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://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-concerned-announced-rules-would-hurt-clean-hydrogen-production-western,Deluzio Concerned Announced Rules Would Hurt Clean Hydrogen Production in Western Pennsylvania,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s newly proposed guidance for the 45V Hydrogen Power Tax Credit elements of the Inflation Reduction Act. The proposed guidance announced leaves the eligibility of blue hydrogen for these tax credits uncertain. “While these proposed rules aren’t final, I’m disappointed to see the limits placed on hydrogen production and am concerned about their impact on the future of hydrogen power in places like Western Pennsylvania. “The language of the Inflation Reduction Act is clear: we should not be picking winning technologies or restricting flexibility in this new energy sector. Rules like the ones proposed today risk slowing or undermining Western Pennsylvania’s ability to grow the solid union jobs that hydrogen power can deliver. “Expanding the types of technologies eligible for the tax credit will not just jumpstart the hydrogen power industry, but will also keep Western Pennsylvania as a leader in powering the country, securing our energy future, and meeting our climate goals.” Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Biden Administration is investing $7 billion in Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, one of which includes parts of Rep. Deluzio’s district in Western Pennsylvania. Blue Hydrogen, which uses natural gas in the electrolysis process of making hydrogen, but then captures and sequesters any carbon dioxide emissions underground, is carbon neutral. This type of energy is the one targeted for many nascent hydrogen power projects in Western Pennsylvania and its forthcoming hub. In a December 12th letter to President Joe Biden, Rep. Deluzio raised concerns to the President that rigid restrictions on Blue Hydrogen could result in unintended consequences and squash job-creation—especially in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. In the letter, the Congressman urged the President to consider energy communities like southwestern Pennsylvania, along with “the solid union jobs that power them, before finalizing any rules that would unnecessarily exclude viable carbon neutral energy projects.” The rules proposed by the Treasury Department today will be open for public comment soon. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3707,Biden to Sign Dozens of Houlahan’s Initiatives in Annual Defense Bill into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) celebrated the dozens of her legislative efforts in H.R. 2670, the bipartisan, bicameral FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will be signed into law before the New Year. As a returning member of the House Armed Services Committee, the ranking member of the committee’s Quality of Life Panel, and a member of the bipartisan, bicameral NDAA Conference Committee that negotiated the final version of the bill, Houlahan has been working for months to advance efforts to support military personnel and strengthen the U.S.’ national security. Those efforts include expanding paid leave for veterans, growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, increasing opportunities for small business contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD), cracking down on fentanyl, and more. The bill passed the House 310-118. “As should be the case with legislation involving our national security, this year’s annual defense bill defied the narrative of our otherwise fractured Congress and passed with broad bipartisan support,” said Houlahan. “For 63 consecutive years, Congress has come together to pass the National Defense Authorization Act – the only bill to have such a record.” Houlahan championed 36 bills/provisions in the NDAA, including the following highlights that will: · Expand paid leave eligibility to veterans in the federal workforce by counting their service in uniform towards the Family and Medical Leave Act’s (FMLA) 12-month work requirement · Grow the current DoD cyber and digital scholarship program to include career opportunities in all parts of the intelligence community · Increase funding for Army Humanitarian Demining program by $2 million to help affected nations around the world recover from conflict · Protect military personnel’s access to life-saving medicines by identifying pharmaceutical and medical device supply chain vulnerabilities, developing a strategy for increased domestic production, and executing a plan for a 180-day stockpile program · Support service-disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB) by increasing the federal government’s procurement goal for SDOSB program participants from 3% to 5% · Improve maternity care for service women and military dependents by increasing access to doula and lactation certifications · Increase retention by clarifying remote work eligibility for military spouses and requiring further reporting on the effects of remote work in federal spaces · Require reporting on dozens of issues including access to critical minerals, prevention and treatment of perinatal health conditions, our security clearance screening process, improved access to fertility treatments for servicemembers, and more. Houlahan added: “I’m extremely proud to play such an integral role in this legislation and secure dozens of priorities on behalf of my community, Commonwealth, and country. I want to show service members, military dependents, veterans, and all Americans that I will always place their best interests above partisan politics, and I hope the accomplishments our office secured this year does exactly that.” Included in the annual defense bill was a four-month extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This bipartisan extension enables the U.S. intelligence community to continue collecting online communications on non-U.S. persons abroad to protect American lives. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Houlahan authored a provision to combat the fentanyl crisis by requiring detailed explanations of counternarcotic efforts in the Director of National Intelligence’s annual budget request. Additional provisions in the expansive bill that Houlahan supported will: · Provide a 5.2% pay raise for servicemembers, the largest in two decades · Improve military families’ quality of living with funding for housing and child care · Fund energy conservation projects and research · Invest $150 million in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) The bill also includes provisions to support our allies, authorizing $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and affirming Congress’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3813,Chesco Lawmaker's Initiaves For Defense Are Set To Be Signed By Biden,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, said she has been working to advance support for the military. Originally posted by Patch. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan celebrated the dozens of her legislative efforts that were used in crafting the National Defense Authorization Act. President Biden is expected to sign the act into law before the New Year. “I’m extremely proud to play such an integral role in this legislation and secure dozens of priorities on behalf of my community, Commonwealth, and country,” said Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat. Houlahan said that she has been working for months to advance efforts to support military personnel and strengthen U.S. national security. The efforts include expanding paid leave for veterans, growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, increasing opportunities for small business contracts with the Department of Defense, cracking down on fentanyl, and more. The bill passed the House 310-118. Houlahan championed 36 bills/provisions in the Act, including these provisions: Expand paid leave eligibility to veterans in the federal workforce by counting their service in uniform towards the Family and Medical Leave Act’s 12-month work requirement; Grow the current DoD cyber and digital scholarship program to include career opportunities in all parts of the intelligence community; Increase funding for the Army Humanitarian Demining program by $2 million to help affected nations around the world recover from conflict; Protect military personnel’s access to life-saving medicines by identifying pharmaceutical and medical device supply chain vulnerabilities, developing a strategy for increased domestic production, and executing a plan for a 180-day stockpile program; and Improve maternity care for servicewomen and military dependents by increasing access to doula and lactation certifications.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-chris-deluzio-gets-stuff-done-western-pennsylvanians-2023,Congressman Chris Deluzio Gets Stuff Done for Western Pennsylvanians in 2023,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – In his first year in office, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) got a lot of work done for the people of Western Pennsylvania. From funding for public safety and mental health services, to pushing for rail safety and veterans care, he is fighting for an economy that works for everyone and is delivering results for the good people in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. “It is the honor of my life to represent the people of Western Pennsylvania in Congress,” said Rep. Deluzio. “They sent me down to Washington to fight for all of us and for a brighter future—and that’s what I work to do every single day.” In his first year, Congressman Deluzio served on the House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services, and he introduced 10 bills, including the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act (to improve freight rail safety after the Norfolk Southern East Palestine disaster) and the Striking and Locked Out Workers Protection Act (to protect workers like those at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from getting kicked off their healthcare while exercising their right to strike). Rep. Deluzio’s amendments to bring more transparency into defense contractor price gouging and to help clean up forever chemicals at National Guard and Air National facilities like those near Pittsburgh International Airport passed into law. He also co-sponsored more than 225 bills, including the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to protect the union way of live and the Freedom to Vote Act to defend our democracy. Congressman Deluzio hosted nine town hall events to hear from constituents in a range of formats and settings, a veteran’s resource fair, and additional Veterans Service Organization (VSO) office hours events, and he and his team closed more than 1,100 constituent cases—saving the people of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District more than $4.5 million. Through his leadership, his district received more than $480 million in federal grants and contracts in 2023, including $100 million for navy defense contracts at a local company in Cheswick and more than $142 million for Parkway East and MLK Jr. East Busway improvements. Additionally, Congressman Deluzio’s wins from 2023 also include: Successfully pushing for the Pittsburgh region’s official designation as a Federal Workforce Hub Securing a land easement from Norfolk Southern Railroad to allow Midland to do water system repairs Plugging abandoned oil and gas wells across the region with federal Infrastructure Law funds $143 million for expanded passenger rail out of Pittsburgh $45.6 million for Pittsburgh International Airport $14.5 million for opioid response programs in Allegheny County $10 million to support local Western Pennsylvania clean energy manufacturers $8.5 million for gun violence prevention and crisis intervention $8 million for conservation efforts and tree planting in Allegheny County $3.5 million for Moon Township Transportation Improvements to connect the new Marketplace District with the wider community $1.6 million for a Cheswick glass company’s efforts to manufacture more efficient solar panels. $1.14 million for police, public safety, and addiction recovery across Allegheny and Beaver Counties $1 million total for brownfield remediation in the Borough of Ambridge and Beaver County’s Darlington Brickyard ($500,000 each) $800,000 for updates and safety improvements for Penn Hills’ Rodi Road $644,705 for worker safety research on Western Pennsylvania farms $600,000 for child care center capacity-building in Allegheny County $587,000 for Beaver County Airport (BVI) improvements and upgrades $328,826.84 to improve public health and climate resiliency efforts in Allegheny County $320,843 to support DNA evidence analysis at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office $275,000 for cerebral aneurysm testing work at Western Pennsylvania bioscience company $170,000 for North Hills Police K9 Units $150,000 for STEM education at Title I schools in Western Pennsylvania $31,448 Department of Agriculture grant for energy efficiency improvements at local machine parts company Rep. Deluzio also authored several opinion pieces on some of his top priority issues, including the following: The Hill: “Congress has a chance to lower costs for Americans; corporate stooges need to get out of the way” Beaver County Times/USA Today: “With war raging in Israel, courage must overcome MAGA chaos in Congress"" Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “Derailment rattled region 6 months ago; the fight for accountability, safer freight rail continues” Post-Industrial: “The far-right may wrap themselves in the flag, but patriotism demands we put the common good first” The Guardian: “After the East Palestine disaster, Congress needs to pass the Derail Act” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “Time for Pa. to clean up abandoned mines” Select photos from Congressman Deluzio’s events and work across the district are available for download here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-tours-montgomery-locks-and-dam-pas-biggest-recipient-federal,"Deluzio Tours Montgomery Locks and Dam, PA's Biggest Recipient of Federal Infrastructure Law Funding",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received $857 Million from Infrastructure Law to upgrade the Ohio River Locks and Dam system CARNEGIE, PA – This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) toured the Montgomery Locks and Dam along the Ohio River in Beaver County, Pennsylvania—within Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. The site is the recipient of the Commonwealth's largest single-project (discretionary) allocation of federal funding from President Biden’s Infrastructure and Investment Act at a grant of $857 million. Locks and dams are critical pieces of the waterway transportation of bulk commodities. The Upper Ohio River, where the Montgomery Locks and Dam are located, carries 15 to 20 million tons of goods through the river system each year. This activity is valued at more than two billion dollars. Built in the 1930s, the Montgomery Locks and Dam requires modernization and maintenance to meet the demands of modern waterway transportation, and even a one-year closure would cost the U.S. economy nearly $180 million and would require more than 100,000 rail cars or 400,000 trucks to augment the load that would have passed on the rivers. The Upper Ohio Navigation Project seeks to make the necessary maintenance and modernization improvements without interrupting operations. This project also expects to bring more than 28,000 jobs to the region during construction and will continue to support 5,300 long-term jobs after the project concludes. More photos are available for download here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3720,"Houlahan Visits Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading, Highlights Positive Impact on Community",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"READING, PA – Yesterday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) returned to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading to meet with staff and the youth who benefit from the club’s programming, which includes four core pillars. The pillars focus on academic success, good character and citizenship, specialized initiatives for at-risk youth, and sports fitness and recreation. The Olivet Boys & Girls Club programming covers mental health, college prep sessions, juvenile justice, and intramural sports, just to name a few. Houlahan’s visit included a tour of their facilities and a reading session with students. “It’s always good to be back at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading,” said Houlahan. “Especially this time of year, we are reminded that so much good comes from supporting the youth in our community. The staff here are doing incredible work, and I’m equally inspired by the students! As a former teacher, I loved hearing about the special programming they have throughout their seven locations in Berks County. I’m thankful the Reading community continues to support such an integral institution that provides a positive environment for our kids to learn and grow.” According to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County’s website, [their] “programs address the region’s most pressing and immediate youth issues of education support, after school programming, and mentoring – all of which are provided by caring and knowledgeable staff.” Moreover, the club’s services focus on educational support and the development of healthy practices for children and adolescents as well as encouraging community service projects and civic responsibility. “We were thrilled to welcome back Congresswoman Houlahan to one of our club locations in Reading,” said Kat Royer, Interim CEO, Olivet Boys & Girls Club. “During this holiday season, Olivet Boys & Girls Club is especially grateful for the volunteers, community partners, and youth advocates like Congresswoman Houlahan who support and elevate our mission. This support is critical in order to continue to provide impactful programs, services, and positive role models for youth, especially those who need us most.” In 2021, Houlahan recognized one of the club’s student members, Princess Lovett, who was named Pennsylvania’s Youth of the Year. Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-ireland-pursuing-legal-case-euro-court-against-uks,BOYLE STATEMENT ON IRELAND PURSUING LEGAL CASE IN EURO COURT AGAINST UK’S SHAMEFUL LEGACY BILL,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) issued the statement below, following the Irish government’s decision to pursue justice in European Courts over the UK government's legacy bill: “I strongly support the Irish government’s decision today to bring a legal case against the United Kingdom in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in response to the enactment of the UK’s so-called Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act. This legislation denies justice to thousands of families, across all communities in Northern Ireland, who were victims of violence during the Troubles.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-wpvi-helicopter-crash,BOYLE STATEMENT ON WPVI HELICOPTER CRASH,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) issued the statement below, following the crash of the Action News helicopter and the tragic loss of two employees: ""I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the two WPVI employees who died in last night's helicopter crash in New Jersey. My condolences and support also go out to WPVI General Manager Bernie Prazenica and the entire Action News family during this difficult time as they grieve the loss of their colleagues. I pray that they find strength and solace in the midst of this heartbreaking tragedy.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-casey-fetterman-urge-secretary-yellen-block-us-steel-acquisition,"Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Urge Secretary Yellen to Block U.S. Steel Acquisition",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Last night, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) joined with U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) to send a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), urging CFIUS to block the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation by Japan-based Nippon Steel. In the letter, the members raised concerns with the national security implications of selling a company manufacturing for some of our most important industries, including defense, power, and infrastructure, to a foreign company. The Members of Congress wrote, “With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, the United States has acted to make the U.S. market the most competitive in the world and to reshore critical supply chains. Allowing for the ownership of a major industrial participant in infrastructure and clean energy investments to be acquired by a foreign entity would be a step backwards in our commitment to supply chain integrity and economic security.” The letter to Secretary Yellen follows a letter that Casey, Fetterman, Deluzio, and Lee sent to Nippon Steel demanding answers about the Japanese-based company’s commitment to Pennsylvania workers and the United Steelworkers. Read the full letter HERE or below: December 19, 2023 The Honorable Janet Yellen U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Yellen: We write to you in your capacity as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to express our concerns regarding the proposed acquisition of the United States Steel Corporation by Japan-based Nippon Steel. U.S. Steel and the steel industry are a critical part of Pennsylvania and our Nation’s core economic identity. This proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, if completed, would make a foreign-owned company a central part of the American steel industry, as well as a major employer. As you review this acquisition, we urge you to consider the national security implications of selling a company manufacturing some of our most important industries, including defense, power, and infrastructure, to a foreign company. CFIUS should block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by a foreign company, especially since there were bids made by American companies that would not trigger our expressed security concerns. As you are aware, CFIUS reviews the national security risks of certain foreign direct investments in the U.S. economy. This includes mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers that could result in foreign control of a U.S. business. In its risk-based assessment, CFIUS must consider factors such as control of domestic industries and commercial activity by foreign citizens. Furthermore, as described in Executive Order 14083, “Executive Order on Ensuring Robust Consideration of Evolving National Security Risks by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States,” the committee must consider aggregate industry investment trends and incremental investments over time that may cede domestic development or control in key sectors and industries and result in national security risk. Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition clearly meets the criteria for review. Steel is essential to our national security, and we believe that the United States’ marquee steel company should remain under American ownership. In fact, Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum were imposed following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce on national security grounds and have been maintained by the Biden Administration. We question whether a foreign company that has been found to be dumping steel into the U.S. market at prices below fair market value is the best buyer for U.S. Steel. Of further concern, Nippon Steel has facilities in the People’s Republic of China, a foreign adversary of the U.S. U.S. Steel cited this deal’s enormous value for their shareholders in their announcement. While the deal is certainly good for them, they are not the only stakeholders with an interest in this company. Thousands of United Steelworkers rely on this company for their livelihoods and transferred their collectively-negotiated right of first refusal over a sale to another US-based, unionized company. Now their fate hangs in the balance. It is incumbent upon CFIUS to take a wider view of the stakeholders with an interest in this sale beyond just shareholders in U.S. Steel. Steel is a foundational part of the U.S. economy. Furthermore, it is a key input in our Nation’s infrastructure, electrical grid, buildings, and transportation. The U.S. steel market stands to be a major participant in the once-in-a-generation investments made by Congress in infrastructure and clean energy. Investments in bridges and new energy technology will use American steel thanks to provisions we fought for in Congress and that the Biden Administration has delivered on. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, the United States has acted to make the U.S. market the most competitive in the world and to reshore critical supply chains. Allowing for the ownership of a major industrial participant in infrastructure and clean energy investments to be acquired by a foreign entity would be a step backwards in our commitment to supply chain integrity and economic security. Thank you for your attention to this matter of U.S. national and economic security. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly. Sincerely, Senator Bob Casey Senator John Fetterman Congressman Chris Deluzio ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3811,House Democrats write Biden urging ‘immediate and significant shift’ of Israeli military strategy,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally posted by The Hill. A half dozen national security-focused House Democrats sent a letter to President Biden on Tuesday demanding he double down on efforts to make an “immediate and significant shift” in Israeli military strategy. The group said the administration’s pressure campaign to temper the Israeli military strategy in Gaza has not been effective, and the lawmakers demanded stronger action using “all our leverage.” “We are deeply concerned by [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s] current military strategy in Gaza. The mounting civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis are unacceptable and not in line with American interests; nor do they advance the cause of security for our ally Israel,” the letter reads. “We also believe it jeopardizes efforts to destroy the terrorist organization Hamas and secure the release of all hostages,” the lawmakers continued. The statement was signed by Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.). All are members of the House Intelligence, Armed Services or Foreign Affairs committees. The letter marks a rise in tensions between Biden and Congress over Israel, as support for the Biden administration’s response to the conflict wanes. Israel has continued a brutal ground offensive into southern Gaza in recent weeks after a brief cease-fire resulted in about half of the hostages held by Hamas being released. As international pressure to return to a cease-fire mounts, the Biden administration has urged the Israeli military to abandon the mass military campaign and scale back to limited operations. But the Israeli government has shown no signs of heeding that advice. The lawmakers said they have seen “no significant change” in Israeli strategy from U.S. advising. The military action, alongside reports of torture of Palestinians in Gaza and an increasing humanitarian crisis, have created concerns — including within the Biden administration — that the invasion of Gaza could serve to embolden support for Hamas instead of eliminating the group. The lawmakers compared the Israeli operation to the failed U.S. “war on terror” in Afghanistan, where a continued American military operation saw the Taliban return to power 20 years after the conflict began. “We know from personal experience that you can’t destroy a terror ideology with military force alone,” the letter reads. “And it can, in fact, make it worse.” At least 12,000 Palestinians have died since the outset of the war in October; about 70 percent of them were women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Nearly the entirety of Gaza’s 2.3 million population has been displaced from their homes and requires humanitarian aid, the United Nations said.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3815,U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan tours Habitat for Humanity home sites in Reading,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally posted by Reading Eagle. As she stood inside what will soon be a newly remodeled dining room of a row home in the 900 block of Douglass Street Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan took a moment to vent. Every time Reading is brought up in the halls of Congress, the Chester County Democrat said, her colleagues from around the country mispronounce it. Typically, they say it the way you’d say “reading a book.” Houlahan has to correct them, in the process reminding them of the iconic Reading Railroad that’s featured in the game Monopoly. She also reminds them of the critical role the city played in the growth of the nation. “They don’t remember the history of the city and the industry that’s famous for being from here,” she said. “And it’s something that’s a point of pride to be able to talk about.” Reading’s days of national prominence may be well past, but Houlahan said that doesn’t have to be the case. She said she sees a bright future for the city, she sees the potential for a rebuilding and rebirth. And projects like the one she was checking out on Douglass Street will play a big role in that. The home at 924 Douglass St. is currently receiving a complete makeover, thanks to the joint efforts of Habitat for Humanity of Berks County and the Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center. Habitat owns the building and is providing the material to renovate it, while students from the center are getting a chance to hone their skills by providing the labor. “This is such a cool example of public-private partnerships,” Houlahan said. “Everyone is sort of working together on a shared vision. And this is the kind of thing that I love to see happening in Reading.” The Douglass Street property was one of several that Houlahan visited in Reading Wednesday as part of a tour of properties currently being revitalized by Habitat. The nonprofit organization has been busy in Reading, including an ongoing project that will see 11 homes built or renovated in the Buttonwood Gateway section of the city. “We take blighted properties and we make them first-time homeownership opportunities” Timothy Daley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, said. “And when we are done with them they are affordable.” The idea in Reading, Daley said, is to revitalize neighborhoods that have fallen into disrepair. Houlahan said the federal government can lend a hand in those types of efforts. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can provide funding for things like sidewalks, common pathways and bike lanes, she said. And there’s still a bit of money from the American Rescue Plan Act available, too. “I would encourage us to poke at every place that still has money,” Houlahan said. “I’ve got to be honest, this past year of Congress has been disappointing in its ability to get new legislation passed. But that doesn’t mean that the stuff we passed two years ago isn’t still making its way to us.” And that funding can help support and bolster innovative projects like the one on Douglass Street. There, students have been coming up with plans on how to restore a blighted property so it’s ready for a new homeowner. Work on the site is set to begin soon. “I think the students are excited to come out and get started,” Eric Kahler, administrative director at RMCTC, said. In all, Kahler said, students from seven different programs at the center will have a hand in the project. And each will gain invaluable, real-life experience from taking part. “To see the students solve problems about where things should go and what the potential issues might be, those are the skills we need to make sure we are teaching these kids,” he said. “Not everything is going to be perfect.” Dan Nemes, a teacher in the center’s plumbing and heating program, said his students will learn things through the project that will greatly aid in getting them ready for their future careers. “We can’t replicate this in the shop,” he said. “You can’t replicate a 100 year old home but that’s what they’ll be doing when they leave the program. They wouldn’t get that experience if we wouldn’t be doing this.” Placido Soriano, a senior at Muhlenberg High School enrolled in the plumbing and heating program, said he’s keenly aware of and thankful for the benefits of being able to work on the project. “This is such a good opportunity for us,” he said. “It gives us real-world experience, which is really different from being in the shop working with new things. “Knowing that I will have a part in renovating this house is such a rewarding feeling,” he added. “This is such an amazing opportunity that I have been given.”",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-casey-fetterman-lee-secure-14234-million-pittsburghs-parkway-east,"Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman, Lee Secure $142.34 Million for Pittsburgh’s Parkway East",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA — Today, U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) joined with U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), and U.S. Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA-12) to announce they secured $142,342,200 in funding to make major safety improvements to the I-376 (Parkway East) and the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway. Rep. Deluzio pushed the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to award this funding. This landmark upgrade is funded by President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “I am proud to help deliver $142 million to upgrade the Parkway East and the MLK East Busway. This investment will improve traffic, flooding, and safety in our region,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “Areas in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District like Wilkinsburg, Swissvale, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Penn Hills, Churchill, and Braddock Hills are going to benefit directly from this Infrastructure Law investment, and that’s great news for the people of Western PA.” “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, two of Allegheny County’s most heavily-traveled roadways will become safer and easier to navigate,” said Senator Casey. “The Parkway East and the MLK Busway allow people from Monroeville to Oakland—including many in historically marginalized communities—to travel downtown and points throughout the region. I fought for this generational investment in one of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s busiest and most important corridors to keep residents, commuters, and visitors safe and improve quality of life and transportation options for all who rely on it to reach their destination.” “I’m proud to join with my colleagues and announce this game-changing investment in Pittsburgh’s Parkway East and East Busway,” said Senator Fetterman. “This massive funding will help fix longstanding flooding concerns in the corridor, allow our region’s infrastructure to adapt to the climate crisis, and expand transit options across Allegheny County. Most of all, it will make sure people across our region can get where they need to go.” “I am so excited to announce that we’re delivering $142 million to make the I-376 corridor less congested, faster, and safer for drivers, transit users, and pedestrians alike. Not only will this massive investment in one of Pittsburgh’s most congested roads, bridges, and highway strips make it easier for all folks to get where they need to go, but it will create more than 2,500 jobs, add $254.9 million to our economy, protect against flood damage, prevent hundreds of crashes each year, and help right the wrongs of disinvestment and disconnection in left behind communities,” said Congresswoman Lee. “After months of advocating tirelessly and meeting regularly with DOT, I’m so proud that Pittsburgh is receiving the investment we need to make life better for ALL families and small businesses across Western PA.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-lee-casey-fetterman-demand-answers-nippon-steel-commitments,"Deluzio, Lee, Casey, Fetterman Demand Answers from Nippon Steel on Commitments to Pennsylvania",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Members: “Our railroads, skyscrapers, and critical infrastructure across the country would not exist without Pennsylvania steel and the workers who forged it” CARNEGIE, PA – U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Summer Lee (D-PA-12), and Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to Japan-based Nippon Steel pushing the company for commitments to Pennsylvania and the United Steelworkers in its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel. In their letter, the Pennsylvania members of Congress pressed Nippon Steel on the critical importance of U.S. Steel’s impact on Pennsylvania’s workers and industrial base and chided the two companies for not communicating with the United Steelworkers ahead of the announcement. The members also demanded specifics on how Nippon Steel plans to keep commitments made to workers and retain jobs in Pennsylvania. “Our railroads, skyscrapers, and critical infrastructure across the country would not exist without Pennsylvania steel and the workers who forged it,” the Members wrote. “For generations, union steel jobs have been sought after for the opportunities they provide to Pennsylvanians and their families. U.S. Steel and the steel industry are a part of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s core economic identity. As you seek to acquire U.S. Steel, our top priority is what this means for Pennsylvania’s economy and communities, as well as the workers that provide the backbone of both.” Full text of the letter below and the signed PDF can be found here. Eiji Hashimoto President Nippon Steel Corporation 2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City Tokyo 100-8071, Japan Dear Mr. Hashimoto: We write today to express our deep concern that, in your plans to acquire U.S. Steel Corporation, you could fail to fully recognize the importance of Pennsylvania workers and the Pennsylvania industrial base. Your proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation, if completed, would make you a major employer in Pennsylvania and across the Nation, as well as a critical part of the U.S. steel industry. It is imperative that anyone who seeks to acquire U.S. Steel understand and comply with the commitments made to the United Steel Workers (USW) under their legally binding contract. This deal has already demonstrated a disregard for these commitments to workers because the USW was not consulted or notified ahead of the public announcement of the sale, as their collective bargaining agreement would seem to require. Workers, who have propelled the U.S. steel industry to the top of the global market, should be a central consideration when making decisions about this acquisition and your continuing operations. Pennsylvania's industrial might, too, warrants your full attention. Simply put, our railroads, skyscrapers, and critical infrastructure across the country would not exist without Pennsylvania steel and the workers who forged it. For generations, union steel jobs have been sought after for the opportunities they provide to Pennsylvanians and their families. U.S. Steel and the steel industry are a part of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s core economic identity. As you seek to acquire U.S. Steel, our top priority is what this means for Pennsylvania’s economy and communities, as well as the workers that provide the backbone of both. In that regard, we would like further clarity on the proposal and its potential impacts to Pennsylvania’s industrial base and workers. How does your acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation impact workers in Pennsylvania? 1. a. How many current U.S. Steel employees will be retained in the short and long term? How many will be reassigned? How many jobs will be displaced by existing Nippon employees? 1. b. Are you aware of the full scope of commitments made to workers under U.S. Steel’s contract with the United Steel Workers? What are your plans to comply with them? How do you plan to utilize U.S. Steel’s existing operations, facilities, and supply chain in Pennsylvania should you successfully acquire them? What impact would an acquisition of U.S. Steel have on your production, operations, and locations both in the US and abroad? What engagement has Nippon Steel had with stakeholders with an interest in this acquisition, such as the United Steelworkers and other relevant trade unions, state officials or agencies, local government officials, or other Pennsylvania entities? a. To what degree have you worked with U.S. Steel to conduct this engagement? And are you aware of U.S. Steel’s obligations to do so according to their contract with the United Steel Workers? What commitments, if any, can Nippon Steel make about its intention to preserve or expand operations and employment in Pennsylvania should it successfully acquire U.S. Steel? Thank you in advance for your responses to these questions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly or have your staff contact Senator Casey’s office at (202) 224-6324. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3716,Letter: Congresswoman explains decision in censure vote,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"An abridged version of this article was originally published in the Reading Eagle Written by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan As members of both the U.S. House and Senate return to our respective communities across the country, it’s time to reflect on the year. Over the past year, very little of any real substance has been accomplished in the U.S. House under the fractured and chaotic Republican leadership. Funding the government into the next fiscal year; re-authorizing the Farm Bill or the FAA; further aid to Ukraine and Israel; and support to our border are all needs that have gone unmet. But what has been “done” are multiple votes on the behavior of my colleagues – both Republican and Democratic. My votes on both Representatives Santos and Bowman deserve an in-depth look because I hope they elucidate how I approach all votes in service of my community and country. Expelling a fellow member of Congress should be a rare and grave vote. The constituents and voters of each district are the ones who should determine who represents them with very, very few exceptions. For that reason, I was extremely deliberate with my votes regarding the expulsion of Representative Santos (R-NY). The first opportunity to vote on his situation was a Motion - more concisely a vote to either send his case back to the Ethics Committee (Y) or effectively to expel him (N). To be honest, the Ethics Committee has disappointed me in its speed and intent, especially in this Congress. Indeed the first revelations about Representative Santos are more than a year old. I felt that a predominance of Yes votes would ensure these serious charges would further languish in Committee. I felt a No vote was premature. I wanted the courts to work. Neither choice was optimal nor reflected what outcome I thought my community would want, so I voted Present. (221-204-7, Y/N/P) The second floor vote in the Santos case was 6 months later. This vote simply asked Members whether or not to expel him – thumbs up or down so to speak. I chose to vote “Present“ for a different reason this time. Specifically, the Ethics Committee then assured the body that their final report was imminent. I wanted to wait for that report rather than take a vote without that more perfect information. That 56 page report was in fact finally released days later, and it was damning. On that next and final vote regarding Mr. Santos’ expulsion, I joined my colleagues in voting Yes. It was a resoundingly bipartisan rebuke. (311-114-2, Y/N/P) Mr. Santos is no longer a member of Congress. A vote to censure a member of Congress is also an important one not to be taken lightly. It should be a rare and severe condemnation of the actions of a colleague. Representative Bowman (D, NY) has been accused and has pled guilty to pulling a fire alarm. Do not get me wrong, this is a serious offense. The vote before the body was to condemn that behavior. In this case, I voted “Present“ for a third reason. I am now a formal Member of the Investigative Subcommittee, basically part of the jury pool of the Ethics Committee, and it is possible that there may be future work by that Committee on the Bowman case. I believe it is my responsibility to remain neutral in my vote so that I can be relied upon as an open-minded jurist if so called. The 118th Congress has been enormously unproductive and disappointing thus far. But it is essential to the people whom I serve that my votes - no matter the topic or substance - are deliberate and intentional. My community demands and deserves nothing less.