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://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-releases-statement-passing-congresswoman-eddie-bernice,Congressman Al Green Releases a Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-jasmine-crockett-statement-passing-congresswoman-eddie-bernice,Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Statement on Passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) released the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

""Today, the world has lost a trailblazer, and Texas has lost one of its most dedicated public servants and iconic leaders. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a woman of many firsts; the first Black head nurse at the Dallas VA Hospital, one of two first Black women elected to the Texas House, the first nurse to be elected to Congress, and the first woman and African American to chair the Science, Space, & Technology Committee in the U.S. House. But while these accomplishments will be etched into our minds, hearts, and history books, they weren’t the things that Chairwoman Johnson prided herself in.

""Chairwoman Johnson was, as I liked to refer to her, a quiet storm. She prided herself in getting things done to better the lives of the people that she served. If you ever had the occasion to chat with her, she’d talk about investments that she brought to the district or historic infrastructure projects that she’d worked on. During her last session in Congress, Chairwoman Johnson ushered the CHIPS & Science Act into law. While most people will only know about the historic number of jobs that are being created throughout the country as a result of this law, many won’t know that Chairwoman Johnson required this bill to also have investments for STEM and research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For decades to come, her work will live on.

""While I was honored, I was also bewildered when Chairwoman Johnson called me and asked me to run to represent Texas 30. I was only a freshman in the Texas House, and never in my wildest dreams would I think that she was aware of anything that I was doing in the House. But that is the thing about her: she never slept. She was always working. She kept her finger on the pulse of what was going on in the Texas House, and while I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into, I trusted her, her judgment, and her mentorship.

""The Chairwoman didn’t take passing the torch on lightly, and likewise, I’ve not taken it lightly that she entrusted me to honor her work and legacy. Everyday that passes is a day that I dedicate to continuing her work and attempting to fill her shoes. The work has never been easy, but it has and always will be noble. As I conclude this statement, fighting back tears, I say rest easy to the Gentle Lady from Texas and just know that I will always fight to preserve the foundation that you laid over your 50 years of service to Texas and the United States.""

###

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties, with the cities of Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Wilmer, Arlington, Ovilla, and Seagoville.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=55217363-44E4-40A2-B2F6-9DA33DA8D4FE,Whip Clark Statement on the Passing of Former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MA,Katherine M. Clark,C001101,katherineclark.house.gov,clark,https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement on the passing of former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson:

“Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a trailblazing public servant who redefined what’s possible for generations of Americans.

""As a nurse, state legislator, and a distinguished Member of Congress, she broke barriers — fighting injustice, standing up to institutional racism, and always lifting up others along the way.

""As the first woman and person of color to Chair the Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, she was a leader in the passage of the CHIPS & Science Act, securing key investments in HBCUs, and advancing our nation’s commitment to science and progress.

“The halls of Congress and the country are better off because of Congresswoman Johnson’s powerful legacy. It was an honor to call her a colleague and friend, and I send my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and the entire Dallas community.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-passing-chairwoman-eddie-bernice-johnson,Pelosi Statement on Passing of Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"San Francisco — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson:

“Today, families in the Dallas area and across America mourn the loss of Eddie Bernice Johnson: a tenacious trailblazer, a talented legislator and a devoted public servant.

“For three decades, Chairwoman Johnson was a powerful force in the United States Congress, always focused on the future. As Chair of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, she insisted on investing in STEM education — with an emphasis on equity and inclusion — so that American minds shape the economy of tomorrow and solve the great challenges of our time. How fitting that Chairwoman Johnson’s legendary legacy, cemented with the CHIPS and Science Act that she helped craft, will transform America for decades to come.

“The impact of Eddie Bernice Johnson’s masterful, patriotic leadership will be felt for generations. May it be a comfort to her beloved son Kirk, her dear grandchildren Kirk Jr, David and James, and her entire family that so many of her colleagues in the Congress and friends across the nation pray for them during this sad time.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-passing-congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson,Veasey Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FORT WORTH - Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement about the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30):

“North Texas and our nation mourn the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Congresswoman Johnson was a trailblazer, friend, and mentor to many, including myself.

“For decades, she served North Texans and became an unmatched leader in Congress on many issues, including science and transportation. I am deeply saddened by her passing and praying for her loved ones during this time. I am honored to have served alongside her and hope to continue to build on her extraordinary legacy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-state-of-the-union-political-leaders-need-to-start-talking-about-the-emotional-state-of-america,Murphy on State of the Union: Political Leaders Need to Start Talking About the Emotional State of America,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,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.) on Sunday joined CNN’s State of the Union to discuss how government can help tackle the loneliness epidemic and why it’s important for Americans to have a national conversation about rebuilding community and connection.

“Last year, we had more suicides in the United States than in any year in our lifetime. Rising rates of violence. More people taking withdrawal drugs and overdosing. It feels like people are having a harder time finding purpose and meaning than ever before. And part of the reason for that – a lot of people are lonely and feeling alone. 20 years ago, only 3% of Americans reported having no friends. Today, 12% of Americans say they have not a single friend. We report spending half as much time as we used to on a daily basis with family and friends. We’re withdrawing into ourselves, and with that comes a real sickness, emotionally, spiritually, physically. And it's something that I think political leaders need to start talking about because it impacts everybody in this country on the right and the left. And it's actually a wonderful unifying conversation because everyone in this country is feeling alone,” said Murphy.

On bipartisan support for regulating social media, Murphy said: “The social media companies absolutely are determined to protect their addictive technology. Their entire business model is centered around trying to get us to look at our phones six to eight hours a day. They make less money if we're talking to each other rather than looking at our phones. But the good news is this conversation about social media regulation is one that actually brings Republicans and Democrats, the right and the left together. You talk to parents out there – it really has nothing to do with their ideology as to whether or not they want more help in trying to keep their kids off of TikTok, off of Instagram, especially when they see those sites really taking their children into a dark rabbit hole.”

Murphy discussed how the political discourse is disconnected from what Americans are really feeling: “I think when you don't have leaders that are sticking up for you and plugging into the things that matter most to you, that makes you feel alone, right? You want a champion. You want somebody that understands what you're going through and is fighting for you. That's why I think we have to talk about the emotional state of America because that's a way for political leaders to directly plug into the actual things that people are feeling. And so when we just sort of talk about the price of health care or the unemployment rate – that isn't directly connected to the spiritual, emotional state of the country in a way a conversation about loneliness or purpose or meaning would be. I know that those are topics that feel very unfamiliar and distant to political leadership, but it actually, I think, would scratch the American public where they itch and make them feel less alone if they thought political leaders were actually talking about the way that they feel.”

Murphy added: “You can’t just have a conversation simply about how people are feeling. You’ve got to say ‘how are you feeling,’ and then what can government do to make it better. If you talk about loneliness, part of the policy is social media regulation, but it's also free time and leisure time, right? Giving people the space where they can go join a church or a social club. It's about connection. I want a four-day work week. I want more functional third places. I want more community pools. And I want more vibrant churches. I want places where people can meet. You have to start the conversation around purpose and meaning and connection, but then I think you need to move pretty quickly to policy, but make sure that that's one conversation.”

Earlier this month, Murphy authored an op-ed for the New Republic to make the case for a political realignment oriented around a set of solutions that would address America’s spiritual unspooling and enable Americans to have more economic control over their lives, more social connection, and more moral markets.

Murphy and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) introduced the Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults (SILO) Act, legislation to establish a grant and training program for community-based organizations working to address social isolation among older adults and adults with disabilities – two populations at greater risk for loneliness. Earlier this year, Murphy introduced the National Strategy for Social Connection Act, which would create an Office of Social Connection Policy within the White House to work across federal agencies to develop effective strategies for improved social infrastructure and issue national guidelines for social connection similar to existing guidelines on sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. It would also provide funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-releases-2023-report-for-the-20th-district-of-texas,Congressman Castro Releases 2023 Report for the 20th District of Texas,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Read the Full Report

SAN ANTONIO – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released his end-of-year report detailing 2023 accomplishments on behalf of the 20th Congressional District of Texas.

“Over the past two years, San Antonio residents have seen many reasons to be excited about the future. As the economy has rebounded and life has returned to normal, new jobs have brought thousands of families a better quality of life. As our city continues to grow, I want to make sure that no one is left behind,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro. “It’s an honor to represent my hometown, and I look forward to continuing my work to create good jobs, build a sound health care system, and strengthen the great public schools and universities that put San Antonians on track to pursue their dreams.”

Key 2023 accomplishments include:

811 constituent cases resolved successfully, with $3.1 million in federal benefits recovered for the people of San Antonio, including more than $352,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

$521 million in federal grants secured for programs and services in San Antonio, including $20 million to expand and improve the San Antonio airport, $2 million to fund math and literacy tutoring in San Antonio schools, and hundreds of thousands of dollars to help LiftFund and other organizations support San Antonio small businesses as they grow and create jobs.

200+ bills sponsored and co-sponsored on behalf of the people of San Antonio.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-neguse-host-year-end-town-hall-estes-park,Rep. Neguse to Host Year-End Town Hall in Estes Park,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,neguse,https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lafayette, CO — On Saturday, December 30th, Congressman Joe Neguse will close out 2023 by hosting a town hall in Estes Park, Colorado. The Congressman will provide a legislative update and then take questions from attendees. Due to limited space, attendees are required to RSVP, find the link here.

Estes Park | Saturday, December 30th | 2:00-3:00pm

Congressman Neguse will be joined by Estes Park Mayor Wendy Koenig and Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-need-for-congressional-oversight-of-weapons-transfers,Kaine Statement on Need for Congressional Oversight of Weapons Transfers,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s decision to transfer weapons to Israel without congressional oversight:

“Just as Congress has a crucial role to play in all matters of war and peace, Congress should have full visibility over the weapons we transfer to any other nation. Unnecessarily bypassing Congress means keeping the American people in the dark. We need a public explanation of the rationale behind this decision—the second such decision this month.”

Kaine has long been a leading voice for the need to make decisions related to war and peace through a deliberate congressional process. This month, Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval was signed into law. Earlier this year, the Senate voted to pass Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) and formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars.

Kaine strongly condemned Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians and has been vocal about the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He’s taken a series of steps to prioritize the release of hostages taken by Hamas, including directly engaging the Qatari and Egyptian governments, address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and counter Hamas’ terrorist threats. Kaine led his colleagues in calling for a short-term cessation of violence in order to ensure humanitarian assistance is reaching civilians in Gaza.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-administrations-decision-to-bypass-congressional-arms-sale-approval,Van Hollen Statement on Administration’s Decision to Bypass Congressional Arms Sale Approval,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"News Alert: Share how President Trump’s Executive Orders are impacting you or your family

News Alert: Share how President Trump’s Executive Orders are impacting y...",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5058,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Releases 2023 Annual Report for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,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 2023 Annual Report detailing her work representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District this year. The report highlights Congresswoman Fletcher’s work on legislation, events in the district, congressional work in DC, 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 2023 Annual Report, and I look forward to continuing my work for our community and our country ahead.”

Highlights of the 2023 Annual Report include:

Constituent Advocacy: This year, Congresswoman Fletcher’s office resolved more than 3,000 constituent matters, and reached the milestone of resolving more than 12,000 constituent matters since she assumed office.

Regional Leadership Council: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed Congresswoman Fletcher to the Regional Leadership Council where she works with President Biden and his administration on implementation of the historic legislation passed in the 117th Congress, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and more.

Legislation: Congresswoman Fletcher has introduced several bills in the House of Representatives this year, including:

the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 782, to protect the constitutional right to travel across state lines, including for reproductive health care;

the Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links To Expand Tailored and Effective (COMPLETE) Care Act, H.R. 5819, to help primary care providers improve mental health care access for Medicare beneficiaries in primary care settings;

the Toxic-Free Beauty Act, H.R. 3619, which prohibits the use of certain hazardous chemicals from personal and professional care, beauty, and salon products sold in the U.S.; and

the Strengthening Community Care Act, H.R. 2559, to reauthorize federal funding for Community Health Centers and the National Health Service Corps through 2028.

To view the full 2023 Annual Report, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases/kamlager-dove-highlights-first-year-accomplishments,Kamlager-Dove Highlights First-Year Accomplishments,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Sydney Kamlager-Dove,K000400,kamlager-dove.house.gov,kamlager-dove,https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"To view the end of year report, click here.

TOP HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023:

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove's office responded to over 23,000 constituent messages.

Her staff helped close 778 constituent cases.

Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove introduced 20 pieces of legislation and cosponsored over 300 more.

She worked tosecure the release of Eyvin Hernandez, a CA-37 constituent who was detained in Venezuela for almost two years.

Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove introduced the bipartisan and bicameral GRATEFUL Act that was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act package for Fiscal Year 2024 —her first piece of legislation to be signed into law as a Member of Congress.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-highlights-2023-accomplishments,McClellan Highlights 2023 Accomplishments,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) released her 2023 Year in Review to highlight her legislative and constituent service accomplishments. McClellan won a special election and was sworn into Congress on March 7th, 2023.

“It is the honor of my lifetime to serve Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. As the first Black Congresswoman to represent Virginia, I work to bring my unique perspective and lived experiences to my work in Washington and the District,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Despite Republicans’ dysfunction, I am proud of the work I was able to accomplish for Virginians, and I look forward to continuing my efforts in service to our Commonwealth.”

To read the report, click here or click below.

Image

Some of McClellan’s major accomplishments in 2023 include:

Introduced 8 original pieces of legislation and cosponsored 230 additional bills.

Closed 892 constituent cases and returned $1,000,000+ to residents of Virginia’s Fourth.

Her NATO Resolution to prohibit any President from withdrawing the United States from NATO without congressional approval was included in the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 and signed into law.

Successfully securedfour additional amendments in the NDAA to improve the quality of life of servicemembers and their families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-secures-more-17-million-constituents-2023,Pallone Secures More than $1.7 Million for Constituents in 2023,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,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 $1,750,476 for constituents who sought assistance from his offices in New Jersey in 2023. 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 2023, Pallone’s office successfully closed 2,415 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 2024, 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,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jimmy-panetta-announces-student-winners-annual-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Jimmy Panetta Announces Student Winners of Annual Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"San Jose, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced the winner of California’s 19th District’s 2023 Congressional App Challenge. Caitlynn Sue, a student from Leland High School in San Jose received first place for her app, “Oakli”. Caitlynn will also be invited to the 2023 #HouseofCode Event in Washington D.C. in the Spring of 2024, as well as having the honor of her work being displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the remainder of the 118th Congress.

The Congressional App Challenge promotes student innovation, creativity, and engagement in computer science through competition and the creation of a new digital application or “app.” This year, 40 students from across California’s 19th Congressional District participated in the challenge, developing 24 original apps tackling issues ranging from sustainability, education, and social justice. Student participants included middle and high school students.

“With our daily lives becoming more and more integrated with our digital world, our young people will need to flex their creativity, ingenuity, and technical skills in order to compete in the global economy,” said Rep. Panetta. “The Congressional App Challenge provides a unique experience for students to test themselves and think outside-the-box to solve real world problems through the power of technology. Caitlynn, along with the other finalists and participants in this year’s Challenge, produced exceptional projects that should make us excited for future innovation in our community.”

Caitlynn’s app, “Oakli,” helps people live more environmentally friendly by providing motivation, education, and resources. Oakli motivates users through its game-like system that educates users with detailed information, fun facts, and recycling tools. With a tap of their finger, the user can classify an object and get specific instructions for recycling that object from their county.

Anya Li, from Valley Christian High School, and Andrew Li of Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose received second place for their app, “Green Habit,” which provides users with eco-friendly reminders throughout the day. Aarini Naskar and Shriyanka Hiremagalur, also from Notre Dame High School, received third place for their app, “Girlz Elevate,” which provides a trusted platform for young women to connect on topics such as mental health, academic and peer pressures, and self-esteem.

A panel of leaders and academics in tech from California’s 19th Congressional volunteered to judge this year’s challenge. Judges included; Santa Cruz County Office of Education Chief Technology and Innovations Officer Jason Borgan, U.C. Santa Cruz Department Chair of Computational Media Magy Seif El-Sasr, Naval Post-Graduate School Assistant Professor of Computer Science Marko Orescanin, Owen Arden, U.C. Santa Cruz Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Owen Arden, and Western Growers Vice President of Innovation Walt DuFlock.

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 that 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 19th Congressional District.

For more information on the Congressional App Challenge and how to get involved in future competitions, visit: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-brauns-bipartisan-slow-down-move-over-resolution-passed-by-the-senate,"Blumenthal & Braun's Bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over Resolution Passed by the Senate",2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – The Senate passed the bipartisan “Slow Down, Move Over” resolution led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mike Braun (R-IN). The resolution raises awareness of Slow Down, Move Over state laws to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities and to recognize the important role fire and rescue personnel, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and transportation workers play in road safety.

“I’m proud the Senate has unanimously passed our bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over resolution,” said Blumenthal. “Tragic collisions that injure and kill first responders and roadside assistance workers like Corey Iodice continue to happen. This resolution amplifies the simple yet effective way to keep workers safe on the roads: Slow Down and Move Over.”

“Too many first responders and roadside assistance workers are killed in accidents on our highways,” said Braun. “This resolution is inspired by Corey Iodice, who was killed in such an accident, and is a reminder to all of us of the simple thing we can do to prevent these accidents: slow down, and move over.”

All 50 states have Slow Down, Move Over laws that direct motorists to reduce speed or change lanes for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles. Despite these laws, many motorists are unaware of them and roadside fatalities and injuries continue. On average, an emergency first responder is struck and killed every 4.65 days working on America's roadways, with 51 deaths occurring in 2022.

The Slow Down, Move Over resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Jon Tester (D-MT). It is inspired by Corey Iodice, a tow truck operator for his family’s business, who was tragically struck and killed on the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut in 2020 while assisting a driver. Following his death, his sister Cindy Iodice launched Flagman, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and educating drivers about the roadside dangers faced by first responders and highway workers.

“Emergency responders are the unsung heroes of our nation’s roads,” said Iodice, “so it’s important to keep the message of Slow Down Move Over in the motoring public’s eye. This resolution does just that. It serves as a clear reminder that emergency responders and highway workers operate in dangerous situations to keep the roads open and safe for the traveling public. Prioritizing their safety is essential.”

The resolution is supported by a number of organizations, including Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of State Troopers, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Eastern Transportation Coalition, Governors Highway Safety Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Association of Police Organizations, National Association of State EMS Officials, National District Attorneys Association, National Safety Council, National Sheriff’s Association, and National Volunteer Fire Council.

The text of the resolution is available here.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2023-end-of-year-report,Murphy Releases 2023 End of Year Report,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,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.) on Friday released his End of Year Report outlining the work he’s done for the people of Connecticut during 2023. The report details Murphy’s legislative priorities this year, including implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, tackling the fentanyl crisis, rebuilding community and connection, protecting kids and holding social media companies accountable, supporting workers, making housing more affordable, and more. Murphy also helped deliver billions of federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act to create good-paying jobs in Connecticut.

This year, Murphy and his office:

Introduced or co-sponsored more than 200 pieces of legislation, including 24 bills or resolutions as the lead sponsor.

Completed his seventh Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 67 miles, 17 towns, and hundreds of people along the way.

Traveled across the state, hosting 139 town halls, roundtables, listening sessions and more with Connecticut residents.

Responded and reached out to Connecticut residents through over 529,883 calls, emails, and letters.

Returned $3,189,384 to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies.

Helped over 8,100 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits.

Click here to download Senator Murphy’s 2023 End of Year Report.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/memorandum-re-jake-auchincloss-third-year-in-congress,Memorandum RE: Jake Auchincloss’ Third Year in Congress,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MA,Jake Auchincloss,A000148,auchincloss.house.gov,auchincloss,https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Auchincloss was appointed to the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. In this committee he has fought for increased investment in science and education and an emphasis on sustaining U.S. leadership for the rules-based, international order instead of turning towards protectionism and isolationism.

Unanimously passed legislation, the U.S. Supply Chain Security Review Act, through the House to assess the potential economic security and supply chain risks of foreign ownership of marine terminals at major U.S. ports.

Led a letter with 67 House Members urging the inclusion of funding for safe firearm storage education in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Worked to lower health care costs and cut out greedy drug-pricing middlemen by co-leading or cosponsoring the following bills: the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act, the Protect Patients Against PBM Abuses Act and the Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act.

Congressman Auchincloss continued his aggressive “go everywhere” media strategy this year, using his unique voice to meet audiences where they are. Called “as media-friendly as anyone on the Hill these days,” it was noted that “the second-term representative, [is] well, everywhere…[and] maintains a relatively aggressive schedule of cable TV appearances.” Thanks in part to this media strategy, Auchincloss “has emerged as a rising star in Massachusetts politics.”

During his third year in office he has made over 225 local and national television appearances and penned national and local op-eds appearing in The Boston Globe, The Daily Beast, The Hill, The Economist, Iowa Starting Line, FOX, and Commonwealth Magazine.

Congressman Auchincloss made headlines for being the first member of Congress to deliver a speech written by AI on the House floor. Auchincloss – who offers a unique perspective on emerging technologies as one of the few millennials in Congress and as someone with a background in the tech sector – helped kickoff one of the most closely watched debates on Capitol Hill, AI regulation.

Congressman Auchincloss has used his position on the Select Committee on China and military background to become a leading voice in the Democratic Party on foreign policy issues including being an outspoken advocate for defending democracy abroad. He has taken a leading role in advocating for more aid for Ukraine, including during a speaking engagement at the Texas Tribune Festival; has been out front on supporting Israel’s right to defend itself; and calling for the US to stand with Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies against Chinese aggression.

Called the “defender in chief,” Auchincloss has taken a leading role in pushing back on bad faith attacks against President Biden and his agenda while in a Republican controlled House. An “outspoken defender of President Biden on foreign policy,” Auchincloss has stood up for Democratic values both locally and nationally – featured in publications such as The New York Times. Auchincloss will continue to be a strong surrogate for the administration as a compelling voice among emerging Democratic leaders who can talk to a diverse audience.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-releases-end-year-report-highlighting-legislation,"Congressman Don Davis Releases End of Year Report, Highlighting Legislation, Constituent Casework, and Strong Bipartisanship Track Record",2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Find the End-of-Year Report here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) marked the culmination of his first year in Congress by unveiling his end-of-year report. The report highlights legislative achievements and successful constituent casework wins, underscoring his commitment to North Carolina’s First Congressional District.

“As a native of eastern North Carolina, I am honored to serve the people of North Carolina’s First Congressional District. My team and I have fought hard to ensure that national leaders see and hear our voices. In 2023, I voted to avert two government shutdowns, which otherwise would have devastated the East, and prioritized tackling health care, the needs of rural America and agriculture, and national security,” said Congressman Don Davis. “Eastern North Carolinians have unique needs and interests. Many have conveyed concerns about inflation, good-paying jobs, housing, public safety, schools, the looming national debt, the crisis at the southern border, and child care. I will lead us in 2024 and beyond, working to address these issues. We must keep the American Dream within reach for our children and future generations.”

SIGNIFICANT HIGHLIGHTS:

Over $260 million in federal grant funds were distributed to invest in eastern North Carolina communities.

More than $3.5 million from federal agencies returned to eastern North Carolina families, veterans, and seniors.

Introduced 17 bipartisan pieces of legislation.

More than $16 million was submitted for Community Project Funding.

Over 1,000 meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure residents' voices are heard and amplified in Washington, D.C.

Resolved nearly 1,000 constituent casework requests.

A total of 85% of Congressman Davis’ votes were bipartisan.

Rated #1 in his class seeking common ground solutions in Congress and the #3 most bipartisan House Democrat based on his voting record.

Ranked #6 for advocating through Floor speeches in the House of Representatives.

Inserted over 80 remarks into the Congressional Record highlighting residents of the East.

###

dondavis.house.gov

Follow Congressman Davis",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-rep-neguses-bill-expand-mental-health-care-colorados,President Biden Signs Rep. Neguse’s Bill to Expand Mental Health Care for Colorado’s Military Families Into Law,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,neguse,https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lafayette, CO — Last week, President Joe Biden signed Congressman Joe Neguse’s Mental Health for Military Families Act into law. The bipartisan bill, which expands access to counseling and mental health services for Colorado’s military families, was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). The proposal was championed by Senator John Ossof in the United States Senate.

“Today, through the enactment of the Mental Health for Military Families Act, we are doing our part to care for our nation’s service members and their spouses and children. These individuals sacrifice so much to defend our country, and by expanding access to critical mental health services we are making sure they have the support they need,” said Congressman Neguse.

