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://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1026,University of Hawai‘i Will Benefit From Solid Results In Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, has announced millions in funding and other actions he sought and secured to strengthen the University of Hawaii’s (UH) position as a major research institution and economic generator for the state. The funds are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations measure recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. “This funding measure continues to showcase a very productive partnership between our Hawai’i congressional delegation and UH, our flagship institution of higher education and engine of our economy, with its excellent record of attracting hundreds of millions in research funding,” said Case. “In President Lassner’s report to the UH Board of Regents earlier this year, he referred to the result of our FY 2022 federal spending bill as ‘an excellent year for UH’ and thanked the Hawai‘i congressional delegation, ‘all of whom have been actively working on behalf of the State of Hawai‘i and the University of Hawai‘i with programs that will really help us serve our communities on every island.’ This year’s spending bill builds further on that foundation to provide UH with enhanced federal support.” Case worked to directly support UH through his Community Project Funding (CPF) requests by securing: · $6.5 million for the UH Center to complete construction of the Early Phase Clinical Research Center on its Kaka‘ako campus. The 17,000 square foot outpatient early phase clinical trial clinic—the first of its kind in State of Hawai‘i—will provide Hawai‘i cancer patients who have exhausted traditional treatments with greater access to novel clinical trials across multiple disciplines. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono also supported this request. · $1.8 million for the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute to develop and train navigators to support kūpuna and family caregivers. This is a joint initiative between UH-Mānoa and the Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute. · $1 million for UH’s Office of Indigenous Innovation to establish an indigenous data science hub. This will engage students in experiential learning opportunities and foster collaboration between indigenous researchers and cultural practitioners in developing community-derived, culturally grounded and globally relevant climate resilience strategies. UH will administer this hub in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono also supported this request. The FY 2023 omnibus spending bill also includes Case-requested support for other key initiatives at UH including: $101 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, which includes the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPC) at UH Mānoa. The NDPC, a seven-member professional alliance, is the principal means through which the Federal Emergency Management Agency identifies, develops, tests and delivers training to state and local emergency responders. The NDPC has trained over 2.5 million people throughout the United States and its territories. $302 million for the High Performance Computing Modernization Program in the Department of Defense, which supports the UH-managed Maui High Performance Computing Center. $38 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program, which provides continuing support to the UH Hilo Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes. $83 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of UH Mānoa. These Centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate. $4 million to support the work of the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity at UH in advancing indigenous research and policy solutions to achieve health equity The FY 2023 omnibus funding measure also makes strong investments in major federal programs from which UH directly benefits such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “In my work on the House Appropriations Committee, I know that if I support these programs at the national level then UH and other Hawai‘i institutions and communities will benefit locally,” said Case. Such programs of benefit to UH include: · $470 million for Advanced Research Projects – Energy and High Energy Physics, which directly supports groundbreaking research at UH aimed at rapidly developing energy technologies that can address the nation’s critical economic, environmental and energy security challenges. · $144 million for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Engagement, an increase of $7 million above the FY 2022 enacted level, to inspire young people to pursue future careers in science and engineering. This includes $45 million for NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project, which funds Hawai‘i STEM programs. · $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports coastal and Great Lakes communities through research, extension and education. These funds help support the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at UH that concentrates on promoting healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development. · $28 million for the Centers of Excellence program, a $4 million increase from last year. This program supports health professions schools across the country, including the Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence at the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine, that seek to recruit, train and retain underrepresented minority students and faculty. · $25 million to support facilities like the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on the Island of Maui, the world’s most advanced solar observatory. · $24 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions program, a $3 million increase from last year. This program provides funding support to institutions of higher education in the States of Alaska and Hawai‘i including UH to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Hawaiian students. · $18 million for the Strengthening Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions program, an $8 million increase from last year. These funds help undergraduate institutions like UH expand their capacity to serve Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander students. · $15 million for Energy Transitions Initiatives, a $5 million increase from FY 2022. This program, which aims to advance self-reliant island and remote communities through the development of resilient energy systems, helps recipients who face unique energy challenges due to their remote location, fossil fuel dependency and limited access to affordable infrastructure improvements. · $9 million for the Resilient Innovative Sustainable Economies via University Partnership (RISE-UP) Initiative, a $1.5 million increase from FY 2022. This program seeks to leverage the technical expertise of public universities located in isolated states that play an important role in our national security. The universities are working to create incubators, develop and commercialize scalable technologies and build a workforce to meet future national security needs in areas such as clean energy and marine technology and economy. Direct Support for College Students The bill also includes $24.6 billion for federal student aid programs, which includes increasing the maximum Pell Grant award by $500 to $7,395 for the 2023–24 academic year. It further includes $1.2 billion for the Federal Work Study Program, an increase of $20 million above the FY 2022 enacted level, and $910 million for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, an increase of $15 million above the Fiscal Year 2022 enacted level. Finally, Case also secured an instruction to the U.S. Department of State to consider increasing the number of scholarships available for Pacific Islanders to study in the United States, many of whom study at UH. This is a key component of Case’s efforts to re-engage with the nations of the Pacific across multiple areas including education. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 Omnibus can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-releases-2022-end-of-year-report,Congressman Castro Releases 2022 End-of-Year Report,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released an end-of-year report detailing his 2022 accomplishments on behalf of the 20th Congressional District of Texas. “Throughout the past year, San Antonians have worked hard to rebuild from the challenges of the pandemic and rise together toward a better future. It’s an extraordinary privilege to represent our great city in Congress, and I’m honored to share the progress my office delivered in 2022. As we approach 2023, I look forward to continuing my work to expand our Infrastructure of Opportunity — the great public schools and universities, sound health care system, and good-paying jobs that allow Americans to pursue their dreams.” Key 2022 accomplishments include: $15.6 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2023 community projects in San Antonio, including local initiatives to preserve affordable housing, prevent domestic violence, support small businesses, expand access to affordable health care, and more. $10.5 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2022 community projects in San Antonio, including local initiatives to expand workforce development programs at Project QUEST, expand the local reach of Communities in Schools, improve Wi-Fi access in public housing, train mental health providers to meet community needs, and more. More than $3.2 million in federal benefits recovered for the people of San Antonio, including more than $320,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. More than $163 million in federal grants for programs and services in San Antonio.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-levin-announces-winner-of-2022-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Levin Announces Winner of 2022 Congressional App Challenge,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oceanside, CA – Today, Representative Mike Levin announced Rini Khandelwal, a student at Del Norte High School, as the winner of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 49th Congressional District. Khandelwal created “TeenSpace,” an iOS trivia game app that aims to increase safety awareness on topics such as active shooter scenarios, relationships, and drug use by making learning more engaging for teens. Khandelwal was inspired to create “TeenSpace” when her high school faced two bomb threats in March 2022 and an active shooter threat in May 2022. “This year’s submissions highlighted the extraordinary creativity and desire of the next generation to find solutions to real challenges using technology,” said Rep. Levin. “Our 2022 winner, Rini Khandelwal’s TeenSpace, will make learning about safety more engaging and help protect students and communities.” Rep. Levin would like to thank all of the students who participated, including a few notable applicants: First Runner Up: “Project Democracy” An app that promotes civic engagement and participation in the democratic process Designed by Liam Dowd and Jevon Mao of Santa Margarita Catholic High School Second Runner Up: “OnlineCounselor” An app created to help high school students select their courses for an upcoming school year Designed by Noah Simon of Del Norte High School Honorable Mention: “Senior Tech Helper” An app that provides comprehensive instructions and guides to help senior citizens with a wide range of technology concepts Designed by Zane Braunstein of Capistrano Valley High School The Congressional App Challenge launched in 2015 as an effort to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, and to encourage students to learn coding and computer science skills. Students in participating congressional districts compete against their peers by creating original software applications. Winning apps are featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website and the Congressional App Challenge’s website, and are also displayed in an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol Building. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-the-passing-of-his-holiness-pope-benedict-xvi,Pelosi Statement on the Passing of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI: ""Paul and I join our fellow Catholics in mourning the passing of Pope Benedict XVI: a global leader whose devotion, scholarship and hopeful message stirred the hearts of people of all faiths. ""Spiritually, I am always moved by Pope Benedict's powerful encyclical, ‘God is Love,' where he quotes St. Augustine highlighting our moral duty as public servants to fight for justice. ""Officially, it was my privilege to visit His Holiness in the Vatican and, in 2008, to join in welcoming him to our nation's capital. ""May it be comfort to His Holiness Pope Francis and the Vatican community that so many pray for Pope Benedict during this sad time.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-enjoys-slew-end-year-wins-0,Quigley Enjoys Slew of End-of-Year Wins,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) led several of his top priorities across the finish line in the closing weeks of 2022. On the final legislative day of the year, Quigley secured more than $16.5 million in funding for local community projects and saw President Joe Biden sign his bill the Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Earlier in December, Quigley's Big Cat Public Safety Act was passed by the Senate and was also signed into law by the President. ""I work hard every day for the people of my district and I am always proud to see some of my community's top priorities gain support in Congress. This year was particularly fulfilling as I saw the President approve more than $26.8 million in total for our district and more than six of my bills signed into law,"" said Quigley. ""In one of the most partisan periods in our nation's history, it is still possible to find common ground and make real progress for our nation. As we look ahead to the new year and a divided Congress, I am eager to get to work and have another successful session for my constituents."" These end-of-year successes capped a highly productive year for Quigley on behalf of Illinois' Fifth District. Quigley's 2022 accomplishments included:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-releases-report-highlighting-wins-central-florida-117th-congress,Soto Releases Report Highlighting Wins for Central Florida in the 117th Congress,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""In the 117th Congress, House Democrats delivered for Central Floridians and Americans. Under the leadership of President Joe Biden, we overcame the worst of the pandemic, maintained a strong economy, and made investments in our infrastructure and our environment that will impact generations to come. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished in the past two years and look forward to building on our progress in the 118th Congress,"" said Congressman Soto.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://barragan.house.gov/2022/12/30/la-times-l-a-county-public-defender-remains-jailed-in-venezuela-after-nearly-9-months/,LA Times: L.A. County public defender remains jailed in Venezuela after nearly 9 months,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nanette Diaz Barragán,B001300,barragan.house.gov,barragan,https://barragan.house.gov/news,scraper,"Los Angeles Times: Cindy Carcamo PUBLISHED: December 30, 2022 at 2:12 PM PST When Eyvin Hernandez stopped calling while vacationing in Colombia in late March, his younger brother thought the worst had happened. Hernandez, a Los Angeles County deputy public defender, finally left a voice message on April 4, saying he was detained in Venezuela but should be free in 45 days. “They don’t have anything on me,” he said. “I’m not a spy. I’m not a terrorist.” Nearly nine months later, Hernandez and his brother, Henry Martinez, are still separated. Hernandez, 44, is being held at a maximum-security military prison in Venezuela and has been charged with criminal association and conspiracy, which can result in up to 16 years in prison. U.S. State Department officials have determined that Hernandez is being wrongfully detained — a classification that triggers enhanced government attention. On Dec. 21, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) and other congressional representatives sent a letter to President Biden, asking his administration to work to secure Hernandez’s freedom. “Expeditious action is needed,” the letter stated. “The judicial system in Venezuela is highly compromised, and any trial against Mr. Hernandez is unlikely to produce a fair result.” A few days before Hernandez was due to return to L.A., a friend asked him to accompany her to the Colombia-Venezuela border, near the Colombian town of Cúcuta, Martinez said. Hernandez’s family said he had had no intention of entering Venezuela. At the border, Hernandez and his friend were intercepted by what reports have variously described as a paramilitary group, a gang or official Venezuelan forces. Hernandez and his friend were turned over to Venezuelan security forces and jailed. The friend is also still detained in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government did not respond to requests for comment. There has been an alarming increase in wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens in Venezuela and elsewhere around the globe in recent years, according to the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which tracks such cases and helps detainees’ families. Earlier this month, basketball star Brittney Griner was released in a prisoner swap after nearly 10 months of detention in Russia on charges that she was carrying a small amount of cannabis oil. In October, Venezuela freed seven American prisoners in exchange for the release of two nephews of President Nicolás Maduro’s wife, who were serving time in U.S. prisons for drug Smuggling. Hernandez’s family and supporters question why he was not included in the exchange. “When a U.S. citizen is detained overseas, the Department works to provide all appropriate assistance,” U.S. State Department officials said in a statement to The Times. In recent years, armed conflict has dramatically increased along the Colombia-Venezuela border. The U.S. State Department classifies the region as a high-risk area where U.S. citizens are threatened with detention under Maduro’s authoritarian government. Martinez said he thinks the U.S. government has let his brother down, allowing him to languish in what he describes as a “dungeon.” In phone calls to his family, Hernandez said he was in solitary confinement at one point. His cell has no windows, and he is allowed to walk only in circles for 30 minutes in an outside area the size of two vehicles. He is sleep-deprived because the lights in his cell are kept on all the time, and he subsists mostly on a diet of stale tortillas, he told them. “This place is meant to break you psychologically and spiritually,” Hernandez said in a secretly recorded jailhouse message in August. “If you don’t get us out soon, then there might not be anyone left to save.” Hernandez was born in El Salvador in 1978, and his family fled with him to Los Angeles when he was 3, just before the country’s civil war. He grew up in South L.A. and attended UCLA, earning a degree in physics and math, then graduating from the law school in 2005. Hernandez then joined the L.A. County public defender’s office. His most recent assignment was handling felony cases in downtown L.A., and he has trained and mentored many public defenders, according to his family. When Hernandez seems especially down during their phone calls, Martinez tries to reassure him. “‘It’s not going to be forever, man,’” Martinez says he tells him. “‘Stay strong. You’re going to be home soon.’”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5750,Beyer Statement On Trump Tax Returns,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, issued the following statement today after the publication of six years of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns: “The materials released today were lawfully obtained by the Ways and Means Committee using its clear legal authority. Chairman Neal requested this tax information to inform our committee’s work on IRS tax enforcement, including the presidential audit program. The findings, already detailed in the committee’s report, show that this program was broken – justifying our legislative purpose, and leading to House passage of legislation to fix the problem on December 22nd. “Despite promising to release his tax returns, Donald Trump refused to do so, and abused the power of his office to block basic transparency on his finances and conflicts of interest which no president since Nixon has foregone. Trump acted as though he had something to hide, a pattern consistent with the recent conviction of his family business for criminal tax fraud. As the public will now be able to see, Trump used questionable or poorly substantiated deductions and a number of other tax avoidance schemes as justification to pay little or no federal income tax in several of the years examined. “These findings underscore the fact that our tax laws are often inequitable, and that enforcement of them is often unjust. Trump was able to bypass even the mandatory IRS presidential audit program for years, but many other wealthy and powerful people evade billions in tax dues every year through more quotidian tax avoidance. Congress has so much work to do to make tax enforcement in this country fairer, and that will continue to be a major priority for me as a member of the Ways and Means Committee going forward.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1025,Case Ensures Continued Federal Assistance For Native Hawaiians In 2023 Omnibus Spending Measure,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, today announced millions in funding and other actions he sought and secured that will directly benefit the Native Hawaiian community. The funds are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill recently approved by Congress and signed into law by the President. “Native Hawaiians are a unique community within our national fabric, and so are many of their challenges and needs, especially in health care, education and housing,” said Case. “I successfully sought millions in funding to support and advance various Native Hawaiian economic, cultural, educational and health initiatives. The 2023 omnibus spending bill builds on past funding increases I have been able to secure for Native Hawaiian-serving programs and includes new funding to support specific needs within the Native Hawaiian community.” Provisions in the $1.7 trillion omnibus funding measure that Case sought and won approval for include: Native Hawaiian-Serving Programs and Initiatives · Native Hawaiian Education: $45.9 million, a $7 million increase, for the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). Of these funds, Congressman Case also secured $10 million in set-aside funding to specifically fund construction, renovation, and modernization of Native Hawaiian schools and education program – the first time ever NHEP funds will be made available for capital improvements. Congressman Case also secured additional report language directing the U.S. Department of Education to (1) provide sufficient funding to the Native Hawaiian Education Council and (2) offer technical assistance to quality applicants with experience educating Native Hawaiian children and youth. These new requirements seek to address concerns raised by Native Hawaiian education advocates and improve the program’s impact on Native Hawaiian community. · Native Hawaiian Health Care: $27 million, a $5 million increase, for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program. Of these funds, $10 million will be made available to Papa Ola Lōkahi for administrative purposes including strengthening the capacity of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and supporting additional activities such as expanded research and surveillance of Native Hawaiian health issues. · Native Hawaiian Housing: $22.3 million for the Native Hawaiian housing block grant program, which supports affordable housing and community development activities for Native Hawaiians eligible to reside on Hawaiian Home Lands. · Native Hawaiian Veterans: $5 million to create a new Center for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islander Health inside the Department of Veterans Affairs. It will focus on research, data collection and potential practice improvements to better serve these veterans. · Native Hawaiian Health Research: directs the National Institutes of Health to provide a report to Congress on coordination of Native Hawaiian health research-related activities across the agency and with the Native Hawaiian community and to take steps to support the development of Native Hawaiian investigators. While Native Hawaiian health disparities are well documented, these populations are often left out of existing federal research initiatives that seek to improve the health status of other Native American communities. This report will help raise the profile of health disparities in Native Hawaiian communities and identify the current gaps in biomedical research specific to Native Hawaiians. · Native Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence: $2 million, an increase of $1 million, to support the continued implementation of the Native Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence. The Center will provide supportive services for adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence and dating violence in Native Hawaiian communities. Congressman Case previously secured funding to establish the Center in Fiscal Year 2022. Native American-Serving Programs and Initiatives · Native American/Hawaiian Museum Services: $3.7 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian museum Services Program, which provides grants to Native American-serving organizations and federally recognized Tribes to sustain indigenous heritage, culture and knowledge through museum-related services. · Native American Language Resource Center: $1.5 million, an increase of $1 million, to support the continued implementation of Native American Language Resource Center. The Center will support a consortium of higher education institutions in teaching and learning languages, including research on new teaching methods for educators and developing instructional materials, among other things. Congressman Case previously secured funding to establish the Center in Fiscal Year 2022. · Native American Language Preservation: $15 million, a $1 million increase from last year, for Native American language preservation activities under the Administration for Native Americans. · Native American Job Training: $60 million, an increase of $3 million from last year, to support programs that provide quality employment and training services to Native Hawaiian Organizations, Tribes, Tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities and Indian-controlled organizations serving unemployed and low-income American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. · Native American Nutrition and Support Services: $41 million, an increase of $5 million from last year, for Native American Nutrition and Supportive Services grants to promote the delivery of nutrition and home and community-based services to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian elders. · Native American Caregiver Services: $13 million, a $2.5 million increase from last year, to provide grants to support American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian families caring for older relatives with chronic illness or disability Community Project Funding (CPF) “I was also able to secure millions for worthy local community projects that will have a direct impact on Native Hawaiians and that would have been difficult to complete if not for specific and direct funding from Congress,” said Case. Case-sponsored CPF projects to support the Native Hawaiian community include: · $1.7 million for the King Lunalilo Trust and Home to support capital improvements to the facility, Lunalilo Home is licensed as a Type II Expanded Adult Residential Care Home that provides housing and services to disadvantaged Native Hawaiian kūpuna . · $1.8 million for Kula no na Poe Hawaii (KULA) to provide academic supports and wrap-around services to children and youth of the Hawaiian homestead communities of Papakōlea, Kewalo and Kalawahine. KULA partners with neighboring public schools to improve student’s educational outcomes, classroom attendance and social and emotional learning through culturally sensitive interventions. “In preparing my own CPF requests, I consulted with Hawai’i state and county governments, including individuals throughout the Native Hawaiian community and non-profits, applied my own knowledge and beliefs as to district needs, considered whether a project could obtain federal funding through other means, and made some difficult decisions given my limited number of CPF requests,” said Case. The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member, and is subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/media/funding-disclosures.htm. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 omnibus is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-angie-craig-urges-postmaster-general-louis-dejoy-address-second,Representative Angie Craig Urges Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to Address Second District Mail Issues,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BURNSVILLE, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released a letter she wrote to Louis DeJoy, the United States Postmaster General, to urge action to address poor mail service in several Second District communities. In her letter, she highlighted the critical need to improve the post offices’ service levels – and the impacts these conditions are having on Second District residents. “I write to you today with great frustration regarding the state of mail delivery service across the Second Congressional District of Minnesota. My constituents have reported to me that they regularly go three to four days without receiving their mail; some have told me they haven’t received mail since December 16, 2022 - now 2 weeks ago. I’ve been told by local postal officials that a route would never go unserved for more than one day at a time, but it’s clear that is simply not the case,” wrote Representative Craig. “On November 5, I wrote to the USPS regarding the situation in Lakeville. On December 8, I held a call with the relevant USPS official for Minnesota, and yet still the poor delivery service has continued not just in Lakeville, but across the Second District. Short-staffing and increased holiday shipping volumes are understandable, but are beginning to sound like excuses. This no longer seems to be isolated to neighborhoods or even individual cities, but rather a larger issue across Minnesota,” Representative Craig continued. Representative Craig encourages her constituents to contact her office if they are having any trouble navigating or accessing any federal agency, including their local post offices. For assistance, they should visit Representative Craig’s website athttps://craig.house.gov/casework. You can find the full text of the letter below. December 30, 2022 Mr. Louis DeJoy Postmaster General United States Postal Service 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 10300 Washington, D.C. 20260-1000 Dear Postmaster General DeJoy: I write to you today with great frustration regarding the state of mail delivery service across the Second Congressional District of Minnesota. My constituents have reported to me that they regularly go three to four days without receiving their mail; some have told me they haven’t received mail since December 16, 2022 – now 2 weeks ago. I’ve been told by local postal officials that a route would never go unserved for more than one day at a time, but it’s clear that is simply not the case. The United States Postal Service’s creed reads, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night,” and yet seniors and veterans are going without medication, businesses are missing payments and families are not receiving packages from loved ones during the holiday season. This is entirely unacceptable. On November 5, I wrote to the USPS regarding the situation in Lakeville. On December 8, I held a call with the relevant USPS official for Minnesota, and yet still the poor delivery service has continued not just in Lakeville, but across the Second District. Short-staffing and increased holiday shipping volumes are understandable, but are beginning to sound like excuses. This no longer seems to be isolated to neighborhoods or even individual cities, but rather a larger issue across Minnesota. My constituents deserve answers and I request your response to the following questions: For each post office in the Second District, since December 16, 2022, how many routes at each location went unserved and which day? For each post office in the Second District, what are the current staffing shortages and how quickly will USPS be able to be fully staffed? Which post offices in the Second District have had to deliver “package only” routes, which requires flats to go undelivered, and on which days? What power does the Postal Service hold to “surge” employees to necessary routes, and how can the hiring process be expedited to make the necessary deliveries on time? How many packages, as of this letter, remain undelivered at each post office in the Second District? Thank you for reviewing this letter and I look forward to your response on behalf of all Second District residents who deserve to have their medications, bills and packages arrive safely and on time. Sincerely, Angie Craig Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggett-statement-release-trump-tax-returns,Rep. Doggett Statement on Release of Trump Tax Returns,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Afton Cissell 202-595-4433 Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee who led efforts for the release of Trump’s tax returns since February 2017, released the following statement: “Donald Trump had big deductions, big credits, and big losses—but seldom a big tax bill. Almost six years since my first attempt to obtain Trump’s tax returns, the public can finally see the self-proclaimed “clever genius,” he did not pay the taxes the most modest wage-earner would pay—at one point nothing at all. While customarily released voluntarily by past presidents and President Biden, it took a lawsuit and nearly six years to obtain Trump’s returns. Many questions about foreign entanglements and conflicts remain unanswered and unknown, since the Committee inquiry was a narrow window into a narrow period of time, looking at only eight of about 500 Trump business entities for a period of only six years. Year after year he is relying on losses to not pay much of anything. It is an outrage that Trump paid so little for so long and that the IRS failed to do its job to audit him like it has prior presidents.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/additional-1-billion-for-liheap-signed-into-law-following-advocacy-by-collins-golden,"Additional $1 Billion for LIHEAP Signed into Law Following Advocacy by Collins, Golden",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Jared Golden announced that the government funding bill that was signed into law last night included $1 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides funding to help low-income households pay their energy bills. In total, the government funding bill included $5 billion for LIHEAP, which brings the total FY23 funding to $6.1 billion. Maine will receive an estimated $6.5 million in additional LIHEAP funding, on top of the $42.5 million the state was allocated in November through prior funding bills. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden led a push to increase funding for LIHEAP during the negotiations over the omnibus appropriations bill that funded the federal government for fiscal year 2023. The omnibus passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29 and the House by a vote of 225-201. “This additional funding for LIHEAP comes at a critical time for Maine families,” said Senator Collins and Congressman Golden. “We strongly advocated for this increase for LIHEAP to help compensate for the record high fuel prices that are straining households’ budgets. This much-needed funding will help to ensure that seniors on fixed incomes and other Mainers in need have the resources necessary to keep their homes warm this winter.” Many Northeast residents have seen a significant increase in their utility bills this winter, with residential electricity prices in some states forecast to rise over 60 percent, propane up 40 percent, and natural gas prices up nearly 30 percent, resulting in higher home heating bills. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden already delivered $1 billion in emergency funding for LIHEAP in the short-term “continuing resolution” (CR) funding package that President Biden signed into law in September. LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through spring of 2023 — or until the funding is exhausted. More information on how to apply can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-releases-statement-conclusion-117th-session-us-congress,"Congressman Gonzalez Releases Statement at Conclusion of 117th Session of the U.S. Congress, Transitions to New Congressional District",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"McAllen, TX – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) released the following statement after the conclusion of the 117th Congress and begins the transition to the 34th Congressional District of Texas: ""I thank the people of South Texas for their continued support and trust. We have a long road ahead of us to address some of the most pressing issues facing our community. The voters have given me a mandate to work for South Texas, not a political party, and ensure we create innovative solutions for our region. I promise to continue to reach across the aisle to find common-sense solutions for our nation and for the people of the 34th Congressional District of Texas. ""As we wrap up the 117th Congress, I am proud of the work we have accomplished and am confident that we will take this momentum into the 118th Congress as we continue to build on our successes. From legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Safer Communities Act, the CHIPS and Science Act to standing up to Putin's aggression and supporting our allies in Ukraine, Congress is working to bring tangible change for our country. ""As I transition into a the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I want to thank the people of the 15th Congressional District of Texas for allowing me to be their advocate in Washington over the last six years. From COVID-19 relief and infrastructure funding to billions of dollars for education, Veterans and our seniors, our community has stepped-up to the challenge and has created a region full of economic opportunity, first-rate education, and a place to call home."" On Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, Congressman Gonzalez will announce new office locations and contact information for the 34th Congressional District of Texas after being sworn into the 118th Congress. Please note that beginning January 3rd, 2023, new Congressional maps will take effect. Due to the Congressional redistricting, many South Texans will be assigned a new Congressional district. South Texans looking to know who represents them, may do so here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-announces-golden-gate-bridge-to-receive-400-million-for-seismic-retrofit-under-democrats-infrastructure-law,Huffman Announces Golden Gate Bridge to Receive $400 Million for Seismic Retrofit Under Democrats' Infrastructure Law,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jared Huffman,H001068,huffman.house.gov,huffman,https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"San Rafael, CA – Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) shared the news that San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge will soon receive $400 million from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under Democrats' historic Infrastructure Law. These funds will be used to strengthen one of the Bay Area's most essential transportation arteries and bolster its resilience against earthquakes. “The Golden Gate Bridge is not only an iconic part of the Bay Area, but a vital thoroughfare for countless folks in the region,” said Rep. Huffman. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, this $400 million investment will allow us to fortify the Bridge, making it more resilient to disasters and ensuring that this structure can continue serving our community and all who visit. I’m glad to have played a part in securing this funding alongside President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Secretary Buttigieg, and all my Bay Area colleagues.” “We want to thank Congressman Huffman, Speaker Pelosi, the Biden Administration, and the entire Bay Area congressional delegation for this vital funding that will secure the Golden Gate Bridge for generations,” said Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. “The Bridge turned 85 years old this year, and this investment will ensure that the Golden Gate Bridge stands stronger than ever.” In May of 2022, Rep. Huffman sent a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating for this funding to be made available for the Golden Gate Bridge. The FHWA found that the Golden Gate Bridge is currently in ""fair condition"" but noted that continued deterioration would result in a ""poor"" rating within the next three years. The Bridge's north and south approaches were retrofitted in 2013, leaving only the main suspension span to be upgraded. The newly-announced federal funding will allow this remaining section to undergo vital seismic upgrades and ensure the Bridge's continued structural integrity. Passed by the Democratic Congress, the Infrastructure Law was signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021. This historic legislation established a competitive Bridge Investment Program, delivering $12.5 billion to build, repair and replace key bridges across the country. This initiative represents the single largest investment in America's bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-applauds-irs-decision-delay-lowering-threshold-form,Congressman Krishnamoorthi Applauds IRS Decision to Delay Lowering of Threshold for Form 1099-K Reporting Following His Bipartisan Advocacy With Colleagues,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to the decision by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to delay lowering the threshold for Form 1099-K reporting by one year, an announcement which follows a bipartisan letter sent by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and colleagues on December 19th. ""I'm glad to see the IRS postpone the implementation of the new reporting requirements for Form 1099-K issuance,"" said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. ""Lowering the threshold from $20,000 to $600 would hurt millions of American taxpayers who participate in online marketplaces and other e-commerce platforms. While working families struggle with extreme price hikes and other economic challenges, the selling of used goods has become even more common, making this the worst possible time to create unnecessary confusion and stress for struggling Americans. Furthermore, the change would place an additional burden on the IRS as millions of new forms would have to be processed, even when no reportable income is generated. I look forward to continuing to work with the IRS in the coming weeks to identify a more permanent solution to lowering the reporting threshold in a way that doesn't increase the already difficult tax compliance burden faced by many American taxpayers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://matsui.house.gov/media/in-the-news/forbes-fda-sesame-become-9th-major-food-allergen-january-1-2023,"FORBES: FDA: SESAME TO BECOME 9TH MAJOR FOOD ALLERGEN ON JANUARY 1, 2023",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Doris O. Matsui,M001163,matsui.house.gov,matsui,https://matsui.house.gov/media,scraper,"With 2023, there should be more open sesame. Once January 1, 2023, rolls around, manufacturers will have to start listing sesame as an allergen on the labels of any food products that may contain this seedy ingredient. As a December 15 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement emphasized, come the New Year sesame will be subject to new labeling and manufacturing requirements. The requirements will be similar to those that the eight current official major food allergens are subject to right now. That’s because at the turn of the year sesame will be officially joining milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans as the ninth major food allergen. This sesame sea change has been in the works for a while, seeded when the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act was signed into law on April 23, 2021. The FASTER Act specifically indicated that sesame should be added to the list of major allergens. The FASTER Act isn’t simply about sesame, though. It also has mandated that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services prepare a report for Congress on a variety of food allergy issues. This includes covering how food allergies and allergic reactions are being monitored and prevented, what new food allergy diagnostics and therapeutics are being developed, and how federal food allergy activities should be expanded and improved, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). The process of getting the FASTER Act didn’t exactly move super-fast in normal time but it did seem to move faster than usual in Congressional time. When Congress competes with molasses in a race, often you may want to place your bets on the sugary substance prevailing. According to the Congressional Management Foundation, it takes an average of seven years for a bill to go from being first introduced in Congress to becoming a law. That’s if the bill even ends up getting passed. The road to getting the FASTER Act passed took a comparatively shorter amount of time, about two years after Rep. Doris O. Matsui (D-California) had first introduced an earlier version of the bill to the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2019. The culmination of this two-year sesame street should be good news to those in the U.S. population that have sesame allergies. A study published on August 2, 2019, in JAMA Network Open estimated that 0.23% of the population have a “convincing sesame allergy.” Of course, not everyone is allergic to the same degree. Allergic reactions to sesame can range from mild discomfort, such as hives, to anaphylaxis, which can be an oh-my-goodness-can’t breathe, life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is important to take real sesame allergies seriously. The trouble is it hasn’t been that easy to spot sesame in food. Sure, you may be able to readily spot sesame seeds on your buns, depending on what buns you are talking about and whether you have a mirror. Sure, it can be relatively easy to spot sesame seeds on a chip whether that chip is in your hand or on your shoulder. But sesame can be present in much harder to detect ways. For example, various cereals like granola and muesli can have sesame in them, making them potential cereal killers if you have a very severe sesame allergy. Sesame can get very saucy too, hiding out in various dressings, marinades, and dips like baba ghanoush, hummus, and tahini. You could inadvertently meet in different processed meats. Sesame hasn’t been barred from energy bars, either. It can be in your soup as well. And while we’re on roll here, we might as well mention sushi rolls, which often have sesame seeds on them. Then there’s the cooking issue. Restaurant menus don’t always say things like “Harry Styles-shaped flambé cooked in sesame oil.” And chances are your server won’t ask, “And sir or madam, would you prefer your dish be cooked in sesame oil, olive oil, or lard?” In general, just because something doesn’t taste like sesame doesn’t mean that sesame isn’t necessarily present. Plus, like the entertainer Ye, sesame can go by different names. FARE, which stands for Food Allergy Research & Education and is a non-profit organization focusing on food allergy awareness, research, education, and advocacy, warns that those allergic to sesame should avoid anything containing the following ingredients: benne, benne seed, benniseed, gingelly, gingelly oil, gomasio (sesame salt), halvah, sesame flour, sesame oil, sesame paste, sesame salt, sesame seed, sesamol, sesamum indicum, sesemolina, sim sim, tahini, tahina, tehina, or til. Watching Sesame Street should be fine, as long as you aren’t eating a bowl of tahini at the same time. The FASTER Act should make it faster for those with sesame allergies to sesame-see what may be in their food. And the value of this new development should be an open sesame and shut case.