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lee-calls-for-labor-community-to-be-centered-in-all-decisions-joins-in-demanding-answers-from-nippon-steel-on-commitments-to-pennsylvania-workers,"Lee Calls for Labor, Community to be Centered in All Decisions – Joins in Demanding Answers from Nippon Steel on Commitments to Pennsylvania Workers",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** December 19, 2023 Contact: Emilia Rowland (Lee): 330-212-2065 Lee Calls for Labor, Community to be Centered in All Decisions – Joins in Demanding Answers from Nippon Steel on Commitments to Pennsylvania Workers Lee says Labor and community must be centered in all decisions, corporations must deliver on all promises made to workers and to community Members also admonish Nippon Steel for breaking commitments to United Steelworkers under current labor agreements Washington, D.C. - US Representative Summer Lee (PA-12) released the following statement on the announced sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel and meetings with workers and community members impacted by the decision: ""We spent the day talking to community members and workers and we feel the same - blindsided and concerned about the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel,"" said Congresswoman Summer Lee. ""Labor must be centered in this process, yet workers were not even informed, nor do they feel confident that their hard-earned labor agreements will be honored. The broader community must be centered, yet those who have spent decades fighting for clean air and water have no assurances that this change will not worsen the health of our children. U.S. Steel owes its workers and this community much more than this. Our office will continue to monitor this situation, hold ANY ownership accountable to delivering workers the union contracts, pensions, health care, and job security they are owed, and fight to make sure that the health of our community is finally prioritized and no one is left behind."" Also today, Lee, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) John Fetterman (D-PA), and Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) sent a letter to Nippon Steel pushing the company for commitments to Pennsylvania and the United Steelworkers in its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel. In their letter, the Pennsylvania members of Congress pressed Nippon Steel on the critical importance of U.S. Steel's impact on Pennsylvania's workers and industrial base and chided the two companies for not communicating with the United Steelworkers ahead of the announcement. The members also demanded specifics on how Nippon Steel plans to keep commitments made to workers and retain jobs in Pennsylvania. Full text of the letter below and the signed PDF can be found here. Eiji Hashimoto President Nippon Steel Corporation 2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City Tokyo 100-8071, Japan Dear Mr. Hashimoto: We write today to express our deep concern that, in your plans to acquire U.S. Steel Corporation, you could fail to fully recognize the importance of Pennsylvania workers and the Pennsylvania industrial base. Your proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation, if completed, would make you a major employer in Pennsylvania and across the Nation, as well as a critical part of the U.S. steel industry. It is imperative that anyone who seeks to acquire U.S. Steel understand and comply with the commitments made to the United Steel Workers (USW) under their legally binding contract. This deal has already demonstrated a disregard for these commitments to workers because the USW was not consulted or notified ahead of the public announcement of the sale, as their collective bargaining agreement would seem to require. Workers, who have propelled the U.S. steel industry to the top of the global market, should be a central consideration when making decisions about this acquisition and your continuing operations. Pennsylvania's industrial might, too, warrants your full attention. Simply put, our railroads, skyscrapers, and critical infrastructure across the country would not exist without Pennsylvania steel and the workers who forged it. For generations, union steel jobs have been sought after for the opportunities they provide to Pennsylvanians and their families. U.S. Steel and the steel industry are a part of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania's core economic identity. As you seek to acquire U.S. Steel, our top priority is what this means for Pennsylvania's economy and communities, as well as the workers that provide the backbone of both. In that regard, we would like further clarity on the proposal and its potential impacts to Pennsylvania's industrial base and workers. How does your acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation impact workers in Pennsylvania? How many current U.S. Steel employees will be retained in the short and long term? How many will be reassigned? How many jobs will be displaced by existing Nippon employees? Are you aware of the full scope of commitments made to workers under U.S. Steel's contract with the United Steel Workers? What are your plans to comply with them? How do you plan to utilize U.S. Steel's existing operations, facilities, and supply chain in Pennsylvania should you successfully acquire them? What impact would an acquisition of U.S. Steel have on your production, operations, and locations both in the US and abroad? What engagement has Nippon Steel had with stakeholders with an interest in this acquisition, such as the United Steelworkers and other relevant trade unions, state officials or agencies, local government officials, or other Pennsylvania entities? To what degree have you worked with U.S. Steel to conduct this engagement? And are you aware of U.S. Steel's obligations to do so according to their contract with the United Steel Workers? What commitments, if any, can Nippon Steel make about its intention to preserve or expand operations and employment in Pennsylvania should it successfully acquire U.S. Steel? Thank you in advance for your responses to these questions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly or have your staff contact Senator Casey's office at (202) 224-6324. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-holds-panel-discussion-with-local-orgs-on-fy2024-budget,Summer Lee Holds Panel Discussion with Local Orgs on FY2024 Budget,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** Contact: Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov It Takes a Village – and a Fully Funded Budget – to Meet Western Pennsylvanians’ Needs Summer Lee Holds Panel Discussion with Local Orgs on how the $10.7 Million she Secured for Local Projects in the FY2024 Budget Will Fight Hunger, Homelessness and Blite; Provide Job Training, Trauma Care and Wraparound Services, Fix Infrastructure, and Educate Against Antisemitism **Click here to download full HD video** (Pittsburgh, PA) –Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) hosted a zoom press call with local organizations for whom she secured $10.7 million in community project funding (CPFs, formerly known as earmarks) as part of the FY2024 budget which she is fighting to get passed into law. Over the course of the past eight months, Congresswoman Summer Lee has worked closely with local community partners and stakeholders to secure $10.7 million in funding for 15 project proposals (CPFs) that support a wide range of initiatives from food insecurity and affordable housing to infrastructure, transportation, trauma care, and educating against antisemitism. As a result of Lee’s tireless advocacy, all 15 these projects were included in bills passed by the House Appropriations Committee and have been moved forward where they await a vote by the full House and Senate before heading to the President’s desk and becoming law. House Republican Leadership’s failure to pass a budget on time remains the only barrier to Western Pennsylvania receiving this desperately needed funding. Please find descriptions of each of the projects and quotes from Congresswoman Lee and receiving organizations below. Colleen Young, from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank joined to talk about the impact that the $1,000,000 grant Summer got passed through Committee to distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals in need of food assistance Young said, “In the last year, the food bank supported an average of more than 32,000 households in Allegheny County each month, a 28% increase from 2022. With a million dollar federal investment, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank would be able to purchase four new refrigerated trucks that will save the organization nearly $220,000 annually – funds that can instead be invested in supporting food purchases and programs to ensure that more food reaches people in need. Right now, one in 10 individuals in the region live with food insecurity. So this funding is going to be an essential support for those we serve and we really appreciate Representative Lee’s support in this effort. Lee said, “We are so close to delivering $1,000,000 to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to deploy food trucks that will distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals in need across our communities. As someone who depended on food assistance when times were tough growing up, I know how crucial this funding will be to combat food insecurity and ensure no person in Western PA goes to bed hungry.” Carolyn Grady, Executive Director of Pittsburgh YMCA joined to discuss how the $1,000,000 CFP grant Summer secured will allow the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh will provide a desperately needed renovation to the North Side YMCA to provide accessibility for seniors and disabled folks, instal air conditioning and fix crumbling infrastructure, and allow them to continue to serve as a vital center for health, wellness, and community services in the Northside Grady said, “Right now with all of the stairs and no elevator, we can’t host a lot of senior programming. If you have any kind of mobility issues. It’s almost impossible to get into the building. The residents who live on the top three floors, we have a chair on each landing so they can sit down and catch their breath as they are carrying their groceries up to their room. There is no air conditioning in that building right now. And if you can imagine everybody remembers what last summer was like with those air quality days. And so we are deeply grateful for the support from your office, Congresswoman Lee for delivering the funding for this renovation to bring accessibility, updated plumbing, air conditioning, and an affordable childcare center to our resident’s and Pittsburgh’s north side.” Lee said, “Like so much of the Northside, the Allegheny YMCA on North Avenue hasn’t been upgraded for decades and is in desperate need of investment and rehabilitation. I’m honored to be on the verge of delivering $1,000,000 to enhance accessibility, improve infrastructure, and allow them to continue to serve as a vital center for health, wellness, and community services in the Northside–from childcare and teen outreach to senior activities.” Donte Green, Executive Director of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh to talk about how the $450,000 Summer is fighting to deliver for the institute’s Social Enterprise Pilot Program will provide temporary employment at a living wage and ensure graduates are able to keep working and build their skills while pursuing gainful outside employment Green said, “These funds will allow us to create a transitional jobs program that will allow us to hire our students and keep them employed while we train them until they can overcome whatever barrier is keeping them from long term employment. I think it’d be a game changer for our students and the companies they go on to work for. We graduated about 90 students a year. And this investment will allow us to grow our program and help our success rate going forward helping the most vulnerable in our community. So again, Congressman Congresswoman Lee, thank you so much for your leadership and for helping us get through this process.” Lee said, “At my recent visit to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh I learned about their social enterprise job training program to provide temporary employment at a living wage. I’m excited to be on the verge of delivering $450,000 in funding to launch this pilot program and ensure graduates are able to keep working and build their skills while pursuing gainful outside employment. By creating opportunities for those who face challenges in finding work and opening doors to a brighter future, we are empowering their contribution to the growth and prosperity of our entire community.” Jeanne Clark – Director Of Governmental Affairs – ALCOSAN joined to discuss how the $959,757 grant Summer is working to deliver for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project in Homestead will transform the local elementary school’s play area into e recess environment for young students and promote a healthier, more engaging learning environment so that children in our region can thrive Clark said, “The Homestead Transforming 12th Avenue Project brings together ALCOSAN, Homestead Borough and Steel Valley School District to significantly clean up the local waterways by reducing sewage mixed with stormwater from our rivers and streams. Together, these partners will also create green infrastructure and landscaped areas, provide a safer place for students at the Barrett Elementary School to play, improve the parking area for teachers and staff, and help both the Borough and ALCOSAN meet regulatory requirements. This cooperative visionary plan – in a low-income area – can only be implemented with the funding Congresswoman Summer Lee has championed. ALCOSAN and our partners are very grateful for her leadership and commitment to making the vision a reality.” Lee said, “I am delighted to be closer than ever to delivering $959,757 funding for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project, funding that transforms the local elementary school’s play area into a landscaped, green space, providing a safe and enjoyable recess environment for young students. This renovation will enhance the school experience and promote a healthier, more engaging learning environment so that children in our region can thrive.” An Lewis, Executive Director of the Tri-COG Land Bank joined to talk about how Summer’s $500,000 CPF will revitalize disinvested, abandoned land in McKeesport by building sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. Lewis said, “Some of you may know the area median income of Allegheny County, as a whole is $66,650 per year per household, Pennsylvania, it’s just under 69,000. McKeesport’s median income in this census is $25,001. These are communities where without these resources, these projects would not be able to happen.This project will construct energy efficient, quality, permanently affordable housing homes for families to live in. So these are real resources affecting real people.” Lee said, “We are so close to delivering $500,000 to revitalize disinvested, abandoned land in McKeesport by building sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. This project will not only improve the physical landscape but also uplift the spirit of the entire community and make an important step on the path towards righting the wrongs of racial redlining and disinvestment in our Black and and marginalized communities left behind.” Mark Latterner, Executive Director of Jubilee Kitchen joined to talk about how the $461,197 Summer secured for Jubilee Kitchen will fund a renovation project that will expand their incredible work providing nutritious food, clothing, counseling, childcare, and homelessness prevention services to the most vulnerable members of our community at a time of increased need. Latterner said, “At Jubilee, we serve meals and we give out coats and gloves and hats and blankets and hand warmers not just for homeless people, but people who are living in poverty can’t afford to buy these things for themselves. We give out showers and personal hygiene items and we help people get ID cards and sign up for benefits and find housing and employment. We have programs where we help people with rent and utility assistance because not only do we serve homeless neighbors, but we try and prevent our other neighbors from becoming homeless. But we cannot do that without renovating this building. If we don’t get this renovation completed, I don’t think we can operate in the long term out of that building. So it’s critical that we get this done. So I’m very appreciative that we got included in the bill and I’m very appreciative for the support you and your office have given us.” Lee said, “With housing and food insecurity still a reality for many in my district, I’ve spent my first term fighting to deliver $461,197 to Jubilee Kitchen’s to fund a renovation project that will expand their incredible work providing nutritious food, clothing, counseling, childcare, and homelessness prevention services to the most vulnerable members of our community–which I had the opportunity to see firsthand during a visit my first month in Congress. By providing folks with access to such services, we are offering them.” David Geiger, Executive Director of Urban Redevelopment Authority joined to talk about two projects Summer is on the verge of delivering funding for: $500,000 funding to combat hunger and re-invest in a left behind community by repurposing the vacant and former Larimer School building into a vibrant hub with a full-service community kitchen, event space, and a small business food incubator. $500,000 funding – Ground Floor Commercial Activation in Affordable Housing: to build affordable ground floor or street-level housing and commercial in mixed-use Low Income Housing Tax Credits-financed projects across the City of Pittsburgh. This project will address housing affordability, support entrepreneurship and small business, as well as attract and retain businesses. This project would also provide critical funding towards mixed-use developments with affordable housing and neighborhood-serving commercial components that will otherwise experience significant funding gaps. Lee said, “I am excited to be so close to delivering $500,000 funding to Larimer Food Incubator & Community Kitchen to repurpose the vacant and former Larimer School building into a vibrant hub with a full-service community kitchen, event space, and a small business food incubator. I’m also excited to deliver another $500,000 for URA to build affordable housing and commercial space so families and small businesses in lower income communities can thrive. Both projects will bring bring new life into our neighborhoods and help right the wrongs of disinvestment and economic redlining.” Maggie Feinstein, Director of 10.27 Healing Partnership said of the more than $500,000 Summer secured for trauma services in the wake of the horrific Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, “Healing is a journey that takes time, and we are committed to support individuals and their loved ones impacted by the October 2018 synagogue shooting as they heal. Federal funding has allowed us to provide counseling and programming, including during the recent trial, and each year at the Commemoration Ceremony. We are grateful. The proposed new appropriation would allow us to continue to serve the victims of the attack and see through the work towards leaving our community more resilient than it was before.” Lee has also secured community project funding for the following projects as part of the FY2024 budget awaiting final passage: $1,000,000 Granted for Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild: to create a community gathering and education space to teach about antisemitism and identity-based hate in the new Tree of Life building. This project will be a critical space to educate on antisemitism, revitalize a community hub that has sat empty for 5 years since the antisemitic attack, and will create a positive economic impact in the community by attracting visitors, students, and educators from around the world. Disclosure Letter: HERE Lee said, “When I toured the site of the attack in February and met with Foundation leadership and family members of those murdered, I was profoundly moved–both by the unimaginable pain of what I saw and the beautiful conversations I had with family members of those who had their lives senselessly taken. I’m honored to be closer than ever to delivering $1,000,000 in funding for the Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild project to create a vital community gathering space to educate against antisemitism and white supremacy in all its forms–breathing life back into a community hub that has remained dormant following the tragic antisemitic attack.” $963,000 for the City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program to provide people with substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges with person-centered social services and intense case management to keep our communities safer. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, “We know the best way to improve community safety is to invest in poverty-prevention, mental health, and wraparound services in communities. The in $963,000 funding I’m fighting to deliver for the City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program will foster positive change, promote community safety, and empower individuals in need by providing person-centered social services and intense case management to individuals facing substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges. This initiative represents a transformative shift in our approach to public safety and will promote and support individual agency, particularly in communities of color.” $850,000 Granted for the McKeesport Duquesne Bridge Preservation to extend service life and repair the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge and provide a safe and reliable crossing over the Monongahela River and multiple railroads. On the Southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of the households are low-income. On both sides of the river are communities that are made up of 75% minority populations. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, “Just one year after the collapse of Fern Hollow bridge, I am fighting to deliver $850,000 in funding for the preservation of McKeesport Duquesne Bridge, which provides a vital connection linking several low-income and minority environmental justice communities. On the southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of households are low-income, and both sides of the river consist of communities with 75% minority populations. By preserving this bridge, not only will we ensure the safety and reliability of this critical crossing over the Monongahela River, but we will ensure equitable access, mobility, and economic opportunity for these communities.” Full List of Projects and Descriptions Below: $1,000,000 for – Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Truck Package: to distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals including low- to moderate-income individuals and others in need of food assistance living in areas of high need in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset and Washington counties in Pennsylvania. The program will purchase and build eight mobile food banks that will regularly recover fresh food from regional Pennsylvania farms and retailers and deliver it to a network of over 1,000 community partners. Disclosure Letter: HERE $1,000,000 Granted for YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh: The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh will use this funding for the Northside community to rehabilitate the Allegheny YMCA building to make it ADA accessible, address unworkable infrastructure, and allow the facility to directly address the needs of the surrounding community through upgraded space to provide childcare, before/after school enrichment, senior supports, and community health and wellness in a low-income community. Additionally, to ensure the Allegheny YMCA is truly available to all, it will continue to provide membership and program subsidies to low-income Northside residents. Disclosure letter: HERE $450,000 Granted for Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s Social Enterprise Program: This funding would be used for providing graduates of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s 11-week masonry program for individuals facing barriers to employment with time-limited, paid work experience if they are not yet ready to enter the workforce at the end of the program. This will allow graduates to continue improving their skills to obtain gainful employment. Disclosure Letter: HERE $959,757 Granted for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project: ALCOSAN and Homestead Borough are addressing several important issues with this project. First, the local elementary school does not have a standard play area for their young students to enjoy recess. The current play area is asphalt surrounded by a chain-link fence. This project will renovate the grounds to a landscaped, green space that can be used by the children. Second, the teacher parking lot will be re-configured and built with permeable pavers to capture rainfall. Third, under the parking lot, a stormwater storage unit will be constructed to capture stormwater and slowly release the water to the combined sewer system thereby reducing combined sewer overflows to the Monongahela River. This project will help Homestead Borough achieve its regulatory compliance related to combined sewer overflow abatement. Disclosure letter: HERE $500,000 Granted to Tri-COG Land Bank Recovery and Affordable Housing Project in McKeesport: This project will recover plots of abandoned, blighted and demolition land in the McKeesport Area School District and transform them into sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. This funding will improve the McKeesport Area School District community, a distressed community, by remediating seven blighted properties, creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities, help stabilize property values, and help spur neighborhood revitalization. Disclosure letter: HERE $500,000 Granted Urban Redevelopment Authority – Ground Floor Commercial Activation in Affordable Housing: to build affordable ground floor or street-level housing and commercial in mixed-use Low Income Housing Tax Credits-financed projects across the City of Pittsburgh. This project will address housing affordability, support entrepreneurship and small business, as well as attract and retain businesses. This project would also provide critical funding towards mixed-use developments with affordable housing and neighborhood-serving commercial components that will otherwise experience significant funding gaps. Disclosure letter: HERE $1,000,000 Granted for Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild: to create a community gathering and education space to teach about antisemitism and identity-based hate in the new Tree of Life building. This project will be a critical space to educate on antisemitism, revitalize a community hub that has sat empty for 5 years since the antisemitic attack, and will create a positive economic impact in the community by attracting visitors, students, and educators from around the world. Disclosure Letter: HERE $1,050,000 Granted For Homewood Fields and Community Complex in Pittsburgh (City of Pittsburgh) to construct a state-of-the-art sports and community performance space, which will include a field house, amphitheater, and community gathering space. This project will function as a key anti-violence strategy in Homewood, a neighborhood which consistently experiences high levels of youth violence. More importantly, the new park will provide the foundation for intensive collaboration between the city’s anti-violence initiatives and key Homewood community institutions committed to helping young people invest in their own lives and value the lives of others, through violence interruption, job training, coaching, and interventions with spectators and parents. Disclosure letter: HERE $500,000 Granted Urban Redevelopment Authority – Ground Floor Commercial Activation in Affordable Housing: to build affordable ground floor or street-level housing and commercial in mixed-use Low Income Housing Tax Credits-financed projects across the City of Pittsburgh. This project will address housing affordability, support entrepreneurship and small business, as well as attract and retain businesses. This project would also provide critical funding towards mixed-use developments with affordable housing and neighborhood-serving commercial components that will otherwise experience significant funding gaps. Disclosure letter: HERE” $461,197 Granted for Jubilee Kitchen Facility Expansion and Renovation Project. Jubilee Association, Inc. will renovate a homeless prevention program in a low-income community by expanding and renovating their current facility to address significant safety, accessibility, and space issues. This project will give the facility greater space to meet food, clothing, and counseling needs and improve facility safety to continue providing necessary services preventing homelessness and offering high-quality, affordable childcare for low-income families providing their children pathways to a brighter future. Disclosure letter: HERE $450,000 Granted for Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s Social Enterprise Program: This funding would be used for providing graduates of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s 11-week masonry program for individuals facing barriers to employment with time-limited, paid work experience if they are not yet ready to enter the workforce at the end of the program. This will allow graduates to continue improving their skills to obtain gainful employment. Disclosure Letter: HERE $963,000 Granted For City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program: The City of Pittsburgh seeks funding to support its Criminal Justice Diversion Program, also known as Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), which is a program situated within the Office of Community Health and Safety. The LEAD initiative for the City of Pittsburgh will provide people with substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges with person-centered social services and intense case management. This initiative will help relieve police of a role they feel unsuited for and permit them to focus on violent crime, by preventing unnecessary, and harmful criminal-legal system engagement and instead will promote and support individual agency, particularly in communities of color. Disclosure letter: HERE $959,757 Granted for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project: ALCOSAN and Homestead Borough are addressing several important issues with this project. First, the local elementary school does not have a standard play area for their young students to enjoy recess. The current play area is asphalt surrounded by a chain-link fence. This project will renovate the grounds to a landscaped, green space that can be used by the children. Second, the teacher parking lot will be re-configured and built with permeable pavers to capture rainfall. Third, under the parking lot, a stormwater storage unit will be constructed to capture stormwater and slowly release the water to the combined sewer system thereby reducing combined sewer overflows to the Monongahela River. This project will help Homestead Borough achieve its regulatory compliance related to combined sewer overflow abatement. Disclosure letter: HERE $850,000 Granted for the McKeesport Duquesne Bridge Preservation: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation wishes will perform bridge preservation and maintenance activities on the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge that will extend service life and maintain a safe and reliable crossing over the Monongahela River and multiple railroads. The McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge connects several low-income and minority environmental justice communities on either side of the Monongahela River. On the Southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of the households are low-income. On both sides of the river are communities that are made up of 75% minority populations. PennDOT will cover the required match, which will be App. 581 State highway funds. Disclosure letter: HERE $547,000 Granted Extended Support for 10.27 Healing Partnership to respond to and address the ongoing trauma from the 2018 Synagogue Mass Shooting in the lead-up to and in the aftermath of the trial. The goal of this project is to deepen the effectiveness of community-based work initiated by the initial investment from the federal government after the attack, focused on victim support, healing, and increasing the capacity of community partners to navigate trauma and resiliency following this horrific mass casualty event and the ongoing threat of antisemitism, white supremacy, and gun violence Disclosure letter: HERE $500,000 Granted for Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – Larimer Food Incubator & Community Kitchen. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh will repurpose the vacant and former Larimer School building to build a full-service community kitchen, event space and small business food incubator. This funding will support commercial development of the neighborhood by transforming 9800 square feet of the former school auditorium. This project will bring the Larimer community up to par with neighboring communities that have seen rapid development in recent years. This will be an economic catalyst for the community through job creation, support for small local businesses, food preparation and safety classes, training programs, and health and wellness programs. Disclosure letter: HERE $500,000 Granted to Westmoreland County – 4th Street Bridge Improvement in Irwin: Westmoreland County will replace a roadway bridge that runs over the Norfolk Southern Railway in Irwin. This project will reconnect the town with the main road that has been divided by the railroad for over 100 years and closed to traffic since 2014. Funding through this request will expedited project execution by adding to funds previously secured through the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Disclosure letter: HERE $500,000 Granted for SR 2046, Streets Run Road Resurfacing in Whitehall: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will rehabilitate the entire length of S.R. 2046 to combat deteriorating, poor pavement quality that is at an increasing risk of landslide. This road connects commercial, industrial, and residential properties in the municipality of Whitehall. The ongoing Curry Hollow Road expansion will put further demand on this crucial corridor that links the Baldwin Borough to the City of Pittsburgh, as well as Jefferson Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Disclosure letter: HERE Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-blasts-sale-us-steel-japanese-company-nippon-steel,Deluzio Blasts Sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese Company Nippon Steel,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement on the announced sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese company, Nippon Steel. “U.S. Steel’s history is a part of so many Western Pennsylvania families—generations built a solid life working hard for the iconic American steel company. I am honored to represent the people who made the steel that built America. “Our region knows all too well what it’s like to get screwed over, to see our hard work tossed aside and our good union jobs shipped overseas by corporate executives and Wall Street chasing cheap labor and fatter profits. Today’s announced sale to a foreign company feels like déjà vu all over again. “This deal sounds an awful lot like a betrayal: of my community, of Steelworker jobs, and of American industrial leadership. Folks sent me to Washington to fight for us, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3714,"Reps. Houlahan, Crow, Sherrill, Moulton, Spanberger, Slotkin Send Letter to President Biden Urging a Shift in Israeli Military Strategy",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, alongside Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), sent a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to use all our leverage to achieve a shift in Israeli military strategy. “From our positions on the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, we have consistently pushed for Israel to shift its military strategy—there has been no significant change,” said the members in the letter. “Accordingly, we urge you to continue to use all our leverage to achieve an immediate and significant shift of military strategy and tactics in Gaza,” the members continued. Read the full text of the letter here.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3796,House Democrats send letter to Biden criticizing Netanyahu's military strategy,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally posted by CBS A group of House Democrats with national security backgrounds on Monday sent a letter to President Biden arguing that the military strategy of the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not in the best interests of the U.S. nor Israel's own security. ""We are deeply concerned by PM Netanyahu's current military strategy in Gaza. The mounting civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis are unacceptable and not in line with American interests; nor do they advance the cause of security for our ally Israel,"" the letter says. ""We also believe it jeopardizes efforts to destroy the terrorist organization Hamas and secure the release of all hostages."" The letter is signed by six lawmakers, including Reps. Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Mikie Sherrill, who served as a Navy helicopter pilot. The other signatories are Reps. Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, Seth Moulton, a former Marine, and Chrissy Houlahan, a former Air Force officer. ""From our positions on the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, we have consistently pushed for Israel to shift its military strategy —there has been no significant change,"" the letter says. ""We have dedicated our lives to national security and believe our nation's values are a source of credibility and power. Some of us also spent years fighting America's war on terror. We know from personal and often painful experience that you can't destroy a terror ideology with military force alone. And it can, in fact, make it worse."" The letter concludes: ""We urge you to continue to use all our leverage to achieve an immediate and significant shift of military strategy and tactics in Gaza."" The letter followed a meeting between Israel's ambassador to the United States and Congressional Democrats, during which the ambassador, Michael Herzog, was perceived as dismissive of lawmakers' concerns, according to a source familiar with the meeting. A spokesperson for Israel's embassy refused to comment on the closed-door meeting but said the ambassador ""has repeatedly underscored that, while Israel is facing the significant challenge of dismantling the biggest global terror complex, which is deeply embedded among civilians, Israel is making meaningful efforts to minimize civilian casualties and ramp up humanitarian assistance."" The letter also comes as a growing number of Democratic senators are also voicing concern and seeking to add more restrictions on countries who receive U.S. aid. On Dec. 10, Sen. Bernie Sanders said on ""Face the Nation"" that it would be ""irresponsible"" to give the Netanyahu government additional U.S. support without significant oversight. On Sunday, Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, who is on the Senate Foreign Relations committee, said on ""Face the Nation"" that U.S. assistance to Israel already comes with requirements, but added that Netanyahu has been an ""exceptionally difficult partner.""",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-deluzio-casey-fetterman-secure-14234-million-for-pittsburgh-s-parkway-east,"Summer Lee, Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Secure $142.34 Million for Pittsburgh’s Parkway East",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** December 18, 2023 Summer Lee, Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Secure $142.34 Million for Pittsburgh's Parkway East Lee has advocated tirelessly for grant to make significant safety improvements to I-376 and MLK Jr. Busway 100,000 daily travelers on the two arteries will see upgrades including bridge rehab, flood mitigation, traffic congestion reduction New floodwall will finally drain ""the Bathtub"" in downtown Pittsburgh Parkway among most congested roads in the United States Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) and U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) along with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA secured $142,342,200 in funding to make major safety improvements to the I-376 (Parkway East) and the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway, including the flood-prone ""Bathtub"" downtown. Since taking office, Lee has worked tirelessly to push the US Department of Transportation (DOT) – meeting with the agency regularly - to award this funding. Congresswoman Summer Lee said, ""I am so excited to announce that we're delivering $142 million to make the I-376 corridor less congested, faster, and safer for drivers, transit users, and pedestrians alike. Not only will this massive investment in one of Pittsburgh's most congested roads, bridges, and highway strips make it easier for all folks to get where they need to go, but it will create more than 2,500 jobs, add $254.9 million to our economy, protect against flood damage, prevent hundreds of crashes each year, and help right the wrongs of disinvestment and disconnection in left behind communities. After months of advocating tirelessly and meeting regularly with DOT, I'm so proud that Pittsburgh is receiving the investment we need to make life better for ALL families and small businesses across Western PA."" ""I am proud to help deliver $142 million to upgrade the Parkway East and the MLK East Busway. This investment will improve traffic, flooding, and safety in our region,"" said Rep. Chris Deluzio. ""Areas in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District like Wilkinsburg, Swissvale, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Penn Hills, Churchill, and Braddock Hills are going to benefit directly from this Infrastructure Law investment, and that's great news for the people of Western PA."" ""Thanks to the infrastructure law, two of Allegheny County's most heavily-traveled roadways will become safer and easier to navigate,"" said Senator Casey. ""The Parkway East and the MLK Busway allow people from Monroeville to Oakland—including many in historically marginalized communities—to travel downtown and points throughout the region. I fought forthis generational investment in one of Southwestern Pennsylvania's busiest and most important corridors to keep residents, commuters, and visitors safe and improve quality of life and transportation options for all who rely on it to reach their destination."" ""The award of this grant is the culmination of hard work by many in our region,"" said DJ Ryan, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. ""From our team members that proactively sought out this funding to our County Executive and our members of Congress that advocated for this project, we are grateful for the robust support that we've received. Once completed, the Eastern Pittsburgh Multimodal Corridor Project will directly benefit the lives of many individuals—streamlining travel routes, enhancing safety, and increasing access for those that live in our region's eastern communities."" A 2019 study rated the parkway as the fifth most congested road in the United States. This multimodal project will make significant progress to ameliorate that congestion and the corridor's safety hazards. The myriad upgrades include rehabilitating 10 bridges, installing a new floodwall along the downtown section of the parkway so flood-prone it is known as ""the Bathtub,"" implementing technologies to ease traffic from Monroeville to downtown, and stabilizing hilly terrain to prevent landslides. In addition to traffic, flooding, bridges, and potentially unstable terrain, the $142.34 million award will improve bus infrastructure, shoulder and sidewalk safety, and key stretches of South Braddock Avenue and Route 30/Lincoln Highway/Ardmore Boulevard. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling nearly $1 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-blasts-u-s-steel-sale-vows-to-take-all-possible-actions-to-block-acquisition/,"Fetterman Blasts U.S. Steel Sale, Vows to Take All Possible Actions to Block Acquisition",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday released the following statement blasting the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, a Japanese company. “I live across the street from U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thompson plant in Braddock. It’s absolutely outrageous that U.S. Steel has agreed to sell themselves to a foreign company. Steel is always about security – both our national security and the economic security of our steel communities. I am committed to doing anything I can do, using my platform and my position, to block this foreign sale.” “This is yet another example of hard-working Americans being blindsided by greedy corporations willing to sell out their communities to serve their shareholders. I stand with the men and women of the Steelworkers and their union way of life. We cannot allow them to be screwed over or left behind. I promise to them and to all forgotten communities across Pennsylvania that I will work with Senator Casey and the rest of the delegation to fight like hell to make this right.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3791,RECRUITING CRISIS: GOP Lawmakers Grill Service Branches Over 'Woke' Perception of Military,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published by CBN WASHINGTON - The U.S. military is experiencing one of the worst recruiting shortfalls in 50 years. In fiscal year 2023, the military branches collectively missed their recruiting goals by approximately 41,000 recruits. Earlier this week, representatives from each, testified before the House Armed Services Committee about the underlying causes behind the shortfall. ""Thirty years ago when I was in high school, 40 percent of youth had a parent that served, but today, that number is under 13 percent,"" said Alex Wagner, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. While witnesses outlined challenges ranging from getting recruiters into schools during COVID, to a decrease in eligibility, Republicans zeroed in on polling that suggests the problem is because the military has become, ""the administration's next social justice project."" ""This poll, which we can all read, found that 73 percent of veterans believe the U.S. military has become too political, regarding race, gender, sexuality. Even worse, a quarter of the veterans would tell young people not to enlist,"" said Rep. Jim Banks, (R-Indiana). ""We're now at the third time having this conversation about recruiting, and rather than actually listening to experts saying, 'It's complicated,' because it is complicated, we're still marching out these kinds Breitbart, provenance unknown, questionnaires,"" argued Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). ""When cadets, military families, and active duty members stop bringing us these issues, then we'll stop talking about it. But as long as they are, we have a duty to address these issues,"" said Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL). Only two military branches met their active duty, enlisted, and recruiting goals for 2023 - the Marine Corps and the Space Force. Wagner credits the success to an Air Force pilot program which waives previous requirements on body composition, tattoo placement, and THC use. ""These and other efforts resulted in approximately 2,900 new accessions in 2023. That's 2,900 high-quality individuals, with a propensity to serve, that would have otherwise been excluded,"" Wagner told lawmakers. All branches admit it's critical to find ways to persuade Gen-Z to take an interest in military service. That's because as one of the most tech-savvy generations, their skill sets will likely be key to future military readiness.