“Our bipartisan bill, which is now law, will expand free access to counseling and mental health services for servicemembers and their families who make great sacrifices for our nation, endure great stress in so doing, and deserve nothing less than the care they need — when they need it,” Sen. Ossoff said.

Specifically, the Mental Health for Military Families Act allows the Secretary of Defense to waive out-of-pocket expenses for military families on TRICARE for their first three outpatient mental health visits per year, lowering costs and helping families access the treatment they need.

“The Mental Health for Military Families Act allows family members of active-duty military personnel to access mental health services without restrictions for their first three visits, using their TriCare benefits. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by military families and aims to reduce the burden on them by facilitating access to mental health care. By providing avenues of care for family members, the act recognizes the challenges they face and supports their well-being. Overall, the VFW sees this as a positive step in ensuring that military families have the support they need and deserve, particularly regarding mental health services,” said Steve Kjonaas, Legislative Director of the Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.

Congressman Neguse has been a strong advocate for veterans and service members. In May, he introduced a bipartisan legislative package to ensure that veterans can access the services and resources they deserve. Earlier this year, Congressman Neguse introduced the Veterans Jobs Training Act to increase funding for the highly successful Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), which works to expand job training and placement services for our nation’s veterans. In that same vein, as part of the 2023 government funding bill, Rep. Neguse secured $650,000 for the Veterans Community Project Transitional Housing in Longmont, Colorado. This project supports the construction of tiny homes for unhoused veterans in Colorado's Second Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4404,PLASKETT EXTENDS WELCOME TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND DR. JILL BIDEN FOR HOLIDAY AND NEW YEAR VISIT,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

December 28, 2023 340-201-6453

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT EXTENDS WELCOME TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND DR. JILL BIDEN FOR HOLIDAY AND NEW YEAR VISIT

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement:

“I am pleased to welcome President Biden and his lovely wife, Dr. Jill Biden to once again spend the remainder of the holiday season and the new year with us on St. Croix. It is my hope that the President and Dr. Biden will enjoy this much needed respite. The Spirit of St. Croix exemplifies the best of America - a place steeped in rich history of multiple cultures come together; a people continually striving for liberty and equality; and an island which reveres its past, embraces community, and looks for prosperity for its children. Spending time on St. Croix during the Crucian Christmas Festival season is second-to-none; I am certain that President Biden and the First Lady will enjoy the spirit of the season that is distinctive to our beloved St. Croix during their time with us.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-merkley-announce-federal-investment-of-more-than-1-million-in-habitat-for-humanity-in-tillamook-county,Wyden and Merkley Announce Federal Investment of More Than $1 Million in Habitat for Humanity in Tillamook County,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,wyden,https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Federal loan will help Habitat open ReStore retail operations in Tillamook County

Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of more than $1.1 million for Habitat for Humanity in Tillamook to secure space for its retail operations and administrative offices.

“In my town halls in Tillamook County and throughout the state, I hear from Oregon families and businesses that housing poses a huge challenge,” Wyden said. “Housing is a human right, and Habitat for Humanity has been on the frontline providing much-needed homes for Oregonians struggling to afford a roof over their heads. This investment will allow Habitat for Humanity to continue serving the citizens of Tillamook County for years to come.”

“Everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. This federal investment heading to Habitat for Humanity in Tillamook County will help more rural Oregonians access quality housing,” said Sen. Merkley, who formerly led one of Habitat for Humanity's Oregon chapters. “I have seen firsthand the difference that accessible homeownership makes for families and the inspiring dedication of Habitat's staff and volunteers, who are working to realize a world where everyone has a decent home in a decent community.”

The $1.13 million Rural Development loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be used to buy an 8,625-square-foot commercial facility for Habitat for Humanity of Tillamook County's ReStore's retail operations and the organization's administrative offices.

Habitat for Humanity works with families, local communities, volunteers and partners to enable more people to live in affordable and safe homes. Its advocacy focuses on policy reform to remove systemic barriers preventing low-income and historically underserved families from having access to adequate, affordable shelter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404428,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Highlights ""Meaningful and Record-Setting 2023” for Tampa Bay area as Her Congressional Office Delivers $13.3M to Veterans and Neighbors and Secures $1B in Federal Grant Dollars to Lift Communities",2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TAMPA, FL – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that her team worked to deliver over $13.3 million in aid, benefits and refunds to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families in 2023, including over $1.7 million to veterans and service members. Over $1 billion in federal grants were secured for the community to invest in our schools and infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, lower costs, and foster safer, healthier neighborhoods. Local partners and nonprofits deserve kudos for playing a critical and collaborative role this year.

“The Tampa and St. Petersburg constituent services team works tirelessly to cut through red tape on behalf of families, veterans and businesses. In a year with an unprecedented number of passport cases and the implementation of the historic Honoring Our PACT Act, my office has delivered favorable results to our neighbors and veterans across the Tampa Bay area. I am grateful for all that Steven Angotti, Tania Fernandez, Damaris Gonzalez and Sean Saintil – as well as the entire Castor Team – did this year. I couldn’t be prouder of my dedicated casework team that went above and beyond working weekends to save many Tampa Bay families thousands of dollars as they faced disruptions in their overseas travel due to this year’s unprecedented surge of passport issues. Their expertise and compassion are critical to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned, and that Social Security and Medicare benefits are delivered on time.

“Amazingly, 207 federal grants bolstered neighborhoods from West Tampa to South St. Petersburg and more - for a total of $1,030,242,000 including important investments in righting the wrongs of the past with inclusive highway connections, safer streets, and fighting the Black maternal health crisis. I love my hometown and am committed to lifting every neighbor by revitalizing neighborhoods through meaningful environmental justice, supporting our youth, combatting extreme heat, and improving health outcomes for Black mothers and babies. There is so much to look forward to in the new year, as I champion investments that improve our lives through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to the Tampa Bay area and into your pockets.

“This year I was also proud to introduce legislation to protect our children online, create lasting solutions to the changing climate, and create more high-quality, affordable health care options. With over 30 pieces of legislation introduced, I kept your needs and best interests at the forefront of my work so I could continue to deliver for you and your families.

“Looking ahead, in 2024 we will bring home more investments to Tampa Bay families and communities by addressing our neighbors’ most critical needs through the Infrastructure Decade, combatting extreme weather, and strengthening the health and safety of our neighborhoods. The Tampa Bay area is a special community, and I will stand up for my neighbors to deliver solutions and advocate to bring every federal dollar home. I am grateful for the work of my team and the partnership of local leaders, businesses and nonprofits that allow our community to secure grants that will keep Tampa Bay an outstanding place to live.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5323,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Passing of Former Senator Herb Kohl,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Kohl. His service and dedication to Wisconsin left an indelible impact on our state. He was an incredibly giving person and as Senator, he championed the needs of children and families, including expanding access to affordable health care and our public schools.

I send my condolences to his loved ones. He will be missed by many but will continue to serve as a model for what it means to be a tireless and courageous public servant.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-honors-jeffrey-olsen-as-december-2023-constituent-of-the-month,Rep. Mike Levin Honors Jeffrey Olsen as December 2023 Constituent of the Month,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Vista Resident Jeffrey Olsen Selected for his 35 Years of Service Delivering Toys to Community Members in Need

Vista, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced Jeffrey Olsen, also known as the “Vista Toy Man,” as his December 2023 Constituent of the Month. Mr. Olsen has graciously donated thousands of toys and clothing items to local residents and service members in need throughout 35 years of service to his community.

Rep. Levin Honors Jeffrey Olsen as the December 2023 Constituent of the Month

See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Jeffrey Olsen in the Congressional Record:

“M. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize public servant and Vista resident Jeffrey Olsen as my December 2023 Constituent of the Month.

“Mr. Olsen is a generous local hero, helping over 57,000 people in his 35 years of service to the San Diego region. He largely uses his own money to buy the goods he donates, filling his shed with toys and clothes throughout the year. This past February, he also donated tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of sports memorabilia to help military families and veterans.

During the holiday season, I am honored to recognize leaders, like Jeffrey, whose selfless dedication to giving back to others is truly admirable. He is a compassionate and inspiring member of our community, and I’m proud to honor Jeffrey Olsen as my December 2023 Constituent of the Month.”

ABOUT CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:

Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep Levin’s November Constituent of the month was Oceanside Veteran Dr. Jack Morgan, and his October Constituent of the Month was Del Mar CASA Advocate Bonnie Grossman.

##",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-lauds-continuous-medicaid-chip-coverage-children-going-effect-january,"Pallone Lauds Continuous Medicaid & CHIP Coverage for Children Going into Effect on January 1, 2024",2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today ahead of legislation he authored to require one year of continuous health care coverage for children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) taking effect on January 1, 2024:

“Over the last several months, we’ve seen Republican-led states use the end of COVID-era protections to take health care coverage away from millions of Americans. Unfortunately, nearly three million children have lost coverage as a result of these states’ choices.

“Thankfully, legislation Democrats secured will go into effect on January 1st that will require states to provide one year of continuous coverage to children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. This will bring some much-needed stability to health coverage for children and some peace of mind to parents. It will also help prevent some of the egregious Republican state efforts to put in place administrative roadblocks that strip away health coverage from kids.

“I’m grateful to the Biden Administration for working hard to implement this important new protection for our nation’s children that will help ensure they can access the quality care they need. This is an important step in our ongoing efforts to protect and expand access to health care for all Americans.”

During legislative negotiations last year, Pallone led Democrats in securing provisions in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus to require states to provide one year of continuous coverage for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP beginning January 1, 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jimmy-panetta-recognized-2023-hospice-action-network-angel-award-honoree,Rep. Jimmy Panetta Recognized as a  2023 Hospice Action Network Angel Award Honoree,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) was recognized for his leadership in Congress on improving access and oversight of hospice and palliative care by the Hospice Action Network (HAN), the advocacy affiliate group of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Rep. Panetta received this honor alongside President Jimmy Carter and nine Congressional leaders for their work amplifying the voices of patients, families, and providers.

Rep. Panetta has been a leading voice in Congress on improving hospice and palliative care. Rep. Panetta previously authored and passed into law the bipartisan HOSPICE Act which increased federal oversight, transparency, and accountability of Medicare hospice providers. In the 118th Congress, Rep. Panetta has consistently worked as a partner with hospice and palliative care providers to ensure quality care for his constituents. Rep. Panetta continues to work alongside a bipartisan coalition of elected leaders working to root out fraud and abuse in the hospice care system and develop tools to identify poor-performing providers.

“I am committed to ensuring hospice and palliative providers are offering quality, transparent, and affordable care to every patient,” said Rep. Panetta. “Through my efforts on the House Ways and Means Committee, I continue to conduct robust oversight of hospice providers and develop bipartisan solutions to ensure a high standard of care for families facing difficult medical circumstances. It is an honor to be recognized for this work and I look forward to continuing my advocacy for the needs of patients in the years ahead.”

Other Congressional honorees include Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Beth Van Duyne (TX -24), and Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) as well as Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is the nation’s largest and oldest membership association for providers who care for people affected by serious and life-limiting illness. Our members deliver and expand access to high-quality, person-centered interdisciplinary care to millions of Americans. NHPCO provides education and resources to support that mission.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-passing-former-senator-kohl,Pocan on Passing of Former Senator Kohl,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"MADISON, WI – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02), released the following statement on former Senator Herb Kohl who passed away earlier this afternoon.

“Senator Kohl was a unique fixture in American politics. His giving spirit, both during and after public service, made him such an effective senator. Herb always put Wisconsinites first and always delivered for Wisconsin. My thoughts are with his family today.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-passing-of-senator-herb-kohl,Senator Baldwin Statement on Passing of Senator Herb Kohl,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the passing of former Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl.

“Herb was my role model. Herb was a true public servant, leading with compassion and humility, and uncompromising in putting Wisconsin first. It didn’t matter how powerful the opposing forces were or how long the fight was, Herb was willing to take on any challenge if it meant a brighter future for Wisconsin. Herb was as generous as they come – with his resources, his knowledge, his time, and his heart. Wisconsin is lucky to have had Herb Kohl in our corner and we are undoubtedly a better, more just place because of his service. He truly was nobody’s senator but ours. My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and the entire Badger State as we mourn the loss of a Wisconsin giant.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-markey-call-on-tesla-to-recall-all-vehicle-components-that-pose-known-safety-risks,Blumenthal & Markey Call on Tesla to Recall All Vehicle Components that Pose Known Safety Risks,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After alarming reporting on Tesla safety flaws, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) called on the company to immediately recall all vehicle components that pose a risk to consumers. A recent Reuters investigation revealed that Tesla knows about existing flaws in its cars, including serious issues with steering control and suspension caused by component failures, but conceals the causes of the flaws from U.S. regulators while blaming its customers for them.

“We write with extreme concern following recent reporting about Tesla’s knowledge of safety flaws in its vehicles and concealment of the causes of these flaws from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),” wrote Blumenthal and Markey to Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk. “This reporting puts your statement from January that ‘Teslas are the safest car on the road’ at stark contrast with reality. We call on you to swiftly recall all Tesla components that pose a safety risk and correct the record with NHTSA to ensure it can properly do its job.”

NHTSA is currently conducting investigations into one suspension connection point, the fore link, and power steering after failures experienced by Tesla drivers. In 2020, Tesla recalled the front suspension aft link and rear suspension upper link in China, suggesting the company is aware of these flaws in its vehicles, but no recall has yet taken place in the U.S. or other countries.

“[W]e are disturbed that you would blame your customers for these failures. Reporting notes that Tesla repeatedly attributed the suspension failures to ‘vehicle misuse’ or ‘driver abuse,’ including when justifying to NHTSA why it was not pursuing the aforementioned suspension recall in the United States,” continued the senators. “It is unacceptable that Tesla would not only attempt to shift the responsibility for the substandard quality of its vehicles to the people purchasing them, but also make that same flawed argument to NHTSA.”

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Blumenthal and Markey have long pushed for autonomous vehicle (AV) technology safety. In August 2021, Blumenthal and Markey sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), calling for the agency to launch an investigation into Tesla’s advertising of driving automation systems. The full text of the letter can be found here. In February 2022, Blumenthal and Markey sent a letter to Tesla Co-founder and CEO Elon Musk following numerous reports of dangerous braking flaws in Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems and amid several federal safety investigations, voicing serious concerns with the implementation of the company’s technology. The full text of the letter to Musk can be found here. In June 2022, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement applauding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for upgrading its investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system from a preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis after identifying additional crashes at first responder sites. In October 2022, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement on a reported DOJ investigation into Tesla’s misleading advertising of driving automation systems. In February 2023, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement on Tesla’s recall of its vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta software due to crash risk, and in December 2023, the senators issued a joint statement on Tesla’s recall of 2 million vehicles with Autosteer, an Autopilot feature.

December 27, 2023

Mr. Elon Musk

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer

Tesla

3500 Deer Creek Road

Palo Alto, California 94304

Dear Mr. Musk,

We write with extreme concern following recent reporting about Tesla’s knowledge of safety flaws in its vehicles and concealment of the causes of these flaws from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This reporting puts your statement from January that “Teslas are the safest car on the road” at stark contrast with reality.[1] We call on you to swiftly recall all Tesla components that pose a safety risk and correct the record with NHTSA to ensure it can properly do its job.

An alarming Reuters report last week outlined repeated failures in steering control and suspension parts on Tesla vehicles shortly after purchase. The report detailed complaints about suspension connection points, including fore and aft links, and sudden losses of power steering – often while a vehicle was in motion.[2] We are encouraged that NHTSA is conducting investigations into the fore link and power steering.[3] However, it appears that Tesla knew about the flaws in its components and failed to take action: in 2020, Tesla recalled the front suspension aft link and rear suspension upper link in China after pressure from regulators, but no such recall occurred in the United States or elsewhere in the world, putting countless Americans and others on the road at undue risk.[4] We urge you to swiftly issue a recall for any component – power steering, suspension, or otherwise – that poses a threat to the safe functioning of a vehicle.

Moreover, we are disturbed that you would blame your customers for these failures. Reporting notes that Tesla repeatedly attributed the suspension failures to “vehicle misuse” or “driver abuse,” including when justifying to NHTSA why it was not pursuing the aforementioned suspension recall in the United States.[5] It is unacceptable that Tesla would not only attempt to shift the responsibility for the substandard quality of its vehicles to the people purchasing them, but also make that same flawed argument to NHTSA. NHTSA exists to ensure roadway safety, but it cannot do its job with incomplete or incorrect information.

In light of these apparent false and misleading representations, we demand that you correct the record in every respect and that you commit to providing accurate and truthful statements in the future. The credibility and reputation of your company is at stake – and even more importantly, the safety of motorists and others on the roads.

As you are well aware, no company is above the law. We appreciate your urgent attention to this important matter, and we await your written response.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-2023-accomplishments-in-year-end-round-up,Duckworth Highlights 2023 Accomplishments in Year-End Round Up,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As 2023 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year:

“From helping almost 4,000 Illinoisans recover more than $2 million the Federal Government owed them to bringing home hundreds of millions of dollars to get the lead out of children’s drinking water, and from protecting hundreds of jobs in Peoria to helping bring home Illinois hostages held abroad, I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished this year,” Duckworth said. “It’s a true honor to continue serving Illinoisans in the United States Senate and as I look forward to the year ahead, I know there’s still much work to do to help save working families money, protect and defend women’s rights, end preventable gun violence, invest in communities that have been ignored for too long, advocate for Illinois on a global stage, support our troops and make sure we keep the promises we’ve made to our Veterans. I’m eager to get back to work for Illinois in 2024.”

Over the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to nearly 600,000 emails and other messages as well as assisted more than 3,500 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $2 million in Social Security payments, Veterans’ benefits, tax refunds and more. A select list of Duckworth’s accomplishments from the past year is below, and a comprehensive review of her first full term in the U.S. Senate, which ended on January 2, 2023, is available on the Senator’s website using the link here.

Key Accomplishments:

Helping get the lead out of our children’s water: Thanks in part to Duckworth’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, this year Illinois received significant federal support for water infrastructure upgrades. Duckworth helped announce $332 million for Illinois’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund while in Rockford, and another $336 million in Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans for Chicago.

Safeguarding hundreds of jobs in Peoria: After years of sustained effort from Duckworth to establish a minimum inventory of C-130 aircraft, Duckworth this year celebrated the Air National Guard’s decision in selecting Peoria’s 182nd Airlift Wing as one of four preferred locations for new C-130J aircraft to replace the aging C-130H models. This announcement ensures the mission of the 182nd Airlift Wing is safeguarded, protecting the jobs of 1,200 Airmen and approximately 370 full-time employees.

Pushing for Illinois’s leadership in future technology: Duckworth advocated for and championed Illinois in its selection for Tech Hub and hydrogen production and distribution hub initiatives. The Chicago Quantum Exchange’s The Bloch: End-to-end Quantum Solutions at Scale and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Central Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub were selected and are now eligible to apply for between $40-$75 million in CHIPS and Science Act funding to help Chicagoland remain at the cutting edge of technological innovation. The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen’s (MachH2) regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub was awarded $1 billion in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Honoring our state and nation’s history: After introducing her Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley, and Roberts Temple National Historic Site Act in 2021 and 2023, this year the Biden Administration designated the church that held Emmett Till’s pivotal open-casket wake in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood as a national monument. Duckworth also continues to push her Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Act closer to becoming law and establishing the site as a national monument. This year the bill was reported favorably out of committee and sent to the full Senate after the National Park Service declared strong support for passing the legislation.

Protecting reproductive rights: Duckworth has made protecting and expanding access to essential reproductive healthcare a top priority. With the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to consider a case that could determine the future of widespread access to Mifepristone, Duckworth introduced a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion. Earlier this year Duckworth joined more than 250 members of Congress in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA and also helped introduce the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023, which would guarantee access to abortion everywhere across the country. On the one-year anniversary of the disastrous Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision, Duckworth visited Southern Illinois’s CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health to learn more about the clinic’s work as one of the closest clinics for Americans in states across the South. And Duckworth hosted Dr. Erin King of the Metro East’s Hope Clinic as her guest at this year’s State of the Union address.

Helping bring Illinois hostages home and pushing for humanitarian aid to Gaza: Following negotiations, Duckworth aided in the release of Illinoisans Judith and Natalie Raanan who were taken by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attacks on Israel. Duckworth continued underscoring the need for all parties to remain laser-focused on the safe return of all hostages being held by Hamas and to take all possible measures to protect and deliver humanitarian aid to innocent civilians suffering in Gaza. Duckworth has consistently called for bringing sustained and greater humanitarian relief into Gaza to minimize the suffering of innocent civilians. Her efforts include urging for the inclusions of full humanitarian assistance in any national security funding packages, calling for humanitarian cessations of hostilities, pushing for fuel to be allowed into Gaza for hospitals and water treatment and more.

Supporting union workers: When United Auto Workers authorized a strike against General Motors, Stellantis and Ford earlier this year, Duckworth joined striking workers in Naperville to show her solidarity as workers pushed for better wages. Duckworth commended President Biden’s visit to Stellantis in Belvidere to celebrate the agreement reached between UAW and Stellantis for a new contract that included re-opening the shuttered plant in that city as an electric vehicle battery plant.

Helping families keep in touch with loved ones: Just days into the new year, Duckworth’s Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act was signed into law after years of Duckworth pushing for the law, which is already helping ensure consumers trying to keep in touch with their incarcerated loved ones are charged just and reasonable rates for all inter- and intra-state calls, regardless of the technology used.

Supporting servicemembers and bolstering military readiness: As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Duckworth secured several important provisions in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Her key provisions will help support a strong and ready total force, lead in the Indo-Pacific region, build the logistics enterprise for a combat-credible deterrent, tackle climate change and defend the environment and restore American competitiveness. This year’s NDAA also will help Illinois by supporting school districts near military bases and charting a sustainable future for C-40 aircraft.

Condemning reckless Republican efforts harming our military: Throughout Senator Tommy Tuberville’s ultimately futile, damaging and failed blockade on more than 450 critical military promotions, Duckworth repeatedly called for Tuberville to end his nearly year-long hold that hurt our military readiness and national security, as well as forcing unnecessary harm on our military families. In September, Duckworth joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues and military leaders in calling out Tuberville’s hold where she urged her Republican colleagues to stop simply disagreeing with Senator Tuberville in secret and to come forward and publicly condemn Tuberville’s dangerous military hold lest they be complicit in his efforts, too. In July, Duckworth also joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues on the Senate floor to condemn Tuberville’s reckless, partisan hold. She also joined other SASC members in calling on U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to help end Tuberville’s hold. In a hearing, Duckworth called Tuberville out, arguing that his actions have left our Marines without a Commandant for the first time in more than a century, hold our servicemembers and military families hostage over an individual senator’s political agenda and threaten our military readiness and national security.

Advocating for Illinois on an international stage: During her first year as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth led a series of official visits abroad to champion Illinois and strengthen economic ties for our state. Throughout the year Duckworth led a series of trips to Japan, Indonesia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Romania and the United Kingdom to highlight the benefits of Illinois’s major exports as well as its position as a prime location for business expansion and investment in the U.S.—touting the state’s strong workforce, educational and research institutions, and energy and transportation infrastructure. Following her trip to Japan, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy. Duckworth highlighted her efforts this year at fireside chats at City Club Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Enhancing Medicare for the disability community: After years of sustained and determined efforts led by Duckworth, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)—for the first time in history—expanded Medicare coverage for seat elevation systems embedded in power wheelchairs, which are vital durable medical equipment that enable wheelchair users to independently perform activities of daily living, such as getting into and out of a power wheelchair, dressing and preparing meals.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-federal-highway-administration-has-heeded-his-calls-and-approved-plan-for-long-sought-crash-gate-for-emergency-vehicles-to-improve-safety-on-i-84,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION HAS HEEDED HIS CALLS AND APPROVED PLAN FOR LONG-SOUGHT CRASH GATE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON I-84,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After launching his push earlier this year following the bus crash on I-84 in Orange County that tragically killed two adults and injured dozens of Farmingdale High School students, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has heeded his calls to assist New York State and local officials with the creation of an emergency vehicles-only access road, also known as a “crash gate” on I-84.

“The tragic bus crash in Orange County this past September was just one of many a horrific tragedies that have taken place on Interstate 84 and plagued communities across New York with fear about the ability of first responders to quickly respond to these dangerous and sometimes deadly accidents,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders in Orange County have long called for the installation of a life-saving crash gate, and finally, after I called on the FHWA to support our local officials and help keep New Yorkers safe by working with them to greenlight this long desired safety project, I am proud to announce the federal agency has heeded our calls and has officially approved construction on an emergency crash gate for I-84. In an emergency every minute and second counts, and I will continue to fight to deliver the federal resources needed so our first responders can continue to save lives in Orange County and beyond.”