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-releases-statement-117th-congress-constituent-services,Thompson Releases Statement on 117th Congress Constituent Services Accomplishments,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Thompson,T000460,mikethompson.house.gov,mikethompson,https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) released the following statement and statistics outlining important constituent service and legislative milestones over the last two years. “The 117th Congress has been one of the most productive sessions of Congress in our nation’s history,” said Thompson. “We passed significant legislation that sets our country up for a strong and secure future while investing from the bottom up and middle out. Infrastructure, health care, climate change, supply chains, American manufacturing, and more were all addressed, and I remain focused on continuing to build on the progress we made over the last two years. “I am particularly proud of the work my office was able to accomplish on behalf of the people of our district. I take pride in our constituent services, and with over 178,000 responses to constituent mail, over 4,000 cases closed, over $24 million returned to our district, my office delivered for many constituents. Going into the 118th Congress, constituent services will again take a front seat and I plan on improving these numbers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-secures-key-conservation-easement-provision-government-funding,Thompson Secures Key Conservation Easement Provision in Government Funding Bill,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Thompson,T000460,mikethompson.house.gov,mikethompson,https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that his legislation to shut down abusive conservation easement transactions was included in the final 2023 government funding bill. “Abuse of conservation easements has cost taxpayers billions of dollars and provided wealthy developers with a loophole to abuse our tax code,” said Thompson. “Shutting down these tax shelters is a no-brainer. By closing this loophole, we ensure that taxpayers are defended and that conservation easements remain a successful and cost-effective means of protecting our shared natural heritage.” Taxpayers are able to claim a charitable tax deduction when they donate a conservation easement to a qualified land trust. By placing a conservation easement on a piece of qualified property and then donating the easement to an entity dedicated to land conservation, the taxpayer essentially protects the piece of land permanently. This makes the deduction a very successful and cost-effective way of conserving wild spaces. However, bad actors have abused the program, essentially using the deduction as an investment vehicle: in simple terms, a group of investors would buy a piece of land, overstate the appraisal value of the land, then donate the easement and claim a deduction far greater than what they invested. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has designated these easement deals as “listed transactions,” meaning they are subjected to greater than usual scrutiny, and the Justice Department has repeatedly, and often successfully, pursued bad actors in court for abusing the easement program as a tax shelter. Rep. Thompson’s legislation, H.R. 4164 (the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act), was bipartisan and bicameral and will save taxpayers billions of dollars. The bill was backed by numerous Justice Department indictments, a bipartisan Senate Finance Committee report, and multiple formal statements issued by IRS.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-issues-statement-first-anniversary-marshall-fire,Congressman Neguse Issues Statement on the First Anniversary of the Marshall Fire,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,neguse,https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Wildfire Caucus, issued the following statement marking a year since the Marshall Fire in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District. He will join the impacted communities at events commemorating the anniversary later today. “The Marshall Fire devastated neighborhoods across Louisville, Superior, and unincorporated Boulder County – destroying over a thousand homes and businesses, and resulting in the tragic loss of life. This catastrophic disaster would shortly become known as the most destructive fire in Colorado’s history. “Today is a solemn reminder of everything that the families in our community lost that day. But it is also a reminder of the incredible resiliency and kindness of the people of our community and our state, who have supported each other and our fellow citizens every step of the way during the past year as we’ve begun the long road of recovery. “Natural disasters have the power to reshape our communities for years to come, and as we pause to reflect on the progress made over the past year, we are reminded of the fact that many families and businesses are still very much in recovery. Today, and everyday, we recommit ourselves to redoubling our efforts to make the recovery process as quick and effective as possible.” Individuals impacted by the Marshall Fire can continue to find a list of resources offered by our office, here, and our team is always available to assist constituents directly as they navigate the road ahead. The Boulder County government has also compiled a list of resources and events available to those affected by the Marshall Fire, view here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-secures-more-128-million-constituents-2022,Pallone Secures More than $12.8 Million for Constituents in 2022,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that his office helped secure $12,888,902 for constituents who sought assistance from his offices in New Jersey in 2022. The money returned to constituents includes Veterans Affairs (VA) claims, tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, FEMA grants and claims related to Superstorm Sandy, Small Business Administration loans, and Social Security payments. In 2022, Pallone's office successfully closed 2,255 constituent cases. ""I'm very proud we were able to help so many constituents receive the money that was owed to them. I want everyone to know that we're here to assist them,"" said Pallone. ""My offices are available to support constituents who need assistance navigating issues related to federal agencies. As we enter 2023, I hope New Jerseyans in the Sixth Congressional District continue to use my office as a resource."" Congressman Pallone's office can assist constituents who have questions about a federal agency or need help with Social Security benefits, federal pensions, Medicare eligibility, and passport and immigration issues. Veterans can also receive help with a range of programs and benefits, including military records and awards, GI Bill benefits, and VA disability claims. Staff may be able to locate low-income housing options and provide guidance on utility payment assistance for eligible families. Constituents should not hesitate to contact Congressman Pallone's district offices if they have questions: New Brunswick Office - 67/69 Church Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, Phone: (732) 249-8892",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-panetta-announces-winner-local-student-congressional-app,Congressman Panetta Announces Winner of Local Student Congressional App Competition,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Salinas, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced the winner of his district's Congressional App Challenge, Toma Brasoveanu (pronounced Brah-show-va-nu), a seventh-grade student from Pacific Collegiate School in Santa Cruz. The Congressional App Challenge promotes student innovation, creativity, and engagement in computer science through competition and the creation of a new application. Toma's app, ""Pill Alarm,"" alerts and reminds users when they need to take their medication. Toma was inspired to create ""Pill Alarm"" by his mother, Megan Moodie-Brasoveanu, who lives with a neuromuscular condition that requires medication at regular intervals. Toma wanted to design an app to help his mother track and safely take her pills on time. ""Pill Alarm"" is Toma's first app. ""The Congressional App Challenge provides students with a unique, hands-on experience to test their skills in computer science and explore innovative ideas outside of the traditional confines of the classroom,"" said Rep. Panetta. ""Toma and this years' runners-up saw problems in our communities and worked hard to develop technological solutions to address them. On behalf of our congressional district, congratulations to Toma and every student who participated in the competition this year, we cannot wait to see what the future holds for each of you."" ""'Pill Alarm"" is different than most medicine tracking apps because it's based on user-set intervals instead of fixed times of day. That's really important for people like my mom, who need to make sure they get their medication safely, at exactly the right time,"" said Toma Brasaoveanu. ""Winning the App Challenge has really boosted my confidence in my app-building skills! I want to say thank you to Congressman Panetta and his staff for this great opportunity, to Stephanie Sumarna for running the program, and to my teacher, Elizabeth Shaw, at Cabrillo College who's been a big supporter of mine and showed me the App Challenge. I also want to thank my mom for collaborating with me on the ""user end"" of the app and my dad for helping me debug issues that came up. Congratulations to all the other winners for building cool apps!"" Placing second in the competition are Daniel Garnica, Tushar Singh, Angel Vazquez, and Mark Ramilo from Seaside High School with their app ""Sea Our Side"" which highlights activities to do when you are in the City of Seaside. In third place were Oscar Yanez, Robert Cruz, Annie Dorantes, and Roman Frilles from Seaside High School for their app ""Kelp"" which helps tourists and locals find restaurants in the Monterey Bay area. Winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building and featured on the House of Representatives website, www.House.gov. Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or ""app,"" for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in California's 20th Congressional District. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/panetta-announces-30-million-grant-santa-cruz-county-auxiliary-lane-and-trail,Panetta Announces $30 Million Grant for Santa Cruz County Auxiliary Lane and Trail Expansion,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Salinas, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) announced a $30 million grant for Santa Cruz County to build the final phase of its planned Watsonville-Cruz Multimodal Corridor Program. This major project will construct auxiliary lanes and a bus on shoulder facility along State Route 1. In addition, the funding will be used to purchase four zero emission buses for Santa Cruz County and build a new segment of the Santa Cruz Coastal Rail Trail, including bicycle and pedestrian overcrossings for SR 1. Funding was secured through the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program, known as Mega grants. Congress created this new competitive grant program as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to invest in complex projects with no other funding solution. Projects like the Watsonville-Cruz Multimodal Corridor Program qualify for a Mega grant if they help meet national or regional economic, mobility, or safety goals. The Watsonville-Cruz program is one of nine projects nationwide to be chosen for this round of Mega funding. ""For far too long and far too often, too many people have been stuck in traffic on Highway 1 getting between Watsonville and Santa Cruz, leading to a decrease in our productivity and an increase in our carbon output,"" said Rep. Panetta. ""The Multimodal Corridor Program will bring much needed relief to our congestion and climate change problems with an extra lane for public transportation, improvements for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and, ultimately, the reduction of our carbon emissions. I'm proud that Congress passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in order to make this type of crucial federal investment in our roads and green buses that will help alleviate traffic, improve our livelihoods, and allow us to play our part to stem the effects of climate change."" ""This grant award is proof that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is working for Santa Cruz County by providing necessary funding for the final phase of the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lane and Bus on Shoulder Project, reducing congestion and improving safety for all users,"" said Guy Preston, SCCRTC Executive Director. ""The project will also help deliver a critical section of the coastal rail trail through Aptos and fund the purchase four zero emission buses for Santa Cruz METRO. This multi-modal project aligns with our shared goals of climate action, healthy communities, safety and equity."" This multimodal project will build the final phase of a three-phase auxiliary lane and bus on shoulder operational improvement program for Santa Cruz County. The innovative bus on shoulder facility will provide transit vehicles an opportunity to bypass congestion and improve on-time performance and reliability of regional bus routes. The new zero emission buses will connect Watsonville with educational and job centers. The new 1.25-mile segment of the Coastal Rail Trail will provide much needed pedestrian and bicycle overcrossings reconnecting communities separated by the freeway. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/dear-colleague-to-all-members-on-the-speakers-new-pay-order,Dear Colleague to All Members on the Speaker's New Pay Order,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Dear Colleague, As you know, our hard-working, patriotic Congressional staffers are integral to the functioning of the House of Representatives: ensuring this institution can effectively carry out our legislative and constituent responsibilities. To that end, we must do all we can to retain and recruit the best talent in our nation — and to build a Congressional workforce that reflects the communities we are honored to serve. It is my privilege as Speaker to announce that the House will raise the maximum annual rate of pay for staff to $212,100. This increase in the Speaker's Pay Order is consistent with the recent raise in the Executive Branch Level II and Senior Executive Branch maximum annual salary rate. As Speaker, it has been a key priority for me to bring the brightest minds and a diversity of backgrounds here to Capitol Hill — at every level of public service. That is why we have: raised the maximum annual pay twice: ensuring parity among employees of the House, employees of the Senate and employees of the Executive Branch; set a first-ever minimum annual pay for staff at $45,000: a fairer, more competitive salary that has helped open the doors of public service to those who may not have been able to afford to do so before; delivered a 21 percent increase in the MRA in the FY22 omnibus: ensuring every office has the resources to fairly compensate staff; and established the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion: helping make the House more inclusive, open and representative of the full range of voices and values of our communities. This work must continue into the 118th Congress and beyond, as we carry on our dutiful stewardship of this historic institution. Thank you for your commitment and leadership to serve the American people. Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a Happy, Healthy New Year! NANCY PELOSI Speaker of the House",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://ross.house.gov/2022/12/biden-signs-ross-projects-law-delivering-more-26-million-wake-county,Biden Signs Ross Projects Into Law Delivering More Than $26 Million to Wake County,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. —President Joe Biden signed into law the omnibus funding package for Fiscal Year 2023 yesterday, which includes $26,890,641 in funding for 15 community projects across Wake County secured by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02). This critical funding will invest in accessible health care, affordable housing, public safety projects, quality education, and more. “From Raleigh to Wendell, these projects address critical needs in Wake County and represent transformational investments in families, students, seniors, and more,” said Congresswoman Ross. “These projects were developed by the people of Wake County, for the people of Wake County. I fought for this funding because I know it will make a positive difference in our community. I look forward to working with local leaders and seeing how these projects will create tangible progress in Wake County.” Earlier this year, Congresswoman Ross secured $10.7 million in funding for Wake County community projects in the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding package. The 15 projects and funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 package are listed below. Community Projects Project Name: WakeMed Behavioral Health Hospital Amount Secured: $6,000,000 Description: WakeMed Health & Hospitals will use this funding to establish a behavioral health hospital that will help Wake County cope with the rising number of mental health and substance-use cases. The facility will accept all clinically appropriate patients regardless of their ability to pay. It will provide a full continuum of mental health services to adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients and substance-use services to all ages. Project Name: Wake County Public Health Center Amount Secured: $2,000,000 Description: Wake County will use this funding to construct a new Public Health Center. The new 151,000 square foot building will house a variety of health clinics, along with pharmacy and lab facilities, as well as ancillary and complimentary social services programs. Wake County Public Health is the safety net clinical provider for uninsured residents. The County’s 11 clinics served approximately 26,000 residents in 2021. Its pharmacy provides approximately 60,000 prescriptions each year, many of which people could not obtain without Wake County Public Health services. Project Name: Maynard Road Multifamily Housing in Cary Amount Secured: $1,000,000 Description: The Maynard Road Multifamily Housing is a planned 127-unit housing development that will provide quality, affordable, mixed-income rental units at below-market rents in a prime area of Cary, North Carolina. The development is needed to help address rising housing costs, especially for low-income individuals and families, because of booming population growth, employment opportunities, and economic development in Cary over the last 20 years. The funding will be used to construct a street to the development. A well-designed and integrated street network is the backbone for a viable, complete neighborhood. Project Name: Wake Tech Electric Vehicle Training Amount Secured: $939,041 Description: Wake Technical Community College will use this funding for Grid to Plug to Wheels: Technician Training for Safe and Efficient Electric Vehicle Power Utilization and Maintenance. This job training program will prepare a next generation workforce of 2-year technicians to build and maintain power supply infrastructure and service electric vehicles. The growing demand for skilled labor in this sector will lead to good careers, greenhouse gas reductions, and consumer savings at the pump. Project Name: Saint Augustine’s University Tuttle Public Health Center Amount Secured: $490,000 Description: St. Augustine's University, a Historically Black University (HBCU), will use this funding to open its Tuttle Public Health Center (TPHC), which will support health and wellness education, student research regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19, and related programs that will benefit St. Augustine’s students and the surrounding community. Funding will be used to support faculty, establish smart classrooms for students, and purchase research and lab equipment. Project Name: GoTriangle Wake County Transit Access and Safety Improvements Amount Secured: $900,000 Description: This project will address critical transit access and operation safety concerns at GoTriangle bus stops across Wake County. The project will make improvements at several locations where the design speed, traffic volumes, constrained right-of-way, and number of transit passengers require safety and ADA accessibility improvements. These improvements include bus bays, sidewalk connections, ADA curb ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. Proposed locations are distributed throughout the county, benefiting customers on several regional GoTriangle routes. Project Name: Raleigh-Durham International Airport North Cargo Taxilane Reconstruction Amount Secured: $5,000,000 Description: This project will reconstruct the Taxilane that provides access to the North Cargo aircraft parking apron at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. This Taxilane access is critical to the operation of both FedEx and UPS, which provide freight and logistics services to central North Carolina. Project Name: Town of Holly Springs Water Reclamation Amount Secured: $3,000,000 Description: The Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility is nearing capacity due to population and economic growth. This project will employ innovative and sustainable techniques to increase capacity and divert treated wastewater for other reuses in the community. Project Name: Triangle Regional Water Partnership Amount Secured: $3,326,400 Description: This project will help address the inadequate water supply intended to serve the recently announced VinFast manufacturing facility, the largest economic development project in North Carolina to date, and to provide a safe water supply for the Town of Pittsboro. The funding will be used to construct one of two horizontal directional drills under the Cape Fear River from the City of Sanford’s Water Treatment Plant, which will provide a safe and resilient source of potable water for local government partners that include Chatham County, Pittsboro, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina. Congresswoman Ross secured this funding with Congressman David Price (NC-04). Project Name: Garner Senior Center Facility Improvements Amount Secured: $505,200 Description: The project will enhance safety, increase accessibility, and improve functionality of the Garner Senior Center (GSC), which hosts over 42,000 annual visits by Garner-area seniors. The facility also houses Wake County’s largest congregate Meals on Wheels site serving 1,700 monthly meals on-site and is a distribution site for 1,100 monthly delivered meals. Improvements to the facility include replacement of aging HVAC systems to improve air handling, renovations to restrooms to improve safety and accessibility, the addition of an accessible route to outdoor programing areas of the facility, installation of technology to ensure safe user access, enhancements to the kitchen and dining facility to improve food distribution, and other general facility upgrades. Project Name: Pleasant Grove Community Center in Wendell Amount Secured: $2,000,000 Description: The Pleasant Grove Community Center Project is a collaborative partnership with the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Town of Wendell, and Wake County to reimagine a future use of the historic African American Carver School. This site is located within a low-income area near a public housing development and will serve as a focal point of inclusion and opportunity. The community center rehabilitation will provide a space to offer families afterschool, track out, and summer camp programs; job development services; and a business incubator to host the entrepreneurial program, LaunchWENDELL. This funding will be used for community engagement, project design, construction documents, and the rehabilitation of the old Carver Elementary School. Project Name: Tingen Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Design in Apex Amount Secured: $550,000 Description: This funding will be used for the study and design of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the railroad crossing of Tingen Road in Apex, North Carolina. This railroad crossing is expected to close in 2025. Construction of the bicycle and pedestrian bridge will provide a route for the community to safely cross the railroad tracks on Tingen Road. Project Name: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Education Center at Prairie Ridge Amount Secured: $750,000 Description: The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will use this funding to construct an Education Center at Prairie Ridge, which will expand services to significantly increase the number of visitors the facility can accommodate. Designed for easy accessibility, including for those with limited pedestrian mobility, families with young children, and school groups, the building will feature three new assets: an indoor classroom, furnished with scientific instruments and teaching tools; universally accessible restroom facilities; and a nature porch. This funding will contribute to economic development by creating an important public amenity along the Blue Ridge Corridor, turning an existing community resource into a year-round ecotourism destination, and fostering the creation of new jobs. Project Name: Town of Morrisville Solar Panel Installations on Town Facilities Amount Secured: $250,000 Description: The Town of Morrisville wants to lead community adoption of sustainable practices and technology. The Town will use $250,000 in funding to purchase and install solar arrays on three of the Town’s largest energy consuming facilities to reduce its carbon footprint. The facilities include the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center, Public Safety and Municipal Services Building, and Harris Mill Road Fire Station. Project Name: Town of Fuquay-Varina Continuous Operation Body Camera System Amount Secured: $180,000 Description: The Town of Fuquay-Varina will use this funding to supply police officers with continuous operation body camera systems. This funding will enable Fuquay-Varina to purchase improved body-worn camera equipment for Police Officers to enhance safety, transparency, and community trust. Body cameras enhance community safety and trust and are essential for 21st century policing. The Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus funding package also includes: A $21 billion increase for veterans’ health care to help with implementation of the PACT Act Reform of the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which will help thwart attempts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power Robust funding to provide security, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy Emergency disaster assistance to help victims of hurricanes and wildfires throughout the country $72 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help address the affordable housing crisis, a $6 billion increase above last year’s levels The package also includes Congresswoman Ross’ legislation, the Unleashing American Innovators Act, critical legislation that will address disparities in the U.S. patent system and expand access to patents for underrepresented communities. The bill will also establish a U.S. Patent Office in the Southeast.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sherman-secures-over-21-million-for-us-israel-cooperative,Congressman Sherman Secures Over $21 million for U.S.-Israel Cooperative Research,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Brad Sherman,S000344,sherman.house.gov,sherman,https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) announced the inclusion of over $21 million in funding for U.S.-Israel Cooperative Programming in the government funding bill that President Biden signed last evening. Congressman Sherman led over 80 bipartisan Members in sending a series of letters to the House Appropriations Committee urging the funding of a variety of U.S.-Israel cooperative programs. Congressman Sherman wrote the U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation Act, which became law in 2007. Since then, Congressman Sherman has led efforts to fund U.S.-Israel joint research projects. These programs fund joint research projects involving both Israeli and American scientists. The Israeli government matches the U.S. investment, so our research dollars go further. Sherman said, ""It is important that we make Israel relevant, even to Americans who don't focus on Middle East policy. Every American could benefit from break-throughs that could come from this research. All too often, when people hear ‘something happened in Israel,' they think of some recent terrorist incident, in a word – Tsuris. Hopefully, when we think of Israel we think not of Tsuris, but of Science."" The programs funded are: -U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research & Development program: $2,000,000. -U.S.-Israel bilateral cooperative program for COVID-19 research & development: $3,080,000. -USAID-Israel International Development Cooperation Program for sustainability: $2,000,000. -U.S.-Israel Binational Industrial Research & Development Foundation (energy): $2,000,000. -U.S.-Israel Center of Excellence in Energy Engineering and Water Technology: $4,000,000. -U.S.-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (cyber): $2,000,000. -U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation grant program: $6,000,000. These programs are not aid programs. They leverage relatively small U.S. investments to create private sector and academic innovation and often generate returns for the United States – like the U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD), which has generated a $16.5 return for every dollar invested. Congressman Sherman's co-leads in fighting for these programs were:Ted Deutch, Congressman Chris Pappas, Congressman Bill Johnson, Congressman David Kustoff, Congressman Jim Langevin, and Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino. The following Members of Congress signed letters in support of these programs:Alma S. Adams, Rick W. Allen, Jake Auchincloss, Cynthia Axne, Jim Banks, Andy Barr, Gus M. Bilirakis, Carolyn Bourdeaux, Brendan F. Boyle, Julia Brownley, Tony Cardenas, Yvette D. Clarke, Gerald E. Connolly, Jim Costa, Joe Courtney, Angie Craig, Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford, Jason Crow, Suzan K. DelBene, Antonio Delgado, Brian Fitzpatrick, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Josh Gottheimer, Vicente Gonzalez, Hakeem Jeffries, John Katko, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Doug LaMalfa, Doug Lamborn, John B. Larson, Debbie Lesko, Mike Levin, Ted W. Lieu, Alan Lowenthal, Elaine G. Luria, Stephen F. Lynch, Nicole Malliotakis, Carolyn B. Maloney, Kathy Manning, Lucy McBath, David B. McKinley, Jerry McNerney, Alex X. Mooney, Grace F. Napolitano, Richard E. Neal, Troy E. Nehls, Tom O'Halleran, Burgess Owens, Jimmy Panetta, Dean Phillips, Kathleen M. Rice, Maria Elvira Salazar, Linda T. Sanchez, John P. Sarbanes, Mary Gay Scanlon, Adam B. Schiff, Bradley Scott Schneider, Kim Schrier, David Schweikert, Albio Sires, Elissa Slotkin, Adrian Smith, Abigail Davis Spanberger, Haley M. Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Thomas R. Suozzi, Eric Swalwell, Dina Titus, Ritchie Torres, Jefferson Van Drew, Juan Vargas, Marc A. Veasey, Ann Wagner, Jackie Walorski, Susan Wild, Frederica S. Wilson, and Lee Zeldin.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-brown-announces-winner-2022-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Brown Announces Winner of 2022 Congressional App Challenge,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,OH,Shontel M. Brown,B001313,shontelbrown.house.gov,shontelbrown,https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11) issued the following statement announcing the Eleventh District of Ohio’s winner of the Congressional App Challenge, a design competition that focuses on innovation in computer science and programming. Shaker Heights High School student Tyler Bordeaux designed the winning program, BetterSelf: an app that aims to make philosophy more accessible and habitual with the goal of improving the daily lives and mindsets of users. “My heartiest congratulations to Tyler Bordeaux for winning the 2022 Congressional App Challenge!” said Rep. Shontel Brown. “This yearly competition fosters innovation and shines a light on some of the brightest young minds in Northeastern Ohio. Our country's future depends on such quality educational opportunities that build on their unique skills, especially in STEM fields. It will be exciting to see what Tyler and other Northeastern Ohio students accomplish in the years to come as they continue to expand and enhance the impact of technology on our lives.” The winner of the competition will have the honor of being featured in a video display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the Congressional App Challenge website. Background: The Congressional App Challenge was created to promote an understanding of computer science and inspire our young people to engage in programming. This competition exposes the coming generation to some of the incredibly rewarding careers and skills in STEM. Since its inception, the competition has inspired over 40,000 across all 50 states to channel their innovative ideas for Congress. More information about the Congressional App Challenge is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/2022-year-in-review,2022 Year in Review,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Aloha, Over the past year, Democrats in Congress have passed landmark legislation to lower energy costs, support veterans and seniors, uplift underrepresented communities, and provide funding to upgrade aging infrastructure. As the year comes to a close, I’d like to reflect on the work we’ve done to support families and communities in Hawaii and across our country. Lowering Prescription Drug Costs The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 passed in August will lower prescription drug costs for hundreds of thousands of our kupuna in Hawaii. Thanks to the IRA, Medicare recipients who rely on insulin will have their insulin costs capped at $35 a month starting next year. Starting in 2025, the more than 200,000 Medicare recipients with Part D in Hawaii will have their annual drug costs capped at $2,000. Medicare finally has the power to negotiate prescription drug prices, with the first of those negotiated prices going into effect in 2026. The IRA also includes my bill to make vaccines for things like shingles and hepatitis-A free under Medicare. I recently participated in a Town Hall with AARP Hawaii about the IRA’s drug cost savings, which you can listen to here. Red Hill I have been in direct and regular contact with the Department of Defense and Navy leadership about the Red Hill fuel spill and drinking water system contamination, and more recently the AFFF spill and cleanup efforts. The repeated leaks at Red Hill are completely unacceptable and have been devastating for families and businesses in the impacted area. My focus has been on securing the funding necessary to safely defuel and permanently close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu, which has endangered the health and safety of thousands of families in Hawaii. Last week, I successfully secured $1 billion in the annual defense authorization bill for Red Hill’s closure, and that funding was also included in the year-end appropriations bill. Both of these pieces of legislation have now been signed into law, getting us closer to safely closing Red Hill for good. I’ll continue to insist the Department of Defense coordinates closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Hawaii Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and other local stakeholders to ensure Red Hill is closed safely and as quickly as possible. Senator Hirono tours the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Senator Jack Reed. Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act Throughout 2022, Hawaii has received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to repair, rebuild, and expand infrastructure across the state, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which is expected to create millions of good-paying jobs over the next decade. This funding is already being used to modernize infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, ports, public transit systems, and the purchase of electric school buses to help keep the air clean. The IIJA also provided investment to expand broadband access for families, and support Hawaii’s transition to clean energy. Helping Veterans As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I’m working to support veterans in Hawaii and across the country. This year, we passed the Honoring Our PACT Act to expand VA care to more than 3.5 million Post-9/11 veterans who have been exposed to toxins during their service. Here in Hawaii, construction of the new Daniel K. Akaka Outpatient VA clinic on Oahu continues, bringing us one step closer to opening a new world-class healthcare center for veterans across Hawaii and the entire Pacific region. Supporting Native Hawaiian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Native women experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence. However, Native Hawaiian women have been excluded from accessing much-needed federal resources. Just this month, the President signed my legislation to enable Native Hawaiian Organizations to use federal funding to support Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence, something they’ve been unable to do for far too long. I will continue to advocate on behalf of survivors of sexual violence, especially within particularly vulnerable communities such as the Native Hawaiian community. Uplifting AANHPI Communities Earlier this year, President Biden signed into law legislation I introduced in the Senate to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. This museum would help promote understanding about Asian Pacific Islander American communities and their many contributions to American history and culture. STEM Education This year, Congress also passed and enacted legislation to invest in American innovation and strengthen domestic supply chains. The Chips and Science Act (CHIPS) included historic investment in scientific research and development, funding to support Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy, and tens of billions in federal funding for the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, which are used in everything from cars to cell phones. The bill also included my Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Opportunities Act, which provides funding for guidance, research, data collection, and other activities to promote opportunities for women and minorities in STEM at colleges and universities and federal science agencies. As we work to spur innovation, it’s critical that we support students and innovators from diverse backgrounds. I’m proud of everything we accomplished this year to help families and communities in Hawaii and across our country. I look forward to continuing to build on this progress in 2023 and beyond. Happy holidays, from my ohana to yours. Mahalo, Mazie K. Hirono United States Senator",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2022-end-of-year-report,Murphy Releases 2022 End of Year Report,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released his year-end report outlining the work he’s done for Connecticut residents during 2022: “2022 was Congress’s most productive year in decades. Personally, I was able to pass nearly a dozen pieces of legislation I authored and introduced to help people in Connecticut. This report captures just a glimpse of everything we’ve been able to accomplish. Breaking a thirty year political logjam, we passed a historic piece of gun safety legislation that has already saved lives. We took action to lower drug costs, tackle the climate crisis, invest in mental health, supercharge American manufacturing, and deliver millions in federal funding for our state. It’s my honor to represent the people of Connecticut every day in the Senate, and I look forward to continuing to work together in 2023.” Click here to download Senator Murphy’s 2022 Year in Review and here to watch his 2022 Year in Review video. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-lower-health-care-and-prescription-drug-costs-for-michiganders-going-into-effect-january-1st,"Peters, Stabenow Announce Lower Health Care and Prescription Drug Costs for Michiganders Going Into Effect January 1st",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,MI,Gary C. Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,garypeters,https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that several Inflation Reduction Act provisions will go into effect on January 1, 2023, cutting costs for Michiganders across the state. A $35 monthly cap on the cost of insulin for Medicare recipients and free vaccines for seniors on Medicare are among the measures that will take effect in the new year. Peters and Stabenow helped pass into law the Inflation Reduction Act in August. “No one should have to choose between getting the health care and prescription drugs they need and putting food on the table,” said Senator Peters. “There’s no question that’s a reality too many Michiganders face. That’s why I’m pleased help is on the way and starting January 1st insulin will be no more than $35 a month for seniors on Medicare and vaccines will be fully covered—with no out-of-pocket costs.” “This year, Senator Peters and I stood up to Big Pharma and won—passing laws to lower the cost of health care in Michigan. On January 1st, the price of insulin will immediately drop for seniors on Medicare and they will not have to pay for their vaccines,” said Senator Stabenow. Beginning January 1, 2023, the following Inflation Reduction Act provisions will go into effect: Insulin will cost no more than $35 a month for seniors on Medicare. Estimates show that more than 73,000 Michigan seniors with diabetes are expected to benefit from this measure that caps out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for insulin. All vaccines will be free for seniors on Medicare. Approved vaccines under Medicare Part D will be free, which will help an estimated 176,500 Michiganders. With this provision implemented, nearly 9 out of 10 of Americans will have access to vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs. Prescription drug rebates will go into effect for Medicare. Pharmaceutical companies will be required to pay back the federal government through rebates if prices for critical prescription drugs covered through Medicare rise faster than inflation. This measure is aimed to lower costs for Medicare patients and discourage pharmaceutical companies from exploiting inflation to hike up their prices. The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022. In addition to lowering health care and prescription drug costs, the law makes landmark investments to tackle climate change, creates good-paying jobs and incentivizes domestic manufacturing, while fighting inflation and reducing the deficit. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1024,Case: Congress-Passed Funding Measure Focuses Billions On Indo-Pacific And Hawaii's Role,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, said that the $1.7 trillion omnibus measure to fund the federal government for the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 includes billions in State and Defense Department funding focused on the Indo-Pacific and Hawaii’s role, a measure just signed into law by the President. “This measure strengthens our national defense and bolsters our commitments to diplomacy, development and democracy throughout the Indo-Pacific, where the future of our country and world is being determined,” said Case. “It also recognizes Hawaii’s continued critical role through investments in facilities, personnel and institutions that are integral parts of our overall efforts, in addition to major contributors to our local economy.” Provisions of special interest to Hawai‘i and for which Case advocated throughout the yearlong FY 2023 appropriations process include: · $22 million for the East-West Center. · $1.8 billion for implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy to counter malign influence and promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region, an increase of over $100 million from the prior fiscal year. · Report language encouraging the Department of State to increase the number of scholarships available for Pacific Islanders to study in the United States, many of whom study at the University of Hawai‘i. · An $8 million increase for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative, a key program supporting the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This program enables the military to execute Theater Security Cooperation activities, such as humanitarian assistance and paying incremental personnel costs of training and exercising with foreign security forces. The initiative is a critical tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region. · Support for the Coast Guard’s role in the Indo-Pacific and a required review of the Coast Guard’s assets in Oceania and facilities on O‘ahu. State and Foreign Operations The FY 2023 measure, passed by Congress last Thursday, December 23rd and soon to be signed by the President, includes $59.7 billion in U.S. foreign assistance in public health, basic education, educational and cultural exchanges, climate change and other programs through the U.S. Department of State, Agency for International Development, contributions to the United Nations and its agencies and more. It also implements provisions of Case’s BLUE Pacific Act, to increase overall U.S. engagement throughout the Pacific Island, and includes $22 million for the East-West Center. “Our BLUE Pacific Act, together with funding for the East-West Center and other institutions and efforts focused in the Indo-Pacific, sends a powerful message to our critical Pacific Islands partners and allies that our country values our relationships, will invest further in them and will continue as an active and engaged partner in pursuit of our shared interests values,” said Case, who joined four congressional delegations to the Indo-Pacific this year including most recently Fiji. Programs and provisions secured by Case related to the Indo-Pacific and his BLUE Pacific Act include: · $1.8 billion for implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy to counter malign influence and promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region, an increase of over $100 million. · Bill language requiring at least $150 million for the Pacific Islands region, almost double previous spending. · Increased funding for the Young Pacific Leaders Program, a Department of State program for emerging young leaders from Hawai‘i, Guam, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations. · Report language encouraging the Department of State to increase the number of scholarships available for Pacific Islanders to study in the United States, many of whom study at the University of Hawai‘i. · $430.5 million for the Peace Corps, an increase of $20 million over the FY 2022 enacted level, along with language encouraging the Peace Corps to prioritize the Pacific Islands in the return of volunteers. · Report language recommending no less than $20 million for climate resilient development and climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in the Pacific Islands. · Language in support of expanding the U.S. diplomatic presence in the Pacific Islands and expanding the programming of the U.S. Agency for Global Media in the region. · Report language requiring the Department of State to create a strategy on trade capacity building in the Pacific Islands. · Report language recommending the expansion of the International Law Enforcement Academy to the Pacific Islands, and supporting the Pacific Islands in their efforts to combat transnational crime. “As Hawai`i and the rest of our planet continue to confront the impacts of climate change, we must focus on our Pacific Island communities, as they and we act are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, protracted droughts and land loss, to name just a few,” said Case. The measure includes $2 billion in the State and Foreign Operations section to address climate change and other environmental programs, including: · $150 million for the Global Environment Facility, $1 million above the FY 2022 enacted level. · $125 million for the Clean Technology Fund. · $270 million for adaptation programs. · $260 million for clean energy programs. DEFENSE The measure’s U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) provisions include another $1 billion to continue Red Hill defueling, closure, health and water quality monitoring and other efforts, over and above the $1.1 billion secured by the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation on an emergency basis earlier this year for FY 2022, together with various Case requests to strengthen oversight. It also supports Case’s effort to expand and improve the military’s engagement with the local community throughout Hawai‘i, including a directive that the Secretary of Defense work with Hawai‘i government to address the disconnect between the services and various communities in Hawai‘i. “The military must foster a better relationship with our local community to repair the damaged trust of Red Hill and rebuild support for various critical defense initiatives in our state,” said Case. The measure includes Case’s requested funding for various national programs that are utilized by the military in Hawai‘i to support local communities. Those requests include $80 million for Impact Aid education programs, $175 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) that protects environmentally sensitive lands, and $260 million for the National Guard Youth Challenge, Starbase and other programs to help troubled youth. Through REPI, DoD works with state and local governments, conservation organizations and willing private landowners to implement compatible uses of lands for the military mission and conservation. For calendar year 2022, REPI will provide $19.2 million, which will be coupled with $15.1 million in partner contributions, to acquire and protect invaluable lands on O’ahu. The measure also supports the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), which bolsters deterrence and maintains our competitive edge in the Indo-Pacific in recognition of threats posed by China and the need to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. A key component of the PDI for FY 2023 is $393.2 million for the missile defense of Guam, which faces threats from ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles. Increased funding is also directed to joint exercises and other activities with our partners and allies in the region. Other programs and provisions of specific relevance to Hawai‘i and requested and secured by Case include: · Funding for two SSN-774 Virginia Class attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and will be maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. · $317 million for Environmental Restoration, Formerly Used Defense Sites, which is $90 million over the President’s budget request. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation. · $150 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains large scientific laboratories and other efforts at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. · Retention of the military contracting preference language for Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations. · $164 million for the X-Band Radar, which defends Hawai‘i from ballistic missile threats as the DoD pauses funding for Homeland Defense Radar-Hawai‘i and conducts a large study to reassess how to best protect Hawai‘i from missile attacks. · An $8 million increase for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative, a key program supporting the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command headquartered in Hawai’i. This program enables the military to execute Theater Security Cooperation activities, such as humanitarian assistance and paying incremental personnel costs of training and exercising with foreign security forces. The initiative is a critical tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region. · $39.2 billion for medical and health care programs, which includes the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), which allocates $582.5 million for cancer research. The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund. Military Construction The FY 2023 omnibus measure includes several Case requests through his membership on the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. These include $71 million for two critical community project funding requests, submitted jointly with Senators Schatz and Hirono, for the initial planning, design and construction phase for two water system distribution upgrades serving Fort Shafter and Tripler Army Medical Center. The water systems at both locations have begun to fail and must be replaced to ensure access to clean drinking water. The medical center upgrade will support over 450,000 service members, veterans and their families that use the hospital. These beneficiaries come from not only Hawai‘i but from throughout the Indo-Pacific. Case said that, in addition to the $1 billion provided through the Defense portion of the measure, another $25 million is provided to address the Red Hill Crisis for the planning and design of water treatment and distribution facilities construction. He added that the funds can also be used to design facilities to help remediate the Red Hill shaft. There is also $50 million for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command planning and design and minor construction to advance critical projects in a strategically vital region of the world. The additional funds can be used by the Navy and the Indo-Pacific Command to begin the planning and design for building new facilities to remove and relocate the fuel currently at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. The bill also provides a further $1.3 billion, an increase of $492 million above FY 2022, for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP), a $21 billion multi-year effort to upgrade the Navy’s four public shipyards. This includes over $621 million for Dry Dock 5 and $20 million for the planning and design for the Waterfront Production Facility at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Hawaii’s largest industrial employer with some 6,000 local employees. “Keeping SIOP on track and fully funded is one of my top priorities on my Appropriations Committee,” said Case. “These additional funds are especially targeted at continuing the massive Pearl Harbor project to build a new $3.5 billion state-of-the-art drydock for the next generation of Navy submarines and surface ships, a project that will contribute tremendously not just to our national defense but to our local economy.” The bill funds critical defense infrastructure in Hawai‘i. These projects include $87.9 million for a new barracks on Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i, $103 million for upgrading the missile magazines at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and $111 million for a new company operations facility on Schofield Barracks. Other specific programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · $29 million for the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Kapolei, which would improve the Hawai‘i National Guard’s facilities. · Provision directing the DoD to address Hawai‘i missile defense in the absence of the Homeland Defense Radar-Hawai‘i, which has been paused as the department conducts a large study to reassess how to best protect Hawai‘i from missile attacks. · Provision directing the DoD to address underfunded and dilapidated Army infrastructure on O‘ahu via the Hawai‘i Infrastructure Readiness Initiative. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 omnibus is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-cherfilus-mccormick-and-congressman-espaillat-spearhead-letter,Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick and Congressman Espaillat Spearhead Letter to the Administration Outlining the United States’ Support for Haiti Relief Efforts,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick,C001127,cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov,cherfilus-mccormick,https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) led a bipartisan letter urging the Administration to consider leading an international task force to assist in addressing the Republic of Haiti’s security and humanitarian crises. In the letter, the Members urge President Biden and Secretary Blinken to strongly consider providing additional aid to Haiti to combat the political, economic, and humanitarian crises plaguing the Caribbean nation. Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) also signed the letter. In the letter, the Members write: Dear Mr. President and Secretary Blinken: Thank you for your service and leadership. We write to request that the United States consider leading an international task force to assist in addressing the Republic of Haiti’s security and humanitarian crises. Earlier this month, we participated in the United Nations (“UN”) Foundation’s “Congressional Learning Trip to the UN Headquarters.” During our trip, we were briefed on Haiti’s dire political, economic, and health situation. After receiving the UN’s suggested recommendations, our congressional delegation devised a path forward. Based on briefings from dignitaries and organizational leaders, who provided on-the-ground intelligence and expertise, we formulated three requests for the Administration. Respectively, we would like the U.S. to lead an international task force that addresses our requests and the humanitarian needs of the people of the Republic of Haiti. First, we request that the United States consider leading the rapid response efforts to address the crises in Haiti in a collaborative manner that places the human rights of Haitians and democracy for all at the center. As you are aware, on July 7, 2021, the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated by foreign mercenaries. Since then, the Republic of Haiti has been plagued by political instability. The country lacks an elected president, has no parliamentary quorum, and has a dysfunctional high court due to a lack of judges. Additionally, the Caribbean nation has been hard-hit by devastating natural disasters. Moreover, the country is marred by gang violence, fuel shortages, and a cholera epidemic. Rapid response efforts should include assistance to address Haiti’s political instability, gang violence, economic crisis, health epidemic, and humanitarian crisis. To move the country forward, Haiti needs a government with functioning executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Additionally, gang violence must cease for rapid response units to contend with the ongoing economic, health, and humanitarian crises. However, safeguards would need to be implemented to ensure that any rapid response unit deployed does not remain in Haiti longer than necessary so that the country can have a Haitian-driven rebuilding process. Second, we request that the United States continue strengthening the Haitian National Police (“PNH”).We believe that positive change will come from financial assistance to Haiti for the purpose of adequate resourcing, re-training, and technical assistance for the PNH to produce an elite national police unit skilled to combat the violence and gangs that are currently obstructing access to essential goods for the Haitian people. Following the assassination of President Moïse, Haiti’s police force has struggled to maintain control and is ill-equipped, as more than 200 gangs have overrun the beleaguered country. The police force’s inability to reign in violence has resulted in numerous killings of police officers and attacks on official buildings. In November 2022, the director of Haiti’s National Police Academy, Harrington Rigaud, was shot and killed in a gang-controlled neighborhood in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, as he sat inside an official police vehicle. In October 2022, it was reported that Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus made a plea at the Organization of American States (OAS) Summit for international police support as the PNH struggles to respond to the escalating gang violence. Undoubtedly, assistance is needed, and we believe the United States can lead the international effort to address these life-threatening concerns. Third, we request that the United States continue providing humanitarian aid to Haiti. Today, violence, hunger, and cholera threaten to kill thousands of Haitians. According to an October 2022 UN World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization report, “a record 4.7 million people face acute hunger [,] and almost 20,000 people are enduring ‘catastrophic hunger,’ meaning they are at risk of starving to death.” It is estimated that 2.4 million school-aged children are not enrolled, as eighty percent of schools are closed due to ongoing gang violence. Unfortunately, many unenrolled adolescents have been recruited by the gangs via social media and now make up roughly sixty percent of the gang members. Haitian gangs have blocked all humanitarian corridors and are attacking humanitarians trying to deliver aid. As a result, the UN has been forced to negotiate with gang members. Reportedly, several United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (“UNICEF”) employees and their family members have been kidnapped, and their families have been asked to prepare ransom payments in exchange for their return. For months, women and girls have been subjected to gender-based violence—mostly rape—at the hands of gangs. On October 18, 2022, UNICEF classified the situation in Haiti as a Level-2 emergency. Currently, Haiti has no humanitarian or non-profit organization to assist with the country’s many crises. If possible, we request that the United States work with the international community and the Haitian diaspora to render humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti, potentially creating employment opportunities and strengthening our foreign relations with other countries. Moreover, we encourage you to advise and assist in revamping Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure to help address the most pressing health concerns, including maternal and neonatal health. A significant first step would be international partners coming together to aid in constructing hospitals throughout Haiti and at the Haitian border, proactively responding to the volume of Haitian mothers in dire need of quality medical care. The House of Representatives passed an appropriations measure for Fiscal Year 2022 supporting dialogue in Haiti aimed at resolving the political crisis, urging stronger action against human rights abuses, and addressing the plight of pregnant Haitian women leaving their country to seek neonatal care. However, this dialogue must be met with funding, strategy, and international coordination to mitigate on-the-ground challenges. We respectfully request that the Administration strongly consider the requests mentioned above. Additionally, we ask that the Administration keep the undersigned Members of Congress informed on any developments regarding this matter, either in writing or in an unclassified or classified briefing. Thank you in advance for your attention to this critical matter. We appreciate your efforts and are willing and able to provide any support or assistance you may need. READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER HERE",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-cherfilus-mccormick-issues-statement-southwest-airlines-flight,Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Issues Statement on Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellations,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick,C001127,cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov,cherfilus-mccormick,https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FORT LAUDERDALE – After Southwest Airlines (“Southwest”) canceled thousands of flights during the holiday season, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, issued the following statement. “The complete meltdown of Southwest Airlines during the holiday season is unacceptable. Tuesday, 85 Southwest flights were cancelled at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The collapse of their flight schedule has left customers, families, and hardworking Southwest employees stranded at airports over the holiday travel period. Additionally, I am deeply troubled by reports of Southwest’s lack of prompt customer service to help passengers get to their destinations.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/over-158-million-federal-resources-awarded-gold-star-bridge,"Over $158 Million in Federal Resources Awarded for Gold Star Bridge Rehabilitation, Courtney Announces",2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CT,Joe Courtney,C001069,courtney.house.gov,courtney,https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) released the following statement after the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) announced a new federal grant award of $158,150,000 to support ongoing repairs and upgrades to the Gold Star Bridge in New London. The new federal resources are being awarded through the department’s Bridge Investment Program, and were made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Rep. Courtney voted to pass. “Today’s announcement by the Federal Highway Administration that Connecticut’s largest passenger and truck bridge—the Thames River Gold Star Bridge—has been awarded $158 million for a long overdue rehabilitation is another example of the 2021 Infrastructure Law’s positive impact on eastern Connecticut,” said Rep. Courtney. “Preliminary work at Gold Star started last summer by members of the local Ironworkers Union, and this award will ensure that follow on structural work on the north bound lane will occur. With this upgrade, the bridge will be able to safely tolerate higher weight vehicles, which is a benefit to all motorists, and will reduce truck traffic on local roads, which is more congested right now due to present weight restrictions. This award is a win-win for good paying jobs in the region, and safer traffic flow.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-delegation-statement-sikorsky-flraa-protest,Connecticut Delegation Statement on Sikorsky FLRAA Protest,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"STRATFORD, CT –House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Congressman John Larson (CT-01), Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement on the announcement of Sikorsky challenging the Army decision on FLRAA: “Today Sikorsky has made the decision to protest the Army’s recent award on Future Long Range Assault (FLRAA) Aircraft. “The public, Members of Congress, and most importantly, the workers at Sikorsky, are entitled to a robust, fair, and clear process. Our National security and Connecticut jobs are on the line. ""Despite direct engagement with the Army, we as Members of Congress have not yet been able to get the answers that we need regarding how the Army came to their original decision on FLRAA. This is unacceptable. ""We are hopeful that this protest action and the forthcoming process will shed light on the Army’s decision making, and that the highest level of fidelity is conducted throughout.” ""We will not relent in our shared mission to ensure that Stratford continues to build the helicopters of the future, and that good paying jobs stay in Connecticut.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4284,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Releases 2022 Annual Report for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released her 2022 Annual Report detailing her work representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District this year. The report highlights Congresswoman Fletcher’s work on legislation and constituent matters. “I am honored and proud to represent Texas’ Seventh Congressional District, and to bring the voices of those who live and work here to the national conversation about the challenges and opportunities before us,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “I am glad to share some of the highlights of this work in my 2022 Annual Report, and I look forward to continuing my work for our community and our country in the 118th Congress.” Highlights of the 2022 Annual Report include: Constituent Advocacy: This year, Congresswoman Fletcher reached the milestone of closing more than 9,500 constituent cases since she assumed office; Community Funded Projects: Congresswoman Fletcher secured nearly $45 million in federal funding for community projects, including $13.6 million in FY2022 appropriations for the City of Houston Health, Police, and Fire Departments, Harris County Flood Control, and the Cities of Bellaire and Jersey Village, and $31.1 million in FY2023 appropriations for Harris County Flood Control District; the Cities of Bellaire, Southside Place, and West University Place; the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Department; Harris County Public Health Department; Harris County Public Library; Houston Public Library; and more, providing needed support for our community in direct and tangible ways. Legislation: Congresswoman Fletcher has introduced or passed several bills in the House of Representatives this year, including: Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 8297, to protect the right to travel for abortion, which passed the House of Representatives in July; Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act, H.R. 8452, to establish a grant program to help ease the financial burden of people being forced to travel to access abortion care; Carbon Limiting Emissions At Refineries (CLEAR) Act, H.R. 6562, to reduce carbon emissions from refineries; FirstNet Reauthorization Act, H.R. 6768, to promote public safety by ensuring first responders can communicate with each other in times of crisis; American Gas for Allies Act, H.R. 6977, to expedite U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas exports to North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries; Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects (HELP) Act, H.R. 1917, to expedite certain disaster recovery projects, which passed the House of Representatives and Senate and is awaiting President Biden’s signature; Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act, H.R. 7289, to implement a federal study to reveal PFAS health and environmental hazards; To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to reauthorize the authority to grant certain exemptions, and for other purposes, H.R. 7679, to improve and develop pediatric medical devices, which passed the House of Representatives and Senate as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 and is awaiting President Biden’s signature; and Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, H.R. 9049, to create a new stream of funding for coastal infrastructure and flood resiliency projects and help incentivize new clean energy projects. To view the 2022 Annual Report, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A7C063AF-D076-48CF-98E9-FEDD2723F309,Hayes Secures $23 Million for the Fifth and Historical Housatonic River Wild and Scenic Designation,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) secured more than $23 million dollars for 15 community projects in the final 2023 appropriations government funding package. This funding responds directly to many of the most pressing needs throughout the region and supports projects that were less likely to receive funding from any other sources. For the second time, every project submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations by Congresswoman Hayes was included in the final budget. Additionally, Hayes legislation to create a U.S. National Park Service protective designation for the 41 miles of the Housatonic River which runs through Sharon, Canaan, Cornwall, Salisbury, New Milford, Kent, and North Canaan, was also approved. The designation will allocate federal resources to the towns along the river to bolster conservation efforts and promote recreation in the Northwest Corner. “Throughout the appropriations process, I never stopped fighting for the Fifth and I am thrilled to have secured more than $23 million in federal funding to bolster local projects. From communications upgrades for law enforcement to facility infrastructure for community health centers to laying the groundwork to restore CT Rail from Danbury to New York City, this funding will have a lasting impact for all who live and visit the region,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Further, after years of community organizing and advocacy, the Housatonic River will now be designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The designation is not just symbolic; it provides critical funding to protect the rich ecosystem along the 41 miles of the river and support local recreation in the surrounding towns.” Congresswoman Hayes championed funding for 15 projects to directly benefit Fifth District residents. These include: WATERBURY: $4,000,000 for the renovation of Fulton Park Pool WATERTOWN: $3,375,000 for police department radio communications upgrades WATERTOWN: $3,000,000 for Main Street safety audit WATERBURY: $2,265,000 for education technology equipment, including computers for public schools NEW FAIRFIELD: $2,100,000 for the police department emergency communications system upgrade DANBURY: $2,000,000 for the Southeast, New York to Danbury, CT Rail Link environmental impact statement DANBURY: $2,000,000 for facilities and equipment at Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc., FARMINGTON: $1,000,000 for K-12 STEM education programs at the University of Connecticut Health Center NEW BRITAIN: $1,000,000 for facilities and equipment at Klingberg Family Centers, Incorporated LITCHFIELD: $750,000 for expanding agricultural education, afterschool and behavioral health services for youth at Connecticut Junior Republic FALLS VILLAGE: $750,000 for affordable housing infrastructure at River Road Homes CHESHIRE: $625,000 for a fire protection system at Ball & Socket Arts, Inc. WATERBURY: $172,000 for expanding the Police Activity League Program NEW BRITAIN: $150,000 for training and outreach programs, services, and literacy supports for under-resourced communities at the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut NEW BRITAIN: $50,000 for the childcare business incubator program The government funding package provides critical federal investments in government programs and services to ease the burden of rising costs on families and support communities by tackling some of the biggest challenges in the short and long term. Specifically, the government funding bill: LOWERS THE COST OF LIVING: Reduces costs by expanding child care and early learning programs to more working families, investing in America’s K-12 public schools, making college more affordable, bolstering our public health infrastructure, and protecting consumers. CREATES BETTER-PAYING JOBS: Creates better-paying jobs by putting people to work rebuilding our infrastructure, helping small businesses grow and thrive, fostering the green energy jobs of tomorrow, and supporting high-quality job training and apprenticeship programs so every American can contribute and succeed. HELPS COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES IN NEED: Supports people struggling to make ends meet by strengthening nutrition assistance, funding more affordable housing, fighting urgent health disparities, supporting our Veterans, and investing in rural broadband. KEEPS OUR NATION AND OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE: Strengthens our national security and keeps our communities safe with robust defense funding for training and equipment to prepare for future threats and support our allies in their efforts to defend democracy and investments in diplomacy and global development, our public health infrastructure, cybersecurity, local, state, and federal law enforcement, and funding for responsible border and maritime security. PROTECTS OUR ENVIRONMENT: Confronts the threat of climate change through environmental enforcement and environmental justice efforts, historic investments in clean energy and climate science, and leadership in the global fight against climate change. FUNDS COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Responds directly to pressing needs in the Fifth District by fostering the economic development that makes communities healthier, safer, and stronger through community projects. A detailed summary of the legislation is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-s-bill-help-homeless-veterans-credit-and-financial-counseling-0,Pallone’s Bill to Help Homeless Veterans with Credit and Financial Counseling Services Signed into Law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.'s (NJ-06) Homeless Veterans Credit Repair, Enhancement, and Debt Improvement for Tomorrow (CREDIT) Act was signed into law today. The bill was included in the Omnibus Spending Bill for Fiscal Year 2023 and will help end veteran homelessness and housing instability by providing credit and financial counseling - a top ten unmet need for homeless veterans. In May, Pallone held a roundtable with veterans in New Jersey to discuss the bill. The bill directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study of the effectiveness of credit and financial counseling services offered to homeless veterans and veterans facing housing instability. The study will explore these services and the barriers to them, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other health challenges. The study would provide recommendations for improvements to credit counseling services. The bill will also require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide an interim and final report to Congress on the findings of the study. ""Today, we are one step closer to alleviating veteran homelessness. The Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act will help address veteran homelessness by improving credit and financial counseling services offered to veterans. During this time of economic uncertainty, we must look out for our most vulnerable communities, including homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless. My bill will give us a better understanding of how to improve the services offered to our nation's heroes,"" said Congressman Pallone. ""We have a responsibility to help those who served in uniform and stood ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country."" The Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act received the endorsement of the Wounded Warrior Project, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, and the Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars. ""Our research and experience tell us that financial stability and literacy are cornerstones of overall well-being for veterans and their families. Thanks to Congressman Pallone's leadership on this issue, the Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act will commission much needed research on how financial counseling programs can positively impact some of the most vulnerable members of the veteran population,"" said Dr. Michael Haynie, Executive Director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and Vice Chancellor of Syracuse University. ""In doing so, this bill will empower our veterans, contributing to a healthier, safer and more equitable society for generations to come."" ""Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support the Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act, and we believe it is critically important to fully understand the barriers homeless veterans face in accessing financial and credit counseling services. We applaud its inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill and thank Congressman Pallone for his continued commitment to veterans and their families,"" said Jose Ramos, Wounded Warrior Project Vice President for Government and Community Relations. ""The New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars is proud of Congressman Pallone's legislation on behalf of homeless veterans. We thank Congressman Pallone for letting our organization share in his efforts to bring meaningful change to the lives of these men and women,"" said Bill Thomson, Legislative Director for the Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars. Pallone spoke in favor of the bill on the House floor in 2021. Video of the speech is available here. Bill text is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-announces-golden-gate-bridge-to-receive-400-million-for-seismic-retrofit,Pelosi Announces Golden Gate Bridge to Receive $400 Million for Seismic Retrofit Under Democrats' Infrastructure Law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today that San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge will soon receive $400 million from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under Democrats' historic Infrastructure Law. These funds will be used to strengthen one of the Bay Area's most vital arteries and bolster its resilience against earthquakes. ""For more than eight decades, the Golden Gate Bridge has stood as a symbol of the innovative spirit of the Bay Area and our nation,"" Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. ""The Federal Highway Administration's $400 million investment will help ensure that this iconic landmark continues to safely and reliably serve our region for many years to come. As a proud Representative of San Francisco, it was my privilege to work alongside President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg and the entire Bay Area Delegation to ensure our region receives its fair share of the Infrastructure Law's once-in-a-generation investment in America's bridges."" ""The Golden Gate Bridge is an international icon and key transportation link for the Bay Area that serves tens of millions of residents and visitors every year, and this vital funding allows us to finish strengthening the Bridge against disasters,"" said Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. ""Thanks to Speaker Pelosi, the Biden Administration, and the entire Bay Area Congressional delegation, the Golden Gate Bridge will be protected for generations to come."" The FHWA found that the Golden Gate Bridge is currently in ""fair condition"" but noted that continued deterioration would result in a ""poor"" rating within the next three years. The Bridge's north and south approaches were retrofitted in 2013, leaving only the main suspension span to be upgraded. The newly-announced federal funding will allow this remaining section to undergo vital seismic upgrades and ensure the Bridge's continued structural integrity. Passed by the Democratic Congress, the Infrastructure Law was signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021. This historic legislation established a competitive Bridge Investment Program, delivering $12.5 billion to build, repair and replace key bridges across the country. This initiative represents the single largest investment in America's bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-announces-san-francisco-will-receive-30-million-for-community-projects,Pelosi Announces San Francisco Will Receive $30 Million for Community Projects from Government Funding Package,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that nearly $30 million in new federal funding is headed to San Francisco to support vital community projects. These investments – which will support neighborhood-serving organizations that are helping meet the needs of Bay Area families – were included in the government funding package signed into law today by President Biden. ""The new federal funding headed to our City for critical community projects is a major victory for San Francisco families,"" Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. ""Thanks to Democrats' tenacious negotiating, this year's government funding package delivers deeply needed federal funds for projects across the country that help meet specific needs of our communities. From easing food insecurity and homelessness to expanding vital health services to caring for local veterans, these investments will help us seize the biggest opportunities and tackle the biggest challenges that San Franciscans face."" A full list of San Francisco community projects receiving funding for Fiscal Year 2023 include: San Francisco General Hospital Foundation on behalf of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center – $1,000,000 for the Transform Mental and Behavioral Health Fund San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium – $2,200,000 for Community Health Center Improvements Larkin Street Youth Services – $1,550,000 for Services for Youth Experiencing Homelessness HealthRIGHT 360 – $2,500,000 for the Integrated Care Center Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. – $2,000,000 for Child Care Facilities Expansions The National AIDS Memorial – $750,000 for the Center for Health and Social Justice Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative – $2,500,000 for Edge on the Square Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative Building Renovation Friends of the Children - SF Bay Area – $750,000 for Friends of the Children Bayview Youth Center Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, Inc. (LYRIC) – $2,000,000 for Youth Center Renovation United Playaz, Inc. – $4,000,000 for 1044 Howard Building Purchase and Improvements Project Open Hand – $1,451,000 for Community Nutrition and Wellness Expansion San Francisco Recreation and Park Department – $3,000,000 for Japantown Peace Plaza Renovation The Friendship House Association of American Indians – $750,000 for the Village SF Urban Indian Project Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy – $3,000,000 for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Energy Production and Storage Project San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency – $2,500,000 for Bayview Community-Based Transportation Implementation ""We are deeply appreciative of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's leadership to secure funding to provide timely and comprehensive mental health services for San Francisco,"" said Kim Meredith, CEO of San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. ""Not only will our Transforming Mental and Behavioral Health program draw together experts to develop innovative models for treating the mental health needs of the predominately underserved and underinsured population that Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital serves, but it will also help find solutions to the national effort, including the systemic causes of homelessness not just in this District, but nationwide."" ""The San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium and its member clinics serve over 100,000 low income vulnerable San Franciscans,"" said Deena Lahn, Vice President, Policy and External Affairs of San Francisco Community Clinics Consortium. ""During the worst parts of the Covid pandemic and continuing today, our community clinics remained open to provide information, vaccinations and treatment to communities who would otherwise be ignored. The funds provided through the Community Project Funding will fund critical equipment and renovation to help meet the needs of our patients and ensure that we can continue to provide high quality, up to date medical care for our hard working patients, regardless of their ability to pay."" ""We are incredibly grateful to Speaker Pelosi's leadership for supporting our FY23 Community Project proposal,"" said Sherilyn Adams, Executive Director of Larkin Street Youth Services. ""With these critical resources Larkin Street will be able to amplify our efforts to stably house and improve economic outcomes for youth experiencing homelessness in San Francisco by providing immediate access to shelter, transitional housing with intensive case management, and educational programming to help close the post-pandemic learning gap. This funding will also support progress towards our collective long-term goal of ending youth homelessness in San Francisco."" ""Congresswoman Pelosi's community project funding to fully renovate the current administrative floor of HealthRIGHT 360's Integrated Care Clinic in San Francisco will exponentially expand capacity of client assessments for substance use disorder treatment intakes, and will allow us to continue our focus of treatment on demand for those that need the most help by providing better access to treatment,"" said Vitka Eisen, Chief Executive Officer of HealthRIGHT 360. ""Thank you, Congresswoman Pelosi, for continuing to bring important federal funding home to San Francisco to address our underserved and often marginalized communities that need the most help, and for living our mantra that healthcare is a right, not a privilege."" ""The MNC Family is more than grateful and appreciative to Speaker Pelosi for her continued support and generosity, that will impact and improve young lives for generations ahead,"" said Richard Ybarra, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Neighborhood Centers. ""These funds will advance the completion of our new Inspiring Children early care campus at 1240 Valencia (former police station)."" ""The National AIDS Memorial is deeply appreciative of Speaker Pelosi's support of funding our work toward building a National Center for Health & Social Justice in San Francisco,"" said John Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of National AIDS Memorial. ""Still relevant today, the Center will transform the enormous human tragedy exacerbated by societal indifference and the triumphs and lessons of the AIDS crisis into an enduring movement so that never again will a community be harmed due to stigma, prejudice, discrimination, or hate. San Francisco has long stood at the forefront of our nation's fight for social justice and the Center will educate and inspire compassion and action in its citizens, the nation, and the global community."" ""Speaker Pelosi's ultimate legacy is that of a tireless and fearless public servant,"" said Malcolm Yeung, Founding Board Member of the Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative. ""No issue is too big and, equally important, no issue is too small. The Speaker's leadership means everything to our Chinatown community."" ""This appropriation is a significant contribution to Edge On The Square, anticipated to be the soul and new icon of Chinatown,"" said Mabel Teng, Executive Director and Founding Board Member of the Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative. ""We are rolling up our sleeves to build the unprecedented Asian American storytelling platform with a just vision of America through the lens of immigrants."" ""Friends of the Children extends our sincere gratitude and thanks to Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi for her unwavering commitment to supporting children in Bayview Hunters Point,"" said Timothy Waters, Executive Director of Friends of the Children – SF Bay Area. ""This funding to secure the acquisition of the Bayview Youth Center will enable Friends of the Children – SF Bay Area to continue on our path to mentor and serve 400 children. By creating an incredible space for our program, this support will positively impact generational change as our paid, professional mentors further the hopes and dreams of the youth and families we serve."" ""These federal funds will increase the current LYRIC space by 40% which will allow us to serve more LGBTQQ+ youth, especially trans and non-binary youth, here in San Francisco,"" said Adam-Michael Royston, Vice President of LYRIC. ""The LYRIC center is the second oldest LGBTQQ+ youth center in the country and with trans youth under attack across the country we have seen a tremendous increase in our services – specifically mental health and gender affirming care and these funds will allow us to serve more than 3,000 youth in San Francisco a year."" ""We are so appreciative to be included in the Community Project Funding!"" said Rudy Corpuz, Executive Director of United Playaz. ""Our project to purchase and rebuild 1044 Howard Street/United Playaz Way would not have happened without these important funds! This new building will become home to our literacy program Real Playaz Read and our growing ReEntry program serving individuals coming home from incarceration. It Takes The Hood To Save The Hood!"" ""For 37 years, Project Open Hand's mission has been to serve meals with love to the Bay Area, providing life-saving nutrition for residents who need it most,"" said Paul Hepfer, Chief Executive Officer of Project Open Hand. ""The funds allocated to our organization by Congresswoman Pelosi will ensure that our programs and capacity continue to reach those in critical need of the medically tailored meals that we provide. On behalf of our clients and our staff, Project Open Hand would like to convey our sincerest appreciation for this funding and recognition of the important work that our founder, Ruth Brinker, began back in 1985, and that we continue to this day."" ""We are so grateful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her steadfast support of the Japantown Peace Plaza renovation,"" Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. ""For 110 years, this space has been vital to generations of Japanese American, Asian American and Pacific Islander families and is one of only three Japantowns left in the U.S. With $3 million in federal funding, the Peace Plaza will continue to flourish as an essential open space that is home to so many community organizations, small business, and artists."" ""This investment contributes to the development of the Village SF, a six-story building in the heart of the city that provides cultural programs, social services, housing, and medical and dental care, for the 9,000 Native Americans and Alaska Natives who live in San Francisco,"" said Gabriel Pimentel (Apache), Executive Director of Friendship House Association of American Indians. ""The Village SF is just the beginning of Friendship House's vision for a thriving and healthy Native community in the heart of every city in America."" ""The park partners of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area are grateful to Speaker Pelosi and for this federal Community Project funding that will bring to life the dream of a solar project within the Presidio. Addressing climate resilience in Bay Area national parks is a priority, as we continue to ensure these park lands serve as places of welcome and belonging for people from San Francisco and across the world for decades to come,"" said Christine Lehnertz, President & CEO, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. ""Installing solar panels in the Presidio will save energy costs and further our goal of being a carbon-neutral park,"" said Jean Fraser, CEO of the Presidio Trust. ""This project will educate the Presidio's millions of visitors about the power Americans have to reduce climate change by using alternative energy sources."" ""This award will generate broad and important safety benefits that are directly aligned with community needs and values in Bayview-Hunters Point,"" said Jeffrey Tumlin, Director of Transportation at San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. ""It will have a direct impact by improving pedestrian and bicycle safety in the Bayview Neighborhood, one of San Francisco's most disadvantaged communities. Specifically, this project will improve pedestrian safety along the 3rd St. corridor, improving resident access to transit, local businesses, parks, and community centers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/houston-post-office-be-named-honor-benny-c-martinez-after-biden-signs-bill,HOUSTON POST OFFICE TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF BENNY C. MARTINEZ AFTER BIDEN SIGNS BILL GARCIA CHAMPIONED,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week a bill by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) to rename the post office on Broadway Street after Texas legend Benny C. Martinez was signed by President Biden. Martinez was a prominent community leader who worked as a Harris County nurse for 30 years and 5 years as Deputy Sheriff, served the Houston area through countless organizations and advocacy groups, and was a U.S. Army veteran. This will be the first postal service office named after a Latino in the Houston area. ""Benny was a well-loved figure across Texas and the Houston area who spent his life in service to the people,"" said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. ""He was extremely active within LULAC, and helped arrange a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and LULAC in 1963 – which was the first time a U.S. President gathered with a Latino organization. The naming of this post office will provide residents with a place to honor and remember Benny C. Martinez's legacy."" ""Naming a U.S. Post Office after my father, Benny Martinez is a true testament to his legacy,"" said Benny C. Martinez's daughter, Loretta Martinez William. ""My father was a hard-working volunteer and served the community through many organizations. He often would be finishing up a volunteer project and would be thinking of the next one. He was also a veteran who proudly served his country. He had the honor to receive numerous awards for his volunteerism. His favorite organization was LULAC and his greatest honor was when he received LULAC Man of the Year for the Nation. He is quoted as saying a ‘volunteer is a hero, and a hero is a volunteer.' My father is a role model that young people can emulate. I thank Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and her staff for their efforts, and all the support from the elected officials."" ""Benny Martinez was and will always be remembered as a tireless champion for his community and dedicated to serving the underserved,"" said LULAC National President Domingo Garcia. He was committed to the power of education and called knowledge the most important tool for freedom and equality in America. He was a devoted civic leader who advocated for access to the vote as the greatest voice for Hispanics in Texas and across our country. Most importantly, his integrity, character, and passion for truth were lifelong, non-negotiable values that earned him respect from all who knew him. LULAC is richer and truer to its mission because of Benny Martinez."" The post office being named in honor of Benny C. Martinez is located at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, 77087. ### Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2721,Trahan’s Bipartisan Pandemic Prevention Program Becomes Law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MA,Lori Trahan,T000482,trahan.house.gov,trahan,https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"LOWELL, MA – Last week, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee and Co-Founder of the bipartisan Pandemic Preparedness Caucus, secured passage of a pilot program designed by her bipartisan Bolstering Infectious Outbreaks (BIO) Preparedness Workforce Act. Signed into law by President Joe Biden on Friday, the program will strengthen the bio-preparedness and infectious disease workforce that has proven critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There is simply no excuse for us to get caught flat-footed by another COVID-19 scale pandemic. We must apply the lessons learned over the past two and a half years now to ensure we’re better prepared to prevent another infectious disease outbreak in the future,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “That starts with investing in the experts who got us through the COVID: our bio-preparedness and infectious disease workers. Without critical investments to strengthen the pipeline of these experts, we risk leaving ourselves vulnerable to the next pandemic. The BIO Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program is a critical step in ensuring these critical positions are fully staffed and ready to respond to the next public health threat.” The program based off Trahan’s BIO Preparedness Workforce Act will help strengthen the pipeline of bio-preparedness and infectious disease professionals by establishing a new loan repayment program for health care professionals who spend at least half of their time engaged in bio-preparedness and response activities or providing infectious diseases care. Further, the program aims to increase the number of underrepresented minority individuals serving as bio-preparedness or infectious diseases physicians. “Rep. Trahan’s outstanding leadership makes an extraordinary difference to the frontline infectious diseases workforce,” said Carlos del Rio, MD, President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. “The BIO Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program—which she authored and successfully attached to the omnibus bill—will enable us to recruit the workforce we need to be better prepared for future outbreaks and pandemics and to launch more equitable and effective responses to infectious diseases.” Additional supporting Organizations of the Bolstering Infectious Outbreaks (BIO) Preparedness Workforce Act include: the AIDS Institute, American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, American Dental Association, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, American Society for Microbiology, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, HIV Medicine Association, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, National Rural Health Association, Society for Health Care Epidemiology of America, Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists, University of Wisconsin Health System, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Vivent Health, Wisconsin Hospital Association, Wisconsin Medical Society. Trahan first introduced the BIO Preparedness Workforce Act with Congressman David B. McKinley (R-WV-01) in October 2021. The bipartisan program was included as part of the year-end omnibus package that was signed into law by President Biden late last week. More information on the BIO Preparedness Workforce Act can be accessed HERE. A digital copy of the legislation can be accessed HERE. ###",1,2026-04-06T14:24:52Z,2026-04-06T15:54:45Z https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-recognizes-harry-armstrong-of-canaan-and-john-bayliss-of-hanover-as-decembers-granite-staters-of-the-month,Senator Hassan Recognizes Harry Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Harold (Harry) Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month. For decades, Harry has led a successful effort to collect used medical equipment and deliver it to those in need in the Upper Valley area and beyond. Harry helped start the Health Closet, with members of the Canaan Lions Club, more than forty years ago. The group collected used medical equipment, such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, crutches, canes, and bath stools from the area’s visiting nurses, nonprofits, hospitals, and individuals. They would then keep the equipment in storage until they found someone who needed it. When Harry was hospitalized two years ago and had to have his foot amputated, he worried that Health Closet’s mission would cease to be fulfilled. That’s when Harry’s friend and Lebanon Upper Valley Lions Club member John Bayliss stepped up to help run the initiative. Together, the two men have teamed up to do everything from DIY fix-ups of medical equipment in Harry’s and John’s garages, to lugging large medical machinery in their pickup trucks. Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here. To read Senator Hassan’s statement for the Congressional Record, see below. I am honored to recognize Harold (Harry) Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month. For decades, Harry has led a successful effort to collect used medical equipment and deliver it to those in need in the Upper Valley area and beyond. Harry helped start the Health Closet, with members of the Canaan Lions Club, more than forty years ago. The group collected used medical equipment, such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, crutches, canes, and bath stools from the area’s visiting nurses, nonprofits, hospitals, and individuals. They would then keep the equipment in storage until they found someone who needed it. When Harry was hospitalized two years ago and had to have his foot amputated, he worried that Health Closet’s mission would cease to be fulfilled. That’s when Harry’s friend and Lebanon Upper Valley Lions Club member John Bayliss stepped up to help run the initiative. Through their work, the duo profoundly touches people’s lives by giving them the medical equipment that they desperately need to go about their lives and continue to be a part of their community. From doing DIY fix-ups of medical equipment in Harry’s and John’s garages, to lugging large medical machinery in their pickup trucks, their dedication to helping others, willingness to take the initiative, and generosity is a shining example of the Granite State spirit. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-government-funding-bill-with-key-nh-priorities-secured-by-senator-hassan,SIGNED INTO LAW: Government Funding Bill with Key NH Priorities Secured by Senator Hassan,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan issued the following statement after the President signed into law the bipartisan government funding legislation, which includes key New Hampshire priorities that Senator Hassan worked to secure: “This year’s government funding bill includes major Granite State priorities that will lower costs for families, strengthen our response to the opioid epidemic, and help more Americans save for retirement. I’m pleased that we came together across the aisle to pass this critical legislation, and I look forward to seeing how it will support families, our economy, and our national security in the year ahead.” Critical New Hampshire priorities that Senator Hassan helped secure in the government funding bill include: Combating the Opioid Epidemic Senator Hassan’s bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, which eliminates an outdated requirement, the ‘x-waiver,’ that limits the number of medical practitioners who can prescribe life-saving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. A measure backed by Senator Hassan to give law enforcement more flexibility to interdict fentanyl-related substances by extending the designation of fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs until December 31, 2024. Provisions from Senator Hassan’s bipartisan bill to help address the severe shortage of doctors trained in addiction medicine. The government funding bill creates 200 new medical residency positions, including for addiction medicine, at teaching hospitals in New Hampshire and across the country. Supporting Veterans Senator Hassan’s bipartisan bill to designate one week per year as “Buddy Check Week.” The bill is modeled after the American Legion’s “Buddy Check National Week of Calling” that connects veterans to other veterans in order to better ensure that they receive the support that they need. Bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan championed to help provide surplus government computers to veterans and others who need them. Senator Hassan worked on the legislation with Digitunity, a nonprofit based in North Conway. A bipartisan measure that the Senator introduced with Thom Tillis (R-NC) to improve oversight of the VA and reduce the backlog of requests from veterans for medical and other VA military records. Lowering Health Care and Home Energy Costs Bipartisan measures that Senator Hassan worked on to increase access to generic and biosimilar medications, which are often less expensive than generic drugs. $4 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, a $200 million increase over last year, which will help Granite Staters with their energy costs. Helping Americans Save for Retirement Bipartisan measures Senator Hassan and colleagues introduced to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement benefits, including enabling more businesses to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) and expanding tax cuts to small businesses who provide retirement benefits to their employees. Increases retirement plan flexibility for public safety officers and improves access for military families, including provisions from bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Hassan and Susan Collins (R-ME) to help military families save for retirement. Addressing the Housing Shortage Funding that Senator Hassan worked to secure that will help with the construction of thousands of new rental units and houses. Strengthening Maternal Health and Child Care Support The bipartisan TRIUMPH Act, which Senator Hassan introduced with Senator Tillis, that creates a federal taskforce and national strategy to improve maternal mental health outcomes and expand mental health resources for new mothers. A critical measure that Senator Hassan pushed for to ensure that for the first time, every child in America who qualifies for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will now be guaranteed at least one year of continuous health coverage. Extension of a measure, which Senator Hassan supported, that ensures that states can provide a full year of postpartum coverage for mothers on Medicaid and CHIP. Increased funding for Child Care and Development Block grants, a measure that Senator Hassan pushed for, which will expand affordable child care to more families in New Hampshire and across the country. Extending Access to Affordable Telehealth Services A measure Senator Hassan pushed for that extends coverage of Medicare telehealth services through 2024, ensuring that more patients, especially in rural communities, get the care that they need. Strengthening Support for Rural Students Doubling funding for a program that supports rural students, including college prep and career pathway programs in rural communities. Funding Key Bipartisan Legislation Critical funding to implement key bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan helped pass into law, including the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and PACT Act that addresses veterans’ toxic exposure. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-stamfords-nourishedrx-as-innovator-of-the-month,"Murphy Highlights Stamford's NourishedRx as ""Innovator of the Month""",2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that NourishedRx, based in Stamford, was named December’s “Innovator of the Month.” Founded in 2019, NourishedRx is a woman-owned company that bridges the gap between health care and nutrition through its AI-enabled platform, which matches individuals facing diet sensitive chronic health conditions or nutrition insecurity with highly personalized food solutions and nutrition consultations. NourishedRx has also established partnerships with multiple Medicare Advantage and Managed Medicaid plans to provide its services as part of an all-encompassing healthcare solution. “Access to nutritious foods is key to improving health outcomes. That’s why the team at NourishedRx is working to better integrate nutrition with health care through their evidence-based, AI-enabled platform. I’m proud to recognize their innovative approach toward addressing food insecurity, and look forward to their continued growth in Connecticut,” said Murphy. “Building our company in Connecticut has been wonderful. We’re grateful for the support and partnership of Connecticut Innovations and have enjoyed being part of UConn Technology Incubator Program (TIP). Being in CT is definitely helping us on our way to achieving our mission of improving lives, enhancing health equity and bending the health care cost curve,” said Lauren Driscoll, Founder and CEO of NourishedRx. Murphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies—the Angel Tax Credit Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F7EB5A8F-9743-4975-90E2-29EE3DE505CE,Warner & Kaine Applaud Signing of Government Funding Bill,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded President Joe Biden’s signing of legislation to avert a government shutdown and fund the government through Fiscal Year 2023. Among other major priorities, this legislation includes nearly $200 million in federal funding for Virginia-specific projects secured by Sens. Warner and Kaine. “The 117th Congress has been the most productive Congress in modern history and it’s only fitting that we wrap up it up by enacting a consequential government funding package that will continue to strengthen and build on this progress,” said Sen. Warner. “This bill funds essential community projects in Virginia to the tune of $200 million dollars, and it supports hardworking families by increasing access to affordable child care, housing, high-speed internet, and start-up capital in underserved communities. This law will provide needed protections to pregnant workers, lower drug costs, and improve access to mental health care. Importantly, I’m proud that this bill will ensure a more resilient military right here at home, while reaffirming our commitment to the Ukrainian fight for democracy and against authoritarianism.” “Virginia will benefit greatly from the budget President Biden just signed, and I’m grateful to every Virginian whose insights and advice helped me shape this legislation to best meet the Commonwealth’s needs. Not only will this budget execute the pay raise Congress just authorized for our servicemembers, expand internet access, address mental and physical health needs, and expand access to affordable housing—it will bring over $200 million in funding back to Virginia to support urgent local community projects. This budget is a big win and I look forward to seeing all of its positive impacts in the new year,” said Sen. Kaine. As part of last year’s budget process, the Senate restarted a process that allows members of Congress to work with the communities they represent to request funding for local community projects, otherwise known as earmarks, in a manner that promotes transparency and accountability. This process allows Congress to dedicate federal funding for specific projects.? Through strong advocacy, the senators secured funding in the budget bills for the following projects in Virginia: For projects in Northern Virginia, click here. For projects in Central Virginia, click here. For projects in Southwest Virginia and Southside,click here. For projects in the Shenandoah Valley, click here. For projects in Hampton Roads, click here. For projects that impact communities in multiple regions across the Commonwealth, click here. In addition, the budget bills include funding for the following Warner and Kaine priorities: Investing in Kids: Provides $8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which provides financial assistance to help low-income families access child care. This is $1.85 billion more than Fiscal Year 2022, representing a 30 percent increase in funding for the program. The bill also includes $11.996 billion, $960 million more than Fiscal Year 2022, for Head Start, the national school readiness program. Last year, Virginia received more than $120 million through the CCDBG program, and Virginia’s Head Start programs served 15,000 vulnerable children and their families. Increasing funding for the CCDBG program is a core tenant of Kaine’s child care and early childhood education proposal to expand the supply of quality child care facilities, increase child care and Head Start teacher wages, and lower child care costs for families across the country. Addressing Americans’ Mental Health Needs: Expands the number of mental health care options available for seniors by ensuring seniors can access marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors under Medicare for the first time. This expansion is based on a bill Kaine cosponsored, theMental Health Access Improvement Act. The budget also includes Kaine’s bipartisan Investing in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act, legislation to support children’s access to mental health care by providing grants to human service agencies or non-profits to develop, maintain, or enhance early intervention mental health programs for children from 0 to 12 years of age. Increasing Access to Affordable Housing: Includes $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which will lead to the construction of 10,000 housing units nationally; $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, which cities and counties can use to build affordable housing or for economic and community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income housing; funding for 11,700 new housing choice vouchers; and dedicated funding to address homelessness, housing for the disabled, and housing for older Americans, among other investments. The budget also establishes a new $85 million competitive grant fund for localities looking to increase housing construction, similar to legislation proposed by Kaine. Increasing Military Pay and Compensation:?Includes $1.5 billion to fully fund a 4.6 percent pay raise for servicemembers that Kaine helped authorize as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which writes the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Also includes $515 million towards military family support programs. Warner, who pushed for this funding, has long stressed the need for increased support for servicemembers through legislation such as the?Military Hunger Prevention Act?that helps low-income military families put food on the table and through a number of provisions in this year’s defense bill. Making Our Communities Safer:?Provides $50 million for Community Violence Prevention grants to support communities in developing comprehensive, evidence-based violence intervention and prevention programs, including efforts to address gang and gun violence through partnerships between community residents, law enforcement, local government agencies, and other community stakeholders. The bill also includes $45 million in funding to a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to train police officers in de-escalation, implicit bias, and preventing unlawful force. This funding will also go towards strengthening crisis intervention teams by embedding mental and behavioral health professionals alongside law enforcement officers. Finally, the bill includes $125 million for anti-recidivism programs, helping formally incarcerated individuals re-integrate peacefully into society. Supporting America’s Veterans: Provides $5 billion to implement theHonoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which Warner and Kaine successfully pushed to pass earlier this year. This legislation expanded health care services and benefits to veterans with conditions related to toxic exposure during their service. The budget also includes $118.7 billion for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care and $2.7 billion to support critical services and housing assistance for veterans and their families experiencing housing insecurity. Expanding High-Speed Internet Access: Includes $364 million for the USDA’s ReConnect Program to expand access to high-speed broadband to remote underserved areas. As governors and senators, Warner and Kaine have long supported expanding broadband access in Virginia. During the pandemic, they secured significant funding for broadband through the?Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Warner and Kaine also joined a bipartisan letter to Senate leadership requesting this funding earlier this year. Warner also personally secured billions of dollars for broadband expansion in both the?American Rescue Plan?and the?Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Strengthening the Prescription Drug Pipeline: Includes bipartisan provisions championed by Kaine to strengthen the pipeline and increase transparency for critical medicines, which would lower costs and make it easier for physicians and patients to plan for the future. Kaine first outlined these steps in two bipartisan bills, the Interchangeable Biologics Clarity Act and the Biologics Market Transparency Act. Boosting Local Economies:?Includes $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission and $20 million—an increase of $15 million compared to last year’s budget—for the Southwest Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) to support their work to build economic partnerships, create opportunity, and foster economic development. Kaine and Warner, along with the late Representative A. Donald McEachin, led the push to increase SCRC funding. Improving NASA Infrastructure: Provides an estimated $103 million to fully construct and replace the Wallops Causeway Bridge at the Wallops Flight Facility. The Wallops Island bridge replacement project will address structural deficiencies, improve safety, and help ensure mission readiness for future NASA launches. Warner and Kaine have consistently advocated for increased funding to address the deterioration of the bridge by hurricanes and severe weather and most recently sent a letter to Congressional leadership requesting this funding. Restoring the Chesapeake Bay: Includes $92 million for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program, which is the leading federal program that coordinates restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Expanding Defense Workforce Training: Includes $830.2 million for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program Office, which funds a range of efforts at the Department of Defense to support the defense industrial base, including a pilot program in Danville which is currently training students in machining, welding, metrology and manufacturing for jobs in shipbuilding. Boosting Scientific Research and Innovation: Includes $1.8 billion in funding to help implement the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Warner and Kaine led efforts in the Senate to secure funding from the legislation for Virginia, noting in a letter to the Department of Commerce that Virginia has a leading technology workforce and semiconductor manufacturing presence, making the Commonwealth an ideal location for future federal investments in semiconductor research and manufacturing. Making Higher Education More Affordable: Provides a $500 boost or 7.2 percent increase to the maximum Pell Grant in the 2023-2024 school year, raising the maximum award to $7,395. This is the largest increase in the maximum Pell grant award since the 2009-10 school year and further builds off the $400 increase provided last year. The omnibus also includes $1 billion, an increase of $137 million or 15 percent, for programs to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions. Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: Includes the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act, legislation Warner and Kaine cosponsored to reduce barriers to non-opioid pain management for those enrolled in Medicare. The budget also includes theMainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, legislation Kaine cosponsored to reduce barriers to accessing medication-assisted treatment for individuals living with substance use disorders. Fighting Eating Disorders: The bill includes the Anna Westin Legacy Act, legislation cosponsored by Warner to help those affected by eating disorders through improved health care professional training and clarity of mental health parity. Supporting the Direct Care and Family Caregiver Workforce: Includes $2 million for a project to identify new strategies to attract and retain a qualified direct care workforce. A similar provision was included in Kaine’s Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act, legislation designed to address direct care and family caregiver workforce shortages. Addressing Americans’ Long COVID Needs:?Includes $10 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide the research needed to ensure those experiencing Long COVID have access to the patient-centered, coordinated care they need. This effort was first outlined in Kaine’s?CARE for Long COVID Act. Extending Telehealth Access: Extends COVID-19-related telehealth flexibilities for two full years, through 2024, drawing on legislation introduced by Warner and cosponsored by Kaine to allow more Americans to utilize telehealth services and expand the types of health care providers eligible to offer telemedicine. Protecting Pregnant Workers: The bill includes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, legislation cosponsored by Kaine to require employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and prevent them from forcing a woman to take leave when other reasonable accommodations would allow her to continue working. Keeping Kids Healthy: Extends the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low- and no-cost health coverage for thousands of low-income children in Virginia, for an additional two years. Improving Cybersecurity in Health Care: Includes several provisions addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the health care sector. Last month, Warner released a policy options paper outlining current cybersecurity threats facing health care providers and systems and offering a series of policy solutions to improve cybersecurity across the industry, several of which were included in the bill. Supporting Miners Suffering from Black Lung Disease: Includes $12.19 million for Black Lung Clinics. Warner and Kaine have actively worked to secure benefits for miners and their families suffering from black lung disease. In August, the?Inflation Reduction Act,?supported by both Warner and Kaine, permanently extended the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund excise tax at a higher rate, providing more certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. Improving Access to Lifesaving Drugs: Includes significant improvements to the Food and Drug Administration’s Accelerated Approval Pathway, an important regulatory mechanism that provides early access to treatments and cures for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Kaine has long advocated for these improvements, which he outlined in his bipartisan Modernizing Accelerated Approvals Act. Funding for Pediatric Cancer Research:?Provides $12.6 million to fund childhood cancer research through the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act—legislation?championed?by Warner and Kaine and named after a child from Loudoun County who died from a brain tumor in 2013. Supporting Hospital-Based Nurse Training Programs: Includes a technical correction to protect funding for programs that train nurses and other allied health professionals at hospital-based nursing programs across the country. This provision is based on the Technical Reset to Advance the Instruction of Nurses (TRAIN) Act, legislation Kaine cosponsored. Addressing Physician Shortages: Provides for the distribution of 200 additional Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) residency positions, with 100 slots specifically dedicated to increasing the number of mental health residencies. Kaine has long-supported expansion of GME residency positions and is a cosponsor of the Physician Shortage Reduction Act to do so. Supporting Rural Hospitals: Includes a two-year extension for Medicare payment programs that are vital to rural hospitals: the Medicare Dependent Hospital program and the Low Volume Adjustment Hospital program. Kaine cosponsored legislation in support of this action, the Rural Hospital Support Act. The budget also includes $5 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish an Office of Rural Health, a step first outlined in the Rural Health Equity Act, which was led by the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin in the U.S. House of Representatives and cosponsored by Kaine in the Senate. Fighting Global Hunger:? Includes over $2 billion in international food aid and to promote U.S. agricultural exports overseas. This funding is critical to combatting global hunger and malnutrition. This funding follows?Kaine’s work to highlight and address the threat Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses to food security around the world, and?Warner’s support for non-governmental organizations responding to the food crisis. It also includes $154 billion—an increase of $13.4 billion compared to last year’s budget—for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. Last year, 756,600 Virginians, or 9 percent of Virginia’s population, relied on food stamps. Fighting Pandemics and Promoting Access to Medical Countermeasures: Includes provisions from Kaine’s bipartisan bill, the Promoting Access to Critical Countermeasures by Ensuring Specimen Samples (ACCESS) to Diagnostics Act, to support quicker research and development of medical countermeasures to disease outbreaks and pandemics, including diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutics, in response to emerging infectious diseases. The budget also includes $10.56 billion—a $731 million increase compared to last year’s budget—to support global health and vaccination efforts worldwide. This funding is critical to protecting Virginians from the impacts of disease outbreaks around the world. Modernizing America’s Health Data Infrastructure:?Includes $175 million—an increase of $75 million compared to last year’s budget—to modernize the public health data systems that help support healthy communities throughout America and Virginia. Also included are provisions from Kaine’s?Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act to increase timely and accurate information sharing between local, state, and federal public health departments to improve preparedness for emerging public health threats and create a grant program to strengthen the quality and completeness of demographic data collection used by public health entities. Strengthening Transportation and Recreation Infrastructure:?Provides $150 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, in addition to $45 million for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which will support multi-purpose trails across Virginia. Supporting Key Missing Persons Program: Includes $1 million to help with the nationwide implementation of the Ashanti Alert system. In 2018, Warner secured?unanimous Senate passage?of the Ashanti Alert Act, legislation that created a new federal alert system for missing or endangered adults between the ages of 18-64.?The bill was signed into law on December 31, 2018. Supporting Economic Growth for Underserved Communities:?Provides $324 million for the U.S. Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, which supports businesses’ economic growth in underserved communities. The successful push by Warner and Kaine follows Warner’s efforts to support CDFIs through legislation including the?Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act?and the creation of the bipartisan?Senate Community Development Finance Caucus. Protecting Democracy: Includes provisions to ensure that electoral votes tallied by Congress accurately reflect each state’s vote for president and provides specific guidelines for the point at which candidates elected president and vice president can receive the resources provided for their transition into office. Warner and Kaine have long called for legislation to safeguard future elections, and Warner was among the bipartisan group of senators who negotiated these proposals. Assisting Ukraine in the Fight Against Russia’s Illegal Invasion: Provides $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to support the Ukrainian people, to strengthen our NATO allies, and to defend global democracy in response to Russian aggression. Supporting Our Afghan Allies: Provides funding to help eliminate processing backlogs and expedite adjudications of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) cases. Virginia is home to one of the largest Afghan diaspora populations in the United States and led the U.S. in resettling Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal. Supporting Order and Safety at Our Border: Includes funding to support 19,855 Border Patrol agents, 300 more agents compared to last year’s budget, in addition to $800 million to support Customs and Border Patrol’s management of migrant processing facilities. The budget also provides resources for various programs to help improve the conditions that drive migration from Central America, including programs focused on counter-narcotics efforts and economic development. As Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Kaine has long advocated for efforts to address the root causes of migration. Fairness for Victims of Terrorism: Transfers $6 billion to the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, to help ensure all victims of state-sponsored terrorism have access to appropriate compensation. The additional Funds would expand the Fund’s coverage and provide justice to victims and families of those killed or injured during the 9/11 terrorist attacks (including at the Pentagon), the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing, and the Iran hostage crisis, among others. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1023,Case Secures Passage Of Hawai‘i National Forest Study Bill,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, today announced the inclusion of critical funding and programs to protect Hawaii’s environment as part of the just-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 omnibus funding bill. “The FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill makes substantial federal investments in Hawaii’s efforts to conserve our lands and ocean for future generations and protect endangered species,” said Case. “The omnibus includes my proposal to initiative a process which may lead to Hawaii’s first-ever National Forest, which would assist us in preserving our truly unique ecosystem,” explained Case. “It directs our federal government to pursue a formal process led by the U.S. Forest Service of engaging with state and community stakeholders toward identification of the most suitable Hawai‘i forests for inclusion as national forests.” Case also added: “The FY 2023 omnibus funding measure will boost efforts to help Hawai‘i fight invasive species, which have caused Hawai’i to be recognized as the invasive species capital of the world.” The bill adopts Case’s request to support various invasive species programs, including $36 million for the Agricultural Quarantine Inspections Program to combat invasive species in Hawai‘i and $47 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program. The bill also creates a pilot program to prioritize the use of native plant species and combat invasive species within the National Park System. The bill includes the following other funding and programs requested and secured by Case: · $1.3 million to safeguard over nearly 700 acres in Maunawili Valley. The proposed forest reserve would be managed by the Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife in partnership with local nonprofits seeking to steward the land, engage sustainable agriculture and restore cultural sites and lo‘i. Maunawili Forest is not only significant for its historic and cultural resources but is the natural habitat for three threatened or endangered Hawaiian damselfly species, a forest bird (‘elepaio), and four species of endangered Hawaiian wetland birds. · $1.8 million to assist the State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ acquisition of nearly 1,000 acres of in Kāne‘ohe. The Kāneʻohe Pali lands include freshwater springs, famous waterfalls, at least 11 streams and tributaries, native forest which comprises priority watershed, critical habitat for a wide range of native plant and animal species, the historic Luluku banana patches, mountain peaks and other geological formations. $12.9 million in additional funding for the possible acquisition of Kaupō Ranch on the southern slope of Haleakalā for the NPS. Kaupō Ranch is a key access point for the popular Kaupō Gap Trail that traverses the crater of Haleakalā National Park. This funding will help secure a 3,018 acre portion and expand recreational activities and protect important natural resources, watersheds and endangered species. · $1.7 million for the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct forest protection and aquifer recovery activities for the Pearl Harbor watershed. · $64 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Research Program to respond to the needs of critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds. · $175 million for the protection, research and management of marine mammals, sea turtles and other ocean species. · $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports coastal and Great Lakes communities through research, extension and education. These funds help support the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at the University of Hawaiʻi that concentrates on promoting healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development. · $68 million for the Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas Program, including the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. · $34 million for the Coral Reef Conservation Program. · $31 million for long-deferred maintenance projects at Hawaii’s national parks. · $19 million for the National Trails System, which will benefit the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 omnibus is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403999,Rep. Castor: “Record-Setting” 2022 for Tampa Bay as Congressional Office Delivers $10M to Veterans and Neighbors + Secures $2.3B in Grant $!,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that her team worked to deliver over $10 million in aid, benefits and refunds to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families in 2022, including over $4.8 million to veterans and service members; over $2.3 billion in federal grants to create jobs, lower costs, invest in our schools and infrastructure, help our community recover from the Covid19 pandemic, and support the important work of local partners; and an additional $132.3 million in federal grants from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Rep. Castor championed in Congress. “My Tampa constituent services team works tirelessly to cut through red tape on behalf of the families, veterans and businesses. We tragically lost the heart of Team Castor, Tery Sanchez, earlier this year, but have continued to meet the needs of our neighbors in her honor and have delivered historic returns. I am grateful for all that Tery, along with Steven Angotti, Tania Fernandez, Damaris Gonzalez and Sean Saintil – as well as the help of the entire Castor Team – did this year. Their expertise and compassion are critical to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned and to guarantee that survival stimulus payments, Social Security, Medicare are delivered on time. “Amazingly, 812 federal grants bolstered neighborhoods from North Tampa to USF to West Tampa and more - for a total of $2,312,900,550 including important investments in housing, Tampa’s Riverwalk, safer streets, and medical research. I love my hometown and am committed to lifting every neighbor through growing public transit , Feeding Tampa Bay through expanded food assistance, and other local organizations that are investing in skills career training to expand good-paying jobs and apprenticeships and so much more. “Our health heroes – present and future – received a major boost with a $1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to USF that is aimed at recruiting and training nursing students and current registered nurses to increase access to care, with an emphasis on chronic disease prevention and control, including mental health and substance use conditions. HART also received a $300,000 grant through American Rescue Plan funds that helped them restore service and keep essential services moving after the pandemic. Bay Area Legal Services is always there for our neighbors, and an $800,000 grant has helped struggling individuals and families with free and low-cost legal services as they recovered from Hurricane Sally. The Tampa community is blessed with volunteers and organizations who are working to creatively and compassionately solve problems, and I was proud to partner with them to get these initiatives over the finish line. “Not included in that amount are the 16 federal grants – totaling $132,304, 671 – that our community secured from the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Job Act. From funds to fix our roads and expand safe pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, we are building safer communities, and creating jobs along the way. Port Tampa Bay also received a critical $12.6M grant that will create good-paying jobs and build a new dock so that larger cargo ships can utilize the Port. We’ll see lower costs through this construction and cement Port Tampa Bay’s place as a thoroughfare that’s critical to our state and nation’s economy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases/costa-issues-statement-amigos-act-signed-law,Costa Issues Statement on the AMIGOS Act Signed into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jim Costa,C001059,costa.house.gov,costa,https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), Co-Chair of the Congressional Portuguese American Caucus, released the following statement after President Joseph R. Biden signed into law, the Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing our Success (AMIGOS) Act. Costa is an original co-sponsor and was instrumental in passing this legislation. “Portuguese-Americans have made significant contributions in the San Joaquin Valley and throughout the United States,” said Costa. “The AMIGOS Act will help create more American jobs and increase investment across the country, while strengthening the bonds between United States and Portugal.” The AMIGOS Act was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation will grant Portuguese citizens eligibility for E-1 and E-2 Visas, which allow individuals to enter the United States to conduct ""substantial trade"" or invest a ""substantial amount of capital"" respectively. ### Congressman Jim Costa represents a large Portuguese American population in California's San Joaquin Valley and is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Portuguese American Caucus",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-angie-craigs-legislation-rename-local-post-office-after-fallen,Representative Angie Craig’s Legislation to Rename Local Post Office After Fallen South St. Paul Police Officer Signed into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig’s bill to rename the South St. Paul Post Office in honor of fallen South St. Paul Police Officer Leo Pavlak was signed into law. After only four months on the force, Officer Pavlak was killed by the infamous Barker-Karpis Gang during a robbery on August 30, 1933. To this day, he is the only South St. Paul Police Officer to have been killed in the line of duty. The bill was passed by the House and Senate earlier this month. “In 1933, Officer Pavlak lost his life in service to his community – and in the years since, many of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have continued building his legacy as they joined the ranks of the Minnesota law enforcement community,” said Representative Craig. “By renaming the South St. Paul Post Office the Officer Leo Pavlak Post Office, we remember and honor the dedication and sacrifice of Officer Pavlak and his entire family. I’m grateful to all my Minnesota colleagues, and especially Senator Klobuchar, who helped get this bill over the finish line.” Since Officer Pavlak’s death in 1933, four generations of Pavlaks have joined the ranks of Minnesota law enforcement. Robert Leo Pavlak Sr. followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career as a police officer in St. Paul. One of his grandsons, Robert, was a Ramsey County Deputy – while another one of his grandsons, David, was a St. Paul Police Officer. And finally, Officer Pavlak’s great-grandsons, Luke and Ryan, have continued this legacy as police officers in the Twin Cities area. Representative Craig’s bill is part of a bipartisan, bicameral effort to honor Officer Pavlak. Earlier this month, Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith led the passage of a companion bill through the Senate. The legislation is supported by Representatives Dean Phillips, Betty McCollum, Ilhan Omar, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Brad Finstad and Pete Stauber, as well as the Pavlak family and local leaders in South St. Paul.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/private-bill-authored-congressman-desaulnier-make-maria-isabel-bueso,Private Bill Authored by Congressman DeSaulnier to Make Maria Isabel Bueso Permanent Resident Becomes Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mark DeSaulnier,D000623,desaulnier.house.gov,desaulnier,https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced that the private bill he authored to permanently allow Isabel Bueso and her family to remain in the United States so Isabel can continue to receive treatment for her rare, life-threatening disease (H.R. 785) was signed into law by President Biden. Following House passage of H.R. 785 in June, the bill was championed in the U.S. Senate by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla (both D-CA). “Since Isabel and her family were threatened by the Trump Administration with deportation three and half years ago, I have been honored to work alongside them in the pursuit of justice by leading the effort in Congress to allow them to stay here permanently. Isabel’s medical condition is permanent and her status in the U.S. to get treatment should be too,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am so relieved for the Buesos that they will finally get long overdue peace of mind now that President Biden has signed this bill into law so they can spend their time focusing on Isabel’s care instead of unnecessary paperwork and worry.” “There are no words to express our feelings and gratitude for giving us the opportunity to create a solid future in this country. Congressman DeSaulnier’s support and dedication to our struggle, finding a way forward and making it happen in spite of obstacles, is a testament to his commitment to making life better for his constituents and others. I hope that more people can get the relief like I did and that this will inspire others to know that their Members of Congress can help,” said Isabel Bueso. Isabel’s story rose to national prominence when the Trump Administration cancelled medical deferred action, which led to people like her with rare, life-threatening diseases facing deportation. Isabel came to the United States legally from Guatemala in 2003 to receive life-saving treatment as part of a medical trial for Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI. Since then, she and her family have resided lawfully in the East Bay and her participation in those trials has helped identify an effective, life-saving treatment, which the drug manufacturer says Isabel cannot receive in Guatemala.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-priorities-signed-law-part-water-resources-development-act,Foster Priorities Signed into Law as part of Water Resources Development Act,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that four of his requests were signed into law by President Biden as part of the Water Resources Development Act. These requests authorize crucial investments in the waterways and environmental infrastructure for Will County and the entire Great Lakes region. Foster’s requests include: Increased federal funding from 80 percent to 90 percent for the Brandon Road Ecosystem Project, which is the last line of defense for preventing invasive Asian Carp from reaching Lake Michigan and all of the tributaries and lakes in the Great Lakes basin. This increased funding will be used for the project’s remaining design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and rehabilitation. $30 million in federal funding to improve water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in Will County, Illinois. A hydraulic evaluation of the upper Mississippi River and Illinois River to evaluate flow frequency probabilities and develop updated water surface profiles to help predict and prevent floods. Various ecosystem restoration projects for the Fox River, Illinois River, Chicago River, Calumet River, Grand Calumet River, Little Calumet River, and other waterways in the Chicago suburbs. “During my time in Congress, it’s always been one of my top priorities to give Illinois its fair share of federal resources,” said Foster. “These projects are critical to the ecosystems and environmental infrastructure in Will County and the entire Great Lakes region, and I’m proud this legislation invests in the water infrastructure that future generations deserve.” The Water Resources Development Act was included in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/harder-torches-government-bureaucrats-in-reaction-to-new-report-on-impacts-of-building-delta-tunnel-project,Harder Torches Government Bureaucrats in Reaction to New Report on Impacts of Building Delta Tunnel Project,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Josh Harder,H001090,harder.house.gov,harder,https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Josh Harder released the following statement in reaction to the Army Corps of Engineers’ newly released 700 page draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Delta Conveyance Project, also known as the Delta Tunnel. The report finds that building the Delta Tunnel project may have significant negative impacts on the Central Valley’s agricultural resources including its water supply, air quality, endangered species, essential fish habitat, and environmental justice outlook. Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers has failed to schedule even one single in-person public hearing on the Delta Tunnel project. “Building the Delta Tunnel will crush our farmers, endanger our environment, and put our whole community at risk. I refuse to let that happen. Everyone in the Valley knows the Delta Tunnel is a terrible idea and a greedy water grab. Now, we have a report that makes those facts clear as day,” said Rep. Harder. “The Army Corps of Engineers’ refusal to host a single in-person public hearing on this project is an embarrassment and a disservice to everyone in our community. Six weeks of public comment on a project that will impact us for hundreds of years is unacceptable and another demonstration of Sacramento putting itself first and the Valley last. Today, I’m calling on the Army Corps to reverse its decision and hold a real, in-person public hearing before the end of January so they can hear directly from Valley farmers and families about what this disastrous project would mean to all of us.” Rep. Harder’s office will be following this press release with additional announcements and actions in opposition to the Delta Tunnel project in the coming days and weeks. This comes on the heels of Rep. Harder’s new bill, the Stop the Delta Tunnel Act, which would stop the project’s construction once and for all. A summary of the EIS report can be found online here. The full report can be found online here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/statement-of-congressman-jamie-raskin-to-the-people-of-maryland-s-8th-district,Statement of Congressman Jamie Raskin to the People of Maryland’s 8th District,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today released the following statement. “After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer. I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment. “I expect to be able to work through this period but have been cautioned by my doctors to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu and other viruses. In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system. I am advised that it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I am still holding out hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss). “With the benefit of early detection and fine doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and to-be) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House, I plan to get through this and, in the meantime, to keep making progress every day in Congress for American democracy. “My love and solidarity go out to other families managing cancer or any other health condition in this holiday season—and all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who provide us comfort and hope.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://sewell.house.gov/2022/12/fiscal-year-2023-omnibus-bill-provides-billions-in-federal-funding-for-alabama-projects,Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Bill Provides Billions in Federal Funding for Alabama Projects,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,AL,Terri A. Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,sewell,https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) celebrated the inclusion of billions in federal funding for the state of Alabama in the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus funding bill, which passed the House and Senate last week. “I was thrilled to vote in favor of the FY23 funding bill because I know that it will be a game changer for the people of Alabama,” said Rep. Sewell. “I would also like to thank Senator Richard Shelby for his work to ensure that Alabama received a historic amount of funding during his last year as a United States Senator. His leadership, his pragmatic approach to governing, and his fierce advocacy for the people of Alabama will be missed.” The FY23 Omnibus funding bill includes the following funding for Alabama: $76 million for the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine to build a new biomedical research building. $55 million for the Secret Service’s National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI), located in Hoover, to expand training opportunities for state and local law enforcement and legal and judicial professionals in computer forensics and cyber investigations. $5 million for the Secret Service’s Cyber Fraud Task Forces to increase mission effectiveness and provide modern investigative capabilities to combat transnational crimes. $23 million to repurpose and renovate NCFI facilities to accommodate for the ongoing growth of the program. $30 million in funding for Alabama’s Northern Beltline of the Appalachian Development Highway System. $47.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase of nearly $2.5 billion above FY22 funding level. $7.32 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an increase of $407.6 million from FY22. $923 million for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). $629 million for Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs), which continues funding for a CTSA award at UAB. $25 million in grant funding for the Regional Pediatric Pandemic Network, a network of ten Children’s hospitals, including Children’s of Alabama. $52 million in targeted funds for Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs) to test FDA-approved drugs at research institutions across the country, including UAB. $280.295 million for the NIH, Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, to address addiction and develop alternatives to opioids for safe and effective pain management. $520.163 million for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and continued support of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, founded and hosted at UAB. $47 million for Area Health Education Centers (AHECs), which supports the Alabama Statewide AHEC Program that is hosted within the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine. $119 million for the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), which supports the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Recreational Technologies (RERC Rec-Tech) in Birmingham. $8 million in Emerging Infectious Diseases for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to utilize its clinical trial partners and the Mycoses Study Group, which is affiliated with UAB. Funding consistent with cooperative agreement to support the Department of Energy’s National Carbon Capture Center in Wilsonville, Alabama. $4.5 million, $1.5 million above the FY22 enacted level, for the NIST Cybersecurity of Genomic Data program, which supports ongoing research in cybersecurity for genomic and biomedical-based systems at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. $15 million military construction project building a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Gate at Maxwell Air Force Base. $6+ million military construction project building a F-35 Weapons Load Crew Training facility at the Montgomery Regional Airport. $50 million for the University of Alabama for a permanent endowment fund to support the recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty in science and engineering. $45 million to the University of Alabama to construct the Center for Hydrologic Computing, which will support CIROH and its co-located partners, the NWC and the USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), in hydrologic research, education, and forecasting. $10 million for The University of Alabama for an institute on public service and leadership, including a scholars program. $100 million for the Alabama Department of Transportation to replace the existing Woolsey Finnell Bridge with a six-lane bridge in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. $26 million for the Tuscaloosa National Airport for the design and construction of additional runway length. $45 million in grant funding for the nation’s protection and advocacy (P&A) system, which includes the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) in Tuscaloosa. $40 million in formula State grants for Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI), which supports the ADAP PAIMI program in Tuscaloosa. Provides funding to the U.S. Geological Survey to support the new USGS Hydrological Instrumentation facility, which is located at the University of Alabama: $13.5 million to support integrated water prediction operations; $4 million to assist in future hydrological research and operational efforts; $4.5 million for university partnerships for innovative water resource sensor technologies. $5 million for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to establish a Center forPaleo-environmental Records of Extreme Events, which will be located at the University of Alabama. No less than $38.5 million to support staffing and operations at the National Water Center (NWC), which is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. $28.25 million, $8.25 million above the FY22 enacted level, for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), which is located at the University of Alabama, to assist NOAA and the National Water Center in addressing the nation’s growing water-related challenges and leveraging CIROH expertise for most operationally relevant research. $1 million is maintained for the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Service to collaborate on research priorities with the NOAA CIROH. Supports the President’s budget request of $133.6 million for Army Corps of Engineers’ dredging projects throughout the State of Alabama. Additional $26.4 million above the President’s budget request to support further Army Corps’ dredging operations along multiple waterways and bays in Alabama. $35 million for the construction of a new math and science facility at Marion Military Institute. $50 million for the Department of Labor (DOL) Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) program, to provide enhanced worker training in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. $385 million for the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME), which will increase Pediatric residencies at Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile and Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. $3.98 billion for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to continue addressing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and prioritized funding that reduces CVD among the hardest-hit—African Americans living in the rural South. $24.343 million for Nursing Workforce Diversity to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing student stipends, scholarships, and preparation and retention activities. $40 million for the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases’ Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) program, which brings cutting edge technology to the front lines of public health by harnessing the power of next-generation sequencing and high performance computing with bioinformatics and epidemiology expertise to study pathogens. $362.8 million for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct research and make recommendations for the prevention of work-related illness and injury. Including: $32 million for Education and Research Centers and; $29 million for the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program. $196.5 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) to support research related to identifying and reducing health disparities. $9.5 million for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) to continue the NTID’s current Regional STEM Center (NRSC). $6 million for the Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT) regional partnership, a collaboration between the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB). $8.5 million for Gallaudet University’s regional partnership through the Early Language Acquisition Project (ELAP), headquartered at the AIDB in Talladega. $715.5 million for Adult Career, Technical, and Education (CTE) State grants. $80 million in grant funding for biomedical research facilities to expand, remodel, renovate, or alter existing research facilities or construct new research facilities. $205.6 million for the National Center on Birth Defects, Developmental Disability and Health (NCBDDD), including $2.5 million for partnership between national disability organizations, such as the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) located in Birmingham. $25 million for Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) to increase the number of health-service psychologists to high-need, underserved populations in urban and rural communities. $90 million for the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program, which supports evidence-based professional development for teachers, principals, and other school leaders, teacher and leader preparation and other activities. $373.5 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health services, as well as access to such services. $20.15 million for the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) program, which provides grants to agencies to protect and advocate for the legal and human rights of persons with disabilities who are ineligible for the protection and advocacy services available through the Development Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act. $13.118 million for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program, which supports the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services in Montgomery. $81 million for State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, which supports the Alabama State Council for Developmental Disabilities in Montgomery. $1.43 billion for the National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, including $58.42 million for Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. $2 million for the National Lupus Outreach and Clinical Trial Education Program. Provides funding to the Rural Utilities Service and Farm Service Agency for water-related technical assistance programs, which positively impact rural communities in Alabama: $75 million for the Watershed Flood and Prevention Program, including a set-aside and language to exempt watershed projects that impact areas greater than 250,000 acres, which helps expand irrigation agriculture projects in Alabama; $21.18 million for the Circuit Rider Program. $3 million to continue the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service pilot program to assist statewide departments of agriculture and forestry commissions, including the Alabama Forestry Commission, in controlling the spread of cogon grass. $400,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to continue a feasibility study on riverine fish passages at Claiborne and Millers Ferry Locks and Dams on the lower Alabama River. $30.1 million for the Delta Regional Authority, including $15 million for flood control, basic public infrastructure development, and transportation improvements. $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, including $65 millionfor the POWER initiative that provides federal funding to help communities and regions affected by job losses in coal mining and coal power plant operations, $16.5 million for industrial site and workforce development in Southern and South Central Alabama, and $8 million for Local Development Districts. $135 million for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program and language to expedite and streamline the OSMRE review process of AMLER projects, which supports the Alabama Department of Labor in funding projects in Alabama. $4.4 million for State Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans, which will support the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ efforts to prevent and control the spread of aquatic nuisance species throughout the State of Alabama. Provided funding for the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Legacy Restoration Fund projects in Alabama: $7.451 million for the Freedom Riders National Monument",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://strickland.house.gov/2022/12/28/media-press-releases-strickland-announces-anusha-jain-2022-congressional-app-challenge-winner/,Strickland Announces Anusha Jain as 2022 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Lacey, WA – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced middle schooler, Anusha Jain, as the 2022 Congressional App Challenge winner for Washington’s 10th Congressional District. Jain was selected by a panel of judges for her app, EcoFriend. “After reviewing many incredible submissions from students across the South Sound, I congratulate Anusha for winning the Congressional App Challenge,” said Strickland. “This thoughtful app is the user’s own guide to how they can care for the environment. I look forward to seeing the cover photo on display as I walk around the Capitol. Thank you to our judges and all the students who participated.” “EcoFriend teaches you how you can help save the environment. We all share one big planet Earth, and sometimes…that can be a big problem,” said Jain. “Trash on roads, plastic in rivers, cutting down of trees …the list goes on and on. It is our duty, as residents of Mother Earth, to protect our environment from getting dirtier and dirtier every day. That’s why I created EcoFriend, your personal guide to keeping the environment just the way it deserves to be.” “I was delighted to participate in the App Challenge, and I am very impressed at the high quality of submissions whose aim is to make the world a better place. I am thrilled that Congresswoman Strickland is a keen supporter of STEM initiatives such as the App Challenge, something that is also close to my heart,” said Dr. Radana Dvorak, Chair of Computer Science at St. Martin’s University. “As an educator and computer scientist, I see the value of younger students, especially girls, starting to explore computer science and engineering fields before starting college. I would be delighted to see all four finalists come to Saint Martin’s University, study in my computer science department, and join our Women In Technology (WIT) club.” “STEM is more crucial than ever in our increasingly digital world. I enjoyed being a judge for all the impressive apps that were submitted. Apps like EcoFriend not only demonstrate the great technical skill these young students have worked so hard to achieve, but also the potential impact a single app can have on making a better planet for future generations,” said Joseph Ortiz, Computer Programming Instructor at Clover Park Technical College. The app cover photo will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. Winners are also invited to Capitol Hill for a celebration called #HouseOfCode where they can demo their apps to their representatives. The first official Congressional Art Challenge was launched in 2016 to foster and encourage an appreciation for computer science and STEM, and to inspire students to pursue careers in computer science. To learn more about EcoFriend, watch here. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-fight-human-trafficking-signed-into-law,Peters Bipartisan Bill to Fight Human Trafficking Signed Into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,MI,Gary C. Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,garypeters,https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance our nation’s ability to combat human trafficking has been signed into law. The new law will make permanent and strengthen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT). “Human trafficking continues to leave deep traumatic scars on victims and families in Michigan and across the country,” said Senator Peters. “This new law will help enhance our ability to stop these crimes by ensuring the Center for Countering Human Trafficking has what it needs to disrupt human trafficking organizations and protect victims of these horrific crimes.” Millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including thousands in the United States. According to DHS, traffickers might use violence, manipulation, false promises of jobs that pay well, or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. Based on calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project found that in 2020 there were at least 16,658 human trafficking victims and survivors in the United States. However, the actual number of these crimes is likely much larger because these crimes often go unreported. In addition, the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission says that an extremely high number of human trafficking cases involve the sexual exploitation of a child. Eradicating these heinous crimes will require stronger anti-trafficking policies and ensuring that law enforcement professionals and the public are able to recognize indicators of human trafficking. The Countering Human Trafficking Act makes permanent the CCHT, which oversees DHS’s efforts to combat human trafficking and the importation of products that are made with forced labor. The Center also ensures the Department is leveraging and coordinating its capabilities and resources to fight back against traffickers. The law allows the CCHT to build out their permanent staff with Special Agents, criminal analysts, and others. It also allows the Center to modernize their systems and operations to support worldwide investigations on human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, and bolster efforts to protect human trafficking victims. Finally, the law expands and improves national public awareness and law enforcement training initiatives to boost efforts to counter trafficking. Peters’ legislation to increase coordination between Department of Homeland Security components and the Blue Campaign, a national public awareness effort designed to educate law enforcement and the public to recognize human trafficking, was signed into law as a part of last year’s National Defense Authorization Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-signed-into-law-to-better-predict-severe-weather-and-protect-michiganders,Peters Bipartisan Bill Signed into Law to Better Predict Severe Weather and Protect Michiganders,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,MI,Gary C. Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,garypeters,https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – The President has signed into law U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) bipartisan legislation to establish a National Integrated Flood Information System. The bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and unanimously passed the U.S. Senate last year. The Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support (FLOODS) Act – which Peters reintroduced with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) – will provide funding to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to forecast floods, hurricanes, and tornados and disperse relevant information to local officials and first responders. Peters is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which oversees NOAA. “It’s important we have the resources to better prepare for severe weather like flooding, particularly as storms continue to worsen due to climate change,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I was proud to help champion this bipartisan bill into law, which will strengthen NOAA’s ability to predict severe weather and protect the lives and livelihoods of folks across our state.” “Flooding is a common and deadly natural disaster in the U.S., resulting in over $25 billion in annual economic losses,” said Senator Wicker. “Events in my home state of Mississippi, such as the prolonged opening of the Bonnet Carré spillway and the Pearl River and Yazoo backwater floods, underscore the importance of an effective understanding and response to high water. This legislation will protect lives and property by directing NOAA to improve its flood monitoring, forecasting, and communication efforts.” “With flash floods occurring more frequently in every corner of the nation, early and reliable detection and warning is critical to save life and property,” said Cheryl Small, Executive Director, National Flood Association. “We believe the integration and partnerships — including with the private sector — that will be developed or improved through this legislation will result in a more prepared and resilient nation.” “Investing in science and NOAA’s prediction and communication capabilities will help keep communities — particularly vulnerable communities in coastal and inland floodplains—safe,” said Rachel Cleetus, Policy Director and Lead Economist, Union of Concerned Scientists Climate & Energy Program. “This timely legislation will improve the NOAA’s forecasting through comprehensive data collection and integration at multiple levels, including governmental, private and non-governmental agencies and organizations.” “Improving the nation’s resiliency to natural catastrophes including flooding will take the combined efforts of individuals, communities, businesses, and governments,” said Nathaniel F. Wienecke, Senior Vice President, American Property Casualty Insurance Association. “On behalf of our members, we commend Senator Peters and Senator Wicker for addressing this important issue by taking action to improve flood monitoring and forecasting.” The FLOODS Act is also supported by the American Association of Flood Plain Managers, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, National Society of Professional Surveyors, and the U.S. Geospatial Executives Organization. The bipartisan bill will also form partnerships between NOAA and institutions of higher learning to bolster total water predictions, assign a service coordination hydrologist at each National Weather Service River Forecast Center to support decision making on the local and statewide levels, and establish a committee to increase coordination between federal agencies responsible for water management. Peters has led numerous efforts to support Michigan communities that have been affected by flooding and other severe weather events. Peters secured $500 million in funding as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law for a program he created to help states establish revolving loan programs for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce the risk of natural disasters, including extreme flooding, shoreline erosion, and rising water levels. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters also convened a hearing with disaster preparedness and response experts to hear how worsening natural disasters, including flooding, severe storms, and wildfires, continue to harm lives and livelihoods in Michigan and across the nation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-1000000-for-akwesasne-boys-and-girls-club-to-support-mohawk-youth,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1,000,000 FOR AKWESASNE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO SUPPORT MOHAWK YOUTH",2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are announcing that they secured $1,000,000 for the Boys & Girls Club in Akwesasne for children of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in the FY2023 spending bill. The Boys & Girls Club of America provides safe community gathering centers nationwide and empowers young students with educational programs designed to help them succeed in school. The federal dollars Gillibrand and Schumer fought for will help construct a new “Great Futures Start Here” Clubhouse in Akwesasne to serve this purpose for Mohawk youth. The new Clubhouse will enable the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club to continue offering its vital afterschool, summer, athletic, and meal programs in a safe, modern, and accessible space. “Investing in the youth of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is investing in the future of the North Country, and I am proud to deliver this $1 million in funding to boost the community, its families, and most importantly the children of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe,” said Senator Schumer. “These funds will help finally begin construction of the community gathering space the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club has long deserved for afterschool and other essential youth programs. I will always fight to deliver meaningful, community driven investments to uplift the future of our children in Upstate New York.” “Fostering a sense of community and support is vital to helping our youth get off on the right foot. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has a proven track record of doing just that and preparing young people across New York State to achieve their full potential,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This $1,000,000 will kick-start the building of a safe and modern community center for Mohawk youth and provide them with the indispensable opportunities they deserve. The children of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe are essential to the fabric of our state and I am thrilled to announce this important investment in their education and in their future.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1021,Case Says Federal FY 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill Includes Provisions To Assist Hawai’i Small Business And Tourism And Strengthen Worker Retirement Savings,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, today announced that the $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations measure, recently passed by Congress and soon to be signed into law by President Biden, includes several initiatives to strengthen Hawaii’s dominant tourism and small business economies as well as assist Hawai’i workers with their retirements. “This measure will strengthen our top-generating tourism sector, promote small business development and assist in economic diversification as our state’s economy continues to recover from the lingering effects of COVID-19,” said Case. The omnibus bill includes the Visit America Act, a top initiative of the national travel and tourism industry which Case, a member of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, and like-minded colleagues introduced and advanced. It would mandate a coordinated national effort to stabilize and recover one of the country’s primary industries, and create a first-ever Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The federal spending measure also includes retirement provisions that will provide millions of workers and retirees with significant improvements to the nation’s private retirement system. “The aptly named ‘SECURE 2.0 Act’ provision expands automatic enrollment into retirement plans, raises the age for required minimum disbursements from retirement plans to 75 from 73 and increases the amount that individuals aged 50 and older can put into their retirement account,” said Case. Tourism “The COVID-19 pandemic devastated our travel and tourism industry and all of its components including accommodations, transportation, food services and attractions,” said Case, formerly a travel and tourism executive with industry leader Outrigger Enterprises headquartered in Waikīkī. “Travel and tourism are huge contributors to the U.S. economy, especially to major visitor destinations like Hawai‘i. Inclusion of the Visit America Act in the FY 2023 omnibus spending measure will ensure a coordinated, high-level federal response to this challenge that delivers critical assistance to affected businesses and their employees as well as state and local economies dependent on tourism and also fully engages the federal government in pursuing long-term success and growth.” The Visit America Act would: Express the sense of Congress that the federal government must work with the industry and other stakeholders toward a visitation goal of 116 million annual travelers to the United States by 2028, an increase of some 25% over pre-COVID numbers; Establish within the Department of Commerce an Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism appointed by the President with responsibilities to set and pursue international visitation goals, ensure public and private sector coordination on travel and tourism, set visa processing goals with the Departments of State and Homeland Security, promote travel exports abroad, and more; Require the Department of Commerce to create a 10-year Travel and Tourism Strategy; and Authorize the creation of a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Worker Retirement The federal spending measure also includes significant changes in federal law to provide millions of workers and retirees with significant improvements to the nation’s private retirement system. “Americans deserve dignified retirements after decades of hard work. To help them, for the first time, millions more workers would access resources for retirement and can see retirement contributions year after year, even if they have no tax liability. These are reforms that will make a meaningful difference for workers throughout out states,” said Case. Case added that the provision allows employers to contribute matching payments to retirement accounts to match an employee’s student loan payments, and it will give part-time workers better access to retirement benefits by allowing more individuals to join their companies’ 401(k) plan. Additionally, the bill includes incentives for small businesses to set up retirement savings plans for their workers, encourages individuals to set aside long-term savings and makes it easier for annuities to be an income option for retirees. Small Businesses According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), there are more than 137,000 small businesses in Hawai’i, making up more than 99 percent of all businesses in the islands,” said Case. “We have seen what the pandemic has done to these companies, and what they are having to deal with now as they struggle with the rising costs of inflation. “That is why I worked in this measure and elsewhere to ensure that small businesses remain the backbone of our economy including financial, technical and emergency assistance, boosting trade opportunities, and ensuring that women-owned and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses get the help they need.” To assist small businesses nationwide, the bill provides $1.2 billion for the SBA, which delivers various federal programs to assist small businesses, an increase of $188 million above the FY 2022 funding level. This includes $320 million, a $30 million increase, for Entrepreneurial Development Programs that provide small businesses with quality training, counseling and access to resources. The measure includes several of Case’s requests for funding for federal programs and services important for businesses in the State of Hawai‘i including: $25 million for the Native American Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program, $4 million for the Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program, $27 million for the Women’s Business Centers Program, $140 million for Small Business Development Centers, $20 million for the State Trade Expansion Program, $10 million for the Regional Innovation Clusters Program, and $41 million for the Microloan Technical Assistance Program. The bill also provided $324 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), an increase of $29 million above the FY 2022 enacted levels. CDFIs are specialized community-based financial institutions that promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly in low-income and minority communities. They were especially valuable in delivering COVID-19 emergency assistance funds to communities without ready access to other means. Another provision highlights Congress’ concern about equal opportunities and expects the SBA to work closely with Congress to provide equal opportunities for Native Hawaiian organizations. To that end, the bill also includes $70 million for the Minority Business Development Agency with $5 million specifically set aside for Native American Business Development Program that awards grants to Tribes and American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian populations to address barriers to economic development. Finally, the bill continues the military contracting preference for Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 omnibus is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4281,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Returns More Than Half a Billion Dollars to Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced she has helped secure $502,938,988 in federal grant dollars for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District. “Congress has the power to allocate our resources to further our country’s goals,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “From promoting public safety, to helping expand small businesses, to providing essential support for survivors of domestic violence, I am proud to have helped return more than half a billion taxpayer dollars to our community to respond directly to the needs of Houston families. I look forward to continuing to support many of our district’s priorities in direct and tangible ways.” This year alone, Congresswoman Fletcher announced funding to promote public safety, bridge the digital divide, expand small businesses, and more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-secures-over-237-million-community-projects-south-texas,CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ SECURES OVER $23.7 MILLION IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS FOR SOUTH TEXAS,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Omnibus Appropriations package to fund the federal government and provide supplemental funding to Ukraine. This package includes $23,796,378 for local community projects located throughout the 15th Congressional District of Texas. Congressman Gonzalez also successfully included H.R. 6810, the Housing our Veterans Act, which takes steps to address veteran homelessness. ""This federal funding will allow the United States to deliver on its promise to invest in the American people ,"" stated Congressman Gonzalez. ""The FY23 omnibus appropriations bill will help American families by creating better-paying jobs, help small business owner s and entrepreneurs access capital, keep our communities safe by supporting local, state, and federal law enforcement, increase military pay by 4.6 percent and ensure our military is well equipped to overcome challenges both domestically and abroad. I am also proud to bring home over $23.7 million to support community centers, improve drainage and roads, and give our children a brighter future. ""Additionally, I am proud that my legislation, H.R. 6810, the Housing Our Veterans Act, was included in this critical legislation . This will allow us to gain a clearer picture of the housing challenges our veterans face so we can fully address housing affordability and homelessness among veterans. ""As we wrap up the 117th Congress, rest assured that I will continue to be South Texas' loudest advocate and work to ensure that our community is served and supported."" H.R. 6810, the Housing our Veterans Act, requires the GAO to conduct a study on the availability of affordable housing for veterans participating in homelessness programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the impact this availability has on veterans seeking permanent shelter. Federal funding projects secured by Congressman Gonzalez: $325,000 for Project Safe, the Acquisition of Safety Mobile Application for Domestic Violence Victims $2,000,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, TX Community Center $1,700,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Weslaco, TX Expansion Project $1,753,812 for the Boys and Girls Club of Pharr, TX for equipment and supplies for youth development services $1,500,000 for the Brooks County School Based Health Center Falfurrias, TX $1,549,044 for the City of Mercedes, TX for an Expansion of Sanitary Sewer Collection System Project $3,452,972 for the City of San Juan, TX for a Lift Station Rehabilitation Project $1,265,550 for the Elsa Getting Connected Project in Elsa, TX $200,000 for the McAllen Independent School District Aviation Program in McAllen, TX for private pilot and remote drone license training $4,000,000 for the Mile 10 North Road Project in Weslaco, TX $750,000 for the New VFW Post 8788 in McAllen, TX $1,000,000 for healthcare workforce development at South Texas College in McAllen, TX $1,800,000 for Security Fencing at the South Texas International Airport at Edinburg (EBG) $1,500,000 for the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA) Inclusive Camp Facility Project $1,000,000 for the University of Texas Health RGV Cancer and Surgical Center",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://juliabrownley.house.gov/biden-signs-brownley-bill-to-designate-oxnard-post-office-recognizing-civil-rights-champion-john-r-hatcher-iii/,Biden Signs Brownley Bill to Designate Oxnard Post Office Recognizing Civil Rights Champion John R. Hatcher III,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Julia Brownley,B001285,juliabrownley.house.gov,juliabrownley,https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding the recent enactment of legislation she authored to designate the U.S. Post Office located at 1961 North C Street in Oxnard, California as the “John R. Hatcher III Post Office Building.” John R. Hatcher III was a prominent community leader, staunch civil rights champion, and a lifelong resident of Oxnard. “John Hatcher left a lasting legacy on our community, and I am proud to have spearheaded this effort to designate a post office bearing his name,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “John was deeply passionate about advancing civil rights and a longtime advocate for the Black community across Ventura County, and this is a fitting tribute to John’s life and legacy. “I would also like to thank Senators Padilla and Feinstein for their help moving this important bill through the Senate and onto the President’s desk.” The son of a civil rights leader in Birmingham, AL during the Jim Crow era, John R. Hatcher III followed in his father’s footsteps and spent his life fighting for equality. Hatcher was a member of the NAACP for more than 60 years, nearly four decades of which he served as president of the Ventura County Chapter, in addition to eight years as the NAACP Southern Area president covering six states. Hatcher was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving more than 22 years before working as a civil servant for the Department of the Navy. A recipient of the African-American Achievement Award at California State University, Channel Islands, Hatcher aided in the establishment of the Ventura County African-American Chamber of Commerce, Tri-County Sentry newspaper, and naming the Thurgood Marshall School in the Oxnard School District. President Biden signed the bill on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-s-bipartisan-bill-rename-schaumburg-post-office,Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s Bipartisan Bill To Rename Schaumburg Post Office In Honor Of The Veterans Of The Iraq And Afghanistan Wars Signed Into Law,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden signed into law Congressman Krishnamoorthi's bill, H.R. 6386, which renames the Schaumburg Post Office, located at 450 West Schaumburg Road, as the ‘Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial Post Office Building.' ""I'm pleased that President Biden has signed into law my bipartisan legislation to rename the Schaumburg Post Office in honor of our brave veterans who served our nation with honor in Iraq and Afghanistan,"" said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. ""We can never fully repay our veterans for their sacrifices to our nation, but it is my hope that when members of our community visit the Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial Post Office Building, they will be reminded of the debt of gratitude we owe the heroes of our nation's most recent conflicts."" Below are quotes from community leaders and veteran care organizations about the signing of H.R. 6386 into law. ""Schaumburg is proud to have Congressman Krishnamoorthi rename the Schaumburg post office in honor of our veterans. Naming the postal service facility in their honor will remind everyone about the sacrifices made by these brave men and women to ensure freedom here and around the world,"" - Tom Dailly, Mayor of Schaumburg. ""We, the Department of Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars, are delighted to see the newly named ‘Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial Post Office Building' go into effect. It is actions like these that continue to develop and foster a culture of public support and admiration for our fearless service members, and to ensure our country maintains a strong, volunteer military force for the foreseeable future. The United States Postal Service is one of the longstanding pillars of freedom in this country, and what better way to recognize that than to honor those who continue to fight, throughout the world, for the principles of freedom.""-Bobby Welch, Commander, Department of Illinois VFW ""Naming this Post Office for Veterans is a great example of honoring people who get the job done, regardless of obstacles or staffing."" -Board of Directors of the Coalition of Veterans Organizations. ""The National Association of American Veterans thanks Congressman Krishnamoorthi for his tremendous efforts and genuine commitment to Veterans across the country. The renaming of a local Illinois Post Office pays respect to the millions of Veterans who served our country in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. We thank them for their service."" -Constance A. Burns, Founder, President and CEO, National Association of American Veterans, Inc. ""As a national organization that serves post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families, we always commend those who go above and beyond to thank military members and their families for their sacrifices and service,"" said Robin Kelleher, Co-founder and CEO for Hope For The Warriors. ""We understand how the entire military family serves— from multiple deployments, base moves and, for some, losing a loved one. We hope the renaming of the Schaumburg, Illinois Post Office is a daily reminder to the community of the sacrifices being made by military families serving around the world."" ""Thank you for honoring the military who fought and died in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The renaming of the Schaumburg Post Office to the ‘Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial Post Office Building' is a positive step towards keeping alive their memory. As the Illinois Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, we thank you, Congressman."" -Michael E. Lash, Military Order of the Purple Heart.