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-summer-lee-announces-over-44m-in-funding-to-cut-methane-emissions-from-wells-and-support-environmental-restoration-of-well-sites,Congresswoman Summer Lee Announces Over $44M in Funding to Cut Methane Emissions From Wells and Support Environmental Restoration of Well Sites,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** December 15, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Congresswoman Summer Lee Announces Over $44M in Funding to Cut Methane Emissions From Wells and Support Environmental Restoration of Well Sites [PITTSBURGH, PA] — Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee announced $44,457,220 in formula grant funding to help measure and reduce methane emissions, one of the biggest drivers of climate change, from the oil and gas sector. The funding, which is made possible by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—will help support industry efforts to cut methane emissions from wells on nonfederal lands and support environmental restoration of well sites. Congresswoman Lee said, ""I'm so proud to deliver over $44M in funding to cut methane emissions in my district. In regions like Western Pennsylvania, where the legacy of oil and gas extraction is deeply felt, this investment is not just about reducing emissions; it's about justice and health for our communities. This funding will accelerate efforts to measure, monitor, and mitigate methane from nonfederal wells, which is crucial for protecting both the environment and public health. As we've seen in our communities, unchecked methane emissions contribute to climate change and pose serious health risks, especially in marginalized areas. This is a big step towards correcting historical neglect and ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for all."" ""Investing in projects and programs that significantly reduce methane emissions is an important priority to slow the harmful effects of climate change,"" said Ryan Peay, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Resource Sustainability in DOE's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. ""The grants awarded today facilitate critical partnerships between states and the oil and gas sector, addressing a key source of these emissions while generating substantial climate, health, and economic benefits for local communities nationwide."" ""On the heels of EPA's final standards to protect communities from methane pollution, today we're proud to partner with the Department of Energy to announce critical funds to aid states and industry in addressing methane emissions under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program,"" said Jennifer Macedonia, EPA Associate Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of Air and Radiation. ""Through these historic investments in America, EPA and DOE are working with states to improve the efficiency and economic competitiveness of U.S. oil and gas operations and create new jobs in energy communities, while realizing near-term emissions reductions that protect people and the planet."" Earlier this year, Congresswoman Summer Lee, who serves on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee introduced the Bipartisan Abandon Well Remediation Act with Congresswoman Stephanie Rice (R-OK-12) to address the impact of methane emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells by creating an abandoned wells research, development, and demonstration program at the Department of Energy (DOE). In the United States, 30 percent of methane emissions come from the oil and gas sector, which increasingly has tools to slash leaks. Methane is a climate ""super pollutant"" that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today. Rapid, sharp cuts in methane can generate near immediate climate benefits and are a crucial addition to cutting carbon dioxide in slowing the rate of warming of Earth's atmosphere. Through these investments, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program will help industry reduce waste, create new jobs in energy communities and realize near-term emission reductions – helping reach the nation's ambitious climate and clean air goals. Monitoring and mitigating methane emissions from the oil and gas sector will benefit energy communities, which often include low-income and communities of color, and deliver long-lasting health and environmental benefits across the country. This commitment supports the Biden-Harris Administration's ambitious environmental justice agenda through the Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain covered Federal investments flow to disadvantaged or Justice40 communities. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, funding received through the Methane Emissions Reduction Program will provide a combination of technical and financial assistance to states to help well owners and operators voluntarily identify and eliminate methane emissions from low-producing conventional oil and gas wells, also referred to as marginal conventional wells, with disproportionately high methane emissions. States can also use the funding to support environmental restoration of well sites and monitor the sites to verify that plugged wells are no longer emitting methane. EPA and DOE will also provide technical assistance to help states, industry, and other partners to implement cost-effective solutions to monitor and reduce methane emissions from these wells. Visit EPA and DOE websites for more information about the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling nearly $1 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-and-joyce-introduce-bill-improve-access-public-service-loan,BOYLE AND JOYCE INTRODUCE BILL TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) and David P. Joyce (OH-14) introduced the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Administrative Improvements Act today to update and improve both the approval and administrative processes that support the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for teachers, soldiers, public safety officers, and other public servants with student loan balances. “I'm proud to introduce this legislation, and committed to doing all I can to help alleviate the burden of student loan debt for dedicated public servants,” said Congressman Boyle, co-chair of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Caucus. “Public Service Loan Forgiveness is an investment in our communities and a commitment to those who choose these demanding careers in the public sector. Public Service Loan Forgiveness is an incentive to our students and an investment in our future, and we must ensure that it benefits as many hardworking public servants as possible.” “By providing loan forgiveness for our nation's nurses, firefighters, teachers, police officers, military service members, veterans, and more who choose to dedicate their careers to serving others, we are making a direct investment in our communities,” said Congressman Joyce, co-chair of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Caucus. “We should do everything we can to support individuals who pursue careers that contribute to the well-being of Americans. I am proud to join Congressman Boyle in introducing this bipartisan bill to fix the program's current inefficiencies and ensure we can continue to give our public servants the support they deserve."" Congress established the bipartisan loan forgiveness program in 2007 to help teachers, social workers, military personnel, and other public servants pursue sometimes lower-paying careers serving their communities without facing decades of crippling loan payments. The program allows borrowers to erase the balance of their student debt after working for a nonprofit or government employer for 10 years and making 120 qualifying loan payments. It is believed that current deficiencies existing at the administrative level in the PSLF program have resulted in upwards of 99% of borrowers being denied loan forgiveness under the program after applying, as was recently profiled on Forbes.com. “All students deserve a caring, qualified, committed, and certified teacher in their classroom, but skyrocketing student debt has made it much more difficult to attract and retain educators because they simply cannot afford to stay in the teaching profession they love. For those educators who stay, decisions like buying a home or starting a family are delayed because of out-of-control student loan bills,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created to encourage talented individuals to pursue careers in public service, including educators teaching in our public schools. Since 2021, more than 715,000 individuals have received $51 billion in loan forgiveness because of the PSLF program. The PSLF Administrative Improvements Act is a genuine effort to support public sector workers under this program, helping them navigate a complicated application system while enhancing congressional oversight to prevent administrative inefficiency. The National Education Association applauds Congressman Brendan Boyle and Congressman David Joyce for once again developing a bipartisan solution to ensure teachers and other dedicated public service professionals receive the loan forgiveness they deserve.” “The PSLF Coalition is dedicated to making sure that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is accessible and loan forgiveness is achievable,” said Verna Williams of the PSLF Coalition. “We are grateful to Representatives Joyce and Boyle for the introduction of the PSLF Administrative Improvements Act to help ensure all qualified public service professionals are able to successfully earn student loan forgiveness. We know that PSLF is a critical tool for recruiting and retaining public service professionals and thank the Congressmen for recognizing the value and service of professionals working in public health, public safety, and public education.” SUMMARY OF PSLF ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS ACT:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-vote-against-republicans-sham-impeachment-inquiry,BOYLE STATEMENT ON VOTE AGAINST REPUBLICANS SHAM IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) issued the statement below, following today’s House vote on a baseless impeachment inquiry into President Biden by House Republicans: ""At a moment when Congress should be focused on bringing down the cost of living and supporting working families, House Republicans have yet again opted for a circus sideshow in the form of a sham impeachment procedure against the President of the United States. Despite the fact that their own investigations have repeatedly proven that President Biden has done nothing wrong, House Republicans are pushing this sham process to distract the American people from their total failure to govern. The presidential impeachment process is a solemn constitutional mechanism designed to address extreme abuses of power or egregious misconduct and should never be wielded recklessly or for political revenge.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-wins-servicemembers-safety-and-transparency-annual-defense,"Deluzio Celebrates Wins for Servicemembers, Safety, and Transparency in Annual Defense Bill",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on a bipartisan basis and sent the measure to President Biden. Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) voted for the measure as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and now celebrates its important wins for servicemembers, safety, and defense contractor transparency in this final version. After supporting a bipartisan NDAA in committee, Congressman Deluzio voted against a partisan version of the measure on the House Floor that included right-wing policy riders and other culture war nonsense. This final version of the NDAA unfortunately included a temporary reauthorization (without reforms) of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which Congressman Deluzio believes needs reform to better protect Americans’ liberty. “Although far from perfect, I voted for this year’s defense bill to give our servicemembers a raise, better support military families, address our most pressing national security challenges, and increase defense contractor accountability and transparency,” said Rep. Deluzio. “It also includes my amendments to improve safety for servicemembers and the public—with funds to clean up PFAS contamination at National Guard and Air National Guard facilities—and to require a report on rail safety and other transportation network vulnerabilities.” More specifically, the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA includes the following measures: A 5.2% servicemember pay raise proposed in the President’s budget request. Expanded eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance, the program that provides funds for food, housing, and other social services for members of the military. Investments in military family housing, child development centers, and upgrades to outdated military barracks. Expanded Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) eligibility for federal employees. Representative Deluzio’s amendment to provide the National Guard and Air National Guard facilities—such as the 171st Air Refueling Wing, which is one of the worst PFAS-contaminated bases in Pennsylvania—access to funds used for environmental restoration efforts including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cleanup. Representative Deluzio’s amendment to hold accountable companies that refuse to provide uncertified cost and pricing data. This amendment will fight back against defense contractor price gouging by directing the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to develop a framework for refining the parameters of what would constitute a denial of uncertified cost or pricing data under section 3705 of title 10, United States Code. Representative Deluzio’s amendment requiring a report identifying rail and other transportation network vulnerabilities and providing recommendations for interagency coordination, programs, or statutory changes to improve and maintain such strategic railways, highways, and seaports associated with national defense. A statement that the U.S. policy is to have as soon as practicable 355 battle force ships and that the shipbuilding defense industrial base is fundamental to achieving the shipbuilding requirements of the Navy and constitutes a unique national security imperative that requires sustainment and support by the Navy and Congress. Increased oversight of equipment provided to foreign countries by requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide reports on how equipment use is monitored. The bill now heads to President Biden for his signature and includes many other important items. A full summary of the measure from the House Armed Services Committee Democrats is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3694,Rep. Houlahan Announces Housing Resources Town Hall,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WEST CHESTER, PA – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced her 81st town hall focused on housing resources for residents of Berks and Chester Counties. Houlahan’s telephone town hall will take place on Thursday, December 21 at 5 p.m., and she will be joined by Dolores Colligan, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, and Ashley Chambers, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for the United Way of Berks County. Houlahan, Chambers, and Colligan will answer housing-related questions for community members. “I know housing and heating costs continue to be a concern for some Pennsylvanians,” said Houlahan. “That’s why I want to help our community members access resources to find quality and affordable housing. I’ve also been a strong advocate for LIHEAP, a national program that helps low-income Americans heat their homes, including thousands of families here in Pennsylvania. I look forward to our conversation on those resources and more at next week’s town hall.” Details WHAT: Housing Resources Telephone Town Hall WHO: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman Dolores Colligan, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development Ashley Chambers, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for the United Way of Berks County WHEN: Thursday, December 21 at 5 p.m. HOW: Telephone – dial (855) 731-4616 Online – visit houlahan.house.gov/live or Facebook Live. The event is open to the public. Community members can RSVP to receive a day-of reminder. If members of the press are interested in joining the call, please email aubrey.stuber@mail.house.gov by Thursday, December 21 at 2 p.m. Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress. ###",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3712,"Houlahan, Garbarino Introduce First Climate Solutions Caucus Bill to Spur Climate Research and Support Farmers",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), co-chairs of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, alongside Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Mike Braun (R-IN), introduced the Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would advance sustainable agriculture practices across the United States by making natural climate solutions a high research and extension priority at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), unlocking federal funding for farmers to protect the environment via land management practices that increase carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “As we continue to seek bipartisan climate solutions, we must leverage the important role the federal government can play in incentivizing research opportunities,” said Representative Houlahan. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a win for our research institutions whose work will help farmers and conservationists, like those in southeastern Pennsylvania, adopt sustainable practices that will protect the environment and increase climate resilience.” “As co-Chair of the Climate Solutions Caucus, I know how important it is to engage our natural resources to reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously supporting conservation,” said Representative Garbarino. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide our agricultural sector the tools necessary to engage in sustainable farming practices that will play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a cleaner, greener environment for generations to come.” “The food that nourishes us should be safe for us and safe for the planet - not poisonous for our natural resources,” said Senator Markey. “Farmers and landowners should be equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to decrease emissions and combat the devastating effects of climate change. The Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act will sow the seeds of a next-generation, clean agriculture sector that will lead the world in developing sustainable farming practices. I thank Senator Braun and Representatives Houlahan and Garabino for their partnership on this important legislation.” “Farmers are natural conservationists: they have a vested interest in preserving our land and natural resources, and this bill will fuel research for land management practices that protect our environment – rather than top-down government mandates,” said Senator Braun. Background: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agriculture sector alone is responsible for ten percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, more than half of which is linked to soil and land management practices. The legislation would ensure that the science-based knowledge gained through USDA’s research program is translated into actionable strategies for farmers and landowners, enabling them to successfully implement their climate solutions on the ground. It would also lift up natural climate solutions that have co-benefits, such as promoting biodiversity and climate resilience, reducing runoff, and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge. Read the full text of the bill here.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/advisory-for-zoom-press-call-tuesday-december-19-at-10-am,Advisory for Zoom Press Call Tuesday December 19 at 10 am,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** Contact: Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov 330.212.2065 Click here to RSVP and access zoom link Advisory for Zoom Press Call Tuesday December 19 at 10 am Summer Lee to Host Panel Discussion on Local Need for Congress to Pass Lee's $10.7 Million in Community Project Funding to Combat Hunger and Homelessness; Job Training, Infrastructure and Redevelopment in FY2024 budget Click here to RSVP and access zoom link (Pittsburgh, PA) – This Tuesday, December 19th at 10:00 am, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) will host a zoom press call with local organizations and agencies for which she is fighting to deliver $10.7 million in community project funding as part of the FY2024 budget. Over the course of the past eight months, Congresswoman Summer Lee has worked closely with local community partners and stakeholders to advance $10.7 million in funding for 15 project proposals that support a wide range of initiatives from affordable housing to infrastructure and transportation. As a result of Lee's tireless advocacy, these projects were included in bills passed by the House Appropriations Committee and have been moved forward where they await a vote by the full House and Senate before heading to the President's desk and becoming law. House Republican Leadership's failure to pass a budget on time remains the only barrier to Western Pennsylvania receiving this desperately needed funding. Please find descriptions of each of the projects and quotes from Congresswoman Lee below. WHO: Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) Colleen Young, Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank Mark Latterner, Jubilee Soup Kitchen Emily Woodward, Tri-COG Land Bank Recovery and Affordable Housing Project in McKeesport David Geiger / Susheela Nemani-Stanger - Urban Redevelopment Authority Carolyn Grady, YMCA Northside Donta Green, Trade Institute of Pittsburgh Jeanne Clark, ALCOSAN for Homestead Project WHAT: Summer Lee to Host Panel Discussion on Local Need for Congress to Pass Lee's $10.7 million in Community Project Funding to combat hunger and homelessness; job training, infrastructure and redevelopment in FY2024 budget WHEN: Tuesday December 19th at 10:00 am WHERE: Zoom. RSVP here. RSVP: click here to RSVP and we will send you a zoom link to join the press call $1,000,000 for -Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Truck Package: to distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals including low- to moderate-income individuals and others in need of food assistance living in areas of high need in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset and Washington counties in Pennsylvania. The program will purchase and build eight mobile food banks that will regularly recover fresh food from regional Pennsylvania farms and retailers and deliver it to a network of over 1,000 community partners. Disclosure Letter: HERE Congresswoman Summer Lee said, ""We are so close to delivering $1,000,000 to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to deploy food trucks that will distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals in need across our communities. As someone who depended on food assistance when times were tough growing up, I know how crucial this funding will be to combat food insecurity and ensure no person in Western PA goes to bed hungry."" $1,000,000 Granted for YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh: The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh will use this funding for the Northside community to rehabilitate the Allegheny YMCA building to make it ADA accessible, address unworkable infrastructure, and allow the facility to directly address the needs of the surrounding community through upgraded space to provide childcare, before/after school enrichment, senior supports, and community health and wellness in a low-income community. Additionally, to ensure the Allegheny YMCA is truly available to all, it will continue to provide membership and program subsidies to low-income Northside residents. Disclosure letter: HERE ""Like so much of the Northside, the Allegheny YMCA on North Avenue hasn't been upgraded for decades and is in desperate need of investment and rehabilitation. I'm honored to be on the verge of delivering $1,000,000 to enhance accessibility, improve infrastructure, and allow them to continue to serve as a vital center for health, wellness, and community services in the Northside–from childcare and teen outreach to senior activities."" $1,000,000 Granted for Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild: to create a community gathering and education space to teach about antisemitism and identity-based hate in the new Tree of Life building. This project will be a critical space to educate on antisemitism, revitalize a community hub that has sat empty for 5 years since the antisemitic attack, and will create a positive economic impact in the community by attracting visitors, students, and educators from around the world. Disclosure Letter: HERE Lee said, ""When I toured the site of the attack in February and met with Foundation leadership and family members of those murdered, I was profoundly moved–both by the unimaginable pain of what I saw and the beautiful conversations I had with family members of those who had their lives senselessly taken. I'm honored to be closer than ever to delivering $1,000,000 in funding for the Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild project to create a vital community gathering space to educate against antisemitism and white supremacy in all its forms–breathing life back into a community hub that has remained dormant following the tragic antisemitic attack."" Maggie Feinstein, Director of 10.27 Healing Partnership said,""Healing is a journey that takes time, and we are committed to support individuals and their loved ones impacted by the October 2018 synagogue shooting as they heal. Federal funding has allowed us to provide counseling and programming, including during the recent trial, and each year at the Commemoration Ceremony. We are grateful. The proposed new appropriation would allow us to continue to serve the victims of the attack and see through the work towards leaving our community more resilient than it was before."" $1,050,000 Granted For Homewood Fields and Community Complex in Pittsburgh (City of Pittsburgh) to construct a state-of-the-art sports and community performance space, which will include a field house, amphitheater, and community gathering space. This project will function as a key anti-violence strategy in Homewood, a neighborhood which consistently experiences high levels of youth violence. More importantly, the new park will provide the foundation for intensive collaboration between the city's anti-violence initiatives and key Homewood community institutions committed to helping young people invest in their own lives and value the lives of others, through violence interruption, job training, coaching, and interventions with spectators and parents. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""I'm so excited to announce that I'm one step closer to securing $1,050,000 funding for the Homewood Fields and Community Complex in Pittsburgh!. The new park will provide a platform for intensive collaboration between the city's anti-violence initiatives and key Homewood community institutions. Through violence interruption, job training, coaching, and interventions with spectators and parents, we will empower young people to invest in their own lives and value the lives of others and serve as a vital anti-violence strategy to improve safety in the neighborhood."" $500,000 Granted Urban Redevelopment Authority – Ground Floor Commercial Activation in Affordable Housing: to build affordable ground floor or street-level housing and commercial in mixed-use Low Income Housing Tax Credits-financed projects across the City of Pittsburgh. This project will address housing affordability, support entrepreneurship and small business, as well as attract and retain businesses. This project would also provide critical funding towards mixed-use developments with affordable housing and neighborhood-serving commercial components that will otherwise experience significant funding gaps. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said ""With gentrification and inflation on the rise, far too many families and small businesses in Pittsburgh are struggling to afford rent. I'm thrilled to be on the verge of delivering $500K funding for Urban Redevelopment in Pittsburgh to boost entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and bridge funding gaps that keep affordable housing out of reach for too many individuals and families, fostering a more inclusive and thriving community."" $461,197 Granted for Jubilee Kitchen Facility Expansion and Renovation Project. Jubilee Association, Inc. will renovate a homeless prevention program in a low-income community by expanding and renovating their current facility to address significant safety, accessibility, and space issues. This project will give the facility greater space to meet food, clothing, and counseling needs and improve facility safety to continue providing necessary services preventing homelessness and offering high-quality, affordable childcare for low-income families providing their children pathways to a brighter future. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""With housing and food insecurity still a reality for many in my district, I've spent my first term fighting to deliver $461,197 to Jubilee Kitchen's to fund a renovation project that will expand their incredible work providing nutritious food, clothing, counseling, childcare, and homelessness prevention services to the most vulnerable members of our community–which I had the opportunity to see firsthand during a visit my first month in Congress. By providing folks with access to such services, we are offering them."" $450,000 Granted for Trade Institute of Pittsburgh's Social Enterprise Program: This funding would be used for providing graduates of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh's 11-week masonry program for individuals facing barriers to employment with time-limited, paid work experience if they are not yet ready to enter the workforce at the end of the program. This will allow graduates to continue improving their skills to obtain gainful employment. Disclosure Letter: HERE Lee said, ""At my recent visit to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh I learned about their social enterprise job training program to provide temporary employment at a living wage. I'm excited to be on the verge of delivering $450,000 in funding to launch this pilot program and ensure graduates are able to keep working and build their skills while pursuing gainful outside employment. By creating opportunities for those who face challenges in finding work and opening doors to a brighter future, we are empowering their contribution to the growth and prosperity of our entire community."" $500,000 Granted to Tri-COG Land Bank Recovery and Affordable Housing Project in McKeesport: This project will recover plots of abandoned, blighted and demolition land in the McKeesport Area School District and transform them into sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. This funding will improve the McKeesport Area School District community, a distressed community, by remediating seven blighted properties, creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities, help stabilize property values, and help spur neighborhood revitalization. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""We are so close to delivering $500,000 to revitalize disinvested, abandoned land in McKeesport by building sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. This project will not only improve the physical landscape but also uplift the spirit of the entire community and make an important step on the path towards righting the wrongs of racial redlining and disinvestment in our Black and and marginalized communities left behind."" $963,000 Granted For City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program: The City of Pittsburgh seeks funding to support its Criminal Justice Diversion Program, also known as Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), which is a program situated within the Office of Community Health and Safety. The LEAD initiative for the City of Pittsburgh will provide people with substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges with person-centered social services and intense case management. This initiative will help relieve police of a role they feel unsuited for and permit them to focus on violent crime, by preventing unnecessary, and harmful criminal-legal system engagement and instead will promote and support individual agency, particularly in communities of color. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""We know the best way to improve community safety is to invest in poverty-prevention, mental health, and wraparound services in communities. The in $963,000 funding I'm fighting to deliver for the City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program will foster positive change, promote community safety, and empower individuals in need by providing person-centered social services and intense case management to individuals facing substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges. This initiative represents a transformative shift in our approach to public safety and will promote and support individual agency, particularly in communities of color."" $959,757 Granted for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project: ALCOSAN and Homestead Borough are addressing several important issues with this project. First, the local elementary school does not have a standard play area for their young students to enjoy recess. The current play area is asphalt surrounded by a chain-link fence. This project will renovate the grounds to a landscaped, green space that can be used by the children. Second, the teacher parking lot will be re-configured and built with permeable pavers to capture rainfall. Third, under the parking lot, a stormwater storage unit will be constructed to capture stormwater and slowly release the water to the combined sewer system thereby reducing combined sewer overflows to the Monongahela River. This project will help Homestead Borough achieve its regulatory compliance related to combined sewer overflow abatement. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""I am delighted to be closer than ever to delivering $959,757 funding for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project, funding that transforms the local elementary school's play area into a landscaped, green space, providing a safe and enjoyable recess environment for young students. This renovation will enhance the school experience and promote a healthier, more engaging learning environment so that children in our region can thrive."" $850,000 Granted for the McKeesport Duquesne Bridge Preservation: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation wishes will perform bridge preservation and maintenance activities on the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge that will extend service life and maintain a safe and reliable crossing over the Monongahela River and multiple railroads. The McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge connects several low-income and minority environmental justice communities on either side of the Monongahela River. On the Southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of the households are low-income. On both sides of the river are communities that are made up of 75% minority populations. PennDOT will cover the required match, which will be App. 581 State highway funds. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""Just one year after the collapse of Fern Hollow bridge, I am fighting to deliver $850,000 in funding for the preservation of McKeesport Duquesne Bridge, which provides a vital connection linking several low-income and minority environmental justice communities. On the southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of households are low-income, and both sides of the river consist of communities with 75% minority populations. By preserving this bridge, not only will we ensure the safety and reliability of this critical crossing over the Monongahela River, but we will ensure equitable access, mobility, and economic opportunity for these communities."" $547,000 Granted Extended Support for 10.27 Healing Partnership to respond to and address the ongoing trauma from the 2018 Synagogue Mass Shooting in the lead-up to and in the aftermath of the trial. The goal of this project is to deepen the effectiveness of community-based work initiated by the initial investment from the federal government after the attack, focused on victim support, healing, and increasing the capacity of community partners to navigate trauma and resiliency following this horrific mass casualty event and the ongoing threat of antisemitism, white supremacy, and gun violence Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""I am fighting to deliver $547,000 in funding to extend support for the 10.27 Healing Partnership, allowing this incredibly important program to expand trauma care, victim support, and mental health services to members of our community impacted by the horrific 2018 Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting. In the aftermath of the trial and with the rise of antisemitism, 10/27's work healing reopened wounds and building resilience in the community is more vital than ever."" $500,000 Granted for Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh - Larimer Food Incubator & Community Kitchen. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh will repurpose the vacant and former Larimer School building to build a full-service community kitchen, event space and small business food incubator. This funding will support commercial development of the neighborhood by transforming 9800 square feet of the former school auditorium. This project will bring the Larimer community up to par with neighboring communities that have seen rapid development in recent years. This will be an economic catalyst for the community through job creation, support for small local businesses, food preparation and safety classes, training programs, and health and wellness programs. Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""I am excited to be so close to delivering $500,000 funding to Larimer Food Incubator & Community Kitchen to repurpose the vacant and former Larimer School building into a vibrant hub with a full-service community kitchen, event space, and a small business food incubator. This project will bring new life into the neighborhood, transforming 9800 square feet of the former school auditorium to spark positive change through economic growth and community development. "" $500,000 Granted to Westmoreland County – 4th Street Bridge Improvement in Irwin: Westmoreland County will replace a roadway bridge that runs over the Norfolk Southern Railway in Irwin. This project will reconnect the town with the main road that has been divided by the railroad for over 100 years and closed to traffic since 2014. Funding through this request will expedited project execution by adding to funds previously secured through the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""Just like the recently collapsed Fern Hollow bridge, the 4th Street bridge in Irwin that's been closed to traffic for eight years is yet another example of deteriorating infrastructure in desperate need of repair in Western PA. I'm fighting to deliver $500,000 in common-sense funding for Westmoreland County to repair 4th Street Bridge Improvement in Irwin to reconnect the town with the main road after a selfish, profit-hungry railroad company divided the area for over a century. This should have been done years ago but I'm glad to help our friends in Westmoreland get the job done now."" $500,000 Granted for SR 2046, Streets Run Road Resurfacing in Whitehall: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will rehabilitate the entire length of S.R. 2046 to combat deteriorating, poor pavement quality that is at an increasing risk of landslide. This road connects commercial, industrial, and residential properties in the municipality of Whitehall. The ongoing Curry Hollow Road expansion will put further demand on this crucial corridor that links the Baldwin Borough to the City of Pittsburgh, as well as Jefferson Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Disclosure letter: HERE Lee said, ""We are so close to delivering $500,000 in funding for the Streets Run Road Resurfacing in Whitehall that will address critical infrastructure needs and ensure safer, smoother transportation. With this funding, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will rehabilitate the entire length of S.R. 2046, combatting deteriorating and poor pavement quality that poses an increasing risk of landslides. This project is vital in enhancing road safety and accessibility for all who use this crucial corridor."" Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-lee-delivers-remarks-on-delivering-nearly-1-billion-to-western-pa-and-other-achievements-in-first-year-proving-progressives-get-the-job-done,"WATCH: Lee Delivers Remarks on Delivering Nearly $1 Billion to Western PA and Other Achievements in First Year, Proving Progressives Get the Job Done",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** December 14, 2023 Contact: Emilia Rowland emilia.rowland@mail.house.gov WATCH: Lee Delivers Remarks on Delivering Nearly $1 Billion to Western PA and Other Achievements in First Year, Proving Progressives Get the Job Done (Washington, D.C) – Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) delivered remarks delivering nearly $1 billion to her Western Pennsylvania district in spite of Republican chaos. Lee said, """"Despite Republicans' disfunction, we haven't stopped fighting even for a second and are proud to have delivered nearly $1 billion in federal investments for infrastructure, including $50 million for affordable housing in the historically divested Hill district, and millions more for STEM innovation, clean air, and good paying jobs–because the people of Western PA and across the country deserve leaders in Congress who've lived their struggles and work as hard as they do."" You can watch her full remarks here. Full remarks below: ""Madam/Mr. Speaker ""I stand here today because we are just one month from another government shutdown and Congressional Republicans have demonstrated, once again, that they're more concerned about satisfying their right-wing base than actually addressing any of the problems their constituents' face. ""But that hasn't stopped us from delivering for our district. I'm here because the everyday working-class people of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties came together to say everybody should have a livable wage, clean air and water, affordable housing, decent transportation, and health care. The people I represent resoundingly rejected the status quo and decades of corporations leaving us behind and polluting our communities with no accountability. They demanded political representation that will actually try to solve the problems we face and not play political games with their lives. ""Our movement's detractors, including many in Congress, will try to make you believe that people from working-class backgrounds representing working-class districts, are too consumed by fighting ""national political battles"" and don't do enough to deliver to their districts. Let's be clear: key priorities of the Biden Administration like the Inflation Reduction Act would not have happened without progressives here, fighting tooth and nail to ensure that our communities had what they needed to thrive. ""Despite Republicans' disfunction, we haven't stopped fighting even for a second and are proud to have delivered nearly $1 billion in federal investments for infrastructure, including $50 million for affordable housing in the historically divested Hill district, and millions more for STEM innovation, clean air, and good paying jobs–because the people of Western PA and across the country deserve leaders in Congress who've lived their struggles and work as hard as they do. Whether it was delivering $400 million from the Department of Energy clean financing program to fund EOS, a battery storage manufacturer that will employ thousands of workers in PA-12, or the over $150 million to improve transit in Pittsburgh, our movement in Pennsylvania is delivering on priorities that won't just improve our communities, but the lives of people across the country. We're demonstrating the power we can recognize when communities that have been left behind elect leaders that have actually gone through what they have. ""Throughout history and particularly over the past four decades, working-class people, disproportionately Black and brown, have been told that our priorities are too radical, our needs too unrealistic, and that our lives are expendable. Our movement stands in direct contrast to that–standing up to monied interests and fighting for our communities to be healthier, stronger, and more resilient. The wins we've secured that I've talked about today represent just a small part of what our movement has done while in office, and you can be sure we're not done yet. ""On the other side, Republicans are demonstrating that they are fundamentally unserious when it comes to addressing the problems that their constituents face. Now, Republicans are fighting battles so they can reconcile their internal struggle between satisfying their right-wing cable-news culture warriors, and their ultra-wealthy corporate donors. They are an embarrassment, and their constituents will remember. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-key-wins-for-pennsylvania-in-defense-bill/,Fetterman Secures Key Wins for Pennsylvania in Defense Bill,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Senate passed the Senate-led, bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. U.S. Senator John Fetterman worked to ensure the bill included key wins for Pennsylvania. “I was proud to vote for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act months ago and see it pass the Senate with strong bipartisan support, and I was proud to support the bill again today,” said Senator Fetterman. “Pennsylvania’s military installations and defense industry continue to play a key role in supporting allies like Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel against attacks on democracy abroad. By working with my colleagues here in Washington, I made sure that we were able to support vital jobs in Pennsylvania, increase pay for our servicemembers, and protect our economic and security interests from our adversaries. I’m also proud that this bill is free of any changes to the Pentagon’s policies that allow women to get the reproductive health care they need. I strongly urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill so that President Biden can sign it into law.” Senator Fetterman championed the inclusion of nearly $300M in funding for Pennsylvania military installations, secured key funding to modernize and sustain the Pennsylvania-based defense workforce, and supported funding for critical Pennsylvania National Guard programs. Senator Fetterman also supported critical research initiatives at Pennsylvania’s colleges, universities, and research institutions, as well as investments in our National Guard’s efforts to stem the tide of deadly drugs across our borders and into Pennsylvania’s communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-deluzio-calls-president-biden-support-blue-hydrogen-and-union-jobs-western,Rep. Deluzio Calls on President Biden to Support Blue Hydrogen and Union Jobs in Western PA in Inflation Reduction Act Rulemaking,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, Congressman Deluzio (D-PA-17) wrote a letter to President Joe Biden calling for the President and his Administration to reconsider restrictions that could hinder job-creating and carbon-neutral hydrogen projects. Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Biden Administration is investing $7 billion in Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, one of which includes parts of Rep. Deluzio’s district in Western Pennsylvania. In the current agency rulemaking, the Treasury Department is finalizing its eligibility rules for hydrogen power projects seeking the IRA’s 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit and is considering restrictions on the types of hydrogen power that can be eligible for this industry-boosting tax credit. Blue Hydrogen, which uses natural gas in the electrolysis process of making hydrogen, but then captures and sequesters any carbon dioxide emissions underground, is carbon neutral. This type of energy is the one targeted for many nascent hydrogen power projects in Western Pennsylvania. While Congressman Deluzio applauds and appreciates the Biden Administration’s work to incentivize alternative fuel sources to propel the nation and economy into a cleaner future, in his letter he raises concerns to President Biden that rigid restrictions on Blue Hydrogen could result in unintended consequences and squash job-creation—especially in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. Congressman Deluzio writes to the President: “Regions like Southwestern Pennsylvania have been the foundation of our nation’s energy economy for over a century, and we intend to keep it that way. I remain eager to work with your administration on behalf of my region and for the good of the country. “I urge you to consider places like my region, and the solid union jobs that power them, before finalizing any rules that would unnecessarily exclude viable carbon neutral energy projects. I stand ready to assist your administration in any way that I can to this end and appreciate your attention to this matter. The full text of the letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3697,Houlahan Sends Letter to DOJ on Accountability for War Crimes Committed Against Americans,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding accountability for war crimes committed against Americans. Read the letter here or below. December 13, 2023 The Honorable Merrick Garland Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Attorney General Garland, There is no shortage of suffering in the world today. From Ukraine to Israel to Sudan, just the last several years have shown some of the most brutal and hateful sides of humanity, and we have witnessed widespread violations of international humanitarian law and the commission of war crimes. I know you take these violations as seriously as I do and will do everything in your capacity to see perpetrators held accountable for these crimes, particularly where they involve American citizens. As such, I write today to thank you for your announcement on December 6 that the Department of Justice has filed charges against four individuals affiliated with the Russian military for torturing an American citizen during Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. I was also pleased to learn that the Department is using the same war crimes statute to investigate the kidnappings and murders of Americans by Hamas during their reprehensible October 7th attack on Israel. Russia and Hamas must be held accountable for their brutality. While I understand that the statute under which these charges and investigation were initiated has been U.S. law for 30 years, my understanding is that this is the first time that charges have been filed under its authority. In fact, it was the first time I had heard of this statute, and your announcement prompted some questions that I hope you’ll be able to answer for me: • How many such investigations have been initiated and documented under the War Crimes Act of 1996 since it became part of United States Code? • What is the average length of time from open to close that these investigations have taken? • At what point is the American public informed that an investigation is ongoing and the general nature of the investigation? • Can you confirm that the announcement of December 6, 2023, regarding crimes committed by members of the Russian military, is indeed the first time that charges have been filed under this statute? • Can you confirm that the War Crimes statute is applicable to only American nationals, including dual citizens? • Is the Department of Justice currently conducting any investigations into possible crimes committed by the Israeli Defense Forces against American or Palestinian-American citizens? I am heartened to both learn about the War Crimes statute and to see it being used as originally intended – to hold accountable those who commit the most heinous crimes against American citizens; the application of this statute must be done without prejudice. I look forward to your prompt response to my questions. Sincerely, Chrissy Houlahan Member of Congress CC: The Honorable Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3705,"Senate, House combine bipartisan efforts to advance paid leave",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in the Washington Post A bipartisan group of senators and House members on Wednesday debuted a rare joint effort to advance paid leave legislation. The development is substantive — it is designed to help lawmakers write legislation that can pass both chambers — but it is also symbolic, an effort to show public momentum on the issue. The United States is one of the few countries that does not offer a paid parental leave program for new mothers. A growing number of nations are also now offering paid leave for new fathers, leaving the United States far behind most countries around the world. The group of lawmakers is requesting input from about three dozen advocacy, business and interest groups about what paid leave policies would be effective, necessary and fiscally possible. “Our goal is to get something started,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who is leading the bipartisan Senate group. “I feel good if we can get something that’s real paid leave started for a certain number of Americans who would never have access.” Gillibrand spoke about the effort in an interview on Tuesday, the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the Family Act, the Democrats’ gold-standard paid leave bill that would guarantee paid leave for all workers after the birth of a child and also when dealing with serious medical issues. Gillibrand, who launched a presidential campaign in 2020 in part on the issue of paid leave, said the time seems ripe for movement on an issue that has befuddled Congress since the unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act was signed into law more than 30 years ago. FMLA protects some workers’ jobs but does not replace their salary while on leave. A majority of people have consistently indicated support for paid family and medical leave in polling since at least 2008. Still, Congress has failed to act. Some lawmakers working on the issue say the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade has made the need more urgent because it is more difficult in many places for a woman to terminate a pregnancy. They also point to the coronavirus pandemic, which unearthed the need for greater access and cost-effective caregiving options for newborns, sick family members and the elderly. Sen. Bill Cassidy (La.), the lead Republican negotiator in the group, said Republicans have become more open to federal paid leave policies because “societies change” and the need is apparent. The number of mothers working outside the home either full or part time has increased 50 percent over the past half-century. Single-parent households and families living far from extended family have also increased. The costs of child care continue to rise, and the responsibility of family members taking care of elderly loved ones is also increasing. “We’re showing that there is enthusiasm, passion and interest in this across the political spectrum,” Cassidy said. “That’s a good thing.” Some states have already taken up the mantle of paid leave. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have some sort of paid leave program, according to AARP. Members of Congress say federal legislation is still absolutely necessary. Federal workers gained paid family leave in 2020, giving more than 2 million people access to paid leave as long as the employee has worked for the government for 12 months. Another minor victory for advocates is set to pass this week in the annual defense policy bill that will allow military service to be counted toward that work requirement. Gillibrand and Cassidy have been working with Democratic Sens. Robert P. Casey Jr. (Pa.) and Maggie Hassan (N.H.), independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), and Republican Sens. Todd C. Young (Ind.), Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Cynthia M. Lummis (Wyo.) — an ideologically diverse group that give any such talks heft. Lummis, a conservative, libertarian-leaning Republican who rarely participates in bipartisan groups, said that she joined the paid leave group because Cassidy, a doctor, “convinced” her that parental bonding with young infants is “transformative” for infants. “Bill has convinced me that we should find a Republican style responses because this is an important thing for the future,” she said. The senators have teamed up with a bipartisan working group in the House — the first of its kind — that has been working on paid leave since its inception one year ago. Led by Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Stephanie I. Bice (R-Okla.), the House group has held a half-dozen listening sessions and detailed its findings in a new report. It is working to release a legislative framework in the next few weeks. “Support for paid family leave is at historic levels across the nation and across both chambers of Congress. It is that momentum that helped lead us here today,” Houlahan said in a statement. The Senate group has been working throughout the year on a potential framework for legislation and zeroing in on areas where they can agree. It seems clear, participants say, that the lowest-income people are expected to be a priority, and legislation would probably include coverage for all aspects of care, including caring for new children, adult children with special needs and elderly parents, for example. The biggest challenge will be how to fund the program. Republicans tend to like tax credits or incentives, and Democrats generally prefer a government-funded program. The bicameral group is asking a host of entities, ranging from unions, care advocacy groups, business groups and think tanks, to suggest ideas on how the program should be funded, the suggested scope and the role of the federal government. Requests for responses are due Jan. 31, and Gillibrand hopes to have an agreed upon framework in the following weeks. “This seems to be something that can be bipartisan now,” Gillibrand said. Despite the optimism, finding consensus on legislation that could pass a Democratic-led Senate and a Republican-led House will be far from easy. Many Republicans are still opposed to a federally led program, and some on the left might think a compromise bill won’t go far enough. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro (D-Conn.), who began working on paid leave legislation in 2010 and is the author of the Family Act, said she worries that any bipartisan effort would not meet the need. “I will not endorse anything that is a compromise of paid family and medical leave in any way,” she said.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3689,Houlahan’s Paid Family Leave Expansion Included in Final Defense Bill,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Don Bacon (R-NE) announced that their amendment to expand access to paid family leave for veterans in the federal workforce was adopted in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Houlahan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, led the effort. The amendment credits military service towards eligibility for paid family and medical leave for those transitioning to a civilian job in the federal government. The bipartisan effort was also supported by Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Chris Smith (R-NJ). ""I can’t underscore enough how far federal paid family leave has come in the past few years,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). “In FY20, I secured 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers; in FY23, I also secured 12 weeks for our service members. But even as we saw historic progress, a gap remained for our service members transitioning to a job in the federal government. By crediting time in uniform towards paid parental leave for the federal government, we will help retain the best and brightest America has to offer. I am grateful for the steadfast partnership of Rep. Beyer as we strengthen our workforce and, in turn, our national security. I look forward to seeing this policy signed into law in the coming weeks."" “Every American worker deserves access to family and medical leave, and the provision we secured in the NDAA will recognize time in military service like time in the federal civil service,” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA). “Passage of this measure will be a big win for my constituents, many of whom are federal workers. But federal employees work all across the United States, and a huge number of them served their country in uniform, so the benefit of this much-needed change to law will be felt all over the country. I am grateful to my colleagues in both chambers for their support for this legislation, and in particular to Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, Don Bacon, Nancy Mace, and Chris Smith for their leadership.” “Providing family medical leave benefits to federal employees is one of Congress’ more significant legislative accomplishments over the past several years,” said Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Congressman Beyer supporting veterans who choose to enter the federal work force by crediting their past military service toward their family and medical leave eligibility requirements. I’m pleased this provision was included in the final conference agreement and look forward to it becoming law before the end of the year.” Background Currently, military personnel who transition to a civilian job in the federal government are not eligible for paid family or medical leave policies until they’ve worked for 12 months in their new civilian role. In order to help recruit and retain the best workforce America has to offer, this new policy would credit military personnel’s service in uniform towards the 12 months eligibility requirement. ICYMI: The New York Times wrote about Houlahan’s legislation to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave for military personnel, which went into effect earlier this year. Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress. ###",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3709,Defense bill would expand leave for veterans joining federal workforce,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally Published in Federal Times Lawmakers are looking to expand access to leave benefits for service members who transition to the federal workforce in the 2024 defense bill. The latest version of the National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to pass through the House and Senate this week, includes a provision that would recognize previous military service in calculating family and medical leave for veterans working in the federal government. “By crediting time in uniform towards paid parental leave for the federal government, we will help retain the best and brightest America has to offer,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., in a statement Tuesday. Lawmakers have said family-friendly policies help ensure the public sector has competitive benefits to attract and retain employees amid workforce shortages in cyber and HR. Other supporters of the policy include Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., Don Bacon, R-Neb., Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Chris Smith, R-N.J. With the defense bill teed up for passage in Congress, President Joe Biden has signaled he will sign the measure into law later this month. If it clears both steps with the provision, a federal employee with at least a year of active military service will have met requirements for the Family and Medical Leave Act. The FMLA, which passed in 1993, provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave without pay for the birth, adoption or foster of a child, a serious health condition or caregiver leave. Health insurance coverage is also retained during that time. To access that benefit, federal workers have to be in their position for at least a year. Previously, service members were not eligible to credit their prior military time for FMLA if they had transitioned to the government. However, active duty service by members of the National Guard or Reserves is counted. Federal agencies employ more than half a million veterans, which is to say about one in every four civil servants has prior or existing military experience, according to the government’s HR agency. In a memo to agency leaders in February, the Biden administration urged the creation and support of policies that would grant leave during employees’ first year of work, when they may not yet have accrued enough time to be eligible for other benefits. “Every American worker deserves access to family and medical leave, and the provision we secured in the NDAA will recognize time in military service like time in the federal civil service,” said Rep. Beyer in a statement.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3688,NEW: House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group Highlights Fact-Finding Meetings in Year-End Report,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of the bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group, co-chaired by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK), released a new report summarizing their first year and six Member-level meetings to date. The summary comes in advance of a legislative framework the Working Group intends to complete and distribute in the coming weeks. In the new report, the Paid Family Leave Working Group wrote: “In January 2023, we proudly launched the bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group in the House of Representatives - the first bipartisan working group of Members dedicated to this issue. The working group’s primary objective is to lead the development of bipartisan paid leave policies that will provide American workers, families, and businesses with the support they desperately need. We began our work by developing a deep understanding of the problem, familiarizing ourselves with relevant stakeholders, and exploring all potential solutions. Over the past year, we conducted six member-level informational briefings which drew a diverse group of over 40 stakeholders for a thorough exploration of paid family leave policy. We kicked off our briefings in February with a commemoration of the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). We learned from key players involved in the FMLA’s passage about the process of enacting a sustainable policy that supports workers, families, and businesses. Over the subsequent seven months, we heard from state paid leave program administrators, representatives from private insurance companies offering paid family leave benefits, small business owners, representatives of large employers and trade associations, and advocates from caregiving communities. Each participant brought forth a unique and valuable perspective, enriching our understanding of the issue as we prepare to transition into shaping policy solutions in 2024.” Read the new report here. In addition to Co-Chairs Houlahan and Bice, the evenly divided House group includes Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Julia Letlow (R-LA). ICYMI: On December 1, the Working Group sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson urging consideration of paid family leave legislation during the 118th Congress. The House bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group was launched in January of 2023 to explore federal paid family leave policies. Supported by the Bipartisan Policy Center and other organizations, the working group’s mission is to bring more paid leave to more Americans through enduring policy solutions.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3700,Maryland military facilities investigating groundwater for ‘forever chemicals’,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in The Daily Record Maryland military facilities are in the early stages of remedial investigations into “forever chemicals” that jeopardize drinking water supplies in groundwater after a September report by the Department of Defense identified hundreds of military sites across the country as at risk for such chemicals. The facilities include high-profile Joint Base Andrews, home to Air Force One, as well as Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Meade, Fort Detrick, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and the Naval Research Laboratory-Chesapeake Bay Detachment in Calvert County. The potential contamination involves chemicals known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are a family of thousands of chemicals used in firefighting foams, heat-resistant products, and many other items. The Pentagon has been under fire for years from communities, environmental organizations, and Congress for failing to recognize the dangers of hazardous chemicals used in military operations and for being slow to clean up facilities. The DOD has initiated remedial investigations at 275 Defense Department and National Guard sites for potential PFAS contamination, 245 of which, including 11 locations at 10 Maryland sites, are close to groundwater aquifers. Some of these sites are part of aquifers that serve as primary or secondary drinking water sources. Robin Broder, deputy director of Waterkeepers Chesapeake, said PFAS is a known issue around military bases and is more likely to become a human health issue by contaminating water and crops. Military bases often use firefighting foam in emergencies and training exercises. Foam that still contains PFAS can seep into soil, evaporate into the air or run off into waterways. PFAS run-off can also contaminate fish and harm people who eat the contaminated seafood. In 2021, the Maryland Department of the Environment found elevated concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, a chemical in the PFAS family, in redbreast sunfish, yellow bullhead catfish, and largemouth bass in Piscataway Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River. “Cleanup efforts are challenging and costly,” said Dr. Arthur Daniel Jones III, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and associate director of the MSU Center for PFAS Research. Such chemicals are difficult to remove from the environment after contamination and have very few natural processes to break them down, he said. “Part of the challenge is that … we certainly don’t know very much about how the mixtures of PFAS … are toxic,” Jones said. “There are PFAS in foods, household products. … Almost every person on the planet is already contaminated by PFAS.” Exposure or consumption of PFAS has other potential health risks, including fertility and immune system issues, developmental delays in children, increased cancer risks, and hormone interference. The Aberdeen Proving Ground, an Army facility, states on its website that tests of its drinking water showed PFAS contaminants below the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory level of 70 parts per trillion. “The Army is committed to ensuring quality drinking water is provided to its soldiers, family members, and civilians,” the website says. “We continue to work with our state and federal partners and will ensure the community is kept updated on the status of our investigation.” The Army site is in the planning stages of the remedial investigation, said Quentin Johnson, Aberdeen’s director of public affairs. Similarly, Joint Base Andrews emphasized that its drinking water, which comes from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, is unaffected by PFAS. According to a statement by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center at the Joint Base Andrews Field Office, the extent of PFAS impacts on groundwater at the site is unknown, but groundwater samples have indicated the presence of these chemicals. Further samples are being collected to determine the degree of contamination. “This is a slow process complicated by the fact that we are sampling at an active airfield on an active military installation with active missions critical to national security,” said the statement said. “At JBA, it takes months to collect samples and get back results.” The Air Force, however, has removed all fire suppression systems that contained PFAS chemicals from the base, according to the statement. Joint Base Andrews said it has informed local communities, health departments, and government bodies about the PFAS issue. Two sites at the Naval Research Laboratory – Chesapeake Bay Detachment will be investigated by the Navy’s Environmental Restoration Program for PFAS: a fire testing area and a former firehouse, according to a statement from the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic. The fire testing area is already under investigation, and the firehouse will be studied in 2024 to “investigate the nature and extent of the PFAS and assess potential human health and ecological risks,” the statement said. In 2018, the Navy’s off-base water sampling in communities near the Chesapeake lab revealed no perfluorooctanoic acid, also called PFOA (another chemical in the PFAS family), or PFOS levels above the EPA limit of 70 parts per trillion. “The Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provide regulatory oversight on the remediation of contamination, whether from PFAS or other contaminants, at military sites within the state,” said Jay Apperson, a representative from the Maryland Department of the Environment. The state, EPA, Navy personnel and community members are actively involved in Restoration Advisory Boards, ensuring that families living near these facilities are informed about environmental issues and the steps being taken to address them. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, a member of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, emphasized the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination in a recent statement to Capital News Service. “I recently joined my colleague Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D) of Pennsylvania and many others in urging the Department of Defense to swiftly address its growing backlog of military sites contaminated with PFAS,” Raskin said. “We also urged the DoD to adequately fund cleanup efforts at contaminated sites across the country, including the White Oak Naval Surface Warfare Center in my district and several other sites in our state.” Jones said there aren’t many “good” ways to get rid of PFAS. “Even if you’re drinking water that has very low levels of PFAS in the water, most of what you drink today is going to be with you for years,” he said. “… And there are very few natural processes that break down PFAS, so in essence, that’s why they’re called forever chemicals.” Other Maryland sites where PFAS investigations are underway or planned are the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division – Annapolis Detachment, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, U.S. Naval Electronic Systems in St. Inigoes in St. Mary’s County and the Martin State Air National Guard Base in Middle River.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lee-deluzio-casey-fetterman-announce-520000-for-allegheny-county-safe-streets-project,"Lee, Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Announce $520,000 for Allegheny County Safe Streets Project",2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** December 11, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Lee, Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Announce $520,000 for Allegheny County Safe Streets Project County has averaged over 12,000 crashes per year since 2002 (Washington, D.C). - Today, U.S. Representatives Summer Lee and Rep. Chris Deluzio alongside U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $520,000 in federal funding for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) to develop a comprehensive plan of action to make Allegheny County's streets safer for all road users. Congresswoman Lee said, ""I am so proud to announce over half a million dollars from the Department of Transportation to enhance the safety and accessibility of our roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. By developing a comprehensive Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, we are taking a huge step towards identifying and rectifying the most hazardous areas in our community. This initiative not only promises a safer today but also lays the groundwork for expanding these vital safety measures across Southwestern Pennsylvania, ensuring a more secure tomorrow for all our residents."" ""Great news that Western Pennsylvania locked down more than half a million in federal investments from the Department of Transportation,"" said Rep. Chris Deluzio. ""We have to make our streets safer for all who use them—drivers, kids heading to school, pedestrians, cyclists, and more. I am grateful that the federal government can support Allegheny County's work towards this goal."" ""The infrastructure law is making our roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike,"" said Senator Casey. ""I was proud to advocate for funding to help the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission identify Allegheny County's most dangerous roads in order to make them safer and save lives."" ""The bottom line is that we are facing a street safety crisis in America — and in Pennsylvania. The thousands of lives we lose due to unsafe streets is unacceptable, and it's long past time we in Washington do something about it,"" said Senator Fetterman. ""This funding will provide Allegheny County with the resources they need to make streets safer for everyone on the roads."" The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), will allow SPC to create a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan to identify the most critical projects. Senator Casey supported SPC's grant for this funding to develop a Vision Zero comprehensive Safety Action Plan. After launching this initiative in Allegheny County, SPC plans to expand it to its other member counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This will build on SPC's previous efforts, including its 2020 Regional Transportation Safety Action Plan, to bring increased safety to the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $1 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-deluzio-kelly-send-letter-dept-energy-opposing-rule-which-jeopardizes,"Reps. Deluzio, Kelly send letter to Dept. of Energy opposing rule which jeopardizes nation's electrical grid, national security",2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) sent this letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm opposing the Biden Administration's proposed rule to mandate the use of amorphous metal (AM) cores instead of Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) cores. GOES cores are used in electrical distribution transformers across the country. Currently, there is only one facility in the United States producing GOES, located in Butler, Pennsylvania, which is represented by more than 1,300 United Auto Workers (UAW) employees. Implementation of this proposed rule would jeopardize the Butler, Pennsylvania facility, leave the U.S. electrical grid reliant on imports, and potentially cost over 1,500 American jobs. Moreover, amorphous metal cores rely on imports of raw materials; a dependency that could leave Americans susceptible to a variety of disruptions, from production to shipping. The Department of Commerce has identified this as a threat to national security. ""Finalizing this rule would significantly impact the production of distribution transformers, which are already difficult to obtain,"" the Congressmen wrote in their letter. ""Grid security and reliability are vital to our economic and national security. We respectfully urge you to make serious modifications that preserve utilization of GOES for transformer cores to the proposed rule and thank you for your consideration."" The administration's proposed rule comes when the supply chain constraint for distribution transformers has grown significantly, with demand exceeding current rates of production. The current lead time for procuring a distribution transformer is more than 16 months. ""This rule would severely limit the ability of our utility providers to ensure grid reliability and security while making us dependent on foreign imports of amorphous metal,"" the Members continued. The Proposed Rule increases efficiency standards on distribution transformers, which are already no less than 97.7% energy efficient. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-lee-celebrate-transformational-143-million-investment-western,"Deluzio, Lee Celebrate Transformational $143 Million Investment in Western Pennsylvania Passenger Rail",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) celebrated the announcement of a $143,629,028 federal grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for expansion of Amtrak passenger rail service on the Keystone West Corridor. This funding is from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will allow for a second daily round-trip between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Additionally, the congressmembers announced a $500,000 grant from the Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) program to plan and develop how to expand both Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian and Keystone services along the entire Pittsburgh to Philadelphia corridor. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will match 20 percent of the project’s total cost. “I am thrilled to announce this massive $143.6 million federal investment in Western Pennsylvania’s long neglected passenger rail service,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “Our region deserves the best infrastructure—and that includes better rail service that gets people where they need to go.” “For Pennsylvanians and communities across the eastern corridor, passenger rail has helped connect our communities and ensure people can visit their families, access jobs, and explore all that our Commonwealth has to offer. But for far too long, passenger rail in Pittsburgh has remained woefully inadequate and left our communities and economy disconnected” said Rep. Summer Lee. “After pushing the Department of Transportation for infrastructure investment to connect our communities within my district and across the region, I am so excited to help deliver this $143 million grant to immediately begin building a passenger rail to finally ensure there’s frequent and reliable service connecting Pittsburgh with Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Chicago by rail. This service will go a long way to ensure Pittsburgh is connected to the rest of Pennsylvania and the entire eastern corridor–bringing new life to our cities and creating hundreds of good-paying, union jobs along the way.” More specifically, this investment will fund the project’s land acquisition, design, and construction efforts to improve signaling and safety improvements along Norfolk Southern Railway’s main line between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. This project will improve system and service performance of the Amtrak Pennsylvanian service with additional capacity and other upgrades, including the additional, second daily round trip. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-lee-introduces-the-college-athletes-right-to-organize-act-with-rep-bowman-senators-sanders-murphy,"Rep. Lee Introduces the College Athletes Right to Organize Act with ​​Rep. Bowman, Senators Sanders, Murphy",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** Emilia.Rowland@Mail.house.gov Rep. Lee Introduces the College Athletes Right to Organize Act with ​​Rep. Bowman, Senators Sanders, Murphy (Washington, DC) – Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12) joined Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the College Athletes Right to Organize Act, to provide collective bargaining rights for college athletes. ""Pittsburgh is a union town and College athletes in Western PA – who help stimulate our local economy while bringing money and joy back to our communities – deserve the right to form a union. There's no question that college athletes are workers – especially considering that their training and game day schedules make it impossible to have another job."" said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). ""From Pitt, Duquesne, and CMU to my own alma mater Penn State, our College athletes spend countless hours honing their craft to represent their universities. But for far too long, the NCAA has denied athletes basic economic and bargaining rights, while weaponizing their ‘amateur' status to treat them as commodities. I'm proud to help introduce this legislation and to fight to give our college athletes the power to unionize and collectively bargain for fair compensation and dignity on the job."" The legislation is newly endorsed by the major professional players associations including the Major League Baseball Players Association, Major League Soccer Players Association, National Basketball Players Association, National Football League Players Association, National Hockey League Players Association, and United Soccer League Players Association. Actors' Equity Association, American Association of University Professors, AFL-CIO, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, American Federation of Teachers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers National Employment Law Project, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and United Steelworkers (USW) also endorsed the bill. The greater Pittsburgh area has several universities with world-class athletics departments, including University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and lower division schools like Carnegie Mellon University, Carlow University, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, Chatham University, and more. The College Athlete Right to Organize Act would help college athletes in Western Pennsylvania and across the country ensure can organize and collectively bargain to demand the NCAA and its members treat them fairly by: Amending the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to define any college athlete as an employee of their college if they receive direct compensation from their college, whether via grant-in-aid or other forms of compensation, and that compensation requires participation in intercollegiate sports. Amending the NLRA to define public colleges, alongside private institutions, as employers within the context of intercollegiate sports, allowing athletes to collectively bargain at any college. Facilitating multiemployer bargaining units for college athletes by directing the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to consider the colleges within an athletic conference as part of a bargaining unit with which college athletes can negotiate. Asserting the NLRB's jurisdiction over all institutions of higher education within the context of intercollegiate athletics and on all collective bargaining and representation matters as well as labor disputes. Prohibiting any agreements, such as scholarship agreements, which waive the right of athletes to collectively bargain. Ensuring the current tax status of college athletes' scholarships and other benefits does not change due to their employment status, nor does it affect their eligibility for financial aid ""College athletes are workers, period. They are skilled and disciplined young people who deserve so much more than to be treated as sources of revenue by the colleges and universities they attend,"" said Congressman Jamaal Bowman Ed.D. (NY-16). Their lack of collective bargaining rights, pay, and ownership of their own image is a labor and civil rights issue that requires our immediate action. The College Athlete Right to Organize Act is the first step in bringing college sports into the 21st century by ensuring college athletes have the right to collectively bargain across teams and conferences, and that they are able to advocate for rights, protections, and compensation commensurate with the value they undeniably provide. College athletics are a billion dollar industry, and it's time to treat those who make it run with the respect, rights, and pay they deserve."" ""All the breathless attention on this weekend's College Football Playoff selection is a reminder that college sports are anything but amateur,"" said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). ""There is no college sports industry and its $16 billion in annual revenues without the athletes' labor. It's past time they get a seat at the negotiating table. Instead of fighting athletes' rights in courts and spending millions on lobbying Congress, the NCAA and its members should start negotiating directly with players on revenue-sharing, health and safety protections, and more. This legislation would make it easier for the athletes to realize their power, form unions, and start to collectively bargain."" ""We cannot wait for the NCAA to share its billions with the workers who create it,"" said Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT). ""And those workers are college athletes. The College Athlete Right to Organize Act is a step in the right direction to giving these workers the rights and protections that they deserve."" ""College athletes put their lives and well-being on the line to make their schools and the NCAA billions of dollars each year – of course they should be able to unionize and make sure they're paid their fair share of that pot,"" said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). ""The College Athlete Right to Organize Act is a common sense next step to protect the young workers powering this industry and give them the rights they deserve.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-grills-wall-street-execs-during-banking-hearing/,Fetterman Grills Wall Street Execs During Banking Hearing,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman yesterday participated in a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs oversight hearing on Wall Street firms, with witnesses including executives of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, State Street, BNY Mellon, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. During his line of questioning, Senator Fetterman grilled the executives about their share buybacks and stock dividends, laid into them about how bank failures imperil the national economy, and advocated for stronger capital requirements. “Are you okay with this idea that a relatively small bank, especially compared to the size of all of you in front of us today, could cause a crash, systemwide, unless the president had to quickly intervene and make sure that we addressed this?”Senator Fetterman asked Bank of America CEO about the failure of Silicon Valley Bank. “Is it okay to worry that a small bank could imperil our entire financial system?” “You claim that the capital requirements will increase costs and reduce lending. Chase did $5.7 billion in share buybacks and $9 billion in dividends so far this year. So wouldn’t it be easier just to kind of hold onto a lot of that money and lend it out?” Senator Fetterman asked the CEO of Chase. “Why would you want to give it away to the shareholders or buying back stock?” The full clip can be found HERE. Senator Fetterman is a staunch proponent of executive accountability and fighting corporate greed and has fought for commonsense bank regulations. In Spring 2023, he slammed bank executives from Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank andcalled out the role of corporate greed at Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearings on the failures of their banks. He has also taken legislative action, co-sponsoring the Secure Viable Banking Act, which would restore critical protections to keep Big Banks in check & prevent future crises, and the Failed Bank Executives Clawback Act, which empowers the federal government to engage in more aggressive enforcement of clawbacks of compensation from bank executives of failed banks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://dean.house.gov/2023/12/bicameral-letter-urging-bank-ceos,"Congresswoman Dean, Senator Warren, Congressman Thompson Lead Bicameral Letter Urging Bank CEOs to Implement Merchant Category Code for Gun and Ammunition Retailers",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) led more than 30 of their colleagues in sending letters to the CEOs of MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Visa, urging them to implement a newly created merchant category code that categorizes gun and ammunition retailers. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) maintains a series of merchant category codes (MCC) — four-digit codes that classify merchants by their purpose of business. In September 2022, the ISO approved the creation of a new MCC for gun and ammunition retailers. Although Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Visa agreed to implement these codes in Fall 2022, they walked back these promises in the following months. This letter asks credit card companies to implement the codes in states where they are legal, and requests information about their hesitation to enforce this measure. “The need for [credit card companies] to implement this MCC is urgent. Since [their] pause on implementing the MCC, mass shootings have occurred at an elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, a mall in Allen, Texas, locations across Lewiston, Maine — and hundreds of other locations.” the lawmakers wrote. “The financial industry is uniquely positioned to identify suspicious transactions that could help prevent the next mass shooting in this country.” The letter is endorsed by Amalgamated Bank, Guns Down America, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and Everytown for Gun Safety. Read the full letter here. Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3670,"Houlahan, Escobar, Moulton Lead Letter to President Biden on Israel’s Current Military Operation",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) led 10 of their colleagues from the House Committee on Armed Services, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and House Committee on Foreign Affairs in sending a letter to President Biden outlining concerns over Israel’s current military operations and the need for a strategic approach that works toward a political resolution. The lawmakers wrote: “The barbaric October 7th attack on Israel was not only heartbreaking to watch unfold, but reminiscent of our nation’s own harrowing experience on September 11, 2001. In response to those attacks, we waged our own war on terror which lasted so long that it came to be fought by servicemembers who had not yet been born on September 11th. We still live with the weight of the moral, political, military, and humanitarian consequences of that decision.” “In our roles on the House Committee on Armed Services, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Committee on Foreign Affairs, we have a responsibility to conduct oversight of our support for U.S. allies. In this case, we feel particularly compelled to share our concerns for Israel’s ultimate success and lasting security.” “Amidst this second phase of military operations, we urge you to convey our successes and failures in Iraq and Afghanistan and press Israel to adopt strategic methods that utilize precise targeting, reduce civilian harm, and work toward winning the peace in its own operation to defeat Hamas. Our nation has come to understand the costs associated with losing sight of these principles firsthand...” “These principles are essential to military success, lasting security, and pursuit of a two-state solution. We want Israel to succeed in eliminating Hamas’ operational control and achieving lasting peace and security for all civilians. Many see a false choice in this divisive conflict between ensuring Israeli security and Palestinian rights. We believe that lasting peace will only be realized when both Israelis and Palestinians have security, prosperity, and self-determination.” “Mr. President, it remains our collective responsibility to prevent the already horrific civilian death toll from growing, which is sure to have far more devastating consequences to Palestinian and Israeli populations, increase the risks of wider regional conflict, and imperil the security and stability of the larger Middle East, as well as our own. The last two decades have taught our country many hard lessons. We hope you keep those lessons, and the human costs associated, in mind as you continue to engage in diplomacy that is centered on our principles of freedom and democracy. As the American public, our adversaries, and the entire world watch this devastating war carry on, we urge you to continue to lead on the global stage with that memory in mind,” the lawmakers concluded. In addition to the three leads, the letter was signed by Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), André Carson (IN-07), Ami Bera (CA-06), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mike Thompson (CA-04), John Garamendi (CA-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), and Jason Crow (CO-06). Full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3672,Houlahan: Reading on track to restore rail service,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in Berks Weekly Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement of a $500,000 Corridor Identification and Development Program grant for a rail corridor connecting Reading to Philadelphia: “The positive impact of restoring the historic Reading rail line to our community cannot be overstated,” said Rep. Houlahan. “For years, I’ve heard from constituents and businesses about what passenger rail would mean to them and our local economy. I successfully requested $750,000 in Community Project Funding back in 2021 to build the necessary foundation for this historic announcement that will advance this vital infrastructure project. This project has had broad support from the Commissioners of Chester and Berks Counties, the mayors of Reading and Phoenixville, multiple governors from our Commonwealth, and the Biden Administration. Our collaboration demonstrates the strength of the Reading rail line.” Earlier this year, Houlahan wrote a letter of support alongside Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA) to DOT Administrator Bose, requesting consideration of the Schulkill River Passenger Rail Authority’s (SPRA) application to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Houlahan voted for, authorized the Secretary of Transportation to establish the Corridor Identification and Development Program to develop passenger rail corridors across the country. The Reading rail line would run on an existing rail alignment that has not had passenger trains running since 1983. It will also have new intermediate stops in Pottstown, Phoenixville and potentially Norristown, PA with four to eight daily roundtrips connecting southeastern Pennsylvanians with Philadelphia and New York, NY, from Reading. Related News Houlahan Secures Key Provisions of Bipartisan Innovation Bill in Final SBIR/STTR Package March 17, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Rep. Houlahan Introduces Legislation to Protect American Biotech Innovation from Communist China December 16, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Houlahan and House Colleagues Introduce the Biomanufacturing Excellence Act November 18, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Rep. Houlahan's NO Vote on the Continuing Resolution November 12, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3684,"Bipartisan COPE Act Passed by House, Aims to Boost Mental Health Support for Veterans’ Caregivers",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in MyChesCo In a unanimous decision on Monday night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act. This bill, co-sponsored by Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA), seeks to enhance mental health resources available to caregivers of veterans. The COPE Act seeks to establish grant programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These grants would support entities that bolster caregiver mental health and well-being. Houlahan lauded the passing of the bill, highlighting the crucial role played by family caregivers in supporting veterans, particularly in regions without easy access to VA health systems. She noted the emotional, physical, and mental toll of veteran caregiving, and emphasized the importance of expanding mental health resources for these caregivers. Kiggans echoed these sentiments, framing the passage of the COPE Act as a significant step towards improving the lives of veterans. She underscored her personal commitment to veterans’ issues, drawing on her own experiences as a military family member and a former Navy helicopter pilot. The bill has also received endorsement from AARP, a leading advocacy organization for Americans aged 50 and over. Bill Sweeny, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AARP, praised the bipartisan efforts of Kiggans and Houlahan to improve mental health treatment access for military and veteran family caregivers.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-statement-on-performative-partisan-resolution-that-does-nothing-to-address-antisemitism,Rep. Summer Lee Statement on Performative Partisan Resolution that Does Nothing to Address Antisemitism,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** Emilia.Rowland@Mail.house.gov Rep. Summer Lee Statement on Performative Partisan Resolution that Does Nothing to Address Antisemitism (Washington, DC) – Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee voted ‘No' on a Republican resolution that politicizes the rise in antisemitism to try to divide the Jewish community and weaponize their pain. Rep. Lee released the following statement on H. Res. 894: ""As the Member of Congress representing the community still grieving from deadliest antisemitic attack in the history of the United States just five years ago, I have made combating hatred and bigotry in all its forms and protecting Western Pennsylvania's Jewish community a top priority."" said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). ""However, this extreme Republican resolution does absolutely nothing to address antisemitism–classifying any and all criticism of any of the actions of the Israeli government as antisemitic while ignoring the origins of antisemitism that motivated the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and ongoing threats Jewish Americans face every day. Combating rising anti-Jewish, Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian hate demands serious action–not performative resolutions that seek to politicize the rise of hate and divide the Jewish community. I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure this Congress fights back against antisemitism, islamophobia, and bigotry."" ""As my colleague Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12) pointed out on the House floor: ""The resolution states that all anti-Zionism is antisemitism. That's intellectually disingenuous or factually wrong [...] the authors, if they were at all familiar with Jewish history and culture, should know about Jewish anti-Zionism that was and is expressly not antisemitic [...] The GOP has shown themselves fundamentally unserious. [They] carefully avoided mentioning any of the obvious instances of antisemitism coming from their own leaders."" ""One of my own constituents Mandy Simons so eloquently wrote in an op-ed: ""As a citizen of Israel, now a long-term resident and citizen of the U.S., this attitude is strange. For Israelis inside Israel, there is nothing anti-Israel about criticizing government actions and policies – witness the widespread demonstrations which took place throughout 2023 in Israeli cities large and small."" Rep. Lee continued, ""I refuse to vote for any resolution that will force me to call my Jewish and Israeli constituents antisemitic.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-deluzio-pa-delegation-announce-143-million-infrastructure-grant-to-immediately-begin-building-passenger-rail-connecting-pittsburgh-and-harrisburg,"Summer Lee, Deluzio, PA Delegation Announce $143 Million  Infrastructure Grant to Immediately Begin Building Passenger Rail Connecting Pittsburgh and Harrisburg",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** December 06, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Summer Lee, PA Delegation Announce $143 Million Infrastructure Grant to Immediately Begin Building Passenger Rail Connecting Pittsburgh and Harrisburg Lee, Deluzio have pushed to build passenger rail connecting Western PA with the rest of the commonwealth, Eastern Corridor WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania Congresswoman Summer Lee today announced a $143 million infrastructure grant from the Federal Railroad Association (FRA) to immediately begin building a passenger rail between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, connecting Western Pennsylvania directly with the Capitol and making passenger rail connection with Philadelphia and the eastern corridor dramatically more efficient while boosting Western PA's economy and creating thousands of new good paying union jobs. ""For Pennsylvanians and communities across the eastern corridor, passenger rail has helped connect our communities and ensure people can visit their families, access jobs, and explore all that our Commonwealth has to offer. But for far too long, passenger rail in Pittsburgh has remained woefully inadequate and left our communities and economy disconnected"" said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). ""After pushing the Department of Transportation for infrastructure investment to connect our communities within my district and across the region, I am so excited to help deliver this $143 million grant to immediately begin building a passenger rail to finally ensure there's frequent and reliable service connecting Pittsburgh with Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Chicago by rail. This service will go a long way to ensure Pittsburgh is connected to the rest of Pennsylvania and the entire eastern corridor–bringing new life to our cities and creating hundreds of good-paying, union jobs along the way.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://dean.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-dean-pennsylvania-colleagues-announce-funding-to-restore-railways-connecting-reading-pottstown-phoenixville-and-norristown-to-philadelphia-and-new-york,"Congresswoman Dean, Pennsylvania Colleagues Announce Funding to Restore Railways Connecting Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, and Norristown to Philadelphia and New York",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), alongside Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), announce a $500,000 grant to the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) to connect Reading, Philadelphia, and New York via train with intermediate stops in Pottstown, Phoenixville, and Norristown, PA. “Expanding our railways is one of the best ways we can spur growth and create economic opportunities for Pennsylvania residents,” said Rep. Dean. “Whether passengers use these new rail lines for their daily commute or for leisure, increased access to Philadelphia and New York – especially for the more rural areas of our community like Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville – is an investment in the people and communities that need it most.” The project will restore and update existing railway tracks between Reading and Philadelphia that were last used for passenger travel in 1983. The trip between Philadelphia and New York will use current Northeast Corridor tracks. When complete, the rail line will offer four to eight daily round-trips. This funding is a culmination of efforts by many, including the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, as well as the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, and is an important advancement of President Biden's Invest in America agenda. “We are thrilled to hear that the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail project was selected into the Federal Rail Administration’s Corridor ID Program. Reestablishing passenger rail access from Reading to Philadelphia and beyond is a once in a generational economic development opportunity for this region,” said Jim Gerlach, President & CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. “A credit is due to the Berks Alliance for funding the study that showed this was feasible, to the Commissioners from Berks, Chester, and Montgomery County for leading in the creation of the SRPRA, to our state and federal legislative delegation members for their bipartisan support, and to all of the Authority members, staff, and community partners who have worked together to get us one step closer getting a train back on the tracks. This is an exciting day for Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties.” In addition to the funding for Montgomery and Berks County, Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) secured funding for a direct passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City. Rail service previously ran on the Lackawanna Cut-Off directly between Scranton and New York, but was discontinued in 1970. The entire Pennsylvania Congressional delegation is excited to see these investments in action – better connecting the northeast corridor and its people, economy, and futures. Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3663,House Passes Houlahan Bill to Increase Mental Health Resources for Veterans’ Caregivers,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Representative Jen Kiggans’ (R-VA) bill, the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act, unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The COPE Act would increase mental health resources available to caregivers of America’s veteran population by establishing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant programs for entities that support caregiver mental health and well-being. ""We are lucky to have the Coatesville VA Medical Center in my community and other VA health systems nearby in Lebanon and Philadelphia. Sadly, many veterans across the country don't have a VA health system nearby, meaning those veterans' family members have to step in and help provide care,"" said Rep. Houlahan. ""These family caregivers often require support of their own to perform what can be a physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing job of veteran caregiving. I am proud to see our bipartisan bill establishing a grant program to expand access to and availability of mental health resources for caregivers passed by the House! The program will provide counseling, treatment, and other support to benefit veterans and their families in Pennsylvania and beyond."" “Improving the lives of our nation’s heroes is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Kiggans. “With the passage of my COPE Act today, we are taking several important steps to ensure our veterans are receiving the quality healthcare they have earned and deserve in a safe environment. As the granddaughter of a veteran, the daughter of a veteran, the wife of a veteran, the mother of future veterans, and having served 10 years in the Navy as a helicopter pilot, I will always fight to provide our former servicemembers with a VA care system they can depend on.” The bill is endorsed by AARP. “AARP is pleased to endorse the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act,” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AARP. “We applaud Congresswomen Kiggans and Houlahan’s bipartisan efforts to support the 6.5 million military and veteran family caregivers by improving their access to mental health counseling and treatment.” This is the second time in a week that one of Rep. Houlahan’s bills was unanimously passed by the House. One week ago today, the House voted through Houlahan’s Small Business Contracting Transparency Act of 2023. BACKGROUND The Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act The VA maintains several programs that provide certifications and resources to veterans’ caregivers, including the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The PFCAC is a more robust program specifically targeted toward family members or close friends who decide to take on caregiver responsibility for veterans. Under these programs, caregivers are defined as any person who provides personal care services to a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare who either needs assistance with one or more activities of daily living, or needs supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological impairment or other impairment or injury. The COPE Act authorizes the VA to provide grants to organizations whose mission is focused on the mental healthcare of participants in the PFCAC. It also requires the VA to provide outreach to registered caregivers and requires both the VA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide Congress with research on the program and its outcomes. The full text of the bill can be found here. Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3665,Houlahan: Reading on Track to Restore Rail Service,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"READING, P.A. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement of a $500,000 Corridor Identification and Development Program grant for a rail corridor connecting Reading to Philadelphia: “The positive impact of restoring the historic Reading rail line to our community cannot be overstated,” said Rep. Houlahan. “For years, I’ve heard from constituents and businesses about what passenger rail would mean to them and our local economy. I successfully requested $750,000 in Community Project Funding back in 2021 to build the necessary foundation for this historic announcement that will advance this vital infrastructure project. This project has had broad support from the Commissioners of Chester and Berks Counties, the mayors of Reading and Phoenixville, multiple governors from our Commonwealth, and the Biden Administration. Our collaboration demonstrates the strength of the Reading rail line.” Earlier this year, Houlahan wrote a letter of support alongside Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA) to DOT Administrator Bose, requesting consideration of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority’s (SRPRA) application to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Houlahan voted for, authorized the Secretary of Transportation to establish the Corridor Identification and Development Program to develop passenger rail corridors across the country. The Reading rail line would run on an existing rail alignment that has not had passenger trains running since 1983. It will also have new intermediate stops in Pottstown, Phoenixville and potentially Norristown, PA with four to eight daily roundtrips connecting southeastern Pennsylvanians with Philadelphia and New York, NY, from Reading. Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3667,Houlahan Issues Statement on H.Res.894,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement on H.Res.894: ""Today, I voted present on H.Res.894. I did this because these kind of votes have become an almost daily political cudgel. Every week, sometimes twice or more a week, we spend our limited time voting and re-voting with slightly different language. Votes to: decry antisemitism; defend Israel’s right to exist; to condemn Islamophobia; and to insist on the importance of protecting innocent Palestinian and Israeli lives. These are all critical issues and worthy of these votes, but not over and over again. My record is clear on this. I am done with these performative votes. I will continue to vote present until we vote on things such as the President’s supplemental request, the NDAA, the FAA, FISA, and — of course — just plain funding the government.""",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-houlahan-announce-500000-grant-for-passenger-rail-corridor-from-reading-to-philadelphia/,"Fetterman, Houlahan Announce $500,000 Grant for Passenger Rail Corridor from Reading to Philadelphia",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman and U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) on Wednesday announced a $500,000 Corridor ID grant from the Federal Railroad Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Schuylkill River Passenger Authority (SRPRA) to study a passenger rail corridor from Reading to Philadelphia and New York City. The funding, which will put SRPRA in the pipeline of rail projects ready for implementation, was made possible by President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The corridor would connect Reading with Philadelphia, with new stops at Pottstown, Phoenixville, and potentially Norristown, before continuing from Philadelphia to New York through existing rail corridors. “I’m extremely honored and excited to announce this important grant funding for the passenger rail proposal between Reading and Philadelphia,” said Sen. Fetterman. “This is a huge step towards finally bringing passenger rail back to the Schuylkill River Valley. In my view, the more trains and public transportation options for Pennsylvanians, the better. This project would go a long way in revitalizing communities in Berks and Montgomery Counties.” “This is huge news. During my five years in office, improving access to our passenger rail system has been a top priority for our community,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). “From conversations with so many of my constituents, I know what this means to our local economy and well-being. I am thrilled that my 2021 request for $750,000 in Community Project Funding to provide a grant to study a rail corridor connecting Reading to Philadelphia was approved and is now being implemented.” In awarding this project Corridor ID funding, the Department of Transportation is making clear that this project is a priority. SRPRA’s selection will also mean the project will be eligible for more federal grants down the line. Reading last had passenger rail service to Philadelphia in 1983. This investment from the Department of Transportation allows SRPRA to enter step one of the program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan. As part of the Corridor ID program, SRPRA will be eligible for long-term, sustained federal support.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-deluzio-whip-clark-discuss-democrat-led-federal-investments-infrastructure,"Rep. Deluzio, Whip Clark Discuss Democrat-Led Federal Investments into Infrastructure and Childcare at Western Pennsylvania Childcare",2023-12-02,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) toured Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and visited an on-site childcare center La Petite Academy. Whip Clark is a top-ranking member of House Democratic Leadership and one of Congress’ biggest champions for childcare. She joined Rep. Deluzio, PIT Airport CEO Christina Cassotis, and other representatives from the airport and childcare center for the tours. Along with discussing the infrastructure investments of the airport, the legislators highlighted the importance of efforts by the Biden Administration and congressional Democrats to expand high-quality, affordable childcare services to more Americans. One such policy proposal is the Child Care Stabilization Act, which would extend vital stabilization funding to prevent a potential crisis for families and our economy by ensuring childcare providers can continue serving families across the country. Whip Clark is the lead sponsor of the Child Care Stabilization Act and Rep. Deluzio is a co-sponsor. The two congressmembers also discussed the lack of affordable childcare in the country, including House Republican indifference to the rising issues of the national childcare crisis and their inaction to stop the expiration of transformative childcare investments from the American Rescue Plan. “This childcare center at Pittsburgh International Airport is an important model for other employers in Western Pennsylvania and across the country, and I am grateful Whip Clark could join me today to see it. Making childcare more affordable should be a no-brainer that will lower costs for working families,” said Rep. Deluzio. “The childcare crisis is bad for workers, bad for kids and parents, and bad for our economy—and fighting to lower costs for America’s families and workers should be a bipartisan issue. Democrats have a proven record of investing in our childcare system, but House Republican Leadership has ignored the cries of help from American families and employers alike. Childcare is a foundational industry for our economy, and we need to act like it. It’s time to pass Whip’s Clark’s Child Care Stabilization Act.” ""I'm thrilled to be in the Keystone State with Congressman Deluzio,"" said Whip Clark. ""Chris knows what it’s like to balance kids and a career. Every day in Washington, he’s fighting to make our economy work for working families. Democrats know that means investing in America — upgrading our airports while supporting the workers who make them run. That's why we delivered $45 million to Pittsburgh International Airport through our Infrastructure Law and why we're fighting to get the Child Care Stabilization Act to President Biden's desk."" Photos of the tour are available for download here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://dean.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-dean-senator-schatz-reintroduce-bill-to-remove-criminal-history-questions-from-college-applications,"Congresswoman Dean, Senator Schatz Reintroduce Bill to Remove Criminal History Questions from College Applications",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act. Congresswoman Dean and Senator Schatz previously introduced this bicameral legislation in 2021. The Beyond the Box Act would provide colleges and universities guidance on the removal of criminal and juvenile justice questions from their initial application for admissions. Almost one out of three Americans have some kind of arrest or conviction record that would appear in a criminal background check. Individuals with criminal or juvenile justice involvement experience barriers to educational opportunities, decreased earnings, and increased poverty. One significant barrier that these individuals face is that most colleges and universities ask criminal justice, juvenile justice, and/or school disciplinary questions in their admissions processes. People with felony convictions are forty percent less likely to complete college applications than people without, and the application rejection rates for individuals with felony convictions can be as high as 2.5 times the rate of those without. “As a former professor, I have seen firsthand how education can change lives” Rep. Dean said. “Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to claim their education is a priority for me – and people who have made mistakes in the past and are looking for a fresh start are no exception. I am grateful to work alongside Senator Schatz on the Beyond the Box Act to open doors for so many students.” “People with a criminal record should have the chance to learn or go back to school,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill targets the barriers that make it harder for people to pursue a better life through higher education.” “This is a crucial initiative to address the significant barriers faced by individuals with criminal or juvenile justice histories in pursuing college. Current higher education policies perpetuate social and economic disparities, and increase obstacles to educational opportunities, earnings, unemployment, and poverty for formerly incarcerated individuals. I’m proud to champion this legislation with my colleagues which focuses on addressing the root causes of these challenges and aligns with the principles of justice, equity, and access to education for everyone,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. The Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act directs the Department of Education to provide guidance on: Whether criminal and juvenile justice questions are necessary in the initial application for admissions; How to create a process to determine when criminal or juvenile justice information can be requested of students for non-admissions purposes; and How colleges and universities that decide to keep criminal and juvenile justice questions can reduce their impact on the admissions process. Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-deluzio-statement-expulsion-congressman-santos,Rep. Deluzio Statement on the Expulsion of Congressman Santos,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted on a bipartisan basis to expel Congressman George Santos (NY-03). “The House Ethics Committee report was crystal clear: George Santos broke the law and cannot be trusted to serve in Congress. So, I solemnly joined colleagues from both parties today to expel Mr. Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3682,Bipartisan House legislation calls for two new federal cybersecurity training programs,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in FEDSCOOP A new bipartisan House bill aims to bolster the U.S. cybersecurity workforce by creating two training programs within the federal government, building on companion legislation introduced in the Senate earlier this year. The Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act, co-sponsored by Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., and Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., would establish a cybersecurity registered apprenticeship program in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and a Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program that would provide cybersecurity training to veterans. “Reports of cyber attacks continue to rise, and we must respond accordingly to protect businesses, sensitive personal data, and ultimately our national security,” Houlahan said in a statement. “Thankfully, our bipartisan, bicameral bill will help train veterans and other Americans to be the next generation of cyber defense professionals.” The bill would require the director of CISA to consult with the Labor and Defense secretaries, as well as the directors of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation and the Office of Personnel Management, on a framework for developing the apprenticeship program. Participants could be tapped for cybersecurity-specific excepted service positions by the CISA director, who would be required to submit a report to Congress on the program every two years. Eligible enrollees for the VA pilot program include veterans and current military members transitioning to civilian life. The VA secretary, charged with standing up the program one year after the enactment of the legislation, would collaborate with the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Labor, as well as the OPM director, on training and the leveraging of platforms and frameworks for the program. “By creating programs that provide veterans with the skills they need to help protect this country in the cyber domain, this bill is an innovative way to bolster our nation’s cyber defenses and strengthen the federal cyber workforce while giving veterans an opportunity to continue serving their country,” Gallagher said in a statement. The companion bill, introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, in July, was reported to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with amendments by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., on Thursday. The bicameral legislation comes following a number of federal efforts to strengthen the U.S. cybersecurity workforce. In March, the DOD released a Cyber Workforce Strategy intended to grow its ranks and address talent shortages, while a bipartisan bill to relax educational requirements for federal cyber workers breezed through a House vote in October. Participants could be tapped for cybersecurity-specific excepted service positions by the CISA director, who would be required to submit a report to Congress on the program every two years. Eligible enrollees for the VA pilot program include veterans and current military members transitioning to civilian life. The VA secretary, charged with standing up the program one year after the enactment of the legislation, would collaborate with the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Labor, as well as the OPM director, on training and the leveraging of platforms and frameworks for the program. “By creating programs that provide veterans with the skills they need to help protect this country in the cyber domain, this bill is an innovative way to bolster our nation’s cyber defenses and strengthen the federal cyber workforce while giving veterans an opportunity to continue serving their country,” Gallagher said in a statement. The companion bill, introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, in July, was reported to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with amendments by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., on Thursday. The bicameral legislation comes following a number of federal efforts to strengthen the U.S. cybersecurity workforce. In March, the DOD released a Cyber Workforce Strategy intended to grow its ranks and address talent shortages, while a bipartisan bill to relax educational requirements for federal cyber workers breezed through a House vote in October. Participants could be tapped for cybersecurity-specific excepted service positions by the CISA director, who would be required to submit a report to Congress on the program every two years. Eligible enrollees for the VA pilot program include veterans and current military members transitioning to civilian life. The VA secretary, charged with standing up the program one year after the enactment of the legislation, would collaborate with the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Labor, as well as the OPM director, on training and the leveraging of platforms and frameworks for the program. “By creating programs that provide veterans with the skills they need to help protect this country in the cyber domain, this bill is an innovative way to bolster our nation’s cyber defenses and strengthen the federal cyber workforce while giving veterans an opportunity to continue serving their country,” Gallagher said in a statement. The companion bill, introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, in July, was reported to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with amendments by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., on Thursday.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://dean.house.gov/2023/11/congresswoman-dean-senator-schatz-congressman-mfume-reintroduce-bill-to-support-reentry-through-education,"Congresswoman Dean, Senator Schatz, Congressman Mfume Reintroduce Bill to Support Reentry through Education",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act. Congresswoman Dean and Senator Schatz previously introduced this bicameral legislation in 2021 and 2019. The PREP Act would ensure that incarcerated individuals receive the education needed to successfully reenter their communities after completing their sentences. Providing incarcerated individuals with the resources to effectively reintegrate into society upon release can dramatically reduce recidivism. Two-thirds of formerly incarcerated individuals are rearrested within three years; however, incarcerated people who participated in educational programs had a 43 percent lower recidivism rate and a 13 percent higher employment rate than those who did not receive these opportunities. “We must equip people with the skills they need to succeed when reentering society,” Rep. Dean said. “Our bill would create educational opportunities to help prevent reincarceration and enable individuals to seize their second chance — for themselves, their families, and their communities. I’m grateful to Senator Schatz for his leadership on this important bill that will change lives for the better.” “People with a criminal record should have the chance to learn or go back to school,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill targets the barriers that make it harder for people to pursue a better life through higher education.” “Returning citizens deserve to re-enter society prepared to contribute in meaningful ways. Having the education and training to work with others upon release not only makes sense for formerly incarcerated individuals but also for the workforce development of our economy,” Congressman Mfume said. “Recidivism rates are continually reduced with educational programs for inmates, ultimately lowering prison expenses. Let’s work to invest in human capital which in turn will increase monetary capital for businesses, small and big alike."" The PREP Act: Establishes an Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons: The Office would standardize educational programs across all federal prisons, ensuring that BOP provides educational services for adult literacy, GED, postsecondary, workforce readiness, apprenticeships, career and technical education, and expanded opportunities for individual with learning disabilities. Establishes the Federal Prison Education Program: The program would create partnerships between federal correctional facilities and education providers to create quality programs that promote successful community reintegration. Trains and assists state and local correctional institutions: The legislation would provide training and technical assistance to state and local correctional institutions that implement similar education programs. Notifies veterans of their eligibility: The bill would ensure that eligible veterans are notified of their ability to access education benefits and are connected with available programs in their federal or state correctional facility. The PREP Act is endorsed by the Vera Institute, Institute for Higher Education Policy, Dream.org, and the Center for American Progress. Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-casey-fetterman-call-doj-investigation-cyberattack-aliquippa-water,"Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Call for DOJ Investigation Into Cyberattack on Aliquippa Water Authority",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and United States Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) recently sent a letter to United States Attorney General Merrick Garland calling for the Department of Justice to fully investigate the recent cyberattack on the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa. An Iranian-backed hacker group claimed responsibility for the cybercrime, stating they were able to hack into the Israeli-made components in the water system that serves thousands of households in Western Pennsylvania. In the letter sent on Tuesday November 28th, the lawmakers also urged aggressive prosecution of the attackers, emphasizing their concern that this cybercrime poses a threat not only to Western Pennsylvania, but also the entire nation. “Any attack on our nation’s critical infrastructure is unacceptable,” write the Pennsylvania lawmakers in the letter. “If a hack like this can happen here in Western Pennsylvania, it can happen elsewhere in the United States. Folks in Pennsylvania and across the country deserve peace of mind that basic infrastructure such as their drinking water is safe from nation-state adversaries and terrorist organizations. We know that nation-state adversaries are targeting the weakest link in America’s critical infrastructure. We must ensure that our state and local governments, along with private companies, have cyber-defenses strong enough to fend off attacks from sophisticated actors. In Congress, we are committed to pushing our federal government to help shore up our defenses across our critical infrastructure.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-congress-recognize-national-family-caregivers-month,Members of Congress Recognize National Family Caregivers Month,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON (Nov. 30, 2023) – Members of Congress are introducing a resolution in the House and Senate designating November as National Family Caregivers Month to honor the work of the 53 million Americans who provide unpaid, essential family care each year. Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA), lead sponsor of the House resolution, said, “Family caregivers provide on average about 24 hours of care each week, and over 60 percent of these caregivers also work full-or part-time. Caregivers also spend, on average, over $7,200 annually out-of-pocket on caregiving expenses, with the financial strain the greatest for Hispanic/Latino and African American family caregivers. I’m pleased that our bipartisan resolution recommends actions that would help these unsung heroes.” ""There are over 50 million caregivers in the United States and my home state of Pennsylvania has one of the highest aging populations in the country. Our caregivers play a crucial role in the health and wellness of individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and our seniors,"" said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). ""I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to recognize the selfless caregivers in communities across the country."" “As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, supporting the 53 million Americans who serve as family caregivers and ending our Nation’s caregiving crisis are among my highest priorities,” said Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “That’s why I’ve fought for legislation to boost funding for home and community-based services and to help establish a national strategy on family caregiving. This month, and every month, we must be grateful for our caregivers and continue working to provide them support.” The resolutions encourage federal agencies, states, and the private sector to swiftly implement the steps described in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers; and urges investment in policies that support family caregivers, including: ·economic tax credits; ·paid family and medical leave; ·respite care; ·home and community-based services; and ·access to quality health care. The resolution also encourages the public to learn more about family caregiving and to support their loved ones and neighbors who are providing care. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3655,"Reps Houlahan, Gallagher Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Grow Cybersecurity Workforce",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) introduced the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would strengthen the U.S.’ cyber defenses and cybersecurity workforce by creatin two new training programs within the federal government. One of the training programs would specifically recruit veterans for these in-demand jobs. “Reports of cyber attacks continue to rise, and we must respond accordingly to protect businesses, sensitive personal data, and ultimately our national security,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Security breaches have far-reaching implications – small businesses may have to halt operations, Pennsylvanians could have their identity stolen, or worse. Thankfully, our bipartisan, bicameral bill will help train veterans and other Americans to be the next generation of cyber defense professionals.” “There is a crippling shortage of cybersecurity workers that is leaving private companies and the federal government increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats,” said Rep. Gallagher. “By creating programs that provide veterans with the skills they need to help protect this country in the cyber domain, this bill is an innovative way to bolster our nation’s cyber defenses and strengthen the federal cyber workforce while giving veterans an opportunity to continue serving their country.” According to the final report of the Future of Defense Task Force, which Rep. Houlahan served on, the United States must develop a 21st century workforce with the requisite skills and talent to maintain our strategic advantage. The report concludes that attracting and retaining a diverse group of technical talent is key to maintaining that advantage and the U.S. remaining competitive in evolving defense apparatuses. The Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act establishes two new programs: A cybersecurity registered apprenticeship program in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) A pilot program housed in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to give cybersecurity training to veterans Text of the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act is available here. U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Senate companion bill earlier this year. Rep. Houlahan introduced this bill last Congress as well alongside former Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH). Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress. ###",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3661,House Unanimously Passes Houlahan’s Small Business Contracting Transparency Act of 2023,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally Published in MyChesCo Representative Chrissy Houlahan’s (D-PA) bipartisan Small Business Contracting Transparency Act of 2023 was unanimously passed by the House on Tuesday. The bill, H.R. 4670, introduced by Houlahan alongside Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN), is aimed at enhancing opportunities for small businesses owned by women, service-disabled veterans, and those situated in economically distressed areas to compete for federal contracts. Houlahan, herself a former entrepreneur from southeastern Pennsylvania, understands the difficulties often faced by small business owners. She believes that providing fair access to federal contracts for women, veterans, and underrepresented communities is vital to expanding opportunities for small businesses and ensuring the federal government has a broad selection of quality goods and services. The legislation seeks to improve the oversight, transparency, and efficiency of various Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. It mandates the SBA to submit annual reports detailing: The number of small businesses certified to participate in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), the HUBZone, and the Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) programs. The total dollar amount and percentage of federal contracts awarded to qualifying small businesses in each SBA program. The number of ineligible businesses erroneously awarded a contract in each SBA program.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3648,Houlahan Bill to Support Small Businesses Unanimously Passes House,2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan’s (D-PA) bipartisan Small Business Contracting Transparency Act of 2023 passed the House unanimously. Houlahan introduced her bill, H.R. 4670, alongside Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) earlier this year to help small businesses owned by women, service-disabled veterans, and those in designated economically distressed census tracts, counties, or Indian Reservations better compete for federal contracts. Both Republicans and Democrats widely supported the legislation, passing it unanimously. “As a former entrepreneur who built and scaled several businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania, I am all too familiar with the challenges many small business owners face,” said Houlahan. “Ensuring that women, veterans, and underrepresented communities have fair access to federal contracts is an important step in expanding opportunities for small businesses while making sure the federal government has access to the widest possible selection of quality goods and services.” Houlahan continued: “For decades, the Small Business Administration has supported programs to help federal dollars go to small businesses that reflect the makeup of our nation. These programs have helped scores of Americans, but with additional oversight and data we can continue to improve their efficiency and impact.” To improve the oversight, transparency, and efficiency of various Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, the legislation would require the SBA to submit annual reports on, among other data: · The number of small businesses certified to participate in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program, the HUBZone program, and the Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program. · The total dollar amount and percentage of federal contracts awarded to qualifying small businesses in each SBA program. · The number of ineligible businesses found to be erroneously awarded a contract in each SBA program. According to current federal law and congressional intent, agencies across the federal government aim to award 5% of all federal contract dollars to women-owned small businesses, 3% to economically distressed regions through the HUBZone program, and 3% to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. Unfortunately, SBA struggles to meet these goals year after year. For example, only twice since 2000 has the federal government successfully awarded 5% of all federal contract dollars to women-owned small businesses. Houlahan spoke in support of her bill on the House floor. Watch her remarks here or read them as prepared below: Thank you, Mister Speaker. I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote for my bipartisan, commonsense legislation, the Small Business Contracting Transparency Act, which will help level the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs across the country. I would like very much to thank my Republican colleague, Representative Peter Stauber, for his partnership on this legislation, and furthermore, Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velázquez for their leadership in advancing this legislation through the Small Business Committee on a unanimous basis. As a former entrepreneur myself, I understand the many challenges that come with running and scaling a business. Every day brings unique challenges, and I regularly hear from business owners in my community, in Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District, who are navigating inflation, supply chain challenges, workforce needs, and more. One way our federal government can help entrepreneurs address these issues, and ultimately succeed, is through providing contracting opportunities for small business owners. For entrepreneurs seeking to do business with our federal government, I know that every contract secured or lost, can be the difference in keeping Americans on payroll or losing them, expanding or scaling back their operations, or beating or meeting your projections. That is why the federal small business contracting programs are so important. Through these programs, the federal government maintains various statutory goals to ensure equitable participation among small businesses and, importantly, underrepresented small businesses in federal contracting. Across the various agencies, the federal government aims to provide 5% of federal prime contracts to women-owned small businesses, 3% to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and 3% to Historically Underutilized Business Zone, otherwise known as “HUB-Zone,” small businesses. While figures like “5%,” and “3%,” may not sound like large targets to meet, our federal government unfortunately struggles to meet these goals on a regular basis. In Fiscal Year 2022, the Federal government failed to reach its targets for both women-owned and HUB-Zone small businesses. Even more troubling, the Federal government has only met the statutory goal of awarding 5% of contracts to women-owned businesses twice in the last 23 years. In addition, the Government Accountability Office has cited deficiencies in the Small Business Administration’s oversight of the program. It’s clear that disadvantaged entrepreneurs continue to be underrepresented when it comes to federal contract funding, and that’s hurting the economy, both locally and across the country. It’s past time that Congress acts to ensure these programs are working as intended. That is why I introduced my bill, H.R. 4670, the bipartisan Small Business Contracting Transparency Act. My legislation will increase transparency, oversight, and accountability in the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and HUB-Zone small business contracting programs. Notably, the bill requires SBA to submit to Congress annual reports benchmarking crucial data, including: the number of small businesses certified, the total dollar amount of contracts awarded to qualifying businesses, and the number of contracts incorrectly awarded to ineligible recipients, among other figures. Simply put, my bill, the Small Business Contracting Transparency Act, will allow Congress and the SBA to improve these federal contracting programs, ensure the programs run efficiently, and ultimately benefit disadvantaged entrepreneurs in their pursuit of securing government contracts. In turn, we will strengthen our economy, support Main Streets in every zip code, and grow the middle class. The time to act is now, especially as the federal government works to award additional contracts through the historic implementation of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. I would like to thank my Republican colleague, Representative Pete Stauber, for his partnership on this legislation. Furthermore, I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their leadership in advancing this legislation through the Small Business Committee on a unanimous basis. Once again, I urge my colleagues to vote for the Small Business Contracting Transparency Act, which will help level the playing field for entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Thank you, and I yield the balance of my time. ---",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-delivers-scathing-explainer-on-republican-plan-to-gut-social-security-and-medicare-devastating-impact-to-nearly-3-million-pennsylvanians-and-100000-in-pa-12,"Summer Lee Delivers Scathing Explainer on Republican Plan to Gut Social Security and Medicare, Devastating Impact to Nearly 3 Million Pennsylvanians and 100,000 in PA-12",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** Emilia.Rowland@Mail.house.gov | 330.212.2065 Summer Lee Delivers Scathing Explainer on Republican Plan to Gut Social Security and Medicare, Devastating Impact to Nearly 3 Million Pennsylvanians and 100,000 in PA-12 (Washington, DC) – Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee spoke on the House floor on the need to protect and expand Social Security and Medicare for nearly three million Pennsylvanians immediately following Budget Committee Republicans' hearing on establishing a ""fiscal commission"" that would aim to cut Social Security and Medicare during which the Republican Committee chairman called his party's fight to tear social security ""our generation's World War."" In her scathing speech Lee breaks down Republicans' historic and ongoing cycle of passing handouts for billionaires, attempting to gut Social Security and Medicare, and blaming immigrants and poor folks to avoid accountability by the American public. Cuts to Medicare and Social Security would have devastating impact on Pennsylvanians, 3 in 4 of whom worry about affording health care in the future. Nearly 3 in 5 struggled with at least one health care-related financial burden last year. 2.9 million Pennsylvanians rely on Social Security–including 179,779 in Allegheny County and 63,651 in Westmorland County, and 2.8 million Pennsylvanians rely on Medicare–including 227,727 in Allegheny County and 78,815 in Westmoreland County. Republicans' plan would hand Medicare to insurance companies and raise the retirement age–and 9.6 million Pennsylvanians (76%) would be forced to work longer for less Click here to download Lee's full remarks: Link to Full Video ____________________________________________ Lee said: ""I rise today on behalf of the Grandmas, Grandpas, moms, dads, neighbors, and beloved community members who have spent their lives paying into Medicare out of their own paychecks on the sacred promise that they could retire with health and dignity only to have that promise betrayed by today's Republican party. I stand here on behalf of aging parents, sons and daughters fighting mental illness, loved ones who are cancer patients and stroke survivors, workers injured on the job, orphaned children, and brothers and sisters with disabilities whose access to food, shelter, medicine, and dignified retirement depends on Social Security that Republicans are hellbent on tearing away. In Pennsylvania alone, 2.8 million folks depend on Medicare – 227,727 in Allegheny county…..2.9 Million depend on social security – nearly 150 thousand in my district alone. EVERY one of them deserves to retire in dignity with access to health care. Every one of them deserves a Congress where EVERY member has the decency to honor that sacred promise not to leave our families behind at the hardest moments of our lives. And the reality is that just about every American agrees - no matter where we come from, how we vote, or what color our skin is - we ALL deserve those things. Yet, the Republican party- bought out by greedy CEOs, billionaires, and lobbyists - have ALWAYS been terrified of that reality. So terrified that instead of facing it, they've chosen to lie, scapegoat, and defraud even the folks who elected them assuming we're all too foolish to see what's really going on…so let me break it down: ""First, Republicans pass tax handouts for their filthy rich donors, promising a trickle-down miracle that never has and will never happen - from Reaganomics to Trump's Tax Scam ""Then, when their tax scam causes the economy to slow and deficits to grow, they refuse to correct their mistake - Instead they blame immigrants, poor folks, Black folks and brown folks. ""Next, Republicans pretend to panic and call for devastating cuts to Social Security & Medicare that would force Americans to work longer for less, tear away their hard-earned retirement and end Medicare as we know it ""reduce spending"" ""Then they call for *more* handouts for their billionaire donors and corporate polluters hoping that you'll settle for tearing away your poor neighbors' lifelines to protect your own right to retire in dignity -forcing us to the brink of catastrophic shutdown or debt ceiling crisis until we clean up their mess. ""Then they repeat the cycle - hoping enough of us will forgive or forget their scheme to tear away Medicare and Social Security and believe their lie that they were ""only after"" food assistance, health care, and housing for poor folks - not your earned benefits - when the truth is that they always were and always will be after it all. ""As I give this speech, Republicans on the Budget Committee are holding a hearing to establish a Death Panel Commission to gut earned benefits where their chairman called his party's fight to tear social security ""our generation's World War."" ""At a time when the majority of Pennsylvanians say they struggle to afford healthcare and half are delaying getting the medical care they need because they can't afford it, we as Democrats have an obligation to fight to not only protect Social Security and Medicare, but expand them. ""Preserve the retirement age, increase benefits to keep up with inflation, expand medicare to include vision, dental, and hearing, hold big pharma price gougers accountable, and pass medicare for all - that's how we fulfill our sacred promise and move our country and our economy forward. ""I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so we can bring up legislation that reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and I yield back the balance of my time."" ____________________________________________ The plan approved by two-thirds of Republicans and passed in their budget would undermine Americans' retirement security and force 9.6 million Pennslyvanians to work longer for less. End Medicare as we know it: Replace the promise of Medicare with inadequate vouchers to purchase private insurance on the open market, likely resulting in huge out-of-pocket costs for seniors. Delay Medicare eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries under age 65, forcing them to wait five long years, instead of the current two, depriving some of the most medically vulnerable people in America of health care. Undermine and Slash Social Security (while intentionally vague on details):",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-introduces-bill-to-ensure-affordable-housing-in-forgotten-communities/,Fetterman Introduces Bill to Ensure Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities,2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today introduced legislation to ensure long-term housing affordability. The Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act would encourage plans for long-term housing affordability as part of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant program, ensuring that revitalizing efforts benefit longtime community members. “Hardworking people should be able to find housing in the communities where they grew up. This is especially true in forgotten communities – places where opportunity dried up as factories and plants closed, but where we are making investments to bring life back,” said Senator Fetterman. “We must invest in the whole community, not just the parts that big businesses and luxury developers can profit from. This bill will allow us to be proactive in how we capitalize on infrastructure investments in forgotten communities, so we can ensure the benefits are passed on to middle- and lower-income residents.” As communities do the critical work to revitalize towns and cities across the country, the people who stayed and stuck out the hard times are often priced out. The same residents who came up with the revitalizing projects — from converting closed factories into startup incubators, to renovating abandoned rail lines into greenspace — are then pushed out of existing affordable housing by rising rents and private equity buy-ups. These critical revitalizing efforts need to happen in these communities, but they must also include housing opportunities for the people who have long called these places home. Infrastructure policy needs to incorporate housing considerations from day one and the plans should prioritize models that keep housing affordable for existing residents. Community land trusts (CLTs) buy land and preserve the housing as affordable forever. Homeowners can stay and profit from their investment, and the home will stay affordable for the next working-class owner. And we can do it for relatively cheap – much cheaper than building new units or trying to undo displacement after costs have already risen. It’s a proven model that has been active for years. The Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act would help grant recipients looking to redevelop community-severing infrastructure for new uses to consider the impact on housing. They would be able to evaluate the impact of the project on workforce housing in the neighborhood, and use funds to plan for long-term affordability, create or preserve long-term affordable housing units in the neighborhood, and support the creation or expansion of CLTs. The Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act is endorsed by Grounded Solutions Network, NeighborWorks, the National Housing Law Project, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Housing Trust, the Center for Community Progress, and American Planning Association PA. It is also endorsed by many of Pennsylvania’s CLTs – the Women’s Community Revitalization Project (Philadelphia), City of Bridges Community Land Trust (Pittsburgh), Mosaic Community Land Trust (Pottstown), Lehigh Valley Community Land Trust, State College Community Land Trust, and Centre County Community Land Trust.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-brown-smith-call-on-cftc-chairman-to-uphold-dodd-frank-reject-proposed-rule/,"Fetterman, Brown, Smith Call on CFTC Chairman to Uphold Dodd-Frank, Reject Proposed Rule",2023-11-27,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman, along with colleagues Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tina Smith (D-MN), today sent a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Rostin Behnam sharing their serious concerns with the CFTC’s Proposed Rule on Seeded Funds and Money Market Funds, which they called a “step in the wrong direction” that would “undermine the goals of Dodd-Frank.” The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, passed by Congress in 2010, set up comprehensive rules for swap agreements after they significantly contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. Dodd-Frank required the CFTC to set rules for swaps that ensure counterparties hold enough collateral. This collateral protects swap market participants and prevents the kind of dangerous risk-taking that nearly destroyed the financial system in 2008. The CFTC’s proposed rule would increase market instability by decreasing collateral requirements for some swaps. It would reduce or eliminate initial margin requirements for a subset of swap market participants. Critically, the rule creates a divergence with bank regulators, setting up two sets of rules for swaps: one set of rules that apply to non-bank swap dealers and another set of rules for prudentially regulated swap dealers. Put simply, if finalized, this rule would roll back a critical piece of Dodd-Frank and put the nation’s financial stability at risk. “The 2008 financial crisis showed the dangers that swaps can pose to economic stability, and Dodd-Frank directed regulators, including the CFTC, to require initial margin for uncleared swaps specifically to reduce those risks,” the Senators wrote.“It is vital for the CFTC to continue upholding its Dodd-Frank mandate and to maintain high standards and safeguards for this important market.” “As members of both the Agriculture and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committees, we are particularly concerned that the CFTC proposes to unilaterally deregulate some market participants without coordination with prudential regulators overseeing other participants in the swaps market,” wrote the Senators. “This regulatory divergence would invite regulatory arbitrage, a regulatory race to the bottom, and likely incentivize the movement of some uncleared swap transactions from prudentially regulated swap dealers to non-bank swap dealers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-statement-israeli-hamas-hostage-deal-and-humanitarian-pause-agreement,Deluzio Statement on Israeli-Hamas Hostage Deal and Humanitarian Pause Agreement,2023-11-22,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement in response to the deal reached between Israel and Hamas: “October 7th was a terrible nightmare for so many in Israel, and the nightmare has continued—especially for those whose loved ones were cruelly taken hostage by Hamas. “I am relieved that dozens of hostages will soon be reunited with their families. The Biden Administration worked hard helping to broker this agreement, including to get Americans home, and we must continue pushing to bring every single hostage kidnapped by this terrorist group home swiftly and safely. “The path to a just and lasting peace and a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian people requires that Hamas be decisively defeated. My generation’s military experiences in places like Iraq seared in our memory the difficulty of fighting an embedded adversary like Hamas, and the horrors that a war like this can bring to innocent civilians. It is critical that our ally Israel uses restraint and discretion in this war to protect Palestinian civilians. This extended pause in fighting to bring hostages home and to provide additional humanitarian assistance to those suffering in Gaza is an important step. “While there is much more work still to do, I am thankful for the leadership of the Biden Administration in facilitating this important agreement. “We must keep working toward a framework for a just and durable peace.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-announces-275000-cerebral-aneurysm-testing-work-western-pa-bioscience,"Deluzio Announces $275,000 for Cerebral Aneurysm Testing Work at Western PA Bioscience Company",2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced a $275,000 grant for Mt. Lebanon-based company Astria Biosciences, Inc. from the National Science Foundation to develop a blood test to detect cerebral aneurysms. “Many families in Western Pennsylvania will mark Thanksgiving this week without a loved one at the table because far too many underlying health issues go undetected until it’s too late,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Early detection is key to saving lives and preventing the worst outcomes. I’m proud to announce this grant funding for the work of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District’s own Astria Biosciences, Inc. to make it both cheaper and easier to conduct screenings and testing for cerebral aneurysms.” Specifically, this award will fund the project titled “SPIR Phase 1: A Blood Test to Detect Cerebral Aneurysms” and will support Astria Biosciences’ mission to transform diagnosis and treatment for neurological and vascular diseases. Almost 30,000 Americans suffer a cerebral aneurysm each year, according to the National Science Foundation. With a 50% mortality rate, cerebral aneurysms can be silent killers, often going undetected. Currently, diagnostics and screenings for these aneurysms often require expensive equipment. New technology and innovative approach to blood testing could provide a new and accessible means to detect and diagnose the underlying causes of brain aneurysms. Astria Bioscience’s research could make it both easier and cheaper to perform these diagnostic tests routinely, increase aneurysm detection, and hopefully save lives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-summer-lee-announced-190940-to-women-for-a-healthy-environment-to-combat-lead-poisoning-in-pittsburgh-at-press-conference,"Congresswoman Summer Lee Announced $190,940 to Women for a Healthy Environment to Combat Lead Poisoning in Pittsburgh at Press Conference",2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** November 21, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Congresswoman Summer Lee Announced $190,940 to Women for a Healthy Environment to Combat Lead Poisoning in Pittsburgh at Press Conference (Pittsburgh, PA) Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) announced that Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) has received a $190,940 federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate environmental justice communities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania about the sources and health impacts of lead exposure and provide solutions to reduce lead exposure. Link to Videos & Photos ""I am proud to announce this critical grant funding to Women for a Healthy Environment,"" said Congresswoman Lee. ""Lead poisoning is a serious public health issue, disproportionately impacting children of color and low-income families. This funding will allow WHE to continue its vital work to protect the health and well-being of our most vulnerable communities in Pittsburgh."" 1 in 10 children under the age of 6 in Allegheny County has a blood lead level above the CDC's action level of 5 micrograms per deciliter. Children of color are disproportionately affected by lead poisoning. Black children are 10 times more likely to have a blood lead level above 5 µg/dL than white children. Lead poisoning can have a devastating impact on children's health. It can cause cognitive impairments, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities. In severe cases, lead poisoning can even lead to death. The grant will be used to fund a three-year project that will focus on educating and empowering residents of environmental justice communities across Allegheny County to take action to protect their children from lead exposure. Congresswoman Summer Lee announced the grant at a press conference at Jeremiah's Place, located at 6435 Frankstown Ave, Pittsburgh on November 21, 2023 at 11 am. WHE's grant project will include a variety of activities, including: Targeted lead education and advocacy for families in priority neighborhoods with children ages zero to six, to raise awareness of lead exposure in Pittsburgh Creative storytelling initiatives to enhance family awareness of lead hazards and ways to reduce exposure Training child care providers in Pittsburgh on lead-safe practices Accessible lead education resources to overcome language barriers The announcement took place at Jeremiah's Place, an emergency early learning center in Pittsburgh which successfully completed WHE's 1000 Hours a Year lead testing program and is certified as Eco-Healthy.® Jeremiah's Place will serve as a model for other early learning centers in Pittsburgh and will provide a safe and healthy learning environment for children. ""We are grateful for Congresswoman Lee's support and for this CDC grant,"" said Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Executive Director at WHE. ""Lead exposure is a known, but preventable environmental health hazard, and we are committed to working with community members across the region to make certain that all children have a safe and healthy place to live, learn, and grow regardless of their zip code."" Recently, the House passed Congresswoman Summer Lee's amendment highlighting the need to protect children's health by increasing funding for testing and remediation of lead contamination in drinking water at schools and child care facilities. This amendment was added to the FY2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Lee's amendment will specifically address the tremendous need for additional investment in lead testing in Western Pennsylvania: The EPA found that Pennsylvania has the 4th most underground lead pipes in the U.S in 2023 Pennsylvania has about 689,000 lead service lines, making up 7.5% of all service lines in the commonwealth, according to results of the EPA's survey. In 2021, lead was detected in 80% of Allegheny County, Pa., water systems It would cost $47 billion to replace every lead pipe in the US With 10,000 pipes removed from the drinking water supply, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) in February said it is more than halfway to meeting its goal of removing all public lead service lines from its water system, with approximately 6,000 lines remaining. Federal officials estimate 6 to 10 million lead service lines remain in use nationwide, and Biden's Philadelphia visit served as an opportunity to promote his promise to replace every one of them over the next decade. The inclusion of Lee's amendment makes clear the desperate need for this funding despite Republicans' ongoing attempts to cut funding for many essential programs necessary to protect children against toxins in the air and drinking water. About WHE: WHE is a non-profit organization that empowers underserved communities to build resilience, promote equity, and safeguard children from environmental health hazards. We collaborate with families, schools, and early learning centers to create healthy environments where children can thrive. Guided by science, we advocate for policies and programs that foster equitable lives free from environmental harms. About Jeremiah's Place: Jeremiah's Place protects children and strengthens families by providing a safe haven of respite, health, renewal, and support for children when their families are experiencing a critical need for childcare. As a crisis nursery, Jeremiah's Place provides 24/7, judgment-free emergency childcare to children ages 0-6 at no cost to families. Jeremiah's Place offers all of the necessities a child may need, as well as educational and emotional enrichment through daily programming. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-summer-lee-announces-more-than-371k-in-funding-to-build-and-support-composting-systems-at-the-backyard-and-neighborhood-levels-in-braddock-clairton-and-swissvale,"Congresswoman Summer Lee Announces More Than $371K in Funding to Build and Support Composting Systems at the Backyard and Neighborhood Levels in Braddock, Clairton, and Swissvale",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** November 20, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Congresswoman Summer Lee Announces More Than $371K in Funding to Build and Support Composting Systems at the Backyard and Neighborhood Levels in Braddock, Clairton, and Swissvale (PITTSBURGH, PA) – Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee announced that Delaware Valley Citizens Council for Clean Air will receive a $371,515 grant to build and support composting systems at the backyard and neighborhood levels in Braddock, Clairton, and Swissvale, Pennsylvania. The Council will co-develop educational workshops, literature, and social media with community members, provide supplies and logistical support, and create a network that will develop and manage composting systems tailored to community needs.​ Congresswoman Summer Lee said, ""Today marks a significant step forward for the Mon Valley, a community that has too often been overlooked in environmental progress and faces disproportionate pollution. Bringing this grant back home to my community is not just about enhancing recycling and composting systems; it's a testament to our commitment to uplift communities that have been left behind for far too long. By building and supporting composting systems in Braddock, Clairton, and Swissvale, we are directly addressing the unique needs of these neighborhoods. This initiative is about nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility and community engagement and making sure that the benefits of these programs are accessible and understood by everyone. When we invest in our communities, especially those that have faced neglect, we pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future. I am proud to see the Mon Valley receive the attention and resources it needs and deserves, and I am committed to ensuring that this is just the beginning of our journey towards environmental justice and sustainability."" These grants, which are part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, will expand recycling education and outreach for waste management systems across the region. ""These recycling education and outreach grants allow us to meet people where they are – they provide funding to create educational materials and find ways to make recycling easier,"" said EPA's Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. ""There's no one size fits all solution and these grants allow local leaders to custom tailor solutions."" These recycling grants will help tackle consumer confusion and outdated recycling infrastructure, the largest barriers to proper recycling. Thanks to President Biden's historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed two years ago today, EPA was provided the largest recycling investment in 30 years that is funding this program. These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products. The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates while decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 4 selectees in the Mid-Atlantic region selectees to receive $4,930,047 in Recycling Education and Outreach grants. They include: Delaware Valley Citizens Council for Clean Air has been selected to receive $371,516. The goal of this proposal is to build and support composting systems at the backyard and neighborhood levels in Braddock, Clairton, and Swissvale, Pennsylvania. The Council will co-develop educational workshops, literature, and social media with community members, provide supplies and logistical support, and create a network that will develop and manage composting systems tailored to community needs.​ Hampton Roads Planning District Commission has been selected to receive $1,965,525. Representing seventeen local governments in Virginia, this campaign will take a comprehensive approach to improve recycling across multiple jurisdictions by employing techniques such as community engagement, research, targeted route-level audits, direct mailings, and web-based education materials. World Wildlife Fund has been selected to receive $1,164,792. This school-based project is located in four cities across Georgia, Maryland, and Tennessee to promote food waste reductions and recycling. Institute for Local Self-Reliance has been selected to receive $1,428,214 for a national composting campaign which aims to catalyze implementation and growth of community composting around the county. To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit: EPA's Recipients and Selectees webpage. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/news-130-members-of-pittsburgh-jewish-community-send-open-letter-calling-for-admin-congress-to-facilitate-ceasefire-thank-summer-lee-for-leadership-to-save-lives-and-return-hostages,"NEWS: 130+ Members of Pittsburgh Jewish Community Send Open Letter Calling for Admin, Congress to Facilitate Ceasefire, Thank Summer Lee for Leadership to Save Lives and Return Hostages",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** Monday 11/20, 2023 Contact: Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov | 330.212.2065 Pittsburgh, PA – Today over 130 members of the Pittsburgh Jewish Community released an open letter calling for the Biden administration and Congress to ""immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire to save lives"" and thanking Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA-12) for her leadership in this moment of immense pain and fear. Click here for a link to the letter which will be updated regularly with new signatories. Signers interested in talking with press are available for interviews by request to PittsburghJewishCommunity@gmail.com. The letter reads: We are Jewish community members from across Pittsburgh who are devastated by the rapidly escalating violence across Israel and Palestine. We urge the Biden administration to immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire to save lives. We are in ongoing grief and fear for Palestinians living and dying under suffocating Israeli siege and bombardment. We are still in mourning for Israelis killed on October 7 and civilians taken hostage. We condemn the indiscriminate killing of civilians, and we long for a world in which there will be no more grieving families. As we enter the second month of the Israeli government's deadly airstrikes and brutal siege, the number of Palestinians killed has passed 10,000 including over 4,300 children with countless more trapped and buried under rubble. Over 240 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza — and every day the airstrikes continue putting their lives and safe return at greater risk. We are grateful that our representative, Congresswoman Summer Lee, has been leading the calls in Congress for a ceasefire and the safe return of hostages, and that she was recently joined in these calls by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. We call on the full Pennsylvania delegation to join her in these efforts, and for the Biden administration to heed to calls of the American people who overwhelmingly want to see a ceasefire now and a future without occupation or blockade, in which all Palestinians and all Israelis live with safety, equal rights and freedom. Lauren Berry-Kagan Symone Saul Samuel Weiner Allie Levin Kenneth Mostern Marijke Hechr Adona Losif Michael Bazan Bella M Callie Wrenn Jules M Kyle Leykn Schmatz Anya Gloria Mariana Dana Duncombe Ruby Frazier Charlie Baron Eric Lipsky Juliet Phillips O.E. Zelmanovich Emilio Moline Alyssa Freedman Dade Lemanski L. Stern Reuy Miller Rachel Reed Adrian M Jodi Hirsh Elijah Jordana Rosenfeld Jess Ian Lipsky Lily Wasserman Sarah E. Scherk Max Applbaum Naomi Honey Rachel Greene Pamela Harbin Katy Will Leora Marcy Beth Scondel Evie Damon Mk Davis Jimmy Coblin Taylor Wainwright Yael Engel Sam Wasserman Benjamin Case Olivia Tucker Harriet Ruth Mostern Ami Furgang Kaley Anonymous Rabbi Avigail Harry Hochheiser Camille Interligi Aden Halpern Judith Allyson Gluckman Robert HeatherMaggie Mandy Simons Katharyn Gaslowitz Samuel Dafna Reed Callan Daniel Asma Miryam Annie Dunn Matt Pascal Zachary Michaels Marcie Jenni Walkuo Jayes Ru Emmons Abbey Tahel Axel Samuel Gespass Taly David Goldstein Keshira haLev Lucia Goubert Eva Resnick-Day Gab Em Duhamel Devon Cohen Caroline Sefcik Alexandra Weiner Josh Stein Terry Dinnie Goldring Alexandra Korshin Daniel Liz Lynch Hana Gabriel Miriam Sarah Sindler Molly Kovi Talya Lubit Emily Forney Theron Gilliand, Jr. Anna Daniel Stock Donna Coufal Joe Coufal Sarah Noah Rachel Fishback Keila Tatiana John Avocet Anonymous Signer Emma K Eric Tim Fife Kenneth Boas Julianne Jenny Bazan Madelyn Rice Marta Pelusi Cole Aaron Kuhn Gregory Rosabel Kurth Eileen Yacknin Sarah Cummings Arthur T Anonymous Signer Anonymous Signer Sunshine Samara ** Note: Redacted names/last names reflect a request for anonymity and are available upon request for verification purposes only. Signers interested in talking with press are available for interviews by request to PittsburghJewishCommunity@gmail.com As of the 19th, 40 members of Congress have called for a ceasefire including 4 Jewish members of Congress – click here to view a full list. Several members of Pittsburgh's Jewish community have written moving op-eds on their calls for ceasefire to protect innocent Palestinians and safely return Israeli hostages. Jodi Hirsh: Demanding an Israel-Hamas ceasefire Mandy Simons: What does it mean to be pro-Israel? Lee recently joined a press conference with over two dozen Rabbis calling for ceasefire after 750 North American Rabbis and Cantors across the country called for a ceasefire and 80 rabbis released a video calling for a ceasefire. This also comes one week after Rep. Lee joined a press conference with veterans of the post-9/11 wars who, informed by their experiences, called for a ceasefire the day before Veterans' Day. Last week, an Israeli-American dual citizen from Pittsburgh wrote an op-ed for the Pittsburgh Tribune in which she wrote, ""Being pro-Israel means demanding an end to the horrors that are currently being perpetrated against the people of Gaza. Being pro-Israel means calling on Israel to act within the bounds of justice and law, to seek true solutions, to end war and not to perpetuate it. It is time for Americans, too, to learn a new way of being pro-Israel."" Since the horrific October 7th attack by Hamas, Lee has co-sponsored a resolution condemning Hamas and demanding the release of Israeli civilians, co-authored a letter to the State Department to demand an urgent briefing on the safety of civilians, the efforts to release the hostages, and the status of American citizens in Israel and Palestine, and cosponsored the Ceasefire Now Resolution to protect innocent Palestinian civilians and preserve the lives of Israeli hostages. Lee has also worked with State Department to help multiple constituents seeking safe departure from Israel and Gaza. Lee is simultaneously focused on combating rising antisemitism and islamophobia at home. After reports of antisemitic property damage in Pittsburgh's Frick Park, Lee met community in the neighborhood as well as city officials discussing action to stop these unacceptable incidences of antisemitic vandalism ensure all constituents feel safe and protected. Monday, November 20, 2023 Contact: PittsburghJewishCommunity@gmail.com RELEASE: 130+ Pittsburgh Jews for Ceasefire Send Open Letter Calling for Admin to Facilitate De-Escalation, Thank Summer Lee for Leadership to Save Lives and Return Hostages PITTSBURGH — More than 130 Pittsburgh Jews today released an open letter calling for the Biden administration and Congress to ""immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire to save lives"" and thanking Congresswoman Summer Lee for her leadership in this moment of immense pain and fear. Below you can find a link to the letter which will be updated with new signatories: Link to letter: medium.com/@pittsburghjewishcommunity/pittsburgh-jews-say-ceasefire-now-4ddab71e11e5 ** Note: Redacted names/last names reflect a request for anonymity and are available upon request for verification purposes only. Signers interested in talking with press are available for interviews by request to PittsburghJewishCommunity@gmail.com Pittsburgh Jews for Ceasefire We are Jewish community members from across Pittsburgh who are devastated by the rapidly escalating violence across Israel and Palestine. We urge the Biden administration to immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire to save lives. We are in ongoing grief and fear for Palestinians living and dying under suffocating Israeli siege and bombardment. We are still in mourning for Israelis killed on October 7 and civilians taken hostage. We condemn the indiscriminate killing of civilians, and we long for a world in which there will be no more grieving families. As we enter the second month of the Israeli government's deadly airstrikes and brutal siege, the number of Palestinians killed has passed 10,000 including over 4,300 children with countless more trapped and buried under rubble. Over 240 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza — and every day the airstrikes continue putting their lives and safe return at greater risk. We are grateful that our representative, Congresswoman Summer Lee, has been leading the calls in Congress for a ceasefire and the safe return of hostages, and that she was recently joined in these calls by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. We call on the full Pennsylvania delegation to join her in these efforts, and for the Biden administration to heed to calls of the American people who overwhelmingly want to see a ceasefire now and a future without occupation or blockade, in which all Palestinians and all Israelis live with safety, equal rights and freedom. Lauren Berry-Kagan Symone Saul Samuel Weiner Allie Levin Kenneth Mostern Marijke Hechr Adona Losif Michael Bazan Bella M Callie Wrenn Jules M Kyle Leykn Schmatz Anya Gloria Mariana Dana Duncombe Ruby Frazier Charlie Baron Eric Lipsky Juliet Phillips O.E. Zelmanovich Emilio Moline Alyssa Freedman Dade Lemanski L. Stern Reuy Miller Rachel Reed Adrian M Jodi Hirsh Elijah Jordana Rosenfeld Jess Ian Lipsky Lily Wasserman Sarah E. Scherk Max Applbaum Naomi Honey Rachel Greene Pamela Harbin Katy Will Leora Marcy Beth Scondel Evie Damon Mk Davis Jimmy Coblin Taylor Wainwright Yael Engel Sam Wasserman Benjamin Case Olivia Tucker Harriet Ruth Mostern Ami Furgang Kaley Anonymous Rabbi Avigail Harry Hochheiser Camille Interligi Aden Halpern Judith Allyson Gluckman Robert HeatherMaggie Mandy Simons Katharyn Gaslowitz Samuel Dafna Reed Callan Daniel Asma Miryam Annie Dunn Matt Pascal Zachary Michaels Marcie Jenni Walkuo Jayes Ru Emmons Abbey Tahel Axel Samuel Gespass Taly David Goldstein Keshira haLev Lucia Goubert Eva Resnick-Day Gab Em Duhamel Devon Cohen Caroline Sefcik Alexandra Weiner Josh Stein Terry Dinnie Goldring Alexandra Korshin Daniel Liz Lynch Hana Gabriel Miriam Sarah Sindler Molly Kovi Talya Lubit Emily Forney Theron Gilliand, Jr. Anna Daniel Stock Donna Coufal Joe Coufal Sarah Noah Rachel Fishback Keila Tatiana John Avocet Anonymous Signer Emma K Eric Tim Fife Kenneth Boas Julianne Jenny Bazan Madelyn Rice Marta Pelusi Cole Aaron Kuhn Gregory Rosabel Kurth Eileen Yacknin Sarah Cummings Arthur T Anonymous Signer Anonymous Signer Sunshine Samara In Solidarity, Pittsburgh Jews For Ceasefire",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-applauds-uaw-workers-for-winning-record-contract,Summer Lee Applauds UAW Workers for Winning Record Contract,2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** November 20, 2023 Contact: Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov 330.212.2065 Summer Lee Applauds UAW Workers for Winning Record Contract UAW said ""If the automakers have record profits, we should have record contracts"" - Now They Do (Washington DC) – Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA-12) released the following statement applauding United Auto Workers (UAW) for showing how to organize and win for workers everywhere. Today, 64% of the workers voted to ratify record agreements with the Detroit Three automakers. This vote locked in the UAW's tentative agreements with the automakers through April 2028. Lee said, ""Thanks to UAW and every worker and organizer across the country who joined in solidarity, workers everywhere have a blueprint for how to win what they tell us is ‘impossible.' UAW showed the world what it means to build a multi-racial, multi-generational movement of workers standing up and standing together. UAW showed us that the power can come from a working class that is fed up and fired up especially when over 70% of Americans stand with the labor movement. And they showed us how to not only remain fearless in the face of CEOs and politicians who tell workers to sit down, but to stand up taller, organize harder, and win bigger."" Lee continued, ""Western PA workers have had UAW's backs since day one because Pittsburgh is a union town and we know that just as UPS workers, academic workers, tens of thousands of health care workers at Kaiser, airline pilots, writers with WGA lifted up UAW, UAW's win will lift up Pennsylvania workers. UAW's record contract will help striking workers at the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, Starbucks Workers United, and SAG-AFTRA hold their ground, fight harder and win record contracts. And UAW's exceptional organizing will show our hospital workers, coffee workers, and newsroom writers the power of unionization and collective bargaining for better wages, dignity on the job, and democracy at work."" UAW won a 25% pay raise – meaning a factory worker working 48 hours a week will earn $84k a year, plus cost-of-living adjustments to protect against inflation. 