A copy of Schumer’s original join letter to the Federal Highway Administration demanding further action to approve plans for the crash gate can be found here.

Schumer said the construction of a crash gate for I-84 was first proposed over a decade ago, but the original proposal was never finalized. He explained that following his continued advocacy, the FHWA has officially approved the long-stalled state plan to install an emergency access point between the Goshen and Mountain Road exits — the more than a 10-mile stretch of the interstate that prevents timely emergency responses and currently sees about c per year.

Currently, the Slate Hill Fire District’s trucks can only access the highway in a roundabout way, which makes response times longer. Schumer said that September’s bus crash and other recent accidents demonstrated the troubling lack of access to I-84 that exists for first responders in the area. The Slate Hill Fire District’s closest entrance to I-84 is four miles from the firehouse, requiring its trucks to travel into another neighboring fire district just to enter the interstate. By constructing a first responders-only access road built between the eastbound and westbound highways, a crash gate will allow first responders to access I-84 faster and potentially save lives. According to the Slate Hill Fire District Chief, had such a crash gate been available in September, they would have been able to respond 5 to 10 minutes sooner.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases/kamlager-dove-recognizes-reopening-la-tijera-julian-dixon-post-office,"Kamlager-Dove Recognizes Reopening of the La Tijera, Julian Dixon Post Office",2023-12-26,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Sydney Kamlager-Dove,K000400,kamlager-dove.house.gov,kamlager-dove,https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 26, 2023

Media Contact:Maya Valentine |maya.valentine@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove issued the following statement after the La Tijera, Julian Dixon Post Office on Crenshaw Boulevard reopened:

“I am glad that my constituents in California’s 37th District once again have access to the Julian Dixon Post Office. This location suffered storm damage from Hurricane Hilary and needed renovations to be fully operational to properly serve its daily customers.

“My office was committed to ensuring that the renovations stayed on track and were finished on time. I was excited to see the Post Office opened in time for the holiday season. I want to thank the construction team and staff at the Julian Dixon Post Office for their dedication to customer service and ensuring mail continues to reach Angelenos and their family and friends across the country.

“I will continue to work with my District staff to address local issues whenever possible as we leverage our relationships with our federal agency partners.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ndaa-signed-into-law-with-key-wins-for-rhode-island,NDAA Signed into Law with Key Wins for Rhode Island,2023-12-24,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,jackreed,https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual defense authorization bill into law yesterday, confirming the largest raise in military basic pay in decades for servicemembers and the Department of Defense civilian workforce. The NDAA bolsters the defense industrial base and military readiness, providing the U.S. military with strong and versatile capabilities.

Passage of the NDAA – which was approved by Congress earlier this month -- was led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who worked on a bipartisan basis to pass a comprehensive NDAA that focuses on delivering the resources and equipment our troops need.

“This bipartisan NDAA makes America safer and stronger. It enhances our alliances, improves national security, and supports our servicemembers, their families, and the U.S. economy,” said Senator Reed.

Totaling $883.7 billion in national security investments, the NDAA establishes the policies and funding levels for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.

This year’s NDAA addresses significant national security priorities, including: strategic competition with China and Russia; disruptive technologies like hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing; modernizing America’s ships, aircraft, and combat vehicles; and improving the lives of our servicemembers and their families.

Notably, the FY 24 NDAA supports the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) by facilitating the transfer of significant Australian funding to support the U.S. submarine industrial base and the future sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia.

“The defense bill is essential for supporting the brave servicemen and women who volunteer to safeguard America’s freedom, security, and interests at home and across the globe. Now that the NDAA has passed the Senate on a strong, bipartisan basis, I urge the House to follow suit,” said Reed.

Reed noted the NDAA is good news for Rhode Island and a major win for America’s national security.

“This forward-looking defense bill will go a long way toward keeping the American people safe, deterring conflict, and confronting the national security threats we face,” said Senator Reed. “This bipartisan NDAA provides a historic level of support for our troops and their families, including the largest military pay raise in decades. It authorizes record-level investments in the people, platforms, and programs that our forces need to safeguard the nation and advance U.S. interests worldwide. This NDAA accelerates U.S. military research, development, and technology investments to provide our forces with advantages on the battlefield, while also ensuring the U.S. is better equipped to counter disinformation, cyberattacks, and other hybrid threats.”

The NDAA bolsters U.S. alliances and partnerships to operate successfully in competition with rival powers, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Notably, the bill makes key progress toward deterring and countering America’s adversaries, including by reducing dependence on China for raw materials used in defense technologies. The bill also takes steps to crack down on fentanyl trafficking.

Reed highlighted several key provisions of the bill that will benefit Rhode Island’s defense workers and industry, including:

More than $10 billion to fully support construction of 2 Virginia-class submarines;

More than $240 million for workforce and training initiatives to support the production of the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine and the continued construction of Virginia-class submarines;

$74 million for Navy applied research on undersea warfare technologies, led by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC);

$20 million for the Defense Established Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR), which ensures Rhode Island universities may compete to perform cutting-edge basic research and partner with defense labs;

$50 million in supplemental Impact Aid and $20 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities; and

$32 million in military construction funding for the RI Army National Guard.

Additionally, the bill includes several provisions to support small businesses, including language that improves the functioning of the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), now known as the APEX Accelerators program; language to improve the timeliness of payments made to all small businesses; and updates to the Defense Rapid Innovation Program to support the transition of technologies from small businesses into fielding and use.

Hundreds of small businesses across Rhode Island supply the U.S. Department of Defense, and hardworking Rhode Islanders contribute to the creation of a wide range of military products, equipment, and services. Additionally, Rhode Island is home to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport; Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport; and the Naval War College. These facilities, along with leading academic research institutions and a network of suppliers and small businesses, are contributing to a booming defense industry that is boosting Rhode Island’s economy and leading to advancements in technology and innovation.

A recent report by SENEDIA shows that the total direct and indirect economic impact from defense spending in Rhode Island accounted for $7.6 billion in 2022. The report found that Rhode Island’s defense industry is growing and supported a total of 34,068 direct and indirect jobs across the Ocean State with an annual payroll of $3 billion.

Reed noted that Congress must still enact a full fiscal 2024 appropriations bill when it returns to session in January, as well as a national security supplemental appropriations package that includes additional funds for submarine production. The Department of Defense is currently funded under a short-term continuing resolution that will expire after February 2, 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays-0,Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!,2023-12-23,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! May your holiday be filled with warmth, comfort, and joy.

2023 has been a remarkable year, and I have been proud to work on your behalf to promote job growth, fight inflation, bolster education and training, and provide relief and opportunities for families across my district.

As we enter the New Year, I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of NY-13 and the families who call my district home.

May your holiday season be filled with joy, peace, health, and family.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-un-passage-gaza-aid-resolution,Rep. Smith Statement on U.N. Passage of Gaza Aid Resolution,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"SEATTLE, WA – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council’s adoption of a resolution calling for a surge in aid to civilians in Gaza.

“As I’ve said repeatedly, Israel has a right and duty to respond to the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th and to do everything they can to ensure that Hamas is never able to commit such atrocities again. I also welcome today’s vote by the U.N. Security Council calling for actions to enable rapid access to crucially needed aid to civilians in Gaza.

“As the Biden Administration has made clear, the United States will continue to stand strong with Israel. It is also critical to ensure that more humanitarian aid reach those who need it in Gaza. I urge Israel, Egypt, and the United Nations to do all they can to facilitate rapid, safe access for humanitarian response efforts. It is also essential for Israel to heed the urgings of the Biden Administration and do everything they can to take a more targeted approach against Hamas militants to reduce civilian casualties and, in doing so, advance the long-term security of Israel.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-urges-the-cfpb-to-include-ebt-accounts-in-open-banking-rulemaking,Congresswoman Beatty Urges the CFPB to Include EBT Accounts in Open Banking Rulemaking,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC — Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and 15 of her colleagues sent a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra urging the Bureau to include Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Accounts in its final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

More than 41 million people across the country, including nearly 1.5 million in Ohio receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These EBT households often experience data unavailability, slow connectivity, and intentional restrictions when checking their account balances. Inclusion of these accounts in the Section 1033 final rule will empower financially vulnerable consumers to access and monitor their EBT accounts in a safe and secure manner, protect themselves from fraud and benefits theft, and plan for unexpected emergencies down the road.

“The CFPB must ensure that all American consumers, regardless of economic status or background, enjoy the same rights and protections over their financial data,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Families that rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table shouldn’t have to struggle to check their account balance or protect themselves from financial crime. EBT accounts must be included within the scope of the final open banking rule to facilitate a safe and competitive marketplace.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6052,"Beyer, Eshoo Introduce Landmark AI Regulation Bill",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), who serve as Vice Chair and Co-Chair, respectively, of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, today introduced the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act, ambitious legislation to promote transparency in artificial intelligence foundation models.

Foundation models are AI models trained on broad data; they power the generative AI websites and chatbots that have drawn international focus over the past year. Information about the data these models are trained on generally is not available to the public, and AI models often produce inaccurate, imprecise, or biased responses due to limitations or biases in the model’s training data or how the model was trained. This often results in racial or gendered bias, which can have serious real-world impacts in areas including health-related AI inferences, loan granting, housing approval, or predictive policing.

The AI Foundation Model Transparency Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to set standards for what information high-impact foundation models must provide to the FTC and what information they must make available to the public. Information identified for increased transparency would include training data used, how the model is trained, and whether user data is collected in inference.

“Artificial intelligence foundation models commonly described as a ‘black box’ make it hard to explain why a model gives a particular response. Giving users more information about the model—how it was built and what background information it bases its results on—would greatly increase transparency,” said Beyer. “This bill would help users determine if they should trust the model they are using for certain applications, and help identify limitations on data, potential biases, or misleading results. When a model’s bias could lead to harmful results like rejections for housing or loan applications, or faulty medical decisions, the importance of this reform becomes clear and very significant.”

“AI offers incredible possibilities for our country, but it also presents peril. Transparency into how AI models are trained and what data is used to train them is critical for consumers and policy makers,” said Eshoo. “The AI Foundation Model Transparency Act directs the Federal Trade Commission and NIST to establish standards for data sharing by foundation model deployers. This critical legislation will provide necessary information and empower consumers to make well informed decisions when they interact with AI. It will also provide the FTC critical information for it to continue to protect consumers in an AI-enabled world.”

The AI Foundation Model Transparency Act would:

Direct the FTC, in consultation with NIST, the Copyright Office, and OSTP, to set transparency standards for foundation model deployers, by asking them to make certain information publicly available to consumers;

Direct companies to provide consumers and the FTC with information on the model’s training data, model training mechanisms, and whether user data is collected in inference; and

Protect small deployers and researchers, while seeking responsible transparency practices from our highest-impact foundation models.

The bill would also help copyright owners protect their copyrights, addressing widespread concerns from businesses and individuals about AI, by giving users more information to help them begin to determine if their copyrights were included in an AI foundation model’s training data.

Text of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act is available here, with a one-pager on the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6053,Beyer Highlights Strong Economic Indicators Showing Solid Growth At The End Of 2023,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,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), Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, today highlighted a raft of strongly positive economic indicators showing solid, sustained growth heading into the end of 2023.

Twelve headlines show the breadth of America’s economic strength heading into 2024:

Wall Street Journal: Prices Fell in November for the First Time Since 2020. Inflation Is Approaching Fed Target.

Bloomberg: US Consumer Confidence Surges Most Since 2021 in Broad Upturn

Reuters: Solid US Job Growth, Drop In Unemployment Rate Underscore Labor Market Resilience

New York Times: Gas Prices Are Falling Fast, Helping Tame Inflation

Yahoo Finance: Strong Wage Growth Gave Americans A $1,000 Spending Boost In 2023

Washington Post: Dow Jones Hits An All-Time High As Investors Cheer Progress On Inflation

Forbes: This Key Inflation Metric Finally Hit Federal Reserve’s Target

ABC: Federal Reserve Expects To Cut Interest Rates Next Year, Fed Chair Jerome Powell Says

Associated Press: US Economic Growth for Last Quarter Is Revised Up Ro A 5.2% Annual Rate

CNN: 2022 Had The Lowest Total Unemployment Rate Ever

MarketWatch: U.S. Housing Starts Surge To Highest Level Since May

CNN: Recession Fears Are Starting To Fade For Americans",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wittman-kiggans-scott-mcclellan-urge-dod-ensure-funding-hampton-roads,"Wittman, Kiggans, Scott, McClellan Urge DOD to Ensure Funding For Hampton Roads Shipbuilding Ecosystem",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was joined by Virginia delegation members Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) in urging Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to ensure aircraft carrier procurement funding remains on track.

“Stable and predictable shipbuilding timelines help to maintain a healthy industrial base ecosystem while providing economic benefits for thousands of Virginians in the greater Hampton Roads region,” said Congressman Wittman. “Any delays in funding for the next Ford­­-class carrier would be extremely disruptive to our Navy’s ability to project power and provide for our national security.”

The Virginian delegation members also touted the more than $5 billion in cost savings and stability that multi-ship buys would generate for the Navy and the shipbuilding industrial base.

“At a time when our nation is facing threats from multiple fronts, it is critical to prioritize our shipbuilding schedule,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Our aircraft carriers are the best in the world and the cornerstone of our ability to project power around the globe. Additionally, the shipbuilding industry provides stable, good paying jobs for Hampton Roads and is a major contributor to our local economy and an economic driver for our Commonwealth. I’m proud to join my colleagues to urge Secretary Austin to keep our shipbuilding plan on schedule. Any delay would directly impact our national security and that is unacceptable.”

“Consistent Navy procurement schedules for shipbuilding are critical to ensuring that Hampton Roads’ shipbuilders and our industrial base as a whole are supported,” said Congressman Scott.“Uncertainty in the production line leads to uncertainty in our national security capabilities, and I remain committed to ensuring reliable funding for the Ford-class and our nation’s entire shipbuilding program.”

To read the full letter to Secretary Austin, click here or scroll below.

___

The Honorable Lloyd Austin

Secretary of Defense

1000 Defense PentagonWashington, DC 20301-1000

Dear Secretary Austin:

As you continue preparation of the fiscal year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Defense, we are writing to express our support for the procurement of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers on steady and predictable construction intervals.

The President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2024 forecasts two years of advance procurement (AP) for CVN 82, the fifth ship in the Ford-class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 with incremental funding beginning in fiscal year 2028. This procurement timeline for CVN 82 is consistent with the Navy’s most recent 30-year shipbuilding plan, which acknowledges the importance of stable, executable acquisition profiles to the development and retention of highly-skilled workforces and investment in world-class manufacturing and shipbuilding facilities.

It is disheartening, therefore, to see recent reports suggesting that the Department may be considering delays to CVN 82 in the fiscal year 2025 budget request – something that would be extremely disruptive to the shipbuilding industrial base and detrimental to national security.

In accordance with Section 132 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (P.L. 117-263), the Secretary of the Navy recently submitted a report to the congressional defense committees highlighting the overwhelming benefits of a Ford-class acquisition strategy that leverages the block buy purchase of CVN 82 and CVN 83 with sufficient advance procurement funding on consistent and predictable 4-year construction intervals. Similar to previous multi-ship procurement strategies that have proven successful across numerous shipbuilding programs (to include CVN 80 and CVN 81), it is estimated that a block buy procurement of CVN 82 and CVN 83 in FY28 would save the nation more than $5 billion and inject much needed stability into an otherwise fragile shipbuilding industry.

As recent events have shown, our nation’s aircraft carrier fleet remains in constant demand, with more than 1/3 (4 of 11) of the nation’s aircraft carriers recently deployed worldwide to protect vital national interests. Foundational to this deterrent presence is our nation’s aircraft carrier industrial base, which has been dramatically reduced to approximately 2,000 across the country. These remaining suppliers – many of which support both submarines and aircraft carriers as part of the nation’s nuclear industrial base – rely on the Navy’s commitment to steady, executable procurement timelines to avoid the “boom and bust” acquisition profiles and breaks in production lines referenced in the 2024 shipbuilding plan.

As such, we urge the Department to remain on course with the procurement of CVN 82 in 2028 and strongly encourage consideration of the optimum acquisition strategy for Ford-class aircraft carriers delineated in the Navy’s report to the defense committees earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1779,Carbajal-Bice Bill to Combat Threat of Fentanyl Signed into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud O. Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,carbajal,https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, President Joe Biden signed into law legislation written by House Armed Services Committee member Salud Carbajal (D-CA) and Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) to combat fentanyl trafficking.

The Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act, originally introduced by the lawmakers along with Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in May, will increase federal attention on fentanyl trafficking by utilizing the tools of the Department of Defense (DoD) and involving Mexico as an active partner to combat the flow of the illicit opioid and disrupt drug cartel and trafficking activity.

“The Central Coast of California has been devastated by the scourge of fentanyl on our streets, with some areas seeing a 700% spike in overdose deaths in recent years. We need an international and all-hands approach to curbing these overdose deaths–and it starts with cutting off the supply before it reaches our communities,” Representative Salud Carbajal said. “As one of this year’s NDAA conferees, I was proud to see the final agreement include our bipartisan measure to declare fentanyl trafficking a national security threat and enhance cooperation with Mexico to crack down on the flow of this deadly drug – and I am proud to see it signed into law today.”

“I am proud that the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act was included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation is critical in empowering the Department of Defense to take steps to halt cartel trafficking. Fentanyl is killing countless Americans, and we must take steps to halt this crisis. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in the House and Senate as we worked to ensure this legislation was included in the final bill,” said Rep. Bice.

The legislation was included in the final agreement on the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA) announced earlier this month. The fentanyl measure was first added to the NDAA as an amendment in the House authored with the help of Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA). Senators Ernst and Kaine also included the measure in the Senate Armed Services Committee version of the legislation via amendment in June.

Fentanyl is a leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, and an estimated 196 Americans are dying every single day due to fentanyl.

Of the 168 overdose deaths in Santa Barbara County in 2022, 115 were fentanyl related, compared to 75 in 2021 and 32 in 2019. In Ventura County, fentanyl-related overdose deaths have risen more than 800% in recent years – with 181 deaths in 2022 compared to 22 in 2017. In San Luis Obispo County, overdose deaths involving fentanyl climbed from 9 in 2019 to 74 in 2021.

The Department of Defense plays a crucial role in the nation’s counter-drug intelligence and monitoring operations, and these operations are meant to provide federal law enforcement with actionable intelligence to further investigations. However, a lack of interagency cooperation has hampered our government’s counter-fentanyl efforts.

Specifically, the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 will work to strengthen these efforts by:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1780,"President Biden Approves Bipartisan Effort led by Reps. Carbajal, Bacon, and Gallagher to Strengthen U.S. Nuclear Cybersecurity Standards",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud O. Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,carbajal,https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, President Joe Biden signed into law language championed by Congressmen Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Don Bacon (NE-02) and Mike Gallagher (WI-08) to strengthen the cybersecurity practices for the United States’ nuclear weapons system.

Reports from the Government Accountability Office published in September 2022 and June 2023 found that the National Nuclear System Administration was delinquent in fully implementing federally-recommended cybersecurity practices.

The legislation first proposed earlier this year and approved today will set up a Cybersecurity Risk Inventory, Assessment, and Mitigation Working Group within the Department of Defense, requiring them to inventory nuclear systems at risk, and develop and implement a strategy for meeting the recommendations of the GAO report.

“There are some causes that may not seem worth Congress’ time at first glance. Closing gaps in the cybersecurity practices of our nation’s nuclear systems is not one of them,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I am glad that this bipartisan proposal received bipartisan support throughout our push for its inclusion this year, and that President Biden has also recognized that our proposal is a straightforward pathway to ensuring we have no reason to doubt the security of our most dangerous weapon systems.”

“Our nuclear forces are the backbone of our Nation’s strategic deterrence,” said Rep. Bacon. “We should put every effort into protecting our nuclear arsenal and be vigilant about cybersecurity risks. I thank Rep. Carbajal for leading this important amendment with me so that we can have confidence in the security of our nuclear weapons.”

“A ready and resilient nuclear force is critical to American deterrence. I am proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan effort to ensure that the systems keeping our nuclear forces capable are cyber secure—free from adversarial interference and prepared for action at all times,” said Rep. Gallagher.

The Working Group would be required to brief the Congress within 120 days of the enactment of the proposed language, and submit a completed strategy to the Armed Services committees by April 1, 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-leads-colleagues-advocate-dhs-immediately-close-adelanto-ice,Rep. Chu Leads Colleagues to Advocate that DHS Immediately Close Adelanto ICE Processing Center,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,chu,https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Members call for “more humane and conscientious approach to our immigration system”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) led a letter, co-signed by 19 House colleagues, to the Department of Homeland Security, expressing strong support for the closure of the Adelanto ICE Processing Center located in Adelanto, California.

“We write to express our support for the immediate closure of the Adelanto ICE Processing Center and urge the Department of Homeland Security to take immediate steps to terminate the contract,” the Members wrote to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “Earlier this month, Fox News reported that the nearly 2,000 bed-capacity Adelanto Center is on the verge of closing. Adelanto’s deplorable conditions have been widely reported and the GEO Group, which runs the facility, has long been responsible for violating the constitutional rights of the people in its custody. The GEO Group, which operates the facility, has a history of violating detainees' constitutional rights and a deadly track record of denying necessary medical and mental health treatment to immigrants at Adelanto, resulting in eight preventable deaths according to ICE's investigation.”

Members of Congress have consistently raised concerns about the unconstitutional conditions and health care risks posed to detained immigrants within the low-capacity Adelanto facility, including in a 2015 letter to DHS. Despite this and outlined recommendations for improvement, California and federal oversight agencies responsible for inspecting immigrant detention facilities have consistently determined that GEO is unable to provide adequate health and mental health care at Adelanto and other facilities it operates.

The Members continue, “we urge you to redirect the financial resources currently invested in the Adelanto ICE Processing Center towards programs that support community development, education, healthcare, or other vital services that would be a more effective and just use of taxpayer dollars. Doing so would not only demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility but also reflect a more humane and conscientious approach to our immigration system.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-johnson-renew-fight-for-stronger-truck-insurance-requirements,"Reps. García, Johnson Renew Fight for Stronger Truck Insurance Requirements",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressmen Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act, legislation that would strengthen insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers and protect American families from the financial devastation caused by catastrophic truck crashes.

The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act proposes two key changes:

Increasing the minimum insurance requirement for interstate motor carriers from $750,000 to $5,000,000. This outdated figure, which has not changed since 1980, does not reflect rising medical costs and potential losses from serious crashes. The new minimum would reflect the true cost of a tragic truck crash.

Indexing the new minimum insurance requirement to inflation. This critical provision ensures that financial protection for crash victims does not erode over time, keeping pace with the rising cost of healthcare and other expenses.

“For too long, truck crash victims and their families have been burdened by tremendous emotional and financial consequences, facing a mountain of medical debt and shattered lives,” said Congressman García. “The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act is about justice, responsibility, and protecting our communities. It's time to ensure that trucking companies have adequate insurance to cover the true cost of their actions and prevent families from being financially destroyed by crashes they had no control over.”

Kate Brown is a board member for the Institute for Safer Trucking (IST), a non-profit committed to helping truck crash victims and survivors throughout the U.S. Her son Graham was severely injured in a truck crash in 2005. The trucking company only had a $750,000 policy. “Our family still struggles with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of that crash,” Kate Brown said. ""The inadequate insurance barely covered a fraction of Graham's medical needs, leaving us buried in debt. The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act would help prevent other families from facing the same nightmare.”

“The fact that minimum insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers haven’t been updated since 1980 is ridiculous,” said Congressman Johnson. “Families like the Karths—who lost their beloved AnnaLeah and Mary on I-20 in Georgia—and so many others who have lost loved ones in truck crashes should not also be financially devastated in the aftermath of these tragedies.”

“An increase in the minimum liability insurance requirement for trucking companies is long overdue. $750,000 is a value which doesn’t come anywhere close to DOT’s determination of the Value of a Statistical Life at $12.5 million for 2022.” said Marianne and Jerry Karth, co-founders of AnnaLeah & Mary for Truck Safety. “We lost two daughters, AnnaLeah and Mary, in 2013 due to a truck crash. The trucking company’s insurance policy had to cover all the costs no matter how many parties or victims were involved. We need a commonsense solution to this ongoing predicament so victims no longer have to bear the financial burden and so trucking companies are incentivized to adopt available safety technologies.”