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chairman-thompson-commends-atf-action-ghost-guns,Chairman Thompson Commends ATF for Action on Ghost Guns,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Thompson,T000460,mikethompson.house.gov,mikethompson,https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task ForceRep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Steve Dettelbach for releasing guidance on the agency’s Ghost Gun rulemaking. “Ghost guns are sought out by criminals and other people prohibited from purchasing a firearm because these untraceable weapons could be sold without a background check,” said Thompson. “I commend ATF Director Dettelbach for releasing a guidance letter to industry which will provide clarification about how the ghost gun rule will be enforced to ensure that frames and receivers have a serial number and require a background check to be sold.” The ATF’s ghost gun guidance letter follows action by the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to urge the ATF to provide clear guidance and vigorously enforce the rule cracking down on the illegal sale of ghost guns. Prior to the release of this guidance, some ghost gun retailers sought to evade the ghost gun rule by selling frames and receivers separate from the easily accessible tools and parts needed to complete the firearm. In December, Chairman Thompson met with Director Dettelbach to discuss gun violence prevention issues including the implementation of the ghost gun rule. In October Thompson led a letter to the ATF signed by 135 members of Congress on the ghost gun rule implementation. Read the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-local-projects-included-final-government-funding-law,Mrvan Local Projects Included in Final Government Funding Law,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC– Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan has announced that over $20 million in Community Project Funding requests have been included in the final Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations package. As the House and Senate have both approved this package, it is expected to be signed shortly into law by President Biden. Congressman Mrvan stated, “One of the fundamental lessons I have experienced in my first term of Congress is how success requires partnership and collaboration. I am grateful for all of these community partners for putting in the work to successfully identify and advocate for how the federal government can best help them in their dedicated services to Northwest Indiana. I look forward to continuing this type of work with the local stakeholders and all of my Congressional colleagues to advocate for good-paying jobs, law enforcement personnel, and infrastructure investments that lead to a growing economy for everyone.” Congressman Mrvan's requests included in the final appropriations package are specified below. $4,500,000 – Calumet Region Funding will assist with environmental infrastructure improvements to address critical water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater sewer infrastructure improvements designed to alleviate deteriorated conditions, increase the efficacy of existing systems, and improve water quality impacts. $1,000,000 – Indiana Shoreline Funding will be provided to the USACE to assist with the shoreline restoration within the Indiana Dunes National Park near Mount Baldy in Michigan City, and protect this incredible economic asset and environmental resource for Northwest Indiana from erosion. $914,000 – Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor Funding allocated will allow the USACE-Chicago District to address the needs of Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor in Portage, Indiana and support operations and maintenance. Improvements made will support economic development within the City of Portage driven by its proximity to Lake Michigan and the availability of the harbor. $1,016,000 – Michigan City Harbor Funding allocated will allow the USACE-Chicago District to address the needs of Michigan City Harbor and support operations and maintenance. Improvements made will support economic development within the City of Michigan City driven by its proximity to Lake Michigan and the availability of the harbor. $400,000 – Porter County Sheriff Funding will assist the Porter County Sheriff’s office in its efforts to invest in equipment upgrades to increase and improve efficiencies in the apprehension of subjects, locate missing persons, and to reduce property crimes. $215,000 – Whiting Police Department Funding will assist the Whiting Police Department to obtain license plate readers to assist officers in their ability to protect the community. $1,000,000 – Gary Police Department Funding will assist the Gary Police Department to obtain body-worn and in-car cameras to assist officers in their ability to protect the community. $1,500,000 – St. Catherine Hospital Funding will assist St. Catherine Hospital pursue its Cardiovascular Catheterization Table Project. The advanced technology elevates the care and image quality the hospital provides for diagnostic and interventional heart and vascular procedures to residents in the community. $1,000,000 – Valparaiso University School of Nursing Funding will assist Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professionals upgrade its Skills Lab and Simulation Modernization Project, which supports the effort to create a strong pool of trained medical technologists to serve the region’s health needs while laying the foundation to address the greater health care professional shortage. $100,000 – United Way of LaPorte County Funding will allow United Way of Greater LaPorte County to initiate a Youth Mental Health-Substance Abuse Assessment, to better address unmet needs in the community. $4,000,000 – Gary Chicago International Airport Funding will assist the Gary Chicago International Airport expand and construct a heavy cargo logistics apron for multiple users. $2,360,000 – Portage/Central Avenue Funding will assist the City of Portage to pursue additional phases of its Central Avenue Reconstruction Project. $750,000 – Fair Haven/Acquisition and Renovation Funding will assist Fair Haven in its efforts to provide safe and stable housing for adults who are fleeing or attempting to flee from dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. $310,000 – Opportunity Enterprises Funding will assist Opportunity Enterprises to acquire equipment and technology to enhance the quality of services provided through the Lakeside Respite Center, improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families. $1,525,000 – Paladin Funding will assist Paladin with the rehabilitation and repurposing of its facility, including accessibility alterations, modernization of classrooms to provide appropriate engagement activities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ADA updates and sensory-friendly spaces to support the community. For additional information on the final appropriations law, click here, and for additional information on Congressman Mrvan’s requests, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-rep-neguse-led-ethics-bill-law,President Biden Signs Rep. Neguse-led Ethics Bill into Law,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,neguse,https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C.—Today, President Biden enacted Congressman Joe Neguse’s bill, the Strengthening Ethics Act of 2021, to foster government accountability and oversight. The legislation makes technical changes to Title 5 of the U.S. Code and elevates the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Inspector General Act of 1978, and the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 officially into the United States Code. “This bill makes substantial steps towards increasing government accountability and oversight, enshrining several good governance bills into the base text of the U.S. Code Title 5. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I am proud to have spearheaded this effort to promote ethics in government,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. By moving these statutes into the base text of the U.S. Code Title 5, the Strengthening Ethics Act of 2021 helps the Judiciary Committee promote good governance and conduct continued oversight over the branches of government. From requiring financial disclosures from public officials to maintaining independent avenues for probing misconduct, the Act and the provisions it elevates are central to upholding the highest possible standards of government accountability. Read the bill text HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-panetta-announces-15-million-hhs-grants-expand-local-covid-19,Congressman Panetta Announces $1.4 Million in HHS Grants to Expand Local COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SALINAS, CA – Today, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced nearly $1.4 million in Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to expand local COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Funding will support health centers across the congressional district to administer updated COVID-19 vaccines. Salud Para La Gente in Watsonville will receive a $298,093 HHS grant, Monterey County will receive a $432,157 HHS grant, Santa Cruz County will receive a $174,595 HHS grant, and Clinica de Salud Del Valle De Salinas will receive a $491,628 HHS grant to bolster COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among underserved populations across our congressional district. ""Widespread, up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19 is how we protect ourselves, families, and friends and keep on going forward. This federal funding is critical to expanding the work of our community health care workers who have worked tirelessly to vaccinate our communities and leave no one behind,"" said Rep. Panetta. ""I'm proud that the federal government continues to play its part so that we at the local level can get vaccinated and get back to work, get together, get on the road to travel, and, ultimately, get back to living our normal lives."" ""This supplemental award of $298,093 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services allows us to continue to keep our patients and community safe through the winter and into the new year, by supporting expanded Covid-19 vaccine activities,"" said Dori Rose Inda, Chief Executive Officer of Salud Para La Gente. ""The County of Monterey Health Department is appreciative of receiving additional federal funding in the amount of $432,157 to support the continuation of COVID-19 vaccination efforts for our Medi-Cal and uninsured County residents who continue to be most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19,"" said Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of the Monterey County Health Department Director. ""The Health Department operates 10 Federally Qualified Health Centers in Salinas, Marina, and Seaside and serves approximately 40,000 patients. This HRSA funding will be used to expand COVID vaccination efforts which will support a broad range of activities aimed to boost COVID Vaccination confidence. For e.g., the funding will be used to conduct outreach and education to increase vaccine confidence and demand, continue to increase vaccination efforts, and provide enabling services."" ""We are so grateful for this funding as it will allow us to continue to reduce disease in our community, work towards equity, and provide outreach to our most vulnerable populations,"" said Amy Peeler, Chief of Clinic Services in Santa Cruz County. ""We are extremely grateful that our Nation has provided these resources so that our families, all American Families, can protect themselves against these new viruses. We will make strong efforts to get the vaccines distributed throughout our community,"" said Dr. Max Cuevas, Chief Executive Officer at Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-report-rep-stansbury-celebrates-2022-accomplishments,New Report: Rep. Stansbury Celebrates 2022 Accomplishments,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NM,Melanie A. Stansbury,S001218,stansbury.house.gov,stansbury,https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Helped steer over $1 billion in federal grant funding to N.M.-01 to build critical infrastructure, invest in lower healthcare costs, stimulate economic development, and more. Secured over $18 million in FY2023 Community Funded Projects to address New Mexico’s biggest challenges surrounding public safety, housing, hunger, behavioral health, and economic development. Secured over $10 million for FY2022 Community Funded Projects to address public safety and gun violence, support firefighters and rural communities, fund youth programs, and invest in economic development. Secured $84.5 million for critical New Mexico water infrastructure investments to help our communities navigate our biggest water challenges through sustainable water projects and programs. Joined New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation to secure $3.95 billion to support New Mexicans impacted by the devastating Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfires. Passed the Honoring our PACT Act to extend coverage to nearly 3.5 million veterans nationwide – marking the biggest expansion in veterans’ benefits in generations. Passed the Inflation Reduction Act to cut the cost of health insurance premiums, expand healthcare coverage, reduce prescription drug costs, and make the largest-ever investment in climate. Supported New Mexico’s STEM economy through her Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in July as part of the CHIPS and Science Act. Introduced nine pieces of original legislation to stimulate New Mexico’s economy, protect our public lands and waters, act on climate change, and improve education. Fought alongside the Democratic Women’s Caucus to protect abortion rights by passing the Women’s Health Protection Act in the House. Joined Senator Heinrich and members of the New Mexico Delegation to introduce legislation to authorize New Mexicans’ historic investment in early education from the state Land Grant Permanent Fund. The legislation passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Budget. Cosponsored over 445 pieces of legislation to act on New Mexico’s priorities, from caring for our veterans, to improving healthcare, to defending our democracy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://stanton.house.gov/2022/12/stanton-southwest-ceo-must-account-for-second-episode-of-nationwide-flight-cancellations-testify-before-congress,"Stanton: Southwest CEO Must Account for Second Episode of Nationwide Flight Cancellations, Testify Before Congress",2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Greg Stanton said that Congress must hold hearings for Southwest Airlines’ chief executive officer to explain why the airline has had two major episodes of flight cancellations within 14 months—leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded in airports throughout the nation. “Twice now over just 14 months, Southwest’s negligence has forced it to cancel an extraordinary number of flights and leave tens of thousands of passengers stranded without answers,” Stanton said. “It’s apparent failure to adequately prepare for or respond to foreseeable circumstances has created a paralyzing system-wide collapse. Southwest’s leadership, including CEO Robert Jordan, must explain to the American people and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee why it has failed to invest in its IT infrastructure, adequately staff airline operations, or to learn hard lessons from past challenges.” As of Tuesday afternoon, two-thirds of Southwest flights nationwide were cancelled. At Phoenix Sky Harbor, one of Southwest’s busiest hubs, the airline cancelled more than 90 percent of its flights. In October 2021, Southwest was forced to cancel thousands of flights over a four-day period—blaming a combination of bad weather, a brief problem with air traffic control in the Florida area and a lack of available staff to adjust to those problems.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2720,POTUS Signs Trahan’s Bipartisan Youth Suicide Prevention Bill into Law,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MA,Lori Trahan,T000482,trahan.house.gov,trahan,https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"LOWELL, MA – Last week, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, secured passage of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Reauthorization Act through the House and Senate. The legislation, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Friday, was included in the year-end omnibus package. “As a mom of two young girls, supporting our kids’ mental health has been a top priority for me, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why, alongside a bipartisan coalition of members, I introduced legislation to extend and strengthen key youth suicide prevention programs with a long track record of success,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “With the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act reauthorized, we are ensuring science-backed suicide prevention programs can continue saving lives. I’m grateful for the partnership of Congresswomen Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Cindy Axne, and Young Kim for their commitment to getting this done.” The Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Reauthorization Act ensures the continuation and strengthening of community-based youth and young adult suicide prevention efforts that were set to expire on December 31st. Studies have found that GLS has been effective in lowering the rate of youth and young adult suicides: From 2006 to 2015, counties with GLS initiatives had lower rates of youth suicide for a longer period of time compared to counties without such programs. Counties implementing GLS programs had significantly lower suicide rates for youth and young adults following implementation, which averted an estimated 79,000 suicide attempts. “The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Reauthorization Act included in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus package will save lives. By making suicide prevention programming available for students and supporting families in securing means used in suicide, we are taking critical steps forward in protecting our young people,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. “We thank Representative Lori Trahan (D-MA), and Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA), Young Kim (R-CA), and Ranking Member McMorris Rogers (R-WA) for their bipartisan leadership to ensure increased funding for youth suicide prevention.” Trahan originally introduced this bipartisan legislation with Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05) and Congresswomen Young Kim (R-CA-39), and Cindy Axne (D-IA-03) in March 2022. It was passed in the House in June as part of a larger bipartisan mental health and addiction package, but had stalled in the Senate until its passage last week. ###",1,2026-04-06T14:24:52Z,2026-04-06T15:54:45Z https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vargas-statement-on-supreme-court-blocking-termination-of-title-42,Rep. Vargas’ Statement on Supreme Court Blocking Termination of Title 42,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Juan Vargas,V000130,vargas.house.gov,vargas,https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C (December 27, 2022) — Congressmember Vargas released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to delay the termination of Title 42, a Trump-era immigration policy that blocks migrants from seeking asylum in the United States: “The conservative-controlled Supreme Court’s decision to block the end of Title 42 is outrageous,” said Rep. Vargas. “Over the last two and a half years, migrants have been cruelly expelled from our country under the guise of Title 42. It should have never been implemented in the first place, and it is long overdue to expire. Title 42 was never about public health—it was always about denying due process to asylum seekers fleeing persecution and extreme famine. Seeking asylum is legal in the United States. “Immigration has been used as the scapegoat of partisan attacks for far too long. Delaying the end of Title 42 will only create more chaos and place further strain on our already dysfunctional immigration system. I urge the Biden Administration to continue fighting to restore humanity and justice to our broken immigration system. It is time to end this cruel Trump-era policy once and for all.” ### Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fifth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-announces-15-million-for-community-projects-in-new-jerseys-12th-district,Rep. Watson Coleman Announces $15 Million for Community Projects in New Jersey’s 12th District,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced more than $15 million in federal community project funding for 15 organizations in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. This funding comes as part of the omnibus government funding legislation that Congress passed on December 23. The projects receiving funding include public facility restorations, flood mitigation initiatives, youth programs, and more. “As New Jersey’s sole congressional appropriator, I take great pride in making sure my constituents’ federal tax dollars come right back to their communities,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “This year, I’m proud to announce that I secured funding for 15 community projects across the 12th District. From mental health services to infrastructure improvements, these investments will make Central Jersey a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” Specifically, the omnibus funding bill provides funding for the following community projects in New Jersey’s 12th District: ● $2,000,000 for the Assunpink Greenway Active Recreation Corridor ● $1,000,000 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson Union Counties, Newark, NJ for mentoring and student support ● $750,000 for the Coalport Neighborhood Revitalization Planning ● $750,000 for the East Brunswick Public Library Building Infrastructure ● $813,600 for the Henry J. Austin Health Center, Trenton, NJ for a mobile health unit and staffing ● $350,000 for the Manville Veterans Freedom Plaza Creation ● $715,000 for the River Basin Commissions (Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions: Delaware River Basin Commission) ● $2,600,000 for the South Brunswick Signalized Intersection Improvements ● $1,112,175 for the Southern Middlesex County Flood Mitigation and Resilience Project ● $500,000 for The Center for Great Expectations, Somerset, NJ for mental health services and treatment ● $631,500 for The Children's Home Society of New Jersey, Trenton, NJ for employment training and related expenses for low income women to improve health and economic outcomes ● $100,000 for the United Way of Greater Union County, Elizabeth, NJ for addressing food insecurity, access to transportation and healthcare, and financial stability ● $2,443,000 for the Van Veghten House Restoration ● $750,000 for the Trenton Wireworks ● $750,000 for the Witherspoon Street Improvements",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-statement-on-supreme-courts-title-42-order,Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Supreme Court's Title 42 Order,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement following today’s unsigned Supreme Court order temporarily extending Title 42, a destructive and flawed Trump-era measure that was set to expire this month. “The Supreme Court’s order today is a destructive one based purely on politics. As Trump-appointed Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in his dissent, this order was made, ‘because policymakers have failed to agree on adequate measures to address [increased border crossings]... We are a court of law, not policymakers of last resort.’ At a time when the American peoples’ faith in the Supreme Court’s impartiality is at an all-time low this decision further erodes the Court’s credibility. “The order endangers the lives of people fleeing violence in their homelands; those seeking freedom, safety, and opportunity in the United States. Title 42 was put in place as a measure to protect public health during the height of the spread of COVID-19. It is not a substitute for comprehensive immigration reform. “Instead, Republican Governors have prioritized political stunts including sending desperate asylum seekers to northern cities that are experiencing severe weather. “Republican politicians have been quick to eliminate or circumvent nearly all COVID protocols meant to protect Americans. Their sudden interest in supporting covid measures at this point is based entirely on an effort to exclude legal asylum seekers. They have cynically found this one issue, the issue of Title 42, to cling to not because they seek to protect public health, but because their own caucus is incapable of coming to the table with Democrats on comprehensive immigration reform. “I only hope they see the light between now and the time of the Court’s final ruling on this case. Bipartisan immigration reform is possible but only if Congressional Republicans can put aside their partisanship and work with Democrats on finding a solution that prioritizes fairness and security.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-s-american-teacher-act-to-raise-the-minimum-teacher-salary-to-60000,"Congresswoman Wilson's American Teacher Act to Raise the Minimum Teacher Salary to $60,000",2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee, introduced the American Teacher Act to incentivize states to increase the minimum K-12 teacher salary to $60,000 and provide adjustments for inflation. This financial incentive supports ongoing state efforts to provide competitive wages for teachers and address the national teacher shortage. ""Teachers deserve a raise. Our nation's teachers have been underpaid, overworked, and deprived of resources for too long. That's why I'm filing the American Teacher Act today, to give our nation's teachers the raise they have earned and deserve,"" said Congresswoman Wilson. ""Teachers are the backbone of our education system and economy, playing a foundational role in the development of our children. For seven hours a day, they help shape and inspire young minds as well as nurture students academically and socially. As the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, teachers continued to play a critical role in our recovery, underscoring their indispensability. I am proud to introduce the American Teacher Act, a critical first step in the fight to support a livable, competitive wage for America's educators."" Teacher shortages are among the most pressing threats to education access today, with districts across the country forced to radically adjust school offerings to respond to turnover and prolonged vacancies. Every day, stories surface of schools shortening their weeks, canceling courses, increasing student-teacher ratios, and placing underprepared or temporary substitute staff in core instructional roles. Such adjustments disrupt learning, take a sustained toll on teacher morale, and harm student achievement. In August, the White House issued a fact sheet renewing attention to the weak teacher pipeline and calling upon legislators to use federal, state, and local resources to strengthen teaching career pathways and ensure competitive, livable wages. ""While teachers have never received the wages and respect commensurate with the work they do to help all children reach their promise and potential, the culture wars and stagnant wages of the last few years have made this worse. Recruiting and retaining a diverse teaching force has become increasingly difficult—indeed, most parents say they wouldn't want their kids choosing teaching as a career,"" said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. ""Rep. Frederica Wilson's bill, the American Teacher Act, addresses these challenges directly by providing states with federal funding to incentivize school districts to create a minimum starting salary of $60,000 for teachers. It also funds a national campaign highlighting the value of the teaching profession and encouraging young people to become teachers, using many of the recommendations in the AFT's Teacher and School Staff Shortage Task Force report ""Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?"" for recruiting the best candidates into teaching, including increasing compensation. This bill says put your money where your mouth is. We thank Rep. Wilson for her bold legislation addressing the low starting salaries that have plagued the teaching profession for generations, and we are proud to support this legislation."" ""Students of every color, background and ZIP code deserve qualified and caring educators dedicated to connecting with them and given the resources to nurture their passions and potential. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the educator staffing crisis that had been brewing for more than a decade,"" commented Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association. ""Fueled by insufficient teacher salaries and chronic underfunding of our public schools, our leaders need to immediately adopt solutions to the educator shortage, including treating educators with the respect and competitive compensation these dedicated professionals deserve. The American Teacher Act is an encouraging step forward, and NEA applauds Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for introducing legislation to enact long-term solutions to this longstanding, systemic issue."" ""Teachers are vital to our democracy and economy because we need them to maximize all young people's potential. We must take advantage of this moment—with the devastating learning loss and enormous and historic teacher shortages—to pay teachers what they are worth to us, to young people, and our shared future,"" said Ninive Calegari, Co-Founder of The Teacher Salary Project. ""Imagine what would happen if teaching were the sustainable and prestigious profession it deserves to be."" Failing to invest in our teachers properly perpetuates shortages by devaluing the profession and diverting current and prospective educators. Currently, the Economic Policy Institute reports an enduring pay penalty for teachers, meaning that those in the profession earn lower weekly wages and receive lower overall compensation for their work than their similarly college-educated peers. This penalty reached a record high of 23.5% for public school teaching in 2021, making it increasingly difficult for our nation to recruit, train, and maintain qualified educators. These concerns are even more significant among teachers of color, who are more likely to teach in schools with fewer resources. The American Teacher Act centers education as a national priority and addresses teacher shortages by supporting states in better insulating teaching as a valued and viable career. The bill would authorize funding to support the following: Award grants for the purpose of enacting and enforcing legislation to establish a statewide teacher salary requirement of $60,000 minimum, with 15% allocated to states and 85% to local educational agencies; Include a cost-of-living adjustment to ensure that minimum teacher salary keeps pace with inflation; Include a maintenance-of-effort provision to ensure states and districts do not replace currently committed allocations with federal government funding; Include a part-time teacher provision that adjusts required minimum salary proportional to workload (e.g., a 60% FTE teacher would have a minimum salary of $36,000); Include a provision that existing salary schedules or structures (i.e., the number of steps and lanes) remain as is with additional qualifications accruing the same salary increases as before, with step 1 as $60,000 and further steps adjusted accordingly. Provide a funding device that supports states and districts in closing the gap between current starting salaries and the $60,000 minimum over the course of 4 years. Prioritize local educational agencies qualifying as low or moderate-income. Invest in a national campaign to expand awareness of the value of teaching and encourage secondary and college students to consider teaching as a career; Support state efforts to ensure competitive wages for teachers Grantees would be required to establish a statewide teacher salary schedule or otherwise with a minimum threshold of $60,000 and annual increases congruent with the inflation rate. This financial incentive supports ongoing state efforts to ensure competitive wages for teachers. The American teacher Act is strongly supported by leading advocacy organizations, including the Teacher Salary Project, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), The National Education Association (NEA), The Education Trust, Teach for America, The New Teacher Project (TNTP) National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Educators for Excellence, Council for Exceptional Children, Center for Black Educator Development, Alliance for Excellent Education, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Network of State Teachers of the Year, National Center for Grow Your Own, National Equity Project, Black Teacher Project, Teach.Org, Open Way Learning, The Million Dollar Teacher Project, American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, University of San Francisco School of Education, 826 Valencia, Tall Poppy, LLC, New Jersey Teacher Corps, Public Advocacy for Kids, Center for Curriculum Redesign, New Mexico Association for the Education of Young Children, Hispanic Association of College and Universities, and American Consortium for Equity in Education.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-s-statement-on-markenzy-lapointe-s-senate-confirmation-for-us-attorney-for-the-southern-district-of-florida,Congresswoman Wilson's Statement on Markenzy Lapointe's Senate Confirmation for U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Markenzy Lapointe, longtime government lawyer and Miami-based litigator, to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement regarding Lapointe's Senate confirmation: ""Markenzy Lapointe represents the American Dream! After more than two years of relentless advocacy and pushing for the confirmation of Markenzy Lapointe as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, I am overjoyed the Senate has confirmed his nomination. ""As a former U.S. Marine, ex-federal prosecutor, and product of Miami-Dade, Markenzy Lapointe shares a unique perspective on the issues plaguing our communities and brings a clear vision along with a wealth of experience to lead this critical office. Confirmed to serve as the first Haitian American U.S. Attorney, Mr. Lapointe is shattering glass ceilings. ""I am confident in his ability to uphold the rule of law and dedication to fighting for a more equitable criminal justice system. I know his extensive experience, unquestionable conviction, and home-grown commitment to our diverse community will guide his success as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. ""With this appointment, I am proud to see that the office of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida will finally seat a trusted and seasoned litigator to take the helm in one of the nation's most diverse regions.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-releases-end-of-year-round-up-for-2022,Senator Hassan Releases End of Year Round Up for 2022,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – As 2022 comes to a close, the office of Senator Maggie Hassan released key highlights from the second year of the 117th Congress. “2022 was a boon for bipartisanship, and a powerful reminder of what we as a country can achieve when we come together to find common ground. I have always sought to follow the example of Granite Staters who every day set aside differences to solve problems – and by doing so, we have passed critical legislation to address some of the most pressing challenges that we face as a nation,” said Senator Hassan. “As I begin my second term in Congress next year, I look forward to continuing to build bipartisan cooperation to support the needs of families and our economy. And as we look to 2023, I wish my fellow Granite Staters happy holidays and a wonderful New Year.” Watch Senator Hassan’s 2022 recap video here. By the Numbers 74,000+ responses to constituent emails, letters, and calls 9 million: The number of surprise medical bills prevented to date by Senator Hassan’s bipartisan No Surprises Act that went into effect this year 1 POW/MIA flag returned to its rightful place at Arlington National Cemetery’s administration building 6 birthday cards sent to Granite Staters on their 100th - and 109th birthday! - by Senator Hassan #1 most bipartisan Senator according to the Lugar Center-Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy Nearly 75 percent of bills and resolutions introduced by Senator Hassan had a Republican cosponsor 12 seconds: Fastest mini-crossword completed by Senator Hassan 10 Key Accomplishments Investing in American Manufacturing & Research: Senator Hassan and colleagues passed into law the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act, which strengthens our economic and national security by providing critical investments in semiconductor manufacturing and research and development in the U.S. The law will help ensure that the U.S can outcompete China while lowering costs for families and strengthening our supply chains. Combating the Opioid Epidemic: This year’s government funding bill includes Senator Hassan’s bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, which eliminates an outdated requirement, the ‘x-waiver,’ that limits the number of medical practitioners who can prescribe life-saving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Delivering Comprehensive Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances: A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Hassan and her colleagues worked to develop and pass into law the PACT Act, which fundamentally reforms and improves how veterans exposed to toxic substances receive health care and benefits from the VA. Improving Mental Health Support for Young People: The President signed into law a bipartisan bill from Senator Hassan and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to strengthen mental health resources for young people and help prevent youth suicide. Senator Hassan introduced the bipartisan STANDUP Act after students across New Hampshire reached out to Senator Hassan about the urgent need to address mental health challenges and expand access to resources for young people. Reforming the Postal Service: Senator Hassan and colleagues' bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act is now law. It eliminates requirements that have decimated the Postal Services’ finances, increases transparency and accountability at the agency, guarantees mail delivery six days a week, and strengthens support for postal workers. In her remarks to the press, Senator Hassan said, “Granite Staters – especially in rural areas – know that a dependable Postal Service is essential for local communities to thrive, and today’s bill is a testament to the progress that we can make when we come together.” Lowering Prescription Drug Costs: The Inflation Reduction Act included a number of key provisions that Senator Hassan pushed for to take on Big Pharma and address the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs, including allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices – which will bring down the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries and help drive down prices across the board – and capping out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare prescription drugs. Protecting Fundamental Freedoms: Senator Hassan celebrated and helped pass the Respect for Marriage Act to enshrine marriage equality into law. In her statement, Senator Hassan noted New Hampshire’s proud legacy: “As the first state in our country to legalize same-sex marriage without the force of a court order, New Hampshire has long led the fight for marriage equality. Today’s signing is the culmination of efforts by advocates working to secure these freedoms for decades, and I’m proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community in celebration.” Standing Up to Those Who Enabled the Opioid Epidemic: Senator Hassan and colleagues’ bipartisan legislation to address conflicts of interests in federal contracting - such as McKinsey’s past work with the FDA and opioid manufacturers – will soon become law. In her advocacy for the legislation, Senator Hassan noted the bill’s importance: “This bipartisan bill will ensure that companies that work for the federal government are acting in the best interest of the American people – not Big Pharma.” Helping Veterans Make the Transition to Civilian Life: President Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Hassan to strengthen the Solid Start program, which contacts every veteran three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty service to check in and help connect them to VA programs and benefits. In addition, the year-end funding bill includes a bill Senator Hassan introduced with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to designate one week per year as “Buddy Check Week.” The bill is modeled after the American Legion’s “Buddy Check National Week of Calling” that connects veterans to other veterans in order to better ensure that they receive the support that they need. Addressing Gun Violence: The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes a number of measures to address gun violence that Senator Hassan has long pushed for, including: Incentives for states to pass and administer extreme risk protection laws, protecting survivors of domestic violence by closing the “boyfriend loophole,” and enhancing background checks as well as investing in mental health supports and services in schools and communities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-peters-grassley-hassan-and-ernst-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-conflicts-of-interest-in-federal-contracting-signed-into-law,"SIGNED INTO LAW: Peters, Grassley, Hassan & Ernst Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Conflicts of Interest in Federal Contracting Signed Into Law",2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) to help identify and mitigate potential conflicts of interest between taxpayer-funded projects and government contractors’ other business opportunities has been signed into law. The federal government contracts with private companies to support important government functions, such as the delivery of services and the approval of prescription drugs. However, many contractors also conduct business with the private sector or other outside entities, and this can raise questions about the reliability of consultations, advice, or projects under federal contracts if not handled appropriately. The law requires updates to existing rules to protect the integrity of services while allowing contractors to continue pursuing business opportunities to the greatest extent possible. The law was led through the House by U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY-12), Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. “Government agencies should know about whether federal contractors’ outside business interests might conflict with their work for Michiganders and Americans,” said Senator Peters. “This new law will ensure federal contractors are providing transparency about potential conflicts before they are awarded taxpayer dollars.” “Federal contractors are entrusted to provide critical goods and services to the federal government as it serves the American people. If we don’t know whether they are serving other, potentially conflicting interests, we can’t be confident that Americans are getting exactly what they pay for,” said Senator Grassley. “This good government bill, which is now law, takes steps to eliminate these potential conflicts of interest to rebuild public trust in our contracting process.” “It is unacceptable that federal contractors have potential conflicts of interest, including when McKinsey was working for opioid manufacturers at the same time it was working for the FDA on opioid-related projects,” said Senator Hassan. “I was glad to work with members of both parties to develop this law, which will help ensure that companies that work for the federal government put the interests of the American people first, not Big Pharma or other special interests. I’ll keep working with my colleagues to address conflicts of interest and stop waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.” “Before Washington doles out billions of dollars to government contractors, we need to make sure these organizations don’t have outside business interests that conflict with their work for our taxpayers,” said Senator Ernst. “This new law improves accountability and increases transparency by working to eliminate any potential conflict of interest, better ensuring these contractors are working in the best interest of Americans.” “My Committee’s investigation into McKinsey & Company’s conflicts of interest made it clear that our federal government contracting laws are in desperate need of reform,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “The American people deserve to know that their taxpayer dollars are working in their best interests – not the financial interests of powerful corporations. Today’s legislation is an important step to creating more transparency and accountability, and I thank Senator Peters for his partnership on this critical issue.” Reports have highlighted the need to prevent conflicts of interest within companies that are awarded federal contracts. For example, McKinsey & Company, a management consulting corporation often hired by the federal government, was paid more than $140 million dollars since 2008 by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to help support their oversight work of pharmaceutical companies, including determining the safety and efficacy of prescription pain medications. At the same time, McKinsey had not disclosed to the FDA that they were also consulting for several opioid manufacturers on how these companies could effectively market their products. This has called into question whether consultants from McKinsey were providing biased advice to the FDA, and whether that advice was influenced by their relationship with the drug makers whose business practices are a root cause of the opioid epidemic. The senators’ law will give federal agencies a process to evaluate similar potential conflicts of interest to ensure that federal consultants and other contractors are using taxpayer dollars to work in Americans’ best interests. The Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act requires agencies to identify potential conflicts for specific contracts early in the process. Federal contractors will be required to disclose other business relationships with entities that conflict with the specific work that an agency has hired them to do. Private companies under contract with the U.S. government would also have to disclose new potential business that opposes ongoing services they are providing to the American people. The law ensures federal contractors are aware of disclosure requirements and how working with agencies could impact other parts of their business. Finally, the law requires federal agencies to assess and update their procedures for determining whether contractors could have a conflict of interest. Below are statements in support of the senators’ bipartisan law: “The U.S. government increasingly relies on government contractors for their expertise on matters that threaten our nation's safety and security. Yet, based on current federal contract regulations, agencies cannot always discern whether government contractors have business relationships with foreign governments and private entities that could create a conflict of interest,” said Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “To protect the integrity of services provided to the United States, CREW endorses the Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, which would require greater transparency in contractor business relationships in order to prevent conflicts of interest.” “Companies perform mission-critical government functions. Organizational conflicts present one type of ethics risk to the government, and they must be identified and avoided through careful government oversight,” said Scott Amey, General Counsel for the Project on Government Oversight. “Without more guidance, organizational conflicts of interest can result in unfair competitive advantages and biased contract awards—both of which compromise the impartiality of the federal government and the integrity of the contracting process.” “When government policymaking is tainted by conflicts of interest, it weakens the legitimacy and credibility of the entire process. That erodes public confidence in government and harms democracy,” said Scott Greytak, Director of Advocacy for Transparency International U.S. “This law promotes greater transparency and accountability to ensure the public can trust that government is making decisions with their best interests at heart.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-president-signs-into-law-bipartisan-bill-backed-by-senator-hassan-and-congressman-pappas-to-provide-funding-for-law-enforcement-de-escalation-training,SIGNED INTO LAW: President Signs into Law Bipartisan Bill Backed by Senator Hassan & Congressman Pappas to Provide Funding for Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The President today signed into law bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senator Maggie Hassan, and supported by Congressman Chris Pappas, to help law enforcement officers respond effectively to people experiencing mental or behavioral health crises. The bill authorizes millions of dollars in annual grant funding to improve training for police officers interacting with individuals dealing with mental or behavioral health issues, including using alternatives to force and de-escalation tactics and working with mental health professionals on crisis intervention teams. It would also empower police and the mental health professionals working with them to link individuals to mental and behavioral health services in their community. “When there is an emergency, law enforcement officers are often the first ones on the scene, making it essential that they have the training to handle a variety of crises,” Senator Hassan said. “This new law can help law enforcement officers more effectively respond to someone experiencing a mental or behavioral health emergency and de-escalate the situation swiftly.” “Every day members of law enforcement respond to a wide variety of calls, and it’s important they have the training and resources to respond to every call safely and effectively,” said Congressman Pappas. “This bipartisan legislation will close critical gaps in mental health crisis training, helping protect law enforcement officers and improving outcomes for the people they serve. I’m pleased that this bipartisan bill has been signed into law today, and I will continue fighting to deliver the resources law enforcement needs to keep our communities safe.” Senator Hassan is committed to providing law enforcement officers with the support that they need. Senator Hassan and Representative Pappas recently joined the rest of the delegation in announcing $500,000 to help local New Hampshire police departments hire more law enforcement officers, which follows Senator Hassan’s push to increase funding for state and local law enforcement. The President also signed into law bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan cosponsored to support law enforcement officers suffering from PTSD and their families. Senator Hassan also joined her colleagues in introducing legislation to gather greater information on attacks targeting law enforcement. In 2019, bipartisan legislation became law that Senator Hassan cosponsored to help prevent law enforcement officer suicide. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-senators-hassan-risch-rosen-and-rubios-bipartisan-bill-to-help-prevent-human-trafficking,"SIGNED INTO LAW: Senators Hassan, Risch, Rosen, and Rubio’s Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Human Trafficking",2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The President today signed into law the bipartisan Human Trafficking Prevention Act that Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), James Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced to help prevent human trafficking by requiring the posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the restrooms of all U.S. planes, buses, and trains, as well as airports, bus stations, and rail stations. “Restrooms are often the only time that a victim will have the opportunity to get away from traffickers, making it one of the first lines of defense in getting someone the help that they need,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m pleased that our bipartisan bill to help prevent human trafficking was signed into law, and I will continue to work across the aisle to crack down on these heinous crimes.” The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a toll-free service connecting victims and survivors of trafficking to critical support and resources. The Hotline provides both a toll-free phone line and SMS text lines which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish or in more than 200 additional languages through an on-call interpreter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-biden-signs-hirono-legislation-to-support-native-hawaiian-survivors-of-gender-based-violence,President Biden Signs Hirono Legislation to Support Native Hawaiian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law legislation led by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) to allow Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence to access critical programs and resources provided by Congress through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The reauthorization of VAWA—which was signed into law in March, 2022—provides funding to Native Hawaiian survivors of all types of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual assault, sex-trafficking, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Senator Hirono’s legislation amends VAWA to ensure Native Hawaiian organizations are able to serve the Native Hawaiian community. The bill, which passed in the Senate unanimously last month, passed in the House on a voice vote earlier this month. “Like other Native communities across the country, Native Hawaiians experience disproportionately high levels of sexual and gender-based violence,” said Senator Hirono. “Despite this crisis, Native Hawaiian women have long been unjustly excluded from accessing much-needed resources for survivors provided through the Violence Against Women Act. This bill addresses this injustice and allows Native Hawaiian Organizations to better serve Native Hawaiians, and I’m glad the President has signed it into law. Now, Native Hawaiian organizations will have access to support and resources to serve the Native Hawaiian community and work towards eradicating sexual violence in our state.” Native women across the country—including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women—experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence. Therefore, VAWA includes Services, Training, Officers Prosecutors (STOP) grants to provide funding for eligible Native-serving non-profits, including Native Hawaiian organizations, to help combat sexual violence and support survivors. However, due to an earlier drafting error in the law, while Native Hawaiian organizations were able to apply for STOP grant funding, they could not use the funds to actually serve the Native Hawaiian community. As a result, Native Hawaiian women have been unable to access critical resources included in VAWA. According to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, more than two-thirds of sex trafficking victims in Hawaii are Native Hawaiian women and girls, and 37% of reported child sex trafficking cases in Hawaii are Native Hawaiian. Recently, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women released the ""Holoi a Nalo Wahine Oiwi"" report, which further underlines the disproportionate impacts that sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence have on Native Hawaiian women and girls. Senator Hirono has been a vocal advocate for the Native Hawaiian community and efforts to combat violence against Native Hawaiians. Last month, she spoke on the Senate floor about the need to amend VAWA to include Native Hawaiian women. In August, she pressed FBI Director Christopher Wray to do more to protect the Native Hawaiian community from sexual exploitation at a full Judiciary Committee hearing and emphasized the need for the FBI to include the Native Hawaiian community in its efforts to address the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis and violence against Native communities. In May, she joined a resolution designating May 5th as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-cornyn-applaud-help-find-the-missing-act-signed-into-law,"Murphy, Cornyn Applaud Help Find the Missing Act Signed Into Law",2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) on Tuesday released the following statements after President Biden signed into law the Help Find the Missing Act, or “Billy’s Law”, legislation to close loopholes in America’s missing persons systems by streamlining the missing persons reporting process and ensuring that law enforcement databases are more accessible and comprehensive. The bill was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John. Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “When I first met Jan and Bill almost 15 years ago, I was inspired by their determination to fix a missing persons system that had repeatedly failed them during the search for their son Billy. I’m so proud to have worked with Senator Cornyn, Congresswoman Hayes, the Smolinskis, the family of Gabby Petito, and countless others to finally get this bill to the president’s desk. This is a big deal that is going to ensure the thousands of other families with missing loved ones won’t face the same obstacles going forward,” said Murphy. “For families who have exhausted all possible leads to find their loved one, improving the missing persons reporting process is essential,” said Cornyn. “This legislation will ensure local law enforcement can work swiftly and comprehensively to deliver justice to the families and friends of the missing, and I am proud of the bipartisan support that pushed this bill across the finish line.” Billy's Law was originally introduced in the House of Representatives in 2009 by then-Congressman Chris Murphy. The bill was conceived by Janice and Bill Smolinski of Cheshire, Connecticut, after their 31-year-old son Billy went missing from Waterbury, Connecticut. While working with law enforcement to locate their missing son, the Smolinskis faced countless systemic challenges, most significantly the incomplete and uncoordinated federal databases for missing persons and unidentified remains. Billy's Law was introduced to address those challenges and help ensure that the tens of thousands of American families whose loved ones go missing each year do not experience the same hurdles faced by the Smolinskis. Full text of the bill is available here. A section-by-section of the bill is available here. A one-pager of the bill is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-conflicts-of-interest-in-federal-contracting-signed-into-law,Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Conflicts of Interest in Federal Contracting Signed Into Law,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,MI,Gary C. Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,garypeters,https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to help identify and mitigate potential conflicts of interest between taxpayer-funded projects and government contractors’ other business opportunities has been signed into law. The federal government contracts with private companies to support important government functions, such as the delivery of services and the approval of prescription drugs. However, many contractors also conduct business with the private sector or other outside entities, and this can raise questions about the reliability of consultations, advice, or projects under federal contracts if not handled appropriately. The law requires updates to existing rules to protect the integrity of services while allowing contractors to continue pursuing business opportunities to the greatest extent possible. “Government agencies should know about whether federal contractors’ outside business interests might conflict with their work for Michiganders and Americans,” said Senator Peters. “This new law will ensure federal contractors are providing transparency about potential conflicts before they are awarded taxpayer dollars.” Reports have highlighted the need to prevent conflicts of interest within companies that are awarded federal contracts. For example, McKinsey & Company, a management consulting corporation often hired by the federal government, was paid more than $140 million dollars since 2008 by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to help support their oversight work of pharmaceutical companies, including determining the safety and efficacy of prescription pain medications. At the same time, McKinsey had not disclosed to the FDA that they were also consulting for several opioid manufacturers on how these companies could effectively market their products. This has called into question whether consultants from McKinsey were providing biased advice to the FDA, and whether that advice was influenced by their relationship with the drug makers whose business practices are a root cause of the opioid epidemic. Peters’ law will give federal agencies a process to evaluate similar potential conflicts of interest to ensure that federal consultants and other contractors are using taxpayer dollars to work in Americans’ best interests. The Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act requires agencies to identify potential conflicts for specific contracts early in the process. Federal contractors will be required to disclose other business relationships with entities that conflict with the specific work that an agency has hired them to do. Private companies under contract with the U.S. government would also have to disclose new potential business that opposes ongoing services they are providing to the American people. The law ensures federal contractors are aware of disclosure requirements and how working with agencies could impact other parts of their business. Finally, the law requires federal agencies to assess and update their procedures for determining whether contractors could have a conflict of interest. Below are statements in support of Peters’ bipartisan law: “The U.S. government increasingly relies on government contractors for their expertise on matters that threaten our nation's safety and security. Yet, based on current federal contract regulations, agencies cannot always discern whether government contractors have business relationships with foreign governments and private entities that could create a conflict of interest,” said Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “To protect the integrity of services provided to the United States, CREW endorses the Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, which would require greater transparency in contractor business relationships in order to prevent conflicts of interest.” “Companies perform mission-critical government functions. Organizational conflicts present one type of ethics risk to the government, and they must be identified and avoided through careful government oversight, said Scott Amey, General Counsel for the Project on Government Oversight. “Without more guidance, organizational conflicts of interest can result in unfair competitive advantages and biased contract awards—both of which compromise the impartiality of the federal government and the integrity of the contracting process.” “When government policymaking is tainted by conflicts of interest, it weakens the legitimacy and credibility of the entire process. That erodes public confidence in government and harms democracy,” said Scott Greytak, Director of Advocacy for Transparency International U.S. “This law promotes greater transparency and accountability to ensure the public can trust that government is making decisions with their best interests at heart.” In his role on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has worked to ensure government is effectively serving the American people. His bipartisan legislation to strengthen protections for Inspectors General so they can conduct independent oversight to root out waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars will soon be signed into law. The Senate has also passed Peters’ bipartisan bill to improve our nation’s ability to prevent foreign governments, including adversaries like the Chinese and Russian governments, from attempting to influence U.S. policy without making appropriate disclosures. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-7-million-for-clarkson-university-to-strengthen-health-care-workforce-resilience-and-green-energy-infrastructure-in-the-north-country,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $7 MILLION FOR CLARKSON UNIVERSITY TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE RESILIENCE AND GREEN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE NORTH COUNTRY",2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today revealed that they secured $7,030,000 for Clarkson University in the end-of-year spending package. More than $6 million of this significant federal investment will help the Potsdam campus expand programs and educational opportunities to train the next generation of health care professionals. Additionally, the senators secured nearly $900,000 for Clarkson University’s Green Energy on Demand rapid transit research and development project. “This $7-plus million for Clarkson University is just what the doctor ordered to bolster healthcare in the North Country. As communities continue to recover from the pandemic, these federal dollars will help Clarkson expand its Health Sciences campus and train more local residents to enter good paying healthcare careers, bolstering the regions medical workforce, while strengthening other critical areas of research in green energy,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding means good paying jobs, innovation, and a healthier North Country. I am proud to deliver this $7 million shot in the arm to help train the next generation of healthcare workers and build a better future here in the North Country.” “North Country hospitals and frontline health care workers worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our patients safe, and now we must repay their heroic efforts by supporting the next generation of health care workers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As we continue to recover from the pandemic, these federal dollars will help build up our health care workforce and create a pipeline for public health jobs right here in the North Country. That’s why I’m so proud to have helped secure $7 million for Clarkson University – this federal funding will strengthen the resiliency of both our green energy and public health infrastructure, and give students the support they need to have a robust career as a health and medical provider.” “Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand are true champions for education and research that matters in the health professions,” said Clarkson University President Marc P. Christensen, Ph.D., P.E.. “Clarkson and our Lewis School of Health Sciences are national leaders in the education of health professionals who can meet rural and distance-challenged healthcare needs. The support from the New York delegation for the renovation and expansion of our facilities will advance the career-readiness of these health professionals, improving healthcare outcomes for the North Country and other rural communities, as well as accelerate critical biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and innovation.” $6,155,000 to Clarkson University for their Health Professions Training & Research Facilities Renovations and Expansion Project. This project will allow for the expansion and upgrade of Clarkson University's Lewis School of Health Sciences/Collins Hill Campus, which will produce additional health and medical providers that will significantly improve the struggling health care infrastructure in the North Country. $875,000 to Clarkson University for their Green Energy On Demand Rapid Transit R&D Project. This project will allow for research and exploration of the potential to advance on-demand transit using green energy to the next level by taking stronger, lighter, more modular rail cars and independently moving them on an elevated rail line with extreme efficiency and safety. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-secures-maine-priorities-in-omnibus-spending-bill,Golden Secures Maine Priorities in Omnibus Spending Bill,2022-12-26,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) successfully secured the inclusion of a wide range of priorities for Maine’s Second District in the omnibus spending bill that passed Congress Friday. “Working across the aisle and with my colleagues in the Maine delegation, I’ve been pushing for months to ensure that this end-of-year spending bill makes responsible investments and delivers for my constituents,” said Golden. “I’m proud to have helped ensure our lobstermen can keep fishing, protect good jobs at Bath Iron Works, and help Mainers keep their families warm. Importantly, we are also bringing federal funds to bear in small towns across the state, improving local infrastructure and services, strengthening Maine’s heritage industries, and supporting economic growth in rural Maine.” The provisions Golden worked to secure in the final bill include: Regulatory Pause for Maine Lobstermen: Working with his colleagues in the Maine delegation, the congressman helped secure a six year pause before new regulations are imposed on the lobster fishery, providing the time necessary to collect data and determine the best policy to protect both right whales and Maine lobstering communities. Without the provision, the regulations slated to go into effect would likely have decimated the state’s lobster fishery. Protecting National Security and Shipbuilding Jobs at Bath As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Golden worked to authorize the construction of three DDG-51 destroyers in the upcoming fiscal year and a multi-year contract to produce up to 15 of the ships over the next five years. The omnibus spending bill appropriates money for the three DDG-51 destroyers, a significant win to protect shipbuilding jobs at Bath Iron Works over the next several years and bolster American naval power. Investing in Small Towns and Maine’s Heritage Industries The congressman secured funding for each of the fifteen Community Project Funding requests he sought. Those include: $726,000 to improve health care and STEM career training by creating one new laboratory, upgrading six existing laboratories, and adding needed equipment for health science simulation spaces at Husson University. $8 million to establish three Manufacturing Training Innovation Centers across the state through the University of Maine system. $3,000,000 to provide much needed support for the Maine Veterans Homes in Caribou and Machias to prevent their closure while a long-term solution to maintain the homes is secured. $1,642,000 to renovate the paramedic station at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, ME. The hospital’s PACE paramedic service provides EMS coverage to 18 local communities in the Oxford Hills region, seasonal coverage of Sunday River Ski Resort, and back-up coverage for four other communities that have services of their own. $1,774,075 to upgrade Ellsworth’s High Street Pump Station to mitigate potential adverse impacts of heavy rainfall events and to ensure that the sanitary sewer system can support vital economic growth for the City of Ellsworth and Downeast region. $1,000,000 to rehabilitate wastewater collect system components on the Loring Commerce Center to help alleviate problems with the Limestone Water and Sewer District’s ability to sufficiently treat wastewater at their wastewater treatment facility and help with treatment costs. $1,000,000 to contribute to immediate capital improvement needs for the Blue Hill Wastewater Treatment Facility that is located on Blue Hill Bay, a tidal arm of the Gulf of Maine. $514,400 to upgrade the only wastewater pumping station in the area, which is currently experiencing severe age-related deterioration issues that, unaddressed, could result in increased sewage treatment costs for residents and businesses in the area. $1,600,000 to construct a new hangar at Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport. $1,000,000 to improve affordable housing for the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indian Township. $750,000 to build a paramedic garage to serve Jackman and Moose River, Maine. $1,167,036 to create a wellness and fitness space for the use of RSU16 students and staff, as well as members of the Rumford community. $2,041,160 to help construct a 336-foot multi-use bridge connecting the 14-mile long Whistle Stop Trail to the center of Farmington. $750,000 to construct a sawmill operations training facility to be located at the Dwight B. Demeritt Forest, where at least 200 students and forest professionals would train each year in support of in-demand industry workforce needs. $3,031,769 to support Maine Preservation’s work to rehabilitate the Wayne Masonic Hall and the First Congregational Church of East Machias to once again serve as community hubs for economic stimulus in rural communities. Helping Mainers Heat Their Homes Following months of advocacy from Congressman Golden, the bill contains $5 billion in LIHEAP funding. The funding will help struggling families keep their houses warm amid high fuel costs and increased demand for LIHEAP funds. Safeguarding Access to Prescription Information and Jobs in Madawaska Golden worked to ensure a provision was included in the bill to preserve the requirement for drug manufacturers to include printed inserts containing drug information when they ship their products to pharmacies. The provision would help ensure that rural Americans, seniors, and their pharmacists have access to important information about their prescription medications and protect jobs at the Twin Rivers Paper facility in Madawaska, Maine. Unfortunately, the omnibus bill did not include a measure introduced by Congressman Golden and cosponsored by Congresswoman Pingree (ME-01) to grant the Wabanaki tribes in Maine the same access to federal laws and programs as nearly every other federally-recognized tribe in the country. The measure passed through the House after being included in its spending bills but fell out of the final bill during negotiations with the Senate. Congressman Golden released the following statement on the bill’s exclusion: “I’m disappointed that this provision, which we passed through the House on a bipartisan basis, fell out of the omnibus funding bill during negotiations with the Senate. Ensuring the Wabanaki tribes have the same access to future beneficial federal laws and programs as nearly every other federally recognized tribe in the nation would have a meaningful impact on both tribal members and the surrounding communities in our state. This issue is not settled and I look forward to continuing to partner with the tribes to make headway on this important matter.” - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-votes-pass-fy-2023-omnibus-appropriations-funding,Congressman Johnson Votes to Pass FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Funding Package,2022-12-26,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted to pass the FY 2023 government funding legislation. The bill delivers historic investments in American families and workers while strengthening Democracy at home and abroad. This legislation was passed by the Senate yesterday – and was passed in the House today. It will now head to the President’s desk for signature. It funds the federal government until Sept. 2023. The bill also includes local projects known as Community Project Funding (CPF). Congressman Johnson is proud to secure funding for 14 CPFs in his district totaling $15 million, including investments in transit, workforce development, walkable communities, fighting homelessness, affordable housing and renovations along Memorial Drive. “It is my job to fight for our district in Congress, and I am proud to secured funding for these critical projects from Clarkston to Conyers, Covington to Tucker and everywhere in between,"" Rep. Johnson said. ""I will continue to fight for our district to ensure that we get the federal funding we need to make our community stronger.” The 14 CFPs secured by Rep. Johnson that will directly benefit GA-04 residents include: • Department of Energy Projects Regional Clean Electricity Plan for Local Governments in Metro Atlanta; Atlanta Regional Commission: $750,000. • Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Easter Seals North Georgia, Inc., Clarkston, GA for early childhood workforce development $200,000. • Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Rockdale County Georgia, Conyers, GA for a workforce development initiative: $300,000. • Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Wellroot Family Services, Tucker, GA for housing and services and supplies, including the purchase of food, to improve economic outcomes of young adults transitioning out of foster care or experiencing homelessness: $286,500. • Department of Education Higher Education Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA for programs to expand access to postsecondary education, including English language proficiency support: $400,000. • Department of Transportation Highway Infrastructure Programs Michelle Obama Trail — PATH Trail Project DeKalb County Government: $3,617,500. • Department of Transportation Transit Infrastructure Grants Stonecrest Transit Hub Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority: $1 million | Department of Transportation Transit Infrastructure Grants Safe Routes to Transit in GA04 Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority: $1 million. • Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Fund Westside Youth Facility Newton County Government, Commissioner Alana Sanders: $4 million. • Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Fund Village at Legacy Affordable Housing Development City of Decatur: $750,000. • Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Fund Safe Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors in DeKalb County, GA Women Moving On, Inc.: $585,000. • Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Fund Memorial Drive Gateways Project DeKalb County Government: $1.5 million. • Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Fund Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.: $250,000. • Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Fund Safe and Stable Housing for Youth Aging out of Care Wellroot Family Services, Tucker, GA: $913,500. This omnibus package includes a significant increase in non-defense discretionary funding – larger than the boost won in last March’s government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2022. This funding was a top Democratic priority and will go toward supporting critical social programs that invest in our families, workers and communities. Other Key Democratic victories on health care include: • Ensuring permanent, mandatory and continuous coverage for the 40 million children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. • Record Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico and permanent enhanced Medicaid funding for all other territories, helping expand affordable, quality care to more Americans. • Historic funding for the critical Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting initiative, which improves health outcomes for pregnant people and young families who live in underserved communities. • Strong guardrails to prevent disruption to families’ health coverage, as states resume Medicaid recertifications next year. • New investments in mental health services, which will improve access to medication-assisted treatment, expand our mental health workforce and increase coverage of mental health services. • Improving diversity in FDA clinical trials and providing FDA regulation of cosmetics. • Passing the PREVENT Pandemics Act, which uses lessons learns from COVID-19 to improve our preparedness for future public health emergencies. To honor our sacred duty to our veterans, the bill secures $21 billion increase for veterans’ health care. This will include supporting the VA as it implements the landmark PACT Act. This legislation also includes robust defense funding, which will increase pay for our heroic troops and meet the basic needs of our military families. This includes another consequential round of security, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as we continue to support their fight for Democracy. Additional key Democratic victories include: • Creating a nationwide permanent Summer EBT Program so that 29 million kids can get healthy, nutritious meals throughout the summer. • For the first time in more than a decade, more funding for the National Labor Relations Board, which helps defend the right to organize. • Emergency disaster support to help victims of hurricanes and wildfires throughout our country, to address the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, and $1 billion for Puerto Rico’s electrical grid. • Reforming the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which will help thwart future attempts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power like we saw on January 6th. • Critical Community Project Funding, to support vital projects that meet the needs of our families in our districts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://khanna.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-ro-khanna-secures-funding-projects-ca-17-and-other-critical-investments,RELEASE: RO KHANNA SECURES FUNDING FOR PROJECTS IN CA-17 AND OTHER CRITICAL INVESTMENTS IN THE GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL,2022-12-26,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ro Khanna,K000389,khanna.house.gov,khanna,https://khanna.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Santa Clara, CA –Today, Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), announced that $24,351,000 in Community Project Funding that he previously secured for California's 17th District in the House spending bills has been included in the final 2023 appropriations government funding package. This funding responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in Silicon Valley. Rep. Khanna also worked to secure $459 million for regional tech hubs in the CHIPS and Science Act, $42 million for implementation of the Department of Defense's Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, and $300 million for the National Labor Relations Board in the spending bill that passed the House and Senate. ""I am proud to have secured $24,351,000 in Community Project Funding in this bill to strengthen education, housing, public health, infrastructure, and our response to climate change in California's 17th District,"" said Rep. Ro Khanna. ""I'm grateful to have worked alongside my colleagues in the South Bay to include these investments that will create good-paying jobs and benefit our community for years to come. The bill includes funding for programs in the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to lower costs for working families across America. It also gives the National Labor Relations Board the first increase in funding since 2014 to help protect workers' rights. Finally, it sets aside significant funding for reducing civilian casualties in U.S. military operations, including $17 million above the amount authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act."" Rep. Khanna championed funding for 14 projects that will directly benefit California's 17th District residents. These include: City of Cupertino, De Anza College - California Youth Leadership Corps at De Anza College ($351,000) City of Fremont - Commercial District Wi-Fi Access Expansion ($1,500,000) City of Milpitas - Carbon Neutral Homes Incentive Program ($3,000,000) City of Newark - Thornton Ave Alternate Route Corridor Pavement Rehabilitation ($2,000,000) City of San Jose - Gap Year Funding for the SureStay Emergency Interim Housing Site ($2,500,000) City of Santa Clara - Anna Drive Neighborhood Flood Protection Project ($3,000,000) City of Sunnyvale - Stevens Creek Trail Extension Project ($3,000,000) Construction Trades Workforce Initiative - Establishing Union Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways and Programs ($1,000,000) County of Santa Clara - Bridge to Self-Sufficiency ($3,000,000) East Bay Community Energy - Fremont Municipal Critical Facility Resilience ($1,000,000) Gardner Family Health Network, Inc. - Alviso Health Center Solar Panels and Energy Storage Initiative ($500,000) Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority - VTA Operations Control Center ($2,000,000) Second Harvest of Silicon Valley - Second Harvest of Silicon Valley Consolidated Operational Facility ($750,000) Sunnyvale Community Services - New Roof and Solar Energy System ($1,500,000) The twelve-bill government funding package will create good-paying American jobs, grow opportunity for the middle class and small businesses, and provide a lifeline for working families. Taken together, the funding for California's 17th District and the funding increases for critical government programs will continue to reverse decades of disinvestment in our communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2719,Trahan’s Bipartisan Addiction Legislation Signed into Law,2022-12-26,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MA,Lori Trahan,T000482,trahan.house.gov,trahan,https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee and a member of the Bipartisan Working Group on Addiction, announced that the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, her bipartisan addiction legislation, cleared the House and Senate last week and was signed into law by President Joe Biden. “Whether it's an empty seat at the dinner table, a friend who was lost too soon, or a neighbor we didn’t know was struggling until it was too late, the addiction crisis has impacted every single family here in Massachusetts and across our nation. We have to take serious steps to address the root causes of this epidemic, and that starts with removing the stigma,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The MATE Act will ensure that every physician with the ability to prescribe highly addictive medications has the training they need to spot, treat, and prevent addiction so no one fighting this disease is told their doctor can’t help. This is a commonsense step in the right direction and getting this bipartisan legislation across the finish line is long overdue.” First introduced by Trahan in 2019, the MATE Act will standardize substance use disorder training to ensure that all prescribers of addictive medications possess baseline knowledge in evidence-based addiction prevention and treatments. The legislation has broad bipartisan support, including key bipartisan co-leads Representatives David Trone (D-MD-06), Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), Annie Kuster (D-NH-02), and David P. McKinley (R-WV-01), and Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Susan Collins (R-ME). Once law, the MATE Act will: Create a one-time, non-repetitive requirement for all DEA controlled substance prescribers (Schedule II, III, IV or V) to complete training on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders, unless the prescriber is otherwise qualified. Allow accredited medical schools and residency programs, physician assistant schools, and schools of advanced practice nursing to fulfill the training requirement through a comprehensive curriculum that meets the standards laid out in statute, without having to coordinate the development of their education with an outside medical society or state licensing body. Normalize addiction medicine education across certain professional schools and phase out the need for these future practitioners to take a separate, federally mandated addiction course. The idea for the MATE Act came from a 2019 meeting between Trahan and Dr. James Baker, a pain management expert in Massachusetts. During their conversation, Dr. Baker shared the tragic story of his 23-year-old son Max who died from an overdose. While seeking treatment for Max’s addiction, Dr. Baker asked his primary care physician for a recommendation on addiction care but was told that they did not have the expertise necessary to assist. “On her first day in Congress, Rep. Lori Trahan started her tireless effort to reduce overdose deaths in America. She and her team worked with experts on addiction and families who lost a loved one to overdose, and with understanding and insight she then wrote the MATE Act,” said Dr. Baker. “With diplomacy, grace, and courage Rep. Trahan overcame every obstacle and she has now achieved success that will change the course of addiction care in our country. Her unbreakable efforts will save many lives. I remain deeply honored to work with Congresswoman Trahan as she helps families find effective care for every form of substance use disorder.” The MATE Act is also endorsed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Shatterproof, Live4Lali, The Kennedy Forum, Well Being Trust, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, SMART Recovery, American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, American College of Medical Toxicology, National Council for Behavioral Health, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Young People in Recovery, National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery, National Safety Council, and American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. “The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) praises the inclusion of the bipartisan Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act in the end-of-year omnibus,” said William Haning, MD, President of ASAM. “ASAM has long stood for mainstreaming addiction medicine education throughout the medical community and medical professional schools. We see a future where addiction prevention, treatment, remission and recovery are accessible to all.” “The addiction crisis and the corresponding increase in drug-related deaths is the most pressing public health crisis currently facing our country. All medical professionals must have a baseline knowledge of how to prevent addiction and how to identify, treat and manage patients who have substance use disorders,” said Gary Mendell, Founder and CEO of Shatterproof. “The MATE Act normalizes and standardizes addiction care and empowers providers to better address the addiction crisis our nation is facing. Addiction medicine education will save lives, enabling evidence-based care for this chronic, treatable disease. We thank Congress and have immense gratitude for our legislative champions, Reps. Lori Trahan (D-MA), Buddy Carter (R-GA) and David Trone (D-MD) and Senators Bennet (D-CO) and Collins (R-ME).” ###",1,2026-04-06T14:24:52Z,2026-04-06T15:54:45Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-urge-president-biden-to-swiftly-approve-emergency-declaration-for-western-new-york-and-upstate-communities-impacted-by-deadly-holiday-weekend-blizzard,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND URGE PRESIDENT BIDEN TO SWIFTLY APPROVE EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR WESTERN NEW YORK AND UPSTATE COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY DEADLY HOLIDAY WEEKEND BLIZZARD",2022-12-26,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Senators Say Emergency Declaration Would Unlock Federal Funds for Impacted Counties Still Recovering From Double Blow Of Back To Back Winter Storms After The Record Breaking “Snowvember” Storm Deadly Blizzard Buried Buffalo And Upstate Communities In Nearly 4 Feet Of Snow, With More Still Coming, And Brutal Mix Of Frigid Temperatures And High Winds – Creating Impossible Road Conditions And Tragically Resulting In Over 20 New Yorkers Losing Their Lives Schumer, Gillibrand: Feds Must Provide Resources To Western NY And Upstate Communities To Begin To Recover U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urged President Biden to approve the Emergency declaration for New York communities impacted by the deadly holiday weekend blizzard still raging across Western New York and other communities across Upstate. “The holiday weekend blizzard is still raging through Buffalo and communities across New York, causing severe damage to infrastructure, power outages, and tragically the loss of life of life for at least 27 New Yorkers. This once in a generation blizzard has already brought nearly four feet of snow, hurricane force winds, and many are still without power,” said the senators. “We are asking FEMA to promptly approve the Emergency declaration and urgently needed federal assistance for state and local governments. We need to get Western New York and other communities severely impacted by this deadly storm the resources they need to rebuild and recover.” New York State declared a State of Emergency for the entire State of New York in advance of a significant winter weather system forecast. Throughout the storm, tens of thousands were left without power over the holiday weekend in Western New York and across Upstate. The storm hit Buffalo especially hard with nearly 4 feet of snow and hurricane-force winds that reached 70 miles per hour causing whiteout conditions that made road conditions nearly impossible and halting emergency response efforts. Massive snowdrifts caused damage to critical energy infrastructure, leaving over 17,000 residents, mostly in the City of Buffalo, still without power. Tragically, there have been at least 27 reported deaths related to the storm in Upstate and Western New York, including one carbon monoxide fatality due to snowed in furnace vents. If an Emergency declaration is declared, grant assistance would be made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work. After any severe storm, the first step in the declaration process is for the state to request a Preliminary Damage Assessment, during which FEMA representatives join state, local, and other officials to survey damage across storm-impacted counties to help determine whether the cost of the disaster meets the criteria for a federal Major Disaster declaration. While that assessment is underway, New York State has just submitted an application for an Emergency declaration, which allows the State to seek reimbursement for emergency protective measures – like getting medical help to those in dire need. Schumer and Gillibrand urged FEMA to be prepared to support this Emergency declaration request, as well as any future Major Disaster declaration request, that will provide aid for New York State. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act authorizes the president to issue “Major Disaster” or “Emergency” declarations before or after catastrophes occur. The decision to issue a disaster declaration is at the discretion of the president, and must be requested by the governor of the state. These declarations unlock federal aid through FEMA that is broken into two broad areas: Individual Assistance (IA) that aids families and individuals, and Public Assistance (PA) that is mainly for emergency work such as debris removal and permanent repairs to infrastructure. When assessing the degree of PA damage, FEMA considers six factors: estimated cost of the assistance, localized impact, insurance coverage, hazard mitigation, recent disaster, and programs of other federal assistance. Regarding the cost, FEMA has certain thresholds that have to be met to qualify for PA specific to the state and the counties in question. A copy of Schumer and Gillibrand’s letter appears below: Dear President Biden, We write to respectfully urge your swift consideration and authorization of Governor Hochul’s request for an Emergency declaration for the State of New York in the wake of Winter Storm Elliott on Buffalo, Western New York, and across Upstate New York, following up on our two letters of support to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) ahead of the worst of the storm. Such a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (PL 100-707) would unlock crucial FEMA resources and assets that will aid the State, first responder, and community efforts to protect human life, property, and infrastructure. Since December 22 and over the holiday weekend, New Yorkers across the state have endured severe high winds gusting over 70 miles per hour, record levels of snowfall, and extreme cold – especially in the Buffalo metropolitan area, Western New York, and the North Country. More than 17,000 of our constituents remain without power as of noon on December 26, and nearly 27,000 were without electricity in Erie County on Christmas morning. The snow and winds led to whiteout conditions, blinding drivers and causing accidents, which have resulted in arterial roadways blocked by trapped vehicles. First responders and emergency workers are continue to face a myriad of challenges, including these blocked roads, as well as ongoing whiteout conditions, and severely damaged to infrastructure. Tragically, as of December 26, there have been at least 27 reported deaths related to the storm in New York. With snow continuing to fall, and intense cold lingering in the region, New Yorkers need federal help now. New York State government and local first responders have fully committed their manpower and resources in response to Winter Storm Elliot, and we commend them for their bravery and heroic effort ensure public safety and save lives, many working continuously over the holiday weekend. However, because of white out conditions and the danger to our first responders some municipalities suspended emergency response efforts. For all of these reasons, Governor Hochul has requested a federal Emergency declaration for the areas of our state most deeply affected by this storm. As families across New York wake up from the holiday weekend and look towards to beginning of the New Year, our first responders, search and rescue personnel, law enforcement, and state government employees will continue to work around the clock. We are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has historically give in responding to disasters impacting New York State. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to approve New York’s request for FEMA assistance as affected communities begin their recovery from this storm. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/3-million-for-maine-veterans-homes-secured-by-collins-and-golden-in-funding-bill,$3 Million for Maine Veterans’ Homes Secured by Collins and Golden in Funding Bill,2022-12-24,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that they secured $3 million for renovations and upgrades at Maine Veterans’ Homes (MVH) in the Fiscal Year 2023 Health & Human Services appropriations bill. The omnibus funding package passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29 and passed the House today by a vote of 225-201-1. It will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “Maine Veterans’ Homes provides compassionate, quality long-term care to the brave men and women who served our country,” said Senator Collins and Congressman Golden. “At a time when there is already a severe shortage of nursing home beds, MVH’s facilities in rural parts of our state fill a critical need and allow Maine veterans to remain close to their loved ones. These investments will help MVH perform necessary maintenance and upgrades to ensure that these homes remain safe for residents.” The funding will support needed renovations and life-safety upgrades at Maine Veterans Homes, such as HVAC improvements, sewer pipe installation, and fire alarm system replacements.