of individuals who have received notices from their insurers that their plans are ending.  Many of these plans include features banned under the Affordable Care Act, like riders that prohibit coverage of pre-existing conditions for 12 months, and the people currently enrolled in those plans will now have access to plans that provide comprehensive coverage without exclusions or discriminatory premiums. However, the insurers have done little to calm the anxiety they are creating.  Their notices may fail to explain the new benefits and consumer protections, or omit or obfuscate mentions of healthcare.gov as a method for individuals to compare all their options under the Affordable Care Act.  I believe that HHS should be playing a more active role in ensuring that these individuals are made aware of their options under the law. I do want to note that we have heard some success stories.  When healthcare.gov works, for many people it works well.  A recent story in the Philadelphia Business Journal highlights the experience of Doug Wohl, a small business owner, who has been uninsured for several years. He was deterred from purchasing health insurance because of pre-existing conditions and because he is a smoker.  While he experienced some initial difficulties with healthcare.gov, he came back later and was able to successfully create an account, browse his options, and select a plan for $355 per month, about a third of what he had been asked to pay the last time he tried to buy insurance.  Mr. Wohl is even looking forward to getting a colonoscopy, a recommended and fully-covered preventive service under the law. Several news outlets also told the story of Gail Roach, from Pittsburgh.  Gail has Type 2 diabetes, and qualified for a tax credit and a cost-sharing subsidy.  Her total monthly premium is going to be $1.11.  She doesn’t have to worry about an insurer turning her down, or dropping her from coverage if she ends up in the hospital.  These success stories are important, because they highlight the improvements in the individual health insurance market that are occurring as a result of the Affordable Care Act. I have never claimed that the Affordable Care Act is perfect, and I am open to reasonable improvements to the law.  However, it is the law, and it has been upheld by the Supreme Court.  Millions of Americans are eagerly awaiting its benefits: health insurance that doesn’t cost more because you’re a woman, or that excludes treatment for a preexisting condition, or charges outrageous rates without any guarantee of renewability at the end of the year.  October 1 was an eagerly-awaited date, but January 1, 2014 is even more eagerly awaited by so many people who have struggled for many years to access the health insurance they need to get the health care they need for themselves and their families. Secretary Sebelius, thank you again for appearing before the Committee today.  I hope that your testimony will be helpful, and that we will be able to work together to ensure that the Affordable Care Act is a success. Questions for the Record What measures does HHS have in place to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability of the contractors hired to develop pieces of healthcare.gov?  I am particularly interested in knowing how HHS is measuring the performance of these contractors post-October 1. Please describe for us the efforts HHS is undertaking to ensure that consumers have the most accurate information about open enrollment, what is changing and what is not changing, and how individuals can enroll in health insurance through healthcare.gov (including non-internet based methods such as the call center).  I would like to know how HHS intends to engage with individuals who may have begun but not completed the enrollment process and individuals who may have become discourages from even attempting to enroll because of the website problems. I would also like to know what steps HHS is taking to mitigate the concerns of individuals who have been sent letters from their insurers saying that their plans are ending at the end of December.  Many of these individuals did not previously realize that they would have to switch health insurance plans, and it seems that many of them were blindsided.  Given that many of these individuals may have had so-called “junk plans” and are now eligible for both better coverage and, potentially, tax credits, I hope that your outreach includes a specific plan for this group of people. In what way did the decisions by 36 states, including Pennsylvania, to forego establishing their own state-based insurance marketplaces affect HHS’s implementation plans?  Did this have a significant impact on the readiness of healthcare.gov on October 1? I am disturbed by a recent report from the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children noting that one in twenty Pennsylvania children remain uninsured, and that there are about 274,000 uninsured parents, of whom nearly half would qualify for Medicaid if Pennsylvania were to expand coverage.  