Dexter Culclager, an IST board member, who lost his entire family in a 2015 truck crash, added his support for the legislation. “My wife, Yakel, and our three children, Tre'Quis, Tra'Desia, and Tra'Veion, were taken from us in an instant because of a negligent trucking company,” Culclager said. ""There's nothing that can bring them back, but the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act could prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss by incentivizing the insurance companies to play a larger role in keeping unsafe trucking companies off our roads.”

The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act is cosponsored by Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), John Garamendi (CA-03), Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-statement-president-bidens-signing-fy24-national-defense,Rep. Courtney Statement on President Biden’s Signing of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CT,Joe Courtney,C001069,courtney.house.gov,courtney,https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NORWICH, CT – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after President Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act into law – the 63rd consecutive year in a row the annual defense authorization bill has been signed into law. Last week, Rep. Courtney, the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, joined a bipartisan coalition in the House to pass the FY24 NDAA by a vote of 310-118.

“Today’s signing of the bill codifies the tireless efforts of a bipartisan coalition to strengthen our national security and support our servicemembers and their families,” Courtney said. “Of particular note, the bill provides a 5.2% pay increase – the highest increase in decades – for active duty, national guard, reserve, and civilian personnel at the Department of Defense. That increase will go into effect on January 1, 2024, regardless of whether a defense appropriations bill has passed, and benefits the thousands of military personnel across Connecticut. In eastern Connecticut, home of 9,000 military personnel at Groton Sub Base, this is welcome news. I thank President Biden for his support of this year’s bill.”

To read more about House passage of the FY24 NDAA, clickhere.

To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support eastern Connecticut, click here.

To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support our seapower capabilities, click here.

To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support the AUKUS mission, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-concerned-announced-rules-would-hurt-clean-hydrogen-production-western,Deluzio Concerned Announced Rules Would Hurt Clean Hydrogen Production in Western Pennsylvania,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s newly proposed guidance for the 45V Hydrogen Power Tax Credit elements of the Inflation Reduction Act. The proposed guidance announced leaves the eligibility of blue hydrogen for these tax credits uncertain.

“While these proposed rules aren’t final, I’m disappointed to see the limits placed on hydrogen production and am concerned about their impact on the future of hydrogen power in places like Western Pennsylvania.

“The language of the Inflation Reduction Act is clear: we should not be picking winning technologies or restricting flexibility in this new energy sector. Rules like the ones proposed today risk slowing or undermining Western Pennsylvania’s ability to grow the solid union jobs that hydrogen power can deliver.

“Expanding the types of technologies eligible for the tax credit will not just jumpstart the hydrogen power industry, but will also keep Western Pennsylvania as a leader in powering the country, securing our energy future, and meeting our climate goals.”

Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Biden Administration is investing $7 billion in Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, one of which includes parts of Rep. Deluzio’s district in Western Pennsylvania. Blue Hydrogen, which uses natural gas in the electrolysis process of making hydrogen, but then captures and sequesters any carbon dioxide emissions underground, is carbon neutral. This type of energy is the one targeted for many nascent hydrogen power projects in Western Pennsylvania and its forthcoming hub.

In a December 12th letter to President Joe Biden, Rep. Deluzio raised concerns to the President that rigid restrictions on Blue Hydrogen could result in unintended consequences and squash job-creation—especially in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. In the letter, the Congressman urged the President to consider energy communities like southwestern Pennsylvania, along with “the solid union jobs that power them, before finalizing any rules that would unnecessarily exclude viable carbon neutral energy projects.”

The rules proposed by the Treasury Department today will be open for public comment soon.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-espaillat-and-torres-introduce-bold-legislative-package-addressing,Reps. Espaillat and Torres Introduce Bold Legislative Package Addressing Shortfalls that Contributed to Bronx Building Collapse,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced a legislative package containing two bills, the Building Collapse Prevention Act and the LIHTC Landlord Accountability Act, and a letter to Commissioner Jimmy Oddo of the NYC Department of Buildings. The package was first reported yesterday in the New York Daily News.

On the package, Rep. Adriano Espaillat said:

“The partial collapse of what we witnessed at Billingsley Terrace or what could potentially happen at any building in and around New York City is deeply troubling and could have devastating consequences in a city as populously dense as ours. This shocking and unfortunate incident could have been prevented and it remains incumbent on us, as public officials, to ensure the necessary resources and oversight to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future. Our legislative package ensures necessary mechanisms are in place to provide oversight and accountability to advance the safety and integrity of buildings across our city.”

Rep. Ritchie Torres said:

“Building safety is a matter of life and death. If we as elected officials see something on the ground, it is incumbent on us to say something. And more than saying something, we should have the power to act. The federal government is the principal funder of affordable housing in the country. And therefore, we in the federal government have a vested interest in ensuring that affordable housing is structurally sound and that the people who live there are physically safe. I am proud to partner with Congressman Espaillat on these crucial pieces of legislation to protect our communities and ensure that we do whatever we can to prevent another building collapse.”

The Building Collapse Prevention Act would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a program with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to inspect federally assisted rental housing, including public housing, buildings that accept Section 8 funds, and any other building that accepts federal housing funding. NIST must inspect a building if HUD, a member of the House of Representatives or Senate requests an inspection of a building or a building collapses. A member of the House may only request an inspection of a building that is within the Congressional district that they represent, and a Senator may only request an inspection of a building that is within their state. This request can only be made if there has been a violation of local construction or building safety codes or an inspection report that finds structural issues with a building and therefore could lead to a building collapse.

The LIHTC Landlord Accountability Act would require all Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) buildings, both new and existing, to prove complete architectural safety in order to receive the affordable housing tax credit. It would mandate that landlords submit an annual report to the U.S. Department of Treasury detailing their eligibility and structural soundness that must be proved through a thorough architectural analysis. It would require that the Department of Treasury fine LIHTC landlords $500,000 for noncompliance in these annual reports. Lastly, it would require the Department of Treasury, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to publish a report on best practices for LIHTC landlords to employ to ensure safety and integrity in our nation’s largest affordable housing program.

The letter to Commissioner Oddo includes the following ask from the two Congressmen:

“We are formally requesting the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) provide a report to our offices of measurements to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and recommendations that the city, state, and federal government can take to help the NYC DOB advance the safety and integrity of buildings in our city. We are also requesting that the NYC DOB submit a list of structurally unsound, unstable, and defective buildings broken down by neighborhood. Finally, we are requesting an investigation into the possible role the nearby Department of Design and Construction water main installation may have played in the degradation of the structural integrity of the building. This report should be submitted within 14 days of receiving this letter, considering the urgency and gravity of the situation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3661,Florida Democratic Delegation Urges Governor to Enroll in Summer Food Assistance Program,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-22), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-25), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Darren Soto (FL-09), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) sent a letter urging Gov. DeSantis to enroll Florida in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program, which would provide food assistance to two million children across the state. Florida would be set to receive $248 million for this program, however the state has yet to take any action to apply for these funds ahead of the January 1st deadline.

“For many working and low-income families, the only nutritious meal a child receives is at school. Unfortunately, during the summer when school is out, children are missing out on the opportunity of a healthy meal,” the Members wrote. “We urge you to apply for these funds before the deadline to ensure the children of our state don’t go hungry next summer.”

The full letter may be viewed here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-announces-1-million-agriculture-and-food-research,Congressman Dan Goldman Announces $1 Million Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Grant to New York University School of Medicine,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Grant Would Fund the 'Prenatal Starting Early Program,' Focused on Improving Nutrition and Physical Activity During Pregnancy

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded a $969,953 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant to New York University School of Medicine for a mobile health intervention program focused on improving nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy.

“I am extremely proud to announce that NYU Medicine will be receiving this Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Award,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “StEP:Prenatal will be critical to meaningfully improve health outcomes for pregnant patients and young children. I’m confident this will be a successful program and am looking forward to working in partnership with NYU to ensure that we can provide this program to patients across the country.”

The grant is for the Prenatal Starting Early Program (StEP:Prenatal), a mobile health intervention in prenatal care and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Currently, even though 80 percent of pregnant patients in safety-net prenatal clinics receive WIC and have high rates of nutrition related pregnancy risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, the WIC care and care they receive at the clinics are not coordinated.

StEP:Prenatal will divide participants into control and intervention groups to test effects, such as diet, physical activity, pregnancy outcomes, changes in nutrition knowledge among families and nutrition providers, and access and use of StEP:Prenatal materials. Through this program, WIC nutritionists will use mobile health to incorporate StEP:Prenatal content in pregnancy certification visits. Mobile health interventions can significantly impact diet and lifestyle behaviors linked to nutrition related chronic diseases, are cheaper to implement, and are more accessible for patients.

Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to improving maternal health outcomes in moms across the United States.

In May, Congressman Goldman cosponsored the ‘Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act,’ which includes twelve individual bills that together would comprehensively address the maternal mortality crisis in the United States, including the significant racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes.

In October, Goldman cosponsored the ‘WIC For Kids Act,’ which would simplify the enrollment process for WIC by automatically granting WIC eligibility for mothers and children who reside in a household in which a member participates is other assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid.

Congressman Dan Goldman is a founding member of the Congressional Dads Caucus, which advocates for paid family and medical leave policies for all parents, expanding the Child Tax Credit, increasing access to childcare, and other policies that reduce poverty and ease the burden on working parents.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-applauds-executive-office-immigration-reviews-decision,Congressman Dan Goldman Applauds the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s Decision to Implement Directive from Goldman’s Bipartisan ‘Children’s Court Act’,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Executive Office for Immigration Review Issues Directive for the Establishment of Specialized Children’s Docket Following the Introduction of Congressman Goldman’s Bipartisan ‘Children’s Court Act’

Goldman Also Sent Letter to House Appropriators in March 2023 Requesting Creation of Specialized Children’s Docket within Executive Office for Immigration Review

Read EOIR’s Guidance Here

Read More on Goldman’s ‘Children’s Court Act’ Here

Read Goldman’s Letter to House Appropriators Here

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today applauded the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s (EOIR) newly released guidance for children’s immigration proceedings that ensures specialized children’s dockets in each immigration court that will be held separate from adult cases and overseen by dedicated judges.

This directive from EOIR follows the introduction of Congressman Goldman’s bipartisan ‘Children’s Court Act’ which would codify the establishment of a Children’s Court within the EOIR focused on the adjudication of unaccompanied children’s removal proceedings, as well as a letter Goldman sent to House appropriators in March 2023 requesting the establishment of a specialized Children’s Court within the EOIR.

“We have an obligation to protect the children who arrive at our borders without their families, and I am glad that the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review has responded to the requests by me and my colleagues by issuing a directive establishing a children’s docket that will cater to the specific needs of these children,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This is welcome progress and reflects the Biden Administration’s acknowledgement of the gaps in our legal system. But we must build on this effort from the Executive Branch by passing my bipartisan Children’s Court Act to codify the creation of a separate Children’s Court into law.”

In November 2023, Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), joined by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), introduced the bipartisan ‘Children’s Court Act’ to combat the immigration court backlog and strengthen due process rights for children. U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) also joined as original cosponsors of this legislation.

Unaccompanied migrant children face unique obstacles as they navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. After they are placed into removal proceedings, many unaccompanied children appear alone before a judge in immigration court. Children’s cases are legally complex and often take longer than adult cases to hear. As a result, there are more than 62,000 pending unaccompanied children’s cases in the United States.

The bipartisan, bicameral Immigration Court Efficiency and Children’s Court Act is a commonsense proposal to strengthen due process for vulnerable children and combat the immigration court backlog. The legislation would establish a Children’s Court within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) focused on the adjudication of unaccompanied children’s removal proceedings.

Pursuant to passage, the newly established Children’s Court would require:

Specially Trained Personnel: Children’s Immigration Court judges would receive special training on child trafficking, developmental and trauma-informed practice, and docket management tools.

Child Participation Protocols: The Children’s Court would ensure that children can easily attend court, actively engage in the process, and fully understand their rights to help overcome typical challenges in children’s proceedings. The bill would require that the Court utilize child-appropriate procedures to help ensure that children comprehend the proceedings, are treated appropriately for their developmental stage, and have sufficient time to secure counsel.

Coordination with Legal Services Organizations: Legal services organizations would coordinate with the Court to help children access legal screening and immigration proceedings at the same time and place to ensure that children obtain counsel faster and more efficiently. This approach reduces unnecessary time in court and can prevent procedural delays.

In March 2023, Congressman Goldman and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) led colleagues in requesting that House appropriators direct the EOIR to ensure that each immigration court establishes specialized children’s dockets designed to create developmentally appropriate adjudications for unaccompanied children.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3707,Biden to Sign Dozens of Houlahan’s Initiatives in Annual Defense Bill into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) celebrated the dozens of her legislative efforts in H.R. 2670, the bipartisan, bicameral FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will be signed into law before the New Year. As a returning member of the House Armed Services Committee, the ranking member of the committee’s Quality of Life Panel, and a member of the bipartisan, bicameral NDAA Conference Committee that negotiated the final version of the bill, Houlahan has been working for months to advance efforts to support military personnel and strengthen the U.S.’ national security. Those efforts include expanding paid leave for veterans, growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, increasing opportunities for small business contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD), cracking down on fentanyl, and more.

The bill passed the House 310-118.

“As should be the case with legislation involving our national security, this year’s annual defense bill defied the narrative of our otherwise fractured Congress and passed with broad bipartisan support,” said Houlahan. “For 63 consecutive years, Congress has come together to pass the National Defense Authorization Act – the only bill to have such a record.”

Houlahan championed 36 bills/provisions in the NDAA, including the following highlights that will:

· Expand paid leave eligibility to veterans in the federal workforce by counting their service in uniform towards the Family and Medical Leave Act’s (FMLA) 12-month work requirement

· Grow the current DoD cyber and digital scholarship program to include career opportunities in all parts of the intelligence community

· Increase funding for Army Humanitarian Demining program by $2 million to help affected nations around the world recover from conflict

· Protect military personnel’s access to life-saving medicines by identifying pharmaceutical and medical device supply chain vulnerabilities, developing a strategy for increased domestic production, and executing a plan for a 180-day stockpile program

· Support service-disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB) by increasing the federal government’s procurement goal for SDOSB program participants from 3% to 5%

· Improve maternity care for service women and military dependents by increasing access to doula and lactation certifications

· Increase retention by clarifying remote work eligibility for military spouses and requiring further reporting on the effects of remote work in federal spaces

· Require reporting on dozens of issues including access to critical minerals, prevention and treatment of perinatal health conditions, our security clearance screening process, improved access to fertility treatments for servicemembers, and more.

Houlahan added: “I’m extremely proud to play such an integral role in this legislation and secure dozens of priorities on behalf of my community, Commonwealth, and country. I want to show service members, military dependents, veterans, and all Americans that I will always place their best interests above partisan politics, and I hope the accomplishments our office secured this year does exactly that.”

Included in the annual defense bill was a four-month extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This bipartisan extension enables the U.S. intelligence community to continue collecting online communications on non-U.S. persons abroad to protect American lives. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Houlahan authored a provision to combat the fentanyl crisis by requiring detailed explanations of counternarcotic efforts in the Director of National Intelligence’s annual budget request.

Additional provisions in the expansive bill that Houlahan supported will:

· Provide a 5.2% pay raise for servicemembers, the largest in two decades

· Improve military families’ quality of living with funding for housing and child care

· Fund energy conservation projects and research

· Invest $150 million in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS)

The bill also includes provisions to support our allies, authorizing $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and affirming Congress’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3813,Chesco Lawmaker's Initiaves For Defense Are Set To Be Signed By Biden,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, said she has been working to advance support for the military.

Originally posted by Patch.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan celebrated the dozens of her legislative efforts that were used in crafting the National Defense Authorization Act.

President Biden is expected to sign the act into law before the New Year.

“I’m extremely proud to play such an integral role in this legislation and secure dozens of priorities on behalf of my community, Commonwealth, and country,” said Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat.

Houlahan said that she has been working for months to advance efforts to support military personnel and strengthen U.S. national security.

The efforts include expanding paid leave for veterans, growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, increasing opportunities for small business contracts with the Department of Defense, cracking down on fentanyl, and more.

The bill passed the House 310-118.

Houlahan championed 36 bills/provisions in the Act, including these provisions:

Expand paid leave eligibility to veterans in the federal workforce by counting their service in uniform towards the Family and Medical Leave Act’s 12-month work requirement;

Grow the current DoD cyber and digital scholarship program to include career opportunities in all parts of the intelligence community;

Increase funding for the Army Humanitarian Demining program by $2 million to help affected nations around the world recover from conflict;

Protect military personnel’s access to life-saving medicines by identifying pharmaceutical and medical device supply chain vulnerabilities, developing a strategy for increased domestic production, and executing a plan for a 180-day stockpile program; and

Improve maternity care for servicewomen and military dependents by increasing access to doula and lactation certifications.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-240-million-clean-water,Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $240 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Across Maryland,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MD,Glenn Ivey,I000058,ivey.house.gov,ivey,https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $240,451,000 to modernize clean water infrastructure across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, will support the Maryland Department of the Environment’s efforts to provide low- or no-interest loans for critical water infrastructure projects, helping communities across the state maintain access to clean water.

Most of the funding – $211,862,000 – comes from the once-in-a-generation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the lawmakers and the Biden-Harris Administration fought to enact to deliver historic federal investments in the country’s water infrastructure. This funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in federal funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) that the lawmakers secured through annual appropriations for fiscal year 2023.

“Modernizing our water infrastructure is a critical public health priority. That’s one of the reasons why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – to advance our progress in communities across our state and improve their access to clean and safe drinking water. With these funds, we’re delivering on that objective for Marylanders,” said the lawmakers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases/kamlager-dove-celebrates-grateful-act-being-signed-law,Kamlager-Dove Celebrates the GRATEFUL Act Being Signed Into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Sydney Kamlager-Dove,K000400,kamlager-dove.house.gov,kamlager-dove,https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 22, 2023

Media Contact:Maya Valentine |maya.valentine@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) issued the following statement after President Biden signed the GRATEFUL Act into law, which Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove introduced in the House with Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27).

“I am thrilled to see President Biden sign the bipartisan Granting Recognition to Accomplished Talented Employees for Unwavering Loyalty (GRATEFUL) Act into law today as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act package. This bill, which I introduced in the House, was a top legislative priority for the State Department this year. Even in the midst of unprecedented Republican dysfunction, I was able to work with my colleagues in the Senate and at the State Department as a first-term Member in my first year in office to ensure this bill was signed into law.

""The GRATEFUL Act provides visas for locally employed U.S. embassy staff to immigrate to the U.S. after a career of service to the United States. It allows us to keep our promise to these individuals who have earned and deserve the opportunity to pursue a better life for themselves and their families in the U.S. Importantly, the embassy staff who will benefit from this provision come from countries in the Global South and other hot spots, where they work in often dangerous conditions on behalf of the United States. Currently, over 2,000 people who have spent their careers serving the United States abroad are waiting for visas that will be freed up as a result of the GRATEFUL Act.

""I came to Congress to advance meaningful policy initiatives and am glad to have my first bill signed into law. I would like to thank Congresswoman Salazar and Senators Van Hollen and Tillis for their support of this critical legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-announces-winner-of-2023-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Mike Levin Announces Winner of 2023 Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Mike Levin with the Winners of the Congressional App Challenge

Oceanside, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced Zonglin Zhang, Jingwen Mao, Liam Dowd, and Chongda You are the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 49th Congressional District. The local high school students created Ember, an iOS app that makes the world a safer place for teenagers facing mental health challenges. The students were inspired to create Ember in response to the rise in depression and suicide they have witnessed amongst their peers.

“I was blown away by the level of creativity and skill shown by all the students who entered this year’s Congressional App Challenge,” said Rep. Levin. “Congratulations to this year’s winners for creating Ember, a phone app that will support students facing mental health challenges by providing them with a safe space to receive help. The winners’ commitment to serving their peers is admirable and reminds us of the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care.”

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,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://matsui.house.gov/media/in-the-news/communications-daily-new-gop-criticisms-acp-signal-trouble-2024-stopgap-funding,COMMUNICATIONS DAILY: NEW GOP CRITICISMS OF ACP SIGNAL TROUBLE FOR 2024 STOPGAP FUNDING,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Doris O. Matsui,M001163,matsui.house.gov,matsui,https://matsui.house.gov/media,scraper,"Lead Republican lawmakers’ recent charge that the FCC was “deeply misleading” about the affordable connectivity program’s efficacy (see 2312150068) has solidified perceptions on and off Capitol Hill that it will be extremely difficult to reach a deal allocating additional money before the initiative's funding runs out next year, lobbyists and observers told us. Estimates peg ACP as likely to exhaust its initial $14.2 billion tranche from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act during the first half of 2024 (see 2309210060). The White House is pushing for Congress to appropriate an additional $6 billion to fully fund the program through the end of 2024 (see 2310250075).

There’s a “direct correlation” between Republicans’ concerns about the accuracy of FCC-provided ACP data and their skepticism about giving the program more money, Senate Communications Subcommittee ranking member John Thune, R-S.D., told us Monday. He was one of four GOP leaders who raised the ACP accuracy issue last week in a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. The others were Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Ted Cruz (Texas), House Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.) and House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta (Ohio). If the FCC “can’t prove to us that all these things that are being claimed in terms of how the money is being spent, then I don’t know how you can make a case for why we ought to give them more funding,” Thune said.

Latta voiced continued misgivings about promising more ACP money before there is a clear sense of the Commerce committees' direction on the program’s place within a potentially restructured USF apparatus. “I haven’t had an opportunity yet to sit down with” lawmakers in the USF working group, Latta told us last week. Thune and Senate Communications Chairman Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., formed the group in May to evaluate moving forward on a comprehensive USF revamp (see 2305110066), Latta told us last week. He and House Communications ranking member Doris Matsui, D-Calif., joined the working group in September (see 2309210060).

Republicans believe “we’ve got to look at what’s necessary, how much is necessary, what’s been the past experience” with the existing IIJA broadband money “and whether it’s been spent wisely,” Latta said. “For me, if dollars are already out there, you don’t want to be putting more” money into broadband without clear proof that it’s needed and that the federal government won’t mismanage it. Some lobbyists anticipate congressional Democrats will call on participating ISPs to continue the same discount for qualifying subscribers that they offered via ACP if Congress doesn’t allocate additional money before existing funding runs out.

Crisis 'Momentum'

“I have only heard support for ACP from the colleagues I’ve spoken to” on both sides of the aisle, reflecting the “strong bipartisan vote” in the Senate to pass IIJA in 2021, Lujan told us. He believes that his staff and aides to Thune, Latta and other USF working group participants “will be able to find some solutions” on USF “in one form or another.” Lujan is “optimistic"" that before ACP funding runs out both the House and the Senate will act in a way that President Joe Biden can support. “I don’t want to get out in front of the work product” that the working group is putting together, he said: “The group has been at it, working in good faith,” on something “that will yield results.”

“As we get closer to” ACP’s anticipated funding exhaustion date in April, “people will begin losing access to affordable internet and that will focus everyone’s minds,” said Senate Appropriations Financial Services Subcommittee Chairman Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. “Momentum will build as crisis nears, but we’d like to avoid that point. We’d like to get started on that now, but it may only get real” for Republicans closer to the deadline.

Matsui and other Democrats pointed to strong ACP subscriber figures in rural Republican areas as reason for that party’s lawmakers to support stopgap funding. “People who represent rural areas need to understand how critical this program is” for their constituents, Matsui told us. “They’re really going to disappoint their constituents unless they can help them out here,” which could be a motivator in the runup to the 2024 election. “That’s something I’m going to be talking about a lot” in the months ahead, she added.

ACP “impacts so many different types” of House districts, “but especially ... rural” seats, said Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., who intends to file legislation that would allocate stopgap ACP funding (see 2311300069). “It’s more expensive to build out the infrastructure” in rural areas, which in combination with lower population tends to increase subscription costs. Many rural lawmakers’ constituents “can’t afford” broadband service without ACP subsidies, she said.

'Budget Politics'

ACP’s future will be “significantly more important” as a policy matter in 2024 than the push to renew the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, which has become entangled in stalled talks on a broader legislative package (see 2312040001), said New Street’s Blair Levin. “I wish the FCC were to devote as much time talking about ACP as they appear to be talking about auction authority, but more importantly I wish they had a strategy” to convince a bipartisan majority of lawmakers to give the program more money.