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-sends-government-funding-package-president-bidens-desk-be-signed-law,House Sends Government Funding Package to President Biden's Desk to be Signed into Law,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Government Funding Package Will Bring Millions of Dollars Back to Washington's Ninth District SEATTLE, WA - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the $1.7 trillion government funding package, sending it to President Biden's desk to be signed into law. The government funding package provides historic investments for workers, families, and communities across the country. Importantly, this package includes over $24 million for projects that Rep. Smith successfully secured in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 appropriations process, which will help fund 15 community projects across Washington's Ninth District. ""This year's government funding package not only allows us to make good on our commitments to keep the government open and running smoothly, but also provides additional funding to bolster important social and economic programs that make us stronger as a nation. In negotiating this package, we were able to secure many important victories on health care which will expand access to affordable, quality health care, expand mental health care services, and advance research and development that will lead to future scientific breakthroughs. This funding package will also allow us to send more crucial military, humanitarian, and economic aid to Ukraine as they continue their fight for democracy. There are many things to be proud of in this bill, but I am especially excited about the funding that will go directly towards community projects in the Ninth District. These projects will invest in affordable housing and health care, workforce development, public safety, small business, local economy, and more and will uplift the most vulnerable and underserved individuals and families in our region. Thanks to the tireless work of community leaders and organizations in our district, these projects will undoubtedly make our community a better place to live. I look forward to these federal dollars coming to Washington's Ninth."" See below for more information about the FY 2023 government funding package. Ninth District Community Projects $4 million for El Centro de la Raza, Pattison's West Community Campus Property Acquisition in Federal Way $4 Millionfor Somali Health Board, Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub in the Rainier Valley $675,000 for Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Employment for Women (ANEW), Pre-Apprenticeship Commercial Driver's License Program in South King County $1 Millionfor Plymouth Housing, Eastgate Permanent Supportive Housing and Health Clinic in Bellevue $4 Million for Friends of Little Saigon, Little Saigon Landmark in Little Saigon, Chinatown-International District $750,000for Low Income Housing Institute, Skyway Affordable Housing and Early Learning Center in Skyway $750,000for African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest, African Business Innovation Center (ABIC) in Tukwila $2.2 Millionfor Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Kent Medical Clinic and Affordable Housing Mixed Use Facility in Kent $1 Millionfor Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CD CPDA), McKinney Center Capital Project in the Central District $750,000for Southeast Seattle Senior Foundation, Southeast Seattle Affordable Housing and Home Ownership in the Rainier Valley $500,000for Congolese Integration Network, Washington Refugee Healing Center in SeaTac $500,000for UTOPIA, Mapu Maia Clinic in Kent $1.5 Millionfor Public Defender Association, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program in Chinatown-International District and Southeast Seattle $1.5 Millionfor City of Renton, Logan Place Market in Renton $1 million for Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Cowlitz Tribal Health Clinic in Tukwila Find more information about the FY 2023 Community Project Funding Requests, including project descriptions, here. Additional Selected Projects Benefiting the Ninth District $750,000 for Byrd Barr Place, Minority-Owned Small Business Emergency Assistance Program $4.4 million for Public Defender Association, JustCare Program $900,000 for Tabor 100, Minority and Women Business Enterprises Support Services Program $2 million for African Community Housing & Development, Affordable Homeownership Cooperative Pilot $2.23 million for Americans for Equality, MLK-Gandhi Empowerment Initiative $225,000 for South Seattle Women's Health Foundation, Rainier Valley Birth & Health Center $4 million for Food Lifeline, South Seattle Community Food Hub $1 million for City of Seattle, El Barrio Small Business Development These are just some of the projects that received funding in the government funding package at the request of Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell that will benefit the 9th District. Find a summary of Democratic funding priorities here. Find a full summary of the appropriations-related provisions of the package here. Other Key Provisions Provides another consequential round of security, economic, and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine to support them in their fight against Russia's unlawful invasion. Provides increased funding for the National Labor Relations Board for the first time in more than a decade. Includes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, helping ensure pregnant workers are not discriminated against and receive the reasonable accommodations they deserve. Includes emergency disaster support to help victims of hurricanes and wildfires throughout our country, to address the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, and $1 billion for Puerto Rico's electrical grid. Reforms the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which will help thwart future attempts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power like what we saw attempted leading up to January 6, 2021. Key Health Care Wins Requires all states to cover children on Medicaid and CHIP for 12 months regardless of changes in income, reducing unnecessary coverage loss for the 40 million children on Medicaid and CHIP. Makes permanent the option for states to provide women with uninterrupted Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum, which will help address the maternal mortality crisis that has been especially devastating for communities of color. Extends COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities for two years, through December 31, 2024. Funds 200 new graduate medical education residency positions, with 100 specifically going towards psychiatry or psychiatry subspecialty residencies. Provides payment stability for physicians through a 2.5 percent increase in the physician fee schedule conversion factor for 2023, and a 1.25 percent increase for 2024. Strengthens, expands, and establishes more programs that collectively aim to provide crisis care coordination and response, and support mental health care and substance use disorder prevention, care, treatment, peer support, and recovery support services in communities across the nation. Includes the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act of 2021, which eliminates the X-waiver and lifts the patient cap on practitioners registered to dispense buprenorphine for opioid use disorder maintenance or detoxification treatment. Includes funding for Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to accelerate the pace of scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and cancer. Provides an increase in funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support a wide range of biomedical and behavioral research. Find a summary of the health care provisions included in the package here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-secures-funds-nearly-50000000-local-houston-area-projects,"Congressman Al Green Secures Funds for Nearly $50,000,000 In Local Houston Area Projects as Part of Bipartisan, Bicameral Omnibus Bill",2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – On Friday, December 23, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement: “I am proud to announce that the passage of today’s Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill will benefit the American people by, among other things, fostering clean energy, creating good-paying jobs, and supporting our military. Additionally, this omnibus package includes nearly $50 million in funding for a number of community projects in our Ninth Congressional District of Texas.” Congressman Al Green shared. “An investment in our local community is an investment in our future. These projects will make a difference for working families, improve the health of residents, and help make our communities safer. I thank President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Schumer, and Senator McConnell, as well as all who voted for this legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-auchincloss-secures-district-wins-in-passage-of-federal-budget,RELEASE: Auchincloss Secures District Wins in Passage of Federal Budget,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MA,Jake Auchincloss,A000148,auchincloss.house.gov,auchincloss,https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“Omnibus” Funding Bill Includes Auchincloss Community Project Funding Requests Washington, DC — Today, Congress passed a government funding bill that will now be signed by President Biden and includes key wins for the Fourth District. Included in passage was funding for 15 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests sponsored by Congressman Auchincloss. “The Massachusetts Fourth, from Fall River to Brookline, is a powerhouse of talent and work ethic,” said Auchincloss. “These critical funds will make our communities cleaner, stronger, and safer. Investing in infrastructure and getting localities the funds they need to reach their full economic potential will help our District and Commonwealth reach the next level.” Auchincloss Projects Included in Passage: Beacon Street Historic Bridle Path Restoration Project, Brookline Amount Received: $2,000,000 Replacement of the Pleasant Street Bridge over Muddy Cove Inlet, DIghton Amount Received: $2,750,000 Centre Street / Central Avenue Bridge, Dover Amount Received: $2,000,000 Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Inc., Worcester, MA for facilities and equipment Amount Received: $1,000,000 Fall River Waterfront Stormwater Corridor, Fall River Amount Received: $3,452,972 Feasibility Study to Dredge Hopedale Pond and Daylight the Mill River for Community Resilience and Water Quality Improvements Amount Received: $444,870 Foxborough Sewer Design Route 1 Amount Received: $400,000 PFAS Treatment for Dustin/Prescott Wells, Mansfield Amount Received: $2,000,000 Reconstruction of the West Street / Route 27 Intersection, Medfield Amount Received: $1,300,000 South Street East Bridge Replacement Project Amount Received: $5,000,000 Millis Water Supply PFAS treatment planning, design, construction, Millis Amount Received: $3,452,972 Newton Commuter Rail Stations Accessibility Improvements, Newton Amount Received: $7,000,000 Ten-Mile River Dredging, Town of North Attleborough Amount Received: 1,482,900 Town of Sharon’s PFAS Water Treatment Plant, Sharon Amount Received: $3,452,972 Hot & Cold Lane Tank THM Removal System, Somerset Amount Received: $3,200,000",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-banking-bill-signed-into-law,Beatty Banking Bill Signed into Law,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, President Biden signed H.R. 7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. The bill included legislation authored by U.S. Congresswoman and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Joyce Beatty (OH-03), the Fair Hiring in Banking Act (H.R. 5911). The bipartisan Fair Hiring in Banking Act would expand job opportunities in banking and financial institutions to certain justice-involved individuals. Under current law dating from the 1950s, people with criminal records are prohibited from working in a federally insured financial institution like a bank or credit union unless they can get a waiver from the government, even for misdemeanors like shoplifting or minor drug possession. Beatty’s legislation would shorten the lifetime ban to a more effective and inclusive seven-year ban. This exemption would not apply to individuals convicted of major financial offenses like bank fraud or money laundering. “78 million Americans have a criminal record – that’s one out of every four of our neighbors, friends, and family members,” said Beatty. “Unfortunately, even long after paying their debt, these millions of justice-involved individuals are often shut out of employment opportunities. My soon-to-be law will provide access to quality jobs in the financial services industry, while giving banks and credit unions access to a previously unavailable workforce. This is not just an economic issue; it is a social justice issue, as Black American are incarcerated at a rate five times higher than their White counterparts and are disproportionately kept from working in the financial sector.” Supported by the National Bankers Association, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), the Bank Policy Institute, and the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), the bill included in the NDAA now signed into law by President Biden.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-delivers-for-central-ohio-in-time-for-the-holidays,Beatty Delivers for Central Ohio in Time for the Holidays,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"December 23, 2022 Secures over $18.5 million for healthcare facilities, transportation projects, community centers, workforce training, and other projects throughout Franklin County WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Joyce Beatty (OH-03) joined bipartisan colleagues in passing a historic omnibus appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 2617). Included in the legislation was $18.5+ million in funding for fifteen community projects located in Franklin County. “I am tremendously proud to have secured key federal dollars for community projects that will directly benefit the people of Ohio’s 3rd District,” said Beatty. “Over the past year, my office has worked closely with community stakeholders to determine where investment would be maximized across Franklin County, and today that work finally bears fruit. Over $18.5 million is set to go to protect the most vulnerable, provide more economic opportunity, and improve quality of life in our communities. These funds are proof that Democrats don’t just promise, we deliver.” Specifically, Beatty secured the investment of: $510,000 for A Kid Again, Columbus, OH for increasing access to therapeutic events for children, including the purchase of equipment $4,500,000 for the Battery Innovation Laboratory and Education Center at the Ohio State University $750,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio - J. Ashburn Jr. Boys & Girls Club Renovations $1,585,000 for the City of Reynoldsburg - East Main Street Phase II $1,000,000 for Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority for informational and financial resources to assist residents and achieve economic self-sufficiency $1,000,000 for Directions for Youth & Families - Crittenton Community Center $2,000,000 for Franklin County - Ferris Road Corridor $975,000 for LifeCare Alliance for facilities and equipment $3,000,000 for Rickenbacker Area Mobility Center $475,000 for Service! Relief Effort for Hospitality Workers for job skills training and supportive services $400,000 for the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio Outreach and Education at OhioHealth $650,000 for the Solar Workforce Training Lab $500,000 for The Edna Building Renovation $204,800 for the National Veteran Memorial and Museum Operating Corporation, Columbus, OH for graduate-level instruction to veterans, including scholarships $1,000,000 for Zora's House Other legislative priorities contained in the omnibus bill include: $388 million to create 21,500+ affordable housing units for low-income families, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and the elderly and disabled. A $500 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award. A record $118.7 billion to provide medical care to our nation’s veterans. The first funding increase for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) since FY10 with $299 million, +$25 million over FY22. $700 million for Violence Against Women Act prevention and prosecution programs, a 21% increase over the previous year. $207 million, $27 million over FY22, each for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-thompson-secures-18789100-local-projects-final-government-funding-package,"Rep. Thompson Secures $18,789,100 For Local Projects in Final Government Funding Package",2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Representative Bennie G. Thompson announced$18,789,100 in Community Project Funding that he previously secured for Mississippi’s 2nd District in the House spending bill, which has been included in the final 2023 appropriations funding package. This funding represents a Christmas surprise to many of the entities awarded, and Congressman Thompson is elated to announce the funding because it responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in Mississippi. “I am proud to have secured $18,789,100 in Community Project Funding in this bill, which meets long overdue community needs in Mississippi’s 2nd District,” said Rep. Thompson. “These investments will create jobs with better pay, strengthen our communities, and start to tackle climate change.” Rep. Thompson championed funding for 13 projects that will directly benefit Mississippi’s 2nd District residents. These include the following allocations: $2,000,000 for the Bolivar County Utilization Project $3,200,000 for the City of Clinton for a Regional Wastewater Project $1,125,000 for the City of Fayette Municipal Safety Complex $2,000,000 for the City of Greenville, MS for facilities and equipment $600,000 for the City of Rolling Fork Community Utilization Complex $1,664,100 for the Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, MS for campus safety $500,000 for the Coffeeville's Recreational Park $375,000 for the Emmett Till Historic Intrepid Center Project $750,000 for the Emmett Till Tutwiler Museum Welcome Center $2,250,000 for the Mississippi Delta Community College Training Academy $2,000,000 for the Sunflower County Business Improvement District $225,000 for the Rev George Lee Museums Project $2,100,000 for the Union Station Transit Hub Project Mayor Simmons of Greenville, MS; Dr. Valmadge Towner, President of Coahoma Community College; and Dr. Tyrone Jackson, President of Mississippi Delta Community College, all offered their gratitude for the funding with the following quoted messages. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, for supporting the economic vision of Greenville, Mississippi through the delivery of federal funds for facilities and equipment,” said Mayor Simmons. “This announcement highlights the continued importance of federal and local partnerships in spurring economic growth.” “We are appreciative of the support given to Coahoma by Congressman Thompson and the federal government,” said President Towner. “Safety of our students, staff and constituents is of foremost importance. We are eager to use resources from this grant in a way that will enhance our capacity to continue having safe campuses. It is uplifting to know that we can always count on our Congressman to partner with us as we provide educational services to our communities.” “Mississippi Delta Community College sincerely appreciates the support of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson and the federal government for supporting our law enforcement training academy (LETA) through this funding opportunity,” said President Jackson. “MDCC has been committed to training law enforcement officers from across our state since 1998. This funding opportunity will have tremendous impact on our LETA training program by providing additional space to house more cadets and offer more advanced training courses annually.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5749,"House Passes Omnibus Bill With Key Democratic Priorities, Local Wins For Northern Virginia",2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today hailed passage of the omnibus funding bill in the House. The bill was negotiated on a bipartisan basis between Senate Democrats and Republicans and House Democrats, passed the Senate yesterday, and now heads to President Biden for signature. The bill contained Beyer-authored and co-authored legislation as well as community project funding and other Northern Virginia wins secured by Beyer. Among Beyer’s legislation in the bill: the Legacy IRA Act, legislation to promote charitable giving, and legislation to support the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Beyer said: “The bill we passed today funds robust military and economic assistance to Ukraine and our NATO allies, keeping our promise to stand with our friends in defense of democracy. And we take care of our own too, with major funding boosts that will support health care, education, child care, clean energy, scientific research and development, and much more. “The bill contains significant funding to implement the authorized but previously-unfunded science titles of the CHIPS and Science Act, much of which we drafted in the House Science Committee. And it contains bipartisan legislation, SECURE 2.0, written by the Ways and Means Committee to strengthen retirement savings. “There are major policy wins, most importantly in the Electoral Count Reform Act, Congress’ best bipartisan effort to prevent anyone from trying to follow in Donald Trump’s footsteps in an attempt to overturn a presidential election. And it contains the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, to prevent workplace discrimination during pregnancy. “I am also thrilled by the inclusion of legislation I led to support charitable giving, suicide prevention, and the honoring of a beloved Northern Virginia letter carrier who we lost to Covid. And I delivered millions in funding to local community projects in Northern Virginia that will have a positive impact on our region. “This bill did not contain everything I wanted, and I am particularly disappointed at the lack of action on the federal debt limit, the absence of an extension of the enhanced Child Tax Credit, and missing protections for wildlife and endangered species. But this bill provides robust funding for domestic and foreign policy priorities and will fund the government and prevent a shutdown all the more important with an incoming Republican House majority.” Beyer serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the House Committee on Ways and Means. He is the outgoing Chairman of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-supports-fiscal-year-2023-appropriations-package-including-25-million-for-middle-and-southwest-georgia-projects,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS FISCAL YEAR 2023 APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE INCLUDING $25 MILLION FOR MIDDLE AND SOUTHWEST GEORGIA PROJECTS,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, supported the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations package which funds the full range of defense and domestic programs that keep Georgians safe and improve their quality of life. The bill includes nearly $25 million for 15 projects in the Second Congressional District that will improve public safety, health care, job training, education, water and wastewater systems, and high-speed Internet services. The bill was approved by a bipartisan vote of 225-201 and now heads to President Biden for his signature. ""It is our responsibility to keep the government open so that it can serve and protect the American people. Democrats and Republicans have come together to pass this vital bill which funds our national defense and makes sure that federal programs are there to support families, businesses, and local communities,"" said Congressman Bishop. ""As part of today's bill, I secured funding for 15 projects in Middle and Southwest Georgia. They help our law enforcement and first responders, make sure families and businesses have access to clean water and high-speed internet, as well as improve health care, education, and housing for our communities."" Congressman Bishop is also the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs as well as a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. Working across the aisle, he supported dozens of projects across Georgia in districts represented by both Democrats and Republicans as well as federal programs vital to the state. Protecting & Improving the Lives of Americans The Fiscal Year 2023 bill funds federal programs that affect all aspects of Americans' lives from the country's national security and military to its housing, healthcare, education, workforce, and businesses programs. It invests in the roads, railways, bridges, airports, ports, and telecommunications infrastructure vital to the U.S. economy. Some highlights from the bill include: $4.4 billion for grants to state and local law enforcement $1.7 billion for Job Corps which supports workforce development programs across the country, including at the Turner Job Corps Center in Albany, Georgia $9.2 billion for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based in Atlanta, Georgia $118.7 billion for Veterans medical care which will serve the 7.3 million patients expected to be treated by the VA in fiscal year 2023 $3.8 billion for agricultural research, education, and extension – including 1890s, improvements for the Fruit and Tree Nut Research facility in Byron, Georgia (and other ARS facilities), as well as increases for whitefly, peanut, pecan, and floriculture research crucial to Georgia's economy $3.5 billion for rural development – including the Rural Housing Service and rental assistance, Rural Business programs, Rural Utilities Service and broadband infrastructure, and the Rural Community Facilities program $188.5 billion for domestic nutrition programs – includes full funding for SNAP, WIC, and Child Nutrition programs and $40 million for the Summer Electronic Benefit program as well as $30 million for school kitchen equipment grants $3.1 billion for farm and conservation programs $2.7 billion for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds The bill also contains language authored by Congressman Bishop that urges CMS to delay its policy preventing Medicare patients from using ambulance transportation to kidney dialysis and diabetes-related wound care. Helping Communities in Middle and Southwest Georgia Congressman Bishop also secured funding for 15 projects in Georgia's Second Congressional District. These include: $1,000,000 to Albany Technical College for recruitment efforts in its service area in Georgia to identify and transition interested students into allied health professions, with the overall goal of addressing the nursing shortage throughout Southwest Georgia $2,000,000 to Augusta University's Southwestern Regional Campus of the Medical College of Georgia in Albany to provide for longitudinal workforce training and workforce expansion for graduate students, to ultimately increase the number of medical professionals in Southwest Georgia $1,500,000 to the City ofBainbridge for Phase 2 of the Downrange Industrial Park Water and Wastewater Project $1,850,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany, Inc., for facility renovations and upgrades necessary to provide safe, positive, and innovative programs for 25,000 youth when they are out of school in Albany (Dougherty County), Montezuma (Macon County), and Plains (Sumter County) $1,187,200 to the City of Colquitt for a wastewater pollution control plant project $562,490 to the City of Donalsonville for broadband internet infrastructure improvement and expanding service to over 1200 households $949,146 to the City of Leesburg for a sewage and clean water infrastructure project $4,000,000 to Columbus State University for engineering, design work, and start-up construction costs to build a STEAM Collaboration Center with the Muscogee County School District for students to learn more about robotics, engineering, coding, and 3D design/fabrication technologies by creating a space specifically tailored to the needs of educating the community in the field of STEAM $161,167 to Miller County for improvements to its Emergency Operations Center communications system $1,000,000 to the Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council, in Dawson, for equipment & workforce training of heavy equipment operators $400,000 to Keryx Ministries, Inc., to support a community-based, Mercer University medical student-run clinic in the poverty-stricken Unionville Community in Macon, Georgia, which will improve the healthcare of children, senior citizens, and homeless individuals who desperately need medical and mental health attention $5,000,000 to the Mt. Olive Community Outreach Center, Inc., in Albany, to help replenish housing lost due to Hurricane Michael and tornadoes $367,362 to the Southwest Georgia Children's Alliance, Inc., in Americus for child abuse treatment and prevention programs $3,941,986 to the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, in Camilla, to meet public safety needs for multiple counties (Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth) by replacing obsolete and outdated radio equipment critical to ensuring that police, fire, and EMS can communicate within and across counties to respond to crime and natural disasters $1,020,047 to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, in Americus, to increase awareness of Alzheimer's Disease programs & resources for caregivers",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-votes-appropriations-funding-package,Scott Votes for Appropriations Funding Package,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, voted to pass the government funding appropriations package for FY 2023. This legislation includes funds to invest in jobs, education, the environment, shipbuilding, national security, as well as a number of important community projects in Hampton Roads. “This appropriations package makes critical investments in our communities and will be a big boost for Hampton Roads,”said Congressman Scott. “This bill will make important increased investments in theJustice and Mental Health Collaboration Program, which I just helped lead the re-authorization of with bipartisan legislation. The funding package also includes investments in our national defense and shipbuilding and will provide necessary aid to Ukraine, as well as providing critical funds to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, I was proud to have secured over $35.6 million in funding for community projects across Virginia’s third congressional district that will improve the quality of life for many residents in Hampton Roads.” The legislation includes funding for the following community projects secured by Congressman Scott that will directly benefit Virginia’s Third Congressional District: $1,594,355 for An Achievable Dream, Newport News, supplemental recovery supports $11,250,000 for the removal of toxic sediments at Money Point, Chesapeake $1,000,000 for mental health programming at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, $3,000,000 for the City of Norfolk LED Streetlight Upgrades $3,000,000 for the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center Aquatic Facility, Chesapeake $2,500,000 for the City of Franklin to reconstruct the Armory to serve as a community center $760,000 for the Gun Violence and Violent Crime Reduction Initiative in Newport News $4,600,000 for the Hampton Gun Violence Intervention Program $850,000 for the Hampton Roads Workforce Council Training System $2,200,000 for Hampton University’s Workforce Development and Allied Health Services Program $807,137 for the Portsmouth Community Health Center for a Traveling Vehicle for Good Dental Health $677,000 for the Soundscapes to expand access to arts education to more students $687,680 for the STEMConnect: NASA STEM Literacy & Community Enrichment at the Virginia Air and Space Center $750,000 for the Tyler's Beach Harbor/Marina Facility Improvements in Isle of Wight $2,000,000 for infrastructure improvements for the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas For full descriptions and amounts requested from these projects, please clickHERE. As Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, Congressman Scott celebrated provisions of the omnibus that will improve the lives of students, workers, and families. “I am particularly pleased the package makes sizable investments in early childhood through post-secondary education,”noted Congressman Scott.“The bill seeks to improve access to early learning and child care programs by increasing funding for Head Start programs and the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Additionally, the package includes an $850 million increase in funding for Title I schools to help address long-standing inequities in education, and permanently repeals a law that restricts the use of federal funds to promote school integration. And finally, by raising the maximum Pell Grant award by $500 and increasing investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, and Minority Serving Institutions, more students will be able to reap the benefits of a college degree.” “We were also able to take steps to address child hunger,”continued Congressman Scott. “Importantly, the bill includes a provision from theHealthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act, that permanently authorizes the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program, which will help 29 million children access healthy meals throughout the summer. Although this proposal falls far short of the comprehensive reauthorization that America’s children and families deserve, I am grateful we will be able to make some progress toward our ultimate goal of eliminating child hunger. Also, of note, for the first time in more than a decade, we were able to secure an increase in funding for the National Labor Relations Board, which helps defend workers’ rights to organize and bargain for higher pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Although this increase is not nearly enough to fully recover and scale back from the previous decade of flat funding, it staves off layoffs and permits the NLRB to continue its important work. Moreover, the omnibus includes a notable increase in funding for our nation’s workforce development programs, such as Registered Apprenticeships. These types of investments are not only good for workers, but also employers and our economy.” “Furthermore, the omnibus includes proposals to protect the health and well-being of pregnant workers and working mothers,”concluded Congressman Scott. “The first is the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act, which ensures mothers have the privacy and time to pump at work. And the second is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which will ensure pregnant workers have a clear pathway to receiving reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Unfortunately, the Senate incorporated a religious entity exemption from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to PWFA that I strongly oppose. My concern is this language may be interpreted as allowing religious employers to justify other discriminatory actions against pregnant workers beyond denying them accommodations. And, finally, this package includes the SECURE 2.0 Act, which incorporatesprovisions that the House passed and our Committee approved. These provisions make several sensible improvements to our nation’s retirement system and will help more Americans prepare for and achieve the secure retirement they deserve.” Further information on the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Act can be foundHERE. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-helps-fund-government-sends-bill-355m-community-projects-nw-oregon,Bonamici Helps Fund Government; Sends Bill With $35.5M for Community Projects in NW Oregon to Biden’s Desk,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,bonamici,https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/23/22] –Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici announced that all 15 of the Community Projects she recommended were included in the government funding bill passed by the House and Senate, sending more than $35 million for NW Oregon to President Joe Biden’s desk. The Community Project Funding was passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 to fund the government for the next year. The package also included provisions led by Bonamici to protect retirement savings, help students access meals in the summer, and fund child care. “This funding package is great news for Oregonians,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “It will deliver more than $35 million for 15 projects I advocated for in NW Oregon to support affordable housing, make our roads safer, improve equity in our health care system, and more. These projects will be complemented by robust funding for child care, increased access to summer meals for students, protections for pregnant workers and retirement savings, and other efforts I championed. I look forward to seeing how the funding from this legislation helps our communities thrive, and I am committed to continuing to work on these important issues.” The 15 community projects funded in the bill are: Beaverton Downtown Loop City of Beaverton $4,000,000 Behavioral Health Paraprofessional Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship United We Heal Training Trust $892,000 Capacity Building Affordable Housing West Tuality Habitat for Humanity $750,000 Columbia County Advanced and Additive Manufacturing Small Business Incubator Columbia County Economic Team $814,000 Dartmouth Crossing South-Tigard Triangle Affordable Housing REACH Community Development Corp $1,500,000 Fairfield Apartments City of Portland $2,000,000 Hall Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Hemlock & Spruce Oregon Department of Transportation $3,200,000 Health Center Facilities and Equipment Upgrades Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries $5,055,844 Health IT Workforce Development OCHIN Inc. $2,001,642 Main Avenue/OR 104 Pedestrian Route City of Warrenton $1,360,000 Merlo Bus Garage Zero Emission Retrofit TriMet $5,000,000 Newberg Dundee Bypass Corridor Safety and Intersection Improvements Oregon Department of Transportation $4,000,000 Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Portland Community College $910,000 Treatment Foster Care Oregon Model with LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group Oregon Community Programs $1,000,000 Willamette Water Supply System Tualatin Valley Water District $3,000,000 Under the rules of the House Appropriations Committee, Members of Congress could each submit up to 15 Community Project Funding requests for consideration during the fiscal year 2023 appropriations legislative process. The reformed and transparent Community Project Funding process allows Members of Congress to advocate for specific community financial support in a local, highly competitive process. You can find more information on Bonamici’s website about the Community Projects she supported: Bonamici.House.Gov/CommunityProjects “The City of Portland thanks Rep. Bonamici first and foremost for championing the $2 million special appropriation to support redevelopment of the Fairfield Apartments,” said Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan, who Oversees the Portland Housing Bureau. “The Fairfield provides dedicated affordable housing for very low-income residents who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These funds help us preserve a critical housing type in our streets-to-housing continuum. The project will also preserve a historic building and generate opportunities for small-scale, neighborhood-serving retail in the downtown core where many other low-income tenants reside in regulated affordable housing. We are grateful to the Congresswoman and our congressional delegation for their support of this much-needed project.” ""I'm thankful to Congresswoman Bonamici for her tremendous support of our Downtown Loop Project,"" said Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty. “These active transportation investments will improve mobility and access for the Central Beaverton neighborhood, an area that has been historically disenfranchised and directly impacted by redlining. Guided by extensive community input, our Downtown Equity Strategy, and our Climate Action Plan, these improvements will emphasize safety for all while proactively addressing harmful historical practices. Beaverton is deeply grateful to Congresswoman Bonamici for making this investment in our community.” ""Oregon has some of the highest rates in the country for drug addiction and negative mental health outcomes,” said Stacy Chamberlain, Chair of United We Heal Training Trust. “These funds will help rebuild the workforce with a focus on innovative apprenticeship programs built upon collaboration between employers and workers. A stable workforce is the only way to improve client care and make Oregon a healthier place for all. Thank you to Rep. Bonamici for her work bringing creative solutions to our addiction crisis."" The Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2023 also included Bonamici’s Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act, which will establish an Office of the Retirement Savings Lost and Found to help workers who move between jobs track, consolidate, and grow their retirement savings accounts. It also includes a portion of Bonamici’s Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act to establish a permanent, nationwide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program that expands access to school meals during summer breaks. The package increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) by 30 percent, following a request led by Bonamici to use appropriations to address the nation’s child care crisis. It also includes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, legislation Bonamici has long championed to provide pregnant workers with reasonable accommodations on the job without facing discrimination or retaliation in the workplace. Bonamici’s full statement for the record on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1317,"Carbajal: Final Bipartisan Defense Policy Bill Includes Key Support for Central Coast Military Families, Vandenberg SFB",2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud O. Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,carbajal,https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"President Biden signed measure crafted with help of Carbajal to raise pay and housing allowances for servicemembers, expand research partnerships with local universities, extend support for FireGuard program Today, Congressman Salud Carbajal shared that the final version of the Fiscal Year 2023 defense policy bill, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this month and was signed into law by President Biden today, includes important support for the Central Coast’s military families and numerous provisions that he pushed to include in the new law. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) includes multiple provisions championed by Congressman Carbajal in his role on the House Armed Services Committee that will support operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base, promote the welfare of U.S. servicemembers and military families, and invest in research partnerships with Central Coast colleges and universities. “Over my past three terms in Congress, I’ve had the privilege to work every year with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to craft bipartisan legislation that invests in keeping Americans safe today and in the future; and that is what we have done again this year,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m proud that this bill also reflects the values and priorities of the Central Coast, its communities, and its servicemembers. It supports our cornerstone installation, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and the military families that call our area home–as well as the research institutions that are innovating to keep the United States on the cutting edge and protecting its interests around the globe.” In addition, the new law includes standalone measures previously co-authored by Rep. Carbajal to support and reauthorize Coast Guard operations, expand health benefits for federal firefighters, and update maritime liability laws in the wake of the Conception boat fire. The following provision are included in the 2023 NDAA: Support for Vandenberg Space Force Base Operations and Future Endeavors on the Central Coast Language supporting the ‘Range of the Future’ initiative at Vandenberg, which will expand commercial space launch opportunities and provide economic benefits to the region, expressing Congress’ support for the need to build on the report secured by Carbajal’s efforts in last year’s NDAA. Rep. Carbajal also commissioned a study to ensure that military airspace routes can interact safely with on and offshore wind installations, including the future sites off Morro Bay sold at auction earlier this month. Promoting the Welfare of Servicemembers and Central Coast Military Families The FY23 NDAA supports a historic $4.6% pay raise for U.S. servicemembers. Adds funds for the DoD to increase service member housing allowance by 2% and requires a report on a more transparent, fair, and flexible way to calculate the basic allowance for housing. Increases funds for the commissaries to help offset higher prices. Establishes a five-year pilot program to reimburse members of the Armed Forces for certain childcare costs incident to a permanent change of station or assignment; and authorizes childcare fee reductions for children of military child development center employees Requires independent trained investigators outside of the immediate chain of command to investigate claims of sexual harassment, and places sexual harassment and other offenses under the jurisdiction of the Special Trial Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General, in coordination with the Department of Defense, to report on procedures being followed to assist veterans in obtaining or reconstructing service and medical records that were damaged or destroyed in the July 1973 fire at the National Records Processing Center. This report builds on Carbajal’s efforts to support veterans whose records were lost in the fire. Enhances Wildfire Safety Extends the National Guard support for the FireGuard program until 2029. The FireGuard program utilizes Department of Defense resources to help local jurisdictions detect and monitor wildfires. Rep. Carbajal successfully fought to provide a long term authorization of the program in 2021. Previously, the program had to be reauthorized on a yearly basis. Language to allow the Department of Defense to transfer aircraft to other departments for the purposes of aiding search and rescue operations or emergency operations related to wildfires Support for Partnerships with Local Universities UCSB: Rep. Carbajal secured increased funding for research programs that are conducted in partnership with U.C. Santa Barbara and other universities: an additional $4 million for biotechnology research, and a $9 million increase for cold and complex environment-sensing research. Cal Poly SLO: Carbajal also supported a $10 million increase for aerospace engineering research, which is done in partnership with Air Force Research Lab and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Other Measures Included in FY23 NDAA The defense policy package signed by President Biden today also includes the following bills co-authored by Rep. Carbajal: The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, crafted in part by Rep. Carbajal in his role as Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, which ensures federal firefighters receive the same access to job-related disability and retirement benefits as state, county, and municipal firefighters. The Small Passenger Vessel Liability Fairness Act, which updates maritime liability laws to help victims of boating disasters, a reform inspired by the 2019 Conception boat fire. The FY23 NDAA also: Authorizes $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which provides support and assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a voluntary pilot program to promote the safe storage of personally owned firearms Requires transition of non-tactical vehicle fleets at the Department of Defense to electric or zero-emission vehicles by 2035 Additional details and a summary of all the provisions included in the FY23 NDAA can be found here. Related News Carbajal, Bacon Reintroduce Bill to Expand Benefits for Veteran Survivors of Sexual Assault March 18, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Carbajal to Support Bill to Rein in Trump’s Military Powers March 4, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Carbajal Statement on Trump Administration Strikes in Iran February 28, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Carbajal Raises Environmental and Community Concerns Over Vandenberg’s Proposed Super Heavy Launch Pad January 13, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Carbajal Co-Leads Bill to Protect Military Families from Deportation January 8, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z