71% of Americans have a favorable view of labor movements - higher than anytime since the 1960s. UAW's win is already having a ripple effect: When the terms were announced, Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai - whose workers are not in the union - all announced a raise for their workers, presumably out of fear they will unionize.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-announces-150000-stem-education-title-i-schools-western-pennsylvania,"Deluzio Announces $150,000 for STEM Education at Title I Schools in Western Pennsylvania",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the non-profit STEM Coding Lab is getting a $150,000 grant from the Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program through the ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute, the nation’s leading robotics and AI manufacturing innovation Institute, headquartered in Western Pennsylvania. This investment will allow STEM Coding Lab to provide robotics and manufacturing workforce education to high-poverty, K-8 students across Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. “Our students today are the inventors and creators of tomorrow,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “This $150,000 federal investment in Western Pennsylvania’s students will help foster the high-demand skills our region needs to launch an innovative new era of domestic manufacturing.” ""In the last 3 years, STEM Coding Lab has quadrupled in size, now serving nearly 4,000 under-resourced youth throughout Western Pennsylvania,” said Casey Mindlin, Executive Director of STEM Coding Lab. “Our growth and success are rooted in the reality that computer science and STEM instruction are critical in equipping all our youth, not just affluent learners, with the skills needed to be creators, rather than just users of technology. We are grateful for Rep. Deluzio's continued commitment to unlocking federal funds to activate the next generation of Pennsylvania innovators. We look forward to continuing to work with him, as well as the rest of the Pennsylvania delegation, to ensure that all of our region’s youth are prepared to compete for the jobs of tomorrow."" “The ARM Institute is excited to work with STEM Coding Lab in furthering our mission to expand awareness of careers in advanced manufacturing across the nation”, stated Lisa Masciantonio, Chief Workforce Officer of the ARM Institute. “A key part of that mission is exposing young people to robotics and STEM at an early age, which makes what STEM Coding Lab does so critical.” The project will be led by the ARM Institute, with STEM Coding Lab as a subcontractor, and has an overarching goal of creating at least 1,000 modern manufacturing jobs in the Pittsburgh region. This award was part of a larger White House announcement as part of their workforce hub convenings in Western Pennsylvania and Augusta, GA. In May, the Biden-Harris Administration designated the Pittsburgh region as one of five Workforce Hubs where President Biden’s Investing in America agenda (the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act) are creating good-paying jobs and catalyzing historic levels of private and public investment. In Western Pennsylvania, these investments show a roadmap to creating high-quality career opportunities for students and workers while boosting local manufacturing and strengthening the economy. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3647,"Tax-Free Pay, 2-Year Leave of Absence for Parents Among Ideas Being Floated by House's Military Quality-of-Life Panel",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in Military.com Tax-exempt pay. Extended leaves of absence for parenthood. Fewer permanent change of station moves. Those are some of the ""outside the box"" ideas the leaders of the House Armed Services Committee's military quality-of-life panel said they are mulling as they barrel toward an early 2024 goal of providing recommendations to improve service members' pay, child care, housing and other issues key to people's decision to join or stay in the military. ""You're competing with the civilian economy that has also figured out that the youngest generation wants very much to feel a purpose and sense of community, and they've met them where they are,"" Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., the ranking member of the quality-of-life panel, said at a Wednesday night event hosted by With Honor, a political action committee that supports veterans running for office. ""Those kids are going into those job opportunities without the obligation of PCSing every couple of years, without the obligation of living in dorms that are substandard, with pay that is significantly more in most cases than what they're going to be earning,"" she added. Houlahan, an Air Force veteran, was speaking alongside the panel's chairman, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired Air Force brigadier general. The quality-of-life panel was formed this congressional session to provide recommendations that could be included in next year's National Defense Authorization Act. The panel's final report should be done by February, Bacon said. Since formally launching over the summer, the panel has held an open hearing on housing conditions, as well as several closed-door sessions with Defense Department officials, military service organizations and military spouses about pay, child care, spouse employment and housing. Housing quality in particular has garnered increasing attention in recent months after a Government Accountability Office report highlighted systemic issues with unlivable barracks, including overflowing sewage, insect infestations and brown drinking water. The Army has said it plans to ask Congress for $4 billion to renovate and build new barracks, but has acknowledged that is only about half of what it needs, and it attributed the low ask to doubts that Congress would fund even that amount. But on Wednesday, Bacon stressed the need for the services to request exactly how much money they need to keep housing livable. ""We have funded exactly what the military has wanted for barracks and dormitories. They've been given 100%-plus. Yet, we find out it's only half of what they really need,"" Bacon said. ""I felt a little misled."" On other quality-of-life issues, Bacon and Houlahan mentioned several unconventional proposals they are considering. One idea was to allow service members to take a two-year leave of absence to focus on parenting and return to the military at the same rank. While that idea was considered a few years ago and put aside, Bacon said the ""time could be now"" for it to become reality. Houlahan also mentioned a ""GI Bill for child care"" to address child-care affordability, though she did not elaborate on how exactly that proposal would work. Another idea is to make assignments longer so service members and families do not have to move as much, though Bacon acknowledged that may be impossible for troops looking to climb the career ladder who need to have a wide range of assignments. On pay issues, Bacon floated making income tax exempt at certain ranks as a way to increase take-home pay without adding to the Pentagon budget. Most military allowances are tax exempt, but basic pay is taxed. Changing what's taxed would require support from the Ways and Means Committee, but Bacon quipped that he could lean on the ""patriotic"" committee members. The quality-of-life panel is also looking at giving junior enlisted troops higher annual raises than more senior service members rather than the across-the-board raises that have been standard for years. ""We've both been struck by the fact that the leadership in DoD and in the services will tell us that the pay is adequate,"" Bacon said, as Houlahan agreed. ""Then how come one in eight people have to go to the food banks? You don't get a good answer on that."" Bacon acknowledged that remedies for quality-of-life issues could be costly and so could take a few years for Congress to fund. For example, raising the basic allowance for housing from 95% of housing costs to 100% -- an oft-floated proposal to address housing affordability issues -- is estimated to cost $225 million each percentage point it's raised, Bacon said. ""What we're recommending isn't controversial,"" Bacon said. ""The most controversial thing is, you have to pay for it.""",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/team-summer-lee-serves-over-50-community-members-at-grand-opening-of-jeannette-satellite-office-in-westmoreland-county-after-serving-40-at-yesterday-s-clairton-satellite-office-with-3-other-locations-soon-to-be-announced,"Team Summer Lee Serves Over 50 Community Members at Grand Opening of Jeannette Satellite Office in Westmoreland County, After Serving 40+ At Yesterday's Clairton Satellite Office With 3 other Locations Soon to be Announced",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** November 16, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Team Summer Lee Serves Over 50 Community Members at Grand Opening of Jeannette Satellite Office in Westmoreland County, After Serving 40+ At Yesterday's Clairton Satellite Office With 3 other Locations Soon to be Announced (Pittsburgh, PA) – Today, US Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) proudly opened the second of five new satellite offices in Jeannette, Pennsylvania in Westmoreland County with the first one opening yesterday in Clairton and three more locations across PA-12 set to be announced in the coming days. These offices demonstrate Congresswoman Lee's commitment to providing accessible, convenient constituent services and creating stronger connections with the constituents of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. Lee said, ""Today we opened our new satellite office in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, and it was a huge success! On our first day, my team helped over 50 constituents with different problems like mental health, finding ways to lower Medicare prescription drug costs, IRS issues, and helping cut down energy bills. Our goal is to make sure everyone gets the help they need, right where they live. We're excited to open more offices like this one in the coming days and really looking forward to making sure we're doing everything we can for our communities. The consensus we heard today was that folks in Jeannette have felt left behind for far too long, and we are here to change that!"" Today's Jeannette Satellite Office Grand Opening: Date: Thursday, November 16th Location: 110 S. 2nd Street, Jeannette, PA 15644 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Frequency: Open the First & Third Thursday of every month following the grand opening The Jeannette Office will serve nearly 86,000 constituents from various localities, including Adamsburg, Arona, Hempfield Township, Irwin, Jeannette, Madison, Manor, North Huntingdon, North Irwin, Penn Borough, Penn Township, S. Huntingdon, Sewickley, and Export —ensuring that no matter where you are, solutions are close to home. All satellite offices are strategically placed within 20 minutes of every constituent in the district, with easy access via public transportation. These new locations are housed within municipal buildings, allowing constituents to access a range of services—from local taxes to planning— all in a single visit. Yesterday's Clairton Satellite Office Grand Opening: Date: Wednesday, November 15th Location: 551 Ravensburg Blvd, Clairton, PA Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Frequency: Starting November 15th - we will be open the first and third Wednesday of every month following the grand opening The Clairton Office will serve over 72,000 constituents from various localities, including Jefferson Hills, Elizabeth Borough, Elizabeth Township, Forward, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln, McKeesport, Port Vue, S Versailles, Versailles, West Elizabeth, Sutersville, Clairton, and Dravosburg—guaranteeing that wherever you may be, help is always close to home. Services Offered: Congresswoman Lee's offices are prepared to assist with various concerns, including but not limited to, passports, Medicare, Social Security, veterans' affairs, IRS inquiries, tax issues, and immigration. Emphasizing a policy of inclusion, no individual seeking help is turned away; if a direct solution is not available, referrals are provided to guarantee everyone receives the necessary support. Residents are encouraged to join the opening events and to utilize the services provided at the new satellite offices. Future updates will be provided as we finalize the details on the other three locations. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-union-leaders-sara-nelson-shawn-fain-to-support-union-flight-attendants-at-dca/,"Fetterman Joins Union Leaders Sara Nelson, Shawn Fain to Support Union Flight Attendants at DCA",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today stood in solidarity with American Airlines flight attendants at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The senator was joined by union leaders Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants (APFA)-CWA, AFL–CIO, and UAW President Shawn Fain, as well as two of his constituents, APFA DCA President John Pennel and APFA DCA Vice President Dianne Britton. Senator Fetterman spoke with union members, talked to press, walked the rally line, and gave remarks to the crowd. He called on American Airlines CEO Robert Isom to raise wages and invited him to visit his office on the Hill to “talk it out.” “It’s astonishing that an airline that made $2.6 billion in profits hasn’t given you a raise since 2019,” said Senator Fetterman to the workers. “I’m going to tell you the same thing I told the UAW workers – make them pay until they pay you what you deserve.” The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is the independent union that represents more than 26,000 American Airlines flight attendants. Despite reporting record profits this year, American Airlines management has refused much-needed raises and other contract improvements for the flight attendants, leading to a strike authorization vote of 99% from union members. If the workers do strike, it will be the first in 30 years, with the last strike occurring in 1993. Senator Fetterman has long been a vocal advocate for the union way of life and against corporate greed. In addition to joining striking UE workers at Wabtec in Erie and five different UAW picket lines, he has consistently expressed support for workers fighting for recognition and their fair share, including striking Post-Gazette workers in Pittsburgh, Teamsters at UPS, writers with WGA, and performers with SAG-AFTRA. He has also used his legislative power to protect and expand the rights of organized labor, most notably introducing the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023, legislation to allow striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. He is also fighting to preserve the union way of life through the PRO Act and to raise the minimum wage to at least $17 per hour with the Raise the Wage Act of 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-presses-witnesses-on-decarbonizing-steel-in-epw-hearing/,Fetterman Presses Witnesses on Decarbonizing Steel in EPW Hearing,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Wednesday questioned witnesses in a U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing on Industrial Decarbonization. Senator Fetterman focused his questioning on the processes that can decarbonize steelmaking, advocating for greener technologies while also protecting good-paying union jobs for people working in the industry. “What does that mean to your average union worker that might be thinking ‘I’m going to lose my job’ because we are not able to meet some of these standards,” said Senator Fetterman. “I would very much like to decarbonize steel, but these are the kind of industries that have a truth that you can’t really make it without having carbon, unless there is some kind of super kind of paradigm shift.” Witnesses in the hearing included Dr. Abigail Regitsky, Senior Manager, U.S. Policy and Advocacy, Breakthrough Energy; Dr. Leah Ellis, CEO and Co-founder, Sublime Systems, Inc.; and Shannon Angielski, President, Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-auchincloss-introduce-lung-cancer-awareness-month-resolution,"BOYLE, AUCHINCLOSS INTRODUCE LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH RESOLUTION",2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) introduced a resolution to recognize November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and to bring awareness to the importance of early detection and treatment of lung cancer. “The annual November observance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month aims to increase the public’s awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection”, said Boyle. “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among individuals in the United States, accounting for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma cancer combined. By reaffirming our collective commitment to education and advocacy, we can work together to reduce the impact of lung cancer and strive towards a healthier, more informed society.” With the rate of lung cancer diagnosis increasing, screenings should be as well. Instead, we've seen a decrease in screenings and a lack of education about the causes of lung cancer”, said Auchincloss. “As someone who represents Massachusetts - home to world-class lung cancer treatment and research - I am proud to lead this resolution, which is a critical step in increasing awareness of the causes of lung cancer and encouraging screenings nationwide.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-one-billion-investment-pennsylvanias-17th-district,Deluzio Celebrates One Billion in Investment into Pennsylvania’s 17th District Infrastructure from Pres. Biden’s Infrastructure Law,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) marked two years of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The biggest investment in America’s infrastructure in a generation, since it was signed into law two years ago the IIJA has already infused over $1.07 billion into more than 60 transformative projects in Rep. Deluzio’s Western Pennsylvania district. “We are finally rebuilding this country’s lousy infrastructure thanks to President Biden’s Infrastructure Law,” said Rep. Deluzio. “That means shovels in the ground, union jobs, and a heck of a lot of investment to make life better for folks in Western Pennsylvania: major improvements to our roads, bridges, airports, locks and dams, and more.” Some examples of the Infrastructure Law investments in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District include: Upper Ohio Navigation Project/Montgomery Locks & Dam, Monaca, PA: $857 million. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): $45.6 million ($23.5 million in discretionary funding, $22.1 million in formula funding) Brownfield Remediation in the Borough of Ambridgeand Beaver County’s Darlington Brickyard: $1 million ($500,000 each). And many more. A list of Infrastructure Law funded projects in PA-17 compiled by Congressman Deluzio’s office is available here. NOTE: this list was compiled in November 2023 and does not include statewide funding that is not specifically allocated to entities within Pennsylvania’s 17th District. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is making a big difference all across the Commonwealth. The White House has already announced $13.8 billion of the Infrastructure Law is coming to Pennsylvania, with more than 330 specific projects identified for federal funding. Since the IIJA became law two years ago, approximately $10 billion has been announced for Pennsylvania transportation investments—roads, bridges, public transit, ports, and airports–and around $657 million has been announced for clean water and water infrastructure in the Commonwealth. More details on the current IIJA funding allocations for Pennsylvania available here. As of today, more than 706,000 Pennsylvania households are already saving on their monthly internet bill thanks to cost-saving provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, Pennsylvania received $1.2 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding to connect everyone in the state to reliable highspeed internet. Congressman Deluzio was proud to attend an event in Beaver Falls this year to celebrate this historic funding. Many more projects will be added in the coming months, as funding opportunities become grant awards and as formula funds become specific projects. The Biden-Harris Administration has already announced nearly $400 billion in funds for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including over 40,000 specific projects and awards in more than 4,500 communities across America. These investments are creating millions of good-paying jobs, including a record-high number of jobs in the construction sector. More details are available in the White House fact sheet on the two-year anniversary of the IIJA. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-expresses-concern-with-congressional-leaders-joining-antisemitic-bigot-john-hagee-on-stage,Summer Lee Expresses Concern with Congressional Leaders Joining Antisemitic Bigot John Hagee on Stage,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov | 330.212.2065 Summer Lee Expresses Concern with Congressional Leaders Joining Antisemitic Bigot John Hagee on Stage Lee condemns the appearance of far-right, antisemitic, Islamophobic pastor at ‘March for Israel' and calls on all members to do the same. (Washington, DC) – After congressional leaders from both parties shared the stage with antisemitic pastor John Hagee at yesterday's March for Israel, Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12) released the following statement: Lee said, ""I'm deeply concerned that members of both parties shared a stage yesterday with noted antisemitic bigot John Hagee. This must be condemned."" Link to tweet On Background: On the speakers list at yesterday's March for Israel rally was far-right, extremist pastor John Hagee, the head of Christians United For Israel(CUFI). Hagee once said that the Holocaust was committed by ""half-breed Jews."" Prime Minister Netanyahu meets frequently with Hagee, endorses CUFI, has spoken at numerous CUFI events, and lavishes Hagee and his organization with praise. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Republican nominee Senator John McCain publicly rejected the endorsement of far-right, antisemitic pastor John Hagee after Hagee's comments that Adolf Hitler had been fulfilling God's will by hastening the desire of Jews to return to Israel in accordance with biblical prophecy. Here's the full quote: ""God says in Jeremiah 16: 'Behold, I will bring them the Jewish people again unto their land that I gave to their fathers. ... Behold, I will send for many fishers, and after will I send for many hunters. And they the hunters shall hunt them.' That would be the Jews. ... Then God sent a hunter. A hunter is someone who comes with a gun and he forces you. Hitler was a hunter,"" Hagee said, according to a transcript of his sermon. McCain said in 2008: ""Obviously, I find these remarks and others deeply offensive and indefensible, and I repudiate them. I did not know of them before Rev. Hagee's endorsement, and I feel I must reject his endorsement as well."" CUFI, according to Hagee, is also the biggest lobbying group of any kind in the United States, with a reported 10 million American members, and their summit ""Cornerstone"" has become a required stop for ambitious GOP candidates. Recent keynote speakers have included former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, as well as Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick. Israeli political leaders understand CUFI's political importance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a video address to the annual CUFI summit in Washington, D.C., in 2018. ""Now is the time to exterminate Hamas. End it and end it now,"" Hagee said in a speech last month. Hagee then bellowed, ""Israel today! Israel tomorrow; Israel forever!"" The line echoed one made famous by George Wallace, who advocated ""Segregation now! Segregation tomorrow! Segregation forever!"" During the former Alabama governor's 1968 campaign for president, Hagee endorsed Wallace through a group called Wallace Youth. Rep. Lee was also the first to call out the antisemitic record of GOP Leadership and Speaker candidates. Lee was the first to point out and condemn Steve Scalise's history of antisemitism, including calling himself ""David Duke without the baggage"" and how he spoke at a white supremacist convention in 2002 who's host organization said ""Jews are the enemy of the white race and responsible for the ‘browning' of America."" Lee was also the first to call out Jim Jordan's history of spreading antisemitic tropes as chair of the Judiciary Committee, including multiple instances of spreading antisemitism and tweeting ‘Kanye. Elon. Trump' and keeping it up after Kanye vowed to go ‘def con 3 on Jewish people.' In this effort, Lee was joined by a coalition of anti-hate groups like Bend the Arc Jewish Action, ADC, America's Voice, as well as US Capitol Police officers. In response to the horrific Tree of Life Synagogue massacre and the increased trauma felt by the community during the trial, Rep. Lee has been working tirelessly to deliver a combined $1.5 billion in community project funding aid in the renovation process, educate against antisemitism and help the community respond to and heal from the ongoing trauma with the start of the trial. Lee has moved forward $1 million for the Tree of Life Foundation and $500,000 for 10/27 healing partnership in community project funding (formerly known as earmarks) which were both passed by the Appropriations Committee in June and awaits final passage as part of the FY2024 budget still awaiting a vote. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/team-summer-lee-serves-40-community-members-at-grand-opening-of-clairton-satellite-office-with-jeannette-satellite-office-opening-thursday-in-westmoreland-county-and-3-other-locations-soon-to-be-announced,"Team Summer Lee Serves 40 Community Members at Grand Opening of Clairton Satellite Office, with Jeannette Satellite Office Opening Thursday in Westmoreland County and 3 other Locations Soon to be Announced",2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** November 13, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Team Summer Lee Serves 40 Community Members at Grand Opening of Clairton Satellite Office, with Jeannette Satellite Office Opening Thursday in Westmoreland County and 3 other Locations Soon to be Announced (Pittsburgh, PA) – Today, US Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) proudly opened the first of five new satellite offices in Clairton Pennsylvania with a second opening in Jeannette in Westmoreland County on Thursday and three more locations across PA-12 set to be announced in the coming days. These offices demonstrate Congresswoman Lee's commitment to providing accessible, convenient constituent services and creating stronger connections with the constituents of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. Lee said, ""With the opening of our brand new Clairton satellite offices today - where we served 40 constituents in just a few hours - we are bridging gaps in our community and meeting folks where they are, ensuring every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. As we open four more satellite offices at every corner of our community starting with our satellite office in Jeanette Thursday and three others in the coming weeks, I'm excited to work hand-in-hand with residents to make sure their questions answered and needs are met. Our constituents' needs are the heart of our mission. I am wholeheartedly committed to welcoming our constituents to these new locations and ensuring we deliver the services and support our people are owed."" Tomorrow's Jeannette Satellite Office Grand Opening: Date: Thursday, November 16th Location: 110 S. 2nd Street, Jeannette, PA 15644 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Frequency: Open the First & Third Thursday of every month following the grand opening The Jeannette Office will serve nearly 86,000 constituents from various localities, including Adamsburg, Arona, Hempfield Township, Irwin, Jeannette, Madison, Manor, North Huntingdon, North Irwin, Penn Borough, Penn Township, S. Huntingdon, Sewickley, and Export —ensuring that no matter where you are, solutions are close to home. All satellite offices are strategically placed within 20 minutes of every constituent in the district, with easy access via public transportation. These new locations are housed within municipal buildings, allowing constituents to access a range of services—from local taxes to planning— all in a single visit. Today's Clairton Satellite Office Grand Opening: Date: Wednesday, November 15th Location: 551 Ravensburg Blvd, Clairton, PA Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Frequency: Starting November 15th - we will be open the first and third Wednesday of every month following the grand opening The Clairton Office will serve over 72,000 constituents from various localities, including Jefferson Hills, Elizabeth Borough, Elizabeth Township, Forward, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln, McKeesport, Port Vue, S Versailles, Versailles, West Elizabeth, Sutersville, Clairton, and Dravosburg—guaranteeing that wherever you may be, help is always close to home. Services Offered: Congresswoman Lee's offices are prepared to assist with various concerns, including but not limited to, passports, Medicare, Social Security, veterans' affairs, IRS inquiries, tax issues, and immigration. Emphasizing a policy of inclusion, no individual seeking help is turned away; if a direct solution is not available, referrals are provided to guarantee everyone receives the necessary support. Residents are encouraged to join the opening events and to utilize the services provided at the new satellite offices. Future updates will be provided as we finalize the details on the other three locations. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-legislation-to-eliminate-federal-student-loan-debt-interest/,Fetterman Joins Legislation to Eliminate Federal Student Loan Debt Interest,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today joined his colleagues Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-2) on legislation to lower the student loan burden on current borrowers by eliminating interest on federal student loans and capping interest rates for future borrowers. “Pennsylvania has the third highest rate of student loan debt in the nation. If we can spend trillions bailing out big banks and their CEOs who crashed our economy, we can surely prevent borrowers from accumulating more debt for simply getting an education,” said Senator Fetterman. “This legislation will be a huge relief to working people in Pennsylvania and across the country.” The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act would refinance the interest on federal student loans for all existing borrowers to zero percent and cap interest rates for future borrowers. The interest rates for future student loan borrowers would be based on a sliding scale determined by financial need, with no student having an interest rate greater than four percent. This sliding scale would disincentivize students from taking out loans they don’t need. This legislation would also establish a Trust Fund to pay for the student loan program’s administrative expenses that are currently covered by the interest paid by borrowers. More than 43 million Americans have federal student loan debt, including more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians who owe a collective $66.5 billion. Payments were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in October of this year. This bill would allow the millions of Americans with existing federally held student loans to see their interest rates immediately eliminated.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-statement-funding-government-avoiding-devastating-shutdown,"Deluzio Statement on Funding the Government, Avoiding Devastating Shutdown",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement after voting to pass the U.S. House bipartisan Continuing Resolution that will extend current government funding levels past the current November 17th expiration date and through the start of next year. “A government shutdown would have hurt the people of Western Pennsylvania, and I’m proud today that I voted to keep our troops paid, safety inspections on schedule, federal agencies running, and so much else. “Funding the government is a basic task of any Member of Congress. While I was happy to see House Democrats deliver 209 of the needed 288 votes, I was disappointed to see 42% of House Republicans (93 members) vote against funding the government and in favor of a shutdown that would have hurt so many folks in Western PA. I will always step up to do what’s right for folks back home.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3633,Houlahan Announces Telephone Town Hall Ahead of Potential Government Shutdown,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced the details of her upcoming town hall, scheduled for Friday, November 17 at 9:30 a.m. The telephone town hall will focus on the latest news coming out of Congress regarding funding the federal government, reauthorizing the Farm Bill, passing the annual defense bill, and more. As always, Rep. Houlahan will be taking live questions during the event. “I continue to hear from members of my community who are frustrated by the dysfunction in Congress – I want them to know I’m frustrated, too,” said Houlahan. “Hidden within all the outward chaos, however, is a consensus among moderate Democrats and Republicans that we must stop wasting time and pass a bipartisan spending bill. We know that when party extremists win, everyday Americans and Pennsylvanians lose. During this call, I will answer my constituents’ questions about how I’m making sure we get back to the legislative work that matters to Chester and Berks Counties.” This will be Houlahan’s 80th town hall since serving as the representative for Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District. Details WHAT: Updates from D.C. Telephone Town Hall WHO: Chrissy Houlahan – Congresswoman, PA-06 WHEN: Friday, November 17 at 9:30 a.m. HOW: Telephone – dial (855) 731-4616 Online – visit houlahan.house.gov/live or Facebook Live. The event is open to the public. Community members can RSVP to receive a day-of reminder. If members of the press are interested in joining the call, please email sarah.slavin@mail.house.gov by Thursday, November 16 at 5 p.m. Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3635,Houlahan: Continuing resolution is proof we need a bipartisan budget agreement,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) voted in support of H.R. 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act of 2024. This bill, known as a continuing resolution, would avert a government shutdown and now goes to the Senate for passage. It must be signed into law before midnight on November 17 to ensure there is no lapse in government funding. The bill passed 336 to 95. Together, 203 Democrats and 127 Republicans voted to keep the government open, while 93 Republicans and 2 Democrats voted against the measure. “We saw tonight that the consensus-building core of Congress is still alive and strong,” said Houlahan. “When given the chance to vote on a ‘clean‘ continuing resolution, the preponderance of Democrats and the majority of Republicans voted to keep our government open and put the needs of the American people ahead of partisan politics. Additionally, for the third time in as many months, the Democrats have demonstrated their capability in governing and their willingness to work across the aisle, each time by delivering more votes than the Republican majority.” “This continuing resolution is a blueprint for bipartisan cooperation moving forward. We must stop playing games and wasting time with hyper-partisan, poison-pill laden appropriations bills, and instead pass bipartisan bills across the board - not just when we are threatened with a government shutdown. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in calling upon House leadership to do just that so we can get back to the work we were elected to do.” H.R. 6363 is a clean, laddered continuing resolution that extends each spending bill to one of two dates, detailed below: FY23 spending levels extended until January 19: Agriculture Energy and Water Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilConVA) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) FY23 spending levels extended until February 2: Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Defense Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Homeland Security Interior Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Legislative Branch State and Foreign Operations (SFOps) Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-lee-rep-deluzio-helps-bring-back-historic-investment-from-infrastructure-bill-to-western-pennsylvania,"Rep. Lee, Rep. Deluzio Helps Bring Back Historic Investment from Infrastructure Bill to Western Pennsylvania",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"""These investments will go a long way in building a green energy future with infrastructure that actually meets the needs of our communities"" says Lee (Washington, DC) – Today, on the two-year anniversary of the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law)--Rep. Summer Lee released the following statement on the record $9.65 billion in investments brought back to Western Pennsylvania. ""The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is one crucial component in ensuring we build an economy that meets the needs of the 21st century. The investments made in Western Pennsylvania will go a long way in building a green energy future with infrastructure that actually meets the needs of our communities"" said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). ""I came to Congress to represent the left-behind communities of Pittsburgh, and Westmoreland County that have far too often been left out of large infrastructure projects. The $9.65 billion that I have helped bring into the district, including to build improvements to our airports and transit infrastructure, will be crucial to ensure the people of Western Pennsylvania can have freedom of movement while also ensuring that we remain a hub in building the economy of the future."" Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17) said: ""We are finally rebuilding this country's lousy infrastructure thanks to President Biden's Infrastructure Law. That means shovels in the ground, union jobs, and a heck of a lot of investment to make life better for folks in Western Pennsylvania: major improvements to our roads, bridges, locks and dams, and more."" ""Politicians have been promising to rebuild our roads and bridges for decades, but President Biden is the guy who worked with everybody and got it done,"" said Darrin Kelly, president of the Allegheny Fayette Labor Council. ""Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law is why thousands of people in Western Pennsylvania are working good jobs today building the infrastructure we need to be safe and for our economy to be competitive. This is what investing in the American people looks like."" A few of the projects the IIJA is supporting in the Pittsburgh region: In southwestern Pennsylvania, the infrastructure law has already obligated funds for 243 different projects through a cumulative $1.4 billion in public investment. In Pittsburgh, these projects mean more convenient trips to the airport, safer drinking water, new roads and bridges, and improved public health and safety made possible through the reclamation of abandoned gas and oil wells. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): PIT was allocated $20 million from the for its Terminal Modernization Program. The project's construction surpassed its halfway mark this summer. Upon completion, it will consolidate the airport's terminals into one 700,000-square-foot complex, combining ticketing, security checkpoints, and baggage claim into one facility. The airport will also have further improvements, including a new rental car and parking garage multi-modal complex. Cleaner Drinking Water: The IIJA is funding multiple projects across the state, all geared towards ensuring communities have access to uncontaminated water. In Pittsburgh, this includes improvements to wastewater management and the replacement of lead pipes. With the help of infrastructure law funds, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority is on track to replace 100% of lead service lines by 2026. Stronger Supply Chains: The Montgomery Locks and Dam were initially built in the mid-1930s and have undergone routine maintenance and repairs have created significant bottlenecks. Now, with IIJA funding, the Montgomery Locks and Dam will have larger chambers with more reliable, sustainable, and efficient navigation on the upper Ohio River. Bridge and Tunnel Repairs: Pittsburgh's Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed in January 2022. But thanks to the IIJA and Pittsburgh's strong workforce springing to action, the bridge reopened before Christmas, just 11 months after it collapsed. More than $100 million has been designated for dozens of highway and bridge projects in Allegheny County alone, including the rehabilitation of the Armstrong tunnels, the I-79 Neville Island bridge project, and the expansion of Route 28 which improved 27 bridges over 10 miles. Plugging Abandoned Oil Wells: Orphaned oil and gas wells are rampant across southwest Pennsylvania. After being stranded by fossil fuel extraction companies, these wells are left to continue producing methane and groundwater pollution, endangering public health and the environment. The IIJA is providing states with resources to reclaim these orphaned wells and create good-paying jobs in doing so. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, to date, at least 9 orphaned wells have been plugged in Allegheny County, with dozens more plugged across the region. Another roughly 50 well reclamation projects are currently underway.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-again-votes-to-avert-republican-shutdown-calls-r-s-ongoing-refusal-to-pass-a-bare-minimum-long-term-funding-bill-shameful,"Summer Lee Again Votes to Avert Republican Shutdown, Calls R’s Ongoing Refusal to Pass a Bare Minimum Long Term Funding Bill Shameful",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release** Contact: Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Summer Lee Again Votes to Avert Republican Shutdown, Calls R's Ongoing Refusal to Pass a Bare Minimum Long Term Funding Bill Shameful Washington DC – U.S. Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) released the following statement immediately prior to voting ‘YES' on a clean continuing resolution to fund the government, once again defeating both Republicans' cruel proposed cuts to lifeline programs and temporarily preventing them from forcing a government shutdown: ""I will vote YES on a short term funding bill to prevent Republicans from carrying out their scheme to force sickeningly cruel cuts to lifeline programs just about all of my constituents depend on – and to prevent them from shutting down the government, forcing 70,000 PA workers to lose paychecks and 177,000 PA babies and moms to lose access to food and formula – again. ""While this will keep the federal government open and funded at current levels so we can continue to deliver for Western Pennsylvania workers, seniors, veterans, and children, and left behind communities I came to Congress to serve, our fight to stop Republicans from forcing a shutdown is far from over – again."" ""We will spend the next month fighting to stop Republicans from evict our families, cut our neighbors off from essential services, bankroll their billionaire donors, attack trans people, and criminalize abortion at the expense of millions of workers, mothers, children, and veterans who would go without paychecks, formula food and shelter if they get their way shutting down the government – again. ""I came to Congress to represent left-behind communities like my own in the Mon Valley – and I will continue to hold the line and defend the most marginalized and vulnerable against Republicans' attacks. It's time for Congress to more for working families, not less. No cuts, no layoffs, and no shutdown. Period."" Under Republicans' disastrous shutdown: o 2 million babies, women and children would have lost access to formula and food (WIC) – in 177,335 PA and 10,330 in Allegheny County alone o 1.5 million workers across the country, including 70,000 PA workers and 8,000 workers in PA-12 would have lost paychecks _________________________________________________________________________________________ Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-summer-lee-joins-rabbis-for-ceasefire-in-press-conference-calling-for-ceasefire-safe-return-of-hostages-steps-towards-lasting-peace-and-safety-for-all-israelis-and-palestinians,"VIDEO: Summer Lee Joins Rabbis for Ceasefire in Press Conference Calling for Ceasefire, Safe Return of Hostages, Steps Towards Lasting Peace and Safety for All Israelis and Palestinians",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** November 13, 2023 Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov VIDEO: Summer Lee Joins Rabbis for Ceasefire in Press Conference Calling for Ceasefire, Safe Return of Hostages, Steps Towards Lasting Peace and Safety for All Israelis and Palestinians ""I'm standing here not in spite of the fact that I'm an Israeli citizen, whose father, grandmother going back generations in Jerusalem and other parts of Israel - I'm not here in spite of that. I'm here because of it. When I call for a ceasefire, it's for my family, for my aunts for my uncles. It's for my son who has three Israeli great grandparents because I know that none of us will ever be safe while we keep doing what we're doing."" WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Summer Lee (D-PA-12) joined dozens of Rabbis in a press conference with Members of Congress calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and urging Congress and the Biden administration to support the Ceasefire Now resolution in order to protect and return Israeli hostages and prevent the death of thousands more innocent Palestinian civilians and regional war. Image Watch the full press conference here. The press conference comes after 750 North American Rabbis and Cantors across the country called for a ceasefire and 80 rabbis released a video calling for a ceasefire. Last week, an Israeli-American dual citizen from Pittsburgh wrote an op-ed for the Pittsburgh Tribune in which she wrote, ""Being pro-Israel means demanding an end to the horrors that are currently being perpetrated against the people of Gaza. Being pro-Israel means calling on Israel to act within the bounds of justice and law, to seek true solutions, to end war and not to perpetuate it. It is time for Americans, too, to learn a new way of being pro-Israel."" This also comes one week after Rep. Lee joined a press conference with veterans of the post-9/11 wars who, informed by their experiences, called for a ceasefire the day before Veterans' Day. Rabbi Abby Stein, a dual Israeli-American citizen who had multiple loved ones killed in the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas said, ""I'm standing here not in spite of the fact that I'm an Israeli citizen, whose father, grandmother going back generations in Jerusalem and other parts of Israel - I'm not here in spite of that. I'm here because of it. When I call for a ceasefire, it's for my family, for my aunts for my uncles. It's for my son who has three Israeli great grandparents because I know that none of us will ever be safe while we keep doing what we're doing. So I'm begging you. Do it for me, do it for all of our families. Rabbi Brian Walt said, ""I was born just seven years before the Holocaust, never again, was a central to the Judaism. I learned as a child, and never again has been important part of the Jewish tradition. This is a moral outrage that is happening, how many children will need to die before people insist on a ceasefire. The future the safety of the Jewish people, and the Palestinian people are intertwined. We must create a place where Jews and Palestinians can live in equality, freedom and justice. So thank you for calling a ceasefire. And thank you to thank you to all the rabbis that led us this morning in suggesting it's not either or, it's both."" Rabbi Salem Pierce said, ""I am here today as a proud inheritor of the Jewish prophetic tradition. In 1965, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma carrying the Torah It was there that he said I felt like my legs were praying. Jews in our community often want to be the inheritors of Rabbi Herschel's prophetic vision. We talked last about Rabbi Herschel's anti war vision and explaining to a reporter why he was at a Vietnam War protest. Rabbi Heschel said I'm here because I cannot pray whenever I open the prayer book. So it is in Rabbi Herschel's spirit that I'm here today as a Rabbi for ceasefire. I'm here because when I opened my prayer book, I cannot pray. I see kidnapped and killed children. There's no limit to the concern I feel for the suffering of human beings. And I will not stand idly by the blood of my neighbor. Congresswoman Lee said: ""I want to thank everybody so much for being here. I'm a freshman member. I'm Summer Lee. I represent the12th congressional district in Pittsburgh, a town that is reeling from the deadliest antisemitic attack in the history of the United States. ""It's a community that has been in constant grief, not just since October 7, but much longer since 10/27/2018. When I came into this job, I had no way of preparing myself for this for the crisis of this magnitude, but not just a crisis, but the way that we are received calling for common sense. I'm Summer Lee and I am proud to stand here with my colleagues and with so many of these courageous rabbis who are here to call for a ceasefire. The last month has been one of the most devastating of my time in office. When you step forward to run for political office, these are the moments that you simply can't imagine or prepare for. But I do understand that we are called for a moment such as this. It's not easy to stand up when there are so many voices saying we're wrong. Which is why I don't for a second take for granted the courage of the Jewish rabbis here with us today, who are leading the charge, even in the midst of the immense pain and suffering they're facing, are saying ""never again for anyone."" Your voices are needed now more than ever. ""Together, we hold in our hearts and memories the 1,200 innocent Israelis who were murdered by Hamas one month ago. For so many in the Jewish community in Western Pennsylvania and across the country, they were family members, friends, community members, and loved ones. May their memory be a blessing. ""Our hearts are large enough to grieve those lost on October 7th, and on every day since then. We can - and we must - also grieve the thousands of Palestinian civilians who have been taken from us. Everyday, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is becoming an unmitigated catastrophe. 11,000 Palestinians have been killed. Over 4300 children have been killed. ""There are 2.2 million people in Gaza. 1.7 million of them have been displaced. 77%. ""Back in my district, I met a community member. I met another person, though not in my district, who lost 99. That is not a unique story. Full bloodlines have been erased due to indiscriminate bombings. ""Nobody is safe. Critical infrastructure is gone. There are no more universities in Gaza. Houses, churches, mosques, schools, playgrounds, markets, and hospitals have been targeted and destroyed. ""Not even hospitals are safe. Just yesterday, Doctors Without Borders described the dire situation in Gaza. In the midst of a bombardment on hospital grounds, people are being murdered while waiting for treatment for their wounds. Three babies have died in the NICU, and 36 more are fighting for their lives. ""THIS is why we're calling for a ceasefire now. We must understand the urgency of this moment. Rabbis and Jewish community-members around the world are saying ""Not in Our Name."" And those of my colleagues that are standing here - despite the hate and attacks and pressure - are here to say ""Not on Our Watch."" ""I refuse to send more bombs to Israel and band-aids to Gaza. I refuse to cosign a war on babies. A right to defense doesn't mean the right to kill indiscriminately. ""We are our nation's pro-peace movement–all of us seeking to build a future where everyone, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to achieve their dreams free from the worry of war and destruction. Thank you to the rabbi who welcomed me here today. Thank you for your courage, thank you for your strength. I am committed to continue the fight shoulder-to-shoulder with you for peace, for human rights, for the fight against antisemitism, and for the dignity of all people."" _____________________________________________________________________ Since the horrific October 7th attack by Hamas, Lee has co-sponsored a resolution condemning Hamas and demanding the release of Israeli civilians, co-authored a letter to the State Department to demand an urgent briefing on the safety of civilians, the efforts to release the hostages, and the status of American citizens in Israel and Palestine, and cosponsored the Ceasefire Now Resolution to protect innocent Palestinian civilians and preserve the lives of Israeli hostages. Lee has also worked with State Department to help multiple constituents seeking safe departure from Israel and Gaza.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://dean.house.gov/2023/11/representatives-dean-blunt-rochester-and-fitzpatrick-reintroduce-resolution-establishing-drowsy-driving-prevention-week,"Representatives Dean, Blunt Rochester, and Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Resolution Establishing “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week”",2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, alongside Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large) Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA- 01) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to recognize an annual “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” in November. The resolution raises awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving and encourages Americans across the country to take steps to stay safe on the road. The National Safety Council (NSC) defines drowsy driving as a profound impairment that mimics alcohol-impaired driving — making drivers less attentive, slowing reaction times, and affecting decision making, A 2022 National Sleep Foundation survey of adult drivers found that 6 in 10 Americans (62%) have driven a car when they were so tired, they had a hard time keeping their eyes open, and an estimated 37 million motorists drive drowsy once a year or more. ""Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is an important tool to raise awareness about safe driving practices – especially for types of impaired driving often overlooked, like driving while fatigued or sleepy,"" Rep. Dean said. ""I'm grateful to the National Sleep Foundation for their work to raise awareness and combat drowsy driving, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to make our communities safer and save lives."" ""NSF applauds Congress for recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. Drowsy driving is impaired driving and a public health concern that everyone can take steps to prevent."" said John Lopos, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. ""It starts by getting enough quality sleep to be your Best Slept Self®, which is important for our safe driving and responsibility to each other on the road."" The bipartisan resolution, H.R. 853: Designates a “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving; and Encourage people across the United States to take preventable steps against drowsy driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused by driving while fatigued. Drowsy Driving Prevention Week will save lives through awareness and prevention. The text of the bill can be found here. Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-summer-lee-announces-grand-openings-of-clairton-and-jeannette-satellite-offices-with-more-to-come,Congresswoman Summer Lee Announces Grand Openings of Clairton and Jeannette Satellite Offices With More to Come,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** November 13, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov Congresswoman Summer Lee Announces Grand Openings of Clairton and Jeannette Satellite Offices With More to Come (Pittsburgh, PA) – Today, US Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) proudly announced the opening of two new satellite offices in Clairton and Jeannette, Pennsylvania with three more locations set to be announced in the coming days. These offices demonstrate Congresswoman Lee's commitment to increasing accessibility, ensuring convenience, and creating stronger connections with the constituents of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. Lee said, ""Our constituents' needs are the heart of our mission. With the opening of these satellite offices, we are not just opening doors to buildings—we're bridging gaps in our community, ensuring every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. I am eager to see the positive impact these offices will have, as we work hand-in-hand with residents to make sure their needs are met. I am wholeheartedly committed to welcoming our constituents to these new locations and ensuring we deliver the services and support our people need."" Clairton Satellite Office Grand Opening: Date: Wednesday, November 15th Location: 551 Ravensburg Blvd, Clairton, PA Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Frequency: Starting November 15th - we will be open the first and third Wednesday of every month following the grand opening The Clairton Office will serve over 72,000 constituents from various localities, including Jefferson Hills, Elizabeth Borough, Elizabeth Township, Forward, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln, McKeesport, Port Vue, S Versailles, Versailles, West Elizabeth, Sutersville, Clairton, and Dravosburg—guaranteeing that wherever you may be, help is always close to home. Jeannette Satellite Office Grand Opening: Date: Thursday, November 16th Location: 110 S. 2nd Street, Jeannette, PA 15644 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Frequency: Open the First & Third Thursday of every month following the grand opening The Jeannette Office will serve nearly 86,000 constituents from various localities, including Adamsburg, Arona, Hempfield Township, Irwin, Jeannette, Madison, Manor, North Huntingdon, North Irwin, Penn Borough, Penn Township, S. Huntingdon, Sewickley, and Export —ensuring that no matter where you are, solutions are close to home. All satellite offices are strategically placed within 20 minutes of every constituent in the district, with easy access via public transportation. These new locations are housed within municipal buildings, allowing constituents to access a range of services—from local taxes to planning— all in a single visit. Services Offered: Congresswoman Lee's offices are prepared to assist with various concerns, including but not limited to, passports, Medicare, Social Security, veterans' affairs, IRS inquiries, tax issues, and immigration. Emphasizing a policy of inclusion, no individual seeking help is turned away; if a direct solution is not available, referrals are provided to guarantee everyone receives the necessary support. Residents are encouraged to join the opening events and to utilize the services provided at the new satellite offices. Future updates will be provided as we finalize the details on the other three locations. Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-op-ed-american-families-need-broadband-lets-invest-in-it/,FETTERMAN OP-ED: American Families Need Broadband. Let’s Invest In It,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Sunday published a new op-ed in PennLive pushing for the U.S. House and Senate to come together and pass a funding extension for the federal Broadband Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a critical resource that helps over 700,000 Pennsylvanians, and over 21 million people across the country, afford reliable internet service. The program is set to expire next year if it’s not re-funded by Congress. Sen. Fetterman writes, “I ran for office to push for policies that markedly improve lives and cut costs for working families. ACP is a wildly popular program that does just that. Letting it expire and ripping this lifeline away from the hundreds of thousands of families who rely on it would be disastrous. It will mean more people”especially low-income families”will be left behind. Luckily, there appears to be a bipartisan consensus that we need to get this done in the Senate, but we can’t let political games in the dysfunctional U.S. House get in our way. Just last week, Sen. Fetterman also sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission pushing for changes to the ACP to make it more accessible and affordable for the families that need it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3645,Vietnam veteran receives Purple Heart 56 years after being wounded,2023-11-10,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally Published in the Pottstown Mercury SOUTH COVENTRY — More than 50 years ago, Robert Fields was shot in the head, twice in the same month. Fields, then serving in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, was wounded badly enough the second time he had to spend six weeks recovering in a hospital in Japan. But despite his injuries, he never sought the Purple Heart he had earned. Like many veterans who have seen war, Fields, a resident of Reading, did not talk much about the experience. “But you should never underestimate the determination of a military wife,” observed U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. The child of a 30-year Navy veteran and herself a retired captain in the U.S. Air Force, she knows a thing or two about military spouses. Elizabeth Fields started with the Veterans Administration when she began her secret effort to get her husband’s Purple Heart awarded. She didn’t have much luck there, so she turned to Houlahan’s office, and her quest was put in the hands of aide Andrew Lippert, himself a U.S. Air Force Veteran. A few months later, “my office was able to surprise (Fields) with the news,” that his Purple Heart had been secured, Houlahan said during a veterans ceremony Friday at Owen J. Roberts High School, where she pinned the medal on Fields in front of a crowd of fellow veterans, students and staff from the school. “This is my first time doing this, I hope I don’t mess it up,” she joked. The first time he was hit, Fields, a sergeant, received a concussion and was put on “light duty” for several days. After returning to combat, he was struck again, again in the head, and this time the bullet pierced his helmet and “carved a furrow along his skull,” Houlahan said.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-joins-legislation-to-protect-pregnant-and-postpartum-women-in-ice-cbp-custody/,Fetterman Joins Legislation to Protect Pregnant and Postpartum Women in ICE & CBP Custody,2023-11-10,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman this week joined his colleagues Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) to introduce legislation that would provide permanent safeguards for pregnant and postpartum women in ICE and CBP custody. “Even the thought of a pregnant woman or new mother being shackled, no matter the circumstance, should be shocking to everyone. It’s cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary,” said Senator Fetterman. “We must pass this bill to ensure the protections for pregnant and post-partum women in ICE custody, where the Biden Administration has banned shackling, are made permanent and extended to women in CBP custody.” The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act will protect the health and safety of pregnant, postpartum, and lactating people in immigration detention by establishing a presumption of release, prohibiting any agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from shackling pregnant women in its custody—including those in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—and setting new standards of care and transparency for the treatment of pregnant women and youth. The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act is supported by: The American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Anti-Defamation League, Center for Reproductive Rights, Church World Service, MomsRising, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Women’s Law Center, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America). In addition to Senator Fetterman, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). A one-pager on the legislation is HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3629,Climate Solutions Caucus Co-Chairs Lead Letter To Leadership Urging Bipartisan Cooperation on Permitting Reform,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC - This week Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), Co-Chairs of the House Climate Solutions Caucus, led a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies expressing interest in working with leadership to advance bipartisan climate policies during the 118th Congress, especially permitting reform to bolster domestic energy supply. 24 bipartisan Members of the Caucus joined the Climate Solutions Caucus Co-Chairs in signing the letter. The Members wrote in part, ""We write to express our interest in working with you to advance bipartisan climate policies during the 118th Congress. In April, we officially relaunched the House Climate Solutions Caucus – a group of 64 Republicans and Democrats dedicated to issues related to climate, energy, and the environment. We believe this Congress offers a key opportunity to find common ground and take new and bold action to accelerate progress toward innovative solutions to combat climate change, protect the economic prosperity of the United States, and meet our nation’s energy demands."" ""...we believe that continued action on permitting reform, including addressing the constraints to expanding energy transmission, is necessary to support the United States’ energy needs, while also decreasing costs, reducing emissions, and protecting our environment for generations to come. Furthermore, by expediting domestic energy projects, our nation can more quickly reap the benefits of good paying jobs, cleaner air and water, and greater investment in state and local economies. In addition, necessary permitting reform measures will help to restore U.S. energy independence, which is a national security imperative,"" the Members continued. In addition to Co-Chairs Houlahan and Garbarino, signers of the letter include Representatives Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH-02), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-21), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-08), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY-04), Anna Eshoo (D-CA-18), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Young Kim (R-CA-40), Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06), David Joyce (R-OH-14), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries: We write to express our interest in working with you to advance bipartisan climate policies during the 118th Congress. In April, we officially relaunched the House Climate Solutions Caucus – a group of 64 Republicans and Democrats dedicated to issues related to climate, energy, and the environment. We believe this Congress offers a key opportunity to find common ground and take new and bold action to accelerate progress toward innovative solutions to combat climate change, protect the economic prosperity of the United States, and meet our nation’s energy demands. We have no time to waste to further advance U.S. leadership in the energy and environmental sector. In its 2023 report, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that the world is likely to surpass the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures by the 2030s. As you know, Americans are already experiencing the many devastating impacts of rising global temperatures, which continues to impact communities at home and around the globe. As Members of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, we are eager to work with you on several key issues which can, and will, make a difference in advancing our nation’s climate and energy goals and commitments. Notably, we are encouraged at the prospect of advancing permitting reform to bolster our domestic energy supply – the need for which cannot be understated. As you know, the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act included the first significant reforms to the federal permitting process in over 50 years, including various reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) agency review processes. We believe this represents a starting point for future permitting reform initiatives and that by furthering Congressional action, it is our hope that we can work to further reduce the uncertainty and risk associated with domestic energy projects, which can impede progress or prevent projects from being delivered. Such obstacles are detrimental to the American people, who would stand to benefit greatly from increased access to new, innovative, and low-carbon energy production. With these challenges in mind, we believe that continued action on permitting reform, including addressing the constraints to expanding energy transmission, is necessary to support the United States’ energy needs, while also decreasing costs, reducing emissions, and protecting our environment for generations to come. Furthermore, by expediting domestic energy projects, our nation can more quickly reap the benefits of good paying jobs, cleaner air and water, and greater investment in state and local economies. In addition, necessary permitting reform measures will help to restore U.S. energy independence, which is a national security imperative. Congress has long stated its intention to enact meaningful change within the permitting sector. It is our hope that the House, Senate, and Executive Branch can build upon the reforms included in the Fiscal Responsibility Act to craft a responsible, common-sense permitting strategy that meets the American people’s energy needs, protects our environment, and encourages innovation. As Members of the Climate Solutions Caucus, we stand ready to work with you on permitting reform and other issues to promote the long-term success, health, and safety of our nation and planet. Sincerely,",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-veterans-join-lee-calling-for-ceasefire-to-protect-civilian-lives-prevent-endless-war,"WATCH: Veterans Join Lee Calling for Ceasefire to Protect Civilian Lives, Prevent Endless War",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** November 9, 2023 CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov WATCH: Veterans Join Lee Calling for Ceasefire to Protect Civilian Lives, Prevent Endless War ""It's so obvious to me that the politicians who resist ceasefire in the name of security know nothing about war, because anyone who has actually confronted the utter horror and absolute carnage, of shock waves rippling through their bodies as mothers scream as dust settles around mangled bodies, knows how absurd it is to believe that security can be created through violence,"" said Brittany Ramos de Barrows, a former army captain and combat veteran (Washington DC) – Today US Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) joined a group of Veterans from FACE - (insert description), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-1), Rep. Delia Ramirez, demanding that members of Congress and veterans learn the mistakes from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and push for a ceasefire. Watch the full press conference here. View full audio transcript here. Watch the full press conference here. Congresswoman Summer Lee's Remarks: Good afternoon, I'm Summer Lee and I'm proud to stand here today with my courageous sisters in service Congresswomen Cori Bush and Delia Ramirez and 12 of our colleagues for their clear-eyed pursuit for peace. To About Face and all the proud veterans we have here today who can speak more truly than anyone about the realities of war - and why we must do everything humanly possible as a Congress and country to avoid it, to move toward a just and lasting peace, and to demand a ceasefire now. This Saturday is my first Veterans Day as a Congresswoman - and as we reflect on the sacrifices that these vets standing beside me and so many others have made, we are once again watching our nation's leaders throw itself ten toes deep into another catastrophic war that has no visible endpoint or strategy - but the costs have been made abundantly clear to everyone of us. Since Hamas murdered 1,400 innocent Israelis one month ago, nobody has questioned that Hamas must be held accountable. But let's be clear: it is innocent Palestinian civilians that are paying the price. Israeli airstrikes, the ground invasion, and forced starvation and dehydration has killed over 10,000 innocent Palestinians–including more than 4300 children. Reports from the Israeli military indicate that they have successfully targeted just 60+ Hamas operatives - that means that the Israeli military has had a civilian casualty rate of over 99%. 99%. 99% of the people who have been killed were civilians. They were mothers, fathers and grandparents, hospital workers, peacekeepers, teachers, community members, and babies. People who are seeking refuge in churches and schools, transported by ambulances. We can't afford to make the same mistakes that we made after 9/11. Entering two endless wars for decades, with no success, and all we had to show for it was an even more unstable Middle East and the loss of 4.5 million lives - including 7,000 service members. There will always be people who find war-mongering profitable - be it politically or financially - but that's not what the majority of people in this country or the world want. They want a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. They are demanding that our country change its course in unconditionally supporting a war on Palestinian children. We, the people, are not fringe. We, the people, are the majority. We are the UN, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, veterans, the Pope, clergy, Rabbis, Imams, government leaders around the world, and millions of everyday people who have called for a ceasefire to end this humanitarian catastrophe, and work towards a just and lasting peace. And we must listen to the people closest to the pain - that means listening to Palestinians on the ground who cry for us to protect their innocent lives, to the Israelis protesting the Netanyahu government for its war-mongering, to the only Palestinian woman in Congress instead of silencing her and burying her perspective… and to these veterans who know better than anyone what war entails when they tell us we must demand a ceasefire. We have to listen to them when they recount the atrocities of war..atrocities that they want no person to live through again. We are our nation's pro-peace movement - all of us who seek to build a future where defense means investing in our communities' healthcare, housing, education, and jobs. Not lining the pockets of defense contractors who seek to profit off our veterans' suffering. And we are the majority. Building that future starts right now - by demanding a ceasefire to end this cycle of violence that has no military solution. Peace is attainable if we don't fall for the facade of war and destruction as a resolution. Thank you to the veterans who welcomed me here today and I want to thank them for their bravery and staying clear-eyed from the fog of war to demand a ceasefire now. Thank y'all. Lee was joined by veterans from About Face who had served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and warned about the cost of another endless war. Former marine officer Lyle Jeremy Rubin cited the hymn Go Down Moses, saying, ""‘When Israel was in Egypt land, Let my people go. Go down Moses, way down in Egypt land tell old Pharaoh to let my people go. Since childhood, I've heard these words from one Passover Seder to the next. My great uncle and aunt have hosted the Seder for decades, and they have always gone out of their way to connect our people's story of oppression and liberation to that of others .But it wasn't until I joined the Marines not long after 911 and helped enforce the military occupation of Afghanistan in 2010 that I came to real realize the wider importance of that spiritual. When I developed lethal targeting packages for strangers on a safe intelligence watch floor I knew I wasn't playing the part of Moses. When I accompanied my Marines on ARM foot patrols, where we menacingly paced to the fields of frightened farmers. I knew I wasn't on the side of liberation. And the more I possibly participated in the violent policing of desert hamlets, the more I felt like another Pharaoh. Today I stand here with every fiber in my being to insist that the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza and the West Bank will not bring anyone emancipation."" Brittany Ramos de Barrows, a former army captain and combat veteran said, ""I deployed to a war in Afghanistan believing that I was going to eradicate the threat as politicians like to say and improve security both for Afghans and for my own people here in the United States. What I actually did was participate in a war that killed 10s of 1000s of people and further destabilize a country that continues to suffer today. Today, it's so obvious to me that the politicians who resist ceasefire in the name of security know nothing about war, because anyone who has any humanity left in them, and that's actually confronted the utter horror and absolute carnage, of shock waves rippling through their bodies as mothers scream as dust settles around mangled bodies, knows how absurd it is to believe that security can be created through violence."" Disabled Veteran Arti Walker-Peddakolta said ""I saw bodies with heads blown off, skins come completely burnt intestines coming out of heads, rotting flesh turn green and blue and bullets in every imaginable place, and bodies so badly traumatized that there was nothing remaining to identify them As a result of what I bore witness to, I receive a disability from the VA for anxiety and depression.So the question I have for the Congress people is, if you care about the trauma that veterans face, as you should, shy do you not care about the trauma that Palestinians are facing too?"" Army veteran Ramón Meija said, ""In 2003, I participated in the US invasion of Iraq. I witnessed the Havoc us bullets and bombs waged on people in the land effects still to this day. We were told that our actions were to free the Iraqi people from tyranny. But all I saw was the enormous human social, economic and environmental toll that war and occupation brought. Hundreds of 1000s of Iraqis were killed in an illegal war began with lies by millions more were maimed and injured. reverberating effects of work continued to kill and sick and countless people to this day. I live with the knowledge that my actions contributed to the destruction of life, as a result of which has led to the people of Iraq having the highest quote the highest rate of genetic damage. Of any population ever studied. These are the actions being perpetrated now against the people of Gaza against innocent civilians. And children as they are pulled from the rubble of us funded us built Israeli dropped bombs""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-new-letter-fetterman-advocates-for-more-effective-federal-broadband-access-calls-on-fcc-to-investigate-issues-in-program/,"In New Letter, Fetterman Advocates for More Effective Federal Broadband Access, Calls on FCC to Investigate Issues in Program",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman today sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel regarding payment issues Pennsylvanians are experiencing with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP was designed to expand access to reliable broadband by providing eligible households with discounts of up to $30 per month on their internet bills. Nationally, it helps 21 million households afford high-speed, reliable broadband. In Pennsylvania alone, over 700,000 households benefit from the program. “This is wrong. ACP exists to cover these costs. If the providers force them to pay, it means the program is not living up to its original mission,” wrote Senator Fetterman. “This is a critical program and a lifeline for Americans to access broadband, which was once seen as a luxury but is now a necessity. As my colleagues and I work to find long-term funding solutions for ACP, both the FCC and companies that administer and benefit from ACP must do right by Americans who rely on the it.” In his letter, Senator Fetterman expressed concerns that some eligible households have encountered issues receiving their benefits. Specifically, some service providers are requiring that users show paid receipt of one month of service before qualifying for the discount. As a result, families are being forced to foot the bill of the first month, which could in many cases causes financial hardship.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://dean.house.gov/2023/11/congresswoman-dean-s-statement,"Congresswoman Dean’s Statement on ""From the River to the Sea""",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the phrase ""From the River to the Sea"": “It has been a month since Hamas committed unspeakable, barbaric atrocities on Israel, and we continue to witness the atrocities of this heartbreakingly brutal war. And in this time, there has been an outpouring of concern for the safety and treatment of civilians — Israelis and Palestinians alike — and I am proud of the many people expressing their right to demonstrate around our nation. Nevertheless, with the sharp rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia — and, therefore, a sharp rise in fear within these communities — I urge everyone, and especially anyone with a large following, to be purposeful with words and protect others’ physical and mental well-being. As a longtime supporter of a two-state solution — as someone who works in the pursuit of liberation for Palestinians and long term peace for both Israelis and Palestinians — I do not believe the phrase “from the river to the sea” has a place in our discourse. While the phrase dates back to the 1960s and originally described freedom for Palestine, the phrase has now been co-opted by terrorist groups like Hamas to mean complete and total destruction of the Jewish state. It evokes fear for many, especially in the Jewish community. Any hint of misunderstanding only serves to fan the flames of conflict and violence. Anyone hoping to reach a lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis must use language that allows everyone understanding, safety, and the chance for peace.” Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-more-320000-support-dna-evidence-analysis-allegheny-county,"Deluzio Celebrates More Than $320,000 to Support DNA Evidence Analysis at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrates a grant coming to the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner (ACOME). ACOME will use this $320,843 in federal funds for process improvements and to expand their casework capacity. These funds and new tools will help ACOME complete at least 129 more cases, reduce casework backlog, and improve turnaround time for casework processing. “The Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner provides important services and information for law enforcement, health and environmental agencies, the courts, and those experiencing the loss of a loved one,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “These federal funds will boost the Medical Examiner’s productivity while also increasing capacity to take on more cases and get families, agencies, and law enforcement the answers they need. I’m proud to have a hand in bringing this grant home to Allegheny County to support public safety.” Specifically, these funds will support the Forensic Biology Section of ACOME, a specific division of the county’s laboratories that analyzes incoming evidence to make conclusions about deaths in the county. Forensic Biology collaborates with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) through the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) DNA database network. This database provides valuable informational resources and investigative leads for law enforcement. The money from this grant will reduce the time needed for instrument maintenance and improve the speed and efficiency by which DNA samples can be inputted into CODIS by increasing sample capacity from new instrumentation. With this grant, ACOME will also purchase new casework supplies to help close dozens of cases and offer casework Occupational Therapy to ACOME Forensic Biology Scientists.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3624,"Houlahan Admonishes Increasing Use of Censure Resolutions, Votes NO",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement: “This week, there were yet more attempts to censure my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, for the things they said not only in Congress but also in their personal lives. Censures, brought forward as resolutions, are becoming an almost weekly occurrence. I don’t support these short-sighted efforts, and I want to take a moment to explain why,” said Houlahan. “Rep. Rashida Tlaib used the phrase ‘from the river to the sea’ when referring to the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza. To many, this phrase expresses Hamas’ desire to destroy the State of Israel, and I wish Rep. Tlaib hadn’t defended this particular charged phrase. Rep. Brian Mast made an abhorrent and blanket comparison of innocent Palestinian civilians to ‘Nazi civilians.’ To be abundantly clear, I find the words of these colleagues to be irresponsible, wrong, and decidedly corrosive and divisive.” “I want to believe that my colleagues don’t understand the full potential their platforms have to divide Americans and degrade our national sense of unity, possibly leading to violence. But, even if their actions were intentional, this nation was founded on essential freedoms, including speech and expression. As a veteran who has sworn the oath to defend the Constitution many times, I support those freedoms, even if I vehemently disagree with what’s being said.” “These were not the first attempts to censure my colleagues in my career, and they will likely not be the last. Candidly, I’ve struggled during my time in Congress to find a way to manage an increasingly vitriolic and punitive House more constructively. After much thought, I’ve decided that, as a legislative body, we must stop the cycle of trying to score political points with censures. To be part of that solution, I did not support this week’s resolution.” “I understand that there may be some Pennsylvanians in my community who disagree with my stance or votes. To those concerned Americans, please know I am committed to helping the House get back to the people’s work: funding the government, supporting our democratic allies, reducing costs for American consumers, addressing our broken immigration system, and more.” Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z