“Congress needs to provide a couple more years of funding” for ACP “with the idea that there’s going to be this general rethink” of USF, added Levin, who’s also a Brookings Institution senior fellow. “I think there’s a strong political consensus that this should happen, but during a presidential election year it’s difficult to do rational things even when there’s a broad consensus that it should happen.” The Biden administration is already finding it difficult to reach a deal with Congress on aid to Israel and Ukraine “with all the attention being paid” to it, so “that suggests a certain kind of game theory about budget politics that makes getting ACP funding through more difficult,” he said.

“It will be difficult for Congress to get something done on ACP,” said Jeffrey Westling, American Action Forum director-technology and innovation policy. “There doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal tying it in with USF reform, but there does need to be one on ACP itself.” If “it has to be tied to USF reform,” as some seek, there's unlikely to be much movement in the short term “because that’s such a big lift,” he said.

An ACP-specific legislative package would likely center on “how it’s structured and who it’s targeting,” Westling added. “Right now, I can’t see Republicans blanket reauthorizing” the program as is. A lot of people are participating in ACP, and ""it’s going through a lot of money because it’s a large benefit and there’s a lot of fraud and abuse of the program that can be tamped down,” he said: A deal would likely involve a “much more targeted low income” participant base, though “this is one of the more fiscally conservative benefit programs.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-joins-wittman-kiggans-scott-urge-dod-ensure-funding-hampton-roads,"McClellan Joins Wittman, Kiggans, Scott to Urge DoD to Ensure Funding for Hampton Roads Shipbuilding Ecosystem",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) joined Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Virginia Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) to urge Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to ensure aircraft carrier procurement funding remains on track.

“Now more than ever, we must do everything to ensure a consistent shipbuilding schedule,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Hampton Roads plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. Navy and supporting America’s national security priorities. I am glad to join my colleagues to urge the Defense Department to ensure the timely procurement of aircraft carriers and other military assets.”

“Stable and predictable shipbuilding timelines help to maintain a healthy industrial base ecosystem while providing economic benefits for thousands of Virginians in the greater Hampton Roads region,” said Congressman Wittman. “Any delays in funding for the next Ford­­-class carrier would be extremely disruptive to our Navy’s ability to project power and provide for our national security.”

“At a time when our nation is facing threats from multiple fronts, it is critical to prioritize our shipbuilding schedule,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Our aircraft carriers are the best in the world and the cornerstone of our ability to project power around the globe. Additionally, the shipbuilding industry provides stable, good paying jobs for Hampton Roads and is a major contributor to our local economy and an economic driver for our Commonwealth. I’m proud to join my colleagues to urge Secretary Austin to keep our shipbuilding plan on schedule. Any delay would directly impact our national security and that is unacceptable.”

“Consistent Navy procurement schedules for shipbuilding are critical to ensuring that Hampton Roads’ shipbuilders and our industrial base as a whole are supported,” said Congressman Scott. “Uncertainty in the production line leads to uncertainty in our national security capabilities, and I remain committed to ensuring reliable funding for the Ford-class and our nation’s entire shipbuilding program.”

The Virginia delegation members also touted the more than $5 billion in cost savings and stability that multi-ship buys would generate for the Navy and the shipbuilding industrial base.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-commends-un-security-council-resolution-calling-surge-humanitarian,McCollum Commends UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Surge in Humanitarian Aid for Gaza,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement today:

“I commend the UN Security Council for adopting its legally-binding resolution today calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors to enable full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access.

“The brutal attacks by Hamas, a terrorist organization, on October 7th took the lives of innocent Israeli civilians, including children, and ignited horrific suffering throughout Gaza. More than twenty-thousand children and their family members in Gaza have been killed and millions are suffering without access to food, water, medical care, or safe shelter. Without an immediate humanitarian pause and the establishment of a regional ceasefire among all parties, this war could spread throughout the region. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed in Gaza, as is clarity about the strategic objectives for achieving peace and long-term stability. Global leaders must use the actions taken today to build a foundation for lasting peace in the future.

“I continue to urge President Biden and Secretary Blinken to detail the administration’s strategic objectives for achieving de-escalation and stability in the region, and to work to establish a ceasefire via regional engagement and in cooperation with international humanitarian organizations.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-240-million-for-clean-water-infrastructure-across-maryland,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $240 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Across Maryland",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $240,451,000 to modernize clean water infrastructure across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, will support the Maryland Department of the Environment’s efforts to provide low- or no-interest loans for critical water infrastructure projects, helping communities across the state maintain access to clean water.

Most of the funding – $211,862,000 – comes from the once-in-a-generation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the lawmakers and the Biden-Harris Administration fought to enact to deliver historic federal investments in the country’s water infrastructure. This funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in federal funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) that the lawmakers secured through annual appropriations for fiscal year 2023.

“Modernizing our water infrastructure is a critical public health priority. That’s one of the reasons why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – to advance our progress in communities across our state and improve their access to clean and safe drinking water. With these funds, we’re delivering on that objective for Marylanders,” said the lawmakers.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides more than $50 billion to EPA over five years to improve the nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure – the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-leads-letter-fema-support-emergency-repairs-reimbursement-monterey,Rep. Panetta Leads Letter to FEMA in Support of Emergency Repairs Reimbursement  for Monterey County,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) wrote a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of Monterey County’s appeal of the agency’s decision to deny more than $1.5 million in reimbursements for the County’s emergency road and culvert repairs following the 2020 Carmel Fire. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) joined Rep. Panetta as a signatory of the letter.

The 2020 Carmel Fire, a federally declared disaster, burned a total of 6,905 acres, destroying 73 structures and damaging seven more. The fire burned hot enough to make soils water-repellant, therefore increasing runoff, and causing road culverts to warp. Monterey County conducted emergency repair and replacement of culverts and guard railings on Cachagua Road due to ongoing risks to the community. FEMA has determined that repairs made to the damaged Cachagua Road were not eligible for reimbursement due to Endangered Species Act (ESA) violations.

“We believe this determination fails to take into consideration the exigent circumstances under which repairs were made and the lack of impact on any species following the fires’ destruction,” wrote the lawmakers. “Fundamentally, in executing these repairs in a judicious manner, the County worked under exigent circumstances to save life and property. These actions proved prescient, given the storms that struck the area shortly after the fires. Without quick County action, the damages from the storms would have been far worse, closing roads and cutting off access to communities, and likely resulting in even larger FEMA reimbursement claims.”

Monterey County’s repairs to Cachagua Road have sustained through two severe weather events, the 2021 atmospheric rivers as well as the 2023 winter storms, keeping this road open despite mudslides and landslides.

The full letter can be found here and below.

Dear Administrator Criswell: We write regarding Monterey County’s (County) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ (Cal OES) appeal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) determination to deny Public Assistance (PA) funding of $1,503,924.62 for Project Number (PN) 165078 (enclosed), and their request that FEMA reimburse the County without delay. In making emergency road and culvert repairs following the 2020 Carmel Fire, the County was working under exigent circumstances and, according to the county, their actions posed little to no threat to endangered species. We believe that denying these reimbursements ignores the facts that repairs were made under a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and did not impact any federal waterways.

The 2020 Carmel Fire, a federally declared disaster, burned a total of 6,905 acres, destroying 73 structures and damaging 7 more. The fire completely razed the community of Sky Ranch, and virtually all vegetation was burned to ash. It burned hot enough to make soils water-repellant, therefore increasing runoff, and caused road culverts to warp. County Public Works, given the nature of the emergency, immediately began repairs and replacement of culverts and guard railings on Cachagua Road, the only County-maintained road into and out of the area. Work began before the FEMA declaration was made, due to ongoing risks to the community.

This quick work proved wise, as the 2021 atmospheric river events caused large mud flows in the area. While these flows washed out other roads, including parts of Highway 1, mud flows in the Carmel Fire-burned area did not wash out Cachagua Road because of the work done by the County. Had it not been for the County’s immediate repairs after the fire, the road would likely have been compromised, potentially becoming impassable. The post-fire repairs also held up during the January 2023 and March 2023 winter storms, as the road remained open even amidst landslides.

Unfortunately, FEMA has determined that repairs made to the damaged Cachagua Road were not eligible for reimbursement due to Endangered Species Act (ESA) violations. However, we believe this determination fails to take into consideration the exigent circumstances under which repairs were made and the lack of impact on any species following the fires’ destruction.

The County’s appeal includes evidence that a categorial exemption to CEQA was filed given a state emergency, and that work was not performed in a “blue line” or named river, as culverts repaired and replaced on the road right-of-way do not convey flows from rivers. According to the county, no endangered species or Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) were visible in these burn areas, and given the destruction the fire caused, there is little chance of any species survival in the burn area.

Fundamentally, in executing these repairs in a judicious manner, the County worked under exigent circumstances to save life and property. These actions proved prescient, given the storms that struck the area shortly after the fires. Without quick County action, the damages from the storms would have been far worse, closing roads and cutting off access to communities, and likely resulting in even larger FEMA reimbursement claims.

Given these facts, we urge you to give the County’s appeal your full and fair consideration consistent with applicable law, rules, and regulations.

Thank you for your consideration, and please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices with any questions

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-ramirez-garcia-amplify-aclu-calls-dhs-terminate-contract-private-company,"Reps Ramirez, Garcia Amplify ACLU Calls for DHS to Terminate Contract with Private Company Accused of Negligent Migrant Care",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,IL,Delia C. Ramirez,R000617,ramirez.house.gov,ramirez,https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) released a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas citing the American Civil Liberties Union’s recommendation to immediately terminate the contract with Loyal Source Government Services (Loyal Source) after reports of wrongdoing and mistreatment of migrants in detention facilities. Loyal Source is a Florida-based corporation that has contracts with the DHS to provide medical care to noncitizens at the southern U.S. border.

In the letter, the members of Congress highlight that Loyal Source’s alleged pattern of inadequate staffing and negligent medical care appears to have contributed to the tragic death of eight-year-old Anadith Reyes Alvarez on May 17, 2023, at a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) detention facility in Texas. According to reports, Anadith was suffering serious flu symptoms, and a fever of 104.9 degrees. Loyal Source medical staff failed to review her medical history, denied her access to a physician, and refused both emergency medical transport and care.

Members of Congress wrote: “In light of these failings, we want to raise the recommendations made to your agency by the American Civil Liberties Union, which has called on the agency to:

Immediately terminate its blanket purchase agreement with Loyal Source Government Services (“Loyal Source”) and secure a new vendor under a contract that incorporates measurable, enforceable standards for the provision of medical care;

rapidly implement and enforce binding medical care standards and custody protocols to ensure the protection and rapid release of migrants encountered by or in CBP’s custody;

ensure that contract medical providers are subject to rigorous oversight and quality assurance enforcement mechanisms; and

ensure that medical care in CBP custody promptly identifies medically vulnerable people, and ensure effective and efficient processing of CBP custody.”

The congressional effort comes after coverage by The Washington Post and whistleblower reports that allege significant wrongdoing by Loyal Source, “including chronic staff shortages, excessive travel expenses, and error-plagued record-keeping.” Whistleblowers allege a failure by the CBP to hold Loyal Source accountable for these violations.

“We recognize that CBP has faced longstanding challenges in the provision of medical care at the border, under difficult circumstances. However, as Members of Congress who care deeply for the well-being of migrants in custody, we have deep concerns, given its history, whether Loyal Source can continue to be trusted as a partner,” concluded the Members of Congress.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL–07), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://raskin.house.gov/2023/12/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-240-million-for-clean-water-infrastructure-across-maryland,Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $240 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Across Maryland,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $240,451,000 to modernize clean water infrastructure across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, will support the Maryland Department of the Environment’s efforts to provide low- or no-interest loans for critical water infrastructure projects, helping communities across the state maintain access to clean water.

Most of the funding – $211,862,000 – comes from the once-in-a-generation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the lawmakers and the Biden-Harris Administration fought to enact to deliver historic federal investments in the country’s water infrastructure. This funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in federal funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) that the lawmakers secured through annual appropriations for fiscal year 2023.

“Modernizing our water infrastructure is a critical public health priority. That’s one of the reasons why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – to advance our progress in communities across our state and improve their access to clean and safe drinking water. With these funds, we’re delivering on that objective for Marylanders,” said the lawmakers.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides more than $50 billion to EPA over five years to improve the nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure – the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://raskin.house.gov/2023/12/rep-raskin-applauds-new-treasury-guidance-promoting-clean-hydrogen-production,Rep. Raskin Applauds New Treasury Guidance Promoting Clean Hydrogen Production,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC—Today, the U.S. Treasury Department released proposed regulations on the Clean Hydrogen Production Credit established in the Inflation Reduction Act. The proposed guidance answers calls from Reps. Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Don Beyer (VA-08) along with 44 House Democrats, environmental groups, consumer advocates, and renewable energy companies who have emphasized the need to ensure hydrogen fuel is produced from clean energy sources.

“Hydrogen offers us a promising clean energy solution, but only if it is produced from renewable energy, rather than dirty fossil fuels—and in today’s Treasury guidance, the Biden Administration has demonstrated its strong commitment to positive hydrogen solutions and a clean energy transition,” said Rep. Raskin. “Creating a truly clean hydrogen industry that supports our climate goals depends on us getting things right today. I look forward to seeing a final rule that retains these strong climate standards.”

Notably, the new proposed guidance adopts the three pillars of clean hydrogen production that Reps. Raskin, Beyer and their colleagues expressed support for in their recent letter to the Treasury Department, with provisions prioritizing additionality, deliverability and hourly time-based matching. These three pillars ensure that hydrogen is generated using new, “additional,” renewable energy sources, not just the limited renewables currently supplying our power grid, that power generated by clean energy reaches hydrogen production projects, and that hydrogen will be produced during the same hours that the clean electricity is being generated.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-priorities-included-ndaa,Schneider Priorities Included in NDAA,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON -- Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) had several of his priorities included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed and was signed into law this month.

“I am proud of my bipartisan work that was included in this years National Defense Authorization Act, including provisions to promote the Abraham Accords and expand normalization in the region, bolster security cooperation with Israel, and support our troops—including the largest pay raise for servicemembers in over twenty years,” said Schneider. “During a frustratingly unproductive year under the partisan Republican majority, I am thankful we were able to come together and pass this critical legislation to support U.S. national security.”

Congressman Schneider secured the following provisions in the final bill that was signed into law:

MARITIME Act: This important legislation, co-led by Congressman Schneider and marked up along bipartisan lines in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will increase security cooperation between the Abraham Accords countries and the United States in order to combat increasing aggression by Iran and to support Isarel in its efforts to combat Hamas.

Extension of U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation: This year’s NDAA included an extension of this program, based on legislation introduced by Schneider. This program helps bolster Israel’s ability to detect, map, and eliminate tunnels used by terrorist organizations in the region to support and launch attacks against Israel.

Special Envoy: Included within this legislation was language championed by Schneider to create within the State Department an Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements. This new Envoy will focus on expanding the historic Abraham Accords to promote normalization between Israel and other countries in the region, promoting increased economic interdependence and security cooperation.

Intelligence Assessment of Abraham Accords: This legislation requires the Central Intelligence Agency to assess the historic impact and effects resulting from the success of the Abraham Accords, an effort supported by Schneider and the Abraham Accords Caucus, of which he is co-chair. Having a better sense of the impacts these historic agreements have will better assist the United States in building upon that success to expand security cooperation and stability in the region.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-statement-shots-outside-funeral-service-mount-olive,Congresswoman Brown Statement on Shots Outside Funeral Service at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,OH,Shontel M. Brown,B001313,shontelbrown.house.gov,shontelbrown,https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Cleveland, OH – Today, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) attended the service celebrating the life of Di’Mesha Wright, a young woman who was shot and killed earlier this month. During the service, shots were fired outside the church, leading those inside to rush from their seats.

Congresswoman Shontel Brown releases the following statement:

“The level of gun violence is devastating and demoralizing. It’s unfathomable that while we were mourning a young woman who was shot and killed, gunfire would be heard outside her service. My heart breaks for everyone who endured today’s assault while memorializing the life and violent loss of a loved one. People should at least be able to attend a funeral in peace. As a member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, it’s painful to see what my friends and loved ones are needlessly enduring. As a member of Congress, I’m going to continue fighting for gun safety legislation, because no one, no community, deserves to live in fear.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-carter-commends-president-bidens-new-marijuana-pardons,Rep. Carter Commends President Biden’s New Marijuana Pardons,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,LA,Troy A. Carter,C001125,troycarter.house.gov,troycarter,https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) issued the following statement commending new marijuana pardons and clemencies by President Biden.

“In April of last year, I met with the White House to discuss pardons and clemency for individuals incarcerated for marijuana possession. These offenses have disproportionally impacted Black Americans, creating barriers to employment, education, and housing. I commend today’s announcement as a positive step towards correcting this injustice. This is the vital next step to give thousands of people their lives back.

“Now, I call on Congress to pass my misdemeanor expungement legislation so that these returning citizens can fully move on with their lives.""

Read about H.R.8557 Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Acthere.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vargas-leads-letter-urging-secretary-mayorkas-to-reverse-the-closure-of-pedwest-at-the-san-ysidro-port-of-entry,Rep. Vargas Leads Letter Urging Secretary Mayorkas to Reverse the Closure of PedWest at the San Ysidro Port of Entry,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Juan Vargas,V000130,vargas.house.gov,vargas,https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Media Contact: Anzueth Barela | (202) 225-8045 | Anzueth.Barela@mail.house.gov

SAN DIEGO, CA (December 22, 2023) – Recently, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), and Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urging Secretary Mayorkas to immediately reverse the decision to transfer 40 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel from the San Diego Region while considering the negative impacts on our communities and regional economy.

""The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the most utilized gateway into the United States, and Mayorkas should prioritize it as such."" Said Rep. Vargas. ""The closure of PedWest and the expected increase in wait times will severely impact our local communities and economy. I urge Secretary Mayorkas to immediately reverse this decision.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/a-year-in-review-senator-baldwin-crisscrossed-wisconsin,A Year in Review: Senator Baldwin Crisscrossed Wisconsin,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – In 2023, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) attended or hosted nearly 150 community events and meetings with constituents spanning 44 counties across Wisconsin. While crisscrossing the state, Senator Baldwin heard from constituents and celebrated her work to lower costs for families, support veterans, grow the Made in Wisconsin economy, rebuild crumbling infrastructure, and more.

“Traveling across the state and listening to Wisconsinites is what informs my work in Washington, and I’m so grateful to the families, businesses, local leaders, and all the Wisconsinites who take the time to share their experiences with me and are working to solve our state’s toughest challenges,” said Senator Baldwin. “Traveling the state is also a time to celebrate the progress we’ve made. I was proud to deliver real results for Wisconsin families – lowering costs, curbing the opioid and fentanyl crisis, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, and growing our Made in Wisconsin economy. I know we have more work to do, but I am so proud that we are following our state’s motto and moving Forward.”

Below are some highlights from Senator Baldwin’s year crisscrossing Wisconsin:

Addressing Public Safety and Opioid Epidemic

Ladysmith: At a roundtable, Senator Baldwin was joined by public health experts, law enforcement, and local officials to discuss her FEND Off Fentanyl Act and how to better protect our communities against the devastating impacts of opioids and fentanyl.

Wausau: While touring the Wausau Fire Station, Senator Baldwin heard about the impact the $3 million SAFER Grant she helped secure will allow for the hiring of nine new firefighters, helping them meet increasing demand and responsibilities.

Prairie du Chien: Joining first responders, Senator Baldwin celebrated the nearly $5 million of federal funding she helped deliver for the new Prairie du Chien Public Safety Center that will help first responders meet challenges, keep communities safe, and attract and retain talent.

Keshena: Senator Baldwin visited the Menominee Tribal Clinic in Keshena to see how a $1.3 million federal investment is helping the Menominee Tribe build a new tribal clinic to expand access to affordable health care, including mental health services and substance use disorder treatment.

Building a Made in America Economy

Milwaukee: At Rockwell Automation, Senator Baldwin touted her work to bring home a Tech Hub and discussed with consortium partners their work to spur personal medicine innovation, grow our economy, and create jobs in this cutting-edge industry.

Superior: Senator Baldwin met with AFL-CIO Wisconsin leaders at their Annual Meeting in Superior to discuss her efforts to support organized labor and good-paying jobs, grow the economy, and ensure American families have the economic security they need to sleep well at night.

Pleasant Prairie: Senator Baldwin visited Sanmina to celebrate Nokia bringing up to 200 manufacturing jobs to Wisconsin to produce key components for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Eau Claire: While hosting a roundtable at Chippewa Valley Technical College, Senator Baldwin heard about Chippewa Valley Tech College’s program for health career job training. Senator Baldwin helped secure nearly $5 million for this program that will train the healthcare workforce we need in our small towns and rural areas and help ensure traditionally underserved communities are not left behind in today’s economy.

Cambridge: While visiting Cobrahead, a small family business that makes gardening, horticulture, and agriculture equipment, Senator Baldwin highlighted her COOL Online Act, legislation that ensures all goods sold online list their country-of-origin and promotes American-made goods for online shoppers.

Cutting Prescription Drug Prices and Expanding Access to Mental Health Care

Waukesha: Senator Baldwin toured the Waukesha Free Clinic and joined local seniors and stakeholders to discuss the impact of cutting prescription drug prices. Senator Baldwin has long advocated for lowering prescription drug prices and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which gives Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, caps the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month, and caps Medicare beneficiaries out of pocket costs at $2,000 per year.

Green Bay: Senator Baldwin and Governor Evers toured the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center and hosted a roundtable with local leaders and metal health providers. Senator Baldwin successfully secured $3 million in this year’s budget to support implementation of the hotline.

Onalaska: Senator Baldwin visited Gunderson Pharmacy with seniors and health officials to learn about the impact of her Inflation Reduction Act’s provisions to cap the cost of insulin and cut prescription drug costs.

Delivering for Wisconsin Infrastructure

Superior: Senator Baldwin, Governor Evers, and local officials visited the Blatnik Bridge to continue to urge the Biden Administration to replace the aging bridge.

Casco: Senator Baldwin stopped in Casco to highlight the broadband expansion the Village of Casco has undertaken to connect 291 distinct addresses to high-speed internet through a grant from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin using state and federal funds.

Milwaukee: Senator Baldwin saw firsthand the block-by-block lead service line replacement work being done and highlighted investments from the Baldwin-supported Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead pipes in Milwaukee.

Wausau: Senator Baldwin joined officials from Wausau and Rib Mountain to tour the new Wausau Water Treatment Plant and highlight the over $3.3 million in federal funding Senator Baldwin secured for PFAS remediation for the city of Wausau and the Rib Mountain Sanitary District.

Standing Up for Wisconsin Veterans and Servicemembers

New Richmond, Wausau, Green Bay, Racine: In May, Senator Baldwin hosted a series of roundtable discussions on her efforts to increase health care and disability benefits for Wisconsin veterans who have been harmed by toxic exposure while serving in the military. Veterans are now eligible for these benefits because of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 that Senator Baldwin helped pass into law.

Prairie du Sac: Senator Baldwin presented a Purple Heart Award to Rebecca Litscher, to provide long overdue recognition for her service and sacrifice.

Fort McCoy: Senator Baldwin toured the existing barracks at Fort McCoy that serve the thousands of reservists who come from across the country to train each year. Senator Baldwin secured the funds for Fort McCoy in the 2022 and 2023 government funding bills, to help construct permanent barracks that can house nearly 1,000 enlisted soldiers and officers during annual training and mobilization.

Supporting Our Farmers and Rural Communities

Greenleaf: Senator Baldwin toured Brickstead Farms, a fifth-generation family-run dairy farm, to discuss her work securing investments to help Wisconsin’s farmers, producers, and growers mitigate the impact of climate change and build sustainable agriculture operations.

Columbus: Senator Baldwin toured Gurn-Z Meadow Farm in Columbus and met with Dairy Business Innovation Initiative recipients to hear how they are using the funding to diversify their business products and launch new processing ventures.

Stratford: Senator Baldwin visited Marshfield Agricultural Research Center for a tour and to hear how the $6 million in federal funding she secured will better support researchers and the Wisconsin agricultural community.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/the-voices-behind-the-kids-online-safety-act-lori-schott-from-colorado,The Voices Behind the Kids Online Safety Act: Lori Schott from Colorado,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), is strongly supported by a broad coalition of parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by Big Tech, young people who want to regain control over their online lives, and experts and advocates who study and see the negative effects of social media firsthand in their communities. The “Voices Behind the Kids Online Safety Act” series will amplify their stories as they call on Congress to pass the legislation to help protect themselves online and to hold Big Tech accountable. The bill has the support of nearly half of the U.S. Senate.

Lori Schott

Lori Schott’s interview with Denver7

The full interview & story can be found HERE

The Schott Family’s Story:

The Schotts lost Annalee on November 15, 2020. She was just 18 years old when she died by suicide. Her mom, dad and brothers were left brokenhearted, and at a complete loss as to what led her to such a dark place.”