We know that children of uninsured parents are more likely to be uninsured than children with insured parents.  Does HHS have a strategy to educate these families and encourage them to enroll in coverage? ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-corbett-to-expand-medicaid-now,Casey Urges Corbett to Expand Medicaid Now,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on Governor Tom Corbett to expand Medicaid while continuing to work on his broader Medicaid reform plan. Failure to expand Medicaid before January 1, 2014 would unnecessarily penalize 500,000 Pennsylvanians who would be caught in a coverage gap because their incomes are below 100% of the federal poverty level. “Expanding Medicaid is the right thing to do,” said Senator Casey. “It would ensure 500,000 Pennsylvanians are covered, while the Governor continues to pursue broader Medicaid reforms.” The text of Senator Casey’s letter can be found below: The Honorable Tom Corbett Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Dear Governor Corbett: I wanted to write today regarding the need to expand the Medicaid program in Pennsylvania.  A failure to do so would unnecessarily penalize 500,000 Pennsylvanians by preventing access to quality health care coverage.  Unfortunately, if Pennsylvania does not expand Medicaid on January 1, 2014, many of these individuals will be caught in a coverage gap because their incomes are below 100% of the federal poverty level. I appreciate that you included Medicaid expansion in your broader Medicaid reform plan and that you have reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on this issue, however, I understand as of last week you had not formally submitted a waiver request.  Accordingly, I urge you to expand Medicaid under the parameters of the Affordable Care Act, while continuing to engage with HHS on this.  Expanding Medicaid on January 1, 2014 would allow you to pursue broader reforms without denying access to quality, affordable care to thousands of Pennsylvanians. This decision is yours alone to make.  I urge you to move forward and expand the Medicaid program. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-teva-to-keep-jobs-in-pennsylvania,Casey Urges Teva to Keep Jobs in Pennsylvania,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has written Eyal Desheh, Interim CEO of Teva, and Allan Oberman, President and CEO of Teva Americas Generics, urging them to protect jobs in Pennsylvania as the company considers worldwide layoffs. In his letter to Teva, which has its Americas headquarters in Montgomery Township, Casey cited the quality of the region’s workforce and the company’s longstanding history in the region in making the case for jobs. “As Teva makes decisions about its worldwide workforce I’m urging them to protect jobs in Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. Our region’s workforce is known for its worth ethic, efficiency and quality. These jobs play an important role in the region’s economy and I’ll continue to encourage Teva to prioritize employment in Pennsylvania.” The text of Senator Casey’s letter is below: Mr. Eyal DeshehInterim Chief Executive OfficerTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Allan ObermanPresident and Chief Executive OfficerTeva Americas Generics Dear Mr. Desheh and Mr. Oberman: I write to express my concern regarding the recent announcement that Teva plans to lay off 5,000 employees throughout its global workforce. Although Teva has not specified where those layoffs will occur, I understand that you currently have eight facilities in Pennsylvania, including Teva’s North America headquarters, that employ over 2,300 individuals. I am concerned about the impact that any layoffs might have on Pennsylvania’s economy and its workers. My top priority is to create and maintain well-paying jobs throughout Pennsylvania. I recognize the important role that pharmaceutical companies play in Pennsylvania’s economy, and I have strongly promoted policies that support a robust life sciences industry. As a member of the Committee on Finance, I have prioritized tax provisions that encourage investments in the life sciences, and as a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, I have championed legislation to support innovation in the biomedical sector and encourage greater efficiency and responsiveness at the Food and Drug Administration. I recognize the unique challenges facing private sector employers today, including those in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the employees at Teva’s Pennsylvania facilities have demonstrated a solid work ethic for many years that has served your company well. I ask that you consider this exceptional record when making any decisions that might impact workers and families in Pennsylvania. I stand ready for any input you may have regarding Teva’s presence in Pennsylvania, or regarding the state of the pharmaceutical industry, in Pennsylvania or throughout our Nation. If I or my staff can be of further assistance, please contact my office. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z