But as Lori came to learn, Annalee left behind clues.

…

Scrolling through the videos, Lori said she found video after video of young people sharing — and at times glamorizing — self-harm and self-hate. Many had tens of thousands of likes or more.

Lori Schott’s Mission:

“At that moment is when I decided that pain has to be purpose, that I don’t want to see what happened to our daughter impact any other children,"" Lori said.

Stories like Annalee Schott’s have inspired a rare bipartisan mission in Washington, D.C. to hold social media companies accountable for the content their algorithms serve to our young people. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is before Congress and has cosponsors from both parties, including Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper.

…

But in Lori Schott’s eyes, KOSA is a vital first step to making the internet safer for our kids and building her daughter’s legacy. Annalee left her journal entries, Lori said, so we all could “see the impact and to dig down deep to do something about it.”

“Our kids deserve better,” Lori said.

The full Denver7 story and Lori Schott’s interview with Denver7 can be found here

Blumenthal and Blackburn are the lead sponsors of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, which would provide kids and parents with better tools to protect themselves online, hold Big Tech accountable for harms to kids, and provide transparency into black box algorithms.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-budzinski-demand-answers-from-nippon-steel-on-commitments-to-granite-city,"Duckworth, Durbin, Budzinski Demand Answers from Nippon Steel on Commitments to Granite City",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[SPRINGFIELD, IL] — This week, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) in sending a letter to Nippon Steel pushing the company for commitments to Granite City steelworkers during its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel. In their letter, Duckworth, Durbin and Budzinski demanded answers from Nippon Steel on their intentions with existing operations and facilities in Illinois, details on worker retention and any proposed layoffs and their plans for Granite City Works.

“We write today to express deep concerns with Nippon Steel’s plans to acquire U.S. Steel Corporation, particularly with respect to the deal’s impact on Illinois steelworkers. Given the critical importance of the steel industry to our region and the long history of union labor driving U.S. Steel to global prominence, it is essential that any company that plans to do business with U.S. Steel have a full understanding of the company’s legal commitments to its workers under collectively bargained agreements, maintain those commitments, and ensure that workers are protected in the next phase of the company’s future,” wrote the lawmakers.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below:

December 21, 2023

Mr. Eiji Hashimoto

President

Nippon Steel Corporation

6-1, Marunouchi 2-chome

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan

We write today to express deep concerns with Nippon Steel’s plans to acquire U.S. Steel Corporation, particularly with respect to the deal’s impact on Illinois steelworkers. Given the critical importance of the steel industry to our region and the long history of union labor driving U.S. Steel to global prominence, it is essential that any company that plans to do business with U.S. Steel have a full understanding of the company’s legal commitments to its workers under collectively bargained agreements, maintain those commitments, and ensure that workers are protected in the next phase of the company’s future.

The surprise announcement of the sale of U.S. Steel on the morning of December 18 was another chapter in a long story of the company undercutting both workers and their community in recent years. Workers at the Granite City Works facility have built their lives and livelihoods around the facility for 128 years, and, in return, the company abruptly announced in September that they were “temporarily” laying off 400 workers and idling a blast furnace—a move now being investigated by the Illinois Department of Labor to ensure compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. In November, the company announced plans to temporarily idle the last remaining blast furnace at the facility, resulting in an additional 600 layoffs.

We are also troubled by reported remarks by a Nippon Steel executive in which the executive noted that Nippon is “supportive of the U.S. Steel plan for production in the future.” The executive went on to say that “U.S. Steel is planning to shift some quantity from the other mills to Big River Steel 2” in Arkansas and that Nippon is “thinking or planning to follow that plan.” A shift in jobs and operations from Granite City Works to Big River Steel would undermine the union labor force at the Granite City facility, and have devastating impacts on the surrounding community.

It is crucial that any company that wishes to acquire U.S. Steel, including the Granite City Works facility, honors their commitments to steelworkers and ensures that our industrial base – the driver of our regional economies – remains strong. We request further information on Nippon Steel’s proposal to acquire U.S. Steel and its assets in the event of a successful acquisition, and how that potential acquisition would impact steelworkers in Illinois. To that end, we have the following questions:

How does Nippon Steel plan to move forward with U.S. Steel’s existing operations and facilities in Illinois?

How many U.S. Steel workers does Nippon plan to retain, both in the short- and long-term?

How many workers, if any, does Nippon plan to lay off in the event of a successful acquisition?

What commitments can Nippon Steel make about its future operations in Illinois, particularly as it relates to the Granite City Works facility?

What outreach did Nippon Steel conduct to stakeholders across sectors, including the United Steelworkers and state and community leaders, prior to going public with the planned acquisition?

Thank you in advance for your timely response to these questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions as they arise.

Respectfully,

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/22/2023/signed-into-law-annual-defense-bill-with-key-hassan-backed-provisions,SIGNED INTO LAW: Annual Defense Bill with Key Hassan-Backed Provisions,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – President Biden signed into law the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which includes key national security provisions that Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) secured and supported. The bill includes a 5.2 percent pay raise for U.S. service members and specifically includes bipartisan measures that Senator Hassan authored to provide parental leave parity for Reserve and National Guard members and prepare for emerging national security threats posed by quantum technology.

“We must do everything that we can to support our service members and their mission to protect our national security,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad to see this bipartisan bill signed into law, which includes measures to get our service members the pay and benefits they deserve, invests in New Hampshire’s military institutions, and will help keep our country safe, secure, and free.”

“I am also pleased that as part of the annual defense bill, we passed into law my bipartisan bill to provide paid leave parity for those in the National Guard and Reserves, as well as my bipartisan bill to better prepare for threats posed by our adversaries’ development of quantum technology,” said Senator Hassan. “Parental leave should be available to all new parents, and service members in the Reserves and the National Guard should have the same access to parental leave as those serving on active duty – this bill will ensure that is the case. Additionally, quantum technology has major national security implications, including the potential for our adversaries to use it to decrypt encrypted messages and data, and my bipartisan bill will expand our country’s efforts to stay ahead of our adversaries and respond to these threats while taking advantage of the opportunities presented by quantum technology.”

Key measures that Senator Hassan supported that are included in the NDAA and have now passed into law:

Senator Hassan’s bipartisan bill introduced with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to expand parental leave eligibility for Reserve and National Guard members to cover all new parents.

The legislation included in the NDAA ensures that beginning October 2024, drilling members of the National Guard and Reserves can take the equivalent of up to 12 weeks of parental leave when adopting or fostering children, or when their spouse has a child, just as birth mothers and those serving on active duty are able to.

Senator Hassan and Senator John Thune (R-SD)’s bipartisan measures to prepare for national security threats posed by emerging quantum technology. The provisions will:

Expand existing public-private talent exchange programs in the Defense Department to include private sector entities working on quantum technology research & applications

Authorize a fellowship program in the Defense Department for students focusing on quantum information science and technology research

Support for military spouses by allowing executive agencies to appoint spouses of service members to remote work positions, legislation that Senator Hassan cosponsored

Strengthening of our nation’s security posture by working more closely with allies and partners, including in the Indo-Pacific region, a priority of Senator Hassan’s

Improvements of addiction care resources for those serving in the military, including efforts to help expand access to naloxone and expanding research into alternatives to opioids for pain management

Prohibitions on military contracts with entities who have fossil fuel operations in Russia

Increased overtime pay rates for members of the U.S. Border Patrol

Support for NH priorities that are included in the NDAA:

Authorizing the procurement of additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, which the Granite State plays a key role in building

Authorizing multiyear procurement for the next block of Virginia-class submarines, which are maintained at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Support for the Multi-Mission Dry Dock Expansion at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Multiple provisions to address PFAS contamination in military communities and continue studies into the health effects of PFAS

Support for the New Hampshire National Guard’s wellness center in Concord and a vehicle maintenance addition in Littleton

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-fiscal-year-2024-national-defense-act-becoming-law,Kaine Applauds Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Act Becoming Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, applauded the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) becoming law. The bipartisan legislation includes several provisions secured by Kaine to support our national security and Virginia’s defense community. As a member of SASC, Kaine played a key role in shaping the legislation and served as a member of the conference committee working to reconcile differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the bill.

“I’m glad the president signed this defense bill, which will support our national security, servicemembers, and Virginia’s defense community. I help write this bill every year, and this year, I’m particularly proud to have included bipartisan legislation I led to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO and to direct more federal attention to combat the fentanyl crisis. I also ensured the incorporation of my provisions to implement the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) agreement, which will support the security of our allies and boost Virginia’s economy.”

Kaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation:

NATO: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval.

Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act: Includes provisions from Kaine’s bipartisan bill with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to direct increased federal attention to fentanyl trafficking by utilizing Pentagon tools like counter-drug intelligence and involving Mexico as an active partner to combat the crisis and disrupt cartel activity in Mexico. Specifically, the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 will work to strengthen these efforts by:

Highlighting the need to address the threat to national security posed by fentanyl trafficking.

Directing the Pentagon to develop a fentanyl-specific counter-drug strategy, including enhanced cooperation with Mexican defense officials.

Requiring the Secretary of Defense to enhance security cooperation with the Mexican military.

Addressing coordination efforts between the military and federal law enforcement agencies.

Australia and U.K. Partnership: Strengthens the United States’ partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom in the implementation of the AUKUS agreement, in which the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia will share and collaborate on technologies crucial to the allies’ long-term security. Because a significant portion of Virginia-class submarines are built in Hampton Roads, the AUKUS agreement creates opportunity for further job creation and economic growth in Hampton Roads.

Shipbuilding: Authorizes investments to help meet the congressionally mandated requirement to have 31 operational amphibious warfare ships for the Navy and Marine Corps, by restoring funding for LPD-33 and strengthening oversight of the Navy’s shipbuilding plan. Improves acquisition processes, expands defense industrial base capacity, and supports workforce development initiatives.

Pay Raises: Authorizes a 5.2 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and the Department of Defense (DOD) civilian workforce. Requires a review of military pay rates to determine if the current basic pay table adequately compensates junior enlisted personnel in pay grades E-1 through E-4.

Recruitment: Establishes an Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program for the purpose of introducing community and junior college students to the military and preparing selected students for enlisted service in the Armed Forces. This follows conversations Kaine has had in Hampton Roads about tackling the recruitment and retention challenges in the military.

U.S. Posture in Indo-Pacific: Expands cooperation and engagement to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), which enhances U.S. force posture, infrastructure, readiness, capacity, and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, through Fiscal Year 2024 and authorizes the full budget request for Fiscal Year 2024. Establishes the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative (IPMDA) to improve maritime security and boost information-sharing among partners in the region. Includes bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Kaine to increase coordination and boost cooperation with Pacific Island nations on emergency humanitarian response, law enforcement and maritime security activities, and counterintelligence.

Taiwan: Establishes a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for military forces of Taiwan. Improves U.S.-Taiwan cooperation related to military cybersecurity activities.

Support for Ukraine: Extends Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through Fiscal Year 2027 and authorizes the full budget request in Fiscal Year 2024. Extends waivers for the streamlined acquisition of defense stocks related to Ukraine and authorizes additional munitions eligible for multiyear procurement contracts.

Servicemember Health Care: Includes various provisions to strengthen and expand access to quality health care for servicemembers and dependents with a focus on improving mental health services.

Requires a study in military treatment facilities on the efficacy of opioid alternatives for pain management, department assessment on the rates of opioid prescriptions to servicemembers.

Allows licensed Military and Family Life Counselors to provide non-medical counseling services outside of the state in which they are licensed.

Provides career flexibility for the services’ mental health workforce to increase retention.

Military Construction: Includes over $561 million for military construction (MILCON) in Virginia.

$157M for Child Development Center, MQ-25 Aircraft Facilities, and a submarine pier at Naval Station Norfolk

$81M for Drydock Saltwater System at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

$61M for Special Operations Forces Seal Delivery Vehicle Team 2 Operations Support Facility at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story

$57M for Child Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story

$46M for weapons magazines at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

$37M for Water Treatment Plant at Marine Corps Base Quantico

$30M for pedestrian access at the Pentagon

$25M for Defense Intelligence Agency headquarters annex at Fort Belvoir

$23M for Maritime Surveillance System Facility at Dam Neck Annex

$20M for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Virginia Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston

$12M for Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar support facilities at Dam Neck

$4M for an Equine Training Facility at Fort Belvoir

$4M to complete maintenance and readiness centers at Virginia Army National Guard’s Roanoke Regional Readiness Center in Troutville

$4M for the Army Reserve Center in Richmond

Military Families:

Expands servicemember eligibility to receive reimbursement for qualified spouse relicensing or business costs when the servicemember relocates as the result of reassignment or a transfer from active duty to the reserves—making it easier for military spouses to continue their careers.

Makes mental health care more accessible and affordable for beneficiaries in the active duty family members category and TRICARE Young Adult program, by waiving cost sharing requirements for the first three outpatient mental health visits each year.

Directs a review and report on access to resources and services related to mental health for students of Department of Defense Education Activity Schools.

Military Housing:

Improves military housing for servicemembers E-6 and below without dependents whose ships are undergoing maintenance by providing the authority to allow these junior enlisted servicemembers to collect a Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) and not live aboard the ship. This follows conversations that Kaine had with servicemembers in Hampton Roads about mental health challenges while living aboard ships during long maintenance periods.

Authorizes improvements to the quality and oversight of military enlisted barracks, including the replacement of substandard barracks.

Requires that unaccompanied housing meets the same basic standards as all other military housing.

Improves the calculation of BAH rates with respect to junior enlisted members, by delinking that calculation from specific housing types and provides additional flexibility to ensure equitable housing rates can be calculated in markets with limited housing inventory.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-tillis-urge-cms-to-clarify-guidance-protect-medicare-advantage-beneficiaries-access-to-long-term-care-facilities,"Murphy, Tillis Urge CMS to Clarify Guidance, Protect Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries' Access to Long Term Care Facilities",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,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.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure urging public clarification that critically and chronically ill Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries will have the same access to Long-Term Care Hospital services as traditional Medicare beneficiaries, as required by law. Murphy and Tillis detail how MA plans’ prior authorization practices are used to deny coverage of medically necessary care at Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs).

“Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) are hospitals that provide specialized care for high-acuity patients who require an extended hospital stay. These facilities are designed to care for severely ill patients who require complex medical treatment, such as mechanical ventilation and wound care. To be recognized as an LTCH, CMS requires hospitals to satisfy the conditions of participation of a short-term acute care hospital (STACH) but have an average Medicare length of stay greater than 25 days. In contrast, the average Medicare length of stay in a STACH is about 5 days,” the senators wrote. “Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are less than half as likely to receive LTCH care compared to traditional Medicare beneficiaries. Recent research suggests that these practices may be worsening the outcomes of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries; a 2021 peer-reviewed study found that delays in the transfer of mechanically ventilated patients to an LTCH decreased a patient’s likelihood of being successfully weaned from the ventilator and breathing on his or her own.""

“We have heard concerns from LTCHs in our states, as well as patients, that LTCHs regularly receive denial letters from Medicare Advantage plans stating that an LTCH transfer was not required because the patient could receive all necessary services in the short-term acute care hospital, even though the provider referred the patient to an LTCH and the patient met all of the medical necessity requirements for LTCH care,” the senators added.

The senators concluded: “We write to ask CMS to confirm this interpretation is correct and to request such information be publicly clarified to eliminate confusion for Medicare Advantage plans and ensure that LTCHs are treated the same as any other post-acute care provider under the Medicare Advantage regulations. We appreciate CMS’s commitment to improving Medicare Advantage enrollees’ access to Medicare-covered benefits and we look forward to working with you to ensure that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have access to the services they are entitled to by law.”

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Administrator Brooks-LaSure:

We thank the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for taking steps to ensure that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive the same services they would under traditional Medicare, as required by law. With the Contract Year 2024 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs Final Rule (CMS-4201-F) (the Final Rule) taking effect January 1, 2024, we are writing to ensure that critically and chronically ill Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will have the same access to Long-Term Care Hospital services as traditional Medicare beneficiaries.

Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) are hospitals that provide specialized care for high-acuity patients who require an extended hospital stay. These facilities are designed to care for severely ill patients who require complex medical treatment, such as mechanical ventilation and wound care. To be recognized as an LTCH, CMS requires hospitals to satisfy the conditions of participation of a short-term acute care hospital (STACH) but have an average Medicare length of stay greater than 25 days. In contrast, the average Medicare length of stay in a STACH is about 5 days.

Unfortunately, Medicare Advantage plan prior authorization practices are creating significant barriers to LTCH care for critically and chronically ill patients. A 2022 report by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General concluded that Medicare Advantage Organizations “sometimes delayed or denied Medicare Advantage beneficiaries' access to services, even though the requests met Medicare coverage rules” and that these denials sometimes delayed beneficiaries from receiving medically necessary care or prevented them from receiving the care altogether. Sadly, LTCHs are also subject to this trend. Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are less than half as likely to receive LTCH care compared to traditional Medicare beneficiaries. Recent research suggests that these practices may be worsening the outcomes of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries; a 2021 peer-reviewed study found that delays in the transfer of mechanically ventilated patients to an LTCH decreased a patient’s likelihood of being successfully weaned from the ventilator and breathing on his or her own.

We were pleased to see CMS respond to these practices by including language in the April 2023 Final Rule that specifies that Medicare Advantage plans must comply with general coverage and benefit conditions included in traditional Medicare coverage policies. The Final Rule also codifies previously released CMS guidance that Medicare Advantage plans must: (1) make medical necessity determinations based on traditional Medicare coverage criteria; 2) consider if a service is reasonable and necessary; 3) consider the patient’s medical history when making medical necessity determinations; and 4) where appropriate, plans’ medical directors must be involved in ensuring the clinical accuracy of medical necessity determinations.

The statute allows Medicare Advantage plans to create contracted networks, but the Final Rule specifies that Medicare Advantage plans must align with traditional Medicare in terms of covering different provider types and settings. This means that if care can be delivered in more than one way or in more than one setting, and a practitioner has ordered a covered item or service for a Medicare Advantage enrollee, then the Medicare Advantage plan cannot deny coverage. CMS provides the following example in the Final Rule:

“[I]f an MA patient is being discharged from an acute care hospital and the attending physician orders post-acute care at a SNF because the patient requires skilled nursing care on a daily basis in an institutional setting, the MA organization cannot deny coverage for the SNF care and redirect the patient to home health care services unless the patient does not meet the coverage criteria required for SNF care….” See 88 Fed. Reg. at 22190 (April 12, 2023).

We have heard concerns from LTCHs in our states, as well as patients, that LTCHs regularly receive denial letters from Medicare Advantage plans stating that an LTCH transfer was not required because the patient could receive all necessary services in the short-term acute care hospital, even though the provider referred the patient to an LTCH, and the patient met all the medical necessity requirements for LTCH care.

Based on the specifications included in the Final Rule and given that 42 CFR §412.3 covers admissions to an LTCH, we write to ensure that the Final Rule requires Medicare Advantage plans to apply traditional Medicare standards and requirements in assessing prior authorization requests for LTCH admissions. That is, a Medicare Advantage plan – like a traditional Medicare plan – cannot deny admission to an LTCH if the patient is being discharged from an acute care hospital, the patient’s attending physician orders post-acute care in an LTCH, and the patient meets the coverage criteria for inpatient admissions under 42 CFR §412.3.

We write to ask CMS to confirm this interpretation is correct and to request such information be publicly clarified to eliminate confusion for Medicare Advantage plans and ensure that LTCHs are treated the same as any other post-acute care provider under the Medicare Advantage regulations.

We appreciate CMS’s commitment to improving Medicare Advantage enrollees’ access to Medicare-covered benefits and we look forward to working with you to ensure that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have access to the services they are entitled to by law.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-applauds-more-than-46-million-in-funds-heading-to-greensource-fabrication-in-charlestown-to-boost-defense-industrial-base,Shaheen Applauds More Than $46 Million in Funds Heading to GreenSource Fabrication in Charlestown to Boost Defense Industrial Base,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Jeanne Shaheen,S001181,www.shaheen.senate.gov,shaheen,https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, applauded $46.2 million in federal funds awarded to GreenSource Fabrication, LLC., through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)’s Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program. These funds will enhance existing production capabilities for GreenSource Fabrication and promote supply chain security for semiconductors, which are used by all major U.S. defense systems. Ensuring the United States has domestic capabilities in microelectronics will enable America to stay on the cutting-edge of manufacturing defense articles and provide a technical advantage ahead of its adversaries.

“New Hampshire plays a critical role in our nation’s defense industrial base and these federal funds will help enhance production and manufacturing capabilities at GreenSource Fabrication,” said Senator Shaheen. “These funds will broaden access to advanced hardware that – until recently – could only be procured from foreign sources, helping strengthen our supply chain and military readiness and solidifying New Hampshire’s role as a leader in domestic defense manufacturing.”

GreenSource Fabrication operates a state-of-the-art facility in Charlestown, New Hampshire that manufactures High-Density Interconnect Printed Circuit Boards and High Density Build-up organic substrates, used in nearly all electronic products. The award will enable GreenSource to scale up engineering, tooling and manufacturing operations to establish a dedicated building for integrated circuit substrate fabrication, crucial parts in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. These domestic production capabilities for semiconductors are critical enabling technologies for sixth-generation defense systems and applications, including for radar, electronic warfare, information processing and communications.

Senator Shaheen is a leader in the U.S. Senate to bolster the domestic defense industrial base to ensure U.S. troops have the cutting-edge equipment they need to defend the nation and deter adversaries. In August, Shaheen toured GreenSource Fabrication, where she met with engineers and employees and discussed the impact of the CHIPS Act on New Hampshire’s manufacturing sector. Shaheen also sent a letter in support of GreenSource’s funding proposal for the DoD’s DPA Title III Program. In early June, Shaheen toured three New Hampshire defense manufacturing facilities and met with the companies’ leadership ahead of a bipartisan congressional delegation visit to the Paris Air Show.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-240-million-for-clean-water-infrastructure-across-maryland,Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $240 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Across Maryland,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $240,451,000 to modernize clean water infrastructure across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, will support the Maryland Department of the Environment’s efforts to provide low- or no-interest loans for critical water infrastructure projects, helping communities across the state maintain access to clean water.

Most of the funding – $211,862,000 – comes from the once-in-a-generation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the lawmakers and the Biden-Harris Administration fought to enact to deliver historic federal investments in the country’s water infrastructure. This funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in federal funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) that the lawmakers secured through annual appropriations for fiscal year 2023.

“Modernizing our water infrastructure is a critical public health priority. That’s one of the reasons why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – to advance our progress in communities across our state and improve their access to clean and safe drinking water. With these funds, we’re delivering on that objective for Marylanders,” said the lawmakers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-unites-mayor-other-congress-persons-and-us-senators,"Congressman Al Green Unites with Mayor, Other Congress Persons, and U.S.  Senators to Deliver $15 Million in Federal Funding to the City of Houston for New Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Building at William P. Hobby Airport",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Thursday, December 21, 2023, Congressman Al Green and other public officials will present a symbolic check for $15,000,000 in federal funding to the City of Houston. These funds will benefit the construction of a new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) building at William P. Hobby Airport. This check presentation will be held at the Houston Hobby Airport old Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station at 8800 Paul B Koonce St., Houston, TX 77061 starting at 10:00 a.m. CT.

This funding of $15 million in the form of an infrastructure grant awarded to the City of Houston will help establish a 20,116-square-foot new fire station building in compliance with aviation regulations. Houston Fire Station 81 responds to emergency calls at Hobby Airport and has a general response time of 2 minutes to approximately 150 medical calls and 30 aircraft calls a month. The new facility will help the station enhance emergency response capabilities.

Congressman Al Green stated, “This federal funding is a part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that invests $66.2 billion in airports across 23 states including Texas. This much-needed funding will address the ongoing decades of building deterioration resulting in part from natural disasters in Houston which have adversely affected the functionality of the old fire station. The building's age and environmental conditions contributed to significant mold, causing the building to no longer be inhabitable. This in turn led firefighters to relocate their offices and living quarters to temporary trailers in December 2020, where they still reside. These funds will establish critical lifesaving infrastructure for our first responders by improving their living accommodations and operational requirements as they respond to emergencies at the airport.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-ri-delegation-urges-federal-assistance-to-help-recover-from-storm-related-flooding,"Amo, RI Delegation Urges Federal Assistance to Help Recover from Storm-Related Flooding",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,RI,Gabe Amo,A000380,amo.house.gov,amo,https://amo.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – As Rhode Island assesses flood damage and begins to recover from a severe storm system that moved through the state earlier this week, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo are urging President Biden to promptly approve any request for federal assistance made by the State of Rhode Island to support emergency operations and accelerate recovery from significant local flooding.

The National Weather Service reported that northern Rhode Island into the Providence area saw the region’s highest rainfall totals, where at least 4.5 inches of rainfall were observed. Local utility providers also reported more than 70,000 power outages as a result of damaging winds.

Governor McKee has declared a state of emergency as a result of the damaging storm. This step is an essential prerequisite for seeking federal disaster assistance. The state will now need to assess the cost of the emergency response and damages associated with the storm in order to determine if it meets the minimum thresholds required for a federal emergency or major disaster declaration.

“This severe storm system wreaked havoc on certain parts of the state, and a number of neighborhoods were hit hard by flooding. We are committed to doing everything we can to help in the recovery effort. With the storm behind us, it is now important for the State to work with local leaders, FEMA, and other federal partners to quickly assess the damage and determine what assistance can be provided to help communities, businesses, and homeowners get back on their feet,” said Reed, Whitehouse, Magaziner, and Amo in a joint statement.

In an effort to help Rhode Island communities and the state respond to storm-related damage and flooding, the state’s Congressional delegation sent a letter urging President Biden to support Rhode Island and expediate any and all emergency assistance.

The full text of the letter follows:

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20006

Dear President Biden:

Over the last two days, Rhode Island has experienced a strong storm with significant rainfall, winds over 60 miles per hour, and localized and coastal flooding. The storm, with heavy rains and damaging winds, caused about 72,000 power outages, necessitated the closure of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, overwhelmed storm water systems, closed schools and local businesses, and caused damage and debris to both homes and businesses.

As our local communities work to clean up and assess damage, we urge you to expeditiously approve any request from the State of Rhode Island for federal assistance, including under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Thank you for your assistance and leadership.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://barragan.house.gov/2023/12/21/barragan-disability-rights-california-statement-on-californias-expansion-of-capacity-in-home-community-based-alternatives-waiver/,"Barragán, Disability Rights California Statement on California’s Expansion of Capacity in Home & Community-Based Alternatives Waiver",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nanette Diaz Barragán,B001300,barragan.house.gov,barragan,https://barragan.house.gov/news,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 December 2023

Contact: Kevin McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)

Kevin.McGuire@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Andrew J. Imparato, Executive Director of Disability Rights California (DRC), released the following statement regarding the announcement from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved DHCS’s request to increase slot capacity for the Home and Community Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver over the next four years.

“We commend California’s increase in capacity for the Home & Community Based Alternatives Waiver. However, 7,200 slots distributed in 1800-slot increments over four years is not sufficient to address the need. The waiting list continues to grow and the additional allocation of waiver slots will not clear the current waiting list of almost 4,000 people until 2026. A program like the HCBA Waiver is critical for medically fragile children as this is their only pathway to receive services at home rather than in an institution. It also is the only option to keep older Americans with Alzheimer’s or dementia in their own homes with 24-hour care. We believe there is still a critical need to increase HCBA Waiver slots even more to ensure no Californian is forced to wait years to receive the services they need to live in the community. We continue to recommend more investment in this essential program to increase the number of HCBA waiver slots sufficient to clear the waiting list immediately, with the ability to raise the cap as needed to meet the demand for this program.”

In November 2023, Rep. Barragán led 22 other members of the California Congressional Delegation in a letter to Governor Newsom, urging the state to expand the HCBA Waiver to clear the current waiting list for critically needed HCBA services.

The HCBA Waiver allows Californians to use federal, Medicaid-funded Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) as an alternative to nursing homes and other institutional care facilities. The program serves children, adults, and older Americans with disabilities who qualify for an institutional level of care, and who need home and community-based services to continue to live at home.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-ranking-member-waters-urge-federal-reserve-bank-of-cleveland-to-prioritize-diversity-in-search-for-president-ceo,"Congresswoman Beatty, Ranking Member Waters Urge Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland to Prioritize Diversity in Search for President, CEO",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC — Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, sent a letter to the Chairman of the Federal Reserve System and Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s search committee urging them to prioritize diversity in their search for the Bank’s next president and CEO.

In the letter, the Congresswomen emphasize the scale of critical decisions the incoming president will weigh in on, including interest rates, small businesses, and more making it essential that the leadership of the Bank represents the diversity of its constituents, including women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and experts across backgrounds.

As former Chairwoman, Rep. Waters established Congress’ first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee in 2019, chaired by Congresswoman Beatty. Through 18 hearings and various reports, this historic subcommittee led the way to diversify our nation’s financial services industry and undertook groundbreaking work to expose inequities in this space.

“I have long been an advocate for diverse leadership at Federal Reserve Banks, championing initiatives such as the Ensuring Diverse Leadership Act, also known as the Beatty Rule,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. “Those with a seat at the table to shape U.S. economic policy must reflect the rich diversity of households in America, helping us build a stronger economy that works for everyone. I join Ranking Member Waters in urging the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland to capitalize on the opportunity to broaden the perspectives among Reserve Bank presidents.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-biden-harris-administration-awards,CONGRESSMAN BENNIE G. THOMPSON ANNOUNCES Biden-Harris Administration Awards Grant to Support Workforce Development Strategic Planning in Mississippi,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a Recompete Strategy Development Grant to Accelerate Mississippi Recompete Strategy in Jackson, Mississippi. The grant will be used to identify and evaluate barriers to labor force participation and occupational skills attainment in key regions and industry sectors and develop strategic implementation planning.

Accelerate Mississippi Recompete Strategy, led by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, will leverage the grant to increase local coordination and planning activities to create and connect workers to good jobs in geographically diverse and persistently distressed communities. The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment is significantly lower than the national average, with the goal to close this gap through flexible, locally driven investments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-announce-3-million-federal-funding-regional-flood,"Warner, Kaine, Scott Announce $3 Million in Federal Funding for Regional Flood Risk Management in Hampton, VA",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $3,000,000 to initiate the Peninsula Regional Flood Risk Management feasibility study for the City of Hampton, VA and the surrounding region.

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the lawmakers previously secured $1.5 million for the Virginia Beach and Vicinity Coastal Storm Risk Management Study and nearly $399 million for the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. Today’s announcement builds on that progress by extending the study of flood risk management strategies to the Peninsula. The study will investigate flood threats ranging from sea level rise, coastal storm surge, and rainfall events, and will develop mitigation solutions to reduce flood risk. This funding will allow work on the study to begin immediately.

“Rising sea levels threaten lives and livelihoods, and in no place has that been more evident than this region, which has experienced record flooding in recent years,” the members said. “We’re glad to see this crucial funding finally head to the region in order to develop a comprehensive resilience plan for all of Hampton Roads.”

The Hampton Roads region is subject to the highest rate of historic relative sea level rise on the U.S. east coast and tenth worldwide in terms of value of assets exposed to flooding. Sea level rise conditions underscore the necessity for a comprehensive study to identify and address flooding challenges to ensure continued quality of life, economic growth, and ecosystem health for the region.

Since 2021, Sens. Warner and Kaine haverequestedfunding for this project in order to build a comprehensive flood management and storm resilience plan for the region.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1777,"Amid Exponential Growth of Space Launches from Vandenberg, Rep. Carbajal Highlights Measure Allowing Space Force to Recoup Base Upkeep Costs from Space Launch Companies",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud O. Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,carbajal,https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) is highlighting new authority he delivered in this year’s annual defense policy bill that allows the Space Force to share more of the upkeep costs of their bases and launch ranges with the commercial space companies utilizing U.S. military-owned ranges.

As a senior member of the U.S. Armed Service Committee and the representative for the United States Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Rep. Carbajal successfully pushed this year to update current law, permitting up to $5 million in reimbursements from any space launch company for indirect costs associated with launches contracted with a U.S. military department.

“When commercial space launch first came onto the scene, their use of military facilities was minimal enough that there was less concern for the wear and tear their operations would have on our nation’s launch ranges. Nowadays, that era already seems like ancient history,” said Rep. Carbajal. “With dozens of launches already a year, and continued exponential growth projected for the next decade, we need to ensure that ranges like Vandenberg are able to share the cost burden of operating these ranges with the private companies that are utilizing our bases. This is a critical update to our nation’s laws, one that will keep the commercial space industry working cooperatively with our Space Force and the Central Coast on the cutting edge of the world’s space industry.”

Previously, U.S. statute only allowed a contract between a commercial space company and the U.S. military to require reimbursements for direct costs associated with the launch. Direct costs include manpower and equipment usage directly required to execute a successful launch, like weather monitoring.

Rep. Carbajal’s updated language permits launch contracts to include reimbursements for indirect costs, including but not limited to utility payments and repair and upkeep costs from the increased use of the launch facilities and base.

Reimbursements for indirect costs paid by a commercial space company are limited to 30% of what the company is contracted to reimburse for direct launch costs, with a cap of $5 million per year.

This update was first proposed by Rep. Carbajal as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA) earlier this year. The amendment was adopted with bipartisan support, and subsequently was included in the final bicameral version of the annual defense policy legislation (Section 1603).

The language is expected to be signed into law by President Biden this week.

The statute is applicable to all new and newly re-negotiated space launch contracts.

The updated language comes as the Central Coast continues to be on the cutting edge of commercial space research and operations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-casar-joins-velazquez-colleagues-introducing-resolution-calling-end,NEWS: Casar Joins Velázquez & Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Calling for an End to the Monroe Doctrine,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) joined Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) in introducing a resolution calling for the annulment of the Monroe Doctrine. The bill’s introduction coincides with the 200-year anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, which has been used to justify American intervention in Latin American affairs throughout the policy’s history.

“U.S. foreign policy has too often contributed to instability in Latin America. Instead of toppling duly elected governments, we can support democracy, grow our economies, and reduce forced migration. Instead of sanctions that starve our neighbors, we can work together to solve the climate crisis,” said Congressman Greg Casar. “We can begin charting this new way forward by eliminating the outdated Monroe Doctrine.”

“The 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine presents the U.S. and the hemisphere with a chance to move past an outdated and ineffective foreign policy strategy,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “From drug trafficking to mass migration to climate change, the many shared challenges between the United States and Latin America cannot be addressed by the antiquated Monroe Doctrine. These are some of the most pressing issues of our time, and they call for a process that stresses respect and cooperation.”

“For more than 200 years, the United States has used the Monroe Doctrine to justify a paternalistic, damaging approach to relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. As a result, the legacy of our nation’s foreign policy in those regions is political instability, deep poverty, extreme migration, and colonialism. It is well past time we change our approach,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. “We must recognize our interconnectedness and admit that the Monroe Doctrine undermines the partnership needed to confront the complex challenges of this century. We must become better neighbors. That is why I am proud to join Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez to develop an approach to foreign policy that advances our collective interests and builds a stronger coalition in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

In addition to Velázquez, the resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Jesús ""Chuy"" García (D-IL), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).

From the invasion of Puerto Rico in 1898 to U.S. support for coups and dictatorships in Latin America throughout the 20th century, the resolution details the harmful effects of the policy over the past 200 years.

The resolution calls for:

The Department of State to formally confirm that the Monroe Doctrine is no longer a part of United States policy toward Latin American and the Caribbean.

The Federal Government to develop a ‘‘New Good Neighbor’’ policy in place of the Monroe Doctrine.

Developing a new approach to promoting economic development.

The termination of all unilateral economic sanctions imposed through Executive orders, and working with Congress to terminate all unilateral sanctions, such as the Cuba embargo, mandated by law.

New legislation to trigger the suspension of assistance to a government whenever there is an extraconstitutional transfer of power.

Prompt declassification of all United States Government archives that relate to past coups d’états, dictatorships, and periods in the history of Latin American and Caribbean countries characterized by a high rate of human rights crimes perpetrated by security forces.

Collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean governments on a far-reaching reform of the Organization of American States.

Supporting democratic reforms to the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other international financial institutions.

Text of the resolution can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404426,U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Leads FL Democrats in Urging Gov. DeSantis End His Grinch-Like Blockade of Transportation $$,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TAMPA, FL – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation are urging Gov. DeSantis to reverse his Grinch-like decision to reject $320 million to reduce carbon pollution and improve Florida’s transportation network under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP). The lawmakers’ letter follows reporting that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) fully intended to implement a plan to improve the state’s infrastructure through public transit, safe rest stop areas and reduced congestion until DeSantis pulled the plug. The DeSantis turnabout landed like a lump of coal in a Christmas stocking, as Florida is the only state in the country to reject the funds.

“This decision constitutes a stark policy reversal, following months of FDOT planning and the development of the state’s Carbon Reduction Strategy, a prerequisite step for Florida to receive the program’s $320 million in funding. FDOT’s own documents outline the importance of the Carbon Reduction Program — and the investments it would have provided — to the state’s transportation goals. Such goals include: providing safe and convenient transportation options, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion and idling, improving energy efficiency, and reducing climate impacts.”

The lawmakers continued, “Plainly, your repeated rejection of federal investment opportunities will lead our state to a future with more traffic fatalities, higher energy and transportation costs, and worse air pollution. The people of Florida deserve answers, and they deserve a Governor who will not sacrifice the best interests of our state to further an extreme agenda.”

Read the full letter here.

Gov. DeSantis’ rejection of $320 million in carbon reduction infrastructure investments makes Florida the only state in the nation to reject federal CRP funding. The Governor’s decision followed FDOT’s months-long planning and coordination with stakeholders on how to best utilize the funding for Florida’s needs, including a public meeting and presentation on the critical need for this funding and a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of Florida communities – all of which have been deleted from FDOT’s website following FDOT Secretary Perdue’s letter rejecting the funding.

Signers of the letter to Gov. DeSantis include: Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Darren Soto (FL-09), Maxwell Frost (FL-10) and Lois Frankel (FL-22).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-announces-winners-2023-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Chu Announces Winners of 2023 Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,chu,https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PASADENA, CA — On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in the West San Gabriel Valley. This annual computer science competition, hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives, encourages students to learn how to code and inspires them to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.

A record 46 apps were submitted to this year’s competition. The winner, Qinzhi (Louis) Li of Arcadia High School, submitted an app “QuickQuill” designed to edit STEM-related documents so that users can write and edit mathematical equations quickly and efficiently. The app will greatly help with taking notes, creating tests, or writing scientific papers.

Rep. Judy Chu issued the following statement:

“I was thrilled to host my 5th Annual Congressional App Challenge Competition and highlight the increasing importance of STEM education in our country. STEM grows more valuable for our nation’s youth, and the powerful skills gained from coding and programming will ensure that our nation remains at the forefront of technological progress and advancements. All our submissions came from talented young coders who worked collaboratively to fix problems facing the world. I’m proud of all our winners and everyone who participated in the competition. Congratulations to each one of them!”

List of Winners:

First Place: QuickQuill by Qinzhi (Louis) Li (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD_a2YgVmv8)

Second Place: Factorial! by Daniel Miao and Junyu Liu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAVSQhCztDg)

Third Place: Allergy Alert by Daniel Hacobian (https://youtu.be/WH7fz6U9xWU)

Fourth Place: speechHub_ by Christine Xu, Gwendolyn Culbert, and Amishi Mahadev (https://youtu.be/famLdAcCX-I?si=U4QXndJGVVuzXXk7)

Honorable Mention: EasyReader by Alex Zhou and Darren Ma (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dbwHIz8lGg)

Honorable Mention: News Map by Daniel Kahdian (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhjEHhG6un0)

Honorable Mention: Fruitful by Alexa Chang and Brett Chang (https://youtu.be/s9_ijiDayRk)

Honorable Mention: Red-11 by Drexel Ngo and Alina Ramos (https://youtu.be/Qf-vk3djdBU?si=MGCXt5udpgZwlpA9)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-congresswoman-escobar-congresswoman-ramirez-joint-statement-on-governor-abbott-s-reckless-politicization-of-migrant-relocation,"Congressman García, Congresswoman Escobar, Congresswoman Ramirez, Joint Statement on Governor Abbott’s Reckless Politicization of Migrant Relocation",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"EL PASO, TX - CHICAGO, IL — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement regarding Governor Abbotts’ reckless politicization of migrant relocation efforts:

“We write together, unified in our call for the State of Texas and Governor Greg Abbott to stop politicizing the relocation of migrants and asylum-seekers and take seriously the need to more extensively coordinate efforts between southern border cities, like El Paso, and interior cities, like Chicago.

The situation in border communities like El Paso requires our attention and urgent action. Meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families demands our cooperation. Instead, Governor Abbott has chosen to use this unprecedented moment of global migration to score cheap political points.

Governor Abbott has repeatedly demonstrated that he is not trying to find solutions to the challenges cities like El Paso confront as they welcome new arrivals. If he were seeking solutions, he would foster more effective collaboration and cooperation at landing sites with cities like Chicago. Instead, Governor Abbott insists on sending buses and planes from El Paso to Chicago without complete manifests, to undesignated landing sites, in the cold of Chicago winters. Chicago’s recent ordinances are intended to ensure that those being resettled to Chicago are received at a humane, safe, and warm place at an agreed-upon time. If Governor Abbott took that charge seriously, such ordinances would be unnecessary.

It is Congress’ job to deliver legislative solutions that uphold our values and shared humanity. While we work to that end, it is our collective responsibility to steward the safety of families in our collective care. If Governor Abbott stopped wasting time and resources creating chaos, more could be done to support local partners and share the responsibility of humanely resettling families across our country.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/declaracion-conjunta-de-los-congresistas-garcia-escobar-y-ramirez-sobre-la-politizacion-irresponsable-de-la-reubicacion-de-migrantes-por-parte-del-gobernador-abbott,"Declaración Conjunta de los Congresistas García, Escobar y Ramírez Sobre La Politización Irresponsable de la Reubicación de Migrantes por Parte Del Gobernador Abbott",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"EL PASO, TX - CHICAGO, IL — Hoy, los Congresistas Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Verónica Escobar (TX-16) y Delia C. Ramírez (IL-03) emitieron la siguiente declaración sobre la politización imprudente de los esfuerzos de reubicación de inmigrantes por parte del Gobernador de Texas Greg Abbott.

“Escribimos juntos, unidos en nuestro llamado al Estado de Texas y al Gobernador Greg Abbott para que dejen de politizar la reubicación de migrantes y solicitantes de asilo y tome en serio la necesidad de coordinar más ampliamente los esfuerzos entre las ciudades fronterizas del sur, como El Paso, y ciudades del interior como Chicago.

“La situación en comunidades fronterizas como El Paso requiere nuestra atención y acción urgente. Satisfacer las necesidades de los niños y las familias vulnerables exige nuestra cooperación. Sin embargo, el gobernador Abbott ha optado por aprovechar este momento sin precedentes de migración global para ganar puntos políticos.

“El Gobernador Abbott ha demostrado repetidamente que no está tratando de encontrar soluciones a los desafíos que enfrentan ciudades como El Paso al recibir a los recién llegados. Si estuviera buscando soluciones, fomentaría una colaboración y cooperación más efectiva en los lugares de aterrizaje con ciudades como Chicago. En cambio, el gobernador Abbott insiste en enviar autobuses y aviones desde El Paso a Chicago sin manifiestos completos, a sitios de aterrizaje no designados, en los fríos inviernos de Chicago. Las ordenanzas recientes de Chicago tienen como objetivo garantizar que quienes sean reubicados en Chicago sean recibidos en un lugar humano, seguro y cálido a una hora acordada. Si el Gobernador Abbott tomara en serio esa acusación, tales ordenanzas serían innecesarias.

“Es trabajo del Congreso ofrecer soluciones legislativas que defiendan nuestros valores y la humanidad compartida. Si bien trabajamos con ese fin, es nuestra responsabilidad colectiva velar por la seguridad de las familias bajo nuestro cuidado colectivo. Si el Gobernador Abbott dejara de perder tiempo y recursos creando caos, se podría hacer más para apoyar a las organizaciones locales involucradas en la ayuda a los migrantes y compartir la responsabilidad de reubicar humanamente a las familias en todo nuestro país”.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://clarke.house.gov/rep-clarke-and-colleagues-introduce-restore-protections-for-dialysis-patients-act/,REP. CLARKE AND COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE RESTORE PROTECTIONS FOR DIALYSIS PATIENTS ACT,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 21, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. — This week, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), along with Reps. Mike Kelly (PA-16), Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), John Joyce (PA-13), and Raul Ruiz (CA-25) introduced H.R. 6860, Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, bipartisan legislation which aims to ensure that individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) continue to have equitable access to private healthcare and to provide protection of the Medicare Trust Fund.

The legislation follows a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that has allowed private health plans to prematurely force ESRD patients onto Medicare, creating disruption in coverage for patients and their families and shifting a significant financial burden onto taxpayers.

“Nearly 40 million Americans live with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk deserve our support in their fight against kidney disease — from prevention through post-transplant living,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “Unfortunately, far too many patients affected with the disease, which disproportionately impacts communities of color, have complex health care needs that create incentives for plans to discourage enrollment. I’m proud to join my colleague, Congressman Kelly, to introduce the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, a bipartisan bill which seeks to ensure people on dialysis receive the care they need.”

“This legislation is critical for Americans living with End Stage Renal Disease and who rely on dialysis,” said Rep. Kelly. “Patients deserve to know their benefits will be in place when they need them. This legislation will improve both patient care and patient outcomes. I want to thank my House colleagues for joining me on this vital legislation.”

“Americans deserve access to adequate health care coverage, especially those who need dialysis,” said Congressman Dunn. “ESRD patients who rely on dialysis should not see their benefit disappear overnight. We must renew the safeguards that protect dialysis patients and ensure their access to care.”

“As the leading voice for the nation’s kidney care community, Kidney Care Partners is devoted to ensuring that all ESRD patients can access safe, effective care with coverage of their choice,” said John P. Butler, Chair of Kidney Care Partners. “We thank House lawmakers for introducing the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, which will protect patient access to private insurer coverage for life-sustaining dialysis treatments.”

“People with ESRD are more likely to be low-income and from historically marginalized communities, making premature loss of health coverage and related cost increases particularly devastating,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund (AKF). “Thankfully, the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act will ensure that people with kidney failure won’t be singled out based on their disease or forced to pay higher costs.”

“We thank Representatives Kelly, Clarke, Dunn, Davis, Joyce and Ruiz for introducing this pivotal legislation, which will preserve patient choice and incentivize health plans to detect and treat chronic kidney disease (CKD). Unfortunately, my health insurance plan continues to restrict my access to the therapies that my nephrologist has prescribed to delay my kidney disease progression. Without action by Congress, millions of Americans could see their insurers follow suit, as the sooner they can push CKD patients like me into Medicare without paying any cost for doing so, the more likely we are to progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD),” said Hrant Jamgochian, J.D., LL.M., CEO of Dialysis Patient Citizens.

“Private insurance can be vital to patients’ access to care and plays a critical role in ensuring the stability of the Medicare system,” said Keith A. Bellovich, DO, President of the Renal Physicians Association. “I urge House lawmakers to swiftly advance this legislation, which will make a meaningful difference for the more than 800,000 patients living with kidney failure.”

“The Marietta v. DaVita decision will force people who have kidney failure off their private insurance into Medicare,” said Lori Hartwell, Founder and President of the Renal Support Network. “Health plans should not be able to decide they don’t want to cover you when your kidneys fail, a critical time when you need your insurance and care team the most. It is an unfair, discriminatory policy and a slippery slope for other chronic conditions.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://clarke.house.gov/rep-clarke-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-help-summer-camps-keep-pace-with-soaring-food-costs-continue-feeding-hungry-kids/,REP. CLARKE INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP SUMMER CAMPS KEEP PACE WITH SOARING FOOD COSTS & CONTINUE FEEDING HUNGRY KIDS,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 21, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) announced the introduction of the Summer Nutrition Parity Act, a bipartisan bill that will help local summer meal providers keep up with inflation and continue serving meals to children.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) donates food to be served to kids in-need through both the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). SFSP is designed to fill the nutrition gap that kids face when school is not in session by serving nutritious meals in low-income areas. Eligible SFSP sites include camps, community organizations, and local school districts. However, school lunches receive nearly 40 cents worth of USDA products per meal through the NSLP, while summer meal sites only receive 1.5 cents through the SFSP because this program’s rate has not been adjusted for inflation in decades.

This legislation provides parity to summer camps by indexing the value of the commodities they receive through the SFSP to inflation – making it equal to the formula that determines the value for school lunches.

“Children are our future. And investing in a child’s health and nutrition is a foundational driver for improving prosperity and economic success. I’m proud to join my colleague, Congressman Molinaro, on this common-sense, bipartisan legislation that seeks to support our children by focusing on one of the most important factors — their health,” said Rep. Clarke.

“We see inflation every time we go to the grocery store. So, it makes sense this same inflationary pressure is pressing down on summer meal sites and threatening their ability to continue feeding kids in-need. My bipartisan bill makes a simple fix to index the donations they receive from the federal government to inflation, so they can continue fighting hunger and caring for kids,” said Rep. Molinaro.

“I wholeheartedly endorse the Summer Nutrition Parity Act. This critical bill will ensure that our children receive nutritious meals throughout the summer, bridging a vital gap in their dietary needs. It’s a significant step towards combating child hunger and reinforces our community’s commitment to the health and well-being of our youth,” said Manny Steinberg, Planning Board Member of the Town of Liberty.

“At the YMCA, we believe summer programs can be transformational, and we know nutritious meals and snacks are a key ingredient of any successful summer program. Hunger doesn’t take a break during the summer, so we’re pleased to see Representatives Molinaro and Clarke introduce this legislation to help federally supported programs keep pace with rising food costs and ensure parity between summer nutrition and other child nutrition programs,” said Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-releases-2023-year-end-wrap-highlights-bipartisan-accomplishments-and,"Davids Releases 2023 Year-End Wrap, Highlights Bipartisan Accomplishments and Community Engagement",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image

December 21, 2023

Today, Representative Sharice Davids shared how her office worked throughout 2023 to make government work for all Kansans, both by passing critical bipartisan legislation and connecting directly with residents of the Kansas Third all year long.

“Reflecting on 2023, our community saw challenges and successes — but throughout the year, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to make a real impact on folks’ lives,” said Davids. “Thousands of Kansans reached out to share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns with our office, helping my team and me do our jobs better. I look forward to building upon our progress in 2024 as we continue working to lower costs for hardworking Kansans and ensure the federal government works for everyday folks, not special interests.”

2023 BY THE NUMBERS:

Staying Connected:

Responded to more than 124,000 constituent messages — communicating with an average of 340 Kansans each day.

Since being sworn in, Davids has sent 588,500 responses to constituents.

Led 9 large-format, public conversations, from telephone town halls to Facebook Lives, contacting more than 146,500 constituents.

Sent more than 300,000 text messages to constituents sharing resources and asking for feedback on how to lower costs and improve public safety.

Hosted 214 private constituent meetings in Kansas’ Third District and Washington, D.C., listening to the priorities of Kansans.

Since being sworn in, Davids has hosted 1,039 private constituent meetings.

Scheduled 791 U.S. Capitol tours and helped deliver 299 American Flags to Kansans, 32 of which were flown over the U.S. Capitol building.

Solving Problems:

Resolved 1,650 constituent cases, helping Kansans with passports, delayed veterans’ or social security benefits, taxes, and more.

Since being sworn in, Davids has helped resolve more than 6,280 constituent cases.

Returned $5.4 million to constituents and local businesses in overdue tax returns, Social Security benefits, and more.

Since being sworn in, Davids has helped return more than $17 million to constituents.

Hosted 89 Pop Up Offices in all corners of Kansas’ Third District, from Kansas City, KS to Garnett, to help Kansans navigate the federal government.

Getting Bipartisan Results:

Co-sponsored 236 pieces of legislation, 72 percent of which are bipartisan.

Introduced eight original pieces of legislation, one of which passed the House to support veteran small business owners.

Worked five “Sharice’s Shifts” alongside local workers to highlight the impact and implementation of recent federally passed legislation, including the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Other Davids-supported legislative achievements included the creation of 20,000 new clean energy jobs and the KC area being named one of 31 Regional Tech Hubs.

Focusing on the Third:

Made 11 stops on a Farm Bill Listening Tour to listen directly to Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, and producers as Davids, a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, prepared for the 2023 Farm Bill consideration process.

Tour stops were located in all five counties in Kansas’ Third District.

Secured $11.1 million in approved investments for 15 projects to improve health and safety in the Third District, including clean drinking water in Olathe, new police training vehicles for Johnson County Community College, and reconstruction of the structurally deficient Kansas Avenue Bridge, which connects Kansas to Missouri.

Facilitated three Panasonic community conversations with local elected leaders and business professionals to prepare for expected community growth in Johnson County.

Davids brought federal officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Highway Administration, and Economic Development Administration to share their expertise.

Brought millions of dollars in grant funding to the Third District for critical needs from hiring additional law enforcement officers to improving road safety for drivers to lowering utility costs for hardworking Kansans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congresswoman-delauro-ongoing-israel-hamas-war,Statement of Congresswoman DeLauro on Ongoing Israel-Hamas War,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN, CT – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro released the following statement:

“On October 7, Israel faced the most devastating terrorist attack in its history. I continue to stand with Israel in the wake of this horror and unequivocally support its right to defend itself and defeat Hamas. I have also long said, even before this current conflict, that it is imperative that we create the conditions for peace and a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian people.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is allowing unacceptable loss of civilian lives and humanitarian and health crises that is producing growing hunger and starvation on his watch. That has to stop.

“Netanyahu has also made clear that he wants Palestinians to play no role in Gaza’s governance and has shown no intention of ending settler violence that further oppresses Palestinians. Therefore, I strongly support Secretary Blinken’s urgent efforts to lay the ground work for a two-state solution.

“I am calling for a sustained pause in fighting so Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government protect civilians and get a dramatic, immediate increase in delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This pause must include the release of hostages from Hamas.

“Everyone will be hurt if Hamas remains in control of Gaza. However, this war is against Hamas – not the Palestinian people – and it cannot end in an indefinite Israeli occupation of Gaza. I will work to make sure the moment the violence ceases, that all our efforts move toward the creation of a Palestinian state.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-chris-deluzio-gets-stuff-done-western-pennsylvanians-2023,Congressman Chris Deluzio Gets Stuff Done for Western Pennsylvanians in 2023,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – In his first year in office, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) got a lot of work done for the people of Western Pennsylvania.

From funding for public safety and mental health services, to pushing for rail safety and veterans care, he is fighting for an economy that works for everyone and is delivering results for the good people in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District.

“It is the honor of my life to represent the people of Western Pennsylvania in Congress,” said Rep. Deluzio. “They sent me down to Washington to fight for all of us and for a brighter future—and that’s what I work to do every single day.”

In his first year, Congressman Deluzio served on the House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services, and he introduced 10 bills, including the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act (to improve freight rail safety after the Norfolk Southern East Palestine disaster) and the Striking and Locked Out Workers Protection Act (to protect workers like those at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from getting kicked off their healthcare while exercising their right to strike).

Rep. Deluzio’s amendments to bring more transparency into defense contractor price gouging and to help clean up forever chemicals at National Guard and Air National facilities like those near Pittsburgh International Airport passed into law. He also co-sponsored more than 225 bills, including the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to protect the union way of live and the Freedom to Vote Act to defend our democracy.

Congressman Deluzio hosted nine town hall events to hear from constituents in a range of formats and settings, a veteran’s resource fair, and additional Veterans Service Organization (VSO) office hours events, and he and his team closed more than 1,100 constituent cases—saving the people of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District more than $4.5 million. Through his leadership, his district received more than $480 million in federal grants and contracts in 2023, including $100 million for navy defense contracts at a local company in Cheswick and more than $142 million for Parkway East and MLK Jr. East Busway improvements.

Additionally, Congressman Deluzio’s wins from 2023 also include:

Successfully pushing for the Pittsburgh region’s official designation as a Federal Workforce Hub

Securing a land easement from Norfolk Southern Railroad to allow Midland to do water system repairs

Plugging abandoned oil and gas wells across the region with federal Infrastructure Law funds

$143 million for expanded passenger rail out of Pittsburgh

$45.6 million for Pittsburgh International Airport

$14.5 million for opioid response programs in Allegheny County

$10 million to support local Western Pennsylvania clean energy manufacturers

$8.5 million for gun violence prevention and crisis intervention

$8 million for conservation efforts and tree planting in Allegheny County

$3.5 million for Moon Township Transportation Improvements to connect the new Marketplace District with the wider community

$1.6 million for a Cheswick glass company’s efforts to manufacture more efficient solar panels.

$1.14 million for police, public safety, and addiction recovery across Allegheny and Beaver Counties

$1 million total for brownfield remediation in the Borough of Ambridge and Beaver County’s Darlington Brickyard ($500,000 each)

$800,000 for updates and safety improvements for Penn Hills’ Rodi Road

$644,705 for worker safety research on Western Pennsylvania farms

$600,000 for child care center capacity-building in Allegheny County

$587,000 for Beaver County Airport (BVI) improvements and upgrades

$328,826.84 to improve public health and climate resiliency efforts in Allegheny County

$320,843 to support DNA evidence analysis at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office

$275,000 for cerebral aneurysm testing work at Western Pennsylvania bioscience company

$170,000 for North Hills Police K9 Units

$150,000 for STEM education at Title I schools in Western Pennsylvania

$31,448 Department of Agriculture grant for energy efficiency improvements at local machine parts company

Rep. Deluzio also authored several opinion pieces on some of his top priority issues, including the following:

The Hill: “Congress has a chance to lower costs for Americans; corporate stooges need to get out of the way”

Beaver County Times/USA Today: “With war raging in Israel, courage must overcome MAGA chaos in Congress""

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “Derailment rattled region 6 months ago; the fight for accountability, safer freight rail continues”

Post-Industrial: “The far-right may wrap themselves in the flag, but patriotism demands we put the common good first”

The Guardian: “After the East Palestine disaster, Congress needs to pass the Derail Act”

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “Time for Pa. to clean up abandoned mines”

Select photos from Congressman Deluzio’s events and work across the district are available for download here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-tours-montgomery-locks-and-dam-pas-biggest-recipient-federal,"Deluzio Tours Montgomery Locks and Dam, PA's Biggest Recipient of Federal Infrastructure Law Funding",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received $857 Million from Infrastructure Law to upgrade the Ohio River Locks and Dam system

CARNEGIE, PA – This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) toured the Montgomery Locks and Dam along the Ohio River in Beaver County, Pennsylvania—within Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. The site is the recipient of the Commonwealth's largest single-project (discretionary) allocation of federal funding from President Biden’s Infrastructure and Investment Act at a grant of $857 million.

Locks and dams are critical pieces of the waterway transportation of bulk commodities. The Upper Ohio River, where the Montgomery Locks and Dam are located, carries 15 to 20 million tons of goods through the river system each year. This activity is valued at more than two billion dollars.

Built in the 1930s, the Montgomery Locks and Dam requires modernization and maintenance to meet the demands of modern waterway transportation, and even a one-year closure would cost the U.S. economy nearly $180 million and would require more than 100,000 rail cars or 400,000 trucks to augment the load that would have passed on the rivers. The Upper Ohio Navigation Project seeks to make the necessary maintenance and modernization improvements without interrupting operations. This project also expects to bring more than 28,000 jobs to the region during construction and will continue to support 5,300 long-term jobs after the project concludes.

More photos are available for download here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-adriano-espaillat-and-jenniffer-gonz%C3%A1lez-col%C3%B3n-introduce-roberto-clemente,Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Jenniffer González-Colón Introduce the Roberto Clemente Coin Act,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- This week, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR) introduced the bipartisan Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act to honor the profound legacy of Major League Baseball (MLB) star Roberto Clemente and his humanitarian achievements for Black and Latino communities around the nation.

“Roberto Clemente was the model player, social advocate, a champion of civil rights, and a star among his peers,” said Rep. Espaillat. “As a player, Clemente was unrivaled in right field and no name in history commands more respect than his in Latin American baseball circles. I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to recognize Roberto Clemente’s humanitarian efforts, baseball stardom, and unapologetic pride in Latino heritage with the production of a commemorative coin honoring his legacy and the impact he had throughout the MLB, during the civil rights movement, and around the nation.”

“I am proud to lead the bipartisan Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act with my colleague Adriano Espaillat, paying tribute to a man who is a source of immense pride in Puerto Rico—our beloved Roberto Clemente. Clemente's legacy, as both a model player in Major League Baseball and a champion for civil rights and minority communities, is unparalleled. This commemorative coin is a testament to his enduring legacy, recognizing not only his athletic prowess but also his unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Through recognizing Clemente, we aim to inspire future generations to embrace the values of compassion and justice that he exemplified throughout his remarkable life,” said Rep. González-Colón.

“We are deeply moved and grateful for the proposal to immortalize our father, Roberto Clemente, on a commemorative United States coin. It is a profound honor that reflects his enduring legacy and the impact he had on the world,” said Roberto Clemente, Jr., Co-Chairman and Co-founder of the Roberto Clemente Foundation.

Luis R. Clemente, Co-Chairman and Co-founder of the Roberto Clemente Foundation added, ""The proposal to have our father immortalized on a United States Commemorative Coin is a source of immense pride for our family. His contributions to both the sport of baseball and humanitarian efforts have left a permanent mark, and we are grateful for the recognition of his enduring legacy through this meaningful tribute.”

“NALEO commends Congressman Espaillat and Congresswoman González-Colón for their leadership in recognizing Roberto Clemente’s exemplary life and contributions to the world of baseball and civil rights,” said NALEO President E. Junior Maldonado. “The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act is an honorable tribute to his enduring legacy within the Latino community and other communities of color across the United States.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-announces-over-870000-returned-constituents-2023,"Foster Announces Over $870,000 Returned to Constituents in 2023",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Naperville, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that his office returned a total of $874,362 to constituents in 2023.

""Making sure my constituents receive effective and efficient services from my office has been my priority ever since I began serving them in Congress,” said Foster. “Chief among those services is assistance working with federal agencies like the IRS, VA, and the Social Security Administration to recover money owed to my constituents. I’m proud my office was able to intercede on behalf of so many constituents and help secure the benefits and compensation they’ve earned.”

Constituents in need of assistance can find information and contact our office at foster.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-israeli-military-strategy-gaza,Foster Statement on Israeli Military Strategy in Gaza,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,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) released the following statement:

""I join my colleagues in expressing concern over Prime Minister Netanyahu's current military strategy in Gaza, and in their urging President Biden to use all available leverage to effect a change in that strategy.

""The mounting and unnecessary civilian death toll and worsening humanitarian crisis are unacceptable. They are not in accord with American principles or interests; nor do they make Israel safer. Maintaining the current strategy also jeopardizes efforts to permanently dismantle Hamas and secure the release of all hostages.

“In addition, I support efforts in the Senate to require weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental to be used in accordance with U.S. law and international humanitarian law, and support congressional oversight to ensure those conditions are respected.

""Finally, I urge President Biden to continue using America's leverage to urge the Israeli government to pursue a long-term peace founded upon a sustainable two-state solution that respects international law and the interests of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-reacts-to-skowhegan-being-named-finalist-for-recompete-program-winning-economic-development-grant,"Golden Reacts to Skowhegan Being Named Finalist for Recompete Program, Winning Economic Development Grant",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,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) released the following statement today in response to Skowhegan being named a finalist for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete), as well as being awarded a Recompete Strategy Development Grant:

“Being named a finalist for the Recompete Program is testament to Main Street Skowhegan’s hard work and dedication engaging with the community to develop a revitalization plan for the region,” said Golden. “This announcement puts the region one step closer to an absolutely game-changing investment in local jobs, education, and economic development. It’s also evidence that the CHIPS Act continues to deliver for Mainers.”

""If you live in the Skowhegan or the Central Maine region or have ever visited, you know this place has such potential, and we're thrilled to be a finalist for the Recompete Program because this means that the Economic Development Administration sees this potential too,"" said Kristina Cannon, President and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan. ""We're grateful to have the opportunity to build capacity via the Phase I Strategy Development Grant and compete for $20 to $50 million in Phase II Implementation funding that would be an incredible force multiplier for the efforts already underway throughout the region.""

The Revitalization of Central Maine Recompete Plan, led by Main Street Skowhegan, aims to bolster economic development in the region by creating a small business incubator, developing workforce training and support programs, and improving transportation along Route 201 between Skowhegan and Waterville.

The Recompete program is a competitive grant program that invests in locally driven strategies to improve job opportunities and growth in traditionally underserved areas. As one of 22 Recompete Finalists, Main Street Skowhegan’s plan beat more than 500 other applicants from across the country. If the project is selected during the final application phase, it will be eligible for an award averaging $20 to $50 million.

The Recompete Program is authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, which Golden helped pass in 2022. The law, enacted that summer, invests billions in supply chain resilience and local economic development, particularly in the manufacturing sector.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-urges-new-york-city-landmarks-preservation-commission,Congressman Dan Goldman Urges New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to Save Historic Merchant’s House Museum,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Nearly 200-Year-Old Merchant’s House Museum Recognized as Historic Landmark by Local, State, and National Historic Preservation and Landmark Bodies

Museum’s Rubble Foundation and Plaster Structure Vulnerable to Damage and Collapse from Nearby Construction

Read the Letter Here

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) with New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh, New York State Assemblymember Deborah Glick, and City Councilmember Carlina Rivera sent a letter to New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll and the rest of the commission urging them to protect the historic Merchant’s House Museum as an adjacent garage and repair shop are demolished. The Merchant’s House Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and recognized as a historic landmark by local, state, and national historic preservation and landmark bodies.

The lawmakers are calling for oversight as well as financial and technical support while construction happens nearby. An almost 200-year-old residence, the Merchant’s House foundation and structure are vulnerable to damage and collapse.

“We urge you to keep in mind the specific vulnerabilities of the Merchant’s House and its unique position as an interior and exterior landmark and active museum contributing to our present and future cultural environment when evaluating applications, and provide the Merchant’s House with all of the necessary opportunities and resources to protect and preserve this historic treasure,” the lawmakers wrote.

According to studies by two preservation and structural engineering firms, there is risk to both the interior and exterior of the museum, and there is potential for significant structural damage in the case of nearby construction. The interior walls are made of plaster that is subject to cracking if disrupted or not properly maintained, and the museum’s rubble foundation consists of soil, silt, and clay which are more susceptible to disruption than concrete foundation.

Read the letter here or below:

Dear Chair Carroll and Commissioners:

We write regarding the above referenced application for a certificate of appropriateness to demolish a garage and repair shop at 27 East 4th Street, in Manhattan, in the NoHo Historic District Extension, and the adjacent Merchant’s House Museum at 29 East 4th Street.

We write to express our strong, unwavering support for preserving and saving the Merchant’s House Museum, and we urge you to ensure the museum is protected through appropriate oversight of this application and any others that might permit nearby construction, and with financial and technical support. As you know, Merchant’s House is an almost 200-year-old residence whose foundation and structure are extremely delicate and vulnerable to damage, and even collapse. We must ensure that this public building—owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and recognized as a historic landmark by local, state, and national historic preservation and landmark bodies—will be protected and preserved.

The Merchant’s House is designated both an interior and exterior landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and as a National Historic Landmark, and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Two nationally recognized preservation and structural engineering firms have conducted studies of the Merchant’s House and identified areas of risk to both the interior and exterior as well as significant structural damage in the case of nearby construction. The interior walls are made of plaster that is subject to cracking if disrupted or not properly maintained. The Merchant’s House also has a rubble foundation consisting of soil, silt, and clay typical of the period’s construction, and much more susceptible to disruption than today’s concrete foundations. Both of these historically significant factors leave the building vulnerable to damage, even collapse, and must be considered during the evaluation of the application submitted for 27 East 4th Street or any applications that would permit nearby construction.

It is our understanding that LPC has hired a consulting engineer to review reports on the stability of the Merchant’s House that have been provided by the Applicant and representatives from the Museum. The engineer’s findings will be discussed orally at a public meeting on Tuesday, December 12. The engineer has not yet issued a written report, and this meeting format will not allow for the Merchant’s House to provide comment. In order to maintain a publically transparent process, we request this meeting be postponed until the engineer’s report can be provided in writing and the Merchant’s House can have a minimum of two weeks to review it. We also request the meeting be changed to a hearing that allows the Merchant’s House the opportunity to respond directly to the Commission.

We urge you to keep in mind the specific vulnerabilities of the Merchant’s House and its unique position as an interior and exterior landmark and active museum contributing to our present and future cultural environment when evaluating applications, and provide the Merchant’s House with all of the necessary opportunities and resources to protect and preserve this historic treasure.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3720,"Houlahan Visits Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading, Highlights Positive Impact on Community",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"READING, PA – Yesterday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) returned to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading to meet with staff and the youth who benefit from the club’s programming, which includes four core pillars. The pillars focus on academic success, good character and citizenship, specialized initiatives for at-risk youth, and sports fitness and recreation. The Olivet Boys & Girls Club programming covers mental health, college prep sessions, juvenile justice, and intramural sports, just to name a few.

Houlahan’s visit included a tour of their facilities and a reading session with students.

“It’s always good to be back at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading,” said Houlahan. “Especially this time of year, we are reminded that so much good comes from supporting the youth in our community. The staff here are doing incredible work, and I’m equally inspired by the students! As a former teacher, I loved hearing about the special programming they have throughout their seven locations in Berks County. I’m thankful the Reading community continues to support such an integral institution that provides a positive environment for our kids to learn and grow.”

According to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County’s website, [their] “programs address the region’s most pressing and immediate youth issues of education support, after school programming, and mentoring – all of which are provided by caring and knowledgeable staff.” Moreover, the club’s services focus on educational support and the development of healthy practices for children and adolescents as well as encouraging community service projects and civic responsibility.

“We were thrilled to welcome back Congresswoman Houlahan to one of our club locations in Reading,” said Kat Royer, Interim CEO, Olivet Boys & Girls Club. “During this holiday season, Olivet Boys & Girls Club is especially grateful for the volunteers, community partners, and youth advocates like Congresswoman Houlahan who support and elevate our mission. This support is critical in order to continue to provide impactful programs, services, and positive role models for youth, especially those who need us most.”

In 2021, Houlahan recognized one of the club’s student members, Princess Lovett, who was named Pennsylvania’s Youth of the Year.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-more-25-million-improve-road-safety,Maryland Delegation Members Announce More Than $25 Million to Improve Road Safety Across Maryland,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MD,Glenn Ivey,I000058,ivey.house.gov,ivey,https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $28,505,333 to improve road safety in communities across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, will help local departments of transportation across the state develop and implement safety action plans and structural improvements to better accommodate and ensure the safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on roadways. The Safe Streets and Roads for All program will help to save lives on roadways across the country, supporting many local governments’ existing “Vision Zero” plans, which aim to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on roadways.

The SS4A program was established and funded at $5 billion over five years by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, legislation the lawmakers worked to pass to support infrastructure initiatives across the country.

“Too often, aging infrastructure contributes to accidents that cause serious injuries and even death for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which we fought to pass, will upgrade our roads, make them safer for our communities, and shorten commute times for the millions of hardworking Marylanders who depend on public infrastructure every day. They will enable our local partners to improve safety and accessibility on roadways across our state,” said the lawmakers.

The federal funds were awarded as follows:

Greater Baltimore Region

$9,920,000 to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation to pilot a Complete Streets project, which will reduce dangerous accidents by making city roadways more accessible through temporary lane and street closure events for cyclists and pedestrians as well as sensors that will help plan improvements at the city’s most high-volume intersections;

$3,648,000 to Baltimore County to conduct planning activities, including road safety audits for corridors throughout the county;

Prince George’s County

$9,764,000 to Mount Rainer to implement its Vision Zero plan.

$768,000 to the Towns of Riverdale Park and Edmonston to develop a Complete Streets plan;

$160,000 to the Town of Brentwood to create a Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and to improve bicycle accessibility through road improvements;

Montgomery County

$360,000 to the City of Gaithersburg to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan;

$320,000 to the City of Rockville to create a Vision Zero plan and to improve bicycle accessibility through road improvements and conduct safety audits;

$160,000 to Montgomery County to conduct supplemental planning efforts to review Vision Zero activities and evaluate progress;

$120,000 to Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) to conduct planning activities throughout Montgomery County;

Anne Arundel and Howard Counties

$683,200 to the City of Annapolis in Anne Arundel County to update its existing Vision Zero Plan;

$488,133 to Howard County to test safety approaches on the US 1 corridor, a 12-mile stretch of roadway with safety challenges;

Eastern Shore

$320,000 to the City of Cambridge in Dorchester County to create a Vision Zero plan and to improve bicycle accessibility through road improvements;

$280,000 to Queen Anne's County to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan;

$64,000 to the Town of Rising Sun in Cecil County to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan;

Western Maryland

$1,050,000 to Frederick County to plan road improvements to eliminate traffic fatalities and improve bicycle accessibility;

$240,000 to Brunswick to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan; and

$160,000 to the Town of Sykesville to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z